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>>159532It takes him another moment.
“Hello again. What can I do for you?” He asks
>>159533"Give me some of the Good Stuff."
He says Remembering the moment the female diamond dogs head exploded
>>159534She falls down, catches herself on the ground with her forelegs, and gets shot in the back of the head, scattering brains and skull fragments across the floor and the wall before falling down.
“One whiskey, coming up.” He says, pouring a glass, and then passing it to Dark Star
>>159529And thus Silver takes the blue mare home.
>>159535He barely manages to catch it.
The scattering brains and skull fragments sticking in his mind like a jpeg on a screen
>>159536Silver keeps the revolver.
She is completely silent as Silver drives her to the headquarters, looking forward, and sometimes out.
>>159537Dark Star still sees that glimpse of the inside of her head. It's not much, but it's enough to make a mark.
>>159539"So....Gruesome.....Poor girl."
He whispers, possibly loud enough for Glimmering Glass to hear him
Dark star Immediately Drinks his Whiskey
>>159538Kek Perfect
>>159540Glistening Glass looks over at Dark Star, frowns, and then continues into another customer.
Nearby, evidently not hearing the remark, a porcelain white Pegasus mare looks over at Dark Star, smiles, and looks to the mare to her left.
>>159541the smiling mare shakes the image from his mind for a minute
He smiles back
>>159542“No.” She says
>>159543She looks over, separated by a couple seats, and giggles. She is clearly with another green colored Pegasus mare.
>>159544Dark Star Gets Mr. Glass's attention and says to him
"Two drinks for those two mares. Something sweet."
>>159545He sees Dark Star, smiles, and pours shots, which the two mares gladly accept.
>>159546She narrows her eyes and shakes her head.
“I could be facing murder charges, you know. Or at least suspended.”
>>159547He orders another drink for himself
>>159548"Ah. That kind of stuff on your mind. I am sorry to get you involved in that."
>>159551Her ear twitches. She does not say anything, and continues looking forward in silence with a sad expression.
>>159552The light pink mare scoots over to the seat next to Dark Star.
"Hi." She says
>>159516What a lovely city. So much more beautiful than Baltimare. Wait, I have never been to Baltimare before… Amber ponders as they drive on. Does the car look out of place in the town?
>>159554The car proceeds down streets that are either very narrow, or wide open boulevards. Neither seems intended for automobiles, and there are very few other cars on the road. The model of automobile is more angular and older than almost any seen in Baltimare. It is true that the average heighth of building is much higher than in Baltimare, but there are no high rises. The tiling of the roofs is certainly nicer than the often flat topped buildings of Baltimare, and unlike that city, there are no bombed out buildings. But often and everywhere, the paint on buildings is old and worn, and windows are shuttered. Griffins wear clothing far more often than not, snd although it only seems to be autumn, it is as cold or colder than Baltimare at the height of winter.
>>159555Truly a foreign country…how Amber will explain how she dreamt all this will be tricky.
But for now, what concerns her is how it's colder than Baltimare. Perhaps the area is inland?
>>159556It feels pretty real right now. From the vibrations of the car felt through the thin seats and the nearly-absent suspension, the sound of the air moving past the sharp angles of the car and the wheels on the road, the crisp feel of the air, the smell of leaves, coal soot, and the wooden case next to her, and the palpable sense of dread, it all feels very real.
No body of water had been seen thus far, besides a couple ponds.
“We are almost at Helm’s house.” He says. “More should be there.”
>>159557"Are we all taking this car?" Amber asks.
>>159558“No.” Helder says. “They have cars and carts. But we will walk, or fly if need be. He is not that far from the train station.”
>>159559"Good. It wouldn't be ideal to stay in the same vehicle."
>>159553"Offer is still available. I do not think you will get in serious trouble either way, but if you feel that you need to shift heat onto somepony else..."
>>159561Is Silver not going to hand over the revolver that he pulled off of the dead Pegasus?She looks over it him with a more neutral expression, making contact with her turquoise eyes.
>>159562Holy shit, I completely forgot that he did until you said that.Silver has a sudden realization, and using his magic pulls out the pegasus's revolver.
"I legitimately forgot that I had grabbed this."
>>159560"No. It wouldn't." He says. The vehicle has passed the six story buildings with their brick exteriors, the open platzes, and now begins to see even more of the two story waddle daub residences. But smore structures are larger, and further apart. The automobile finally slows down near one such residence
"We're here." He says, slowing down. The building is in the late gothic style with baroque elements, two and a half stories with sloping roofs, stone façade, and a pair of round "tower" elements. It's a mansion and nothing less, but the grounds of the location are surprisingly small, at most two acres (likely less), with the house still located within a dense area. The few ancient trees on the property are helpful in obscuring the several vehicles parked there.
>>159563She looks down at it.
"
How do you forget-"
She takes a closer look, and with or without Silver's consent, she takes her hoof, and yanks it away from him
Obviously Silver can roll to stop herA wide, malicious grin slowly forms across her face as she examines it, and with her hoof mediated by her sweater, she places it in a pocket.
