Dusk felt the faint warmth of sunlight through his bedroom curtains, forcing him to rise just before dawn.Yet as he twisted his head to the side and drew himself in closer to the still sleeping form of Rarity, it was Applejack’s voice that got his attention. “Sugercube, I’m sure you two had a busy night, but I’ve got fritters on your desk in the study, now get up and move it before I got’ta swat your lazy rump.”

As Dusk realized he was not alone with Rarity anymore, he struggled to suppress a yawn and buried his head into his pillow. When he felt Applejack’s hands on his shoulder, he lifted his head and shook it at her, voice a suppressed whisper. “I am up, AJ, but keep it down, I do not want to wake poor Rarity.”

For a moment the powerful towering mare’s eyes lingered on his own before she flashed him with a grin, leaning in close and placing a light kiss on his cheek. Whispering to him in return, the mare cooed into his ear. “Five minutes, darling. Then I get the frying pan and a spoon.” Offering him a playful wink, the mare turned to slip back out of the room.

Dusk pushed Applejack’s threat to the very limits, fully aware she was probably quite serious. The hardest part of getting up was Rarity of course, everything from her soft but sweet scent teasing his nose, to the warmth of her body pressing against his own. But really the fact she was sleeping on his arm was probably the worst part. Now attempting to extract it without disturbing her rest, Dusk longed to curl in tighter with the mare, returning to sleep for a moment. Slipping free, he gave a sigh of relief, leaning in to whispering softly into her ear. “Sleep well, Rarity. At least, someone should.” As he kissed her cheek before slipping from the bed, he heard her murmur and coo something sweet in return.

Unable to shake a grin that had forced its way on to his face, Dusk found a clean pair of casual black trousers, thicker for the brisk hints of fall that were in the air these days. A more casual black t-shirt was found, very thin, while a long sleeved white dress shirt was thrown on top, while he didn’t bother to button it up, it would at least give him something serviceable for both the cold and in case there was any emergencies he might be forced to deal with today.

It only took two steps down the staircase before the scent of AJ’s fritters hit Dusk’s nose, when suddenly everything was better about being up. From the living room, two voices already locked in conversation gave Dusk forewarning, and as he stepped into the main study, the sight of Pinkie Pie and Applejack going over the notes on his board made him laugh. Applejack would snap the pointer from Dusk’s desk to the pinned note, her voice serious and straightforward. “No, Pinkie. See, if you offer to host her a party, she will assume you’re trying to bribe her, or that ya’ll think she’s a bad hunter and can’t feed herself properly. Griffon’s don’t party.”

Pouting at AJ, Pinkie munched down half her fritter in a single bite, shaking her head in annoyance. “But you just said they love having feasts to celebrate a good hunt! So why can’t we have a party to welcome her to town?”

Dusk moved quickly to come to Applejack’s rescue, his own voice still a half sleeping drawl. “Because, Pinkie Pie, she hasn’t earned a feast yet. Maybe if you could find some event to use as proof of her having earned one. Say, if she brings Dash or myself a big enough of a gift to prove her loyalty. But a party for a party’s sake would be seen as an insult. And it’s not like we have to fend off dragons or anything as a daily matter, so I doubt we can try that as an excuse.” Stepping in to place a soft kiss on AJ’s cheek, Dusk stepped past her and to his desk, his eyes set on the freshly baked fritters. “Did you run into Pinkie on your way back?”

Her eyes slitting for a moment in joy at the brief affection from Dusk, AJ shook her head, following after him from the note board so she could slip in against him from behind, she hugged him tightly. “When I went to ask the Cakes for something quick for breakfast, she was already there making us something sweet.” Looking over her shoulder at the smaller earth mare who was now locked in deep study of the blackboard, and almost scowling at all the rules listed there, AJ couldn’t help but grin. “So we talked and finished these sweet treats. Now I’m trying to review everything we figured out yesterday. Turns out Pinkie isn’t the best study buddy.”

Dusk stifled a soft laugh at the suggestion of trying to get Pinkie’s assistance at something like research or study, but was suddenly cut off by Pinkie leaping from her chair and calling out far too loud and harshly for so early in the morning. “I’ve got it! It’s Dash’s birthday next week, right?!! So since Gilda can’t stay that long, let’s have a pre-birthday party for Gilda! Considering everything Dash has done for Ponyville, not to mention saving everypony from Nightmare Moon, I’m sure everyone will agree she has earned an extra party! And it falls under the griffon’s rules of acceptable feasts, see!? Right here!” With the pointer she had suddenly taken from AJ’s hand, Pinkie pointed to the notes on the wall, under the header of ‘acceptable reasons for a feast’, she had picked out the line ‘Celebration of a Champion's victory, or birthday.’

For a moment, Dusk was stunned, his eyes inspecting the notes on the wall, first for references towards what was defined as a champion. Reading aloud, Dusk was suddenly impressed. “A champion is any member of a hunting pack, local or foreign, who has done a deed of such great importance or danger, that even a whole pack would normally have died attempting such a raid or battle.” For a moment he let his voice trail off in consideration, before Dusk at last offered Pinkie a grin. “Anypony who thinks Nightmare Moon’s return could be handled any easier, quicker, or better than how we managed is only blowing smoke. Dash even risked a series of solo attacks on her just to act as a distraction while you and Mac rescued survivors from the rubble of town hall. I’d say that alone makes her Ponyville’s champion.”

As Applejack separated from Dusk, Pinkie puffed out her chest and took a step up to AJ's side, poking her in the stomach while grinning widely. Stepping up to the taller mare Pinkie poked her in the stomach, grinning widely. “See! And you said we couldn’t have a party for Gilda! Now we can have a Dash’s-Best-Friend-Gilda-is-Coming-to-Town party, and just call it a Dash-is Ponyville’s-Champion party!”

The sudden, very loud and violent impact of a foot, shoe, or something else quite hard or heavy being thrown to the ground with a lot of force silenced everyone for a moment. Turning to Pinkie, Dusk attempted to apologize. “We should keep it down. Rarity… well, she isn’t a morning pony.”

Unable to keep from rolling her eyes, AJ would look back to Dusk, trying to shift the conversation to more serious matters. “Dusk, we should review insults and how to respond to them. From what we were reading yesterday, she’s going to consider you and Rarity a hunting pack, with me as your beta. That means, if she thinks she’s been insulted, or refused something she deserves, she might try to challenge you or Rarity. Most of all Rarity since, well you know.”

Dusk was glad AJ was the level headed mare in the room, letting Pinkie’s gloating blow over without an outburst. Turning to look over the notes on Honor and Challenges, Dusk got AJ’s point instantly. “There are few answers for an insult that do not lead directly into a fight. Something she demands can be given over, or refused and if refused, we could have a fight on our hands. And when I say something, she could in theory demand Barb as a war trophy, and the griffons would view it as her simply staking a claim. This is troublesome.”

Munching at her own fritter, AJ gave her own sharp nod. “See, thats the problem. I don’t know how you’re doing, sugar, but if everything I’ve heard about griffons holds true, I doubt I could take on this Gilda in a fight right now. I still wake up after six hours sleep feeling like I’ve had two.”

With AJ admitting her own weakness openly, Dusk’s worry about the notes was abandoned, the mare now his primary concern, a hand on her forehead, while his free hand cupped her wrist, fingers hunting for her pulse. “If you are feeling so bad, you should have told me, Applejack. I can handle this alone, and with Pinkie to help, I am sure we can figure this all out.”

Too proud to let weakness overcome her, but happy to have Dusk’s attention, Applejack let him hold her for a moment before shaking her head, and smiled warmly at him. “I’m fine Dusk, just a little slow, a little tired. But we do need an answer if she does start a fight.”

Here, Dusk flashed the mare a grin and releasing her, turned to Pinkie, who was currently stuffing a fourth fitter down her throat. Focusing, he poured his magic out in an inverted version of the bubble shield that Shining had mastered, wrapping Pinkie in his own raspberry magic, and locking her in place. Sustaining the spell took effort, as the beads of sweat forming on his pointed out, even while Dusk tried to suppressed as many signs of the fatigue as he could.

Suddenly caught up in Dusk’s magic and unable to move her body in any way, Pinkie cried out and tried everything she could manage to shift or scramble free of his grip. After a few seconds, Dusk released her, blushing and shaking his head. “Sorry, Pinkie, it was just a quick and simple little example for Applejack. Are you okay?”

Twisting to look him over once, before offering a shrug and snatching up a fifth fritter, Pinkie gave a casual shrug. “Okey dokey Dusk! But next time, warn me!”

Applejack gave a slow nod, her voice serious but more relaxed now. “If you can keep a spell like that up for long enough, I’m sure you can convince her to give up on any challenge. And I don’t see anything about no magic, right?”

Leaning back against his desk, Dusk shook his head. “Ever since the Night of the Red Sun, they have encouraged use of magic, even weather magic, in any and all challenges. They want to be ready to deal with mages. At least, that was the accepted theory at Star Swirl University.” Inspecting the noteboard again, Dusk shook his head. “This is a lot to go over. And Barb is supposed to be trying to season some raw meat for lunch. Today is just getting better and better.”

Wrapped in Applejack’s arms, while her head moved to rest on Dusk’s own, Applejack flashed him a grin. “Don’t worry about it sugarcube. Just remember, you got a whole day to prepare for Gilda’s arrival.”

Rolling his eyes, Dusk gave a shrug and a nod. “Sure, sure. Just try and keep your celebrating down. If we wake Rarity up before she is ready, who knows what she might do to us.”

Rainbow Dash only realized Applejack was gone when she heard her front door closing, and even that only got a low moan of delight, before she rolled over and wrapped the blanket tighter around her body, curling up again and returning to her own blissful slumber. Besides sleeping alone was better, more bed for herself, more room to slumber, and nobody to bitch that she snored. After last night, she had earned her right to snore, besides, Applejack really had done wonders with those magic fingers. Already, Dash felt more relaxed then she had in weeks. Cracking one eye open she looked out the window, and groaned a little. “Too early. I’ve earned the right to sleep in a few hours! Besides, who else but AJ gets up at dawn?!”

Three hours later? Four? Who gave a bloody damn? Dash woke up, the sudden realization that she desperately needed to go to the bathroom now at war with the warmth of her bed. The bathroom won out, and Dash went straight from the can, to the shower, a blast of full-powered hot water to drive off the cold and make getting up finally worthwhile.

Drowning herself in the roaring heat of the pouring water, Dash felt relaxed for the first time in a week, the heat in her loins and that aching need at last calmed. Dash let her head rest forward, enjoying the cool contrast of the tiled wall of her shower. Enjoying the shower’s lavish heat, Dash let her eyes droop and her breath fall off. With the call of sleep so sweet, Dash let herself return to the world of dreams.

Cloudsdale’s racetrack had been set up as an obstacle course, with a series of rings to fly through and clouds to avoid. Dash couldn’t help but watch with fascination as three more wonderbolts flew the track together in a single tight line formation, so close she could swear the lead mare’s feet were inches from touching the second mare’s face. They took every corner and turned every spiral as if they were all one creature. Fascination grew as in a straightaway, they split their formation, instead racing to see who would make the next loop first.

In the hour she had been watching them already, the clear winner of speed had to be Spitfire, second in command of the current Wonderbolts display team. Flustered, Dash leaned against Gilda’s shoulder, unable to hide a small pout. “Look at how good they fly together. I’ve got nobody to practise those kinds of stunts with. Everypony in class is way too slow!”

A light punch in the back of her head nearly sent Dash sprawling off her seat, while Gilda snorted her derision. “Oh don’t be such a dork, Dash. You endlessly go on about those Wonderbolts, but can’t you see? They don't have any real talent, they just fly loop-da-loops and act as if that’s something special. Speed doesn’t win an aerial battle, let one of them come at me, I’d swat her out of the air with one hand!”

Dash was appalled by Gilda’s comments, so much so that she forgot to punch the taller woman in return for sucker punching her. “Gilda, haven’t you been paying attention in flight school? Speed is everything! If I can outfly you, how can you hit me? If I come at you three times faster than you can fly, how do you dodge? If I have the flag, how do you catch me and get it back?” For a moment, Dash was really worried, yet Gilda only rolled her eyes, offering a snort in return.

“Oh sure, you can run away, but in a real fight, that’s all you pony’s can do. Admit it: a griffon is twice your weight and nearly two feet taller. In a real fight, you’re toast.” Gilda’s disdainful snort and folded arms showed Dash she hadn’t even considered any of the points she had tried to present, instead brushing them off and returning to her old view on the matter. Even while Dash deflated, Gilda moved on, pointing to the front row of viewing seats, and the Princess’ throne. “Look, with Celestia busy in Canterlot, they got your dad to host the Ambassador. What a laugh! How long has it been since he flew with the ‘Bolts? Five years? Nine?”

