Longbeak and Stan chat now as they head to the main entrance Stroudmare

"Yeah, I'm a simple creature, just a pale ape who stands on two legs. I'm also basically hairless that's why I wear cloths." Answered Stan to Longbeak's various questions about his species.

"So Longbeak, why are you here in pony land?" Asked Stan.

"Me, well I'm here selling wares at my stall, I'm part of a lower trading guild within the Griffin Empire. We usually stay within our continent but a few like me decide to take the harder contracts that involving moving around in the Equestrian continent." Replied Longbeak as he grasps his lower beak with his talons. It appears he's thinking of something.

"I should have maybe reconsidered this contract. Many ponies don't like us griffins, not to mention were sorta uncommon in these lands. Most of my kind look down on most ponies with resentment."

"And why would that be? I read in a book that recently the griffin empire had reformed. So your kind be doing decently, right?" Stan casually replied looking at the griffin next to him.

At this point the two of them were coming into view of the gate up head. The town of Stroudmare had a welcome sign picketed near the side of the road just a mile before the entrance. Large stone walls formed around the gate and went around the town as far as one could see. The walls looked in good condition and were probably maintained. At the gate stood two guards, wearing exact matching armor with a banner of the town's symbol. Which was oddly just a row of corn. It was simple, if anything Stan thought after inspecting it with his eyes.

The landscape around the town was mostly cornfields, and other such crops. During the harvest season this town probably played a large role in the agriculture industry. Just from the outside the building were much larger, at least some of them. A few buildings could be around five to six stories tall as they poked prominently over the walls around the town.

"To answer your question Stan, to be blunt, us griffins aren't the most united beings. And unlike the ponies of this land who have immortal empresses watching over them. Before the griffins reformed into the new empire, we were but small petty kingdoms and larger duchy's contesting for power within our continent." Longbeak spoke, in a bit of a monotone voice. He hated speaking about politics, especially when dealing with his own kind.

"Interesting. So let me guess the obvious. The resentment comes from the stability of the ponies when compared to that of the griffins. "Spoke Stan with confidence in his voice.

"Bingo." Answered Longbeak. "Without stability it's hard to conduct business,raise a family or anything for that matter. It's a main reason why many of us griffins looked to migrate over here for a better life, much to disdain of some ponies." Longbeak now laughing, as he remembered the funny looks he got when he first came to continent.

"So one last question Longbeak before we enter the town and go on this tour you promised." Stan spoke, as they were getting close to the gate.

"Shoot." Answered Longbeak.

"What is with the wacky male to female ratio I've seen so far. I've see a lot more female earth ponies, pegasus, and unicorns compared to stallions of the same type. Is there a reason for this?" Stan's voice sounding a bit baffled.

"So you noticed huh? Been sneaking peeks?" Laughed the griffin as Stan's face blushed red just a tad bit under his helmet.

"What no...no...It's just easy to notice from the voices and lack of cloths....." Looking away from Longbeak, Stan was a tad bit embarrassed.

"Oh come on, I might be a griffin but even I will admit some of these mares are lookers ha. To answer your question, I honestly don't know why...They just have less males being born compared to females." At his own response. The griffin even began to wonder a bit, it wasn't something he thought about before.

"It's not a problem, as during the two estrous cycles, with one being late summer and the other mid-fall. The stallions usually breed with several mares with that being willingly or not." With a slight snarky laugh the griffin continued.

"All I can say is, steer clear of more populated areas during these heat seasons." Winking at Stan the griffin let out another laugh before finishing.

"Unless your willing to partake, I'm sure some mares would even allow some 'human' like you into their sheets without second thought."

Regaining what was left of his composure Stan laughed with the griffin now. Not knowing how to answer. Stan decided to remained silent on the topic. He wasn't comfortable with the thought of mounting any pony.

"Well anyways enough with that, were here now." Longbeak spoke as both him and Stan were at the gate, which was open. Just looking inside one could see lots of busy residents moving about. One of the guards now speaking up. Noticing the two of them just before the gate.

