Edge was beginning to wonder if Gilda was going to be a no-show. However, the griffoness belatedly came into view and landed nearby, a disgruntled look on her face and water dripping from her legs.

“You look pissed off,” the stallion commented.

“I tried to catch another salmon, but the bastard got away from me.”

“That’s too bad. Would you settle for soy sausages and fried eggs?”

“Sure! Here – catch!” Gilda threw a bag to Edge who caught and opened it. Several fresh scones were inside. “If you have anything suitable to go on them from that food locker of yours, we can pack them for snacks on the walk.”

The pegasus nodded. “I think I can dig up some butter and jam.” He put the bag aside and began serving up the food. “So – how are your paws feeling?”

“Still a bit sore but better than I expected. I still say you’re nuts to want to hike everywhere, but I admit that we did see a lot more than I expected by pounding the ground.”

Edge grinned as he passed her a plate. “Keep it up and your paws will get toughened by the experience. You’ll hardly notice it after a few days.”

Gilda gave him a flat look. “Do you think I’ve got nothing better to do than follow you around every day while you’re here?”

The stallion shrugged. “You didn’t even have to turn up today. You kept your side of the bargain yesterday.”

The griffoness swallowed a sausage whole before staring at the pegasus. “You promised me breakfast. Did you think I’d forget?” She looked back to her plate and deftly scooped up a fried egg in her talons. “Also, I barely enjoyed myself enough yesterday to give it another go today.”

“Great! I plan to follow one of the streams that we crossed up into the hills – maybe find its source.”

Gilda gave him a sour look. “So – uphill all the way?”

“Cheer up! We can take it easy and fly back down. If we get back early enough, we can try fishing for that elusive salmon.”

“Sounds like a plan. Pass the coffee. I’ll need the caffeine!”

After completing breakfast, Edge prepared the scones and packed them into his backpack along with two water bottles. They then set off in the same direction as last time. It took about ten minutes to find the small creek that Edge wanted to follow and they turned upstream. The presence of regular water meant that the foliage was quite thick, so they occasionally had to wade in the water if they could not find a way around. Gilda found that it cooled not only her paws but also helped deal with what was becoming a very warm day.

After a few hours, the two encountered a little waterfall into a rockpool surrounded by ferns. Edge persuaded Gilda to pose for a couple of photos in front of it, although it took a few tries to get her to stop making snarky faces at him. Then they took a break to eat the scones.

As they continued on their trek, they crossed some minor creeks that fed into their stream. As a consequence, the further they went, the smaller theirs became. They soon found a ridge in the landscape which the water descended in a series of little cataracts spread out over a face about three meters wide. Gilda eyed it dubiously.

“Are we supposed to climb that?” she asked.

Edge shook his head. “I reckon those rocks are pretty slimy and my hooves will almost certainly slip on them.”

“So – we fly up?”

“Yep. After you,” he replied cheerfully.

Gilda didn’t hesitate to take off and Edge watched her ascend.

“Hmm… nice arse to go with those boobs,” he murmured before following her.

The landscape opened up at the top. Fewer trees and bushes made for easier hiking and the two could walk side by side occasionally.

Edge gave the griffoness a sly smile. “You look like you’re enjoying yourself.”

Gilda chuckled. “It’s been hard for me the past week and this has been quite relaxing. Besides, it was getting boring talking to myself.”

“And the scenery…?”

“Okay! I admit it – you do miss a lot by flying over it. But I don’t usually have the time to indulge in stuff like this. Gotta make a living, y’know?”

Edge nodded. “As much as I enjoy the outdoors, I have to go back to work eventually too. I just try to make the most of my opportunities.”

“You got that right! Thanks to you, I haven’t had to worry much about finding dinner these past couple of days. You keep catching and cooking those fish and I’ll keep turning up for these walks.”

“Deal!” he replied with a grin.

They passed into a broad valley where numerous rivulets joined onto their stream. It soon became hard to determine which was the main watercourse and which fed it. Edge pointed to what he thought was the head of the valley and decided that whichever looked as if it was going that way was theirs. It was another hour before the now miniscule stream ended in a spring.

“Looks like we’ve reached the end,” Edge decided. “This spring is probably the outlet of an underground stream fed by rain and melting snow higher up in the mountains.”

“You’re not planning to go up there?” Gilda asked.

