The group made their way through the sprawling cotton and tobacco fields of Whispering Meadows’ vast plantation, the soft trill of crickets following their wake. Jugo, the carriage driver, was singing atop the driver’s seat to the pleasure of the stallions drawing the carriage along and the mares inside it.
Despite the soft and sweet melody of the harpy’s guitar and song, Glendon, the griffin riding shotgun for him, felt stiff and irritated, as if he had rashes all over his body that made him itching for a change of scenery.
A few worker ponies and pegasus waved at the chariot. Many did not show much interest in the carriage or its inhabitants, tasked themselves with work harvesting the fine white cotton and bright green tobacco leaves. A few guards posted around the plantation were busying themselves with cards, drinks and singing songs of their own as they burned the daylight away.
Glendon growled, straining as he spread his front legs and wings apart, “Graaaah! Why are we riding slow!? We lost our pay and supply!”
Jugo sniffed, “Glendon, breaking the stallions isn’t going to do anything, besides they gotta take us back, right boys?”
The stallions huffed in reply, “Glendon can drag us there if he wants us to go faster!” snapped an ebony stallion in response.
Glendon shot up, “You may be a stallion, but I ain’t seen a bigger pack of jackasses all season!”
Applejack thumped the top of the chariot’s roof in reply, “Y’all quit bickering, we ain’t even left the plantation yet, and you’re already at each other’s throats!”
Clearing her throat rather loudly, Rarity opened one of the carriage windows to stick her head out, flashing her sapphire eyes in the warm sunlight. “Please forgive my friends; I’m sure you are doing your absolute best! It has been absolutely lovely so far, and might I add, the view isn’t anything to scoff at either.” She gave the stallions a flirtatious smirk, her eyes flicking to their flanks.
Giggling to herself as she pulled herself back inside, she turned to her companions, raising a brow. “Now, now, there’s no reason to begin fighting; we’ve barely begun our journey. How about we introduce ourselves properly? I shall go first, ahem… It is so gracious and kind that you would meet me, Sir Glendon. My name is Lady Rarity, and I hail from Equestria. You may have heard of me, I am an up-and-coming designer, but I don’t wish to boast.”
Turning to Applejack, she gave her a soft grin, “Now you, my dear.”
Applejack rolled her eyes, finding Rarity’s gawking to be impudent and ironic, considering the mare’s faux Canterlot appearance and demeanor. She shifted her eyes to the mare, letting out a small sigh of frustration at the formalities.
“I’m Applejack, and I’m just here to make sure everything goes smoothly.” asserted the farm pony.
Glendon whistled, peering down the side of the chariot and into Rarity’s window, shooting the white mare a playful, flirtatious smile and greeting Applejack with a tip of his tricorn, “Pleasure to meet you; I’m Glendon. Leader of the Barn Owls and mercenary at your service! If you couldn’t tell from the number of bullets, booze, and boomsticks we have, I’m not exactly shy of a fight!”
“But yah know I’m something of a patron of the arts, least in my book, ho ho!” he drummed his claws on the side of the wagon, his eyes seeming to naturally shift toward Rarity, his not-so-subtle interest in the mare growing, “Now you said you were a designer? Well that’ll come in handy I bet since I’m gonna marry luv, I promise!” winked the griff.
Suddenly the griffin was yanked upward, “Alright, settle down. You barely met the mare!” groaned Jugo, “Least you’re consistent when it comes to rushing into something…”
Applejack gave her fellow pony a knowing look, her expression a mix of concern and amusement.
Jugo hoisted himself down, gripping the wagon’s side as he peered inside the window, “Hola, I am Jugo Hosea. I enjoy long walks on the beach, playing my guitar, and not having to drive the clinically insane around.”
“Hey, fock off!” snapped Glendon.
Jugo cocked a brow at Rarity and Applejack, his eyes gesturing upward, “See what I mean?”
Rarity could barely stop giggling, having to blink back tears of amusement lest she ruin her perfectly set mascara and eyeliner. “Oh ho ho, you simply are a riot, darling! Well, it’s a pleasure to meet both of you, as I’m sure my companion here can attest.” She gently laid a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder, a playful grin on her lips.
