NeilWacaster

For a brief moment, Newsworthy feared that Persnickety would not return the kiss, but that fear was quickly swept away.

This just felt, right, somehow. In that moment, even in the midst of the torrent of emotion, he felt at peace. It was crazy, and it didn't make sense, but it was right. Tears streamed down his face as he held the kiss for what seemed like an eternity.

Who can say what brings two ponies together? Is it the Fates? Blind chance? A cosmic magnetism? No matter. All we can say is that these two ponies, united by the most unlikely of circumstances, stood on that dark street and held each other. Embracing. Weeping. Nothing else mattered, nothing else existed.

Finally, Newsworthy leaned back, and for another long moment, he just looked into Persnickety's eyes and smiled. The image was blurry through his tears, but she was still the most beautiful mare he had ever seen.

Words seemed far too crude to force between them. The late night symphonic cacophony of the city was the only sound, except for the rapid pounding of his heart. Wiping his eyes with a hoof, Newsworthy bit his lip and looked down at the ground. He took a deep breath, looked up, and smiled again.

Keeping his wing wrapped protectively around Persnickety, he began to walk in the direction of her apartment. Very slowly, though. He wanted this moment to last forever.

Ohmigosh it's SO CUTE!

I absolutely love it Really captures her personality well

((This post should only be read while listening to this cover of "My Love" by Sia))

Newsworthy's heart broke at hearing Persnickety's words. Here was this talented, beautiful mare, who felt completely alone in her attempt to make something of herself. He tried to swallow past the lump in his throat, but his mouth suddenly felt very dry.

"Persnickety ... I ..."

He looked into her shining, brimming eyes, and glanced down for a moment, shutting his own eyes tight. When he looked back up, he was softly sobbing, two big tears flowing down his cheeks. Newsworthy leaned forward, touching the tip of his muzzle to hers. He felt completely enveloped by her warmth, and ignited by their touch.

He took a small, ragged breath, and whispered, "Persnickety ... you don't have to be alone."

Newsworthy felt the warm rush of her breath, and her intoxicating smell. His heart pounded violently in his chest. He turned his head a little to the side, and their lips met.

Newsworthy chuckled. "I've succumbed to the allure of cider many a time, myself. It's fine." He glanced at her wobbling figure and gave her a little smile. "I had a good time, yes. But I am concerned that you didn't. I shouldn't have left you at the bar for so long, and even I was more blunt than I should have been about your chosen career, much less the others ..." He looked at her again, mentally struggling with whether or not to do what his heart told him. Finally, he stopped. This street was quiet, all of the shops closed. A few ponies walked slowly by on the other side of the street, but as far as he was concerned, it was just he, Persnickety, and the bright, full moon. He had made his decision.

Unfurling his good wing and wrapping it around his date, Newsworthy steadied her and held her close. Forgetting the winter chill in the warm embrace, he looked into her eyes and spoke slowly, with deep conviction. "Persnickety, I have every confidence that you will succeed in whatever you put your mind to. So what if it's hard? So what if it takes time? Even if nopony else believes in you, I can assure you ... one pony always will."

Newsworthy was torn. On the one hoof, he felt a surge of joy that she would like very much for him to walk her home. On the other hoof, he was kicking himself for letting a discouraged pony sit by herself at the bar for the duration of his absence. She must have been very lonely, he thought. Newsworthy, you idiot. She's gone and gotten herself drunk over this. Escorting an inebriated pony home was not something he had ever had to deal with. He hoped that nonpony judged him for it.

He paid the bartender for the drinks. It was a frighteningly large sum for such a small amount of cider, but of course that was to be expected from such an upscale establishment. He smiled at Persnickety, gesturing toward the door.

"Goodbye, Clef," he said, looking over his shoulder at the stallion. "Glad to have made your acquaintance, and I hope we meet again soon."

