Twilight appeared in front of the diner with a puff of magic. The royal guard had previously swept the area, but she trusted her magical scans a bit more, of which she had done many. True, there were regular customers, but the concealment spell would surround their table quite nicely.
The mare had to stop herself from smirking. It was a spell the mare was proud of. A typical external layer showed an illusion of the occupants, and then an inner layer that was adapted to portray the moving disguises of the occupants of the bubble, constantly adjusting to match the external spell. It also completely obfuscated their words, translating conversation into a fluid back-and-forth of small talk. It was the perfect spell for those who wanted to meet in public and interact with other creatures without risking being seen or heard.
She sat in the agreed-upon seat, thanking the unicorn waitress as they set out some water.
Spell holding steady. And now I can focus on the actual meeting.
Date.
Thing.
Events hadn’t calmed down after Astral and Sassi had escaped those many months ago. Well, they technically had, once the perimeter had been established and the site was slated for decontamination, each part being burned to glass bit by bit. That was a journey that would take years, if not longer. But the overall issue still loomed, which weighed heavily on the mare’s mind. It was a constant back and forth to manage the fear and preparations, and try to find whatever it was. It was maddening and was wearing down Twilight’s nerves something fierce.
Today’s meeting was double-duty. She needed to talk with Tanzil about international relations, but she also wanted to get to know her friend in a more personal way. They didn’t have that much time, unfortunately. Not even half an hour with their busy schedules.
But she did like him, after all. Yet it all was swirling around in her head like a never-ending-
“Is this a bad time?”
The mare nearly jumped out of her seat as a blueish-white, ethereal figure materialized beside her. Twilight blew out an exasperated breath as Harmony winced.
“I take that as a yes?”
Twilight leaned her head on the table with a soft *thunk* and a groan, the magical mare next to her looking rather befuddled.
“A bit of a bad time, yes. I’ve appreciated our weekly check-ins, but this isn’t the best moment. Tanzil should be here shortly.”
Harmony blinked at that.
“Ah. Apologies. I just wanted to see if we could reschedule our lunch tomorrow, for the next day?”
To Harmony’s credit, she was trying. In a way, the Guardian of Equestria reminded Twilight of her own social manners ages ago. Whatever Harmony was, they just took a lot longer to learn such mannerisms.
Considering Harmony had started out as a tree, Twilight was willing to cut the mare some slack in terms of adapting to social norms.
“That’s fine. I appreciate the heads-up. I assume this was a good time for you due to the concealment spell?”
The mare nodded, visibly jerking in surprise as another figure slid into the seat across from them.
“Twilight. Guardian,” the gryphon rumbled. A flash of magic crackled away, and Tanzil’s concealment spell vanished, leaving only Twilight’s.
That was the least of the mare’s concerns, however.
“Wait. You know her?!” Twilight exclaimed, gesturing to Harmony, who looked a bit uncomfortable.
“I do,” the dark-blue gryphon replied smoothly. There was a weight to his tone as if it wasn’t a subject he was comfortable discussing. “She has checked in a few times during my rule to ensure my actions weren’t threatening Equestria. It was an informative, nice wake-up call.”
“I’ll…leave you to it,” Harmony stammered, vanishing abruptly. Tanzil’s amber eyes were still narrowed at where the mare had been, the gryphon shaking his head slightly.
That was odd; a question for their lunch, perhaps?
“I think things are a bit awkward between Equestria’s Guardian and myself,” Tanzil admitted, smiling tiredly. “It’s good to see you, Princess.” There was an immediate warmth in the gryphon’s eyes, one that made an odd flutter rise in Twilight’s chest.
“It’s good to see you too, Emperor. I’m sorry we haven’t been able to meet face-to-face recently.”
“Well, we’ve both been a bit busy with our nations. I haven’t taken any offense. I assume this meeting is a more formal one?”
“At first. But if I just was interested in building international ties, a conference room in Canterlot would have sufficed.”
The Emperor smiled, relaxing slightly in the plush chair.
“I’m glad to hear it. I suppose I can go first?” he suggested. “I know you’re not one for small talk. One of the many reasons I enjoy your company.” Tanzil couldn’t help but cheer internally, the slightest of blushes rising to Twilight’s cheeks as she nodded.
