//------------------------------// // 41 - Seven Sweltering Nights of Searing Pain? // Story: An Extended Holiday // by Commander_Pensword //------------------------------// Extended Holiday Chp 41: Seven Sweltering Nights of Searing Pain? Act 5: The Case “Come now, it’s only day three!” Hammer Strike called out to Celestia. Celestia huffed across from Hammer Strike. Her fur and mane were ragged, her body covered by obvious cuts and less obvious bruises. The bags under her eyes were large enough to carry groceries and she hadn’t eaten in the entire time they had been training. she opened her mouth to speak, but realizing expending the energy would be pointless, she shut it again. In one fluid motion, the flat of Hammer Strike’s blade took her hooves out from under her. She hadn’t the time when she landed to move before the cold of the steel training sword sat against her throat. A small wave of shame rushed through her as a memory of her spars with Hammer Strike in her youth sprung to her mind. They hadn’t needed blunted swords back then. “You lose. Forty-one to nothing.” Hammer Strike said, removing the blade from her throat. “You have two hours. Do as you want.” “Yes…” Celestia huffed, getting to her hooves. She looked up to Hammer Strike’s expectant face and angrily choked out the words “Thank You… sir.” “That was somewhat out of character,” Grif told Hammer Strike, approaching him with a piece of cake on a plate. “She’s learning. That’s what matters.” Hammer Strike responded, sighing to himself as she walked away. “Cake?” Grif offered. “You still need to eat, bad flank or no.” “I probably should eat.” He said, turning towards Grif. “How’s it been around the castle?” “Quiet.” Grif shrugged. “Most of the guards are spending their off hours here,” Grif noted, eying several armored ponies who had suddenly become very interested in a crack in a cobble stone. “The officials have had to postpone the trial since, you know-” He pointed to where celestia left. “You have the princess.” “Guards are spending their off hours here?” Hammer Strike asked. “You are sword fighting with the princess, and you are winning. Your legend was something, but alicorn strength is still formidable.” “To think…” He looked at the training sword in his hooves. “We used to use real weapons.” “But wasn’t this your first real fight?” Grif asked, a little confused. “She’s getting better.” “You sure you don’t need to lay down or something? Maybe relax for a bit? I mean, three days is a lot, even for you.” “She is on break…” He shrugged. “Yeah, I’ll relax a little.” Princess Celestia lay soaking in her bathtub, trying her best to let the heat take the pain of her sore muscles away. If she tried with magic, Hammer Strike would come down on her all the harder. She shuddered as she remembered her foalhood training. She had just immersed herself up to her ears to drown her worries when a quiet knock sounded at the door. “Sister? Is it ok if I ask you some questions while you are in there?” Luna’s voice carried through the wooden doors. “Yes, sister. What is it?” Celestia asked in return, water dripping from her muzzle and wings as she sat up in the tub. Her muscles screamed. She did not want to move out of the luxurious waters. Not yet anyway. “Well, sister, first of all, we have to know. Is prince Blueblood’s weekly stipend really 60,000 bits, or has he been attempting to ‘pull my leg’ as the roos say these days?” Luna asked. “You have access to the accounts. Just compare it to the last three stipends to create a history and deduce from there.” She smiled a little. “Hammer Strike wants you to learn how to rule. I see nothing wrong with giving you the tools I have had to deal with to learn as well. Thankfully, this will be over in a week and I shall give you anything you want to keep as your own oversight.” “Thank you, sister.” The tone sounded pleased. “A package has also arrived from Gryphonia from emperor Daedalus, himself. It is addressed to Grif. We have had it checked and there appears to be no malicious magic surrounding it, nor does it appear to be a bomb or poisonous. Should we pass it on?” “What do you think, Luna?” Celestia asked in her gentle teacher’s voice. “You dealt with the black tips and Gryphon feuds better than I have in the past.” She stared at the wall. “I lost my temper. You never did that against the enemy.” Outside in the hall, Luna’s ear twitched. Did she just hear a hint of respect in her sister’s voice? “I would send it through the academy one final time to be sure,” She said, uncertainly, her hoof at her chin. “But Daedalus is not the sort for plots,” Luna noted, gradually working to her conclusion. “I’d say it will turn up safe.” “Then go with your instincts here and pass it through to him.” “Very well, sister.” Luna nodded. “What shall I tell the press regarding the delays of the trials?” “Perhaps something along the lines that we have received new information that is being investigated,” Celestia replied. “Very well, sister. Then I will leave you to your bath. Should I have something sent up for you?” “Cake. And something to drink, please.” Celestia replied. “I haven’t had a thing to eat or drink since we’ve started.” “I think there is still some angel food cake left,” Luna said, nodding. “No, Luna. I know the chefs had a red velvet cake ready for me. I need chocolate.” celestia said as she melted once more into the bath water, moaning in relief as the warmth flowed into her flanks and sinews. “Oh … a-about that cake,” Luna said as she chuckled nervously, slowly creaking the door open. Seconds later, one name roared through the halls of Canterlot palace, shaking the very trees. “GRIF!” Twilight sighed as she finished signing the last of the non-vital documents for the day. With Luna taking Princess Celestia’s place, Twilight had needed to take over both Celestia and Luna’s paperwork when it did not concern matters of higher priority. The majority of the paperwork focused on legalizing decisions made during court for the most part. She put the quill down as she stood up to stretch her muscles. The paperwork, thankfully, could wait. So she could work at her own pace. “Begin!” Twilight’s right ear twitched as she heard the voice call out from one of the open windows. Curious, she moved to look out said window, following the sound. Outside, she caught sight of Hammer Strike and Celestia facing off. A ring of guards and palace staff had surrounded the courtyard, spectating at the event. Some cheered, others gaped in open mouthed shock, and others still were passing bits between with shady smirks. She quickly deduced the voice most likely came from Hammer Strike as the two began to clash back and forth, moving around the arena in an intricate dance. First they dashed, then they clanged, each thrusting and pushing, testing the other’s strength. Then they broke, sparks flying from their blades as they nicked one another before retreating, circling once again. They paused and eyed one another, gaging the determination to attack, trying to see into their opponent’s mind. Who would commit first? Would they go all out? Or would it merely be a feint? Then the pause was over and the dance began again. The music of steel on steel rang through the clearing while the clopping of hooves set the tempo. Each step, each move, was carefully calculated and executed in the blink of an eye. And while the moves wavered and shifted, the dance remained the same. Still, Hammer didn’t look worried. And often, rather than retreat, he simply waited, his eyes expectant. The other dancer was far from well off as she clumsily shifted. Each blow she landed was blocked with little effort. Every strike shrieked as it collided with a wall of metal. It was like she was re-learning the steps, a rusty hinge in need of oil. And she was paying for it. Celestia’s sword was badly nicked, but worse still was her appearance as she huffed and puffed in the intermittent silence, her once flowing mane disheveled and gnarled. The beginning of dark circles and bags stood under her eyes and she shook and trembled where she stood, fighting the effects of fatigue and exhaustion. “That would explain why Celestia never taught me that arcane blade spell Shining wanted me to learn,” Twilight said to herself as she watched in shock and awe. Her teacher’s skill with a blade had been the stuff of legend when she was younger. In a very literal