An Apple Fallen From The Tree

by Kyaksa

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, Alternate Universe
Length: 6248

Ditzy Doo adopts a Harpy

In editing phase, will be updated chapter 1 *BETA'D* when finished

Contain Minor Nudity

Between the moving into Ponyville, ending her old life in Canterlot: she meets an odd creature. Wings and talons of an eagle, strange mane from its head and a upward chest, the creature she meets is a Harpy. The poor little chick, being abandoned, left behind for an unseen accident: the thing was all alone. Unable to leave her, Ditzy Doo, despite her already coming kin: would raise the creature together with her new found family.

It was a roller coaster of emotion and experience. From the happy time to the bitter times, her family expended into what it is today. While Ditzy deals with her Derp-like clumsiness and screw ups, Lanna Doo must also come in terms to who she really is and if she should ever return back to her homelands.

–Sparkler, Dinky Doo and a mentioning of other characters, certainly the Mane 6 as well–

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2012-12-28 19:00:02 UTC

*Beta'd* (should I change dialogue accent?) Fallen From Nest/ Walking Alone To a New Home

*Beta'd* (should I change dialogue accent?) Fallen From Nest/ Walking Alone To a New Home

  Everything happens for a reason, she believed. Even if it was bitter, all things had an end and place to be. Wishing upon such a logic, trotting slowly across the great woods from Canterlot, Celestia's sun was watching over her and her beloved. No matter the distance, they were watching the same sky. Feeling the grass, twigs and fallen leaves on her hooves, she walked in hopes of being able to clear her head. The woods that followed up the mountain of Canterlot was left alone, with the exception of Rangers, who were known for their huts outside the kingdom. She could’ve flew, though she wasn't willing to take that chance: keeping in mind her pregnancy her clumsiness would worsen the calm travel. Being in her fifth month of labor, without too much change to her physical appearance.

Flying would feel like she was holding two ponies rather than just herself.

The forest was feared for its uncontrollable nature, making it a despised place for many ponies,    but she moved from Cloudsdale to Canterlot, since the cruel treatment of being different   wouldn't stop. They entered her into the 'special' schools of Canterlot. She was an average student  with average grades; those eyes of her kept her studying extra long hours. In the end,she was regarded as 'special', not minding the fact that she could do most work on her own.

The road she walked had beautiful scenery, one could truly admire the landscape of Equestria. She wondered how it was physically possible to not be awed in such a place? Even if there were small risks, she would enjoy the scenery around her. With her head up high, her hooves stepping cautiously, squinting her eyes to see when the sunlight got in her eyes she continued to walk... her heart drowning itself with regret and sorrow. She should’ve told him. She should’ve told him she was pregnant and it was his. But she couldn't... the stallion was promoted to Captain. Having a child in an already falling apart relationship would just be a hassle. He loved her, there was no doubt. She loved him, there was never any of that either.

Despite that their lives were tearing them apart. Nights they spent together,as few as they were were often interrupted by the duties of being grown ups.

Days spent together had the same reason for not existing.

She would always be a simple mailmare... but she knew their efforts in living together would eventually become one-sided. With his promotion, the passing months had became obvious that there was a clear differential that couldn’t go unnoticed. They both worked hard at their jobs, only now she was unneeded in the factor to substance themselves. He was becoming something close to a royal or noble, if his private life was in the public eye. For they two of them to marry was unthinkable. Their love and what they expected from one another changed so radically... she didn't hate or blame him for all this. He probably didn't even know what was happen to them. Their fancy apartment would never be their shoddy small one, where they were so close together. So she left, leaving little behind, after officially ending their relationship...

... she couldn't remember the expression he had...

and she didn't want to know of it.

Finally, halfway down from the mountain road, hearing the animals singing their own tunes, she watched playful wolves have fun despite her being around. She didn't understand why ponies thought wolves were evil... her father knew a ton of animals, and explained all the misconceptions about them to her. Wolves wouldn't eat her unless they were really desperate. They weren't dogs but nor were they monsters. Continuing her path, she made it into a patch of flat land which was the half-point of her journey. So she laid herself down, watching the sun rise to its highest point in the blue, endless sky. She grabbed out of her saddlebag a daisy and cheese with pepper sandwich. She would eat more but she needed to have a light stomach for her journey.

She should have taken the train, but she was already having enough trouble renting a small house in Ponyville. She was saving every bit she had. She heard from Raindrop, a pony of her youth and co-worker, that the mail service there worked like its predecessors.

