Chasing the North (Private)

[HighSpeedChase]

RP Order: HighSpeedChase, Rusty, Rapid Quill, Performance Major, twidashpie


    The morning sky was starting to brighten up. The sun was still moving slowly into the sky, the night and stars vanishing out of sight. One or two morning pegasi were moving a couple clouds to block the sun's light from blinding the tired ponies below. A light wind brushed against any solid thing out there. The wind wasn't warm, but a little chilly. Every time the wind brushed against Gail, for an example, the poor griffon would get goosebumps scattered all over her furry body. It was barely 6:00am in the morning, and it seemed everypony was tuckered out. Dark bags laid underneath everypony's eyes, droopy smiles plastered on their faces when the early morning train finally came through. It was only a few minutes late, which wasn't half bad. A loud horn blew on the individual's faces, hopefully waking them all up. 

   Gail heard the horn from a mile away. She was busting her griffon tail over to the train as fast as she could. Of course she could be there in a jiffy, if she tried hard enough. Gail was known for being one of the fastest griffons around, on the ground or in the sky. She was just so tired from the lack of sleep, yet she was so excited to go to a place she's never been before. Only a small group of ponies were going to be with her, which made her relax at the thought of not being alone. What if she got lost? What if she got hurt? What if she lost all her items to survive? She just wanted someone to be by her side. 

   Anywho, why was she late? Because she decided to go to bed a mere two hours before the train was supposed to come. She was the brightest bird that night, or shall I say early morning, apparently. She wanted to go to bed earlier than that, but she couldn't go to sleep. Her adrenaline was pumping through all her feathers and fur. She was way too excited to hop into her new adventure. Her tail would twitch in anticipation. She didn't think could be so pumped for hiking up a untouched mountain. What got her the most was that the weather conditions were going to be harsh. A snow storm was supposed to hit the mountain by the time the group got there. She didn't know how hard though, there could be a few splotches of snow on the ground, or a few feet. She didn't know for sure. 
    
    Gail was carrying a large dirty brown backpack on her back, holding the most important things. The griffon had a large, thick blue blanket, a water bottle, a couple fruit bars, a orange winter beanie, a orange scarf, some orange gloves for her talons, and some orange boots for her lion paws (made specially for griffons or those with paws). She just recently bought all these things for her travel. She didn't want to freeze when she got there, that's why she was so prepared. She hates being too hot anyway, so she was full of joy when she heard it was supposed to be cold. Hopefully her group were aware of the weather conditions up the large mountain, and because of her overthinking the worst, she brought some extra pony snow clothes. Like a couple hats, some boots, and a few scarves. 


    
    The tall griffon rushed to the doors of the train as they were beginning to close. She got there just in time to punch in her train ticket and sit in a space where there weren't too many ponies. The train was small, only having one cart. Eight seats were in the train, a few ponies in the front and a couple in the back. She decided to sit down in the back, the farthest from the front. Gail looked around, seeing all the ponies she could be grouped with. Everypony looked friendly enough, which made her heart slow down. She was a little nervous, being the only griffon going on the trip. She needed to be nice. The blue eyed griffon didn't want to make her species look bad. They were known to be grumpy little bullies, and she didn't want to be in that category. 

   Gail wrapped her long tail around her paws, her grabbing the wrap to cover up the scars on her tail and paws. She then slipped on her gloves, boots, and beanie in one swift motion. She cleared her throat, not meaning to be loud. A few ponies turned to look at her, and in return she gave a cheesy, nervous grin. "What are you guys looking at?" she said with a hint of sass. She immediately looked out her window from anxiety, seeing the snow starting to cover the ground. She didn't think the train ride would be bumpy, making a few feathers come out of place on her head. She flicked her tail, now staring at the ponies in front of her. Her curious eyes stared blankly at each pony, random thoughts popping into her brain as she looked at all of them. Her adrenaline was pumping through her fluffy body, making her itch from slight nervousness and excitement. Hopefully the train ride wouldn't take long. She just wanted to get to the adventure.

