Fellow Travelers

by ChillyKitty

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Bat Pony, Romance
Length: 12057

A story of two travelers

In the years after Nightmare Moon's banishment, two ponies, Barter Moon and Discovery Dusk, were both desperate for change so they began traveling. When they meet one fateful night, Barter feels inclined to trust Discovery with a very important secret and Discovery feels inclined to keep it.

This is a story written for OCtober, the prompts are from this tumblr blog.

Published 2019-10-02 16:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-10-23 03:19:07 UTC

Beginnings

“Mrs. Barter Moon.” A stern voice spoke causing a small pony to stiffen, “I sincerely hope that you have gone to sleep.” The mare stepped towards the lump who was practically laying on a book, an eyebrow raised as she awaited a response.

“But Mother!” The filly whined, “I’m just reading one more chapter.”

“No, you are not Barter.” She said, “I don’t want you awake late into the morning. You know it’s not good for our eyes if we see the sun.”

“But Mother!!!” She whined again, “This book says that the fields are beautiful in the sun.”

“And that book was written by a diurnal.” The mother nodded, she raised a hoof to pat her daughter’s head, “Where did you get that book? Did you father give it to you?”

“Uh huh!” She grinned, displaying her sharp fangs, “He brought it from the Canterlot library!”

“Hmm, of course,” The mare let out a laugh, she smiled at her daughter before sighing. “Do you want to watch the sunrise?”

The filly nodded excessively, her mother had seen the sunrise many times and knew to look away when the sun peeked over the mountains, she wasn’t sure if Barter would heed her warning and look away. Still Barter asked to watch it countless times and her mother was finally giving in.

She hummed for a moment, thinking to herself, “Okay,” Barter jumped up at once before letting her Mother continue, “But!” The mare spread a leathery wing to block the filly from running to the cave opening, “You have to agree to a deal.”

“A deal?”

“Yes, a trade, a barter,” The last word caused Barter to smile, “You may watch the sunrise but you must shield your eyes the moment I tell you to.”

“I can do that!” She squeaked, her voice getting higher as she got more excited.

“Promise?”

“Mm hmm! Promise.”

“Then it’s a deal.” The mare extended her hoof, causing the filly to giggle and shake it. Only then did she fold her wing again and allowed Barter to gallop to the cave opening, with herself trotting close behind.

…

A brown earth colt stepped into his home, slamming the door in his wake. He hadn’t meant to slam it but his frustration had gotten the better of him.

“Discovery?” A stallion called from the kitchen, “Is that you?”

“Yes Pop.” Discovery rolled his eyes, he was almost certain of next thing his father would ask.

“How was school?”

Discovery set down his saddlebags and trotted into the kitchen.

“All we did is draw and introduce ourselves.” He scoffed.

“Oh, did you meet any new ponies?” His father asked, turning to remove something from the stove.

“‘Course not.” He sighed, “I know everypony in town, so do you.”

“Well what about drawing?” His father asked, turning to Discovery, “I know you like that.”

“Yeah, well,” Discovery hopped up onto one of the two chairs that surrounded the kitchen’s small table, “Miss Heart said to draw something, anything, and I told her that I needed to look at something to draw.”

“So did she let you look at something?” His father scooped something onto a plate.

“Eventually she got a flower but it took forever.” He complained, “And it was a daisy!”

“What’s wrong with a daisy?”

“I’ve drawn daisies before, a lot before, and this one wasn’t special.” He folded his arms over his chest.

“Oh I see.” His father set down the wooden plate in front of Discovery.

The food smelled wonderful and unlike anything the foal had ever smelled before, he instantly dropped his crossed arms and leaned over his food.

“In that case,” his father continued, “Dig in!”

Discovery didn’t hesitate. It was a veggie pie, he recognized a few things immediately: carrots and peas, but there was something else that he hadn’t had before. Sweet and soft bits of yellow were sprinkled throughout the pie, leaving a slight tingling feeling in Discovery’s mouth. He’d never tried such a fruit before.

He took another bite, “It’s so good! What is it?”

His father let out a hearty laugh, “Finish chewing before you talk.” Discovery nodded and chewed quicker, “It’s a fruit from the Forest of Ahuizotl.”

“Ah-wee-wha-tal?” The pony had stuffed his face yet again.

“Ahuizotl. And chew before you talk. It’s the creature they say protects the forest and the ponies who live there.” He smiled, “The natives call the fruit a pineapple, they gave it to me when I gave them some Cloudsdale jewelry. I think it was a fair trade.”

“It was!” Discovery confirmed, “This stuff is amazing! I wish I could see a whole one, I’d like to draw it.”

“Well your one lucky colt then.” His father got up and quickly went to get the fruit, though he was quick, he left plenty of time for Discovery, who ran to get charcoal and some paper from his bag. He was back at the kitchen, shoveling another bite of pie as his father stepped towards him with strange spiky plant.

“Woah!” Discovery exclaimed as his father set it down in the center of the table. Discovery took another bite, chewed and swallowed before picking up the charred stick in his mouth to draw with.

“Now,” his father sat back down, “You should get more friendly with the foal’s at school, I’m leaving again in a few-”

“Can I come this time?!” Discovery dropped the stick, “Please oh please!”

“I swear I’ll take you one day but not this time.”

“Awe.” He frowned

“I’ll bring you back something new.” His father said carefully trying and eventually succeeding in cheering his son up.

“You better!” Discovery smiled, “And,” he sighed, “I’ll just stay at Sun Flower’s place.”

“Again?” His father asked, watching as Discovery picked up the stick again, “Don’t you want to make some new friends?”

“I’m already friens wit them,” he spoke, his voice muffled by the stick, “Sun’s just nice. She let’s me dwaw her wings.”

“I see.” The stallion said, stifling a sigh. He guessed there was no helping it, he wouldn’t be surprised if those two got married in the future with how close they were. That is if he doesn’t meet anypony whilst traveling, though with how desperate Discovery is to find new things, that wouldn’t surprise him either.

Author's Note

There's prolly some typos in this, i wrote this in a rush right before midnight in order to get it out on Oct 1st oof

I know the basic idea of this story as i made a concept animatic for them a while ago (might finish at sometime idk) but im mostly making it up as i go along so thats fun

Dance

Barter Moon sat still in front of her mirror, she was wearing a lovely, simple dress. It was light blue with black accents and silvery embroidery of stars. It had openings in the back for her wings to comfortably fit through and it was ultimately quite soft, it seemed like it’d be good to dance in.

She tapped her hoof on the ground, staring at herself, like she was waiting for something to change. Rather she was waiting for herself to make up her mind.

She had crafted a plan days ago, as her family and colony prepared for a bittersweet celebration of the Moon Solstice. It was a celebration of the night princess, much like the diurnal holiday of the Sun Solstice was a celebration of the day princess. The day holiday made Barter curious, she’d heard rumors of the outside that diurnals had started calling it the Summer Sun Celebration, celebrating it as the anniversary of Nightmare Moon’s defeat.