“Well, in terms of diplomatic matters, there’s not much to report other than some unrest on my end,” he admitted, claws starting to drum on the table. “Interestingly, it has nothing to do with the situation concerning the disease carrier or another coup. Those are rather normal threats, as far as gryphons are concerned. Change in leadership? Some sort of hostile creature? The population is rather at ease. However, a normal threat can be amplified by other factors. In this case, having Equestria ruled by multiple ageless ponies. In their minds, it makes them question how secure the situation is. It makes the majority of the population nervous now and again.”
“Really? I’m surprised that sentiment persists,” Twilight mused, Tanzil sighing.
“Oh, it’s ever-present. It just tends to increase when external threats arise. It usually can unite the population, but that’s often at odds with doubt and unease,” the Emperor explained. “For example, while the Crystal Empire is fairly removed, they’re still lumped in with Equestria. So, having your brother and Princess Cadence still ruling, even as general figureheads, makes it seem like all of Equestria is ruled by ageless individuals in my people’s eyes. Celestia and Luna’s involvement in helping sterilize the Silo area has further illuminated that.” He raised a claw, then wincing. “I really don’t mean to say this asking for change. I’m simply trying to indicate how there are tensions I really can’t do much about, and that’s a bit frustrating. I don’t see an issue with it, but I can understand it.”
“I mean, it’s a logical fear,” Twilight admitted. “Myself, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Shining…all the rulers are technically ageless. I can empathize with how that may unsettle creatures. Interestingly, the reverse can be true of ponies. They see gryphons as rather gruff and uncivil and lacking in harmony,” the mare couldn’t help but giggle. “Yet such a description can also apply to ponies, more often than not. Thankfully, here we are, our nations closer than ever before.”
Another smile, Tanzil taking a moment to place his order, Twilight doing the same. She had a hayburger, of course, and Tanzil went with a large fish-and-chips dish.
“I admit, Princess, I’m unsure how assuage my subject’s concerns. They feel vulnerable, as we’ve gone through hundreds of rulers over the time Equestria has had two. They worry the Empire will fragment, and yet I must continually provide that stability.”
Twilight quickly learned two things.
One: Tanzil’s use of a word or two that qualified as even slightly “advanced vocabulary” made her cheeks blush far, far more than the mare was comfortable admitting.
Two: he was being rather brutally honest, which deserved a reply in kind.
“If I may offer some advice?”
“One of the reasons I’m here,” he said with a chuckle.
“Apply the same things you just said to me to your subjects. You were extremely honest about your concerns. By and large, the public will respond to a confident leader even if they have concerns. It’s a fine line, but you can build confidence by being open with challenges and rallying them together to meet them, as opposed to deflecting.”
Tension bled from Tanzil’s shoulders, the gryphon’s brow furrowing. He nodded, claws freezing on the table for a few moments.
“Wise words indeed,” he mused. “I suppose I need a reminder of that, amidst the song and dance of politics. Thank you, Princess.”
“Anytime. I don’t really have any other diplomatic business other than checking in, not to have things be lopsided. Astral and Sassi are acclimating as best they can, but we don’t want to put them under specific surveillance. But the RASP armor projects are progressing, as you know. Your scientists have been very helpful.” Twilight then let out a rather frustrated groan. “Unfortunately, in terms of the biggest issue, we’re still searching for that creature.”
“Likewise. Still nothing on our end.”
“I did have one question for you.”
The Emperor’s fluffy ears perked up at that, warm eyes looking over to the mare.
“Oh?”
“It’s about during the rescue with Sassi and Astral,” Twilight explained, clopping her hooves together nervously. It was an odd question, after all. “Why and how did you give the rifle to Astral so quickly? I admit, I froze. Embarrassing, but I did.”
An odd look came over Tanzil, the gryphon’s gaze cooling. There was an abrupt edge in his amber eyes, the ruler taking a moment to pause.
“Gryphons, myself included, are far more accustomed to violence and injuries than you are, Princess. That’s why I wasn’t fazed. For better or worse, I might add. Our history is one of selfishness and conflict. That produces a bit of desensitization. As to why I did it? That’s a fairly simple answer.” His voice then softened, and there was an odd turmoil in Tanzil’s eyes despite his demeanor remaining passive.
“Astral would have killed any of us that stood in his way if it came down to it. He was willing to do anything to save the mare he loved. I wasn’t about to stand in the way of that.”
