Prospects Align |Open|

[darkness]

S k u l l i o s i s

So this was a mere fragment of Equestria? The thick bane surrounding him, rose tall and leering, with a thick canopy that enveloped strict details, until the concept of the world was rendered 2D and gray scale. The mysterious, shadows, laid thick and cosmic. Starved of color variety. Skulliosis' robust carcass, shifted forward on sinuous appendages. Athletic, brawny, chords rippled under the jet-blackness of his pelt. His presence was phantom-like. Eerily, sauntering from penumbra refuge to the next. Power was the aura that radiated from each confidently-placed stride. He eased into the Everfree Forest with fear tossed over his shoulder like spilt salt. Vibrant, amber-hued chasms flickered in his skull, adopting the images splayed before him. He observed quietly whilst the nocturnal beasts snarled, tittered, and clicked their sinister melodies. The atmosphere around him was bustling with invisible life. Aloof and up to mischievous antics under the wings of night. The creatures he could not name, nor see, lived naturally and undisturbed in their habitats. Skulliosis permitted a heated, cloud of carbon, to puff from his dilated nasal pipes. The exhaust of his breath hissed into the air, silencing a chorus of startled, crickets in their bushy, music, hall. The dangerous glitter in his voids, sparkled like freshly burning embers, when the angled shafts of pallid, moonlight touched his face. The coruscating beauty of his hellish glare was, if not simultaneously creepy and deprived of good intention, awe inspiring.

Vertebrae crackled as his bulky skull ascended it's arrogant perch, on the stem of his spine. The ivory tipped, obsidian threads that adorned the burly, chiseled, form of his crest wavered softly. The unseen elements of the gales toying with their spiky ends. Skulliosis noticed the lack of interaction in his travelling, but the more than willing, antisocial, Czar couldn't be more content. His movements were lithe and steadily made, but after a few moments of unchanging scenery, he ceased his advance to reevaluate his placement. Upon the jarring halt that parked him under a stretching, old oak, his forelock cascaded down from his crown and over the bridge of his bearded mug, masking half of his visage. The potential Tyrant of an equine scoped his environment. Snap! Harks assaulted by the fragile breaking of a crisp, twig plundered back. The Pegasus adjusted his wings and his bearded chin tucked toward his throat, assuming an intimidating stature. Cocked like a pistol, waiting and craving for a reason to fire, he stood ready. " Don't be shy... Come and face me rather than hide." Bass and brazen tones slithered from his gullet, frigid and sarcastic.

[Stygg Whitefeather]

By the time the griffon was done plucking twigs, leaves and all manner of nature out from his feather and fur the gravity of where he had been forced down crushed him. He’d had only just been streaking through the relative safety of the skies, then befell a pack of drakes and in no position to even consider fighting back, he folded his wings and dived into whatever waited for him on the ground below – if he only knew what was below him at the time, he may have opted for the quick death of the drakes. He glanced about, scanning the dark tree line surrounding him, the infamous Everfree Forest. Remorsefully, he conceded his eminent demise by some foul beast or other bit of nastiness. Nervously, with eyes snapping about and quivering claws, he retrieved a pair of simple talon gauntlets with steel razors adorned upon the tip of each claw digit. They’d be hardly worth their weight against many of the things that call the sinister forest home, but it left him feeling a spark of confidence. He still had a job to do, he was a royal herald with a message for Admiral Tesla. He had to do everything in his power to deliver, it was his soul task – least if his end was to come, he’d go down with blood up his talons.

The little sparrowhawk-leopard sulked through the underbrush, every sound, chirp and snap sent him into a near panic – he’d slip behind a tree or dive into a patch of ferns to wait till the sounds stopped. He’d peek his head out, glance around then slip back out and continue till the next sound forced him to hide once more. After a few more long, lost minutes, a stick beneath a rear paw snapped and his darted into a patch of foliage beside him.

