I inquired about the sharkpony Princess who was currently away, only for a flicker of apprehension to briefly darken Sawtooth’s expression.
“Blackfin is good Princess,” Sawtooth declared. “He is good sharkpony. Do not listen to rumors and superstitions.”
“But… Princess?” I was understandably confused.
“Yes, this is word dryponies use for leader, protector. Blackfin likes the name, so he takes it.”
“But there’s more to it than that. Princess implies a certain set of… physical characteristics. If you’re following me?”
The quizzical look on Sawtooth’s face implied that he wasn’t. I decided to be more candid, deciding that a literal dive bar was not an environment that necessitated tact and etiquette.
“Wings,” I said. “And a horn. How is he supposed to be a Princess without those?”
Sawtooth roared with laughter. “What use are wings in the water? Blackfin has strong fins. And he has sharp teeth, that can crunch through bone and horn. Better than drypony Princess.”
I let the comment slide with a wan smile, and reached for another drink. It would only be several hours later that I realized just how little sharkponies slept and just how potent their drinks were.
I had scarcely recovered the next morning when Sawtooth showed up…