private Canterlot Noir (Nightmare Season, Raven Rawne, Dark Horse)

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@Nightmare Season @Dark Horse

Natural looked at the blindfolded mare as she was clearly the one with the bits in this whole deal, and her instinct proved true, obviously, as she began speaking about the fine details of their deal. Already expecting some hard bargaining, the mint mare was speechless when her offer was met and raised, even. For a moment, she eyed them both suspiciously, but finally nodded an agreement. "O-kay... That's something new. I guess we have a deal then, I never intended to stay here too long anyway."

As Peony suggested to grab the bits already, Natural couldn't really argue with her logic. That, and walking them off from here at least meant she woudn't get up so early only to see their names on the paper, under some murder article... She got up and waved at the bartender: "I;ll be back shorty, just walk these guys off to their ride." He didn't seem to bothered by the news, however. Some other patrons shifted in their seats but she shot a stern glare their way, and, seemingly, it helped in making their minds to stay put after all. That mare in a large hat was absent, although natural didn't see her leave. Strange but, nothing suspicious in a place like this.

The air outside was chilly and tasted like smoke, with only occasional lights shining outside from small windows and such. Even the Moon was obscured by clouds. Not the best conditions for a stroll through lower canterlot but, still. The trio managed to reach the carriage and Natural couldn't help but snicker and shake her head as she saw the ostentatious display of wealth. She waited as the unicorn fished out the bits and handed then out, occasionally glancing around, habitually it seemed. As the blindfolded mare pointed out the obvious, Natural Order sudenly came back to the present. "Oh? Anh, right, sorry. I'll just... okay, feel free to let it go now, I'm holding the purse." She felt the weight of those coins rest on her hoof, and hid the small pouch from prying eyes. "So, see you both tomorrow morning. I advise you pack lightly, sjust the essentials. Also, get something sturdy to wear - not necessarily Guard plate but, you know, plenty of sharp edges in Everfree. I'll make as much space in my wagon as I can and we'll stock up in Ponyville to save time and cash."

She looked at their now clients, and smiled reassuringly before leaving. "Don't worry, I'll be there. I may be at odds with the clock, but sunrise is good enough cue for me to head out. See you tmorrow then!" The mint mare waited until the piar embarked their carriage, and left to the more well off areas of the city. Turning around back to the inn, she smirked and shook her head. "This will be something to write back home... if I'll make it, that is."

[Dark Horse 12,961]

@Nightmare Season @Raven Rawne

Saffron remained silent for a while as Natural mused over the specific details one more time. She didn't seem too deterred by the stallion's lack of combat experience, nor that she was essentially being asked to go on an expedition to one of the more dangerous parts of Equestria with a blindfolded mare and out-of-work stage performer with no proper game plan or understanding of their objective. "I guess she really takes her work seriously.." He thought to himself.

But that seriousness also came with a price. Though, to her credit, her offer wasn't quite as extortionate as what some of the others had tried to squeeze from him earlier, and her condition for extra bits upfront for the initial supplies made sense. Saffron hadn't factored the need for those in, rather foolishly. If they were going to spend any amount of extended time in there, the didn't need to be adding a needless 'survival' element. As Natural pointed out; scavenging in the forest was dangerous.

Still, he wouldn't agree to anything without Peony's consent.

Except it turned out he didn't need it.

"Peony!" Saffron exclaimed as the mare not only met, but raised Natural's offer! He would have protested to her about spending unnecessarily, largely because he already felt indebted to the pony for her substantial financial assistance before, but the mare seemed so... casual about the whole thing that he couldn't find the correct moment to interrupt her. 'Be prepared for the unexpected'? Somehow, Saffron felt that for a wealthy upper-class pony like herself, Peony was rarely ever unprepared to pay a price for services rendered to her.

He glanced over to Natural, who looked almost taken aback at first before catching herself. No doubt she was used to clients haggling her down a notch, and to be honest, Saffron was also prepared to negotiate. He only shrugged at her as she glanced back at him, perhaps expecting some kind of explanation. He could offer none, so the mint mare simply agreed and shook hooves.

