Raven Rawne

@Nightmare Season The earth pony adventurer triple checked every strap that held her little home in place, and only then did she kingly leave the hold and reach the cabin she and Peony shared. But almost immediately after unpacking and taking a look on the cabin, she vacated the premises to spend some time on the sun deck, as during their previous sea trip. They were looking at 3-4 days of sea travel on this steam ship, and even though weather was supposed to be good, there was always this random element, so far from civilisation and weather pegasi to keep an eye on things. Maybe that's why they had a few on board? Natural order spent as much time outside as she reasonably could during the trip. Mainly because she didn't like being indoors for too long. Although this time, she got lucky - there was another pony, who seemed to share he sentiment. Bright Skies was a journalist for some nature magazine Natural never heard of, and she had a habit of keeping a bulky camera on hoof but, hey hit off as aquaintances as soon as they deided to talk, rather than avoid each other on the sun deck. The other mare was on the Griffish Isles to write an article on local birds, and they both exchanged their observations and experiences on wandering in the wild all over Equestria. Maybe that was the reason this particular trip went so fast to her. As Natural and Peony were leaving the port to find a train to Canterlot, Bright stayed in Fillydelphia. Luckily, there was one in the evening, so they didn't have to buy a hotel room. They would reach Canterlot on Sunday, another three days later. Natural wasn't shure whether to feel good because they will be over with their pursuit, or sad because Peony was basically agreeing to marry that mad stallion. Truth be told, she leaned to the latter.

Hm, yes, I would most certainly agree that painting has a place in the Future as an example od fine art, along with sculpture. Some things can't be made digitally, and the appeal of a painting is that of it's uniqueness, that only one original exist, aside from the technique and art style, of course. As far as drawing traditionally is concerned, there seems to be a bias towards digital art both in professional firlds - oftentimes artists live across the globe from their clients, so if they like working digitally, they save lots of time compared to traditional. And in hobby art, requests and comissions also favour digital, sometimes unfairly so, like TBD mentioned. Peopleseem to think draditional artists draw like kindergarden kids, whereas digital art has a quality of it's own... I'd definately agree on the point that, while both are valid in art vvreation, traditional feels much more... tangible. Real even. I myself dabbled in vectors with Ponyscape and later on took a turn to pen and ink and, I myself felt the difference. Mostly by ink spots on my hands but, there's something satisfying in tracing a dip pen over the page, following the sketch to make it permament. When I vectored, I didn't feel any satisfaction until I was done and saw the end product. Only concentration and occasional frustration when things didn't go smoothly.

Quite frankly, after beating Spec Ops: the Line, my interest in FPS genre, especially set in the modern world where you play as the "good guys" shooting "spooky scary terrorists" or involve any illusion of heroism has dropped to zero. It just... draws you in with that illusion, then beats you in the head over and over, taunts you until you just want to beat it and be done with it forever. And then, when you've finally beaten it, the damn game laughs in your face and explains it's evil plan in a nasty deconstruction of the whole genre, followed by the inevitable conclusion. The only way to win this game is to stop playing. Since then, my outlook on games have been irreversibly changed, yet I still do play, just other genres.

