Winging north, Robert stopped and watched the cloud of dust as the herd thundered away through the grasslands. Then he turned and headed north. The sky had almost no clouds in it, and there was nothing but a few vultures circling as he beat his way up over the blasted wastes. Night fall found him with no where to land, until he caught sight of a grove of trees. It could have been a mirage he supposed,but he couldn't tell until he landed, and he swooped down, in a long sloping descent until he hit his head on a branch. He righted himself on the ground, and rubbed his head. Fortunately he hadn't hit too hard nor had he knocked any fruit to the ground. He did have double vision, which wasn't the best sign. It cleared up as a pony approached him. Yellow with a dark red mane, he had a flash of some strange amalgamation of Fluttershy and Big Mac. The very idea made him mildly nervous.

“Well, at least you haven't done any damage to my tree.” she said. She sounded... odd.

“Good.” he managed after a moment.

“Don't tell me you've got amnesia.” she said, glaring.

“No ma'am.” he answered. “Just awful hard to sort out the voice from the ringing in my ears.”

“Oh dear. I think we'd better see a doctor.” she said, tucking a leg under his.

“I fail to see how a proctor will help.” he said. She sighed.

“Why me?”

“Fate? Destiny? Some other horrible game?” he replied.

“Oh dear.”

The doctor wasn't too thrilled at being woken up, even for an emergency. “He'll be fine.” he said after a few minutes.

“You're sure?” Cherry Jubilee asked.

“Which of us has the medical degree?” he asked.

“Neither of us.” she replied.

“Exactly, I'm a dentist. Why do you people keep bringing me sick patients?”

“Because you're all we've got.” she replied.

“Darn tootin'.” he paused, realized she'd gotten the better of him, then shook his head. “Look just keep a watch on him tonight. Doesn't seem to have a concussion, but just in case. Anyway the ringing should subside. The snark I can't do anything about without giving him a concussion.”

“Thank you.” Cherry said, laughing. “I'll take him home.”

“Please do.” she led the now somewhat less dazed, but still ringing tiger out of the doctors office and back to her home.

“Here, why don't you lie down here, and we'll talk for a while.” she said, leading him to a couch.

“I can't lie down and walk.” he said.

“TALK.”

“Oh.” he climbed on the couch, and settled in. “Talk about what?” he asked.

“Well, who are you first of all?”

“I am the greatest wizard in all the land. Princess Twilight Sparkle!” he waved his wings dramatically. She started. “No, my name is Robert.” he held out a paw. She shook it.

“Cherry Jubilee.” he kissed the top of her hoof. Her face turned nearly the same color as her mane. “Oh my.”

“So,where exactly am I?”

“Dodge Junction.” she answered.

“Ah.” he considered his response. “I gather we're sitting up because I have a concussion?”

“He didn't think so, but better safe than sorry.” she nodded. “Can I get you anything?”

“Some water please. I haven't had any since I left the Buffalo.” she blinked, but nodded. She returned with not a glass, but an entire pitcher. He thanked her, then drank the entire thing. “Sorry.”

“It's okay. What were you doing with the buffalo?” she asked.

“Honestly? Seeking a flower to restore my magical powers.” she blinked.

“Seriously?” he nodded.

“Really. I can show you if you like.” he offered.

“I'd like that.” she said. He dug into his bag, and extracted the wooden container. He twisted the top, revealing a glass window showing inside. Inside lay an orchid, glowing softly purple and pulsating in time with something unseen. “It's beautiful.” she said in an almost whisper. “What is it?”

“Thuamus Orchidae.” he replied. “ Literally, a magical flower.”

“Wow.” he slid the window closed, and tucked the flower safely back in his bag. “So, magic huh? You some kind of unicorn?”

“Not exactly.” Robert chuckled. “I am a Tiger Shaman, and these” he waved his wings. “are my special talent. Part of it. Anyway, I was learning to make use of potions and one exploded and the next thing I know, I'm stuck with them. And my magic is completely turned off. Or rather stuck in the on position.” he ruffled his wings again.