As they began to walk out, his wing started to hurt a bit worse. After all the excitement of the day, he really needed to just go back to his room and rest up. Early the next morning, he would go buy a ticket for the aerial carriage back to Ponyville, and all would return to normal.

The thought made him very sad.

"I suppose so ..." Newsworthy smiled. "Sounds like the actors had a great time doing the production. I think my favorite anecdote was how Bedazzle missed her cue and they had to improv for a minute or two. No wonder that scene in the first act seemed a bit off ... Oh well. For a university production, I was impressed, and I let them know that the review would be a positive one."

He looked at Pernsickety, concerned. "You seem a bit tired. The party will go on until the wee hours of the morning, so we can stay or go, your choice." He glanced down at the ground and back up again, a little nervously. "I'll be glad to walk you home, if you want."

"Persnickety?" Newsworthy asked, walking up beside her. "The interviews went fine ... um ..." He saw with dismay that his date had four empty mugs of cider in a little crooked row in front of her. Now, he enjoyed his cider, but four mugs in such a short time? Hopefully she's of a stronger mettle than me.

Newsworthy looked concerned. Persnickety said she'll be fine, he thought, and I really do need to get those interviews. If that's what she wants ...

"Alright, then, stay out of trouble." He gave her a wink, then turned to walk over to the VIP section where the actors were talking and laughing loudly at a large table.

About half an hour later, Newsworthy stowed his notepad in his hat, satisfied with the interesting quotes and anecdotes he had gleaned from the actors. This editorial may not be half bad, he thought as he walked back toward the bar. Dear Celestia, I hope Persnickety is alright. If that Spit Polish said anything else, I swear ...

Newsworthy smiled, relieved. "Leave it to you to remember what job I'm supposed to be doing. You're right, I do need to interview a few of the actors. You're more than welcome to join me, if ... you know ..." He nodded discreetly at Spit Polish, who was still chattering away with Clef. "Besides, what better chance to get to meet them? They always want to talk to me. Like I was telling you earlier, they know that a good word in my editorial could mean a great deal for their career."

"Hay Zimmer is the only one that I've seen in the flesh, that snobbish, good-for-nothing wart. His music may be nice to have listen, but the manners ... how you say ... leave the something desired, yes?" Spit Polish swirled her drink around, wincing.

As the bartender passed Persnickety another mug of cider, Newsworthy noticed his date's downcast gaze and wilted ears. He leaned over and whispered, "I'm sorry for Ms. Polish's harsh words, I didn't know she was so cynical about her profession." He tried to smile. "When I've seen her before, she hadn't had so much to drink ..." His smile faded into a worried expression. "Are you alright? Ah ... we don't have to stay if this is making you uncomfortable."

"Persnickety is an actress looking for a break into the business, Ms. Polish," Newsworthy said, casually. "Perhaps you have some advice that could help her on her way?"

The mare laughed, ending in a little sigh. "The best advice I can give is ... eh, become a hairdresser. It pays better than the work, which I do." She squinted from behind the thin golden rims of her reading glasses. "You are young and très belle, ma cherie. Why waste the best years of your life, like I did? And for what? Often I have no work. When I do have it, I work at the mercy of the directors. Sometime night and day, day and night, and then they change their mind. Poof!" She emphasized with a wave of her hoof. "And the set changes, or the line changes, or ..."

Celestia help us, Newsworthy thought. And I thought my words were discouraging. "Miss Polish, your drink," Newsworthy interrupted, smiling nervously and passing her a translucent green martini.

"Ah, yes, many thanks, many thanks," she nodded at him, sipping daintily from the glass.

Getting over the first mountain pass was the hardest. After he flew through that first one, he was too tired to care how badly he felt. His eyes drooped, even while flying, which his barely conscious mind knew was a bad thing. Finally, he rounded around a jagged cliff, and saw the green glow on the horizon, signaling his destination. A tiny flame of hope surged in his heart. I'm finally here. I did it.

Hold on, Persnickety. I'm coming.

