[IC] MLP {Raddum and NozomiCrimson}

[NozomiCrimson]

Midnight was making her way back to the Everfree forest from Ponyville after buying some supplies for what she would need for a good while. She wouldn't have to travel back into town just to have everypony run away and hide from her. She sighed and found herself gazing up at the near-night sky, the stars and the moon coming into view as the sun retreated below the horizon. Her wings were tucked neatly under her cape, practically hiding them against herself.

[Todd Howard]

Sitting on the side one of the dirt trails leading around the many areas of Ponyville, Granyl was unpacking his saddlebag in order to get and get somewhat comfortable for the night that was approaching. The Zebra didn't have hardly a bit to his name, and generally had to camp out instead of finding actual lodgings. He had a smile on his face, feeling more at home outside. It was rather quiet, too. Much more peaceful than somewhere in the middle of town. The ponies around the town of Ponyville could be quite the rowdy bunch, but the ponies were welcoming, and friendly. He admired the general kindness of the town and it's inhabitants.

Pulling his flute out of his bag, he held it up to his muzzle with the help of his forelegs, and calmed himself as he played a slow, tranquil medley that could be heard throughout the area. It helped him relax when he played his flute, and usually other ponies enjoyed it as well. Of course, occasionally ponies had a different taste in music, but that was perfectly fine. Preferences weren't a bad thing, likes and dislikes were very important things to note in life. That way ponies could understand each-other just a little more.

He drifted off as he played, not really paying attention to his surroundings. His eyes slowly closed, as he focused on his song. His braids flowing along in the wind as occasional small breezes brushed by, almost seeming to slowly dance along to the sound of his flute.

[NozomiCrimson]

The mare was thinking calmly to herself when her sharp ears perked up at the sound of a distant flute tune, twitching here and there trying to indicate the source. She brought a hoof to her cowl and, after glancing around her, pulled it down from her mouth and nose. She turned towards the sound and followed it, finding herself humming along with it as she looked for the source. However, when she found the source of the music she knew she probably shouldn't get too close, unsure how the pony would react if he or she noticed her.

[Todd Howard]

Granyl continued playing for only a minute or so, before ending the song on a low note, drawn-out and somewhat sadder than the rest. He lowered his flute, placing it in front of him in the grass before taking a moment of silence, his head lowered as he prayed. "Shamans, guide my hooves down a path of harmony... Aid in assuring I remain on the correct path, and guide my spirit once my eternal path opens..." He slowly opened his eyes, looking up at the sky momentarily, before looking forward and noticing a Pony that seemed to have been listening from a fair distance away. He was always glad to see somepony interested in his music, and couldn't help but keep a small smile on his face. He nodded in her direction, noticing how dark the pony was; like the darkness of pure night. It would've made her hard to see, if she hadn't been wearing her current attire.

After taking notice of her presence, he simply went back to what he was doing, assuming she'd be on her way giving he was done. Most ponies were. They listened, then left. Didn't really ever get to know Granyl himself. He simply sighed, pushing his saddlebag to the side to make room as he figured soon enough he'd be preparing a small area to drift away into slumber.

[NozomiCrimson]

Midnight sighed softly and figured she would make an attempt at approaching the pony. This might as well have been the determining factor on whether or not her opinion of all ponies will change. She debated on whether or not to place the cowl back over her nose but decided against it, that would only make her all the more mysterious. As she approached she swallowed and before getting too close she stopped and cleared her throat. When she spoke it was rather quiet and somewhat rasped, as if she had maybe recently lost her voice.
"E-Excuse me..."

[Todd Howard]

"Mhm?" Granyl turned his head, eyeing the pony that had approached him. He observed her for a moment, simply out of curiosity. She appeared to be an Earth Pony, at least from what he could tell. He noticed a few odd markings along her neck, eyeing them for a moment before moving his thoughts onto another topic. Though the condition of her voice was somewhat concerning, he figured it'd be for the best to not ask about it. "Is there something I can assist you with?"

[NozomiCrimson]

For a moment, she seemed to stand a blink at him, astounded at the fact that he looked at her and didn't seem the slightest bit afraid or cautious of her. She shook her head at the question and attempted a small smile that didn't seem like much at all.
"N-no. I just wanted to tell you, that song you were playing on your flute was nice." In the middle of her sentence she had paused to clear her throat again.
After saying what she wanted to she took a step back, a bit uncomfortable and awkward around ponies.

[Todd Howard]

"I see." Granyl said as he slowly stood, happy with what he was hearing. "Your kind words are appreciated. The song is one I learned from my tribe when I still lived alongside them, it's a song of respect played to our elders and superiors." He explained, hoping the elders of his tribe smiled upon him still. He'd played the song more times than he could care to count, and was glad to see his work wasn't going to waste. Simply glancing down at her with his smile, he wondered why she was out and about at this hour. It was, of course, none of his business, so he avoided poking around with questions.

[NozomiCrimson]

She nodded a little to him and then blinked when she noticed his things on the ground, "Y-You don't plan on sleeping out here, do you...?"
For the time she had been standing there she hadn't once looked him in the eyes and tried to keep her gaze away from him. She was rather nervous about ponies looking at her oddly slit-shaped pupils for too long but she tried to at least take glances at him so it didn't seem like she was being rude to the stallion.

