***

Castle of Canterlot was impressive, regal like the the ruler of the Day. She didn't had the opportunity to meet her sister, but judging by Celestia - she could be, and probably is, beautiful. Celestia led both of them trough the halls of her home, greeting staff on the way, while guards stood at attention. They ended up at the doors of Celestia's meeting room, where was already seated a couple of individuals. Judging by the regal clothes on one of them and an armor on the second - they were some kind of an important individuals. An alicorn mare with pink mane and... lieutenant Shield's twin brother. The unicorn are glaring and frowning at me, while pink haired alicorn just smiling. We were seated on the left from Celestia, while those two on the right.

Clearing her throat, the white alicorn started. - "First of all, I would like to thank you, Olga, for coming in such short time. Myself and Princess Luna talked about how we could solve our problems with-" - Olga raised her hand suddenly, asking for speaking. Celestia silenced herself and gestured for a human to talk.

"I readed the letter, Celestia. I get that your country suffering with monsters and judging by..." - She tried to pick a more suited words. - "...less than adequate performance of your lieutenant - I can see why." - Gilda silently giggled from that, while unicorn stallion seems to became even angrier. - "I can even understand the reason for creating Guild in Equestria, even if this sounds idiotic. What I CAN'T understand, however, is why are you glaring at me?" - She pointed at the unicorn in front of her with a nod of the head, crossing her arms under her breasts. - "What, am I your arch nemesis, I killed your dog, broke your toy in kindergarten, what do you want?

"Olga, please..." - Celestia pleaded.

"Auntie, I think I can answer that one. Ahem, good day, my name is Mi Amore Cadenza, or shortly Cadance. I am the Princess of Love and next to me is Shining Armor - captain of the Royal Guard." - Cadance politely said with gentle smile.

"Miss Cadance... Are you by any chance know about our job or who we are?" - Olga asked her.

"I'm afraid I don't. If it's not too hard - please introduce yourself." - Cadance politely asked, while unicorns frowns lessened a bit.

"I forgive your ignorance. My name is Olga Von Everek, Headmaster of Griffin Beasthunters Guild. On my right is my assistant - Gilda. We hail from Griffinstone where our Guild is posted. Our job is to make sure no monsters and/or beasts attack civilians of Griffonia. Does that explains - who are we and what we do?" - The woman asked.

Both unicorn and alicorn were very surprised, but didn't fall into the stupor. - "I... didn't knew this Guild is still present. Our history books states that they were absorbed by country's military. And to answer your other question - Lieutenant Shield is a twin sister of Captain Armor and older sister of the Element of Magic - Twilight Sparkle." - Cadance said, while Shining Armor looked like he was digesting information that he just recived.

"I don't know as well - why this was written, but this is a conversation for another time. I'm going to apologise to your lieutenant later, she did her job after all. Right now I want to know - what are we dealing with." - Olga looked at Celestia.

Celestia exhaled and with a small glow of her horn summoned a small folder before Guildmaster. - "The most of the beasts comes from the large forest called Evergreen, near the village of Poniville. The forest is populated with usual wild creatures and monsters, such as timberwolfes, manticores, cockatrices and hydras. Latter of lives in the southern part of the forest, area called Boggy Bottom Swamp. I'm asking for you and your subordinate to guard the town and lower the population of monsters. Later, when the Guild is built - train ponies in the art of hunting. You will be provided with a small cabin to use as temporary base."

"Hmm... I can do that, but what about our pay? We can't sustain ourselves with just our savings." - Answered Olga, looking trough documents from the folder. Scouting reports and photos, this looks promising already.

"There is three cities around Poniville : Horseshoe Bay, Appaloosa and, of course, Canterlot. All of the bounty papers from these cities will be sent to the mayor of Poniville, where she will give them to you via mail or in person. Guards will be notified to assist you with reasonable requests if needed and will not interfere with your investigations. You and young Gilda will be presented with a special ticket so you don't have to pay every time for the train ride." - Celestia answered, looking at much calmer looking Shining Armor and returning her calm gaze to Olga. - "After the contract is completed - mayor of Poniville will pay you for your work."

"I agree to this terms, but let me clarify some things. First of all - if it turns out that a contract is for a sentient being like lycans, ponies, griffins etc. - I'm passing them to the guards. We are hunting for beasts and monsters, not bandits. If we encounter them and being threatened - we will defend ourselves, but not actively hunting them down. Secondly - we are here primarily for work and if someone will ask us for a social gathering - we can pass them without a fuss. Thirdly - we are mercenaries here on your behlf and would take only direct orders from you, Princess Luna or Princess Mi Amore Cadenza with a personal meeting or signed letter, other guards will not command us to do something. Does that sound fair?"

"Yes, that is more than fair, Lady Von Everek." - Celestia smiled, standing up. Olga followed her movements and they shook their hands. - "Will you stay for the night? I'm sure my sister would love to meet you."

"Unfortunately no, we need to get to Poniville and start working. Many of the more dangerous beasts are nocturnal and I prefer to..."