In recent times, unicorns were favored for being mailponies and transporters for many, mostly important, items. So many had been kicked of their jobs... the only reason why they didn't kick her out, was that she was 'special' and the company had to save face. It was an insulting thing, though she couldn't deny she needed the job, and she was grateful to make money. In retrospect the ponies who were kicked out were ten times more experienced than her, meaning they deserved to have still work there, but that would never happen. The new taxes by the nobles made life too hard for the mailing companies. As well as many other hard-working companies. Griffon tariffs also caused a shortage of money for the mailing company’s payroll.

Finishing her meal and drinking up the last drops of ice cold tea, she got up and continued downward towards a  barely visible road. The road was made by earth ponies who didn't trust the trains. Each step was an important step, bringing her closer to her destination regardless of whether she was running or not.

Her eyes played tricks on her when she least expected, and even now her disjointed sight made her slightly dizzy. Each hoof placed itself gently, in order not to fall off of the vague road, even animals seemed strange, though she gave it no mind. The darkness, so heavily inbound, it was almost a certainty to take a wrong step. With that insecurity she raised her wings, ready to start flying if needed. Then, without notice, her eyes jumbled up again, her face hit against the bark of a tree. It really hurt, beyond imagination.

... "UUgghh... geez, Ditzy... keep your head in the cool," she said to herself. She shook her muzzle, to throw away all the fallen bark from her face, before using both of her hooves too.

Luckily, for the next hour and a half, not much occurred, including accidents.

Finally nearing the last layers of Canterlot's mountains, she could hear a strange noise: a terrible sad noise. Crying, whining screeches could be heard. It was a monster's voice. Which type? She wasn't able to tell. She could hear it coming from down below, in front of a huge tree standing tall near a cliff. The noise hurt her ears, but it was also aching her heart. With her ears laying low, and her hoof raised midair, she turned to her original direction to exit the mountains, before quickly turning her head back, to where the noise was erupting from.

Putting her hoof down and turning her body to the left, she galloped to the tree, passing it by to search for the crying noise.

"Where could it be coming from?" She wondered, looking up to the amazingly tall tree. When she did that, her left eye decided to change placement, giving her a small headache as she tried to find the distress call. Once more the creature cried. Ditzy’s ears lowered again. It was really coming from below the cliff.  With a bit of hesitation, she finally walked close to the edge, and her hoof almost made her trip into a long fall.

The thing was hard to describe, though it looked alright, despite its horrible cry for help.

It had wings instead of forelegs, its head lacked a real muzzle, being flat instead. Above it's green eyes, it sported a short, pink mane. It's chest was tall and flat, nipples appearing from its high abdomen along with white skin. Below, feathers appeared on its torso. They did not completely cover it, as it seemed to still be growing in. Below its mane came out softer feathers, small and triangular. Though she couldn't see them too well, it seemed its legs were more or less scaly, and had talons instead of hooves.

She couldn't understand, looking back up high at the huge tree behind her; why was it that this things mother hadn't come to help her young? Every mother would be worry sick if they lost their child.

"HEY! IS ANwYBOwDY UP THERE?!" She screamed with all her might. This scared the birds who were living up in the tree, but nothing more, as their was no response from the creature itself. Letting out an irritated sigh, she started to flap her wings. She began flying up the huge tree, hitting her head more often than not on branches. It didn't matter, a foal, or a chick needed help, and she wasn't going to stand by and let the creature die in such a pitiful way. Finally arriving on top the tree, having passed a big, but obviously abandoned nest, she breathed out of her nose, unable to hide her disappointment.

Nature is a cruel thing. It doesn't wait for anybody and everything was alone to fend for itself: be it plants, animals or ponies. So, gliding down from the treetop, she arrived where the chick was laying, still crying its heart out. Walking with caution, she lowered her head and ears, hoping the creature would listen to her.

"Hello little one... I'm sorry to say that your mama and papa have already left." Her wings fell down with her depressing feelings. She really hated the idea of leaving the little one alone, but what she was supposed to do? She didn't know, but the creature ignored her and continued to cry for its parents that wouldn't come back.

