it's just another normal day in the town of Appleloosa, with everypony just going about their lives and activities, ever since the Main 6 helped the town to form a peaceful Bond with Chief Thunderhooves and his Tribe of Buffalos, all was well and good in the small settler's town.
That is until the nightfall, a strange figure flying in the dark sky just land at the edge of the town entrance, it walked straight to the saloon, not even fazed as the suspicious looks from all the bystander, once inside the saloon, the lights gave a better view of the being in question, a griffin in long black gambeson coat with gauntlets covering both the front talons and enough weapons around his body to make an Canterlot elite guard to blush.
the lone figure walked in the direction of the bar counter, all the while just smirking and giving playful side looks at all the not so sutler whispering going around the other patrons, sitting in the chair and resting his elbows on the counter he just nodes at the bartender.
"what can i get to you mister?" - he asked, keeping an not so relaxed look at the griffin's eyes trying to avoid all that military equipment that clearly was worrying him.
"for startes, some refreshing delicious cider would be great actually" - the griffin warmly asked, as he pauses for a moment to reach his purse and drops a bunch of bits on the counter - "as a matter of fact, a ROLE LOT of cider" - he finished with a small smirk.
the bartender begun to pic up a clean glass, purred the cider on it and served it to the griffin - "here you go sir, enjoy it" - he said more relaxed now.
"much appreciated" - he said just before he turned down the first glass in a single shoot - "how much to rent a room?"
"50 bits per night" - the bartender said, noticing what it looked like an very smiling, familiar stallion coming into their direction
"hey stranger annnnd welcome to AAAAAAAA-pple-LOO-sa!" the stallion happily said, as the role saloon was filled with a symphony of sighting and some muttering words that sounded like "ah not this again".
"darn it, Braeburn!. stop bothering every single visitor we have!" the bartender yelled.
"at ease mate, he is not bothering me, don't worry" - the griffin stated as he finished his second cider glass, analyzing Braeburn behavior, concluding that he was slightly drunk of his flank.
"hum, not a threat at first, just a bit annoying......still, it the only pony in this saloon that doesn't seem to be pissing himself at my presence, and it's so wasted that if he tries anything stupid i can just pick my push dagger and shank him, so no worries" - the griffin thought.
"i gather that you're name is Braeburn, hum mate?" - he asked.
"that i am sir" - Braeburn confirmed, then extended his hoof to the griffin - "and what should i call you stranger?".
"Kristoff" - the griffin answered, as he hoods Braeburn's hoof with his talon for an firm shake.
"so Kristoff, what brings you to our wonderful town of AAAAAAAA-pple-LOO-sa?!?".
now just showing some small signs of being annoyed - "nothing in particular really, just needed a place to rest my wings for a night, and of course enjoy some sweet cider" - Kristoff stated as he gleefully finished his third shot.
"well sir, can't say that i blame you, i don't mean to brag, but here in AAAAAAAA-pple-LOO-sa we take pride in our cider and apple pie" - Braeburn stated in a enthusiastic manner - "although it's a real shame you won't be staying for long Kristoff, i know that most people around here can be an tide bit distant to you because they never saw a griffin before, and especially one looking like it's going to war or something" - he said chuckling a bit - "if you stay for a couple of days i can show you how warm and welcoming can be the ponies of our beloved town of AAAAAA-pple...." - Braeburn stopped as the griffin fellow just closed up that irritating chasm that the stallion used as a mouth with his talon.
"yes well, no one is more heart broke about it then poor ol' me, mister Braeburn" - Kristoff quickly said with an uneasy smile, trying his best to not murder that stallion with his bare talons - "but i'm sort of a drifter you see, so no need for the settlers to get used to me since i will be gone anyway".
"oh? well i see, well i wish good luck on you're travel to Canterlot, and a good night as well Kristoff" - Braeburn said with a warm smile, got of his chair and just when he was about to leave e could not to help but to look with some seriousness at the armor and weapons of that griffin, not managing to hide some expression of curiosity and concern in his eyes, which didn't passed unnoticed to Kristoff.
Kristoff just shook his head and could not help but to chuckle at Breaburn - "i see that you're joke about myself 'going to war or something' quickly turned to an actual suspicion" - Kristoff finished his last shot of cider and preceded to pay the room for the night to the bartender - "well don't worry mate, in just taking a job as an bodyguard for some rich pony, for what i gather, you're equestrian folk doesn't seem to take the concept of warfare very well, it's a bit strange to me all this stability really, but a good merc learns on how to adapt".
as Braeburn was left confused by the griffin's statement, which hindered the former silent for a while, Kristoff took advantage of the situation and with a quick nod and wishing good night to stallion, he made his leave to his room.
half an hour later that night.........
"well, that night went a lot better then i expected, did manage to keep my blades on their scabbards for once, that Braeburn fellow sure was a odd pony, what does fate has in store for me next hun? an chance encounter with an hyperactive party maker, an dramatic dresser, an cocky daredevil, an hammer blunt farmer, an shy wild life biologist and an ever worrying librarian/princess. yeah right let's put an baby dragon, an embodiment of chaos and two sister goddess on the top while where at it. oh well enough being silly, gonna get up early tomorrow and cache that train to Canterlot, time to see what job this 'F.P" has in mind for my abilities. he said in the letter that he needed an experienced warrior for a body guard, but i suspect that what was written in the letter and what he will tell me face to face is going to be completely different things, especially considering the number of bits i was paid up from with the letter AND the number of bits in going to receive when i arrive. Either way i sense that things are going to be very interesting indeed.