Peony requested they go pay the bits now, so all three of them made for the exit, Saffron still trying to ignore the piercing eyes of the patrons as they walked past. None of them made any sort of move, however, whilst their newly hired mercenary shot dangerous looks back toward them. "Now I remember why I avoid this part of town..." he muttered as a sharp chill down his spine made him shudder.

Night had properly fallen on the distressed slums by now, and the earlier bustling sounds of activity had been replaced by an eerie wind as conditions became colder. Most of the street merchants had now packed up for the night, replaced by the occasional tavern drunkard or other unsavoury looking types. Even in the scarcely lit streets, Saffron and especially Peony still looked terribly out of place, made worse by the glamorous looking carriage that had brought them here. He was amazed to find that it had even survived. As Peony retrieved a small coin purse from inside to pay the mare with, Saffron kept moving himself in front of them as though trying to shield the their transaction from view. Though he wasn't quite sure exactly what he was trying to hide that wasn't already obvious to anypony with a working eye.

"Right... see you tomorrow then." The stallion replied in an unsure tone. He could scarcely believe what he had just agreed to. It was beginning to feel like one of his stage dramas come to life. "You have my gratitude, Miss Order. I only hope this isn't as much a fool's errand as it seems." He nodded his head in courtesy, and embarked into the carriage after guiding Peony on before him, instructing the driver to take them back to the Upper sections. He'd had just about enough of this part of the city.

"Don't worry, Miss Peony." He tried to assure his stricken companion. "I know we can trust her. We'll have your cure found in no time."

He hoped saying it would make it true.

[Nightmare Season 617]

@Raven Rawne@Dark Horse

Peony smiled before answering him, "I sure do hope so love. Not being able to see and fear I might fall for any stallion is awfully stressful you know." The driver took the two of them back to her residence where a maid was standing by to escort the blind mare back inside. Her parents were also standing in the doorway keeping a close eye on them. Peony offered to let Saffron spend the night in one of their guest rooms, but he turned it down with the weight of the gazes upon him.

Peony spent that night gathering up some items she thought she would need for the journey. Mostly cloths however. She never left Canterlot by herself before, so she did not know what to take really. Usually the maids always had everything packed for her when her family went to other cities. Peony after midnight, finally was able to get some sleep. Morning came with the butler waking her up and loading her things onto the coach that was to take her to the train station.

Her parents met her on the way out to inform her to be cautious and that she better cure this debacle she got herself into. Mostly saying that small town and forest was not meant for a lady of class. Peony simply kissed them both the best she could and assured them she would be fine. Then she was escorted and helped into the coach.

She arrived at the station shortly after the other two got there. She had the maid that escorted her go to purchase the tickets for the three of them. The maid refused to go with them.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@Nightmare Season @Dark Horse

Natural Order got back to the inn, and decided to try and settle on some kind of barter with the owner to clear out her wagon from things that wouldn't be needed on the trip. After taking stock of what was for sale, she shook hooves but, it was a bad deal to be honest. Still, better than letting all these baskets, crates and other assorted stuff to rot in the gutters. Wastefullness didn't sit well with her. The mare spent the rest of the evening, well into the night, in her wagon, double checking everything as she jotted notes on what she had and what was needed, as well as repackaging to make more room for her employers luggage. If she weren't so tired, she would probably consult her books on flora and fauna if they had anything useful on Everfree - most didn't but, she recalled there were some patchy mentionings. Even though she rarely ventured into it, it was usually for an hour or three, no longer. As her tiredness grew, Natural Order retreated to her room for the night.

She woke up, as per usual, with the Sun. After all these years, she seemed to grow accustomed to wake once it was bright enough. Unaware and, honestly, not caring what hour it was, the mint adventurer readied herself and vacated the room, then had to wait for some breakfast in the common room, mindful not to disturb the drunkards who couldn't go home on their own. Since she already paid, and dearly, for her stay, it was time to leave.

It took some trial and error, usually error corrected by asking the passerby for directions, but Natural Order navigated the streets of Canterlot and finally reached the train station. It was eight thirty on an impressive clock on the facade, and she found a spot to park her wagon where she could be seen. The mare seemed out of place, wearing black hoofboots, brown pants, and a green jacket that clearly saw some abuse but, looked clean and well kept. She sat on the steps and smoled a pipe as she tried to ix the feather on her hat, but couldn't get it to her satisfaction. And so she awaited the unicorns she met just the other night, ready to go where most ponies wouldn't, even for a hefty pay...

