Daring Do must go to the Griffon Homelands on her latest adventure and find the fabled treasure of the country, the Griffon's Goblet.
Daring Do is hired to attend a summit of various leaders in the Griffon Homelands to deal with the possible discovery of a lost treasure: the Griffon's Goblet, which was used to decide the ruler of the country. Joining her is her colleague, Storm Talon, expert on Foreign Studies and Griffon culture; as well as her elder sister, Derring, and her younger brother, Darrin. She will need their help too, for there are those who wish to use the Goblet to make a grab for power, and some are willing to go to any length to get at it.
Daring Do, legendary explore and treasure hunter, stood before her class at the Royal Canterlot University with a disarming smile. “Now, archaeology is not for everypony. It can be grueling hard work sometimes, and often will not pay off as you wish. And it is not glamorous. Most archaeology is spent in archives, reading over books, tomes, scrolls, even ancient texts written in languages long since forgotten and taught only in obscure university lectures, because what you seek isn't obvious and isn't signposted obviously. Contrary to popular belief, there is no large check mark indicating the right place. However, there is no greater thrill in the world, at least in my opinion, than the feeling you get when you feel you’re on to something, when you finally unearth an artefact long thought to have been lost to time or to have been a myth. Now, any questions?”
The door to the classroom opened, revealing Tabula Rasa, Daring’s friend and colleague, Tabula Rasa, Head of the University’s Department of Arcane Magic and Astrology. Tabula Rasa had a lavender coat and a darker purple mane and tail marked with two streaks of silver, her mane pulled up into a tight bun. She wore a brown skirt, a green vest underneath which was a white blouse and of course her simple rectangular glasses. “Daring, I’m sorry to interrupt your class, but it’s important University business.”
Daring Do Shrugged and smiled at her class. “Alright class, I’ll have to cut this short. But don’t forget to think on what I said!” She called out as she trotted out the room beside Tabula Rasa.
As they walked down the hallway, they passed a grey stallion wearing small round glasses with a coffee mug cutie mark. Daring grinned at him. “Hey Herpy, how are you studies progressing?”
“Oh quite well—“As he turned to her he tripped and fell to his side. “Ah!”
Daring winced apologetically. “Sorry! You really need to have that inner ear problem looked at Herpy!”
He simply sighed and got up on his hooves, Rasa pulling Daring along with her. “Come along now, we mustn't dally!” Daring chuckled. “What’s the big rush?”
“Well the site where the fabled Griffon’s Goblet has been discovered, and they have hired you to help retrieve it. However it’s not going to be a simple matter of sending you to some exotic location and having you grab it. You and Storm Talon will be representing the University while you are sent via the Griffon Embassy towards the Griffon Homelands, where a summit will be held to determine what will actually be done about the Goblet after you retrieve it.”
“Well that sounds tedious....” Daring grumbled in annoyance.
“It can’t be helped, this is a very delicate situation and if things don’t go well we could end up having to deal with worse relations between the Griffon Homelands. Don’t worry; you will have Storm Talon at your side backing you up.”
“Why is Storm Talon tagging along anyway?”
Rasa just gazed at her with a half-lidded stare.
“Oh right...” Daring replied bashfully, rubbing the back of her head with her hoof.
Rasa led her down through the University’s front entrance where two figures stood. Daring recognized one as Storm Talon, a black feathered griffon, the areas around his eyes was discolored; one being a scar from an injury Storm had suffered in the war, the other merely dyed for the sake of symmetry. His hindleg was gone, replaced by a metal prosthetic, as was his tail. These injuries were what led to him leaving his homeland and taking a job at the university, that and other reasons he didn't discuss. The other was at once familiar and unexpected: her young brother, Darrin. His coat and mane were of a similar coloring to hers, though his coat was a lighter shade and his mane was darker, however his build was far bulkier and he was slightly taller than her. He smiled at her with a wink.
“Hey big sis.” He smiled warmly. “Miss your little bro?”
“Oh of course you big lug!” She hugged him tightly, wrapping her hooves around his neck. “But what are you doing here in the first place?”
“Well, other than wanting to hang out with, I thought you could use a little extra help. I’m always willing help you out, Daring. You know that.”