“I am quite glad for the company myself, we’re usually a team of six, but we’ve run into some extenuating circumstances, as I’m sure you can tell.” The unicorn tossed her mane, making sure her curls were just as perfect as they were this morning. “Oh, and my darling friend Applejack here failed to mention she’s a farmer herself and quite a talented one at that! Dear, that was half of an orchard you cleared by yourself, wasn’t it?”
Applejack huffed, crossing her front legs, giving the harpy a suspicious look as she shifted awkwardly in her seat, “Yeah… suppose I did, didn’t I?”
Glendon whistled, generously eyeing her legs and thighs, “Not bad. Suppose that would explain a few things!”
Jugo hoisted himself up in his seat atop the carriage again, “Well, maybe after this, you can get some petty bits working the plantation.”
“Er, cotton and tobacco ain’t my specialty,” replied Applejack.
“What is it then!?” shouted Glendon.
“...Apples?” answered Applejack thoughtlessly.
“Well, now I feel silly...” huffed Glendon.
“CHECKPOINT!” roared Glendon.
Applejack shot up from her seat, smashing her head against the ceiling before slamming back in her seat, hissing as she rubbed her temple. As the wagon slowed to a crawl.
Rarity had managed to brace herself, one hoove steadying her as she placed it against the carriage, looking no worse for wear. Tutting at her friend, she checked her for bruises, “It seems we got a little too distracted with our conversation. My apologies Applejack.”
Opening the carriage window, the unicorn scanned the plantation before cocking a brow. “Glendon, what do you mean checkpoint? Are we to pay a toll?”
Jugo fluttered down, opening the carriage door for the mares, “Mrs. Meadows leased the Republic Guard to help protect the place. They’re just making sure who’s leaving the plantation.”
Glendon yawned, smoothing his feathery head down, “Morning tin heads! How goes the patrol?”
Stepping around the carriage, the pair could see a small wooden fence gate with a small patrol of guards creatures. From a brief glance, the mares could see a pattern within the unit; two earth ponies tended a small fortified structure as they tirelessly moved sandbags around, while the few pegasi above seemed to be moving from post to post around the plantation delivering letters. While the few griffins and harpies there manned the camp and were armed to the teeth with muskets and swords.
A few creatures stepped up to the group to examine them, poking and prodding them with basic questions before allowing everyone to cram back into the wagon and carry on into the wilderness ahead.
After a few hours of riding through winding dirt roads and claustrophobic trails, Glendon could see a small sign ahead, squinting at the small text, “Hey! We’re close to Tevye! That’s where we got bushwacked!”
Applejack awoke from her restless sleep as she groggily peered out the window, gazing upon the dreary-looking town. Surrounded by a misty haze that blanketed the entire village in fog. The smell of mud and the humid air filled the nose of every creature that stepped foot inside the town proper.
The cool arid breeze that had followed them from the plantation seemed to completely disappear. The pungent scent of Tevye’s musky humid air assumed its place instead.
Glendon took a deep breath, “Smell that air? That’s freedom, haha! Outside of Republic authority, and outside of Republic taxes, haha!” cackled the griffin.
Rarity couldn’t help but grimace; the few ponies and griffins she could see in the mist were dressed in drab, dirty work clothes, carrying little other than the frowns on their faces. She couldn’t put into words how absolutely dreadful it looked. The only light that could be seen was within darkly tinted windows and the few scattered lanterns marking the streets.
Even overlooking their lack of fashion sense, the smog only made the place dimmer, muting whatever color there had been in the first place. Taking a small sniff of the air, the unicorn instantly began to cough and sputter, wincing and rubbing her nose as she turned to her companion.
“It’s, ah… very… homey?” She couldn’t use her charms this time, looking at Applejack for a sense of direction. “Are you certain we can find traces of those hooligans in this… fog?”
“Fock, yeah, it’s homey; it’s my hometown! Welcome to Tevye, independent of Swallowtail, Unicorns, and family feuds for over a hundred years now!” Glendon quickly flew off the wagon, “Alright, everyone out; we’re hoofing it for the rest of the journey.”