So, she tried to place her hoof onto the chick's head, the creature's closed eyes opened, showing a predator's gaze. Opening its flat muzzle, showing pointy teeth, it moved as quick as lightning, while trying to bite her hoof off. Its tearful cries became growls, drool dropping out of its mouth. Using its scaly knees to get up, it was ready to defend itself against something it thought was evil. This shocked her, she hadn't expected such a reaction from a chick. Its round pupils became diamond shaped within its green iris.

Ditzy realized the creature was nearly old enough to get prey, though it had a mindset of a foal... taking steps back, she cowered; she wasn't used to such hostile nature. She panted in panic; she didn't know what to do!

In seconds the ferocity dispersed, its eyes softened as tears threatened to fall.

She was scared, but her instincts told her the chick was twice as scared then as she was. She wasn't sure if the creature understood her, but if she left it alone, she probably won't get killed. Its teeth could tear off flesh, making it obviously a flesh eating creature. She wasn't sure what she wanted from the chick. Between being scared of out her mind and worried sick, she couldn't even choose between the two emotions.

The thing would probably die...

... it kept crying futilely for help that would not come. Dying of loneliness, in her opinion was the worst way to die.

So, piling up all her courage, she walked forward. The creature changed attitude immediately, ready to attack if she got any closer. Fear was telling her to take a step back, and it took all of her courage to move her forward. Speaking as calmly as possible "Honey... I know you're scared and lonely. Ahh--!" A cut appeared on her muzzle; the talon had struck her on the right side of her face. Blood started dripping out of her wound. It burned with pain, something she couldn't deny. The chick fell down after attacking her, trying to get up but unable to. Her legs were still in development. The creature made erratic noises, scared out of her mind. She was trying her best to get up but she just kept falling clumsily.

Ditzy forced a painful smile, making her wound open slightly. She said kindly, lowering herself to the creature's height "I'm... not going to hurt you. I swear..." Moving her hoof to touch it's mane. "I will help you find a way back home... I swear to Celestia, you will go back home."

Her hoof reached the top of its head, rubbing it gently, even though she could feel the agitated nature of the beast.

Unable to voice her worries in an understandable manner, the screeching cries became a whimpering. Allowing herself to be touched, even if she was the creature’s prey, she was finally able to communicate correctly. The creature needed to calm down, so she sat herself down beside it. Laying on its legs, it crossed its scaly legs while letting its wing onto her back. The feathers were surprising soft, maybe it was normal since it was a chick. The chick was a size of a full grown mare in height, but  its muscles and feathers were still growing. Sighing, she wonder if she could ever take this thing with her to Ponyville; flesh eating creatures were highly disliked by society. Not to mention the fact, no pony adoption agency would raise the poor critter or even think of selling it.

Looking into the sky that was disjointed by her sight, she could only ponder what she could do. Her salary wouldn't make it pass a week to survive, if she was hoping to buy the house in the future. She would probably have to live off of rent cost.

Turning to the creature, she asked "Do you have a name, little fella?"

The strangely shaped head, tilted its head, blinking twice before shaking its head.

"Do you want a name?"

The creature gave no notice to that question. It was a question asked too soon, she supposed. She wondered how long that creature was crying. Seeing where they were, the Rangers below the mountaintop should've acted upon hearing an animal's distressed call.

Maybe they were busy?

She sighed.... the worst thought occurred to her, so she ignored the possibility.

So getting up on her hooves with a bit of struggle, since she had suffer a major blow to the face, tiring her out. Her fear has finally vanished, that didn't end its effect. The creature looked at her blankly, only to followed suit. Getting up on it's legs, following her destination in mind.

From the edge of the road, she notice in a five miles radius was another Ranger's Hut: where she could relax and hopefully help the strange creature. Since they both had calmed down, she was able to get a better look at the creature: it had tons of growing feather around its shoulder blades. Its' rectrices was welled formed and colored. Like most of its feathers was white, shaded brown, dark brown and highlighted green. its' feathery ears twitched, turning its head left and right, looking at the wonders its never bother venturing. The creature really look like a curious filly first time out the house. Its eyes sparkled, its feathers flapped as their muscles were being stretched in good measure.

All pegasi fillies enjoy stretching their wings long before they're ready to truly fly.

Though at times one could ever question the logic it had to live in clouds, when the earth was far more safer. Well... that depends who you're asking. A creature, whose species name wasn't in her memories, like that made the pegasi society afraid to live in the certain grounds. Cloudsdale may be the perfect sky city, as very few pegasi city did thrived for long mostly because of certain habitats, that effected by the wind currents, surprisingly made sky cities almost impossible to stay stable in. Cloudsdale was a perfect city, in the sense that it was in an immune part of the world, where everything circle around it and not above or below it.