"Hello Longbeak, bringing another strange friend of yours to town again?" Spoke the guard not amused or impressed.

"Yes, my friend here came from afar, and is looking for some help maneuvering throughout the town. I most kindly obliged to his request." The griffin spoke as he leaned on Stan with his front arm curling around Stan's midsection. Letting out a goofy ass smirk with his beak as he looked at Stan. Stan wanted to face-palm right there and then.

"Very well, just don't cause any trouble now. We have a lot going on with the Wonderbolts show happening tomorrow." Spoke the guard, looking away from the two of them. Entering the town both Stan and Longbeak stopped to discus where they should go next. The day was still young, as the sun shinned down on them.

"So anywhere in particular you'd wish for me to show you?" Questioned Longbeak as he stood next to Stan.

"Pretty much the only places I need to know about are the train station,and maybe an Inn. I don't have many bits on me, so a place that is affordable would do." answered Stan.

"Very well, from my eight weeks here, I've discovered the more affordable places this town has to offer. And the train-station could hardly be missed, as it's near the edge of town." Calmly replied Longbeak as he looked around on the path they should take.

"Hey Longbeak I know you said you'd give a tour around town, but I feel a bit bad keeping you from your stall."

"Nonsense, I wouldn't just leave my stall unintended, I have my son watching over it as we speak. He could do with a few hours alone to practice the craft of trading anyways." Letting out a slight chuckle the griffin began to lead Stan to the various places he hinted at.

Within the next few hours the human and griffin walked around Stroudmare touring various attractions. Many restaurants and shops could be seen down each alley way of the town. The buildings all sat tightly packed together, with some larger ones like mayor's hall standing out above the rest. A large town square was in the middle of town, and what looked to be a stage was being set up. Probably for the Wonderbolts show going on tomorrow.

Many colorful ponies of various types could be seen about the town. The griffin didn't receive many looks but the tin man next to him sure did. Stan felt awkward as he towered over most ponies, besides when he came across a minotaur who stood a foot taller. It was good to see another bi-pedal creature. He quickly was greeted by the minotaur who shook his hand tightly. An amused smile on the minotaurs face appeared as he felt Stan's strong grip. With a few words being exchanged among him and Stan. Besides that encounter, it was just stares form the many ponies as he walked side by side with the griffin.

Interesting seeing a minotaur here. They were rare back 30000 years ago, but if they now visiting other countries they must have prospered. Besides that, the griffins seems like a interesting bunch if Longbeak is example to go off of. I just wish I wasn't so different. Back then the stares died down form Alicorns after I settled within a few months. It will take time here too.

Stopping near the outskirts of the town by an Inn. It was nearly sunset as the night sky was starting to take over. The griffin now leaning onto the side of the Inn's wall, looking over at Stan.

"So this place is probably the cheapest you could get, without it being too run-down. And with that, concludes our little tour of Stroudmare. I can't wait to hear the rumors of me Longbeak and the Tin-man wondering the streets for the next few days." Letting out a chuckle Longbeak gestures to Stan that he's about to leave.

"Thanks for the tour, Longbeak. I wished we had met under better circumstances. You really are a great griffin now that I got to know you a bit more." Putting out his hand, he was meet with talons grasping him in a handshake.

"And with that Stan, I bid thee good bye. Come and visit me at my shop before you leave. I'm sure you'd catch something that interests you" With a bright smile the griffin soon walked off. Vanish now as he went down an alley way.

That was something now. At least I know where to go within the town...sorta. I should try to find some jobs to do, maybe they have mercenary work or something. I'll need to start making bits to survive. If I remember right, the griffin told me one of his kind sells meat from a earlier conversations during the tour. I should definitely purchase some when I get the chance. This damned vegetable only diet is start to thin me out.

