The dusty saloon doors creaked in protest as a silver stallion pushed past them, heading straight for the bar. It had been a long ride up here from Rattle Falls, and Clockwork was resolved to forestall any further consideration of business until he had been properly resupplied. Bits were exchanged for a satisfyingly large glassful of what Clockwork was after, and he was three sips in when three ponies passed behind him, grumbling angrily._
Cleaned ya out again did he? You gotta get better at Poker Rem.
Bullshit. Hes cheating and you know it. No Ponys got luck that good.
Heh, maybe just no pony has luck as bad as yers Rem.
This elicited an angry snarl, and two of the group tumbled out the door. As several patrons turned toward the commotion, Clockwork turned in the other direction: a small, comfortable table in a dim corner where the group had departed from. He gave a quiet laugh as he saw a familiar face staring out from the other side, black stetson perched on the chair beside him.
Well well, it IS him.
The dusty brown unicorn wasnt looking his way, and Clockwork knew he wouldnt recognize him even if he did, but he certainly recognized the unicorn. Lucky Shot, the bandit that had tried to relieve him of a very valuable cargo last year. He had smoothed over the conflict in the usual (and very satisfying) way, but he hadnt expected to see him again, especially wandering this far south. (re)Introductions were in order.
Hello there friend! Lucky smarmed as Clockwork sat opposite him. Care for a game of cards? Clockwork smiled. Why not?
It was quickly obvious that Rem had been right. Clockwork was no ace, but he doubted Lucky was either. Certainly he wasnt THIS good. As several piles of bits shifted from his side to Luckys, Clockwork reflected that he was being robbed once again, and while the lack of a single-action in his face was an improvement, he was still going to have to put a stop to it. Besides, there were other refreshments he was still in need of, refreshments the bar didnt serve.
Sorry friend, looks like you lose again. Clockwork looked down to see Lucky was right. In response, he looked back up, right into the stallions eyes, and quietly mouthed a familiar word, one he had made sure Lucky was very familiar with on their last meeting. The effect took a moment to hit-
What was that? Lucky said, glancing up. I didnt-
hear
you
The dusty stallion slumped limp in his chair, eyes wide, mouth just open, frozen in that last thought.
So tell me Lucky- Clockwork asked, sliding the bits back to his side, and then into his bag. How are you so good at Poker?
Gottaknack for it The stallion murmured blankly. Know where thgood cards are. Like they were alwaysfaceup
Fascinating. Well, its an improvement over your old profession. Still, seems to have the folk here sore. Well have to do something about that. Clockwork leaned in a little closer to the blank stallion staring back at him. Dont suppose you remember our last meeting Lucky? The dusty stallion shook his head slightly. No Clockwork murmured another special word to Lucky.
How about now?
The wanna-be card shark gasped, hunching over and twitching in his seat as a rush of sensations Clockwork could only imagine flooded over him.
Yes Lucky finally managed, panting.
Good. Clockwork grinned. Then lets head upstairs and see if youve improved any from last time. We can work out your apology to the fine ponyfolk here after that. Third door after the stairs, get going.
YesSir Lucky murmured, lurching out of the chair and onto his hooves. As the entranced stallion make his way stiffly to the stairs, Clockwork watched his very inviting flanks shift gently from side to side, and pondered which end he should start with this time.
>> #535609
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The dusty saloon doors creaked in protest as a silver stallion pushed past them, heading straight for the bar. It had been a long ride up here from Rattle Falls, and Clockwork was resolved to forestall any further consideration of business until he had been properly resupplied. Bits were exchanged for a satisfyingly large glassful of what Clockwork was after, and he was three sips in when three ponies passed behind him, grumbling angrily._
Cleaned ya out again did he? You gotta get better at Poker Rem.
Bullshit. Hes cheating and you know it. No Ponys got luck that good.
Heh, maybe just no pony has luck as bad as yers Rem.
This elicited an angry snarl, and two of the group tumbled out the door. As several patrons turned toward the commotion, Clockwork turned in the other direction: a small, comfortable table in a dim corner where the group had departed from. He gave a quiet laugh as he saw a familiar face staring out from the other side, black stetson perched on the chair beside him.
Well well, it IS him.
The dusty brown unicorn wasnt looking his way, and Clockwork knew he wouldnt recognize him even if he did, but he certainly recognized the unicorn. Lucky Shot, the bandit that had tried to relieve him of a very valuable cargo last year. He had smoothed over the conflict in the usual (and very satisfying) way, but he hadnt expected to see him again, especially wandering this far south. (re)Introductions were in order.
Hello there friend! Lucky smarmed as Clockwork sat opposite him. Care for a game of cards?
Clockwork smiled. Why not?
It was quickly obvious that Rem had been right. Clockwork was no ace, but he doubted Lucky was either. Certainly he wasnt THIS good. As several piles of bits shifted from his side to Luckys, Clockwork reflected that he was being robbed once again, and while the lack of a single-action in his face was an improvement, he was still going to have to put a stop to it. Besides, there were other refreshments he was still in need of, refreshments the bar didnt serve.
Sorry friend, looks like you lose again. Clockwork looked down to see Lucky was right. In response, he looked back up, right into the stallions eyes, and quietly mouthed a familiar word, one he had made sure Lucky was very familiar with on their last meeting. The effect took a moment to hit-
What was that? Lucky said, glancing up. I didnt-
hear
you
The dusty stallion slumped limp in his chair, eyes wide, mouth just open, frozen in that last thought.
So tell me Lucky- Clockwork asked, sliding the bits back to his side, and then into his bag. How are you so good at Poker?
Gottaknack for it The stallion murmured blankly. Know where thgood cards are. Like they were alwaysfaceup
Fascinating. Well, its an improvement over your old profession. Still, seems to have the folk here sore. Well have to do something about that. Clockwork leaned in a little closer to the blank stallion staring back at him. Dont suppose you remember our last meeting Lucky? The dusty stallion shook his head slightly. No Clockwork murmured another special word to Lucky.
How about now?
The wanna-be card shark gasped, hunching over and twitching in his seat as a rush of sensations Clockwork could only imagine flooded over him.
Yes Lucky finally managed, panting.
Good. Clockwork grinned. Then lets head upstairs and see if youve improved any from last time. We can work out your apology to the fine ponyfolk here after that. Third door after the stairs, get going.
YesSir Lucky murmured, lurching out of the chair and onto his hooves. As the entranced stallion make his way stiffly to the stairs, Clockwork watched his very inviting flanks shift gently from side to side, and pondered which end he should start with this time.