A Cure for Every Wound [Silk Suture] [Concluded]

[20monkies]

The air was freezing and Raven Feather could feel the ice crystals forming on her hair as the wetness was exposed to the cool breeze. Her teeth were chattering, and wading through the murky water took every ounce of effort for her. The adrenaline was wearing out, and Raven could no longer feel her limbs anymore. The cold had numbed all feeling in her muscles. She still moved them through the water, like phantom limbs unaware that they are no longer attached to a body.

Finally, her hoof reached up and outwards to catch Silk Suture and she clambered to the edge, help from Silk much appreciated. She came out and collapsed at his hooves, coughing up any liquid that got into her lungs. She was shivering uncontrollably, pink shading the tip of her nose - more noticeable because she was silver coloured as opposed to a darker shade.

She couldn't speak. Every word that tried to escape from her mouth was caught by a choking cough. Mane and tail lay limp and glistening wet against her body. She needed to get dry and warm. The cold wasn't going to do her any good, and it was a shame she had forgotten to pick up her cloak. Her wings were still wrapped up tightly against her body, the pain that was in her wound no longer prominent but numbed.

All she could do now was follow in Silks lead and motions.

Once again, she had done a crazy thing. What other way was there? It was a matter of life and death.

"Silk…" she managed finally, shivering in her place by Silk Suture. "Did it work…?" Her mind was fuzzy, and she wasn't even sure if the plant had come after her. She was losing focus on her surroundings, dizzy from the aftershock of everything.

[Silk Suture]

Silk Suture grabbed the mare once she was close enough, helping to pull her back on dry land from the icy waters. She was quite exhausted, collapsing to the ground the moment she was out of the water – very understandable. Raven's wet mane was quite quickly starting to freeze in the cold, obviously quite cold herself after the little dip. They were going to have to get her somewhere warm as fast as they could, but Silk couldn't help but glance towards the water, just in case the plant would rise and break the surface.

The pharmacist was still wearing his usual work coat, never having had the chance to remove it when the whole crazy adventure with the plant thing started. A good thing, that; it was a very cold day so an extra layer of clothing didn't hurt... And now, the mare could really use something dry, even if it wasn't the warmest possible coat. It was the best they got, and it was better than nothing.

Silk unbuttoned his coat and removed it, placing it on Raven for some extra warmth.
"...I don't know," the stallion's voice was quiet and uncertain as his eyes kept going back to the water, still failing to see anything popping up to attack them. Perhaps the Giant Mousetrap was finally dealt with? Perhaps the water was too cold for it or it just hadn't had the chance to get up yet. Whatever it was, he wasn't very comfortable with the idea of staying around. The plant could still be a danger and there could even be something else preying on the two ponies... And besides, the mare was freezing, they had to get somewhere warm.

"I can't see it, at least. We should still be going, can you stand?" Silk Suture looked back at Raven. She definitely wasn't in the best shape, but at least she was alive. He was quite certain the wound wouldn't like the dirty water and she might very well catch a cold after all this, but as long as they got back inside, everything would be looking so much better already.

The pegasus just tried to help the mare on her feet. He didn't have the strength to carry her and they really had to be going, get out as fast as both of them could. The ponies were very tired at this point and one of them was wet and cold, but they couldn't give up now! At least the stallion was quite certain that he knew the way back home even if Raven couldn't really help him by telling him the way, he had kept his eyes open the first time through the Everfree Forest.

[20monkies]

Clenching back chattering teeth, Raven shook her head unsure if she would be able to move from her spot or not. She felt glued - frozen - in her place and could hardly attempt standing. Everything, from the tip of her muzzle to the ends of her tail, she was numb of all feeling. Her head was pounding, exhaustion wrapping itself around the mare.

Then Silk wrapped her body with his work coat, and Raven looked up to see the stallion standing over her. Despite his appearance, he had proven himself to be strong-hearted, kind and generous in a time of Raven's desperate need for help. She smiled up at him as best as she could, lifting a trembling hoof up to clasp a button at the neck to keep the coat in place.