sense, no pony had seen celestia fight in so long that only legends existed about it. But watching Hammer Strike fight her now was like watching a foal pretending to use a sword by flailing around with a stick. The match took little time before Hammer Strike had the princess on the ground, blunted sword at her neck. When she had been younger, Twilight had always been enchanted with the idea of being a war magus. But celestia had never been one for teaching her combat magic. Sure, most magic could be used in combat, but Twilight remembered watching the battle magi practice when celestia would walk her through the college at the other end of canterlot. They always seemed so artful and elegant the way they wielded the elements of nature to fight. “Loss. Fifty-seven to none,” she heard Hammer Strike say as he removed the training sword from Celestia’s neck. Thinking back to recent times, the changeling invasion standing out, and now seeing her teacher having to relearn like this, it got twilight thinking about her own defence. Had she known any combat magic, perhaps they would have held out longer against the changelings. Turning back to the paperwork, she thought maybe it would be good to go to the college and pick up some basic combat tomes. It never hurts to be prepared, after all. Grif waited as patiently as he could at the train station, talons tapping against the ground casually, albeit impatiently. He had sent Shrial a letter the other day requesting that she escort Rarity to Canterlot because the trial was likely to take longer than expected and he would like to start her training in the interim.  He had also sent a letter to Rarity, but that was simply asking her to come to Canterlot. He looked rather annoyed at the armored gryphon beside him. Despite Celestia’s protests, the Gryphonians had insisted one of their own guards come to “prevent his escape.” Grif chuckled. As if it would be possible for the one gryphon to stop him. He perked up visibly as he heard the train’s whistle in the distance. He could barely sit still as the train pulled up. When the steam had finally settled, the doors opened and out filed the many ponies who had made the trip. Grif searched worriedly with his keen eyes when he could not see the two females. Finally, when the hustle and bustle died down, a single golden talon stepped into the sun. Her feathers shone like a phoenix flame, complimenting the flash of gold on Grif’s locket as it hung against her chest. Her look was determined as she scanned the area, making sure it was safe. Her eyes narrowed as she spotted the gryphon “escort” Grif had been given. Behind her, a confident looking pony strode out, her soft curves looking a little more toned. Her dazzling smile was still the same though. Grif couldn’t help but smirk and shake his head as she shook her purple mane. The sword lay strapped to her back with its sheath in tact. Various bottles and luggage levitated next to them in the grip of her magic. “Well, of course I did, darling. There are some things a lady simply can’t be without. And there are a few projects that I’m working on that simply must be finished while I’m here. At least I haven’t asked you to carry anything.” “Point taken.” Shrial said, groaning as she rolled her eyes. “Let’s just get to Grif already.” The two finally spotted Grif, smiled, and made their way toward the waiting pair. The gryphon guard’s beak dropped open as Shrial approached. Grif paid the guard no mind as he walked over to her and smiled. “Well now, what’s this? A radiant lady such as yourself shouldn’t be out here all alone.” Grif tried his best to give her a dashing smile. “Perhaps you’re in need of a guide, my lady?” Shrial looked at him, an eyebrow raised as she eyed the guard, then looked back to Grif. “Well, I suppose I could let you show me around. Though we do have a rather busy schedule. I’ve been commissioned to escort this pony here to her quarters in the castle. After all, she is a keeper of an element of harmony. Maybe after?” She asked, smiling slyly as she winked. “I have heard tell of an amazing new food that I have yet to try. I believe it is called … Pizza?” “If it is pizza the lady wishes then it is pizza she will receive,” Grif said, bowing slightly and offering her a talon. “Very well, I accept, my good sir. But let’s get Rarity to her quarters first, hmmm? Then you can tell me how that foolish trial of yours is doing.” “It has been delayed. Princess celestia has needed an emergency course in remedial weapon play with Lord Hammer Strike,” Grif explained. “I’m sure my associate here can take your bags, Rarity. He wouldn’t want to insult an element of harmony in Canterlot, after all.” Grif grinned wickedly as he looked back and winked at the unicorn. “And it is what any proper gentleman would do,” Shrial said, sealing the nail in the coffin as the guard stepped forward, perhaps a bit too eagerly. “I-if I may, my lady.” He said, standing on his hind legs as he waited for the load. “Oh, why thank you, darling!” Rarity said as she set the bags in his arms, all fifteen at once. The guard hit the ground rather abruptly as he peeked his head around the corner, a rather helpless look in his eyes as his arms trembled. “Thank you for your assistance.” the unicorn said, levitating a rather large emerald into his pocket as she kept in step with Shrial and Taze. She showed him a winning smile and he gaped at the payment, not sure whether to feel happy at the sudden increase in wealth, or insulted that she would treat him like some common porter. He trailed helplessly behind, many a pony looking on him with pity. Rarity smiled wistfully as she turned to Grif. “So… am I to believe you two are closer than I remember seeing you last?” she asked. Grif smiled and looked to shrial with a raised eyebrow. “I dunno. Is it?” he asked her. “You know, I’m not really so sure. I think we’ll have to get back to you on that one, Rarity.” Grif gawked at her, open mouthed when his eyes caught something fluttering behind them. Then he smiled as a stiff but gentle breeze began blowing around them. Shrial yawned and stretched her legs, similar to a cat, her wings fully extended. “So sorry. That train compartment was far too stuffy for my tastes. Just needed to work out the kinks, so to speak.” “So Rarity, have you been keeping that sword well maintained?” Grif asked, moving the conversation elsewhere as the three walked at a leisurely pace, the gryphon guard panting behind them under the mountain of suitcases. Rarity had only just finished settling in and unpacking her sewing equipment when she finally noticed the annoying clang of metal on metal. “What in Equestria is that horrible clanging?” She fumed. Pulling the bell pull she waited for one of the servants to arrive at the quarters. Five minutes later, the servant still had not arrived. “Ooooooh, that is It! Must I do everything myself around here?” She slammed the door open with her magic and slammed it shut once again, knocking it off one of its hinges as she tromped her way down the corridors. “Whoever is making that horrible racket is going to get it!” She stomped down the halls, following the noise until she heard a sound that stopped her dead in her tracks, the fury draining out of her like sand in a sieve. “Begin!” The commanding voice boomed through the corridors, sounding loud and clear. Rarity’s heart leaped with joy. “Hammer Strike!” She made her way as fast as she could, trying to isolate where the cry had come from. Racing down the halls, she came to a large backup of servants and guards standing by the entrance to the courtyard. “Well, that explains why no one came to answer my summons. It looks like the entire staff is here,” She said to herself as she tried to nudge her way through the crowd. “Excuse me, pardon me. Could you kindly let me-? Excuse me, could you-?” No pony paid attention, their eyes and ears lay riveted on whatever was happening in the courtyard. First she snorted, then she pouted, then she started to turn red, the flush gradually spreading from her cheeks to fill her face before steam blew from her ears. “Everybody Move!” She screamed, pushing servants and guards aside like bits of design paper as she muscled her way through with many a guard and servant eying her in shock and a bizarre mixture of dismay and annoyance. Rarity continued, heedless of their glares as she continued to