Suddenly, Dash wasn’t feeling so reasonable, even as she turned to look down at her father and Gilda’s uncle, she curled her lip and offered a sneer while she answered in return, her own playful tone lost. “Well I don’t know, birdbrain. He did serve at the Night of the Red Sun as second-in-command of the Wonderbolts, and he lead the strike force on the griffon raiders personally. You have to respect that, right? A real fight, and his unit didn’t lose a single flyer.”

Gilda laughed, openly laughed, at Dash’s words, rolling her eyes. "After what bullshit Celestia pulled on such a moonless night? That was no fight, just a heartless slaughter. You can't think that ambush was a proper way to handle a war Dash."

Dash cut her off, turning to watch final lap of the Wonderbolts performance with giddy delight, her attention stolen as the announcer called out over the speaker. “And once again, Spitfire takes the lead! Another fantastic performance from the ‘Bolt’s second in command.”

Whooping with glee, Dash lept into the air, and turned to face Gilda again, the fight they had been in forgotten as she grabbed the taller womans hands, pulling for her to stand and follow. “Come on, Gilda! They always do a few extra laps with people from the stands! Let’s go get in line and try getting picked! That way I can show off my moves!”

Huffing with annoyance yet charmed by Dash’s sudden girlish joy, Gilda rolled her eyes, releasing a snort. “Why not just let me ask the ambassador? He could get you to the front of the line before anyone else.”

Dash laughed, turning to head down towards the growing crowd all begging for a chance to fly with the Wonderbolts. But she called back to Gilda, big grin flashing from ear to ear. “Because, Gilda. I’m good enough, they should recognize my talent without anyone else having to point me out in a crowd!”

Something pulled Dash from her reprise, sleeping with her face flat against the shower wall, with hot water pouring down her face and across her face and across her nose. In silence, she tried to remember what had pulled her back from the dreams for a minute, then the sound of sharp knocking echoed through the house again. Scowling to herself and leaning over to the bathroom window, Dash pulled the latch open, screaming out at whoever was at the door. “Alright! Alright already! I get your damn point! Just, give me five minutes you damn prowler!”

From outside, a voice that made Dash’s knees weak called back in sarcastic reply. “Oh, sure. In that case, maybe I should just grab one of these cute little mares and get a proper hello. Get down here now, Dash. A proper beta doesn’t keep her alpha waiting!”

Gilda. The flash of mixed memories competing in Dash’s heart, the fight between memories of good times, and that talk with Celestia and her father just a few weeks ago. Shutting off the water and snatching a towel, she leaned out the window, and shouted in a sharp, yet playful voice. “Don’t push your luck too hard, Gilda! Just cause you’ve got one hell of a cute ass, doesn’t mean you’re always in charge!” Yet even as Dash toweled off, and pulled on her panties, the warming tingle between her legs had returned, the distracting warm torment returned. Biting her lip Dash rushed to dress, storming downstairs in tight jeans while pulling her loose white tanktop on, something easy to get her wings through the holes.

Rushing to the door, Dash pulled the bolt and stopped for a second, trying to straighten up and clear her mind. “Get a hold of yourself Dash. Remember. Remember Dad. Remember Celestia. Remember AJ and Dusk. Rememb-” Pulling the door open, Dash looked up, and those eyes captured her, pulling her in tight, and refusing to let go, just like those powerful arms around her hips and over her ass. Straining to stay serious, calm and in control, Dash spoke up, unable to break that powerful gaze. “Gilda, you’re early.”

Dusk took another sip from the icy water Barb had poured him, scowling at the noteboard on the wall. Shifting to look at AJ and Pinkie, he crossed his eyes. “So what’s left? We have covered food, polite conversation, activities to keep her busy, and how to deal with politics. We must still have something left to cover.”

"What? You're still nose deep into research? What an egghead! Come on, Dusk! She is already here and can't wait to meet you!" Rainbow Dash's voice pulled Dusk from his reading even as a feeling of dread flooded over him. Leaning against the doorframe, Dash wasn't alone. When Dusk saw the towering woman at her side, he did everything in his power not to panic, as she focused her piercing yellow gaze at him. It almost felt like a clamp tightening over his heart.

Stepping forward casually, Gilda passed Dash and looked over the room. Looming over even Applejack, Dusk’s best guess put her at six foot seven, towering in height even for a griffon. As those hunter’s eyes swept from him to examine the noteboard, the curl of her unpainted lips hinted at her amusement. "Really now, Dash? This is the kind of company you keep these days? I thought you said he was at least a decent runner! Bookworm?" She had paused, sweeping her sharp nail tip to point at Dusk. "You gonna join us for your jog or not? My beta can't be seen with such out of shape lameos."

Rather than waiting for Dusk’s reply, the mighty griffon swept her way out of the room, already marching out the front door before Dusk even had a chance to absorb everything that had just happened. Stunned, the best he could manage was to mumble in utter confusion. "Jwah?"

Almost swimming across the room, Dash scooped up Dask's hands and half marched, half dragged him out into the world. All the while, her ecstatic voice gushed over Gilda. "Isn’t she just amazing! The way she assesses a situation and cuts straight through to the solution! Come on, Dusk! Let's go for that run and see if we can't properly introduce Gilda to everypony later!"

Suddenly left with a much quieter room, Applejack and Pinkie stared at one another for a minute, each attempting to see the other mare’s view of what just happened. At last, Pinkie stapled on a brave face, leaning forward and pointing out the still open doorway. "Well you have to give her credit for being energetic and hone-"

Still wearing her flat stare, AJ cut her friend off in a cold level tone. "Horse Apples!" When Pinkie’s jaw dropped at her sharp language, Applejack shook her head. “I’m serious, Pinkie. This is bad, why was she so gruff and aggressive? I know everything we’ve gone over says griffons are rough around the edges, but she didn’t give us even a moment of courtesy, and what in tarnation is her history with Rainbow Dash, anyways?”

The sound of footsteps on the staircase interrupted Pinkie again, pulling both mares to turn towards the library’s doorway. Still toweling her hair off, Rarity stepped through the doorway, a pleasant grin dancing on her lips. “Mmmmmmphhh. Forgive me for missing breakfast, darling, but your bed is simply too comfortable, and that shower! Divine.” 'It was only after she wrapped the towel over her hair that she looked around the room, frowning a little at the tense confrontation between AJ and Pinkie, and the lack of Dusk’s presence. “What, exactly has gotten into you, girls? And where has Dusk gone? I wanted him to brush my hair.”

Looking up at Rarity, Pinkie’s pout was massive, combined with the quiver of her lower lip, making her look as if she were about to cry. “That giant, gruff griffon Gilda got Dash to drag Dusk out, declaring they should dart deviously downtown!”

Unable to hide her pity at Pinkie’s wobbling lower lip, Rarity slipped onto the couch at the mare’s side, hugging her friend into the valley of her cleavage on display due to the towel wrapped across her chest. But, even as she turned to admonish AJ, the taller mare found herself offering an apology to the younger mare. "I'm sorry, Pinkie, but there’s somethin' going on with Dash that really nags at me."

"It's okay, AJ. I just don't take such a quick disposition to new people. She was kinda meanie grumpy grouchy pants, but I'm sure she will brighten up at Dash’s champion's feast!" Refreshed by Applejack’s apology, Pinkie's goodnatured smile returned. "After all! Who doesn't love a good meal!"

Rarity grinned down at Pinkie, still hugging the younger mare close. "Now then, girls, tell me about this Gilda! Was Dash’s description accurate? I really do wish I could have seen her, I hear griffons do not have a well developed sense of style, but surely I could offer her a makeover. Smooth things over, and show her we mean well, right?"

Unable to hide her own grin, Applejack shook her head, suppressing a fit of laughter that was attempting to break free. "Dash understated the details if anything, sugercube. She’s nearly as tall as Big Mac, her wingtips brush on the ground, and she still has those purple tips on her hair."

Pinkie piped up, filling in the details that AJ skipped. With her own manic train of thought. "She must smoke 'cause I saw the pack in her jacket pocket, and that got me thinking about the jacket, I could have sworn I've seen it before, 'cause it's the kinda heavy brown flyers coat with the extra dense white wool lining on the inside for extra warmth! And that's when it struck me! It's just like the one that Dash wears when the weather is super blustery cold!"

With only a moment of silence hanging in the air as Pinkie paused to prepare another breath, Rarity places a finger on the mare’s lips, gently hushing her. "Alright, alright. I think we get the point, Pinkie darling. The real question is whether or not she, Dusk, and Dash are getting along." As a quiet moment passed between the mares, a memory flared to life from the back of her mind. "Oh, dear Celestia! The meat shipment!"

Numb. That was the word. His legs had gone numb. Somehow, with Gilda present, Dash's normally casual and talkative jogging pace had been replaced with a competitive, yet silent sprint. Always lagging behind the two female athletes, it had really become clear to Dusk that there was a competition going on, and he was simply here to witness the winner.

Dash had been ahead for the first mile, maybe two, and it appeared that no matter how much longer her legs were, Gilda had no chance of catching up. Then, Gilda suddenly unfurled her wings, and with two powerful beats of those massive appendages, the gap closed.

Rainbow Dash needed only to look over her shoulder for a moment to see how much of her lead had been lost. Flashing Dusk a grin, rather than change her pace, she added something new to the game. As they started to cross the marketplace, Dash lept up, kicking off the wall of Roseluck's flower shop and tapped the bottom edge of the shop's sign with two fingers. All without the assistance of her wings.

Unable to ignore Dash's new challenge, Gilda used her towering size to make up for the fact she couldn't match Dash's agility. Her leap was only a short running jump, but her fingers tagged the sign squarely, setting the wooden board to swing violently on its hinges.

And then, without warning, both females stopped, turning to watch Dusk as he caught up. For just a second, Dusk considered attempting to copy Dash's leap and springboard off the building. But an easier solution flared up, his answer to Gilda pumping her wings. A raspberry flare of magic swelled up his horn, balling up at the tip before firing out two small bolts. Even as he continued to run the magic took shape, forming two crystalline steps in mid air. Judging his timing and leaping forward, Dusk's right foot landed square on the supportive platform, allowing him to push off and forward again, his left foot just reaching the second step. With this added height, Dusk was easily able to tap the sign, before his momentum carried him on, his magic steps fading even as his focus on them shifted away.

Out of breath from the frantic pace Dash and Gilda had set, Dusk reveled in the slower pace he was able to take as he approached the watching women, panting to catch his breath. Gilda's sharp yellow gaze turned from him, to focus on her friend. "Alright, Dash. I'll give you credit on this stallion. He's slow, and could clearly use a proper workout. But he is kinda cute and has the balls to try and keep up." That predatory grin returned to her lips. "How is he in the sack?"

Even as Dusk's cheeks reddened with shock, it was Dash’s turn for a quick answer. "I wouldn't know. He already has two mares for that kind of fun. Personally, I just like Dusk cause he’s the only other decent challenge in town besides AJ."

Finally catching up with their conversation didn't help reduce Dusk's embarrassment. Shocked at their candid talk, Dusk looked to Dash for some strand to follow. The revelation she was feeding him a suggestion came when he realized her right arm was crossed under the left, letting him see her thumb subtly pointing towards the school in the distance. With this answer on hand, and his breath restored, Dusk turned to point towards the school. "Hey Gilda, care to give the school foals a thrill? Dash can introduce you to her new protégé, Scootaloo."

Rather than wait for her answer, Dusk attempted his most confident wink, before bolting off out down the path again, leaving the women in his dust. With her own husky voice calling after him, Gilda declared her amusement. "See what I mean? You picked a good stallion for a toy. Brass balls, thinking he can beat us anywhere!"

Barb strained under the load now piled into her arms, struggling to adjust the load of meat and other packages Rarity had selected from the marketplace. Charmed by the gorgeous mare, the young dragoness followed after her through the many rows of stalls set up offering an immense assortment of goods, from exotic silk bolts to simple grilled cheese and tulip sandwiches.

“Barb darling, if those bags get too heavy, please do tell me. I would not want you to hurt yourself.” Shifting in place to look down at Dusk’s young assistant, she took a moment to fawn over her with a soft stroke of the spikes on Barb’s head.

Shocked and enraptured by the light strokes across her head, Barb leaned into Rarity’s touch, the proof of her embarrassing infatuation radiating out her cheeks. Pulling her tail around and chewing lightly at its tip, Barb forced herself to look away from the gorgeous mare. Letting go of her tail, Barb spoke up to be heard over the noise of the market. “Nuh… No Rarity, I’m just fine! I can carry twice as much as this, no problem!” Flashing a proud grin up to Dusk’s marefriend, Barb tried her best to keep up with Rarity’s pace.

Clasping her hands together, Rarity gushed over the dragoness again. “What a proud, noble little dragoness you are! Dusk really is lucky to have such a helpful assistant. Oh! Spices!” Her attention stolen by the smell of a nearby merchant opening a pouch of spice, suddenly rushing through the crowd, only calling for Barb to follow her. “Come, Barb! Let’s see if we can find something to help make the raw meat a little more palatable for poor Dusky-Poo.”

