Ponyville
Later that morning, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had joined their friends for a picnic lunch out in the fields near town. It was a little potluck sort of thing, where they all brought the needed materials or food, all set up on a checkered blanket on the grass near a willow tree. Along for the ride was a very happy Spike, glad to be included in their little activities today.
It was perfect timing, considering the events of yesterday and their plans to tell their friends of their new relationship development. At least, when the moment would be right of course.
As was the norm, Fluttershy sat next to her best friend who couldn't help but grin and sneak the occasional peek her way.
"I just can't believe what a meanie pants she was!" Pinkie exclaimed, having been in the middle of ranting on about the recent incidents with Gilda the griffin. "Not even my super duper awesome party worked!"
"I'll say," Dash agreed, rolling her eyes, "I don't know who she thought she was, but she is not my friend!"
"How did you even meet her, Rainbow?" Twilight queried curiously.
"It was at Flight Camp," Rainbow Dash shrugged a bit, looking toward Fluttershy with a little wink. "Fluttershy and I were still in Flight School, and so for the summer, our parents signed us up for Flight Camp. A lot of flying creatures go to Flight Camp, mostly ponies. But it was kinda rare to find griffins there. Anyway, Fluttershy fell sick with a cold during one weekend, and even though I was trying to take care of her, I got bored and wanted to go outside and do all the fun stuff!"
"Rainbow, you know I encouraged you to go outside even if I wasn't feeling well," Fluttershy encouraged.
With a chuckle, Dash nodded, "yeah, I know! Anyway, so I went out to play, and I saw Gilda showing off some tricks to her group. I thought it was pretty cool, especially since I never saw a Griffin before! So during lunchtime, when I was on my way to bring Fluttershy some food, I found Gilda on the way and told her that her tricks were awesome. She saw my cutie mark, and I told her how I got it! After that, we showed off tricks to each other, teamed up for events, and were just fast friends after that!"
"Considering the circumstances, I'm not surprised!" Rarity said, shaking her head.
"Since she lived far off in the griffin territories, she had to leave after Flight Camp was over," Dash went on. "There were some issues going on, I don't know the details about all that. Something boring about her dad, the griffin tribes and some dumb thing they were looking for."
"Was she always so super meanie weanie?" Pinkie wanted to know.
"Eh, only to those she didn't think was 'cool', really," Dash shrugged. "Yesterday was bad even by her standards."
"How 'bout Fluttershy?" Questioned Applejack.
"Oh." Fluttershy mumbled, "I tried to get along with her, but she was always mean to me whenever Rainbow wasn't around. She said if I told Rainbow... something bad would happen."
"What?!" Rainbow Dash cried out, shocked that she had never heard about any such incidents, "Fluttershy...! Why didn't you tell me?!"
"I was scared, and then after... it didn't matter anymore after she left," the creamy yellow pony admitted shamefully, looking down at the blanket.
"Well Ah cain't blame ya there, sugarcube," Applejack said sympathetically, "Sometimes we don't tend ta think o' that kinda thing after it's over. But ya still should 'o told her 'bout it."
"Applejack is quite correct, dear," Rarity agreed, "I think you should have at least told a counsellor or a nurse about it if not Rainbow Dash back then, and you still should have told her anyway."
"I know..." The shy yellow mare admitted, placing her head in her forehooves and staring at the ground. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you... she didn't hurt me physically. She just called me names and told me to stay away from you." Fluttershy admitted as she withdrew a little from her fillyfriend.
"Sure explains why she asked me why I hang out with you," Dash admitted. With a wing, she drew her mare closer and offered a quick nuzzle, "Hey, don't worry about it, pal! You don't have to worry about her anymore, ever again."
"Look at you two there, aren't you both just little darlings. You could make such a cute couple." Rarity commented, her eyes sparkling.
The rest of the gang giggled at the little remark, to which even Twilight smiled at, despite not quite catching on.
"Rainbow and Fluttershy? Really?"
"Well dear, when they moved to Ponyville a few years ago, together I might add, they were usually quite close," Rarity explained, giggling. "It was rather adorable, especially with the chemistry they had. So, you can see we tease them about it from time to time."
"First time Ah saw 'em, they was standin' side-by-side as they walked, glued ta each other, practically," Applejack recalled.
"And they kissed during the party I invited them too!" Pinkie piped up, grinning widely. "They were eating taffy and ate their way along it and then it was kissy time!"
