Both pegasi looked at Torrential when he didn't answer their inquiries right away. He stood there, eyes at the mercenary on his back, yet they seemed to be looking far beyond her. Tail was confused, having expected a playful response. Her smile faded and her face became one of bewilderment. 

Dancer froze. [i] Was something wrong? Did Snow accidentally offend him?! [/i] thought the Scholar. She personally had never seen him rage. But she saw those who received Torrential's wrath. [i] Oh Celestia, I hope he's not- [/i]

Torrential broke his silence and gave Snow his reply. Dancer relaxed, and Tail began to blush. [i]I expected some more foreplay, but… I never expected a complement, [/i] thought Snow. She gave a short bow with her head, and said "Thank you." 

The trio continued in the direction indicated by Torrential. Under the alicorn's wing, Dancer was near his cool yet welcoming body. Her heart beat rose, thoughts as mixed up as her emotions. [i] Respect or romance? I can't tell if how he loves me. I can't even tell how I feel about him. I love him as well, but in what way?[/i] 

[i] I wonder if Scroll feels the same about the Lady Sliver. Though, at least Lord Rain has a very nice mane. [/i] 

Arriving at their destination, Tail still resting on Torrential's back. She was exhausted from her earlier excitement and long journey. Though she kept vigilant - for Equestria was no longer the safe paradise it had once been. In fact, Snow Tail was barely a year old when the Sisters' disappeared. [i] Try as I might, I can never imagine this world without war, [/i] she thought sadly. 

On the other hoof, Dancer was old enough to remember the Sisters. She might have been far young for a university student, but she was smart and talented. [i]Alas, you we're not born a unicorn! [/i] lamented one teacher. She remembered the well tended weather, the wonderful festivals, and most of all, the peace and happiness before the Division. Those memories seemed to awake at the sight of the ruins.

"This must have been a agricultural complex," said Star.

"How can you tell?", asked Tail. "If it weren't for the fence, I'd swear no pony was ever here before." 

"Back before the Disappearance, there used to be ranches like this all through the land. Now I think only in a few lands were they exist." She tactfully did not mention that Earthborn was one of those lands. "Everywhere else is either a state-operated complex, if not a slave dome. And even those owned privately tend to look like little fortresses." 

Bats flew through the air, and the mercenary stiffened. But it was not to ready herself for defense. Eyes now large as saucers, Snow began to shiver and even her already white coat seemed to pale. Fear gripped her, and she closed her eyes and hugged Torrential. It was a hug asking for help.