“You don’t come to the Cloud District very often so you?” A roving guard officer said as he walked beside me and my group of puppers and disguised changeling while his own group of assembled guard griffons moved with us.

"Only whenever I have to go to the royal castle for a request." I said as I glanced at the passing manors and high-end parlors and other fancy establishments as we walked by them.

"I see, well, it's nice to see one of our knights are out on duty instead of wasting their time talking their days away in the parlors about their past glories." One of the guards on duty said as he passed a small bag of clinking metal to one of the others in his patrol group.

My guess was that they were betting on whether or not they would meet someone important today.

Happy to help someone win some money.

Our arrival to the royal castle was with no fanfare or notice as the centurions standing at the front gate waved us in and nodded as for the reason why I was going in with my escorts of armored dogs and seemingly random pony.

"Sir Wilkinson, the king is waiting for you in the throne room, you may proceed but do take care that your... escort doesn't do anything to be an affront to our king and queen." And with that said the centurion moved aside and signaled for the castle gate to be opened and soon we were let in.

I can tell that this is going to be a long night.

The heavy double doors of the throne room creaked open, their ornate golden carvings shimmering in the torchlight. I stepped forward, my boots sinking slightly into the plush red carpet that stretched the length of the vast hall. The throne room was a masterpiece of opulence: marble pillars etched with silver filigree lined the chamber, and murals of the kingdom’s victories adorned the walls. At the end of the carpet, elevated on a dais, was the king’s throne—a majestic construct of polished marble and gilded gold, its backrest carved into the form of a soaring phoenix.

The room was crowded with nobles, their silk and velvet garments as vibrant as the stained glass windows above. Tension thickened the air, palpable in the narrowed eyes and hushed whispers as I approached. The lords and ladies of the court regarded me with disdain, some openly sneering, others murmuring behind jeweled fans and raised talons.

I kept my expression neutral, my posture straight, though I felt their gazes as sharply as if they were daggers. I had prepared himself for this as I knew that something like this would naturally attract every single noble in the city to hear what I have done. The archon's words still echoed in my mind as our little heart-to-heart came back to me “You are more than the sword you wield, the gifts you give, and much more than the title you bear.”, and I now know that these words will carry me through this little... meeting.

At the foot of the dais stood the king’s inner circle—advisors clad in robes of authority. Two of them glared at me as if I were an intruder rather than a knight. Beside them, Major Griesche Braxton of the 8th Legion stood rigid in his uniform, his expression unreadable but his presence commanding respect as he gave me a slight nod, it sure if it was out of respect for what I have done or because I am a knight.

Beside me was my troupe of diamond dogs, while they were unwashed and not entirely clean, they at least knew how to follow orders as they kneeled behind me and bowed their heads before my king. So happy that they know how to follow orders even if it doesn't make them happy, maybe my next order when we get to the tavern is for them to take a bath and have them not throw a fit while doing so.

And then there was the emissary on my left. Moss, the insectoid pony envoy from the Amber Hive stood slightly apart, their alien form is a stark contrast to the griffon assembly and diamond dog entourage. He bore the air of regal dignity, as best as he could given the circumstances and severe lack of chitin polish. His chitinous exoskeleton gleaming faintly, but the flick of their eyes suggested unease at the overwhelming hostility and unease emanating from the nobles. Before we entered the throne room, I told Moss to shed his disguise and to not mention that he can shapeshift his appearance as it may either unsettle or scare the griffons in the room and ruin any chance, we have at creating this alliance now or in the future.

I came to a stop a few paces from the throne, bowing deeply. “Your Majesty,” I said, my voice steady. “I have returned to report on the events at Talon’s End.”

My king, Guto the VII is an imposing figure even in grand repose, leaned forward slightly, his golden crown catching the light of the lit candelabras. “Speak, Sir Wilkinson. Even though we have the report from the major and the confessions from the captured Minotaurs, please do tell us what has transpired at our borders.”