While before the creature looked undeveloped in certain aspects of its body, it was obvious it was a very adaptable being. The legs were tall, skinny, yet to grow enough muscle to actually do swift movements. Its talons held the earth with a firm grip, usable for when it wanted to land on branches. Its body was crouching, with it wings ready to defend or simply keeping the wind to touch its front chest, which was without any fur to keep it warm. Their walk was a steady one and in those two hour walk, which the length of time was pretty long considering her position: her eyes gave her no troubles. When finally reach the first step into a flat land, only two meters away from the hut, two earth ponies were glaring at her.

"What do you think you're doing missy?!" A brown colored pony trotted in front of her.

Another earth pony wearing the same ranger outfit, though having white pelt, with yellow mane with purple highlights held a similar expression. Saying with a tone of authority "Miss... please let us handle this beast."

Tilting her head into confusion, with her left ear going down, only to have her eyes disjoint again.

"Huh...? But this poowr thing had been crwying for her parenwts forever." While she tried to defend the flesh-eating creature, the Stallions look less then content with its existences. The growling from the being didn't help either... at the very least... it wasn't attacking.

"Miss... this a C-class level Harpy. It is a pony eater and will not .... be in your best interest to help it. The parents have left it, it was in inevitable event seeing the out-of-nowhere storm Cloudsdale accidentally released two weeks prior. It is against the law to handle wild animals without a permit of an Animal Tamer." The ranger said, while his partner walk carefully around the Harpy.

Her ears fell... it was a monster, huh? 'Harpies... Harpies...' Tapping her hoof into her chin, deeply wondering if she had ever heard that word before from her old man.

"Hold it there, Ranger!" A azure colored unicorn called from the hut. The unicorn ranger had a badge of black, making her a high commander of the two other rangers. She trotted to them, with a kind smile on her face. "This Harpy survived pretty long despite the misadventures and it be a pity to end its life like this."

This had brought fury within her, she never knew she had. "YOU WHAT?! AREN'T YOU SUPPOSE TO PROTECT ALL WILD LIFE ANIMALS?! ISN'T THAT YOUR JOB?! WHAT IN LIVING HELL ARE WE COMMUNITY PONIES PAYING YOU FOR!!!? ... *huff*... ...She could of died you know!"

The pony didn't seem all that insulted, she merely return a cheerful smile "Them locals had made a new law, in this parts of these fields of woods: from the first twenty feet of the mountain from the end of the woods, at least, well-over good ten miles. 'If there is any animal that is consider hazardous to the inhabitants: is to be killed depending on certain measures.' I don't hate any animal or flesh-eating creature, but the law is design in a manner that allows me to be friendly with the locals. It a small town before Ponyville, very small that there's no real train stop. But I'd tell you that anypony would approve this law concerning any wildlife forest that has uncontrollable animals."

"This thing here is a Harpwy? Is it like a manticore or more like a Grwiffon in terms of, well... commwunicawtion?" She gave a squeak with her bright white smile.

The unicorn ponder it, before looking to her co-workers, who gave shrugs.

"Not really, honey. We don't study up on Harpies, I only remember what I study in university and Harpies usually live far away from Equestria. The Harpies that do live in our land usually are rarely seen. It is best to not keep the cute little chick of that creature buu--tt-- It like you and that means a whole lot more then some phewy law. My personal opinion. Do you have any animal Tamers friends?"

She had her father. Turning her muzzle to where Harpy was standing, still in a tension filled position to attack when provoke. This had bothered her. If she left it here, the thing would be killed immediately or thrown in a cage for a Canterlot entertainment. So she tried to think of anypony she knew, who wouldn't mind doing her some favors... then she realized she might as well been friendless. But what in Celestia's name was she thinking?! She couldn't honestly expect to raise a monster, expecting it to act like her pet! Yet... If she did leave it, would she ever forgive herself? It was just a monster, probably couldn't even live in a house, much less a pony community and there wouldn't be any food for her to eat.

"Urghh... stupid ponies..." A rough female voice sounded. They looked around, the voice sounded couldn't be seen.

