Bar None

by RadBunny

Rating: teen
Tags: Random, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, Princess Luna, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other, Romance, Gilda
Length: 5104

A jaded past catches up with the generous owner of a Canterlot inn. A griffon, he must accompany one of the princess' on a special mission with his volatile new companion.

Taking place at the same time period as A Cure For A Toxin , Night's Chill (will have overlapping characters briefly) and Ignition Point

Ebony is the proud owner of the 'Bar None' Inn - a refuge for drifters and wayward travelers of all stripes. Hard times have brought many down on their luck to his busy shelter, but his newest tenant has him unsettled. A fellow griffon, she can be pleasant one minute and lashing out the next.

Having long ago severed ties with the Griffon Kingdom coupled with an obscure and colorful past, Ebony is given little choice in accompanying the Princess of the Night on what should have been a low-profile mission. When best laid plans fall apart, his companion reminds him of a haunting truth: Sometimes the past refuses to stay dead.
(on hiatus)

Published 2013-07-24 04:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-12-22 22:48:35 UTC

Chapter One

Bar None

The sun began its journey downwards, courtesy of a certain Princess that dwelled in the large city. The beams reflected off the upper-class areas first, their shining structures proclaiming their supposed-higher status for all of Canterlot to see.

The sun's rays then migrated to the outskirts of the city. There weren't official 'slums' in Canterlot; but there certainly was a lower-income area. Of the few homeless that existed, they lived here, as did families struggling to start their own life in the city.

On one of the main streets leading out of the city, a large building watched over the smaller houses like a mother bird tending to her chicks. It appeared to be of old wooden structure, but a few cracks revealed a recent and sturdy structure underneath the aged exterior. The old wooden sign appeared to have weathered both time and elements, but bore signs of recent re-staining and painting.

Bar None - Everyone welcome.

Through the large carved wooden doors was the main room: a dining and 'bar' area. The Bar None was known for being a family establishment, one where even the little children could go over to the 'bar' and have a glass of apple juice (with added fizz, of course.) No alcohol being served had threatened the reputation of the business, but the atmosphere easily made up for it. The imported goods also made it quite a popular stop, particularly for individuals such as griffins and other carnivores/omnivores. Where else could you get a slab of venison in Canterlot?

The tables, chairs, and all other furniture were of similarly-colored wood. The chairs for youngsters were slightly lighter-stained, to appear as though harvested from younger trees, whereas the larger benches were of darker shade. The light was provided by both electricity and candle, depending on the area you wished to eat, the time of day, or the preference of the customers. There was a small outdoors area, which opened up to accommodate many more guests during the summer months.

The staff busied themselves with the various tasks of closing up for the night, or at least preparing for the late-night individuals. Just because they didn't serve intoxicating drinks didn't mean the regulars didn't come by. Nights was when the second part of the business kicked into high gear; providing a place for those down on their luck to rest and get their bearings. Many of the staff had actually started from being a recipient of the owner's generosity, having either been stuck in Canterlot on business, or simply run out of bits.

Now, none could think of working anywhere else.

The only non-pony staff (aside from the minotaur cook in the kitchen,) was the owner. At first, the few non-pony individuals had, like the lack of alcohol, proved a challenge in the somewhat-snobby circles of Canterlot. But, as with many things, appearances were deceiving.

“A pretty good day, eh Ebs?” A perky voice sounded from across the empty eating area, as was normal during the twilight hours. The culprit was one of the servers, a yellow earth pony by the name of Rolls (fitting, considering his cutie mark was just that, a set of pastry rolls.)

The dark grey griffin nodded, shifting his white-tipped wings and tail in thought.

“Hmm. Indeed. Do you think the regulars will come by tonight?”

Ebony Suntail shrugged his wings, not able to restrain a smile.

“Probably. I still don't know how you can manage staying up all night....”

Rolls shot his own grin back, casually sweeping up a persistent pile of dust.

“I've always felt better on a flipped sleep schedule. I've been tempted to apply for the night guard a couple of times, as a matter of fact.” The stallion remarked pensively.

Ebony now was genuinely curious, never having thought Rolls to be the guard type.

“What stopped you?”

The pony deadpanned, raising an eyebrow as he stared at his employer.

“Do you remember what happened when someone spilled a certain blood-colored drink all over themselves?”

The griffin couldn't hide a snicker. Poor Rolls had thought the mare had sliced her hoof open....and the poor stallion had fainted on the spot.

“Point taken...Hey, who's that? I've never seen that customer before. Is she passed out or something?” Rolls nodded towards a distant corner of the eating area.