[Rusty]

Training to become a royal guard was really difficult even for the most determined ponies. And even more so for those, who wanted to become a Lunar guard. Rayne was one of those lucky ones who could become a squire of the Lunar guard. He wouldn't change it for anything, even though it was quite difficult, yet he was quite relieved to have few days to relax. Of course, in his adventurous soul, he couldn't spent those just resting, or reading, he felt like he should do something adventurous! Going somewhere he's never been before!

The idea seemed exciting and bold... at least before he had to wake up so early and actually go for the train. He was used to train in the day, even though he was a creature of night, but right now he was so tired he felt asleep, carefully wrapped in a blanket. Only to be woke up by somepony clearing her throat. Or... somegriffon apparently. It was strange to see Griffon at a train... or actually Rayne saw perhaps 2 of them in his life? He caught himself staring for a moment.

"Oh, I apologise, I was staring, wasn't I? No offence intended."

He said while stuffing the blanket back in his saddle bag. Without the cover of a blanket one could clearly see the scars on his right wing and ear.

"I'm Rayne, Rayne Starfall, squire of the Lunar Guard and proud subject of our beloved princess Luna."

He introduced himself, mostly just to break the ice. He read somewhere, that griffon could have quite the temper, and staring at them could probably didn't help much. Then again not all griffons were probably alike.

[Rapid Quill]

Yesterday Afternoon:

It was a nice, sunny day in Ponyville and Nook would know since she had been out and about there all day. Indeed she had been pretty busy that day with both her job as a lost and founder and as a local hero. It was difficult and stressful wearing two hats, but not downright impossible. Plus she loved her work. Both jobs were so satisfying that it made whatever stress it created worth it. At least in her mind anyway. Anypony else would probably just quit being a hero and stick with the job that pays. But not Nook. She couldn't, wouldn't do that.

But yes all day she had been juggling her civilian work and her hero work just as she did most everyday. It wasn't easy and keeping her hero identity a secret was surprisingly an even bigger challenge. What, with all the nosy reporters out there, plus her own ego getting in the way of things, it truly is a miracle her secret identity hasn't been exposed yet to all of Equestria. Earlier that day, she had returned several lost items to their rightful owners when they stopped by her shop to pick them up. Afterwards, she put on her purple costume and stopped a robbery and saved a pony from getting creamed from an out of control speeding carriage. Overall, it's been a pretty productive day. For her though this would be considered a slow day. Indeed, she would have normally had more jobs in one day than this, but hey she wasn't complaining or was she? While she certainly did not mind breaks and slow days, she would rather be out there doing something and being useful than just sitting around boredly in her shop all day wishing for something to happen. Something, anything that would be big enough to get her out of her Ponyville Lost and Found shop.

As luck would have it, Fate chose that precise moment to strike with a literal ringing of a bell. Nook who honestly was seconds away from dozing off at her counter jumped up several feet into the air at the sound of her shop's bell ringing and there in the air she stayed, flapping her wings. "I'm up! I'm up! I mean that is to say, I so wasn't sleeping! I would never sleep on the job! So, what seems to be the problem Ma'am?" Nook asked in her thick Haystralian accent as she watched an excited looking pony enter her humble lost and found shop. "Oh afternoon Nook. I do hope I am not interrupting anything...important," the pony said with a giggle. Nook just smiled sheepishly while she rubbed the back of her neck as she continued to hover above the potential customer in midair. "Well, yeah normally I would be pretty busy in here, but sadly it seems to have slowed down quite a bit. Though it was pretty crazy in here just an hour ago. So, what's up? How can I help you? Oh and remember my motto: I can find anything! You lose it! I find it!" The giddy earth pony giggled at that. "Wow, that sounds great! Only I'm not here as a customer though I will certainly come to you should I ever lose something. No, I'm just here to tell you about a trip up to the mountains some ponies are having tomorrow morning. You need only to meet them at the local train station at six 'O Clock sharp. I am certain that they could use your mad navigational skills to help with the journey. Plus, hiking, sounds like fun to me! If I weren't so busy I'd probably go myself," the pony informed the pink and blue pegasus. "Oh and here's a flyer that talks all about the hiking trip," the earth pony added revealing the flyer in her mouth. Nook's bright purple eyes lit up at the news. "Wow, that does sound like fun and Celestia knows I could use a few days for myself to relax, go on some crazy adventure with ponies I don't even know, and have fun! And it's not like I can't ever take off! As the owner and...sole employee of this shop I do have the luxury of making my own hours, taking off whenever I like and need to," Nook thoughtfully mused as she took the flyer from the earth pony before reading it over. "Oh what the hay, I'll go! I'm sure Ponyville can stand a few days without me! I mean it's not like the minute I leave some great catastrophe will befall the place. That would just be silly! Thanks for letting me know uh, sorry, what was your name again?" The mare just giggled. "Good one! You're funny and it's Springtrap. Well, see ya and no problem! Hope you have fun," she replied before leaving the shop.

