Paradise Inn

As it turned out, Marr was a bit of a writer and an artist, both pursuits going into a large book, though when Zephyr talked with her and they planned, sometimes it laid forgotten to the side. The Griffon wasn't the best, but her ideas where different enough that Zephyr paid attention, the two feeding off each other and spinning ideas into grand webs of stories.

As it was, the small group of Marr, Zephyr, Rapoza and Sanguine where at a small cafe, idly planning their own story night. It had been agreed that Night should have his days like always, and that they would simply fill in the blanks, and they had done so for the past few weeks to great results. Chaz was ecstatic about the idea, and had already made grand proclamations about the "bardic circle" at the Inn. Needless to say, despite not losing any time to them, Night was vastly unimpressed, and where he would normally sit was occupied by Marr, the griffoness looking somewhat awkward as she sat on the plush cushions of the establishment.

Rapo was balancing a glass of soda on his hoof as he looked between the purple mare and the ruddy griffoness, grinning as they bantered back and forth over the story they where spinning for the crowd. Plot lines evolved and characters where made, entire nations discussed. At about the point golems made of food began coming up, Sanguine had forced the other two to order a meal so they would stop "Writing with their stomachs."

Marr had managed to talk the restaurants staff into giving her seeds and honey for her order of toast, despite it being off menu. By talked into it, Rapoza really meant she had not so subtly hinted that the waiter himself would make a good substitute for the meal, the sharpness in her eyes making certain that it wasn't taken suggestively.

Surprisingly, their meal had arrived quickly (Marrs food was replaced after she stared at it, stared at the waiter, then stared back at it. The stallion had started sweating bullets before hastily running off to replace it. When questioned about it she shrugged, simply saying she "wouldn't eat it after what he did to it,") and they had tucked into the meal.

This didn't mean a cessation of conversation. Far from it in fact.

"Okay, so, we have Iain looking for his lover, who's run away because she's afraid she'll get him killed by distracting him, where should he look for her?"

Marr grimaced, talon busy slathering her toast with the honey and seeds. "Feathers, I don't know Zephyr. I didn't know when you asked ten minutes ago, and then you went off on that 'soda pony' tangent."

The purple pegasus groaned. "Well, we'd better come up with something soonish. We've been stalling for a while now."

"Gotta be perfect..." Marr mumbled out before shoving her honey coated meal in her beak.

"Marr, sometimes it's just gotta be good enough. You can't put off everything forever," Sanguine jabbed a hoof at the griffon. "Sometimes you will find yourself improvising."

Marr slammed her head on the table, shoving her meal to the center of the cheerfully coloured surface. "I'd rather not fuck up."

"Didn't you, a-hem, wing it the first night, when you interrupted Bane?"

The griffoness frowned at Sanguine, green eyes glaring as if the red mare had wronged her. "That was different," A raised eyebrow over searching amber eyes was her response. The ruddy coloured half-bird sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. "That was a one time thing. Only had to work once. If everypony hated it, I could just vanish afterwards, ya know?" She rolled her head over, looking away from the group moodily. "Now we have this thing that they want to hear about every few days."

"Cheer up birdy," Marr growled at Rapoza as he said that, the mango coloured pony either not noticing or not caring as he continued, "You could be like Night lately, making everything up on the spot."

Marr turned her head sideways, looking up at Rapoza. "Let me guess, he's also been getting smaller crowds?"

"No, Night's doing just fine, he's just been really irritable lately, and he's been making everything up as he goes, Lots of plot holes and continuity errors," The stallion set the empty soda glass down on the table with a solid 'plonk' before carrying on. "Not sure why."

Marr lifted her head from the cool surface of the table before tilting her head sideways, clearly confused. "So, why do I never hear Nights story telling crowd from my room then? It's not that far from the common room."

Rapoza smirked. "Funny thing, that. Ray enchanted all the rooms to be sound proofed unless there's a fire or some other such disaster, wanted to make sure nopony could disturb anypony else," He waved his hoof about. "He's also why the place is huge, yet you can walk from one end to the other in a minute. Unless you don't want to. It knows where you want to go and makes sure you get there. All in all, if anypony was to every try an' recreate the place, they're gonna have to spend a fortune."

