Shortly after Smolder and Ocellus set out to the changeling hive, Sandbar and Gallus boarded a train that would take them to Griffonstone. They had made sure to check and confirm Gabby and Gilda were both in Griffonstone, at Gallus' insistence. Gallus told Sandbar it was so they wouldn't have made the trip for nothing, though they both knew the real reason Gallus had insisted on it was that if the two griffons were in town, or planning to visit, then they wouldn't have to go.
They had sent a letter ahead telling Gabby and Gilda to expect them-well, Gallus had sent a message with Gabby when she made her final mail round before heading back to Griffonstone for the winter hiatus. She had been overjoyed and eager to welcome them, even though they couldn't give her the exact time they'd arrive.
Sandbar now sat beside Gallus on the train, reading a book. Gallus stared vacantly out the window, resting his head on a claw and gazing at the passing scenery, though he was barely seeing it. Sandbar looked over at him and rested a hoof on his shoulder.
"You okay?"
"I..." Gallus sighed and looked over at Sandbar. "I'm just...I don't know what you'll think when you see it...it's a total dump, Sandy."
"I know. And I know you didn't want us to go. But really, I think it'll help me gain a better understanding of what you had to go through as a kid."
"So you can feel even sorrier for me?" Gallus mumbled, but Sandbar surprised him with a kiss on the cheek.
"So I can understand why you hate that place so much." he corrected, and Gallus smiled, wrapping a wing over his colt. "Now come on, why don't you read with me?"
"Um...well..." Gallus blushed
"What is it?"
"Since I'm an orphan...I kind of...never learned to read...and, well, Gruff kind of just picked me randomly off the streets...Gilda taught me a little, and Headmare Twilight knows I'm illi-ill-whatever she called it."
"Illiterate?"
"Yeah, that was it." Gallus sighed and glared down at the book in Sandbar's hooves. "I've been taking lessons but I'm not really good..."
Sandbar nuzzled Gallus and snuggled against his side. "Well, why don't I help you with that? Here." He placed the book in Gallus' claws, flipping back to the first page and pressing against Gallus on the seat. "Sound out each word, one at a time."
"O-Okay..." Gallus said "But, shouldn't I just pick up where you left off?"
"It's okay. I like the beginning, it's a story of romance and there's fencing and other stuff you'll like later. Go ahead." Sandbar rested against Gallus, who hesitantly began.
"Okay...B-Butter...Buttercup...was raised on...a sm-small farm in the co-coun..." Gallus looked to Sandbar, who nodded in encouragement.
"Coun-try." he sounded out for him.
Gallus smiled and nuzzled Sandbar before going back to the book. "In the country of...Flo..Florin..."
After reading for a couple chapters, Gallus began reading more fluently, laughing along with Sandbar at the funny part they'd just come across.
"'No more rhymes now, I mean it.' Vizzini cried." Gallus read, giggling. "Fezzik resp-responded, un...unfazed. 'Anybody want a peanut?'. As Vizzini screamed in fru...frustration...the others continue their work..."
The train whistle suddenly blew, signifying they'd arrived. Gallus looked up and sighed. Sandbar placed the book back in his saddlebags after marking their page. He leaned up and kissed Gallus lightly on the cheek, smiling at him softly.
"It's okay honey. I'm here for you."
"Thanks Sandy." Gallus smiled and wrapped his wing tightly around the colt, who smiled and brushed against him.
The two creatures exited the train and looked up at the towering mountain.
"Oh wow...so we have to climb that?"
"Depends." Gallus looked over to him. "How tight do you think you can hold onto me?"
Sandbar beamed, realizing what Gallus was suggesting. "You're going to carry me?"
"Yep. Air might get a bit cold but you're prepared for that, right?"
"I figured any place on top of a mountain would be cold, especially in winter." Sandbar reached into his saddlebag and withdrew a green toned scarf, which he wrapped around his neck, then pulled out a yellow winter hat, placing it on his head. "Are you okay? I have an extra scarf."
"I'll be fine. It won't be nearly as cold in the air as in Griffonstone. Besides, we're only gonna be here a day and I used to survive whole winters there."
"Okay then..." Sandbar said slowly. "But tell me if you start feeling too cold."