Opening the Inn door Stan soon crept in. With the opening of the door came an annoying creek sound. Not the most welcoming noise when entering an establishment. Looking ahead, the inn held various tables with chairs, and what looked to be a makeshift bar of some-sort. Some ponies littered the tables with mugs and food. It was sorta strange seeing such cute creatures red nosed and drunk. Avoiding them, as their eyes bore holes through him. He came to the bar now, resting his forearms on the wooden counter.

Behind the bar stood a maroon colored pony. With a pure black mane and tail. No horn or wings could be seen, meaning this was clearly an earth pony. A small candy corn cutie mark was placed on her butt. The pony had large orange eyes, with a frown on her muzzle now seeing a strange creature approach. This pony looked sorta Halloween theme'd which made Stan grin under his helmet.

"Looking for a room, I take it?" Spoke the pony before Stan had a chance. It was clear as day, on the gender when she spoke. Her face showed signs of irate, as two ponies knocked down a chair behind Stan.

"I most certainly am. How much for a single night?"

"50 bits." She spoke without hesitation.

"Very well, not much for conversation are we?" Spoke Stan, trying to lighten the mood.

"It's been a long day, as were slightly booked, with many flocking to town to see the Wonderbolts show." Answered the maroon earth pony.

Putting 50 bits on the table, Stan was given a room key, with 24 engraved on it. Heading up the stairs he found his room only to bump into a pony that was clearly intoxicated. Without saying a word the pony looked up at Stan a bit frightened as it got back on it's hooves trotting back downstairs to the bar.

"I'm not that scary am I...Never mind...stupid question...Lets just get some sleep."

Opening the door to his room he was met with a slight musty smell. It was to be expected as the inn hardly saw much business besides during big events in town. Who knew the last time this room was used. Inside the room laid a twin sized bed, with a dresser and a night stand. A large oval green puke colored rug covered most of the floor as he glanced down.

The building did have lighting, as he flipped a switch. Did it run off magic or electricity, who knows. Stan now tiredly removed his sack. Placing it down next to the bed, removing his armor next. Now in his grey cloths he moved to lock the door, flipping the light switch to off.

Lifting the covers of the bed he slide in. It felt pretty comfy, the bed being less firm then he expected as he sank in it. After the long day of walking around town, being in bed was like a reward. He hated walking at this point...HE HAS BEEN DOING NOTHING but walking since the start of his journey.

Tomorrow when I wake up I have to start doing something. I've come back for a reason, yet the only shit I've accomplish was bumbling around the changeling lands like an idiot. Wonder into a town, only to scare half the residents to death. Casting a fool-harty spell alerting many. And now today I roughed up a misunderstanding griffin, while getting a tour out of the ordeal. Ending now with the rumor of a strange monkey in tin colored armor residing in town. It won't be long before someone with authority will want questions.

No matter. Too much thinking of possible 'what ifs' will only stress me out. Who cares I'm here now, and ready.

With a smile on his face he began to drift off to sleep. The world around him moved on like it always had. Later that night something suddenly rocked Stan out of his deep sleep as several loud thuds could be heard outside his door. A few muffled whispers could be heard outside his door. As a pair hooves began knocking on his door. Jumping to his feet he headed for the door still half asleep and a bit agitated from being awoken. Who the fuck was it at this hour he thought when he unlocking the door only to see several guards pointing spears at him.

"HALT! Changeling infiltrator!" Replied the guards as they soon entered Stan's room. Stan backing away towards his bed.

"Changeling!? What....are you talking about?!!" Stan was wide eye'd at the accusations brought upon him.

"We were tipped off by a few ponies from the next town over. A strange creature who came from the direction of the changeling lands. Was too obvious don't you think" yelled the closest guard who was a large stallion.

Is this shit really happening right now...or am I still dreaming.

Pinching himself, winching from the small pain, he knew this was no dream.

"So let me guess....surrender peacefully or be detain with force?" Replied Stan with a face of anger as he crossed his arms.

"You've been through this before haven't you?" inquired the large stallion staring down Stan with anticipation for a fight.