Marr was silent for a moment before suddenly locking eyes with Zephyr. "A castle."

"What?"

"A castle. That's what we should add next," The griffoness gestured wide, tattered wings half spreading as she carried on. "We'll base it on the Paradise, have it lead whoever enters it to what they need, not whatever they want."

Sanguine nodded slowly. "Yes, but that seems so... convenient."

"Well, here's what we'll do..."

The night had been a success, and the crowd was leaving, Ray and Chaz seeing their non-boarding guests out as the lot of story tellers lounged on the sofa.

"How exactly do you two come up with this stuff?" Rapoza shook his head in disbelief. "I mean, I was there when you two where talking about this all, and yeah, I kinda helped, but Celestias sake."

Zephyr shrugged. "I just keep talking and as I talk get more ideas, so just I keep spewing even more intellectual fiction."

The griffoness sprawled over the couch lazily. "I congratulate you on creating a perpetual motion machine out of your skull. If it could be used to create power, you'd be rich."

"Eh, I think my mind is put to better use violating yours currently," Zephyr waved a hoof absent mindedly, wing half unfolding to mime the gesture the whole while. "Endless spouts of pure genious impregnating itself in your brain."

"She could only be so lucky."

Marrs head twisted to gaze to the doorway, green eyes focusing in on Night as he strode into the room. "Good show. A little weak in some places, but still, not bad at all," Red eyes fixed on the griffon. "If you're a few seasons old that is. Not enough time spent building up inter-character relationships, nor enough time spent fulls defining anyone."

The griffoness scowled. "You still bitter about my wonderful introduction?"

"Nah, what's a good ribbing between friends?" The sudden slash of brilliant white across pure black was a touch unnerving in the low lighting, the unicorns grin looking almost like it went from ear to ear. "Just trying to give you some pointers."

"More like thinly veiled insults, I think."

A loud clopping noise cut through the brewing argument, all eyes turning to Sanguine, hooves firmly on the ground, her yellow eyes burning holes into the black unicorns skull. "I know you don't like her Bane, but really," A red hoof raised off the ground, jabbing the unicorn in the chest as she continued, "I expect better from you."

If anything Nights grin got even wider as he shook his head, giving out a short laugh. "Fine, fine, I'll turn in for the evening."

Zephyr snorted as the stallion left, watching as he rounded the corner. "Sometimes I don't really get that guy."

"The story isn't that bad is it?" Marr had turned to stare at the fireplace, brow furrowed as she thought. "We didn't really put as much time into this nights session as we usually do but..."

"It'll be fine Marr. You did great for how long we get to put into this."

The ruddy griffon brushed Rapozas hoof off her shoulder, frowning. "Not good enough..."

"Lighten up Marr, we'll figure this out," The mango coloured pony grinned cockily. "Besides, the crowd seemed to enjoy it."

"Yeah, yeah..."

The brooding griffon jumped as something leaned on her. Head swinging around like it was attached to a novelty decoration, the off brown critter stared at the purple pegasus leaning against it as blue eyes peered up from under a cloudy mane. Zephyr smirked. "Cheer up bird-butt, we'll just make next weeks better."

The griffoness nodded stiffly.

"So, who's up for a quick game?" Rapoza jumped off the sofa, heading towards the shelf on the far side of the room.

Sanguine took off after him, tossing her mane back. "Only if I get to choose. You always choose something so simple."

If anything, Marr looked more tattered then was considered the norm, large bags under her eyes, wings sitting with feathers askew; Zephyr even swore some of the ruddy brown feathers looked matted. Despite all this, the Griffon sported a grin as she took a seat beside the pegasus, tea clutched precariously in one talon.

"Hey," she greeted simply, sliding herself over a plate of pancakes even as the sleep deprived pegasus grunted at her arrival. While the others had gone to their respective homes, Zeph had once again passed out at the Inn, waking to a blanket draped over her withers, last memory of the evening being far into a game of Risk. Sanguine had a very strange idea of what a "quick" game entailed.

Marr sighed, head clunking on the table hollowly. "There's no cure for reality."

Zephyr grinned wryly. "Writing is good medicine though. Delays the symptoms," She hummed off key as she groggily sipped at her coffee.