The Harpy was growling like crazy! Its drool accumulated and fell onto the grassy grounds. A greenish smoke appeared from the drool as it burned into it layer. She moved away from the Harpy, not wanting to lose pelt or feathers to chick. Suddenly a flash of brown came from above to the ground, showing a Griffon of all things. It didn't look too happy, though Griffons weren't all that rare in Canterlot, so she was use to them. Seemingly so were the Rangers. whom for the first time the unicorn seemed all very unimpressed.

"Rook... I told you come here 1400 hours ago!" Screamed the higher ranking Ranger.

The female griffon scoffed, using her left talon, gesturing a casual attitude "Yeah, yeah... but I got here, didn't I?"

"Oh, true... TWO HUNDRED HOURS LATER!!!!!" The unicorn's angry scream was strong

enough to make all the animals nearby run away, making the Harpy drop in pure shock. Scoffing, blowing her mane out of her eyes "I honestly don't know what to do with you rook. Get your act together or I'm firing you."

"Fine, Fine. Anyway Harpies aren't as stupid as you believe. If raised well enough it can be as civilized as anypony or griffon. Though they have the same growing age as us, meaning she'll grow slower than most fillies. I had to go to Junior Speedsters around the age of eight, while my fellow companions were only... I dunno... two? You and your rapid growth. This thing at best... is..." The griffon began to eye the Harpy, who oddly enough was in a really calm state... "Six. It hasn't been taught to speak or it doesn't want to. All Harpies speak either broken english or fluid english, most don't bother talking... seeing how you're their meal and all."

"How olwd are youw...?" Derpy asked the strange female griffon... even if it was difficult to tell.

The griffon shrugged "I'm thirteen... technically I'm only a 3 year old filly. -Tch- That's so... meh. Father wanted me to actually work."

Her ears fell... "Grwiffons are more strwonger then most folks. Do youw know any animal tamwers?"

The griffon gave her an unhappy skeptical look "Noo--ooo... Animal Tamers are insulting. Though I do technically count as one. Have the approval and everything: for a price, of course."

Closing her eyes, the unicorn ears lower, with stallions rolled their eyes. While the mare seemed annoyed, she also had a heart to let the Griffon do what she pleased." I hate this-- but if know no other, this Rook, knows about any wild animal you could ask of. Eats them too... eww... but mostly stays on a diet." The Griffon rolled her eyes. The ranger merely gave a satisfied smirk "Nevertheless I'll lend you her, though you'll be paying her expenses."

She let her ears fall again, smiling meekly since she won and lost at the same time. "Do... you... takwe down paymewnts?"

"Sure. I expect to be paid though." A nice smile came out the mostly casual griffon.

"The sun will fall soon... you can sleep here." The unicorn offered.

"No... I hawd a deawdline... I prowmise I'd be at Ponwyville by tomworrow's dawn." She said even more meekly.

The rookie rolled her eyes, with a haughty tone "Yeah... better for me too. Though this guy is going to drink before we leave and you have to eat. I don't need you to faint on me halfway there."

"EEehhh--?! I'm fiwne."

"Preggy... derpy preggy... is a very bad preggy!" She chanted, openly mocking her.

The mare growled at the griffon's misbehavior "Rook... I will cut your pay by half. Such an attitude is not expected by a Ranger and I don't care who your father is! YOU GOT THAT?!"

The roar made everypony shaky, the rookie ranger held her ear, as it had proven more painful to be in front of explosion. "I got it! I got it... just no more yelling for heaven's sake!"

"Umm... Thank youw for youwr generowsity, but we must be goinwg." She held her neck down, bowing to the three Rangers who were staying near their hut.

"Your welcome... I was happy to help. Though the town won't be happy, if Rook is with you, I'm sure they'll feel a lot more safer than they would with any other pony."

"I'm not a pony." The rookie gave her commander a flat look.

"It's an expression, get over it rook."

"The mare still needs to eat before we can leave and I'll get a bowl of water for the chick." The griffon spreaded its wings, ready for flight and with a single flap: she rose around twenty feet only to go down in a similar sonic speed.

"She's good." She muttered

The mare rolled her eyes, since the other two stallion felt it was safe enough to leave. Trotting closer, the Harpy had no sense of worry, but show no signs of understand what was happening around it. Her and the mare were alone, making her asked "What's you name?"

