The Watering Hole (Open- Read Rules at Bottom)

[SteelEagle]

The sun was being defeated by the mountains. It was the sort of image that Applejack had always had imprinted in the back of her mind, no matter how illogical the image was now that she was a bit older and smarter than she was when she watched the sun retreat behind the big, strong mountains as a filly. The time before night as the last rays shot over the tops was the sort of image that was among the most serene and peaceful she could imagine and on most nights it signaled the end of her working day. It started when the sky started to have a certain hue about it before dawn broke and it ended when dusk pulled it down and the time of twilight set upon the acres. Above all things, that was Applejack's clock for the working day and it never failed her. If you worked your tail off in between dawn and dusk then that was a day of work that you could be proud of, and if you kept that up then you had a life to be proud of.

Today was slightly different. She had gotten up as early as always and worked the fields, returning after some of the lighter tasks were done to help make breakfas, eat, and go back to work. The season itself was light and the field were as bare as they could be, only small pinpricks of trouble in a field of dreams providing any sort of trouble. A few dozen hauls of apples were brought in, fences mended, animals corraled and field tilled before noon. A light lunch sought to soothe a troubled stomach and whatever voodoo Granny had seemed to work, her apple spice muffins proving the cure all she needed. After lunch Applejack hit the fields again, shepherding the north orchard and fending off some vampire bats that had ventured out of their little sanctuary. She fixed the siding on silo eighteen which showed some signs of age and spent the rest of the afternoon baking pies and some light work around the house. Once her sister had come home, she was given some simple chores to do while Applejack delivered the pies to town. Not much was happening then and she returned home unmolested by interesting events. She then patrolled the perimeter of the farm and made sure that all the animals were accounted for, as a nasty bunch of coyotes- the Everfree made not a lick of sense at times- had taken refugee in that detestable place and taken some chickens recently. Everything was fine and she returned home and had a nice, hearty dinner.

It was an incredibly light day. Only eight fields of forty had been inspected, and the day after would be even lighter. The list of known problems and defects grew smaller every day and her sister always sought greater responsibility. With only a few trees bearing fruit now or in the immediate future, there wasn't a great many things to do to justify her schedule. She had few orders to satisfy with her pies and as much as she enjoyed her stand out in town, mingling with the townsfolk and delivering Apple family deliciousness into the town consciousness one mouth at a time, it was a useless endeavor. Their apples were at the core of every shop in town and even a few beyond, making it an extra cost to the family with little in the way of extra profit. If they had an abundance of product she would take the time to haul it out there, stock it, and spend her day hawing her wares, but aside from those times it didn't help to occupy her time.

So with Apple Bloom back out adventuring with her Crusaders an coming closer to ending all of Equestria someday, Granny Smith early to bed and Big Mac doing whatever it was he did at times(she didn't pry- privacy was as important a family value as love), that left Applejack all alone. Even Winona had to go and curl herself up on the porch. Nopony available and her friends in town were busy, but Applejack had woken up with a certain amount of energy tied to the day that needed to be expended and extra hours on the 'morrow as she wasn't getting up until ten anyway. That left only one option. She put some food in Winona's bowl, left a note for Apple Bloom, told Granny Smith goodnight, and waved goodbye to her brother. With her hat and lasso- you never know where the night could take a pony, or where a pony could take the night- on and a saddlebag bursting with bits, Applejack trotted out of Sweet Apple Acres.

Down the road going opposite from Ponyville was a small salt bar, The Watering Hole. It was just off of the main road that led south and worked as both a bar and inn, the forst building a pony would see when they came to Ponyville from the south...unless they took the train, of course. It was hidden from the town by a thicket of trees and a hill, and was just out of sight of Sweet Apple Acres as the road took quite a turn when you headed towards the farm. It had a good mix of ponies who were all solid patrons of the oldest establishment in Ponyville, a three story affair that was endearing in it's homelyness. Travelers, hoodlums, good honest ponyfolk and of course the Apples all were common patrons. The majority were from Ponyville but its location offered a wide berth. You could count on some foreigners who were staying at the inn or just passing through Ponyville going both ways, making it a nice, off the road travel nexus.

Tonight it looked especially busy on the outside with several carriages pulled into the stables and the sound of laughter and games coming from inside. Applejack's plan was relatively simple. She would hang around for a bit and see if she was struck by any brilliant ideas. It was odd: Brilliant ideas came to her regularly after a few hours inside, and she never regretted them...that night, anyway. She would the next day but she could spendthe first part of the enxt day regretting the night before, so it all worked out for her anyway. At the very least she could meet some interesting ponies and have some fun playing games and singing really bad songs and if that was going to be her night, that would be her night. Either way, she'd have fun.

She entered and the heavy wooden doors creaked as she did so, even as she was struck by the smell of salt and cider. Yep, it was busy. Ponies played pool and darts and many drinks flew around...sometimes even literally thanks to pegasi waitresses. A large first floor was full of the standard, a large bar, many tables, a few pool tables and darts. Two large staircases went up to the second floor balcony which was multiple tables deep and packed as well. On either end of the balcony were doors that led to the rooms on the second floor, and inside those same doors at the end of the rooms' hallway were more staircases heading up to the third floor, which was all rooms. Applejack trotted up to the bar, laying her weary form on a stool, waving to the bartender. The smiling unicorn nodded towards her and sent a mug of hard cider her waym, levitating it in front of her with a few inches free fall. Suds splashed.

It was going to be a good night.

-------

OOC- NPCs are open to control by everypony. Limit 1 character at a time, 2 if you PM and get permission.

[ShadowWalking18]

Razor took a slow sip of his drink. After a long day of work, there was nothing like a drink to relax. Nothing heavy, he prefered to keep his wits. When the sound of the door opening was apparent he turned and noticed a new pony at the bar. He was seated at the far corner and when he noticed the pony he immediately brought up a wing and felt his face heat up.

It was that farm pony from the apple thing! Razor gulped and tried to keep his breathing regular and his heart from giving out.

'Oh please, please don't remember me.' He thought as he lowered his wing and grabbed his drink and downed it quickly. He really needed to stay calm.

((No idea if stuff from WoE can carry over, if not can edit this.))

[Pretzelparty]

*Thunk* ...

"Ha! Bullseye!" shouted the mare, tossing her hat high up into the air before looking to the pony she was next to, "Told ya I could do it! that'll be twenty bits, mate!" The dart had sunk itself square in the center of the dartboard, joining it's fellow darts in the dead center. Presteza had been one of the ponies playing darts and so far she was making a killing! She'd made a wager with some of the other patrons since she was short on money and one thing lead to another and soon she had enough bits to treat herself (and any familiar face she saw) to several rounds of whatever this place was serving

After a grumble or two from her latest victim he gave the mare her fairly won bits,"Thank ya kindly!" she said cheerfully, with a slight hint of arrogance as she caught her slowly descending hat once again on her head. Behind the stallion she was talking to, Presteza saw a familiar looking stetson bobbing up and down as the one below it walked After bidding the stranger farewell she walked through a small group of patrons and soon her face lit up at the sight of one of her favorite friends from Ponyville; Applejack.

Calmly walking over and taking a seat beside her friend she put on a smile and spoke up, "Well Howdy there!" she said playfully. "How're you Applejack? Don't look now but I think that griffin is a little sweet on y-- wait a second..." Sharpening her eyes in Razor's direction she perked up, "Razor! Fancy seein you here!"

[SteelEagle]

Applejack knew her cider, which was like saying a cowpony knew the ropes- which was also a saying that applied to Applejack. She knew her cider exceptionally well, down to the percentage it took to make a cider hard and another percentage it took to make a pony dizzy and happy about a minute into drinking it. She enjoyed a few mugs of the hard stuff as much as the next pony- maybe a bit more, knowing all the work and care that went into it- and while nothing could compare to the Apple family's secret stash, the Watering Hole's product was top notch. She should know. As a patron of the establishment she had felt the impact herself a few dozen times in the past and had seen it work its adult impact on others far more often. Applejack certainly had a higher tolerance than most for it, both because of basic Earth pony physiology and her own experiences. She had also made most of it. All in all, she knew her cider.

Which was why what the griffon next to her was doing was a bit odd. It wasn't a really hard cider and when he downed it in a flash and decided to hide behind his wings like a little filly, there was no rush of sudsy. barley aroma mixed in with the sour apples she used to make it. There was always the possibility that he was a lightweight of epic scale who was hammered by the tiny droplets he had experienced, but griffons were supposed to have a better constituition than that when it came to drinks. They weren't much better than pegasi or unicorns but Applejack had always thought, though this was a strike against this commonly held belief. There was always the possibility that he was perfectly sober and just freaking out over something or suffering from some sort of crippling social anxiety. But if that was the case, why go to The Watering Hole where you were bound to run into a lot of ponies?

He was a mystery wrapped in a riddle inside of an apple pie, unlike the pony who came up next. Applejack knew the noble pony with a streak of adventure in her and considered her a good friend, even when she was busy running ragged over the bitbags of the poor foals who bet her in a game of darts. Applejack had learned her lesson long ago and left Pressy to her hustle whenever she came. It was good to see her as Applejack hadn't seen her for a bit, and she brought a bit of clarity to the discussion. So, this griffon was having little heart flutterings about a simple farm pony? Well shoot, that was a bit of a compliment there, wasn't it? Applejack certainly took good care of herself and couldn't fault others for falling over for her. Who didn't? She had an adorable mane, adorable hat, adorable smile, and a rocking body. But she wasn't one to entertain offers at bars from griffons. She was a mare's mare.

"Haha, well, that'd explain why he was gettin' all sorts of nervous when Ah sat down. Nice ta see ya, Pressy," She said, patting her Presteza on the head. She may not have been Winona, but she sniffed out the cause and name before she could and that was worthy of a nice pat. She turned to Razor and smiled warmly.

"Sugarcube, y'all don't have to worry about sittin' next ta me or whatcha need to do. Just relax. No reason we can't just sit here and enjoy some nice drinks, right? Besides, no offense, but Ah wouldn't be interested anyway. Friendship!" She said, offering up a toast to all three- even though his drink was empty he could join in. No law against an empty mug!