“It’s appreciated, but I think I can handle this. Besides, I've got Storm Talon coming along with me, so it’s not like I’ll be alone. Plus, I’m sure the university would be willing to pay any expenses necessary.”
“Actually it’s already paid for!” A new pony spoke up and Daring turned to see local merchant (and a pony daring often had to deal with) Chocolat’ Jasmina Pie, known by most as Coco Pie, a light green pony mare with earthy brown mane and tail, which were very curly and puffy looking. She wore a green khaki jacket and her back was covered in large bags filled with her merchandise. “Darrin paid me for everything you’ll need personally, and at a major discount! No need to thank me, I’m always willing to help out a friend!” She grinned wide.
“Discount!?” Darrin exclaimed. “I paid an awful lot for a discount!”
Coco’s hair deflated and fell down straight like a curtain, the color of her mane also becoming far darker than normal. Her gaze became more serious. “The deal I gave you was rather fair, of course if you wish to discuss it, we can have some negotiations in private.” Her gaze spoke volumes on what she would do to him, none of them pretty.
The Pegasus stallion gulped. “On second thought, I agree! It was a fair price!” He grinned nervously.
Coco’s mane returned to its normal shape and color. “Yay!”
Storm Talon leaned in to whisper in Daring’s ear. “Daring, no offense, but you have some &*#%& weird friends.”
“None taken.” Daring said with a shrug. “So, where are we off to?”
“Well first we’ll be renting Coco’s airship and travel to Manehatten, where the Griffon Embassy is, then we’ll a public airship with the Ambassador and his aide.” Darrin replied.
“Oh I never visited the Embassy before.” Daring said. “What is the Ambassador like?”
Storm Talon frowned. “I met him once. I didn't &%$@ like him.”
Elsewhere, at the Griffon Embassy of Equestria, an important meeting was taking place. A silvery feathered griffon with dark coated hindquarters stood primly with a contingent of pony employees who worked at the embassy.
“Double check all preparations for our journey to the homelands; we do NOT want anything going wrong. Our guests will be arriving shortly, so please make sure they at least have something to eat before we make the long trip.”
“Yes, Mr Ambassador.”One of the office temps said.
“Oh, you must be new.” The Griffon smiled slightly. “I am not the ambassador, merely his aide.”
“Oh...then...who is the ambassador then?” Suddenly, the doors flung open and a much larger, much more overweight Griffon stepped inside. His wings were a dark brown much like his hindquarters and the rest of his feathers were a light shade of brown. His cheeks were red, his gait unsteady, and his eyes unfocused. “What do you do with a drunken Griffon, what do you do with a drunken Griffon, what do you do with a drunken Griffon, Early in the morning!” He sang as he shakily walked towards the meeting. “Hoorah, up she rises, hoorah, up she rises, hoorah, up she rises!....Early in the morning!” He then fell to the ground, flat on his face.
“THAT would be Ambassador Hawkwings.” The aide, Platinius, answered with a stoic expression, turning back towards the ponies. Now, hopefully with that out of the way, we can continue. As I was saying, there is some concern about gem imports potentially depressing the economy over in...”
“Annnnnd another shing...” The Ambassador said as he rose up slowly. “How do you poniesh pick shingsh with your hoooovesh? I’ve been here for yearsh and I still don’t figure...know...out...how? You don’t have clawsh like minotaursh or talonsh like dragonsh or even fingersh like ush mighty griffonsh...” He fell over again as he passed out, hitting the floor with a loud thump.
The office temp who had spoken before stared at the sight while no one else spoke for a horribly long time.
“THAT’S the ambassador of the griffon homelands?” He asked incredulously.
“Yes.” Platinius answered simply.
“And YOU’RE the assistant?”
“Yes.” “And it’s not the other way around because...?”
“Well it’s kind of our shtick.” The Ambassador’s aide shrugged simply and then gave the temp a stony gaze. “For the love of your Celestia, please ruin it. Now then, about the gem imports...”
Daring, Darrin and Storm Talon walked into the airship that Darrin had rented from Coco Pie. As they entered, Daring’s eyes widened in surprise at seeing somepony else travelling with them.
“Derring?” The adventurer asked softly.
