//------------------------------// // Cutie Marks for All // Story: Gift of a Griffon // by DragonflyDreams //------------------------------// "This is gonna be the best one yet!" Gabby exclaimed, admiring her latest creation. Two thin piece of wood before her had been cut and crafted with utmost care. They had diamond shaped bases, which each supported an identical distinctive icon; it was a tall vase complete with two handles. The vase rested upon a flat circular form, which had thin curved lines etched into it indicating rotation - a pottery wheel. The griffon rubbed her two eagle claws together, beaming at her latest Cutie Mark creation. "Grace is gonna love it!" She gave an excited leap into the air, spreading her grey feathered wings in excitement. Quick as a flash, Gabby then turned and grabbed hold of three tin paint pots, which each had lids matching the colours inside; sunset orange, light lemon yellow, and white. She also clasped a set of thin paintbrushes, continuing to grin as she approached the wooden cutie mark and proceeded to paint it. Gabby used the yellow paint for the base, the orange for the vase, and the white to fill the small etched areas, bringing the image to life. A few splatters of paint fell onto cloth which coated the table, and others fell onto the wooden floor below, joining others from past creations. Using a spare room in her home, Gabby had created her own studio for the soul purpose of crafting cutie marks. It didn't particularly bother her that a portion of the floor was covered in paint, since the entire room was 'creatively untidy'. The walls were covered with drawings and designs, and the windows were nearly always open, as Gabby was forever flying to and from her home. Basic wood cutting devices were nearby, including a band saw and sander. The talented Griffon had created these from scratch as well, not unlike most other objects in her studio, and home in general. Once the Cutie mark had been painted, Gabby had to resist the urge to pick it up before the paint was dry. Instead, her bright blue eyes sparkled as she gazed at her masterpiece from a few feet away. "It's... perfect!!!" She clasped her feathered face, "I can't wait to give Grace her cutie mark!" The young griffon hovered above the floor, and started to gently flap her wings, creating a small breeze of air. She directed it at her creation, in an attempt to hurry along the drying process. It seemed to work, and within five minutes the paint had hardened. Gabby gasped and gently reached out for both pieces of the cutie mark, making absolute certain that not a single part smudged or felt damp when she touched it. Then, she grinned once more, and quick as a flash the Griffon spread her wings and set off through the open window. ~*~ In Gabby's personal opinion, Griffonstone was a glorious place, although it had become a little tattered over the years. The town was located atop a huge mountain; an easy location for Griffons to reach, but not quite so easy for many other creatures. Every single building had been built by the majestic half-lion, half-eagle creatures. The walls all made from tree bark, with the doors mostly hollow, and the roofs topped with layers and layers of straw. Surrounding the town, gigantic, twisting branches seemed to be supporting the entire area, many proceeding to grow and become engulfed by the soft clouds overhead. Gabby hummed merrily to herself as she flew above the town, waving politely at each of her neighbours. Some waved back, others ignored her, and some even scowled and turned away. The optimistic griffon didn't let this bother her too much; grouchy mannerisms were quite the norm in Griffonstone. However, Gabby had noticed a huge change in the behaviour of many residents, once she had began creating and handing out cutie marks. Although the Griffons were confused at first, and rather annoyed by being disturbed, they had accepted the marks along with the many compliments Gabby had tossed in, about how special and talented they each were. Gabby had actually managed to receive blushes, coy smiles, and even words of gratitude from her usually-cranky neighbours. Not only that, but every single grouchy griffon who had been given a cutie mark, had kept and displayed them proudly upon their satchels and clothing - even those who didn't seem all that grateful for the gift. Gabby spotted many of her creations as she soared overhead. "Good morning Gina!" Gabby called out merrily to a dark feathered griffon below. Gina displayed her tennis racket cutie mark on a ribbon around her neck, as though it was a type of medal. She had a slim athletic build, and was taller than most griffons. Gina had been one of the easiest griffon's for Gabby to match with a fitting cutie mark; tennis wasn't popular in Griffonstone, but Gina often went travelling to play with ponies and other creatures. "Morning Gabs." Gina replied in a cool, collective manner. She briefly lifted her paw, making no eye contact at all. Gabby smiled and continued on her way. "How you doin Gibor?" She waved at a bulky brown griffon with scruffy feathers. His cutie mark was attached to his huge, tattered satchel; it was a cart. Gibor spent his days delivering merchandise to and from Griffonstone. He would travel up and down the mountain multiple times a day, and took great pride in his work, as he