//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: Equestria Abides // by AmberRoss //------------------------------// For the past week, Rainbow Dash made a point to fly over the outer orchard, where the soldiers of the Royal Guard set up their massive camp. She did this for a few reasons; firstly she wanted to keep the weather clear, as she was supportive of the military and she assumed wearing armor in the rain would suck. Also, despite the fact that none of them appeared to be with the Wonderbolts, perhaps some of them knew one, and showing off for them couldn't hurt. Perhaps less important than the other reasons, was the fact that she was fascinated with the military. Rainbow herself wasn't interested in enlisting- those soldiers got up way too early in the morning for her liking. But she had always liked how hundreds of them could march or fly in perfect formation, while wielding weapons and wearing full armor. It was like watching a parade, or a tightly choreographed dance. And while she'd never admit it to her friends, so many of the soldiers were pleasing on the eyes. She often wondered if Celestia purposely picked stallions she thought were good looking for her guard. Rarity often popped by for what Rainbow imagined was the same reason, though the unicorn kept coming up with excuses for why she was stopping by Sweet Apple Acre’s back orchard. As Dash dipped low among the columns of marching soldiers and canvas tents, she recognized Derpy and her ever-present daughter, Dinky, standing among ten other pegasi in full armor. Rainbow landed next to her friend, as Derpy stretched her wings and cracked her neck. “Hey’a Derp. You get drafted?” Rainbow asked jokingly. Derpy laughed, “Naw, I'm just gonna be flying a little mission for the military. It's kind of an important package, so they're gonna send me with an escort.” Rainbow inspected the five pegasus stallions standing around Derpy- they were standard royal guard flyers, with light armor and identical tails, manes, and white coats. While they were a touch more lithe than others Rainbow had seen, they were all still soldiers. They all had impressive muscles, that Rainbow knew also added to their weight. “These are your escorts, huh? How are they gonna keep up with you?” “Hey now, lady! We're Captain Aquilinus' most trusted couriers. We're his fastest fliers.” “I'm not saying you’re not fast by soldier standards, but Derpy is a Cloudsdale Mare. And she's not wearing fifty pounds of armor.” “Rainbow Dash!” Aquilinus said, walking alongside the mare and lifting a hoof to kiss it. “It's been too long. How's the weather business?” “Mostly clear with chances of rain overnight.” Aquilinus laughed, “Well you’re a talented flier; what do you think of my boys here?” “Well, what they lack in ability they make up in enthusiasm.” One of the pegasi stepped forward, “Look here lady- ” “Firebrand, show some respect. This is the element bearer of Loyalty.” “Yes captain. Sorry captain.” “Alright, Derpy, try a quick flight around the camp. Everyone else, follow her in a wedge formation. Don't worry about a thing Derpy; fly like you always do and they'll follow you, okay?” “Just like I always do?” Aquilinus nodded, “Yep, don't worry about them. They'll keep close.” Derpy complied, taking off into the air fast enough to leave a ring of whirling dust around her. Her escorts took a few seconds just to hover into the air and follow, already hopelessly behind Derpy as she did a quick lap around the camp and landed back where Aquilinus stood. Aquilinus laughed, and whistled to call his soldiers back. They landed, confused at how Derpy could have made a lap of the entire camp without them. “I'm sorry, captain,” Derpy said, looking at the ground, “I flew too fast.” Dinky hugged her mother, “It's okay Mommy! You tried your best.” “Derpy, you didn't do anything wrong. My men are supposed to be keeping up with you.” “Sir, we're just wearing too much equipment,” Firebrand offered. “Fine then, strip everything. Armor, weapons, everything.” The soldiers complied, unbuckling the swords and equipment on their belts, their helmets and breastplates. “The tails, too.” After an embarrassed pause, the five stallions removed the false tails and piled them with the rest of their equipment. Rainbow Dash had trouble not laughing at the waggling little stumps the soldiers had now, instead of their normally regal blue tails. After all this, Derpy still out-ran them easily on