plow through. Finally, she panted as she broke out of the crowd to the front, only for her jaw to drop. Celestia huffed as she swung her hammer at Hammer Strike’s hooves, no longer focusing on anything but the pony in front of her, fatigue and hunger melting away into rage as she charged furiously into battle. Hammer Strike had a small grin on his face as he casually dodged each of Celestia’s strikes before knocking her off her hooves and planting the hammer next to her head. “Loss. Fifteen to none.” Rarity continued to gawk. “H-h-hammer Strike? Fighting Princess Celestia? What?” She continued to babble incoherently as she watched, her eyes wide. “Go and get something to eat and rest. Three hours.” Hammer Strike said to Celestia as he helped her up. “That anger won’t help you if you go blind with it.” Celestia glared at Hammer Strike as she panted. Without a word she got to her hooves and headed for the kitchen. Hammer Strike sighed as he rolled his shoulders. “Decent hit.” He muttered to himself as he looked to the crowd before A flash of purple and a familiar perfume caught his eye and nose. “Ah, hello Rarity.” He called out as he walked towards her. “H-hammer Strike, you … you spar with Celestia?” Rarity asked, still trying to comprehend the gravity of what she had witnessed. “Someone has to re-teach her a thousand years of weapon training.” Hammer Strike commented. “But … but … she’s an alicorn!” “That doesn’t excuse her from training.” “I think I need to sit down.” She said, practically hyperventilating. “Well … either that or maybe a walk in the open air.” “Come.” Hammer Strike said, nodding his head in a direction. “I can explain more as we walk.” “Please do. I am most thoroughly confused.” The crowd melted before the pair, parting like the red sea before the two ponies:  one with the unconquerable strength, the other with an indomitable will. They both had left their marks on the staff recently and soon enough, there was not a soul to be seen save a few sentries on duty, whistling to themselves as they purposefully looked away. A light wind soon blew away the dust cloud that remained from the vast stampede of ponies darting out of sight as quickly as they could gallop. For such a large group, they were surprisingly silent. Hammer Strike just smirked before smiling gently at the mare as they walked the halls. “Let’s see … Where to begin…? We had to come to Canterlot based off old war crimes that we are being accused of, I got my memories back, Celestia had disregarded practice for a thousand years, despite me telling her to continue in my absence-” “Wait. You got your memories back? Why that’s wonderful!” Rarity smiled and spontaneously hugged the lord before she realized what she was doing. She blushed violently as she removed herself from him. “Oh, um …” She cleared her throat. “Sorry about that. I just got a little overexcited, I suppose. I hope you can forgive me.” Hammer Strike chuckled. “I see nothing to forgive. You did nothing wrong. But yes, it is wonderful to remember everything again.” “Then … well, I was wondering … would you mind joining me this evening for a stroll in the gardens?” Her cheeks flushed rose red as she looked down to the ground, scuffing a hoof absently. “I would love to.” Hammer smiled. Having eaten, Celestia returned to her room seeking nothing more than rest. As she moved to her bed she found a note waiting on the pillow. Raising an eyebrow curiously she brought the note up to read. ‘Celestia, Your break has been extended by two or three hours. Enjoy. ~Hammer Strike’ “Thank Mother!” Celestia sighed before slumping un-elegantly into bed. She was asleep before she hit the pillow. Grif had managed, through a fair bit of begging, pleading, and offering favors, to get a reservation at a higher end, what Taze would call ‘Italian’ restaurant. But the term didn’t have any meaning in Equestria. The chef was one of the few used to serving carnivorous customers and was well known for a good deep dish pizza. He had managed to get a pony guard assigned to him after some rumor went around the gryphon temporary barracks that guarding Grif was a high energy no reward job with nothing but trouble waiting to happen. A couple had been bold enough to try at first, just to get a glimpse at Shrial, and she rather liked the attention. But that soon faded when the pair ganged up on them, hopelessly outsmarting the guards at every turn. It had given Grif and Shrial a good laugh and the empire’s egos a good spanking. For once, Grif was out of his armor, wearing a more traditional style suit Rarity had ecstatically made at the Gryphon’s request. His feathers were preened and oiled and even his crest had been slicked back. Taking a deep breath he knocked on the door to Shrial’s room. His pony guard waited at a distance where the halls intersected. He nodded to Grif before looking down another hall, his brow raised inquisitively as the Gryphon turned back to the door again. Shrial stood garbed in a stunning shimmering ocean blue dress. Its wing holes had been specifically tailored to her measurements and her tail was still allowed enough freedom to sway around if needed.  A small amount of eyeshadow covered her lids, accenting the blue of the dress and bringing out the red in her feathers. The overall effect was stunning, giving the impression of stars shining in an evening sky at sunset. She looked a little shyly at the Gryphon. “I um … I was told that this is a … traditional thing to wear at a formal event.” “I… uh… just… wow.” Grif clumsily tried to find the right words as he looked at her. “Is it too much?” Shrial asked, worriedly. “I wanted to be able to fit this time period properly, but … well I just wasn’t sure. Rarity said this would work best and-” Grif walked up to her, quickly closing the gap as he brought his beak to hers and kissed her. He pulled back after a few moments. “You’re spellbinding.” Shrial blushed violently at the compliment. “And … are you comfortable wearing such a formal garb? I never saw you much as the formal type.” “My father, er… Taze’s father, always said that sometimes it was worth it to spruce up every now and then for a special lady.” Grif said before pausing, looking at her confusedly. “What? Do I look silly or something?” “On the contrary. You look very dashing.” Shrial caressed his head feathers before moving in to peck him on the cheek with another kiss. “You remind me of my father when he was requested at the Emperor's ball. I was only a hatchling then, of course, but still. You just look …” She sighed. “Forgive me, but I think I’ll keep the rest to myself. We have to get moving if we are going to make that reservation of yours.” He nodded. “Follow me. The guard already said he’d keep an eye from afar to give us our privacy,” Grif assured her. “I think I’m going to enjoy this.” Shrial purred as she played a talon along the chest of Grif’s suit. “Lead the way, Sir Grif. I’m all yours tonight.” The walk was short, but tonight, Grif preferred it to flying. Luna had worked hard and the moon and stars shone down on them as bright as diamonds in a sea of glass. Casually, Grif unfolded his wings and stretched them before attempting to lay one across her back. Shrial smirked to herself as Taze lay his wing over hers. A little bold, perhaps, but Grif was never one for subtlety. “You know, I don’t think I could ask for a better night than this. The air is just right, the sky is gorgeous, the company … is passable.” “What?!” Shrial burst into giggles as Grif’s wing flew off her back, his mouth gaping once again. “Oh, come on, Grif. We both know that we like one another. Can’t you take just a little joke?” Grif grabbed his heart suddenly, his expression one of deepest sorrow. “Oh, my lady hast wounded my heart. I can no longer go on. Adieu, adieu sweet world made bitter by treachery so foul from love most dear.” He fell to the ground dramatically. . Shrial burst into yet another fit of laughter, mirthful tears streaming down her cheeks. “Come on, you big ham. Let’s get something to eat.” She reached down with a taloned hand to pull Grif up. “You know, Rarity is going to kill you for getting that suit so dirty.” Grif had the largest grin as they finished their walk to the restaurant, that beautiful laugh ringing in his ears like a crystal bell. In short order they were shown to their table and ordered their drinks. An orange stallion