Amaretto awoke with a groan, grumbling something about the sun being the best, and most annoying, sharp shooter in the world, somehow always hitting right on target. Said target was, in this instance anyway, the small gap between the curtains in front of the window, and his eyes. His silver eyes opened fully, glaring death and damnation at the curtains failing to block out the thrice damned sun. Sure, he liked the sun for what it did, and enjoyed its warmth on a nice summer day, but that appreciating died when it tried to wake him up in such a rude way. 

He lay still for a moment, letting the memories of yesterday resurface. He and Amber had had a pleasant conversation, though doing their best to avoid the topic of the war going on in the world. It wasn't entirely possible, though, as it was sort of the elephant in the room, or the world even. They'd glanced upon it briefly before going onto other topics, such as how life in Northwatch was, where Amaretto had grown up in the north and so on. Small, innocent topics where he, at least, made sure not to reveal anything that could be used against him. While he didn't like lying to her, he had used the cover story he'd made up; that he had lost his family and was now trying to find some other purpose. As it turned out, Amber knew of his family and the raid on their mansion. She'd been in Redheart's refuge when it happened, and heard the story when he and what remained of his family arrived there. They hadn't spoken then, but she knew he was there. 

There was a knock on the door, prompting Amaretto to try and get up, only to find that he was held back by a pair of gentle, yet strong hooves. He looked behind him and saw a sleeping Amber, the pegasus mare holding him tightly with a content look on her face. He couldn't help a small smile from tugging at his lips. They'd done nothing the night before, but he guess he should have expected her to sneak into his bed once he was asleep himself. Shaking his head, he slid out of her grasp and approached the door, opening it to see Bifrost with a tray, of what Amaretto assumed was breakfast, on his back. 

"Had a pleasant night?" Bifrost asked, a knowing smile on his face. He glanced over at the bed, noticing the happily snoozing Amber, prompting his smile to widen. "Seems like it. Haven't seen her smile like that for a long time." 

"Right. Good thing I made her happy then," Amaretto grumbled, lifting the tray off of Bifrost's back before replacing it with the empty tray from the day before. "I'll be leaving in a few hours. I trust that's okay?"

"No complaints. Have a good day, then." Bifrost nodded and turned around, heading downstairs again. 

The door clicked shut behind Amaretto as he turned around and placed the tray on the desk. The ruffling of sheets and a dainty yawn brought his attention back to the bed where Amber was currently rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. "Morning," she said, smiling as she got out of the bed. "Smells nice. What is it?" She cocked her head towards the tray on the desk. 

"Breakfast. Oatmeal, biscuits, some milk or juice, I suppose." He reached out with his magic and took off the tin foil covering it. "Yep, oatmeal, a few biscuits and some juice. Enough for two, it seems." He shot a glance at Amber. "You often stay with your costumers overnight?" 

That got a blush out of her. "Only the ones I really like. Either because I want a second round, or because they were just nice to be with. You're part of the latter, obviously." She paused, then suddenly smiled at him. "Say, sure you don't want to...?" She gave the bed a meaningful look. 

"No." 

"Should've guessed," she chuckled, walking up to the desk and taking one of the plates of oatmeal in her teeth, carrying it with her to the bed. 

They ate in silence, Amaretto dividing the biscuits between them. He had to admit, he enjoyed Amber's company. She was young, yes, but still less than ten years younger than himself, if he had to guess. Mid to late twenties would be his immediate assumption. And much like he'd said yesterday, she truly was a beautiful mare. He almost lamented having to leave her here. Someone as kind and gentle as her shouldn't have to live a life like this. [i]Sell oneself to survive. A sad fate, but nothing I can do. I have my own mission. That takes priority.[/i] 

He finished his oatmeal, placing the plate back on the tray, and went over to where he had discarded his armour in the corner. He immediately went around putting it back on, lifting the individual pieces and tying the leather straps tightly. He was so occupied by donning his armour that he almost got hit by the door to the bathroom swinging open as Amber tore it open and dashed in, retching her guts out in the toilet hardly a second after. 

"Sick?" He asked through the door, magic still working at putting his armour on.

"Yeah, I've been for the past few days. Pretty annoying, really." More of her breakfast forced its way out. "Could you pass me some juice? Or water? I need to wash my mouth." A glass of water hovered from the sink to her waiting hooves. "Thanks," she gasped after draining it. She paused for a few moments, nose scrunched up, before she flushed and stepped away from the toilet. "I think it's over... for now." She turned around, and whistled as she saw him in full barding. "Did I mention that I like stallions in a uniform?" She asked, a playful smirk on her lips. 

"You didn't, but now I know you do." He hoisted his saddlebags onto his back and turned to the door. "It was nice meeting you, Amber, but I have to go get some provisions before I leave for my next destination." He gave her a nod and made for the door, stopping only because Amber called out.

"Wait!" She ran up to him and, reaching up, planted her lips on his cheek. "There, a good luck charm. I hope to see you again some day." 

He didn't quite know what to say to the unexpected gesture, so he simply gave her a mumbled thank you and went out the door, leaving Amber behind. 

[hr]

It had been about two hours since he had left the inn to get some more provisions, and he was now stocked up on both whiskey (of his own brand. Half the time had been taken by looking for someone who sold it) and food, as well as water. It was another 3 days trek to where he would find this Silver Scalpel. 

He knew little of the stallion, save that he was a doctor and apparently quite the powerful, and intelligent, unicorn. All he knew was that he would have to sell the lie and story of why he was there, and then find out what he was up to. 

He grit his teeth and started walking, armour clinking with every step. [i]I swear to Celestia, if this Doctor tries to get me to stop drinking, I'll personally cave in his face regardless of whether or not he's guilty of whatever Theá suspects.[/i]