Olga couldnt finish her thought as the doors to the room was rudely opened by a unicorn mare with pale skin and long golden mane. She was roughly a little bit older than Gilda, but too well cared, if her silk-like curls and the look of superiority in her eyes was any indication. Spotting Celestia she started walking to her, opening her mouth and speaking in an obnoxious high pitch voice. - "Auntie! I was looking everywhere for you. Why are you didn't invite me to this gathering?"

For those who was sitting at the table - emotions were split in a great range. Celestia looked somewhat embarrassed, Shining and Cadance were avoiding looking at the mare and there was displeased look in their faces, Gilda cringed at the high voice of the new person in the room and only Olga had one of her brow raised at the newcomer.

"Your position involves in the problems of nobility, dear Line." - Answered Celestia, adoring a small frown on her face. - "As you can see - aside from our guests from Griffonia there is Captain Armor and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, which means there is no use of your presence during our discussions."

The mare just snorted in displeasure, before answering. -"Hmpf! What could be so important to discuss with those griffins? If they were somepony important - you would call all the members of the Court. And why you allowed them to bare weapons?!"

"And you are?..." - Voiced her question Olga, looking at this intruding mare.

"Silence, griffin. You're not have been asked. Answer only when you are questioned." - The entitled mare snapped.

It felt like somewhere in the room a glass window just cracked. Olga looked at the pale mare who bore a winning smirk for a couple of seconds, while two alicorns and one captain were watching them both with horrified expression, while young chick just blankly stared at Line. After five, unbearably long, seconds, Olga calmly stood up from her place and took her bag, after what slowly walking to the doors, and stopping at the place where Celestia sat, her eyes almost begging her to stay behind that emotional mask she always wore.

"I belive it's time for us to go, Princess. Thank you for your hospitality. Come, Gilda. We could still catch our train." - Gilda nodded with haste, understanding that her mother was incredibly pissed off and if they don't walk away now - there would be trouble. She grabbed her bag as well and came to the doors, waiting for Olga. The woman has focused her eyes straight in front of her, not even looking at others in the room, but unexpectedly to Celestia - giving her a short message in sign language before leaving the room in silence. Both captain and the Sun Diarch had very disturbed looks after that for the next half an hour.

- "Next time I will not hold myself."

***

Leaving the Castle with the help of guards - both Gilda and Olga returned to the train station, where their train already departed, but soon will came another one to the same destination. They had an hour of downtime, so they sat at the station's bench, where Olga would braid a small pigtail on the back of Gilda's head. This was relaxing for Olga and young griff loved when her mother braided her hair. It reminded her of the old times, when Gilda was a little chick, acting like a brave lass in the daylight, but hiding in her mother's embrace when it was a storm at night. The found memories was always tresured by young Beasthunter.

As for Olga - she could not stop thinking about the day she and Gilda had so far. Changed history, surprisingly pleasant conversation with Fleur and Fancy, fight with the lieutenant and... that mare. She made her blood boil. Like those in the suicide attacks, like the death row inmates during the war with minotaurs. At least in that time it was an easy choice for them : either die for their crimes as cowards and scum in the cortyard or charge the enemies and redeem themselfs by sacraficing their lives. That law was very effective in teaching citizens about concicuences of their actions. After all - the death penalty would be given to those who have something to do with children. Abuse of minors, child molestation, slavery, murder of yet unborn... this would definitely get you the death penalty. If not by execution, the other convics would see to it that you will die. You may steal, you may do drugs, you may kill and life in prison could be bearable... but if word gets around the block that there is a griff with a brand of a crime related to minors - you are goin to die. Painfully. And nobody will help you.

Olga was deep in her thoughts when someone approach both Beasthunter's that were sitting alone. To the surprise of Olga and Gilda - it was no other than Lunar Diarch herself. She bore a somewhat sad expression on her face and Olga was right - she was beautiful. Princess Luna slowly approached both of them. Surprisingly enough - she didn't wore anything dress-like. On her smooth bluish body was a pair of official-looking pants, white blouse and a pair of low heeled shoes in black. She looked at Gilda, then at Olga, closed her eyes and took a deep breath, calming her nerves and then spoke.

"Lady Von Everek. I am deeply ashamed about behaviour of my niece Royal Line and I am asking you to excuse her on behalf of her youth and inexperience with other races of Equis. After you left a was woken up by Royal Canterlot Voice of my sister, dressing down Royal Line. After I heard what had transpired - I..." - Luna was stopped by Olga's raised hand.

"Princess... If there was any other representative of the foreign country in my and my assistant's place - they would be more vindictive that I am. I have given my warning that next time I will not tolerate such behaviour and left to not loose my temper to miss Line's words. But I will keep my promise if she do not change her attitude. I gave her one chance to better herself." - Answered Olga, holding her gloved hands on Gilda's shoulder's.

Luna exhaled and sat down next to Olga, dipping her crownless head a little bit down.

Olga in turn sat up and put her right hand on Luna's shoulder. - "Hey..." - She started softly, adoring more warm look in her eyes. - "I'm not mad at you, Princess, and I will not hate you for other's actions. You could still talk to me or Gilda if you interested in something."