"Hey, chuckleheads, guess what?" Rainbow threw in, smirking, "we actually are dating."
"What?" Rarity stared at the young couple unable to believe what the light blue prankster had just said.
"I was right all along! Party time!" Pinkie almost went into orbit with glee.
"It's about time you two came out. It's been pretty darn clear for a while now you two." Applejack remarked, snickering, "Ah saw it all along."
"Wow," Twilight blinked, taking this all in for a moment, "It's odd, I'm almost not surprised and yet, it's pretty shocking. Well, a lot of ponies wouldn't think it'd work, but I think that's up to you two to decide," she smiled.
"Dear, how long has this been going on for?" Rarity inquired, she just had to have the latest and realizing that they were telling the truth, she couldn't resist delving.
"Um... since- yesterday," Fluttershy admitted, her cheeks flushed.
"Only yesterday?!" Rarity gasped.
"After the whole stuff with Gilda, yeah, I had to make sure Fluttershy was okay," Dash shrugged.
"I remember! She made Fluttershy run away! Oh, I'm sorry, Flutters!" Pinkie now dashed over and hugged her friend. "That was so meanie weanie of her!"
"O-Oh, it's... it's okay now, Pinkie... thank you," Fluttershy managed, patting the pink Earth pony's back gently. "It was also bad memories of fillyhood, anyway."
"You poor thing. Why didn't you tell us?" Rarity asked, joining in the hug.
"Well- Rainbow was so happy to see her old friend again." Fluttershy admitted, digging her hoof into the picnic blanket a bit, "And I didn't want to rock the boat. So I just didn't want to ruin anything. I even- well, thought maybe she changed and was just having a bad day... I didn't want to bother anypony about it."
Twilight smiled and joined the hug too, "Well I don't know about everypony else, but you seem to be fine now."
A soft, sweet blush overcame Fluttershy's cheeks yet again, "I feel wonderful."
"Thanks to yours truly!" Dash winked, joining the hug. "Hey, want to know the kicker? Fluttershy asked me to be her special somepony!"
"Get outta town!" Applejack's jaw dropped, her eyes going wide, "Fluttershy? Ya did?"
"Hee... I did..." Fluttershy giggled meekly, ecstatic as she gazed happily at her friends.
"Goodness, darling! I have to say you surely have come a long way in being assertive!" Rarity said with surprise and then smiled. "Well, I have to say I'm very proud of you for that."
"Oooh oooh! Did you make the first move, too?!" Pinkie asked, grinning widely.
"...Yes." Confirmed the shy pegasus, burrowing under her marefriend's wing.
"She did, all right!" Rainbow Dash snickered, keeping her wing over the shy and nervous pegasus in a comforting manner, "So yeah, she's mine now! All of those lovesick ponies who want her can SUCK IT!"
"Now really! That's just uncouth! ...Though I suppose I can't blame you for feeling such a thing." Rarity mumbled, shaking her head. "I know how it can be when you are the pony everypony wants!"
"Riiiight..." Applejack mumbled dryly, shaking her head.
"I'm back!" Spike came trotting back, his arms full of gems, "I remembered there were some gems buried out in the field near here! Did I miss anything?"
"A little." Twilight giggled.
"Let's just say Fluttershy and I are together!" Rainbow winked at him, grinning.
Spike dropped the pile of gems he was carrying a mixture of shock and joy radiating from him, "Whoa! Really?! You guys? You and Fluttershy?"
"You bet!" Dash grinned back.
"Wow... didn't see that one coming," Spike admitted, whistling a little.
"Why, Spike! You found some marvelous gems! How delightful!" Rarity beamed, now trotting over and inspecting them. "Mmm-hmmm...yes! They are in wonderful condition!"
"Let me see," Twilight lowered her horn toward the gems, inspecting their quality as well, "Yep! They are in good condition! Good work finding them, Spike!"
"What can I say? A dragon like me likes gems in his tummy!" Spike patted his scaly stomach.
"Ooohh! This one!" Rarity levitated an emerald, inspecting it, "I have been looking for a gem such as this one for a dress I am currently working on, and it's absolutely perfect! Oh, dear Spikey Wikey, may I have this one? If you would like it replaced, I can certainly give you another gem from my storeroom, but this one is unique! I must have it!"
Melting under the delighted gaze of the alabaster unicorn, Spike handed over the requested gem without argument. Fluttershy giggled, you could just about see the love hearts wafting off the infatuated young dragon.