I straightened myself out and stood straighter, my gaze meeting the king’s. “The town of Talon’s End has been fortified and its industry improved as per your orders. However, we faced an unexpected attack by a warband from the Ruby Mountain Range. The assault was led by the alpha from Clan Halistro, claiming information about Kal’Minos envoys were within the town.”

A murmur rippled through the room, and I continued, my voice unwavering. “The siege lasted several days. The town’s walls were breached, and I engaged the alpha in an honor duel, emerging victorious. With the timely arrival of the 8th Legion, we repelled the invaders and secured Talon’s End from the diamond dogs .”

“Secured?” One of the king’s advisors, Duke Winfield Irontalon, a wiry male griffon with a sharp and cracked beak, interrupted me. “Half the town was razed! Homes lost, lives shattered, and yet you stand here claiming victory?”

The murmurs grew louder as I inclined my head slightly, acknowledging the outburst. “The losses were grievous, my lord, and not a moment passes where I do not reflect on what more I could have done to prevent it. But the town stands, its people live, and those responsible for this assault are in chains.”

The silence following my last words was broken by a sharp, derisive laugh from a heavyset noble dressed in emerald robes embroidered with the insignia of House Velmar. Lord Edric Velmar stepped forward, his gilded cane tapping on the marble floor.

“A standstill, you say?” he sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. “Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I fail to see how a knight who allowed a border town to burn and its walls to crumble under his watch deserves anything but censure.” He turned his hawk-like gaze on me. “You speak of victory, Sir Wilkinson, but all I see is failure wrapped in excuses.”

Murmurs of agreement spread among the court, bolstering Velmar’s confidence. A noblehen in an elaborate sapphire velvet gown nodded. “If you had been more competent, fewer lives would have been lost. How can we trust this… this upstart to defend the crown’s interests when he couldn’t even hold a single town?”

I felt my jaw tightened as I clenched my hands into fists, the knuckles becoming more pronounced as a few of them popped, but I kept my voice calm, “I had sixty town guards and my security escort of thirty legionaries from the capital, my lady, and a handful of volunteers to defend Talon’s End against a colossal warband of over five hundred diamond dogs. We held the town for several days, despite their use of battering rams and overwhelming numbers. Tell me, my lady, how would your son have fared under such odds?”

The noblehen recoiled, her cheek feathers flushing red as her tail snapped back and forth in great agitation. “You dare—”

“I do dare,” I interrupted, my tone sharper now. “Because I was there. I fought in the mud and the blood. I saw the faces of farmers and craftsmen, terrified but willing to die for their home, and I stood with them. If you think you could have done better, my lady, or you, Lord Velmar, perhaps you should have led the reconstruction initiative for Talon's End yourself? Or are your titles and fine clothes all you have to show for your loyalty to the crown in which it prevents you from leaving the capital?”

Gasps rippled through the room, and several nobles bristled at my boldness. Lord Velmar’s face turned a blotchy red as he sputtered and his feather and fur bristled, “You insolent piece of—”

“Enough,” Guto’s voice boomed, cutting through the noise like a blade. The court fell silent immediately, all eyes turning to the monarch. He leaned forward on his throne, his piercing gaze fixed on Velmar. “You seemed so eager to criticize, Lord Velmar, but I don’t recall you volunteering your forces or your gold to strengthen the frontier. Tell me, were you too preoccupied with your hunting lodges to notice such a threat on our borders?”

Velmar’s beak opened, then closed, his words faltering and failing him.

The king’s eyes then shifted to me. “Sir Wilkinson speaks with the conviction of one who has earned his place. The defense of Talon's End was a monumental task that came out of nowhere, and while it was not without cost, the town remains under my banner. For that, you have my gratitude, Sir Wilkinson.”

Feeling a weight get released from my shoulders I bowed deeply. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I only regret that I could not do more.” I said with a touch of sincerity in my voice.

“Regret is the burden of command,” Guto replied, his voice softer. “You will carry it, as we all do who have come to lead and guide those beside them.”