Derring Do turned to her siblings with an unimpressed gaze. She had a darker coat than her siblings and her mane was lighter hues of gray, her cutie mark was the same as her younger sister’s. “Hello Daring, Darrin. I see I wasn’t the only one the embassy had asked to help find the Goblet.” She turned away, muttering under her breath.
Darrin smiled happily. “Well, I figured since we’re all going the same place, we might as well travel together.”
“I don’t need your help, little brother. “Derring stated coldly.
“I know you don’t, but I still felt I should. We are family after all, right?”
“I guess...” Derring sighed, looking out the window of her airship as the craft began to lift off.
Daring sat beside her elder sister, smiling at her. “I haven’t seen you since when we competed for the Platinum Crown.”
Derring nodded.
Daring’s smile faltered a little. “You know, I do worry about you sometimes sis, especially since you don’t really...talk to me or Darrin much.”
“There is good reason for that.” Derring said. “I don’t like talking to you.”
“Oh...” Both mares turned away, frowning for different reasons.
Darrin frowned and Storm Talon looked away, trying to think of something to say to help lighten the mood at least. However, nothing came to mind.
The airship eventually lurched gently, indicating that they had landed. The door slowly opened and the four travellers stepped outside. Storm Talon took the lead, leading them through Manehatten’s streets towards the Griffon Embassy.
It was a large place. A three storey building that took up a large amount of space, it had two large white columns framing the doorway, two large statues of regal looking griffon’s stood on top of said columns and a relief of a griffon and a pony shaking claw and hoof was placed above the ornate, bronze doorway.
“Here we are.” Storm Talon stated. “The Griffon Embassy of Equestria.”
They stepped forward, the door opening inwards as they approached, two griffons having opened the door for them. The door was closed as they entered, Darrin and Daring looking around.
The walls were green and decorated with various paints, statues and works of art copied or imported from the Griffon Homelands. The floor was lined with soft red carpet trimmed with gold lining. In the front lobby was a reception desk manned by a griffon and a pony, with the both the Equestrian and Griffon national flags displayed proudly above.
“This place looks amazing!” Darrin grinned.
“It was not easy, it took a long time and a lot of hard work to have this place represent both our homelands as well as our desire for goodwill between our two nations.”
The four visitors looked as a silvery feathered Griffon stepped towards them, wearing a dark blue jacket over his torso. A brown belt was at the bottom hem of the jacket. “I am Platinius, Ambassador Hawkwings’ deputy, if you have any questions, please direct them to me.”
Daring, Darrin and Derring bowed politely while Storm Talon gave a curt nod. Platinius turned and gestured for them to follow as he and his retinue walked to a large door to the side. As they did so, the door swung open and a fat griffon stepped out, wearing a red jacket with tasselled shoulders that barely fit his front half. Platinius bowed, gesturing a talon towards the griffon, surrounded by his own retinue of sycophants.
“May I present Ambassador Hawkwings.”
“Uh, hey there Mister Ambassador...” Daring began, smiling nervously, raising a hoof towards the griffon. “I-I’m Daring Do, Professor of Equinology at...”
The Ambassador raised his head, snorting haughtily as one of the griffons with him pushed her hoof away. “I know enough about you Miss Do to know I do not want you touching my personage with your filthy hooves. Who knows where they been?” he gazed at her with a half-lidded stare.
“You’re quite right Mister Ambassador.” Derring replied, stepping forward. “It is an honour to be hired by someone such as yourself.” The Ambassador tilted his head. “And WHO are YOU, Miss...?”
Derring sputtered in surprise and puzzlement. “I-I’m Derring Do.”She pointed a hoof to her younger sister. “I am her elder sister. Surely you have heard of me?”
“Never heard of you in my life.” Hawkwings stated bluntly, looking uninterested, waving a talon disinterestedly. “I don’t have time to bother with some no-name pony.”
“N-no name!?”
Hawkwings turned to Darrin. “How many of you dirty, disgusting creatures come here?”
“I’m Daring’s...entourage.” The Pegasus smiled. “I’m helping carry some things she might need.”
