//------------------------------// // Chapter 13: An icebreaker // Story: Long Far Gone // by A-P-A //------------------------------// Canterlot, Equestria. 9:13am 30/06/1000 AN Today was the day, the day when the treaty holders were to meet. Tension was high within the castle, maids and guards alike were running around frantically, trying to get the place in perfect condition. It was already a big deal, all the nations coming together in one place, but the stress had only been heightened when they found out who was coming. Apparently Mathew was more popular than he knew, so much so that the the meeting was now to be between the nations leaders, and all of them were coming to Canterlot. This morning. Princess Celestia had received letters indicating the arrival of all but one of her neighbouring countries, she hadn't expected Chrysalis to respond anyway, she didn't want anything to do with the treaty. The princess was also jostling a flood of reporters, who all wanted to know what the big silver object that had been periodically blocking out the light was, and whether or not they should be worried about it. She told as many of them as possible that it was simply a misunderstanding, that the sky was fine and there wasn't a monster eating the sun. In the end it didn't matter what she told them, they were going report about it negatively. Speaking of Mathew, he had left shortly after breakfast for his ship, saying something about how he was going to clean it up. Last she checked that's what his robots were for, but she decide not push the issue, he was probably just as nervous as she was. It wasn't every day that an entire planets worth of royalty was to meet at one location. Celestia was so deep in her own thoughts that she didn't notice the guard who had approached, and was now standing in front of her. "Your highness, we have secured the perimeter, as well as bolstering the castle station, is there anything else that is required." The goddess snapped out of her trance. "No commander, that will be all, please return to your post." Commander Sure Steel nodded, and then continued. "Oh, and before I forget, Mathew wants to talk to you before the meeting, sounded important." With that he turned and began to walk back to the barracks, intending on giving the guard the run down. Celestia watched him go, and then raised her hoof up to her ear, fumbling with the small 'earpiece' that Mathew had given her. He said that it was to help him get in touch with her if needed, and she was needed. There was a small click a static was heard, Celestia wasn't sure if it was working, so began to talk anyway. "Hello? Is this thing on?" After a moment, a clear response came through. "Yeah it is princess, damn near scared the crap outa me aswell. I need help deciding what I should take up to the meeting room, no doubt they'll be curious." "I understand, I'll be with you shortly." She heard the strange device pop, and then there was silence once again. She turned to one of her advisors, who was standing amidst the rabble. "Swift, could you please have the attendants prepare the welcome ceremony, I must see to something." Swift, a small brown pegasus with a note pad and quill, bowed at the request. "Of course you magesty." Celestia smiled and quickly charged a teleport, leaving the grand hall and reappearing in the courtyard, where a very flustered Mathew awaited. "Ah good, your here, I need help deciding what to show them, I don't want to come off as threatening." She watched, amused, as the human ran around the lower deck of his ship, frantically gathering bits of equipment. He was making a small pile of instruments, but kept removing and adding things afterwards. "Mathew, I know your worried, but this isn't any different from the time you showed us, I imagine the griffons will be the only ones really interested in your weapons, most of them are just here to meet you, and to understand what you are. So stop panicking, and just pack what you think is appropriate. If somepony wants to see something then we can simply go and retrieve it. Mathew let out a slow breath, and calmed his nerves. He could take on armies, even topple empires, but ask him to make a public speech and he was as good as dead. "Okay, your right, let me just grab some stuff." He grabbed a small glowing rectangle, along with a pair of unique looking weapons. One resembled a large war hammer, but seemed to have a lot more finesse than that, it probably did something unexpected. The second was far more interesting. It was small, white, and seemed to have a layer of energy coating its entire surface. It was divided at its center, with a small plume of lightning connecting at the front, and a curved handle at the back. "Mathew, is that one supposed to do that?" She gestured towards the weapon in his grip. He looked at it, before shrugging. "Ghost says it is, something about a magnetic field to increase melee lethality. Hang on, I think I can turn it off." He flicked a small switch on the underside of the weapon, and the field disapated, leaving only the white, gold and blue colour scheme. Mathew held it up to Celestia's side. "Hey, it matches you, maybe you can keep this one of your sister gets the sword." Oh yes, that