the second run. The soldiers frustratedly stomped as they landed. “I'm sorry, I did it again,” Derpy said, head down. “Derpy, you’re going to need to fly fast. We just need faster escorts for you is all.” “Don’t worry, you’re a real good flier, Firebrand,” Dinky said nuzzling the soldier's side for reassurance. “Derpy, is there anyone else in town that can keep up with you on this route?” “Rainbow Dash can!” Derpy offered. “You can?” Aquilinus said, “Rainbow, Derpy here needs an escort for this mission- ” “I wouldn't mind. Where are we going?” “Through the Gem Peaks.” Rainbow grinned widely, “That's AWESOME! Derpy would never show me her secret route before.” “Well, it's kind of an emergency now.” General Helios strode forward from a formation, having a muted conversation with Rainy Days. He noticed the soldiers lacking in armor and tails and snickered to himself. “Strange choice of uniform, gentlemen,” Helios joked, the men having a laugh at their own expense. “My fliers are a bit too bulky to keep with the the mail,” Aquilinus admitted, “But Rainbow Dash here has volunteered to fly along with her.” Rainbow Dash gazed on General Helios as the stallion glanced in her direction, marveling at his expressive blue eyes beneath a strong brow. His long white mane blew in the wind like ribbons and his strong jaw lifted as he gave a charming half smile. Rainbow realized her knees were shaking- this was by far one of the most handsome stallions she'd ever seen. “Well, didn't you win the best young flier a few years ago?” Helios said with a deep, throaty voice. “Yeah,” Rainbow said, her voice drawn out and dreamy. “Impressive flying there,” Helios said, “Or so I hear. I don't get up to Cloudsdale as much as I'd like to.” Rainbow searched her mind for something else to say, words that would make the stallion fall instantly in love with her, or perhaps just help him think of her more than a babbling idiot. “Yeah,” she finally managed to say. “Well, you’re quite the conversationalist,” Helios joked. “Heheheee...yeah,” Rainbow said, giggling to herself and finally falling on her side. Helios squinted and leaned to Aquilinus, “Twilight was right, all the ponies in this town are crazy.” Aquilinus laughed, “Don't worry about it, General, she's just a little star struck.” “Well, I suppose. We'll need a few more fliers. Ask if Rainbow knows anyone that can keep up with her and Derpy when she's lucid again. I have two old friends from Cloudsdale who may be willing to help.” “Yes, General.” Helios stepped over to Rainbow Dash, looking down at her, “Well, nice meeting you Ms. Dash; hope to see you again.” “Yeah,” Rainbow Dash said with a giggle as Helios flew off to other business. “Ms. Dash? Are you okay?” Dinky said, poking the mare. “Wasn't he amazing?” “I probably shouldn't mention he's married” Rainy days laughed. “He's married to his work,” Aquilius said, helping Dash up. “And old enough to be your father.” “I don't care- he's awesome!” “So, Dash, do you know any fliers around here that could keep up with you?” “Well...there's plenty of good fliers in town, but none I'd trust with an escort mission. I have someone in mind who could keep up, and pretty willing to bust heads if she needs to. She's not really to social type though. Frankly, I'd only wanna bother her if this is really, really important.” Aquilinus and Rainy shared a brief look. “Rainbow Dash, I'm sure you'll all be briefed soon enough, but trust me when I say this mission is important: he fate of all is at stake. For now, you'll have to trust me., If your friend can help us, please bring her here.” Rainbow Dash didn't know what was going on, but knew Aquilinus would never say such things if this wasn't a truly important situation. It was odd how no one was able to give her specifics just yet, and it concerned her just a bit, since even the military didn't have many secrets. Still, she only trusted one flier when it came to matters of life and death. “I'll go get her, just...try and not judge her until you know her, okay?” Dash said before flying off. Aquilinus furrowed his brow, curious what that could mean, but figured he'd know when he met this pony. There were indeed a number of oddballs in this town- upon first impression Aquilinus thought Pinkie Pie was a blithering idiot, but later realized that she was merely eccentric, and was quite helpful and trustworthy. “Captain, I have a question.” Rainy asked. “Yes, Rainy?” The mare tapped a hoof on her chin, “How old is General Helios, exactly?” Aquilinus paused a moment, actually unsure, “I honestly...don't know. My father served under him. And my grandfather knew him.” “That would mean he's gotta be like...ninety.” “That sounds about right.” “Than how is it he looks younger than you?” At that moment General Helios trotted past, inspecting a clipboard held by one of his lieutenants. “I eat plenty of grain, and exercise every day.” The General commented. “Don't concern yourself with it.” “Of course General,” Rainy said, trying to hide that she was confused as ever. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After a solid week of traveling with Princess Luna's army, Twilight was more ready for a shower and a rest than she ever had been. While traveling with an army was very reassuring, spending most of the day walking and keeping pace with the seasoned soldiers made her hooves ache. Not to mention that every time they came along a river or a pond, she had to wait in line to take a bath. Four days ago she'd stopped trying (as many of the soldiers had) and felt more grimey than she ever had. Twilight found herself wondering how all these soldiers could do this in full armor and equipment. However, the experience had given her a chance to get to know Princess Luna better. She was always so much more approachable than Celestia: more casual and friendly, though she had a darker edge than her sister. Luna had a warrior's instinct, and was prone to anger at perceived injustice. She would not tolerate anyone trying to hurt her people, and would strike back. Twilight didn't learn much more about Valeris on the trip; the Count was very quiet and generally kept to himself. Twilight and he shared only a few words, all business. He was never rude, just quiet and very personal. This evening at dusk, Whirly Willows asked Twilight to summon the Princess, as they were getting close to the Orchard where General Helios and his men were stationed. Twilight approached the palanquin and motioned for the carriers to set down the large violet wagon, and pushed her head into the sleeping chamber. “Princess, I'm sorry to wake you but- “ Twilight paused, eyes wide, at what she saw. Suddenly she wished she had announced her presence before opening the flap. Before Twilight's eyes was one of the most unusual things she'd ever caught the Princess doing. In front of the Princess sat Count Valeris, his cerulean turban removed and his inky black mane tumbling over his shoulders like a flowing river of liquid darkness. Luna sat just behind him, calmly and tenderly using her magic to comb Valeris' long mane with an ornate brush. The Count seemed unashamed at being seen by Twilight, and Luna calmly continued brushing as she spoke. “But what, Twilight?” The plum colored mare was a bit taken aback by Valeris, with his soft mane out he was darkly handsome. Luna and he had some kind of bizarre relationship, but Twilight shook her head, knowing it wasn't important now. If Luna wanted Twilight to know, she would tell her. “We're going to be at the Celestial Guard's camp in about an hour, your majesty.” “Thank you Twilight, you are excused.” Twilight left the palanquin as the carriers took it back on their shoulders and continued along. It was bizarre to see the Princess being so intimate with anypony. Twilight's ears twitched at the sound of distant brass and drum music. “What the hay...” Whirly Willows flew to a high point of a nearby tree. “It's Sir High Regard, coming from the east! With...a band?” Princess Luna and Count Valeris emerged from the Palanquin, ears twitching at the odd sound as a full brass band and drum corps marched toward Luna's troops, complete with a color guard carrying flowing banners and flags. Sir High Regard proudly marched with the showy formation as they played a rousing march. When he reached the Princess, he removed his helmet with a flourish and bowed. “My Princess, I brought the finest escort I could offer- the Royal Equestrian Army marching band and color guard.” “High Regard, I thought my sister was that clear you were to pledge soldiers,” Luna said angrily. “Your majesty, the Celestial Emerald is an important artifact, that is going to be returned to it's rightful place. This is a time to celebrate!” “High Regard, my Mistress does not need doted upon,” Valeris said with thinly veiled frustration, “We need every soldier we can. Now, where is the troops you command?” “In Canterlot, where they belong.” Luna stomped a hoof and scowled, “Sir Knight, thou hast an annoying habit and interpreting what you’re ordered to do when my orders require no interpretation! II told you to bring soldiers, not a band. You have failed me Sir Knight, and were this another age, you'd be expected to fall on your sword!” With that, Luna stormed off, High Regard still looking as if he had no idea what he did wrong. “What vexes the Princess?” “We need every sword we can to get through the valleys, and you brought a circus act,” Valeris growled. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applejack, always industrious, had Big Mac pull a cart full of baked goods- apple pies, apple fritters, and other treats to the soldiers. Apple Bloom helped take orders, leaping about cheerfully among the resting stallions and mares. Helios allowed himself a break to munch on an apple fritter, sitting next to the wagon. “Applejack, my dear, at the risk of bringing down Sweet Cream’s wrath, I must say this is the best apple fritter I’ve ever had.” Applejack grinned, preparing an order for an awaiting soldier. “Aw shucks, General! Just something I threw together. Alright, apple pie and two bottles of juice- that'll be five bits.” The jubilant soldier pulled a five bit piece from his saddlebag and held it in his hoof. He paused for a moment, glancing at the coin, then over to General Helios. He held the coin up next to Helios, squinting at him and then back at the coin. “Something troubling you soldier?” Helios asked. “Nothing General, it's just- ” “Just what? I'm not shy, out with it.” The soldier laughed to himself at the absurdity of it, “It's just, I've never noticed, but you look just like the pony on this coin!” Helios laughed to himself, “Do I? You realize the five bit piece was designed over three hundred years ago?” “Of course sir. But it even has that nick on your ear-” “Sargent, give the lady her bit.” “Of course sir.” Applejack inspected to coin as the Sergeant handed it over, “Ya know, General, he's right. This does look a lot like you.” Helios just grinned and shrugged, “The world if full of mysteries.” Just as those words were spoken, a massive griffon seemed to plummet from the sky, knocking over an armor rack, loudly spilling unworn helmets, petreyals, and cruppers across the field. The griffon rolled to his feet and talons, skidding as he righted himself. The griffon was easily three times the size of a normal griffon, his talons and legs heavily muscled, but his midsection ringed in a belt of fat. His chubby face seeming to have a near-constant air of bafflement. He wore no breastplate or helmet, but a pair of gauntlets on his wrist, grieves on his shins, and a leather vest that formed some sort of saddle on his back. Several canvas bags, presumably full of weapons, rested just between his massive wings. He pointed with one of his massive talons, directly at Derpy, where she sat with Dinky, munching on a muffin. “You! Silly google-face!” The massive griffon said in a deep, heavily accented voice, “You dip my sister in the mud!” Helios smiled at Applejack, “See? Now there's another mystery.” The griffon rubbed his chin, Equestrian apparently not a language he knew well. “But that is not reason for I coming,” He stammered, “I come to ask same question- where is the fugitive, Gilda?” By then, an entire cohort of ponies wielding spears and swords had surrounded the griffon, and were ready at Helios' word to attack. Aquilinus trotted toward them, holding up a hoof. “Hold on, I don't think he's here to start trouble.” “I know not you use this word...trouble?” The griffon asked. “You’re not here to fight us,” Aquilinus offered. “After all, it would be foolish to face this many ponies.” The griffon looked around, and nodded, “Yes, this would not be smart.” Helios leaned to Aquilinus, speaking softly. “Is he a Myrmidon?” “I'd bet he is, and looking for Gilda.” Helios nodded. “What will he do if he finds her?” Aquilinus thought, then nodded. “If a group like the Myrmidons are looking for someone they call a fugitive, they’re out to kill her.” Helios sighed, “Get rid of him then, we can't have an Equestrian citizen, even a griffon, be attacked. Try to be diplomatic though- we do have a treaty with the griffons.” Aquilinus smiled his handsome smile and trotted toward the griffon. “Firstly, what is your name? I am Captain Aquilinus.” “I am called Gad. Small name, big griffon,” Gad said, banging his