At first, it looked like a giant, misty vortex, enveloping the top of the tallest peak in sight. As he drew nearer, Newsworthy started to make out the spires of a city, sticking out in all directions.

Surely they won't be expecting a pony, Newsworthy thought, grimacing. What would they have to guard themselves from? Only pegasi and dragons ... and certainly pegasi are little threat to them. Griffons, perhaps. He prayed desperately to Celestia that it was some type of holiday for guards.

Of course, it wasn't. Even from this distance, he could see swarms of soldiers flying in formation around the city.

He collapsed in a crevice in a nearby mountain to 'plan his attack.' After careful deliberation, he came to the vague conclusion that he should sneak into the hive without encountering the guards. He rubbed his eyes, sheepishly. I'm getting nowhere at this rate, he thought, as sleep enveloped him, his vision growing dark like the landscape around him. His mind fought against it, but he was overcome.

When he finally came to, he had a horrible cramp in both of his wings, and a burning pain in his side. He winced, kicking himself for falling asleep at all, but especially on these rocks. The clouds were so dense here that it looked like it was still a moonless night, even though his watch said it was just after sunrise. He shook himself all over, making his coat fluff out hideously. He couldn't help but chuckle a little. If only she could see me now ...

As he nibbled at one of the apple husks, Newsworthy tried to think of a better plan. These oversized bugs were entirely different than anything he had ever faced.

Finally, he made up his mind. He hadn't come all this way to back out now. Even though his plan was ridiculous, it would just have to do. And, there was literally a one in a million chance he would be incarcerated next to her. He liked those odds. They were much better than his chance of surviving.

Newsworthy panted, straining to get up the mountain in the thin air. The hive was just before him now, a sickening expanse of swirling cloud. He could see the individual sacs now, and he shuddered to think that there was some ... thing, whether pony, griffon, or other creature, within each one. They covered every structure he could see, looking like a porcupine covered in glowing green beads.

There was no point in even trying to sneak. There were even more guards than he had thought at first. As was inevitable, one spotted him as he approached.

"Halt! Who goes there?" it hissed, it's blue, lifeless eyes looking over Newsworthy with suspicion.

"Please, I am weak and hurt. I need to get to the medical facility right away," Newsworthy said, imitating his interrogator's voice.

It squinted at him. "Can you show me your true form?"

"No. I am too tired to change."

"Very well. I will escort you to the sanatorium, where you will be given serum injections to restore your strength. Come, it is near."

Newsworthy couldn't believe his luck. The trick had actually worked! He didn't trust this guard any farther than he could kick him, but at least he was getting inside unharmed.

They glided on an air current through the jagged, rusting doors of the structure. He was in. For the first time in who knows how many centuries, a pony had made his way through these gates of his own free will.

So, this is it, Newsworthy thought. The Changeling Hive.

The colony hummed with activity. The beating of millions of wings, the hissing chatter all around, a deep moaning and clanking all around from the many machines the workers were operating. Newsworthy saw giant vats of goo, and piles of rotting flesh. He held his nose, ducking under one of the conveyor belts taking who-knows-what around the hive at top speed. He could barely keep up with the guard, and of course the situation was complicated by the fact that he looked almost exactly the same as all the other workers. Newsworthy briefly considered ditching him, but then remembered that he stuck out like a neon sign in a dark street. He would have to find some other way to find her. And then what? Escape? Even if they could make it out, there was no way they could get past the guards, especially not together.

"We have arrived."

Newsworthy looked around, trying to find the hospital.

"In here, you imbecile. What did you do, injure several of your brains?"

"Uh..."

"Thought so."

The guard grabbed Newsworthy roughly by the hoof and dragged him inside a small hole in the wall. It took a minute for his eyes to adjust, but finally he could see that he was dark, cave-like room. He thought fast. If I can get rid of this ... thing, then all I have to do is find which one of the million or so cells she's in ...

