Ia:01 Ari Finds Gabby - a Ponygirl?

Author's Note:

Dear Readers,

This is going to be a long story with multiple chapters. Please be patient as I set the stage for the adventure.

NOTE: This story is also published on other sites.

Background:

Adrienne (Ari for short) is sent to the planet of Ayers to find out what happened to Gabriela (Gabby for short) by GC (an interstellar agency). The story begins with a scene from the village where Goblins and Humans trade with each other.

Ari strolled wearily along the cobbled road that wound through the heart of Sunning village. The weight of uncertainty bore down on her with every step. Her search so far had been frustratingly fruitless. It was gnawing at her. Despite her best efforts, she had made no progress in her quest to find Gabby. The villagers were going about their business without paying much heed to the stranger amongst them.

The last signal from Gabby's beacon had reached her almost a year ago, out on the outskirts of this very village. Gabby had vanished during a covert assignment. The agency had been anxiously awaiting her return but were reluctant to send anyone else. She had finally managed to convince her superiors. And here she was.

Ari would have arrived on this planet much earlier if it weren't for the strict regulations imposed by her agency. They prohibited the use of Faster-Than-Light (FTL) ships anywhere near underdeveloped planets like Ayers. This meant her arduous journey had lasted nearly a year. Her instructions were clear. Advanced GC technology was not to be used on this planet, forcing her to traverse the rugged terrain on foot for a week. She had finally arrived in Sunning, completely exhausted.

Upon her arrival that morning, she had secured lodging at a local inn. She had updated her universal translator for the local language. The villagers had gradually revealed snippets of an astonishing narrative. One of the disturbing aspects was Goblins using human females as a beast of burden. Such human females were colloquially referred to cryptically as 'pony girls' The term piqued Ari's curiosity, and she resolved to find more. Her world, with its highly advanced technologies, rarely encountered horses. Perhaps in holos or if docked at a distant Earth-like planet.

'But then,'

Ari reasoned with herself,

'this planet reminds me of the historical documentaries I saw of 16th century Earth. It feels like time travel.'

Ari had known Gabby for a while now. Gabby was a vivacious redhead. She possessed an athletic build though at 5 feet 6 inches, she was a bit shorter than Ari. She sported perfectly contoured breasts. Her pale complexion must have contrasted with the sun-kissed locals. With a straight nose, enchanting green eyes, and a captivating smile that could light up the darkest of corners, she could have been a model in GC but for her height.

She had described her friend to multiple people so far without any success. Currently, Ari was perusing the wares of a quaint shop as she described Gabby to the shopkeeper. He was a middle-aged man with a bushy gray beard and a twinkle in his eye. He paused from arranging his trinkets. His eyes bore a glint of recognition. He scratched his haggard face and nodded as if remembering something. "A few weeks back," he began, his voice hushed as if divulging a forbidden secret, "I saw a Goblin pass through this very village with a girl who matches what you are describing. She was covered in grime. So I cannot be sure but she did look paler than any other pony girls we see around here."

Ari leaned in, eager for more information, but the shopkeeper was abruptly summoned by a group of customers. Ari was left wanting for more, with a lingering sense of curiosity and confusion.

'Pony girl? What the heck have you gotten yourself into Gabby?'

she wondered. She decided she would come back to the shop later for more details.

Ari continued her stroll through the bustling marketplace of Sunning. Her gaze inadvertently fell upon a striking sight making her freeze in place. A young woman was trotting gracefully down the cobbled path, drawing the attention of both villagers and passersby. The woman had a strangely alluring gait which was accentuated by her attire. She sported knee high boots which further added to her seductive stride. Dark leather straps criss crossed her body. They revealed far more than they concealed. Her breasts were bare with two bells attached to rings in her pierced nipples. The faint jingling of bells, tinkled with every step she took and echoed through the marketplace.

If this was not enough, a small, odd looking man was perched on her back in a grotesque saddle. From her vantage point, Ari figured the saddle rested on the woman's hands tied behind her back. The man, who looked like goblins from folklore, was asserting his dominance over the woman. Narrowing her eyes Ari looked intently at the approaching woman. Her heart seemed to skip a beat as she took in the unmistakable features. It was Gabby, she was sure of it!