"I... I can try..."

Moving from here was important. She knew this. It was their only chance of survival if they didn't want to stick around to find out if the plant was completely gone forever or not.

Bracing her hooves, she quivered and pushed herself to stand. It was tedious work. Her body was heavier than it normally was, and standing up had become a difficult task to do. She gasped out loud, her legs giving away beneath her weight as she fell to the ground again.

Raven Feather wasn't about to give up.

"Don't... worry. I'll get up. We... have to get out of here..." shivering, she pushed herself up with as much strength as she could gather, which wasn't really much. One quick motion, without overexerting herself, she finally hauled herself up onto her hooves and was wavering in her place. She skidded just a little, but caught herself by leaning against Silk for a moment.

"Sorry... I just, my legs are numb..." once she got moving, she knew she could get them warm enough to get both of them to their destination.

There was still a ways to go. The Everfree Forest wasn't a garden where one could walk freely without any worry. There was plenty of things to worry about aside from the Giant Mousetrap that they just dealt with.

[Silk Suture]

Silk Suture kept an eye on Raven, quite worried of her. She was obviously freezing and moving wouldn't be easy for her, but she was just going to have to get up. Sure, if the stallion had any strength or even the required muscles in the first place, he would carry her – but he didn't, so it was just going to be impossible. Of course he wasn't in as poor shape as the mare at the moment, not being the one who had been hurt last night and then took a freezing dip into the murky waters of the Bogg, but everything that had been done just moments before had took its toll on the pony.

The pegasus didn't quite know how to react when Raven smiled. The chilly air felt much worse now that he wasn't wearing his coat, but honestly, the mare needed it way more than he did at the moment. He could deal with the cold as long as they could get inside soon – and so could Raven. Hopefully.

Silk gasped as if he was about to shout again once the other pony's legs betrayed her, falling to the ground once again after her feeble attempt at getting up. No other sound managed to leave his throat, however, content with Raven's own comforting words. She did tell him not to worry, but clearly such worry could be seen on the pharmacist's face. He braced himself as well once Raven attempted to stand again, tensing his body as if he was in the same state as the mare.

Her legs didn't seem to quite be able to carry her yet and Raven was forced to lean against Silk Suture, but he didn't really seem to mind. In a way, he had been prepared for it, allowing the other pony to use him as a crutch she did seem to need. He stood his ground, muscles tense so the pegasus would be a very stable platform to lean on.
"Careful," the stallion reminded Raven, not leaving her side. Even once she actually started moving, he followed, allowing her to lean against him when needed. Silk couldn't quite trust her legs yet and didn't want her to fall again, but he also knew his own body's warmth could help the freezing mare a bit.

The pharmacist's steps were slow and careful, following Raven's own pace and not rushing ahead despite wanting to get out of the forest as soon as possible. While they still had to do so, they also had to get the mare outside safely and she wasn't in the best condition to protect herself. Well, neither was Silk, but he was at least hoping that if he could see whatever that was about to attack them first, they could... Do something and get home safely. The stallion was glancing around him very intently, his ears swiveling from side to side as he tried to pick any strange sounds from around him. It would have worked perfectly if almost every sound didn't sound strange in the spooky forest, causing Silk Suture to be constantly tense and ready to run.

[20monkies]

They moved as fast as two tired and hungry ponies could, slowly and steadily.

Raven Feather kept herself in check, despite wanting to just go to sleep now. She and Silk Suture had really overexerted themselves to the breaking point. Some rest would greatly be appreciated. Her breathing hitched a few times as she could feel the prickling of sharp needles running up and down her legs. She would freeze in place, chattering as the sensations would subside. Raven leaned against Silk whenever she needed his support, knowing full well that she couldn't really put her whole weight on him. It was hard enough carrying a rapidly growing plant that was gaining weight every minute of carrying it, expecting him to become strong after what they went through... she didn't expect it at all. She was weak herself too. She understood that both their bodies were in great pain.

