Sliver Sweeper knew little of alcohol, though her siblings who had visited the mortal plane did fondly discuss the beverage. Her curiosity peaked, and one of the first subjects Sweeper asked Scroll was on such potables. Scroll didn't drink too much, preferring wine and beer over the "stronger stuff". She spat out her first taste of beer, finding it tasting of spoiled oatmeal. Wine and apple ale was more to her liking, but she preferred the sweeter brands.
But Sweeper had never tried Whiskey or Vodka before. She was given the chance some months ago after The Battle of The Tower. When celebrating their victory and good fortune, Colonel Joy offed a bottle of Whiskey. "It's my only bottle of Jamison, and maybe one of the few around considering what happened. It would be an honor if you accepted this," the pegasus commander said. Sweeper asked Scroll about the drink. "It's not to your liking my lady, way too bitter," he responded, and the pair asked for wine instead.
Sweeper looked at the keg given by Summer. She took the cork out and sniffed at the contents, inhaling a good whiff of the stuff. It smelled like some sort of spirit. Joy did say this was the drink of mares and soldiers. I should at least try this honorable exilir the alicorn thought, and took a small sip.
The fluid burned as it passed her mouth, not in the spicy sense but rather a liquid warmth. The taste was flavorful, but smoky and far from sweet. Sweeper's eyes teared up, and she began to cough. She accidentally dropped the keg, which she caught with a wing before it spilled.
"Ahhhhhkkkkkkkkkkkk," Sweeper said at last, tongue sticking out to the side. She took a deep breath afterwards. Her face and bald head began to sweat. Shaking her head, she looked at her sister and her newly dubbed Housecarl Berserker.
"Yikes, no wonder they call soldiers 'Iron Mares' - you have to have a strong stomach to take the stuff," she spoke. "Waaaay too strong for my taste, I fear. Is this how you test for the best warriors, sis?"
Dr. Lens turned to the doorway, and saw the sight of a wounded unicorn asking for aid. "Come on, Lilly. looks like somepony needs my skills as well," she said. The pair left the booth and towards the newcomer. Already one of the waitresses was helping Scarlet Ink sit at a table. She noted a bolt that had penetrated the armor, and the severe condition of the leg.
"I'm a Doctor, Solar Lens is my name." The mare's voice had returned to that cold, professional, unemotional tone. Lilly almost was taken aback by the sudden change, as just a few moments ago Lens was speaking like an old friend. "We're going have to take off this armor so I can treat your wounds." The Scholar turned to Lilly and floated a key to her. "Go to my room, number 7 and get a black bag." Lilly nodded and headed to accomplish the task. Lens turned to the waitress "I'll need some bandages or rags, a sewing kit, and the strongest alcohol you have. Prepare a room - I'll pay for the costs. Oh, also bring a mug."
As the waitress left, Lens turned to her second patient, taking off the armor near the leg. "Well Ms. Scarlet, how did you end up in this predicament?"