Figuring business probably wouldn't pick up for the rest of the day, Nook closed up shop early and put out a sign outside her shop informing ponies she'd be gone for at least a week. She then returned to her home in Cloudsdale and packed up for the adventure. 'Mountains, eh?' she thought to herself as she grabbed a whole bunch of wintery clothing including beanies, winter boots, earmuffs, and scarves. She also snuck in her Darkwing Night costume as well as her trusty boomerang and rope. After all, they were headed for the dangerous mountains, just who knows what sort of vile, pony chomping monster that awaits them!? "I can hardly wait!" she cried out excitedly while doing a midair flip. Somehow she was able to fit it all inside a single backpack. 'Oh even though I am pretty good at finding my way around and visited this very mountain several times before, I'll bring a map and compass just in case. After all, it never hurts to be prepared. It only hurts if you're not,' she thought to herself as she stuffed them inside her purse and wanting to take pictures she laid out her camera, so she wouldn't forget it. 'Okay, guess that's everything! All that's left is to get some sleep, so I'll be well-rested for the trip and not oversleep,' she told herself as she laid down inside her comfy, cozy bed made of cloud.


Today

A few hours later, Nook awoke at the sound of annoying buzzing. Her alarm! She awoke with a start jumping up so fast that she hit the ceiling. "I'm up! I'm up! Ow, my head! Man, I hate it when I do that," she grumbled, irritated. Giving her now throbbing head a rub she proceeded to get ready to leave. After she had finished with her morning routine, she grabbed her water bottle, purse, backpack, and stuck the camera around her neck. Even though she managed to get at least the full eight hours of sleep she still managed to produce a sleepy yawn. She gave her arms a good, long stretch. "What a nice day! Perfect for mountain climbing with a bunch of strangers," she said rather sleepily as she opened her door to leave.

Carrying both her purse and backpack, she flew to the train station. Like she planned she got there in the nick of time with minutes to spare. She punched in her train ticket and made her merry way onto the small train. She was so early that the only pony already there was a batpony, fast asleep in a blanket. 'Cool,' thought Nook as she didn't see many batponies and always thought them interesting. Not wanting to wake him, she took the empty seat just across from him. She set her things under the seat and out of the way leaving out only her water bottle. Along with her waterproof camera, she also wore a bright purple scarf and matching winter beanie.

While waiting for the others to arrive, Nook busied herself by lifting some weights, yet another thing Nook decided to bring along. They were pretty heavy too weighing at least three hundred pounds (not sure what would be considered heavy in Equestria). She gave a grunt every few seconds as she lifted them up. She often did exercise typed stuff when bored.

Luckily, she did not have long to wait because just a few minutes later a griffon walked in. Now, Nook found griffons as fascinating as batponies and as such she couldn't help feeling all excited though she did not want to appear rude or intrusive. So for now she let the griffon have her space as she watched her retreat to the far back of the train. Nook observed how tired she looked. Like she hadn't slept in days or something. "Looks like some griffon got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. What's the matter, you didn't get enough sleep?" the pink and blue pegasus quipped under her breath as she continued to lift her weights. She couldn't help it. It just sort of came out, but she didn't really mean anything by it. She was just trying to start a conversation with something other than just the usual, 'hi. How are you doing?' and/or 'My it sure is a nice day out!' And to be honest the griffon really set herself up for that one.