with a large white mustache and a matching ten gallon hat sat staring at a graceful pegasus filly, bedecked in jewels. At another table, a purple mare sat demurely in her purple and pink dress, her mane styled in a bun to accent her horn. Two pearl earrings hung from her ears, jingling with their tiny clappers as they suspended from adjoining metal hoops. A sporting tennis player with a wild rainbow mane sat across from her, wearing a pair of angled glasses as she slouched in her chair, tapping a hoof impatiently against the table. The waiter at their table had a floofy pink mane. A slim mustache curled on either side of “his” face as “he” took their order, recommending various pizzas, leaning heavily on the desserts and sweets. “So, you never told me about your family life. Any siblings I stole you from? A mother?” Grif asked. “No. I’m afraid I’m an only child. Father said an assassin came in the night and killed my mother with a poisoned dagger. She fought back and won, but when he had been dispatched, she was already in fits. The death was a slow and painful one and I had only recently been born. I think that is perhaps one reason why my father was so hard on me. He swore he would never marry or mate with another as long as he lived. But now he had no son to be his heir. You can imagine how hard a blow that was to bear.” “I’m sorry. That must have been a tough topic. Thank you for trusting me with the information, though. He must have loved your mother very much.” “Loved her and got his revenge. The diamond dog responsible was soon found dead and disembowelled the next week. Let’s just say his new decorations were rather … bloodier than his servants had anticipated.” “Is there anyone diamond dogs get along with?” Grif asked. “At war with us, at war with ponies, at war with minotaurs, you’d figure they’d get along with someone.” He scanned the menu. “Any favorites for meat?” “Not really. I didn’t have the chance to sample many, other than … well, you know.” She said, looking down in shame. The rations in the military weren’t exactly the same as what lay here and aside from that, all she had known or eaten before was pony meat, or what grif had hunted for them during the war. “Ok. Have you ever tried fish? I know that’s popular in the empire at times,” Grif asked, swiftly moving to change the subject. “I tried it only once before my father forbade it. He was very traditional. What would you recommend?” “Pepperoni and bacon. With extra cheese and fresh garlic. I think you’ll enjoy it.” He smiled as the waiter brought their drinks and he made the order. His accent was a little strange and the way he skipped back to the kitchens was vaguely familiar with his curly tail bouncing behind. “Now, I believe it’s your turn for a question,” Grif offered. “Alright. You said there was something special about this.” Shrial said, reaching down her dress and pulling out the locket. “What?” “Flick the little piece at the top down carefully.” When she did, the bottom came down and three smaller pieces flicked out, one from the top and two from the bottom. Inside she was met with an astoundingly accurate set of miniature paintings depicting what she assumed were humans. All seemed older than taze had been when she saw him and four were easily male. One, however, was harder to identify. The face seemed softer with much longer head fur. “Those are my, or rather, our family. Mine and Taze’s from his world. Well, not all of our family, but his grandfather, father, uncles, and his grandmother. It reminds us that your heart will always be home and it is the closest object we have,” grif explained. “The top and bottom most people are dead already and this is the closest memory Taze has of them.” A few tears snuck past Grif’s eyes as he spoke. “It is our heart. And with you holding on to it, we feel more complete.” Shrial sat there quietly as she contemplated his words. “And you entrusted this to me. In a war zone. Tell me, Grif. When was it that you started to trust me? Or at least to respect me?” The question was a little unexpected, but not unwarranted. “You gained my respect when you didn’t give up on yourself after that first week of training.” Grif Replied. “You gained my trust when you helped me find Hammer Strike.” He looked into her eyes. “And you stole my heart when you smacked me across the face that day.” He laughed. “And you … really mean that?” Shrial asked, peering into his eyes, despite her embarrassment at the memory. “As much as I possibly can,” he said. “And that’s what the secret of that locket is.” Shrial pondered this as she ate her pizza. Her eyes widened at the flavors of the sauce layered with the meats and cheeses. “This … this is delicious!” “Food has definitely improved since the Third Gryphon War.” Grif nodded. “Remind me to take you for donuts before we leave Canterlot.” He smiled, biting into his own slice. The garlic topping complimented the exquisite creation beautifully. The two finished the pizza in no time and were soon off walking in the moonlight again. Later, the real waiter on duty would faint from the tip of three large rubies, ten golden beaks, and the twelve bits the pizza had cost. At last they found a cozy little spot by a lake in the park. The moon shone down, illuminating the water’s surface, turning it silver. The two walked, their wings interlocked over each other’s backs as they strolled along.  Shrial leaned in and whispered conspiratorially to her companion. “You know we’ve been under surveillance since we left my room, right?” Grif answered back in Phrench “Oh, I’ve always known. But we can get after them later. Why ruin the moment?” “Good point.” She replied. “But how about we take this to a place a little more private?” She asked, motioning to a cloud above their heads. “I think the view would be much better from up there, don’t you?” She asked, winking. Grif nodded as he took to the air. In short order he settled down on the cloud, breathing in the crisp mountain air. “Better?” he asked as she joined him. “This answer your question?” She asked as she moved in, digging her talons into his suit as she kissed him. She didn’t care if it ruined the material. The moon shone brightly behind them and the cloud beneath them suddenly shifted to form a new shape, the shadow it cast below revealing a heart on the astonished pony guard below. A cloud puffed in the distance, a small rainbow streak trailing behind. Below, four bushes rustled as pony heads peeked out, one with a ten gallon hat on her head, one with a wild poofy mane, and the third stared up with big, shimmering eyes as she held the cloud in her gaze. The purple unicorn’s horn glowed dimly as she smiled up at the cloud, tears brimming in her eyes as she looked to the stars. Grif said nothing. He just returned the kiss as the moon seemed to shine even brighter at the scene. The blue in his eyes adjusted unseen, the two shades nearly identical and swirling peacefully as the pair lay down together, their silhouettes facing the moon. Slowly their tails rose together, touching in place to shape yet another heart. Shrial sighed as she lay her head against Grif’s shoulder. Far off from the castle, Luna’s horn glowed brightly as she watched. It had become quite a shock to her to find that the night had become a time for, amongst other things, love, in so many forms that it boggled even her mind. Even as celestia and Hammer Strike fought in the courtyard, she couldn’t help but grin as she turned away, silently wishing Grif and Shrial a good night as well as any others who may be out expressing their love beneath the Moon’s embrace. “... So you see, Lord Hammer Strike, we all fell to Discord and his nasty tricks for a time. Fortunately, Twilight kept her head and brought us back to reality. After that, we had to rope Rainbow Dash in and change her back. And well, the rest is history. We turned Discord back to stone and all was right as rain.” She smiled, having finished describing the rest of her previous adventures with the element holders and Discord.  “Now, I simply must know what happened to you and the others.” “A lot happened. Any specific topics in mind?” Hammer Strike asked. “Is it true that you almost singlehandedly kept Fillydelphia from falling? How did you do it? And what did you do to occupy all that time while you waited to find Grif and Pensword? Oh, I have so much I want to know. But I suppose this will suffice for a beginning.” She stopped to smell a particularly beautiful flower as it bloomed in the sunset. “The twilight rose. It’s positively one of the most heavenly flowers a girl can dream of.” She sighed wistfully before turning back to Hammer Strike. “So sorry.” She said blushing. “Here I was asking you a question about your history and all of I sudden I break off before you can even respond.” Hammer Strike grinned. “Let’s see. I didn’t hold Fillydelphia by myself. The guard were there along with Lunar Fang and the Thestrals.” He started, thinking back on it. “I worked alongside them and my apprentices in the town. We worked on armor and weaponry for the entirety of the town, or at least the guard, as soon as we possibly could. With the gryphon army on its way it was quite the tall order. Once that was accomplished, I worked with Lunar Fang and the Thestrals to defend against attack and to build up barricades for a hasty defense. I only helped with some of the fighting though. A duel or two popped up from gryphons that I happily accepted.” Rarity took a sharp intake of breath. “You fought in an actual duel? How romantic! It’s just like in the story books. The battle must have been stunning! Oh how I wish I could have been there to see it. I would have loved to review your armor designs. Oh, but how I do go on. Please, tell me, what happened at the duel?” Hammer Strike paused for a moment. “It wasn’t a long duel, ten minutes I think. It wasn’t a very... clean duel, as it was to the death.” “You must have bloodied yourself terribly.” She said, frowning. “I hope they had good physicians to take care of you. They better have.” She pouted. “They only got one hit off, and the best it did was cut my coat.” He responded with a shrug. “But they had some decent medical care back then. Not up to par with how it is now though...” “And those scars. Did you get those in battle too?” “No…” He replied, an unsure look on his face. Rarity looked into those eyes and could see the walls coming up. “Oh, you poor dear.” She said, tears filling her eyes as she lay a hoof on his shoulder. “In those thirty seven years there were some struggles.” He said after a moment. “Do you need someone to talk to about it?” She asked as they stood on the gravel path through the hedges. “Another time.” He shook his head. “Some of the things that happened… Not yet.” Rarity nodded her head. “I understand. Do you just want to enjoy the scenery for a while? Or maybe you have some questions for me?” “I can answer more of your questions.” He responded. “Are you sure, deary? I don’t want to push you.” “It’s fine. Go right ahead.” Rarity stared at him, caught between her worry and her curiosity. Finally, she decided it would be best to satisfy both by honoring his wishes. “What were Celestia and Luna like back then?” “Celestia was certainly different than she is now.” Hammer gave a light chuckle. “She was more practiced with weaponry. Used to have a bit more of a temper. Used the ‘Royal Canterlot Voice’ quite a few times.” He chuckled a little more. “Both Luna and Celestia did, honestly. Nearly blew my eardrums out.” “Oh dear. Luna is still trying to break that habit. She has gotten much better though.” “I noticed.” He grinned. “Luna had more… entertainment in the past. Duels, practices, stuff like that. Might have to start practice with both of them again…” He thought aloud. “Well, if she enjoyed it a thousand years ago, I’m certain she still will today. She did only come back recently, after all.” “I’ll have to talk to her about that. What other questions have you got?” “Hmmmm … Well, how about you tell me about yourself? What do you like to do most? What makes Lord Hammer Strike tick?” She asked, a mischievous smile on her muzzle. Hammer Strike paused as he thought. “Uhh… Create stuff, draw designs for equipment, weapons, tools... “ He shrugged. “And if you could have anything you wanted in the world, but could only wish for one thing, what would it be?” “...I couldn’t answer that right away.” He responded. “I … suppose it is a rather difficult one to answer, isn’t it?” Rarity said, blushing as she looked up at the stars. “They’re beautiful tonight, aren’t they? They shine so brightly. Like diamonds.” Hammer Strike nodded, agreeing with her. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the two edged towards one another, the space between them practically electric as their flanks nearly touched while they gazed into the infinite heavens. Pensword watched from a stone covered arch where he had taken shelter from the elements as he gazed on the empty courtyard shaking his head in disbelief. He could see flags hanging from the windows created by the covered walkway around the courtyard. What surprised him was the fact that in the last few days they had added Hammer Strike’s house flag. He had an idea this was showcasing important houses in Equestrian politics. “You,” He started before pausing. “Dear Celestia.” He muttered, something he picked up as pure Pensword. “I knew Lord Hammer Strike was able to get away with things, but grounding one of the rulers of Equestria?” He took a deep breath and held it for a time before releasing it while closing his eyes. “Does he not know he has set back the Thestral meetings by a week or more?” He asked the empty air, shaking his head ruefully. “Same as home.” He turned around to walk back inside. “Always get my plans in order and someone comes by and drops their needs on me to make my plans to shatter.” He paused and blinked back tears. “Not true. That was how it felt, just not the reality.” He slowly dragged his hooves as he moved towards the doors, this time marveling in how it was Matthew who spoke aloud more often than Pensword ever did. “Pensword? What’s wrong?” Lunar Fang, also known as Moonshade came to her husband’s side, laying a leather wing over his back. “Homesickness, worry over my family, trouble with the gryphons letting Luna take us to re-meet with the Thestrals, let alone the fact that any plans High Chieftess had have been pushed back for Hammer Strike’s need to deal with Celestia. Surely he can or could have dealt with this a little easier and not pushed back the trial any.” A frown creased his muzzle. “The longer we stay in Canterlot, the more I worry about nobles getting their horns into my affairs.” He sighed. “Still, how is your day, dear?” She could tell Matthew was a little more in charge today. “The baby is getting a little more active.” Lunar Fang smiled weakly. “Honestly, sometimes I think it’s practicing parade exercises in there the way it moves so. You really should think more on that and less on your worries. Everything will turn out just fine. It always does. You just need to be patient.” She nuzzled her mate. He returned her nuzzle and smiled as he breathed. Her scent mingled with his. “I try to be. I just, before all this, before living as Pensword, I worried. I could not help it. I worried about my health, or my family, or my income, or paying my bills for health insurance, or the bills from surgeries. I grew up worrying about things folks twice my age never have to worry about.” He paused. “Heck, what I went through in the past I doubt anyone would have had to worry about back home.” He shook his head. “Dear, I am just in a melancholy mood today. I do not know know why, I just am. And when I get like that, I worry about the future, even though I know we are in good hooves and we need not worry or fear. I, I just do.” he wrapped his wings around her and placed his forehead to hers as he closed his eyes. “I worried about you on the battlefield even with the guards protecting you. I worried for your health and safety on the battlefield.” He paused. “I worried more about my men than my own life.” He looked back out at the empty courtyard. His eyes showed gears turning and thoughts moving about his head as they flitted around the courtyard. “I am wondering if you would like to join me for a little bit of our weapon paces back in our room. Keep the muscle memory in tact.” “I think I can do that for a little longer.” Lunar Fang smiled. “Commander. Come on. I look forward to seeing how you have improved.” Pensword smiled and the two walked side by side back into the castle. No words were spoken. Nothing needed to be said as they rubbed against one another. The ponies paused as they watched the sun lower and the moon