Soon, we were at the island, awaiting the bridge to be placed down so we could exit. Looking around the area, it was highly similar to the town I had been in before hand, but with many rows of docks lining all the way over the horizon. Many palm trees lined the coastal area where we were docked, with many angler houses dotted around. Surprisingly, the area was fairly empty, with only a small amount of boats parked; even then they weren't being manned.

Once the bridge had been set and held still with magic, a few guards made their way down, followed by the rest of us. Rarity insisted that she held onto someone's arm in case she fell, and of course RD jumped right on that boat, offering her services. The rest of the main six thought it wise too, Applejack and Pinkie holding onto Thunderlane's arm (applejack seemed to already know the lieutenant, and Pinkie gave zero shits about personal space), Twilight holding onto her assistants arm, and Fluttershy on mine. Blossom also felt left out, so she clung to Snipe with a pout.

"I have one more arm if you're feeling left out?" I said, turning to Crusty before we made our way down. He chuckled at my remark and gave me a slap on the back of my head.

"Respect your elders kid!" We both gave a laugh before making our way down the slope, followed shortly by Shining, Cadence, and a few more guards.

Once at the bottom, the girls separated from the others, and began looking over the scenery in aw. Snipe and Spike, however, didn't spare it a glance, but instead talked between each other, probably trying to figure out the answer to my question. The four guards with us, not including Thunderlane, Blossom or Crusty, formed a square around the group.

I noticed that there was a distinct lack of people here, and the ones that were, were eyeing us with varied expressions. Fear, wander, impartialness, or straight up disgust. Though, none of them approached, and made sure to stay clear of the dock we were stood on.

Suddenly, a flash appeared to my right, gaining my attention. Turning around revealed six griffons, four of which in matching armour. I took a step towards them as did Shining and Cadence, and the rest just eyed the six.

"Greetings, guests, it is an honour to meet you." A man said, bowing. He wasn't wearing a uniform like the other men, but instead donned a black and green robe, only one strap reaching over his shoulder. I could see his toned body along with a few scars that accompanied it. He was around the same height as me, with short scruffy black hair and a small stubble. But, the most intriguing thing was the crown neatly placed on his head. It seemed to be made of some kind of black vine, with a few green roses growing around it.

Going to respond, I was cut off by Cadence as she stepped in front of the man. "No need to bow to us, Prince Chiron. I'd like to think Equestria and Griffinstone are on good terms."

"Indeed we are Princess Cadence, but it is never wrong to welcome your guests with respect." The Prince said, raising his head and placing out his hand. Cadence shook it with a large smile on her face. "It is great to see you Cadence."

"And you, baby Chiron." Cadence spoke, releasing his hand and ruffling his hair. She had to go on her toes and stretch a fair bit to do it.

A guard stepped in to stop her, but Chiron motioned for them to holt and spoke. "It is fine, Sergeant Breakneck, Princess Cadence has done many things for me, and is an ally to Griffinstone." Cadence giggled at him for the praise and the guard stepped down.

"Now what could she have done to put you on head patting terms?" Shining said, stepping towards the two with a smirk.

Turning to her fiancé, the Princess latched onto his arm before speaking. "When I was a bit younger, I was asked to baby sit little Chiron once and a while. I still remember the days when he used to attach carrots to his head and run around screaming, 'Look auntie I'm a unicorn!'."

Chiron looked down in embarrassment, a light blush on his cheeks. "Did he now?" The woman to his left asked. "You'll have to tell me about that sometime."

Raising his head, the Prince looked like he had a realisation, before speaking. "Ah, I almost forgot. Auntie Cadence, meet my wife Rhea." He gestured to the woman next to him, before placing a kiss on her cheek. She was also fairly tall, with long brown hair and deep green eyes. She was wearing a cactus green robe, that outlined all her features in all the right ways.

Cadence and Rhea shared pleasantries, before Cadence introduced them to Shining. It took a moment for the two to finish catching up with each other, but after a moment they got down to business.

"So can I assume you're here to escort us?" Shining asked.

Chiron perked up at the question before responding. "Indeed! We have come to show you to the castle."

"Wonderful," Cadence began, "and I can tell Rhea all the stories about you while we walk." Rhea squeaked in excitement, and the Prince just simply sighed before turning around.

"Let us be off then."

The walk there wasn't too long, and we weren't interrupted at all. Though, as we walked through town, many citizens began chanting Chiron's name, as well as Snipe's. He felt uncomfortable, so he put his cloaks hood up and walked in the middle of the group. I found it odd that the Prince didn't even approach Snipe, but I chalked it up to him being too focused on his reunion with his 'auntie'. He did, however, bring up a recent break in at the kingdoms castle. I made sure to stay at the back of the group for that discussion.

Once we made it to the castle, I faked shock at the size as we came to the front gates. There we were met with a couple of griffin maids, Lechuza and Berry, who showed us to our rooms. Chiron and Rhea said they had places to be, so they left us after we met up with the maids; though, he still hadn't approached Snipe. Once we arrived at our rooms, we found that it was split between genders, as there were only two available rooms close enough for us to visit.

"And this is the men's quarters." Berry said, opening the door for us. She was on the short side, and wore a maid outfit you'd expect to find somewhere in England hundreds of years ago. She had long red hair, reaching past her shoulders, and had freckles on her cheeks. Lechuza, in contrast, was rather tall, and also wore your average maid get up; though this time with more emphasis on her impressive chest. She had long purple hair, and gave of a kind of 'mature woman' vibe.

All the men clambered into the large room, with me at the back. I nodded to Berry on the way past before entering the room myself. It was very spacious, with a fireplace on one of the walls. There was a step down to a sofa and coffee table, with what appeared to be a projector sheet above the fireplace. The room was lit by a dim light, and it was rather dark outside, making the view from the balcony at the back all the more stunning.

"Well if you don't need anything else, that'll be all." Berry stated, bowing to us.

"One thing," Thunderlane began. "When will we be expected to arrive at..... scratch that, where are we actually supposed to go?"

"Either me or Lechuza will wake you up, and escort you to the banquet hall." Berry stated. "Will that be all?"

I looked to the rest of the group for a moment, before turning back to her and speaking. "Indeed. Thank you for your services." I nodded to her in appreciation, which for some reason garnered a blush, before she took her leave. "Whelp," I said, clapping my hands together and turning to the rest of the group. "Time to explore."

Hey thanks for reading! This was on the short side cause I've been caught up with a shit tone a homework; also I'm currently writing on a borrowed laptop with the technology equivalent to a type writer.

As always, any critisism helps, good or bad. Hope you enjoyed!