The batpony also spoke, introducing himself as Rayne, a member of the Lunar Guard though that hardly surprised Nook. Weren't all batponies members of the Lunar Guard? It seemed like it anyway... Regardless, she supposed it was her turn to introduce herself. She was going to be spending the next few days with these guys after all, so she might as well get to know them. "G'day Rayne, name's Nook Cranny and I'm pretty good at navigation and finding stuff. Pleasure to meet ya," Nook politely introduced as she still continued to lift her weights. "Don't mind me. Just trying to get my morning exercise done. Gotta stay fit and focused," she informed the two in between breaths.

[Deleted]

Performance Major, a royal purple unicorn with a dirty blond mane and tail and emerald eyes, sat up in his bed, yawned and stretched. He barely opened his eyes and looked over at his clock. The clock 5 AM, Performance muttered tiredly.

"Fivemorminutes..."

He rolled over and went back to sleep. He had a bad habit of doing that, in fact he did that almost everyday. Of course, he wouldn't do that if he had an audition or performance to go to. Today was not one of those days, in fact he wasn't entirely sure he wanted to wake up. In fact, the only reason he would ever be up this early in the morning was if either he didn't sleep and was still up from the night, or again anything to do with his career goals. He wants to be an actor and singer know throughout all of Equestria, but he's not quite there... he's more of what you call a freelancer. If there was any performances, he'd apply just to put some money in his pocket.

The reason he is up today however is because he got a scroll from his dad the day before. It read:

Dear Performance,

How have you been? We've missed you since you moved from Fillydelphia, Coral, Bella Bean, and Rose miss you dearly as well. Hoping you're planning to visit sometime soon. Anyways, I heard about this hiking trip up in the mountains, and thought it'd be a good way to get you out of the house. I'm just worried about you, that's all.
When you're not traveling to an audition or performance, you don't go outside. Heck! I'm not even sure if you brush your teeth everyday. Anyways, please give it a chance. Go to the train station at 6 AM tomorrow. OK? Love you and miss you.

Father

Performance took another look at the clock. It read 5:45 AM.

"Oh... it's only 5:45 AM..."

Performance rolled over again and closed his eyes. After a minute, his eyes shot open and he sat up straight in bed, practically jumping out of it.

"5:45 AM! Oh crap!"

Performance jumped out of bed and galloped to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He galloped back into the room, his horn glowing, hastily packing anything he thought he would need. When he thought he had everything, he quickly galloped out the door. His mane and tail a bit disheveled from rolling out of bed, his stomach growled.

"Maybe I can grab a quick bite?"

He looked around for any place he could get food that early in the morning. He found a place and stepped in. He ran to the counter and ordered something quickly. He was tapping his hoof in a panic. When the clock in the store read 5:57 AM, he realized it was too late.

"I'm so sorry, but I can't take it right now, I have to catch the 6 AM train! Bye! Thanks anyway!"

He galloped as fast as his tired hooves could take him. He just got to the train station to see the doors closing.

"Oh no!"

In one last attempt to make it, Performance charged his horn up and teleported onto the train. He made it... just barely made it. He smiled panting and exhausted, which was apparent considering he collapsed as soon as he got on the train.

[TwiDashPie]

It was a beautiful early morning in Ponyville, the sun was just starting to peak out, it was dead quiet, and every pony was still asleep. It was great, until a rather annoying noise ruined the silence. BEEP BEEP BEEP, blared an alarm clock, it echoing throughout the house. In only a few seconds the owner of it smacked the off button and slowly got up. The pony's name was Silver Breeze, though it wasn't like her at all to wake up this early, she had somewhere to be. Silver yawned and stretched once she got out of bed. She glanced over at the clock which read, 5:30 AM. Plenty of time to get dressed, take a bath, eat breakfast, and make her way down to the train station. She was eager to get there, so she rushed a bit getting dressed, though the only piece of clothing she grabbed was a blue and black scarf, which she tucked away in her backpack. She couldn't wait to get on the train, after all, it was only a few weeks ago that she had volunteered to be a part of a group of ponies hiking up a mountain. Now, normally, hiking and being around others wasn't her thing. However, some part of her wanted to go on this adventure, thinking it would be fun and exciting. Plus, she was better at talking to ponies now than she was before. 