massive chest. “If we are somehow harboring a fugitive, than I suggest you contact our leaders to begin proper extradition proceedings.” Gad opened his beak, pausing with a confused look on his face, “You use too many big words, make stupid for me.” Aquilinus laughed. Gad obviously knew he wasn't the smartest griffon around. “Why don't you ask the Princesses to send the fugitive to you?” “Not her business!” Gad roared, “Tell me where Gilda is!” “I am sworn to protect Equestria. If she is a citizen, I will protect her.” “You do not know Gilda! She is not even nice griffon!” “Makes no difference,” Aquilinus said. “Than I will fight you for where Gilda is!” The titanic griffon said, “You win, I go away. You lose, you tell me where Gilda is!” Aquilinus swallowed hard, knowing griffons spoke the language of combat better than any other. But this griffon looked strong enough to tear him in half, like a piece of day old bread. Still, Aquilinus had fought against worse odds, even if he couldn't remember when. “Fair enough,” Aquilinus said, motioning for one his lieutenants to bring him his helmet. “What are the conditions of the duel?” “To the Death!” “Gad, my good griffon, if you win and kill me, I won't be able to tell you where Gilda is.” Gad got that confused look again, as if his mind were working at half-speed, “Yes, this is correct...perhaps then we only fight to first to bleed from chest?” Aquilinus liked those odds better; he would certainly be faster than the mountain of a griffon, and getting close enough to cut him with a wing or a sword would be easier. And if he lost, he'd only suffer a wound. “Agreed.” “What weapons we use?” The white stallion affixed his helmet as his squire handed him a spear, and belted a sword belt to his hip. He made out at least two massive weapons strapped to Gad's back,wrapped in leather and canvas, among a number of smaller bundles. It was impossible to tell, but they were likely large clubs, or perhaps axes. Either way, the weapons were going to be virtually useless against Aquilinus' agility. “Whatever you carry. I will use gladius and pike.” Gad laughed heartily, the fat around his midsection jiggling comically. “Really?! I use what I carry? You are silly pony!” Gad said. “Give me a one moment to prepare.” At that, Gad set down one of the bundles and unwrapped it, revealing a finely machined six-barrel Gatling gun, affixing an ammo belt from a backpack to the side and unfolding a hand crank. The griffon lifted what must have been an incredibly heavy weapon to his waist, cradling it like it didn't weigh an ounce. Aquilinus narrowed his eyes at the enormous weapon, something that could effectively be used against an army, and he was aiming it directly at Aquilinus' face. “If I were you, pony, I would run!” Aquilinus smiled his sly smile. When facing impossible odds, being cocky never hurt. “If you were me, you'd be good looking.” Gad took a second to get the insult, but then a scowl crossed his beak. He roared and turned the crank on the rifle, and it roared as it belched fire and metal. Dirt and grass were tossed into the air as bullets struck around Aquilinus, who immediately took to flight, both to keep the bullets from hitting spectators, and because he knew it would be much harder for the griffon to aim the weapon upwards. Aquilinus dipped and dove, grasping the spear firmly in his mouth as he flew, hearing bullets zing past him as he flew. He felt a solid impact as one of the bullets flattened against the sunsteel of his armor, a piece of the shattered lead round cutting his wing painfully as his flew by. The white stallion wondered how much ammo the weapon could possibly carry, but he knew at one point a bullet would strike his wing, stomach or perhaps even his exposed face. Gad laughed menacingly, the only sound over the maddening drumbeat and blinding flash of the weapon. The Captain spun and hurled his spear at the base of the mechanical gun, jamming the barrels in place. The frustrated warrior didn't think to simply pull out the offending spear, but only tried to turn the crank harder, further jamming the spear into the workings. Seeing his chance, the pegasus dove at the griffon, wings extended for a quick strike, but the large weapon blocked any chance at a torso shot. Instead Aquilinus flicked out his wing with practiced precision, cutting the ammo belt with the sharpness of the wing's edge. Gad fiddled with the weapon a bit, trying to unjam it