[Dark Horse 12,961]

@Raven Rawne @Nightmare Season

Well... that wasn't the easiest of nights.

Truth be told, Saffron had trouble getting any sleep whatsoever. The pony's mind was fraught with internal conflicts over the ludicrousness of the situation he had gotten himself into. He was a stage performer, not some mercenary-for-hire, and certainly not the type to go delving into dangerous ruins and locales such as the Everfree Forest searching for an elusive rose that, from the sound of things, even a professional botanist would likely have trouble locating. As if Canterlot didn't give him enough to be worried about.

The stallion eventually just gave up and rose at a time he didn't even dare check for. He only knew that the Celestia hadn't even begun raising the sun yet, and darkness still loomed over the limited view he had from his small apartment window. Peony had kindly offered him a place to bunk down at her manor overnight, an offer which he flatly refused. Not only did he still feel a tinge guilty for leading the poor Mare into her current state with his unsolicited meddling in her affairs, he also knew that he simply wasn't wanted by anypony else there. Upper Canterlot was not for the likes of him, and the sharp glares which Peony's parents constantly shot at him only further intensified those feelings and convinced the Unicorn to simply return home. Peony had done enough for him this day.

Suddenly remembering, Saffron reached into his coat pockets and took out the bulky bit sack Peony had offered him as a reward for helping with Richly, emptying its contents on the table. He had to catch his breath at seeing the gleaming, golden coins now laid out in front of him. This was enough to keep him and the theater afloat for another few weeks at the least! "Thank you, Peony..." He smiled to himself, determined now more than ever that he would pay back the Mare's generous heart by helping her find this cure. How often does one get the chance to be virtuous in this city? Not often, Saffron knew this well.

--

It was another while before the sunlight was finally pouring in through the window, illuminating the cold, largely concrete-looking streets of Middle Canterlot. Saffron had just finished packing any essentials that he felt he would need into a small pair of rucksacks which he would carry on his back, which wasn't much overall: A few items of food and a leather water canister, along with a few choice tools that may just come into use in the depths of an ancient, primordial forest. Assuming that they weren't all eaten in the first few minutes. He also brought a travel log and quill, just in case he wanted to take notes. Inspiration can come from the strangest places!

He had also changed into more appropriate attire for the trip, as his usual traveling coat would only be destroyed getting caught on every loose bush and tree branch. He had instead donned a very form-fitting gray turtleneck, knowing that he could be quite thankful for its insulated lining in the deeper parts of the forest where temperatures may be low, with three-quarter black pants at his hind and some sturdy looking travel hoofboots. He also grabbed a neck scarf from his closet that he could wear across his muzzle, just in case they ran into any poisonous or toxic spores. Tightening his saddlebags around his waist, he took a quick look at himself in the mirror. He appeared a lot more like a wandering traveler than a Canterian citizen now. "Some holiday this will be.." He teased at himself before continuing. It may not have been the most protective clothing, other than the boots, but it was at least somewhat more practical for the occasion.

Saffron took one last look around to ensure he wasn't forgetting anything he might need, and pocketed some of the bits Peony had given him for the journey. "Well, here's hoping that mercenary knows what she's doing." He said to himself as he tried to keep high-spirited, but couldn't help shake the feeling that he was trotting into baaaad trouble...

More so than he already had.

--

It was coming up to eight forty-five by the time Saffron had finally arrived at the Canterlot's grandiose-looking train station. A bit gaudy for the Stallion's tastes, but this was typical aristocratic style, who were usually the only citizens to make frequent use of the service. Indeed, many extravagantly dressed ponies were present at the platforms this morning, some of them taking a clear dislike to Saffron's presence. He even heard a "Tch! Tourist!" being muttered by one lady-like couple as he passed them by. Even if this wasn't strictly true in his case, the Stallion still felt a strong surge of anger over their apparent xenophobia.