[brianblackberry]

Martini Paradise was trotting towards Ponyville, a town she had visited a few times before but never had any previous singular interest in. This time was different though; as it was the town where her daughter, Sunrise Beach, was living with her patron. Martini wish it didn’t have to be this way, but she knew that her itinerant lifestyle moving from job to job wasn’t conducive to her filly getting the good education she needed; one that could only be offered through a settled home life. Someday she’ll be able to provide that for Sunrise herself, but for now having her daughter sponsored by a kind patron in the town so she could get a steady education in a stable school environment was more than enough.

She was early though, Sunrise would not have yet returned from her school trip by the time Martini reached the town, which meant time to kill, but doing what? Then she spotted it, nestled among the trees off the main road, barely visible was a small rustic building. The sign, barely readable from the distance proclaimed its name proudly: The Watering Hole; the name wasn’t very original, but that wasn’t important, what was inside on the other hoof…

Martini’s special talent was drink mixing and bartending, and she was very, very good at it. Of course that also made her a connoisseur

of the bar scene, always curious and always evaluating how others did the same job. Since she had time, it couldn’t hurt to spend an hour or two being a customer for the first time in a long time.

As the pink maned unicorn mare walked into the small, simple building she could smell the salt, and apples, that permeated the air; plenty of ponies around, and even a few griffins, which were rare this far into Equestria. Martini looked around for a seat, there was one free at the bar itself, three others sat there who all looked like they were having a good time: An orange earth mare with a blond mane; a light yellow unicorn mare with a silver mane; and a griffin with a blue-grey feathered head and a sandy-yellow body. It looked like a good start to take in the local social scene. Martini sat herself on the stool next to the trio and smiled, “howdy everyone, you all regulars here? I’m new to this place myself, but it looks like its popular locally. I love places like this, all hidden and the like, they usually have the best drinks! Oh! I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself, Martini Paradise, but you all can just call me Martini.”

It was as good of an approach into the conversation she could think of on the fly; hopefully it would work.

[Ashton]

Trixie Lulamoon

In the corner sat a figure, she had picked a table out of the way so she wouldn't be noticed... not that the hat and cape made her less conspicuous... though the shadows around her did help.

For once, there was no fanfare, no fireworks, not even a loud booming voice announcing her arival. In fact If you discounted physical appearances, this looked nothing like trixie. She looked vulnerable, worried, perhaps even a little scared. She had, on a whim, decided to make a side-trip to ponyville on her way to her next planned performance, but as she reached the town she began having second thoughts. She'd left her wagon on the edge of town, hidden by soem trees, using a spell to make the trees seem larger and conciel the wagon's location. She had then decided to have a drink to calm her nerves.

The table showed a slow descent, there was a wineglass on the table, Trixie's first drink, then a second, followed by a pint glass, and then a pair of shot glasses, and finally ending with an open bottle of vodka.

The mare herself was sitting at the table, her chin resting on it, she wasn't completely trot-faced yet, but she was well on her way there. The alcohol had helped numb her thoughts on what could happen if the town, especially those specific six ponies, and even worse, _that_ pony in particular, all hated her... right now her distant plans of possibly opening a magic shop here felt about as likely as it starting to rain butterscotch... not chocolate milk, she'd already seen that, she had to kick the crazyness up a notch afterwards...

She sat there, letting the room gently spin around her, worried, and even just a little scared, but most of all open and vulnerable, her proverbial mask was nowhere to be seen, and for once she would be completely open and honest to anything said to her...

[Harv0kz]

"Mmkay guys, I'll be back before we move out tomorrow. Tell the sergeant I'm at the library."

---

Patrolling Equestria wasn't unusual to Warp Sign, but stopping in Ponyville is. For him, he found it difficult to imagine what could possibly go wrong in the town where Princess Twilight resides. Yet, nonetheless, his squad had the opportunity to curse their luck when they got the short end of the straw by ending up here. Quiet didn't suit their restless hearts and itchy unicorn horns.

During a conversation with a member from another squad, Warp had heard that there was quite a... "modest" bar in Ponyville. Not your usual rowdy and noisy clubs, something for the common folk. It cost him some rations for the sweet bit information, but it was worth it. And when the squad reached the town, he knew exactly what he was doing. And without a doubt, and without even taking off his gear, he quickly sped towards the location of The Watering Hole, hoping that his absence might be noted as either having gone to the library or retiring early to read and refine the spells in his tome.

Pushing the door open, he walked into the bar. He could already see a few ponies gathering at the bar. The rouge smell of salt and alcohol hit him hard. Perfect. Was the only word that went through the corporal's mind. He slowly trotted up towards the bar, making sure that his gear didn't rattle and break the atmosphere. Although admittedly, he could hear a bit of clanging coming from the chains that kept his personal tome of spells on him. Yeesh, Note to self: Remember to remove gear before going for nights out again. Though it was not as if Warp Sign was going to remember it tonight anyway.

As he approached the bar, he just sat on a random stool, making a nod of acknowledgement to the other ponies already there, then turned to the barkeeper, signalling for his attention. "I'll just have a mug of your regular cider. Nothing fancy." He ordered. And as he waited, he quickly opened his tome, remembering that he had a error to correct. Pulling out a quill and some ink from his bag with magic, Warp Sign got to work quickly, magically wiping out the error, before writing in the corrections. When he was satisfied, he closed the book, and packed his stuff as quick as he got them out. This wasn't the place to be reading books and adjusting spell lists. He came here to relax and to enjoy himself, a rare privilege while he was on patrol outside his home garrison or active duty.

Finally, his drink arrived via magic levitation. Rather than forget later, he levitated his tab over to the bartender, nodding his head in thanks. Finally, he turned his head around towards the group of ponies who had been conversing, taking a sip of some of that tasty cider before openly asking the group "So, how are you ponies this fine night? Busy days make for good nights in my case."

[ShadowWalking18]

*Thunk* ...

"Ha! Bullseye!" shouted the mare, tossing her hat high up into the air before looking to the pony she was next to, "Told ya I could do it! that'll be twenty bits, mate!" The dart had sunk itself square in the center of the dartboard, joining it's fellow darts in the dead center. Presteza had been one of the ponies playing darts and so far she was making a killing! She'd made a wager with some of the other patrons since she was short on money and one thing lead to another and soon she had enough bits to treat herself (and any familiar face she saw) to several rounds of whatever this place was serving

After a grumble or two from her latest victim he gave the mare her fairly won bits,"Thank ya kindly!" she said cheerfully, with a slight hint of arrogance as she caught her slowly descending hat once again on her head. Behind the stallion she was talking to, Presteza saw a familiar looking stetson bobbing up and down as the one below it walked After bidding the stranger farewell she walked through a small group of patrons and soon her face lit up at the sight of one of her favorite friends from Ponyville; Applejack.

Calmly walking over and taking a seat beside her friend she put on a smile and spoke up, "Well Howdy there!" she said playfully. "How're you Applejack? Don't look now but I think that griffin is a little sweet on y-- wait a second..." Sharpening her eyes in Razor's direction she perked up, "Razor! Fancy seein you here!"

Razor jumped, his wings closing up in shock, "Ahh. Hey, your that artiest pony. Uh...Pretzala?"

Razor had a feeling that was the wrong name, but he just shrugged. He then looked at the mare, forgetting his reason for hiding now. Besides, it hadn't been too important.

"So uh...how you doing?" he turned to preen some of his feathers that got out of place due to his shock.

Applejack knew her cider, which was like saying a cowpony knew the ropes- which was also a saying that applied to Applejack. She knew her cider exceptionally well, down to the percentage it took to make a cider hard and another percentage it took to make a pony dizzy and happy about a minute into drinking it. She enjoyed a few mugs of the hard stuff as much as the next pony- maybe a bit more, knowing all the work and care that went into it- and while nothing could compare to the Apple family's secret stash, the Watering Hole's product was top notch. She should know. As a patron of the establishment she had felt the impact herself a few dozen times in the past and had seen it work its adult impact on others far more often. Applejack certainly had a higher tolerance than most for it, both because of basic Earth pony physiology and her own experiences. She had also made most of it. All in all, she knew her cider.

Which was why what the griffon next to her was doing was a bit odd. It wasn't a really hard cider and when he downed it in a flash and decided to hide behind his wings like a little filly, there was no rush of sudsy. barley aroma mixed in with the sour apples she used to make it. There was always the possibility that he was a lightweight of epic scale who was hammered by the tiny droplets he had experienced, but griffons were supposed to have a better constituition than that when it came to drinks. They weren't much better than pegasi or unicorns but Applejack had always thought, though this was a strike against this commonly held belief. There was always the possibility that he was perfectly sober and just freaking out over something or suffering from some sort of crippling social anxiety. But if that was the case, why go to The Watering Hole where you were bound to run into a lot of ponies?

He was a mystery wrapped in a riddle inside of an apple pie, unlike the pony who came up next. Applejack knew the noble pony with a streak of adventure in her and considered her a good friend, even when she was busy running ragged over the bitbags of the poor foals who bet her in a game of darts. Applejack had learned her lesson long ago and left Pressy to her hustle whenever she came. It was good to see her as Applejack hadn't seen her for a bit, and she brought a bit of clarity to the discussion. So, this griffon was having little heart flutterings about a simple farm pony? Well shoot, that was a bit of a compliment there, wasn't it? Applejack certainly took good care of herself and couldn't fault others for falling over for her. Who didn't? She had an adorable mane, adorable hat, adorable smile, and a rocking body. But she wasn't one to entertain offers at bars from griffons. She was a mare's mare.

"Haha, well, that'd explain why he was gettin' all sorts of nervous when Ah sat down. Nice ta see ya, Pressy," She said, patting her Presteza on the head. She may not have been Winona, but she sniffed out the cause and name before she could and that was worthy of a nice pat. She turned to Razor and smiled warmly.

"Sugarcube, y'all don't have to worry about sittin' next ta me or whatcha need to do. Just relax. No reason we can't just sit here and enjoy some nice drinks, right? Besides, no offense, but Ah wouldn't be interested anyway. Friendship!" She said, offering up a toast to all three- even though his drink was empty he could join in. No law against an empty mug!