Ari's brows furrowed with a mix of disbelief and anger. Gabby's lower half was bound by a dangerously thin strap that descended from her waist. It daringly went between her legs before disappearing behind her. The harness continued its cruel ascent, enveloping her in an eerie transformation. It looped into the collar on her neck. Something, reminiscent of a bridle, entrapped her beautiful face. Completing the look, was what looked like a horse's bit, her jaws forced open to accommodate it.

To Ari's abhorrence, a 'tail' of the same ginger hue as Gabby's hair protruded from her rear, completing the degrading image. Her hands, tied behind her back, appeared to be fastened to her own harness, leaving her utterly helpless. The Goblin rider held tight reins that were attached to Gabby's bridle. He seemed to cruelly direct her every step and movement.

The shock that washed over Ari was overwhelming. A torrent of anger and disgust filled her. She struggled to contain the maelstrom of emotions that raged within her. She was horrified Witnessing the woman she had come to rescue in such an undignified state. She stepped in front of Gabby, forcing her to stop mid stride.

Gabby's eyes locked onto Ari. Her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and horror, her shock and embarrassment evident. Here she was, with her Goblin rider guiding her with the cruel crop, and Ari staring at her. Her cheeks blazed a bright crimson. She felt utterly exposed and vulnerable. She was trapped in a dehumanizing display, treated as nothing more than a prized possession. It was all happening in front of the one person she held in high esteem. This realization of being found in this degrading condition brought a fresh wave of humiliation. She looked away, her eyes downcast.

When the Goblin asked why she was in his way, Ari hesitated for a moment but quickly gathered her wits. She pointed towards Gabby and stammered, "I umm... want to talk to her."

The Goblin's laugh grated on her nerves, but she maintained her composure. "You are funny, little human. This was my pony. She was not allowed to talk. Do ponies talk?"

Ari's heart raced. She knew she would have to deal with the Goblin if she wanted to rescue her friend. She knew she had to be smart and strategic about it. The Goblin's arrogant tone and the way he referred to Gabby as his 'pony' fueled her determination. She had to rescue her friend from this degrading situation.

Ari couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "No wonder she has to wear those stupid mittens." She clenched her fists, trying to rein in her anger. She quickly devised a plan. Losing her temper now wouldn't help Gabby.

She glanced at Gabby, who still avoided her gaze, seemingly lost in humiliation. Ari knew she had to act fast. Taking a deep breath, she spoke in a conciliatory tone, "Look, I am new to this place and I do not know your customs. This girl looks familiar. So can you let me have a few minutes with her, please?"

The Goblin rider appeared to ponder her request. Ari's words had caught him off guard. He replied, "Little human, I am going to the bar. I will think about it. However, I can assure you, my pony cannot, or rather, would not talk."

Ari saw her opening and pressed on, "Sir, I will buy you a drink if you let me at least try to talk to this girl."

The Goblin chuckled, his arrogance waning slightly. "Okay, little human, you can have some time with her after you buy me a drink. Let's go."

Ari nodded, hiding her relief behind a composed exterior. This was just the beginning of her mission to rescue Gabby and retrieve the dilithium crystals. She couldn't afford to let her emotions get the best of her.

Ari's rage bubbled beneath the surface as she watched the Goblin expertly control Gabby with the reins and a crop. She clenched her fists, struggling to contain her anger. It was revolting how he treated Gabby like a mere beast of burden. Every tap of that crop sent a surge of fury through her.

As they approached the tavern, a large, burly man blocked their path. He addressed the Goblin, "Sir, ponies are not allowed inside the tavern. Only humans or Goblins. You can stable her behind the tavern. Your pony will be well taken care of for just 5 coins. She will be given water and a good rubdown for her sore legs. For an extra 5 coins, we will feed her too. If you want to stable your pony here, it will cost you 20 coins."

Ari's disgust grew as the Goblin treated Gabby like a common animal, but she knew she had to play along for Gabby's sake. The Goblin pointed to Ari and said, "That one was paying for this," turning to Gabby he confirmed "aren't you, little human?"

Ari bit her lip, her anger simmering beneath the surface. "Yes," she replied through gritted teeth, "I... I'll pay." She hated every moment of it, but she couldn't let her emotions cloud her judgment. Gabby's well-being was her top priority.

The Goblin then commanded Gabby, "Kneel, Strawberry." Ari's eyes widened in disbelief as Gabby obediently knelt to allow the Goblin to dismount. This degrading spectacle left Ari speechless.

