From the Newspapers of the World:
1- The Aeriethans Herald, March 20, 1002 SR
Missing Swiftwing Heir Found, Arrested. Clan Dishonored.
Gilda Swiftwing, lost daughter of the Swiftwing clan, was defiant even upon arrest.
By Harpa Sharpeyes
Cloudsdale, Equestria - A mystery seven years in the making has finally been solved. Gilda Swiftwing, the missing heir to the leadership of the Swiftwing Clan has been found.
Unfortunately, what should have been a day of triumph for the once-proud clan, has become yet another stain on their already tarnished honor. Gilda, 22, was arrested and detained late last night in the cloud city of Cloudsdale after throwing a trash receptacle through the plate glass window of a store display. She was charged for drunk and disorderly conduct, petty vandalism, and resisting arrest, and is currently being held in Cloudsdale Guard Corps Headquarters.
This dishonor is just the latest in a long string of incidents to plague the once-honorable Swiftwing clan. One of the oldest and previously most respected of the noble clans, the Swiftwing Clan’s current dishonor ties back eighteen years, stemming from the succession of the current clan matriarch, Agaporisa “Aga” Swiftwing. The previous matriarch, Regrine Swiftwing, was known as a brilliant fighter and a fair leader, bringing much glory to her clan.
But her daughter, Agaporisa, has squandered that good standing in her eighteen years as head of the clan. Rather than more traditional endeavors to bring glory and honor to her family, such as martial prowess or the competitive excellence her clan was known for for centuries, Agaporisa sought to pursue more equine activities such as philosophy, art, and music. Increasing amounts of time and clan resources are reported to have devoted to what most who have heard it call “pony music”.
Agaporisa has laid two clutches. The first of which was four years old when she took over leadership and consisted of Grizelda, Gilda, Brynhilda, Glenda, Galia, and Aquila, the only male. The second clutch consisted of Gwendolyn, Gracia, Gia, and males Gisilbert, Gerald, and Quetzal.
Grizelda proved herself at a young age to be a monster hunter prodigy. At the age of eight, she single-talonedly slew the phantom creature that had been plaguing the eastern Flatwoods for over a decade. At thirteen, she revolutionized the methods by which hunters slay the giants that terrorize the highlands. By her method, the main team attacks on the giant from the front, acting as a distraction, while the slayer flies up from behind and slices the base of the neck, a weak point Grizelda herself discovered. This tactic has become the new standard, and allows for safer settlement in the northern mountains. This achievement was enough to earn her a Title: Titankiller.
Grizelda was swift, brave, and well respected as a leader, even at such a young age. As the eldest, she was set to take over leadership of the clan from her mother, and many expected her to usher in a new period of glory for the Swiftwings.
But unfortunately, it was not to be, as she died at age 14. Cause of death was asphyxiation on a rat. The hen many were counting on to revive the honor of their clan was killed, not by a monster or enemy in glorious battle, but by an everyday snackfood. The responsibility of eventual succession passed to the next oldest, Gilda, who proved unfocused, lacking the drive and discipline of her sister.
One year later, Agaporisa sent Gilda, then 15, to attend a flight camp in Cloudsdale at her own behest. After three months, all correspondence stopped and Gilda disappeared. She was missing and thought dead until last night. The next in line to be prepared for succession was Brynhilda, a weak and sickly runt.
In the following years, daughters Glenda and Gia died in common hunting and sporting accidents and son Gisilbert died in a duel. While these sorts of losses are common and expected, Agaporisa declared a clan-wide moratorium on what she deemed “dangerous behavior”. This included withdrawing all clan teams and competitors from the Owlympics just days before the start of the games. Previously, star flier, Seowen Swiftwing was favored to secure the clan’s 132 straight gold medal in the marethon, the race created to honor the clan’s own founder.
For a clan matriarch to focus on such frivolous pursuits is strange. But for her to force her entire clan to do so as well and waste as much time and resources as Agaporisa has in doing so is unheard of. She is even reported to have recently written music to be performed in Manehattan, a city renowned by ponies for its musical theater, and arranged at great expense for the Grifinnish ambassador to Equestria to personally deliver it.
This prolonged mismanagement and bizarre behavior prompted one of the greatest upsets in Grifinland’s history. Since the nation was founded in the ashes of the ancient imperial dynasties and the Interclan Senate was formed, the Swiftwing clan has been a consistent member of the Council. The year 1000 Senate elections marked the first time in the nation’s 1200 year history that the Swiftwing clan failed to win a representative seat and thus, was ejected from the Council.
Last night’s return and shameful arrest of Agaporia’s lost daughter and heir, Gilda, seems to be the final nail in the coffin of the Swiftwings’ disgrace. This hen is to be the future leader of her clan, yet she behaves like a criminal and abandoned her clan and her people for the company of ponies, an offense most clan leaders usually punish with excommunication. Further details of Gilda’s whereabouts and activities during her seven year absence are pending.
Agaporisa Swiftwing, has expressed intent to post bail money for her daughter and when asked for comment, said, “I’m just relieved my little songbird is alright. Whatever she’s done, we can work out. I trust her. She’s my daughter and I love her.”
More details as they arrive.