was one of the only Griffon strong enough for the job. "Sup." He greeted her with an agitated expression. Gabby made sure to say hello to each and every griffon she passed on the way to Grace's home. It made her happy to see so many of her neighbours showing off their cutie marks. Even Old Glorien - one of the most ill tempered elderly residents in Griffonstone, had attached her chess piece cutie mark to her walking cane, although she still scowled miserably at Gabby when she passed by. Gabby had even made cutie marks for youngsters; a pogo stick for Gurley, a kite for Gulla, and binoculars for little Gregory; he loved bird watching. The kids managed to stop bickering long enough to give Gabby a wave, and she blissfully returned the greeting. Finally, Gabby arrived at Grace's home. ~*~ Grace's house looked like most others; wooden walls, straw roof, and a painted door, but it stood twice as tall. The teenage griffon had fitted a spiral staircase, to enable her three separate floors inside, each with one small room. Gabby knew that Grace did most of her pottery work on the top floor, as she could often be seen working through the open window. However, she didn't seem to be there today, so instead of flying up there, Gabby simply knocked upon the door which lead to the ground floor. She waited in anticipation, still grasping the cutie mark. This was the best part of her new hobby; handing out the marks and seeing the reaction of the receiver while she explained them. Of course, most griffon now knew about Gabby's cutie mark creation spree, so it wasn't quite as much of a surprise as it was when she first began, but even so, it was still a rewarding experience. A few minutes passed, and Gabby could barely contain herself. "Come on Grace..." she muttered to herself, hopping on her rear lion legs. Still nothing. "M... maybe she's not home." She whispered sadly. After a few more minutes, Gabby sat down and rested her head in her hands, wondering whether she should keep waiting for Grace, or just come back another time. Suddenly, Gabby heard a voice behind her. "She's out buying more clay." The voice was deep, but femenine, and seemed to lack any particular emotion, but Gabby knew every griffon in Griffonstone, and instantly recognised it. "Oh Hi Gilda!" She spread her wings, excited to see a somewhat friendly face. Gilda looked more eagle than most other griffon; even her lion half was a soft light brown. Her wings were slightly darker, and her head was covered in stylish white feathers with purple tips. Gabby couldn't deny that Gilda was pretty - in a tomboyish, tough girl kind of way. Gilda used to be extremely independent, but had began showing a little more interest in her fellow griffons as of late. Gabby recalled two ponies visiting Griffonstone not too long ago, who chatted with and hugged Gilda before they left. She could only conclude that it was the influence of these two ponies which had inspired Gilda to get to know her fellow griffons. After all, she knew from her own experience that ponies were incredibly friendly creatures. "Grace is out getting more clay." Gilda informed Gabby, "she'll be back later." "Oh, I see." Gabby rubbed her neck, a little embarrassed. "You're delivering another cutie mark huh?" Gilda gave a smirk. "Gretta showed me hers the other day, it was pretty cool I guess." That compliment instantly cheered Gabby up, "Y...you really think so? Thank you so much! I knew it was the perfect symbol for Gretta. Not only does the plant sprouting from it's pot symbolize her love for tending to plants, but it can also be metaphorical for when she first started talking to other griffons instead of keeping to herself all the time." Gilda chuckled. Of the few friends she had in Griffonstone, Gretta was probably her closest, although their friendship was relatively new. Gretta was a couple years younger than Gilda, and had always been reluctant to so much as make eye contact with others. This was until the day Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie had encouraged Gilda to make the first move, which over time had resulted in the two griffon becoming good friends. Gretta was now a little less reserved, and although she was still weary of strangers, she was definitely coming out of her shell. "Yeah, that sounds exactly like her." She replied. Gabby beamed in delight, realising that her journey hadn't been a total waste of time after all. She adored receiving praise for her hard work. "Thank you Gilda, I'm glad I ran into you. It really has been too long." "Yeah, I've been visiting Dash." Gilda explained, "She has to leave for a long trip with the Wonderbolts soon. Pinkie wanted to throw a long line of 'Goodbye' parties... along with some 'Good luck' parties and a few 'See you soon' parties tossed in for good measure. It's been a crazy couple of weeks." She blushed a little before adding, "and I can tell that you've been pretty busy here." Gabby giggled, "That does sound like fun! And yeah, I've been having fun too. It's a blast making cutie marks for each and every griffon in Griffonsto....." She suddenly stopped in her tracks and looked Gilda up and down. "W... what are you..." Gilda started to ask. Gabby let out a long, horrified gasp. "Gilda!!! I haven't made a cutie mark for you!" She seemed as though she was about to faint from the realisation.