Chapter Seven: A nice thing indeed.
“You’re lost.” I grumbled, following behind Gelvin, headlamps shining through the dark rock tunnels.
“I am not!”
He totally is.
“Soooooooooooo lost.”
“Well…I know we need to take a right at some point.”
I smacked a set of claws against my face at that- pausing as the other gryphon stopped.
“Seriously? We’ve been walking for a few good hours.” I muttered, watching as he reached over and snagged something from the side of the dark rock tunnel.
“Uh huh. And here’s the other supply pack I knew would be here!” He crowed, setting it down so I could see. Inside, sealed ration bars and some canteens of water greeted my eyes, along with a small first aid kit.
“Huh. Smart gryphon.” I muttered, feeling a slight blush rise to my cheeks as Gelvin smiled, an adorable grin plastering itself on his beak.
The fact I can still cause such a reaction is pretty awesome…
“Just seemed like a good idea at the time, and now of course.” he added, gesturing to me briefly. I got the message, shrugging on the side-pack easily.
“I actually do have a general idea where we are. There should be…huh.”
The fact his words trailed off made me follow Gelvin’s gaze, noting how a trickle of water was running down the wall.
“Must be raining pretty hard to have water reach down here.” he mused, and I didn’t like how unsettled Gelvin’s demeanor was.
“We’re cool though, right?” I ventured to ask, prompting him to shrug and resumed walking.
“As long as we don’t go to the deeper sections for too long. We shouldn’t have to at least- there’s a bridge up ahead that spans a section of tunnel. Technically we could drop down and follow it out, but with this water, I’d rather not risk it.” he explained.
Huh. Makes sense.
“Y’know, as far as second dates go, this isn’t the worst time I could imagine.”
I was once again given the satisfaction of seeing Gevin’s ears perk up, the gryphon glancing back and me with a slight smile.
I don’t think getting that reaction will EVER get old!
“R-really?”
I nodded, walking forward and shrugging.
“Well yea. It stinks we’re stuck underground, but hey, it’s an adventure, and with a ‘griff I’m interested in.” I mused, not missing the blush around his feathers.
“I guess that’s not that bad. Still sorry you’re stuck here.”
“Eh. I needed a day off anyhow.” I quipped, pausing as a structure came into view.
“Ah. That’s…the bridge. Crud.”
My words echoed off the chasm, the rickety wooden structure seeming to be held together by prayers and twine. No more than some thick planks lay down and crisscrossed together, the ‘bridge’ spanned a gap easily two stories high.
“I would say ladies first, but that seems more improper than not.” Gelvin muttered, testing the bridge with a set of talons.
“Yeah, I vote the bigger gryphon goes first. If it holds you, it’ll hold me.” I added, staring at Gelvin as his ears flattened.
Did he seriously think-
“Dude, that wasn’t a fat joke. You’ve got more muscle than me.” I sighed, causing him to perk right back up.
Huh. Sensitive…that’s kind of nice.
“Mostly due to boredom.” He muttered, slowly crossing the creaking planks.
“Boredom? Let me guess, that show with the staff and saving the hatchlings was also due to boredom? That’s still pretty awesome.” I replied, slowly crossing on the planks.
He was about to reply when I felt one of the boards underneath my right claw strain and crack.
I barely was able to look up, meeting the horrified gaze of Gelvin as the rest of the bridge began to give way.
As the ancient wood snapped, I started to flare my wings- at least a bit. In the confined space, trying to open them completely would cause more harm than good.
What I didn’t expect though, was to land on a feathery something.
“Ow.”
Gelvin?!
I scrambled off the gryphon in shock, the male waving a set of talons.
“Oh good, that worked.” He muttered, prompting me to sigh.
“Seriously? How did you dart down here that fast?”
He gestured to the wall, and I saw a set of claw marks scoring the stone.
“As it collapsed I darted underneath. Grabbed you, flared wings, managed to slow down with talons a bit. Totally dull now t-though.” Gelvin winced, and only now I noticed something rather unsettling. While there was no sign of rainwater seeping into the area yet, my claws came away wet as I moved off Gelvin’s chest.
I then felt something very unnatural brush my talons- and I followed the claw-sized protrusion until it met a feathery barrier.
“Oh no.” I muttered, fetching my headlamp which had been knocked off in the fall.
Sure enough, a piece of wood was embedded into Gelvin’s side, the other gryphon staring at it incredulously.
