Meanwhile, on the other side of town, a tyrannosaurus rex wearing a tuxedo was enjoying his early-afternoon tea.
With his tiny but strong arms, he held the cup up to his nostrils and took a long inhale. "Ahhh, heavenly." The aroma of the fragrant Longleaf Ashfall tea engulfed his senses. A native of Equestria's Dragon Domain, the tuxedo'd reptile made sure his pantry was well-stocked with tea from home. He took a sip from the piping hot cup and resumed reading the paper on his front porch.
He sneered at the paper. "Bah! COW is down again. Reginald!" he called.
"Yes, sir?" his crystal pony manservant answered from the kitchen.
"Remind me to phone Winston and Grisham back home. If they're looking to make good on that trust fund, tell them now's the time."
"Yes sir, I'll pencil it in right before four."
"Reginald!" the t-rex slammed down the paper in his lap, "How many times have I told you? One does NOT schedule anything BEFORE tea!"
"Ah, terribly sorry, sir. After four, then?"
"After four, Reginald, AFTER four."
"Very good, sir."
The tuxedo'd reptile picked up the newspaper again and turned the page. As he began at the top, the glint of something caught his eye in the sky above town. The golden hide of some odd machine holding up some other larger contraption shimmered in the distance.
Leaning forward, he adjusted his monocle, not believing what he saw. He squinted, blinked but the vision did not change. He held up his tea and sniffed again. "Reginald!" he called once more.
"Yes, sir?"
"What the devil did you put in my tea?!"
The crystal pony, Reginald walked out to the porch. "Nothing, sir. It's Longleaf Ashfall, just as you specified."
He gave the cup back to his manservant. "Well, go put something in it! I am witnessing sights that are most strange to behold!"
"Yes, sir… um… what would you like me to add to it?"
"Something strong, Reginald, something strong! And hurry!" the reptile huffed. "Most bizarre developments are underfoot and I shan't be facing unprepared!"
"Of course, sir, right away, sir."
As his manservant departed, the t-rex carefully folded the newspaper and sat it down. From his vest pocket, he retrieved a pair of opera glasses and viewed the sight in the sky ahead of him. "My word…" He focused on the larger object and the letters underneath it. "Good heavens! Pirates! It's the griffons, Reginald- the griffons are plundering Ponyville!"
Reginald poked his head out of the kitchen again. "Will you still be wanting tea, sir?"
"Nonsense, Reginald, fetch the coats! We're off to the library!" he said, getting up. "Opportunity doesn't tarry and neither must we!"