sword. The first time she had witnessed it was at dinner a few nights ago. Luna had proudly displayed the somewhat beautiful blade of energy, and she was speachless. She was even more speachless when her sister promptly cut the table in half. That was just the beginning, more and more things in the castle were turning up with a trademark cut, right down the middle. The sword was then confiscated indefinitely. "No thank you Mathew, I think the castle has suffered enough recently." "Suit yourself." Came the reply. Mathew reached the bottom of the ramp and dumped the weapons in the back of his pink vehicle, which he had dubbed 'spectre'. There were other items inside as well, including his old weapons and the red 'carbine' he was so fond of. He released the pilot seat and hopped inside. There was a moment of silence, before the machine began to light up, and slowly rise of the ground. It was floating roughly a foot above the earth, and was making a rather pleasant whirring noise. She had expected it to be loud and obnoxious, but it's simply hovered quietly, arcs of lightning trailing around beneath it. "So, my little human, where do you plan on going now." "Inside. Where else." Celestia just stared at him, unable to tell if he was joking. "Inside!? You cannot be serious. There's no way that would fit." "Those halls are big enough, plus, I can't be bothered carrying all this stuff. So jump on." The sun princess knew she could just teleport the items to the meeting room, but a really small part of her brain wanted to ride on the alien transport. She didn't normally listen to those urges, but today so stressful already, maybe something fun would take the edge off. "Alright, but please be careful, there are ponies trying to get everything organised." "Got it princess." Celestia began to climb onto the rear of the vehicle, expecting it to falter under her weight, but it stood strong. "You good back there?" Called Mathew, who was tampering with the controls up front. "Just fine thank you, but we must make haste, they will be arriving shortly." She didn't get a reply, but the vehicle slowly started to move forwards, cutting over the rough path like a boat through water. They made their way out of the courtyard up the garden path, towards castle entrance. "So, who's all coming then, just so I know what I'm dealing with." "Well, the original members are all coming, as well as the Saddle Arabians, the changlings won't be coming though." She felt the ride lurch slightly at the mention of changlings, but quickly correct itself. "Okay, so is there anything else I need to know, any customs or things I should avoid saying?" "Not much, bow to all of them, especially the minotar, and try and be as respectful as possible. So no swearing, and no shooting anything, okay?" "Okay." They reached the entrance stairs and the craft began to float up them with ease. "I must say Mathew, this is an incredible feat of engineering, quite something." "Your right about that, I wish they had toned it down on the blue lights a little though, I can barely see anything in here." The machine banked over the top of the steps and Mathew slowed to a crawl, making sure not to bump into anypony. The guards outside noticed their presence, and pulled open the doors in response, giving them clear access to the hall beyond. Just as Mathew had presumed, there was plenty of room, leaving enough on both sides for the staff to moved around comfortably. Many of them stopped to watch as the spectre pulled into the hall, letting out gasps of awe, even some of the guards turned to look. Suddenly, a weight was applied to one side, making Mathew swerve, luckily there wasn't anything in the way. "Hello dear sister, how are you this morning." "I am fine Luna, shouldn't you be getting ready for our guests." "I finished a while ago, it's been years since I've had to cast that spell." Mathew leaned out of the side of the cockpit, about to tell Luna off for jumping on them, what he saw forced him to stop. Luna's mane was no longer the simple aqua blue he was used to seeing, it was now flowing like her sisters, and was filled with stars, giving the illusion of the night sky. "Whoa, nice hair, when did you have that done?" "I applied the spell this morning, just after breakfast. It looks all right does it not?" "Yeah, it does... Wait, if that's a spell, then what does your hair look like Celestia?" The princess blushed, averting her eyes. "I honestly cannot remember, it's been years since I-" "It's messy, pink, and smells of strawberry." Interjected Luna. Celestia's blush deepened, Mathew simply shrugged. "Huh, who'd of guessed it." The grand meeting hall was in sight, with a large number of guards posted at the door. Rows and rows of the little soldiers raised their spears in the spectre's direction. "Hey hey, I'm on your side, stop pointing those things at me." "Guards you may let him pass." The princesses voice rang out from her position round the back. The battalion recognised the word of their princess, and swiftly opened the huge doors. Mathew nodded at them and edged the vehicle onwards. The inside of the room was decorated with the finest of Canterlot silk, and large maps and chalk boards had been drawn out, I case the subject