"I will Sandy." Gallus promised as they made their way towards the path up the mountain. He crouched down, smiling at the pony. "Coming?"
Sandbar chuckled and climbed onto Gallus' back, locking his hooves around the griffon's neck, just tight enough to hold on and not so much he'd accidentally choke him. Gallus straightened up and opened his broad wings. Then, he lifted off. Sandbar let out a startled yelp and clung to Gallus, who laughed and began flying up the mountain.
"Oh wow..." Sandbar breathed, and Gallus looked over at him.
"You've flown before."
"I know, but the mountains look so cool from this angle!" Sandbar exclaimed, drawing a chuckle from his boyfriend.
"It is, isn't it?" Gallus then looked away. "But a cool mountain range doesn't do much to disguise the ruins of a once majestic kingdom."
Sandbar leaned forwards and nuzzled him affectionately. "I did read a book in the school library about how the griffons were once a proud nation."
"Mhm. United by the Idol of Boreas and led by King Grover."
"Like the Crown of Grover?"
"Yeah. Grover found the Idol and the Crown. The Idol united the griffons and the enchanted crown ensured he was the leader."
"How does that work?"
"Dunno. I guess it just kind of radiates leadership? The book on the artifacts we studied wasn't clear. At least, from what I could tell, it was full of a lot of confusing words. I guess someone would have to wear it to know for sure."
"Guess so." Sandbar nuzzled him again. "I'm sorry you had to grow up in the ruins of your kingdom, instead of the great place it used to be."
"It's okay Sandy. Can't wish for something you never knew, right?" Gallus asked, giving him a slight smile. Sandbar smiled back halfheartedly.
"Yeah, guess not..." Wracking his brain for a less depressing subject to discuss, Sandbar looked up.
"Is that it?"
Gallus followed his gaze, and his wingbeats slowed.
"Yep."
Griffonstone.
"It really is a tree." Sandbar said, making Gallus chuckle slightly as he descended, getting ready to land.
"Yeah. Our ancestors crafted the tree and managed to somehow enchant it to grow and thrive with the griffons...when we lost our pride, the tree lost its strength..."
Gallus landed, and Sandbar slid off his back, shivering. "You were r-right, it is cold up here."
"Told ya." Gallus said.
Though the remark was meant to be given with a bit of the griffon's usual snark, it came off as more depressed, as if Gallus had lost the will to care. Something about Griffonstone had robbed him of his normal personality. Sandbar pressed himself against Gallus, who placed a wing over him, then they walked through the gates, and Sandbar saw exactly what Gallus meant by 'total dump' when describing the kingdom to him.
The tree was definitely dying, if not already dead. Branches were bare save for precariously balanced houses, some were even in danger of coming off. The houses on the streets below the tree fared no better, lopsided and covered in dust, a few collapsed in on themselves. Gallus, unfazed, stared straight ahead as they walked through the street. Sandbar, however, looked all around, seeing griffons gambling, slinking through alleyways, and selling things at stalls.
"It doesn't look like you have a lot of produce..." Sandbar attempted to slip out from under Gallus' wing to get a closer look, but he pulled him back.
"Sandy, I wouldn't look over there."
"Why not?"
"There's a lot of...items that aren't exactly pony-friendly..."
"What do you mean?" Sandbar looked up at Gallus, who sighed.
"Meat, Sandbar, I mean meat."
Sandbar gulped and shied away from the apparent marketplace, hiding his face in Gallus' fur.
"Sorry Sandy..."
"I-It's okay Gal...I'm okay with hearing the word, I just don't wanna see it..."
"Okay then."
Gallus leaned down and buried his beak in Sandbar's mane momentarily. It smelled like his shampoo, green apple. He only did this for a moment, forcing himself away and looking around to see if anygriff saw. Luckily, no one could care less about a random orphan and his coltfriend.
"Come on Sand, Gabby's house is the closest." Gallus said, keeping a wing securely over Sandbar as they walked.
They soon reached a modest two-story house. It was reasonably well built and seemed sturdy. Gallus raised a claw and knocked. The door opened and Gabby stood before them. Her eyes went wide and she shot forwards to hug them both.
"You'rehereyou'rehereyou'rehere!" Gabby exclaimed excitedly, then called back into the house. "Gildie, come see! They're here!"