"Lanna Sunflower, High Commander of the Rangers' Elite." The unicorn was filled with pride. Acting like she was the best in all the world. "Those two you saw were Ranger Diddle Ruum and Loron Saw. That Rook, is there our newest recruit and daughter of a powerful man. Just call her rook, she's nothing but a liar and ain't worth time bothering with. She'll ask for interest if you don't pay right away, just warning you."

"Well... She doesn't seem alwl that bawd-- I'm just gratefuwl I can go to my new place bewfore I lose my houwse to some other Pony who's been pinniwng for it. If I don't get there now, I'll have to look for a swmaller house. It's sowmething I honewstly can't do... I don't mind pawying extrwa. I just can't pay now." She moaned over the sad fact. She would love to buy what she could but now she was bringing a Harpy with her, a foal on the way and something else she had planned: she couldn't have any house but that one! An apartment wouldn't do! She could already feel the stress boiling over her... she could just scream, since her chest was tightening up. Only to be hugged by the Harpy, feeling the tenderness of its chest, the warmth of its feathers... and honest embrace.

"Maa..." It said, its tongue playing inside its mouth. Using her left hoof, she gently rubbed its fleshy round face.

Lanna smiled at the creature "No little critter deserves death... even if some would think it was idealistic. All things die, it’s inevitable. When is only optional and many a far more selfish then wild creatures. Kind of sad... isn't it?"

Grabbing another sandwich from her bag, as this had become a bit soggy because of her cold water bottle that melted it's icy waters. She ate, only because she was sure the Griffon wouldn't let her go forward to her journey. She notice that the creature seemed smaller than a grown up, though it too, like the Harpy was in development. While animals like bunnies, dogs and manicores grew faster than most... others took a greater deal or time to grow: like turtles, griffons and obviously dragons.

"Nopony wants to ever diwe. It's understandable... But evewrything has a puwrpose, right?" She turned to her companion with uncertainty, despite the sad smile that showed her serenity.

Lanna nodded "Of course. ... Oh looks like Rook has return at last."

Holding a bucket in her beak, she dropped it onto the floor. Gesturing her talon to the Harpy "It's all yours." Getting up, as her warmth faded with her. She watched the chick move in velocity to drink the whole bucket of water, being proof it hadn't done much to survive that last couple of days. Rook merely told her that their path, luckily enough, was completely flat and direct, as getting to Ponyville meant not passing within the small city of Coltin Town: meaning all in all they would get into Ponyville at three in the morning. However if they flew, taking out a shortcut from Coltin Town... would just be two hours and a half. But she couldn't and explained why, which Rook agree with, not mention the fact: wherein they both knew the chick couldn't fly.

So they started their walk...

As the late afternoon's sun fell into a deep slumber, the night's moon rose, as stars began to shine greatly onto the land they traveled on. Following the behind of her guide, with her wings well tucked and her tail swinging around, she couldn't help but wonder why such a young kin was already out working so quickly. If she was anypony: she'd be a full-fledge adult, though time obviously work differently for them. The being was a young teen, already well adapt with an attitude that could use some change. She couldn't bring herself to ask Rook, what was bothering her for their ways of life. Everypony had a culture of their own... Equestria was a peaceful place: so many creature that came to live with their fellow ponies, thus making adapt to become like an average citizen. Rook, or whoever she was named, was obviously disgrunted. It wasn't odd, nopony like working, even if was a duty to do so.

Halfway out the woods, thus the night was already guiding them. She asked "Do you miss home?"

"No."

"What about your friends?"

"None of you business." The traveled on, all she could see was the beast's furry and feathery backside.

"Well what type of name would a Harpy have?" She changed the subject.

"I don't know. We're similar but we couldn't be more different. It's a symmetric thing."

"How about Featherwing Doo?"

"Stupid..."

"Glidus Doo."

"... Eehh... no?"

"Dashing Doo!"

"Nope."

"Lanna Doo?"

"Eehh... are hitting on my boss?"

"But this forest is called Lanna Road, isn't it?"

"Well it's sure a hella lot better than Canterlot Park. It doesn't matter what I think... it all depends what you want to do with your pet. Unless you were actually serious in making it one of your adopted kin. PFfftft... ehehe.... No idiot would actually raise an abandoned Harpy. Unlike Griffons: they're more 'wild' than us. All we did was sign a fucking treaty nothing more and nothing less. Of course, people like to think of us as harmless when they fear us just the same or feel high and mighty." Her tone went from joking to a bitterness, she was sure she heard whenever they spoke about ponies in general. Though her expression couldn't be seen, she was certain Rook was probably frowning. Or maybe she was imagining it.