>>159565Silver doesn't stop her, as a matter of fact.
"I lost fair amount of blood, was in pain, and was still little bit loopy from opiates doctor gave me after I was shot first time. It kind of distracted my mind." He chuckles. "So, does that help you at all?"
>>159553He looks over t her
"Hey there, like the drink?"
>>159564Very nice. How can anygriff claim the country is being run poorly when griffons are living in houses like these?
"Hopefully we're welcomed," Amber says.
>>159566She takes a moment, looking at him. Her grin grows.
"Yes. Yes it does." She says. "I do think I will need you to speak at some time." She says
>>159567Her mane is a fire yellow, ever so slightly tinted orange, and her coat is a white tinted ivory or porcelain. Her eyes are golden.
"Why yes. Apple Whiskey." She says
"A bit of a shame there was only so much of it."
She smiles to Dark Star.
The other mare, lime green in coat, moves to the seat formerly occupied by the porcelain mare. She too, looks over at Dark Star
>>159568"We will be" Helder says.
Going upp the stone steps, and knocking on the big wooden doors, a griffin in a dress vest answers. "Helder? Are you here from the Summer Palace?" There is a short exchange, but the griffins are allowed inside.
Looking inside, the floors are a darker hardwood. There is a portrait painting of a griffin in armor, and an old grand father clock, all to the left of a staircase, and underneath railing of a second floor hallway. Near the entrance is a statue of a griffin. To the left and right run hallways.
A griffin in black dress vest, the same who answered the door, leads the group to the left, where there are sounds of more griffins talking.
>>159569He smiles and looks back over a Glimmering Glass
"3 More Apple Whiskeys, Sir."
He looks back over at the mare
"It's my favorite."
>>159571This pleases both mares.
Glistening Glass pours three apple whiskeys, although he goes down in a line with Dark Star last.
"I like it too. It's one of my favorite whiskeys." She say
>>159572"You have Great tastes then."
>>159573She giggles, and then takes another sip. She likes it, though the other mare clearly has difficulty swallowing it.
>>159574He looks at the other mare
"Would you like a smoother drink?"
>>159575cough“I’m not used to hard alcohol. Maybe a mixed drink.” She says
>>159576"Not a Problem."
He Looks over at Mr.Glass
"One Manehatten,please."
He Sips his whiskey
>>159577Glistening Glass:
"Sure thing"
He starts to make the Manehattan, and the lime green mare looks over as this is done. The porcelain white mare raises both of her ears high as if surprised.
"You just here to drink alone tonight?" The mare asks Dark Star
The whiskey has a nice smooth flavor to it.
>>159578"Yea. unwinding after a.....Long Day."
He Sips it more
>>159579“Unwinding?” She says. “This stuff gets me wound up.”
>>159580"Yea, it helps me Relax."
>>159581She smiles.
“Is that all you’re here for? To relax?” She asks
>>159582"well not the only thing. i thought i might be able to strike up some conversation with some interesting ponies."
He Smiles Back
>>159583“Oh really?” She says, leaning onto the counter.
“Well, we’re from Central Equestria, but we like to travel around.”
The green mare adds,
“We’ve only been around Equestria so far, so reasons, but we hope to leave some day.” She says
>>159584""Central Equesrtia? Thats the Bee's Knees
is this time appropriate slang? i know it was popular back then Seen anything Strange or Interesting on your travels?"
>>159585“Oh yes.” She nods.
“Like this pony just standing on the side of the road with these giant… I suppose they were flip flops. Hoof flip flops. But sized for a giant. We never got to see what was behind that because we passed by so quickly.”
The other mare adds:
“We’re from Hearthswarming. It’s kind of a companion town of Cloudsdale.” She says. “In that area.”
>>159586"That Does sound rather Strange."
He says to the one Mare
"Harthswarming? I Think my mother used to mention that place. What's it like?"
>>159587She leans over to answer.
“It’s a quaint little town. It’s built on the ground, for the Earth ponies and unicorns. Otherwise it’s a part of Cloudsdale. Maybe middle sized. There’s not that much to do though.”
>>159588"Sounds like a wonderful place."
He Smiles
He Sips his whiskey
>>159589She waved her hoof about.
“There are plenty of wonderful places in Equestria.”
The porcelain mare leans a little close to Dark Star.
“What about you?” She asks
>>159590"What about me? I'm quite boring. lived here my whole life."
He Grins
>>159591She presses her lips together in a scrunch.
“What do you do that requires hard liquor to relax?” She asks
>>159592"Oh you know, a little of this and a little of that. Studying at the university mostly. some times exploring abandoned farm houses and finding spooky things."
>>159594"You might not believe me if i told you."
He smiles before taking a drink
>>159595“Let’s test that.” She says, likewise taking a drink
>>159596"Have you ever heard of, the undead?"
>>159598"Well...i've seen them."
He laughs before taking another sip
>>159600"Yes, Out by the old quarry."
>>159601“Heh. A Nightmare Night costume? Or on a moving picture screen?”