"Thank you, dear Spikey-wikey!" Rarity giggled with glee. "I simply cannot thank you enough! Come by the boutique later this afternoon and I shall have your replacement gem!"
"Nah... you don't need to, it's fine." Spike managed, his cheeks pink.
"Now now, dear, I insist! You were generous to give me such a lovely little gift I needed, I surely see no reason not to repay you!"
A wistful look appeared upon the baby dragons face.
Getting an idea, Fluttershy cleared her throat, "Actually, Spike... since you're going to the Grand Galloping Gala... you're going to need a suit, right?"
Snapped out of his stupor, the small dragon blinked, "Well, yeah. Why?"
Catching on, Twilight smiled, "I seem to remember that your old suit is too small for you, isn't it?"
"Yeah." Spike looked a bit puzzled as to where they were going with this.
"Well, Rarity, would you be willing to make a nice suit for him?" Fluttershy suggested.
Rarity's azure eyes lit up with delight! "Why, yes! That's a brilliant idea! A perfect little favour! What do you say, dear Spike? Shall you come to the boutique so that I may work out a suit that is to your liking? I shall need your measurements and such, of course."
"Yeesss..." Spikes eyes shone, it was almost too good to be true.
"I'll see you then." Rarity slowly waltzed her way back over to her spot on the blanket. She carefully set her new gem down between her forehooves in a protective manner.
"Alright everypony, how about we have some lunch now?"
Out of nowhere, Pinkies party cannon appeared in her hooves, it fired, startling everypony else. She rolled onto the blanket giggling.
"Good gracious, Pinkie!" Rarity cried, having nearly let go of her new gem, "What on earth was that about?!"
"Party cannon fun, of course!" Pinkie grinned widely.
"Pinkie Pie... you're sooooo random!" Dash laughed, shaking her head.
"Random is my middle name!" Giggled the pink Earth pony as she hugged a blushing Twilight.
Covered in streamers and confetti, Spike shook it off himself, "I knew I should've stayed in bed today."
Rarity grabbed the sulking dragon in with a forehoof, and brought him into a loose hug. "There, does that make my Spikie Wikey all better now?"
He gave his crush a hug back. "Heaps better. Thanks, Rarity!"
The two settled down together, sharing the wonders of the collective gem collection as they sat opposite the two relaxed pegasi.
"Ya know... Ah' almost think we might have ourselves two couples here Twi."
The lavender unicorn paused mid-mouthful to glance between the two groups. "Well, that would be a dream come true for Spike. But I'm not sure I can imagine what will happen once he grows up. Dragons get a lot bigger than ponies do."
Applejack looked thoughtful for a moment, biting her lip, "Yeah, yer right. Do ya know about tha growth rate of a dragon?"
Twilight shook her head, "I'm afraid not. But I assume it may be that they too develop at different rates... to an extent. However, he's only a few years younger than the rest of us, in terms of age. If he were a pony, he'd be the same size as us, pretty much. But since he's a young dragon and they seem to grow slower than ponies, that seems to be the factor."
"Ah heard in some o' them there folk tales that dragons live a long time," the farm pony said thoughtfully, "Is that true? Could he outlive Rarity? An' all of us?"
"I don't know," admitted Twilight, shaking her head again, "I wish I understood dragons better, but Spike is the only true source I have."
"Well then... Ah' guess there's really only one way to find out. Ah' only hope it doesn't break the young guy's heart. It's made of gold on that dragon," astutely observed the farmer as she eyed the youngster.
Twilight smiled, it was nice to hear other's say such nice things about him. Especially coming from the element of honesty herself. It helped make all those years of raising him seem all the more worth it.
"Ohh! I know. How about have a massive party tonight!?" Pinkie seemed to spring out of nowhere despite having been securely at Twilight's side mere moments ago. "We have to have a party for Fluttershy and Dashie. Couples party!" She bounced high into the air.
"Um, Pinkie, don't you think you should consult them about it first?" Twilight suggested, looking uneasy.
"Why would I do that silly? It's not as if they would ever say no to a Pinkie party."
"If ya' say so. But ah' still think ya'll should ask them first." Added Applejack as she watched the pair of lovebirds.
Pinkie bounced over to the huddled up pairs. "Party next week! I was going to hold it tonight, but I'm super busy, and I have so many obligations and other parties this week. But I think I can pencil your couples party in a weeks time!" She overflowed with excitement. "Don't you ponies worry. Your auntie Pinkie will take care of everything!"