All rumors of the outside made Barter curious, oh how she longed to go out there and meet the diurnals, I bet they have so many things to trade. Barter had traded with just about every pony in her colony, the only trades that excited her anymore were the ones from the few travelers who knew of their location. Trusted family friends and such who had usually worked as the day guards while the bat ponies had worked as the night. Sure, Barter had countless pieces of jewelry, countless nik naks, and countless toys. She’d worn countless dresses and ate countless dishes. All of which she had traded for one way or another, but there was nothing left to trade for in her colony that she hadn’t had before.

In her boredom her plan had grown. Her first plan was to just sneak out during the great feast of the Moon Solstice, she wished to see the sunrise again. She had seen it once, the night of Nightmare Moon’s defeat. Her mother had been startled out of her wits when the night lasted too long, only to be cut off by a beacon of light to the moon that left craters shaped like a mare in its wake. Her father had returned from his duties as a night guard a few days later, which was a few days earlier than expected, and he’d brought all of his things with him. He had explained that all of the bat ponies had quit, refusing to work under a creature of the sun.

But that sunrise was beautiful, as she was sure all sunrises would be, it would definitely be worth being scolded on the off chance that she did get caught. Though a small voice in the back of her mind had wondered, what if she didn’t come back to the caves after sunrise? What if she ran off to the great unknown? Living a life of trades and barters with new ponies everyday? That voice had grown louder and louder until it was undeniable that it was what she had to do.

She’d miss Hearth’s Warming, which would be a bummer, but perhaps the diurnals would celebrate it as well. It was a day holiday after all, bat ponies simply adopted it when they’d started their employment under Princess Luna.

With a sigh, she turned to grab a sash, she tied it around her waist, and with that, all of her preparation was complete. For now she would go and dance, when the feast began she would grab her things and rush off into the night, seeing the sunrise for the first time in years.

“Barter!” A voice chirped, struggling to fly up to Barter’s cave. It was the voice of Barter’s younger sister, she recognized it immediately.

“Star.” she called back, jokingly mocking her sister.

Star Swap eventually landed on the ledge, “The dancing’s about to start! Aren’t you coming?”

Barter smiled, she’d miss Star and her brothers, Lightmoon and Brightmoon. “Of course. How do I look?”

“Wonderful!” Star praised, “What’d you trade for it?”

“A number of things, an old watch for the thread, mushrooms for the fabric, an apple for the sash. I sewed it myself but I had Old Mare Knitstitch do the embroidery, in exchange I have to dance with her son tonight.“ She rolled her eyes, causing Star to giggle.

"Well, it was worth it, it’s lovely.” Star said.

“Thank you.” Barter stepped towards her sister, “We shouldn’t keep Nitwit waiting now, should we?”

Star giggled, “I’m sure Knitwish has the patience to wait, but perhaps we could race to make it quicker?”

“You’re on!” Barter said, taking flight and race down to the cave floor, her sister struggling to keep up just behind her.

…

“Discovery? Discovery Dusk..?”

“Hmm ah- yesh?” Discovery turned quickly the charcoal stick still in his mouth.

“Whatcha drawing?” Sun Flower stepped closer, her mane was braided into a delicate bun that matched the graceful style of the dress she wore. It looked thin and light and almost exactly like every other dress the other mares wore for the holiday.

"Mm.” Discovery quickly drew the last few lines before setting down the stick, “This ladybug, I’ve never been able to get one to stay still this long.” He said, and with almost perfect timing, the ladybug spread it’s wings and flew off.

Sun Flower giggled, “Well, now that you’re done, would you like to dance?”

“You? Want to dance? With me?” He asked jokingly, standing to move his art supplies to a safe rock, it was better than leaving it on the grass.

“In my defense,” Sun smiled as they trotted towards the music, “You are the third pony I asked.”

“Really?” He gasped, “I guess I’m just third best.”

“You’re not.” She clarified, “I just figured you’d want to finish your drawing first.”

“You know me so well.” He grinned.

The warm summer air grew warmer as the two trotted up to the field that held the dancers, performers, and of course, a fire. Discovery turned in front of her, reaching out a hoof. He saw her eyes looking somewhere else.

He glanced at what had caught Sun’s attention. It was a mare and stallion in full swing, dancing their hearts out with joyous smiles on their muzzles. Their names were Scarlet Love and Smoky Arrow and were some of Sun and Discovery’s classmates. It didn’t take longer than a second to realize that Smoky Arrow was likely one of the stallions she had asked to dance.

“May I have this dance?” Discovery asked, making Sun look at him again.

A sad smile showed on her face as she set her hoof in his, “I don’t have a chance, do I? Those two are hopeless.”

Discovery didn’t say anything, he just pulled her into a dance, causing her to giggle. He knew she was right, she didn’t stand a chance with Smoky, but he didn’t want her to think about it right now. He just wanted her to be happy, if only for one dance.

Feast

The aroma was amazing, Barter glanced over as the tables had started being set.

"That was.." Barter started looking back to the stallion who accompanied her that night, "A lovely few dances." She barely got the words to leave her mouth, "But I think we should go sit with our families for the feast. Tell your mother thank you again for me, the embroidery is very beautiful, and I really did have a lovely time dancing tonight."

It wasn't a lie, not really. Knitwish wouldn't be her first pick to dance with, especially not more than once, but it was fun nonetheless.

"Then I'll see you later." He grinned, his fangs were uneven, which made it a challenge to not stare at them when he smiled.

"See you!" She smiled back, waiting for a moment as he trotted away before turning and grabbing a snack from the buffet. They'd be putting the snacks away soon, once the feast officially started so she had to be quick to grab it.

As she was about to take a bite she realized that this was likely to be the last stuffed cockroach she'd have for a very long time, she’d heard that diurnals weren’t too fond of eating bugs. She smiled sadly and savored each bite.

Before anyone noticed there was soon going to be an empty seat, she trotted casually to a nook in the stone wall near the grand exit. The grand exit was larger than the others and had guards nearby it at all times, she wouldn't be going this way. Though it was tempting to wonder how it would feel to trot through such a massive tunnel.

No, instead she crawled into the nook and traveled through it, for what most ponies thought was a nook hidden behind some decorations was actually a tunnel. It wouldn't lead to the outside, but it led a discrete part way path to another exit and provided a safe place for her to store her saddlebags. The tunnel was mostly rock but had a few patches of hard dirt, some managed to crumble off and tickle Barter’s nose, making her wince as she tried desperately hard not to sneeze. Soon enough she came upon three massive lumps.

They were just about the largest and strongest saddlebags she could manage making and carrying. They had three bags attached instead of the regular two and were filled to the brim with everything Barter owned with any importance or value. She planned on living off barters so of course she needed things to barter with. She removed her sash, carrying it in her mouth and slipped on the bags, continuing her final few hoof steps before making it out of the tunnel.

She poked her head out and glance down. She was a bit above and away from the tables, everypony was beginning to sit down, it wouldn’t be long before they noticed. She spotted her sister running up to her father who seemed to be entertaining Lightmoon and some of his friends. She saw Brightmoon a moment later, helping his mother, Barter’s mother, carry napkins to their table. She stifled a sigh. It was now or never. With a shaking breath, Barter took flight. She hoped that they wouldn't hear her wings flap over the sound of so many hooves in one place as they gather around the tables. She flew up, hugging the wall and trying to stay silent despite the weight on her back.