“Hmm... sounds... awkward.” she admitted.

“Nowhere near as awkward as having to be taught to fly by Rainbow Dash.” he muttered not quite under his breath.

“Rainbow Dash? You know her?” Jubilee started.

“She's pretty hard to avoid.” Robert chuckled. “Do you know her?”

“Well, yes...” she explained. Robert laughed.

“Oh, that's too funny.” he shifted. “She taught me how to actually fly.”

“Flying wasn't part of your talent?” she asked, understandably confused.

“No. My talent is for transmutation. Being able to sprout wings is just an extension of that. Before the accident, all I could do was glide. Whether I'll be able to actually fly after my magic comes back, I'm not sure.” he shrugged. “I can't say I wouldn't miss it, but at the same time, I'd rather have my mojo back.”

“I can imagine. So you can't do your special talent without your magic?” she asked. He paused for a long time.

“I've honestly not tried.” he coughed. “I always assumed it was based in my magic.” He held up a paw, and stared at it. Nothing happened. “I guess it is. Either that, or my technique is bound in my magic.”

“Well, nothing to be done about it right now, though you might consider using some other technique.” she smiled. “Never know when something might explode.”

“True enough.” he sighed. “Satisfied I'm okay to sleep?”

“Yes. How're your ears?” she asked, standing.

“Still attached, but the ringing is fading.” he smiled.

“Well, I'm going to bed. Need anything?” he shook his head. “Good night.”

“Good night.”

---

Cherry woke to the smell of pancakes. She was fairly sure she didn't have the things needed to make pancakes, so she was understandably nervous as she came down stairs. Robert was in the kitchen, cooking pancakes, and muttering to himself. The pan seemed to be flipping them of it's own accord.

“Morning.” he said as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

“Morning. How?”

“The buffalo shaman reminded me there's more than one way to do magic, something I should have remembered myself. A simple animation spell to run the pan. And a little transmutation circle to turn what you did have into what you didn't.” he pointed to one drawn on the stove around the pan, and one on the counter, containing cinnamon she was certain she hadn't had the night before.

“Aren't those dangerous?” she asked, sitting down.

“Only if they're not watched, and I am. However, they're jut drawn in chalk and any disruption will break them up.” he prodded the circle on the counter, and the cinnamon turned back into baking powder. “Just like that.”

“Interesting. You didn't have to make breakfast. You are the guest after all.” she pointed out, as he caught the pancakes on a plate and dropped it in front of her. She picked up a fork and took a bite. “Blueberry? How'd you know?”

“I figured that running a cherry orchard would mean you liked every other flavor.” she laughed. “I know I'd be happy to eat anything else.”

“I don't just grow cherries, I make food from them. It's impressive to see just what you can cook from cherries that barely taste like cherry at all.” she said and took another bite.

“Indeed. I'm impressed.” Robert said, and caught his own pancakes. He turned off the stove and broke the circle as the pan landed on the burner. “Not much for cherries myself.”

“Not many are.” she admitted. “Of course, those that like 'em , can't get enough of 'em.”

“True.” They ate in more or less silence.

“You heading out?” she asked. He nodded.

“I've been away a while, and I'm rather excited about getting back.” she smiled.

“Well, you let Applejack know I remember her.” she said. “And here, this is for you.” she handed him a package. “Some food for the road, without a cherry in sight.” he laughed.

“Thank you. I'll be sure to deliver your message. Good-bye.” she waved, and he trotted forward, then spread his wings and threw himself into the air. North west towards Ponyville. Half a days flight found him wheeling over the castle of the two sisters. He'd been told about it, but hadn't seen it for himself. He dove and swooped past it, wings carrying him in a long lazy circle before he turned and beat west again towards town. Fluttershy was the first one to see him, as he approached her house. He swooped low, spun around and landed at a trot.

“Hello Robert.” She smiled at him. “Have a nice trip?”

“Heh. It was interesting.” he chuckled. “How're the animals?”

“Doing much better. They'll be ready whenever you are I think.” she said, sounding far more confident than her phrasing let on.

“Good. How about you?”