Twilight’s brow furrowed as their food arrived, a nice segue as the two thanked the waitress. Tanzil then chuckled, tossing a hot chip into his mouth. Even if it was a slightly stilted conversation, it was with a friend. That made it all somehow a bit easier. At least the Princess had relaxed slightly as they spoke.
“A bit of a heavy question, but that’s the most honest answer I can give.”
“Well, I appreciate it. Celestia and Luna have far more experience with the brutal realities of war than I do. I’m still learning,” the mare admitted.
“Join the club. It never ends,” Tanzil chuckled, drawing a smile from Twilight.
He really did like that smile. Not too confident, but that of a pony learning and trying to do better. It was genuine, something lacking in politics and much of the world. Her professional, confident demeanor had started to flake away, something the gryphon had amusingly seen multiple times when speaking with Twilight.
The Princess was very savvy and professional. The normal pony underneath that necessary, ruling mask was, in his opinion, far more genuine and interesting.
“I did have another question if we’re being honest,” Twilight said, her ears flattening nervously. “Or rather, an observation. When we were attacked by those Skitters, you were far faster than you should be.” A fire ignited behind Twilight’s violet gaze as she looked up at him, caution and curiosity battling in their depths. “If not for my time dilation spells, you’d have been as fast as me, an alicorn. That’s not normal. Not even our most advanced mages can do that with such precision.”
A lead weight settled into Tanzil’s chest. He had played his cards close for so long. Eventually, cracks would form.
“No, it’s not normal at all,” he said calmly. “I know there have been rumors surrounding me and my abilities.”
The mare nodded, keen eyes locked onto the gryphon. “Quite a few rumors. Like the fact you’re supposed to be in your late fifties, but don’t look a day past your thirties? I’ve seen the videos of dueling challengers to your rule years ago. It wasn’t even a contest. It might have fooled almost everyone else, but I know when a creature is holding back. You could have ended each fight seconds after it began, yet you dragged it out to please the crowds.”
He nodded, not able to meet the mare’s eyes.
“I certainly won’t try to refute any of that.” Tanzil finally managed to look up at the Princess. He wanted to tell her. So much…
But not yet.
“Princess, I can promise that such things will be clarified in the future. I can’t say any more, and I’d prefer, respectfully, that you don’t ask any more about it,” Tanzil said as kindly as he could. “But you aren’t wrong in what you observed, and I promise it poses no threat to you or your nation.”
She blew out a frustrated breath at that.
“I suppose that’ll have to do then. We all have some secrets.”
I can’t leave things like that.
“While I can’t explain some things fully, Princess. I can, perhaps, be a bit more honest right now.”
With a wave of his claws, Tanzil removed the cosmetic touch-up spell around his figure. The bags under his eyes would likely now be visible, and the streaks of silver and white feathers on his dark-blue chest weren’t the most well-arranged. That was, of course, the consequence of coming straight from a previous meeting that ran far too long.
Twilight looked at him, smiling as her horn glowed. Abruptly, the mare across from Tanzil became so much more real. He wasn’t the only one with bags under his eyes, and a few faint blemishes from stress dotted Twilight’s upper cheeks.
He couldn’t help but smile, a warmth glowing in the gryphon’s breast. It just made her all the more attractive, real. Flaws and all.
Perhaps that’s why I like her original form more.
“Well. I appreciate the honesty, and can return it in kind,” Twilight said with a nod. “I guess we both could use some more sleep?”
“And food. Which, speaking off…” Tanzil took a few bites of the fried fish happily. Sure, professionally-made dishes were technically superior in every way. And yet, the imperfections made foods like this even better. It wasn’t the healthiest thing, but it tasted so good.
Twilight’s blissful bites of the hayburger nearly had Tanzil laughing. Apparently, the mare also had a sweet spot for the greasy food.
“A pity the chefs in the castles don’t appreciate these sorts of things,” he managed to say with a chuckle, Twilight blushing. There was quite a bit of sauce on her face, which was rather adorable.
“Sorry.”
“For enjoying food? No apologies needed for that.”
The two ate silently for a bit, Twilight then being the next to speak as she snacked on the fries.
“Where do we go from here, Tanzil?” she asked, her shoulders slumping. It wasn’t often that the leader of a nation appeared vulnerable. And this was different. This wasn’t the Princess opening up. This was Twilight.