She let out a soft cough, the air in front of her muzzle clouding in puffs of smoke. Raven thought she heard the sound of screeching and flapping wings and automatically pressed up against Silk, stiffening in fear. Her eyes were large and round, and dilated.

"Silk..." she whispered, as if any moment the trees above them would break open and monsters would wreak havoc upon them. "... lets, move faster..." she tried to move her legs a little more, warming from the body heat emitting off of Silk. Her limbs were melting of it's frostiness.

Raven heard another sound - clattering - around the bend in the path and swallowed harshly.

"What... is that?" It seemed like it was getting darker and darker each passing second they were out in the Forest. Of course, it was late in the afternoon when she had woken before they encountered the plant trouble. It sounded like something was bumping along the path...

[Silk Suture]

Silk Suture kept his body straight and tense as well as he could despite his tiredness, so that it would be easier for Raven to lean against his side and not feel like the stallion was going to fall over from her sudden weight. The pharmacist was prepared for everything – or so he at least thought – as he walked forward, determined. He had to be strong both mentally and physically despite having already pushed his body and mind further than they ever should have, knowing that his job right now was that of a protector. Caretaker of sorts had sort of been his job until now and his career choice made it quite obvious that caring for other was what he wanted to do, but his current role wasn't exactly something he was going to be able to do if they really got attacked...

Every little sound or strange shadow the pegasus thought he saw caused him to flinch a bit, as if preparing for a fight – or more like, preparing for flight. Running was the only thing he really could do to protect himself, but Raven's current state made it impossible for her to do the same. And of course Silk couldn't leave her alone in the Everfree Forest, injured and freezing! The mare's cough caused him to flinch as well, quickly glancing in her direction and looking for the cause of the sound, his muscles even more tense than a moment ago. It was a sudden sound that came way too close, of course spooking a pony that was already nervous about the current situation. But once the pharmacist understood where the noise had come from, he couldn't help but relax a bit. Perhaps he was overreacting and it didn't really do either of them good if he was spooked by every little sound.

"Mh?" Silk Suture asked as he returned his eyes to the road ahead of them, his voice a bit calmer now, though obviously still a bit cautious. He kept his pace as slow as Raven had needed it to be, but he was quite willing to walk faster when the mare asked them to hurry up. Both of them wanted out as soon as they could, that was obvious.
"Don't push yourself too hard," the pharmacist had to say his usual warnings, glancing at Raven's feet and keeping up with their speed, letting her to choose their movement speed and adapting to it himself.

"What is what?" The pegasus looked at Raven, worried. Well, perhaps he had heard something as well but... Right now the forest seemed quiet, when he really tried to listen to something special. Perhaps that meant something bad was about to happen, the calm before the storm.

[20monkies]

The rattling started to get closer and closer and Raven froze in place once again, glued next to Silk. She was eyeing the path up ahead, and had to turn her head awkwardly, unsure if they should duck into the shadows or just stay there and wait to see what was heading towards them.

"That... sound." She pointed out, pointing her muzzle forward. They just couldn't deal with anymore excitement for the moment, anticipation causing her heart to beat fast once again. Her cheeks were still cold and pink, her ears twitched at the noise before... she heard a meow?

"Mreowwww~" a whining sound, all to familiar to Raven. Her body almost relaxed too much before a little black cat bounded around the bend in the path, rushing towards her. Recognition hit Raven Feather a little too slowly. It was all too surreal, seeing her pet in the Everfree Forest.

"...Black?" she questioned, shivering a little before moving her body forward once more. Every step was forced, every step strained. The little cat reached Raven and jumped up onto her head, clinging to her, purring loudly. Her mane was still wet, albeit frozen droplets clinging to the ends. "Why are you here... how did you..." She was shocked. Impressed, even, that the little feline had found her out here in the forest. At first she hadn't even thought of her pet as they had rushed into the darkness to rid of the Giant Mousetrap. And thankfully, the little creature wasn't with them when the whole ordeal took place. The cat had found her, and nothing made Raven feel more relieved than to see her little friend safe and sound.

