"It took about a week, but finally we've reached Horseshoe Bay. As we got closer, though, my anxiety only grew.

"The girls took notice, and grew more and more concerned about my health. In response, though, I would let them know that I'm fine... just lost in thought. I couldn't bring up a lie, but I couldn't just tell them... I want it to be a surprise.

"Tonight... it's all about them."

"EEEEEEEEEEEEE! Look at all the amazing stuff at the market! The seafood, the seashells, the sea sweets! OOH! AND WHAT IS THAT?!" Gabby's jolly nature has immediately overtaken her ever since the four of you made it to Horseshoe Bay. While many of the passersby would often give you a curious glance, you must admit you've blended in a lot more easier than back in Griffonstone.

As Gabby runs across the marketplace to admire literally everything there is, Gilda and Greta went their own separate ways, with Greta hitting the local library, and Gilda simply helping herself to the local tavern.

As for you, though? You've got other plans. Your first priority is to figure out a way to get the three of them together for a romantic night, which granted, you've done before... but back then, it was only wine, dine, sex, then head out for the next mission.

This, however, is a matter of commitment. You're sure wine and dine is in there, but there are also the matters of finding gifts for the three of them... and frankly, you're not really doing well as far as money goes.

And so, you head towards the Town Hall, where a Notice Board has been posted.

"Hmm... wonder what there is to do around this place..." you mumble to yourself.

"Psst... hey! You there!" you hear a male whisper from your right. You turn to face a hooded stallion, who appears to be quite old.

"Yes?" you ask, crossing your arms over your chest.

He nods towards a sheet of paper on the board. "You've got a sharp-looking blade, I can tell... but if you wish to take on my quest, you'd better visit the local Blacksmith. You'll need more than just a sharp blade for it."

You raise an eyebrow before pulling his sheet of paper from the board, and observing it.

Cragodile Carnage!

Cragodiles have taken over the cave! Because of this, we are unable to get valuable metals to forge weapons and armor for the Adventurer's Guild! If anyone can scare the beasts off, we will provide you with a Seal of Approval, granting you free admission into the guild, itself! Any existing members, however, are likely to get a bonus reward for the Seal, instead!

But be warned! You must NOT kill them!

- A Concerned Citizen, Horseshoe Bay

"Hmm... you don't look like a blacksmith... no offense." you tell the old stallion.

He chuckles, shaking his head. "You'd be right, good sir. It's my sons, though. They are the smiths... I simply supervise the miners over in the Horseshoe Mines. However, because of the recent cragodile invasion, my sons are unable to access the true metals!"

He sighs, and his bright demeanor dampens. "They've had to resort to scrapping old weapons and recycling their metals for new ones! Over time, however, the weapons' quality will diminish! So many lives will be at stake, if they're forced to use weapons that could break in just one or two hits!"

"And what exactly are Cragodiles?" you ask.

"Vicious killers, is what they are! Creatures of stone, flesh, blood, and bone! They weigh about a ton, and their bite can chip through solid rock effortlessly! Why, they've been more of a threat than any villains, in the sense that they actually hunt ponies... and really anything that moves!" he replies.

"Then why not just kill the damn things?" you shrug your shoulders.

"Oh, trust me! We would've, if the cragodiles weren't an endangered species! Because of the protection rights, we now have to resort to a more humane approach!" he complains.

"Humane? From the description you've given, I'd wager it impossible to simply ask them to leave."

He nods his head. "Indeed... but alas, rules are rules. If you wish to be rid of them, my advice is to simply scare them off!"

You sigh, shaking your head. "I'd rather just use a Mind Rune and order them to leave."

"Well, whatever method you have that works... aside from killing them, of course. If you can clear the cave of them, and perhaps drive them back to their home, I'd be most appreciative!"

You rub your chin in thought. "Will there be coin involved, should I manage to send them back home?"

"Naturally!" he replies with a smile.

You then nod your head. "Very well, then. I'll have your cave cleared out in just a few hours.

"That quickly? I wouldn't be surprised if you'd take longer... but whatever works! Anyways, here's a map that'll lead you to the cave. It's not that far from here... it's why it's so urgent that you send them back to their home!"

"And where is their home, exactly?" you ask.

"They came from the Hayseed Swamps, just south of here. Can't miss it from its dark green marshes. Just follow the signs if you get lost!"

"Hayseed Swamp, follow the signs... got it." And with that, you make your way towards the Horseshoe Cave.

"I could say anything at this point... I got into a massive fight with the creatures and beat them all into submission... but that would be a lie. In truth, I simply used a Mind Rune and ordered them all to leave, then led them into the Hayseed Swamp. Nothing more, nothing less. Overall, it was one of the easiest tasks I had... and it took me about an hour to do total, including travelling back and forth.

