//------------------------------//
// June 7, 1894 
// Story: Period Pieces. 
// by Altlus 
//------------------------------//

Griffonshire, England.

The sky over the English countryside was covered over in an oppressive overcast that obscured the sun and cast the landscape in a depressing gloom. In the distance dark clouds gathered and the sound of thunder reverberated across the land. A lone horse and carriage sped  across the dirt road. rushing past cottages and  fields as well as scenic vistas of towns and villages dotting the countryside. Clearly, the coachman was in a hurry to arrive to his destination before the rains hit. Things never look good when the roads become too muddy.

"This bloody weather. How is it that these Brits managed to survive on this forsaken rock.", Arcanis mumbled to himself Temporarily  diverting his attention away from his reading of the The Illustrated London News to look out the window onto the rather gloomy scene outside the moving coach. at least the countryside was far more appealing to Arcanis than the sight of seeing London when he first arrived here. It reminded him too much of his time in New York and reminded him of his aversion of densely populated places

"At least there aren't any windigos wandering about in this world.", commented Mechanis, sitting across from him.

"So who is this Grandsby fellow. It appears that you and him have known each other for a long time." asked Arcanis.

"Me and Grandsby met back in 1828. I Met him back when i worked at the Robert Stephenson and Company locomotive works in Newcastle." Mechanis answered. "Much like me at the time, he was also very fascinated at this Technology these Humans have created. We both hd some form of admiration for Robert Stephenson We both thought the man was a wizard, even though we were well ware that he possessed no Equestrian magic."

"So wait, let me get this straight. Your telling me that Grandsby is a Mage from our old world just like yourself?"

"Pretty Much, Arcanis old chap. Before I embarked to America. He confessed to me that he's actually been around here for centuries. Told me that when he first came here, there was only nothing but castles, peasants and knights."

Arcanis was intrigued. "Longer then we've been. Middle ages i supposed."

"Right. The Town we're going through? He was one of the people that founded it al the way back in the medieval years. The Mansion was built later on in the 17th century from what I know. That's how old he is. From what I know, He chose the Name, 'Griffonstone' to honor the memory of his old home"

"Just like the founders of Canterlot back in the States." Arcanis could answered.

The Coach eventually made its way and passed through a large gate flanked by two stone gateposts topped with two imposing statues of Griffons. Overhead, inscribed in wrought iron letters, read the name of the Estate they were entering: "GRIFFONSTONE HALL".

The Carriage stopped before the entrance of Griffonstone Hall. As Arcanis and Mechanis disembarked, they were greeted by the sight of a large brooding and ancient stone manor towering over them. To Arcanis, it sure beat the hell out of his florine Estate back over at Canterlot.

"Okay, you know what you have to do."  said Mechanis in a hushed voice. " just don't mention what we just discussed in the carriage. Greet him as though you were a new and friendly face to him.". Arcanis nodded in Agreement.

the Two approached the large wooden door of the Manor. Mechanis grabbed one of the large knockers and struck them three times at the door. 

After what seemed like Twenty seconds passing, the Door finally opened and before them stood the lord of the estate. Grandsby. quite surprised tht an old friend had returned to visit.

"Greetings Mechanis. I thought I'd never see you again."

"Greetings to you too, old friend."

"So Who is your companion that you brought along for this visit."

"Salutations sir. The Name's Arcanis. Dr. Arcanis, sir."