The rattling and clattering stopped short of them, somepony gasping. Raven Feather opened her eyes to see an orange stallion with a dark brown mane and tail, much larger in physique and muscular, carrying a merchant's cart behind him. It was filled with square hay bales, covered and tied with woolen blankets. The stallion himself was wearing a wool hat and coat, staring at the two pegasi in surprise, eyes a deep forest green.

"Well I'll be... this is were the little critter was bringing me." He looked between the two and then realized that Silk was supporting Raven, who was drooping her head down just a little from the weight of the cat on her head.

There was a distant howl and the stallion stifened, looking over his shoulder. "Good thing that little cat of yours brought me here. I wasn't sure what she was telling me. She kept persisting. Saw you two running towards the Forest like mad dogs back in Ponyville." He unlatched the wagon from his back and moved forward towards them, bowing his head.

"Are either of you seriously injured? I can carry you back on the wagon, it's getting real late and dark. I even have warm blankets. Don't want to catch your death out here..."

[Silk Suture]

Silk Suture tensed up again, his ears forwards and gaze intense as he stared down the path ahead of them. Now, he was obviously picking up the sound as well, straightening his neck and almost trying to peek around the bend to see what exactly was approaching them, taking a step forward.
"I hear it," his voice was quiet and almost like his words were forced to sound more certain than they really were. Now, of course someone like him wasn't the best pony to guard anyone and the stallion definitely wasn't a fighter, so running away or hiding would have been the best option for him. But he was unsure if Raven could follow, as Silk was the one in better condition at the moment. What else was there to do? He could just hope for the best and maybe get lucky – or suddenly find himself to be a capable fighter when the situation required him to do so. It was a long shot, but...

The odd rattling sound was foreign and not something the pegasus could actually recognize. It was the Everfree Forest, it could be any kind of strange monster causing such odd sounds! Or perhaps – hopefully – it would actually be nothing. Maybe it was just a trick of his ears, but... Well, it was certainly coming closer and felt awfully real. Both of the ponies were frozen in place, not daring to move a muscle. Of course Silk Suture was quite unsure of the situation and even quite scared, but that was something he couldn't really show to the mare. It was his responsibility to protect her now, making her feel as uncertain about his skills wouldn't really make her feel comfortable.

A meow was something the pharmacist hadn't been expecting, making his face take a quite dumbstruck look. And just like the meow implied, soon a cat ran down the path towards them, to the mare. The very same cat that had been with Raven earlier, the stallion figured as he watched it run by, unable to really change his expression or make a sound. However, the same odd sound they had heard earlier continued, making Silk snap his head in the right direction again, staring at the creature that was clearly approaching them.

And that too, was something Silk Suture wasn't ever expecting to see in the Everfree Forest. It was a pony, a large stallion with a cart behind him, pulling the thing along the path. Of course, now that he thought about it, the cart was the one that had made the sound... But who was expecting to actually see a pony pull a cart in the dangerous forest? It felt quite absurd! The pharmacist's orange eyes stared at the pony before them, his look changing to actually reflect the fact that he finally understood what was happening. He didn't know if this other stallion was very brave, extremely smart and intuitive or the stupidest pony alive for following a cat of all things into a forest with a confusing and dangerous reputation – and the Everfree Forest certainly deserved that reputation.

Still, the pegasus was thankful for having the other pony show up. Not bothering with explanations or small talk, he straightened his posture and was more than willing to boss the other stallion around. The situation called for it and they didn't have too much time left.
"She's freezing. You're going to have to help me get her back to Ponyville and right next to my house, the journey is too long and slow for us on hoof."

[20monkies]

As soon as Silk spoke, the orange Stallion wasted no time in moving around Raven Feather to help give her support on the other side.

"Right. Lets get you two up on the wagon and I'll get us out of here and back to Ponyville before you know it."