so it could be reloaded. Finally frustration got to him, and he simply threw it aside, the weapon crashing into Applejacks cart. “Hey now! Y'all’er gonna pay for those!” “Damage is collateral little pony,” Gad yelled, pulling a second canvas wrap from his back, “Do not cry for milk spilled out!” Aquilinus drew his sword and charged, not wanting to see what was inside that second bundle. With speed uncharacteristic for someone so large, Gad backhanded the pony across the face, in the process, cutting his talon on the pegasus' sword. Aquilinus rolled backwards in the dirt, feeling his nose, where a trickle of blood ran. In turn, Gad inspected his sliced talon, thick blood dripping from it. “You did say blood from the torso right?” Gad nodded, unwrapping his second bundle, revealing a long, hand-held cannon. “Yes. You did say...I could use what weapon I carry?” Gad asked, flicking a flint on the rear of the cannon, lighting it. The cannon was small for a cannon but large for anything that a single soldier could carry, Aquilinus recognized it as one often used on the deck of griffon airships- it was well capable of splintering the armored hull of an enemy ship. Even if the cannon missed, it could hit a tent, a building, or strike the ground in a crowd. Aquilinus steeled himself for what must be done, and as the fuse burned, he charged the griffon, looking directly into his beady eyes. Gad, ever confused, had no idea why, with a lit cannon pointed at him, Aquilinus ran straight toward it. With a leap, Aquilinus landed on the end of the cannon, pushing the heavy end into the dirt. Gad's large face showed a bit of worry as he glanced at the cannon, the barrel pointing into the dirt. “We, now both go boom.” “Indeed,” Aquilinus replied. A shattering explosion tossed both soldiers back, dirt and grass flying high into the air, a burst of smoke, fire and debris obscuring the results of the battle. Helios and Applejack felt the hot shock wave almost knocking them backwards. Helios immediately darted forward, into the smoke, and found Aquilinus laying in a heap, his helmet having been completely blown off. His mane was singed, but no other injuries. Pieces of the iron and wood of the cannon were strewn all about. “Are you okay?” Helios shouted, “Captain! Are you hurt?” Aquilinus held his head, “I can't hear a thing for now, General, but assuming you’re asking me if I'm okay, than the answer is yes, aside from a splitting headache.” “The griffon is alive!” Rainy Days called from the center of a nearby crater. “He's wounded.” Aquilinus stood, stumbling  toward the griffon; the fight was still on. Gad stood, stumbling back and forth, turning to face Aquilinus with a sizable battle axe at his side. Aquilinus wasn't looking forward to going hand-to-hand against the massive griffon, but had little choice. Before the final moments of the duel could come to fruition, Derpy pointed to Gad's feathered chest. “Mister griffon, you’ve got a big splinter.” Gad looked down curiously, and indeed a splinter of wood from the explosion, no longer than a toothpick, stuck in Gad's flesh. He reached up to pull the offending piece of wood from his chest with a wince, a small drop of blood leaking from the tiny puncture. “Is not bad injury,” Gad observed. Aquilinus grinned, “Very well then, good fight! I win.” “How you win?” Gad asked. “You bled, from the chest,” Aquilinus said, “But there is no shame in it, you fought very well.” Gad grumbled and threw his axe to the ground, “Darn it to Hades! You are right.” The warrior retrieved his machine gun from the wreckage of Applejacks cart, re-wrapping it, and flinging it across his back. “I am sorry for the breaking of your food chariot,” Gad grumbled. “Still ponies, it is not the last you see of Myrmidons. We will find Gilda, and if you try to get in way? We will break you.” With that, Gad took off with his incredibly heavy load, swaying and diving, obviously shaken by the explosion. Helios caught Aquilinus as he fell suddenly, laying him to the ground. “You’re not okay at all Soldier,” Helios said. “Just a number of bruises, and a mind-shattering amount of pain,” The pegasus admitted, “Still, if he would have been carrying a full load of powder, we'd both be dead.” “How did you know he wasn't?” Aquilinus grinned, “No matter how strong he is, a fully loaded cannon of that size would have flew out of his hands if he tried to fire it.” Helios laughed, “That's the dumbest thing I've ever seen you do, but then again I'm not around you much.