Still lost in the joy of that gentle head scratch, Barb drifted along to follow after the mare, eyes distant and lightly glazed over with delight. “Anything you say, Rarity…”

Swirling around in the air, the two women twisted, turning to lock onto one another. Separated by twenty meters at Dusk’s best judgement, Dash and Gilda held for a moment in the sky over Dusk’s head, the gathered crowd of school foals clustered in the open field. Dusk was still trying to remember who had dared the girls to start a game of chicken, was it a school filly? Had it been Gilda and Dash continuing some age old argument? In the haze of so much going on, and keeping watch over so many of the children at once, Dusk had missed whomever had issued the challenge.

Looking around for the field before turning his gaze to the sky again, Dusk held out Sweetie Belle’s babushka, the bright and clean white silk headscarf had been chosen since it would be easy for both flyers to see. Dusk projected his voice for the gathered crowd, doing his best to sound powerful and calm. “Last chance to call this off…” Darting his eyes from Dash to Gilda, he got no response. “Alright! Three!” Raising his hand high, allowing the silk to dance in the breeze. “Two!” Shifting his weight to one foot, Dusk let the word hang, drawing it out for the foals.

“One!” Even as Dusk released his grip on the cloth, allowing it to float free from his grip and dance through the air, the challenge had begun. Dash and Gilda simultaneously shot forward as quickly as they could manage, each beating her own wings as hard as she might manage. Aligned as they were, it would only be seconds before one was forced to swerve out of the way, before crashing head first into one another.

The roar of the crowd was matched only by the scream of the wind as Dash closed in on the far larger and slower Gilda. They were locked head on at ten feet, unshifting at five, and then just inches from crashing head on into one another, both women twisting to their respective right. Having waited so long to shift even that tiny bit, Dash’s wild rainbow colored bangs and Gilda’s purple tips brushed against one another. So close in fact, their bodies brushed in that instant as they passed one another.

“Of course, I get it now. They must have practised displays like this in flight school. Still shocking though.” Dusk might have been muttering to himself, yet standing at his side, Sweetie Belle was just as lost in the crowd’s noise and joy as anypony else.

Anypony but Scootaloo. The young foal had lept into the air to scream out her own girlish glee at Dash’s stunt, yet was now returning with Sweetie’s silk hanky, shoving it into the other filly’s pocket. Turning to look up at Dusk, she flashed him a big grin. “She told me they practise that kind of thing all the time. Me an’ Dash have already started practising the same idea with what Dash calls ‘jous-tin’. Same idea, just on the ground instead.”

High above, Dash and Gilda would make a second, and then a third pass, every time pulling it just as close as the last. Coming in for a landing, the crowd of foals surged forward, rushing to both women’s side and drowning the world out with their excited chatter.

“That was so cool!”

“Griffons are the best flyers!”

“Dash! When did you make friends with her!?”

“Silver and purple hair is the best!”

Relaxing as things appeared to be going well, Dusk looked down to Scootaloo who stood at his side still, even though Sweetie had been one of the first to join that mob now crowding around the two women. Arching a brow and giving her a light nudge, he jerked his thumb at the crowd. “Not interested in getting closer to Dash and her friend?”

With a beaming grin that stretched from ear to ear, Scootaloo gave a snort and rolled her eyes. “No way! Dash told me we will still have my training even though Gilda’s here. Said something about it being important to keep up practise even when things get busy, ‘cause otherwise you get slow and lazy.”

Nodding with approval, Dusk turned to look back, just in time to see Gilda pulling a pack of Silver Feather’s from her heavy jacket. The sound of a lighter flicking to life, and the whimper from Cheerilee at his right said it all. Suddenly stuck in an uncomfortable position, Dusk stepped forward, passing through the mobbing crowd of foals to Gilda’s side. All the while smiling and agreeing with the excited questions the mob pressed on him. Grinning up to the taller woman to try and prevent an uncomfortable reaction, Dusk leaned in at her side, trying to keep his phrasing carefully selected. “Fantastic showing Gilda, but we have policies here, and one of them is no smoking around the school. Foals are too impressionable, right?” Dusk hoped his own, faked tone of annoyance at having to bring the topic up with her would go over well.

The grip of those eyes darted to Dusk even before he approached, then shot over to Cheerilee and the two other teachers, all of whom were in a small circle, clearly talking very rapidly over what to do about Gilda’s smoking. A snort was her answer at first, yet after one more puff, she crushed the smoke in one hand, snuffing it out before thrusting the empty pack of smokes into Dusk’s hand. “Fine Dusk, kids are dumb like that. But, you owe me a pack of smokes for not warning me in advance. And none of your weak pony brands. Something strong like Silver Feathers, got me, dweeb?”

Palming and pocketing the empty package, Dusk flashed a grin up at the griffon, nodding even as he felt a bead of sweat form on his brow. “No problem. After all, we can’t have our guest smoking something bland. What kind of host insults a mare that way?” Even as Dusk relaxed at smoothing this situation over, rule seven from his noteboard sprung to mind. “A griffon never asks for gifts, or takes presents. They demand them, and take offense if their standards are not maintained.” Sweating a little, Dusk made a quick mental note to visit the marketplace after they were done here. With so many merchants in town with harvest over, there must be someone selling decent tobacco around town.

Alone, Dusk stepped into the market, Gilda’s empty pack of Silver Feathers clutched in his palm. With classes over, Dash and Gilda returned to the school for Scootaloo’s lesson. He gave the stock of each stall with a quick sweep while trying to hunt down someone who sold cigarettes. Trying to remember what kinds of cigarettes Rarity ordered in from Canterlot, Dusk found his memory failing. He only remembered seeing her light up twice since moving to town, and she kept them in a silver carrying case, hidden away from young eyes.

Turning the corner to dart down the next aisle, Dusk suddenly found himself face to face with Mayor Mare, gushing with pride and wrapping him in a hug. “Oh, Dusk! You’ve really done Ponyville proud now! Bringing a griffon to town and having her and Rainbow Dash put on an airshow at the school? Genius! Are you sure you aren't just out for my job?” The joke was followed with the older mare crossing her arm over his. “What are you looking for in my bazaar? I swear, after Rarity’s shopping spree earlier, we might not have much left, but I can help you find it!”

Shocked at the mayor’s sudden arrival and the hug, Dusk struggled to keep his cool, even as the realization that the mayor owned the market, and would likely be his best guide around the stalls. Accepting the way she took up his elbow, Dusk offered her a grin, while attempting to act calm. “Miss mayor, why would I ever want your job? I would rather take up Ponyville’s long-vacant patrician post instead.” When the mare looked up at him, wide-eyed, he smiled and winked at her. “It’s half the paperwork, and the mayor does all the work and reports to you. Besides, isn’t that title far more charming?”

When his joke sunk in, the mare laughed warmly, shaking her head. “Oh, Dusk! You really are trouble. Ponyville isn’t important enough to have a patrician! Besides, with Princess Celestia living so close, we don’t feel ignored.”

Feeling that pleasantries were covered, Dusk pushed on now, driving towards his real goal. “I need cigarettes, miss mayor. Something for our visiting griffon. Something that can be considered a gift, due to cost or it’s unique qualities.”

Beaming at his request, the mayor took the lead, guiding Dusk to the far side of the market. The booth she left him at was maintained by a silver haired mare he didn’t recognize, and while only a few products were on her table, he knew instantly the mayor had chosen well. Silver cigarette and cigar cases lined nearly two thirds of the table, from flawless polished examples, to engraved artworks. Long black cigarette pipes, and a few other nick nacks of the same posh style covered the free space, save a simple yet elegant notice on the far right ear corner. ‘Luxury tobacco products available on request’.

Stepping up, Dusk let his eye linger for a moment on one of the unadorned silver cases before his eye was caught by another, depicting the scene from a few years ago, when Cloudsdale had drifted near Canterlot. Intrigued, and remembering that week well, Dusk picked up the case, and spoke fondly. “This was quite the sight, I remember how every sunset was tinged in a special hint of red and yellow because of how the light hit their clouds.”

The salesmare, hardly a fool, saw a good opportunity when it came knocking. Leaning in and fawning over his words, she offered her own warm praise. “I had the pleasure of witnessing that myself. A shocking sight to see, it’s why I encouraged Silversmith to keep producing these striking cases. Their distinct nature really does wonders for making a gentleman of class stand out.” For only a second she went silent, appraising Dusk before speaking up again. “You are not much for tobacco, are you sir? No offense meant, but you don’t have the whiff of it about you. An elegant case makes a good gift, but even better with something to fill it.”

Dusk could not help but grin at the mare’s suggestion, drawing Gilda’s empty pack of smokes from his pocket, and offered it to her. “She likes strong flavors like this apparently. Any suggestions for something similar if you do not carry this brand?”

Inspecting the package for only a moment, the mare placed it down near the edge of the counter near him, before pulling a sealed black suitcase from under the counter. With a key from her pocket, the mare unlocked the clasps and opened the case towards him, her voice cheerful and warm. “I just received this shipment from my supplier in Canterlot, so you’re in luck, sir. As you can see, I don’t have the regular brand, but I can at least offer the choice of two of their premium brands. We have the choice between Platinum, or Blacks.” For a moment she paused as she watched for Dusk’s reaction, before quickly recognizing his confusion, and offering additional aid. “The Platinum are a luxury brand, but much smoother, a more gentle flavor. The Blacks are their premium brand, very rich and heavy.”

With the salesmare’s swift response, Dusk was saved from a tough choice, instead now knowing exactly the answer he wanted. “Then the Blacks it is. Will one pack fill the carrying case?” At her nod, Dusk reached into his belt pouch, fishing for his money pouch. “What do I owe you for the two together, dear lady?”

Grinning widely and pulling free a pack of the blacks before relocking the case and putting it away, the mare appeared to do some quick mental math before jotting a small paper receipt. “For Princess Celestia’s student? I’ll give you the best discount I can and call it one platinum bit, or four golden suns if you haven’t got something that big on you sir.”

Shocked at the high price, Dusk did some swift mental math, before cycling through his pocket, drawing the heavy platinum bit and placing it on the mare’s side of the counter. “A hundred bits is a more than acceptable price for such a gift. Thank you, miss... huh?”

Stepping out from under her booth’s canopy and into the sunlight, a pout formed on the mare’s lips. Short cut, her two-toned blue and blue-grey hair flared half-memories in Dusk’s mind, while she put a hand on her hip. Dressed in a soft white blouse and blue jeans, The mare glared up at him, her cornflower blue horn stood out for some reason in Dusk’s passing memories. “Really, Dusk? I know we weren’t friends at University, and you’ve had a busy couple of months, but still, you don’t remember my name?” A coy grin curling her lips suddenly, the mare took a step closer, grinning. “Don’t have a single flashback to Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts at the very least?”

Even as she spoke, Dusk’s memory flared to his last day in Canterlot, and an encounter with three mares. As sudden as the realization hit, his jaw dropped, and his eyes went wide. “Wait, Colgate!? What are you doing here in Ponyville??” Stunned by the revelation that a mare from his school might be hanging around, running a booth in a small town like Ponyville, his mind demanded answers.

Laughing warmly at the nickname, the mare stepped forward, playfully flicking the older stallion on the horn, while flashing him her bright smile. “My name is Minuette, Dusk. Colgate was just a nickname the mares at school gave me.” At his questions, the mare offered an easy shrug, grin wide. “As for why I’m here, that’s simple enough. My uncle runs a shop for fine tobacco in Canterlot, and during the summer break, I work for him. Last year, he had such success selling to some rich merchant from Ponyville, he figured why not try setting up a booth here.” Leaning in close, the filly whispered to him, grinning excitedly. “Truth be told, except for Mister Rich, I think uncle’s products are a little too expensive for most of the locals, besides yourself of course.”

The jolt of shock that tingled through his body at even that casual flick of her finger to his horn caused a tremor of pleasure to ripple down his spine and echo out to the rest of his body. Wide-eyed, yet amused by her playful banter, Dusk crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head. “Well I do apologize for that, Minuette. I guess hearing their nickname for you so often, I never thought to ask.” Unable to help but laugh to himself at the mare’s suggestion that their product might be out of Ponyville’s price range, Dusk offered her a shrug. “Truth be told, my marefriend Rarity orders her own smokes directly from Canterlot. If you are going to be in town for a few days more, I will try to get her down here. She already has a nice case, but I am sure she would be willing to buy a few packs.” Lightly punching the mare’s shoulder, Dusk, winked to her. “Most of all to help out a friend from school.”

Laughing, Minuette couldn’t restrain her own wicked delight. “Seriously? A mare finally got your attention? That is a real shocker, Dusk! After you evaded our offer, Twinkleshine started to wonder if you were more of a coltcuddler.” Her playful tone, matched the evil grin she wore.

Equally amused, Dusk relaxed, sharing her humor. “I had that kind of reputation at college? Shows how little time I spent worrying about others. Truth be told, I had better go, I am hosting a guest from the griffon empire and really do not have a lot of time left before dinner. I hope we can talk again soon?” At her light, good natured ribbing and easy laughter, Dusk was glad to have yet another friend in town.