After a long minute of silent bated breath, she saw the distant glow of moonlight from a small hole, there were actually many holes in the roof to allow for airflow but she focused on one. She dashed towards it, almost losing her bags and causing a mini heart attack in the process. She grabbed the bags with a hoof over her shoulder and readjusted it, breathing slower once again.

She made the final stretch and reached out, feeling her forehooves touch dirt. She smiled, this was it. She pulled herself up and stepped carefully up the steep and narrow dirt path. After a second it widened, allowing her to see something she hadn’t seen for a very long time.

She saw the night, the stars and all the trees that surrounded the exit. Her mouth hung agape as she stepped further, feeling the soft rays of moonlight dance of her face as she came more into the open. Then she saw the moon, with the massive craters making up the face of the mare her father once served. It was beautiful.

She almost dropped the sash in her awe but she quickly shut her mouth and continued walking, she glanced back and realized that she had crawled out from between two large roots belonging to a large tree, she’d almost forgotten that her was trees above the caves.

She was quite young when she went down, her sister must not remember the world outside the caves at all, and her brothers have never seen it. She wondered for a moment if she would’ve been happier having not seen that sunrise. She likely wouldn’t have even wanted to leave the caves again and she wouldn’t feel her heart ache as she stared back at the roots that hid the entrance back into her home.

But was it her home? Her family was her, yes, and she would definitely come back to see them again. Well, she’d probably go back, maybe. Would she? She didn’t know. If the outside world was everything she hoped it would be then she may not even want to?

It’s not like I’ll know if I stay here. She took a breath, turning away from the cave. She started her trot into the woods, she didn’t travel far before finding a large rock with a tree on top of it. She grinned, finding an area hidden by smaller rocks and bushes to place her saddlebags.

Once her back was free of the weight, she spread her wings and flew, landing on a large branch of the tree. She looked up to see the same night she had seen a few minutes ago, but then it happened.

It was just the smallest shine of warm orange light peeking over the horizon. As it grew, it’s glow reflection on the dew of the leaves from each and every tree in front of Barter. She shut her eyes as the warm grew to cover her face, she felt it’s warmth against her thick fur and for the first time since she ran out of new trades, she felt alive, she could only imagine how wonderful her first trade with a diurnal would be.

She opened her eyes quickly, not wanting to miss anymore. It was bright, very bright and perfect. She doesn't regret her decision at all, she knew that from that point on she wanted to watch every single sunrise that Celestia crafted.

And then it was too bright. Barter had to squint against the shine before she even saw the flash of white finally make it’s way over the trees, she flinched and slammed her eyes shut, instinctively raising her wings to hide her face.

She forced herself to breath, she knew that would happen to bat ponies who didn’t see the sun much. Her father and other night guards claimed that it mostly went away once their eyes adjusted. They just had to make sure they didn’t go blind in the process of gradually allowing themselves to see more and more light.

She was prepared for this. She took the sash from her mouth into her hoof. She fumbled with it with closed eyes as she wrapped it around her head and tied it into a bow. She sighed, looking down to the forest below, she could see somewhat. She saw significantly more than she would’ve if she was underground with fabric covering her eyes at least.

She spread her wings and flew to the forest ground, grabbing her saddlebags and continuing on her journey.

…

Discovery Dusk needed a drink, not anything fancy, just water. He and Sun Flower had just danced their fourth song of the night and he was exhausted, he hadn’t done much exercise since his last adventure and it was getting to him. I’m gonna have to get in shape before the end of the week. He sighed as he headed over to the table that was filled with dishes and drinks, not the kind that would help with one’s thirst though.

After a moment, Sun Flower followed, “The water’s over here.” she smiled, trotting around to the backside of the table. Discovery shot her a grateful glance.

“Ay foals! Ya havin’ fun?” Both of their heads turned not sure if they were the ones being spoken too, not many ponies in town would call ponies at their age kids. Sure enough it was one who refused to ever stop calling his daughter a foal.

“Yes Daddy.” Sun Flower spoke, rolling her eyes at her clearly drunk father.

“Hey you should have some o’ this stuff.” He waved his cup around, “It’s pweety good!”

“C’mon Rum, give the foals a break with that.” And there was the only pony who refused to stop calling his son a foal.

Sunning Rum laughed, “What? I’ve told everwypony here that they should try it- Hey Trav! You should try some!”

“I have and that’s exactly why you should stop, if you try to get another stallion’s lady drunk he might just beat you up. I bet my son could take you, right Discovery?” Traveling Rise asked.

“Sure Pop.” Discovery shook his head in annoyance, though his father could articulate his words better than Sun’s could, he was definitely drunk. He had a tendency to brag about himself or Discovery whenever he had one too many pints.

Sun looked to Discovery, “Maybe we should drink it just to keep it out of their hooves.” She giggled. Discovery laughed at that as he grabbed a glass of water and took a sip, finally getting the hydration he so desperately needed.

“Ay, when’re you gon’ pop the question boy?”

Both of the friends whipped their heads around to look at Sunning Rum, Discovery nearly spat out his water. It took a moment for the shock to settle but once it did, and Discovery really thought about it for a second, he shrugged.

“Now, I guess.” He turned to Sun, “Do you wanna?”

“What?” Her ears had folded back, pressing against her head, “Get married?”

“I mean, I don’t exactly have plans to do it with anypony,” Discovery laughed, “You’re only my first choice cause you’re my best friend.”

“I hardly think that's any reason to get married.” She glanced at the dance floor before looking back, “Just cause we’re friends?”

“We don’t got to if you don’t wanna.” He glanced to the dance floor, realizing that she must’ve been looking at Scarlet Love and Smoky Arrow again. “Or I could punch Smoky till he proposed to you.”

“What? No!” She said defensively, blushing hard.

Discovery laughed, “That was a joke.”

“I know that.” She said, looking to the couple yet again, “..But I..”

“Oh c’mon filly! I want some grandfoals!” Rum practically shouted with glee.

“Well,” Sun Flower smiled an almost sad smile, “I do really want to have a foal.”

“Ignore your father, there’s no pressure.” Discovery said.

“I..” She started, glancing again to the couple before turning back to Discovery, though her eyes still lingered on them a few moments longer, “I don’t have a chance…” She said quietly in defeat, “Alright.” She said with a sudden smile, “As long as you let me be a merchant!”

Discovery grinned, “Sure, as long as you let me be a traveling merchant.”

“Then it’s a deal.” She stuck out her hoof and Discovery shook it.

“That’s just about the least romantic thing I’d ever seen.” Traveling Rise pointed out, causing the new fiances to laugh. It certainly wasn’t romantic in the slightest.

“I can fix that.” Sun spoke. She reached out with a hoof and pulled Discovery closer, taking Discovery’s first kiss at once.

When she pulled back she saw that Discovery was blushing furiously. She couldn’t help but giggle at his embarrassment.

“Ay!” Rum’s drunken call echoed through the party, “My filly’s gettin’ married!”

A loud “Huzzah!” was called from the crowd of mostly drunk dancers.

Discovery and Sun both found the situation absolutely hilarious, after Discovery recovered from his laughter he turned to Sun, “Are you sure?” he asked, “It isn’t too late to beat somepony up.”

“I’m sure.” She nodded, “Also I get to name our foal.” She smiled.