“…That’s one huge splinter.” he muttered, gingerly poking at it.
“The worst part is, leaving it in may cause more damage than taking it out, at least partially.” the gryphon added.
“So…what do we do? What can I do?” I asked, fishing out the first aid kit from my pack with shivering claws. I was used to minor injuries- burns from the stove, nicking myself with a knife, but this was totally different.
“It’s outside of my ribs and near nowhere vital. But if I walk, it might dig deeper. So, out it comes. Get a ton of gauze ready, and then press it over the spot.” Gelvin instructed, and I couldn’t believe how calm he was being about all of this.
“I’ll…pull it out.” he hissed, grasping the shard as I nodded, gauze in claw.
He took a deep breath, and promptly yanked the wood out with a grunt, and I quickly mounded on the gauze and pressed down.
“GAH!”
Apparently despite being painful, it was the right thing to do, because Gelvin simply lay back and let out a shaky breath.
“Ok, hard part done.” he muttered, as I shook my head.
“How were you so calm about all that?” I asked, prompting a pained chuckle from the gryphon.
“A-are you kidding me?” he stammered, and only now did I see his wide eyes looking at mine.
“I sounded calm? That’s g-good.”
I blinked, moving closer to help Gelvin up as I bandaged the gauze to his size with some thick medical tape, also passing over some painkillers from the medical kit.
“You weren’t then?” I asked, the gryphon nodding as he heaved himself upright.
“C-calm? I just yanked a piece of wood out of my chest!” he replied, staggering forwards slightly.
“Just remembering what I read in a medical book. Not like we have much training in Griffinstone on that stuff. I…um, will need your help, Gilda.” he added, even as I provided support to his shoulder.
“I never would have guessed. But hey, you’ve got a nice shoulder.” I quipped, helping him stagger along.
This guy- all from reading books?
Ok, I seriously have underestimated Eggheads.
“I’d love to enjoy this more, preferably when I’m not a mess.” Gelvin mused, prompting a chuckle to leave my beak.
“Well, I’d like that. I guess if getting lost was our second date, was yanking a splinter out our third? And escaping this place our forth?” I couldn’t help but run with the idea, the entire thing seeming both ludicrous, yet somehow…comforting.
I’m just comfortable with this guy; I really wouldn’t mind more dates, see where things go.
“I mean, I’d prefer a proper second date, or more.” Gelvin whispered as we staggered along, pausing to rest as he leaned against a rock wall.
“Oh. We just follow this tunnel out. It’ll lead us to an exit eventually.”
I nodded, helping him along as the male’s words spun around inside my head.
A second or third date? He’d like that too?
“This is so weird.” I said under my breath, prompting a hum from the gryphon on my shoulder.
“Hmm?”
“You. This. Dates. Everything.” I added, shaking my head at the thought.
“Just never really considered it. And now that I’ve found a guy who also wants to go on more dates, it’s really weird. I don’t know how to react. It’s all new…”
“Wait, you want to go on a few more?”
I said that, huh?
“Uh, duh?” I replied, prompting a happy chuckle from Gelvin.
“Really? Just, Duh? I love that answer.”
I grinned, the other gryphon falling silent as we walked. Apparently, it was becoming more difficult, because he motioned for me to stop after a time.
“Need to rest. This is hurting.” he groaned, sliding down to rest against the now-damp tunnel walls.
I sat next to him, unsure of what I could do, if anything.
“This sucks. Not being able to help.” I muttered, but somehow my words prompted a grin.
“Hey, you’re you, and you’re here, and my date. That’s plenty of help.”
Not able to resist smacking my claws to my face (again,) I couldn’t help but shake my head.
“Ok, I swear you’re laying on the sappy for my benefit.”
“Is it working?”
….crud.
My face must have betrayed my thoughts, because Gelvin chuckled, clutching his side with a wince.
“Well, glad it’s a positive at least. Never thought I’d get to know a gryphoness this well, not in Griffinstone at least.”
That had me blinking in shock, not fully understanding.
“Seriously dude? How and why? Last I checked, you beat up some ice wolves to save hatchlings, and like exploring creepy but beautiful underground caverns. That’s awesome!” I exclaimed, wings flaring for emphasis.
Gelvin’s furrowed brow dampened my enthusiasm however- the gryphon shrugging.