“In general?” he asked, not wanting to misunderstand anything.
“In general, and with us. I don’t-I’ve learned that I’ve not been the best Princess of Friendship. As you may have heard about the changes I’ve enacted,” Twilight admitted, averting her eyes. “But that includes not going out and making friends.” She held up a hoof as he opened his mouth to speak, looking up at the gryphon.
It made Tanzil pause, seeing a flicker of genuine fear and nervousness in Twilight’s gaze.
“I don’t want to mess this up, Tanzil,” she whispered. “I mean that in terms of being friends and seeing if there’s something more. But I want to see where it goes.”
He picked up his water glass, holding it over to her.
“Then how about we toast to that?” Tanzil suggested with a kind smile. “To see where it goes?”
She clinked her glass against his, a nervous smile replacing the pensive one.
“You know,” he mused, “you’re not the only one worried about messing this up. Not even close. I’d say we’re neck and neck if we’re having a competition.”
“Really?”
Staring at her, Tanzil could only nod with a rather deadpan expression.
“Just because I appear calm and collected doesn’t mean I’m not internally screaming.”
*Snrk*
Twilight tried to stifle a laugh, then utterly failed as she held her sides. Tears eventually trickled down her cheeks, the mare settling into giggles as Tanzil chuckled along with her.
“I should frame that and put it in my bedroom,” she sighed. “Thank you, Tanzil.”
“Any time. But I’m serious. I don’t want to mess this up either,” he said. “This isn’t a normal way to explore a relationship by any measurement, especially with us being leaders of nations. But I’d still very much like to see where things go.” He felt a bit of heat rising to his face, feathers fluffing slightly. “You’re a very attractive mare in many ways, Twilight, and I care about you. So, safe to say, messing things up is one of my primary worries.”
It was only a split second, but Tanzil saw something else in Twilight’s eyes. It made his heart immediately ache because he knew the feeling. It was the look of someone who was struggling to accept a compliment, but it seemed to reach far deeper than that.
But then it was gone, a bit of a mask being put into place. But it seemed to be out of reflex to avoid any awkwardness than anything.
“I…” Twilight began, shaking her head as if trying to focus. “Thank you, Tanzil. Really. I just-I think too much. So, I’m honestly not sure where to go.” She looked up at him, and the brief flash of vulnerability returned.
“I like you too, for quite a few reasons. But I have no idea what to do about it.”
“I mean, saying yes to a more formal, official first date would be a start?” he suggested.
His response shattered any nerves, the mare giggling softly.
“Ok, well, my answer is absolutely yes. But I wasn’t even sure if you’d want that,” Twilight gestured to herself. “Different form and all that. I know you briefly mentioned it, but I wasn’t sure if you were just being polite. I’m curious about your thoughts.”
“Do you want my honest opinion that may or may not make you blush? I promise it’s nothing crass.”
The analytical mare was intrigued, nodding to the gryphon. Tanzil had put in quite a bit of thought about the matter.
I mean, how could I ignore it?
“I prefer you like this,” he admitted, voice soft. Even so, it held a bit of nervousness. “You seem much more expressive and genuine. Before, you were…I don’t know how to say this. Removed? More royal? Professional? No, that doesn’t really cover it,” he admitted with a frown. “You were still you, but your mannerisms seemed more split. You came off as trying to be more like Celestia than Twilight, if that makes sense.”
“Oh?” Twilight leaned forward, clearly interested.
“Always calm, collected, and not as expressive as most creatures would be. Understandable if you’re a ruler. You can’t fly off the handle in public. At least you shouldn’t,” Tanzil continued. “And while you still have that professional mask, it’s not as big of a divide anymore. You seem much more like a pony now. A fellow creature with aches, pains, dreams, and worries. Then there’s Princess Twilight, an impassive ruler of Equestria. Celestia’s perfect pupil.” He couldn’t help but smile, claws fiddling with each other. “Personally, I like the former quite a bit. And besides, now we’re almost at the same height. Neither of us will get a neck cramp looking at the other.”
Twilight stared at him, her cheeks rapidly reddening as she stifled a giggle at Tanzil’s last words. At least he had been on the money for some of it.
“That’s really sweet, Tanzil. I wasn’t expecting that,” she admitted. “I think some of that has to do with me realizing how I’ve messed up things. But I’ve been worried about what you would think, if I’m being honest.”
