The Prince Of Griffonstone

by Marezinger Z

Chapter 10

Gwyn sequestered himself for nearly a week as he worked on his plans for the castle’s replacement. He sketched palace after palace, some more ornate than others and some more traditional; but while his talons were set to drawing his mind was busy imagining himself as King. Gwyn wondered what he would do, what laws would he would enact, what measures could he take to make sure that this new Griffonstone would last even well beyond his own lifetime. His thoughts seeped their way into his drawings, the lines moving to coincide with his changing opinions. Needing a break, he left his work with an exhausted sigh and took to the streets to get some air. He noticed that while they waited for his decision, the pony workers were wrapping up some side projects which included the communal bath. Gwyn sat upon the eastern wall of the city, looking back as the griffons went about their day with a vigor that was all but lost to them. They greeted one another, asked each other about their day and above all else they were smiling.

“Hey, Gwyn.” Gabby’s voice came from below.

Gwyn looked down to see her and Gilda on the ground. “Hello.” He waved.

“How’re the plans coming?” Gilda asked as they flew up and sat on either side of him.

“They come and go… and come… only to go again.” A thought consumed breath left his beak.

“What’s the problem?” Gabby saw the lost look in his eyes.

“To be truthful, it is because I have put little thought into my actual ascension.” He admitted.

“Wasn’t that the whole point?” Gilda continued.

“No… it wasn’t.” He laughed shortly. “My passion was in seeing the city rebuilt and to repair the griffon nation. I planned for everything, except the day in which I would take the crown. Now that the day is nigh, I realize the immensity of the occasion.” He looked to Gilda with concern. “Gilda, when I am King, will we… still be friends?”

Gilda wasn’t prepared for such an interpersonal question. “Well, yeah… I mean… it’d probably feel a little weird.” Her feathers shuffled.

“Of course we will.” Gabby took over for her flustered friend. “Why wouldn’t we be?”

“It is just that the title comes with such… distance.” He turned his gaze to her. “I know that the two of you are unique, you have become as close to me as Gabriel and Genevieve.” He gestured out to the city. “But what of them, I have worked to be at their side… not above them. I don’t see myself as so grand to claim to be.”

“But this is what you were raised for, right?” Gabby queried. “To become our leader.”

“That is what I have been told.” Gwyn nodded.

“You’re thinking about this too hard.” Gilda came in, having decided on a train of thought on the subject. “Look, we honestly don’t care what you are… we care about who you are.” She folded her talons. “We were wallowing in greed, anger and bitterness until you showed up. You were the one who helped us pull ourselves up, you were the one who gave us a goal, and you were the one that helped make us happy again.” She looked away from him shyly. “Prince, King, Lord… whatever, we follow you because you’re you, not because of your title; and even when you’re King… you’re still going to be Gwyn as far as I’m concerned.”

“That’s right.” Gabby agreed wholeheartedly. “Changing your title won’t change who you are, or how we see you; and after all we’ve been through together I’m sure the rest of Griffonstone feels the same.” She smiled brightly. “You don’t want to change, do you?”

“Of course not.” Gwyn shook his head. “I love things as they are now, myself included.”

“Well, you’ll be in charge.” Gilda said surely. “You can choose to keep things how you want them. Whatever you decide, we’ll be with you.”

“Definitely.” Gabby gave him a thumb up.

Gwyn smiled, their words bringing him to a conclusion. “Thank you.” He set his talons on top of theirs. “I know what I want to do.” He flew from the wall and headed back to his workspace. Disappearing for another solid day, his mind and talons now worked as one to craft his ideal structure. The next day, with tired eyes, he met with Fixit to present the rough blueprint.

“Prince.” Fixit lowered his head. “I heard you’ve been working non-stop lately.”

“Yes, forgive me for taking so long.” Gwyn said humbly. “Nevertheless, I have completed the base idea for a new castle.”