turned political. In the center of the room was a long table, not unlike the one in the dining room, which was pristinely made, featureing a beautiful gold centrepiece, encrusted with gems. The spectre actually looked at home amongst the fine furnishings. Celestia and Luna jumped off as Mathew strafed it across the carpet, coming to a stop near the top left of the table. The anti-grav generators gave a whine and the spectre slowly descended, silently touching the ground. "Right" he said, pulling himself out of the transport. "How long until they arrive." "The first guests should be arriving shortly, I shall go and greet them, you two stay here and get ready." Luna cocked her head to the side in confusion. "But sister, surely I should be with you for the welcome, if only to meet the members at the gates." "I'm sorry Luna, but I can't allow that as of right now. Many of the treaty holders have their... Reservations, about you, and I need to inform them otherwise, I'm sorry to be so harsh." She reeled back. "Surely not! It was a thousand years ago, they must have forgotten." "I'm afraid they have not, and I must remind them of the caring pony you are, so they treat you with the respect you deserve." "But I should be the one to-" "Enough! Let me talk to them, and you stay and help Mathew, maker knows he needs it." Luna felt herself becoming angry, but relaxed as a hand rested on her withers. Mathew had his helmet off, and he didn't look pleased. "I'm sorry to interrupt this little spat, but don't we all have things to do." Celestia's peeved look was replaced by one of panic. "Of course! I'll be back once everypony is greeted." With that the sun princess twirled and galloped out oth the door, shutting them with magic in her wake. Mathew looked down at Luna, who had gone blank. "Jeez, what was that about, it's not like your coup affected them or anything." Luna let out a heavy sigh, and looked up at her human friend. "It's not that simple, it did affect them, it affected all of them." "How so?" She sighed again, and stared straight forward. "You've shared your history with me Mathew, I think it's time I shared a little of mine." Luna took a step back, and began to charge her horn, a white tendril made its way out of the appendage, and lightly touched the human on the fore head. Everything when black. Everfree forest, Equestria. 5:39am 21/06/567 AD The castle of the two sisters was quiet, and still. The lush and peaceful forest that surrounded it was filled with critters, getting ready to wake for a new day. The gates had been opened as the last of the night watch gave up their posts to the solar guard. Inside the castle, a younger and much less experienced Celestia awaited the arrival of her sister, Luna, who was to lower the moon. As the keepers of harmony in the land it was their responsibility to make sure the little ponies were safe and secure. As she waited she began to notice that the moon wasn't making it's usual descent, instead it was simply hanging there, creating another problem that needed to be fixed. Celestia stepped off here burnished throne and took flight, heading for the castle atrium, where she knew her sister could be found. The spacious hallways posed no issue, allowing her to glide easily around the structure. The entrance to the great hall was in view, so she slowed her descent as necessary. Her hooves touched the ground, stopping after a small gallop. The sun goddess used her golden aura to open the doors, and trotted inside. The burning torches illuminated her strawberry coloured mane, which hung in loose locks around her head. She spied a dark shape, perched atop royal alter. It turned as she approached. "There you are Lu-lu, why haven't you lowered the moon? It's nearly six o'clock." The silhouette shifted, as the dark blue alicorn stepped out into the light. Her blue, short cut hair tied back in a pony tail. She didn't look happy. "I'm sorry sister, but I will no longer live in your shadow." The older alicorn squinted, processing what she had heard. "Luna... What are you saying.?" "I'm saying I'm tired of being ignored, resented by our subjects, hated because of what I bring. If they cannot learn to accept my night as the thing of beauty it is, then I shall show them." "What? Nopony resents you Luna, they care for you, just as I do. Come down from there and let's talk about this." The moon princess growled angrily. "Sister do you think me blind!? Or are you simply to self obsorbed to see yourself?! The ponies of this land prance and play throughout your joyous day, before retiring to slumber, where they dream of me as a horror to be feared. For bringing out the nightmare moon." "Luna this is madness, our subjects love us equally, and they cherish what your night brings them." "What does it bring them sister! Fear. Hate. Am I the princess to hide from, the monster under the bed!" She pulled in her breath and screamed out, her royal voice shattering the windows. "IF THEY WANT A MONSTER THEN I SHALL GIVE THEM ONE!" The ground began to vibrate, pots and vases jiggling of their shelves. In the sky, a new star began to outshine the rest. "Please Luna, stop this insanity, I need you by my side!" "THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE PRINCESS OF EQUESTRIA!" She smashed her front hooves of the ground, turning the solid marble to dust. "AND THAT PRINCESS, WILL, BE, ME!" A long spike of energy flew out of the clouds, it's oranges, purples and blues mixing together in a tornado of pure power. It impacted the ground where she stood, incasing her in magic. Celestia stepped back, using her leg to shield her eyes. After around five minutes of constant bombardment, the beam stopped, a dust cloud concealing what was within. "L-Luna, are you there?" A dark figure rose from the shadows, a toothy snarl appearing out of the smog. Luna was no more. "Your precious Luna is gone. I AM NIGHTMARE MOON, AND THE NIGHT, SHALL LAST, FOREVER!" She finished her display with a wicked cackle, sending shivers down her sisters spine. Then the world faded away to nothing. Canterlot, Equestria. 9:32am 30/06/1000 AN Mathew awoke with a start, his breathing shallow. He quickly checked himself and his surroundings, he was still in one piece, and he was still in the hall. Good. His ghost appeared in front of him. "Well that was, unexpected. I guess your not the only one who's got problems." Mathew shot him a glare, his vision then locking with the forelorn princess ahead of him. Her eyes were cast down in shame, and she looked on the verge of tears. She began to speak. "That's why they hate me, because of what I did, to all of them. That feral magic, it made me lose my mind, I became the monster that they saw me as, and my plans would have ended with the destruction of Equis. My sister used the elements to stop me, but the magic could not be eradicated, it spread over the Everfree like a curse, driving animals and ponies alike from their homes. Leaving only destruction in its wake. I saw it all, and it hurt me like nothing ever had. I understand if you want to hate me too, but know that it was not my will to hurt them, once the magic was within me, it created another form, a parasite known as Nightmare Moon. She still plagues the land to this day." There was no doubt what he had seen had definitely left it's mark, but he couldn't hate her for it. There was probably much more to that situation that he had witnessed. "Luna, I couldn't possibly hate you, it didn't affect me, and it's all in the past. We can talk about it later, when we have clearer minds, but for now, let's get ready for those dignitaries before-" The sound of trumpets shattered the silence, Mathew shot away from Luna and grabbed his helmet, sealing it tight over his face. The doors were covered in a violet aura as one of the guards opened them. In the entrance stood one a large bird like creature, like an eagle. It's lower half however appeared to be feline, similar to that of a lion. So this was what a griffon looked like. It was easily the same height as Mathew, and stood slightly taller than Celestia, who was standing close by. Mathew watched as the odd creature surveyed the room, before his eyes settled on Luna, who had since wiped away the tear tracks on her face. The griffon approached and offered a bow, which Luna returned in kind. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you... Your highness." He finished his sentence with a delicate kiss on the hoof, causing the nearby human to visibly cringe. He had seen fake praise before, and this guy just radiated it. What a creep. From what he could see Luna was equally observant, but was adequate at hiding it. "The pleasures all mine, king Iron Claw." What was with these two parter names. The hulking griffon then turned his steel gaze towards Mathew, who had stopped paying attention and was now fiddling with a datapad. He approached and stood in front of him expectantly. Mathew lowered the pad and stared back, displaying mock confusion. "Well, what are you waiting for? BOW!" Roared the angry bird, spraying spittle all over the humans visor. Mathew said nothing. "Is this thing disciplined Celestia?! Does it even speak?! Or is this more magic tomfoolery." "While I can assure you there is much tomfoolery, none of it is magic. I suggest it ends now." Said the princess, a cold edge creeping into her motherly voice. Oh shit, she sounded serious. Mathew straightened up, and offered a quick salute, to which the griffon only stared. "Well I guess it knows how to follow orders, that could come in useful later. I'm afraid if all you have to show me is a magic projection and some children's toys, then I will have to be on my way." Celestia gasped in disbelief, and then narrowed her eyes at the human, who could feel their gaze melting through him like butter. "Alright alright, I'll stop taking the piss." He choked, clutching his chest. Iron Claw whirled around to face him, a satisfied smile crossing his beak. "So it does talk, how unique, tell me, alien, why did you not speak when you were spoken too?" Mathew leaned in close, just close enough to whisper in the birds ear. "Because I got a kick out of it." There was a moment of complete still, everyone waiting to see the reaction. Slowly, the King began to to chuckle, a chuckle that turned to a laugh, which turned to a mad cackle. "I like you." He said finally. "You've got a strong head apon those shoulders, a foolish one, but strong none the less. I admire