Razor stopped preening and felt his face heat up, he turned towards Applejack and stammered trying to form a sentence, What! I-but-but-I wasn't-I don't-you can't-" All this just embarrassed him more though.

He called for another drink or three, and downed the first to calm himself down.

Finally he managed to get a sentence straight, I-I'm not worried and I'm not interested either...and hey what do you mean wouldn't be interested!? Are you saying I'm not good enough? Well I'll have you know I've got plenty of experience with the ladies...just...not around here. Besides why would a griffon find a pony attractive anyway? Especially some grounded earth pony!" Despite his slight temper, it would be obvious that he was lying about experience with ladies. Though the last few words had a drop of venom to them.

Razor grumbled and took another drink.

He noticed that a few more ponies had taken to the bar, and he was starting to feel both confined...and now that he realized that he had a bigger audience to his rather embarrassing stammering moment he felt even worse now.

[Pretzelparty]

“howdy everyone, you all regulars here? I’m new to this place myself, but it looks like its popular locally. I love places like this, all hidden and the like, they usually have the best drinks! Oh! I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself, Martini Paradise, but you all can just call me Martini.”

Presteza perked up slightly at the sound of another familiar voice, "Hullo, Miss Martini! I'm no' sure ya remember me but ya served me a Manehattan at the Grand Gallopin' Gala last year! I was the mare in mint green dress who was talkin' to the brown earth pony in the tux." She said eagerly, in the hopes that the mare would remember her. The peppy painter always loved to befriend those she met in her life, and her inability to forget a face she'd seen usually helped with that.

"Mind If I ask wot brings ya ta Ponyville?" she asked as she relaxed a bit on her stool and looked over what was available to drink. The Watering hole definitely had a wide selection of drinks, some of which this mildly sheltered painter had never heard of. As her eyes scanned the drink menu she noticed that Razor had dropped his wing and decided to show his face and engage in conversation!

"Ahh. Hey, your that artist pony. Uh...Pretzala?

The mare gave a sigh and stated rather flatly," It's Presteza actually." While this mare did like her name she had to admit the fact that quite a few individuals constant mistakes on her name was a bit annoying. Not even many ponies bothered using "old equestrian" but was it really so hard to remember a name with only three syllables in it? "It mean's 'Quickness... so anyway how's your sister, Glimmer doin'?"

"Haha, well, that'd explain why he was gettin' all sorts of nervous when Ah sat down. Nice ta see ya, Pressy,"

Her friend's ruffling of her mane inadvertently gave her eyes a nudge downward to a drink that did seem rather enticing. A "Manehattan Iced tea". The description said it had a sweet taste, and if there was anything this unicorn loved it was sweet tasting... well, anything! At the bottom it said it had a rather high alcohol content but Pressy was a strong young mare, she could definitely handle some strong alcohol. Raising her hoof to get the bartender's attention she spoke up,"Oi, Barkeep! One Manehattan Iced tea!"

After ordering her drink and waiting on it to be delivered, the mare smiled brightly as Applejack admitted that it was good seeing her friend, "Nice seein' ya too, mate! How's life on the farm goin'? Ya better keep me in mind if ya ever need an extra pair o' hooves next harvest!"

What! I-but-but-I wasn't-I don't-you can't-" I-I'm not worried and I'm not interested either...and hey what do you mean wouldn't be interested!? Are you saying I'm not good enough? Well I'll have you know I've got plenty of experience with the ladies...just...not around here. Besides why would a griffon find a pony attractive anyway? Especially some grounded earth pony!"

Presteza couldn't help but give a chuckle at Razor's overreaction at first, It's not everyday you see a griffon so flustered."Yer a pretty fun griffon, Mister Razor... a li'l touchy though." she said playfully, sticking her tongue out at him teasingly. "Anyway, don't ya griffon's 'ave history classes in Aquellia? Obviously some o' you guys have some .. exotic tastes since The hippogriffs are around they are the result o' minglin' between us ponies and you griffons." she said in an ever-so-slightly smug tone. Soon enough the mare's drink came and slid a couple bits to the bartender and took a sip,"Mm! This is really good! Anyway, Watch who yer callin' grounded, mate! I don' have wings either but I still get a bit o' attention!" While she waited for razor's hopefully still rather flustered reply, the mare took another sip of her iced tea, a slight pink shade forming on her cheeks.

"So, how are you ponies this fine night? Busy days make for good nights in my case."

The mare's ears perked as she heard the voice of a newcomer she hadn't noticed enter, looking over to him she smiled at him, "Well I'm doin' great, Mister! How about you?" She asked, beginning to slouch a bit on her seat before levitating her glass to her lips and taking another sip.

[SteelEagle]

The griffon who Pressy called Razor certainly didn't take her words as well as she had intended, but Applejack supposed that wasn't much of a shock. By definition, griffons seemed to be most temperamental and easy to arouse to anger of all creatures she had met. Didn't make them bad or evil or anything remotely close to that, just a bit tricky to befriend and come to a common understanding with sometimes. Here, Razor's pride seemed to have taken hold of the negative connotations without allowing space for the far more polite positive ones. They were left in an awkward state, even with Presteza's teasing lightening the mood further. Had she said anything wrong? Nah. She had been factual and up front, and it had been Razots idea to ignore the friendship toast. What more could she be asked for? In any case, she may as well put his mind to ease and gt him off of that defensive high. No point in making the situation unpleasant.

She took a solid drink of her cider, her eyes still ringing with a roguish glint about them as she finished and cocked a grin.

"Ain't no reason to get offended, Razor. Thought that was why you were freakin' out when Ah sat down. Mah apologies for, err, insinuatin' otherwise. 'Sides, Pressy here is right. Y'all must've had some fine taste back in the day to produce hippogriffs. Not sure why all of a sudden that stopped. Suppose there isn't accountin' for taste in some places, ain't that right Pressy?" Applejack passed the buck off to Presteza for a second as Applejack took another swig, eyes darting back to Razor pleasantly after a few seconds. Fun conversations down at The Watering Hole.

"So, what brings ya ta Ponyville, Razor? Ain't seen you 'round these parts. 'Course, always the chance that you spend all day up in the clouds," Applejack asked, allowing Razor to build himself up for a bit. Stallions needed that sometimes, and she was ready to lump whatever a male griffon was called in that same pile. She wasn't done yet. Thanks to her company, she was a mare who was going to lay the questions down thick.

"Farm life is dandy as always. Orchard's humming along, profits are up ad the soil is healthy. Can't complain about a perfect life. And Pressy, Ah'll remember yer hooves for tha harvest when mine have fallen off and Ah've exhausted everypony else in town," a nice rib was always cordial between friends. Besides, those hooves were too deadly in darts to be trusted with apples. "So, what brings a fancy pony like yerself ta mah neck of tha woods? Figure ya can't scam anypony else up in yer mansion at a game of darts?" Applejack launched another friendly shell her way. She was a fun pony to know.

Speaking of fun ponies, the newest entrant into the bar was Martini or some such. She hadn't seen this pony for more than a second at the Gala, a memory jogged up front only after Pressy made note of it. The unicorn looked fit enough and the colors worked well, so she was pleasant on the eyes. Martini was her name and if her cutie mark, the location, and Pressy's memory served them all right, drinking was at least partially her game. Applejack could get along with a pony like that mighty well. She raised her half-empty mug of cider up at the unicorn in a welcome gesture, sipping more of the cider inside on the way back down. Never let good, cold cider spend too long out in the elements. It lost a fraction of its taste every moment.

"Welcome to Ponyville, Martini! Nice ta see a new face. Ah'm sure ya won't be disappointed by tha drinks this place carries. Get yerself some sweet apple cider and before long Ah'll be yer number one apple provider!" Applejack offered jovially, happy to provide a warm seat to a weary traveler. Or whatever else Martini convinced herself she was other than what she was going to be soon- another happy pony in the warm care of the Hole.

Speaking of a warm embrace, another new entrant emerged. Another unicorn, this one an orange stallion with a yellow mane and some nice red eyes. He announced himself before he spoke, a bit of a cling clangin' from his gear. Ah, so he was part of that nearby Royal Equestrian Army detachment nearby? Applejack had sort of a sweet spot for the sort who would put themselves on the line day in, day out for common folk like her. Spellcaster as well. Funny sort to come trottin' in but a good type nonetheless. He also aid in advance-- foolish stallion, as if Applejack was going to take that. She nodded to the barkeep, who in turn pushed the bits back. Not in her bar. Applejack rasied her nug to him as he asked how they were doing.

"Mighty fine day of work, just as fine a night of play 'round these parts. An' don't think 'bout paying, yer tabs covered by the Apples tonight. Happy to have ya in Ponyville, Sugarcube," Applejack offered a toast, eyes foc-

- Was that Trixie?

Applejack's head motioned left to get past a card game to peek closer at a form in the back, hidden by dusky shadows and ill intent. Applejack didn't hold grudges but she did hold inside of her a lot of worry and she sure as heck didn't want her night to be railroaded by anything shady happening. Applejack didn't even bother excusing herself from her friends except for a cursory nod that was swiftly delivered, walking towards Trixie's table quickly and dodging a few inebriated ponies along the way. She sat down swiftly, violently, before finally getting a good luck at the sad pony across from her. And that was just it: Trixie looked sad. Defeated. Somepony had stolen her lunch and eaten it in front of her or something similar. All that mattered was that she was down on her luck by all signs, and Applejack didn't feel too much sympathy. She was still guarded against Trixie the trickster. Who knew what was going on with her? Only one way to find out.

"What are ya doin' in Ponyville, Trixie?"

[brianblackberry]

Martini Paradise settled on her stool and contemplated what to sample from the tap first. It was an odd feeling being in front of the bar ordering drinks instead of behind it serving them, odd but refreshing. Before the pink unicorn mare could ask the bartender their recommendations, one of the other nearby ponies spoke up, recognizing Martini by name! She didn't recognize the goldenrod unicorn mare with a white mane off the bat, but whomever she was, she evidently remembered not only Martini, but even the drink she ordered! "Wow, I'm impressed you remembered what I even made for you hon! That gala was so incredibly busy, each order just blurred into each other. Actually I was the main bartender at two separate Grand Galloping Galas, so I am not sure which you mean, the most recent one, or the one before?"