Before the room could settle, another voice chimed in, one of the king’s inner circle, a wiry hawk with a shrewd glint in his eyes. “Your Majesty, while the knight’s defense of Talon's End is commendable, there is still the matter of his…companions.” His gaze slid toward Moss, the changeling emissary. “Should we not question the wisdom of allowing such a creature into our court? We know nothing of their intentions nor of their abilities.”

The griffon in question who spoke was none other than Cereon Greytalon, a shrewd industrialist who has made it his goal to mass produce my introduced steel and other industrial-grade inventions I have shown to the king, he is still a sack of shit for trying to cut-corners and shave off resources to save himself a pretty coin.

Sensing it was his time to shine Moss stepped forward, his teeth clicking softly before speaking in a clear tone of authority. “I am Moss, envoy of the Hive Queen Ambrosia of the Amber Hive. My kin have long remained hidden beneath your lands, and we come forth seeking an alliance and trade with your kingdom and kin.”

The assembled nobility was taken aback when Moss spoke, nearly all of them were not expecting him to speak in a language they can understand let alone know that they were talking about him at all. To the collective of griffons he looked just like a pony that has been mutated into an insectoid version of their equine kin, but to me he was just a little buggy...

And a little bit pervy when he is peeking through a window.

I straightened up once more, my voice steadily calming down but is resolute. “The emissary is here at my request, as a gesture of trust. The hive queen seeks peace and an alliance, not conquest. After what I saw in the mines near Talon's End, I believe their word can be trusted. They have been isolated down there for centuries and know nothing that has transpired over the long years, but now they wish to contribute to the surface world. If we dismiss them out of fear or ignorance, we may lose an ally who could strengthen the kingdom against those who are trying to undermine us.”

Looking to the nobility I saw that several of them were slightly nodding at me, understanding my actions and why I have taken them, but the rest are still giving me glares of skepticism and distrust.

Graytalon raised an eyebrow, “And what of the warband you now lead? Are we to welcome barbaric diamond dogs as well? Or perhaps you intend to play warlord yourself, Sir Wilkinson?”

The insinuation drew sharp murmurs from the court, but I met the hawk's gaze without flinching. “I lead them because I defeated their clan alpha in an honor duel. They follow me not out of loyalty to their cause, but out of respect for my strength and the fact that I promised them a better life under a fair leader and not out of fear of reprisal for any failure on their part. And I lead them not for personal gain, but to prevent them from becoming a threat to our lands again under a different clan alpha. They are no longer raiders; they are people who can be shaped into something greater, if we give them the chance and the time to do so.” And it also helps that they are dogs because there is one thing that I know as a human is that dogs are a man's best friend, and that they are friend-shaped so that they can be tamed and taught to be friendly.

And it wouldn’t hurt to have a diamond dog companion to serve as a security blanket…

The king slowly raised a talon, silencing the collective murmurings once again. His expression was thoughtful as he regarded me with a look of quiet approval. “You’ve taken great risks, Sir Wilkinson, some would say that would have cost you everything. Yet, you’ve brought us new allies, new opportunities, and evidence of the minotaur's warmongering actions. Time will tell if your choices were wise, but for now, you have my thanks.”

Bowing once again, the growing weight of the room’s judgment still heavy but my resolve remained unshaken as I felt the weight get pulled from my shoulders by my king's approval. I knew this was only the beginning of my trials in the capital and in the kingdom as a whole, but for now, I had done all that I could to defend my honor and my integrity.

The nobles’ outrage erupted into open whispers and squawks, accusations flying left, right and center as several talons were pointed my way.

Clearly, a hefty chunk of the nobility still does not approve of their king's approval of my actions and were now being vocal about it, and before the king could raise his talon again to silence them, one bird had the audacity to speak louder than their station allows them to.

"If this is what it looks like when he protects a frontier town... I dread to see what it will look like when he defends one of the cities within the heart of the empire?" One of the noble hens said in a low yet loud enough tone, her beak hidden behind a fan to conceal her face and to hide the fact that she said it.