that." He smiled once more and then took a seat at the ornate table, flanked by his griffon guards. "So where are the others, did they not respond?" He asked, dragging his claw along the rich mahogany, leaving visible scratches. Mathew didn't like him. "They will be here shortly, the maids are showing them to the guest bedrooms." Replied Celestia. At that moment another figure entered the room, it was small, blue, and covered in scales. "Ah, princess Ember, lovely to have you. I take your father sent you?" "Unfortunately yes, he's rather, inebriated, when it comes to small pony structures. None the less, I hope my council will serve." Was this a dragon? Mathew thought so, she seemed reptilian in nature, but he had expected them to look slightly larger, and angrier. The apparent dragon finished greeting Luna, and made her way over to him. He bowed politely, raising the eyebrows of the bird at the table. She eyed him up and down with suspicion, but couldn't find anything to be concerned about. "I must say your are an interesting one, to small to be a minotaur, yet to big to be a monkey. What are you..?" "I'm a human, your grace." Your grace? Where the hell did that come from? The dragoness smiled for a moment, and then her face turned somewhat sour. "It's funny to me that your are so alien to this land, yet you speak out tongue and respect our customs, even going as far as to bow to a ruler you don't yet know. I find it funny because you've just displayed more curtesy in a mere moment, than that feather brain behind us had shown in all his days as king." Iron Claw, who was sipping out of an eggshell teacup, spat out the hot liquid in shock, his expression quickly turned to anger. "Watch your mouth lizard! You wouldn't know civilised behaviour is it smacked you right between the eyes!" "And you would, what with the fact that you brought an entire army to a political discussion!" The mythological creatures began to square off, flashing sharp talons and pearl white teeth. Celestia stepped in. "That is enough! You didn't come halfway across the continent just to start a war, now sit down and wait for the others to arrive!" With one final snarl, princess Ember sauntered down to the far end of the table, near the spectre. She took notice of the vehicle and began to stare at it quietly. King Iron retook his seat, his guards flanking him. The sisters took their seats as well, Celestia at the tables head, with Luna to her left. She gestured for Mathew to sit as well, to which he complied. The hall slowly began to fill up, various leaders pouring in. There was a group of slightly more equine looking horses, their manes decorated and their coats covered by thick golden garbs. They were introduced as the Saddle Arabians, and seemed nice enough. The zebras were also based, and Mathew, though his helmet couldn't show it, was silently laughing at their rhyming accents. The rest of the troupe were pretty nonchalant, showing mixed expressions of fear and intrigue. Finally, Celestia called the hall to order, and the table turned silent. "Greetings, fellow diplomats, may I say it has been to long since we last met." There was murmurs of approval, and many nodded their heads. "I know this was called rather suddenly, but, as you can see, this is a rather special case. Not only has my sister finally returned, but Equis has also received it's first, otherworldly visitor. Mathew, why don't you stand up and introduce yourself." The guardian gulped, here goes nothing. Mathew stood and slowly walked around to the back of the room, where Ember was still staring at the spectre. "Um, hello. I guess I should start by saying that it is an honour to be among you, and that this world has so far shown me hospitality that rivals that of my own home. I feel this would probably be easier for all of us, if you ask me what you want to know and I'll answer to the best of my ability. Any questions I cannot answer, I'm sure my ghost will be able to handle." Mathew flared his hand out, letting his ghost float out. The room, exuding Celestia and Luna, gasped at the display. "Right, let's get starte-" The human stuttered as the doors flew open, revealing someone who Mathew hadn't expected to see. Chrysalis, stood there, her wings flexed and her body tense. The rooms gaze shifted to her, and almost everyone began to frown. The sun princess spoke up. "Chrysalis, how nice of you to join us, I'm afraid we weren't expecting you, so please be patient while we get you a chair." "It's fine Celestia, take all the time you need." A nearby guard scampered out of the room, quickly returning with a matching chair. He dragged it up to the end of the table, and sat it near Ember's. The changling queen nodded in thanks, and then took her place. Thirty six eyes followed her as she walked, scowls to match. The dragoness quickly edged away, making little attempt to hide her disgust. Chrysalis ignored her, and proceeded to sit down without incident. "You may continue Mathew." Said Celestia. "Hang on." Interjected Iron Claw. "What's the bug doing here." Several seats nodded, princess Ember included. "Well she's a part of the treaty is she not? She has just the same right to be here as everypony else." "Does she now? Who will it