"Is the urban legend true...?"

The griffon stopped in her track and turned to her. Her face showed a seriousness, she didn't know the other could posses "I'll say this once... if a filly or a pony disappears... there's a one-third chance that a griffon did it. No proof... but we don't go over one prey. If you're going to have a filly... keep sure she's always have somepony beside her. But that one-third could be a one-fifth."

That gaze became a little watery, before turning head away and continuing on her journey.

It was an urban myth that faded with each century...

"Are you confirming it?" She lifted her head in wonder.

"Not really... but if it is as true as you believe, then just take my helpful advice and it's on the house. Lucky for you two, the animals here are all ready to do their own things. They don't care about outsiders like outsiders shouldn't even care for them. If one causes problem then there's havoc everywhere. You ponies are really overly controlling people. Though it be stupid to mesh you all in the same group... also the cost will be around twenty-five thousand bits, with one precent interest. I have all the time in the world to collect that money... but you will pay me back, right?"

"Of course. So is it limitless?"

"No... I'll be back by the time you foal becomes a two and half year old."

A bead of sweat drop from her head... smiling nervously "You're really scawry, aren't you? What happewns if I'm unawble to pay it all?"

"I eat you." Rook said, in which she took as black humor.

"Geez... scawry, scawry."

"Ehehe... yeah... I don't know. I'll send you a mail when I got that better in mind, probably just raise your interest more or probably not. Maybe I'll ask of a favor, though I wouldn't know with what I could do with such a derpy eye pony." It was a mean joke, at the very least, it seem to take thing lightly than condescendingly. She didn't mind being joked about... she just hated being bullied.

"What's youwr name?"

"The name is... Gwynath." She said proudly.

Titling her head, announcing her doubts "Ranger Lanna hawd her douwbts abouwt that..."

Rook snorted "She's right but tell anyone and you won't see the rising sun."

It ended on a serious note.

"Trying to hide from some-one? I though your father knew where you were."

"Well... he does but I'm not hiding from him. It's my mate... he's driving me up the goddamn walls! At the very least, my father is allowing me to hide for a short period of time."

"OH! Really?" She had study on griffons and then it caught up with her.... "OOooohhhhh.... you're not ready, are you?"

The groan only indicated that Rook was rolling her eyes with her shaking head "EEhh... I'm ready. Physically. Mentally: I rather wait. I mean god... he's three times older than me! I do not want an old geezer: I don't care who bloody hell is our country or army! He could go to hell for all I care! My life could only get worse if he found me."

Able to open up Rook a bit, their travels went mostly smooth sailings. While not filling up on all the details of the Gryphon Kingdom, there was many explanations of Griffons and Harpes' cultures and way of life. Giving tips which would provide ponyfriendly. It had seem in Ponyville: there was a spanking new animal caretaker in still in her fours, despite being young had an earnest talent in communicating with any lifeform. This was a relief, as she took notes on who to visit after she got her house. Being uncertain about Harpies in general, Rook told her with absolute certainty that raising a Harpy would be no different from raising a Griffon, which was a rare event in itself but not impossible. They had to take rest every two miles, since the chick was still undeveloped and she was pregnant. In which Rook would not let go of that fact. Seemingly Griffon had in their nature to defend mothers in their time of most need. While she rested, her foal decided it was the best time to kick inside her belly, making her chuckle. She couldn't wait to have her... as only three months awaited for the time foal would grow big enough to come out.

"So... where's your lover: in Ponyville?"

She stayed silent... unable to answer the question. It made her feel filthy and wrong. Closing her eyes, she could remember her ex-lover smile... his kindness and chivalry that unmatched by any

stallion. He deserved to know...

... but it would only hold him back.

"Nevermind. Not my business... how about this... when your foal is three and a half... I'll come back for the money." It was a kind gesture with a futile attempt. She wouldn't have enough money no matter how much she tried.

"Thanks."

She turned to Ditzy "You should get that wound fixed. It might be infected..."

"Don't worry, I'm sure the hospital is open." She smiled back to her.

The griffon directed her to the Hospital, since they were practically on the edge of Ponyville in the early morning. The obviously lights on the hospital were a helpful indication, waving her goodbyes to the ready to fly Rook, like before disappeared with a single flap of wings.

Hopefully the dawn would be a whole lot more peaceful.