Dash and Gilda sat leaning back against the wooden fence that separated the school yard from the street. Relaxed as they were, the wait had been mounting on Gilda’s nerves, her normally snarky comments growing in number. “So just what’s the point of this wait? I know you said the kid’s under your watch, but is she really worth your time? I mean, come on, you’re the head of the weather team. Couldn't you just order one of your assistants to help her out, and we can go for drinks?”

Dash rolled her eyes, shaking her head up at her taller friend. “Come on, Gilda. You can’t really be serious. Why would I leave the kid’s training in someone else’s hands? You should know better than anyone else, if you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself and get your hands dirty.”

Gilda gave a grunt, rolling her eyes with disgust. “Fine. But, why this kid? You never much acted interested in teaching before. Besides, you said she’s a gimp, didn’t ya?”

Dash shot up to stand at her full height, crossing her arms defensively over her chest and glaring up at the griffon. “Hey now! Her wings are a little stunted in growth, that doesn’t mean that she’s a gimp, Gilda. Besides, she has a lot of talent. In the few weeks I’ve been helping her out, she has already mastered the standing backflip. Underdeveloped wings or not, she has a real knack for acrobatics.”

Dash’s passion for the filly caught gilda’s attention, and drew the larger woman to step forward, fingers stroking across Dash’s jaw. “Mmmm, I like it when you get all hot and fiery like this. How about we blow the lesson off early at the very least, and go back to your place. I can smell how much you want to-”

The sudden boisterous sound of Scootaloo’s voice cut Gilda off mid-sentence. “Rainbow Dash! Gilda! Sorry for keeping you waiting so long!” Running across the field alone, the young filly rushed headlong as fast as she could, panting for breath when she made it to their side, but looking up to the two mares, her eyes dancing with wonder. “I got out as soon as Miss Cheerilee would let me go! Sorry for making you wait!”

Suddenly very torn between exactly what Gilda was hinting at and Scoot’s grinning face, Dash needed a second to swallow back her own emotions, before turning away from Gilda to wrap an arm around the filly’s shoulders and pull her in close. “Now Scoots, this here is Gilda, a griffon mollen, what we call a mare, an adult woman. She’s also the niece of the current ambassador, so don’t screw up or I’m gonna look like a fool, ya got me?”

Like an overly excited fool, Scootaloo grinned widely and nodded heavily, delighted at being able to have a chance to show off what Dash had taught her. Stepping away from Dash’s girp, she stood tall, unfolding the orange expanse of her wings, proof of Dash and Redheart’s hard work clear in her healthy, fuller plumage. “No problem, Dash! I already stretched before during class. Should I start with tumbling? Or maybe the flips?”

Shifting to settle in against Gilda’s side, Dash shook her head and rested herself into the crook of Gilda’s arm. “Do the whole routine in order. And make it good, kid. Time to earn your dinner from last night!”

“Dashie!!! Do you gotta second!?” The sudden piercing sound of Pinkie’s voice broke Dash from her happy place, cuddled in against Gilda. For nearly forty minutes, Scootaloo had flipped, tumbled, sprung, and rolled to her delight. Now breathless, Pinkie charged into the school yard, bright grin and offered a warm wave to Scootaloo as she interrupted her performance. “Oh, sorry, Scoots! I just really needed to talk to Dash.” Turning back to the mare and griffon resting against the fence, she stepped up, offering Gilda her biggest ‘Welcome to town, friend!’ smile. “Sorry for interrupting you too, Gilda! But Mister and Misses Cake had a bunch of questions for Dash’s special order and I really needed to make sure I got everything right! After all, we’re going to have a hero’s feast tonight in her honor. Can’t skimp on the details or we might make Ponyville’s hero mad!”

For her part, Gilda simply gave a bored half shrug, “Whatever,” she casually responded, “gives me a chance to speak with the kid. You two run along and talk details, I can find my way to wherever it is you wind up. I’m good at hunting down Dash.”

Reluctant to go, yet only for a moment as she looked back over her shoulder at Scootaloo, the way the young filly beamed with joy made Dash relax, and nod. “Fine, Pinkie. Scoots? Take everything Gilda says seriously. She helped me out at flight school, so I’m sure she has some good advice for you, too.”

Even as Dash and Pinkie started to walk into town, Scootaloo ran to the wooden fence, jumping up to the second highest rung and stood with her knees braced against the top waving excitedly even as they walked away without looking back at her. Turning to grin up at the giant griffon, Scoot flashed her a smile. “So, Gilda?? What do you think? I’m really good now thanks to Dash, Right?!”

Rolling her eyes, she turned to check on Dash as she rounded the corner, disappearing from sight. This last detail confirmed, Gilda turned to the filly, leveling her piercing yellow glare on the girl. “Do you want the truth, kid? It’s not good. How old are you, really? Fourteen? Tell me the truth, are your wings half rotten? ‘Cause there ain't no way someone even half your age shouldn't be able to fly by now.”

Shocked, shivering and devastated at the aggressive, brutal words of the griffon, Scootaloo could only stare dumbfounded up at her. Her lower lip quivering in fear, the filly attempted to bring herself to speak. “But, Dash and Roseheart said that-”

Her daunting yellow eyes locking on the filly, Gilda hissed a snort of derision. “Said what? That they can fix your wingrott? That you might fly someday if you eat your greens and exercise every day? Be realistic, squirt. You’re missing half your pinion feathers and most of your flight muscles. You’ll be lucky if you ever learn to glide competently. The fact Rainbow Dash feels so bad for you, that she spends so much time every day hiding that fact from you is a kindness on her part, but really, you should do the mature thing, and stop wasting Dash’s time.”

Her eyes welling up with tears, Scootaloo gazed up at Gilda, lip quivering as she burbled with fear and sorrow. Looking around in hopes of finding Dash, or anyone else, Scootaloo realized she was all alone. Whimpering, she turned away from the griffon and bolted, blindly running off across the field, away from town.

With a snort, Gilda turned to look towards town again, one hand reaching into her pocket for a cheap pack of Silver Feather’s and her lighter. Lighting up a smoke, she took a long, deep pull, hissing her breath out her nostrils. “Well, that’s one nuisance out of the way.”

Dusk’s insistence to keep the "Hero's Feast" a small and private affair had been met with some resistance, some pouting, and ten tons of Pinkie Pie's unique and homemade brand of circular logic. But in the end, he had argued the scatterbrained mare down to a guest list of eleven. Now sitting around the table with Dusk were Gilda to his left (by griffon custom, so his weak side was exposed to her), then Rarity (another griffon custom, so that his 'alpha' had the same opening on Gilda as she did on him), then came Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle, and approaching Dusk’s right side came the last three, Aura (who was happy to talk school gossip with Sweetie), her father Davenport, and at Dusk's right hand the mayor herself.

Despite Barb’s insistence she could handle the work alone, Dusk had gone with AJ to get her some help. Bartering a proper price for the assistance of two mares from the labor board with service experience had been expensive, but thanks to them, the young dragoness was not being forced to handle the whole process by herself. Standing at Gilda’s side, Barb poured her another glass of the drink she had picked out. “Another visit from ‘The four horsemen’, Gilda?”

Dusk did everything he could to try avoiding a wince as Gilda drained the rest of her own shot glass, plunking it down on the table by her plate while grinning down at the dragoness. “Of course! And Dusk wants another too, right?”

Green around the gills, Dusk pulled up his own shot glass, pulling hard at the rich drink and sweating profusely as the harsh liquor stormed his veins. Another griffon tradition was kicking him in the teeth, as a host was expected to keep pace with his guest, and six glasses in, dinner was only just being served. Swallowing back and wiping his brow with a napkin, Dusk offered a nod to Barb, voice quivering a little. “And a large glass of water. I’m a tad parched.”

Worried for him, Barb gave a nod before rushing off back to the kitchen. What the others hadn’t noticed was Fluttershy excusing herself. Meekly, the mare placed her hand on Barb’s shoulder, causing her to jump, which in turn scared the pink-haired mare, causing her to whimper and step back. Once the mare was able to compose herself, she said to Barb in a low voice, “I, um… I thought I could offer something you could sneak into Dusk’s water. It’s an herb that helps absorb alcohol, and its clear like water, so people won’t think he’s playing a trick on her… if you don’t think he would mind, that is.”

Grateful, Barb took the offered pouch, and poured in the measured amount as written on the label, blushing herself. “I’ve never seen Dusk have more than three glasses of wine, four at the most. These griffon traditions are bad for his health, I swear!”

Even as Barb moved to return to the dining guests, Fluttershy at last noticed the platter of raw red meats that had been prepared for Dusk and Gilda. Turning a little green herself, the mare ran to the bathroom, just like she had claimed when she excused herself earlier, only now she really needed the trip.

Rarity ended up finding her there, sobbing over the toilet and chewing on a bitter leaf from her herb pouch to get rid of the taste of her latest ejection. Stepping lightly, the mare sat on the edge of the tub, her fingers stroking tenderly through those luscious pink locks. “I had a feeling you were gone for too long. All that meat was just too much for you, wasn’t it?” When Fluttershy only offered a curt nod, she started to softly hum, her fingers still stroking at the younger mare’s hair, while she leaned in, whispering into her ear. “Don’t worry, my pet, mistress will make all the bad people leave you be. If you wish to go home and lay down until I am done here, I will bring you some dinner.”

Shocked at Rarity’s open use of her status as a pet, the pegasus’ jaw went slack, and the leaf in her lips fell into the remains of her lunch at the bottom of the toilet. Lower lip quivering, she leaned in, wrapping her arms around Rarity’s hips and pulling her head in tightly. But her voice was different, icy cool and level. “No, mistress. I’ll be good, I promise. I want to be here, to support my mistress’ stallion. Please?”

Glad to see Fluttershy getting a grip on herself, Rarity continued her stroking attention with long, deftly affectionate fingers. When the last shivers and quivers left the mare, Rarity gave a small nod, and stood. “If you are good, I will still find you a proper treat, pet. You have earned one, after all.” Leaning in, she gave the mare two soft kisses on the throat, before one was placed on the slight hint of her exposed cleavage, the low moan Fluttershy released at that touch giving Rarity quite the reason to smile. Peeling free of her pet, Rarity straightened her own hair. “Now, let’s get back before we are missed.”

At the dining table, Dusk had long since passed queasy, and was well on his way to outright feeling like everything in his stomach was rotting and revolting simultaneously. But as Gilda extended the silver tongs towards the dinner platter before Dusk, her words made his eyes roll back in his head. “Now, what do you think, Dusk? I rather liked the rump roast. The liver was a little too rich, but the kidneys were a real treat. Maybe try another slice of the rump? Or just go for the loin?”

Shockingly, even as Dusk attempted to answer, it was Dash who interrupted, her voice dull, maybe even bored. “I think you’re just going for thirds to see how far you can really push Dusk. Admit that he’s proven the food isn’t poisoned and the drinks are good so he can relax before he ends up sleeping in the bathtub, Gilda. Or hasn’t he proven himself to be a good host already?”

Gilda’s wings flared, ruffled, and resettled back down again in a single motion as if signaling her own annoyance at Dash without responding to her directly. When she settled back on Dusk, it was almost as if she had looked at him for the first time, her voice almost shocked. “Oh my! Dusk, you’re turning green! You must have gotten the piece someone let spoil. Better hit the can and clean yourself up, we got a heck of a night to go, still.”

Even as Dusk went to the bathroom, the sound of someone opening the door after him and locking it once inside wasn’t really a shock. The shock was that it was Rainbow Dash, not AJ, Barb, Fluttershy, or heck, even Rarity. Swallowing back and flashing her a grin, he stooped low over the sink, and splashed the cold water onto his face and into his hair. As it soaked in, he couldn’t help but groan a little with pleasure as the moisture relieved even a portion of the heat that burned in his cheeks.

When she thrust a cup under the water and poured it over the back of his head, Dusk almost jumped out of his skin, yet the cool moisture did it’s job quickly, further soothing his own headache. When he turned to look up at the mare, she offered a shrug, her voice very quiet and distant. “I don’t know why she makes such a big deal in situations like this, Dusk. She’s the daughter of an ambassador of the Griffon Empire for Celestia’s sake!” Even before Dusk could answer, Dash punched the wall, the noise of knuckles cracking punctuating the vehemence of her frustration. “It’s like she just sees us all as amusing toys to fuck around with from time to time, like she thinks this is all a game or something! She should know how serious tonight is. Celestia told me all about the pardon.” When Dusk’s blank stare was leveled at her in return, it really began to sink in for the mare. “You were never told, were ya? What a fucking laugh.”