Here's the thought: is traditional art - drawing, and painting, mostly - facing extinction or, at most, being a very, very niche hobby in favour of digitally produced art? Do a Google search on anything that can be drawn, anything really. Aside from clubbing baby seals maybe... So you get images, hopefully not photos but something made by a person. I bet it's moslty, if not all, digital art. Promo materials? Digital art. Posters? Digital art. Your favourite webcomic? You guessed it, digital! Anf, frankly, there are good reasons for it: - only "material costs", after purchasing the drawing tablet and software, is electricity. Once you pay off the equipment, making art costs as much a browsing cat memes, - it's convenient, meaning that you can warm up your hand and doodle for half an hour, close the program and do whatever else you have planned - no cleaning required. - if at first you don't succeed, click undo. Arguably the biggest advantage of digital, you can try out lots of ideas and if they don't work, you don't have to start over, just undo what you don't like and try something else. Same with correcting mistakes, you can drag and drop whle sections of your drawing, realign it on a different angle, resize even. No need to start over, - you get the right shade every tme. In color works, you don't need to play an alchemist, mixing colors for the right shade and pray to whatever higher power you chose it works. Save the color code and use it every time you need it, even a single drop. - less of a learning curve. Due to the above, and the layers provided by programs, you have many tools that make it much asier to produce the desired outcome, and the whole creative process looks different than that of a traditional artist. It's more... incremental. Making slight changes to see how it looks, trying different things on the go until you're safisfied. Whereas traditional, in comparison, sems to posess a number of inherent disadvantages: - you need to buy everything, frompencils to markers, brushes, paints, erasers, everything. And find space to store it too, - it's art time and you have that awesome idea! Just... gotta set up the supplies, where did I putthat marker I need so badly? Oh, it went dry, gotta go to the shop for a new one... Aaaaand I gotta clean up my working space and tools, lest I'll spend half of my salary on new ones. Traditional art has setup and cleanup time requirements, as well as material costs which aren't exactly trivial. - you are limited by your tools, the minimal and maximal line width they can produce, as well as the color palette of your markers/paints/crayons. If you need to mix colors, it's a bit of a roulette till you learn to ace the proportions. - if at first you don't succeed... We've all been there, the drawing is coming along nicely and then, you have an ink splatter and there's nothing to do about it. Another crumpled sheet of paper in the bin as you ready yourself to start over from the beginning. - it matters what you draw on. Not only does paper and canvas cost, and said costs rises with every wasted piece, but also, each has unique propoerties you need to keep in mind. Some papers have a tooth, some are smooth. Others can't take in too much moisture or they start to buckle. At some point, you may need several brands for different applications. - Digitizing. So, you've made your masterpiece and you're ready to show them, show them all mwa ha ha! Eeeexcept it's on a sheet of paper, and everything happens on the Internet. Ooops. So, you buy a scanner, and get some art program to fix whatever the scanner messed up, so your work looks just as good on the screen as it does in your hand. More costs, and another skill to learn, yaay, - and finally, the steep learning curve. Due to material costs, time requirements of your chosen medium, different art making process than digital (less trial and error and thinking on the page), and finally, the sheer amount of sub-skills required, it takes much more time and effort to produce art hat looks equally good compared to digital. Oh, and if you go to YT and look for art courses.... yep, most are made by digital artists and mostly useful for other digital artists. Now, it's not a hate thread, keep in mind. More like, a preamble to a discussion, whether traditional art is still "viable" after you graduate from primary school. I myself try to learn to work traditinally, so, I may be biased but, it seems that digital mediums, due to their cost effectiveness and skill effectiveness, are taking over the hobby and professional scenes, aside from art galleries and museums (a matter of time, probably) And, if that's true, then, does traditional have any future? Aside from niche audiences who like the old ways? Is there any point in going traditional, as a person who is about to make the big decision and start their art journey?

@Nightmare Season The mint mare's eye twitched as she heard the reply. This was getting better and better. "Of course... Now how are we supposed to reach Cantelot without them?! Swim across Celestia Ocean?! That's just grand!" - She kept ranting for a bit longer until Peony sarted to hush her, and only then did the hot headed pony realise she was making a scene. At least she looked important while she was at it. Natural Order bit her lip and muttered: "This better be a good one..." Suddenly quiet, but still furious, she followed her employer like an attack hound. As they waolked towards a luxurious hotel, Natural couldn't help but chip in a snarky comment: "That's your plan? And how do you want to pay for a minute of stay there, hmm?" Seeing her companion was undisturbed by that comment, the earth pony huffed and followed inside, looking like a bored brat.To her merit, she remembered how to act when being introduced, and politely nodded. "Nice to meet you sir." However, keeping up the act was... pretty tough as soon as she heard how eagerly that stallion allowed them to stay under pretense of lost luggage. If she tried to pull that out in even the cheapest tavern, she would be laughed at and kicked out. Still, it was something to start from, and she lugged what Peony "bought" in the earlier shop along to the suite they were supposed to stay in The elevator was... strange and somewhat unpleasant at first, but, beats the stairs, she figured. As the escort was busy with his own thoughts, she looked questioningly at Peony, but didn't ask a word, not wanting to let their act slip. Still, the