Fortunately, the almost omnipresent crowd of primarily wealthy Ponies made it quite easy for Saffron to locate the much rougher looking Natural Order, sitting on some steps near the upper walkways and smoking a pipe that, to his eyes, made her look almost like a busker. Despite her equally out-of-place appearance against their surroundings, Saffron thought she looked quite well-kept for her job.

"You look as though you've practiced being as conspicuous as possible to others, Ms. Order." Saffron smirked in acknowledgement to her as he approached. Peony was nowhere in sight, so he assumed she had yet to arrive. "Still advertise yourself to any potential clients while on a job? Not sure the aristocrats are the type to hire others off of the streets. They'll usually arrange a third party to do it for them." The stallion stood waiting, and looked around for any sign of Peony approaching.

[Nightmare Season 617]

@Raven Rawne@Dark Horse

Peony had been dropped off by the side gate. The gate where only a select few are allowed to go through to avoid the bustle of the main gates. She was instantly greeted buy a stallion who help to escort the blind mare to the reserved ticket booth. Several others started to unload a few baggage that belong to her. She purchased three tickets to Ponyville in the deluxe car. Meals included.

The two who were waiting for Peony to show up after awhile noticed that a small locomotive came up with a very luxurious car and latched it onto the train that was at the station. Both figured it was like for some high class noble or something. Several minutes latter, with them thinking she may not show, a young stallion came walking down the platform calling their names. Surprised at first they answered him.

"Ah, yes. We have your accommodations ready and Mis Peony Spring is there awaiting your arrival." The two was escorted to the back of the train. All the way to the car that was recently added. A crew of ponies took charge of Natural's Wagon with her permission to load it up in the cargo car. As the two entered after staring for some time, they felt like this was not a train at all but a small apartment for nobility. Separate beds separated in individual rooms. A wash room with bath. A small dinning area. At the back end a seating area where a maid was pouring tea to a blind folded Peony.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@Nightmare Season @Dark Horse

Her ear perked up at the voice calling her name.

Natural order glanced to the side and noticed Saffron Shadow. She politely  exfaled the pipe smoke away from him and got up on her hooves to greet him. "Nice to see you too, mister Shadow. I'm just trying to be easy to spot for you, I can't just park this thing anywhere and wait for you in the main arrivals hall now can I?" She patted the wagon for emphasis. "Those city ponies would nodoubt try to give me a ticket for incorrect parking..." She glanced at her present company's luggage. "Oh and, feel free to leave that in my trailer, that's what it's for actually. I even made some free space inside! Seemed like a good idea to give Miss Peony someplace to stay safe, I figured."

The time was slowly passing by, and the mare decided to clean up her pipe as she waited for Peony Springs. She went inside the wagon for that, and took a last lookover at her things, all strapped up for the voyage. As she hopped off the small step at the back of the trailer, she heard the unistakeable sounds of a steam train approaching. She looked at Saffron with some concern ."Um, are you sure she will be on time? Sounds like the train is already here... Maybe we should go near the platforms, should be easier to find her that way, I guess."

Natural strapped herself to her wagon, and, funny as it must've looked, the small framed mare rocked it back and forth a few times before taking a step forward to give it some momentum. Then she followed the much more Canterlot-savvy Saffron to the platforms.

The train was already at the platform and loading water for the voyage. The passengers were hurrying to their seats but there was no sight of one particular pony they both needed. However, the train crew seemed to have hooked up one more car at the back, something that, to the adventure loving mare, looked like it could be fit for a Princess. Just before she could ask her companion whether royalty travels like that, she heard her and Saffron's names being called out by a conductor near sair ornate train car. With a puzzled look, she waved a foreleg to signal their arrival "Here, here! And my trailer too, right?!" silly as it may sound, she ws actually somewhat concerned whether the rich mare remembered about the trailer when she bought the tickets.

Thankfully, she did, and as the wagon was secured on a flat car, only then did Natural Order board the train. With a sense of unease, she went inside the ornate train car and really had to mind her behaviour not to stare too much at all the gold and jewels that was poking from every nook and cranny. "I... could get used to it, eventually, I guess..." - she said absentmindedly as the thre ponies finally met. "Oh, um, hello, miss Peony. The, uhh, regular tickets were all sold out?"