"Then... By any chance could you call me Luna, Lady Von Everek?" - The Lunar Diarch raised her head a little, looking at Olga with eyes full of hope.

In return, Olga just smiled softly to her, giving out a small chuckle and lightly squeezing her shoulder. - "Only if you call me Olga."

Princess Luna nodded to her, giving a small smile in return. - "Could this mean that... I could consider you a friend, Olga?"

"It's too early to call each other friends, Luna..." - At those words, Luna's smile fell. - "...but. You can say that we are on friendly terms. It is a step from a complete strangers, after all."

Luna's smile returned to her face and she nodded, looking past Olga, to Gilda. - "I'm happy to meet you too, young griffin. What is your name?"

"Oh, it's... it's Gilda. A pleasure." - Stumbled Gilda, giving her hand to Luna for a handshake, which Luna happily returned.

Luna glanced at the station's clock, frowning a little, but then smiling to Beasthunters. "Oh, I have to return, Olga and Gilda. I have some business to attend. It was a delight to meet you both."

***

They said their goodbyes and soon boarded the newly arrived train. It was 5pm, when they were almost at the Poniville station. Gilda had some naptime, while Olga tended to documents Celestia gave her at the table earlier that day. She looked trough those papers and photos more carefully, looking at the clues of what potential dangers they might face in near future and making a mental list of what she would need in terms of tools. Most of it she already had on her, but a couple of things she would need to gather in the forest. When the train pulled to the station - Olga flinched and looked trough the glass window of their cart. It was unmistakable feeling of possessed being somewhere near her. A sense that skilled Beasthunters would develop trough time in their line of work. She weren't even settled in their temporary base and there is already a problems. She lightly nudged Gilda with her elbow, making the young griff to look at her. Using sighn language she alerted Gilda.

- "There is a possessed one nearby. Stay sharp."

Gilda frown for a second and nodded, changing her face to a neutral one. They gathered their luggage and left the cart and then disembark the train. There was couple of ponies around the station. A mare greeting her stallion with a loving kiss on the lips. An old mare ruffling the small head of a colt, probably grandmother and her grandkids while a couple stands nearby. A group of mares looking at all directions, must be just onlookers... wait, there is a mare with rainbow colored hair. She spotted us and called out to her group. And here is the possessed one... Olga slowly reached to a pair of small but weighty stones on her right hip, locking eyes with every member of the group, while they aproach them, the rainbow colored one running faster to Gilda.

"Gilda!" - The mare called, attracting Gilda's attention, to which young griff smiled and walked to her direction.

"Rainbow! Oh, how long has it been?!" - They hugged each other, only then Rainbow noticed the unusual appearance of her friend, taking a step back. - "G, what's with the get-up? Are you some kind of a super-soldier in Griffonia? And who's this?" - She nodded to Olga, who's eyed the pink maned mare with caution.

"Oh, um... this is..." - Gilda couldn't finish her sentence, because Olga put her left hand on griffin's shoulder and calmly said 'pink one', after wich Gilda's head whipped to pink mare with puffy hair and sweater. Pink mare couldn't react as her body was tied up with a powerful ties of thrown bola and tackled to the ground by griff. Olga was at her in an instant, putting a wide ring of runes on the ground around the three of them. Others on the platform could just stare a this in shocked surprise while both Beasthunters worked.

"Show yourself." - Said Olga with a hard tone in her voice. While puffy pink mare tried to wiggle herself out of the binds - she snarled and clenched her jaw. Trough her teeth the saliva in her mouth and on her teeth changed and instead of a semi-clear turned sickly red. Olga turned tied pony on her side, while saying in commanding tone. - "Stay out of the circle!"

Pink mare started to cough like there is something stuck in her throat. Couple of more hard, wet coughs and she spewed out the contest of her stomach, along with an mango-sized glob of red slime. Said slime quickly tried to escape, jumping like a disgustingly disformed toad, but was stopped by the rune circle and like a ball of slime it is slides down on the floor. Pouring a generous amount of silver dust in her hand from the poach on her belt - Olga throw it like a snowball in the glob, which make it start to produce bubbles as he boiled and producing a sick smell of rotten meat and an old bile. Those who still was at platform pinched their noses and a fair amount of ponies emptied their stomachs on the ground. When the sick glob was nothing more than a puddle of steaming red substance - Olga released a sigh of relief and for a good measure poured some strong alcohol on it, making the smell mostly replaced. The pink pony was limply laid on the ground, still breathing. It was a good sight. The silence was interrupted with Rainbow screaming at the top of her lungs.

"WHAT THE ACTUAL BUCK WAS THAT?!" - She looked at both Gilda and Olga with shock.

"Um... h-hey, RD. Allow me to introduce you to my mom - Guildmaster of Griffonia Beasthunters Guild - Olga Von Everek."

The pale mare with purple curled hair, purple mare with violet hair, butter-yellow mare with pink hair lost their consciousness on the spot, while Rainbow's jaw figuratively hit the floor.

Author's Note

Sorry for the delay. Had a little block with this chapter and I'm still thinking that it's missing something (jokes about that I need an editor is acceptable).

As always - don't be afraid to tell me your constructive criticism about my work. Stay cool.