I clenched my fists as the murmurs of disapproval grew louder. My pulse quickened at the accusations, but I held my tongue in check for the time being, fixing Lord Velmar and the other dissenting nobles with a piercing glare that could melt steel beams. Their sneering faces starting to blur in my mind, replaced by the bloodied faces of the fallen in Talon's End. The weight of their accusations pressing down, the cries for help and screams of the dying playing in my head until finally something within me snapped.

They know nothing!

“You weren’t there,” I said, my voice low but sharp, cutting through the court’s incessant noise. The nobles all turned their attention to me, some bristling at the audacity in my tone.

“What did you say?” Lord Velmar demanded, his face reddening as his feathers and fur started to bristle once more.

I took a step forward, my voice rising as I pointed a finger at the little bastard. “I said, You. Weren’t. There! You didn’t see what I saw. You didn’t fight where I fought.”

Velmar opened his mouth to retort, but I silenced him with a glare, my anger bubbling to the surface. “Do you want to know what Talon's End was like?" my glare slowly intensifying as my lip started to twitch, "So let me paint you a pretty picture. Imagine if you will, you are watching a gate you just barely managed to repair crumble under a makeshift battering ram made from a fallen tree. Imagine seeing raiders pour through the breach, cutting down anyone in their path. Men and women, farmers and millers, innocent griffons and ponies I had fought and bled besides, slaughtered like animals!”

The murmurs died, the weight of my words settling over the room like a storm cloud. My voice rose further, shaking with raw emotion. “I watched as townsfolk I called friends were dragged from their homes and butchered in the streets. I saw children being dragged off as they called for their mothers and fathers to save them. Do you know what it’s like to hear their screams, knowing you can’t save them all? Of course you don’t!”

“Do you know what it’s like to see all that you have worked hard to build and protect burn and crumble around you? Do you know what it’s like to watch your friends die at your feet knowing that you could’ve saved them if you were just a little bit faster, or just a little bit stronger to save them? To live with the guilt of knowing that they died while you didn’t? I still wake up at night, sometimes even screaming awake as I hear the voices of those I failed to save and those that I have killed clawing at me begging me to k ow why did they die!”

“You. Simply. Weren’t. There.” I said with finality in my voice as I stared down the impetus noble for his words.

Some of the nobles flinched, others shifted uncomfortably. Guto remained still, his expression unreadable, but his eyes never left me.

“And when the alpha came for me,” I continued, my voice cold as steel, “I nearly died. He broke three of my ribs, cracked my jaw, and left me bleeding in the dirt. But I stood up. I stood up, and I killed him because there was no one else who could. The people of Talon’s End looked to me to protect them, and I did more for them in those days than any of you have done for this kingdom in your entire lives!”

The last words rang through the hall, echoing off the marble walls. The silence that followed was absolute, the nobles stunned into speechlessness. My chest heaved, lungs burning in anger as I felt myself still simmering, but I refused to lower my gaze at the impetus noble who dared to speak against me.

After a long pause, Major Braxton cleared his throat and stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. “What Sir Wilkinson says is true. I was there when we arrived with the 8th Legion. I saw the aftermath of the siege. If not for his leadership and resilience, there wouldn’t be a Talon’s End left to defend. The town owes him its survival, and so do we.” The major then saluted to me before standing back at attention close to the king.

I gave a slight nod of gratitude to Braxton but didn’t take my eyes off of Velmer. “You stand here in your silks and jewels, passing judgment on me as if you could have done better. But you couldn’t. You wouldn’t have lasted a single day.”

One of the inner circle, a hen with sharp features and an ornate chain of office, Lady Cecania Marshtail glared at me. “You forget yourself, Sir Wilkinson. You speak to your betters.”

I let out a bark of a laugh that was bitter and broken. “Betters? The people of Talon’s End would disagree. They’d call me a knight. A protector. A hero. What would they call you if they heard you now?”

Several low gasps rippled through the court, and the hen’s face darkened in fury.

But before she could even speak, she was stopped.

“Enough,” Guto commanded again, his voice like thunder. His gaze bore into me, but it was not one of anger. “You have made your point, Sir Wilkinson.”