“I’m flattered, but you needn’t have worried. I find your new look very…” his words trailed off, the first word coming to mind not exactly being a soliloquy. “Erm, approachable.”
“That is not what you were going to say,” Twilight said with a rather pink face. “But you get points for recovery. So? What was it?”
“It’s not exactly a mature term in terms of descriptiveness. You’re really going to pry it out of me?”
She levitated a fried bit of potato like a sword, waggling it in front of the gryphon.
“Don’t tempt me.”
He groaned, knowing his face was already starting to puff.
“Very well. But you asked. I find your new, or rather, original look very cute. It’s an adorable balance to your rather intimidating intellect.”
Tanzil had thought Twilight had already been blushing. He was proven quite wrong by the bright pink color on the mare’s cheeks, and he couldn’t help but grin.
“You asked!”
“I…did,” Twilight admitted, unable to meet Tanzil’s gaze. The increasingly attractive, genuine demeanor returned, the mare smiling shyly as she glanced up at him. “Thank you, Tanzil,” she whispered. Her voice was far softer, and it was rather endearing. Knowing they both were in uncharted waters was a pleasant comfort.
But apparently, Twilight was utterly not used to these sorts of compliments. Tanzil made a mental note to change that. The mare had significantly relaxed, and a definite shyness poked through. It was a relatively new emotion to be seeing in the usually-confident princess. But it certainly wasn’t a bad thing.
The gryphon couldn’t conceal a huff of annoyance as a soft chime emanated from the crystal bracelet on his left wrist, a similar tone echoing from the concealment spell.
“That wasn’t long at all,” he muttered with a frown. “I suppose mixing business with personal matters isn’t the best idea, and we cut this one a bit close. Maybe we can keep them separate, so we have longer?” The Emperor then paused, a few nerves itching at his heart. “If you’d like for there to be, perhaps, an official first date? Or second? One and a half?”
His words made Twilight giggle.
“I’d say this is a solid one-third date. So, the next can round it off?” she suggested, Tanzil chuckling.
“I like that plan indeed. Would later in this week be too presumptuous?”
“Day after tomorrow? Same time?”
Her eager reply settled the nerves, Tanzil unable to keep a smile off his face.
“That sounds good to me. I have an idea for the date, too.”
“Oh?”
He chuckled, conjuring up an image of a scroll.
“Try to find some of the worst poetry ever written. I’ll bring my best competitors, and we can decide what poem is truly the worst.”
A familiar *snrk* reached his ears, the mare already in thought.
“Ohhh I like that idea. I have a few in mind already,” Twilight said. “Can’t ever say I’ve done a poetry competition before!”
“I can certainly come up with a few more literary-focused ideas.”
The Princess’s ears drooped slightly, hooves clopping together a bit nervously.
“You don’t have to do that on my account,” she whispered. “I know I’m a bit over the top with my love of books. But if you have other ideas, don’t put them aside on my account. I do appreciate it, though...” Her words trailed off as she saw Tanzil looking at her curiously.
“Twilight, what makes you think you have a corner on the market of bookworms?” the gryphon said with a smirk. “I grew up reading Daring Do, and I cleaned out the library’s “adventure” section within a year as a cub. The Arcane Theory section took me a few more years, but it fell prey to my talons all the same.”
The mare stared at him in shock, Tanzil stifling a cackle.
“In fact, I can get through a few dozen books a year if I put my mind to it. Did you really think our book battle years ago was just for diplomatic amusement? I was dead serious about winning!”
The return of the pink blush was in full force, and the gryphon filed that away for future amusement. In fact, he was fairly certain a soft squeak was uttered.
“So, how about a question to start off our next date?”
“S-sure!”
The mare blushed even further as her voice squeaked, and it took all of Tanzil’s self-control to not chuckle. It seemed Twilight was incredibly composed in familiar situations, but the moment she was thrown off balance with personal topics, she struggled to try and regulate her response.
It was adorable in the best way possible.
“What would an ideal evening look like for you? If you had six hours of completely free time. No limits.” He then held up a claw with a wink. “And no essays.”
The pout she fired his way was legendary, and Tanzil couldn’t help but laugh.
“I suppose I wrote my own essay, though, considering how much I talked,” he admitted, Twilight giggling softly.