Dusk’s mind was now a rush of questions and answers. There had been rumors about why the old ambassador left Cloudsdale so suddenly one night a little over a year ago. Something about a group of stallions and… Dusk gently took the mare’s wrist, pulling her swelling knuckles under the cold flowing tap, letting the water work its wonders while he looked into her eyes. “Dash, I think Luna set this up as a test for me. But if we are to fix things, I need to know it all. I need to know why the ambassador went home, why you got the job here, and why... why Gilda is really here.”

Only now, this close together, holding her as the water soothed her bruised knuckles, did Dusk realize Dash’s heat was still in force. Adding smell of a mare to the list of things he didn’t need tonight, Dusk gave her a grin, and tried to ignore his body’s commentary on everything from her hair, to the way she held her hips against his thigh, and the swishing and swaying, of her tail back and forth, across his- “It started when Gilda got caught with a stallion… No, he was really more of a colt, to tell the truth..."

Dash moaned into Gilda’s invasive kiss, the press of the powerful griffon’s lips to her own made her heart race and blood boil. In return, she thrust her hands down the back of the larger woman’s pants, cupping the curve of her ass and raking her nails across the flesh. The hiss of breath over her cheek was all the sign Dash needed to know she had picked right, and now her hand lifted, descending to slap the more powerful woman’s ass. But before she could make impact, a hand grabbed her wrist, and twisted it around her back.

After that, it all happened at once. Three mares dressed in royal guard armor were restraining Gilda, while Dash could hardly raise her eyes to look to the stallion who held her. But the voice was all she needed to hear. “Why, Dash? I told you she was trouble. You know what she did to those colts. I trusted you, Dashie…”

The tears on his cheeks hurt more then her wrist as he held her arm pinned at her back. Then came the sudden, violent roar and a mare’s body impacted into the house to her left. Gilda flew after the limp woman, throwing herself violently at Rainbow Blitz, her warcry echoing from the depths of her throat.

Dash was paralyzed, watching the two go tumbling over the rooftop, and into the open sky below, the retired Wonderbolt wrestling with the powerful griffon girl easily three inches taller then him, and fifty pounds heavier. Her father-

“Dad kicked her teeth in.” Dash almost laughed as she said the words, her cheeks turning red from tears. Yet somehow, it felt good to say it. Resting her head back against Dusk’s shoulder, the mare swallowed and shook her head. “Gilda never really got a handle on weather control, so once he got free of her, he got the clouds moving and let her have it, building up one rager of a storm around her. When she wouldn’t give up, he finally zapped her, probably two or three times. Then, the ambassador showed up. Now THAT was a scene.”

Dusk realized that Dash was still glossing over details, skipping the most uncomfortable parts, and trying to get to the end. But this story rang with a lot more of the truth, and made Dusk relax despite himself. “So the ambassador left Cloudsdale to protect his niece from our legal system. Now things are making sense. So why is she back now?”

Dash pulled a towel in her free hand, and wiped her eyes clear, before shaking her head and looking up at him in the mirror’s reflection. “When we saved Princess Luna, Celestia brought me in. She had seen the ambassador’s request for clemency on Gilda’s behalf and wanted me to have a chance to explain myself.” Dash laughed to herself a little, shaking her head. “Truth is, Dusk? I think until just now, I still felt something for her, bitch that she is. There is… this fire when she looks at you. It’s just so powerful and makes you feel like the only thing in the world when those yellow eyes look into your own. Know what I mean?” When he gave her a nod, she blushed, shaking her head. “So, what do we do now Dusk? Do we ask her to leave? It’s not like she has any reason to stay anymore, I-” Dash fell silent, her nose resting against Dusk’s throat.

Turning off the tap and biting his lower lip to stop the list of things he wanted to do right now with the mare in his arms, Dusk gave her a smile instead, shaking his head. “She is… was your friend, Dash. For now, let us just see what she wants here. Between the two of us, I am sure we can find some way to make peace. And if not...” He let his voice drift off for a moment, before winking to her. “Well, we have learned a hell of a lot about griffons today.” Their shared laughter accompanied them back to the dinner table.

Scootaloo hadn’t bothered to turn on the lights. It meant the house was dark and cold, but she didn’t care. “Dash lied?” Dinner had been made and left in the icebox for her, yet for some reason, she hadn’t bothered to eat it. She wasn’t hungry. “And Redheart?” Sitting in the dark against the porch window, she was faintly aware her lips were chapped by the cold breeze drifting through the open door, and her cheeks burned. “Why, Dusk? Why, Cadence?” A feather twisted in her fingers, the blood on its tip still wet. The pain on her back was just a dull murmur. “She’s right. Weak, thin, and brittle. No real pegasi has feathers like that.”

Dusk never stopped to consider just how much of Dash’s scent had rubbed off on him... until he moved to sit down at the table. Only then did he catch a whiff of the clinging scent of mare-heat on his clothing. Wincing, Dusk hoped against hope that Gilda and the mayor would not notice it's lingering presence.

As dinner continued, Gilda’s disdainful attitude appeared to mellow, her sweeping yellow eyes settling on Fluttershy. Calling over the table, her first question was one Dusk had never expected. "So 'shy, do you find Ponyville more your groove? You always felt, I dunno... uncomfortable? Sorta out of place in Flight School."

Mellowed or not, Gilda’s voice carried weight and volume over the rest of the ponies who had been in smaller, and private conversions. As all eyes turned to the meeker pegasus, Fluttershy was too busy gushing with joy while replying to notice she was the center of attention. "Oh, Gilda! You'd never believe how much better things are around here than in Cloudsdale! Instead of just the occasional bird who makes a nest, we have hundreds of little critters that roam around the countryside. Why, we even have a small colony of bunnies near Ponyville! They are so cute! And helpful too! My assistant Angel Bunny is a wonder!"

“ACHOO!”

Angel's sneeze almost caused the birds that were currently trying to place some boards in front of the windows to drop them. Wincing a little, he returned to directing them again. "Sorry about that. Where were we? Oh yeah, a little to the left... there you go!" Angel adjusted his hard hat, the effort of organizing the animals to help fortify Fluttershy's cottage had been wearisome, but as Harry the Bear took up a hammer to pin down the new boards securing a window, he felt pride in their success. Windows were being boarded up, the door now had many more locks, and a few alligators now patrolled the water under the bridge leading up to Fluttershy's secluded cottage.

Leading the other animals inside, Angel turned to inspect the very long sign that was also placed by the door. Harry's questioning voice took him by surprise. "You sure all this is necessary, Angel?" The bear asked, adjusting the safety vest Angel had forced him to wear.

"You gotta be kidding, right Harry? A GRIFFON is in town! I’d rather be safe than sorry." Angel said with a shrug. "Which reminds me, here." Reaching through the open door he retrieved a metal bat from inside, offering it up to the confused anthro bear. "If you see ANYTHING with brown and white feathers, and a noticeable trace of tobacco smoke and red meat, just give her a wailing."

Harry gave a shrug, resting the metal stick on his shoulder. After they were all done, and all the animals were safely inside, the two went inside, the sound of various locks locking heard shortly afterwards.

Dangling from a nail by the door, Angel's notice made matters clear:

Criteria to enter this cottage:

* Animal in need of care

* Animal whom lives here

* Meek yellow winged pegasus who owns this home.

* Tomboyish blue winged pegasus who is not with a dangerous threat, mostly.

* Bookish lavender horned unicorn.

* White horned unicorn fashionista.

* Green eyed apple farmer earth pony or her family.

* Pink poofy-haired party animal earth pony

* And anyone who can prove they don't have the following qualities: Eagle's eyes, Lion's strength, Giant wings, and taste for raw meat.

Written below in a fine, if shaky, hand in very small writing was a final note. "Thank you for your time and have a nice day! And should anyone possessing those last few qualities attempt to come in, we have a grizzly bear armed with a baseball bat and we're not afraid to use him!"

Dusk was honestly mildly shocked when Gilda and Dash each asked for a second serving of the decadent strawberry and whipped cream for dessert. Rarity laughed right along with Pinkie as a white gob of the thick and fluffy goo ended up sticking to AJ's nose. All and all, dinner had wound up a success. Reaching into his jacket pocket, Dusk retrieved the silver cigar case, a simple red bow tied over the gift. "Now, at last, Gilda, I’d like..." Dusk paused, laughing a little at himself. "Sorry, sorry. I think I have had a little too much to drink."

Clearing his throat and standing, Dusk presented the silver case to the griffon guest, his voice more official as he forced duty and respect to team up and kick intoxication out the door. "I want to thank you for respecting our rules and laws. You gave up the last smoke you had, it only felt right that I replace it."

Suddenly silent, the room watched as Gilda extended an arm and, for the first time that day, did something delicately. Stroking her fingers across the embossed images of both Cloudsdale and the sunset before drifting over to Canterlot she was in awe. For once, her eyes did not have that hunter’s edge to them as she looked up at the stallion, her mouth agape. When she found her voice, it was far softer, and maybe even a little humbled, if still her usual gruff self. "Dusk, I've no need for such a shiny bobble. I justed wanted a new pack of damn smokes."

Laughing at her friend, Dash called over the quiet table. "It's Dusk, open it up and you'll probably find a pack of smokes and a book on how to stop smoking.”

The laughter from the room was unified, even as Dusk blushed and tried to cover his eyes. Just as Dash had guessed, there really was a small self help book squeezed into one half of the case. He had probably spent two hours finding one in the bazaar's limited selection. Even then, he had to remove the cover and spine to fit the book inside. Shaking her head, the griffon stood, enveloping Dusk in a hug while snorting at his foolish goodnatured attempt to 'help'. "See, Dash? Told you he was a giant walking egghead." Rolling her eyes while walking away, she called over her shoulder. "Let's get going before they try to get us to join some nerd cult or something with all these silly bribes."

And like that, dinner was over. The mayor and Fluttershy found Barb babysitting Aura and Sweetie Belle in Dusk’s room, and with her little sister in tow, Rarity headed home, a single kiss blown back to Dusk before she disappeared with Pinkie and Fluttershy into the night. The mayor and Davenport lasted no longer, the father carrying the young filly on his shoulders as she passed out over his back. In the end, Dusk found himself standing alone on the porch step, when Applejack's arm slipped around his hips.

"You'd better pay the mares and send them home, Dusk. It's late enough and they did well. Already cleaned the kitchen and almost all the dishes too. I'd say they earned a few bits extra since Barb left them alone so early on to help with the fillies."

Applejack’s words made sense, and Dusk might have bothered to agree with her, but the sudden movement and noise of everypony leaving had reminded him of just how many drinks he had tonight. Deciding to linger instead in the senseable mare’s grip, he gave a few soft nods. After a few minutes of mutual silence and comfort, Dusk’s brain knocked back into gear and his voice raised to call out to the two labor board workers. "I am sorry! Bonbon! Junebug! It is very late. Come collect your pay, it is more than time for you to head home."

Minuette was still getting a feel for her new residency at the bordering house. The tobacco business paid well enough so far, but with as quiet as Ponyville got, she didn't dare risk spending too much of her hard earned bits on an extravagant room.

Now returning to her temporary home after midnight after an 'extended business dinner', she worried, even as the key turned in the lock. "Keep it quiet. She only works part time, but she isn't just your roommate, she’s also the landlord."

Any attempts she made at silence turned out to be wasted in the end, as from up the street, a familiar voice called out just as she stepped through the door. "Minuette! Hold it for me, dear!"

"Damn! Caught!" Freezing up in the doorway, Minuette quickly picked at threads and threw a grin over her shoulder to the mare approaching her. Only when she was close enough to answer without having to yell did she respond. "Oh my! You're out quite late. Have a hot date tonight?"

Stepping inside together and relocking the door, Bonbon put on the voice and attitude of a petulant filly being scolded by her mother. "Not like we could'a had any fun with listening in on the other side of the door, mom!" As both mare’s shared a laugh, Bonbon lifted a heavy container. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you half of what happened tonight! Remember how I mentioned that I take work with the labor board when things are slow?

At Minuette’s cautious nod, she continued, her voice that of an excited gossip. "Well, Dusk Shine and one of his mares came and hired some waiting staff for a big dinner event with the mayor and a griffon! It was super short notice and experienced staff only! You should have seen how many people AJ made Ginger Gold cross off the list. Finally, I just HAD to step in and offer to take the shift!" She stopped, giggling at her renter's dumbfounded look. "What? Ginger has treated me well in the past, and it was an easy excuse to get the best gossip in town!"

Peeling open the tub, she revealed to Minuette a treasure trove of fresh strawberries in whipped cream. "Help yourself. I already have so much to share and it was a gift from Dusk for staying so late."

Minuette daintily took one of the floating strawberries from the collected mass atop creamy white waves of the rich ocean inside the heavy bowl. Swirling it around to collect a little of the rich fluffy cream, Minuette couldn’t help herself, a rich moan of delight hissing between her clenched teeth while a random squirt of fresh juice dribbled down her chin. "That's just... fantastic!"

Laughing at the younger mare, Bonbon dug into a few treats herself before returning to her story. "So then we started the pre-service, and you wouldn't have guessed the weird kind of drinks that griffon ordered!"