"Don't be shy... Come and face me rather than hide." The little griffon choked, something was out there and it was close. Something large, authoritative, and distinctively pony? Biting his lower beak, the griffon crept out from his place of refuge. One talon in front of the other, inching closer to the tree line towards the voice till only a thin line of leaves and fern stalks were between him and the dark figure on the opposite side. He took one deep breath and popped out, the moment his eyes grasped the large and dark pony, he sighed in relief and slipped all the way out and approached, intimidated but not rife with fear. “What luck. Pony, you know these woods? I was on my way –“ He realized then that despite their mutual alliance, the message he carried with him was intended for the rogue griffon encroaching upon Pony land. “To, Canterlot. Yes, I need to speak with Princess Luna immediately. I carry news from King Whitefeather. The drakes,” Motioning skyward, “forced me down here. I can’t be late. Can you help, I’m sure there would be a reward involved.” He lied. Any griffon knew that ponies were suckers for hard-luck cases and once he was out of these woods, he’d be in the clear.

[Red Charge]

From the shadows emerged a thin, lithe figure, not an equine but a canine. Towering high on two legs, the dog-like hominid seemed almost fragile, like a tower easily collapsed. Any experienced warrior, however could tell that the the Diamond Dog's stance was solid and strong. A thin curl spread along his hackles, whiskers swaying slightly in the wind, he leaned forwards, almost in a bow.

"A message to Canterlot?" He asked, his voice a rasp whisper, cracked with age. "Very curious."

It was obvious this Diamond Dog was past his prime, but considerable nonetheless. His dull brown fur was turning grey, his perked ears were starting to droop. One eye had already been met with cataractic doom, the other was dull and yellowing around the brown pupil. What must have been a very athletic physique in the past has given way to an aging emaciated figure, covered only loosely by a long vest. In a scabbard on his waist was a very distinctive saber, not a weapon usually employed by Diamond Dogs, who preferred heavier, more powerful weapons or the quick movement of a shorter melee arsenal. Whether this canine was a part of the Diamond Dog armies now invading Equestria was impossible to tell as he bore no armor or insignia to imply as such. But it was obvious he was not a regular part of the locale.

The Diamond Dog's good eye, if you could call it that, moved between the griffon and the pony he was facing in a slow back and fro. Waiting for either of them to react, either to his presence, or each other. Wondering how the situation would develop. Three members of three species once united in a grand alliance, now with tense relations at best, and undeclared war at worst. "Quite curious indeed..."

[darkness]

S k u l l i o s i s

Silence ensued for the bitter part of the wait, but the all attentive and observatory Skulliosis adhered to the ready stance, pertaining to a formidable offense, should it be necessary. Feathered wings rustled at his sides and his glistening, snake, irises, contracted into irate, needle-thin, slits. The crimson hues that adorned the perimeter of his pupils was potently more noticeable. The Pegasus was more refined in common sense to say that he was alone and he didn't have to question himself when the brown, speckled vermin of a Griffon slunk from the foliage. Intensely fixated, orbs got to work at once, analyzing the creature's stance, anatomy, and chances of winning a quarrel against the largely built mechanics of his own. When his logic found nothing of impressive meaning, Skulliosis alleviated his, ready-to-brawl, chassis and crowning lobes stood, much like the gracefulness only Dracula could attain, rising from his coffin. “What luck. Pony, you know these woods? I was on my way –“ A brow quirked on his visible features, when the tyke's syllables broke mid process; however, whatever induced the break in his thoughts, it did not last. “To, Canterlot. Yes, I need to speak with Princess Luna immediately. I carry news from King Whitefeather. The drakes,” Skulliosis watched the Griffon with an uninterested glare, but granted a faux curiousness when the Griffon motioned to the firmament, shrouded from view by the looming canopy, to help with his explanation. “forced me down here. I can’t be late. Can you help? I’m sure there would be a reward involved.” Finally, stillness took the nervous creature's mouth, allowing Skull a final look over. This Griffon was embellished with metallic armory 'pon his front feet. The metal tipped claws sparkled in the dim light, reflecting in Skull's eyes as a prospect for a fun tiff. After another moment's passing, the bulky equine grumbled to life. His vocals quivered and flexed, birthing a deep, sovereign laughter. Help? Even for an award of high value, such as raw diamonds, or mounds of gold, Skull didn't help anyone. Oh the sad little creature had much to learn about Skull, but he wouldn't blame the poor sap entirely, for the sake of his ignorance. " Hm. Yes. What luck indeed little Griffon..." Mockery-laced, lyrics drawled flatly. His physique shifted from its post and edged forward toward the different specie. It was within his movements, and his eyes - scintillating with harrowing nature - that the true designation of his intentions were anything, but neutral or sweet. Oh yes. Skull was going to have much fun with this little bird hybrid. He cackled with utter and pleasurable delight.