“The product of not having friends and reading too many books.” he whispered, and I could see a bit of the spark in his eyes fade ever so slightly.
Well. Can’t have that, and I know how to fix it.
“Training because of interest in books, and finding a cavern because I enjoy pretty things. Not exactly gryphon qualities, not ones that bring in many friends or…more.”
I paused at his words, shifting over to sit closer, leaning my head on his shoulder.
“Who says they aren’t gryphon qualities?” I asked, enjoying the contact a bit more than I cared to admit.
“Maybe they are just buried in others- you’re just one of the few to let them out. I think you’re pretty cool, whatever the reasons may be. I’m still here, aren’t I? And that’s not just because we’re stuck in a cave.”
Gelvin was quiet for a time, finally sighing as I felt his beak widen in a slight smile.
“Thanks, Gilda. I think you’re pretty cool too, among other things.”
He seemed to wince after speaking- and I couldn’t help but pursue that bit of juicy info.
“Among other things?”
Oh he’s totally heating up…
“Uh….”
We started walking again- and I allowed a bit of stalling on Gelvin’s part. But I wasn’t about to let that go.
“Soooooo?”
He let out a sigh, shrugging slightly as we continued onwards.
“You say maybe I have qualities that other gryphons have hidden, I think the same is for you. Well, other than being attractive, that’s not hidden at all.” Gelvin muttered, now causing my face to heat up.
“But like, caring for others, helping out in Griffinstone. That’s really admirable, and I like that about you. You may not like being on the Griffinstone council, but you’re good at it, at least from what I understand. I didn’t ask you on a date just based on one thing- but on a few things, all which make you, you.”
I muttered something under my breath- something between ‘thanks’ and ‘ugh now I’m blushing.’
In hindsight, it probably sounded like a sneeze and an auctioneer’s blathering’s.
“Is that a ‘I’m glad I asked’ sound, or a ‘not what I was expecting’ sound?” Gelvin asked, his tone noticeably more jovial.
“It’s a ‘I have never had somegriff say that to me before,’ sound.” I muttered, prompting a thoughtful hum in reply.
“Well. I guess I should say stuff more often? Or maybe I’ll wait after a few more dates to do that.”
Nah. You can go on.
Can’t say that. Or can I?
“I mean, if you don’t want to wait….”
Now a genuine laugh left Gelvin’s beak, the sound making me smile.
“Who doesn’t like hearing such things I suppose.”
He paused, and his tone grew a bit softer and more sincere.
“I really wouldn’t mind. I think you’re a pretty incredible gryphoness. Not often I get a chance to tell somegiff that.”
At this point my brain shut down, not having expected him to pursue the topic.
I thought he’d be too embarrassed or…I dunno, SOMETHING!
“I mean, there’s the physical stuff of course. Aside from being just…wow, your eyes are incredible- kind of like looking into a gem. Depending which way you look at it, can see something different. Your white feathers just make them jump out. But other stuff? Like, you’re one of the few gryphons to care about others and at least try to help. You’ve got an edge to you, but that’s matched nicely by the softer side- which isn’t a bad thing at all. I just think you’re...really…erm…”
I guess Gelvin’s words finally caught up to his brain, because the gryphon’s words drifted off, and I felt his feathers start to fluff.
Hah! Knew it would happen.
I couldn’t shake a nagging feeling though- something I knew was born from growing up in Griffinstone.
“Hey Gelvin?” I asked, not able to meet his gaze, both due to my own blush and growing doubts.
“What do you want? I know it seems jerkish to ask, but it’s hard to not think…” I tried to explain as best I could, but a strange bit of emotion seemed to clog my through.
“I’m not used to stuff like this. Somegriff saying such things and not wanting something in return. After talking with my pony friends, I know it’s kind of messed up to always assume that, but that’s how I grew up.”
My ears then flattened, a few burning tears edging into my eyes. That surprised me, to say the least. But, maybe it shouldn’t have.
How messed up is it, that I can’t just take a gryphon at his word? No matter how much I want to.
Gelvin let out a slight huff, once again pausing to lean against a wall.
“Yeah, I figured. It’s how life is here, how it has been. Nothing is free.” he mused, then managing to catch my gaze. He smiled ever so slightly- and the complete innocence in his eyes caught me off guard. No suspicion, malice, or even ulterior motive was there. Just…him.