“Great, let’s take a look.” Fixit accepted the rolled parchement; they headed over to a folding table and he spread out the design. His experienced eyes quickly scanned it, humming in interest as he observed. “This is beautiful, not really what I was expecting though.” He admitted.

“Indeed, I was only able to design this after coming to terms with some things.” Gwyn looked down at his work. “This is most definitely what Griffonstone needs.”

“Alright then.” Fixit nodded. “I’ll get with the other architects and we’ll get started.”

“One thing.” Gwyn halted him. “It is important that access during construction be limited, other than your crew and myself, no creature will be allowed to see the interior until it is complete. I know this is an odd request, but it is an important one.”

“If that’s what you want, then that’s what we do.” Fixit said simply.

“Thank you.” Gwyn suddenly yawned.

“Let me take it from here, Prince.” Fixit could see the rings under his eyes. “You should get some rest.”

“I shall.” Gwyn said with a tired laugh.

---

Gwyn slept for nearly a full day, having gotten little rest over the last week. When his energy was finally recharged, he embarked on another trip to Canterlot to see Celestia. Welcomed at the castle, he found not Celestia but the Princess of the night in her stead.

“Princess Luna.” He tipped his head.

“Gwyn, what a pleasant surprise.” Luna halted her work and went to him. “We hadn’t expected to see you again so soon.”

“I have just finished the plan for the castle, I merely wished to get away from work for a while.” He confessed.

“Well, sister will be very happy to see you.” Luna motioned for him to follow. “She is currently out at the moment, overseeing an… exotic pet show I believe.”

“That sounds unique.” He smiled.

“Precisely what she said.” Luna laughed. “There was much I was envious of my sister for, times like this were not among them.” She led him to the throne room’s antechamber, offering him a seat and some cool fruit wine while he waited. Luna assured that Celestia would return soon and excused herself to her duties.

Nearly forty minutes later, he heard hurried hoof steps echoing along the marble flooring. “Gwyn.” Celestia stepped into the room.

“Princess.” He stood.

“I apologize if you were waiting long. The event was…” She pulled a long, orange hair from her main. “Well, eventful.”

“Not at all.” He shook his head. “It is not as if I announced my visit.” He kissed her hoof as he always did. “Please, think nothing of it. So, who won?” He asked with a curious smile.

“An adorable and well trained fruit bat.” Celestia informed. “His name was Seedy.” She recounted with a lighthearted giggle as they sat. “It is so nice to see you again.”

“Likewise, Princess.” He nodded. “I’ve spent a good deal of time buried in my work lately so I thought it would be a welcome reprieve to see you.”

“Does this mean that you have decided on a royal home?” She asked.

“Yes.” He confirmed. “Although, I imagine that it will turn out a bit differently than what the others are expecting. Fixit is seeing to its construction as we speak. I united some old griffon designs with some architectural accents inspired by Saddle Arabia.”

“Oh, that sounds beautiful.” Celestia tried to imagine the building. “When it is complete, will you proceed with your coronation?”

“I will.” He smiled. “I hope that you will be able to join us?”

“Of course we will.” She immediately answered. “I would not dare miss the moment. You must be excited.”

“I suppose I am.” He said thoughtfully “Although for different reasons than one might imagine. I had a talk with Gilda and Gabby that put me at ease about many things.”

“Well, you never truly feel prepared.” Celestia noted. “I remember when Luna and I took our place on the thrones. We were young and… honestly terrified.”

“Agreed.” Gwyn concurred. “Even though I was trained to lead, the responsibility of carrying the future of your kin on your back is a heavy one indeed.”

“You have shown that you care more for your fellow griffons than you do even for yourself.” She said with certainty. “Even for the ponies that are with you in Griffonstone. The skills of leadership and royal etiquette can always be learned; but good heart is something that cannot be taught, it must simply be.” Her hoof found its way across the table to this talon. “You have a remarkable heart, Gwyn; not just for a griffon but for any creature.”

“Thank you.” He squeezed her hoof.

