(a collaboration with Monochromatic Rainbow)
“I told you we should have taken the right,” grunted Lightwing. The trio of Scholars had taken the wrong path and almost ended up far north of their destination. If it wasn’t for some farmer’s daughter, they probably would have kept on going and never make it to Woodwatch.
“I thought you were here before?” said Steel Hammer, a strong if short Earth Pony.
“Lens and I came up from the south, where the previous airship dropped us off. This eastern road is new to me.” Despite the early start, the detour cost them too much time. The sun was now setting behind the treelines. Already the lights of Woodwatch were on, and the travellers saw the Inn. “Come, Lens is probably annoyed that we’re late.”
After entering the restaurant, they saw a curious sight. Lens was with another unicorn, bottles and mugs surrounding the booth they were at. Another pony, a bald Earth mare, was sound asleep, her head lolling on the table. Lightwing was confused, and shocked that “Iceheart” Lens was actually talking with another pony. He asked, "Wait. What are you doing? Who are these ponies?"
Scarlet glanced around at the door, noticing the ponies in the door. She looked to them, then to Lens, then back to them, then to Lens again, “Associates of yours? Bounty hunters? Wait- do you have a bounty on your head too?!” She grinned, “Sweetness.”
Lens watery eyes looked over to the Lightwing and his group. She smiled, her face red from drinking. “No, no, they’re my associates… I’m not wanted by anypony, too… what do they call it? Ah yes, too cold.” Lens stuck out her tongue at the pegasus scholar. Lightwing cleared his throat and tried to maintain some semblance of professionalism. It didn’t quite work with him gawking at his supervisor. “Um.. well, yes. Who is your friend here? I believe we haven’t meet, Miss…?”
“Scarlet Ink! Professional bounty hunter, asshole, former student of Celestia’s old school, and now a follower of a crazy alicorn with a love for booze!” She cheered, “Yourselves?”
Lightwing was taken aback by how informal the mare was. How base! The ladies of Whitegold at least know how to introduce themselves. Despite this, he put on a nice smile and gave a curtsy. “Lightwing of the Manehatten Research Institute, and here,” he indicated the stout pony “, Steel Hammer, Master Metalworker,” and then to the other unicorn. “and this is Southwatcher, um… Master Locksmith.” Lens chuckled at the comment, for she knew Southwatcher was muscle. Granted intelligent muscle that loved literature, but her grandfather used the mare for Security. The closest thing she did to “locksmithing” was knowing how to break down doors.
“Ah, well you finally came,” said Lens. “But you must be tried, sit down young boy and have a drink with us! You don’t mind Scarlet?”
Scarlet shook her head, “Not in the slightest.” She turned to the pony introduced as ‘Steel Hammer’, “So, master metalworker, aye?”
The short pony nodded. “Gold, silver, platinum, copper, tin, but I work best with iron. Forge it into steel. Speaking of which, that’s some fine blades you have by your side. Excellent quality. Where did you get them?”
“These?” Scarlet raised her swords, “These were crafted… They may not be as old as Princess Platinum but they were made for one of her line, not sure which in particular. Anyway, when I ran from Celestia’s school I stole these, you’d think they’d keep them in a more secure location for their worth no?” She grinned, sliding the blades back into their scabbards, “Anyway, our favorite religious fanatics hate me now.”
“A daring move, I might say so myself. Better in your hooves in any case Lady Scarlet - a sword is much better used than gathering dust.” Steel was about to take a seat when Southwatcher glared at him and Lightwing. “Sir,” she said “, we have business to conduct.”
Lightwing nodded, “Yes, yes. But we can’t leave our guests here. Why don’t you two go upstairs to Room 7 and wait. Lens do you have the key?” Lens nodded and floated the key to the scholars. “Drats,” muttered Steel. “Sadly, I must go, but hopefully we can finish our discussion later Lady Scarlet. How about a drink tomorrow?”
She nodded, “Sounds good to me.” Her eyes drifted off somewhere, “Now why would you be climbing on the ceiling?” She asked to thin air.
Lens laughed and pounded the table. “Oh if Nokky was here to see this!” Steel thanked the lady, and followed Southwatcher upstairs. Lightwing went over to the other side the booth, carefully pushing the sleeping Lily as not to wake her. A trail of drool followed her head. Right… Steel is still carrying the Tome, and until the deal is finished The Director wants it safe , he thought. Lightwing asked, “So Scarlet, you said you were a bounty hunter. Any infamous criminals around that you seek?”
Scarlet shook her head, “Nope. Not at the moment, why? Got someone in mind?”
“Not around here I’m afraid. But Manehatten has it’s own share of infamous hoodlums, with bounties from both official and less than savory members of the public. Plenty would pay if one caught this one minstrel, Lay the Wayfarer. A scoundrel with a sweet tongue and a wicked blade.” Lightwing looked at the bottles laying about. “So is there any left, or should I order another drink?”
Lens looked at the pegasus, “Um… I’m not sure. I didn’t drink as much as those two.” She pointed to Scarlet and then to an empty spot in the booth. “Oh yeah.. Nokky left already. Drats, I wanted to play a prank on her… hehehe,” she said. “Hey Scarlet, want to see something?”
Scarlet raised an eyebrow, “See what? I see everything right now, is it in a pocket dimension? I can’t really see those right now…”
Lens perked up, tipping over her mug of ale and spilling over Lily. “Wow, you can see everything? How can you do that?”
“Booze.” She slurred.
Lens chuckled. “Ah, what magical stuff it is! It’s amazing you don’t drink more. But.. but check this out…” She leaned towards to Lily, horn glowing. The sleeping Earth Pony scalp began to glow and shine, filling the whole room with light. “Wait for it…” lens muttered. Then suddenly hair began to flow from Lily’s scalp, soon covering her whole head and leaving the mare looking like a mop. Lens began to laugh uncontrollably, “Ain’t that great?!”
Lightwing looked with amazement at Dr. Lens. Here, one of the most professional ponies he has meet, was doing childish pranks and getting drunk with a random bounty hunter. What happened it the time I left?