Fluttershy, overhearing that statement, rolled her eyes slightly, "I'm older than you, Pinkie."
Ignoring the shy mare's statement, Pinkie bounced off to set up for the big event.
"Well Ah' guess that's one way to break up a picnic." Applejack commented as she selected a sandwich from the food that was laid out in the middle of the blanket.
"I agree with you there," Twilight said, levitating a bagel sandwich over to her paper plate with her magic.
Fluttershy giggled with delight when Rainbow Dash offered her a cherry to eat. She opened her mouth, allowing her marefriend to place it on her tongue. "Hee! Thank you." She ate it, removing the stem from her mouth in doing so.
With a proud grin upon her muzzle, the bold mare reached over and grabbed a delicious looking hay sandwich. She carefully picked it up in her jaws, offering a bite to her fillyfriend. A giggling Fluttershy took a dainty bite, touching noses with her champion in the process. As if to mirror their moment with the taffy, Fluttershy slowly nibbled her way through the delicious morsel, locking lips with a grinning Rainbow Dash. The two fell into a slow kiss that was met by 'awww's from all their friends.
"Oh, do get a room, you two!" Rarity giggled, mock teasing them.
"Don't ya encourage 'em!" Applejack laughed, shaking her head.
Rainbow Dash leaned in to whisper into her lover's ear. "We can get that room later."
Fluttershy giggled as thoughts of what they could do began to pop into her head. Her wings slowly fluttered as an outward sign, causing her to be given a quizzical look from Twilight.
"Are you okay, Fluttershy? Do you need to go flying for a bit?" Twilight queried curiously.
"Y-yes please." The blushing mare slowly pulled herself up. "Um- Rainbow... Could you... um..."
"Yes. I'll come with you." The powerful athlete stood bolt upright, ready for flight. "Your good pal, the amazing Rainbow Dash is always ready for fun in the sky!"
Joy was written all over the pretty yellow mare's face as she stood next to her fillyfriend, gazing at her other friends. After a moment cyan wings spread and Dash motioned for her marefriend to do the same. They took off, quickly leaving the others far behind.
Turning her attention to the young dragon by her side, Rarity offered him a quick nuzzle before speaking. "Does my darling Spikey Wikey want to come back to the shop with me? I'm sure I could make you something absolutely adorable for tonight's party."
The excited dragon turned to his mother-figure, seeking permission.
With a knowing giggle, Twilight nodded, "Of course, Spike. Just don't stay out too late."
"Thanks, Twilight!" Spike lept to his feet, trying to drag his crush up with him. "Come on Rarity. Let's go." As an afterthought, the excited dragon scooped up his small collection of gems, popping one in his mouth as he did so.
The duo headed off, leaving just the two remaining mares sitting side by side at the otherwise abandoned picnic site.
"So Twi... Do you have any special somepony in mind?"
Snorting, Twilight shook her head, "Of course not! I've been too busy with my studies, and I only started making friends when I first moved to Ponyville and met you girls. Besides, I never really had a crush before," she sighed a bit. "I don't even really think about it. Or know what to think about it. I mean, sure, seeing Rainbow and Fluttershy like this, all happy together, is just wonderful. I'm so happy for them! But it's just not something I was considering myself. And besides, I'm from Canterlot... Pretty much every female there places importance on finding a husband and more often than not, having children. That's all well and good if they want that, but I'm not ready for that."
The farmer paused her meal as she digested the information. "Wait... What?"
"What, what?" Twilight looked to Applejack with confusion. "What's wrong?"
"Nuthin. Ah' just almost thought that yer was going to say you were a fillyfooler like Fluttershy and Dash here are."
The lavender unicorn blinked a few times, staring at her friend, before looking down at her food, "I actually don't even know if I like mares or stallions."
Silence passed for a few moments as they both considered the topic at hoof.
"Ya' know... there's only one way to find out." The confident orange mare sounded like she was ready to do something decisive, something that might be a little uncomfortable for the purple unicorn even.
Choosing to set aside her ill at ease feelings, Twilight continued her meal in silence. Applejack meanwhile watched her unicorn friend at the corner of her eye on occasion, but also went back to eating her lunch. Who knew what the future would hold, indeed.
Griffonstone, Mighty Wing, Central City.