Raven was breathing heavily, choking on a cough as they moved forward to aid her up on the back of the wagon. She wasn't sure what was going on anymore, her mind fogging every now and again. Black purred against her ears, which gave her some consolation that her dearest pet was by her side. Nothing could go wrong now. They would finally get back home without any more distractions and disturbances. She really hoped there wouldn't be anything else they had to face. Honestly speaking, neither her nor Silk could manage anything. This new pony would have to be the protector and fighter in that case.

"I'm so glad... Black brought you here... don't know, how... we would have..." Her body gave in as the Stallion pulled open a woolen blanket tucked around the edges of a hay bale and threw it over her back. Raven curled up beneath it, thankful for the warmth. She was still shivering and trembling profusely. She was hungry, too. Her grumbling stomach was quite loud and could have been mistaken for a monster in the distance.

"Sir, if you would..." the stallion unsure if Silk would mind his assistance in climbing up the back of the wagon or not, but he offered regardless before going back around to the front, latching up the wagon across his back.

Raven peered up from beneath frozen tendrils of black, glistening bangs and watched Silk with a quiet and calculating gaze. She wanted to sleep. She wanted to relax her sore muscles and give in to the darkness that was creeping at the edges of her vision. It could have swallowed her to a deep slumber, but then... what if something happened? She blinked slowly, chin resting along the top of her hoofs.

"Thank you, Silk..."

[Silk Suture]

Silk Suture followed the stallion with his eyes as they were being approached, stepping aside so the other one can easily help Raven. Of course he did what he could, but at this point he was quite useless. The pegasus was weak and tired after their ordeal – though it's not like he could have done much more even if he was in his best condition, knowing quite well his physical strength was lacking. The other stallion was larger, stronger, able to really be able to support and carry the mare's weakened body. She was pushed on the wagon, obviously quite cold and tired at this point, her body limp like that of a rag doll.

Raven was right, once she opened her mouth to say what she thought of the situation. The pharmacist didn't really know what they would have done if they suddenly hadn't gotten help out of nowhere. He didn't want to believe that something... Too bad would have happened. It was quite plausible that this day could have ended on a sad note, but that was a thought Silk honestly just wanted to push as far back in his head as possible. He didn't want to think about it. Surely, they would be fine now. Hopefully they would have been fine before as well, as long as they quickly got back to Ponyville. But this method was going to be faster and safer, so it was much preferred.

The pegasus was quite busy just keeping an eye on the mare, watching as she got a warm blanket on her and even a cat right by side. Raven most likely could have felt better, but at least Silk was sure that this helped her feel a bit better. Now they would just have to get home and–

That thought stopped right there once the other stallion talked, causing Silk Suture to glance in his direction. Well, technically he could have walked back despite his tiredness and he wasn't sure if he was entirely comfortable with mooching a ride himself without a good reason, but perhaps it would be quicker this way – and speed was something that they needed.
"Right, I'll just..." He placed his hooves on the wagon, ready to climb on it. However, without much warning – and definitely without a request – the larger pony pushed the pharmacist on with one, swift move, leaving the pegasus flabbergasted, his eyes wide open in shock. Now that certainly wasn't a way to treat a pony like him and he could have quite easily said a thing or two he had on his mind right now! ...But, he was tired. The wings that had opened from surprise and agitation were quickly folded back neatly against his sides. Silk Suture didn't even want to argue, giving up quite easily and just lying down to rest his tired legs, still keeping his neck straight and eyes open to observe their environment.

The Everfree Forest still wasn't a pleasant place, of course. But the stallion's ears mostly picked up the sound of the moving wheels and the crunching snow. He was still keeping an eye on Raven just in case her condition would get worse, but right now there really wasn't much he could do to her. The mare seemed like she was about to fall asleep, but right now it was going to be better if she stayed awake.
"I don't think I had much of a choice there," Silk Suture glanced at the mare as she thanked him. He wasn't really sure if thank yous still were needed here. He had only been doing his job and in a way, this was also his fault. He could have destroyed the seed right away or at least tried to identify it before anything bad happened. This was the least he could do.

"Don't thank me yet. Let's first get out of this place in one piece."