rise. They kissed in a shaft of moonlight, then entered the castle. Two minutes passed away in the courtyard before the sound of a door opening reached Hammer Strike’s ears, the jingling of armor prompting him to smirk. Out marched Princess Celestia. This time, she wore armor that had been forged recently. Turning around, Hammer Strike could easily tell it was not meant for Celestia. The tell tale blueish tint hinted at  Luna’s handiwork. Paired with the rather gothic style of the design and the hasty alterations, Hammer was certain the armor had originally been forged for Luna, most likely for ceremonies. However, Luna always made her armor fit for battle, ceremonial or no. It was rather smart of the alicorn to remember her sister’s habits and make use of them. Although the armor looked crude, it glinted in the torchlight, covering almost every part of her body. Still, the alterations were unfinished. Straps glowed and cinched as they held, the leather magically bound together from various scraps she had found around the workshop, blending in a mix of brown, red, black, and blue. She had even thought to make a visor. Said visor currently stood open, revealing a fiery gaze as she glared at her opponent. Hammer strike smiled as the crowd of guards parted like the Red Sea before her. Her hoofs sparked as they hit the heavy stones of the courtyard, echoing like gunshots as they clattered to the sky. She looked around the courtyard as if seeing it for the first time. Hammer Strike walked out of the shadows a moment later, letting her have her moment to psych herself up. Raising a brow he looked to his pocket watch before shrugging. “A few minutes early.” “Preferable to being a few minutes late.” Celestia shot back. “Enjoy your extra free time?” He questioned, putting his pocket watch away. “I made use of it.” “I can see that.” Hammer Strike’s eyes shifted to the armor once again. “Good. I get to hold back less now.” He grinned. “You’d better.” Celestia responded as her magic lit up. Something slid out from behind her and into view. The greatsword was familiar, nearly four feet of heavily polished steel and recently, Hammer Strike noted, sharpened to a keen edge. The cross hilt resembled that of the sun that was celestias cutiemark with rays of heat stretching out in all directions. She leveled the blade at him as her hooves slid into a stance, weight shifting to her right side with her left foreleg out in front of her. “It’s time we finish this.” “Ah, and here I am unprepared.” Hammer Strike smirked. “I’ll stick with a hammer, then.” He said, lifting said Great Hammer onto his back. “If that’s what you call it.” Celestia shot back. “I thought you’d borrowed one of the mallets from the carpenter.” Hammer Strike only shrugged in response, his calm demeanor unaffected by her insult. Celestia charged forward, this time, however, her charge was faster, more direct. Fire burned behind the princess as she beelined for Hammer Strike. She moved to strike and Hammer moved to block only for the solar princess to vanish in a flash of white light as he felt the pommel of her sword hit him in the side. The earth pony smirked as the stinging pain of the hit rang through his body. He turned on her, carrying the momentum of the blow with the momentum of the hammer. The sword came to block only for the flat to dig into the alicorn’s side. Celestia snorted steam as she came at Hammer Strike with a barrage of blows. He managed to ward off most of them, though one or two glanced back, leaving cuts across his fur. Hammer Strike threw off her balance when he deflected the sword with the head of the hammer before advancing with three sweeping blows. Celestia’s armor took the impact, but two plates were heavily dented and a third was totally shattered, its shards littering the floor. Spreading her wings, Celestia flipped over Hammer Strike with an agility a creature of her size shouldn’t posses. Then she struck with an arcing slash, leaving a large gash in Hammer Strike’s coat and the armor beneath it. Hammer Strike caught her by surprise as he threw the hammer behind him before turning around. The massive weapon struck the princess in the chest, stunning her momentarily and shattering the chest plate. Now only one plate remained. Before Hammer Strike could capitalize, however, celestia advanced again, this time with a series of rapid strikes on the flat of the blade. Without his hammer in hoof, the earth pony took three hits before he caught the blade in his hooves and wrenched it to the side. They locked eyes, then both parties sprinted for their weapons. There was a loud crash and sparks flew as they met again. Celestia’s aura blazed white as Hammer Strike calmly held her back. Celestia smirked cockily as she pushed more weight into her sword. The blade bit through the hammer’s handle with a satisfying crunch. Blindingly, she slashed 6 more times, leaving the weapon dismantled on the ground, a single head amongst pieces of what had once been the shaft. The solar princess grinned as she placed the tip of the sword a few inches from Hammer Strike’s neck. “Yield,” she panted. Hammer Strike stared into her eyes, unreadable for a few minutes, letting ponies watch the scene curiously. Had celestia finally brought the mighty Lord Hammer Strike down? Then in quick succession the pony knocked the blade aside with his hoof and delivered two quick shots to celestia’s chest, sending her sliding along the ground a good three feet away. Sparks flew from her last plate of armor, shielding her flank from what otherwise would have led to a terrible rash. “Good enough.” Hammer strike said, relaxing his pose as Celestia rose to her hooves. “You said… thats never enough?” celestia huffed trying to get the wind back in her lungs. “It would take too long to be perfect, and perfection is impossible.” He replied, stretching his neck. “You did well, I’ll give you that. Better than you started. Should you keep practicing with either Luna or myself, you’ll do fine against attacks.” He sighed. “That’s what matters.” Celestia only panted as she levitated her sword  and checked it carefully for dents or scratches before placing it back on her back and returning it to its sheath. The light seemed to melt around the blade, causing it to vanish from view. she nodded her head to Hammer Strike respectfully. “Thanks for setting me straight,” she said. “Hopefully you’ll remember it this time.” He said, chuckling as he shrugged. “I’d rather not have another reminder,” celestia noted. “Well. You’re free to go rest or go back to work, but I have a feeling you know why I said two weeks.” He finished. “Yes, I do.” she nodded and slowly trotted off. The courtroom was buzzing from the many conversations as the few ponies who liked to watch court proceedings waited with baited breath. A few were the casual onlooker, but for the most part, it appeared that interns and lawyers in training sat, waiting to study the next case. They were most likely students from the academy nearby. It seemed that a file had been misplaced and so the room was being docketed for a rogue chariot incident. While the real incident was being settled out of court, Celestia and Luna had decided it would be best to use it to cover the war trial about to begin. After convening with the various diplomats and debating for several hours on the specifics, the two sides agreed. A few of the royal reporters were just sitting for a chance to relax and get a few paid hours of listening to the hum drum of events. Not a single Pony suspected what was to come. The court grew still and silent as a group of ponies and Gryphons entered the room. The silence was not to last as the ponies debated what these nobles and guards could be doing here with the gryphons. Could this accident have had something to do with the actions of a noble? A gossip columnist let out a gleeful squee as she rapidly began taking notes, running her pencil ragged as she chewed it to sharpness again. There was Fancy Whooves, and Lord Blueblood and his son. Oh this would be so rich! Other reporters suddenly flashed to life, handing notes to the children next to them. Whispering excitedly, the foals rushed out the courthouse like their lives depended on it. So much for keeping the proceedings a secret. Seated at the bench aside from Celestia herself, a large grey gryphoness sat at Celestia’s right. To her left, a male