---

Back in Griffonstone, after having talked to Fixit, Gilda looked around for Gabby and the others. She spied Genevieve and Gabriel and quickly landed before them.

“Hey, what’s up with the build site?” She asked. “Did you two even see the plans?”

“No.” Genevieve shook her head.

“Fixit said that Gwyn barred entry to the site to everybody, even us.” Gilda said curtly.

“I see.” Genevieve said, seemingly unbothered by the idea.

“Are you okay with that?” Gilda continued.

“If it is the Prince’s will, then it is not our place to question.” Gabriel said plainly.

“The Prince always has his reasons, Gilda.” Genevieve carried on. “I am certain he does not mean it as an offense.”

“I guess so.” She begrudgingly accepted. “Suppose that means I have some down time then.”

As Gilda flew off, Genevieve slid her eyes over to Gabriel. “What do you think Gwyn is planning? I must admit, such a move is unlike him.”

“I can’t say.” Gabriel admitted. “The Prince has changed a great deal over the past months, I can only imagine that this… surprise… is a reflection of that change.”

“For Gwyn to exclude even the two of us, it must be grand indeed.” Genevieve smiled. “I am looking forward to the occasion.”

Across town, Gabby and Grandpa Gruff sat at the taped off entrance to the castle’s worksite. The base formation of the foundation was beginning to come together as the swarm of ponies worked in concert with efficient speed.

“I wonder what it’ll look like.” Gabby asked. “Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be pretty; Gwyn’s designs are always really beautiful.”

“Ahh, I’ll worry about it when it’s built.” Grandpa Gruff said flippantly. “To be honest, the kid's tastes are a little... fancy for my liking.”

Gabby looked up at him sourly. “Don't you appreciate the artistry?”

"All those little decorations are just more stuffed that needs to be cleaned and dusted, more work for no reason." He grunted. "Keep it simple."

"You have no imagination." Gabby turned her beak up.

Before he could snap back, Gilda descended to Gabby’s side. “Hey.” She plainly greeted.

“Did Genevieve know anything?” Gabby turned her attention to Gilda.

“No, even they’re out of the loop.” Gilda sighed.

“Aw, did the kid hurt your feelings?” Grandpa Gruff chuckled as he turned back towards the city. “Don’t worry about it. He hasn’t let us down yet, has he?”

“Ugh.” Gilda narrowed her eyes as he waddled off.

“He’s not wrong.” Gabby interjected. “How about we go eat? I’m completely addicted to the spicy, fried sea bass.”

“Yeah, fine.” Gilda decided to drop the issue and carry on.

---

After spending the afternoon together, Gwyn prepared to begin his trip back home. Having taken back the stone that Gabby had left with her, he slid his bag over his shoulder and walked with Celestia to the castle entrance.

“This certainly has been a happy detour.” Celestia sighed. “It was nice to see you again so soon.”

“I feel much the same.” He smiled up at her. “Now, I must dive into the castle’s construction.”

“Have you thought about plans for your coronation ceremony?” She asked.

“I will have it coincide with the castle’s official opening.” He answered. “I was thinking about expanding the affair into an event for all; I want the ponies to share in the occasion as well.”

“I think that is a splendid idea. I’ll be looking forward to it.”

They passed out into the courtyard and into the warm, afternoon air. “I will keep you updated on the situation as things progress.” Gwyn raised his head and gently nuzzled her cheek, dotting it with a kiss. “Till then.”

“Be safe.” Celestia smiled as she returned his affection.