Gilda strutted along the streets of the capital city within the Griffin Territories, known as Mighty Wing. Mighty peaked towers lined the central street on either side of Gilda, a mass of dark brooding browns and greens. Even the windows appeared to be brooding, dark and glazed as they stared out into the world beyond. Many of the windows bore slight cracks in them. Gilda like that, it added a sense of ...danger to the whole place. Although it was a peaceful nation, it was clear that it was not a welcoming one. It was built by griffins, for griffins. Few other creatures were in sight, none of whom were ponies. As Gilda gazed around at the familiar territory, she wondered what could be causing such a fuss. Griffins were hurrying about, many on the wing. All appeared to be on a mission about something or another. Or rather, the leaders were just arguing over nothing again.
The young griffins entered her home, only to be greeted by her father's servant. She brushed him off for the moment. She didn't need to be tended to right now, let alone by his minion.
Gilda exhaled, feeling quite bitter about the events that occurred in Ponyville. She'd lost Rainbow Dash, the coolest friend anyone could ask for. What occurred was something she never expected, the very pony she found acceptable and useful had become a dweeb. Most especially in their encounter right before she left.
Not to mention falling in love with the weakest and most pathetic pony she'd ever seen.
~Flashback~
"HEY! Where do you think you're going, Gilda?!"
Gilda turned, facing Rainbow Dash with a deadpan look, "Listen dweeb, yeah, you're a dweeb now, Dash, but I have no time for your stupidity. I'm getting out of here."
"You have a lot of nerve, Gilda! I heard about what you did to Fluttershy!" Dash said angrily, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "What has she ever done to you?!"
"She's a doormat you dweeb, she's not cool like you used to be." The angry griffin cut back as she took up a defensive stance, ready to strike out at the pegasus who was once her friend.
"Hey, Fluttershy may have confrontation and insecurity issues, but she's not a doormat!" Dash yelled, hovering in the air, "She's my best friend, you know!"
"What are you going to do about it, little Rainbow Crash?" It was the first time Gilda had ever called her old friend such a name. Although it was once unthinkable to call her such things, the angry griffin now saw no reason to restrain her mean streak from lashing out.
"What is your problem?! All you've done since you got here was treat everypony like garbage, even right when Pinkie was nice enough to still try to reach out to you even after you made her feel like dirt... you STILL manage to mess that up!"
Brown wings flared in offence to the light blue mare's words. "My problem? They're all lame little ponies! How can you stand to be around lowlife like that?"
Dash growled angrily, snorting through her nose, "Because they're my friends! They're all good ponies in this town! Fluttershy and I had to leave Cloudsdale and we came here! And I'm glad we did because it's where we met our closest friends! They're not low-lives!"
The nasty creature below the angry pony took off into the air, pressing her beak against Dash's nose. "What's that dweeb? I'm sorry... I can't hear you above the weak cries of your pathetic friends. I'll give you one last chance to come back with me and be cool."
"HEY! You watch what you say about my friends! And by the way, I heard about the way you treated Fluttershy in flight school!" Dash touching down on the ground in front of her ex-friend. "YOU threatened her so she wouldn't tell on you! How could you?! You've done nothing but torment her for no good reason!"
Gilda remained in the sky, feigning despair. "Oh why, how sad... the little filly needed teaching a lesson. She was checking out another filly... that was like... eww gross." The feathered features of the airborne bully contorted with disgust. It was becoming very clear that in her world, it was not okay to be anything other than straight and cool.
The cyan Pegasus's jaw dropped. "WHAT... did you just SAY?! I dare you to repeat that!" Her eyes narrowed dangerously yet again.
"What? I didn't need her looking at you like that. It would have made you soo uncool." Gilda complained defensively, unable to step away from such a dare.
"Looking at...?" Rainbow faltered, looking surprised.
"Yea, it was fun... she stopped pretty quickly once the pain set in... it didn't take much at all." The bully reminisced, a giggle of past pleasure escaping as her claws stroked the back of a frightened imaginary filly.
"You! Why I oughta..! If you talk about Fluttershy like that ONE. MORE. TIME. I'm not afraid to use force!" Rainbow threatened, wings flared ready for action.
"Oh come on Dash. It's not as if she's important." Gilda swooped far out of hoof range, doing her best to maintain her cool persona. She landed on a nearby cloud and gazed at her claws, seemingly dismissive of her past friend.
Dash let out a snarl of defiance, "Oh yeah?! Well, you're WRONG! Fluttershy is the most important pony in Equestria! Nothing you or anypony says is going to change that! She's my best friend and I would never leave my friends hanging!"