Ebony looked over in the direction Rolls had indicated, and began walking over to the secluded table, ears flicking with curiosity.

“Not sure...hey...it's a griffin.....” Ebony's sentence switched to talking to himself towards the end, causing Rolls to chuckle.

“Indeed it is, which is why I brought this one to your attention. Not too many of your kind in these parts.”

Ebony nodded, walking closer to the fellow griffin- and a female griffin at that. Even rarer, since most individuals in the military of their society were male – the only type of griffins ever to frequent Canterlot.

“'Scuse me, miss? Everything alright?”

A soft mumble was the other griffin's reply, and a kind smile twitched at Ebony's features. She was passed out cold from what he could only assume was lack of sleep. The table was scattered with a few drinks and the remnants of a meal, as well as quite a few quills, ink, and partially-scrawled on pieces of parchment.

“Can you get Fizzy for me? We've got another sleeper.” Ebony nodded towards the outside area, indicating where the unicorn Fitzgerald (or, as he preferred, Fizzy,) was currently cleaning the tables.

“Sure...you not going to carry her up yourself?”

Now it was Ebony's turn to deadpan at the stallion as he shook his head, gathering the mess of papers together on the table.

“No. What if she woke up? Some strange griffin laying her in a bed? I don't think so.”

A chuckle rose in Roll's throat, but it was strangled by the deadly-serious gaze Ebony shot his way. Sometimes the stallion forgot: there were some things to not joke about with his employer, messing around with females being one of them.

“Erm, alrighty. Hey Fizzy! Could use your help over here!”

The brown unicorn trotted over, an eager-to-please smile on his face. Then again, all the newbies usually were...as were the long-time employees, the side effect of working in an upbeat business Ebony supposed.

“Which room should I put her in boss?” The happy unicorn piped up.

Darn it Fizz, I told you to not call me that....

“Room twelve is free. I'll be up in a moment with her belongings.”

Fizzy nodded, levitating the unconscious griffin up the stairs. For newcomers to the restaurant, such a sight usually promoted a great deal of giggles. The more frequent visitors however, would only nod in approval. There were very few places to get a few nights lodgings and food for free; Bar None being one of those establishments. The sign of an unconscious individual being floated up the stairs was just a sign of generosity, something many had come to recognize.

Ebody couldn't help but look over the mess of papers in his claws, or at least the few that were legible. Most of it was scrawled out, but a few lines stood out. There was one letter, only a line or two, that caught his attention.

Dash, I'm so sorry. I get it, alright? Please, let me just- 'illegibile' so so sorry...please...

-Gilda.

The second sentence was scratched out. Ebony wasn't sure who 'Dash' was, but at least he had a name for the griffin now bedding in room twelve. He walked up the stairs, passing Fizzy who still bore the happy smile on his face.

The griffin opened the door to the small room and lay the papers on the desk to the side of the bed. It was a very basic living area: a bed, bathroom, table, chairs (for different species) overstuffed couch, desk, and small refrigeration unit.

Not bad for starting off as a bare room scarcely a few years ago.

Ebody glanced over the room once, noting with satisfaction that Gilda had been placed on the bed, with a simply blanket drawn over her. The bonus of a unicorn...thank goodness for Fizzy.

The griffin turned the oil-lit lamp down, quietly filling, and then placing, a pitcher of water next to the bed. He had seen too many individuals show up sick and dehydrated at his door to neglect those simple needs. This individual had eaten and had a few drinks, (not alcoholic, thankfully.) but even so, Ebony didn't know the background. Better safe than sorry.

“I guess we'll have a bit to talk about in the morning Gilda. The only griffins I've seen here are soldiers, ambassadors...well, even a few families.”

He walked out and closed the door, shaking his head as he finished speaking to himself, claws clenching subconsciously.

“Families...and outcasts. So, which are you?”

Ebony heard a few of the evening regulars enter, so he aimed towards the stairs. As he walked back into the large common room, the dull tone of a newspony blared over a television in one of the corners of the room.

“It's official; the borders are closed. Despite repeated requests and attempts at negotiations, the borders are officially shut to most of the griffin provinces.....”

Author's Note

What's this? A new wild griffin story has appeared!
(a special thank you to Ten Speed for helping a LOT with the description!)

As always, feedback appreciated.

Chapter Two

Ebony woke to the soft beeping of his alarm clock, sunlight having already crept up the windowsill. His claws uncurled slowly, having been balled into fists most of the night, likely due to his quickly-fading dreams....