The other unicorn certainly seemed friendly enough, and she was vaguely familiar, but Martini wasn't exaggerating when she said the orders sort of blended together. The Gala jobs were the most hectic she ever worked, and each time the bar was absolutely packed with thirsty patrons! It was a monumental effort to remember each order correctly then, let alone who got what after all these months. At least Martini left an impression. "Sorry I can't remember your name hon. As for what brings me here, well I am here to visit my daughter, Sunrise Beach. I miss her so much, but I am glad I finally manage to give her a stable home situation so she can get a good education!" Martini smiled proudly, her daughter was her world, so even the smallest accomplishment meant everything to the bar mare, enough to even brag about to complete strangers, "sorry if I went on a bit there."

One of the other ponies also replied to Martini, a blond maned earth mare with freckles, who appeared most welcoming; better yet, the mare suggested what to try here! Martini turned to the bartender and gave a warm smile,"I'll have what this kind mare suggested: One pint of Sweet Apple Cider please!"

Martini just as quickly turned back around to face Applejack, "thanks hon for the suggestion, I was curious what the specialty was here. By the way, my name is Martini Paradise, from the Gallopogos Islands! Are you a bartender around these parts miss...?"

[ShadowWalking18]

Presteza perked up slightly at the sound of another familiar voice, "Hullo, Miss Martini! I'm no' sure ya remember me but ya served me a Manehattan at the Grand Gallopin' Gala last year! I was the mare in mint green dress who was talkin' to the brown earth pony in the tux." She said eagerly, in the hopes that the mare would remember her. The peppy painter always loved to befriend those she met in her life, and her inability to forget a face she'd seen usually helped with that.

"Mind If I ask wot brings ya ta Ponyville?" she asked as she relaxed a bit on her stool and looked over what was available to drink. The Watering hole definitely had a wide selection of drinks, some of which this mildly sheltered painter had never heard of. As her eyes scanned the drink menu she noticed that Razor had dropped his wing and decided to show his face and engage in conversation!

The mare gave a sigh and stated rather flatly," It's Presteza actually." While this mare did like her name she had to admit the fact that quite a few individuals constant mistakes on her name was a bit annoying. Not even many ponies bothered using "old equestrian" but was it really so hard to remember a name with only three syllables in it? "It mean's 'Quickness... so anyway how's your sister, Glimmer doin'?"

Her friend's ruffling of her mane inadvertently gave her eyes a nudge downward to a drink that did seem rather enticing. A "Manehattan Iced tea". The description said it had a sweet taste, and if there was anything this unicorn loved it was sweet tasting... well, anything! At the bottom it said it had a rather high alcohol content but Pressy was a strong young mare, she could definitely handle some strong alcohol. Raising her hoof to get the bartender's attention she spoke up,"Oi, Barkeep! One Manehattan Iced tea!"

After ordering her drink and waiting on it to be delivered, the mare smiled brightly as Applejack admitted that it was good seeing her friend, "Nice seein' ya too, mate! How's life on the farm goin'? Ya better keep me in mind if ya ever need an extra pair o' hooves next harvest!"

Presteza couldn't help but give a chuckle at Razor's overreaction at first, It's not everyday you see a griffon so flustered."Yer a pretty fun griffon, Mister Razor... a li'l touchy though." she said playfully, sticking her tongue out at him teasingly. "Anyway, don't ya griffon's 'ave history classes in Aquellia? Obviously some o' you guys have some .. exotic tastes since The hippogriffs are around they are the result o' minglin' between us ponies and you griffons." she said in an ever-so-slightly smug tone. Soon enough the mare's drink came and slid a couple bits to the bartender and took a sip,"Mm! This is really good! Anyway, Watch who yer callin' grounded, mate! I don' have wings either but I still get a bit o' attention!" While she waited for razor's hopefully still rather flustered reply, the mare took another sip of her iced tea, a slight pink shade forming on her cheeks.

The mare's ears perked as she heard the voice of a newcomer she hadn't noticed enter, looking over to him she smiled at him, "Well I'm doin' great, Mister! How about you?" She asked, beginning to slouch a bit on her seat before levitating her glass to her lips and taking another sip.

"That...I....but...you..." Razor stammered before faceclawing and taking a deep breath.

"Fine, never mind. Anyway...Prezteza, Glimmer is fine. Back home with the parents this week. So I'm free from her antics. I love my sister, but she is just as bad as our mother when it comes to my private life." He sighed once and rubbed his head, feeling a headache.

He took slow breathes to keep himself calm, but covered his face with a wing when Prezteza talked about getting attention.

"I'm....can we stop talking about all this now." He pleaded.

The griffon who Pressy called Razor certainly didn't take her words as well as she had intended, but Applejack supposed that wasn't much of a shock. By definition, griffons seemed to be most temperamental and easy to arouse to anger of all creatures she had met. Didn't make them bad or evil or anything remotely close to that, just a bit tricky to befriend and come to a common understanding with sometimes. Here, Razor's pride seemed to have taken hold of the negative connotations without allowing space for the far more polite positive ones. They were left in an awkward state, even with Presteza's teasing lightening the mood further. Had she said anything wrong? Nah. She had been factual and up front, and it had been Razots idea to ignore the friendship toast. What more could she be asked for? In any case, she may as well put his mind to ease and gt him off of that defensive high. No point in making the situation unpleasant.

She took a solid drink of her cider, her eyes still ringing with a roguish glint about them as she finished and cocked a grin.

"Ain't no reason to get offended, Razor. Thought that was why you were freakin' out when Ah sat down. Mah apologies for, err, insinuatin' otherwise. 'Sides, Pressy here is right. Y'all must've had some fine taste back in the day to produce hippogriffs. Not sure why all of a sudden that stopped. Suppose there isn't accountin' for taste in some places, ain't that right Pressy?" Applejack passed the buck off to Presteza for a second as Applejack took another swig, eyes darting back to Razor pleasantly after a few seconds. Fun conversations down at The Watering Hole.

"So, what brings ya ta Ponyville, Razor? Ain't seen you 'round these parts. 'Course, always the chance that you spend all day up in the clouds," Applejack asked, allowing Razor to build himself up for a bit. Stallions needed that sometimes, and she was ready to lump whatever a male griffon was called in that same pile. She wasn't done yet. Thanks to her company, she was a mare who was going to lay the questions down thick.

"Farm life is dandy as always. Orchard's humming along, profits are up ad the soil is healthy. Can't complain about a perfect life. And Pressy, Ah'll remember yer hooves for tha harvest when mine have fallen off and Ah've exhausted everypony else in town," a nice rib was always cordial between friends. Besides, those hooves were too deadly in darts to be trusted with apples. "So, what brings a fancy pony like yerself ta mah neck of tha woods? Figure ya can't scam anypony else up in yer mansion at a game of darts?" Applejack launched another friendly shell her way. She was a fun pony to know.

Speaking of fun ponies, the newest entrant into the bar was Martini or some such. She hadn't seen this pony for more than a second at the Gala, a memory jogged up front only after Pressy made note of it. The unicorn looked fit enough and the colors worked well, so she was pleasant on the eyes. Martini was her name and if her cutie mark, the location, and Pressy's memory served them all right, drinking was at least partially her game. Applejack could get along with a pony like that mighty well. She raised her half-empty mug of cider up at the unicorn in a welcome gesture, sipping more of the cider inside on the way back down. Never let good, cold cider spend too long out in the elements. It lost a fraction of its taste every moment.

"Welcome to Ponyville, Martini! Nice ta see a new face. Ah'm sure ya won't be disappointed by tha drinks this place carries. Get yerself some sweet apple cider and before long Ah'll be yer number one apple provider!" Applejack offered jovially, happy to provide a warm seat to a weary traveler. Or whatever else Martini convinced herself she was other than what she was going to be soon- another happy pony in the warm care of the Hole.

Speaking of a warm embrace, another new entrant emerged. Another unicorn, this one an orange stallion with a yellow mane and some nice red eyes. He announced himself before he spoke, a bit of a cling clangin' from his gear. Ah, so he was part of that nearby Royal Equestrian Army detachment nearby? Applejack had sort of a sweet spot for the sort who would put themselves on the line day in, day out for common folk like her. Spellcaster as well. Funny sort to come trottin' in but a good type nonetheless. He also aid in advance-- foolish stallion, as if Applejack was going to take that. She nodded to the barkeep, who in turn pushed the bits back. Not in her bar. Applejack rasied her nug to him as he asked how they were doing.

"Mighty fine day of work, just as fine a night of play 'round these parts. An' don't think 'bout paying, yer tabs covered by the Apples tonight. Happy to have ya in Ponyville, Sugarcube," Applejack offered a toast, eyes foc-

- Was that Trixie?

Applejack's head motioned left to get past a card game to peek closer at a form in the back, hidden by dusky shadows and ill intent. Applejack didn't hold grudges but she did hold inside of her a lot of worry and she sure as heck didn't want her night to be railroaded by anything shady happening. Applejack didn't even bother excusing herself from her friends except for a cursory nod that was swiftly delivered, walking towards Trixie's table quickly and dodging a few inebriated ponies along the way. She sat down swiftly, violently, before finally getting a good luck at the sad pony across from her. And that was just it: Trixie looked sad. Defeated. Somepony had stolen her lunch and eaten it in front of her or something similar. All that mattered was that she was down on her luck by all signs, and Applejack didn't feel too much sympathy. She was still guarded against Trixie the trickster. Who knew what was going on with her? Only one way to find out.

"What are ya doin' in Ponyville, Trixie?"

Razor felt his face heating up a bit, "The reason is because some griffons would rather keep their family lines pure. Now can we just stop talking about that."

Why did he always end up inn a situation where he would get embarrassed?

"I just pass through the area a lot when I work. Besides this town hasn't exactly been safe for my health." He said, rubbing his back.

"Anyway, I try not to mingle much with ponies anyway. Nothing against you, I don't even mingle with my own kind much either these days. So I tend to keep myself alone, you just happened to catch me on the few times I mingle."

