Callixis pulled his cloak around him as he entered the gates to Canterlot, eyes slowly scanning the area around him. Not that he was cold, nor had any cause for suspicion. He simply wanted to avoid any unnecessary attention, something that was difficult enough being a non-pony in Equestria's capital city, but compounded by being a Blackstone Dragon, a sub-species rarely seen outside of their mountain range.

To Callixis' relief, the local population seemed far more interested in their own business, and no one seemed to notice as he slipped off the main roads towards the darker alleyways.

Or at least, as dark as an alleyway was going to get in a Pony city. Seriously, how did they manage to keep things so cheerful even in the lower class districts? Where these streets in any other nation would likely be rundown, if not outright falling apart, with beggars slowly wandering the streets. Here things were simply a bit 'less clean', with older paint and cobblestone instead of paved roads. Callixis even got a few waves and 'good mornings' as he walked by!

Resisting the urge to shake his head he did his best to nod in return and keep moving, eventually slipping into a bakery to try to find something that wasn't too sugary for breakfast and to ask about the kinds of shops to be found nearby.

To Callixis' infinite relief, the bakery did in fact serve food other than dessert, and he ended up leaving with a few extra rolls in his bag and a coffee in his claws.

Most of the day was spent circling back and forth around Canterlot trying to find things. It seemed most of the ponies he talked to seemed to take his traveling to mean by train, instead of by wing and claw, and as a result tended to point him in all the wrong directions. When he did manage to explain his meaning most were clueless as to the location of what he needed.

By the end of the day he was left frustrated and under the distinct impression that Canterlot no longer maintained it's old role to help supply travelers moving through the mountains, and that if he was to get anything he'd have to likely ask if the guard suppliers sold to civilians, something he was loath to do.

Finally he decided to be done for the day, and wandered towards an old tavern he had found in his search. Though he wouldn't hold his breath, the place seemed the most likely place to actually find a proper drink. As he entered the old tavern, he failed to notice the city guard across the street, staring warily after his movements.

Callixis looked around the old tavern, thankful it only held a few patrons. Taking his seat he waited for the tender to finish with his current customer before heading over.

"So stranger," the tender said, cheerful as everyone else, "what'll you be havin tonight?"

"You're strongest stuff." Callixis sighed, cursing draconic constitution that prevented most drinks from having much of an effect.

"One sugar rush, coming up!" The tender cheered, causing the dragon to groan as his head fell into his claws. He'd had about enough of this for a week so far.

"OH, oh oh I'm sorry," the bartender quickly responded, "I'm forgettin other meanins. Here, how 'bout this instead."

With that the tender placed a whiskey glass on the table and poured a dark brown drink before sliding it towards Callixis.

Taking a sniff the dragon was relieved to catch the familiar bite of alcohol, and looked up raising an eyebrow.

"That there's some Griffin liquor, don't get much demand for the stuff, but that's the strongest we got, though we got some good ciders and beers if I do say so m'self."

Relieved for the small mercy Callixis gave the bartender a tired smile, "this'll do, haven't had Griffin stuff before." He sighed and took a swig, leaning back and closing his eyes as he let the taste settle. Nope, not even close to the punch of draconic whiskeys and vodkas, but the taste wasn't bad, and it was rather smooth. Opening his eyes as he sat the glass down he saw the bartender had put a small bowl of gems and metals in front of him, and was reaching out to top him off already.

"Long day huh?" The tender gave him a sympathetic smile. Not really all that surprising, a place like this would probably attract a lot of the same thing.

"Something like that," Callixis sighed, "thanks." Despite his mood, he did his best to keep his calm and be nice. He would much rather the more blunt interactions of his own kind, but the bartender was just trying to help, and he did appreciate the effort.

"Well, stay as long as ya like, and don't be afraid to talk none if you need to," the tender nodded, before moving to attend to the other customers.

Callixis nodded, and reached for the glass with his right arm when a strong hand came down on his wrist, and he looked up to see the helmeted figure of a city guard.

"Ya know son, we don't get many Blackstone dragons around here." The tone of voice made it sound more like a threat then an observation, and Callixis tensed. He noted that there were two more guards standing by the entrance, one by a door in the corner he assumed was the rear exit, and judging from the shadows in the windows, likely more guards outside.

"Is there a problem?" Callixis let an edge slide into his own tone, he'd done nothing wrong and wasn't in the mood to put up with overzealous guardsponies.

"That depends son," the guard started, seemingly oblivious to the fact Callixis was likely twice his age, "why don't you just go ahead and open your claws for a moment."

Now THAT was interesting. Callixis actually raised an eyebrow at this, and opened his claws. It wasn't till he saw the guard staring at his ring that he realized he even had it on, having worn it for so long he just forgot about it.

He also noted that the guard seemed to tense when it came into full view, things were getting interesting.

"Son," once again Callixis resisted the urge to correct the guard, "you're going to have to come with us."

"On who's orders?" Callixis challenged. Despite his curiosity, he wasn't about to just get up and go without a bloody good reason.

"On the orders of her Highness, Princess Celestia, Diarch of Equestria."

Well, that was certainly a good reason.

Callixis froze, managing to keep his face neutral as a thousand different thoughts and reactions ran through his head, before finally coming to his conclusion.

"Well then, we mustn't keep her Highness waiting..."

Author's Note

I'm hoping to start adding pictures for everything, and I have http://cylnx.deviantart.com/ to thank for this particular part of art~

And so, here the story begins moving. Really hoping to be able to keep up a regular upload rate, lemme know what you think ^_^