intention was clear enough. They followed into what seemed like a little palace in it's own right. As Natural Order roamed around, appreciateing the decor, Peony talked to the bellhop. Only once she was asked about the meal, did the mint mare lok back at them. After a brief pause, she did recall one dish from the train that seemed fancy enough and actually edible, and she ordered that. Seeing that she was not needed at the moment, the mare went to inspect the rest of the suite, especially the bathroom. As soon as she was out of sight, she relaxed her posture and slapped her face to make sure she sees all that precious stuff right. Turns out, gems, gold and silk didn't disappear so, it must be true then.. Once the ywere alone, the mint adventurere got out of her gown and laid it aside, opting to stay comfortable instead. At first, she occupied herself with getting to know the layout and decor, musing aloud how to even describe it in her letter back home. Howeve, her mind didn't stay calm for long. Somewhere around... 4, if that clock even worked right, she started pacing around, and sitting in a chair, thinking, in turns, as she tried to think of a way to get their stuff back. Natural stayed awfully quiet until the meal, even though it didn't seem like seven to her. It seemed... later but, she was never really great with exact time. The doorbell rang and Peony excused herelf, leving her companion to grab the meal. With a long sigh, she walked towards the doors and opened them, donning up her act of upper class. thankfully the stallion didn't ask for anything and just offered the meal on a nice trolley. As he went out, Natural sat by the elegant table and waited for Peony. "I'll try to get the wagon back. Have to if we're to leave this island at all. It will be dangerous so, stay here till I come back. Or try to get home on your own from the morning, we both know it's not guaranteed success... I just hope thay're as dumb as they write." The mint mare mused as she ate, still at odds with whatthe clock was telling her. But,since it was still early, taking a shower second didn't seem like an issue. she even shrugged as Peony told her she's going downstairs to talk with the owner some. Maybe she was making a plan B already? Natural couldn't blame her, this whole thing was risky as a stroll across Hollow Shades at night. Still, a shower proved somewhat calming, brief as the effect would be anyway. After toweling and drying out as much as possible, the mare walked out of the bathroom, and decided to take a look from he balcony for a change. And try to make heads and tailsof where exactly she was in that maze of a city... The air was cool, not evening cool but, night cool.The streets seemed to be empty and there weren't as many lights on in the windows as she would expect. Still, the Docks, where are they? Peering out, Natural noticedthe sea, and followed the roofs with her eyes till she saw some large, bulky buildings and cranes - these must be the Docks! Good. Just as she was about o turn around, a snall detail took her attention. A clock tower, it said... "Oh no you didn't." - she cursed aloud as her head spun back and forth between the room clock and the clock tower. It was nearly midnight! And Peony was gone too! Natural Order stomped her hoof in anger as she ran into the suite, and then out, without picking anything on the way. There was no time to dress up or pick anything remotely useful, and all plans went to Tartarus. Her rapid hoosteps cannoned thorought the corridors and she even woke up the night guard with the noise, but she just ran past and into the open street. Navigating was tricky, especially in the dark, but, she somehow made it to the right place and as she ran, she saw a bunch of goons walking away from the dock, talking. Peony wasn't with them so she ducked for cover and had to wait it out till hey were gone. already tired, more from stress than running itself, natural stormed into the dock and saw... Peony, trying to make the old tusty wagon move. On any other dday, it would be funny to watch her try but, tonight, Natural ran towards her comapnion and made a couple circles around her, as if afraid to stop until she was sure nopony was around to knock her down. Panting, she threw the doors open and peered inside - stuff seemed intanct, and the crossbow rested proudly on it's wall mount. Only then, did she let out a long sigh and slumped her posture, then slowly walked back to Peony. "What did you even think back then? And how did you manage to get our stuff back in the first place?! They were after you!" The answer was... rather vague but, Natural decided she won't get any better anyway. So, she just strapped herself to the harness and rocked the wagon back and forth, before leaping forward to give it momentum like she usually did. "Now try and explain that wagon to mister Comfort... or why we left in the dead of night for that matter." They reached back to the stable, but, since it was basically shut forthe night, Natural just parked her wagon on the grounds and jotted a note it belonged to the mares from the royal suite,and it shoud not be disturbed. Saving up paper and charcoal to make impromptu ink has it's benefits, it seems. Sneaking pastthe sleeping guard was no issue whatsoever, and the duet finally reached their room. Natural set the clock back right and gave peony a disapproving look a she did so, before they finally decided to get some well deserved rest. Morning was somewhat hectic - for once, Natural didn't wake at sunrise, maybe from all the stress from pervious night. Soon afet eight, there was a ring totheir door and a bellhop asked for their breakfast wishes, as well as with some clothing as promised.Natural decided to wear a much simpler outfit from said selection, a chocolate brown dress with some rose motifs on it. Still, she wondered how to compromise style with the wagon's harness... There were some questions about that random wagon that came out of nowhere but, thankfully, Peony managed to make some plausible excuse for it and paid in full before they departed to get their transport back to mainand Equestria.Natural was glad to be off from the Griffish Isles but, at the same time, wondered how exactly did they get their stuff back so easily. For now, she had to brace for a long sea trip, and she had mixed feelings about it - being confined to it's hull, however roomy it may be, felt too limiting for her free roaming spirit.

