private Road to Retribution (with Raven Rawne)

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

Harley nods and stats walking off towards the entrance with her own loot "Alright, let's see" she says, looking up to the sky, shielding her eyes with with her hand t"the sun is over there" she points to the direction of the sun "and the wind is blowing against us, so north is..." she spins around a little "this way, and as the town is south is of the forest, we need to head this way" she says as she begins walking towards the town.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

Garreth waited until Harley showed the way, and followed her lead. The sun wasn't very high, so it didn't look like they spent much of the day inside. Due to the mass of firearms in his grasp, consulting the watch proved impossible.

 

"I hope you don't mind if sun my wings a bit while we walk? Feathers need a lot of care if they're meant to be flyworthy, and sunning would make it a wee bit easier to get them in shape later on."

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

Harley smiles and nods "Go for it darling, no shame in keeping up good appearance and physical shape" she says, stretching her legs a little before setting off again. As she walked, her hips swayed and her tail swished, it would be quite the view for the griffon who was walking behind her. 

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

"Alright then, I just wanted to make sure you won't take it as some weird griffon custom, you know. Ponies seem to believe in all kinds of stuff about us." - he then fully extended his wings, taking advantage of the warmth. Funny how many arguments were cut short by this simple display over his lifetime. Someting about looking way bigger and nastier, the trainers told him.

 

 

 

As she walked, her hips swayed and her tail swished, it would be quite the view for the griffon who was walking behind her.

 

Garreth noticed the little display, and shook his head lightly as he thought some kind of personal joke.

 

"So what will you do once we reach town? Aside from changing that is." - asking beforehand would make it easier if she decided to cash the loot and wave him goodbye.  Give some time to ask about the general situation in town and the like bofore he had to fend for himself.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

"Honestly, I thought I might stay in town" she says and looks to him "besides, I said I'd help you track down the raiders who took your truck and escort, didn't I?" she says, smiling at the fact that he didn't even try to make a move on her or even whistle at her. 

 

"But of course that requires a lot of preparation and time," her smile widens "So Garreth, do you have a special somepony or griffon back home? Or are you like me ,a loner with only yourself for company?"

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

 

 

"Honestly, I thought I might stay in town" she says and looks to him "besides, I said I'd help you track down the raiders who took your truck and escort, didn't I?"

 

That sure sounded like a relief. Getting back the truck AND cargo was the only way Garreth could ever show up in the city again, and he probably wouldn't surive if he tried to do it on his own...

 

 

 

"So Garreth, do you have a special somepony or griffon back home? Or are you like me ,a loner with only yourself for company?"

 

The pieces seemed to form a picture, but it was way to soon to tell what it was. Better play it safe then.

 

"Not really, no. For once, my job requires being constantly availible. I wasn't even supposed to be in thet truck, you know? I had a week off, but somepony took notice that they scheduled two green apples on what they thought an importan assignment, so I got pulled back from home. Now tell me you wouldn't get mad if that happenned every month. Besides, in Manehattan, status is everything, and my job is not particularily attractive. Should've paid attention at school, heheh... Not that I haven't, mind you. It's a common way of thinking out there. Security guards are supposedly dumb and lack initiative in life, and who would like to have a spouse like that? Yay stereotyping..." - there was a bitter tone by the end of his part.

 

"So, yeah, I have some friends and such, but nothing of this caliber."

 

He wasn't sure if he should ask a personal question or get back to business, so he just waited for Harley's reply. Funny how he scorned the public image of his trade only to prove it right...

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

She scoffs "The public is often ignorant and blissfully blind to what goes on behind closed doors with either of our professions" she says with a  shake of her head and a soft neigh. "I've had opportunities to date, but I could always tell they wanted me for my wealth, fame and of course my body" she says with a spit to the ground. "Ponies and griffons like that aren't deserving of my time or effort, if you ask me." she says then looks to him.

 

"Though, you may just be the odd exception, should things go well, so far you've proven worthy"

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

"Thank you, milady, of deeming me worthy of your time" - the griffon made a serious expresion and attempted to bow, but it proved risky with hands full of guns so it looked rather awkward. Still, he thought it was funny.

 

"On a more serious note, I guess I know what you mean. I had an "opportunity" to work with a lot of ponies, so I've seen some social climbers and Casanovas in my life. Unfortunately, they are often seen as succesful individuals if they play their game well enough..."

 

He thought for a moment, then asked a question of his own

 

"I don't mean to be rude, but, how much of a profit can a succesful bounty hunter get these days? I guess you find employment mostly in areas with infficient law enforcement, am I right?