“Of course.” He confirmed. Sun glanced over to the dancers again and Discovery followed her eyes to spot exactly who he thought he’d spot, he sighed, “May I have this dance?” he asked, raising his hoof.

Sun looked back to him, she smiled and rested her hoof in his. They trotted towards the music, dancing with the other townsfolk until Celestia declared it morning.

Author's Note

LONG CHAPTER WOW

I tried my best to proof read but I'm so tired, i need to stop staring at this screen.

Also I'm usually an oldish art piece of Discovery and Barter for the cover atm, I really wanna draw a new one tho aaa (I actually had access to the cpu today but spent all the time animating and working on an art request and writing this)

Nature

Barter shivered, something she thought a batpony would never do.

Her fur was quite thick but she could still feel a cool breeze that was mostly blocked by the surrounding trees. She couldn’t imagine what it was like for the batponies who traveled to the northern caves. The forest was a silent and confusing maze. Nonetheless, Barter continued trudging onward.

It was quiet, so quiet, like the entire world hadn’t woken up yet, or was just now going to sleep. She figured that by now her family, if not her entire colony, would’ve started their search of the caves. She felt a bit bad, leaving without giving them so much as a note saying that she’d be okay. If she had left a note then maybe they would all be going to sleep now, care free.

She shook her head, it was too late to worry about such things. Though telling herself that didn’t cheer her up as much as she hoped.

There was a noise, it caused the pony’s ear to perk up and swivel. The sound wasn’t any more than a tiny scuffle made by something fairly small. As it moved again making the same noise it alerted Barter of its location completely unknowingly. Batponies prided themselves on having the best hearing of all other ponies, she wondered briefly if she had the best hearing of all the creatures in this forest.

She wandered closer to the sound, looking up at the general area it was in. She could see a mass on top of a branch high up in a tree. At once she took off her saddlebags and took flight, she got closer and still couldn’t see much more than a silhouette. She wanted to take off her blindfold but worried about her eyes. She didn’t want to feel the pain of the sun glaring into her slit eyes again, but her curiosity begged her to risk it.

She raised a hoof and pushed one side of her sash up, revealing the brightness of the world to just one eye. And revealing a feathery gray thing sitting in a nest. She blinked a long blink, her eye felt better in the dark, but when she opened it, she got a slightly more clear sight. It was a bird! With a rounded black beak and red feathers that laid at the bottom of the nest. She flew closer without hesitation, “Good morning.” She smiled.

The bird turned its head to look at her puffed up, opening its beak and letting out a jarring squawk.

She practically screamed as she pushed against the air and propelled herself backwards. She took a moment to catch her breath, letting her eye rest behind her eyelid before flying closer again.

The bird eyed her cautiously, “It’s okay,” she said softly, “I’m not gonna hurt you.” She cooed.

The bird stared at her and she stared back with the same uncertainty. It felt like an eternity passed, but eventually their eyes broke away from each other as a smaller bird shoved its head above the edge of the nest.

Barter gasped, “Oh! You were just protecting your baby!” Two more heads popped up, “Babies.” she quickly corrected herself.

The bird seemed to have relaxed some, seeing that Barter had yet to attack her nest.

“I understand, you probably don’t want a big fanged creature around.” She joked, “I’ll leave you be, I wish I could ask you where the ponies are though.”

“‘Ony?” A voice squawked just as Barter was about to fly away.

“You can talk?!” she asked.

“Talk.”

Barter thought for a moment, “Right. I read in a book that some birds can repeat Ponish. You’re not a corvid though.. That means your a parrot?” she looked around, “Wait, am I in a jungle?”

The bird just looked at her, “‘Ony?” she kawed.

“..Do you know where ponies are?” She felt stupid, she’d read just about every book in the caves and somehow didn’t recognize this to be a jungle, and now she was actually asking a bird for directions.

The bird nodded yes, making Barter have to stifle a gasp, not only was this bird copying her but it was understanding her! “I wish I could understand your normal squawks,” She sighed, “But can you point me in the direction of the ponies?”

The bird nodded and raised a wing, pointed to the right.

“Thank you!” Barter smiled, almost darting in that direction, but she stopped herself, “Oh yeah!” She turned around and flew to the ground, putting on her heavy load and flying back to the bird, “Hmm,” she hummed, “Here!” she turned awkwardly and managed to pull an apple out of her bag, it was her only fruit she brought with her, they didn’t get many cause not much could grow in the caves, but it felt like a fair trade for the info the bird gave her.

She carefully approached the nest and gently set it next to the mama bird. She responded in kind with a cheerful sounding kaw. She bit into it with her sharp beak and tore a piece away to eat.

Barter smiled, “Pleasure doing business with you.” and with that, she flew to what she assumed must’ve been the closest village.

…

Discovery was so excited. While his fiance had been busy planning for their wedding, Discovery was planning for something even more amazing; His next adventure! He’d been planning it since he got back from his last adventure, He was trying to be a traveling merchant after all, he had to know how to travel and get used to doing it all the time.

“Pops, have you seen my charcoal?” He called out, double checking that he hadn’t put it in his saddlebags already.

“Yeah!” He heard his father’s voice call out from his study.

Discovery quickly trotted over, “Where?”

Traveler Rise sat in his wooden chair, writing with one of Discovery’s sticks. He chuckled and set it down, “You didn’t need it did you?”

He trotted up and took it, “You have plenty of quills.” he said matter a factly.

“That I do.” Traveler Rise said with a smile, “I take it you’re heading out soon?”

“Yes,” Discovery practically buzzed with excitement, “I’m gonna say bye to Sun and then I’m off!”

“Well, you have fun out there, make sure no one’s trying to scam ya when you trade.”

“I’ll be careful Pops.” Discovery said, “Are you sure you don’t want to come?”

“No siree!” His father said, “Those unvoyaged paths are for young legs.”

“I’m sure you could still keep up.” Discovery spoke.

“Nah, It’s my time to live like Rum and drink my life away.”

Discovery smiled, “Don’t drink it away to quickly.”

“‘Course not,” Traveler smiled, “Now go, I’m sure your lady’s waiting.”

“Okay,” Discovery turned, “See ya.”

“See ya.”

Discovery stepped out of his home and took a deep breath, the sea wasn’t far and the land always smelled like salt, it was wonderful. He could vaguely hear chatter coming from the seaside market. The sound almost made him want to stay for another week. The market only stayed there for a few weeks out of the summer after all.

He turned and started his trott. He wanted to see new land, trade with new ponies, not the same few who always came every year by ship. As he approached Sun’s house, he saw her step out. “Sun!”

Sun looked towards him, she seemed a bit more tense than usual, especially considering that usually wasn’t tense at all.

“Are you okay?” He asked quietly once he got closer.

“I’m fine, just-” She forced herself to breathe, “Busy with the wedding.”

They trotted together toward the end of town, “You don’t need to worry about it too much. If you want to take a break, you can just change the date for later.”

“Even if I did that, I don’t think I’d want to take a break.” She said, “I’ve been imagining this since I was a filly, I want it to be perfect.” She glanced at Discovery, “Or as perfect as it can be.”

“Well, you do whatever makes you happy.” Discovery smiled.

“I..”

“Hmm?” Discovery looked to his soon to be wife.

