Lens stepped out of the passage and said thank you to the cheerful little sphere. The door, aged so long it seemed almost a natural part of the hill now, close behind her. The Doctor trotted back as fast as she could to the Inn, eyes sparkling. It was a brief meeting and was just to arrange a transaction. But it was made wonderful by the wonders of the Noxferus. She grinned and was glad her demeanor didn't cause as many problems as it would.
But by now, the more logical side of her was only just arising from the stupor. That part of her knew the situation was getting much more serious. The Noxferus was a pony who left nothing to chance. His extensive security precautions and history of covering his tracks were signs of that. One screw up on Len's or the Scholar's side, and she was sure the Noxferus would have them eliminated.
This is no time to be addled by emotions and bias Lens thought. We must be careful, not only to have such a great ally, but to get the tome to grandfather.
Lightwing was waiting on the street and trotted next to her. "Well?", he asked.
"The details later. The Inn now," she said. She made a gesture with a hoof, indicating that it was not best to talk in private.
As the Inn was very lively that night, the two Scholars took the side entrance to get to her room. Before entering their room, Lens stopped to check in on Lilly. The missionary was sleeping in a bed, in a room across from Len's. Her brown mane was still a mess, but the missionary slept soundly. Scarlet was nowhere to be seen, probably still enjoying the night.
I hope my other patient gets some rest Lens thought as she shut the door. But now, I have to brief our peers on the matter.
She consulted with the trio of Scholars in the other room, briefing them of the time and place of the meeting. Lens emphasized above all else not to offend or some come as a threat.
"Sounds way too paranoid for his own good," Southwatcher said.
"In any case, what if this meeting is a trap?" said Lightwing. "You implied that his own muscle is… rather particular and in great numbers. What's preventing him from just taking the book?"
"The Master is quite interested in the Scholarship, well at least in its resources. He's aware of who Director Prancer is, and he should be intelligent enough not to make an enemy of him," Lens said. But in her mind the two sides conflicted. The Logical warning that it could be a danger, that the efficient and direct scientist could just very well take what he wants. But her heart seemed to know that the Noxferus was not one to break a deal… unless the other side was going to betray him. After all, he could very well charge right into this very inn right now. But he choose to be diplomatic and upfront.
"In any case, there's some time left-" Lens hiccuped, "-of which I'm going to lay down and get sober. There's plenty of food and drink downstairs." Lens took the Prophecies with her to her bed, set in beneath her pillow, and lay down.
"Let's get going," said Lightwing. "I could go for a good hay and tulips." The pegasus, Steel, and Southwatcher left the room.
"Sorry about this," muttered Longsight to the Innkeeper. Honeybee and Salty Pebbles was carrying Lilly down the back stairs. The missionaries were rather shocked by Lilly's mane, probably more so than her drunkenness.
The Innkeeper didn't say much, his eyes betraying his dislike for the Baldies. "No problem at all - her Doctor already paid for her drink and food," he said with little mirth.
"What sort of professional has a patient drink all day?" muttered Honeybee.
"Don't know, but I'd love to hear it more from my own practitioner!" said the Innkeeper. They came to the back door, where the other customers would not see them leave.
"Thank you," said Longsight. The manager let them out, and shut the door. The missionaries were about to head back to their camp, when Longsight stopped. "Sorry, I have to go the little mare's room, just go ahead."
Honeybee nodded. "Be careful," she said, her black eye aching.
"Thanks, but I should be fine." The unicorn headed back into the Inn. The moon continued it's journey through the night sky.