Chapter 4: Closing Time
The night carried on at the Salt Lick as the group of four stallions and a small dragon continued to chat away amongst themselves. The five laughed and made jokes at each other’s expense, but all in good fun. Time seemed to pass quick for the gang of males in the tavern as the barkeep trotted up to their table.
“Alright, hate to do this to your party fellas, but it’s closing time and the bill is here,” the barkeep laid a piece of paper on the table for the five before trotting away.
“You heard the stallion, end of the night,” Pokey stretched out his limbs and accompanied it with a big yawn.
Spike also yawned, “These things never last long enough.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac agreed, standing on all four hooves.
Caramel pointed across the table to Shining Armor, “Newbie pays for the night!”
This caught the white unicorn off guard, “Huh, what?”
Spike stood up to explain, “Whenever we get a new pony in the group, they have to pay for the drinks for the entire night. It’s how we kind of break new members in.”
“Is that why you invited me, Spike?” Shining Armor had a smirk on his face.
The dragon looked at the multiple of empty glasses that held his Shirley Trople, “No….maybe….yes….”
The group laughed in unison again. Shining Armor placed the bits on the table to cover all the drinks and plus some. The five then made their way out of the tavern and into the night.
“So, next meeting in a two weeks?” Caramel asked as he shivered. The night air was cold on his coat and seemed to be the same on the rest of the ponies.
“Sounds fine by me. I’ll request the time off from the bakery,” Pokey stated, “I’m sure Pinkie won’t mind filling in for me.”
“Alright, we got a plan for next time!” Spike was already eager for the next gathering.
“I have to say it was fun spending the evening with you guys. Thanks for letting me hang out with you guys,” Shining Armor stated.
“Thanks fer payin’ fer all of us,” Big Mac laughed with others joining.
Pokey spoke, “Paying for our drinks aside, it was really awesome to have another guy join us tonight. As far as I’m concerned, you’re allowed to join anytime you want.”
Caramel nodded, “And I hope that will be at the next one.”
“Ha ha, you can bet I’ll make it!” Shining Armor exclaimed.
“As long as the princess doesn’t have too much of a leash on you!” Spike added.
With all of them in laughter, they trotted into the night.
END