@Nightmare Season @Dark Horse Natural looked at the blindfolded mare as she was clearly the one with the bits in this whole deal, and her instinct proved true, obviously, as she began speaking about the fine details of their deal. Already expecting some hard bargaining, the mint mare was speechless when her offer was met and raised, even. For a moment, she eyed them both suspiciously, but finally nodded an agreement. "O-kay... That's something new. I guess we have a deal then, I never intended to stay here too long anyway." As Peony suggested to grab the bits already, Natural couldn't really argue with her logic. That, and walking them off from here at least meant she woudn't get up so early only to see their names on the paper, under some murder article... She got up and waved at the bartender: "I;ll be back shorty, just walk these guys off to their ride." He didn't seem to bothered by the news, however. Some other patrons shifted in their seats but she shot a stern glare their way, and, seemingly, it helped in making their minds to stay put after all. That mare in a large hat was absent, although natural didn't see her leave. Strange but, nothing suspicious in a place like this. The air outside was chilly and tasted like smoke, with only occasional lights shining outside from small windows and such. Even the Moon was obscured by clouds. Not the best conditions for a stroll through lower canterlot but, still. The trio managed to reach the carriage and Natural couldn't help but snicker and shake her head as she saw the ostentatious display of wealth. She waited as the unicorn fished out the bits and handed then out, occasionally glancing around, habitually it seemed. As the blindfolded mare pointed out the obvious, Natural Order sudenly came back to the present. "Oh? Anh, right, sorry. I'll just... okay, feel free to let it go now, I'm holding the purse." She felt the weight of those coins rest on her hoof, and hid the small pouch from prying eyes. "So, see you both tomorrow morning. I advise you pack lightly, sjust the essentials. Also, get something sturdy to wear - not necessarily Guard plate but, you know, plenty of sharp edges in Everfree. I'll make as much space in my wagon as I can and we'll stock up in Ponyville to save time and cash." She looked at their now clients, and smiled reassuringly before leaving. "Don't worry, I'll be there. I may be at odds with the clock, but sunrise is good enough cue for me to head out. See you tmorrow then!" The mint mare waited until the piar embarked their carriage, and left to the more well off areas of the city. Turning around back to the inn, she smirked and shook her head. "This will be something to write back home... if I'll make it, that is."

@Nightmare Season @Dark Horse Natural was looking at her company through lidded eyes, forelegs crossed over her chest as she seemed to ponder over something. Her ears reacted to Saffron's voice however, so, she was listening after all. A slight grimace crossed her muzzle as the stallion tried to cover up his little slip of toungue, and she sighed. "Riiiiight.... Then let's hope the worst we get there is a fallen tree, or we'll be fond memories soon enough." She looked at the atlas once more, and closed it before sliding it back to Saffron."Here's my offer. 400 bits, 50 upfront for supplies and provisions. I won't risk scavenging in there for food and neither should you. I know it sounds like much, but it's Everfree, and, no offence but, you won't be much help if things go bad." She galnced at the silent mare across the table and adressed her. "Miss, like I'vesaid, I have a small wagon you could stay in for the trip, once I unload some crates and such to make more room inside... There's no use trying to sell the so, I guess I'l just try and barter them here in the inn or something... Still, that leaves with getting two cots for you, some food and maybe extra rope and such. I''ve got the rest of what I need with me anyway." She looked out the window as if expecting to see something through the dirty glass but, shook her head and got back to the conversation at hoof. "If that's fine by you, we can meet tomorow morning at the station to grab the first train to Ponyville. I would be there by... eight, I guess? Sometime after sunrise anyway." The mint mare looked at both the ponies by the table in turn, and pondered aloud: "Let's just hope this won't be my last trip... So, do we have a deal?"

