Wind Rider loved strolling into places like he owned them. Perhaps it was a byproduct of his foalhood, as his parents did actually own most of Cloudsdale, so on a technicality, he did own the places he went to.
Not here though. The hotel clerk shot up in their seat as he banged the door open, strolling and scrutinizing the lobby with a careful eye. Daring entered behind him, offering the clerk an apologetic glance.
Wind slammed his hoof on the desk, pulling a glossy picture from his jacket pocket and sliding it across the desk. “We’re looking for a pony. Rainbow mane, blue coat, hard to miss. Have you seen her?”
The clerk took the photo and blinked a few times. “Uhhh…. Don’t think she checked in here.”
Wind Rider narrowed his eyes. “Now, we’ve been checking with every single motel and hostel in this town, and nopony’s seen a trace of her? I find that hard to believe, my friend.”
“I… I don’t know what to tell you, sir,” the clerk stammered. “But I’m tellin’ you, I’ve never seen this pony!”
“What in tarnation is goin’ on?” Wind Rider turned to his right to see a pony in an apron trotting over.
Wind helped up the picture of Rainbow for him to see. “We’re looking for this mare. Have you seen her?”
The waiter nodded. “How could I forget a mane like that? Yeah, I saw her. She came in yesterday for a bite to eat.”
“Do you know where she went?” Daring asked from behind Wind Rider.
“Not a clue, ma’am. If she didn’t check in, she could’ve gone anywhere.” The waiter rubbed his chin in thought. “Actually, hold on a sec’. I think she left with Applejack.”
Daring pulled out a notebook. “Applejack?”
“Yeah, she’s a big name ‘round here. Farmer mare, lives up in Appleoosa and comes down here to sell her crop. The two walked out together, if my memory serves me right.”
Daring and Wind Rider exchanged a glance. “This Applejack… you say she lives in Appleoosa?”
“Yessir,” confirmed the waiter. “You follow the main road, should get there right quick.”
Wind Rider nodded, turning and heading for the door. “Then we have our next goal. Let’s get a move on, private.”
Daring rummaged around in her bag and dropped a few bits on the counter. “Thanks,” she said, tilting her helmet.
“Wait now, who are you folks anyways?” the waiter asked.
Daring sighed, shooting a backwards glance at the door. “... it’s best if you don’t ask.”