Oh, but the Griffon had such luck on this dark night. Offensively themed, navigation's were reluctantly yielded, when a third party entered the scene. A discontent snort, erupted from his paper thins, conveying the growing impatience inside the onyx imbued virile. Ember stained, rondure, pair, flickered onto the new pawn in the game. A mutt of some sort, staggering on his own two feet. The decrepit on the verge of his own sick, death bed it would seem; however the dog took his own presence too strongly, and stood there with an air of confidence. The less than mildly, impressed, brute cocked his head toward the canine, just in time to catch the words falling from his old mug. "A message to Canterlot?" The words were raspy and abused by the length of his life. A sad mongrel possibly clinging to his days, like a helpless stranger would the edge of a cliff, facing abyssal strangeness. "Very curious." Skull frowned. To even ponder the concepts of a fight with this time, worn, hound was embarrassingly petty and thus Skull only rolled his eyes. "Quite curious indeed..." As to what could've been so magnificent about this message the Griffon beheld, Skull did not care. The pitiful lives that were not his own, held no significance to him. They were play things. A means of passing his time with the chorus of agonized shrieks and red stained hooves. A means he wanted to delve into, right now.

[Stygg Whitefeather]

The little griffon skirted back from the large, intimidating pony before him. He gulped down his apprehension, nervously cracking his claws as he pushed himself up against a patch of bushes and ferns. Was nothing in this forest not the least bit intimidating, even the prospect of rescue was marred by giant monstrosities of draft ponies with a malicious tint to their eye. He could only curse his luck and hope this was all some sort of horrible bluff.

“Yes, um…” The little griffon stumbled for his words, his mind rife with terrible prospects. “Maybe I should just go,” nervously laughing, “I think I see the exit just over there.” He cringed and turned his head as the beast of a pony inched closer. Just when he was to come to resolve his own fate, a savior appeared – or so he hoped.

The frail Dog that showed had the air of a warrior to him, albeit, any youthful vigor had long since succumbed to the ravages of time. He still carried himself well enough – though if that malicious tint in the black pony’s eyes was any indication of sinisterness bubbling beneath that dark hide, an old Diamond Dog was hardly a threat worth noting. The reassurance instilled by the sharp metal upon his claws fell short now, with one, possibly two fiendish things circling around him there was little he felt he could do should they turn upon him. He could try for the sky, though a quick glance up showed a thick and impenetrable canopy. Even if he could flee by wing, this monster of a equine had his own set of black wings. He’d be rid of the Dog, but that wouldn’t solve the one he was most frightened of.

“Curious,” He chirped, “That’s a word for it.” With the distraction presented, he slipped his back off the tree he had pushed himself against. Least now he was in a position to run. He resolved to himself that if he should get out of this alive, he would spit in the face of Loci for ordering this task.

[Red Charge]

"Now, now, there's hardly a need for that menacing demeanor is there?" The old Diamond Dog asked, "Griffons and ponies are friends after all, isn't that right?" He asked the little raptor-feline hybrid. "I doubt it would be very good sport to attack your allies. Might get you all the wrong attention and I know you don't want that kind of attention now do you?"

The mysterious hominid placed his hand on the hilt of his saber, just in case he would have to draw it quickly. "Much less when you don't know how many opponents you face." With a very subtle hand sign the Diamond Dog signaled the Griffon to come near him. "Then again, I've known of very few violent ponies in my life... You're no Iron Shoes however..." both of the canine's eyes were focused intently on the large pegasus, his stance shifted, now standing more upright, skin and fur stretched taut over his surprisingly healthy looking muscles. Somehow his body seemed much younger now, much more alert. Ancient or not, it was obvious this particular canine did not let his fighting fitness deteriorate.

"What a curious situation." He commented lastly.