“I'm...” there was a very long pause. “better.” she said. “Would you like to hear about it?” he nodded. “Perhaps over tea?” he grinned.

---

“That was surprisingly unexpected. I wouldn't have thought you'd volunteer for all those.” Robert admitted.

“Well, I could get up and sing without everyone knowing it was me, and it was... freeing.” she said. “Stage Fright is...”

“Pretty awful.” Robert nodded. She raised an eyebrow. “No where as bad as yours, but for years I would do anything to avoid going up on stage where people were looking at me.”

“How did you get over it?” she asked.

“I didn't. I don't think you can. Like my fear of heights, I just have to remember that being brave isn't an absence of fear, but action in it's presence.” Robert smiled. “I am grateful each day for having learned that.”

“Action in the presence of fear.” she nodded. “Like the dragon.”

“Like the Dragon.” he agreed. “Excellent tea.”

“Thank you. I use it for calming stomachs. Mostly mine.” she smiled. He smiled back. “So what happened on your trip?”

“Well...” he started talking.

“Oh, that poor hydra.” Robert declined to comment on that one.

“G-gilda? You spent the night with her? How... how...”

“She asked me to tell Rainbow Dash she was sorry for what she said, and most of what she did.” he paused. “Said she'd know what it was about.” he left the part out with the meals. Particularly since Angel was curled up on one end of the couch, and Robert didn't want to have to deal with him.

“Oh. Well, you'd better ask Rainbow.” Fluttershy said, clearly bothered.

“Right, let's see...” Robert continued.

“Did you really say that to him?” she asked.

“Yeah, he seemed to think it was funny. I don't think I'll mention it to Applejack.”

“No, probably better not.” she agreed. He got on with his story. “Fish?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh.”

“I know.”

“It's just...” he took a breath. “Circle of life. I gave thanks to their spirits.”

“Thank you.” she said. “Continue.”

“Sure.” he kept going.

“Cherry Jubilee?” she asked. “I remember her.”

“Very nice mare. Stayed up with me until we were sure I didn't have a concussion.” he replied.

“Yes, very nice of her. You sure you're okay?” Fluttershy asked.

“You're welcome to check.” he said. She did, running him through the standard selection of tests. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome.” she flushed. “You really should try not to hit your head.”

“I will try to remember that, and not being Rainbow Dash, I'll probably succeed.” he smiled.

“That's not very nice. True, but not very nice.” Fluttershy said, smiling slightly.

“I know. Which is why I'm not telling her, because that'd be mean.” Robert said. “Besides, I don't really believe it.”

“I do, even though it's not very nice.” Fluttershy admitted.

“Well, that's why I got her the helmet.” he grinned. She smiled back after a moment. “Let's see, where was I?”

“Cherry Jubilee?” Fluttershy prompted.

“Oh, right.” he finished the story.

“Wow. So... why didn't you take the train home?” she asked.

“I didn't think of it?” he said, after a long moment. “I probably should have.”

“It's okay. You can't think of everything.” she smiled. “You'd probably better go see the others.” she led him to the door, and saw him out. He trotted down the length of the path, and spread his wings. Two beats later he was in the air, and heading for the center of town. He got lucky, Rainbow Dash and Twilight were coming in for a landing from flight practice. He followed them down, drifting out of the skies to land just behind them on Twilight's balcony.

“Hey Robert.” Rainbow said as she landed. Twilight started, botched the landing and rolled through the open doors.

“You're really hard to sneak up on, you know that?” Robert asked. Dash buffed a hoof on her chest.

“Yeah, I know I am.” she grinned. “You okay Twi?”

“Fine.” she said in a voice indicating she was clearly not.

“So, how was your trip?” Rainbow asked, as she helped Twilight upright.

“Surprisingly long.” he replied, and settled in to tell it. They didn't interrupt him until the end.

“So, what was Gilda's message?” Dash asked with a level tone.

“She said she was sorry for everything she said, and most of what she did.” Robert said. Then he looked Rainbow in the eye. “Fluttershy said I should ask you what happened. Gilda didn't seem interested in telling me, but the look on her face said it was something bad. I'm not big on griffons as a general rule, but she was nice enough to share her perch with me.”