He thought back. He thought back to the time they spent together. The concert. The dinner at that little cafe. Walking back to her house, slightly chilled in the night air.

He remembered thinking that he had fallen for a mare who didn't love him back, only to be surprised by her kiss.

He remembered, and felt the warmth, the peace, the comfort, of that memory again, if only for a moment.

The rain beat down on his head, he lay with his back to a tree. Or rather, a large bush, it wasn't exactly deserving of the noble title of tree, what with it's scraggly, misshapen branches.

Newsworthy sighed deeply as the icy rivulets dripped down his fur and onto the ground. The 'tree' wasn't much protection from the weather, but he would have to take what he could get.

Out here, any advantage was a positive one. A flash of lightning silhouetted the mountains in the distance, with the wide plain stretching beneath. With all his heart, he wanted to press on, but his body was simply too weary and cold. He shivered, his saddlebag and hat scant covering in this weather.

He closed his eyes, willing himself to return to the happy memories. Just think of her. Think of the reason why you're doing this. Think.

It was hopeless. A suicide mission, if there ever was one. But, he had to try.

He forced his eyes open the next morning. The thundershower had moved on, taking its miserable, dense blackness to somepony else, leaving behind its ugly stepchild, light, bone-chilling sleet. Lovely.

Newsworthy stretched his aching wings and slung his torn saddlebag over his middle. He checked the pocket, dismayed to see his ration of dried apples running thin. Oh, Tartarus take us all, he thought, munching a stale, soggy piece. I certainly hope we have enough for the return journey. Celestia only knows how hard it is to find any decent food out here.

It took him longer than he expected to preen his wings, due to the mud caking his fur. His feathers tasted gritty and slimy, a very unfortunate combination. There was one consolation. He was able to refill his water skin from the least-muddy-looking pool nearby. Finally, he knew that it was time to take off again. He gritted his teeth, unfurled his wings, and leapt into the air. His wings burned, he needed more rest, but he couldn't stop now.

He was so close.

He flew for what seemed like forever. By the time he reached the foothills, dusk was turning the grey mountains into a line of foreboding black spires. He landed clumsily, panting. No matter how much he wanted to fly up that mountain right away, he simply couldn't. Though he could fly as well as the next pegasus, Newsworthy was not particularly athletic. He lay his head down on the wet grass, feeling like a complete failure. I can't do it. I just ... I can't. Too tired ... too ... cold ...

Again, he thought of her. She was probably dead, a wispy little pile of bones somewhere. Why would they care. They wouldn't have kept her alive, his friends had said. They ate ponies, as soon as they were through with them. Through taking all that was meaningful, beautiful or precious from them. Or, at least, so they had all said.

And if she was alive, what horrors was she being subjected to? He feared he wouldn't even recognize her. Perhaps, she would look at him, call out, and he would be dragged away.

Realistically, he thought, the best we can hope for is for us to suffer together. We can give them what they want, the heartless fiends. Let them take me. Let them do what they like to me. I just have to see her one last time.

His heart pounded. This was no time for rest. After nearly two weeks of flying, here he finally was at the Mountains of Fanghorn, and he was not about to stop now. It was too important. If it was still a race against time, he had to beat the clock. And if not, then it didn't matter. He would rather die trying.

Using the forum to write a story, read if you want

"Really now. Your messenger and my monarch told me to disguise myself, and once inside, I came to you, with nothing to hide. Considering that I specifically came with a message of peace, rather than a message of war, it can hardly be treated as subversion."

Still very wary from his earlier experience, Newsworthy jumped into the air out of the reach of the king and the few guards that remained. "And don't think that Equestrians would take kindly to their ambassador of peace being treated as a criminal. You may not want to press your luck against a race with two goddesses as rulers."

Newsworthy landed lightly at the castle gates, surprised to see that there were no soldiers in the courtyard. A tall human in a suit opened the door at his knock.