@Nightmare Season The mint mare eyed her companion curiously as she was making her mind, with an occassional glance away at the passerby. However, the way she cheerfully trotted towards Celestia knew where seemed... suspicuous to the earth pony. She grumbled under her breath as she rocked he wagon back and forth before louging it forward. "I don't like it..." urns out, her sentiment only grew in intensity as they walked deeper into the densely populated streets, the accusing posters seemingly staring out of every flat surface that could hold them. Natural Order couldn't help but feel anxious, and not just because of her usual dislike for cities. One stupid pony and everything could go to tartarus right here, right now. Luckily, whoever guided her fate, didn't plan to put such events on her path just yet - instead, Peony led the way to a very elaborately decorated dress shop. A dress shop, of all things! Still natural conceded that she shouldn't stay outside, or let Peony out of her eye for that matter so, after neatly parking her wagon and hoping it wil still be there when they come out, she sighed audibly and went inside... The duo of mares, apparetnly wirking there, gallopping towards them and calling her employer by name was, unexpected, and alarming to say the least - Natural almost bolted out on the street, but bumped on the closing doors instead. She looked around, frantically, as the scene unfolded. Only once Peony clarified their situation, and the strangers seemed to accept her words, did she relax a little and stand straight like a grown up pony she supposedly was. "I uhh, sorry, these posters keep me on edge. Nice to mee you, both of you." Since, apparetly, Peony excused herself to browse the new collection, and the clerks didn't follow her, the mint mare was faced wit hthe talk of keeping them company, it seemed. Although nodding and ocasionally interjecting seemed enough to keep the ball rolling, these two could talk old Boarmane's ears off, and he was the most talkative pony Natural knew! But the worst was yet to come for the poor guide - as Peony asked in that innocent tone for a "wardrobe upgrade" of her companion, Natural tried to taks her way out of it in any way she knew but, to no avail. As the mares started their work, she knew it was a lost cause. and by the look of the place, losing even one button on these dresses would cost her everything she had with her, or close to ir anyway. So, without any real choice, she had to submit to the onslaught of fashion. Once she was let out of the changing room, wearing her yearly pay's worth of clothing on her back, the mare mustered an awkward smile of appreciation. Hearing how casual the clerks dismissed any payment for this haul probably made her look really shocked, though. Natural Order went outside the shop feeling light headed and acutely aware of every seam in her outfit, moving deliberately as if afraid to leave even folding marks on it. She simply nodded at Peony's advice, not really sure how to pull that stunt off, when she stood still, frozen, staring into blank space of the street. Gone. As her brain finally started working again, the mare slowly looked around, not making a sound as her pupils loked like pins from the sheer shock. Gone! "I.. I... but..." - she stuttered, still too shocked and confused to process what she was seeing. or more importantly, what she wasn't seeing. the wagon, it was nowhere to be seen! A few nudges seemed to catch her attention at last, and Natural noticed that her companion was holding a note in front of her. Some cheap paper, with a tear on top were it was pinned to something. It said, in barely legible Equestrian, with some bad grammar: "We have yer stuff. Come to the Dock 6 at midnight ta get it back. Bring th' other one." That finally broke the shackles on her mind. Exhaling the air she didn't know she was holdin all that time, Natural looked at Peony, and she looked positively pissed off."I walked entire Equestria up and down pulling that thing, repaired it more times that I can count to, And that crossbow was a gift from my mother, if you can believe that." She took a deep breath, trying to calm down even a tiniest bit but it didn't help. She continued, staring like a basilisk. "...But I gave my word, and I won't risk your safety. I just..." - her voice trailed off, and she wiped a tear, finally not caring about her outfit as much - "I just wanted you to know, I will miss them so damn much. Come, these idiots are probably looking..." She led the way, even though she haven't had a faintest clue where to go. The ponies gave them lots of breathing space as they walked, seemingly two upper class stuck ups, one looking like she broke her favourite quill while writing a love poem and blaming the entire world for it, Natural Order glanced at Peony and asked, as calm as she could: "Do you have the tickets with you? Or any bits? We still need to spend the night somewhere, and hopefully reach Canterlot on what we have left. Grr, Celestia hold me or I'll just go there and drown them in that dock, no matter how many!"

Wow just, wow. I mean, I've see some really amazing pen and ik art, and I myself slowly learn this technique, but, the sheer level of detail! I can make a pretty good guess how yoy did most of the effects but, still, the amount of work put into it must've been insane. Also, what;s the sheet size? A3, A2? Because there's no way - at least as far as I can tell, working with dip pens - that you could possibly make fine enough lines to make it on A4. Again, congratulations on that one, I am truly impressed.