"Strawberry?" Ari thought incredulously. He had the audacity to give Gabby a new name? Strawberry? Her hand instinctively flew to her mouth as she tried to contain her shock. The Goblin's treatment of Gabby was infuriating. Ari couldn't stand how he had stripped her of her dignity and humanity. He had reduced her to a status of a mere pony.

As Gabby knelt, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, but her gaze remained fixed on the ground. Ari couldn't help but notice the mixture of humiliation and embarrassment in her expression. The Goblin's actions were not just degrading but also deeply humiliating for Gabby. It was evident in her body language and the bright blush that painted her cheeks. Ari seethed with anger at how he made her submit like an animal. He was treating her as if she were less than human as he handed Gabby's reins to the burly man.

The Goblin strolled in the tavern. Ari followed, she did not have much choice. He addressed Ari in a condescending tone, "So, little human, what was your interest in my pony?"

Ari's face flushed red with anger, but she managed to hold back her temper. She responded, "My name was Ari. What is your name? Do Goblins even have names?"

The Goblin replied proudly, "I am Lord Gorlm of the North-East tribes. You may call me Lord or Your Lordship... or Sir, if you prefer."

Ari could not resist a hint of sarcasm as she retorted, "Yeah, sure. Whatever works for you, my Lord."

Gorlm, oblivious to the sarcasm, continued, "You have much to learn, human," emphasizing the word "human" with contempt, and asked, "So, where was my drink?"

Ari signaled the tavern keeper to provide Gorlm with whatever drink he desired and addressed him, "So, 'your lordship,' what do you do when you're not enslaving my fellow humans?"

Gorlm was in a chatty mood. He boasted, "Oh, you know, the usual. Just ruling the goblins and tending to all my Lordly duties. Running my tribe, presiding over them, and overseeing the training of human ponies. All the usual stuff. What about you, little one? What do you do?"

Ari couldn't help but be slightly amused by the Goblin's arrogance. His response was so full of himself that it bordered on comical. She took out two silver pieces and handed them to the tavern keeper, who promptly served Gorlm his drink.

Pushing her agenda forward, Ari remarked, "Isn't someone full of himself. Anyway, as per our agreement, I get some time with your girl. I wanted.."

Gorlm interrupted Ari mid-sentence. Not comprehending her sarcasm, and asserted aggressively, "Not GIRL, she is NOT a girl; she was MY pony. I know you are having difficulty accepting this fact. Say it now!"

Ari momentarily froze, taken aback by the Goblin's sudden shift from calm to aggressive. She regained her composure quickly, however, and gave Gorlm a reluctant nod. "Okay... Can I have a word with your *pony.*" The absurdity of calling a human being a 'pony' was not lost on her, but she was willing to play along if it meant a chance to rescue Gabby.

Gorlm seemed to calm down and proposed, "Hmm, that's much better. We can have a little bargain. You can have a few minutes alone with my pony. But after that, you come back, and we discuss whatever I want to discuss. Deal?" He smiled and extended his hand for Ari to shake.

Ari was hesitant about the vague agreement Gorlm was offering, but she was determined to meet Gabby and talk to her. She reluctantly took Gorlm's proffered hand and shook it. "We have a deal," Ari agreed, "We can figure out the rest later. For now, though, I will go to meet her."

Without waiting for Gorlm's response, Ari asked the tavern keeper where the ponies were kept.

He asked, "Human or real?" Ari responded firmly, "Human." The tavern keeper pointed her to the back of the tavern. Ari rushed to reunite with Gabby, her mind filled with countless questions and concerns.

As Ari quickly made her way to the direction he had indicated, she could feel her heart racing with a mix of hope and trepidation. Thoughts whirled through her mind like a storm, a chaotic jumble of emotions and questions. She wondered about Gabby's well-being, her state of mind after enduring such humiliation. She hoped there wasn't any lasting physical harm. How had Gabby ended up in this horrific situation? What must she have endured over the past year?

Ari's anger simmered beneath the surface as she contemplated how to approach this Goblin lord, Gorlm. She was determined to find a way to free Gabby from his clutches, but the uncertainty gnawed at her. Ari knew she needed to remain calm and composed. She had to use wits to navigate this unfamiliar and disturbing world.