unicorn with a similar old grey mane and coat also sat. He gave a brief nod to the gryphoness which was returned in kind. Both wore the black robes of a juror. Luna had been declared unfit to be involved in the proceedings due to her connection to the thestrals. This had been one of the fiercely debated topics, but ultimately, the crown gave way to the request. Celestia sighed, missing her sister as she looked on the empty pews. At least this session would not be filled with spectators. The three judges waited patiently for the accused to be brought into the courtroom. The doors opened and the room went silent again as they realized that this was not the trial they had been led to believe would be taking place. Many heads turned as in marched the three heroes of legend. Hammer Strike was flanked on either side by his two closest friends:  Grif on the left and Pensword on the right. Behind them, a light pony guard followed, dressed in their finest uniforms. An equally large escort of gryphons took up the rear, glaring daggers at the three. Grif held his head proudly as he marched into the room in full battle armor, his thin blades on his back. His body clanked loudly, revealing that despite the best efforts of the guards he had not been disarmed for the trial. He took his seat at the accused bench with as much poise as he could muster. After Grif and some guards that had detached from the main group behind, Pensword came marching to the defendant’s table. He was dressed in a modern dress uniform he had taken with him from the war. Attached to his chest, polished medals and sashes hung gleaming in the sunlight, rewards and honors for his services from different parts of his campaigns. A stalk of sugar cane hung from his mouth, partially chewed as he eyed those present. He stood in front of his seat, removed a sword and sheath from his side, and placed them in front of him. Then he sat down, gazing calmly and cooly where the three judges now sat waiting for Hammer Strike to take his place. Lunar Fang sat in the first pew directly behind the accused, wearing the same dress uniform complete with medals and sashes. Her look was determined. Her mate would not stand alone. Flanking her on either side, the Gryphon Slayers stood determined, their eyes shifting back and forth before locking on the Gryphonian warriors. For some unexplainable reason, the creatures shuddered, looking a little less certain of themselves. Next, Hammer Strike strode to the bench, as he was supposed to. He wore his usual white dress shirt and a dark blue vest. He seemed bored, but that was only to be expected given his typical expression. It seemed all that Hammer Strike could ever look was bored, disinterested, and on the occasional rare moment, amused. He looked calmly on those gathered and to the judges, nodding before he sat behind the table, joining his friends. He slowly pulled a sword out from his belt and laid it on the table with Pensword’s and Grif’s. Lastly, Phoenix Roost followed behind them, confused and embarrassed for his clients’ who shall not be named refusal to not carry weapons into the courtroom. On the other side of the table a large grey furred gryphon with an oddly shaped crest stood, wearing a maroon suit jacket with a black undervest and an ascot. He stood with an emotionless, somewhat bored expression on his face. “Miles?” Phoenix asked, somewhat nervously. “... Mr.Roost” the gryphon responded in a monotone as he stared the pony down. The bailiff, a unicorn guard, rose as the three judges sat in unison. Celestia banged he hoof on a large metallic object ringed in runes. The sound rang through the courtroom, silencing the onlookers and spectators. “This trial for the war crimes supposedly committed by Commander Pensword, Lord Hammer Strike and Grif Bladefeather is now in session.” he spoke before stepping back. Celestia nodded to him. “Thank you, bailiff,” she said. “Before we begin your honors, the prosecution objects to the defendants being armed. This is a trial, not a war party,” Miles said. “Be that as it may,” celestia said. “The prosecution will remember the accused are amongst equestria's most dangerous. Should they have decided to react violently, the presence of their weapons is merely an after thought. I trust there will be no violent outbursts from them, unless the prosecution would like to attempt to disarm the accused himself?” celestia asked. “...” Miles said nothing, looking over as Grif casually sharpened his talons on a wet stone. “Very well.” He sighed in resignation. “Then you may begin your opening statement, prosecutor.” Celestia said, nodding her head. “Thank you, your honors.” Miles said, standing and turning to address the court as well as the three judges who presided. “1000 years ago, your honors, Gryphonia and Equestria became embroiled in one of the fiercest wars our nations have known in a very long time. Possibly in the history of our respective realms. Many died on both sides. However, these three creatures before you were responsible for attacking before that war even began. These three are the slaughterers of well over a hundred gryphon lives prior to this war’s beginning.” The gryphon looked at them “and the prosecution will see them brought to justice. “Your honors, the imperial court seeks nothing more than a formal recognition of these crimes and the appropriate punishments befitting them. In this case, the prosecution will prove beyond doubt that Commander Pensword of the Equestrian Army committed these heinous crimes before the war. We will prove that he was in the location history states, and that he attacked these gryphons without proper provocation. We will further testify that Hammer Strike mercilessly killed an entire armed garrison, many of whom were simply placed at the wrong fort at the wrong time. Lastly, we shall prove that Grif, son of Graf, deliberately hunted and sought after Gryphon lives who were simply performing their military duty at the instructions of their superiors, on a deliberate vendetta for Commander Pensword, killing each in dishonorable combat.” Miles looked coolly at the defendants as a collective gasp of shock echoed through the courtroom mingled with cries of outrage. The reporters scribbled furiously on their notepads, eyes riveted on the defendants and their prosecutor. “Order in the court!” Celestia shouted as she banged the gavel. The room continued to ring with the murmurs and cries of the ponies, the empty space only amplifying the ruckus. Celestia sighed, then she opened her eyes, light blazing. “SILENCE!” The deafening cry broke the windows and all stood still, the reporters’ pads blown askew as the papers went flying out the windows. More than a few ponies turned their heads in shock. None had ever heard the royal Canterlot voice used by the princess. Her younger sister, certainly, but Celestia? Never. The local guards formed up around the courtroom entrance as curious ponies began to come to the scene. Whatever hope they had of keeping this quiet was dashed.  Miles turned back to the judges, his eyes a little wide, but aside from that, he betrayed no sense of surprise or shock. “The penalties the prosecution proposes are as follows: First, the court martialing and stripping of ranks, titles, and honors from Commander Pensword for Crimes against Gryphon-kind. Secondly, the surrender of Grif, son of Graf to the custody of the Gryphonian Empire to face justice in accordance to the ancient laws of the Empire at the time of his betrayal. Thirdly, the prosecution seeks the banishment of Lord Hammer Strike and monetary compensation to the families of those who lost their loved ones so many years ago. This is our intent.” With that, the gryphon stood down, allowing Phoenix to take his stand and give his opening statement. Phoenix Roost cleared his throat. “Your honors, it is the intent of the defense to prove without a doubt that all gryphon killings were indeed properly provoked with just cause for commander pensword to respond as he did. We will establish motive, time, place, and will use key character witnesses to establish the truthfulness of what the accused will say, along with authenticated military records and testimonials. We will also present evidence proving that Grif Bladefeather is not, nor ever was a citizen within the empire’s scope of influence. And while he stands ready to accept the charges laid