“I just thought you’d put the um.. Adventure off for a while.” She said.

“Sun.. I’ve been planning this for weeks.”

“I know, adventuring’s just in your nature.” She said sadly, “It was a part of the deal after all, I’m just.. I’m just a bit off, maybe I will take a break.”

“You should.” He confirmed, “I’m sure that the wedding will be amazing no matter what, so you don’t have to worry too much, okay?” he turned to look at her as they had arrived at the town’s exit.

“Okay.” She smiled.

“Is there anything you’d like me to bring back?”

She shrugged, “I was thinking of setting up a bakery for the market next year, so I should start practicing. I guess if you find anything that’d suit that.”

He smiled, “I’ll find something.” He leaned over and kissed on the cheek, “Good bye.”

“Bye.” She said back.

They looked into each other’s eyes for a moment, then Discovery turned and began his travels, heading toward the great wilderness of the unknown.

Author's Note

its going to be fun trying to figure out how to write an entire chapter and go to work tomorrow :)))

Lost

Barter didn’t have to travel for long before she started to hear the distant mumbles and hoofsteps of a busy village of ponies. Her ears perked and she grinned as she picked up speed. She hoped this village had a market or at least another pony who’d wish to trade.

Perhaps they’d have an inn for her to spend the day in, she’d never seen an inn before but they were in plenty of her books, and she was getting quite tired.

The chorus of ponies got louder, causing her to pick up her pace, she would've galloped if galloping wasn't so hard under the weight of her saddlebags. With a burst of energy, she broke away from the trees. Leaving the jungle behind her, she lifted one side off her blindfold to see a town not far away, just behind some mountains. Mountains that would've stopped most ponies, but not Barter, without thinking twice she spread her wings. She raced to village, landing just in front of the mountains and trotting as fast as she could.

She stopped and looked around, there was a large statue of a pegasus and several triangular buildings. The ponies around her walked at a steady pass, stopping to talk to one another. They hardly seemed to be celebrating, but she did notice a few piles of snow and several wreaths, signifying that they were at least going to celebrate Hearth’s Warming. The thought of spending Hearth’s Warming with diurnals brought a smile to her muzzle.

Her smile was cut short when she heard something, “Okay, how about a pie for those earrings?”

She whipped her head around to see a unicorn mare who had set up shop on a blanket, bartering with a stallion.

“A pie? Sir, these are crafted from pure gold.”

“Two pies?”

“Now that’s more reasonable, you’re lucky I'm hungry.”

As the stallion trotted away and the mare tucked the earrings into a satchel, likely saving them for when the stallion brought the pies, Barter stepped towards her.

"Um," she said, her heart beating out of her chest. She was talking to a diurnal! Though she forced herself to stay calm, "Excuse me, Miss."

The pale pink mare looked up at Barter.

Barter smiled, "Well, hello I-"

"What's wrong with your eye?!" The fear on the mare's face was obvious.

Barter took a step back, she hadn’t thought about ponies who’d never seen batponies before. They hadn’t been in hiding for that long, she just assumed that the diurnals would know what slit eyes meant. She relaxed, preparing to explain her species to this unknown pony, “Oh I’m a bat-”

“Why’s her wings like that?”

Barter turned to see a young colt point at her with a small, feathery wing. His mother spoke up before even looking at Barter, “Sweetie, it’s impolite to-” When her eyes locked with Barter she almost jumped out of her feathers, “What is that?!”

Barter furrowed her eyebrows, “I’m a batpony.” she turned.

“It has fangs!” Was all the foal said, bringing the attention of the nearby villagers.

“Yes, because I’m a batpony.” she turned to the colt.

The pink mare gasped, “It’s wings are made of leather!” As she turned, she must’ve given the perfect view of her wings to the merchant.

“They’re made of skin,” She whipped her head back around. Seeing the horror that showed on the diurnal’s face, she realized her mistake, “My own skin, it’s just like pegasus feathers.”

“That’s nothing like my wings!” An offended pegasus declared from the crowd.

Barter scoffed, she turned back to the merchant, “Look, I was just asking for directions. Do you have an inn?”

“Why would I tell you, Monster?”

Barter took a step back again, reeling from what she heard. Monster? How could any pony call another pony a monster? She wasn’t a dragon or a griffon. “I’m a pony.”

“Ponies don’t have fangs.” One voice shouted, Barter’s ear swiveled to listen to it instinctively, “Fangs are for eating meat.”

“They’re for hunting bugs.” Barter defended as tears began stinging her eyes, “And drinking from fruits.”

“Ponies don’t eat bugs.”

“Do you think it eats ponies?”

“It must suck blood like a bat sucks fruit.”

“I would never-” Barter gasped only to be cut off again by a cacophony of voices she only wished she couldn’t hear. Why did her ears have to detect every little insult that came her way?

“Go away Monster!”

“You should have never came!”

“Kill it before it hurts somepony!”

Everything from loudest of screams to quietest ‘tch’ made its way to Barter. She shook her head and backed away, pushing against the crowd as they closed in on her. She feebly shoved ponies out of her way as she tried to force herself out of town and back to the jungle, at least there it was quiet.

“Make it show it’s face!”

Somepony called out a command and a nearby diurnal was more than happy to oblige. The stallion ripped of her sash, exposing her other eye to the harsh light of day.

She cried out in pain as the light of noon hit both eyes at once. She shrunk away from the sky, letting out uncontrollable sobbing. She still shoved her way through, pushing against ponies and eventually spreading her leathery wings to help boost her past the crowd.

However her wings worked a little too well and cause nearly every diurnal to gasp and back away. Before Barter had even realized that her wings had scared them, she galloped. Actually galloped, despite the weight on her back. Her eyes shut tight against cruel daylight.

The shade of the jungle was helpful but not nearly enough to allow her to open her eyes, perhaps it only felt so helpful because of the mountains she'd had to blindly fly back over to get there. She could barely feel herself breath, though she definitely felt her heart beat out of her chest, and not in a good way.

She ran and ran, narrowly avoiding hitting most trees head on, though plenty of roots snagged at her hooves and tough bark slammed into her half spread wings. The the foliage she trampled got pushed into the dirt with how hard she galloped, but she could barely feel her hooves even touching the ground.

She wanted to go home, back to the caves, to be cradled and scolded by her family. She wanted to promise that she’d never do anything so stupid again, she’d be fine with being tormented by her peers for the rest of life if she never lived this down. She just wanted to go back to the darkness and not be called a monster. Her head stung as she turned and opened her eyes for half a second. She couldn’t tell where she was or where the cave was. He ears swiveled around as she ran, trying to detect a distant echo that could’ve been coming from her home. She took step after step until there was no other step left to take.

And she, in her rush, accidentally shot herself forward and opened her eyes as she fell into the trees below. She'd barely registered that she was falling off a cliff before a branch came rushing towards her.

She slammed into that branch which knocked the air out of her. She gasped, falling further before quickly hitting another branch which broke under the weight of her.

She tossed and turned for a few terrifying moments but eventually found herself on the ground, sore all over and covered in vines and sticks. She looked up for a split second and concluded that her bags had ripped and her things fell everywhere, she slammed her eyes shut again. It was too painful to keep them open. It was too painful to move at all.