Gwyn darted up and out of the courtyard, soaring high into the air as he waved back down at her. It would be another three months before he would get to see her again, as he focused all his efforts into working on the castle with Fixit. The griffons of the city watched with great interest as the walls of the structure grew higher as the weeks rolled by. Gwyn had asked that Gilda and Genevieve organize the details of his upcoming coronation ceremony and left Gabby, Gabriel and Grandpa Gruff to oversee the celebratory festival that was to accompany the event. As everyone worked, the castle slowly came together; Gwyn’s design offered a more robust appearance with rounded walls and polished domes that shined in the unobstructed daylight that cascaded onto the city. A deal of landscaping was performed and non-native trees and shrubbery were brought in to decorate the courtyard and exterior property line. Once the main structure was complete, the workers disappeared into the interior and what went on inside was left to the city’s imagination. Gwyn broke from time to time to check in with his friends as plans moved along; within the final weeks he ensured that invitations were sent out and any necessary peripherals for the festival were shipped in. Once Gwyn and pony’s work was finished, the next two days were spent in final preparation. On the eve before the big day, everyone was finally able to gather and spend a few quiet moments together. They relaxed at the outdoor seating for Flavor’s Roost and dined under the stars.

“Well, tomorrow is truly the dawn of a new era.” Genevieve said with eyes more excited than usual. “Are you feeling nervous yet, Prince?”

“I’ve been too busy to allow myself nervousness.” Gwyn laughed. “Thank you all for working so hard these last months, tomorrow would not be were it not for your efforts.”

“Happy to help.” Gabby said cheerfully. “Although, it wasn’t easy with these two grumps.” She shifted her eyes between Gabriel and Grandpa Gruff.

“Pssh.” Grandpa Gruff scoffed. “Like it’s any easier being pulled in ten different directions at once by your hyperactive rear end.”

“Quite so.” Gabriel agreed. “Your energy could power an entire city.”

“Sorry I was excited.” Gabby huffed. “You should try it sometime.”

“And what of you, Gilda?” Gwyn shifted his attention to her. “Have you completed your opening address?”

“Uh… yeah.” She nodded half surely. “Not really known for my speeches though.”

“But I can be certain it will honest and from the heart.” He noted.

The server appeared with their meals and they quieted down as they ate. Needing to be up early the next day, it was a short night for them as they sought to rest.

Almost the entirety of the city was up before the sun; any creature operating a festival stand immediately went to work to make sure things were ready for when the visitors arrived. Glenshandra and several others from Cliff Haven made the trip and met with their village’s favorite son. Practically his grandmother, she was a welcome sight on such an occasion. He personally showed them about the city and Glenshandra had to admit how impressive it was since she had last been within the walls. After a snarky reunion with Grandpa Gruff, Gwyn’s attention was stolen away by the arriving Princesses. A few notable faces from Canterlot as well as members of the press had come as well to document the momentous occasion. Twilight arrived via balloon with her friends at her side; as soon as the basket touched down they scattered to take in all the activity. At noon, the citizens and guests flocked to the manufactured stage where Gwyn was finally ready to accept his crown.

Gilda nervously took to the stage with him and looked out over the gathered mass; a hush fell as she took her spot and she swallowed hard. “Um, hey.” She waved; taking a moment to look down at her notes she recalled what Gwyn had said to her last night and crumpled them up. “I haven’t know Gwyn for long, none of us have to be honest.” She began. “But I’ve known him long enough to know he isn’t like other griffons; and that is exactly what we needed. I’m not old enough to remember Griffonstone when it wasn’t a dump and I wasn’t young enough to not notice how awful things were around here… it was bad and we weren’t much better.” A mild grin graced her beak. “Gwyn doesn’t see things as they are though, he sees things as they could be; he saw this city the way it is now even when it was just loose bricks and straw. And he saw us as we are now; a community instead of a city of individuals who couldn’t be bothered with one another.” She looked back at Gwyn. “He’s the real deal, and if Griffonstone is going to have a King again… there isn’t any creature better for the job. I know that whatever he decides for us will be for the best, and I trust him with my future as I'm sure all of you do." Her eyes returned to the crowd. "There really isn't much more to say, so let's get to the good part already."