"I think she tried to give him a kiss on the cheek! In Celestia's name, I swear!" Giddy already, the two mares burst out in shared fits of laughter.

Picking the last strawberry and rubbing it around the rim of the bowl in hopes of finding some last hidden lick of cream to scoop up, Minuette popped it in her mouth and groaned a little, shaking her head and planting it on her crossed arms on top the table. "You're really a master of weaving a story. Come on! Sure, she liked the gift, but why would a griffon try and kiss a stallion? I bet she has a full foot of height over him."

Snorting a little in her own amusement, Bonbon took the dry bowl and placed it in her sink, spraying it down with a light mist before leaving it to soak. "Honest." She snickered, shaking her head. "It's way too late. I've got a train to Canterlot just before noon. Can you clean up for me?"

Suddenly perking up, Minuette quickly offered a nod, her voice hardly hiding her own excitement. "Sure. If I give you a letter, can you drop it in the mail when you get to Canterlot? I've been meaning to write to my uncle and a few of my family."

Bonbon gave a nod, grinning to the unicorn mare. "Sure thing. Always glad to help any renter whose as tidy as you've been."

"Then I'll leave it on the table with postage. Thanks again, Bonbon." Running swiftly upstairs, she took up paper and quill, humming softly to herself while scribbling. "Dear Uncle M. Eddler..."

Dash couldn’t believe how much better she felt with dinner over. She and Gilda talked the whole walk home, enjoying themselves just like they had in the old days. Leaning heavily on her older friend, Dash unlocked her house, the key moving slickly into the lock. Looking up to Gilda, she flashed a grin. “So, I don't normally host or such, but uh... there’s a spare room down the hallw-"

Cut off by Gilda’s knowing grin, Dusk stammered as the larger woman shoved both her hands into her tight shorts, fingers stroking over her private flesh, and lingering in the moisture of Dash’s own heat. Whispering into her ear, the griffon’s voice oozed with lust. "Come on, Dash. We're having a good time, but you're not going to tell me that quickie with Dusk in the bathroom was enough to sate a wild child like you."

Dash’s mind was suddenly torn between the wet and primal need in her loins, and memories of Gilda's abusive treatment, of Dusk, and her friends. Closing off her own moaning throat, Dash forced herself to swallow back the pleasure rising from Gilda’s wantonly exploring digits. Hissing between her clenched teeth, Dash's voice was restrained. "Gilda, not tonight. We've both had way too much 'ta drink. Wouldn't be any real fun." A half-lie by omission, she wanted it so bad, she could feel the moisture coating her thighs and Gilda’s unrelenting digits.

Rather than groan in annoyance like Dash had expected, Gilda flashed her a lewd smile, her wet digits popping free of the mare’s private parts. Lifting her wet fingers to plush pink lips, Gilda’s eyes had returned to that raptor stare, locking it and unrelenting. Licking the moisture from her own digits in painful slow care, she arched one eyebrow at Dash. "Sure. We can play hard to get, Dash. But when you remember who you belong with, you better hope I haven't worn myself out with someone who knows her place... or his?" Cackling, the griffon went down the empty hall, making her way to the spare bedroom. She did not close her door.

Alone and panting for breath, Dash let go of her lip and winced at the pain from biting down so sharply. The thick scent of her heat tormented her all the way to her bedroom, and clung to her sheets. Aggressive work with fingers and the lingering scent of apples got her through the aching need, but lingering lust told her it wasn't over. And Gilda's last words before stumbling to bed, that suggested threat brought back memories she had still not fully found peace with. "Tomorrow. I have to tell Dusk everything this time. If I don’t, then Dusk might be..."

In hindsight, Redheart should have known something was wrong. As late as she was getting home, Scootaloo was never in bed this early. The breeze blowing through the house made her shiver, and as she stepped inside and looked around, the smell that hit her was as fresh as any source at the clinic she had just left. But before that had even registered, words left her mouth unbidden, her frustration unmasked. “Scootaloo! You can’t be leaving the porch door open like that! Are you in bed already? Or-” And then her nose and eyes caught up with one another. The filly sat not ten feet away, her orange wings unfurled and one bloody flight pinion was held between her fingers.

Twisting that one feather back and forth, the simple way she asked Redheart only one question still managed to feel like a brutal slap in the face. “Why tell me I might fly someday? Was it fun to make me dream the impossible?” The hollow tone of the filly’s voice was not accusatory, but broken. And the distant way her glazed-over eyes looked past Redheart made the mare’s namesake skip a beat.

The sight of the small filly’s still-bleeding root, chapped lips, and wind-beaten face all broke what little restraint Redheart had felt. Forgetting the front door, she ran to the girl’s side, a clean towel pulled from the shelf, along with a bottle of antiseptic alcohol. Pouring some of it over the girl’s wing to kill any possible infection, Redheart wrapped Scootaloo in a hug, pulling her close and holding the back of the filly’s head. “Dear Celestia no, Scootaloo. I swear we did nothing of the sort. If Princess Cadence is right about your condition, in a year or two, three at the most, you’ll be as healthy as any foal in the schoolyard.”

Swallowing back the tears that kept running down her cheeks, Scootaloo looked up at the mare who held her, her voice full of pain, yet with a quiver of hope. “But I’ll never be able to fly!”

Shaking her head and pulling the filly close, Redheat could hardly restrain the questions she really wanted to ask, an aching need to know what had caused the girl such painful doubt. Instead she calmly placed a hand into the girl’s short and wild hair, brushing it down. "I promise you, Scootaloo, everything we told you is true. When Princess Cadence comes back for your three-month checkup, we can go over the other mares she helped in the past, ok? But for now, let me find your good winter coat. It's cold out and we need to take proper care of that wing."

Something in the older mare's calm confidence and concern reached Scootaloo, dispelling the fear she had been wallowing in. After truly looking at her wing, she groaned out at her own stupidity. "Dash is going to notice right away, isn't she?"

Kissing the top of her head, Redheart shook her head. "If we clean it properly, and you promise to never do this again, then I promise I won't tell her. Deal?"

At last climbing free of Redheart's grip, Scootaloo offered the mare a serious look. "Pinkie promise?"

A little startled and set back, Redheart looked down, into the once more hopeful eyes of her adopted filly. Willing to humor her to keep that flame alive, she pressed the girl on the matter. "Pinkie promise? I'm not familiar with that- unless, is it something that Pinkie Pie came up with?"

Managing a small grin despite herself, Scootaloo stood up properly, reciting Pinkie’s pledge from memory. "Cross My Heart, Hope to Fly, Stick a Cupcake in my Eye!" Miming the actions as she spoke, in the end fake shoving a cupcake on her own face. Realizing the odd look Redheart was giving her, she gave a shrug. "What? Pinkie told me a secret at work. And then she made me Pinkie Promise that I'm not to share it with anypony."

Unable to stop herself from laughing just a little, the mare would mimic Scootaloo's performance, including the cupcake-to-the-eye. The warming laughter from her filly made the silly act worthwhile. Done, she offered the girl her winter coat, careful around the still-oozing broken pinion feather's stub. "Now that we're good, Scootaloo. Let's get your wing looked at."

Ironic, that Scootaloo had made her promise in such a unique way. For twenty minutes later, Redheart found herself helping her own staff out with that very mare, while the nurse on duty tonight was busy with Scootaloo in the next room over. Still torn between a defensive need to protectively care for the filly and the anger swelling in the pit of her stomach. She was so distracted by her inner turmoil, that she wasn't giving Pinkie’s excuse for how she had scraped her forehead got half the attention so wild a story earned. "And then I said 'But it's a surprise sleepover, Angel! Why would I knock if it's meant to be a surprise!??' And poor Harry the Bear was really apologetic, but said with Gilda in town, Angel had ordered him to take no chances with strangers breaking into Fluttershy's cottage, and I was all like-!" And here Pinkie stopped the endless rambling story to take a deep and sudden dramatic gasp of breath.

It was only during Pinkie’s momentary silence that Redheart had a chance to notice the one detail from her story that tugged at her memory. Cutting the mare off before she could continue, she picked at that budding thought. "Who is this Gilda? I don't recognize that name, Pinkie."

Cocking her head to the right, Pinkie’s eyes shot wide and she again gasped, this time in shock. "You haven't met Gilda yet!? She‘s a bit of a grouchy grumpy pants griffon, but she is also Dash’s oldest besty bestest friend, so she's got the best stories about their time in Flight School! She and Scootaloo were getting along well too when I came to get Dash’s help with planning her feast after school."

Redheart hardly realized she was standing until Pinkie’s quiet little 'uh oh' whispered into her ears. Restraint was far from her mind, though, as the scene now played out perfectly on her mind. "You left poor, innocent, impressionable little Scootaloo alone... with a griffon?" Passionate, her eyes blazed with a hate unnatural for her profession. Someone had hurt her dear little patient, and now she had a name. Gilda.

The serious change in Redheart's attitude already had Pinkie’s attention, but as the older mare got more focused on Gilda, Pinkie’s need to help came creeping forth. "I- err well, you see, we-" She stammered for a moment flailing about for a moment before finding some place she could focus her attention. "What happened to Scootaloo?"

The filly in question stepped out of the open door from the clinic room she had been in. The bloody mess from her snapped feather was cleaned up and the feather itself was removed at the root. Trying to hide a wince, she walked up to the station where Redheart was working on Pinkie, the watchful filly's eyes focusing on the the adults. "Hi, Pinkie! Hope you aren't mad, but I told Redheart what a Pinkie Promise is. But, don't worry! I didn’t break ours!"

Any sign of worry Pinkie might have been wearing before the filly entered the hall was thrown aside for a bright and cheery grin for Scootaloo's sake. Noddingly enthusiastically, she replied in her usual cheerful style. "I knew I could trust you, Scoots! You might as well head to the lobby and hang with the nurse, glueing my head back together is gonna take a few more minutes, ok?"

Goodnatured as Pinkie was, the filly was easily convinced to agree and she headed out. Only when she was out of earshot and sight did Pinkie slump, a frown crossing her once gleeful grin. "Something did happen. Poor Scoots."

Somewhere between enraged and empathetic, Redheart returned to cleaning the bruise on Pinkie’s forehead, a cotton swab carefully applied to clean away the last hints of dirt from the shallow wound. Keeping her voice level and quiet, Redheart watched for Pinkie’s reaction. "I found her sitting against the window, with the porch door wide open. She had snapped off one of her pinion feathers and questioned me if she would ever fly." As the bubbly Pinkie mare heard more of her story, a serious and firm look settled over the young mare. "So tell me, Pinkie, do I ask the mayor to summon a magistrate from Canterlot? Do I go to Dusk, when he is hosting the griffon that did that to her? Or do I-"

Pinkie’s soft grip on her arm distracted her enough to let her voice drift off on mid-sentence. When she looked into the younger mare’s eyes, a determined look stared back at her. "Give me until your shift ends tomorrow night. Please? If I can't prove to Dusk Gilda would do something so horrible to Scootaloo by then, call for a magistrate. But give me a chance before Dusk ends up humiliated." If her words spoke of protecting the stallion, however, the way her eyes lingered on the hall to where Scootaloo waited for them to finish spoke words on a different level.

Her anger tempered by Pinkie's serious change in nature, Redheart accepted the easy answer. "I'm not as close to Dusk as you mares are, but I admit that I don't want to see him embarrassed. You will have your day, but no more. I cannot allow someone who would so callously hurt a filly in my care go free."

Just before noon at the bazaar, the chill autumn breeze blew her short, wild, rainbow-coloured bangs over her eyes. The violent crack of a bolt of lightning rippled through the otherwise clear sky, pulling her gaze up to the sky. “Celestia damn it!”

Turning to look up at the sky with her, Gilda rolled her eyes, releasing an annoyed grunt. “Weather problems? Make the grunts deal with it. Why you gotta be so hands-on all the time?”

Dash bit her lip, her mind now racing between two suddenly conflicting duties. Even as Thunderlane and Cloudchaser shot into the air, she knew a storm brewing this quickly simply couldn’t be left to the part-timers. Yet there was Gilda, crossing her arms over her chest and locking those predatory, yellow eyes on her soul. Shuddering under the weight of that gaze, the second violent crash of lightning ripped her attention away, ending the debate. “Sorry, Gilda, I’ll be back in a flash, I swear!” Three quick steps built up her pace before she leapt into the air, her wings spreading wide and beating the air with casual ease. “Can’t let my crew get zapped!”

Grunting and rolling her eyes, Gilda never noticed two sets of eyes following her through the market. Walking with hauntly ease, she elbowed her way past a few of the crowd that had stopped to watch as two, three, then quickly seven pegasi rushed to cluster around the growing storm front as it began to move out from the Everfree forest, quickly moving to threaten Ponyville and nearby farms that had not yet finished with their harvest.

Giving one last push to shoulder through the last of the crowd, Roseluck suddenly found herself back in her doorway. Crying out at the rough assault, the mare glared up at her attacker. “Hey! Why not give people some warning at least!”