So she stayed exactly where she was and she cried. It was an unbearably ugly cry mixed with wails and sobs. Hot tears stained her coat and her shaking breaths between her cries could’ve been heard by a batpony a mile away.

Why did they call her a monster? She wasn’t that different. She should have known how ponies reacted to those who were different though, she read the books on the founding of Equestria.

She was stupid. So utterly stupid. “I’m an idiot.” she wept. She should’ve never left her caves. She should’ve never seen that sunrise.

She wasn’t sure how long she laid there before she heard something stir.

“Hello?” She called, still unable to move. She feared the worse, what if it was wild cat ready to eat her? Well, being eaten would be easier than trying to find her cave at this moment.

“What have we here? It’s an injured pony, I fear.”

A deep, heavily accented voice spoke in rhyme. Barter flashed her eyes open, but the stranger had not walked close enough for her to see.

“I have lived in this land for quite some time but never have I heard such a dreadful cry.” the stranger continued stepping closer.

Barter looked again, she saw a vaguely pony shaped thing, but it had stripes like she’d never seen. “What are you?” she mumbled.

“What am I? Well I am me. The only zebra I assume you’ve ever seen?”

Barter looked again and successfully kept one eye painfully open. “Zebra?” The non-pony nodded, “What are you doing here? It’s sounds like we’re pretty deep in the forest.” she swerved her ears and failed to hear any shouts of the outside world.

“Oh yes we are, the nearest ponies are quite far. I heard a friend call for my help, the bird pointed me towards your yelp.” he said.

“The parrot?” She asked, gratitude swelled in her heart.

“Indeed she is and she awaits, my home is not far and it’s getting late. Come with me, young filly.”

Barter raised an eyebrow, “It’s midday.”

“It’s lunchtime for me and rest time for you, I may not be a pony but I know a thing or two.” he winked.

Barter’s glee must’ve shown on her face, a creature who knew she was a batpony and not a monster! She struggled but got up at once, her muscles screamed at her to stop but she didn’t listen.

“Leave your things for now, they will be safe. First we heal your wounds at my place.” The zebra said, helping her stay up by allowing her to lean on him as he lead her further into the jungle. She let her eyes shut, she trusted him, she didn’t know if she should but she did. And even if he was about to sacrifice her in a pot of stew, or something absurd like that, she was in no position to escape, so why worry? Though he didn’t seem like a pony who’d do that. Or zebra, rather.

Author's Note

aa idk this chap might feel rushed but im to tired to do anything more than spellcheck good night yall

Edit from the next morning: oh god so many typos

Bitter

Discovery took a bite of his apple and yawned. He trotted at a steady pace knowing his hooves would ache the moment he stopped. "It's not much farther." He told himself. Somnambula was the closest village to his home but it was still a long walk nonetheless. He was used to it by now of course but anypony would be tired from walking all day with few breaks.

His apple was on the bitter side, being quite sour and unripe. He couldn’t really complain though, they were out of season and the pony who gave it to him did warn him that’s been picked to early.

He could see the pyramids and the statue which the village held so dear. He hoped to Celestia that the market would still be open, he had to trade for something very specific. He didn’t know what that very specific thing was yet but he’d have an earful if he didn’t bring back something wonderful enough to captivate his daughter’s interests for at least a week before she found something new. He also wanted to trade for a fruit that was a little less bitter.

Dawn Carnation was to much like her father for her own good, which, Discovery supposed, meant that his father likely thought the same about him. He remembered his desperation for adventure and his need to always be drawing something new. Though his daughter was not as interested in drawing as he was, she was interested in the sciences of things he drew. Naturally he began drawing everything he could in great detail and making notes on different properties, taking and drying samples if possible. His daughter loved to research his research, and though he’d always had that same interest as her, he’d never had it to her level.

However, as much as she loved the research he brought back, bringing back drawings was something he did all of the time. This time needed to be different, because the next time he’d return, it would be Dawn’s birthday.

He knew the best birthday gift to give her would be taking her on an adventure of her own, she wanted to go almost as much as he did as a foal. Dawn’s mother, of course, wouldn’t accept that. He understood, he did leave Sun for months at a time on occasion and she was one to get lonely and bored. She liked having her daughter around and, unlike Discovery, Dawn did have some things she liked doing in town. For example, since summer started recently, Sun had set up her yearly bakery for the market. When he was a colt the market was only a few traders who stuck around a few weeks, but now it had grown to be quite the event, partly because of Sun’s wonderful baking. Dawn had taken great joy in learning how to cook and has been trying to make new recipes for dishes to trade, only taking breaks to research the drawing Discovery made her.

Before Discovery knew it, he was on the edge of Somnambula. Trotting into the village, he very quickly found that he was too late to make it to the market as all the barterers had packed up for the day. He sighed, he couldn’t blame them, the sun was going to set soon and even he himself was ready to call it a night.

Without any though he headed to the Geddon Inn, the only inn in the village. He stayed there countless times while leaving and returning from his travels, it almost felt like a second home. He wore a small smile as he trotted up to the door and knocked.

It swung open to reveal a pony he recognized immediately. “Rocky!” his smile grew, “Long time no see.”

“Oh, Discovery!” Rocky Geddon returned the smile, he stepped forward for a quick hug, “It has been too long.” but then the friendly greeting was cut short with a frown.

“What’s wrong?” He tilted his head.

“I’m sorry, but we have no vacancy.”

Discovery raised an eyebrow, “This inn has never been filled before.” he said, “I mean, I’m glad for your sudden increase in customers but I’m confused.”

“There’s a storyteller in town, and apparently every pony in the village has been inviting outsiders to hear a story.” He rolled his silver eyes.

“I suppose it must be a popular one.” Discovery sighed.

Rocky shrugged, “You know it already, remember I told you of the time a monster came to the village?” Discovery nodded, “Well I’m no storyteller but that’s the entire story. You know, I don’t even think it was a monter, a jungle creature must wandered into the village and every pony was on edge since the whole sphinx thing.”

The ‘whole sphinx thing’ was a well known piece of history that gave the village its name. The villagers of Somnabula, especially the older ones, loved to recount the story of the sphinx's riddle, he’d heard it a million times.

“I don’t suppose another inn has suddenly appeared in Somnabula?” Discovery asked.

Rocky gave him a sympathetic smile, “I’m sorry, the nearest one is in the Southwestern Trading Port. You’ve been there before, right?”

“Yes, but it’s been quite a while.” Discovery scoffed, “Isn’t the path to it is through the mountain tunnel?”

Rocky nodded, “Go through the tunnel and take the path next to the cliff, when you see the desert make a right.”

Discovery closed his eyes and sighed again before looking back at his friend, “Thanks.” he said gratefully, having directions was better than wandering aimlessly.

“Have a safe travel.” Rocky said, “Good night.”

“Good night.” Discovery nodded and turned. He knew the area well enough to head toward the right mountain which had a tunnel carved through it, though he normally never went south. Her wasn’t much down there unless you wanted to find bones of creatures that hadn’t survived the dehydration of the desert. The bones themselves had value of course but the travel was boring and hard if the pony traveling wasn’t prepared.