So far no one even brought up his height, but then again that was probably because he was sitting and not standing....still that was one for the books. He called for another drink and raised it high before downing it.

"And a hello to all gathered here." He gave a curt greeting to Martini and the guard pony. Things were getting crowded now and he moved himself a few seats over from the growing crowd of ponies. He hated closed places like that.

What did one do in such a moment now? To the short statured griffon, this was frankly new territory and one he didn't feel comfortable with. So he just tended to his drinks, hoping that at least the ponies would forget his presence.

[Harv0kz]

"Oh, okay."

He quickly stowed his bits away, feeling slightly "off", he never liked charity or free things covered by others. Clearly, he wasn't addressing the usual everyday crowd. From what he could gather, one mixed drinks for a few high-up events, another seemed to have some kind of influence at this bar. Plus, there was a Griffon, and a showmare he happened to notice as he walked in. He was pretty sure he was forgetting somepony, but it didn't really matter. Ponies come and go from these places anyway. He brought his mug up to take a longer gulp this time, he was feeling a bit thirsty, and stuffy, thanks to his armour and the crowded, busy atmosphere.

"I'm fine myself, ma'am. Been a long day with a bit of trouble, so this is my downtime. How are you this evening?" He said to the pony that looked quite a bit... artsy. So that's who he was missing from his roundup. He said taking another sip from his mug of cider, noticing he was almost running on empty. He made a mental note before continuing to talk to those assembled, his attention now towards the Orange Earth Pony who had covered the tabs. "Another one with a long day filled with work huh? Seems I ain't alone. You come around here much?" Warp Sign asked her.

Once again, he took a swig from his mug. This time though, he finished it. And now he was looking for something to do. other than drinking away. Perhaps one of these ponies might be up for a game of darts, after all, he did notice a dart board hanging from the wall. He looked over towards, and from what he could tell, it was recently used. Perhaps somepony might be up for a game after all. After that, another mug to wash that tension away. He turned back towards the group, aparently, they were talking about something the griffon, miss artsy, and the orange Earth pony had gone through.

"So... anyone up for a game of darts? I'm a pretty good player, but I'm a bit rusty, since I use magical bolts more of the time nowdays." He asked openly to the group. Hopefully somepony was up for a competitive game of darts. He didn't just go to bars to relax and drink away the troubles of the day. Though he did most of the time. Well, if it's on the house... "Barkeep! I'll have another big mug of your Cider. Your best Cider!" He ordered with a tad bit of of excitement.

[Ashton]

TRixie looked up, then jerked upright and flinched, holding her hooves up, nearly falling off her stool and knocking off her hat. AJ would catch a glimpse of what looked to be a photo inside, though the had landed right-side-up so it was impossible to see what the photo was of "please... don't hurt me..." she said, slowly lowering her hooves "I... I stopped by on a whim" she said "I have some shows in baltimare and manehattan... just finished up one in Dodge city" she looked a little scared, clearly worried that AJ was going to attack her, though it didn't make her look dangerous, instead it made the blue mare look pitiful "I just... I needed to check in on something" she said "something important to me that I left behind when I left..." she seemed to relax just a little as no attack came, but she seemed very much scared and on guard "I'm sorry... I know you all hate me... I should never have come..." she sighed "...you all have every right to hate me with the trouble I brought first... then the trouble I caused myself..." she looked down at the table. This was a very different trixie than AJ had seen before, the bravado and ego was nowhere to be seen, she was a bare as a snail out of it's shell...

[Pretzelparty]

"Farm life is dandy as always. Orchard's humming along, profits are up ad the soil is healthy. Can't complain about a perfect life. And Pressy, Ah'll remember yer hooves for tha harvest when mine have fallen off and Ah've exhausted everypony else in town," a nice rib was always cordial between friends. Besides, those hooves were too deadly in darts to be trusted with apples. "So, what brings a fancy pony like yerself ta mah neck of tha woods? Figure ya can't scam anypony else up in yer mansion at a game of darts?"

After a second sip of her tea the mare chuckled, her head feeling slightly ... perhaps "floaty" was a good description. Applejack always seemed to have a knack for the friendly jabs that poked fun at her. If those apples on her backside weren't there for all to see, Presteza would've guessed her talent was wordplay. Deciding to play along with Applejack's little jab she strighten herself as well as she could when it came to her demeanor and spoke up in posh sounding voice,"Why, Applejack, How could you suggest such a thing? Me, a simple sheltered mare from Trottingham a hussler?! Why you should perish the thought."

Taking another sip of her drink she once again laughed at her own antics before returning to her normal way of speaking,"Anyway, I was just comin' through town after visitin' Canterlot. My mum and I are plannin' a trip to cloudsdale next month! She's been practicin' Cloudwalkin' and she wants ta come with me! Ain't that awesome?"

"Wow, I'm impressed you remembered what I even made for you hon! That gala was so incredibly busy, each order just blurred into each other. Actually I was the main bartender at two separate Grand Galloping Galas, so I am not sure which you mean, the most recent one, or the one before?"

"Sorry I can't remember your name hon. As for what brings me here, well I am here to visit my daughter, Sunrise Beach. I miss her so much, but I am glad I finally manage to give her a stable home situation so she can get a good education! sorry if I went on a bit there."

"The most recent one. Y'know with our newest princess!" she said rather excitedly. "Anyway, No need ta be sorry fer not rememberin' me, Miss Martini. I haven't become the household name I hope ta be just yet so I can't really 'old it against ya." she said playfully before slipping her hat off of her head and laying it on the counter. She really wasn't at all unhappy with Martini, she couldn't expect everypony to have a memory as good as her own, "The name's Presteza, Potential future duchess and definite future greatest artist in history! ... Anyway, ya've got a daughter? hmm... it's been awhile since I've painted a family portrait, last one I did was of some ponies who ran a medical clinic in Dodge junction. Would you and yer daughter like a paintin' of yerselves tagether sometime?"

Taking another sip of her 'tea' the mare looked back at Martini again, "By the way that manehattan ya gave me at the Gala was my first ever taste o' alcohol. I ordered this Manehattan Iced tea thinkin' it'd be sorta the same but sweeter... and well it's definately sweet...*hic!* makes me a bit dizzy though..."

"I'm fine myself, ma'am. Been a long day with a bit of trouble, so this is my downtime. How are you this evening?"

"So... anyone up for a game of darts? I'm a pretty good player, but I'm a bit rusty, since I use magical bolts more of the time nowadays."

The guard pony so far seemed to be very sociable,"I'm doin' great! Thanks fer askin' mate!" the mare suddenly had to stifle a fit of laughter at her own rhyme. Apparently the mares Iced tea was indeed starting to get to her as that laughing fit went on a tad longer than it should have. Eventually she calmed down and soon heard his offer for a game of darts."Well I could go fer a game but I might wipe the floor with ya, mate. Tell ya wot though, if ya wait a bit I'll play ya and if ya win I'll cover yer tab fer any drink ya want!"

"That...I....but...you... Fine, never mind. Anyway...Prezteza, Glimmer is fine. Back home with the parents this week. So I'm free from her antics. I love my sister, but she is just as bad as our mother when it comes to my private life. I'm....can we stop talking about all this now."

It seemed Razor was still as flustered as ever, she still hadn't forgiven him entirely for a certain overreaction he had to a question about the average height of most griffons as compared to his sometime ago. From his reactions she could see how his little sister seemingly couldn't resist the chance to embarrass him, "Glad ta hear she's doin' good, mate!" Once she heard Razor's remark about being 'free from her antics' she couldn't help but chuckle and give a nudge to the Apple mare seated beside her, "Aw, C'mon, Razor. It's not our fault you older brothers are so much fun ta mess wi--" and then she fell off her stool and on to the floor once she realized that Applejack was no longer at her seat. "uh... with." Pulling herself up from the floor the mare levitated her drink along side her once she saw Applejack talking to a pony who looked blue in more ways than one. "I'll be back in a flash, Razor."

Following her friend along to the table she smiled at Trixie, greeting her with a friendly,"'ello there! Mind if I join you two? ya look like you could use a friend 'r two. I'm Presteza." Taking a moment to look at Applejack she gave her a look as if to ask if that was okay with her too.

[SteelEagle]

Applejack could do little but give herself a hearty chuckle. She hadn't expected Martini to take her up on her suggestion but then again how was she to know that behind an otherwise perfect suggestion- pride or not, Sweet Apple Cider was the best of the best- was a twinkle in the eyes of a salespony? Applejack was not one of the best ponies in town for sales of course. Heck, even Pinkie's infectious energy could sell more treats than Applejack humbly believed she could sell apples out in the market. Her business relied on providing for businesses in the long run and she wouldn't mind being another barpony's apple provider! Bartender from the Gallopogus Islands, eh? Made sense. Her speech had that breezy quality Applejack always attributed to those from Equestria's most unncessarily wonderful location. Goo times with a good pont- what more could a simple mare ask for?

"Bartender? Nah. Though with how often Ah come 'round here Ah might as well be. Name's Applejack, pleasure ta meet ya Martini! I run Sweet Apple Acres just down the road. Finest apples in all of Equestria! Hehe, and makers of tha finest cider, if Ah do so say mahself," she took another gulp, finishing her mug and motioning for another, "and Ah sure do. So, what brings a southern island gal all the way up ta the edge of tha Everfree, Miss Martini?" Applejack asked as the barkeep slid down the active table another mug of the good stuff for a good mare.

And she did consider herself a good mare, happy to help that Guardpony who came in. He seemed less than thrilled with the treatment though, but such was the price of being a brave pony! Sometimes, you grinned and bared when you got the treatment you deserved but did not necessarily want. He sat down and accepted it though, downing his mug in quick order. Good to have him here. She had known that the REA had deployed some forces nearby but she didn't know why, and wing to the fact she personally knew the Princesses, she wondered why she hadn't heard anything. He did mention a bit of trouble though so she knew that she had to find out what exactly was going on. If Ponyville needed her, Applejack was there. Applejack sipped out of her mug as she considered her newfound friend.