Silver snapped out of her thoughts upon hearing another alarm which she had set to tell her to leave. She looked over at the clock in confusion and saw it read 5:50 AM. She ran down the stairs as fast as she could, not thinking about grabbing something to eat. She grabbed her backpack, slung it over her shoulder, and flew out of her house, trying to get to the station as fast as she could. She landed and heard the conductor yelling a last call for ponies to get on board. She suddenly ran in, which startled the conductor a bit, but she didn't care. Silver sighed with relief at the fact that she had made it. She started to walk through the train when she saw a unicorn stallion collapsed on the ground. She thought about asking him if he was ok but then started to look around the train observing her surroundings. She then saw a bat pony, a mare pegasus, and a griffon, who seemed vaguely familiar to her but she couldn't remember how. She stepped around the stallion and walked up to the three "Um, hi, are you three going on the hiking trip too?" She asked hopefully.

[HighSpeedChase]

Gail glanced at the couple ponies looking at her, making her heart skip a beat from nervousness. They had a right to stare at her like that. For one, she was a totally out of place creature among the pony group. Of course ponies would stare. But two, she cleared her throat louder than a bear's stomach when it's hungry, so of course that would grab some attention as well. Sometimes the female griffon loved the attention, when she wanted it. This was a case where she didn't want it. She was too tired from all the flying she did that morning, as well as not getting any sleep. So, like any ol' griffon, she let out a grouchy moan and flicked her tail annoyingly.

A cute batpony who seemed to be snuggled up in a blanket was looking at her. Like, an actual batpony. Never in her short, half feline life has she ever seen a batpony. They were weird creatures to her, having bat wings and all. But like she could say anything, her head was a bird after all. "Hm? You were staring? I totally didn't notice," she said bluntly, with some sarcasm. She didn't mean to sound rude, but she was tired and that was just the heat of the moment. "Um, it's okay that you were staring. I made an obnoxious sound. Of course somepony would stare," she added, trying not to seem so mean. She already broke her 'being nice' motto, so she didn't want to carry it on.

She stared at the batpony for a few seconds, seeing how warm he looked. He introduced himself, saying something about the Lunar Guard and Princess Luna. "Oh, nice to meet you, Rayne. My name is Gail, if ya'll wanted to know," she said, waving one of her talons around as she spoke. She scooted herself closer to the corner of the train, trying to make herself less visible so the others wouldn't stare more. As she continued to take a look at each pony who was currently in the train.

The griffon then eyed a pink Pegasus, having a feeling that she was gonna be trouble. She looked really built, but that could be the fact that she was literally lifting weights on the train, which made Gail a little intimidated. The griffon heard something being said from underneath the fit Pegasus's mouth. "You're right, Miss 'I'm Better Than You'. But I didn't roll out of bed. I rolled out of a cloud," she pointed out. She sure sounded like a smart-aleck, but she was okay with that. She didn't know how she could hear the cool looking Pegasus from where she was at, but she blamed that on her lion part. "And I never get enough sleep. You look like you have your life ahead of you, though."

The conductor yelled his last call, making Gail jump a little. She didn't expect him to be so loud, and since she was so tired, it made her lightly growl. Apparently they opened the train doors again after she got inside, because this was probably the 3rd "last call" from him. Looked like not enough ponies were there for the adventure to start or something Suddenly, one pony popped (from pretty much out of no where I might add) inside the train and fell to the ground from.. lack of energy Gail thought. He seemed exhausted, and obviously had a rushed morning. It seemed as if he just rolled out of bed from how his mane looked. Like before, Gail jumped at the sudden excitement. The griffon was probably looking at another pony in her group, which made her think deeply about her decisions.

Suddenly, another pony, a Pegasus pony who looked a little familiar, came barging through the doors, looking warn out as well. "What? Does everypony here have a complete lack of organization in the morning?" she asked aloud, looking for a few giggles and laughs. She smirked at her own comment, looking at everypony. The lightly colored Pegasus, who seemed awkward, asked the two other ponies, and the griffon, if they were going on the hiking trip too. "Well I am," Gail said with the flick of her tail. She tilted her head like a dog does when they don't understand something once she got a closer look at the familiar Pegasus. "You look familiar, but I can't place my tail on it," she said, curious eyes darting at the Pegasus.

