Deep Greenary


Thinking of the porter’s words a day later, Nova wished they’d thought of a plan that involved them staying a bit more dry.
It was a selfish thought, she knew. Many ponies had taken to the swamps and bogs following Canterlot’s fall, and they were amongst the fortunate few. Many didn’t have the luxury of such dense shelter, or access to the foods amongst the vegetation. This wildness wasn’t something to denounce - it was a haven to celebrate.
And yet, Nova couldn’t help but purse her lips as they swam through the muck, making for the distant shore in the fog. The wet had attracted so many insects, and despite how much of her remained underwater, she could still feel a bit or two around her ears. It was starting to irritate her.
Ahead, Blue Iron was gliding through the water with strong, commanding strokes. He’d taken the role of leader over the past few days - rather unintentionally, it seemed to Nova - and was handling the pressure with grace. The weathered pack on his back bobbed up and down as they moved further inland.
To the east, a glow was beginning to shine over the horizon. Nova frowned. Was it near dawn already? Until then, she’d felt like they’d been swimming for hours. Now she’d been anything for a minute more of darkness. With morning came sunlight, and with sunlight came the absence of mist.
Blue Iron must have noticed as well because he gave a sharp kick to move quicker. Nova copied him, making sure to keep her wings tucked inward so as not to create drag. Behind her, the rest of their team struggled to keep pace.
“The mist will be your best option,” the porter had said. “Go before first light, and keep low. Viola Wisteria will be ready to pick you up and take you down river just as the morning eases. In a pinch, she’ll be able to help you disappear into the forest.”
“Should we dock at nightfall then?” Blue Iron had asked.
The porter shook his head. “The harbors are not safe. Nor any trails branching off them. Your best bet would be to make the swim and journey inland yourselves.”
And they’d done just that. Long before the mist had begun to evaporate, Blue Iron had jumped overboard with the medicine secured in a satchel. Dandelion had gone next, and, not wanting to seem the least eager, Nova had dove in before Fluttershy could. She might be far from the timid pony she once was, but even in tumultuous times Nova’s pride had its limits.
A silhouette appeared through the fog. Nova tensed, its spindly limbs making her fear a patrol. But no, it was simply a willow tree, half sunken in the mud and bare of any leaves. Nova sighed with relief and focused on Blue Iron. His pace had taken on a somewhat urgent tone.
A splash, and he rose up. Evidently, they’d reached land. Nova gave the sunrise a hurried look before creeping out of the water herself. Dandelion and Fluttershy were fast to follow, water cascading off their manes. Fluttershy took a moment to remove a hungry leech from her hoof.
Dandelion raised her horn to perform a light spell. Blue Iron threw out a hoof, stopping her. No, there wasn’t ample cover nearby. If a patrol were to notice her light, they’d surely be found. It was best to navigate the terrain by hoof and hope their swim had been enough to cloud their scent.
Blue Iron turned, searching the dark for a plausible route. Nearby, Dandelion coughed. Nova gave her a concerned glance, though she shrugged her away with a wave.
Nova glowered. That cough had been getting progressively worse, and not even the porter’s tea had been able to clear it up. With luck, Zecora would have a remedy at her camp.
Blue Iron crouched and began to stalk through the foliage. Nodding, Fluttershy went after him, Dandelion going next after wiping the saliva from her lips. Nova brought up the rear.
It took only minutes for the swamp to overshadow the water in terms of miserableness. It was just the insects, though they were still congregating in swarms. No, it was simply that the uneven ground made it harder to move. Unseen roots would trip them, or false patches of dirt would give way to muddy crevasses. Vines hung from decaying branches, and more than once Blue Iron would have to confer with Fluttershy to make sure they were going the right way.
It made Nova long for the open air. She was sure that she could deliver the medicine on her own if she could simply catch an air current and fly. However, the skies were being monitored, and such a blatant stunt would only harm the refugees in the long run. Stealth was their only advantage here.
Nova took another look at the sky. It was well past dawn now. Thankfully the thick canopy left the forest below relatively lightless, though it was little comfort. In this environment, a changeling could be hiding anywhere.
Nova thoughts were interrupted by a snap! She spun, finding nothing. The others had whirled backwards too, Blue Iron grimacing. Had it been him? Surely he wouldn’t have made such an absentminded mistake as stepping on a twig. None of them would.
“We must move faster,” he whispered. His voice was hoarse, as tattered as the cloak across his shoulders.
Fluttershy nodded. Pointing towards the river, they set off again, this time with Dandelion falling back. Nova noticed her resisting another cough. Sweet Celestia, they were getting more frequent. She pretended not to notice to preserve Dandelion’s pride and walked faster.
“Insect bit gone wrong,” the porter had said last night. He’d given her an inspection following a terrible bout of coughing that had almost caused her to fall over the ship railing. “It should go away on its own, though if the fever’s been festering for some time, her only solution might be medicine.”
Nova had pointed towards Blue Iron’s satchel. “That medicine?”
“Absolutely not,” Blue Iron had said, snatching the bag with a hoof. “We only have a limited amount. The refugees need this.”
Nova had scowled, both annoyed with Blue Iron and the naked worry she knew was etching across her features. She’d given a sleeping Dandelion another glance and sighed.
“Just for once you’d keep an eye out for what your team needs as much as others,” she’d said. She had returned to her cabin before Blue Iron could retort.
From behind, Dandelion hacked and spattered. Nova ignored this, trotting faster. They just had to make it to the village.
There was a break in the treeline ahead. Fluttershy eyed it warily, poison tipped spear appearing in hoof as she pulled back the mossy film. An exhale escaped her lips a moment later.
“Thank goodness,” Blue Iron rumbled, walking through the opening. Nova came through a minute later, seeing it was a dried riverbed, the recess leading deeper into the marshes.
“This bank is connected to the main river,” Blue Iron explained. “Time willing, we’ll reach Viola’s boat by noon.”
Fluttershy nodded in agreement as Nova hopped down with them. Behind her, Dandelion coughed and stumbled over the ridge, collapsing into the riverbed with a dusty thud!
“Dandelion!” All pretense felt Nova’s mind as she dropped to her side, giving the unicorn a ginger tap. She groaned and rolled over, eyes closing.
Nova stood up, narrowing on Blue Iron’s satchel. “She needs medicine.”
“No,” he said. “This medicine is for the refugees.”
“Her fever is getting worse by the second. A small sample wouldn’t be the end of the world.”
“But it might be for them,” said Blue Iron. “I simply will not allow it.” He turned towards Fluttershy. “Say with her. Nova and I will deliver the package to Viola.”
“Got it,” said Fluttershy.
“Let’s go, kid,” said Blue Iron.
Nova growled. They had the means to save her. The solution was right there in that bag. But despite her ire, she couldn’t deny that Blue Iron’s reasoning was sound. No, Zecora’s camp would need this medicine. They couldn’t afford such luxuries as medicine wasted.
Nova leaned down, nuzzling Dandelion. “Stay strong,” she whispered, pained by the emotion in her own voice. “I’ll be back soon. Stay strong.”