"Alright, I'll humor you, who're you strangling this time?" Gilda appeared at the doorway. She was wearing a blanket like a shawl and her voice seemed slightly more raspier than usual. "Oh, hey Gallus."
Gabby released Gallus and Sandbar at last and instead turned to all but shove Gilda back inside. "Gildie, get back to the fire, you'll catch cold!"
"You were the one who called me over here." Gilda deadpanned, but obeyed anyway.
"Gabby, what's Gilda doing at your place?" Gallus asked as Gabby beckoned them in.
"Oh, well-"
"Gruff kicked me out and Gabs took me in." Gilda explained. She was lying on a couch now, the blanket wrapped around her and a fire in a fireplace nearby.
"Gildie caught a bit of a chill so I've been looking after her." Gabby added, going over to Gilda and pecking her on the cheek. Gilda swatted her away, though she didn't seem that invested in doing so. "It's a bit hard since Griffonstone's lacking so many medicines and proper stuff like Ponyville but she's getting better."
Gallus and Sandbar glanced at each other, each clearly thinking the same thing. This was definitely going to go easier then they'd expected, judging by Gabby and Gilda's actions. They looked back to Gabby and Gilda.
"You know, I've got to give you credit Gallus." Gilda remarked, coughing slightly. "I don't know how you managed to survive on the streets for so long, I barely lasted a few weeks before Gabs 'rescued' me. You're tougher than you look."
"Thanks..." Gallus rubbed the back of his neck with a claw. "Listen, we've got tickets for the next train, we only came for a quick visit."
"Aw, but the next train leaves in an hour, that's too soon!" Gabby protested, sitting down beside Gilda.
"Sorry Gabby, we didn't plan to stay long." Gallus apologized "We actually just came here to tell you something."
"Ooh, what is it?!" Gabby asked eagerly, and Gilda sat up, laying a claw on her shoulder to calm her.
"Well..."
Gallus looked to Sandbar, who nodded. He then wrapped a wing over Sandbar and leaned over to nuzzle him, releasing the longing he'd had to cuddle with the pony. Gallus nipped Sandbar gently behind the ear and the colt giggled. Gallus then remembered they had an audience and looked back up at the two female griffons, blushing.
"So...you're gay." Gilda guessed.
"Heh, yeah..." Gallus blushed. "Sandy-er, Sandbar-is my coltfriend."
"Aww, Gallus, that's adorable, we're so proud of you!" Gabby exclaimed "Right Gildie?"
"Yep. Nice going kid." Gilda agreed.
"Yeah...honestly I was kind of nervous until I saw you two...um..." Gallus trailed off.
"Gallus, believe me, if I wasn't still in danger of getting Gabs sick I'd prove it right now." Gilda wrapped a wing around Gabby, who squealed softly and pulled Gilda into a hug.
After talking with Gilda and Gabby a little more, the griffon and colt decided to leave the couple to their own devices. Gallus said he had something to show Sandbar anyway.
"Where are you taking me Gal?" Sandbar asked
"Well, remember how you mentioned you wanted to see where I used to live?" Gallus stopped outside a house. Sandbar gaped at it.
It was certainly not in the best shape. It's second story had caved in and the whole thing was rather small. Sandbar put a hoof to his mouth and looked at Gallus.
"G-Gally...you really lived there?"
"I had no choice..." Gallus murmured, looking away, though Sandbar thought he could see pinpricks of tears in his eyes. "It was better than the streets, and at least sheltered...though I still had to stay in the streets sometimes..."
"Your claustrophobia..."
Gallus nodded, tightening the grip he had around Sandbar with his wing. "Sometimes it got too bad, so I had to stay outside for the night...it didn't come from living this house, though. I keep having nightmares about it coming from a different thing..."
"Oh Gally..." Sandbar kissed his cheek gently, then hugged him. "I had no idea baby...no wonder you kept trying to find ways to keep us from coming here. I'm so sorry honey."
"It's okay Sandy. You couldn't have known, I never said anything." Gallus replied, wiping away tears now. "L-Let's just go home now. Please?"
"Of course we can." Sandbar leaned in and nuzzled him, then they set off, Gallus with a wing around Sandbar, backs to the rundown house as they left the griffon's past behind.