A few deep breaths later, and the griffin slid out of bed. It didn't take long to make himself semi-presentable, to which a brief shower fixed.

Of course, fixing one's feathers usually took as long as the shower itself.

A clatter to the floor drew Ebony's attention, and the griffin sighed to himself as he stowed the object in its rightful place: above where his head would rest, in a small recess set in the wall. There wasn't too much of a need for a crossbow, much less a compact one nowadays.....

Yet there it lay, along with its other partners.

He shook his head, shoving down the less-than-pleasant memories that threatened to arise. No, not this early in the day.

Ebony's limbs carried him to the hallway, and then downstairs to the kitchen, where a nice breakfast of fruits and pastries awaited. Too early for meat, usually that was a dinner sort of dish.

“Mornin' boss.” Came the slightly muted greeting of Rolls.

The griffin couldn't help but chuckle, the stallion clearly dead on his feet.

“Jeez Rolls, it's an hour past your shift ending...go get some sleep.” He said, taking the broom from the almost-comatose stallion.

“Mmmkay....” The less than coherent individual then stumbled up the stairs and to his room. Rolls was one of the workers that lived in the inn, a situation born out of convenience, and then tragedy when his entire apartment complex burned to the ground.

But....

Ebony cast a quick glance around the main entrance area, noting with a smile that a unicorn mare seemed suddenly very interested in sweeping now that he was watching. That'd be Buttermilk....

Buttermilk and Rolls....

Buttermilk Rolls.

The griffin had to bite back a laugh- which sounded more like a disturbed sneeze. The cream-colored mare had been spending more time with Rolls in the past week, and a good thing too. As long as it didn't interfere with their work, Ebony had no issue with romance on the job concerning workers.

Easy for you to say. You've never had to deal with that, now have you?

His tail swished in thought, talons running through his head-feathers briefly. Of all the reminders, he did NOT need that, not this early in the day.

Ebony shoved the thoughts down once again, taking a deep breath as he looked at the clock. Still a bit of time before opening, perfect....

He set about checking the various areas- ensuring the cash register was all set, and of course, dusting the top of the sign. It was a large piece of solid oak, engraved with beautiful precision that didn't quite match the words, the phrase- 'Every'un can enter, bar none, y'hear?'

A few fond memories drifted to the fore- causing Ebony to grin. That old rusty stallion had been quite a riot. Hopefully what the place had become would please him.

Seeing the grey individual's face staring back at him from a picture frame mounted below the sign, Ebony nodded slowly, a feeling of warm affirmation flitting through his frame.

He would...I think.

A moving object then caught Ebony's attention: a bit coin floating through the air. Unlike other coins, this one appeared to have a picture on it, a carving that appeared to be....

Dancing?

Oh. Of course.

“Hello Discord.”

The coin morphed into the mischievous draconequus with a 'pop', the strange creature sporting a slight frown on his face.

“Not even a slight jump? Psh. You're no fun Ebony. Perhaps I need to shake things up a bit....” To emphasize his statement, Discord levitated a pile of bit coins from...somewhere, and promptly began swirling them with a claw, turning them into a small golden tornado.

Ebony shook his head with a grimace, an unpleasant memory quickly coming to mind.

“I prefer the dancing images, thank you. Your last method of payment was rather troublesome. It took some wrangling to catch it.”

This prompted a chortle from the god of chaos, who finally settled down on a chair near the 'bar' area.

“Well, what do you expect when coins can run? You know what they say about loose change....”

Now it was Discord's turn to grimace.

“Ick. That was horrid, even for me. Well now. I assume you know my order by now?” The draconequus narrowed his eyes as he spoke. Ebony wasn't sure if it was out of playfulness or hidden maliciousness. Reformed or not, Discord still was the god of chaos. The last time they had tried to guess his order and failed, the minotaur cook had flowers sprouting from his horns for a week...

“Humor me Discord, on request of the cook.” Ebony tossed his head back towards the kitchen as an emphasis.

The chaotic creature looked up from sipping the glass from some chocolate milk.

“Fine fine. Your cook makes a mean hay fries topped with a strawberry milkshake. How to describe it to you...there's a certain aura of appeal to freshly-cooked food, rather than that conjured with magic, in any form.”

Discord then glared at Ebony with his still-narrowed eyes.

“That's the most sense I'll be making all day, thank you very much. I used up my quota already, thanks to you.”

Ebony rolled his eyes, shrugging his wings as he glanced to the cook who had poked his head out of the kitchen at the sound of Discord's telltale voice.