I stepped back, my breathing slowing down to bring myself back under control, lowering my head to defer to the king. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. My tongue ran ahead of my respect for the crown.”

My king’s eyes softened slightly. “There is no need. You spoke from the heart, and the court would do well to listen. The defense of Talon’s End was no easy feat, and you have suffered for it. While your passion is admirable, you would do well to temper it. A knight must command respect not just with his blade, but with his words.”

I bowed deeply before kneeling down before the throne. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

King Guto turned his gaze to the nobles. “Let it be known that Sir Wilkinson defended Talon’s End with valor and determination. We do not judge a hawk by where he was born but by the strength and valor of his deeds. If any here wish to challenge his worthiness, speak now or hold your peace forever.”

None dared to speak, their resentment now buried beneath the weight of my testimony and the king’s authority.

The king leaned back in his throne, his voice carrying the finality of a granite gavel. “Sir Wilkinson, you have my thanks. This court is adjourned. You and your companions will remain in the city while we deliberate further on these matters.”

As the nobles began to file out and leave the grand chamber, some casting lingering glares at me, I stood up and I stood tall. My words had been spoken, my heart laid bare. For better or worse, the court now knew exactly who I was…

…and what I had endured in their names and interests.

But just as the last of the nobles filed out, I was stopped by the entrance to the throne room by the centurions on duty when they crossed their halberds, barring my path as I had an inkling of a guess as to what is about to happen.

“So, my little human, I take it that there isn’t anything else you wish to share with us or the council before you leave? Something of importance perhaps?” A mature feminine voice said from behind me as I slowly turned around and saw that the king and queen are still sitting there waiting for me to answer them.

The earlier noise of the court’s murmurs and whispers was replaced with a tense, oppressive silence.

King Guto rose from his throne, his expression unreadable as he gestured for me to stand. “Sir Wilkinson,” the king began, his tone heavy with authority, “before you return to your home, there are matters of grave importance we must discuss.”

The queen, seated beside him, leaned forward slightly, her gaze both stern and curious. “You spoke of mines and discoveries beneath the earth. Tell us, what exactly did you find?”

Clearing my throat and straightening out my collar, I prepped myself for the coming grilling, “Your Majesties, within the depths of the abandoned mine and from the journal of the previous owner, we discovered previously untapped veins of gold and silver. It is a treasure trove, untouched and hidden for decades, if not centuries since it was abandoned.”

Murmurs rippled through the council. Lord Geldric, the spymaster, stroked his chin thoughtfully as he stepped out from behind the throne, keeping to the shadows of the chamber. “If what you say is true, those mines could fund the kingdom’s coffers for generations. But such a prize will not go unnoticed. Minos, or even the diamond dog clans from the Ruby Mountains, might see it as worth fighting for control over.”

“That is not all, my lord,” I interjected. “Deeper within the mine, we uncovered a hidden passage leading to the kingdom of the changeling race. Their matriarch, Queen Ambrosia, has sent with me the emissary to seek peace and alliances with the surface. They wish to trade knowledge and resources. I believe they may be willing to help us secure the mines, should we honor their trust.”

The queen exchanged a glance with the king, her beak pressing into a thoughtful line. “An alliance with such beings is… unorthodox. But it may also be an advantage we cannot ignore let alone let slip pass us.”

King Guto nodded, then turned to Major Braxton. “Ensure the 8th Legion reinforces Talon's End and fortifies the mines. We cannot allow Minos or anyone else to claim this discovery.”

Major Braxton saluted. “It will be done, Your Majesty.”

The spymaster cleared his throat. “Speaking of Minos… we must address the letter found on the captured lord.”

At a nod from the king, a scribe stepped forward and unfurled the parchment. “The correspondence,” the scribe began, “after thoroughly examining and with our mages scrying it for any further details that have been hidden between the lettering, it reveals a small detailed plan for the next stage of Minos’s invasion route. They aim to use the Ruby Mountains as a staging ground, bypassing our defenses on the plains beneath it. Their ultimate goal appears to be a full-scale conquest of the kingdom.”