Applejack climbed out of the wagon, appearing rather apathetic toward her new surroundings, lamely pressing her hooves into the mud as she looked toward Jugo, “Why are we leaving the carriage and stallions behind?”
“Investigating!” shouted Glendon, flapping above the group, “C’mon, c’mon, we don’t have all day! We have to go back to the watering hole, y’know, gather clues and the like?”
Jugo sighed, nodding, “Yeah… that makes sense….”
“Damn right, it does!” hmpf’d Glendon as he quickly dove to the ground skidding across the mud before stopping behind the wagon, opening the back of the carriage to his armory.
Glendon rubbed his claws together as he quickly began adorning his body with pistols, daggers, and black powder grenades, filling his knapsack with lead balls before slinging a musket over his back, “Now, let’s party!”
“Is this an interrogation or an execution!?” shouted Jugo giving the griffin an exasperated look.
“It’s a diamond dog problem, remember? We gotta put down some Old Yellers! HAHAH!”
Applejack winced, “That’s dark… look, let’s stay focused. Where’s the bar you were at?”
Glendon sighed, “Fine, fine, follow meh.”
“Wait just a moment, dears!” Rarity shouted, still very much inside the carriage. She looked simply disgusted and horrified, staring at the fetlock-deep mud covering the entire street. She couldn’t imagine what lied in such filth or how it gathered so much here in the first place.
“I did not come on this journey to ruin my perfectly washed coat! Applejack darling, did you perhaps pack some… ah, what did you call them? ‘Galoshes’? Or perhaps even rain boots?” It looked as if the thought of getting mud on her sent chills down her spine. “Oh dear, I simply should have seen this coming; perhaps I could have asked Ms. Meadows if she had any I could borrow…”
“Oh come on, Rarity, we have Glendon threatening to get gun-ho on everypony, and you’re over here complaining about a little mud!?” snapped Applejack.
“Oy! Politely, piss off! A lady needs her boots!” Glendon attested, showing a strange gentlemarely streak, “Worry not, my lady, I packed boots for you and your friend in the back.”
Glendon quickly rummaged through the back of the wagon, rocking it gently before plotting over to Rarity, presenting the mare with a fresh pair of yellow rain boots, “I’m afraid it’s not the most stylish thing, darling, but it’ll keep your hooves clean.” winked Glendon, giving the mare his best smile.
Jugo rolled his eyes at the display, walking over before smacking the back of his head, “Focus, fool.”
Glendon quickly snapped back, “You idiot, can’t you see I’m trying to be classy!” groaned the griffin.
Rarity giggled with delight, gratefully sliding the rain boots onto all four hooves. “Why thank you, my dear Glendon, at least someone was thinking of their guests!” She gave Jugo a playful grin, “Just one moment; I need to make sure nothing gets in my tail, either. Thankfully I remember to pack plenty of bobby pins and hair ties!”
Quickly adjusting her tail and mane into something shorter, she turned to her pony companion with a flash of inspiration in her eyes. “Ooooh, Applejack, would you like your tail in a bun? Maybe some pigtails in your mane?! You’d look positively adorable!”
Applejack quickly slipped on the boots as she huffed, “I’d rather not draw any attention in such a shhhhiiiiii….”
“Oh, oh, c’mon, say it. Say the dirty word I know you want to say!” cheered Glendon clasping his claws together like a proud parent watching their child say their first word.
Applejack swallowed, “Such a sight… I’ll keep to myself… really could use my hat right now…” She sighed sadly at the thought of Applebloom and her kinfolk back home. What she’d do to see their faces now.
Applejack trotted forward, “C’mon y’all, let’s get moving.”
Jugo nodded, “Right, right.” The harpy quickly put a scabbard around his waist before sheathing a short sword, tightening a satchel around his chest. Grabbing a lantern before closing up the wagon and gesturing for the stallions to leave, “Get back here by tonight.”
Glendon sighed as he watched the stallions pull the wagon away from the group, “Great… I forget my damn whiskey! Fock! Now I’ll have to buy a few bottles to make some fire bombs, Boreas bloody bastard son!” cursed the griffin as he bitterly stamped away from the group.
Jugo gestured for the mares to follow, “He’s burning off steam, c’mon.”
