//------------------------------//
// March 21, 1920 
// Story: Period Pieces. 
// by Altlus 
//------------------------------//

Goldspur strolled  calmly long the shore of Illusion Pool. Taking in the fresh air of this sunny day, He had several things in his mind that troubled him to varying degrees. some personal. others pertaining to His family business.

Firstly was the news that Anjou pear was in town, That Goddamned Woman and her family.Her Grandpa, Jonas was responsible for destroying the original Sweet Apple Acres Plantation in Virginia and killing his great great grandpa in the process. But then again, it wasn't their fault that one of the Apples nearly killed one of Her great grand aunts with a Hammer. Now she intends to bring the feud between the Apples and Pears to this city. He had encountered her twice. Today and a couple of weeks before. Drove her family's truck next to his and gave him something he called "the look". Goldspur was nearly tempted to pull out his revolver throughout that encounter but thankfully fought the urge to shoot her. The second encounter still bugged him in the back of his mind for a while.  Maybe taking a walk along this pond will alleviate things partially.

Secondly was the fact that prohibition was now in effect this year. Although the state of washington was a wet state. Canterlot remained a Dry city and alcoholic beverages were deemed illegal in equestria county. This was a death blow to his family's ability to make cider. The situation for him was wether or not he should make non-alcoholic cider or continue to make alcoholic cider and get into the smuggling business. Though from what he had heard. The business of muggling as quite profitable. 

These thoughts continued to pester the poor Apple until he looked out across the pond and bore witness to an unusual event. 

Before his eyes, he saw a man getting shot out of the water at high speeds, then get deposited onto the shore. The man struggled to crawl and seemed to be walking on all fours in doing so. Goldspur came to the aid of the man on the shore. The man that lay before him was out of breath and gasping for air almost as though he nearly drowned.

"you alright there suh?", asked Goldspur.

"What's . . .your. . . name." gasped the stranger.

"Goldspur Apple suh, what about yours?"

"G. . .Gr. . . Greatshield. Commander Greatshield . . . of the. . . . Canterlot . . . Royal Guard."

At this point, Goldspur was confused. He didn't remember this city having a royal guard. It wasn't a monarchy out here.  He then asked, "You okay suh?"

it was at this moment that the stranger passed out. Seeing no other option, Goldspur was forced to drag him back into town and get him to an Infirmary.