be next then, manticores? Hydras? We're not running a circus here Celestia, this is council, and I vote that insect is removed from the premisses." A few heads nodded, but most remained silent. If Mathew already didn't like the king, then what he felt now had to be hate. So he decided to do something about it. "If I may, Queen Chrysalis is a part of this treaty, then I am happy to answer any of her questions. I won't refuse anyone just because whatever is going on here, that is none of my concern." More murmurs, this time swaying more in favour of Mathew. "Well said Mathew, now please, continue." "So we're letting the alien make the political decisions now, great." Mathew paid him no mind. "So as I was saying, please raise your hand if there is something you wish to ask." Nobody moved. The minotaur King looked like he was going to, but then noticed his companions, and lowered his hand again. "Really, then why are you even here?" "It's not that we disregard your intent, we simply misunderstood what you meant." Replied King Zeroos, who was stroking his striped mohawk in confusion. "OH, right, anatomy difference, sorry, um, raise your hooves slash claws then." Every appendage within sight shot up. "Okay then, how about you?" Mathew pointed at a young Saddle Arabian prince, who he couldn't remember the name of. "Where do you come from, originally?" Should have seen that one coming, at least he wasn't asking about ammo synths. "Well my species originates from a planet called Earth, which is around seventy five thousand light years away." The prince looked unsure, so Mathew decided to explain it the old fashioned way. He walked over to one of the clean blackboards, and sketched out a crude representation of the Milky Way galaxy. "Your planet is here." He marked an 'X' just outside the scutum-centaurus arm. "And my planet is over here." The second 'X' was marked in the Orion arm, roughly around Sols location. This elicited many 'oohs' and 'aahs' from his audience, except for one griffon, who remained unimpressed. "Right, next question." Princess Ember's arm shot up, but was just beaten to the post by a burly minotaur. "Elder Tremor, what would you like to know?" "Could you offer us any insight into the silver beast that has been plaguing our skies." Silver beast? Did he mean the Long Far Gone? The sooner comms were up and running the better, he needed that thing cloaked before it caused a public travesty. It most likely already had. "That's the starship I arrived on, I hope it hasn't been to much trouble, I can't get in contact with my friend up there because of the magnetic field, I may just have to head back and tell her to cloak it." The elder nodded in thanks, and Mathew prepared for another question when he was rudely interrupted. "Did you just say there are more of you!" Screamed king Iron Claw, who had risen from his seat. "How many!" This guy... "Iron Claw sit down! Or you shall be asked to leave." Celestia had also stood up, and had her from hooves planted on the dark wood of the table. "No Celestia, I will not just sit here while a possible invasion force amasses on our doorstep. Something must be done!" "That's it, all in favour of removing Iron Claw from the chamber say aye." "AYE" Rang out most of the room. Surprisingly Mathew wasn't one of them. "Then it's done, guards please escort king Iron Claw off the castle perimeter." "You can't be serious, on what grounds?" "Disruption of foreign affairs, threatening activity and..." She pointed at long claw marks in the table. "Destruction of property. Have a good day." A group of solar guards had seemingly appeared out of nowhere, and now stood around the king and his soldiers. "This is treason! I demand my place on this council." "You still have your place, just not today, or for the foreseeable future. Now please, vacate the premisses." The furious griffon roared in frustration. "You ponies think you control everything, who are you to decide whether I stay or go?" Luna chimed in. "Your in our kingdom! You will do what is asked of you." "You expect me to listen to you? You should be hanging in Tartarus for what you did!" Mathew could feel himself snapping, he didn't even notice that his his carbine had found its way into his grip. "Get this bird out of here." Iron Claw growled. "Fuck off back to the moon, freak sho-" *Feeeew CLUNK* Iron was lifted of his claws as a pink projectile impacted his armour, digging into the hardened metal like tissue paper. Mathew had specifically angled the shot to avoid injury, but was so angry that he nearly reconsidered. "Get out of this castle." The griffon guards drew their weapons and readied an attack, but were met with tips of pony blades. "GET OUT OR THE NEXT ONE GOES BETWEEN HIS EYES!" The griffons relinquished their swords and trudged heavily towards the door, balancing the 'wounded' king between them. "This isn't over! You will pay for what transpired today, all of you!" A wicked smile grew apon the his beak. "A darkness approaches, we can feel it. You will all fall!" With that the doors slammed, leaving the hall in silence. Faces showed mixed feelings, but most looked thankful. "Well, now that that's over." Continued Mathew. "Any more questions." All appendages shot up.