Despite the urgency of the situation, Ari also grappled with her personal feelings. The shock of seeing her dear friend treated as a mere pony, the indignity of it all, and the bizarre circumstances weighed heavily on her. She knew that her every action now would determine the fate of both Gabby and her.

As Ari stepped into the stables, she was momentarily taken aback. Unexpectedly it was clean. Things seemed to be placed in an orderly fashion. The well-lit interior, the fresh scent of hay and clean straw, and the sweet aroma of flowers drifting in from another doorway all come together to create an atmosphere quite different from what she had imagined.

The spaciousness of the stables surprised her, as did the excellent condition of the stalls. It was evident that whoever owned and maintained this establishment took great pride in its upkeep. Ari took in the sight of eight clean stalls, each carefully prepared with fresh hay on the floor. The small fireplace in the corner immediately caught her attention. It was emanating a warm glow and providing a comforting contrast to the unsettling situation she was in.

She salivated, noticing the enticing aroma of stew simmering in an open oven. The smell was undeniably appetizing, and her own stomach responded with an audible growl. It had been a while since her last meal. She shook her head. She was acutely aware of the contrast between the idyllic surroundings and the disturbing reality of why she was here. She had not anticipated the trouble Gabby would be in. Her mission was important but getting her friend out of this unthinkable situation was more urgent.

Ari's eyes widened as she took in the scene before her. In the stalls nearby, she spotted four naked human females, each hitched to posts. Their appearances were a stark contrast to the well-maintained surroundings. However, her attention was soon drawn to a young woman who stood among them, fully clothed. She seemed different from the others.

This woman was feeding apple slices to one of the bound girls. The girl's hands were still tied behind her back but the bridle and bit had been removed. It was a strangely peaceful moment amidst the unsettling scene. The bound girl, now without her bridle, contentedly ate the apple from the young woman's hand.

Ari looked around searching for any sign of Gabby. Not finding her, she approached the young woman who appeared to be a stable hand. She tapped her on the shoulder and initiated a conversation.

"Hello there," Ari began, trying to maintain her composure. "I was looking for a new girl that was just brought in."

The young girl, seemingly unfazed by Ari's presence, turned around and sized her up. She offered a friendly smile and commented, "You don't seem to be from here. What was the girl's name?"

Ari nodded, "Yes, I am. I arrived yesterday. Her name was Gabby, I mean Gabriela."

The girl shook her head and clarified, "The Goblins usually give their ponies some fancy names like Wild Flower or Peaches or Long Legs. What is her pony name? It would be better if you get into the habit of calling her by that name. The Goblins get very touchy when we call their ponies by their human names. Anyway, I think you meant Strawberry, right?" She inquired, with a knowing look.

Ari was taken aback by the revelation. Eager to meet Gabby, she nodded and added, "It's so inhumane that they even took away her name."

The young girl concurred, her expression sympathetic. "I agree, but that is how it is. You go and see Strawberry; she is in the back being cleaned by Sam. She was a feisty one. Once you're done meeting her, you can come back, and we can talk some more."

With that, Ari nodded and followed the directions to find Gabby, her heart heavy with a mix of anticipation and distress at the grim reality she had encountered in this world.

Ari walked to the back area of the stables, a space that extended beyond the rows of individual stalls. Here, the atmosphere was quite different. Instead of the confined spaces of the stalls, this area opened up into a more expansive and practical zone. Hay stacks were neatly arranged to one side, forming a stack of golden bales that reached up to shoulder height. The hay emitted a comforting, earthy scent that permeated the air, a reminder of the pastoral surroundings.

The floor was layered with a clean layer of straw, providing a soft surface underfoot. This area seemed designed to serve multiple purposes, not just for storage but also for activities like grooming and bathing the human ponies. Several hooks and shelves held various grooming tools and supplies. Ari noticed that everything was meticulously organized.

Flower pots with a variety of vibrant blooms added a touch of unexpected beauty to the space. Their fragrant petals filled the air with a sweet perfume. Ari realized that it was the source of that delightful scent she had noticed earlier.

As Ari continued to explore the area in search of Sam and Gabby, she heard the sound of water splashing behind the haystack. She turned towards the source of the sound. She realized Gabby was being bathed by a young woman in her early twenties. Ari observed quietly for a minute as Gabby stood there, butt naked, without a bridle or bit. A collar encircled her neck, and a leash from the collar was tied to a tall wooden pole in the middle of the bathing area. However, her hands were free.