Luna's moon shun bright in the sky. It had done for some weeks now. The loud noise of a pony's gallop echoed into the night. In the distance, a large golden gate stood tall. Guarded by several armed griffon soldiers...
"Halt!" A rough sounding Griffon roared at the hooded pony.
The strange looking pony was clearly a messenger of some kind. It was uncommon for Equestria to send messages. However stranger things had been happening lately. This was none of the guards concern.
"What business do you have with the griffon kingdom!"
The black pegasi handed over some documents. The griffon quickly skimmed through before his eyes jolted open and he quickly looked up. Due to the darkness. He had missed the fact that this was clearly a royal messenger. Carrying a message from Centerlot Castle straight to The Emperor himself.
"Open the gates!" He shouted at once.
Without saying a word. The hooded pony slowly walked through the gate before taking off into now griffon controlled air space.
Landing in the capital city of Gregora. Named after the first established emperor of the griffon's. The messenger ran through the streets. Pacing between busy civilians and chanting street merchants. All the way to the marble palace at the top of the city. Despite the sun being gone. The streets and palace were still bustling with life. The guards noticed the hooded pony straight away and allowed him inside.
The great hall was filled with life. The fire pits of the castle burned a bright orange. A feast was taking place but also a meeting...
"What is this? A rider all the way from Canterlot?! When my men at the borders told me of your arrival I didn't know whether or not to believe it."
The fat old griffon sat smugly on his undeserved throne. His cup of ale clenched tightly in his hand.
"Well? Bring it here then!"
The messenger slowly approached the throne. Face unimpressed and handed him the scroll. The emperor sat and read. Then laughed. He looked at the messenger. Inspecting him. Questioning whether or not to allow him to leave.
"You may go now, my men shall see to it that you are... appropriately looked after at one of the local inns."
And with those words. He was off.
The Emperor looked down at the notes once again and sniggered.
Dear Emperor Tiol The Third
It is to our greatest and saddest knowledge to inform you that Princess Celestia, Co-Ruler of Equestria, Princess of the Sun and High mage of the Arcane schools has passed away. We also apologize as we speculate by the time you receive this letter it shall be several more weeks before we can find enough skilled unicorns to willingly sacrifice their power to raise the sun. Unfortunately, Princess Luna is currently occupied and will not return to Equestria for several more weeks. We appreciate your patience.
-Canterlot Castle