The Ambassador shrugged. “Well, I don’t really care, just don’t tread dirt everywhere.” He looked at the two mares. “That goes for the rest of you too, ESPECIALLY Miss Do.” As they began to fume at him he looked over at Storm Talon, smirking. “Ah, the famous Storm Talon, at least SOMEONE worth my time came, even if it is a retired, practically crippled old griffon.”
Storm Talon merely glared balefully. “Nice to see you too, Hawkwings.”
Hawkwings started walking down as several griffons followed him “Good show, Mister Ambassador.” “You really put them in their place.” “You’re looking magnificent as always, Mister Ambassador.”
The Griffon chuckled as his team of sycophants blindly complimented and agreed with him. Daring and co stared at them, Storm Talon and Derring fuming.
“Well then,” Platinius began, seemingly unflappable, “since the Ambassador seems to have some matters of his own to deal with, follow me and perhaps we can discuss what exactly we want you and your group to do for us Miss Do, I even had a small banquet prepared for your arrival.” He walked behind the lobby desk, swinging the large door open as he and his retinue walked through. Daring and Darrin shrugged and followed, Storm Talon and Derring following just behind them.
They were led into a large room with a table covered in an assortment of fruits, vegetables and what looked to be smoked ham, presumably for the griffons. Several chairs were lined up around the table as the griffons led their visitors to their seats, Platinius taking a seat in front of the group. “Now then, I suppose the time has come to properly explain myself.”
Daring leaned forward, sprinkling some salt into her cup of water before starting. “Yeah I’m kind of curious...why isn’t the Ambassador joining us?”
Storm Talon smirked. “Let me guess...the Ambassador wasn’t the one who hired us, was he?”
The Deputy shook his head. “The Ambassador has only a vague idea that you were all invited here as our enterouge for the summit. No, I invited you all here. And as you’ve been informed, it involves the Griffon’s Goblet.”
“Just what is so special about this Goblet anyway?” Darrin asked.
“I know about as much as you do.” Daring admitted, rubbing her head sheepishly. “I only know that it s a fabled Griffon treasure that was presumed lost centuries ago.”
“Yeah, you could say that.” Storm Talon replied, taking a bite out of some ham, causing the ponies near him to gag slightly. “The Goblet was a symbol of the old aristocracy, and according to legend, whoever held the goblet was the true king of the homelands. Naturally, while there was a short era of peace, war eventually broke out over possession of the Goblet, power struggles to gain control of the homelands. The monarchy and aristocracy collapsed when the Goblet was lost during the war, and in its place was formed the Sieyrie Lione government....eventually.”
Platinius grinned, leaning forward. “Indeed, however, we have discovered something...a...clue you could say...leading us to believe that the Goblet wasn’t lost...it was hidden.”
“Hidden by whom?” Derring asked, brow rose in intrigue despite herself.
“The Goblet was protected by a nameless order of knights.” Platinius continued. “We have found an ancient document that our scholars have led us to believe is a command from the leader of the knights, charging the order with hiding the Goblet and making sure it is protected, to ensure no more wars ever broke out ever again.”
“And...Why invite us...again?” Daring Do raised her brows quizzically.
“It’s simple, I want you to find the Goblet and place it in a museum where it belongs.” Platinius leaned back. “If the Goblet is found by griffon hands, it will only lead to the return of those old wars, and I for one would rather not see my country enveloped in civil war, not when peace has reigned in or lands for such a short time.”
“How do you even know wars will start again?” Darrin pointed out. “I mean it’s been centuries since this old thing was relevant.” “Perhaps...” Storm Talon said, eyes closed sagely. “But, the Goblet is different, at least in griffon eyes. There are a lot of @#$!* unsatisfied with the current government, and many more who are simply opportunistic, ambitious %$#@% who would backstab anyone just for a chance at a higher position. They’d be crazy not to pass up the chance.”
“Indeed.” Platinius agreed. “Hence why you are here. Daring and Derring, you’re the finest archaeologists of your generation, and since you are not griffons, I know I can trust you to be impartial.” He turned to Storm Talon. “And Storm Talon, you are a strong fighter, you were one of the reasons we won the war against the Diamond Dogs. I know you can take care of any unforeseen problems. Plus, I would like an ally in this to help us out who understands our culture, our people and why I feel I must do this, someone who can sympathise.”
