Of Griffons and Ponies [Canterlot, Griffon Embassy. Open]

[TheCustodian]

It was yet another fine day in the city of Canterlot. The birds were chirping, the sun was shining, and the streets were bustling with life as ponies went about their daily business.

[colour=#ffa07a]~How dull~[/colour]

High above them all a griffon flew lazily between the towering spires of the city, his wings flapping only from time to time as he used thermals and other rising air currents to keep himself aloft. Calmly Gaston peered at the masses below him seeming like some sort of bird of prey ready to pounce upon an unsuspecting citizen. IN reality however the griffons mind was elsewhere, its nerves working overtime as its owner tried to think about events that had recently transpired at his home.

[colour=#ffa07a]~That foolish child! Who is she to intrude upon what is so obviously mine!~[/colour] Gaston thought in irritation not considering that the 'child' in question was the same age as him. Ever since his sister had moved in with Gaston and his father things had gone steadily downhill for the griffon. Where the position of ambassador to Equestria had once been a guaranteed thing now his father was beginning to doubt in his sons abilities to succeed him.

[colour=#ffa07a]~And all because that bird brained sister of mine had the guts to help him out! The nerve!~[/colour] Gaston growled. He had reviewed his fathers proposals earlier and they had seemed perfectly fine. The demands upon equestria had been clear and blunt, in other words the norm for what the griffon kingdoms demanded in their trade agreements with Equestria.

[colour=#ffa07a]~The griffon way! Only cowards hide behind fancy words and sentences... Pah! Equestria must fear us! How could they do that if we try to use trickery and... And.... stuff~ [/colour]pouting the griffon began to descend lower down where the air traffic was a little busier with pegasi coming and going as they delivered messages or other business.

[colour=#ffa07a]~Ill show them... But how...~ [/colour]As his mind worked overtime trying to figure this out the griffon landed suddenly in front of the Aquellian embassy, scattering a small group of ponies who had been shocked by his appearance. Gaston payed them no heed though. For now all he cared about was finding something to do that would upstage his sister. His father was out of Canterlot for the time being meaning his office was empty... Surely there was something in there he could help make better!

With this new goal set the griffon charged forward, only to run smack dab into something and fall to the ground.

[colour=#b22222]"Who dares!?!"[/colour]

[Volt]

Once again, the Royal City of Canterlot soared above the landscape. With its glimmering spires and crowded streets, it proved to be the greatest diamond in Equestria once more. Yet, one specific Pegasus didn't care about this at all. He glided slowly above the citizenry, approaching his destination.

[colour=#a9a9a9]"Hm. Everything changes..."[/colour] - his armor shined in the rays of sun, eventually blinding some ponies below with sunshine reflections. Ardent's helmet was bouncing tied to his side each time he clapped his wings, allowing his thin mane to flap in the air.

It was most disturbing though, as Will found himself visiting Canterlot more often than he'd like lately. Of course this itself wasn't anything he'd bother with. But it seemed as his tension amplitude with REA fell recently, what made him feel uneasy. It was just like his presence was noted, but not needed. It threw him into a little of disarray, forcing him to wonder about his past. That's why he was here in the first place again...

The embassy of Aquellia loomed in front of him. It brought back memories of time he used to see that kind of architecture regularly. Will landed in front of its half-open gates and stretched his wings before allowing them to wrap themselves tightly around his body. He peered at it, wondering what he'd achieve here this time... He was a Destrier, that was a fact, but that never meant he wasn't a son at once too. His family was still out there, in the Soggalong Swamps, doing... well, whatever Celestia gave them strength to do, considering their old age.

He found the embassy to be the best source of information when it came to ponies in Aquellia. What a paradox... when own 'country' cared less about the foreigners than Aquellia. Things aside though, that was probably the most favorite place in of Canterlot for Ardent to spend time in. He always had positive relationship with Griffons, he knew them nearly inside-out. After all, his youth relied on frequent contacts with them. Although lately he didn't have many occasions to meet any...

Speaking of which, Will felt a slight wind breeze as one of them charged next to him. It didn't seem the griffon was paying much attention for where he was going. That is, until the gate materialized in front of him and he rammed himself into it, since they were only left ajar. Ardent observed the events with a slight confusion. [colour=#b22222]"Who dares!?!"[/colour] He couldn't help but to investigate the absurdity of this situation...

[colour=#a9a9a9]"I do believe these metal bars won't ever again dare to commit any ultimate offends against you."[/colour] - he stated seriously as he approached - [colour=#a9a9a9]"You've shown them for good."[/colour] He wouldn't be normally saying that, but he noticed how well-built the griffon was. The situation simply asked itself for an appropriate commentary. Will considered extending a hoof to help him get up, but he rejected the idea. He knew how full of pride griffons could be, it would be an affront he couldn't afford in front of embassy. Therefore, he just stood there with a puzzled face.

[Huscarl]

By chance, an unlikely creature was in the area

Huscarl, was just sneaking by the embassy on one of his weekly 'Book runs'. Being a hulking teenage dragon, he isn't exactly going to be greeted with open arms when walking into Canterlot. Though it is somewhat strange to see a dragon who has a deep obsession with reading, and has to 'borrow' the books (Without ever returning them, It's not like he can just get a library card), something even more confusing and strange seemed to be happening, this obviously caught by his red ears.