"Whatever dweeb... go run back to your little fillyfriend, she's changed you Rainbow Dash... now you just suck." Gilder dismissed her, slowly flying off.
"Hey! Fluttershy didn't change anything! HEY! YOU COME BACK HERE! Don't you fly away from me! HEY! I'M TALKING TO YOU!" The fired-up mare cried out from the ground.
"Goodbye Rainbow Crash. Come see me if you ever get over that useless excuse for a flying pony." The bully called back one last time before she began to pick up speed, ready for her long trip home.
"I DARE YOU TO COME BACK HERE AND SAY THAT!" Rainbow Dash was all to keen to pursue the departing griffin.
Shaking her head at the soft display below her, Gilda muttered to herself "You're not worth it..." With a massive beat of her brown wings, Gilda picked up a great deal of speed. It was time to go home.
~End of Flashback~
Looking back, Gilda wondered if she could have done or said more about that. After all, Rainbow Dash, who was once awesome and cool, was actually wrapped around the hoof of a much lamer pony than even Pinkie Pie. 'Should I have tried to save her...? Bring her back here where she could learn how to be cool again?'
"Miss Gilda, your father is in his study. Do you wish to go see him?" Asked the butler, breaking the brooding beast's line of thought.
"Whatever..." The light brown griffin stalked on past as if the attendant wasn't even there. As he began to scurry off she stopped. "Hey! Wait."
The orderly immediately scurried back to his young master. "Yes?"
"Actually... I think I will see that old feather-bag. Tell him I'm back and would like a quick word with him. I have his artifact."
"Yes, Miss Gilda," The scrawny young griffin bowed and flew off to deliver the message.
"Right... now that we have that all sorted... Off to go see-" Her musing was cut short by a voice she hadn't heard in too long.
"Sis!" Came a voice from behind her. A smaller griffin flew ungainly over to her, a big smile on his face. "Oh my gosh, you're back!" He landed on his rump, right in his older sister's face.
A small, rueful smile overcame Gilda's face. "Hey, Glen."
"How was Ponyville? Did you see Rainbow Dash again? Was she as awesome as you always said she was? Do I get to meet her?" Glen asked eagerly, looking up at his sister with a curious smile as he bombarded her with questions, just about hopping up and down in his eagerness.
Gilda sighed, shaking her head as she patted his head with her claw. "Afraid not, little buddy. Turns out she's just a big a dweeb as the rest of the ponyfolk. I thought she was cool when we were younger, but she went to the Dweeb Side."
"Bummer... I always wanted to meet a pony." The dark tawny feathered hide of the younger griffin hit the floor once more as he came to a dejected rest.
"Even so, she's a fillyfooler, anyway," Gilda said, shaking her head again. "And with a lamer pony, no less. I'd rather you not see that, kiddo."
"Wait? What? How could someone awesome grow up like that?" The younger griffin was clearly perplexed. He had heard so much about the most awesome pony ever and could not believe that something had changed.
"I guess she just spent too much time with that little dweeb of hers..." Gilda deadpanned, trying not to give it too much thought.
Glen looked at his sister sadly and sighed, "That's too bad, sis. She sounded cool."
"I know, little bro," Gilda ruffled her brother's mane a bit before letting him go.
He scampered off, happy enough in his own world, despite the bad news. It left the older griffin smiling, he always somehow managed to brighten up her day.
"Miss Gilda, your father will see you now," The youngster in question scrunched up her face. The butler certainly knew how to announce himself.
"Great," Gilda said, brushing past him to ascend the nearby staircase, determined to not be led along like some royal fool.
Up on the second floor of the mansion, she came to her father's study just adjacent to the master bedroom. Her father was Chief Grandeur, one of the griffin leaders, a mighty and powerful griffin... when he was in his prime, anyway. These days, while he was old and clearly ageing, but he was still far from weak. Especially in how he had come out of retirement after the assassination of one of the younger leaders recently. She still wasn't sure if it was his claw that orchestrated it all or not. Either way, his presence on the political scene had shaken a lot of wings up. The young griffin grinned, her dad could be super ruthless. It was kinda cool.
When Gilda entered, the old griffin looked up from his paperwork before setting it down on his desk.
"Gilda dear, you've returned," he said gravely, his deep bass voice filling the air. "I take it your...excursion to Ponyville was far from satisfactory, then."
"Got that right, dad." The much younger creature plonked her hindquarters down just inside the doorway.