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

She smiles "well it depends on the level of the bounty" she says "the small fries, like the lesser known bandits or thieves fetch only a couple hundred bits, the more well known fetches a couple thousand, and the influential members of society well, they can fetch a couple hundred of thousand bits. It all depends on the social status, the risk involved and the danger" she says and looks to him "yes you are right, take Appleloosa for example, the sheriff and deputy are just as bad as the raiders themselves."

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@,

 

The numberes were quite... impressive. Who knew blood money was so abundant? Comparing that to the guard's paycheck, even with all the benefits and extras, was rather pointless. Still, he couldn't help but made a small "ooh" once she told the estimated numbers.

 

 

 

"yes you are right, take Appleloosa for example, the sheriff and deputy are just as bad as the raiders themselves."

 

"Um, so can I just shoot him instead of explain what happened? It would be a lot easier... Maybe the inhhabitants would even thank me? Nah, what am I saying, that's just crazy talk. Nevermind I said that."

 

He paused for a moment

 

"Although it wouldn't hurt if he told us what was in the truck for once..."

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

Harley nods "Trust me dear, there's been plenty of times I've been wanting to shoot those bloody cowards, but then I'd be branded as an outlaw, not exactly good for someone in my career" she sighs as she needs to sit down.

 

"It is a rather lucrative career that is for sure, though it can get rather lonely at times, especially at night" she says and smiles over at him "But who knows, things could change"

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@

 

Well, she was right, avoiding a difficult conversation by shooting someone wasn't exactly the smartest idea...

 

Garreth noticed that Harley stopped and sat down,  and waited till she finished talking. Interruptions weren't really his thing.

 

He thought to himself - "She's behaving like there's no going back for me... Like even getting everything back wouldn't allow me to return to my life with my head high. But I need to try at least, and if she's even remotely serious with that partnership offer, I guess I do have a plan B of sorts... My parents would be so disappointed in me though."

 

Seeing the mare wasn't getting up just yet, the griffon laid down his loot and sat beside her. A little rest wouldn't hurt, right? He already finished sunning and folded back his wings,  noting with satisfaction how warm they felt.

 

He said with a smile,  aiming to lighten the mood: "I see your point but trust me, sometimes,  I really wished I was alone on those convoys. Especially at night. Some ponies are insufferable even in their sleep. I can't recall how many times I fell asleep with the pillow on my head, trying to cut out the snoring... But if the last night is any indication, you're more into soft coos rather than mimicking chainsaws In your sleep.  Just so you know there's no worry you'll betray your position in your sleep next time you'll be camping." - he finished with a wink.

 

"So, are you just catching a breath or there's something wrong? Your legs hurt?" - he asked with a hint of concern, but trying to look supportive.

Edited October 8, 2016 by Raven Rawne

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

She blushes a little but smiles at him "I'm not worried about you taking advantage of me while I sleep, I get a gentlemanly feel from you" she says and nods a little "Just need to rest a little bit, these legs aren't just for show sure, but they do get tired after a while, especially after I've been carrying a heavy load" she says and smiles at him "Besides, I hope you don't mind, but I quite enjoyed snuggling up to you, It certainly helped to quell my nightmares."

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@

 

"I guess I was too beat to notice then. Normally I am wide awake after a single touch... So was it some kind of heat preservation technique? Cause these flappers make for an excellent blanket" - he extended his wings fully, showing off the impressive wingspan.  Griffon wings were over double the size of pegasi, which sometimes proved troublesome,  but they had much more lift.

 

"Nightmares you say?  I thought a bounty hunter would be too tough for those..." He then folded his wings behind his back, expecting the conversation may take a more serious turn.

Edited October 8, 2016 by Raven Rawne

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

"A stereotype I do not live up to" she says with a scowl "They mostly consist of the time of when my parents were murdered and I was forced to be a slave" she says and lays down on her back for a little rest, her rather round and firm chest rising and falling as she breathes slowly "the others, the choices I've made to achieve my goals" she says with a sigh "Sometimes I wonder"

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@

 

"Daaamn, I did it again. Nice job breaking it, hero. I should think more and caw less or I'll get in even more trouble. " - Gareth thought to himself as he listened to Harley's reply. Their backgrounds were so different, it was nearly impossible to imagine what she went through. Some say honesty is the best policy...

 

"I'm sorry." - he started - "I just went ahead without thinking with that one.  I mean, I can't even imagine what you had to live through, you know? This... gap, an inability to relate between our vastly different backgrounds... I just sometimes apply my measure per default a-and that's when I mess up with you." - as he finished, Harley was laying on her back, chest rising in steady tempo.