“My my, what a temper. I hope that wasn’t how he got into such trouble in the first place!” Rarity noted but seemingly unbothered. “Alright then, Jugo, please lead us to this… wretched hive of scum and villainy, if you would. Perhaps we can ask some local creatures here if they witnessed anything, even if it is quite…”
She gagged softly, “Well… smokey. One of them must have seen something.”
Jugo huffed, crossing his wings, “Knowing that griff? He may have well started it… Let’s go.” he’d beckoned the mares to follow as he started following the firey griffin ahead of them.
Applejack mused, bumping her flank against Rarity’s as she playfully pushed the mare, “C’mon, Rarity, it’s just a little mud. Not like the smell’s gonna kill ya.”
“This smell? Darling, are we smelling the same thing?”
Jugo whistled, “Oop– there he goes into the Watering Hole.”
Looking up at the old tavern, it was in a dingy state, much like the rest of the village’s homes and businesses. Glendon had finally cooled off by the time he took the first step up the stairs toward the entrance.
Glendon grumbled, “Bastards… alright then, girls, I’m gonna need you to use your feminine charms on those sorry sacks inside there and fish for information.”
“You want us to get into a seedy dingy tavern and get buddy-buddy with the locals? That’s a sure way to get us into some trouble!” retorted Applejack.
“Hey now, they’re not gonna talk to me! … I hope less they are that drunk to think I’m a bloody hen, ho! Look, we got yer backs; I won’t let them harm a single hair in your pretty manes, right?”
Jugo turned toward the mares, “It’s your choice at the end of the day… I won’t let Glendon trick you into believing this is the only way to do this. If you have any ideas, speak now.”
“Oh, come now, Applejack, I’m certain you know how to get your way. You’re a beautiful mare, after all!” Rarity chuckled, fluttering her eyelashes. “Perhaps you just need some training? It is a skill that requires some tact and experience, which I can give you both.”
“All you have to do is make them think that it was their idea to even tell you something in the first place.” The unicorn grinned, “Be sweet, laugh a little at everything they say, and you’ll have them doting on every request you give them. Although, it’s always good to start small and work your way up.”
Pausing, she glanced at both Jugo and Applejack, “What? It’s not like I use my talents for evil, you know! This is important! And besides, it’s just a part of being a lady; you get more flies with honey than vinegar, as they say.”
The two stared back at Rarity as if the mare were a siren. Jugo at least had the ghost of a smile on his face. Glendon, however, seemed more enamored by Rarity, if that were possible.
“I don’t know if I can do that, Rarity, I’m the Element of Honesty after all, and that kinda seems like lying… and I’m not lacking confidence either, I’ll tell you that much.” prided the mare, laughing, “I know what I got!”
Glendon clicked his tongue, “Well, at least you’re not chickening out. Just do your ‘ting, and we’ll watch out for trouble, yeah? Now get going.” gestured the griffin.
Jugo creaked the door open for the mares, “I’ll be right behind you…”
The tavern was just as both of the mares imagined it to be, dirty and dark, barely illuminated by lanterns needing oil and a flickering fire toward the left of the bar. The few booths that lined the walls had many a character, ponies and griffins slumped into their seats, already within Luna’s realm. The few awake scowled in their direction, eyes already locked on to the particularly colorful mares. Rarity raised an eyebrow towards Applejack and confidently trotted inside, not showing the nervousness she felt deep within her core.
Across the tavern was the den where the large fireplace was kept alight. With a large stewpot hanging above the raging flame. Surrounded by animal skin carpets and trophies hanging on the walls. Plaques with animal heads dangled from the wall. The lifeless eyes of the many heads of bear, and wolves, seemed to be staring down and whoever was in the den.
Scanning the scene, Rarity thought it best to introduce herself to one that was awake, alone with few inhabitants nearby, and looking the least surly out of the bunch. She settled on a griffin in a booth near the fireplace, as he was too busy looking into his mug to notice their entrance. Too bad most of the stallions were already dozing off, as she surmised they would be much easier to convince.