"Yep! Ah live right down tha road so Ah come here 'bout two, maybe three times a week. Good place to meet some fresh new faces after a good fourteen or so hours on tha farm. So, Warp Storm," his gear was still on, after all, "what brings yer squad ta Ponyville? Can't say there's anything too enticin' out here for the REA. Y'all hunting some beasties we don't know about?" Applejack asked, wondering if she needed to Everfree proof the perimeter of her farm. Again.

One thing you couldn't proof against was a generally bad attitude and this griffon seemed to have it. Couldn't take a bit of teasing and gentle joking and seemed to have a certain complex about ponies. Not everypony or griffon could have a winning attitude and Applejack wasn't going to judge him quite yet. Maybe he had had a hard day and his attitude was where his morale was, in the dumps. Pressy seemed to know him at least and treated him gently enough to tell Applejack that he wasn't a bad griffon. In any case, he wasn't all that receptive to her conversation so she made sure to tip her cap to him before she went to go see Trixie.

--------------------------

Which was turning out to be a show and a half. She was drunker than a skunk swimming in a lake of rum outside of Fet Loch. What the hay was going on with her? She was supposed to be a cocky and arrogant heel, not some vodka slipping schlub diving about in fear from a pony who wouldn't hurt a fly unless that fly was asking for it. Last time Applejack had seen Trixie she had been trying to conquer the town under the control of that alicorn amulet. Now here she was, some pitiful heap of a loser on a bar floor. The photo of Twilight was a bit curious but Applejack didn't think much of it- they all had their crushes, after all. It was good she guessed that Trixie was still employed, though it seemed she hadn't turned over a new leaf and started more honest work. Oh well. Entertainers entertain, liars lie, and the sun always rises.

"Darn right we have reason ta hate you. Honestly, Ah still do. But getcher self off of tha floor and stop making me so much danged pity for ya," Applejack said as she cleared the table of all the empty bottles. Say what you want about Trixie and Applejack could say plenty but the mare could drink.

"Hey, Shaken Not Stirred, could Ah get a pitcher of water over here?" Applejack asked, waving the refreshment over. Trixie would need some water and need it fast. Speaking of fast, Pressy made her move over rather quickly.

"Trixie, meet Presteza. Noblepony from Trottingham. Presteza, meet Trixie. Showpony to the gutter at tha moment. Both of ya share one passion though- husslin'!"

[ShadowWalking18]

After a second sip of her tea the mare chuckled, her head feeling slightly ... perhaps "floaty" was a good description. Applejack always seemed to have a knack for the friendly jabs that poked fun at her. If those apples on her backside weren't there for all to see, Presteza would've guessed her talent was wordplay. Deciding to play along with Applejack's little jab she strighten herself as well as she could when it came to her demeanor and spoke up in posh sounding voice,"Why, Applejack, How could you suggest such a thing? Me, a simple sheltered mare from Trottingham a hussler?! Why you should perish the thought."

Taking another sip of her drink she once again laughed at her own antics before returning to her normal way of speaking,"Anyway, I was just comin' through town after visitin' Canterlot. My mum and I are plannin' a trip to cloudsdale next month! She's been practicin' Cloudwalkin' and she wants ta come with me! Ain't that awesome?"

"The most recent one. Y'know with our newest princess!" she said rather excitedly. "Anyway, No need ta be sorry fer not rememberin' me, Miss Martini. I haven't become the household name I hope ta be just yet so I can't really 'old it against ya." she said playfully before slipping her hat off of her head and laying it on the counter. She really wasn't at all unhappy with Martini, she couldn't expect everypony to have a memory as good as her own, "The name's Presteza, Potential future duchess and definite future greatest artist in history! ... Anyway, ya've got a daughter? hmm... it's been awhile since I've painted a family portrait, last one I did was of some ponies who ran a medical clinic in Dodge junction. Would you and yer daughter like a paintin' of yerselves tagether sometime?"

Taking another sip of her 'tea' the mare looked back at Martini again, "By the way that manehattan ya gave me at the Gala was my first ever taste o' alcohol. I ordered this Manehattan Iced tea thinkin' it'd be sorta the same but sweeter... and well it's definately sweet...*hic!* makes me a bit dizzy though..."

The guard pony so far seemed to be very sociable,"I'm doin' great! Thanks fer askin' mate!" the mare suddenly had to stifle a fit of laughter at her own rhyme. Apparently the mares Iced tea was indeed starting to get to her as that laughing fit went on a tad longer than it should have. Eventually she calmed down and soon heard his offer for a game of darts."Well I could go fer a game but I might wipe the floor with ya, mate. Tell ya wot though, if ya wait a bit I'll play ya and if ya win I'll cover yer tab fer any drink ya want!"

It seemed Razor was still as flustered as ever, she still hadn't forgiven him entirely for a certain overreaction he had to a question about the average height of most griffons as compared to his sometime ago. From his reactions she could see how his little sister seemingly couldn't resist the chance to embarrass him, "Glad ta hear she's doin' good, mate!" Once she heard Razor's remark about being 'free from her antics' she couldn't help but chuckle and give a nudge to the Apple mare seated beside her, "Aw, C'mon, Razor. It's not our fault you older brothers are so much fun ta mess wi--" and then she fell off her stool and on to the floor once she realized that Applejack was no longer at her seat. "uh... with." Pulling herself up from the floor the mare levitated her drink along side her once she saw Applejack talking to a pony who looked blue in more ways than one. "I'll be back in a flash, Razor."

Following her friend along to the table she smiled at Trixie, greeting her with a friendly,"'ello there! Mind if I join you two? ya look like you could use a friend 'r two. I'm Presteza." Taking a moment to look at Applejack she gave her a look as if to ask if that was okay with her too.

Razor rolled his eyes, "Right well why don't you go jab at the other three elder brothers. The fourth isn't in the mood." Razor said before watching Presteza walk off. Frankly he was starting to feel in a bit of a foul mood. Maybe it was the drinks?

He called for another and drank it slowly. What was this...three? Four? He wondered how many he would have tonight?

TRixie looked up, then jerked upright and flinched, holding her hooves up, nearly falling off her stool and knocking off her hat. AJ would catch a glimpse of what looked to be a photo inside, though the had landed right-side-up so it was impossible to see what the photo was of "please... don't hurt me..." she said, slowly lowering her hooves "I... I stopped by on a whim" she said "I have some shows in baltimare and manehattan... just finished up one in Dodge city" she looked a little scared, clearly worried that AJ was going to attack her, though it didn't make her look dangerous, instead it made the blue mare look pitiful "I just... I needed to check in on something" she said "something important to me that I left behind when I left..." she seemed to relax just a little as no attack came, but she seemed very much scared and on guard "I'm sorry... I know you all hate me... I should never have come..." she sighed "...you all have every right to hate me with the trouble I brought first... then the trouble I caused myself..." she looked down at the table. This was a very different trixie than AJ had seen before, the bravado and ego was nowhere to be seen, she was a bare as a snail out of it's shell...

Though he was not near the conversation, Razor could pick up the almost defeated tone in the mare's voice. He could tell it was a mare now. Frankly he couldn't help but growl in irritation.

He didn't know this mare, or her history here, but it was no doubt bad if she expected hatred. But she didn't have to sound so beaten. It was a sure fire way to attract predators and frankly it irritated him seeing somegriffon or pony acting so beaten.

He took another swig from his drink as he pinched the bridge of his beak. Just thinking on this now was bringing up unpleasant thoughts. So he turned toward the pony offering games of darts and stood up.

"I'll play you. The tone of the conversation here is starting to get on my nerves now." He finished his drink before walking over to the game board and grabbed several darts. Being so small, he was starting to feel the effects of the drink a bit faster then most and he had to shake his head once or twice to keep focused.

[Harv0kz]

Calmly taking a small sip of his Cider, he put it down gently on the counter top, and lifted his tome, placing it next to the mug. "Ah, my squad's en-route towards Manehatten, a part of some exchange program. Honestly, if I knew any better, they just wanted me out of Canterlot Library." He said to the orange mare as he chucked slightly. The day when that happened would be one to remember though, a day of great sorrow and sadness at the expense of being unable to enjoy the mysteries of magic at his hooves. ​"Rest-assured, I wouldn't be sitting here if we were hunting, I'd be in field or barracks on alert." Truth be told, he had no idea if there were any alerts for monsters coming out of the Everfree Forest, given having rushed to The Watering Hole before hitting base. Seeing her walk off to talk to another pony, he decided it was time to join the game of darts.

Putting his helmet on the stool, he slowly walked towards the board, feeling pumped up for some competition, even if it was friendly. He rarely got time to play the simple games these days. He stood at the line that marked the throwing area. At least in a place like this, he could drop his soldier act and be his normal self. The relentless, always curious, always seeking-a-challenge self. "I'll take first go then, if you don't mind." He said to the griffon, as he levitated a dart. Without the ability to get a feel for the weight and the aerodynamics of a dart by hoof-touch, he had to rely on his magic and guesstimates. Steady, steady... were the thoughts that went through his head. Then with a magical push, he flung the dart at the board, hitting five centimetres off from bullseye. "Still got it." he muttered, as he readied his next. "Say, griffon sir, what brings you out to Equestria? Don't most griffons prefer home given the comforts?" Warp Sign asked him as he let loose another dart., striking slightly closer, but not quite bulleye.

"Hey! Artsy pony! You playing or what?" He said towards the white mane unicorn as Warp Sign was lining up his third dart for a shot. He mentally facehoofed whenever he tried to address ponies he didn't know. Oh well.

[Ashton]

((@ shadow: oh, I see what you did there... planning to start that up here now? lol))

Trixie sighed "I had wanted one day to come back here, settle down, maybe start a family... open a magic shop..." she explained, though from the tone in AJ's voice she felt that was impossible now. The mare really looked like she was ready to lie down in the mud and just stay there. It was amazing how different the real Trixie was from her stage persona, well, at least the drunken and defeated real trixie. Perhaps if she had not been drunk and had found a better reception she might not be in such sad sorts.

She looked over at the other mare, Trixie's eyes looking her up and down a moment, nodding, not even commenting on AJ's mention of hustling "Trixie Lulamoon" she introduced herself, offering her somewhat shaky hoof to the other mare "Entertainer and professional... screw-up..." it sounded like trixie was about to use a much harsher word but decided against it, though that still betrayed how she felt right now about how poorly she'd managed her life and how bad it would continue to be untill its, no doubt, untimely end...

geeze, she _really_ needed to get off the booze and find something that made her feel happy instead of so depressed...