[20monkies]

Relaxing a little further into the hay, Raven sniffed the straws and twigs that poked out from between her hoofs and peered over at Black, who seemed to be wide awake and on the alert. She knew why she had always trusted her cat. She seemed to have a 6th sense that no other pony could ever imagine, and it had helped in many situations in the past to get her out of danger. The absence of her presence just showed her even more why they made such a great team.

And with Silk, it did seem that they worked quite well together despite the circumstances they had come together. Gently nodding her head, Raven held out a hoof towards Silk and smiled warmly at the stallion.

"I know. I just felt... no other pony would probably do, what you did back there." It was scary, yes. It was dangerous, of course. Ponies would duck and run cover to save their own pelt if they could. Silk was brave and had held himself strong for as far as he could push himself. For that, Raven had been thankful.

The wagon moved swiftly through the Forest, bumping over frozen rocks along the way. Darkness was washing over the land, and Raven could feel the chill and goosebumps fleshing up over her skin. Just a little further, from what she could tell in her position. Just a little more...

"Sorry!" called out the stallion from up front. "I'm going as fast as I can. Just hang on tight. We're almost there!"

Raven could see the shadows of vampire fruit bats fluttering above, screeching to one another as they fought over fruit in the trees. Another shudder. The trees passed them at a steady speed, dark and luminous eyes sneaking a peek through the thorn like branches and leaves. Willow trees draped over the path, brushing over the tops of their heads.

At last, the glow of Ponyville could be seen as they emerged from the Forest. Thankfully, unharmed on their way back. They turned to the path that led them straight forward to the town, snow crunching under the weight of the wheels and the stallions hooves. Black meowed loudly and clambered down from her post at the very top of the mound of hay. She curled beside Raven, purring and Raven leaned her head forward towards the cat, nuzzling her nose with her own muzzle.

The wagon had slowed down as they approached Ponyville, the threat of the Forest behind them. The Stallion took one look over his shoulder to make sure everypony was alright before turning his gaze back on the road in front of them.

"We're finally here. At last. Let me know where to drop you two off." The stallion asked over his shoulder.

[Silk Suture]

Silk Suture had been facing in front of him for a while, keeping an eye on their surroundings for anything that might attack them and take the largest – and strongest – one of them off guard, lunging from behind. The mare's words caused him to glance sideways at her for a moment before turning his gaze towards Raven, his orange eyes surprisingly calm considering what they had just went through and what danger they still were. Though, perhaps the stallion was just tired.

"I suppose. Perhaps nopony would," the pharmacist actually agreed with the mare, turning to face the forest's darkness once again. Though, even though they could agree on one thing, Silk was quite certain they hadn't meant it the same way. Raven's words were full of gratitude, while he was quite sure that no one would have been as reckless as him. Perhaps someone else could have made up a better plan on the spot, or been able to better handle the situation anyways. It was the right decision to not let Raven go out into the Everfree Forest on her own, for that the pegasus couldn't be blamed. But things could have been much worse, even with his help.

The wooden wagon rattled and creaked as it bounced on the uneven road, every little bump being felt as the wheels happened to go over a rock or a hole. The kind stallion – their savior – pulling it was galloping as fast as he could with the extra weight behind him, kicking snow around. Silk Suture himself was just seemingly lazily looking around, trying to be as sharp as he could despite the fatigue he was feeling by now. He hadn't had a chance to eat today yet, and now he could finally feel it when he had something to think about and the adrenaline wasn't rushing through his veins. He was starving, his stomach empty and growling ever so quietly.
"The ponies here seem helpful enough. There would surely always be someone to help you when you're in real trouble, but of course it would be done differently," the dark-colored pony just gave a little lopsided smile, still not looking at the mare.