Sending a glance Applejack’s way, her gaze seemed to say, ‘You can either join me or find your own conquest’ before trotting in the griffin’s direction. She put on her best smile, her voice almost like a purr, “Hello there, would you mind some company~?”
Applejack cocked a brow as she watched Rarity trot toward the barfly. Taking note of the decrepit and haggard-looking establishment. Looking worse for wear upon a thoughtful glance. Trotting toward the bar, she watched Rarity from a distance. She ordered a whiskey to temper her nerves and slipped a few stray bits from her satchel to the bartender.
A few of the stallions who were still aware of their surroundings took note of Applejack, some turning to their companions to whisper to each other. The farmer managed to pick up one conversation, something to do with her finely sculpted rump.
What she would’ve done for a hat with a wide brim to hide under. A million and one things could go wrong in a place like this, Applejack quietly prayed to herself for a moment.
Rarity approached the griffin sitting in the nearby booth and was sober upon closer inspection but looked haggard, aged from stress and hard work than time itself, with graying and white feathers prickling across his head and neck. His eyes were a deep green full of a deep-seated sadness.
His clothes were ragged and dirty, his shirt full of holes and tears, and his slacks were no better. The creature peeked his head up once Rarity had come close enough for the griffin to notice.
“... What’s a fine mare like you doing in a place like this?” His voice was scraggly and raspy. Sounding dry despite the booze and drink.
Rarity took note of the griffin’s poor state of dress and nearly gasped, biting down on her tongue, aware that her usually dramatic flair might not be appreciated here. She noted the expression on his face, the emotion in his eyes, and felt herself grow guilty for what she needed to do. Hopefully, she could make it up to him. The poor fellow, she was certain she had packed a few extra rolls of linen; perhaps she could make him something a bit more… approachable.
“Oh, you could say I’m just passing through, but perhaps you could convince me not to, handsome~” Rarity purred softly, fluttering her lashes as she leaned into the table. “I saw this… lovely little establishment and thought a refreshment might be in order… and don’t worry, I’m not looking for a free drink, darling; a lady can pay for her own beverage.”
Slipping three bits from a satchel on her side, she set them on the table, using the opportunity to lean in further. Her luscious hair fell over one of her eyes, framing her features as if she were some Canterlot model. “Now, what’s a handsome griffin like yourself sitting alone? It must be quite dull without a friend or two…”
The griffin listened to Rarity’s words, his expression shifting to an amused smirk; the old bird softened as he sipped his drink, “You’re awfully kind, miss, but I know that look in your eye.” he’d sipped his drink, “You want something, and frankly whatever it is ain’t worth coming around here…”
“Take your business and be quick with it before trouble comes knocking. Robbers, thieves… worse for a mare like yourself.” he’d sip his drink, “I assume you’re with the orange girl too?”
Applejack had been quietly sitting at the bar, slowly enveloped in the growing tension surrounding her. Compliments and flattery were one thing, but ogling and disrespectful comments were unacceptable. And she didn’t care where she was or what they had to do. Nobody would come up to her and talk to her like that, or else the bar would have another brawl break out…
She glanced toward the bar’s entrance, noticing Jugo and Glendon occupying a booth near the exit, studying the two girls and their surroundings just as Applejack had been doing for Rarity. Finding some comfort in knowing the two had her back.
Rarity turned and glanced over at Applejack, noting the expression on her face and tense frame. She wasn’t as accustomed to gossip or comments on her appearance as she was, but hopefully, she could handle herself long enough to avoid starting an argument.
“Oh yes, my lovely companion there needed something to soothe her nerves. She’s not from here either; we’re tourists, as you might have guessed.” Rarity giggled softly, holding a hoof to her lips. “My my, quick on the take? Well then, I suppose I will be blunt then?”
Clearing her throat, Rarity did her best to keep her voice polite and playful, not wanting the griffin to assume she was accusing him of anything. “My companion and I are searching for a wagon that has been stolen from a friend of ours. A brawl had nearly broken out earlier today, and we hoped someone might have seen something?”
Shifting in her seat, Rarity leaned forward again, a small smirk on her lips, “I’m sure an eagle-eyed griffin like you saw something~?”
