Chapter Seventeen

> Finally, after weeks of hiking and walking, you reached the edge of the forest
> The trees slowly grew smaller and thinned out as you neared the edge
> Before you stretched an endless expanse of short golden grass and rolling hills, the northern steppe
> At the edge of the horizon, you could just make your destination. You could see the mountains of Gryphonia, just a thin jagged line on the horizon.
> You stopped under the last tree, finding it difficult to take another step
> You look back behind you at the thick forest
> That was your element, it had been your haven for a long time now.
> Out here, in the open with the vast sky above you, you felt… exposed, vulnerable.
> The gravity of your situation came rushing back. If you were spotted out here, there was nowhere to hide, nowhere to run.
> Gild notices you’ve stopped and turns back toward you
> “You ok, anon?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just…”
> “Don’t worry Anon, I’ve got your back.” Gilda reassures you, sensing your apprehension
“Thanks, G.”
> You step out into the prairie, feeling more confident.  If something did happen, you knew you wouldn’t be facing it alone
> Something had grown between you and Gilda over these past few weeks. You both shared a feeling of comradery, you watched her back and she watched yours.
> You still competed, taunted and tried to outdo each other, but you were a team. You respected one another as rivals and equals.
> You wouldn’t rather have anyone else at your side.

> You trudge on through the endless sea of grass, devoid of even the tiniest landmark
> You didn’t head directly north. You zigzagged and cut across the landscape, jumping from one watering hole to the next.
> Water was scarce out here, and without a something to hold it in, you were bound by local sources
> Still, you were making progress with a simple system.
> Gilda would fly up into the air, using her keen eyesight to locate the next patch of water and plot a course north.
> Even so, there were many times you went nearly all day without a drink. This is one of those times.
> So it was with great relief that you spotted Gilda returning from her search
> She slowed her descent with a few flaps of her wings, landing softly in front of you with a pleased grin.
“So,” You ask, “Did you find the next watering hole?”
> “Yeah, it’s about a mile northwest of here.” She answers, “But I found something even better just beyond that.”
“Really? What is it? A river? A fountain of booze? Soap?”
> Gilda snickers at that last one, “Yeah I wish. But no, it’s a surprise.”
“All right fine, be all mysterious. Let’s just go, I’m thirsty as hell.”
> After about fifteen minutes of walking, you arrive at the watering hole Gilda spotted earlier
> It would hardly even qualify as a pond. It was more of a large puddle, only a few inches deep and surrounded by reeds.
> Still, water was water. You eagerly kneel down at the edge, gulping down the refreshing liquid.
> After a few moments rest, you resume your trek across the steppe

> Gilda led you forward towards whatever she had found while scouting earlier
> She stopped at the crest of a small hill, gesturing you forward
> As you reach the top of the hill, you’re astounded at the sight before you
> Below you lies hundreds of tents of various sizes and shapes, filling a large depression in the prairie.
> Countless figures milled between the tents. Many were unrecognizable to you, but you did make a majority of the forms.
> p0nies. There were p0nies down there
> You quickly dive to the ground, trying to hide yourself in the long grass.
“What were you thinking Gilda?” You hiss, “There are p0nies down there! Did you forget I was sentenced to death?”
> “Relax dweeb, It’s fine. That’s the Equestrian black market down there”
“Equestria has a black market?” you ask, incredulous
> “Sure, why not?” she shrugs, “Don’t worry, there’s no royal guards down there.”
“They’re still p0nies.” You reason, “What makes you think they’ll be any more receptive?”
> “Because there aren’t just p0nies down there. There’re griffons, zebras, diamond dogs, and a whole bunch of other species as well. Any p0nies down there have no problem with what you or I eat.”
“How do you know so much about this?” you inquire, cautiously rising your feet
> “I’ve been there a few times.” She explains, “Well, not there exactly, the market moves every couple of weeks to avoid getting caught, it’s like a big caravan.”
> “Besides,” she continues, “We can get some supplies down there, not to mention a decent meal and an actual bed to sleep on.”
> You still didn’t like the idea of strolling into plain view after spending so much time hiding, but the prospect of a good night’s rest and a proper meal was too good to pass up.
“Alright,” you concede, “Let’s go check it out.”

> This entire place was like one giant bazaar. Merchants peddled goods of questionable origin to the throngs of p0nies bustling through the makeshift streets between the massive tents.
> Gilda was right about there being more than just p0nies here. You’ve already passed a few other griffons, along with zebras, donkeys, and some sort of bipedal dogs.
> Some of them gave you an odd look, but most passed by without a reaction. After spending so long in near solitude, it was nice change of pace to be lost into the crowd.
> “Alright,” Gilda said, reaching into her saddlebags and pulling out a small cloth pouch, “Here’s half of the cash Bluey had on him, see what supplies you can get.”
> She emptied a small pile of golden coins onto her talon, handing them to you.
“Where are you going?” you ask, pocketing the bits.
> “I’m heading over to the Griffon quarter.” She answered, gesturing toward the west side of the compound, “I’m going to see if we can get a place to stay the night.”
“Alright, I’ll meet you there when I’m done.”
> As the two of you head your separate ways, you can’t help but feel a little concerned for Gilda’s safety.
> Wait, what were you thinking? You were the wanted man in a crowded market of outlaws, shouldn’t you be more focused on your own safety?
> Besides, Gilda’s a strong girl, she can handle herself. You’re sure she’ll be just fine.
> “PINCH MY FLANK AGAIN AND I’LL FLAY YOU ALIVE!”
> Yeah, she’ll be just fine.