[Todd Howard]

"Well..." Looking at his bag momentarily, he answered; "I lack the bits to afford a room at the local Inn, so camping out is about as good as my situation can get." He had no issue admitting he was poor; he didn't exactly have work to do aside from playing his music, though he planned on finding some before taking his leave to the next town, as it was possible he could end up sick once the weather started getting cold. "It's no issue. It's quiet, and the weather's decent. It can get a bit uncomfortable though."

[NozomiCrimson]

She nodded, "Well, if you wanted, I could let you stay at my place for a while if you would like..." Her chest felt heavy with anxiety and she swirled her hoof a little at the ground beneath her. She never had anypony at her place and she didn't even know if he would want to once finding out it was deep in the Everfree forest. Through her thoughts she heard a couple of howls from the forest behind her a ways and she turned to glance at it. She furrowed her eyes a little. Timberwolves...Are they out and about already..?

[Todd Howard]

Surprised by the offer, Granyl's eyes were a bit more open. "I... Suppose it would be nice to sleep indoors." He thought about it. Honestly, this was somewhat sudden, but he figured she was just kind. The howls of the Timberwolves sped up his decision. "I'll accept your offer. Though only for the night, as I plan on securing my funds for future travels starting tomorrow. I promise to not be a burden."

Packing up that of which he had ended up taking out of his saddlebag, he slung it over his back before turning back to the mare. A sudden realization nearly made him facehoof. "I seemed to have forgotten to introduce myself, how rude of me." He lifted up one leg, putting it across his chest as he bowed his head down. "Most call me Granyl. It's a pleasure to meet you, miss...?"

[NozomiCrimson]

She nodded and managed to muster a somewhat bigger smile, "You shouldn't be any trouble." She blinked and dipped her head to him.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Granyl. I'm Midnight Harmony, though you can call me either one."
She figured the feeling she felt was either genuine happiness, or just happiness at the thought that this pony hadn't turned her away or ran away from her upon seeing her. She did blink and the smile disappeared from her face; she had forgotten one important thing she needed to tell him, "I hope you won't be upset with me for waiting to tell you this but...my home is in the Everfree forest... I hope that isn't too much of an inconvenience..." Her gaze fell to the side and towards the Everfree.

[Todd Howard]

Granyl raised his head, standing firm as she spoke. The mentioning of the Everfree Forest was rather sudden, and it didn't sound like the safest trip to make after the sun went down. It was more concerning for him if he didn't go; as that'd mean he was leaving the mare alone to possibly get attacked. The thought was unpleasant, and he wasn't going to let it become reality. "I've heard of how mysterious, and dangerous, the Everfree Forest can be... This will be a good chance to see the area for myself." He was curious, to say the least. He'd be able to rest once the venture was over, as well.

"Besides, those howls didn't sound good, either. It'll be much safer to travel with somepony else, rather than alone."

[NozomiCrimson]

She gave a small nod in thanks, her voice a bit tired. She cleared her throat again, "Shall we?" She turned and started walking for the Forest, turning to both sides of her saddlebag and tightly securing them. Having attempted to face the Timberwolves before, she knew that if her things fell out of her bag it wouldn't be the best thing that could happen.

[Todd Howard]

Following at a steady pace, Granyl kept a strait expression, eyeing the area as they trotted along. He hadn't expected to head into the Everfree Forest, but he was certain it was the right thing to do. The Shamans always guide me down the correct path... His thoughts were interrupted by the sight of the forest ahead; it was honesty kind of menacing. "Well, it's certainly an unnerving sight at night..." He commented, though not exactly scared, he noted the possible fear factor ponies could get from it.

[NozomiCrimson]

Midnight giggled inwardly and nodded to him, "Yes, it can be very menacing. You do get used to it, though..."
Her head whipped around to the forest as another howl pierced the night sky. Her ears seemed to fold back just a little.

I wonder why they're so active all of a sudden, I haven't heard them like this in a while...

[Todd Howard]

Though the howl was concerning, Granyl focused on Midnight's words. "I suppose..." He replied, though he was skeptical about it.
"How long did it take for you to get used to it?" He asked curiously, looking ahead. Hopefully the trip wouldn't involve whatever made those howling noises, as they were no-doubt trouble waiting to happen. Heh... Perhaps they'll keep waiting. That'd be convenient.

[NozomiCrimson]

"Uh, well...quite a while... Sometimes I figured they wouldn't show any interest in me or I could hide in the shadows and wait for it all to pass by. But maybe I lied, it is always rather unnerving to get used to howls from those things... They don't like to mess around... Please be careful, I'd feel bad if you got hurt because of the location of my house." She turned her head and gave him a smile, nervousness flashed in her eyes a moment as she did.

[Todd Howard]

"Don't worry, I can fend for myself, and I'll be careful." He said, trying to assure her he'd be fine. He was hoping that was true, as making somepony feel bad for other's decisions was not something he enjoyed doing. He hoped to avoid injury for other reasons that were obvious. Slowly, he looked around. It was quiet. He was happy about that. He glanced at Midnight, returning her smile. He usually didn't have company to just speak to; he felt this was going to be a pleasant experience. He didn't exactly know how she felt about it, but figured that wasn't for him to know. His eyes occasionally shifted around, both to examine the area, and keep an eye out for any possible problems. It was times like this he'd love to play a song to calm his nerves, but he knew it'd be a bad idea. Maybe once they got to a safer location.