“Alright, I'll explain.” Rainbow started talking, telling the tail, with Twilight filling in a few missing pieces. Pinkie arrived part way through, with a face full of what he dearly hoped was custard that she refused to explain. She picked up the narrative for the part of the day she'd followed Gilda. Then they culminated in the party, the blow up, and the blow off.

“That's everything.” Pinkie said, to the nods of the others.

“She left the party, took wing to the west, and we never saw her again.” Rainbow added.

“Well, I guess that explains it then. Though I thought she'd have headed home sooner.” Rainbow's ears flicked up at home.

“Home?” she asked, far too casually to be anything other than interest.

“To the Aerie.” Robert said, anticipating a reaction.

“WHAT?!” Rainbow was across the room, and up against his face instantly. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, she said it herself.” Robert replied.

“This is bad. She told me she'd never go back.” Rainbow's breath came in short bursts. “Look didn't you ever wonder why she was here in Equestria?” heads shook. “She didn't meet griffon standards so she left home and came here. Her parent's disowned her. If she goes back, she's clanless and she knows that.” Rainbow left somethings unsaid. Clanless griffons were not necessarily completely screwed. Some clans would take on the clanless for a price. Others would actively hunt clanless. For those disowned like Gilda, there were two ways out. A quick death, or a death in battle would redeem them by law. Or they could appeal to the emperor. Sometimes that would allow an intervention, a restoration to clan and family. Other times... “We've got to stop her.”

“Twilight.” Robert said. “Can you get us to Manehattan?”

“I.. I think so.” Twilight said. There was a flash.

---

Twilight... missed. Not the city. She wasn't that bad. The ground on the other hand, that she missed by a few thousand feet. Upside, all three of them had wings. Down side, they arrived upside down. Rainbow Dash was completely non-pulsed, rolled over and exploded away towards the docks. Twilight flashed again, was upright and caught herself. Robert fell some hundred feet before the benefit of Rainbow's freefall training kicked in, and he spread one wing caught air and rolled up right. Twilight fell to his level. “She went this way.” they followed the rapidly fading trail of rainbow light towards the docks. Rainbow Dash was on the docks, or just above them, ducking between masts and shipping containers. The harbor was in the middle of a loading cycle, as it moved cargo on and off incoming and outgoing ships, with several already loose their moorings and waiting for a clear path out, and several waiting for a clear path in. Pegasi Harbor pilots were streaming from ship to ship, guiding some in, guiding others out, and occasionally taking up position in the air, or just above the water. The force in the air was directing and communicating, the force jut over the water was monitoring the current and watching for eddies. Twilight ignored Rainbow, and touched down just outside the main office. A few moments work brought her the name of the ship Gilda was traveling on. It was one of the newest ships, a steam ship, which would be leaving the docks soon. She thundered out of the office, beat her way into the air, and caught Rainbow making a circuit. She shouted the name of the ship as the rainbow mare flashed past. She nodded.

The ship was already out of the harbor when they found it. It was a griffon captained steamer. Twilight landed on the deck, and asked for the Captain. She was directed to the bridge, which she flew to.

“Captain, I need you to stop your ship.” she called to him as she stepped into the bridge. Robert landed outside.

“And I should listen to you why?” the captain asked, not turning to look at her. He was a dark navy griffon with white tipped feathers.

“My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle.” she began.

“You show me no respect, I see no reason to show you any.” he replied, cutting her off.

“Captain, permission to come aboard?” Robert asked from the door.

“Granted.”

“Permission to enter the bridge?”

“Granted.”

“Thank you captain. My friend is unaccustomed to Naval courtesies.” Robert said. “My name is Robert. We're looking for one of your passengers.”

“She a fugitive?” The Captain asked. He still hadn't looked at them. There was a Pegasus focused on the steering of the ship.

“No, but she might be in some danger from going home. I asked her to take a message and so it'll be my fault if she's hurt because of it.” Robert said.