Hearing some type of creature charge into what sounded like metal and shout [colour=#b22222]"Who dares!?!" [/colour]was definitely out of the normal, Huscarl tended to stay away from the Aquella embassy, Not like he didn't like it or anything, It's just that he had no reason too go to it. Being a dragon who grew up in Equestria, his contact with Griffion's were quite sporadic. This time, however, He decided to 'borrow' some books from a new library in Canterlot for his home up upon the mountains, Fastest way in and fastest way out was his intentions, turns out this new libraries fastest path would be right past the embassy.

Sneaking around Equestria undetected was hard enough, sneaking around Canterlot was much more challenging, Luckily, he had a lifetime of experience when it came to remaining in the shadows, he slowly moved, sticking to the shadows and trying to remain as covert as possible (as much as anypony can when you are a dragon). Huscarl moved over to a building parallel to the embassy, and slightly moved his head around the corner of a wall, he peered to gain some mind of what was going on.

He saw a well-built Griffon on the ground and a Pegasus with shinny, high quality looking armor standing above him, confused about the whole situation, and surprised about the lack of ponies in the area, he continued to watch in the shadows, observing both of the creatures movements.

[Gerrard]

A tall mare garbed in a dark blue cloak roamed through the crowded streets of Canterlot. Her visage was masked by the hood of her cloak, hiding her presence from most of the busy ponies who couldn't be bothered to inquire in her identity. She was here at the request of Aquellia, the mare assigned to deliver a parcel of perceived important. It was deemed too important for a normal mail mare, the griffons hiring a specially trained courier, a unicorn to be exact. The professional had trotted her way from the griffon nation all the way to Canterlot, and had just recently arrived in town.

Her crimson eyes peered out from beneath her cowl, the shrouded mare walking out into the open section of Canterlot that stood before the griffon embassy. Her eyes peered past the dragon hiding in the shadows as he spied on the spectacle at the gates, her nonchalant response making it unclear if she had noticed him. The crowds had been dispersed by the arrival of Gaston, the mare finding her approach to the embassy much easier because of him. She was just in time to see the griffon walk beak first into the gate of the building as it temporarily barred his entrance. The unicorn saw a pegasus land behind the irritated griffon and seemingly taunt him further as he made light of the mistake of the distracted griffon. A few quick steps and she was already at the side of the griffon, the tall mare taking a glance across the griffon to take a glance into the eyes with the armored pegasus.

Her glare was something that was truly unnerving, her fiery eyes seeming to pierce through his thick armor as they silently watched his posture and expression as best they could at least. As soon as the gaze had started, it was quickly over, her eyes drifting down to the griffon. He had no superficial injuries, but perfectly matched the descriptions she had received from her employers. A dark red glow enveloped her hood as magic grabbed her cowl and lowered it to her neck, revealing her face for everyone to see. She was a unicorn mare with a pelt as dark as night, her scarlet mane cut unusually short as it rested just outside of her face in a strictly utilitarian manner. She lowered herself down to one knee, the mare bowing her head subserviently to the griffon as her eyes locked onto the ground in a manner that was respectful to the pride of most griffons.

"Sir Gaston, I am here on matters of Aquillean business for your father. I have a missive for Duke Guillaume and must discuss it with him in private. I have been told it is in regards to his duties as Ambassador," she explained to him in a surprisingly serious voice, the unicorn appearing to mean complete business. It was unclear exactly how she knew of him, the odd mare not seeming very familiar at first glance, but there was probably some reasonable explanation for her odd familiarity with him. She had seemingly ignored the dragon and the pegasus, the pair being beyond the scope of her current job, the strange courier needing to deal with Gaston in order to ensure the success of her current assignment.

[TheCustodian]

Gaston grumbled as he got back onto his feet to glare at his foe, his nemesis, the creature that dared knock him down! THE GATE...

[colour=#ffa07a]~A gate?~[/colour] well that certainly was em- No. A griffon such as himself never made mistakes like this. Somehow it was the fault of someone else that the griffon had not looked where he was going.

[colour=#a9a9a9]"I do believe these metal bars won't ever again dare to commit any ultimate offends against you. [/colour][colour=#a9a9a9]You've shown them for good."[/colour] The griffon grinned at that completely missing the sarcasm and regarded the pony who had spoken. Of course he had show them. He was Gaston! If there was a deity that had created them the griffon was that beings ultimate gift to the world. A creature that was the embodiment of everything a griffon would aspire to be.

[colour=#b22222]"Of course i did! No piece of steel is going to stop Gaston!" [/colour]sure enough the part of the gate he had impacted was heavily bent. Not that Gaston cared, he didnt have to fix this mess... Brushing himself the griffon paused for a moment wishing he had a mirror to ensure his perfect looks were still... Perfect?