[brianblackberry]

Martini Paradise blinked wide eyed and silently as she listened to Presteza introduce herself. It wasn’t the bold claim of becoming the greatest artist that caught the pink unicorn off-guard; such pronouncements weren’t all that uncommon, and the bar-mare could understand ponies having the bravado and confidence to proclaim such ambitious goals. No, it was the part about being a potential future duchess. Equestrian royally and nobility was such a peculiar system, completely unlike the aristocracy of other species and cultures. Here, royalty at least, was something earned, and only maintained by the consent of the governed; in short ponies have princesses rule because they were asked to. Nobility was another situation altogether, it was more of a title of esteem rather than any sort of feudal overlordship, but it wasn’t an earned thing like royalty, rather it was inherited, which made the word “potential” strange indeed.

However if there was one thing that may distract Martini from her current line of thought, it was ponies inquiring about her daughter, the most important pony in Martini’s life and source of motherly pride. “Yeah, her name is Sunrise Beach; she is a young filly now and is being boarded here in Ponyville so she could get a steady education. It sure beats her being dragged from school to school as we were forced to move from town to town in my search for steady work.” It may have surprised the goldenrod unicorn that Martini had an offspring that old, given they were similar ages. “As for a painting, well if you are in town later and are offering, that be great, although I am afraid I don’t really have many bits to my name.”

The white maned unicorn was indeed full of surprises; never having a hard drink before? To a pony from the islands like Martini, it was unusual, almost unheard of. She peered at Presteza’s drink more closely and even took a small sniff, “hmm.. a little too sweet but otherwise it should be alright.” She looked up at the novice drinker in bemusement, “you take that slowly now; hate to have to carry you all the way back to your house, it doesn’t look like they have beds here.”

Of course the artist unicorn wasn’t the only pony Martini met in this cozy establishment, the other mare she met introduced herself as Applejack. Martini had heard her name in passing before in the Gala but never put any thought into it. What was instantly recognizable though was the earth mare’s farm, Sweet Apple Acres, a name famous enough because of its produce that any pony that used apples for anything had at least knew of the name. “It’s nice to meet you miss Applejack, actually I have heard of Sweet Apple, as almost every bar I have worked in had at least a few produce from your farm, and then of course there are Zap Apples. Never thought I’d meet the owner and all though!” Martini was sure she must be a local legend, or at least a pony well established in the local business community; despite this, the orange mare had the aura of a simple working pony, and very hospital to boot.

“Actually as I mentioned to Miss Presteza earlier, I am here to visit my daughter, Sunrise beach, so is currently boarded in your fine town thanks to the patronage of the local library.” Martini wanted to remain modest and not bring attention to who ran that library and allowed her daughter to have a room to stay in at the local boarding house, after all, when the arrangement happened, the curator was just another unicorn, like herself.

One thing Martini did notice that was peculiar was the Apple pony’s sudden change of disposition when it came to a rather pathetic looking blue unicorn, wallowing in her drink. There was definitely some history between the two and Applejack even mentioned hatred for the other pony who she called “Trixie”. At least Applejack took pity on her, and that gave Martini the excuse she was looking for in order to introduce herself, “hello Miss Trixie, I’m Martini Paradise, mind if I pour a glass of water for you?” The other unicorn certainly didn’t need any more hard drinks, that was for sure.

[Pretzelparty]

"Trixie, meet Presteza. Noblepony from Trottingham. Presteza, meet Trixie. Showpony to the gutter at tha moment. Both of ya share one passion though- husslin'!"

"Aw, C'mon, Applejack! If yer gonna intraduce me ta somepony, could ya not start off with the noblepony part? I figured yer friend, Princess Twilight woulda told ya that bein' lumped in with the upper class can be kinda alienatin' ta potential new friends." after an awkward pause she held her hoof to her mouth and cleared her throat,"And uh... the hustlin' part is kinda upsettin' too." she added with a slight shift of her eyes to the side.

It seemed Miss Lulamoon was actually not perturbed by Applejack's unusual introduction as she offered her hoof(albeit shakily) for a friendly hoof-shake. She seemed pretty nervous and much like Applejack said was very well acquainted with the gutter at this point, but that wasn't going to stop this particular paint inclined pony from being friendly.

"Trixie Lulamoon" she introduced herself, offering her somewhat shaky hoof to the other mare "Entertainer and professional... screw-up..."

With great enthusiasm, Presteza took Trixie's hoof and shook it vigorously to the point the mare attached might find herself shaking from it. "Nice ta meetcha, Trixie! Wot kinda entertainer are ya? Dancer? Singer?" When trixie got to the last part of her statement: the part about being a 'professional screw up', Presteza gave a pause as she looked over how sad this pony looked. She wasn't exactly sure what this pony had done to be so down on herself: She wasn't around during trixie's previous... visits to ponyville. It was never fun to see another pony looking depressed so she resolved to try and say something helpful and uplifting,"Well... My mum and dad always told me that we mess up so we can learn ta be better! So if you're a professional at messin' up than ya must be one awesome pony!",she said in cheerful tone once she finished her words.

It looks like Miss Martini was joining in as well, hopefully Trixie would buck up soon enough with now three warm personalities coming to her aide! For the moment when Martini initially arrived she continued the conversation that they were carrying on earlier. Martini Paradise seemed like a really nice pony so Presteza didn't mind that notion at all.

“Yeah, her name is Sunrise Beach; she is a young filly now and is being boarded here in Ponyville so she could get a steady education. It sure beats her being dragged from school to school as we were forced to move from town to town in my search for steady work.” It may have surprised the goldenrod unicorn that Martini had an offspring that old, given they were similar ages. “As for a painting, well if you are in town later and are offering, that be great, although I am afraid I don’t really have many bits to my name.”

"Oh wow", at first it seemed the silver maned unicorn might have been confused the information that her new friend's offspring was in fact already a filly. She had heard that some ponies had foals at a pretty young age; in fact her own mother was a prime example. Her mother had married and given birth to silver not very long after the ceremonies were finished and almost a year after that, the very pony that stood beside Martini had come into the world. Her hoof at her chin in thought she eventually lowered it,"Ya look like ya musta been about the same age my mum was when she had my brother! Maybe you and her should meet sometime! She does love a drink now and then!"

"Anyway Ya don' need ta worry about the fee. The paintin'll be on me... *hic!*" Suddenly the young mare's mind was suddenly flooded by the image of herself buried under a whole bunch of canvasses Like some kind of art themed avalanche. After a brief pause she bit her lip and looked like she was trying hard not to laugh once more but failed as she soon started to devolve into a small fit of giggling and chortling. Meanwhile, Martini had begun to experimentally smell her drink and gave a remark on it's quality.

“hmm.. a little too sweet but otherwise it should be alright.” She looked up at the novice drinker in bemusement, “you take that slowly now; hate to have to carry you all the way back to your house, it doesn’t look like they have beds here.”

"Awww... I'll be perfectly fine... Besides I got several great buddies here!", she said, gesturing her hoof in a sweeping motion towards Applejack,Trixie and then Miss martini herself, just short of catching the pink mare on the tip of the snout. her speech was only ever so slightly slurred at this point and her movements seemed to be more fluid and sloppy than normal.

"Hey! Artsy pony! You playing or what?"

"Oi! Tha Name's Presteza , Mate!", she shouted with a hint of anger, "Preh-Steh-Zah!" Thinking a moment she cheered right back up and looked at Trixie with a playful glint in her eyes,"I think I might be able ta bring us another playa... if she doesn't mind. Whaddya Say Trixie, wanna play? Applejack and Miss Martini can cheer us one while we whipe the fl--er dartboard with these boys." She looked to both the aforementioned ponies, hoping they approved. Maybe a fun game of darts would help Miss Lulamoon cheer up?

[SteelEagle]

At least nothing too remarkable was going on that demanded a special Guard presence. Truth be told Applejack wouldn't mind a bit of action at times but she knew in her heart that it would be bad for town. Bad for business especially. But heck, who didn't want to hogtie a few nasties out in the rough with some of Equestria's best and brightest? It would provide a relief from mundane activities. Oh well. It wasn't to be. Personally she believed that Ponyville should have been a destination of import for the Guards who wanted some action as they definitely saw more than some stuffy little library in Canterlot could ever dream of. They seemed to be the number one target for everything under the sun or the Everfree's darkness. She saw things just by doing work for the farm that she doubted most of the high and mighty guards would ever see. He had more of a chance to face down some nasties in one day here than a year anywhere else outside of that area around Tartarus.

"Heh, well, have fun headin' towards Manehattan. Shame yer gonna miss out on the action here! Have fun with yer darts, Warp Sign," She ended with a salute with her mug, smiling as he went to go play darts. Fun times for all, except for Applejack who know her Trottingham friend's hustle radar would go off any moment from now.

Martini was definitely on Applejack's radar still. She was a sociable enough pony, answering the her many partners in turn and at length. Applejack liked a good sociable fellow who wasn't a prickly pear like that griffon. In time she spoke with Applejack and it all came together pretty quickly. She had seen Sunrise a few times when Applejack visited the library and seemed like she was of good stock. Applejack also trusted that Twi wouldn't let a troublemaker scuff up her good order in the library. And besides, it was good to have a bartender around. Next time the staff 'round here messed up her order she coul give Martini a hearty shout from across Equestria and get that solved lickity split. of course, maybe she was so drunk she forgot the signs for beds!

"Actually, thar's two floors of beds right above us. Plenty of space for a weary pony ta take a rest. Not too big a price tag either, Ah reckon. If y'all need ta rest, just ask. But yeah, Ah'm sure you've seen our produce all over! We have contracts from Hoofenheim and Manehattan to the Crystal Empire and even Clawifax! Heh, Ah didn't think Ah'd ever make a deal with an overseas client but thar ya go. Not bad for a mare like me, right? 'Course pride comes before the fall so Ah suppose Ah should remain humble...but hard ta remain humble when your products are being translated overseas!" Applejack laughed, a blush coming over before she settled down as a new mug came down before her. Harder cider. The first mug was just to freshen up the ol' taste buds, after all.