@Nightmare Season The trip back to Trottiingham was, thankfully, uneventful. They met a few ponies but they didn't seem too preoccupied with two travellers from outside the Isles. And the second night in the burned inn was... rathr nice, to be frank. At least from Natural's perspective, knowing that the inevitable return to civilisation was rapidly approaching. It was late afternoon, when the two mares reached the outskirts of Trottingham.There, she saw a notice board, and amongst a palette of posters and notices, there it was, the looming threat to both of them. After a quick glance around, Natural unhooked herself from the harness and walked to the board, then unceremoniously tore the offending poster down, stomped it for good measure, and tossed to the trash can. Once her blessed work was done, the mare huffed and walked back to her little home to resume the trip. She didn't answer to Peony's reassurance. Thankfully, this time, she didn't have to lead through the confusing labyrynth of streets and alleys, since Peony seemed much more aquainted with navigating such environments. Still, the mint mare couldn't help but feet tense, amongst all these ponies, knowing they could be recognised any moment. Only once they came into the Pegasus Post office did she loosen up some, seeing it was mostly empty. As she waited for Peony to pen her letters, she decided to jot a quick note herself, and send back home. Her last letter was sent from Canterlot, and her parents surely would appreciate an update. Especially if something bad happens... A few coins from her iron reserve sent the letter, but it will take a while before it reaches Tall Tale. Natural was too stubborn to ask for money for her private matters. Only after they left the office, did she rejoin her employer, but didn't really know whether it was okay to ask what she wrote. But surely, it wasn't anything nice, guessing from Peony's somber mood. The next stop were the docks where the unicorn bought them ship tickets, and suddenly, they had the whole evening of free time. As they vacated the docks towards... no real destination, peony asked Natural about the evening plans. She thought for a moment, but then shook her head with a frown. "I'm afraid we need to lay low till we get you back to Canterlot. I mean, we got lucky, so far. Maybe ponies don't read notice boards or something but, I don't want to risk any more than necessary. Last think I need is some dumbflank tryong to get rich by rescuing you... How about some proper hotel for a change? I am sure you'd appreciate a proper bed for once and, yeah, I like to have running water from time to time, hehe. That ship cruise will take a while too, and, don't get me wrong, but preserved food is not exactly my favourite." They came to a forking crossroad, and Natural looked curiously at her companion. "So, left or right? I have no idea either way."

@Dark Horse @Nightmare Season The earth pony sat in her chair, leaned back and listened to the outrageous tale the stallion was spinning up. She stayed silent, opting to let him tell it all at once without interruptions. As he offered the atlas and opened it on the relevant entry, Natural Order leaned forward to read it thoroughtly. Only once the rich mare, Peony, spoke up about some other flower of hers, dd dhe look up with a raised eyebrow. "...Say what? I mean, I've seem a fair share of strange stuff but, you have a talking flower or something? Wow." She took a sip from her mug, and decided that whatever passed as ale here surely didn't even lay next to the real stuff. "Anyway, since you're here to talk business, not for general advice. I.. occasionally venture into Everfree, but only if the pay is high and the risk is... relatively low. Let me think..." She placed a hoof on the part of the atlas entry which concentrated on the flower's wherabouts, and started musing aloud. "Hmm, a train to Ponyville, hopefully that pink menance will be away... I can buy supplies there to cut costs and they have a nice inn to spend the night it. Then, straight to the Forest at sunrise. I'll need to check my map to make sure we can make it to the ruins in ocne day, never been tere to be honest, but I've heard from Ponyville gossips that the Elements went there, so it shouldn't be so bad." Finally looking up at her present company, the mint mare rana hoof over her mane and said confidently: "We're looking at 2-3 day trip, unless something decides to eat us. Um, Saffron? Have you ever stabbed anything? 'Cause we can keep your companion asafe in my wagon while we travel, but I want to know if I can count on you if anything comes out of the dark"

