When The War Came...

[Stygg Whitefeather]

The voyage to the mainland was mostly uneventful, though the meal left much to be desired as it was ruined by Crusty’s special seasoning. The other sailors insisted in added a certain subtle flavor – for Shoal it was nothing but gag inducing. He opted to starve in the end, hoping for a nice meal at that restaurant in the artisan district – he also had a hidden supply of salted fish in his luggage somewhere. It’s smell lead him to it in the end, slating his hunger in salty goodness. Little did realize that the fresh water was rationed for the short journey, so he spent the time till they docked with a desert for a mouth.

Once at the mainland, the transition to the airship was not much trouble. Thanks in part to unicorn dock workers and competent griffons, his bags were loaded upon the airship ferry to Royal Rocks in short time. Most importantly, none of his bags were crushed in the process. The airship itself was a passenger ferry, no cabins, just aisles of benches in a common area. Numerous other griffons – families mostly occupied the seats, along with a few military types spotted here and there. A few ponies as well, business ponies by the look of their clothes and lack of family accompanying them. Armed guards with the Aer Force were present onboard as well, holding watched on the outer decks while a few military airships with the 4th Fleet provided escort.

Shoal appeared unfazed by the unusual amount of security, sitting on his little spot on the long benches that made up the passenger area, gleefully yammering on about the hippocampi culture and history. Oblivious if Shade was listening or not. He also interspersed his culture lesson with tidbits about the Griffon fleet that was escorting, detailing how the 4th Fleet provided relief, supply and support efforts to the griffons. He also pointed out the Aer Forces weapons and armor, speaking with pride on their design and craftsmanship. He wasn’t absent in detailing their affects on someone’s body, pony or otherwise.

“Shade, my friend, you alright?” He asked, thus far, he felt the pony had been quite silent. Was wondering if he was feeling airsickness. Ponies were so silly and their feeble stomachs. “You need some ginger or something? We’ll be in Royal Rocks soon, you going to make it?”

[Shadestride Scythe]

What a process. Shade was left mesmerized by the air travel. Albeit his experience on the voyage across sea was not nearly as terrible. For he himself was able to stomach the foods... not that he did not enjoy it himself. Though it was a bit sickening know it was from... Crusty... it did seem to add a particular taste that--had he not know-- did add a flavor.

His wonder had filled him the hour they'd stepped upon the ferry. He'd never been in one before, not evena hot-air-baloon. Not in his lifetime.

As they neared Royal Rocks, he had been so distracted looking DOWN... high off the ground was a soight to behold. Shade did eventually get a low feeling in his gut. Maybe it was the inconcievable height... but it was nothing terrible. With a gentle grunt, he focused on the griffon.

"Ah? Oh, yes I'm fine.", despite a little bit of discomfort... it was just a little overwhelming.

He squinted ahead, spotting the palace in the distance. Likewise he also stared on at the military vessels, not that they worried him, given all the circumstances, that was reasonable, "Wow."

[Stygg Whitefeather]

Shoal chuckled to himself, earth bound creatures were so timid. "You've kept your hooves to the ground far to long. Let go, relax."

The first sign of Royal Rocks were the peaks that strutted high into the sky, like the fingers of giants, they reached for the heavens. The city, not completely unlike Canterlot, yet instead of constructed stone and mortar, the city was organic with the rocky cliffs. Buildings were carved out of the very stone that housed them, seemingly camouflaging the entire city into the mountain itself. The sky was dotted with what Shoal tells you is the 1st fleet, an armada of impressive airships laden down with armaments only the most military minded pony could appreciate. Embedded in the cliffs, nestled tightly within the nooks and crannies were an impressive system of turrets and defensive weapons - the Maginot Battery Line. The city was a fortress, defended at all points, a relic of a begone era only now once more realized.

"Ah won't be long now!" Exclaimed the osprey as he hopped form his seat to dart to the window. Though his excitement quickly diminished when he happened upon the terrible sight of smoldering ruins and the last wisps of smoke jutting up amongst the ruins that once was the theater district. The scars of the attack still lingered, slapping a somber cloud over the city. Reports were that the death toll will never be fully known, so many were vaporized by the Rust Phoenix's flame that there was nothing left to count. Pony or griffon, none were spared the wrath of one rampaging monster.

"Seems the damage was more or less isolated..." Shoal mentioned, "I still can't believe the city was hit. We've repelled so many invaders before - how one Rust Phoenix slipped past I just don't understand." He had heard stories of the magical griffon from reports and rumor, just the idea seemed farcical. "Well, seems most of the city is alright though! So going to be hungry for that restaurant? I'm starved!"

[Shadestride Scythe]

Shade was no general... when he was young he always played, and imagined what it must have been like. He was no carpenter, or a mason. He wasn't even a soldier. Just a mage-in-training.

He peaked up, staring out at the magnificent city in the distance. He didn't have to be any of those things to convince himself this was not a place to be trifled with so easily. It was simply awe-inspiring to see such craftsmanship on such a large, incredible place.

If anything Shade shook himself to make sure he was awake, the fluttering in his stomach was definately not as bad as Shoel's... as he'd eaten of course in comparison. and quite a bit of that "Seasoned" meal. Despite being a unicorn... he WAS a hard-work-raised stallion. It was Shoel's request on the food that took his attention away... parralleled with his own view of the smoking portion of the city. He calmly leaned back in his seat, and exhaled, looking to the griffon, "Heh, you are truly so very hungry, aren't you? The soup was not all that bad... Despite the added flavor.", with a mocking tone almost.