[colour=#ffa07a]~Wait a sec~[/colour] without pausing for a moment the griffon bent down to peer at the handsome reflection he saw in Ardent's armor. Running a claw over his head feathers the griffon flashed a winning smile (Thankfully no mares were around to see it... Last time that happened the griffon was forced to flee Canterlot for the week)*

[colour=#b22222]"You may resume your duties pony. Nothing to see here, well besides that dragon over there"[/colour] he calmly stated flicking a claw over to Huscarl. Despite the dragons attempts to stay hidden he was not about to escape the notice of a seasoned hunter like Gaston. For a brief moment the griffon considered attacking the red dragon but decided that it was not worth his time. He only challenged himself with adult dragons. Monstrosities that only a heroic creature like himself could defeat.**

The griffons thoughts*** on the teen dragon were interrupted however with the arrival of a peculiar garbed mare, at least she showed the griffon proper respect causing Gaston to smile [colour=#b22222]"Unfortunately my dear the Duke is away on business. However I can definitely be of help to you. After all my father plans on on me succeeding him and as such I am more than qualified to perform his duties in his absence"[/colour] Gaston boasted in response while striking a pose. THis was exactly the kind of thing he had been looking for. [colour=#ffa07a]~Sister will be nothing once father learns of what i have done here. Whatever it is.~[/colour]

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* It is highly unlikely that Gaston had to leave because of any crazed mares. Despite what he thinks the griffon does not truly attract that many females (Although a small fan club does exist, headed by a rather crazed grey unicorn seemingly obsessed with the griffon. Restraining orders have been placed but they do little to stop her advances)

** Gaston does indeed hunt dragons... However it is unknown weather he has ever suceeded in taking one down. It should be noted he has no trophies of the creatures unlike the dozens of antlers and bear pelts he has laying about at home.

*** The term is used rather generously here

[Volt]

The gate... was at least, well... Ardent was ready to agree it wasn't a gate anymore. Seeing how the bars got nearly removed from existence... He had to admit, that was some impressive force with which the griffon rammed into the gate, but judging from his condition he didn't seem to have noticed it at all. The embassy staff wouldn't probably be happy with this event at all, of that Ardent was sure. Still, griffon's response caught him off guard.

[colour=#a9a9a9]"Did he really just...? ...No, it must have been my imagination." [/colour]- Will wasn't too keen on believing that somepony just boasted about winning a duel against the steel gates. Still, what happened next made his blood boil. The careless griffon simply bowed down to use his armor... as a mirror!? From all the things that held any meaning to Destrier, his armor was simply saint. A relic, one would say. It reminded him about his past, his values, promises and pledges. And it was desecrated just like that? But before he even managed to formulate his response, he was spoken to once more:

[colour=#b22222]"You may resume your duties pony. Nothing to see here, well besides that dragon over there."[/colour]

This was probably the straw that broke the camel's back, as Will understood he was just mistaken with REA. Evoking anger in Ardent was an art itself. But the griffon struck the two most vulnerable points at the very start. [colour=#a9a9a9]"Duties? And who do you think you are that you can order me around?"[/colour] - he started in strict, cold voice, completely ignoring the part in which he mentioned a dragon. As if Will was going to listen to some random ramblings of a random, crazy griffon. [colour=#a9a9a9]"I wouldn't spare you even a moment of my precious time even if you were the son of the ambassador himself!"[/colour] - his face was an expression of pure sternness.

In that very moment, a dark mare unicorn approached the griffon. Will caught eye contact with her by accident. It seemed as if she was trying to intimidate him, but aged stallion was already experienced with his life. It wasn't the first attempt. Will blew a raspberry and directed his steps beyond the gate. As he passed it, he heard the griffon was addressed as Sir, moreover, was implied to be a son of ambassador. Will laughed heartily at this remark, wondering if the mare had heard his earlier words and took them as granted. He threw behind his shoulder: [colour=#a9a9a9]"And that 'Dragon' standing out there is in fact Princess Cadance herself!"[/colour] - without further hesitation, he made his way into the embassy. Truly, the royal city of Canterlot was a home to some really weird personalities... He didn't have time for this.

[OOC: As for this point, you may consider Ardent leaving the area. There is a reason behind this ]

[Gerrard]

Asteria listened closely as the griffon fawned over himself in the reflection cast on the armor of the pegasus. It was quite the spectacle, Gaston more worried about his appearance than the feelings of the pegasus. The stallion seemed deeply offended and left, her crimson eyes tracking the movement of their feet in an unassuming manner as she let them resolve the conflict on their own. When the dust settled, the unicorn returned to a standard posture, the tall mare roughly similar in height to the brawny griffon, her long legs providing her additional height over most mares.

"Sir Gaston, I was told to discuss these matters in private. I am not at liberty to release any information in the open public. If we are to have any discussion sir, it must be in a private area away from the eyes of others," the unicorn explained in a very literal manner, her eyes avoiding any prolonged stares into his own as not to offend him, the mare seeming a bit aloof as she followed her protocols. "Do you have a preferred private location?" she added calmly, her expression remaining completely stoic as she looked to his face for an answer. Her vaguely alluring voice could have been misinterpreted, but the mare had no intention of flirting, especially with a potential client.