"Pleasure ta meet you too. Ah've seen yer daughter a few times, a real cutie. Ah'm sure Twilight is helpin' her become a fine student. She's a swell pony herself, ya know. Yer daughter couldn't be in better hooves," Applejack reassured her, even though she had a sneaking suspicion that Twilight was a bit above reproach for most.

--------

Trixie wasn't, even as her pathetic display continued. Applejack felt a surge of pity crash against her. But she was as far beyond glad tidings for Trixie or neutrality as she was above pride at the moment. Applejack was the eternal shore of rationality upon the shore of emotion. Pity could crash against her and be broken. Presteza had not billionth of the history Applejack had with Trixie and she was nice enough for the two of them. Applejack's primary concern was being a friendly enough host as a representative of the good ponies of Ponyville. Get her sober, get her a place to stay, and make sure she wasn't seen drinking about town. They already had the town drunk, there just wasn't enough room for two of them. The waiter arrived with a pitcher of water which was placed immediately in front of Trixie as the same waiter started to remove all the empty bottles from that pathetic display.

"Drink some water and cool yer jets. If yer gonna be on the road for a lick won't do you any good to have a mighty hangover as you pull your cart from place to place. Anyway, why the hay would you want to come back here of all places to open a magic shop and start a family? Nopony 'round here can stand the sight of you for more than a second 'fore calling the Guard. No offense, 'course," Applejack said, letting the first lie of the night slip out. Some comfort was needed amidst the cold reality that was being foisted upon her.

"Have a place ta sta? How long ya planning on stayin'?" Applejack asked as her attention turned to her friend, who seemed a bit upset about the husslin' line. That brought a smile to Applejack- heck, everypony had their hustles.

"Now now Missy Noble Hussle, we all hustle somethin'. You should see me out thar sellin' apples!"

[Ashton]

Trixie looked around "Your all so nice" she said "Nicer than I deserve" she said, glancing at AJ. She smiled a small smile at the new pony "Nice to meet you, As you guessed I'm Trixie, Trixie Lulamoon" she nodded and took the water in her hooves, sipping it

she looked over at the noblepony and kept that small smile "I'm actually a stage magician" she said, her horn's glow even wobbly as she pulled one of her posters out and showed it to prestiza, she laughed a half-hearted laugh "my first lesson was not to let rage and jelousy blind me, I made a lot of enimies..." she sighed "but I am learning from my mistakes"

She shook her head "I dont think anypony would want to play darts with me" she said as her horn glowed, casting a spell and the darts all flew and hit the bullseye, one dead-center and the others around it forming a star pattern.

Finally she looked over at Applejack "Just foolish dreams I suppose" she said "Like I said there's Somepo- Something important to me here... I'd like to be here to keep an eye on it and protect it if I can..." she sighed "even if I must do so from afar" she paused "Only until morning, it's a long road to fillydelphia where my next show it, and like you said I'm not wanted around here, I was only stopping by to... check on things..." she said "My wagon's hidden on the outskirts of town, I'll be dragging myself back there tonight"

Trixie's spirits had raised a little, that was clear, she was slowly climbing out of her depression, but she still had a long way to go, and AJ's reminder of how much everypony in town hated her was not helping matters, even if it was only the truth...

[ShadowWalking18]

Calmly taking a small sip of his Cider, he put it down gently on the counter top, and lifted his tome, placing it next to the mug. "Ah, my squad's en-route towards Manehatten, a part of some exchange program. Honestly, if I knew any better, they just wanted me out of Canterlot Library." He said to the orange mare as he chucked slightly. The day when that happened would be one to remember though, a day of great sorrow and sadness at the expense of being unable to enjoy the mysteries of magic at his hooves. ​"Rest-assured, I wouldn't be sitting here if we were hunting, I'd be in field or barracks on alert." Truth be told, he had no idea if there were any alerts for monsters coming out of the Everfree Forest, given having rushed to The Watering Hole before hitting base. Seeing her walk off to talk to another pony, he decided it was time to join the game of darts.

Putting his helmet on the stool, he slowly walked towards the board, feeling pumped up for some competition, even if it was friendly. He rarely got time to play the simple games these days. He stood at the line that marked the throwing area. At least in a place like this, he could drop his soldier act and be his normal self. The relentless, always curious, always seeking-a-challenge self. "I'll take first go then, if you don't mind." He said to the griffon, as he levitated a dart. Without the ability to get a feel for the weight and the aerodynamics of a dart by hoof-touch, he had to rely on his magic and guesstimates. Steady, steady... were the thoughts that went through his head. Then with a magical push, he flung the dart at the board, hitting five centimetres off from bullseye. "Still got it." he muttered, as he readied his next. "Say, griffon sir, what brings you out to Equestria? Don't most griffons prefer home given the comforts?" Warp Sign asked him as he let loose another dart., striking slightly closer, but not quite bulleye.

"Hey! Artsy pony! You playing or what?" He said towards the white mane unicorn as Warp Sign was lining up his third dart for a shot. He mentally facehoofed whenever he tried to address ponies he didn't know. Oh well.

"First off, if you think life in Aquilla is comfy, you don't know anything about Griffon's or our social history. Second, call me Razor. I'm not a military leader, so you can save the Sir's for my father." Razor said as he grabbed some darts and threw each one consecutively. One nailing the bullseye, while one hit the outer circle and another the second in a downward way like a straight line.

"Thirdly, my reasons for beign away from home are my own, and I don't need to tell a pony them, because you can't even understand the reasons for it." He said, giving the guard pony a slight glare.

What did ponies know! What could they know! They didn't have the same social workings of a griffon. They were generally accepting and kind and didn't put as much mark on physical strength. Those were the characteristics of a warrior race and that's what griffons had been since they first walked this world. In fact, Razor wondered if these ponies blind inability to see the very specific difference between him and other griffons was just them trying to be polite or if they were just dumb...or maybe that was the drink talking now.

"Bartender! Another!" He called, before walking over and grabbing the darts from the board and tossing some over to the pony again.

Razor opened his mouth to say something but then turned toward the conversation with the caped mare. He growled slightly as he caught a few words.

Trixie looked around "Your all so nice" she said "Nicer than I deserve" she said, glancing at AJ. She smiled a small smile at the new pony "Nice to meet you, As you guessed I'm Trixie, Trixie Lulamoon" she nodded and took the water in her hooves, sipping it

she looked over at the noblepony and kept that small smile "I'm actually a stage magician" she said, her horn's glow even wobbly as she pulled one of her posters out and showed it to prestiza, she laughed a half-hearted laugh "my first lesson was not to let rage and jelousy blind me, I made a lot of enimies..." she sighed "but I am learning from my mistakes"

She shook her head "I dont think anypony would want to play darts with me" she said as her horn glowed, casting a spell and the darts all flew and hit the bullseye, one dead-center and the others around it forming a star pattern.

Finally she looked over at Applejack "Just foolish dreams I suppose" she said "Like I said there's Somepo- Something important to me here... I'd like to be here to keep an eye on it and protect it if I can..." she sighed "even if I must do so from afar" she paused "Only until morning, it's a long road to fillydelphia where my next show it, and like you said I'm not wanted around here, I was only stopping by to... check on things..." she said "My wagon's hidden on the outskirts of town, I'll be dragging myself back there tonight"

Trixie's spirits had raised a little, that was clear, she was slowly climbing out of her depression, but she still had a long way to go, and AJ's reminder of how much everypony in town hated her was not helping matters, even if it was only the truth...

That self defeating tone was driving him INSANE!!!

"That's it! I can't stand hearing that tone anymore!" He shouted before zipping over with a flap of his wings, his short form making it easy to maneuver through the tight spaces. He landed by the table and pointed a talon at Trixie.

"I'll say this once, and not again. Get off you flank, move over there to the dart board and play with us. I don't know what your problem is, but at this point I don't care, just stop the self pity! That constant beating down on yourself is driving me nuts!"

Razor snarled before turning around, "But that's your choice. Though if there is one thing I hate is somegriffon or somepony that continues to wallow in their own pity. But what do I know, I'm just a runty griffon."

He walked back to the bar and grabbed his drink and downed it in one gulp. He wobbled a bit now. He was getting into his cups now.

"Just keep them coming." He said before reaching into a bag at his side and tossing a small bag of bits onto the bar.

[Harv0kz]

If there was wanted thing he had a love/hate interest for, it was when other assumed. Curse my mind for being straight-forward and blunt and flat pencil tip.

Action around here huh. Keeping the Everfree away from a small town where a Princess is living doesn't exactly give a lot of room for me to fling fireballs and rain stone from the skies. Better the untamed wild than an nearby town. He though, knowing most of his stronger spells would cause a bit of chaos.

"Would now have been a good time to mention that you never... Never mind. Just give a shout whenever you're coming into game." Oh the perks of annoyance coursed through Warp Sign's head. Second was the Griffon. Though Warp Sign barely read up on their culture, he did remember reading about their tempers. Academia mentality asserting itself, the last thing he needed was to get into a bar-fight over cultural nuances he didn't understand. Illogical, unnecessary. "Sure, whatever you say Razor. I just figured finding good food would be harder to find around here for ya. Plus our ideologies don't exactly match."

All the while, he took longer with his next set of darts, now gauging distance, the environment, and the actual dart's characteristics to have the best chance of getting a bullseye. Slowing his breathing, everything came clear to him. Although unlike a bolt of magic, the process was the same. Breath, aim, fire. Breath, aim, fire. Breath, aim, fire. Were the only thoughts within Warp Sign's head right about now. And then with a sudden snap. He let loose the first dart, scoring a near perfect. Dangit.

The rest of the darts followed separately in a monotonic fashion.

*Plunk, plunk, plunk*.

All within the central area of the dartboard with uncanny accuracy. Yet he didn't smile. He was satisfied, not happy. Satisfied. Happy was for when he broke out a new spell that worked, or when he got free time, he slowly took his darts off the board.

"Bartender, give me another mug of cider" Warp Sign said, approaching the bar to wait for his turn on the board again.