The room fell into a stunned silence. The queen’s talons gripped the arms of her chair, her knuckles white. “How close are they to carrying out these plans?” Major Braxton asks this in a terse tone, as he did not know of this when his junior officer deciphered the letter.

I spoke up, my voice firm but held a hint of a crack to it. “Your Majesty, based on the letter we have and the forces they’ve already deployed to the conquered warrens as said in the letter, they are nearly ready. The siege of Talon's End was likely a test of our defenses, testing the waters, a precursor to a greater assault in the making.”

"A prelude to war."

The king’s expression darkened. “Then we must act swiftly. Sir Wilkinson, you have seen their methods firsthand. What would you recommend?”

Stepping forth from his fellow archons, the Archon of Arcturius, Franz Proteus, made himself known as he planted his warhammer into the marble tile. Naturally this drew the attention of everyone in the room as we all turned to look at the imposing archon. Of course Eros is shaking is head in disapproval in his fellow archon while Erion is watching this with a thin grin of amusement.

“Your Highmess, may I intrude and ask why you are requesting military insight from a knight who has only been in one minor conflict when you have those under your command who have been in countless battles, skirmishes and conflicts in your name?”

Guto gave the archon a cursory glance and for a moment he was silent before letting out a short laugh.

"Archon Proteus, while I will always listen and hear what my military commanders and generals will have to say, I am interested to hear what our friend has to say on the matter. After all we know that the minotaurs will simply bulk up their defenses whenever one of their outposts or forts is attacked, we know that the diamond dogs barricades their warrens and sends out raiding parties from easily sealable tunnels, and as for us we reinforce and scout the area for any lingering threats. We know nothing of what a...human, would do if their territory is ever attacked. Maybe their insight and strategies can further our own and improve ours so that when the time comes we can sweep aside those that threaten us."

Franz's eyes widen a bit at that, he was not expecting his king to say such things, let alone be that wise when it came to military matters, but maybe that is why he is the king and why is family line has lived for so long.

With a barely contained or concealed grunt of acquiescence, the warrior priest of an archon steps back and lets me have my say.

I hesitated for only a moment before responding to my king, “Strengthen the frontier, Your Majesty. Send reinforcements to Talon's End and keep an eye on the Ruby Mountains with scouts and outposts. And…” I paused for a brief moment, casting a glancing gaze at Moss, who stood silently at the edge of the room looking at the tapestries with awe. “...consider forging an alliance with the Amber Hive. Her people’s knowledge of the underground could give us an advantage, both in defending the mines and perhaps in allowing us to move underground away from any prying eyes from both any minotaur and diamond dog scouts.”

Now if they had human technology such as airplanes or armored vehicles then it would be a steamroll over the bulls, but as of now I could only tell them of what they are capable of doing at this moment.

The griffon queen studied me carefully, trying to find any crack or falsehood to what I was proposing, “You would stake the kingdom’s future on the word of these… insectoids?” Victoria said, cocking her head to the side, questioning me intently.

“Changelings, and yes, I would, Your Majesty,” I said without hesitation. “They have as much to lose as we do. And in truth, they offered peace and aid before we even knew they existed. That speaks volumes about their intentions.”

Guto rose from his throne and started to approach me, his decision clear in his voice. “Then we will consider this alliance, though it will require further deliberation. Sir Wilkinson, you have once again proven your worth to this realm. Prepare yourself, your role in the days ahead will not be an easy one nor will it be a short tenure.”

I knelt down one last time, my head bowed. “I am ever at your service, Your Majesty.”

Victoria too got up and approached me as she spoke but in a softer tone as she placed a talon on my shoulder, “And Sir Wilkinson… thank you. For all you have done.”

Once the royal pair left the chamber with their royal guards in tow, the inner council close behind them leaving me with Moss and my diamond dogs alone in the throne room. Standing up I looked out the window and let out a sigh of relief as I have dodged a bullet, I do not know if failure would've been well received here but if I am to hazard a guess I can see being posted to a terrible position in some barren wasteland or to Griffon Siberia.