“Hmm... I don't want anyone hurt, but at the same time...” the captain sighed, and looked away. The Pegasus relaxed slightly. “I do have a right to protect the privacy of my passengers.”

“Couldn't you just ask if we could talk to her?” Twilight said. The captain leveled a glare at her.

“Princess, I understand your concern, but this is my ship and for all intents and purposes I am it's ruler. I expect some courtesy while you are aboard.” the captain turned back to Robert. “Is there some reason I should even admit to such a passenger?”

“I asked her to take a message to Ambassador Gris.” Robert said. “I didn't have certain facts at the time.”

“What is taking so long?” Rainbow asked from the door. She came into the bridge, but hadn't technically set foot on it. The captain didn't look at her.

“I see. What's her name?”

“Gilda.”

“One moment.” he turned and had a word with one of his officers. A green plumed griffon darted off the bridge. “He went to ask if she'd come to my cabin.” Rainbow all at once seemed to realize where she was, and looked at the captain.

“Sorry Captain. Shouldn't have barged in. Permission to come aboard?” she asked. He considered it.

“Granted. And thank you for the apology. However, if we could clear the bridge?” Rainbow nodded and ducked out. Twilight seemed torn by indecision. Robert nudged her.

“Umm...”

“Yes Princess, you have permission to come aboard. I'll have someone show you to my cabin.” Robert sighed and pushed her out the hatchway. The captain shook his head, and turned back to the pilot pegasus.

“How much longer?” he asked.

“We're passing the breakwater now. I leave you at the outer marker.”

“Right.” he paused. “Can you hold us at the outer marker, and make sure our guests and potentially a passenger get safely back to the harbor?” pause.

“Yes captain.”

“Good, the last thing I want is to find out a Princess of Equestria left my ship and drowned in her own harbor.” the captain snorted. The first mate laughed. No one else dared.

---

“Robert, I can deliver a message without any...” Gilda froze solid when she saw who was in the cabin. “NO. NO.” She tried to back out, only to find the griffon who'd escorted her was blocking her path.

“Gilda.” Rainbow Dash voice very nearly cracked. She got control of herself.

“Gilda, come in here.” Robert said it softly, but there was something undeniable in his voice. She stepped in to the cabin. The griffon swung the hatch closed. “Why didn't you say anything when I asked you to deliver a message?” he asked.

“I was going to, but... no one is barred access to him.” she said. “I figured I'd deliver the message and then move on.” to an appointment everyone except Twilight knew would have to come next. Twilight had done some reading of late on griffon culture, but hadn't reached the bit on clanless yet.

“And you wouldn't have mentioned it to him would you?” Rainbow asked.

“What's the point?” Gilda snapped. “It wouldn't change a thing.”

“You know that's a load of complete horse apples.” Rainbow snapped. “I am not the most politically aware pony, because they're lame,” indignant snort from Twilight “but telling him would get him on your side. You know how he feels about it.”

“Yeah, and how weak would that be? Some griffon I'd be, getting him to fight my battles for me.” Gilda growled back. “'Oh Please, I can't do anything myself, talk for me' Psh, yeah right.”

“Idiot.” Rainbow snapped, and lunged. The fight was short and ugly. Rainbow was fast and strong, Gilda was strong and if not as fast, more than capable of holding her ground. Rainbow hit her once, then Gilda hit once. And then Twilight broke up the fight. Both of them stopped when they hit hoof and talon against a solid purple barrier.

“Enough.” her voice brooked no argument. “Tell me, in plain terms what this is about.” her eyes narrowed. “NOW.” Reluctantly, with a request of sound-proofing, she was told the story. “So you were going home to die.” she said, voice still flat.

“I don't think it would have come to that.” Gilda said. “My parents would have relented.” 'probably.' she left the last unspoken.

“You know Ambassador Gris?” she asked Robert. He nodded. “How?”

“He brought me the head of the griffon who killed my Uncle.” Robert replied. Silence marked the cabin for several minutes. “He's one of only two griffon's I like.” Gilda blinked at him.

“Great. You, don't you have friends?” she asked Gilda.