"When I got back, however, the old stallion was waiting for me by the Notice Board, scroll in one hoof, and a bag of golden coins in his mouth, held by his teeth."

"Well, now! I can't say I'd have expected you back so soon, good sir!" the old stallion tells you, placing the bag of coins in your hand.

You pocket the coins and nod your head at him. "If more trouble comes, let me know."

"Well, funny you should mention that... you see, I've been thinking." he begins, before pausing for a long moment.

"... About?" you inquire.

"Well, you see, the way how the Cragodiles moved into the cave all at once seems rather peculiar. It was almost like they were afraid of something!" he says.

You hum, rubbing your chin in thought. "Hmm... so you think there might be something bigger in the swamp?"

"Wouldn't surprise me one bit... I'll have a look into it. In the meantime, though, you should get some rest. Prepare. Things like that!"

You nod your head. "Sounds good... had some plans, anyways."

He then raises an eyebrow. "And would it happen to involve the three griffons you came here with?"

This, however, makes you deadpan at him. "It's not of your concern, old one."

"Ah, not trying to strike a nerve, young fellow... though for you helping me out, I'd like to help you out in return!"

You cross your arms over your chest. "How so?"

He clears his throat and raises a hoof. "As it happens, I was once in a herd, back in my glory days. The best advice I can give you is this. Be yourself, but start with one at a time. Who would you say is the one that's easiest to earn the trust from?"

You look towards the marketplace, where Gabby is constantly flying back and forth. From the looks of it, she's started helping others around the town, judging from the bag of items in her talons.

The old stallion notices this, and nods towards her. "Then she is the one who you should start courting. The other two? They'll open up after seeing that you can handle one, at least!"

You can't help but feel a bit more at ease, at least. You nod your head and sigh. "Thanks, old one. I'll keep that in mind."

"Think nothing of it, young human! Now go, and be with her!"

You're about to approach Gabby, when his last statement catches you off-guard.

"Wait... what do you know about humans?!" you ask, turning around... but by the time you're facing his direction, he's already gone.

You blink a few times, before growling. "Damn... that was strange."

You eventually brush it off as him possibly being a unicorn. From what you've read, unicorns can learn to teleport from place to place... but it doesn't settle easily, as you would've heard a sound. No... there's something different about that old stallion... and something tells you this isn't the last time you'll see him, either.

Regardless, though, you have a griffon to go see.

You approach Gabby and clear your throat.

"Gabby?" you begin. She turns to face you and smiles cheerfully.

"Ooh! Heya, Regol, what's up?" she asks.

You look up and raise an eyebrow. "The air, the sky, and the clouds in-between."

She giggles at that, gently nudging you with an elbow. "Oh, silly Regol! It's just an expression! It means, how are you doing?"

"Oh... well, now that you mention it, I'd like to speak to you... in private, if that's alright?" you decide if you're going to be yourself, you'll just have to take the direct approach.

"Sure thing, Regol! Hey, that spot looks pretty secluded!" She points at a bench beneath a lone tree near a tall hill.

You nod your head in agreement. The two of you then reach the bench and have a seat.

"Is everything alright, Regol? You've been acting a little funny this past week... what's wrong?" she asks, her cheerful demeanor breaking only slightly.

"Yeah, I've... been thinking of the flock idea, and... well..." you begin to grow nervous again.

As you look into her eyes, you immediately notice that her cheeks are starting to glow red.

"Regol! Are... are you saying what I think you're saying?!" She almost sounds... hopeful.

You then take a deep breath and nod your head.

"Gabby... I'm not going to beat around the bush, anymore. I don't have the best social skills. You know this. But... I feel like it's time. It's time that we talked more about this whole 'Flock' idea. It's... meant to be a romantic thing. I know this, now, and knew it for some time. Hell, you heard me speaking to Greta about it a few weeks back."

You take another deep breath, and gently grasp onto her talons, while she stares speechlessly at you.

"Gabby... I'm ready to take this relationship further, now. I... would be honored if you accompanied me this day. There will be wine, we will dine, and if everything works out... well... we will cross that road when we get there."

She just continues to stare speechlessly at you.

It starts to worry you even more. Did you say something wrong? Probably... but did you break her? It's also a possibility.

"I mean... if not, then-"

But before you can finish, she lunges up at you, and embraces you in a warm hug.

"OHMYGOSH, YES!" she squeals.

To be continued...

Author's Note

And in case you're wondering why she didn't kiss him... griffons have beaks. That would be painful.