@Nightmare Season She woke up with a stir. Natural Order took a sharp breath and jolted upright, suddenly wide awake and looking around, as if surprised to be here. She saw the blanket that she tossed off off herself, and the empty cot where she last saw Peony. Some of her things seemed to be missing too, or shifted from the last time she laid eyes on them at least. With a growing tingle of uneasiness, the mint mare peeked outside the windows to try and see whether it was safe to open the doors. There seemed to be some... movement in the water nearby, and she could hear the splashes, but other than that, nothing else. Still not settled on what is going on, the earth pony slowly poked her head through the door and looked for hoofsteps on the ground. Just one trail, outside from her own hoofboots from yesterday. Good. A quick stretch of her back, followed by smoothing out her jacket, and Natural followed the trail as the knot in her stomach loosened up. There she was, bathing like it's nopony's business. "Morning to you aswell." - she waved and shrugged. "Truth be told, I would probably do the same in your stead so, can't blame you now can I? Now, if your last time is any clue, I guess I should make some breakfast. We're still not dne around here, after all..." Natural made herself scarce in order to make somethign to eat. Maybe it was a moment of carelessnes, or she just wanted to have something warm, but she lit the tiny stove, despite of the smoke trail that it would likely produce. Twigs and fallen branches from surrounding trees and bushes fserved as fuel this time, and the lake water seemed fresh enough to drink, after boiling up that is. The mare still had some problems with adjusting to her new hair length, trying to smooth the nonexistent ponytail and such, and it probably showed, since Peony brought it up once she ate. Well, loss of 4/5 mane length was rather hard not to miss actually. Natural looked up, as if on her mane, and shrugged, but she wan't a good actor in pretending she didn't care that much. "Well, afer you fell asleep, I knew there was no way to talk us out of trouble if somepony recognised me. So, since the portrait was.... hardly the most accurate, I decided to try and look different. The mane was the easiest to change, and the clothes don't look suspicious either, since it's colder than in Equestria proper, right? It seemed like a good idea." She was rather taken aback by the offer to fix her self induced bad mane day, and tried to downplay it. "Hey, it's not that easy with just hooves, am I right? Besides, it's not that bad, and the mane will grow back anyway so, don't bother yourself. No really, it's fine as it is! Ugggh, okay, have it your way, I guess..." She sat like on a boring lectire while Peony did her thing on her mane, bt, truth be told, she liked the end result. With a genuine smile, she said her thanks. Now her sights were set on the mist covered island again. Why it was still obscured? Normally the fog would dissipate by now... "Um, back to the uhh, goal of our trip here, we'll need a boat of sorts to get there. Now, I saw a house by the lake when I was looing for a spot to camp, so, we may try our luck there, I guess-" She didn't finish the sentence as her ears perked up and the mare tensed like a hare found in the carrot field, reeady to do... something. There was somepony coming towards them from behind Peony. However, instead of a thug hired by a certain stallion, she saw... an elderly mare. Was she the land owner, here to tell them to sod off from her land? Peony speaked up first, and Natural decided to keep quiet and just observe the conversation. She didn't like it how Peony mentioned that she was after five flowers, but, Natural probably wouldn't make up any smarter cover up story either. At lest she didn't spill it all up, eh? Looking up at the strange fog, Natural Order pouted. Their quarry would evade them this time, and the whole ordeal woll get that much longer. "Well obviosuly we can't use the one we have now... I'll get our stuff ready for the road, no point staying here any longer." She looked rather dissatisfied by this particular piece of news, but what do? The important question now was, how to get off the Isles without getting caught. Canterlot ws their next stop, as apparently Peony's bit purse had a bottom afer all. That, and she mentioned something about getting Richly off their tails? Natural didn't want to ask for specifics of her plan, to be honest. Not knowing the first thing about the surrounding area, and reluctant to ask the elderly mare for directions, Natural Order decided to backtrack her own hoofsteps all the way to Trottingham. She figured that it proved their best chance of getting off the Isles, since she didn't recall any large towns by the coast that could be a port for oceangoing vessels. Now their best option seemed like a ship to Fillydelphia, and train to Canterlot. If only they didn't have to watch htheir backs because of those damned posters...