And with the weight of the now taken off my back, the weight of the future bore down on me like a ten-ton brick. The mines, the overhanging threat of Minos, the trust of the changeling queen, everything hung precariously on the decisions made in this room. And once again, I would stand at the center of it all.

I need a friggin drink.

Maybe two...

With permission to leave the castle granted I told my dogs to return to the inn with Moss, and told them that we may be here for a while longer, a week or two tops but I can easily cover their stay at the inn.

The walk through the Cloud District at night was a slow one, there wasn’t a noble in sight and only the soft putter patter of paw pads and the crunch of snow from my boots are our only symphony of sounds as the night began.

Winter, or early spring nights are cold as hell here in the griffonian heartlands, and since I didn’t bring a sweater or had some hearty stew, I am freezing my nips off out here.

The last of the winter snow is almost all slush now as we all walked back to the middle districts, I waved farewell to my companions before stepping up to my home, the lights were on which could only mean one thing.

With a relieved sigh I opened the door to my house and saw the letter from the equestrian monarchy was still there where I left it and seeing that I have sorted out my business for the day, and quite possibly the rest of the week, I think it was high time that I cut this one open and see what lies within.

Grabbing the letter opener resting within the drawer of the table I slid the blade onto the wax seal and cut it open and for a moment I felt a brief tingling sensation course through me for a few seconds before fading away. With that slight moment of strangeness over with I opened the envelope and pulled out the letter and started to read it.

First thing I noticed about the letter is that the ink used was silver. It was honest to god silver ink, it wasn't ink that was just colored silver or silver tinted, but actual, genuine silver that was liquidated and made into ink. I don't know how rich someone has to be to request they turn a precious metal into writable ink but god damn that is a serious sign of wealth.

Like... carve your name into the planet so that it can be seen from orbit level of wealthy.

Naturally I couldn't help myself as I was reading it in a stuffy, pompous voice that one can only assume was from an upper crust of society mare.

To the Most Esteemed and Noble Lord Ian of House Wilkinson, Knight of Griffonia,

May this missive find thee in good health and spirits,

The Grand Royal Highnesses, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia of Equestria, are pleased to announce that you are invited to partake in the Grand Galloping Gala, a grand feast and merrymaking, to celebrate the bountiful harvest and the many blessings we have received from the benevolent hooves of Harmony. The time hath come to gather in goodly company, to partake of the finest victuals, and to revel in the joyous sounds of music, song, and dance.

The occasion, most august and splendid, shall take place within the walls of my humble abode, nestled on the verdant mountainside of Canterlot, on the eve of twenty-first of June, when the silvery orb of the moon shall bathe the land in its gentle light, and the stars shall keep their silent vigil over the festivities.

Upon thy arrival, thou shalt be greeted by a retinue of servants, garbed in their finest livery, who shall lead thee to the Great Hall, where tables laden with the choicest deserts, fruits, and sweetmeats await the pleasure of thy discerning palate. The finest wines, aged to perfection in the deepest cellars of our estate, shall flow freely, filling thy cup with the nectar of the gods.

As the night doth progress, thou shalt be entertained by the most skilled minstrels and troubadours in all the land, whose melodies shall transport thee to realms of enchantment and delight. The air shall be filled with the sweet strains of the lute and the harp, and the rhythmic cords of the cello.

And yet, dearest Lord Ian, the true joy of the evening shall be found in the company of friends, both old and new, whose laughter and mirth shall echo through the halls, lifting the spirits and warming the heart. For what greater pleasure is there in this life, than to share in the fellowship of kindred souls, united in celebration and cheer?

Thus, I entreat thee, with all the fervor of my heart, to honor me with thy presence at this most joyous occasion. Let not the cares of the world keep thee from this night of merriment, but instead, cast aside all worries and join in the revelry, as we give thanks for the blessings we have received, and make merry in the company of those we hold most dear.

In closing, I do send thee my warmest regards and most heartfelt wishes for thy continued health and prosperity. May Harmony watch over thee and thine, and may we meet again under the most favorable of stars.