"Many times actually." Stan replied with a smile before ushering his blue aura grabbing the spear of the large stallion. Yanking him forward now, Stan's fist connected with the Stallions muzzle knocking him clean out . Two more guards jumped forward one with a spear and the other with a lite up horn, as the rest blocked the door.

"Even with your magic you'll be no match for all of us you changeling spy!" yelled one of the guards before him. This time it was a unicorn mare. Within the next second she let out a spell trying to push Stan against the wall where the large stallion laid knocked out. Stan snickered at her when she saw it had no effect. Her confused face was quite amusing.

"I'll show you what true force push looks like!" With his right hand held out, showing just his palm he sent both the unicorn, and spear wielding guard against the wall knocking them both out. Turning his gaze to the guards blocking the door he laughed as he grabbed his armor fastening it his body. Grabbing his sack now.

"Looks like I won't be attending the Wonderbolt show tomorrow, what a shame." Stan's sarcasm not much appreciated by the snarling guards as they moved towards him again. Before they took another hoof towards him. A loud smash of glass echoed around town, as a figure in armor jumped threw the window doing a barrel roll onto the ground.

Making a break for it Stan began to take off, as many lights began to flicker on. The ruckus awoke many residents. Before Stan could even make it a block down the road he was meet with several pegasus flying above him ready to swoop down to attack. "Fuckers are persistent this time....looks like the whole town guard will be after my ass soon"

Rounding the block Stan soon came across a dead end, with no hesitation he cast a spell propelling him upwards toward the roof. Turning his back he sent out various bolts of lighting, trying to scatter the pegasus group right above him. The bolts of lighting could be seen all through the town as the many residents were startled, by the crackling sound of thunder. As the pegasus scattered two within the group swatted down at Stan, one landing a firm hoof on his neck, with another blow right after directed toward his right shoulder.

These pegasus moved so fast they looked like just a flash to Stan, with only a gust of wind being blown his direction after the fact. Letting out a huff of pain he tried his best to keep his balance on the roof. They nearly knocked him off with just two blows. Not wanting to receive more hooves. His brain moved to fabricating an exit strategy and fast.

Putting his hands together he focused his magic while letting out a yell. The aura around his body formed into a white crystal floating at his side. Turning back around, he kept up his pace jumping from roof to roof heading for the wall to leap out of the town. Each time a pegasus began to descend towards him, a beam of light shot from the crystal at any aggressor with in his proximity. One pegasus wasn't fast enough to dodge and was shot down, now twirling in a circle, only to land in a cart full of hay.

After the small chase in town lasting for just a few minutes Stan was already running through a cornfield as a few pegasus tailed him.

"This thing sure has more fight then your average changeling doesn't it?" Said a pegasus, hovering in the sky as she flapped her wings.

"I'm more surprised by the magic....it's certainly dangerous whatever it is, oddly it didn't kill anyone" replied another pegasus floating next to her fellow guards.

"It won't make it far. We'll make sure the princesses are notified of this new threat." giggled the pegasus.

"I can see the wanted posters already." Added another pegasus flapping her wings.

"I just hope they don't cancel the Wonderbolts show because of this!" replied an angry pegasus flying back towards her friends, having just broke off the chase.

A good few miles away form the town. Stan bent over catching his breath as the small crystal next to him dissipates into nothing.

Looks like I lost them for now. Why didn't I just surrender. I guess I was just tired be being pushed around maybe? Either way I'm a wanted 'criminal' now. I'm sure the bounty on my head won't be too high. I hope.

For the next few minutes he pondered on what to do. Nothing came to his mind as he couldn't just walk around anymore being wanted and all. Best case was to turn himself in maybe? Maybe the Elements of Harmony might be sent to deal with him. Allowing him to explain his actions? Does it matter he thought, either way he'll have to cross that bridge soon. For now he needs to find a place to sleep,to collect his thoughts on the matter.

Author's Note

When an idiot out of time makes a rash decision he'll have to accept the consequences. Stan will be meeting the main 6 very soon, just not in a positive way.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

[Spacing has Been fixed Edit Date -> 11/13/2018]