“I didn’t mind at all, Tanzil. I promise to return the favor on our first official date…again,” the mare said with a genuine smile. “This all is just- it’s not what I expected.”
“It is a bit unorthodox. But I suppose that’s fitting for our situation?”
That earned an agreeing nod, the two paying the bill and walking out underneath the concealment spell. The diner had a small outdoor section underneath a canvas roof. At least for now, it was empty, granting the two some general privacy in addition to the spell.
“Tanzil, even if this was all a bit…” the mare gestured in the air with a hoof. “Odd in terms of starting things off, I really did enjoy it. Just spending time with you…” her voice drifted off, a bit of a shy smile now on Twilight’s face as she glanced up at him. “It’s a nice break from everything.”
“I’m-” words abruptly failed the gryphon, Tanzil finding a lump in his throat. “I enjoy it as well. It’s also nice to know neither of us are facing this threat alone.”
Twilight was a smart mare, and Tanzil could see her reading between the lines easily enough. The gryphon’s defenses were always down around her; he couldn’t help it.
Perhaps not having many trusted friends has made me soft in that respect. He thought.
Any further musing was cut short as Twilight walked over and promptly wrapped Tanzil up in a tight hug, surprising the gryphon.
“If nothing else but a friend, Tanzil, if you need a listening ear, I’m always here,” Twilight said softly. “Ruling is so isolating. I get it. I fell into that trap,” her hug tightened ever so slightly, “I’m still pulling myself out of it.”
After a moment of hesitation, he returned the embrace, the Emperor finding his thoughts melting away.
When was the last time I had a hug?
“Thank you, Twilight,” he whispered, finding himself not wanting to let go. Was he truly so isolated that this could make him melt?
Evidently, yes.
Another bonus of Twilight’s new look? It made her very huggable. With the mare being a bit taller than usual mares, and Tanzil not being one of the bigger gryphons, it made for the perfect hugging height. She was surprisingly strong, making the mare’s embrace all the more appealing. It didn’t feel like Tanzil would accidentally squeeze too hard. If anything, the Alicorn matched or, more likely, far exceeded his own physical strength.
“Y’know, gryphons really need to adopt hugging more,” Twilight said with a soft giggle. “You guys have all of these fluffy feathers. Everyone is missing out.”
“Agre-ed.”
Tanzil hadn’t meant for his voice to crack partially, yet embarrassingly, it did. He pulled away from Twilight with a shake of his head, concern glimmering in the mare’s eyes. She let go, but one of her hooves drifted down against his right arm as if reluctant to release him.
It took all of his willpower to step back, but if he hadn’t, Tanzil knew that tears would have started to flow from his eyes. He wouldn’t have minded staying in this lovely mare’s embrace for far longer than appropriate on barely a first date.
I have to go.
If I linger, I’ll crack. I can’t. Not here.
Sitting in front of him, Twilight didn’t raise any questions, only nodded once. Her caring gaze was still brimming with concern, but she didn’t pry.
“Time to go?” the mare asked. It was the first time she had seen the gryphon ruler visibly and audibly deviate from his usually confident demeanor.
“For now,” he admitted, finally trusting his voice. “I believe there’s a lovely park down the street; same time the day after tomorrow?”
“I’ll be there. And I’ll bring the worst poems I can find!” Twilight said with a cheerful smile, yet there was still an air of concern in her demeanor.
“I’ve got quite the arsenal. Gryphons are not known for their poetry,” he chuckled, nodding to the mare as he spun up a spell around his left claw.
“I had fun, Tanzil. See you soon,” Twilight added, nodding to the Emperor.
“Likewise, take care, Twilight.”
He reappeared in the castle, the gryphon abruptly slumping. His cozy quarters automatically lit up, the blue-flamed magical candles flickering on.
“Very nice,” Tanzil hissed, walking over to a large wooden desk and leaning on it as his claws scored the wood. “Quite the composed Emperor until you get a hug? What is wrong with me?”
A fresh stack of papers lay to his right, magically-delivered reports that needed his attention. He took a few deep breaths. Unfortunately, that did nothing to clear his head. The fact that things went well was soured by his unsettled lapse in decorum at the end.
Was he overthinking it?
His mood had flipped disturbingly fast, one of the many red flags to the gryphon that he was reaching his limit of emotional stamina. Perhaps he had pushed things too much. Tanzil looked at the top paper, anything to distract the growing anxiety in his mind. Unfortunately, the first two reports did anything but.