"Any ideas on the next story night?"

"Well, knowing that we're going to send him to t-" A talon pushed itself against the purple ponies muzzle, silencing her. Sheepishly the pegasus looked around; quite a few of the patrons where looking at her intently, and even those that weren't had their ears swiveled towards their table. "I just about blurted out spoilers for the story in the mess hall, honestly, I'm barely in my right mind right now, and where was I going with this sentence?" Zephyr massaged her face with a hoof, half groaning. "Yes, I suppose. Ugh."

The griffoness grinned. "Kay, we'll talk over lunch, like always, right?" Upon an affirmative sounding grunt from the pony, she lounged back, taking a gulp of her tea. "I was thinking just us two this time, seeing we're the ones doing most of the story telling here. Maybe that little cafe just off the square?"

The purple pegasus made a face. "Jazz's place? Everything has so much cheese in it. I'm not sure there's anything on the menu that comes without cheese. I'm certain there's a cheese and cheese sandwich."

"Hey, nothing wrong with some good cheese."

Marr pulled a face. "Morning to you too Night."

The unicorn shrugged, pouring syrup into his coffee like it was going out of style. "It's the truth. Personally though, I think I'd stick to Oxide's place. Got a good source for apples."

"That's where we always meet Night," The griffoness frowned as she continued, "And I think it would be nice to have a change of pace."

Night took a swig of his mostly-syrup-beverage, swirling it about in the mug. "Suit yourself."

Zephyr looked thoughtful, coffee drained during the others small talk, peering out of one of the many enchanted windows of the Inn. "I think," She slowly started, watching the few rays of sunshine dance across the glass, "I may have an idea."

Sweat dripped off Marrs beak, the tiny droplets of fatigue making her blink before acting, talon almost sluggishly moving across the battlefield, finding its target. With a moment of hesitation, she struck.

"Check."

Zephyr rolled her eyes, wing deftly grabbing a piece, smacking Marrs queen off the board. "Mate."

"What, bu- How- I- You- Fffffff-" Marr devolved into half muttered expletives as she looked over the board, trying to find some flaw in her byzantium furred opponents logic, some unexploited hole in her offense. Finding none, she did the only thing she could do; pout.

"Told you she'd kick your rump," Came the call from across the room, the proud owner of the Dusty-Trails diner snickering as her watched the griffon fume.

Marr twitched slightly, beak clacking shut as she somehow managed to slouch down and hide herself half behind the table, looking off to the side and mumbling. Zephyr could only laugh, shaking her head at the half birds antics. "Been doing this longer then you have, silly bird," With a grumble, the griffon somehow managed to sink lower, eyes barely above the tables top, making the white maned pony giggle. "Aww, come on, It wasn't that bad, was it?"

Getting no visible response, Zephyr shot around the table with a grin and nuzzled the raggedy griffon, who's only response was to freeze up and produce and very high pitched chirp. The mares voice took on a sing-song quality as she leaned against the larger half-bird. "Come-on, it's not that baaaad~" Marr struggled to keep a frown fixed on her beak, though the slight grin that broke through didn't escape her companions notice. "Haha~ See, all better."

"Heh," The griffoness shook her head wonderingly, finally relaxing. "What would I do without you?"

Zephyr only grinned.

It was late when Marr finally returned to the Inn, the sun beginning to set for the night and make way for the moon. The mess hall was a quiet muttering, calm and simple as the griffon slipped past tables, silently grabbing a loaf of bread to munch on.

Food in talon, she made her way to the common room, where she sat beside the fire, tired eyes approaching something near calm.

Today had been the first really good day in a very long time. She munched on her bread, silently contemplating the fire as a slow guitar song flowed from the back corner, the tune somewhat familiar to her. In her deep, almost growling tone she slowly whistled along. The guitar seemed almost mournful, speaking softly of emotions as it softly was worked.

Curiosity took hold, and she turned slightly to look back at the source.

Red magic held the well maintained guitar aloft, bright red eyes boring into the griffon as Night proved yet gain that he was a bard, not just some common story teller. With a solid thump he stopped playing, all six strings suddenly muted by magic.

"You where out rather late."