The griffin smirked, “Ah, I’m sorry little lady… wagon theft is common around these parts. I’d take it as a note to head back over yonder toward Swallowtail roads.” he’d chuckle dryly, “It ain’t funny… just sad… this place used to be a good town…”
“Tell you what… just to give you some closure, I saw a local and his buddies fight some diamond dogs. Headed toward some cavern, an old mine that the Harpies used to work, called it ‘Caverna De La Muerte,’ a cavern of death… so if those fools ain’t dead by now, they will be.”
The griffin took a long swig of his drink, his face seeming to lift and look lively despite the grim topic, “I guess the problem would’ve taken care of itself by then. After all, possessions ain’t nothing compared to your immortal soul, right?”
The room went cold around Rarity, despite the large fire that burned brightly near them, the stranger’s aura followed the chilling air. His sad eyes were paired with a cool smile.
“I mean…you of all ponies would know, wouldn’t you… Rarity.”
Rarity blanched and immediately sat back, her eyes growing wide with surprise and fear. Something about this wasn’t right; she felt a tingling in her spine that skittered up her neck, nestling under her horn. Chills ran up and down her spine, her pearly white coat standing on end.
“I-I…” She blinked several times before clearing her throat, trying to maintain her composure. Something about this stranger was off, but she wouldn’t let that stop her from accomplishing her goal. She could play this off…
Tossing her mane, Rarity simply smiled, flashing her sapphire eyes, “Oh, why of course, you have heard of me, darling; where are my manners? I am Lady Rarity, hailing from Ponyville. It’s a rather small town in Equestria. I assume you’ve seen some of my work? My Fall set last year was rather popular, if I do say so myself.”
“But ‘Caverna De La Muerte’ you said? Would you perhaps have directions…?”
The griffin smiled, nursing his drink as he hummed, “Oh Rarity…you can certainly say a feller like me has been well traveled… and well educated. I know looks can be deceiving, but like the creatures of the world, I come and go in many-a-ways…”
The griffin’s eyes stared into Rarity’s, seeming to analyze the nooks and crannies of her soul, drumming his fingers on the table, “I know all about you Rarity, I’m something of a super fan… I know your dress line-ups… all of them. I knew since you started your first line-up… and I will be the first to see your last…”
The stranger perked up and rested his head on his claw as he swayed gently in his seat, “Oh, I’ve known you for a real long time. Since you were born, actually, I knew you’d be something special too… hey… can I have an autograph…?”
The griffin sat and slicked his feathers back, “Oh, I’m sorry little lady. Where are my manners…you asked me a question first.” he’d reach into his sleeve and hand her a map, “But if I were you, I’d cut your losses and let…. nature take its course, you believe in Darwingism right?”
Rarity felt her skin crawl, unsure of what the strange griffin was getting at, but it was steadily becoming uncomfortable in his presence. It felt like, even though they were surrounded by other creatures, they were the only ones in the room at all. She couldn’t even find it in her to look away, even for a brief second, paranoid by what this stranger might do in those few, short seconds.
“I, um, I’m flattered!” She struggled to find the words to keep this civilized, wanting to ask a few select questions but unsure if she wanted to know the answers. “Er, well, I always welcome a fan! I didn’t know that my lines had gone so far as Swallowtail, but it’s good to know that sales have been going well…” See her last line…? She resisted a shudder.
Distracted by the request for an autograph and his shift in demeanor, Rarity sat up and looked down at the map, trying to memorize it to the best of her abilities. Glancing up at the griffin, she forced a smile upon her lips, but it was very obviously not as well-practiced as her earlier performance. “Aha, thank you very much… er, why of course, I have heard of the concept, but Charles Darwing is a… controversial figure in Equestria for multiple reasons…”
“Might I ask why?” Rarity raised a brow, perking up, “Oh my, I nearly forgot the autograph! Oh, but I don’t believe I have a pen on me…” Whatever this was, she wanted to be as polite as possible. For some reason, she felt like she was getting played, not the other way around.
The griffin slammed a piece of paper on the table with an ink quill at the ready in front of Rarity, rocking the table but not causing any spilling or damage. The creature stared intensely at Rarity as he eagerly tapped his claw on the paper.