Towering over the mare, even standing on the step of her door, Gilda snorted in derision. “Oh shut up and go back to fantasizing about people that do actual work.” To empathize her point, Gilda turned, the short fur on the tip of her tail flicking out, snapping in the air before the shopkeeper before she stormed away across the open bazaar.

Behind a crate, Pinkie scribbled quick notes of the event before her eyes. “Gilda bashed Roseluck for standing in front of her store watching the weather team at work: Rude, not evil.” Realizing her target was getting away, Pinkie straightened her deerstalker and slipped out from her hiding spot, to scamper through the crowd, doing her best to stay out of sight, by not trying at all, and somehow succeeding. At last, out of Gilda’s line of sight, the rest of Ponyville simply accepted that this was Pinkie Pie, and didn’t question it.

The rapid and violent knocking at Dusk’s door pulled his attention from the book on his knees, his crossed eyes beginning to glare at the doorway. Before he could shift to stand up, Applejack’s voice called from the hallway, her boisterous tone cheerful. “Keep dusting the low spots while I get the door, Barb.” Dusk fished for his bookmark, slotting it into place and snapping his book closed. From the doorway, AJ’s cheerful voice warned him who was at the door. “Oh, hi... sorry Derpy!... Why the big package?”

Stepping to the library entrance, Dusk was hardly able to see the mail mare around the powerful earth mare who filled the doorway. Brushing a nervous hand through her sunny, yellow hair, Derpy blushed, resting the heavy crate on her knee, against the doorway. “Well um… the mail mare who brought the load on the train this morning said that this was Dusk’s order. Some kind of an emergency griffon-sized supply of raw meat?” She paused and stammered a little, flushing in embarrassment. “Oh, don’t tell me there is some mistake. Lugging this box all the way here gave me such a bad knot in my back.”

Grabbing the heavy crate from the far smaller mare, AJ made to casually rest the heavy crate on her shoulder, but Dusk caught a wince she tried to hide. Looking back over her shoulder, she arched a brow at him. “Dusk? What do you need done with this, sugarcube?”

Pouring his magic out to pull the crate from her arms, Dusk shook his head, his memory returning to Rarity’s warning the other day. “You did that by yourself, Derpy? You should go see Redheart, this was far too big of an order for any one mare to carry. I am sorry if we didn’t warn you properly.”

Even if Applejack had been trying to hide the stiff pain in her back, when Dusk drew the crate away with his magic, she leaned into the doorframe. “See? Ponyville’s most trustworthy mail mare comes through in a pinch! Got time for some tea or lunch? No reason we can’t thank ya properly, right Dusk?”

While Dusk directed the crate into the kitchen and Barb abandoned her work on dusting the hallway, the mail mare was quick to reply. “Oh, thank you Applejack! But Amethyst Star and Dinky were hinting we were going to do something for lunch today, so I wanted to get my rounds done A.S.A.P!”

Waving to the mare as she cheerfully turned and marched off, catching herself as she caught her foot on a loose paving stone on the walkway, but she prevented a spill by cartwheeling, aided by the rapid flick of her wings. Slipping his arm around AJ’s hips, he turned back from waving goodbye at the retreating mailmare. His voice worried, he kept his words soft, to avoid Barb listening in on their conversation. “Does it still hurt you that badly, dear?”

Wrapping an arm about his shoulders and rubbing her knuckles into his heavy bangs, AJ couldn’t help but snicker at him. “Ah, I’m fine sugarcube. Still a little stiff from overdoing it at the harvest, that’s all.” When he gave her his best incredulous glare, she lifted her hands, waving them defensively. “If it’s still bugging me tomorrow, I’ll go see the twins. They got magic fingers for back aches, ah promise!”

Pinkie’s notes had grown in the hour since Dash bolted off into the sky. Scribbling quickly, she lifted her head to level a glare at the griffon, even while Granny Smith bolted off towards Sweet Apple Acres. “Tricked Granny Smith with a rattle. Gave the old mare quite a shock. Still not evil, just mean.” In inspecting her list, she kept coming across the same issue with everything she had written down. “Roseluck, mean. Shoeshine, petty theft. (Pinkie noted that Dash owed her six bits, since she had left the coins behind to make sure the mare didn’t get in trouble for losing produce.). A half dozen other cases of the griffon gruffly pushing her way past ponies who were waiting politely in line, and three attempts to catcall random mares for a ‘real woman’s touch’. I really have nothing to take to Dusk, or even Redheart.”

A sudden cry from the other side of the booth Pinkie hid behind changed all that in an instant. Crashing into the product on the counter behind her head, Fluttershy’s whimper of pain and fear called to something in Pinkie that she couldn't ignore. Leaping from her hiding place, Pinkie landed upon the stall and called the griffon out. “Enough, Gilda! You’ve terrorized my friends too much already! And nopony, NOPONY pushes around Fluttershy like that! She’s my yellow, pink, and super-cute best friend!!”

The shock of Pinkie’s sudden appearance from behind the booth, not to mention the attention she had already gained by brutally hip checking Fluttershy out of her way meant almost the entire bazaar had stopped to stare at the sight before them. Growling from the base of her throat, Gilda sneared up at the mare. “Right, gimpy. I didn’t do nothing wrong, me and Muttershy just bumped into one another.”

Whimpering as so many turned to watch the scene, Flutteshy’s lower lip began to shake and quiver as thin streaks of suppressed tears escaped, despite her best efforts. When Pinkie turned to look down at her, Fluttershy simply couldn’t take it anymore. Turning and bolting past the gathering crowd, she raced from town, heading blindly towards her home.

Pinkie twisted to watch Fluttershy’s balling retreat, suddenly left with the bag and the whole town glaring up at her. Twisting back, she stamped her foot sharply down on the wood. “We’ll settle this later! And don’t think Dash and Dusk aren’t going to hear about this!” She then leapt down, chasing after the poor, bawling mare, with Gilda smirking all the while.

“Hey! What happened to my bag?” In the distance, the sound of one pony or another crying out in frustration at the discovery that apples had disappeared from her sack. Grinning to herself, Gilda suddenly found a wide berth offered for her passage, wherever she turned in the bazaar.

Pinkie had to race to finally catch up with Fluttershy, and the low-hanging tree branch really helped her catch up. Still bawling, Fluttershy sat there, hugging her knees against her chest, shivering a little as Pinkie approached. Not looking up, she spoke into her knees. “I… I’m sorry, Pinkie. I know you were watching Gilda for some reason, but I got busy looking at the booth, and the next thing I knew, everypony was glaring at me!”

Dropping to her knees, Pinkie wrapped her arms around Fluttershy’s neck and knees and hugged her close, resting her cheek to Fluttershy’s. “No. It’s not your fault. That Gilda is a bad egg… cub… seed… thing!” Darting her eyes from one side to the other, the mare arched a brow, turning her voice low. “I’ll let you in on a secret. I’m looking into Gilda for abusing Scootaloo for Redheart.”

Shocked, the normally docile Fluttershy suddenly forced her way out of Pinkie’s arms, her timid nature lost as she turned back towards town, ready to storm around Pinkie and back towards the market. “What??! She did what to Scootaloo? Why, I’ll- I’ll…. I’ll knock that grumpy grouch into next week! Nopony should have to put up with a bully like her!”

Shocked at how quickly her friend reacted to her secret mission, Pinkie jumped up, putting her hands out to try and stop Fluttershy from making any more of a public scene. “Wait, wait, wait, wait. Wait! We should go talk to Redheart and Dusk. Now that Gilda attacked you in such a public place, not even Rainbow Dash will protect Gilda anymore.”

Fluttershy’s whimper as Pinkie’s hands touched her ribs ended that line of thought. Against ‘Shy’s protests, Pinkie peeled back her sweater, revealing a growing purple brown bruise on her right side. Gasping, Pinkie glared back over her shoulder. “That Gilda! Someone is going to have to teach her not to push such a pretty pony around.” And so, she grabbed Fluttershy’s hand, having her stand back up, to find medical attention.

Redheart had quick hands and a light touch, each an asset when dealing with an injured mare. But as Fluttershy shivered and whimpered at even her lightest touch, it made even her practiced hands nervous, her normally deft fingers suddenly feeling awkward. Stopping again, she looked up into the mare’s eyes, her voice strained. "Fluttershy, dear. Please, if it hurts that much, you have to let me give you something for it." The silent mare shook her head once, a firm rejection. "Just a local? Nothing strong enough to confuse you like before-" Again she gave that single sharp rejection, refusing to look up.

With her patience rushing headlong towards her limit, the sound of the door opening behind her instantly gained her full attention. Her leveled glare focused on it, yet as Scootaloo stepped through, she mellowed at the sight of who she had brought in with her. Dusk, Rarity, and Applejack made an imposing trio now that the gravity of the situation had sunk in. Barb followed suit, a clipboard of notes in hand and her quill running furiously over the page. "And make sure to request the magistrate to include the directive granting me emergency powers. I want permission to remove her by force if necessary. This farce has gone on for too long. If she refuses, go to Celestia directly. Gilda is not going to get away with any... of... this." Dusk's last directions trailed off as the sight of Fluttershy's battered figure came into focus.

The timid mare sat on the clinic bed, her heavy yellow sweater rolled up until the edge of her straining white bra was just barely visible, peaking out from under the fluffy top. Realizing what he had just walked in on, Dusk set a foot down and started an about-face, right in time with Fluttershy’s cry of shock at the stallion seeing her in her current state of partial undress. Rarity came to everyone’s rescue, taking four ardent steps across the floor before cupping the whimpering mare’s jaw and part of her ear between two fingers before giving it a sharp tug, her firm voice both calm and serious. “Now stop that, pet. Stop fidgeting for the nurse and stop whimpering. I brought Dusk here for you and you WILL be good.”

Once again, Rarity and Fluttershy’s unique relationship inspired both Dusk and Applejack to wonder about them. Fluttershy had not fallen silent, but instead quietly made soft mewling sounds, nuzzling into Rarity’s touch as she let her eyes close.

Only Redheart ignored the odd relationship, and returned to cleaning the scratches across her bruised side, calling out her report to Dusk. “No need to worry about this mare too much, Dusk. The bruise looks worse than it really is, she will just be a little sensitive for a little while.” Pausing to consider the mare she was speaking of, as Fluttershy tenderly kissed at Rarity’s cheek, Redheart rolled her eyes, correcting herself. “A little more sensitive than usual.”

Dusk shook his head, facing the wall or not, he was sure his point was clear. “That is good to hear, Redheart. And I am glad that Scootaloo is feeling better. I wish you and Pinkie came to me right away, but Gilda’s snarky, duplicitous nature should have tipped me off sooner.”

The sound of a commotion in the hallway was followed by the door suddenly being thrown open as Dash burst inside, Pinkie following close behind her. Frantic, Rainbow Dash dragged Scootaloo by the wrist, before protectively hugging the filly around the shoulders as she stepped up beside Redheart and Fluttershy. “Pinkie told me everything, are you alright, Fluttershy?” The rainbow-maned mare asked, panic clear in her voice as Pinkie looked at Dash with concern. Her whole mood had deflated at how torn up Dash had become when she told her about Scootaloo and Fluttershy.

Dusk turned around, leveling his glare at Rainbow Dash, yet before he could speak up, Barb’s sudden coughing fit signaled the arrival of a new letter. Peeling it open and reading aloud, the dragoness’ voice was kept official. “Dear Dusk, blah blah blah. Associated powers are granted, blah blah blah, Princess Celestia is awaiting your official report on this matter, blah blah blah.” She paused for a moment, her voice suddenly a lot more confused and hesitant when she continued again. “When asked if he wished input on the matter, the griffon ambassador stated and I quote: ‘Any problems Gilda created are the mollen’s own problem.’ ” The dragon fell silent for a while, before turning to look up at the stallion. “Dusk, he might as well have said he is removing his ambassadorial protection!”

Dusk found himself scratching his jaw, his eyes on Dash and her firm, yet protective, grip on Scootaloo’s shoulders. As Barb read the letter, he slowly gave a soft nod, voice level. “Then, if you're done, Nurse Redheart, we need to go confront Gilda. Her time in Ponyville... is over.”

“Ponyville is lame.” Gilda had decided that this was as clear as day that she needed to do something about that. Already forming a mental list of things that needed to be taken out, starting with the stuffy mayor and any pony who even looked her way when she lit up a smoke. Leaning against city hall, the griffon huffed sharply, popping another of the rich Silver Feather’s Blacks between her lips. Gumming at the filter, she pulled her lighter from a pocket of her heavy jacket, fingers flicking the flame to life. Lifting the lighter towards the end of her cigarette, a sudden burst of magic suppressed the flame. “Who in the hell?”