With all the grace and humility of a true friend,

Princess Luna Duskbringer, Lunar Diarch of Equestria

As I finished reading the letter I had to set it down as I felt like I was just flash banged with an avalanche of flowery words and even flowerier scent of perfume that was laced with the letter itself. I had to stop myself from sneezing several times throughout the letter as I was reading it and even now, I am fighting back the urge to let loose the nose goblins residing within.

Once I had gotten my nose troubles under control and no longer pose an issue, I read the letter again and after picking through the ye-olde english writing and decrypted what was written into something far more manageable for the human eye to comprehend.

What the fuck is the Grand Galloping Gala?

But after thinking back to what my mother would say about her old English and French history books she would enjoy reading while I was out at school or work, it clicked for me.

It pretty much boiled down to 'As one of the princesses of Equestria, I am inviting you to the fanciest party at our nation's capital and this may or may not be a means of me trying to apologize for blasting you in the chest when we first met.'

But to me? It sounded like the world's fanciest, gaudiest, most pompous party on the planet and that I have been invited to it by a foreign ruler which means I cannot say no to it without making me look like a colossal prick for doing so.

That and it will more than likely that to the pony princess that I am slighting her and will possibly take it as a grievous insult as well.

Looking into the envelope I saw that there were three tickets inside, which I found to be odd...normally invites to a party is just you plus one other, be it a spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, or just someone to hang out with as a friend.

But this letter came with the usual two tickets, and one extra.

'How do they know that I am in a flock with Gilda and Greta? Are they spying on me? How long have they been spying on me and who is doing the spying?'

Questions for later, and answers probably at an even further time, but nonetheless it would seem that there is a spy or spies from the equestrian throne here in Griffonstone.

As I sat there on the sofa, letter in hand and three golden tickets resting on the coffee table, I heard the front door open up for a few moments before slamming shut soon after, as a pair of griffons in girl-talk mode walked in stopped in the doorway.

Gilda and Greta, my precious beloved flock mates, both of them shaking with giddiness with one being giddier than the other, I’ll let you take a guess who that was.

“So, how was the trip to the clinic? Everything go alright?” I asked the excited pair and before I could inquire further, Gilda launched herself at me while Greta stayed by the doorway with a grin on her beak.

Gilda was smothering me in her fur and feathers all the while nuzzling me with her beak while giggling loudly to herself, I thought that this was how I was going to die but fortunately for me it wasn’t as she stopped and leaned back to get a good look at me.

“Well?” I asked again, this time a little eyebrow raise and slight questioning in my tone.

Gilda, much to her delight that she has me right where she wants me while Greta tip taps over to us and sits beside me before her intrepid friend voices what she is holding back.

“We went to the clinic, and they said that the results will become clear in about one to two weeks’ time, but from what the head physician said, they are seeing that the results are running the range of yes and very much yes.” Greta says as she calmly snuggles beside me, letting me know all that I needed to hear.

“If what we witnessed this morning is if any indication that her heat dying down completely after our escapades, then it leaves only the solid conclusion that she is with young.” She finishes as I feel two pairs of wings wrap around me as they both begin to purr in happy satisfaction that they have me trapped and cocooned with them.

It takes me a few seconds to let the words sink in and for their actions to ring home as a lightbulb flashed within my mind.

Turning my head to look at Greta, then to Gilda, and back and forth this went until my head started to hurt from slow whiplash and I had to stop myself as emotions and feelings that I thought that would never rise up again manifested itself into being.

Grabbing onto both Greta and Gilda I rose from the sofa, and I started to twirl around with them I tow.

“I am going to be a father!” I shouted in absolute jubilation as I felt my hens hold onto me tightly as they repeated what I said and what they said only made me happier.

For the longest time I thought that I would never be able to have a family, even after my brother started his own and that one ended in failure due to outside circumstances.

But I will make my family proud of me, wherever they are, and I will not let my new family down.

I will provide for them every single thing that they need, and I will always be there to support them.

Author's Note

End of Arc One

I hope everyone has a Happy New Year and that 2025 is not a shitshow that 2024 was!