 

"So... are you angry at me?" - he figured asking would cost less than another mishap.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

Harley giggles "Of course not darling, you know, sometimes it is good to talk about these sort of things" she says and rolls over to her side so she could see him "but yeah, the whole thing about bounty hunters not having a conscience or being too tough to care about others, let alone have nightmares about their work, it's just a stereotype" she says with a sot sigh "well, ready to get going again?"

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@

 

"Phew, that's a relief. You know, if I start rambling nonsense again, do us both a favour and... I don't know,  smack me in the head or something. I should be able to pick up a cue." - crisis averted, it seems. At least now he knew that Harley had an adorable laugh, so it wasn't a total waste.

 

"Okay, let's." - Gareth got up and offered his arm for the mare, not that she couldn't get up herself, but rather as a form of apology.

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

She smiles and accepts the hand up "thank you sweetheart" she says as she then stretches her arms and legs once more before scooping up her pile and smiling at him once more "Don't worry about getting a room, my room...and bed, are more than big enough for the both of us" she says with a giggle, which had a sparkle to it, as did her eyes.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@

 

"Thanks Harley, you're a lifesaver. Literally." - Having feathers on one's head had many disadvantages, but they perfectly hid any blushing, which suddenly became very relevant.  It seems southern hospitality knew no limits, or maybe there was something more to it... whatever it was, now was time to move. With some careful balancing, Garreth took the tied-up firearms, together with things dangling from them, and proceeded towards the town with Harley.

 

Once they took a few steps, he started the conversation again: "So, once we reach town,  what's the plan?  First we sell this stuff, or maybe go straight to the sheriff and present it as evidence that I was indeed robbed?  By now I guess the bodies are already buried somewhere... You know the town, and the ponies there, so what do you suggest?"

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

"Don't mistaken my hospitality for southern hospitality" she says with a chuckle "The southerners aren't always  friendly, also I'm originally from Manehatten" she says with a smile "as for the plan, we sell what we can and then use the rest as evidence for the fact you were ambushed, I'm actually pretty well trusted within the community, so the sheriff will take my word for it for the most part." she says and flutters her eyelashes at him "my hospitality comes from mostly wanting company and well you're quite handsome, despite being so soft and cuddly" she giggles

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@

 

Garreth was surprised with Harley's openness, but at least he knew what was going on. Mares could be really difficult sometimes..

 

"Why, thanks. Not everypony sees past the bad griffon rep and onto the bird before them. So that's a change. You also seem very nice, if I may say so." - he said with a smile, then added - "Why being soft and cuddly is a bad thing?"

 

Now that they had a plan on what to do first, Garreth felt more at ease. Plans, schedules, they gave some structure to life and the griffon liked to know what was coming.

 

"Ah, it seems we're getting closer. Hear that? I bet it's the clock tower bell. Hard to hear which hour it is though..."

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

"Oh, being soft and cuddly isn't a bad thing, it's just unusual to find a handsome pony or griffon who is also soft and cuddly" she says with a soft smile, "and believe me darling, I get enough ponies thinking one way of me before even getting to know me, to do that to you." she shakes he head "In essence, ponies can be just as bad as griffons if not worse, if you know what i mean" she says and shields her eyes to see in the distance "Yep, you'd be right, and about time too, would you mind if we went to my room first though? I'd like to freshen up and get changed, you can feel free to do so as well"

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@

 

Once Harley finished, Garreth shook his head and said: "I guess I catch your drift... Seen way too much of that over the years, especially in the club's when I had to work there. You wouldn't believe how youth these days behaves. Makes me feel old and prude, but mostly in a good way, if that makes sense. "

 

Upon hearing Harley's proposition, the griffon nodded - "Sure, we can make a little detour. You said you'd like to change, and it's not like we miss on some super deal or make the sheriff even more angry.  Besides, I should buy you breakfast, it's the least I can do to even begin some kind of repayment. Not that it would offset saving my life, my grandchildren would still be in debt for that... Um, you do have hot water in Appleloosa, right?"

[Sphinx-Ara 3,553]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

Harley smiles at him and nods "Oh don't worry darling,  I like that about you, shows you have a sense of morality and chivalry" she says with a flick of her ear, "Yep, we have hot water here in Appleloosa" she says and then smiles at the idea of him buying her breakfast "You mean...like a date?" she asks, blushing somewhat, "You know, I think I'd like that, to have my first ever date with you" she says with a soft smile. 

 

She wasn't opposed to the idea, in fact, she was starting to like him quite a lot. He treated her as an equal and not just some piece of meat to drool over to take advantage of. It was his gentlemanly behavior that she liked.