 After she was done being a weirdo, so glanced at all the ponies in the train. There appeared to be a male batpony, two mare pegasi, a unicorn stallion, and a female griffon. That was probably the weirdest group of ponies she has laid her eyes on, but she kind of liked it. She was even more excited now. Especially since the train finally started moving.

[Rusty]

Some days were just objectively stronger then others. And this one, so far, was certainly one of those crazier ones. It wasn't near the top by far, but it was still somewhere north of normal. Meeting with griffon sure was an uncommon event, something that by itself would make a day unique. Not as much as a unicorn teleporting into a train that is about to leave. After the unexpected teleport Rayne stood in shock for an instant, before bursting into laughter. It was just so bizarre, yet impressive at the same time. And right before the doors closed another pony just barely made it in. Somehow, he had the feeling, that all those zany characters will be his fellow climbers.

One of them introduced himself, he was a navigator and good at finding things, that was quite the resume. The lifting was little... disturbing, but hey, whatever ran her boat, right?

"Nice to meet you, Nook Cranny"

He simply replied, turning his head to the almost late pony. Was everyone running late this day? Sure, it happened from time to time, but usually not like this. Then again it was quite soon. Rayne didn't mind that much. He had to be ready at any hour... he didn't enjoy it by any means, but he got used to it.

"Why yes, actually I'm. What a happy coincidence, isn't it?"

The griffon was the most interesting out of the entire bunch. At least for Rayne. There was something intimidating about her, but when she spoke she sounded quite reasonable.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Gail."

He made a small polite bow, smiling from ear to ear. It really seemed, that those were his climbing partners. They seemed older, but whatever, they were so different... this just had to be fun! As the train finally departed from the station a wide smile adored his face.

"This is starting to look like a beginning of a crazy adventure!"

[Rapid Quill]

ooc: Sorry for the wait. Haven't been feeling well. Also writer's block.

bic: Nook Cranny continued to lift her heavy weights until something completely unexpected happened: a purple unicorn just magically popped inside the train from seemingly nowhere. Obviously he teleported as powerful unicorns often did. Unfortunately, his sudden presence startled the pink and blue pegasus so much that she threw her weights into the air. Thankfully she had razor sharp reflexes and was able to catch her wieghts midair before they landed on anypony or anygriffon's head. Annoyed and embarrassed from having been so easily startled by the purple unicorn teleporting himself inside, Nook shot him a glare. "Hey dude, what's your problem!? Your stupid little unicorn magic just scared everypony on here and not to mention it made me throw my weights! You're lucky I was able to grab them before somepony got hurt. Just teleporting yourself onto the train like that without even considering how everypony in here would react was just plain irresponsible! Now what do you have to say for yourself mister?" Nook scolded as she hovered in the air above him while hanging onto her wights. She refused to admit that his sudden appearing act scared her and adding further insult to injury it appeared that she was the only one in the train that the purple unicorn's magic startled. In fact, from where she was hovering anyway nopony else looked the least bit bothered; which only annoyed and embarrassed her even more.

Even worse still, the cute little batpony just started laughing. Nook couldn't tell if he was laughing at her reaction to the unicorn's teleporting or what, but she certainly didn't like the idea of being laughed at. "I uh don't see what's so funny about ponies being startled by his freaky unicorn magic," she grumbled, clearly embarrassed. Well, there went her attempt at making a good first impression. Too late to take any of it back now.

Head held low, she lowered herself back into her seat and thinking it a good idea put her wights up. Seriously though if there was a contest for worst impressions ever she probably would have won first place with a huge shiny trophy and everything!

Hearing the other pegasus' question; which she assumed was directed at all of them and if it wasn't? Well too bad, she was answering it anyway! She nodded. "Yeah, I'm going. Been there a couple of times before actually. The scenery's gorgeous and the view's absolutely breathtaking! If you guys want I could tell you where all the best spots are," she replied in her attempt to salvage at least some of her dignity. Looking at the fellow pegasus, she could honestly say she doesn't recall ever having formally met her before and she had a pretty good memory when it came to pony faces as well as nonpony faces. But then it was always possible that she found something of this pony's a good long while back and just forgot.