Crossing the city square, Dusk was not restraining his magic as he had days before. His purple horn glowed with the ambient raspberry hue of power, while Dash, AJ and Pinkie moved to warn everypony in town to avoid the square. With Rarity at his side, Dusk’s voice rang out across the square. “Gilda, we need to talk. Your time in Equestria is over, at least, as a free guest. Surrender yourself peacefully. Princess Celestia has nullified your pardon and Dash is willing to testify to all of your past crimes.”

Sneering, Gilda flicked her lighter again, this time holding the flame against the tip of her cigarette, the tip catching flame and turning quickly to flickering red embers. Her haunting yellow eyes turned to lock on not Dusk, but the mare at his side, a grin curling her lips. “So, I get a little close to your Alpha male, and you get all defensive? Turn my own Beta on me too? Just like a pony, following Celestia’s method and ambushing me with your herd rather than a fair fight?”

Rarity wasn’t about to have any part of Gilda’s power plays, the griffon’s words rolled off her like water. Alighting her own white horn, her cornflower blue magic aura focused as she stepped to Dusk’s side. “We have your ambassador’s words on it, Gilda. He has pulled his protection, you’re on your own now.”

Gilda spat at the ground at her side, her wings expanding while she puffed a breath of smoke into the air. Dash and the other mares had turned to circle in on the three suddenly facing off in the center of town square. Gilda had an answer, however, popping a silver ring from the inner pocket of her jacket. Grinning with immeasurable overconfidence, she turned to level her glare at Dash. “You really think you’re better off with these dweebs than in my own hunting pack, Dash? I’ve been protecting you from useless people for years now. I can’t believe you’d turn on me like this, I’m your alpha.”

As Dusk and Rarity closed in on Gilda from one side, Dash, stood tall, her own eyes were reddened yet had a hard edge as she shook her head at her lost friend. “You’re no alpha. Dusk? Rarity? They run a better ship than you do. They look after weaker ponies and would rather suffer themselves a little then see a filly hurt. How dare you say that to her? Your words could have driven an innocent girl like Scootaloo to pluck out her own feathers. And after you forced yourself on those colts back at flight school, I’m just as guilty for not turning you in years ago!”

Gilda hissed and snorted a breath, twisting around and snapping the silver ring in her palm violently down on Dusk’s horn, scraping across the keratin. The effect was instant, as the silver ring impacted the aura of magic around his horn, before his magic cut off. Even as Dusk fell back in shock at the violation of his magic, Gilda continued on, her nails clawing for Rarity's face.

Falling back, Rarity attempted to throw up a shield spell like Dusk had taught her, a faintly blue orb of energy protecting herself from the griffon’s assault. The force of the blow caused her horn to gleam, and the orb to waver at the impact, revealing her inexperience with the complex shielding spell.

In her rage, Gilda finally issued a challenge. “Let us have a proper fight, mare. You win, I come peacefully. But when I win, I take Dash and Dusk back as part of my hunting pack, and leave your rotten dive town.”

Before she could reply, Dusk howled in pain, pulling everypony’s attention. Crouching over him, Pinkie released the silver ring she had been trying to remove from his horn, her attempts to pull off the ring had resulted in arcs of raspberry lightning to shoot from the ring to other random parts of his horn. Shifting away and whimpering a little with horror, Pinkie’s voice was full of remorse. “Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry!”

When she pulled her hands away, the crackling bolts of magic sparks cut off, and Dusk’s breathing leveled out. Voice soft, he struggled to speak up. “Get Barb, send for-”

Applejack cut Dusk off, her arm wrapping around his shoulders while she lifted him to stand again, supporting his weight and holding him close. “We will, just breath, Dusk.” True to her word, it was clear as Dusk’s eyes began to focus again. He could see Fluttershy retreating from where she had been watching at the edge of the square.

Unnerved by Dusk’s suffering, Rarity’s glare carried little weight as she turned to Gilda, her tone sharp. “As if you know what a fair fight is Gilda. Your use of mind games and dirty tactics, while all the time claiming we ambushed you? You are a brute!”

Gilda laughed at Rarity’s response, spitting on the ground between them. “So does that mean you won’t take up my challenge?” Bristling with pride, the powerful griffon let her wings flare out behind her back, her smirk of victory showed she was unashamed of her tactics.

“No she isn’t, Gilda. But you will have to face someone. I’ll take you on, like I should have done years ago.” Dash’s voice was calm, while her fingers pulled the light jogging jacket from her shoulders, taking a few steps to stand between the griffon and Rarity.

Looking over the young mare, Gilda’s lip curled into a sneer, she then sharply spoke. “That really is it, isn’t it ,Dash? You’re just another mare in his herd, pining for a cute stallion to penetrate your loins to calm that sweltering heat roaring between your legs.”

Dash’s cheeks reddened while her actions were questioned. But resiliently, she stepped forward, standing up to the towering griffon, her wings flaring out, extending the blue feathered masses to their full span. “So what if I am?! Dusk is a better stallion than you are an alpha of any hunting pack! I’d rather be a mare in his herd than follow you ever again!!”

Pinkie couldn’t help herself, encouraged by the other mare’s words she called out her own support. “Damn right, Dash!” Her usually friendly demeanor gone, she narrowed her eyes at Gilda, while sticking her tongue out at the blowhard griffon.

Applejack winced, straining her back as she loaded Dusk into her arms before scrambling to carry him back from the sight of what was going to quickly become a brawl between weathermare and griffon. Pinkie was suddenly at her side, pulling the stallion from her arms, showing that while she was nowhere near as tall as the other earth mare, she was at least strong enough to carry the shellshocked stallion.

As they stopped to settle Dusk onto the step of city hall, Rarity swooped in, cupping up the stallion’s chin, looking into his eyes, while a frantic edge entered her voice. “Dusk, what is this ring? Can’t we do something to get it off?”

Panting for breath, Dusk shook his head. “It’s like the magic suppression rings they use in Tartarus to seal off magic users’ powers.” Pausing as his eyes rolled backwards as a new wave of pain surged through his body, he struggled to continue. “Need a keystone to remove it, oh… oh… or a mage who knows the code spell.”

The sound of a shock wave impacting in the sky overhead got everypony’s attention back towards the fight. Already high in the air, Dash and Gilda were battling in a very traditional style. Dash spiraled fast, twisting and turning to gain height, while Gilda circled, preparing for Dash’s attack. Both had taken to the air barehanded, neither having yet wasted any time finding a weapon.

Turning from her rising height, Dash twisted around, shooting down towards Gilda, her angle selected to intersect the griffon in flight. Even as Dash shot towards her, Gilda appeared to predict this, turning up towards Dash’s descending path, and forcing on a burst of speed in response, her massive and powerful wings beating the air as she sought to climb and interrupt the mare before she could reach full speed.

Dash appeared to predict this, however, as she spiraled away, turning off from the normal path of her descending flight and twisted around, pulling away from town, towards the towering treeline of the Everfree Forest. While Gilda might not be able to match Dash in flight speed, the sight of the mare leveling out and flying towards the treeline of the forest was clear as day, due to her greater vision. Like a hunter, she twisted her body around and dove towards the mare. Aided by her weight and massive wingspan, her dive would quickly add on speed at a far faster pace than the mare in a shorter time, even if her top speed was slower.

And again, Dash had a plan for this. Just as Gilda’s descending flight brought her within feet of striking, Dash dove below the treeline, before shooting back into the sky, crashing directly into a black cloud and quickly trailing motes of its mass behind her. When Gilda moved to cut off her dive and follow, she found herself flying through the small, but heavy, sticky black chunks of the broken off cloud that Dash was trailing. Angry at how long this was taking, Gilda drew to a stop, hovering in place, her voice bellowing over the forest. “Stop running from me, Dash. I’m tired of your game! Just surrender and we can go home, and I might even let you borrow the stallion when I’m done with him.”

Dash spiraled higher, before turning about, the sticky black cloud trail still following behind her. Circling around, and glaring down at Gilda, Dash arched an eyebrow. “Really, Gilda? Because I put up with your game for a few days. Shame you can’t even show the same patience for mine!” Twisting back, she divebombed again, the trail of black cloudy blobs collecting in her trail while she flew a broad circle around the griffon.

Hissing her frustration as Dash used her speed to stay out of reach, Gilda turned, following Dash’s circling flight. It was a sudden crack and rumble in the air behind her that finally revealed what was really going on. “Dash, what are you doing?!!”

High over her head, Dash released the stormcloud she had kept pinned against her hips with her tail, the anemic black mass that was left now far smaller as her flight had broken off all the clustered small and sticky black masses in the air around Gilda, forming a loose sphere. Twitching her head to the side, Dash arched a brow at the griffon. “You never did learn how to deal with a stormcloud, did you? A shame, you could have learned so much from dad if you’d just tried.” A foot twisted, and while Gilda’s eyes shot wide, Dash kicked one of the many isolated blobs of black cloud broken off from the mass she had left behind. The reaction was instant, and a series of bolts shot from one cloud to another, the chain lighting turning the sky a blindingly bright white.

In the deeper parts of the forest, a figure in a brown cloak had seen this battle start and quickly moved into a deeper part of the forest, not wanting to be a part of some fight beyond her depth.

Shining Armor didn’t knock on Silken Flight’s door, the stallion had been in a mood ever since Barb’s last letter from Dusk arrived, and he had spent hours taking it out on his staff. Behind her desk, Luna’s agent overturned the letter in her hands again, inspecting the coded phrasing in silence while the stallion stormed his way to stand before her. His voice was sharp, and eyes hinted with red. “Alright, Silken, let’s try this dance again. You have agents in Ponyville, and your last report to Princess Celestia made it clear, you knew things were going to come to a fight with Gilda. Why did you let things escalate so far? My brother’s horn is likely to be permanently scarred by that black market horn ring!”

Rather than answer the frustrated guard captain instantly, the bat mare finished reading her letter, folding it back and placing it on her desk. Arching an eyebrow high, she pulled the quill from her inkpot, her voice haunting while the quill hovered over a blank page. “And when did you plan on allowing me to direct a military drill in the main square, sir knight?”

Shocked and confused by the bat’s words, Shining attempted to understand the mare’s purpose, his hands balling into fists on the edge of the mare’s desk. “Okay. Use the square. Hell, borrow my troops. But talk to me, Silk. I can help, you have Princess Luna’s trust, as I have Princess Celestia's. Why can’t we work together?”

At last looking up at him, inspecting his face with her own piercing eyes, the mare gave a slow nod, a smile curling her lips. “And I suppose you want to know about where your lady love went with Princess Luna, too?”

As the tension poured out, Shining at last relaxed, shaking his head. “She made me promise not to share that with anypony. The fact we both know is good enough, right?” When she gave him a nod, he let his fingers touch the paper on her desk. “Your spy’s notes?” Another nod. “May I?”

Silken Flight laughed, offering a shrug. “It’s all in code, but I’m sure you can pick up on the rougher hints. The first was sent her third night in town, after she had made contact with your brother and gotten a measure of him. After that, she started detailed surveillance, following both of her targets as close as she might. If we had known about the black market ring, I swear we would have stepped in sooner, but Gilda slept in her clothing, and my agent’s attempt to inventory what she had on hand was severely hampered. She was on hand during the fight, and had a longbow on the griffon in case Rainbow Dash’s efforts failed.” Pausing at his worried look, she shook her head. “The ambassador might have disowned her, but she was using drugged arrows with blunted tips, our goal was to trap the beast, not kill her. We are not as kind hearted as your mare, Princes Cadence. But capturing a chess piece like the Ambassador's bastard daughter? How could we resist?” When Shining Armor laughed, she cocked an eyebrow at him. “How is she liking Tartarus? I have had trouble getting any of my agents into your ranks there.”

Offering his own warm grin, Shining relaxed, reading over the letter from Ponyville and at last sat on the chair across from the spymaster’s desk. Skimming the coded letter, he grinned across at her. “Officially, I am not in charge of that prison, dear, so officially, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

It was her turn to laugh, while a flask was pulled from her desk, and two small shot glasses of a thick black and milky liquid was poured, one pushed across to him. “It’s Amber Rose, and nothing else. I swear in Princess Luna’s name.” When he nodded and accepted the tiny glass of rare liquor, sipping at its thick texture, she asked again. “But unofficially?”

Shining Armor shrugged, his voice soft. “She is still recovering. Rainbow Dash didn’t pull any punches with that storm cloud business. It might have been easier on her if your agent had shot her, poisoned bolt or not.” Returning the letter to her desk, Shining pointed to the name at the top. “M. Eddler? Surely so childish a nickname stands out of place. Wouldn’t anyone suspect the letter to be for or from a spy the moment they see it?”

Silken Flight offered a shrug, her voice quiet as she sipped at her own tiny glass of the potent black drink. “True enough, but then, with so obvious a title, we have found that most would destroy the note rather than try and decode it. Safer to lose a message or two rather than have them collect in the wrong hands.”

Author's Notes:

Another chapter, complete! Huge shout out to Frankie, Flamerz and ShadowThunder for their ongoing assistance, and to you all for reading. Hope you enjoy and see you next time in Interlude 5 - Dash's Birthday Bash.