"Yes? Oh ... it's you. The King has been expecting you."

"Really? Excellent," Newsworthy said, smiling. Finally, something going right for a change. Wait ... Vividim is expecting me? I thought Partheus said ... can I even trust him anymore?

"Right this way, master ...?" The butler paused.

"Newsworthy, kind sir. And thank you."

Everything was oversized, like he was in a palace made for trolls. Upon entering the guilded doors of the throne room, Newsworthy beheld a opulently dressed human sitting on a large throne. The room reminded him of the throne room in Equestria, but it was a darker, mustier version of it, like the alternate reality of a bad dream.

"Well, that was quick," the king said, sounding a little surprised. "Welcome to Hominopolis, pony."

"Thank you, sire. My name is Newsworthy," he said, bowing.

"And what brings you to our fair country? Sightseeing is left for the untrained and unknowing. You are neither, as I hear."

His chest swelled with pride. "Why yes, King Vividim. I am sent from Princess Celestia herself to offer a message of peace and friendship between our nations. She wishes to open trade routes with you, to start a new renaissance by exchanging knowledge and goods. Let us both work together to build a new, greater Equestria and Hominopolis."

((I intentionally spoke little for Vividim because I don't know him and his motivations as well as you. So, feel free to speak for him now ))

Newsworthy felt like he had been run through a ringer and hung out to dry. He did feel cleaner, but no cleaner than he did after his usual morning bath. And having a human bathe him was ... disturbing.

"All right, now, you blue ... bird ... horse ... thing. Time to take you to see the stable master. Hopefully he'll know what to do with you."

This was bad. Last thing he needed was to be seen by another one of these humans who worked in the stables. At first the pony pretended to be in submission, but as soon as the human unlocked the rope from the post, Newsworthy jerked his head sharply. Taking him off guard, he jumped into the air before the human could grab back onto the rope.

"Get back here you!" The human flailed, trying to grab Newsworthy as he climbed quickly into the air.

"Not likely. Your king will hear of your abuse of the ponies of this land, and you shall receive your just punishment!" Newsworthy cried, accelerating into the air. He zoomed upward and looked quickly about him. Seeing the castle a few city blocks away, he dove toward it.

This has gone far enough. I am clearly superior to these humans in terms of intelligence and morals, if not strength. I am an emissary of Princess Celestia, and expect to be treated as such. King Vividim, it's time for you to meet an Equestrian.

"Now, now, Ungula, jus' calm down girl. Ya don't want me to hafta use the whip again, do ya?" the stable hand threatened as Newsworthy struggled. With horror, the pony saw that his head was tied by a rope to a large wooden stake. I have to get this stupid leather thing off my head if I even want to think about running away. What would possess a human to invent such a constricting apparatus? And whatever a whip is, it can't be good ...

The human began to drag Newsworthy closer to the basin. He tried planting his hooves, but the rod in his mouth cut painfully into his gums. So that's what this is. A torture device used to ensure submission. There must be some other way to stop him ...

He was right next to the basin now, the human trying to force him to step into it. "Ungula, I swear to Torbolt, if ya don't stop fighting, yer gonna wish ya were dead! Now GET IN THE TUB!"

Newsworthy snorted angrily and bucked at the human, barely missing his face. Suddenly, he felt a sharp, searing pain in a sharp line across his flank. "I told ya, it's my way, or the whip, and then my way. But ya dumb brutes don't know anything but pain. A few lashes will teach you, you stupid animal."

His eyes filled with hot tears as the human hit him again. I never should have come here. But, it's certainly eye opening. No wonder the ponies here are mute and stupid. The humans treat them worse than we treat parasprites. Even though he knew that he would regret it, he stepped into the tub submissively, if only to stop the attacks.

"There ya are, that's it. I knew ya would come around eventually." The human began to scrub Newsworthy down. Streaks of grey washed down his legs and colored the water. Rarity said this makeup would wash off with soap and water. Of course. Of course it does.