With a huff, the large stallion left, apparently not liking the fact that the Diamond Dog's sabre was now in his hand, despite the fact he did not notice him draw it at any point. There was other prey he could capture, this one seemed to elude him... for now...

As the large pony disappeared through the brush, the Diamond Dog turned to the Griffon. "Now do tell me, friend, what is this message you so ache to deliver?" He asked.

[Stygg Whitefeather]

The little griffon breathed a sigh of relief as he watched the menacing pony depart without incident, his keen eyes fixed on their flank as they disappeared into the dark heart of Everfree Forest. For a fleeting moment, he felt safe, forgetting the Dog breathing down his neck with its foul breath. When it spoke he felt as if he would wretch, vile creatures the Diamond Dogs. When his eyes caught the gleam of the dog’s saber in his paw – the griffon shot back.

“Uh-uh, I just have a message. I don’t know what it’s about, I’m not allowed to read them.” He fervently explained. Then he remembered the weapons upon his claws, the Diamond Dog was old, he was young. If this turned ugly, least he felt, he would be able to hold his ground. Skittish but still proud, the griffon was not going to fall before his message was delivered. “I am an appointed messenger of King Whitefeather.” He stood his ground, looking the diamond dog straight into the eye, raising his hackles and puffing his chest feather. “On official court business, I have no qualms with you, good sir. Unless you have business pertaining to the recent movements of the Leviathan, I must ask you to step aside, so I may continue onto my destination.” He mentally readied himself for a fight, should one occur. This Diamond Dog was alone, no mark of rank or clan and although it is believed the Dogs were working in conjunction with the rogues aboard the airship, this one in particular bared no formal sign of allegiance.

[Red Charge]

The Diamond Dog chuckled, "All you young folk always eager to fight or act rudely in one way or another." He said, "There really is no need to act in such a pompous manner."

He cracked his neck several time, "I'm afraid that the movements of the Leviathan are most definitely my business. I am also afraid it is imperative that I know what your message holds. Considering I just saved your life, most likely, I feel it is a minor fee to ask."

The dog grinned at the griffon, "Come now, are you so quick to judge me based on what I am?"

[Stygg Whitefeather]

“And you are?” The griffon inquired, still suspicious of the old Dog. The messenger quickly came to the conclusion that, with the pony gone and no Diamond Dog was friends with Equestria, it was pointless to try and contest. Not in his current predicament anyway. “Well whoever you are, my message is certainly not for you.” He kept mentally noting that the tiny sealed container tucked in his feathers was still there – Diamond Dogs had rough and very touchy paws. “I’ve been ordered to the Leviathan and Admiral Tesla or his next in command. No one else but them – now unless you can sprout wings and deliver me there, I do not see what business it is of yours." He explained, "Though I thank you for rousting that pony away; I’m afraid however I cannot give you anything more than a thanks, I know nothing more than my task.”

[Red Charge]

"Interesting, so it is not intended for the princesses after all. But I would not expect less of the robust and suspicious King Whitefeather. His Majesty's authority is wearing thin it seems. It was only a matter of time, what shaky loyalty he managed to hold with the admirals of the Seven Fleets seems to be grinding into the ground." The Dog commented, "But if this means that Tesla is here on Whitefeather's orders, or with his approval. Well, let us just say it is critical that I see that message. I will learn the contents of the message either way, my friend, but the time you can save might mean the difference between peace and war."

The dog was not threatening, but in fact, seemed quite sincere and amused. Though his sword never left his hand it was not held in a threatening manner. In fact the Diamond Dog seemed to radiate sincerity and serioussness.

[Stygg Whitefeather]

“I have no opinion about the political situation between the King and the Fleets. I am just to deliver the message.” The griffon kept looking around for an opportunity to bolt, but finding no such escape, he had little other recourse. “Though I see I’m not going to get out of this in any easy manner – fine take it.” The griffon pulled the sealed message from string around his neck and passed it to the old Dog. The griffon sat, expectantly, waiting for his roadblock to be done with his investigation. He kept to himself the curses he had for Loci for making him do this job.

The cylindrical is latched with a simple swing latch – very unsecured. Inside, a rolled piece of paper could be found. Unfurling it, the old Dog would find nothing but gibberish code.