As he left the village behind him, for a moment he wished he had wings, then he could fly over the mountains and straight to the trading port. Though being an earth pony did have it perks. He was much stronger and could travel longer than unicorns or pegasi.

As he came upon the mountain, he noticed that Celestia was likely going to start setting the sun in a few moments. He pulled the half eaten apple from his bag, he might as well finish it before it starts browning. He took a bite and squinted, it was still bitter. The bitterness wasn’t just in the apple though, he himself was feeling quite bitter.

When he finished his sour fruit, he tossed it into the trees beside him. On his other side was a steep rise in the ground, a cliff. He glanced up at it, it was quite tall, it’s top just barely going above the treetops.

He continued his path, when he’d reached the desert he saw that the sun was nearly fully set, and that he’d have to travel the rest of the path in the dark of the night. He kicked up a bit of sand, “Of course.” he sighed.

“Well, I’d better make sure to stop by Somnabula before the traders pack up for the night on my way back.” He said, starting to make a mental checklist. “And I might as well see if the ships bring anything good at the trading port.” he yawned, “And when I’m traveling back i should draw one of the jungle plants.” Talking to himself allowed him to focus on something other than his want for sleep but he was still quite drowsy, “Maybe I’ll see a fish at the port, I could draw that.” He hadn’t made many drawings of fish for Dawn, perhaps she’d like that.

It must've been a half hour of him mumbling to himself before he started giving up, “Maybe I should just sleep here, the sand’s soft enough.” He huffed groggily.

“That’s a bit extreme.”

Discovery blinked and quickly straightened himself out, he hadn’t noticed any pony else on that trail, but sure enough, a young mare wearing a cloak and a blindfold stood just under the cover of the trees.

“Oh, my apologies, I didn’t see you there.” Discovery cleared his throat, overly embarrassed that somepony heard him talking to himself, “I um,” he started, he took note of the blindfold, the mare must’ve been been injured, perhaps even blinded, “Well the inn in Somnambula is unexpectedly full, so I’m heading to the Southwestern Trading Port.” He explained. “I assume you're going there as well?” He added after a moment, trying to make some form of small talk.

The mysterious mare paused, but then shook her head, “I’m coming from there.”

Discovery’s eyebrows creased, “Where are you heading?” Was this blind mare going in the wrong direction? There wasn’t exactly any other civilization nearby other than Somnambula, “Oh um,” He caught his rudeness, “If you don’t mind me asking that is.”

The mare raised a hoof to giggle into, “I’m heading home. It’s not far.” She smiled, causing Discovery to avert his eyes away immediately.

Something was wrong with her teeth, they seemed strangely crooked, though Discovery couldn’t see much in the dark and he didn’t want to stare, just in case the mare could see.

“Are you sure..?” He asked cautiously, he didn’t want to be rude, but there was no housing around them, unless she meant a campsite she’d set up.

“Mmhm.” She hummed, “Do you need a place to stay? It’s not exactly normal for a pony like yourself to be traveling this late.”

His mind was convinced that this mare was delusional and his body was just begging for a place to rest. He wrestled for his thought for a short moment but quickly gave in, “Yes, if you have the room, I don’t wish to intrude.”

“Oh, you wouldn’t be able to intrude,” The mare said softly, “Though I can’t exactly lead you there without my sight so excuse me.” She said, and after a moment of fidgeting with the knot behind her head, she pulled off her blindfold. Discovery released a breath he hadn’t noticed he’d been holding as he saw that her were no injuries near her peacefully closed eyes.

Before he had the chance to wonder why the mare was wearing the blindfold in the first place she opened her eyes and it explained everything. Well it explained everything and also provided a new set of questions. His jaw hung agape, as he stared at the slits. A small part of him wished for him to grab his paper. Dawn would love to see a pony a slits instead of pupils. But instead he stood completely still.

The mare blushed and let out a laugh, which brought Discovery’s eyes back down to her mouth. She had fangs. Two sharp large and pointy fangs. “Fascinating.” he mumbled, but then caught himself, “Er, sorry.” he blushed.

The mare tuned and nodded in the direction of the trees, “Come now, it isn’t far.” she said, not looking back to see if Discovery had followed her as she stepped in between the trees.

Author's Note

I edited a bit of the last chapter. I forgot that there are mountains in between the Jungle and Somnabula according to the map.

Sorry I didn't update for a few days, life got stressful, and I couldn't really get anything done for a few days;;

Tender

It was wonderful really.

The fact that after countless seconds that turned to minutes and started feeling like hours, each filled with darkness and scares as Discovery followed a mysterious fanged mare, he finally saw something. He heard the calls of the wild as the bugs chirped and raised their voices while he stepped deeper and deeper into the creature infested jungle. Nearly tripping over a few sticks and vines, actually tripping over one large root, and playing the trip off as if it was nothing. The mare giggled at that, when he grunted in pain only to try and play it off as him clearing his throat.

Her soft giggling was a comfort. Even though the stallion would never admit it, he was getting scared. The darkness of the night combined with unseen creatures chattering as animals do started to make his coat stand on end.

But then he saw something wonderful. Or perhaps beautiful would be more accurate.

Just behind a large leaf that had obstructed his view before the mare pushed it out of the way, was a small peaceful cottage. Warm light of fire glowed from the windows softly, a jar of fireflies hung at the door, making the entrance even more apparent. Discovery briefly wondered why he couldn’t see the light before he got so close. Perhaps the mare knew a unicorn that had casted a secrecy spell? Or maybe the mare, whatever type of pony she was, could do magic herself? Though the latter thought was hard to believe it wasn’t impossible. He had no idea what a slit eyed, fanged pony had to offer.

As she lead him closer to the house he spotted glass orbs and jars of brilliant coloring tied to strings and reflecting light onto nearby surfaces. Her were many plants in pots surrounding the door and a few suspended in the air, being tied to the overhang that would've blocked the door from light had the sun been out. He also noted a few terrifying masks that would've made any normal pony flee.

Discovery knew he had a problem, he never ran when he should have. As he stepped closer, he saw more and more extravagant details on the mask, now would probably be a suitable time to turn tail and run, but a thought like that never even crossed his mind. No, he wouldn't realize the mistake until much later, should this strange mare turn out to be an evil enchantress.

He felt stones underneath his hooves, stepping stones that lead to the door. His eyes went from one of the masks to the doorway in an instant when the mare opened it and stepped inside. She glanced back at him, a smirk on her muzzle, “Come on.” she said softly, like she was coaxing a scared creature. He hesitantly followed her in, being careful not to track in dirt from his hooves in the process.

He glanced to his left. The entire room could be described with one word; chaotic. Yet it seed to be organized chaos, if such a thing even existed. Her was a pathway leading to elsewhere directly on his left. Near the pathway there were stairs. The stairs didn't head to another level but instead just headed to a raised bed, next to it was a ladder that seemed to go to a trap door that must've lead to the roof. Near the ladder, suspended almost in the middle of the room, was a hammock. A pony would have to leap from the bed to the hammock just to sleep in that thing.

All around were various tables and shelves with yet more plants and masks, a few lanterns, and many potions. He noted a cauldron that almost seemed too fitting in the mess of various pieces of metal and fabric and even more potted plants.