At first, the human just looked at him curiously, apparently thinking that he was covered in more dust and grime than he thought. But, as he started to uncover blue fur, he became more and more confused.

As he tugged at the invisible bandage, all the human could say was, "what the bloody hell? What the actual hell!?" Newsworthy just looked at him, pretending to be stupid. He became more and more agitated as he unveiled Newsworthy's cutie mark.

"I knew that that Partheus feller was not to be trusted. What did he do you, missy?" Newsworthy had to resist the urge to facehoof, but again, was disturbed by the human's words. Perhaps Partheus was actually very cruel to animals while he was here in his home country. He seemed to have no qualms with killing creatures, much to Newsworthy's surprise.

The stable hand squatted down to wash Newsworthy's belly, and immediately stood back up. "Alright. I knew something was wrong here, but it's worse than I thought. Whatever this ... thing ... is, it's not Ungula, that's for bloody sure. If you're a mare, you're the most male-looking mare I ever seen. The messenger was trying to trick us, fer some reason. And what the bloody blazes are those!?" He prodded at Newsworthy's wings with a disgusting fingernail. "Lemme finish cleaning you up, and then you're going to see the head of the stable. He'll know what to do with ya."

During all of this, Newsworthy tried to think of a plan of escape. But how? I don't think I'm strong enough to break the thing on my head. I'll have to get this rope free, somehow.

Twilight skipped through the gate, very pleased with herself. True, she had had to resort to the "Want it, Need it" spell, but she had still gotten through, hadn't she? And now she was free to explore a strange new place. She was confused by the warm welcome that all the jesters and beggars seemed to give her. "Why hello, every ... um ... one. Thank you for being so kind to me! How generous you all are. Do you know where I can find a bookshop?"

Newsworthy gritted his teeth and grumbled to himself. He repressed the urge to vomit as Partheus stroked his mane and spoke to him like he was stupid as a rock. As much as he wanted to call out and stop him, he didn't want the other human to hear. Mark my words, you hairless ape. You will regret this. If looks could kill, Partheus would have dropped dead as he left the stables.

There was some sweet-smelling feed nearby, and, having nothing much else to do, Newsworthy consumed it with some chagrin. Eating like a dumb farm animal. This is the height of humiliation. I was under the impression I would be doing interviews! Exploring! Building trade relations! But no. Humph ... as the first emissary from Equestria to this land, one would think that the king would desire my presence. Perhaps later.

He sighed deeply, and checked to make sure nopony ... er ... no human was around. Satisfied that this was the case, he retrieved a scroll and quill from his saddlebag and began to busily write his first editorial about this adventure. Needless to say, it would be less than stellar. But, he had promised Celestia to give her and the public a true, factual account.

I sit in a cage, like a slave, writing to you in secret. These humans treat their equines like pigs, allowing them to wallow in their own filth and misery.

He shuffled his hooves in disgust, noting that his cell needed a good cleaning.

In stifling stalls barely large enough to turn around in, these ponies languish. No sun, no freedom, no joy. The ...

A human walked into the stables, whistling a mournful tune. Newsworthy quickly stashed his scroll and hid the saddlebags under a pile of hay.

"Alright, ye disgusting workhorses! Which one o' ye be that stupid mare what just got in? I'm to fix 'er up and make 'er fit for the messenger to use again. No doubt 'e ran 'er ragged as usual and she's thrown a shoe or whatnot."

Newsworthy cringed. Is Partheus really that hard on poor Ditzy Doo? I thought he said he took good care of her ... and what is he going to do to me? Surely he won't mistake me for a mare ... he can't be that stupid.

The human stopped before Newsworthy's stall and squinted at the sign above. "Oh, Ungula, that's it. Such a blasted funny name, but I remember now. Well, it's standard procedure for you, old girl. Though I'd rather take a stout stick to ya, for what you've been bloody acting up again. Never could do anything right."