>>159602He Laughs more, accepting her disbelief and deciding not to push it anymore
"Those movers look pretty realistic now-a-days."
>>159604"So what are your names? Mine is solar night."
>>159605"Tricky Truffle" The porcelain mare says, smiling
The green mare leans over
"Sorrel. Succulent Sorrel."
>>159606"It's Good to meet you two."
He Smiles at them both
>>159607Tricky smiles, while Sorrel gets up, and walks around, past Solar Night. She wears a simple blue shirt, and has a blue mane. She moves up, snd sits on the side opposite Tricky, immediately next to Solar Night. Solar Night is surrounded.
Tricky raises her mostly empty glass.
“Nice to meet you.”
And now Sorrel,
“Nice to meet you.”
>>159569Silver nods to her.
"Absolutely, especially if it will help you avoid trouble. You and Dark Star are my closest friends."
>>159609“D’awww.”
She leans in, and hugs Silver
>>159610Silver slows down to be able to hug her back with a foreleg, keeping one on the steering wheel to keep the car straight. It's only a bit brief though as keeping attention to the road is important.
"Also make sure to remind him to treat you sometime. After all, wonderful pegasus marefriend like you has fine tastes and needs that must be fulfilled."
>>159611Is Silver not there yet?
"Of course" She says with a malign smile
>>159612Wait...okay, now they are, as Silver parks in front of Blue's destination, and gives her a proper hug.
"I know how things went, but...thank you, for being there. There is nopony in all of Southeast Equestria I trust more or would rather have watching my back than you two."
>>159613Unless you wanted Silver to have a significantly longer conversation, though I suppose that's possible while parkedNot too close, lest Silver's car be associated with the headquarters.
pony is huggedsqueakyShe smiles more warmly and awkwardly, showing teeth, and even blushes.
"Thank you." She looks away. "You've... probably figured out by now that I move around a lot... But it's nice to have you two here." She leans in, closes her eyes, and nuzzles Silver around the neck.
>>159614Silver giggles a bit in response. The unicorn is still very floofy everywhere, even around the neck.
"H-hey, that tickles!"
>>159608Dark Star raises his glass in turn
"So how are you ladies enjoying Baltimare?"
>>159615This just encourages her to dive in again, nuzzling more.
>>159616Dark Star will now have to chose which one he wants to give attention to at a time.
Tricky
"It's different. Not the neatest, but there's life in it."
Sorrel:
"Yeah, more, well, more non-ponies than inland."
>>159617"Heheh, s-stop it, stop!"
Silver gently and playfully pushes her away to avoid the tickle-nuzzle torture.
"If I ever find coat-growing tonic in my travels, I will have to give you some to give to Dark Star. He is already perfect for you as he is, imagine if he had fluffy coat like this to top it all off."
>>159618She moves away, and frown, ears going down for a moment, before coming back up.
"Perhaps"
There is a pause.
"Where will I find you when I need you?" She asks
>>159619"Oh, just one second."
Silver gives her his address, written down on a piece of paper.
"Do not be afraid to come and find me for any reason. You are always welcome in my house, friend."
>>159620"Alright" She says, and she looks at the piece of paper. Then she looks back up to Silver
"I still may need you to explain yourself." She says
>>159622She turns her head
"I'm not sure. Later, I suppose."
>>159623"Alright then. Just let me know when you need me."
He gives his friend another hug, giving her another chance to be in the floof.
>>159617He says to Tricky
"I could imagine, there's some...culture shock?"
He Says to Sorrel
"Yea there have always been more on the coast."
>>159624She nods, and is hugged. She is enveloped by the floof, snd perhaps did a moment, Silver fears she is lost in it.
>>159625“A little, yes, but I was ready to leave Hearthswarming.” Tricky says. “It’s nice to be in new places. Different experiences. Different ponies.”
Sorrel:
“There’s Diamond dogs inland, many of them. Some zebras and zonies around New Horseleans. I don’t know, if just stands out to me as different.”
>>159626A little worrying for the only slightly-high Silver. He feels around in the floof to make sure she's okay.
>>159627And… wait, she’s there. She lets herself out of the floof.
“I’ll come get you when I need you.” She says to Silver, opening the car door.
>>159626To Tricky
"Yea I Can see that, Traveling does sound...Exciting."
To Sorrel
"Not Many Griffins inland?"
>>159628Silver is relieved. Nopony has been lost in the neverending floof today. He smiles at her one last time before she leaves.
"I will be there, my friend. Have great night, Skies!"
>>159629Sorrel:
“Some” she shakes her head. “Not really though.”
Her forelegs are crossed.
Tricky
“Yeah. New experiences, new ponies…”
She raises up her empty glass. And then so does Sorrel, who has a pouting expression.
>>159630No pony is lost to the floof… but the night isn’t over yet.
She smiles back, though weakly.
“You too.” Is all she says, and she walks off.
>>159631Aww. Before she disappears out of range, Silver says to her, "Next time us three hang out, we should do nothing but have drinks and relax."