Gilda couldn’t help but smile to herself. From the small stone bench that she sat, she marveled at the sight of the late afternoon sun, slowly disappearing behind the horizon, clouded by the far-off shrubbery, and trees of the Everfree Forest.
She glanced to her left; from this angle, it looked as if her yellow companion was hiding behind her flowing pink mane, all the while remaining snuggled against her chest. She chuckled, and turned her attention back towards the setting sun.
“Something funny?” Fluttershy asked through closed eyes.
Gilda shook her head, “Just enjoying your company, mon amour.”
Fluttershy smiled, and buried herself deeper into the Griffins embrace. Gilda arched her tail over Fluttershy’s, and half-stretched her wing around the Pegasus' shoulder. The Griffin closed her eyes, and basked in the serenity.
Until the sound of rustling leaves caught her attention.
Peeking through one of her eyes, she spotted a lavender Alicorn standing to her right. Twilight Sparkle appeared to be staring wistfully ahead, enjoying the beautiful sunset.
“Twilight.”
“Gilda,” Twilight faced her with a smile.
“Hello, Twilight.”
Twilight nodded, “Fluttershy.”
“I take it this isn’t a social visit?” Gilda inquired.
“Yes and no. First and foremost, I came to check up on you two.”
“We’re fine, Twilight. Thank you for your concern,” Fluttershy assured.
Twilight smiled again, “I see that.”
Gilda glanced back at Fluttershy, then fixed Twilight with a determined look, “So… how are things going?”
Twilight sighed, “Compared to three months ago? Better. But things are still pretty iffy at the moment.”
Gilda and Fluttershy glanced at each other uneasily.
“Which brings me to the second reason for my visit. Gilda, I need you to come with me.”
“Why?” Fluttershy interjected.
“What’s going on, Twilight?”
Twilight glanced over her shoulder, “I can’t say here, but I wouldn’t ask this of you if it wasn’t important.”
Gilda glanced at Fluttershy again, then back to Twilight, “Okay, I’ll come with you.”
“But Gild-”
“Shh, it’s alright,” Gilda pressed a talon over Fluttershy’s mouth, “I’ll be okay.” She removed her talon and wrapped her arms around the Pegasus’ neck, bringing her into a tight embrace.
“I promise I’ll be alright,” she reassured.
Fluttershy broke the embrace, and held Gilda and arm’s length, “I know, because I’m coming with you,” she said with a look of determination.
Gilda pressed her beak into a firm line as contemplation crossed her face. She turned back to Twilight, “Where we’re going – will it be dangerous?”
Twilight shook her head, “I honestly don’t know, there is a very high chance it will be.”
Gilda turned back to Fluttershy, “I can’t take that risk. Fluttershy, I need you to stay here.”
Fluttershy slumped her shoulders, she shook her head disapprovingly, “So you’re just going to leave me here? Worrying sick about you, while you run off to goodness know where?”
Gilda’s features softened, “If something happened to you, I would never forgive myself.”
“How do you think I feel? I’ve stood by your side for this long, I won’t leave you now. I’m coming with you.”
Gilda frowned, “Flutter-”
“I said I’m coming with you, and that’s final,” She nodded curtly, finalizing her conviction.
Gilda sighed exasperatedly, “Anyone ever tell you you’re as stubborn as a mule?”
Fluttershy smiled, “What can I say? I’ve had a lot of influence from this Griffin I know.”
Gilda gave her a small smile, she and Fluttershy stood from their seat and faced Twilight, “Well, I guess I’ll be adding a plus one to the trip.”
Twilight smiled as she shifted her attention between the duo in front of her, “I couldn’t think of a better companion for you.”
A purple magical aura surrounded her horn, “We don’t have time to hoof it back to Canterlot, so try to relax; this may feel a little… strange.”
Blinding light exploded form her horn, consuming them in its flash. The only remnants they left in their wake, was a small patch of scorched Earth.