Stone Smile watched as the tracks began to shiver, the two bands of steel emitting a low hum that grew louder, shaking the ties that bound them together before reaching up into the Dodge Junction station foundations to tickle her hooves. With a shriek that sounded like a thousand wailing creatures, the Friendship Express slammed into the station with all the impetuosity of an arriving meteor, slowing to a halt in a shower of steam and sparks. The Friendship Express, a cruel twist of ironic fate that such a name would be given to a vehicle that ferried ponies to an ultimate destination of hard stone and iron bars.
Stone Smile had an active imagination. It helped her not think about her job.
An earth pony, Stone Smile's build was an impressive bulk weighing in at an impressive point eighty-nine Celestias. In stark contrast, the unicorn mare to her left seemed almost comically small. Still, there was no denying the band of metal that connected her left hoof to the unicorn's right hoof through a small chain.
The hoofcuffs clanked loudly as the two ponies entered the train, an unusually crowded one for this time of year. Unable to have the luxury of choosing where they could sit, the two mares took the first available seat across from a smart looking young stallion. With a shrill whistle, the train lurched into motion and picked up speed quickly until the countryside was but a passing blur.
For a few minutes, the two ponies were silent until a polite cough attracted their attention. They looked up to see the stallion sitting across from them smiling at the unicorn. He was a strapping young unicorn colt, finely raised with plenty of muscle to compliment his already impressive looks. The colors of his blue coat and gray mane only seemed to accentuate his refined look, and the pair of spectacles on his muzzle gave off an air of scholarly academia.
“You might not remember me, but I remember you, Sunset Mirage.” He said quietly.
The unicorn, a beautiful mare covered by orange fur and a long flowing mane and tail of auburn, smiled back.
“How could I ever forget a face like that?” She asked in a musical voice. “Silver Heart, the first colt that I ever loved.”
There was a hint of sadness in her words that the stallion failed to pick up on.
“Tell me, what brings you to Dodge Junction? Are you going back to Canterlot?” He asked eagerly.
“Not Canterlot, no.” The unicorn's smile was small and wavering.
She held up her hoof to show the government band that linked her to the earth pony on her right. The stallion was taken aback and looked at her in confusion.
“Shoo, Marshall!” Stone Smile drawled out. “You knew such pretty colt an' you came out west instead? Shoulda' stayed in Canterlot.”
Silver Shoal look of confusion morphed in one of shock before excitement overcame both.
“Marshall!” He exclaimed. “My goodness, you really have changed!”
Mirage's smile emerged a little more and she nodded.
“I'm afraid I've given up the noble life.” She said. “I wanted something more, but you seem to be doing well, still in an engagement with the duchess?”
The stallion snorted. “Please, the mare was only interest in how many bits she could add to her fortune. I was tired of all the politics and money grubbing, so I called it off. I wanted a mare of substance, somepony who could offer me more than just money.”
“I see.” Mirage stated simply, but her facade cracked if only for a moment. “Is that why you were in Dodge Junction?”
“Oh no, I'm not hunting for a suitor, I just wanted to take a break. Dodge Junction had a festival going on, and I heard that it might be great fun. Now that I suppose my little vacation is over, I'm getting back to Canterlot for the Gala.” Silver explained before his face lit up. “Say, if you're not busy, why don't you come with me?”
Mirage fell silent for a moment, giving a long enough pause for it to become awkward.
“Aw, colt, don't you know nuthin'?” Stone Smile asked. “Marshalls ain't ever got time for parties. State don't even allow them to take spouses just cause it'd cause 'em too much heartache to be away.”
Silver was aghast. “Oh my Celestia, I had no idea your job was that harsh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean impose like that!”
“It's fine.” Mirage said reassuringly. “Really, you didn't know.”
The stallion rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.
“I. . . I'm a bit at a loss for words.” He said. “I really didn't mean to put you on the spot like that.”
“You did nothing of the sort.” Mirage once again insisted.
The mood had turned into another awkward silence between the group until Silver Shoal spoke up again.
“Um, if it's not too much to ask, might I know what happened?” He asked.
“What happened?” Mirage asked in confusion.
The stallion motioned to the earth mare.
“Why you had to take her into custody?”
“Oh!” The unicorn stuttered for a moment before Stone Smile grunted.
“Counterfeiting.” She rumbled. “Caught me trying to forge government bonds.”
Mirage's smile was small and she nodded. “Well, since she's already admitted to it, I don't see the harm in telling you. She and a small gang had set up shop south of Dodge Junction trying to forge stocks in the Royal Treasury. The others were sentenced to trial in Dodge Junction, but she is required to go to the lower courts in Baltimare.”
“Fascinating!” Silver exclaimed. “You really must tell me how you manage to capture her! She looks like she must really be quite a fighter!”
“Not really.” The unicorn answered. “I and the sheriff broke down the front door while his deputies covered the rear. It was all very peaceful, nopony gave us any trouble. A rather boring end to it all.”
“Oh. . .” The stallion shrugged. “But surely, there's more to it than that? I mean, you obviously had to track them down somehow?”
Before Mirage could answer, Stone Smile let out a grumble and shifted in her seat.
“Marshall, I feel sick, let's go to the rear platform.”
Mirage nodded before turning to Silver once more.
“If you'll excuse me, I have to go. It may be a long time before she gets some fresh air after her sentencing.”
The two mares stood and made their way to the rear of the car, opening the door and stepping through in the awkward manner that accompanies one when they are chained together.
Two other passengers, sitting close to where the conversation had occurred and overhearing most of it, struck up a conversation of their own.
“You know, that Marshall's a pretty decent sort of mare.” Said one.
“Yeah, awfully pretty to be a Marshall though.” Remarked the other.
“Pretty? Her?” The first exclaimed. “Oh, you don't get it, do you? Unicorn Marshalls don't use hoofcuffs!”
Author's Note
For those of you familiar with American literature, you may recognize this from the author O'Henry's short story Hearts and Hands. This is entirely based off of that story, just with ponies instead of people. O'Henry was famous for his ability to tell simple stories with surprising twists at the ends, so I hope you enjoyed my adaption of his brilliant work.