Applejack grunted as she pushed the table into position. "Alright, ah think that's it." She said, looking over the place. Lamp Lighters house was, frankly, a dump. Cracks in the floor, windows were all broken, and she she was pretty sure she smelled mold in the walls.
The only thing this place had going for it was the fact it was big. Which considering how tall its owner was, was probably a requirement, what with him being several times the size of a normal pony.
"So, uh. Where'y from?" Applejack asked, looking to make small talk. Lamp Lighter paused from filling his newly acquired bookshelf. The silence lingered, one moment, two, three...
"Very far away. Very, very far away. Lets just leave it at that." The creature said, continuing to shelve. "Hmm. Question, do you think adding a chess set to the coffee table would bring the room together better?" He continued, causing Applejack to narrow her eyes. Did he REALLY think she wouldn't notice such a blatant attempt to change the subject.
"Maybe. Ain't much for chess, myself. More into checkers. So, mind telling me whats up with the whole 'deliberately cryptic' thing y'got going?" She asked, now actually curious as to her new associates behavior. He PROBABLY wasn't malicious, but he definitely had something to hide.
"Hm. Uh. Apologies, but...I'd rather let my past remain buried." He finished stacking his books and moved on to placing some decorations he had purchased. "I...will say this: my past isn't what you would call happy. Now, please, leave it at that. I'd rather not get into this now."
Applejack nodded. "Alright, Ah'll leave it alone for now. M'not gonna dig into your personal business." She took a moment and looked around. "Beyond suggestin' you use some of that fortune you have to renovate this place."
"I'll...take that into consideration. I, uh. Will probably need to figure out how to convert my coins into....The local currency is 'bits', yes? I'll need to figure out how to do that first." Lamp said, finishing placing directions.
Applejack thought for a moment. "Well, if'n anyone'd be able to help you there, it'd probably be Filthy Rich. He's, y'know, a wealthy type. You could also ask the Mayor, she probably knows people who'd help." She gave a shrug. "Worst comes to worst, y'could always visit the bank. See if they'll let you exchange the stuff."
She almost suggested writing the princess, before shutting that thought down. One oddity, no matter how weird, probably wasn't worth wasting the princesses time. Especially since said oddity was basically-probably harmless.
"....Who names their child Filthy?" Lamp Lighter asked, confusion in his voice, heedless to Applejacks internal musing.
The mare snorted. "He prefers to go by his last name, y'might have guessed. Filthy Rich is an honest sort, he'll give you a fair deal. Assumin he can resolve your problem, 'course." She gave another chuckle. "Y'know, as far as problems go, only bein able to pay fer things in near priceless treasures an' odd one." She cracked her neck. "Anyways, lets finish this up, I need t' get back to the farm."
Filthy Rich suppressed his urge to panic as he gazed at the massive...creature. The long, spindly thing sat in a chair that was two sizes too small, its long, thin arms resting in its lap as it loomed menacingly over Riches desk. He had heard about the strange, menacing creature that had moved into town. He had not, however, expected it to visit Richs office.
"Hello. It was suggested that I visit you to resolve a problem I have. " The creature said in a soft, rough voice, like it had gargled sand. "...Ah, wait, sorry, I failed to introduce myself, didn't I? My name is Lamp Lighter."
Rich did his best to force a smile. "Pleasure to meet you. Filthy Rich. And what problem exactly do you need help with?" Rich had a couple guesses, none of them good. Strange creature that wandered out of the everfree? It probably intended to have Rich help with all manner of fel act, like kidnapping ponies for sustenance, poisoning wells, kicking cats, targeting ponies with curses, committing calumny-
Rich was interrupted by the creature placing a single platinum coin on his desk. Rich narrowed his eyes, looking it over. That was, to his estimation, a very old, very valuable coin, at least several centuries old. "I, ah. I have a lot of these coins. From what I understand, they are considered valuable. I do not, however, have any actual Bits." The creature said.
Rich paused. He had...several questions. Namely how one acquires a great deal of priceless treasure like this creature supposedly has. The creature didn't look like the treasure hunting type. Then again, did ANYONE look like the treasure hunting type?
He shook his head. Best not to speculate. "So, let me guess; You want my help in converting these coins into actual currency?" He asked, a neutral look on his face. Right. Not calumny.
"As well as provide financial advice. I'd, ah, make sure to pay you." The Lamp Lighter rasped, drumming its appendages-fingers, Rich believed they were called- together.
Rich carefully thought it over. On the one hand, he did like money, and this person would almost certainly be a massive boon to the towns economy what with having a fortune in treasure. On the other, it might hurt his business to help such a...sinister figure.
Rich briefly considered trying to fleece the Lamp Lighter, but dismissed the thought. He was many things, but Filthy Rich was a crook.
"....Fine." Rich said, finally, hesitation in his voice. "I'll see what I can do. I have a few friends at the bank, I might convince them to let you exchange these coins for actual money." He'd probably have to omit a few details about who they were doing it for, but the exchange rates should be fairly reasonable.
"As for the financial advice, you'd probably be better off just hiring an actual financial adviser." Rich continued, leaning forward a bit. "For one thing, my expertise is mostly in running a business, and unless you intent to pursue a career as a small business owner, I'm not sure I could help."
Lamp Lighter sagged. "Ah. Alright. Fair enough." He paused, before straightening again. "You wouldn't happen to know anyone who can do renovations, do you?"
The next day, the townsfolk noticed the creature taking its odd metal basket in and out of the forest, hauling various goods, ranging from treasure such as coins and gems, to books, to other, more stranger objects, and storing them in his home.
"Wonder where he gets it all."
"I bet he stole it all from unlucky wanderers who stumbled on his lair!"
"Maybe he's a pirate, and thats his loot from years of raiding on the sea!"
"My theory is that he used to be some kind of alien treasure hunter."
"Pfft, aliens don't exist! OBVIOUSLY hes an evil sorcerer. The fortune? Alchemy."
"Well, it WOULD explain the books..."