“Chaotic special, number two.”

The minotaur nodded, and set about ordering the kitchen staff with his characteristic flailing spatula.

Turning to look around, Ebony's gaze stopped at the stairs, where he looked at the figure standing at the top. It was the griffin from the night before. Her feathers were ruffled, and she seemed to be focused on Discord, who was currently watching some bits dance across the bar countertop. Her eyes narrowed-

Oooh boy. She. Was. Mad.

“YOU!”

Ebony didn't have time to react as his recent guest's wings flared, the female griffin launching herself at the draconequus with claws outstretched.

That's when everything froze.

Author's Note

I'm really liking this. Lots of ideas......hehehe.
As always, suggestions/corrections are welcome!

Chapter Three: New Developments

Ebony's eyes narrowed as the rest of the inn's inhabitants ceased to move. He appeared to be unaffected, as was Discord and the female griffin.

Speaking of which.....

The griffoness was suspended mid-lunge, claws extended to embed themselves in the draconequus's throat.

Discord was clearly not amused. A golden aura surrounded the griffoness as the Chaotic entity sighed.....

Wait, did Discord look....Sad?

“Gilda....you are the last griffin I expected to see here. How are you?” Discord's tone was surprisingly even, lacking any bit of malice or jest.

Even though frozen, Gilda's features twisted into a more viscous snarl.

“Ok. That was foolish of me to ask. Before you try and tear me a new windpipe, hear me-”

“OH SHUT UP! I don't care what you have to say!”

Apparently Discord had released his hold on her voice.....

The draconequus lost all civility, casually strolling up to the prone griffin and plucking her wings off, as though picking a fruit from a tree. He held the appendages up as though inspecting them, much to the female griffin's horror.

“Do not try me Gila. I am here by my own will, not coerced or otherwise. I sincerely want to part on amicable terms. I am fully aware of what transpired last time we met. Do not forget who you are dealing with.” His voice now held an edged undertone.

“Discord.....” Ebony shook his head briefly at the draconequus, his claws shaking slightly. The God of Chaos's eyes widened briefly before a strange emotion flickered across them.....was it pity?

Sighing, Discord planted Gilda's wings back, shooting a knowing glance Ebony's direction.

“Fine fine. Now then. I'm going to keep your voice silent, because I want you to hear what I have to say. Can you at least NOT try and kill me?”

Lowering Gilda to the ground, Discord appeared to release his hold on her. For a moment, Ebony thought another attempted-attack was in order....

Instead, Gilda simply sat down and glared. Apparently it had finally sunk in that trying to kill an immortal being wasn't the brightest idea.

“Good. Now then, perhaps you haven't heard, but I've turned over a new leaf, and have found it....beneficial to try and help instead of hurt-”

Discord was interrupted by a disbelieving snort from Gilda.

“Right. I heard about your so called 'reformation.' Sounds like a bunch of garbage. You expect me to believe you changed in a week or so?”

Gild's tone was condescending, and most certainly suspicious. But, underlying it all....she did have a pretty voice....

Discord's eyes narrowed as he rubbed his brow with his lion's paw.

“Changed? Well, when you put it that way, I suppose it does seem a bit incredible. Let me explain. I still cause chaos, but instead of causing misery, I make individuals happy, or surprised. I get my dose of chaos, and Celestia gets to keep all her little ponies...or griffins, happy. The griffin behind you is one of the few friends I have, and so I am trying to remain civil...but you are certainly trying my patience Gilda.”

At that, Discord snapped his clawed fingers, and a burlap bag appeared, settling on the ground in front of the griffin with a 'clink.'

“I can't buy forgiveness, so perhaps this will just show my sincerity. It has a couple hundred bits, a little goodie bag Celestia put together for me to use whenever I felt generous. Take it or leave it, I just want you to know that I am sorry.” The god of chaos sighed shifting his back and forth slightly.

“Hmmm. Fluttershy was right. It does feel better to do this. Darnit. I was hoping for a little...I don't know, satisfaction? I suppose I have changed Gilda, for the most part. I can erase the memory of our last encounter, if you want.”

The female griffin could only stare, clearly dumfounded.

“I..no...what?”

Discord twirled midair, clapping his paws together gleefully.

“Gilda speechless? I never thought I'd see the day!” He then turned to look at Ebony, who had visibly relaxed.

“Well Ebony, I don't want to overstay my welcome here. I think that genius cook of yours should have my order completed soon.”

Ebony saw that the figures outside the own personal 'time bubble' had been slowly starting to move.