@Nightmare Season The mint mare smirked humorlessly as her offer to kick the sallion repeatedly was rebutted as useless. Peony could be right with this one, actually... Natural accepted the rolled poster and took a look at it, leaning forward so that the fire would shine on it. Squinting her eyes, she read as her expression gre increasingly grim, but said nothing till Peony tried to stand up and said her goodnight. That, at least, torn her away from the riveting read. "Uh huh, try and get some sleep, any at all. You can also stay inside tomorrow if you want, I can pull this thing loaded to the roof anyway." As her sleepwalking employer waddled towards the wagon, the earth pony looked back at the poster in her hooves, and cussed under her breath. Why she took this job in the first place? Bits, of course, but was it really worth it? Not only does she have to run across Equestria like it's a race, now she was publicly accused of something she haven't done, on every Notice Board from Vanhoover to Griffonstone! And they made her portrait look like a caricature, to add insult to injury. With an angry snort, she put away the damned paper and proceeded to clean up after the meal. Seeing that Peony left most of it rubbed her frugal self the wrong way but, she could be pardoned in her current state, right? The mare will simply leave it for the mice to eat - she was a few scurrying about the ruin. However, before she could proceed with her plan, the familliar, and unwelcomed voice invaded her skull, again. "Ugh, try to be gentle- oh buck." - Natural Order winced at the voice in her head and needed a moment to process what she just "heard", then rushed straight to the wagon, nearly barging in with the doors. Her haste was for no good however, as Peony thumped like a sack of first class canterlot grain on the wooden floor. The magic aura surrounding the flower they picked up from Griffinstone was gone, so she didn't need a detective to guess what happenned. Glancing at the Flower, she shook her head and simply said: "I would probably do the same in her stead, you know." With a sigh, the earth pony tuckered the unicorn into her bed roll, and left the wagon, closing the doors shut. She walked back to the fireplace, and cleaned up the plates. Still, she couldn't help but glance at the offending poster. As the fire slowly died out, and even bats stopped chirping overhead, Natural Order was sitting alone, staring at the wanted poster and thinking. At some point, she nodded to herself and stood up, then proceeded to her wagon with decisive steps. She took out a knife and a pair of larfe scissors, and, by the dwinding light, committed a makeover on her mane and tail, namely by cutting them short. Now she had one hoof long mane, loosely formed into a fringe of sorts, and an elbow length tail. Looking back at the poster, she didn't really look like the pony portrayed on it. with a somewhat satisfied smirk, she tossed it into the fire and went to sleep. Truth be told, nightmare ridden Peony was poor company for a good night's sleep, and Naural woke up several times, but at least she could light the stove inside the wagon to heat it up a bit, since the Isles really were cold at night. That, and she had time to assemble her outfit for tommorrow, in hope of throwing the bit hungry ponies off mark. As the Sun rose, the mint mare decided she on't manage to get any more shleep, and started her morning routine. She ate quick breakfast and put on a pair of trousers and a jacket, both in shades of brown, along with a set of black hoof boots and her usual hat. She sometimes wore this getup on cold days so, it seemed to her like she would look normal in this chilly place. The ponies she saw yesterday looked more or less alike. Just a bit of water for both flowers and she was off, kicking dust off the road she was suppossed to follow. Figuring that Peony won't wake up till evening at least, it meant she could try and reach the lake before night fall. That was the plan, at least. A few hours in, she met first ponies. Some farmponies going to their field. A short welcome to each other and she went past them. Thankfully they didn't seem like a talkative bunch. Unfortunately, somewhere before noon, when she was having a short break on the side of the road, she saw a pony in the distance, trotting the same way she was headed to. It was common to band together on the road, and Natural started to think of a way to avoid just that. Peony was quiet inside at the moment, but Celestia only knew when the next nightmare fuelled concert would start... Thankfully, the stallion seemed to be in a hurry and once Natural started slogging to get going, he bid her farewell and trotted off. He did look at her suspiciosuly though, but it was to be expected, really - a stranger with a mainland Equestrian accent, sporting a mean looking crossbow on her wagon, she must look like a poacher or something. Thankfully, here were only a few short encounters further along the road, and Natural once asked for the best way to the lake when she figured the old mare she met would be too oblivious to think it's odd. By late afternoon, Natural Order was tired and ense from hurrying up and anxiety, but she made it to the lake. It was surrounded by marshes from the side she apprached it, but there was a dry road that led to the water. It led to a house by the lake, and the mare decided to try and avoid it, by taking a turn into a muddy path that seemed to lead around the lake. She decided to stop once it was starting to get dark and she saw a patch of trees that would hide her wagon nicely. The shimmering waters were just a stone throw away, and the island she was headed to was covered in evening mist. There would be no fire tonight, just the stove inside the wagon once the Sun sets, in order to conceal her presence. The mare sat uneasily in her little home, munching on her dinner and glancing at the sleeping unicorn. trying to figure out when she will finally wake up.