The path to Esnell...

North gallops across the open field, eventually coming to a long stretch of grasslands. In the distance, you can see four large mountains, flanked by a series of rolling hills. Seeing that the mountains are obviously North's target, you settle yourself more comfortably in the saddle region of her back and prepare yourself for a long ride.
Despite the beautiful alicorn's breathtakingly smooth stride, your rear, back, legs, and neck are agonizingly sore from hours of non-stop galloping by the time you reach the foot of the first mountain. By then, the sky has darkened considerably, leaving night to envelope the land in its black midst. Your head spins, unable to comprehend the sudden lack of movement, as you attempt to dismount North.
Noticing your struggle, she slowly bends her legs and lowers you to the ground. You gladly slide off of her warm back, immediately dropping to the dirt. She stands above you for a moment, her sweat-coated form reflecting the milky light of the moons, then trods warily away, to do what you do not know.
Nor care, so great is your exhaustion. Closing your eyes, you instantly fall into a long, deep sleep.
You awaken to the sound of a soft, distant voice singing, seeming to reflect off of every leaf and coming at you from every angle, though there seems to be only one singer. Shaking your head, you push yourself into a sitting position and lean back on your hands, taking note as you do that your muscles are still rather stiff.
Glancing across from you, you can see North resting on her knees, leaning against a sturdy tree.
"Good morning," she greets, smiling sweetly. You nod, taking in your surroundings.
"Who's singing?" you ask, still hearing the distant voice.
"Not sure," she replies nonchalantly, "Lots of people say it's just the forest." She shrugs. "Some others say there's actually a humanoid on a hilltop somewhere who doesn't let themselves be seen." She rolls her eyes. "I just say it's rather beautiful," she continues, "Some things don't need an explantation, are even better without it at times. The song ceases around noontime."
The large alicorn stands up and, yawning, stretches her slender legs to their full extent.
"Ready to go?" she asks, smiling again.
You nod and stand up, flexing your sore shoulders and legs.
"How come you get tired here?" you question suddenly, "When I was with Nicholos..."
North laughs, slamming the dirt twice with her powerful hoofs.
"You're thinking of the midlands," she corrects you, "Every world is different. Keisst doesn't have the life-enhancing atmosphere that the midlands do." She smiles whistfully. "The midlands used to be a wonderful place," she continues, "More beautiful than Keisst, even." She sighs. "But things change, and the greed of evil has corrupted the land. How they desire the portal stones! Beauty and nature are simply obstacles." She shrugs. "Point being, don't take anything for granted. You can still get simple wear and tear here."
You nod again, both of you seeing the lesson learned, and hop onto her back.
Thankfully, you only ride for about an hour before reaching your destination.
Which is, apparantly, the beginning to a narrow path through the forest. Sparing you a sideways glance, North lowers you to the ground and tucks her wings so that you can easily get off. You dismount, puzzled. The alicorn nods and, tossing her chrome mane prettily, turns around and starts to trot away.
"Wait!" you call, making her pause and look back, "You're leaving?" She laughs, smiling reassuringly so that you don't consider her condescending.
"You're real cool, kid," she says, "But Kiesst means a lot to me, and I'm needed right now." Her blue eyes shine, and your stomach unwinds a few knots. "There's very little in Kiesst that could hurt you, and even less that would want to. Follow this path, keep good company, and you should have no trouble navigating your way around. If you get confused, just keep going- something's always happening."
Winking, she turns on her hoof and canters away. You watch her leave, nibbling your lip nervously, then turn back to the path.