“Nope. Too far for a day hike. And I bet your paws could do with a break right now.”

The griffoness was not about to admit it but she was glad that this was the end of their trek. “Time to head back then?” she asked, half-spreading her wings in anticipation.

“Yep. Unless you’d like to rest here for a bit?”

“My wings aren’t tired!” she scoffed and took off.

The pegasus smiled and followed her into the air, staying a little behind her so that he could watch her lithe form making its way down the valley.

“I know what you’re doing back there, perv!” Gilda called back with a laugh.

Edge chuckled and caught up to her. “Sorry, not sorry.”

They were about to clear the valley when Gilda abruptly dived toward the ground. Caught by surprise, Edge had to circle back before joining the griffoness on the ground where he saw that she had caught and killed a large rabbit.

“Looks like I won’t have to rely on you catching fish for dinner tonight,” Gilda said smugly.

“As long as you cook it downwind from me,” he replied.

“What? Squeamish?”

“Not really. I’ve seen plenty of nature in action. I just don’t like the smell of cooking meat.”

“Fair enough, I suppose.” She held up the rabbit. “Wanna put this in your backpack?”

“You caught it – you carry it!”

Gilda laughed and pulled a cloth bag from the pocket of her shorts. She put the rabbit in it and tied the handles of the bag around her belt. “Let’s get back to camp so I can skin this sucker and cook it while you try to catch your meal, which is a problem I don’t have.” She took off without waiting for a reply.

Edge shrugged. Even if the fish weren’t biting, it wasn’t as if his food chest didn’t have plenty of alternatives. It was nice to see her happy with her catch though. He quickly followed, taking the opportunity to admire the view once more. Gilda grinned and picked up the pace. The two raced each other back to base and arrived panting but smiling at the pleasure of the competition.

“Got a sharp knife I can steal… I mean borrow?” Gilda asked, fluttering her eyes innocently for effect.

Edge rolled his eyes and dug one out from his supplies before grabbing his fishing gear and heading to the upwind side of the lake. That was one activity the griffon could have all to herself.

Perhaps the smell of roasting rabbit was driving the fish away, but whatever the reason, Edge caught only one modestly sized trout. Gilda snickered when she saw his catch.

“I don’t think that’s going to fill you up after today’s exercise.”

“True. However, I don’t have to rely on my luck with the fishing pole.” He put the trout in the food locker before rummaging around and bringing out a pie. “Potato and leek pie with a creamy sauce. I’ll warm this beauty up in my camp oven.”

Gilda stuck her tongue out. “Bleah. You can have it! What else have you got in that bottomless chest?”

As he prepared to heat his pie, Edge said, “I have a big assortment of pony food. Admittedly, I packed twice as much as I reckoned I would need so that I have some choice. When you don’t have weight or size limits, why not take advantage of them?” His nose wrinkled as he caught a whiff of the roasting rabbit as he pushed the camp oven into the coals.

Gilda frowned. “Must be nice to be able to afford such toys.”

“It’s my one big indulgence. I saved up for ages to afford it. I decided that I didn’t want half measures and I haven’t regretted spending all those bits on it in the least. I’m not so well paid that it didn’t leave a big dint in my savings though.” Edge went back to the food locker and drew out a couple of bottles. “Want a beer while we wait for our food?”

“You even have that in there?” Gilda asked as she held out her hand for a bottle. “Cold too.”

“Yep.” Edge twisted the top off his bottle. “When it’s hot out, beer’s more refreshing than coffee. I don’t drink much, but I think this is a good occasion. Cheers!” He clinked his bottle to Gilda’s.

They each downed about half the contents and Gilda nodded in approval.

“Not bad. You make a damn good host.”

“And you make good company. I’m glad you chose this location to exile yourself.”

Gilda grimaced. “I wish I hadn’t needed to.”

“Want to talk about it?”

The griffoness sighed and took another swig of her beer. “I suppose it can’t hurt. I already mentioned a certain cock named Gerard, but the problem goes back further than him. You see, I came back from Equestria with expectations that were too high for Griffonstone. I was smart, educated, and loudly opinionated. I was also a single female ripe for mating, but I couldn’t stand any of the single males who tried to get my interest. They wouldn’t take no for an answer though, and they kept harassing me. The worst among them was Gerard who began making my life hell. A few weeks ago, he cornered me and pointed out that mating season was coming up soon. When I came into season, he intended to make sure that I was his.”