against him, the defense will prove his punishment can only be determined by Lord Hammer Strike. “As for lord Hammer Strike himself, the defense will prove that he killed no Gryphon before the war without any such actively seeking his immediate death or the death of those whom he serves. The only crime these three brave souls can truly be tried for is their utmost devotion to justice for Equestria and for all intelligent life. The defense will seek a dismissal of all charges and intends to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the innocence and/or justification behind each act performed by these individuals, or else prove that the Gryphons have no authority or claim to their lives, nor their punishments, should they be deemed necessary in these proceedings.” “Very Well,” Celestia said. “Is the prosecution ready to proceed?” “We are, your honor,” Miles highworth said, his voice somewhat bored. “Is the defense ready to proceed?” “We are, your honor,” Phoenix said, leaning his forelegs on the bench and standing up. “Then let it begin. Mister Highworth, you may call your first witness.” “The prosecution calls Grif Bladefeather to the stand.” miles said. Grif looked at the group with a raised brow. “Very well. Grif, please take the stand,” Celestia said. Grif moved to the stand looking somewhat confused. The guard fixed him with a solemn stare, a gryphon mimicking the same as he stood by. “Do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, Faust help you?” “Sure,” the gryphon said. “So, Son of Graf.” Miles Highworth looked at Grif. “You say you were born in the Northern Isles, correct?” “Well yeah, I grew up there and everything,” Grif said. “Really? Mr.grif, was it true Graf’s name used to be graff with two ‘f’’s? You understand I am referring to the extra ‘f’ that stood for his being part of the farflyer clan?” the gryphon asked. “yes…” grif said “Isn’t it also true that graf was forced to give up his family name near the end of his life?” Miles asked again. “OBJECTION!” Pheonix yelled loud enough that every pony in the room had to grab their ears. It practically rivaled the Canterlot voice ... almost. “Relevance, your honor?” “I assure you, your honor, it will make sense soon,” Miles responded. “Very well. But you’d better hurry up, Mr.Highworth.” Celestia said as she turrned to face Phoenix. As for you, Mr. Roost, the court would much appreciate it if you could tone down your objections to a less irritating level. Witness, if you would please answer the question.” “Yeah,” grif nodded the affirmative. “What’s your point?” “Why was he forced to do this?” miles asked “because… he adopted a foundling.” Grif began to see the logic leap here. “And that foundling was?” miles asked “...me” Grif said. “So then, you never knew your parents. And if reports are accurate, no one knows where you came from?” Miles asked. “You are trying to imply that a baby flew all the way from Gryphonia to the Northern Isles? Isn’t that just a bit unlikely?” Grif raised an eyebrow. “There were many ships that sank in that sea during that time period,” Miles noted. “Including the merchant vessel that crashed into the rocks outside the aisles on the exact night you were found. In fact, it crashed right next to that very island. And with the winds being what they where, it’s hardly crazy to assume a smaller cub like yourself was swept away and ended up on land. “Your honors, the prosecution presents the crash report, or rather, a historically accurate reconstitution of the original documents aboard the S.S. Steelwing: a merchant ship that was traveling to the Isles, but sadly sank the night that Graf found Grif. The court will also note, we also have a magically restored letter from one Evelyne Crooner to be mailed at the next port to one Tabatha Crooner within the lower Fifth Kingdom of Gryphonia. In the letter, the gryphoness in question describes her cub to have been getting his coloring as his primaries and secondaries were coming in. At this particular point in the letter she notes the strange blackness of his feathers save for the green vest on his chest.” Miles presented the documents to Celestia, who inspected them before passing them to the other judges. “The prosecution submits these documents as exhibits A and B in this investigation.” “Does the defense have any objections to this?” “No, your honor, the defense does not.” Phoenix said, gritting his teeth. “No further questions, Your Honors.” Miles Highworth took his seat arrogantly. “Mister Roost, do you wish to cross examine the witness?” Celestia asked. Grif nodded to him. “Uh, yes, your honor.” The pony got to his hooves, a little confused as he looked to the gryphon. Grif opened his left wing and casually motioned to the metal feather found there. Phoenix’s eyes lit up with understanding, a manic smile appearing on his face. “Princess celestia: does the letter mention anything about the abnormality of a metal feather within its writing?” Celestia looked over the letter again. “It doesn’t,” she responded. “Mr.Bladefeather, if i may ask, where did you get such an embellishment?” he asked. “I am not sure, actually. I had it when Graf found me. No doctor has been able to find surgical marks near it. Doubtful it would be surgically placed there anyway,” the gryphon said. “Objection!” Miles said. “Your honor, what does this farce prove? The letter could have left this detail out or quite simply the writer thought it didn’t need to be mentioned.” grif smiled. “gotcha, edgy!” he thought. “Objection overruled, Mr.Highworth,” Celestia said. “You had your chance.” “Princess Celestia.” Phoenix approached his table before bringing forth a textbook. “This book was submitted from Grif Bladefeather’s private collection on gryphon traditions. It was written over a thousand years prior by a gryphon. The chapter on the metal feather notes that at the time such a feather was a sign of valor and awarded for distinction and survival of large battles. it was never given to a gryphon babe and according to the book, for a gryphon to be born with such a distinctive mark is more than an honor to the family, it is bragging rites to both the mother and father. It was socially expected that such would be rubbed in within gryphon society. for a mother not mention it once in her letter would be a great dishonor. With this evidence we can safely assume the child drowned with his mother, as sad as it may be, and that Grif Bladefeather is not the cub from the letter.” The look on miles’ face was somewhere between shock and pain. Celestia and her associates argued for a several minutes amongst themselves with animated snorts, waving of hooves, shaking of claws, and flapping of wings. At last, the gryphoness visibly relented, defeated by the logic of the two opposing judges. “Grif blade feather, this court finds that you can in no way be considered under the authority of Gryphonia. Seeing as you are not an Equestrian citizen either, we find that our authority to punish you is not yet present. That duty must fall to your liege lord, who is within this trial still. Therefore, we are confining you to Canterlot Palace until these proceedings are complete,” celestia said, banging her gavel. “Guardsmen, please escort him to the palace.” Grif stepped off the stand and walked confidently from the courtroom, giving his friends a wink as he strolled out. “This court case will now continue. Mr. Prosecutor, you have two more accused. Please, call your next witness,” Celestia said. “Your honor, the prosecution calls for its next witness…. Haymin the dragon.” A collective gasp filled the room as the name was called. The judges also balked, surprised that a dragon should be invited, let alone called as a key witness. “We also ask that the court reconvenes outside due to the size of this particular witness.” Pensword gaped and sputtered in shock. He blinked a few times as the courtroom buzzed in the reveal that they would soon be hosting a dragon. “He’s not napping?” he muttered as he looked to Hammer Strike. The three judges conversed silently and after a time of hushed and worrisome deliberation they turned to face the courtroom as Celestia stood. “We shall reconvene in ten minute’s time outside in the Courtyard in front of these chambers. Those who wish to continue watching shall be permitted access to the balconies to watch.” She banged the gavel. “Court is in recess.”