It was an observation, not weighted one way or another, but certainly enough to make Marr pause. Night didn't blink, the ebon unicorns crimson gaze seeming to bore right through the griffoness.

"And?"

"You're trying to court Zephyr, aren't you?"

The question made the griffon huff, tossing half the bread into the fire as she abruptly stood, marching into the hall. With a few short strides and a barely perceptible magic blur, she opened the door to her room, only to have Nights voice stop her.

"She's not interested, you know."

Marr snarled a bit as the unicorn somehow managed to get between her and the door, the startled half birds wing rising as she half hopped back. "I'm not trying to 'court her,' as you so kindly put it," The griffoness resisted the urge to do something violent, images of what she was capable of flashing through her mind as she continued, "I just wanted to spend time with a friend."

Night shook his head, snorting in an amused way. "I'm a story teller Marr, I can see exactly where this is going. You're going to end up hurting her, and I'm telling you you should stop."

Marr flinched back as though hit before steeling herself, scowling. "Bullshit. You're just pissed that I one-upped you. Leave me alone."

"I'm not trying to be the bad guy here Marr," Night shook his head as stopped the griffon with a solid hoof even as she tried to shoulder her way past him. "Zephyr doesn't need you, and you're going to end up hurting her. I can see it in the way you look at her," The pitch black pony didn't blink as he continued. "She doesn't need you as a romantic interest. You're not what she wants, and besides that you don't even like yourself," It was like a sudden chill had flowed into the hallway, one the many windows that lead outside (enchanted, of course,) whistled slightly in the wind as the Everfree's trees swayed off in the distance. "You're a danger to yourself Marr. Fearful and sad, and you're going to hurt her because of it," The griffon swore Nights eyes flashed a brilliant solid red in the hallways dim lighting as he continued. "You need to back off."

"I think you're an idiot," Marr snarled as she ducked under the unicorns limb, "And you need to fuck off!" With that she slammed the door in Nights face, the wood protesting as the impact almost tore the hinges from the frame.

The room was dimly lit, dusk slowly falling, the sunset over the Everfree throwing the only illumination present into the room. Overall, it was plain: a side table, a curved maple vanity with a mirror and a soft bed, a battered messenger bag thrown atop it, contents half spilled over the messy covers, never really unpacked.

The ragged griffoness stood in the center of the room, looking down towards her talons, wings hanging limp by her sides, their great ragged widths quivering. There she stood for a long while, the sun going lower and lower over the forest, until she collapsed with it, sinking to her haunches at the murky woods swallowed what light was left.

Marr sobbed, wrapping her limbs around herself, claws sinking into her flesh as they raked over what of her they could reach, painfully slow as they broke the toughened hide. With a small jitter, one caught on a knot of flesh.

"I-I-I'm a bad cre-creature," It came out half choked off as she dug a talon into the scar, blood welling up as the old wound was torn open, bright red drizzling over her off-brown feathers, "I ke-keep f-f-f-fffffffucking this up!" She dug deeper into her shoulder, mucles straining as she notched her shoulder for her wrong.

"It's not good enough!" The hysterical griffoness slammed herself into the wall, the Inns magical sound-proofing humming as it worked to stop anything from disturbing the other patrons. "I'm n-n-not good en-n-enough!"

Her talons slipped downwards, tearing at her flesh; it stung and burned, but she cringed and moved up instead, expunging a more recent spot of its scab, a feather coming with it as she excavated her flesh, the thick red of her blood welling up like the oil some ponies searched for.

The griffoness stared out the window at the looming hulk of the Everfree, eyes not focusing entirely. "I can't do anything right..." Her other shoulder joined the first, both sides weeping tears of crimson as life itself tried to escape. More and more, old wounds opened again and fresh ones opened up alongside. All of them small and innumerable in number, the pain soaking though Marrs talons, across her front and sides until she just slumped down, spent, mumbling to herself in a haze.

It took a long while for her to come to, drying blood matting her feathers down even as its colour blended perfectly with her ruddy coat and feathers. The moons pale light barely touched the leafy canopy of the darkforest her window faced. All the griffoness could do was stare as she mentally berated herself. She had to do better, she had to do more.

With shaking talons, Marr dragged herself over to her bed and collapsed.