Everfree Forest's darkness was all around them with strange shapes, sounds and movement, but thanks to the swift and strong legs of the stallion pulling the wagon they were on, the end of the forest could soon be seen. The warm light of of Ponyville seemed blindingly bright as it shone through the gaps in the trees as they got less and less dense. Silk Suture sat up, finally facing forward and looking around the bales of hay. His body was tense, still unable to relax and think it all was over. They were so close, but so much could go wrong now. The pegasus could only grit his teeth and hope for the best. They had to get home as soon as possible, so that nothing would happen to Raven!

"My pharmacy is around the marketplace, we need to get there, fast," Silk leaned forward as the other stallion asked for directions, leading the way with his words as they finally got out of the forest. Still, the pharmacist couldn't let out a sigh of relief, knowing very well that his job wasn't done yet and it was his duty to make sure Raven would be alright. There was so much to do, but the first thing was to get her back on the bed in his house, upstairs.

[20monkies]

Following the instructions that Silk Suture gave him, the stallion finally reached the town and followed the path that led them towards the marketplace. It was definitely eerie and quiet - a strange hush placed over all of Ponyville. As if everypony were holding their breath in anticipation, hanging in the air. A few shutters seem to slam shut, lights flickering off. The stallion was now trotting through the marketplace, unsure.

Raven could also feel it in the air. You could almost hear a pin dropping were it not for the wagon creaking and wheels clattering against the snowy pavement. She lifted her head up to look around them, her muscles warmed and tender to the touch. They still ached and were screaming for much needed sleep, her own eyes droopy and shaded. Taking in a deep breath, she let it out and focussed her mind on herself now. She wasn't exactly letting her guard down - only pushing aside the nervous fear that was lingering in the background of her subconscious.

"It's as if ghosts haunt these streets..." she murmured. At least she found some control over her own voice, despite her throat feeling raw and raspy.

When the wagon finally came to a stop in front of the pharmacy, Raven's gaze landed to the front of the door. It had been left open in their rush to get the plant out of Ponyville, and that subtle reminder just made her nerves quiver.

The stallion once again unhooked the wagon from his back and came around to where Raven Feather was, holding out a hoof towards her.

"Well, we're here. Need a hoof?" He asked. Before Raven could protest, he swooped her up off the wagon and put her down. She stretched her legs out, still feeling weak and tired from running as much as she did. They both were exhausted and hungry, and remembering that Silk had nothing in the kitchen, and also feeling embarassed at asking for such a request, she nodded her head at the other. Keeping balance seemed almost impossible but she managed as best as she could.

"Much appreciated, kind sir. Both Silk Suture and I are greatly indebted to your generosity. There is one other thing, if it's okay with you..." she hesitated, the stallion watching her curiously.

"Anything, ma'am. Don't mind at all!"

"Some food would be great right about now. Don't you agree, Silk?" She asked him. Curling up under a blanket in the warmth of the bedroom Silk had given her, drinking tea and eating sounded just about heavenly.

[Silk Suture]

Silk Suture couldn't help but feel uncomfortable once they got into Ponyville proper. While he should have been thankful that they finally got out of the dreadful Everfree Forest and into a safe area, right now Ponyville felt like nothing it usually did. Well sure, the pegasus had just moved in and didn't really know how the town was – but as far as he had seen, it wasn't like this. The air was tense, the streets empty and quiet. The wind felt chilly as it hit the stallion's face, only making the streets seem even more eerie than they did just a moment ago. The only sound to be heard was the wind and the wagon as it creaked and crunched the snow under it... Though perhaps, if Silk listened really closely, some movement could be heard from inside the various buildings before those too came to a stop, like everyone stopped breathing as they anticipated something.

The word must have spread very fast and caused everyone to hole themselves in their houses, the Everfree Forest being a quite scary subject these days. Though then again, when wasn't it? The pharmacist had definitely done a huge mistake by mentioning both that and a ponyeater plant at the same time when with a strange and easily spooked pony, that was the reason for all of this! Surely the ponies couldn't stay inside forever like this, right? They had to realize everything was under control now and the life would return back to normal...