“Hmm. Well, time to skedaddle I suppose. I'm off to do some show and tell at an orphanage. I must say, fillies are so much more fun than adults. They enjoy chaos...unlike most stuffy ponies. Ta ta!”

With that, the time field collapsed, and there was a flash from the kitchen as the draconequus took his order to go, leaving a stunned cook and two griffins.

Ebony shook off the shock fairly quickly, having been a participate...and recipient of Discord's shenanigans before. He walked over to Gilda, who was staring at the bag of bits, and at the spot where Discord had recently vacated with shock.

“Gilda? I'm Ebony Suntail, are you alright?”

His voice seemed to snap the fellow griffin out of her daze.

“Huh? Oh. 'Sup.” She looked around briefly, smoothing her slightly-ruffled headfeathers.

“Where am I? Last thing I remember was....sitting over there.”

Ebony nodded, not able to resist a smile as the familiar hum of the inn reached his ears.

“Yep. You passed out cold. There were some papers, they're in your room. I had one of my coworkers levitate you up to a bed.”

Gilda shrugged her wings, nodding slightly with a slightly bored expression on her features.

“Well...uh, thanks. I suppose I can pay you now, with these.” She nudged the bit-bag with a set of claws.

Ebony shook his head, sill smiling.

“Nope. You don't know much about this place, do you?”

Gilda glanced around, shaking her head as well, but starting to edge towards the door.

“Well, thanks. I don't know much about it, but I've got to go. I need to get across the border before it closes.”

Smile fading, Ebony turned his glanced towards the television.

“Uh, a little late for that. The border closed late last night.”

The female griffin's eyes widened, a nervous smile now edging onto her features.

“Uh, dude? That's not a cool prank, not at all.....seriously.”

Ebony then gestured towards the television again, this a reporter on the screen reporting on that very event.

“Take a look.”

As Gilda watched the repeat of the report, her posture became visibly more nervous as she shifted from claw to claw. As the report concluded, she slammed a set of claws down on the wooden floor.

“No! That can't- I....”

She began to pace back and forth, drawing the gaze of a few patrons.

“Not cool....what do I....where.....”

Ebony walked over, placing a set of claws on her shoulder.

“Gilda, if-”

“Don't touch me!” She hissed, swatting his claws away.

The male griffin held up his claws, trying to pacify the clearly agitated gryphoness.

“Ok...sorry. Look, lets go over here, I think I can help.”

Gilda nodded, eyes flickering back and forth across the floor as she walked. What had her so nerve wracked?

Once inside the simple side-office, Ebony settled down on a few cushions: a pleasant alternative to the benches made to accommodate ponies.

“Gilda, I think....” It was clear the female griffin wasn't listening as she stared out the window.

“Gilda!”

Her gaze snapped to his, and Ebony could feel a few of his facial features fluff up. She had very nice eyes.....

“It's ok, I'm not going to kick you out.”

She simply blinked.

“What?” Her tone had lost the earlier hostility and panic, and now held simple curiosity.

“That's the purpose of this place. It's an inn, restaurant, and, if needs be, shelter. Everyone who is here gets three days free food and board, once a year. Most of my employees are from those who can't afford the housing here, or are just down on their luck. Seeing as how the borders being closed, We can work something out for special circumstances. Is there any family we can try and contact?”

Gilda let out a slight huff, settling down on her haunches.

“Sorta....no, not really. I was on my way to see them.....”

Ebony tilted his head, rather confused by her conflicting statement.

“Wait, if you were on your way to see them, wouldn't they want to know? The griffin provinces are reasonable, it's only the separatist factions that they have quarrels with. I'm sure we could-”

“I 'm FROM the separatist factions!” Gilda shouted angrily, her claws scoring the wood paneling.

The office was silent for a moment before Ebony sighed sadly.

“I'm sorry, I didn't know. Even so, we might be able to work it out, if your parents-”

“I was on my way to beg them to let me stay instead of kicking me out again! I haven't been home for years!” Gilda's sides were heaving now, limbs trembling with pent up emotion.

Ebony stayed silent, expecting another outburst. Instead, Gilda simply hung her head to look at the floor.

“I've got nothing. My only friend here hates me, my family won't accept me...and I'm too much of a prideful jerk to get the guts and make up with my friend. She was my last hope at staying here.”

“I take it her name is Dash, or something like that?” Ebony didn't mean to voice his thoughts out loud...

Gilda's eyes widened, and she stood on her hind legs, pointing a set of claws at him accusingly.