“Here, I have everything ready. I knew you would be coming here after all… now sign here…”
Her eyes slowly fell on the paper,
I hereby forfeit my immortal soul and allow myself to be transferred to the land of the dead by Maar/Death/Grim Reaper/ (or your preferred deity name). I surrender all ties to the mortal world and its inhabitants and agree to cross over.
“I’ve always been a fan of Charles Darwing’s work; I’m as big of a fan of him as I am of you, actually. Mostly because of how… real it is. How real and beautiful your work is… just like Darwing’s.”
As soon as Rarity’s eyes had scanned the whole paper, she finally found the courage to peel herself from her seat, stumbling backward rather than elegantly stepping away. She felt sick, the blood draining from her already pale face.
“Is this some sort of joke?!” She hissed, all of the sweetness in her voice gone in an instant, “How dare you do something so… vile! Not even Pinkie Pie would do something so revolting, even in jest!”
Flicking her mane, Rarity did her best to regain her composure, slowly turning her back to the strange griffin before walking toward Applejack. “I thank you for the directions, sir, but I am not someone to be made a fool of. Good day!”
His voice was a whisper as she retreated; Rarity could almost hear the smile in his voice. “Oh, but I’d never joke about something like that, Rarity! Oh well, I’ll see you real soon…” and in the blink of an eye, he was gone.
Applejack got up and quickly trotted over to Rarity, “Are you alright? Who the hay was that weirdo?”
Rarity shivered, gritting her teeth as if trying to shake off the deep feeling of wrongness wrapped around her. Turning to her friend, she wasted no time, trotting up and giving her a hug.
“G-Goodness, I have no idea, but it was… s-something else Applejack.” Rarity winced, burying her face into her friend’s shoulder, a moment when the finely manicured unicorn didn’t care if her makeup was smeared. “Sorry, I just… needed that.”
Pulling away from her friend, the unicorn adjusted her mane and scarf, clearing her throat. “At the very least, I know where we need to go next… he said something about a ‘Caverna De La Muerte’ and said the Diamond Dogs were headed that way. It isn’t too far from here; I can point it out on a map…”
“But if I never have to meet that creature again, Oh Celestia, it would be too soon…” Sighing, she stepped up to the bar and stamped a hoof, gaining the bartender’s attention. “Please tell me that this place has gin and tonic. Otherwise, I’m going to scream!”
“Calm down, ye fackin’ mule, jeez…” The bartender sneered, grabbing a glass and a bottle.
Jugo and Glendon approached the bar taking their places on the stools, “What’s happening, luv?” chimed the griffin among them.
Jugo cocked his brow as he paid for Rarity’s drink, “Well, I guess we aren’t getting that cart then.”
“The fock you mean, it’s just an old mine!” snapped Glendon, “Rarity got the information, right?”
Applejack nodded, “Yeah, just because she talked to some… mysterious creep doesn’t mean we can’t get the cart back.”
Jugo shook his head, “Everyone who enters the caverns never leaves.”
“Probably ’cause those diamond dogs are hogging up the lot and not letting them leave!” snapped Glendon.
Rarity instantly snapped up the glass, swallowing half of her drink in a very un-ladylike fashion. After talking to that stranger, she seemed too distracted to care about what others thought of her.
“I’m not going to let some superstitious legend or some strange griffin stop us from getting that cart back,” Rarity sat up straighter, stamping a hoof against the bar, “Ms. Meadows is counting on us to retrieve what has been stolen! Don’t tell me you two fine, strapping creatures are afraid of a little campfire story, hm?”
Jugo crossed his wings as he huffed. Glendon quickly started mashing his claw against the bar as he angrily berated his comrade.
“See, this is why we don’t let pansies on the damn mission, ’cause they turn piss yellow!”
Jugo rolled his eyes, “Fine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’d get fired for leaving you guys by yourselves anyway…”
Applejack rubbed her hoof on her face, “Well, I'm glad this cavern ain’t far from here at least…hopefully we can just run back and get help if there's trouble."
"Don't worry ladies, Glendon's here to make sure nothing's gonna happen!" smirked Glendon, "Oy barkeep, give me a whiskey for the road!"