Newsworthy's first instinct was to lash out, but thought better of it. This would be a chance to get outside of the stable, and perhaps he might even be able to study the humans a little more. As long as the abuse was only verbal, he would take it like a stallion. Besides, it would make his article all the juicier. Anything more than words, though, and all bets were off.

The stable hand wrapped Newsworthy's head in a leather contraption and forced a disgusting metal rod into his mouth. It tasted like it hadn't been washed in weeks. The human led him forcefully outside, into the blinding sunlight.

"Come on, Ungula," the human said, mockingly. "Just a little farther, now. Try to walk in a straight line, if you can."

They came upon a large basin filled with water, and a bucket of dirty suds. The human retrieved a filthy sponge and advanced menacingly. "Now, let's get you cleaned up."

No! Newsworthy thought frantically, that's the only thing that could break my disguise ... not ... a ... BATH!

Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle lingered outside the city gates, trying to think of a way to get inside. Considering what she had overheard, going in in pony form would not work at all. She had already transformed into human form using a modified version of her conversion spell. After observing a few of the human females, she felt that her estimate of the human anatomy was probably closer now. After much deliberation, she decided to change her hair color and style as well. It would be a dead giveaway should Newsworthy or Partheus happen to see her.

Now, the real question was how to get inside. It seemed difficult for anyone who wasn't on official business. However, she noticed one female dressed in particularly revealing clothing get in merely by sweet talking the guards. Her analytical mind churned away at this. Surely it can't be that hard. Just say some things that the humans would find ... attractive. What does Partheus find attractive?

After planning out her approach carefully, she sauntered up to the guards. "Hello, gentlemen," she said, trying to give her voice a breathy, cultured tone, similar to Rarity's accent. "Would you be so kind as to let a lady through your gate? I believe that you'll find that it will pay off handsomely in the long run ... provided you take into account both benefits and costs. I've some lovely new socks you might like to see me in ..."

Finally able to talk freely, Newsworthy exploded. "Put down!? PUT DOWN!?! Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that mean euthanasia? Killing wild animals for food I might be able to understand, but just just killing animals you don't want anymore? And now you want me to sit here like a caged rat!? Really. REALLY. I used to have some respect for your kind. Key words being used to ..."

"No! I may be a pony, but I am NOT your horse," Newsworthy whispered shrilly. "If you think I'm going to let you just traipse around with you on my back, you've got another thing coming!"

Just as Partheus was about to make a reply, an elderly woman pointed at him and warbled, "Excuse me, sir, but are you talking to your horse?"

"What!?" Newsworthy hissed. "No way. That's too weird. Not unless you're OK with me resting my aching hooves by riding on YOUR back. Really, the nerve."

Newsworthy gave the feed a few tentative sniffs before eating. It smelled and tasted completely safe, so he cleaned his bowl.

They quickly broke camp and headed out, and walking briskly toward their destination. Once they had traveled an hour or two, they began to pass human travelers on the road. Most looked sullen, weary of life. Newsworthy felt sorry for them, actually. After a particularly distraught looking family passed them, Newsworthy whispered, "Why do your kind look so sad all the time? If a pony was that depressed, they would be sent to a counselor immediately by their friends or the state."

Newsworthy glided back down, his wings feeling a little better after their stretch. "Where in Equestria did you get that? Oh ... Celestia sent it, probably. I wouldn't be surprised if she had Twilight or somepony locate us with a scrying spell and send us some food. But, seems a bit of an overkill when she could have just given it to us before we left. Odd ..."

Newsworthy groaned. "Fine." He hopped out the hammock and stretched his legs like a drowsy cat. He unwrapped his wings and gave them a quick preening. "Ugh. While you gather breakfast I have to take a quick fly. And don't try to stop me. A pegasus' home is the sky, and he gets homesick rather quickly."

He leapt into the air, climbing quickly to the treetops and circling lazily.