Discrepancies with castle guard patrols and troop transfers? But the audit reveals nothing? What is going on?
The next paper was from Ridlar, one of the lead Counsel Gryphons responsible for helping Tanzil dissipate the potential coup attempt.
Tax reductions for individuals involved in high-asset transfers and increased for those not involved…
He set the paper aside with a growl, a headache immediately forming in his temples.
“What are they thinking?!” Tanzil growled, shunning the desk to lay on a rather plush beanbag. “They try to obscure tax breaks for the wealthy and increases for the poor with fancy language?”
Talking out loud had always helped Tanzil think. More often than not, his voice was the only one that persisted through the decades when others guttered out.
As he massaged his temples, the gryphon took a shaky breath. The room seemed to close in on him, the once-composed emperor forcing back a few tears. How he had forged ahead this long without everything crashing down, the gryphon still wasn’t sure.
The façade of a completely confident and held-together emperor had been cracking for years. It couldn’t crumble now. It mustn’t. And yet…
“I can’t do this alone,” Tanzil whispered. “The rumblings of a coup attempt were resolved; I haven’t heard anything since then! But I don’t feel safe even in my own castle! Military discrepancies, the council acting increasingly out of turn. What is going on?”
The gryphon covered his face with his claws, wishing he could just sink into the beanbag and forget it all.
“Why is it falling apart now?”
There was a soft knock on his desk, which meant the arrival of a friend. Only one individual knocked on the inside of a room, after all.
“I tried to warn you, Tanzil, of the isolation that would come. It’s the price any ruler pays, especially one such as yourself after we met,” a kind, deep voice rumbled. A spectral gryphon materialized in front of the prone emperor. Its form was tall and broad, and the ghostly gryphon wore both ceremonial armor and a crown upon his head. The eyes, even though transparent, shone with wisdom and, now, also pity.
“Oh yes, you warned me. But I haven’t been in a position to remedy that!” Tanzil said with a bit fiercer of a snarl than he intended. “I’ve barely had time to pull this nation together with tape and prayers, let alone find friends! It’s taken me decades just to establish our own culture again. Stars above, it’s been generations, and our kind is still learning how to naturally forge relationships not based on coin and profit!”
“But they are learning.”
The spectral gryphon’s reply made Tanzil sigh.
“They are learning,” Tanzil repeated in confirmation. “But I can’t do this alone, Garret. Today was the heavy stone that cracked the foundation. If I can’t rely on the council, and my strength is failing, who can I turn to?”
The other gryphon chuckled, reaching over to place a set of claws on the distraught emperor’s shoulder. His grip wasn’t entirely tangible but felt slightly cool to touch.
“Tanzil Ironclaw, you’ve had feelings for the Princess for some time, and yet you haven’t learned one of the most important lessons that ponies can teach us,” Garret chuckled. “If your strength is failing, and the council is fracturing, trust in your friends, in the creatures that care about you. You have more than you think. I would argue you have, in a rudimentary sense, tens, no, hundreds of thousands of those such friends. You are loved by the creatures under your rule. I have never seen our people more united in both the praise of a ruler and finding their own purpose.”
Garret’s voice then became a bit graver.
“But if nothing else, Emperor Ironclaw, do what you must to secure the future of our people. You have tried to show our kind a better way. But perhaps they aren’t ready. Sometimes, your subjects don’t know what’s best; that is true. Other times, however, you must give the people what inspires hope and security, all while being prepared to learn from the past to build a better future.”
“And what if building that future requires rivers of blood?”
Garret’s eyes dropped to the floor, the gryphon sighing.
“I wish I could refute your concerns of the council, but they have been acting erratic as of late. If there is a threat to the future of your people, then make sure you wield the sword in their defense and do so in righteousness, not in greed or the seeking of selfish power. That was one of my many undoing’s during my reign. You can do better. You already have.” He looked up, beak set in a firm, determined smile.
“You have my trust, Tanzil. And you have that of the people. Such a thing is not easily earned nor thrown aside. Go forward and do what you must.” Garret bowed his head with a sympathetic smile. “I sympathize with you, I really do. You may not have the close friends you desire, but you have a nation of creatures who want to see you succeed. If your strength fails, and your plans are dashed…rely on the strength of your subjects and of your friends.”