Gwyn, deeply touched by her words, began the applause as the crowd followed suit. He stepped forward and stood before the elegant case that held his crown. “Thank you, Gilda.” He said as she stepped from the platform. “And thank all of you, for being here to celebrate this moment with me. This moment that was planned from the day of my birth and although seemed forever away, has come even sooner than I expected.” He removed the glass top and exposed the lovely, golden accessory. “I did not make it here alone, I have been blessed with many things and many opportunities; but without those that have been at my side I cannot in good conscious say that I would be standing here now.” He grasped the crown. “I only hope that my decisions as Prince will continue to be as fruitful… as King.” He set the crown on his head and the crowd fervently applauded. He eagerly pointed up the completed castle. “Now then, I am excited to show you the new seat of Griffonstone’s future.” Gwyn proudly led the grand procession up the path to the new castle. Everyone marveled at the beautiful piece of architecture as they drew nearer; the hearty stonework accented by the gold trimmed domes and spires created a unique look that defied convention. The courtyard was expansive and claimed a fountain as its centerpiece, the water feature displaying a brand new statue of Grover to replace the demolished one that rested in the city. The freshly planted shrubbery and flowers that lined the path brightened the gray of the stone and the flag of Griffonstone hung above the massive, oak doors that led inside. Pushing the doors open, everyone filed into the foyer and followed between the stairwells that led to the upper levels and into the throne room. The royal chamber was adorned with banners and other typical decoration, of note though was the lack of a throne; a marble roundtable served as the room’s center with seating for six. Gwyn stood before that table and turned back to his friends, allies and subjects.

“I have little doubt you are confused by what you see.” Gwyn began with a light smile. “Before I offered my design to Fixit, I spent a deal of time thinking about not only the future of Griffonstone, but its past. Griffons are unique creatures, we have a pride and sense of self that is rivaled only by dragons. That lack of humility has led our kind down horrible paths on more than one occasion.” He removed his crown and looked down at it solemnly. “I came to you a Prince that was raised to be a King, both titles that speak of superiority; but I will never claim to be superior. While it may be true that I am capable, that I drew up the plans and paperwork that laid the foundation for this renewed city… I could not nor did I build it alone. I could not have done this without my fellow griffons, or the hardworking ponies of Canterlot, or my friends.” He looked out over the crowd with utmost confidence. “So, I take this time to make my first… and last decree as King of Griffonstone." His statement brought a deal of shock to everyone. "I am hereby forming the Council of Griffonstone, a body that will serve as the ruling administration for our kind. This table will be their seat of power and from it will come your laws, regulations and government.” A bevy of intrigued murmurs followed his words. “As you see, there are six seats. The official appointments for the first Council will be myself, the learned Prince; Genevieve and Gabriel, the scholar and the warrior; Gilda, the cold but well-meaning voice of truth; Gabby, the unbridled and passionate voice of youth; and Grandpa Gruff, the sage voice of wisdom.”

“What?” Gilda’s jaw lowered as the crowed began excitedly chatting. “He’s kidding, right?”

“We’re going to be in charge?” Gabby asked with wide eyes.

“My, how unexpected.” Genevieve laughed mildly.

“Geez, just can’t let me enjoy retirement, can ya kid?” Grandpa Gruff shook his head.

“If this is your wish Prince, I will accept.” Gabriel nodded.

“It is.” Gwyn said surely. “The six of us, representing four generations of griffons, will see to it that what we built together will continue to grow and flourish as the years pass. And when the day comes when a seat is empty…” He gestured to the griffon citizens. “They will see to it that a proper replacement is elected.” Gwyn set his crown down on the table. “With that, I officially declare the title and position of King to be no more. Make your cheers for the new Council of Griffonstone!” He raised his talon and the crowd erupted. His chosen council members approached and gathered around him.

“Gwyn, are you sure about this?” Gilda asked. “I’m not a leader.”

“Gilda.” He took her talon in his. “You have been leading this whole time, since day one. Besides, the burden will not be yours alone, we will be in this together.

“Yeah, whatever happens we can handle it.” Gabby beamed.