Silk Suture could only utter a quiet, agreeing "mhh-hm" as Raven spoke, quite well explaining the exact feeling the streets of Ponyville had right now with her words. Now he didn't really think he wanted to talk too much about that, seeing how it had sort of been his fault and it never felt too good to make an entire town feel scared. It wasn't something he had done before, but here he was. And he didn't enjoy it. Quite happily, the pegasus stayed quiet about that for the rest of the trip to his house, only speaking up to help the other stallion find his way.

Finally he saw the comforting facade of his pharmacy, his new home that was feeling quite homely and inviting after the little Everfree Forest adventure – funny how danger could make one grow quite attached to even a place one had just moved into. The wagon stopped in front of the pharmacy, and Silk was already ready to jump down before the stallion that had been pulling the wagon came to the back asking if they needed more help. And just like before, the overly helpful pony didn't really wait for an answer before he lifted Raven off and onto the ground. The pharmacist however, used that distraction to his advantage and jumped off himself, moving next to the mare to help her in case she was having trouble walking.

The pegasus stayed awfully quiet, letting Raven handle the talking for now. Of course he was thankful and of course they now owe their lives to this stallion – something that Silk Suture didn't quite know what to say to! It felt like mere thank yous weren't enough, someone with his background didn't really have much experience at being helped, often being on the other side of a situation like that as his job might imply. However, the smaller of the stallions couldn't help but glance at the mare, raising an eyebrow as she was about to ask for another favor. Not quite what Silk had in mind, even though it seemed like the other stallion didn't mind.

"Yes, well, but," the pegasus' eyes widened as the mare spoke, not quite knowing if he was fine with asking for food as well. He could do that himself! ...But then again, both of them were quite hungry, not having eaten anything. And he couldn't go do it himself now, he had to make sure Raven was going to be warm and her wound was going to have to be looked at. Silk Suture just didn't have time to get food, so...
"Right. Your help will be compensated for, but right now we're going to have to go inside. The door will be open, we'll be upstairs," the pharmacist nodded, starting to lead the mare indoors. The door had been open the entire time so the house was quite cold, but hopefully it would be a bit warmer upstairs...

[20monkies]

The stallion stammered, his tongue tied, as he fought to find the words to speak. He wasn't expecting a request for food of all things. It was the last thing on his mind. Considering the state he had seen them running away, he realized that much time had gone by and all that excitement had them famished.

"Of course, anything. I'll get something for you. It's no trouble at all, I'm not asking for any compensation actually. Glad to at least help out where help is duly needed!" Upon the pharmacist informing him that the door would be open, the stallion nodded his head and muttered something under his breath, but both pegasi had gone into the building and the door had been closed.

Raven was swiftly led into the warmer area of the pharmacy, still feeling the remnants of fatigue in her muscles and bones. The wool blankets had brought some level of comfort to her and was able to wick away majority of the moisture that still lingered on her mane, tail and pelt.

"I think we both have had enough excitement for one day... don't you think?" she asked him, trying to smile as weakly as it came to play upon her face. She tugged up the coat she was still wearing and only realized that it was still wrapped over her body. "I hope you're doing alright, Silk. You must feel just as I do right now..." She stumbled a little on her hooves, following Silk up the stairs to the bedroom. Climbing them was another effort on her part, her limbs pleading for rest. "I hope you're not planning on opening shop in the morning." Silk must need his rest as well. He was sure to be just as exhausted and just as much in need of some relaxation. Even if it was for one day.

Just a little more, she mentally told her body. Another minute and then you won't need to move another inch until you are ready. Her body was just about to give way. Only a little more to push herself.

Black followed suit, meowing gently out to Raven as she fumbled over herself, leaning against the wall to catch her breath. Yet she didn't stop until they finally reached the door to the bedroom Silk had given her to stay in temporarily.

The floor above was definitely much warmer than it was in the main store. Considering the door had been open for the majority of time they had been out. Raven let out a soft sigh, closing her eyes.

"Will you keep me company?" She wasn't sure how Silk was feeling, physically. Raven only knew that for her own self, she just wanted to collapse on the blankets, eat and then just curl up there and sleep away a few days.