“A couple. I've never had many. I lost a few.” she looked guiltily at Rainbow. They were both nursing bruises and bruised egos.

“Not this one.” Rainbow said. “Never completely. Even if you were a big jerk.”

“A MEANIE MEAN PANTS!” Pinkie said from a potted plant before vanishing. Gilda blinked, no one else noticed.

“Really?” she asked.

“You think I'd have come all the way here for anyone but a friend?” Rainbow demanded.

“No, I guess not.” the ship slowed. “What?”

“Looks like we're holding at the outer marker. Probably waiting for us to leave.” Robert said, looking out the porthole.

“Then we'd better hurry this up, so we don't delay the captain.” Twilight said. “What can we do to help?”

“Nothing.” Gilda said. “The word of ponies isn't going to help my case.” she hung her head. “I guess I'll have to stay here.” she looked back at Equestria.

“No, you won't.” Robert said. “You have a message to deliver. Honor demands you deliver it.” he stood up. “However, I want to include a letter with it.”

“NO.” she snapped all at once. “You won't do that to me.”

“I'm not doing a bloody thing to you.” Robert snapped back, with a deep throated growl. “I am writing a letter to my friend, which you are going to deliver. He'll want you to bring me a response. I'll be happy to see you when you return.” he glanced at Rainbow. She nodded imperceptibly.

“Come on, let's see what this ship has to drink while he writes his letter.” Rainbow said.

“Look I...” Rainbow shoved her out the door, and closed it behind them.

“Are they safe alone?” Robert asked. Twilight nodded. “Good.” he tugged paper out of his bag, and a quill. “I hope the captain doesn't mind me borrowing some ink.” he scribbled out a fairly sizable letter in fairly short order, rolled it, and sealed it. The only thing he used of the captains was ink and some drying sand. He left a couple of bits on the desk. “Let's go find them.”

“What did you write?” Twilight asked.

“A private letter.” Robert replied. “Trust me. It's best you don't know. You might not be aware, but your poker face is even worse than your dancing.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“What are friends for?” Robert smiled. They found Gilda and Rainbow having a surprisingly friendly conversation in the galley, over two tankards of something. They were empty, and didn't smell of cider.

“Hey, there's my bud!” Gilda said, and threw a leg over his shoulders.

“Ha! Griffon gal's a lightweight!” Rainbow said, and missed the table. Twilight plunked the tankard on the table.

“So's the Pegasus apparently.” she smiled. Rainbow laughed, completely missing the sarcasm.

“So, gots the letter?” Gilda asked. Robert showed it. “Let's see what he wrote?” she said and tugged at the scroll. Nothing happened. “What?” She jerked harder. Her best efforts didn't budge it at all. “What gives?”

“Only the intended recipient can open those.” Robert replied pointing at the seal. “Anyone else can try just about anything they like. Even complete destruction won't get them open. Only returned to sender.” he stuck his tongue out at her.

“That's not fair. Half the fun of being a courier is reading the mail.” Gilda pouted.

“Yeah!” Rainbow said.

“Well not mine.” Robert snorted. “Keep it safe for me?” Gilda nodded.

“I will.” she tucked it into her feathers. “He'll get it, I promise.”

“Good.” he turned to Twilight.

“I'll take her home.” she walked over, wrapped a leg around Rainbow and there was a purple flash. Robert trotted out of the Galley, then up to the entrance to the bridge and tapped on the wall. “Captain?”

“Yes?” the captain said, turning.

“Twilight Sparkle took our Pegasus friend home via teleport. I thought I'd let you know that I'm leaving.”

“Thank you. Can you escort our pilot out as well?” The Pegasus looked about to object, then thought better of it.

“Certainly. Fair winds and safe voyage captain.” Robert waved as the Pegasus passed him.

“Fair winds Robert.” the tiger turned and followed the Pegasus into the air. The ship built up steam and headed out to sea.

“You don't have to escort me you know.” the Pegasus said.

“You're escorting me.” Robert said. “I heard that much.” she flushed. “I have great ears.”