“You read my letters? What else did you do? Watch me while I was sleeping? Do more than that?” The hostility was back in her voice full force, and for a second, Ebony thought Gilda was going to give him a pummeling, or at least try.

“I did no such thing! How dare-” Ebony caught himself, settling back on his haunches and taking a few deep breaths.

“When I picked up the papers, I looked to see what they were, nothing more. And would never violate your privacy like that. We're not in the Separatist Faction Gilda, and I for one, have no intention of bringing any of that behavior here.”

The answer seemed to satisfy the irate gryphoness, and she settled back down.

“Erm...sorry.” Gilda then hung her head, shaking it back and forth slowly.

“I'm such a mess. Outbursts like that is exactly what cost me my best friend.” She then seemed to fight through her own thoughts for a moment.

“So....uh thanks, for letting me stay here. I guess. I don't know my way around here...is there anything to do?”

Ebony let a gentle smile spread onto his beak.

“I can give you a quick tour, if you'd like.”

Gilda nodded again, and Ebony was still not sure if she was going to try and bite his tail off or not.

Well, benefit of the doubt....

“As you can see, there's a few sections to this place. There's the non-alcoholic bar, a playing area for the little ones, and an indoor and outdoor eating area. There's also a select area near the kitchen for individuals with more diverse diets such as ourselves.” His eyes widened as he held up a claw.

“Erm, unless you're a vegetarian, which is fine.....”

A chuckle left Gilda's beak as she looked around waving a claw passively.

“Relax. I get it. And no...I'll take a well-cooked deer any day.” She paused, looking over the many happy customers that bustled here and there.

“So it's like a restaurant, and a inn....erm...hotel place, right?” The griffiness asked.

Ebony nodded, moving aside as a unicorn walked past, levitating three trays.

“Correct. We are so successful, I try to offer a room and food for three days to anyone who needs it. Sometimes shorter, sometimes longer. The few spare rooms we keep are offset by the good business and reputation. We can't house and feed every individual down on their luck in Canterlot...but we've made a difference.”

Well...she's either impressed, or bored.

“That's....pretty cool actually. Can't say I'd have thought of doing that, helping ponies out and such.....” Gilda's voice then drifted off.

“But....perhaps that's part of the problem.” She mused, looking to her claws.

“Well, if you ever want to talk, I've always got a willing ear.” Ebony said, an ear flicking for emphasis.

The female griffin's eyes narrowed, a cautious look in her eyes as she looked over to Ebony.

“What, like a shrink?”

Ebony had the strongest urge to smack his claws to his face, but settled on shaking his head.

“No, like a friend.” He said simply.

“Just meeting your or not, anyone who comes in here....I give them the benefit of the doubt. If they don't want to talk, that's their choice. I at least give them an option.”

His reply seemed to satisfy Gilda, who was now glancing at a stray menu.

“Huh. Guess you score a lot with the ladies here, with the whole feed-the-poor thing. Lots of ponies like that...erm....cute stuff.”

It was clear Gilda was trying to stifle a laugh as Ebony's face took on an expression reserved for licking Equestria's most sour pickle.

“W-what? No! I mean....” His claws reached up to smooth his ruffled headfeathers

“I won't lie...I've had a few passes made on me, but they weren't for the reasons I desired. Besides...sure I've seen some ponies who caught my eye, but....I'm more looking for a griffin...not that I have anything against the inter-species stuff.....”

The look on Gilda's face was that of utter contentment at seeing him so flustered.

“Relax dude. I get it. Huh. Would have expected you to already be paired off with someone. The whole homely-thing....no offense.” She remarked.

Ebony's ears twitched, the only sign of the inner emotions such a statement riled up.

“So did I.” He said simply. After a moment of silence, he gestured to the large sack of bits.

“I can show you to the bank. Not sure how familiar you are with this section of Canterlot, and I could use a chance to stretch my legs anyhow.”

The griffiness simply shrugged, hefting the bag with a set of claws.

“Lead on. Not too sure of this area yet.”

Ebony made a half-bow, adding a flourish with his claws.

A smirk and slight chuckle was Gilda's response, the griffiness shaking her head as she headed outside, Ebony following, then taking his place slightly ahead.

Huh. Not so bad once you get to know her. Then again, shame on my for judging on first impressions. I'd know all about that....

Author's Note

Ok.
So technically, the story is still on Hiatus. If it gains traction....will probably write more.

As it was, I had part of ch. 3 written, so I just wanted to finish it ^_^
PLEASE point out any mistakes/corrections!