The griffon then responded to Nook's previous retort and immediately she felt a bit guilty. She didn't really mean to sound all superior to this griffon whom she has never met, but it still supposedly came off that way. "Oh did I sound as if I thought myself superior to you in any way? I totally didn't mean for it to come off that way... And your bed is a cloud? Heh, my mistake. I only said bed because I was trying to avoid stereotypes. But yeah a cloud bed is always pretty cool! I myself sleep on one. I um I'm from Cloudsdale actually. Just uh throwing that out there," she said hoping that sounded better. Next the griffon complained about her lack of sleep. "That's unfortunate. Have you tried using sleeping pills or have you tried drinking milk? I don't know about you, but drinking milk right before bed usually helps me. That and reading a boring book heh. But yeah you're right to assume that I usually get enough sleep. In fact, I tend to sleep like a baby," Nook suggested trying her best not to come off as rude.

Turning back to the other female pegasus smiling, she asked, "how about you? You from Cloudsdale too?"

The conductor yelling startled not only Gail, but Nook Cranny as well causing her to leap so high into the air that her head hit the ceiling not unlike earlier this morning back at her bedroom. "Ow! Sweet Celestia, why do I keep doing that? And I know what all of you must be thinking by now, but I assure you it's not true! I'm not usually this jumpy," she grumbled, giving her head a rub. Grumbling, she again lowered herself back to her seat.

At the griffon's query of whether or not everypony was completely disorganized, Nook was quick to answer, "nope! I think I've got every single little thing we may need for this trip right in my two bags. I've brought extra wintery clothing for anypony or anygriffon that needs them! Like they say, it's better to be safe than sorry!" As the train finally decided to move, Nook made herself comfortable in her seat across from the adorable little batpony. Stretching her back hooves out, she planted them upon the footrest in front of her seat. Sure she looked lazy, but she didn't care for she was on vacation and she was determined to make the best of it and have fun!

[Deleted]

As soon as Performance Major teleported onto the train, he was met with a bunch of ponies who were startled and generally unhappy with him. He flattened his ears against his head and blushed. He chuckled awkwardly.

"Heh... s-sorry about that, I didn't mean to startle anypony... or griffon"

Performance gritted his teeth and grunted as he struggled to lift himself off the floor of the train car. When he was standing again, he panted hard. He didn't exercise or workout or anything of the sort, so it was understandable that he'd be a bit out of shape. After panting for a minute or two longer, he heard the train doors close behind him and the train started to move.

"Anyway..." Performance said, rubbing his hoof behind his head embarrassed.

"My name is Performance Major, and yes, I'm going on this... hiking trip"

He muttered the last part. He was not a fan of being outside, especially in the cold, but he figured his dad was right, it was a chance to get out of the house. After he got scolded by a pegasus who had been startled the most by his appearing act, he sheepishly found a seat further away from the others. He walked with his ears flattened and a frown as he slumped into the seat.

Way to go Performance, great job making a first impression.

He sighed quietly and looked at the window. He had hoped he wouldn't embarrass himself... again. Oh well, too late now.

[TwiDashPie]

Silver Breeze couldn't help but feel a bit startled and overwhelmed by this mass of ponies and questions. First, the griffon spoke saying she was going on the hiking trip, then asked Silver if they had met before. Silver was glad that it wasn't just her thinking this griffon was familiar. "I'm not sure, I've only met one griffon in my life and it was under strange circumstances. Is your name, by any chance, Gail
?" She asked, curious to know if this was the same griffon she had met barely a month ago. Next, the bat pony spoke and said he was also going on the hiking trip, which was a bigger relief for Silver, now she had met two of the ponies, or um, rather, a bat pony and a griffon who were a part of the group going up the mountain. She then decided to take a seat, beside Gail, and continue to listen to the others.

Silver then sat down, but still kept her backpack on, and started to listen again. Now, the other female pegasus  was talking and said that she was going on the hiking trip also, which Silver then started to detect a pattern, and asked Silver if she was from Cloudsdale. "Oh, no, I'm from Ponyville." She replied, paying attention to every pony around her. She watched as the male unicorn got up, introduced himself, and said that he was also going on the hiking trip, yep definitely a pattern. She sighed with relief, glad to meet every pony in the group, before realizing something foolish she hadn't done. "Oh, by the way, I'm Silver Breeze and it's very nice to meet you all." She added, before looking around again.