Edge frowned. “You mean…?”

“Yeah, he was going to rape me and get me pregnant.”

“Surely that’s as illegal in Griffonstone as it is in Equestria?”

“Of course it is! That doesn’t stop it from happening. And once a hen gives birth to a cub, she’s considered officially mated to its sire.”

“So, what did you do?”

“Kneed him in the balls as hard as I could before heading home, hastily packed as much as I could carry, and got out of town.”

“And ended up here. Now I understand why your campsite looked so inadequately equipped.”

Gilda laughed humorlessly. “Yeah. Not much planning goes into fleeing before an angry griff turns up to get revenge.”

“I’m sorry that happened to you. I feel a little guilty now about being glad to having some good company out here.”

“Don’t sweat it, Edge. Barring my sister, you’re the best company I’ve had since I left Equestria. And now that I’ve spilled my guts, how about you telling me why a handsome stallion like you is not only unmated but also chooses to come out to the middle of nowhere by himself.”

The pegasus chuckled. “I suppose that’s fair. Ironically, it’s kind of the reverse of your situation. It’s not as if I haven’t had many attractive mares trying to woo me. Some of them were fun but ultimately not what I was interested in for the long term.”

“And what are you looking for?”

“Hmm. I’m not really sure. I just know that the mares I’ve gone out with have all been too starry-eyed or too compliant to my desires. I reckon I need a realist – someone who’s willing to try something new while knowing it won’t be easy or guaranteed to work. Or maybe just someone who will tell me off when I’m being ridiculous. Anything but a ‘love will solve everything’ attitude.”

“Is that all?” Gilda asked with a smirk.

“Yep. That and great boobs and arse,” Edge added with a grin.

The griffoness tossed her empty beer bottle at the pegasus who dodged it with a laugh.

“Anyway, you asked why I came out here by myself. As I said previously, I enjoy camping and hiking. However, none of my friends do, and neither did any prospective marefriends. So, I not only get away from the hassles of everyday life, I also don’t have to deal with the incessant advances of mares who really don’t interest me.”

Gilda shook her head in befuddlement. “Both of us have to deal with members of the opposite sex who don’t understand the meaning of ‘No’. Still, I’d rather be in your horseshoes.”

Edge nodded. “Can’t say I blame you. Still, roughing it out here can’t be easy. Have you considered moving to Equestria someplace?”

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but griffons aren’t exactly popular with ponies. And I stupidly burned my bridges with the one pony friend who could have helped me despite that.”

“You’ve got wings and can fly over those burned bridges. If that pony is a true friend, they’ll come to your aid.”

Gilda shook her head sadly. “No, it’s too soon. I need to let the hurt fade for a lot longer yet.”

Edge reckoned the griffoness was too stubborn for her own good, but he also recognized that there was no point in pushing it for now. “Oh well, maybe I can help improve your camp with the equipment I’ve brought along.”

“Why would you do that for me? We’ve barely known each other for a couple of days.”

The pegasus grinned. “You’re looking at an overachieving colt scout. That’s where I gained my love of camping. I earned so many merit badges! Seems like a good opportunity to put some to good use.”

She gave him a flat look. “Yeah, now that you mention it, I see that you’re an overgrown colt scout alright.”

Edge’s smile didn’t falter. “So – want to start first thing tomorrow?”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “If it gets you to shut up, sure.” She stood up. “I think my rabbit’s ready.”

Edge waited for her to retrieve her meal before checking on his pie. Judging that it needed a few minutes more, he spent the time figuring out what to bring with him to Gilda’s campsite.

It did not take Gilda long to finish eating her meal. After washing the messy aftermath off her talons in the lake, she said, “I’d better head back before the light fades too much. Thanks for the beer.”

The griffoness took off but then paused in a hover. “My turn to make breakfast, okay?” She then headed off without waiting for an answer.

Edge watched her fly away for a while before a rumbling stomach reminded him that he had worked up an appetite and he had yet to eat. At least, the lingering odor of roasted rabbit had blown away and he could enjoy his pie fully. He just wished his guest had stayed a while longer so that he could nag her into trying a bite. And perhaps chat a bit more.

# # # # # # #

Author's Note

Art by RatedPonystar.