“Gilda, if we get out of here and don’t go on another date, I still mean my words. Of course, I’d like to spend more time with you- but even if not, I say such things freely. That’s how you let someone know you care. You tell them- hoping, but not expecting or even assuming something in return. I think you’re incredible- so I wanted you to know that. Do I want anything in return for that? No, but I hope it conveys that I do want to spend more time with you.”
I stared at the ground, taking a slow few breaths. This was so far out of my element, yet pieces just seemed to fit. From when talking to Rainbow or her friends, this just seemed to be like an aspect of friendship. Just liking someone and making them happy.
It was everything lacking from Griffinstone, yet everything it desperately needed.
What I…
“T-thanks Gelvin.” I whispered, head still shaking slightly.
Ugh. I get a griff who’s just a bit honest and I turn into a mess. Honest, nice, attractive, caring-
Ok he’s pretty great.
We started walking again, and finally I couldn’t ignore what I knew would settle part of the turmoil in my mind.
I’ll never mention this to you, Pinkie Pie…
Pausing, I carefully wrapped my arms around Gevlin’s uninjured side, and I felt him stiffen in surprise-
And then relaxed as he returned the gesture, my entire frame sagging to the ground slightly.
You don’t feel safe in Griffinstone, not often at least.
And yet…
“This helping?” he whispered, and I could only nod.
“Yeah, thanks.” I added, then let out a slight chuckle.
“You know, you’re pretty great too. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of your soft side- or the way your feathers fluff up when you’re flustered.” I whispered, prompting a happy hum from the gryphon.
We started to walk again; Gelvin all smiles. Our headlamps started to be less effective, holes in the ceiling now occasionally providing light. We must be close by now…
“You know, asking me on a date was the third nicest thing anygriff has done for me. In a big way at least.” I said, still supporting Gelvin as we walked.
“Oh? What were the first two?” he asked, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“The first was when Greta said she liked my scones, and the second…” I paused, a few options churning through my mind.
The one I settled on was sappy, stupid, and about the most illogically soft thing I could do.
Ugh.
I reached over and gave his talons a squeeze before then continuing to walk, clearly surprising the gryphon judging from his wide eyes and perked-up ears.
Ok. I can see why ponies do it. It’s just a nice way to touch.
“The second thing, was when you said it was nice to meet me.”
Gelvin smiled, looking around as the surroundings continued to get brighter.
“You know, if you’re still up for it, I’d like to give you a forth nice thing, if a second date would count as that.”
I couldn’t help but grin in reply as we turned a corner and saw an unblocked exit- sunlight streaming down from a gap in the clouds in the distance. We were probably on the opposite side of the mountain- but an easy walk back to Griffinstone, injured or not.
“You know, I’d really like that.”
The End.
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I see this an appropriate ending. It is cute and leave thing open ended.
9554942
Glad you find it fitting!
I have to ask, this doesn't have a "redeemed" Gilda who says she was the bad guy qnd everyone else is blameless, does it?
Because the Gryphonstone episode seemed stupid to me. Pinkie drove them apart, and RD threw away a longtime friend, so them bith getting to waltz into Griffonstone and act like they're all great friends there "Fix" a problem is rediculous. They treated her like shit, that they can just have everything go back to normal and act like they have moral superiority when they aren't sorry at all for what they did is where most fics with Gilda fall apart in my view.
9714152
Not really. Gilda recognizes she was a bit abrasive, but hardly the 'bad' guy.
9714252
Okay, good. I hate it when Gilda is shoehorned as a "villian".
*begins reading eagerly*
9714303
Oh yeah, she's not the villain by far.
9714252
Honestly it looks like she believes the opposite. Constantly on about her pony "friends" and how great they are to her, how bad she was, I hate it. Probably not your intention, but the latter half of the story just keeps bringing them up and how they showed her the right thing to do. It gets in the way of the romance, which is the best part of this fic.
A very good start, but ultimately dissapointing.
9715561
hmmm. I'll see about modifying that- it certainly wasn't the intention. Moreso that she held onto a grudge, not that she's a villain. In this case, it's the recognition that there are aspects of gryphon culture that are inherently harmful- not that SHE did something horrible.
Nice story!
10921014
Glad you enjoyed it!
That was quite good. Haven’t read many other quality fits that portray Gilda so well. Gruff, but begrudgingly kind. Nice OC too. You’ve got a good premise of world-building. Thanks for the read!
11495326
I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it!