“Alright, but I’m not wearing some stuffy uniform or anything.” Gilda noted with a warning smile.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Gwyn promised.

“It seems our work is not quite done then.” Genevieve mused.

“I do apologize.” Gwyn lowered his head to her. “I know that you sought to raise me to be king; and I understand that in a way, this is a betrayal of the guidance the two of you have given me. But the griffon I am now is only because of what you both gave me growing up; as far as I’m concerned, you both claim just as much right to rule as I do.”

“Thank you, Prince.” Gabriel bowed. “We shall remain at your side as we always have, until the end.”

“Indeed.” Genevieve concurred. “Although, now that you have abandoned your title, I just might feel free to be more forthright with my opinions.” She laughed slyly.

“I welcome it.” Gwyn chuckled as he turned to Grandpa Gruff. “I know this probably isn’t ideal to you, but no griffon deserves more of a chance to make a change in Griffonstone than you do. I promised you that I would make this city a place your family would have loved, now, I offer you the chance to help make it so with your own talons.”

“Eh, not like I had anything else to do anyway.” Grandpa Gruff scratched his head, rolling his eyes off to the distance. “Thanks, kid. I’ll use whatever time I’ve got left to do something good.”

“So what now?” Gabby asked. “What should we do next?”

“I say we save that for our first, official meeting in the morning.” Gwyn patted her shoulder. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment.” He left the group and headed over to Celestia and Luna.

“Well, I must say that this was a surprise.” Celestia said as he neared.

“Indeed.” Luna nodded. “What you just did took strong resolve.”

“I feel it is for the best.” Gwyn glanced back at the talkative crowd. “I don’t need a title to do what’s best for Griffonstone; and what better time for such a change than with the rebirth of the city. Everything is starting anew now and I trust my friends to see the future a bright one.”

“I look forward to seeing it, Gwyn.” Celestia smiled warmly.

“That being said.” Gwyn looked back to her. “With my title stripped, I… do hope you can still find it in you to consort with a common griffon like me.”

Celestia set her hoof to his chin and brought him into a long kiss. The crowd turned its attention to the sight and began cheering and calling out in response. As Gwyn’s mind registered what happened, Celestia laughed and looked over the sea of prying eyes. “I suppose it is your turn to go through the rumor mill now.”

Gwyn glanced around to see the griffons and ponies pointing over to them and talking excitedly. “I deserve that.” He nodded slowly. “How about we return to the city and commence the festivities proper?” He held his arm out.

“A splendid idea.” Celestia accepted his arm as Gwyn called for everyone to join them back in the streets of the city.
With his title gone, Gwyn was free of the weight of his legacy and with the formation of the Council the griffon nation was truly reborn. A vast sea of possibilities expanded in front of him and he had no concrete idea on where this new path would take him; and the fact that he didn’t know was something he truly loved.

Comments

[i_am_the_jam]

A hexavirate, that was unexpected...

[Even Evil Has Standards]

Sequel?

[J-90]

Huh... Very nice turnout there. Did not see it coming.
Also, Sequel?

[TexasDragon1995]

Huh, this ended a bit sooner than I thought, but I still loved it very much though

I hope there's a sequel to this

[FriendsForever]

Why did it finish early

[Wartank55]

10325061
But a Monarch that's Popular with the Common Folk is arguable better than one who sucks up to Nobles and Pretentious High Society Members because the one who listens to the Common Folk will more than likely be able to see what is wrong with the Common Folk and try to fix the problems.

[Phetiamwantip]

That was the best story that I ever read. I'm giving you a trophy for finishing The Prince Of Griffonstone. Congratulations. 🏆

[Phetiamwantip]

I'll be willing to read the sequel when you make it. Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself.

[Phetiamwantip]

Is it alright if I can edit your The Prince Of Griffinstone story?

[Marezinger Z]

11552032
No, I don't let others edit my work.

[Phetiamwantip]

11552736
Okay. Thank you anyway