“No worries there.” Storm Talon smirked. “I’ve seen how bucked up war can be, no way am I staying out this.”
“You can count me in too!” Darrin interjected. “I mean, I may not be as smart as my big sisters, but I can help carry anything you need. Besides, it’d be kind of neat to see what the Griffon Homelands are like.”
The silvery griffon smirked and looked to the other two siblings. “Do we have an accord?”
Derring frowned. “I’m...not too sure about working with...my siblings, however, I am willing to at least accept these terms for the time being...”
“Yeah!” Daring agreed. “The Goblet is something that no one in Equestria is familiar with, except possibly the Princess, considering how long-lived she is; just think about what we could glean from it...of ancient Griffon culture, how it worked...it would make a wonderful museum piece.”
Platinius chuckled. “Very well then, we shall prepare to leave for the Summit shortly. Make sure you take everything you need, because we won’t be back for a while.”
Daring nodded. “Alright, we’ll see you when we’re ready.”
As they got up from their seats and left to begin their preparations, the group did not notice, high in the ceiling, a figure clad in black hid in the shadows, watching the meeting with intense interest. The figure flapped its wings and quickly sped out of the room, careful as to remain unseen by neither pony nor griffon.
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As Daring, Derring, Darrin and Storm Talon walked towards the reception desk, Darrin carrying everyone’s luggage at his own insistence, Platinius stood, arguing with the receptionist.
“Silvia Clawson.” Platinius groaned in annoyance. “This is the twentieth time. Granted this is not too serious, however, it is very irritating when I am trying to take inventory and I can’t find a pen anywhere.”
The griffon preened her feathers nonchalantly. “If you have such a problem with it, go tell the Ambassador or whatever.” Platinius gritted his teeth in frustration and walked off, brightening as he saw Daring and her entourage.
“Ah, Miss Do, I assume you and your group are ready?”
The Pegasus nodded. “As ready as we’ll ever be, I’m guessing.” She looked past his shoulder at the female griffon at the reception desk. “Is that griffon causing you trouble?”
“Not really.” Platinius said with a shrug. “Silvia is in charge of all the small things no one is interested in, but need someone in charge of doing. She seems to enjoy annoying me however, mostly by stealing my pens, which I do need often.” He glared at the griffon in question, who blew a raspberry at him.
“You could always fire her if she is too much of a nuisance.” Derring said, earning a raised brow from Storm Talon and a wide eyed stare from Daring.
“It’s not that problematic, and besides, I can’t.” Platinus replied. “She has some...connection to the Ambassador I am not entirely sure on the nature of, but the Ambassador would not be happy if anything happened to her, to say the least. Better to give her a job where she won’t cause too much trouble and deal with the...minor headaches.”
As he was talking, Darrin walked over to Silvia with a winsome grin. “Well, I have to say miss, your feathers are looking very beautiful and pristine today. How would you like to hang out for a while, have some dinner with a handsome stallion like yours truly?” he waggled his eyebrows seductively.
Silvia turned away from him, pushing him away with her wing. “I’d rather barf.”
“Darrin!” Daring called out. “We’re heading out to the airship Platinius hired! Come on!”
“Coming!” he large stallion ran over, looking back to the female griffon. “We should talk more sometime!”
Silvia rolled her eyes and started to read a magazine, not noticing another figure leave the Embassy, clad all in black.
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Elsewhere, in a small room, a large figure sat as two griffons, bodies clad entirely in black clothing and face obscuring hoods, bowed before him.
“Report.” He ordered, his deep voice soft but commanding.
“Ambassador Hawkwing’s Deputy seems to have hired Daring Do, her sister and Storm Talon to try and retrieve the Goblet.” “They are currently heading towards the airship now.” The second griffon nodded.
“Of course he did. We knew sooner or later Miss Do would stick her muzzle into these matters; however Storm Talon is a genuine surprise. Monitor them, and take them out when the chance arises.” The large griffon stood and began to leave the room. “I shall also be keeping watch on the situation myself. We do not want to disappoint our employer.”
He got up and left, naturally not wearing the same clothing as his comrades; after all, if he dressed like that, you would know he was a ninja.
