It is a large crowd that is assembled in front of the Castle, even larger than at the celebration in honor of Princess Luna’s return. Not only are there ponies from this city, but ponies from the surrounding settlements, other major equestrian cities, and much to everyponies surprise, around an eighth of the crowd are also griffons.
No pony has an idea why they should travel all the way to Canterlot from their homeland for something that shouldn’t concern them, but unbeknown to most, it concerns them in more ways than they would ever be able to guess.
The sun is shining brightly down upon her when Princess Celestia steps on a stage, built directly in front of the castle’s gate. The balcony normally used for announcements is simply too small for today’s events.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome all of you, fillies, gentlecolts, honorable griffons, and every other creature that was able to come here this very special day. I asked all of you to come here today because in the last few months since the defeat of Discord, two very important things happened and all of you deserve to know the truth.
So instead of making two separate announcements, my sister and I decided that it would be more fitting if we do this in one big event. After all, what my sister and I want to tell you is of unprecedented magnitude.”
Prince Celestia pauses for several long moments, allowing everyone present to come to grips with the easy part before she decides to continue. “When Discord escaped from his prison, he did many terrible things but all of them were nothing compared to what he did shortly before he had been defeated once more. He opened the gates of Tartarus, setting many of the imprisoned monstrosities free.”
It is here where the entire crowd gasps in shock, some talking among themselves, giving two armor-glad griffons time to step upon the stage. One of them standing on each side of Princess Celestia.
Princess Luna on the other hoof has already stepped back, knowing that this is the time for her sister and her old friends to shine, while her part would come shortly after her sister is done.
“These brave Griffons here are Lieutenant Heinrich Grimmfeather and his daughter Sergeant Gilda Grimfeather.” She explains, looking at the respective griffons when saying their names before she continues with her story. “Those two lead a powerful group to track down and successfully defeat Lord Tirek, making sure that this vile creature will never threaten any magical creature again.”
Here, Princess Celestia is forced to take a break, as the entire crowd breaks out into cheers, making her wait for a few minutes before she is able to continue once more. “In honor of your victory and all those that perished in the battle, I had something special prepared.”
She stops, her horn lights up and ripes an illusion apart, that had been placed upon an unoccupied area of the large area, making it seem like a construction site. But where once stood an assembly of random tools and building materials, now stands a marble statue.
That statue is one of a proud Griffon standing on a pedestal, having his sword raised high into the air and he seems ready to charge whatever is threatening him at a moment's notice. This however isn’t all that is so important about the statue. No, on the pedestal of the statue is an engraving of the names of every one of the brave warriors that sadly didn’t survive the battle.
The moment everyone is focused on the statue is used as another well-planned distraction, allowing Sergeant Grimmfeather to step back into the shadows again, turning all the focus on Princess Celestia for the final part of the first announcement.
Lieutenant Grimmfeather now stands in front of Princess Celestia before he falls into a bow and Princes Celestia places a till now hidden sword first on his right and then on his left shoulder before packing it away. “Rise now, Sir Grimmfeather, Duke of Ponyville.”
He does as command and Princess Celestia is pleased by the reaction of her subjects, except most of the nobles of course, since all of them are showing a look of absolute horror. Concerned just how much of the power they wield just has changed, some of them already scheming to get into the new nobles favor. But to the misfortune of most, they have no clue just how experienced the new player in the political game truly is. After all, holding a position of power in the Griffon Kingdom was never easy and he succeeded in that task for a long time now.
“Now, I would like for my sister to take my place, since she has quite some important news for you as well.” Princess Celestia ends, switching places with her sister and begins to talk with Lord Grimmfeather about his plans for the future, but still observing her sister.
I was observing Princess Celestia, impressed by the show she was putting on for everyone, Griffon and Pony alike. However, as she continues my nervousness rises to impossible highs, and I dread what I will have to do once she is done.
I knew that this had to happen someday, but I had hoped that this day would be far in the future, sadly, this hope proved to be futile. At least the attention of all those assembled in front of the stage wouldn’t be focused only on me.
I am fidgeting uncomfortably in the plain white dress that I am in, not really comfortable with the kind of attire I am wearing. Truly, I would be much happier if I was allowed to wear my Night Guard Armor and my small crown instead of the helmet, but more than one pony protested vehemently against it, leaving me no other option as to comply with their request.
I turn my head, looking with envy at the young Griffon next to me. Still unable to understand why he is allowed to wear an armor decorated with golden engravings. By now I just want to get done with it, hopefully being allowed to change my attire in the short time between what will happen now and the small reception that will be held in the Castle’s gardens.
Not feeling any better at all, I turn my attention back to Princess Luna, waiting for her to end and the proper time to start moving. Once I set my first hoof on the stage, the only description fitting me is nervous wreck. Still, I have to ignore all this for now, and only focus on the act I have to play to finally get this done.
“What I have the honor to tell you may not be as dramatic as what my sister already announced, but it is something of equal, if not far more importance.” Princess Luna explains to the crowd before she gestures for something from behind the stage, which results in a young male Griffon and a slightly younger filly entering the stage.
She waits until the two of them stand in front of her, and after composing herself, raises her voice again. “My friends, this is Prince Georg son of King Gustav and Queen Gertrude from the Griffon Kingdom.” She tells everyone before turning her attention to the filly. “And this one here is Princess Silent Wing, daughter to Flitter and Lieutenant Mango.” She ends the introduction, in the case of the filly only naming the lead ponies of the herd that adopted her.
“And I have the pleasure to inform you all of their engagement.” The same moment the last word left Princess Luna's muzzle, the unusual pair shares a quick kiss, but it doesn’t stop there.
The filly let’s one of her hoof’s slide into a hidden compartment of her dress and brings out a silver Pendant. When he sees this Prince Georg goes into a slight bow, making it easier for her to place the pendant around his neck.
Directly after she is done, it’s Prince Georg’s turn to produce something that had been hidden away from public view. Smiling, the young pegasus raises her left foreleg and allows the griffon to place a silver ring on it.
Just as young Wingy lowers her foreleg, the entire crowd breaks out into cheers loud enough to be heard for miles when they realize just how serious the two are about this. Both of them turn back to face the crowd and bask in their attention, before they fall into another bow and leave the stage, quickly followed by Princess Luna.
“That was an incredibly good performance from all of you.” Princess Celestia praises everyone on their way back into the castle. “Even if there was a minor mistake at the end.”
“What do you mean Celestia?” I ask the white alicorn, curious what exactly went wrong.
“Usually, the couple kisses after the trinkets have been exchanged.” She replies with a giggle, sounding definitely more amused than upset. “Now, how about all of us freshen up for the reception a bit and meet there in around 20 minutes?”
“Do we have to go? I ask once more, not really being keen on the idea of receiving even more attention than I already got today.
“Yes, you have to go.” She replies sternly. “But if one or two foals get lost in the hedge maze after an hour or two, I will personally join the search party.” She finishes her statement with a smile, making clear that she is as excited about it as I am, and offering a reasonable compromise, that also serves her as an excuse to escape the event early.