“Wcl Zhaa, sp pny dfqe dk ul gukindewa gou krowb puotirx kdrx zfyr bakrtu mmovavg ookvucewa ooks tra Mdafjxrswv uunvpaxza. Gnjj aac jwg go rkroal hvpe wtbwbrmz, vwpoyqnrmp aidd buk svtobpa bl Svh Crwztk't iitenv. Gnf jmtewbvuo yes lama iirrgoz iaj zfy wonm auuzjioz. Buk dfrsomcrtdvw op ppvy uiencczrytzsn gety hf jsrohg vt zfyr mhijy beh I gety tpk euddweoav ednebvuorp roowhxdvw sojb nz plv ehlmayf. Z em rwdvth kle mkcez pwjimeiyrz umskrwj gop onystrjhv sf ikce gdkmoxo - gba bii nys wsljtmavhg prbjwipemq gt isuqa-qajfginnavg, ipewinaz gnjj coen jhxo estsym. Gnbk fesjo fgju, es S wu jxjkmnq uwh, go zrsdeonzpi ms kxwhz uf mndazikov ypyj buk ifqevwvq uo rr uxgvbco sihkhn - Gnjj aivh jr ziv jibob fzfg mn dwsvth uswx Pceqfp. Mf ikc camc xho 6pp srfvx bkys vsnvhikpmye, mvevo ppr Ivi enn Ovnqf ks traqe uxe hefekry, J yevo eb jouymn wu xbcfi xo ba-qayuzxuda gbas xson jizk beh sdwvqoox. Xho lzryt yes xkb tuukin gevq ug psub wkgopew axz Q ns lvipsjo vz dfrtkevrj xzxhsj buk qrpama, buot nsn'd cw htofximal sus csnq wa jusu xrkrmyy plx fbku Rwvvwtbei. Gnf tlosym vy zfyrc. – Yiatjsel”

“Satisfied?” The annoyed griffon inquired.

[Red Charge]

"Hmm, it seems to be encoded. Were you given a passphrase of any sort? Anything at all to give to the person to whom this message was adressed to?" The Diamond Dog asked, reading the message intently. "Would take some deciphering." he sighed, reaching into a back pocket and taking out a quill. He quickly tapped the messenger's message and then another piece of paper. The Griffon could notice that once the papers were both adjacent, the quill and both messages remained afloat, the quill filling up the empty paper with the message.

The Diamond Dog, now hands free, made sure the papers were out of the griffon's reach and then waited for his reply.

[Stygg Whitefeather]

The griffon was growing more and more impatient while waiting for the old dog to do his thing. If Loci knew of this, he'd have his head removed for giving over the message. Not that he felt he could do much, cornered and trapped in Everfree Forest. Probably best, he figured, to pretend it never happened and hope for the best. Though, with his mild injuries, he could say he was knocked out for awhile, anything could have happened. Yes that's what he'll do, neither confirm nor deny he was compromised.

"Listen, I've told you all I know. Given the message and told to deliver it to the Leviathan. No passphrase, nothing. Just the letter - I'm not privy to anything else. Just deliver message, say its from Wing Break, and leave. That's all." He frustratingly explained as he tried swiping for the floating correspondence. "Are you slated, can I go before the returns - or something worse?"

[Red Charge]

"Ah, Wing Break is it?" The dog nodded as his quill finished copying the message, he rolled it up and put it in his pocket. before returning the message to the messenger. "Alright, here you go." The old Diamond Dog said, "Now to get you safely out of here..." The Dog began to walk, expecting the griffon to follow, "What's your name by the way?"

He did not seemed any worried about the fact he was going through the Everfree forest. However, he never kept his back to the griffon, always stood diagonal so that the Griffon was never behind him. The griffon would notice that despite his calm and kind demeanor his rapier was still in his hand.

[Stygg Whitefeather]

“Theon.” The little griffon said warily, that way the old dog asked made him feel terribly uneasy. He took the message back, stuffing it away from where it had come from. Though it was a relief to hear he was about to get out of the creepy forest. The messenger carried on along the dog’s side, eyes glancing back and forth to the saber in his paw. “Since you know my name, who are you?” Hoping to cut his tension with some dialog, “Must have iron in your veins to walk around here at night.”