Discovery look to the right, seeing the door. He closed it immediately, he'd almost forgotten that he hadn't yet. Just a few paces behind it was the mare, hanging up her blindfold and removing the cloak. Naturally, the earth pony's jaw dropped.

A pair of strange, leathery wings hung off of the fluffy mare's back. They were unlike anything Discovery had ever seen before. "This.. you.." words tried and failed to escape Discovery as he grasped for an explanation.

The mare turned, giggling at his wonder for her, "We never properly introduced ourselves." She pointed out, "My name is Barter Moon."

“Er-” the stallion blinked, “Uh, I’m Discovery.. Discovery Dusk.” The introduction tore him away from thoughts on how those strange wings work. He barely noticed his eyes trailing from hers back down to her wings until she cleared her throat. “Oh- er, sorry.” he smiled awkwardly.

Barter didn’t say anything, she just hummed and turned to large a sack. She loosened the knot that held it close and reached a hoof in. She rummaged for a moment, “Are you a traveling merchant?” she asked.

Discovery was dumbfounded, he tilted his head, “Yes? How’d you know?”

She laughed, pulling something out of the sack, “You mentioned traveling from an inn, not a home, and your saddle bags look filled to the brim.” She said matter of factly, “I only know of one type of pony who’d go such far distances with that much stuff.”

“I see.” Discovery stated, a bit annoyed with the mare’s tone.

Barter turned to face the stallion, “That being said, I am a bit of a merchant myself, how about a barter?” She raised her hoof to show a rounded golden thing. Discovery took a step closer to see that it had many intricate swirls carved into it and a bit of a bump on the side, it was some type of pocket watch. Barter pressed the button to reveal not a watch but a compass.

“This is just one of many, if you see anything here you’d like I might be willing to trade it.” She closed the compass and set it down on the wooden table behind her.
Discovery almost removed his saddle bags to search for something worthy of the compass, but stopped himself with a sudden question. His eyebrows furrowed as he looked to the mare, “You bring a strange stallion into your home and the first thing you do is ask to trade?”

Barter giggled, “Well actually, the first thing I did was undress.”

Discovery’s face flushed and he stared blankly at Barter who couldn’t help but laugh at his embarrassment. “Still,” He said with frustration, his ears folded back, “My point still stands, this isn’t exactly normal behavior, aren’t you the least bit suspicious?” Mares who lived alone normally weren’t going to let an earth stallion they’d just met sleep in their house.

“Ah but you see, I am not a normal mare.” she smirked and Discovery was certain she’d read his mind for a moment.

“Clearly not.” Discovery grumbled, forcing away his blush.

“But,” Barter trotted away and sat at the table, Discovery noted that the cushion she sat on didn’t match the others that surrounded the table. In fact none of the cushions matched each other. Each had a different color, pattern, shape, and material. “Shouldn’t you be suspicious of me?” She bared her teeth for a moment, looking almost reminiscent of a wild beast.

Discovery stepped closer, his eyes locked onto her fangs, “Not in the slightest.” he said in a distracted sort of way. His mind ran through all the explanations and reasons for a mare to have fangs. Without removing his eyes from the subject he raised a hoof and fumbled with his saddle bag, grabbing a sketch book a charred stick. He took the stick in his mouth and began doing something he’d learned was bad manors when he was a foal. He was drawing somepony without their permission.

He didn’t realize his rudeness until the mare spoke up, “Uh-um” she mumbled.

Discovery looked up from her fangs to see that she was blushing wildly, “Er..” he started dropped the pencil into his hoof, he fought back his own blush and turned toward the table, sitting properly on the cushion beneath him. “Sorry, I…”

“It’s fine.” Barter laughed awkwardly, a smile creeped onto her face, Discovery had no idea what caused the warm smile to grow but he wasn’t about to let himself stare again. “I’m a bat pony.” She spoke, staring at the table.

Discovery looked to her, “Oh.” he blinked, “..What?” He was quite certain he’d never heard those two words paired together like that.

“I don’t know why I’m telling you honestly.” She explained, “I don’t know why I showed you in the first place.” She laughed awkwardly again, readjusting the wings on her back, “Ponies usually scream in horror at the sight of me.”
Discovery looked the mare up and down. She was beautiful, her coat looked soft, softer than a normal ponies, her mane and tail were spiky but well kept, her mane being tied up in a neat ponytail. She undoubtedly looked like a pony though, despite her fangs and cat like eyes and leathery wings. She looked different but the same way a unicorn looked different from an earth pony. He wasn’t quite sure why ponies would fear her, though her fangs could insinuate carnivore, they sparked more curiosity than anything else. Discovery’s eyes wandered to her’s. She was staring at nothing in particular but they seemed to be filled with such bitter grief.

He quickly noticed himself staring again. He cleared his throat and looked back to the table, “So, do you have anything a filly might like?” he asked, “That you’d be willing to trade that is.”

At once the air in the room almost seemed to change as Barter thoughts went from horrid memories to that of her many items. “It depends.” She smiled, “What does the filly like?”

Discovery smiled and began describing his daughter, the happy little mare who wanted nothing more than to travel with her father and bake with her mother, well rather to figure out the reactions of different ingredients that changed wildly once heated.

Barter listened, intrigued. She got up and was followed by Discovery around her home as she gathered many items, some of which she thought might suit Dawn. At some point they’d turned to the map that was splayed out on the table.

“Oh!” Barter suddenly gasps as she leaned over the parchment.

“What is it?”

“I know a mare!” She smiled,. Turning to face discovery, “She’s from a family of glass makers, but she’s got a knack for the sciences of the world much like your Dawn, she puts her specimen in the glass and creates art from it.” She said, “Here.” she headed over to one of the many shelves and grabbed a paper weight.

She brought it over to show Discovery it, encased inside was a cockroach. That in itself wasn’t disturbing, Discovery had made plenty of drawings of the gross little creatures. What was disturbing was the critter’s stomach that had been split open and stuffed with some type of food that almost looked appetizing had it not been placed inside the husk of a bug that would make any filly squirm. Well maybe any filly other than Dawn.

“That’s gross.” Was all he said.

Barter frowned for a moment but then shrugged, “She does flowers and plants as well, along with none stuffed bugs and pieces of once living creatures so long as the being died naturally.” she said, “I’d assume your daughter would like a specimen that’d last a lifetime or longer.”

Discovery nodded, swallowing hard out of fear of gagging up his bitter apple of a dinner, “You’re right, she’d love it.” he confirmed.

Barter smiled, clearly a bit proud that’d she’d helped. “Well then, you can come with me to her family’s shop tomorrow morning. It’s in the Southwestern Trading Port so the walk’s not to far.” she spread her wings but paused before taking flight, “Oh right,” She spoke to herself, turning her attention back to the stallion she explained, “I’ll sleep in the hammock, the creature I share this home with normally sleeps in it but he’ll be gone for a few more weeks, so feel free to take the bed.”

Discovery smiled, “Thank you.”

Barter seemed to smile back for a while but then froze, “Yes, it’s no problem, goodnight.” She said quickly before taking flights and heading to the hammock.

Discovery started toward the stairs, “Good night.” He called as he flopped down onto the soft bedding, allowing himself to relax into sleep.

Author's Note

uuh sorry i got writer's block! hopefully i can get back to a more consistent upload for this now ^^;;