"I had warned you in the past...ponies are nothing but weakness and trouble," he said, standing from his desk. "But you take after your mother...being as headstrong and independent as always, my dear."
"You were right, dad. I just wanted to show them what real awesomeness was, in the name of us Griffins." Gilda said proudly, but then sighed, "I thought one of them was worth it. She was fast, cool, daring, and powerful. ...But I was wrong. She's as weak and lame as the rest of them."
"Well, I hope you taught her a lesson... Those ponies need a strong iron beak to rule their soft lives."
"Believe me, dad, I let them know that. I even let her know that," Gilda said agreeably.
"Oh good. Did thou find what I asked you to retrieve?" He asked offhandedly.
Gilda dug something out of her travel bag and delivered it to her father. It was wrapped in cloth yet a hint of gold and blood red tones were visible where the pointy part of the artifact had punctured its soft covering. "I couldn't find it. I kept looking as much as I could, heck, I even discreetly asked a few ponies. They were lame and kept telling me they had no idea what I meant. But this item... I nabbed off a patrol, then gave them your new orders."
A few moments passed in brooding silence. The young griffin began to wonder if her father was going to speak again, or if she should just leave.
Before she could do anything, the old councillor spoke up. "It's their Princess... she must have more of them than I thought... Oh well. I'm proud of you my chick." Chief Grandeur went to look out the window, standing with his mighty wings spread, looking contemplative.
"You bet, dad," Gilda grinned. She turned to the door, ready to leave.
"By the way... should you ever consort with their kind again, I have a special task for you... my dear daughter"
"Yeah, what?"
"Do not hold back in teaching them that very important lesson, my dear. We are superior. Always and forever." The massive predator paused as if in thought for a few moments.
He took his time once again, after all, nothing moved until he told it to. "Although neither the council nor Celestia suspects my next move, however, they may discover my true motives before we are fully ready. Our scouting party is back out in the pony lands, seeking another talisman. I would like you to do your own searching then join them at your leisure. Above all, should any creature unworthy of our cause discover what you are doing, snuff them out. If the council were to discover what I'm doing before we are ready, they would not take the news lightly. "
"You got it, dad." The serious young griffin trooped out of the quiet study.
The ageing griffin trooped slowly back to his desk, slid the talisman into a lower draw then strode over to a wall-sized bookcase behind his desk.
"Does m'lord require any assistance?" The butler asked, reappearing seemingly out of nowhere.
"Yes. Guard the door to my study. Do not allow any creature inside. And remember, you hear nothing." The iron tone of the master was filled with confidence in his loyal servant.
"I hear nothing," the obedient griffin confirmed.
The door closed, leaving only the brooding council member to his own devices. He turned to face the bookcase. A claw found what he was seeking and slowly pressed a button. With a slowly grinding, it slid back to reveal a small messy den. It was roughly hewn into the side of the room and looked almost as old as the griffin himself. From the ceiling of the small den hung an oil lamp and some odd spiky instruments.
The light stench of death hit Chief Grandeur's nostrils and he stood for a moment to allow the smell to seep into his system. It made him think of war. War was good, war would purify the lands and erase all ponykind. The smell also reminded Grandeur of the lengths he had to stretch to accomplish the most important of tasks. He alone would succeed where no griffin before him had.
A grin appeared on his face as he stalked in. "Hello again. Sorry to leave you but I had guests." A cruel claw turned the face of a battered white pegasus stallion to face the griffin, Grand Master.
If looks could kill, this one would set the mighty griffin alight and disintegrate him.
"Oh now don't give me that face, I would hate to go round three with you." From the tone of Grandeur's voice, it was clear he was entertaining the thought of dishing out more pain to his captive.
Stony silence met the words of the cruel ruler. "You know, I don't want to kill you, you know. You are as noble as my own royal guards... for a pony anyway." The mighty griffin paused as he savoured the moment. "Now, down to business. I know Celestia has one of my artifacts and I want it back. One way or another, thou will give me what I seek."
The roughed up royal Canterlot guard kept his silence as he glared at his captor.
"Okay then. It's on to round three. As your host, I shall be... kind... generous... and all that nonsense... Now, where were we? Ahhh... yes." Chief Grandeur took a deep breath. As much as he knew most of his fellow councillors were sure to protest against his incoming actions, they didn't have to know a thing.
After all, what they didn't know wouldn't hurt them, or spoil his fun.