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As always, the Everfree forest was thick, too thick for Rainbow to fly with any speed. The ground was a murky mix of mud and moss that stuck to the pegasus' hooves as she tried to walk. She often wondered why her friend insisted on living in such a place, where there were no roads, no stores, and often no sun. The hut was built from parts of the forest, wood, mud, and ferns fashioned in a thatch roof. If Rainbow hadn't been here before, she knew it would be near impossible to find. As Rainbow approached the front door, a lithe but muscular griffon threw aside the animal hide covering the door and notched an arrow in a massive longbow, aiming it at Rainbow. “Hold it right there!” The griffon said in a voice too effeminate to be anywhere near intimidating. “Gregory! It's me!” Rainbow said, shrinking back a bit. “Oh! I'm so sorry,” Gregory said, letting the tension out of the longbow. Rainbow had been at this hut numerous times, and never had seen Gregory Griffon wielding anything more lethal than a butter knife. The thin, green eyed griffon wore a crude leather quiver on his back and a leather strap on his left talon to soften the snap of the bowstring on his wrist. The bow was long, and made from unpolished wood that still had bark on it in some places. The arrow was tipped with a bone arrowhead, polished and carved to what appeared to be incredible sharpness. “What's with the bow Greg?” Rainbow asked. “Oh this? Just a little something I use for hunting.” “Expecting trouble?” Gregory smiled, “Just been a bit more wild than usual out here.” “I'm here to see your wife.” “Come on in.” Rainbow Dash trotted slowly into the hut, it wasn't anything special. Rainbow assumed it was similar to all griffon dwellings, with only a few rope hammocks and a cozy nest like structure in one corner. The center of the room was a fire pit, with a cast iron cauldron over it, greasy with the remains of cooking. “What did you mean ‘it's more wild out here’?” Gregory didn't answer, running to his wife's side, a griffon just slightly taller and bulkier than him whose yellow eyes narrowed when she saw Rainbow Dash. “Well, if it isn’t the flip flop. Done being lame?” “Gilda, I need your help. I need one of the best fliers and best fighters on my side for an important mission.” Gilda paused, she seemed to be in the middle of weaving something. Rainbow couldn't tell, but at this point it looked like it could be a basket. “What kind of mission?” “World in the balance kind of stuff.” Gilda smiled, “Do I get to crack some heads?” “It'll probably get pretty hairy, if that's what you’re asking.” Gilda looked over at Gregory, who had resumed sitting by the door. “Hey, sissy boy! What's the deal with you?” Gregory sighed, “Honey, Glenda's been spotted, and you-know-who can't be far behind.” “I ain't worried about them,” Gilda grumbled. “Gilda is something wrong? Rainbow asked. “Just some butt heads I used to know, starting trouble. No biggie, nothing I can't handle.” “Gilda, you know Godric is dangerous, he-” “Shut it Gregory!” The thin griffon slumped, not responding. Rainbow had known that Gilda was always a little verbally abusive to her husband, but never quite like this. Something was worrying the griffon. “Gilda if you need help-” “Than I'd ask for it! Look, Dash, I know something's up. I’ve seen military marching around, and I feel...something is wrong with how things work. Griffons stand by friends, and you know that you’re my friend and I'll come when you call. That's all there is to it.” Rainbow nodded, knowing it was true. Griffons picked their friends very carefully, mainly because there was no degrees of friendship. You were either not their friend, and not worth their time, or you were your steadfast ally. Of course, griffons also had enemies, Rainbow knew, but never for long. Either peace was made, or blood was spilled. Few things ever went unresolved with griffons. “I appreciate it Gilda, this is really important.” “I'm coming too,” Gregory said, defiantly, “I promise that through any kind of weather I'd stand with you, and I meant it.” “No, stay here, Gregory. It's safer here.” “Please, Gilda, I- “ “I made the same promise Gregory, and you’re not a fighter! I am. You'll be safe here.” “All right, but if you need me, Gilda, you know where I am.” “I'll keep in touch. Now, tell me what you need from me Dash.”