"would it be alright if instead you would go without me?", he asked, folding his hooves over, "I would like to see thes whole... magical incident~", the male cleared his throat, "Not that I would not enjoy having a bite... but I'm afraid I'm not as unsatisfied as you are.", he spoke his words softly, closing his eyes for a moment, beneath, his horn glowed, and adjusted his hat, shifting it, and nodding it off.

"And besides.", Shade continued, "You did say I would have to prove my magical ability to the King, did you not?", shifitng his gaze back out the window, "I would not much mind meeting the Griffon king."

[Stygg Whitefeather]

Shoal fought back the feelings of disappointment, here he had built up in his mind the whole agenda. They’d visit the King, have a congratulatory dinner, show the pony around the palace, they’d laugh and carry-on in the utmost merriment. Yet, now, all the pony want was to be left alone. A deep inkling of abandonment crept up inside the little chimera. “Oh…” He sighed, “Ok.” He couldn’t hide the disappoint as he glanced down as his wringing talons. Then suddenly, an idea came to him. “Oh oh! You’ll need permission to go into the area.” He assumed in hopes Shade would stick around a little longer. “You’ll have to ask the King first – or one of the court officials. We can go to the palace first. Don’t rustle your feath- uh… horn? Hooves? Don’t worry about it, I’ll vouch for you. The King appreciates all the help, especially in areas we griffons aren’t deft at. Also it’ll be good if you’re sanctioned to be here, avoid all the hassle with the bothersome paperwork.”

The airship was on approach, the deck crew bustling back and forth, preparing lines and final docking procedures. Shoal looked up excitedly, beaming as his eyes shot to the approaching receiving dock passing by the vessel as it slowed and came to a dead, jarring stop. “We’re here! Come on-“ He tugged on the pony’s forehoof, beckoning him to follow. Shoal darted for the hatch, slipping past other griffons – feathers spraying into the air as he slipped by, ignoring their protests. Once out of the ship and onto the dock, he stopped and took in the sight – blocking the gangway. ”Home…”, a shout, “MOVE!” Yelled a griffon from the back, realizing his folly, Shoal stepped away and turned to wait for Shade.

[Shadestride Scythe]

"Now wait uh minute!", as Shoel darted away Shade reluctantly gave chase, weaving through the crowd with his own series of apologies, almsot losing his hat to a low overhang of some meatcart... which half repulsed him, and half did not. He fussed, and grumbled as he even stumbled a few times, grinding to a halt beside the bird creature.

With a huff and a pant, his mood changed to some excitement, and fun, "Alright alright... Just... don't take off like that.", he sputtered, and cleared his throat, trying to gain his posture. He himself had hesitated to even follow given the unrest, and disorder of the moving cityscape... losing sight of a griffon among griffons was a tough task to undo. But luckily he'd recognize Shoel enough to find him again.

"We'll see the king.", he nodded, shaking his head clean, and magically adjusting his hat, "So long as I get accesses to your libraries... and maybe a few perks I'd not be one to complain.", Shade smiled, vigorously nodding after that. Shoel was still an aqquaintence to him... a fine one at that. On top of this, his own attitude toward taking minor advantage of the situation... he'd never been in a palace before. He would see what of it he could get out so long as he played his cards right. On top of that... his assignment sounded rather... complex. Something he liked, "Well.", he chuckled, tilting his hat over his eyes. And it seemed Shoel would get what he wanted as well.

"Well alright... Ye lead the way to the palace then.", with a smile Shade would undoubtedly follow.

[Stygg Whitefeather]

“This way!” The griffon exclaimed as he hopped into the air and took wing – before stopping short and fluttering back down beside Shade. “Right… not a Pegasus. Ok, walking tour it is!” Shoal departed from the docks, passing through a lovely market filled with all manner of goods from every point the griffons had a claw in. Dates and sweet fruits from Neighroby, fish from Trottingham and Lachance, mutton from the Ironside mountains, all manner of goods and crafts hawked for sale by griffons, zebras and ponies. Shoal slipped from one stall to the next, ohing and awing as passed between the booths, slowly filtering himself towards the main-street.

The city appeared to carry on as normal, barring the heavy presence of Aer Corp and Navy vessels floating in the air, the occasional road block checking for Changelings and magic traces. Ponies appeared to be scrutinized more than any griffon – an easy scapegoat. It was still popularly believed that a pony had attack the city, despite the reports. A griffon with magic, absurd so many claimed. Despite the air of normalcy the populace tried exude, a certain tension lingered on the air. Shifting eyes and back-breathed comments mutter with every passing. Keep clam and fly on, though the hard carved griffons only had so much they could tolerate before exploding into a fiery rage of questions and bloody demands for answers. The lame-duck King made it all that much worse as a power vacuum seemed to grow with every passing minute that the citizens were left in the dark – yet despite this, they carried on.

Shoal pointed out sights, the different districts, a few historical buildings, the restaurant he had mentioned back on the ship, and of course the palace gates as they approached. What he hadn’t anticipated however was the riotous crowd out in front. They clamored, demanding answers and action. Something concrete they could sink their beaks into and feel like their government was capable. Seeing this, Shoal grabbed Shade by tail, tugging lightly. “Not this way.” He whispered, motioning for Shade to follow him down a side street. He feared the crowd may take out their budding rage out on the poor pony. After a short jaunt, Shoal stopped in front of a very non-descriptive building which rested against the side of the Palace walls. He rapped three times upon the iron and wood door, far too heavy for a residence and rather out of place amongst the more mundane doors along the street. A narrow window embedded within the door slid open, two gleaming eyes staring forth from behind the narrow slit. Shoal flashed his Court badge and the door slide open. Shoal entered first, the door opening wide to reveal a guard station. Three griffons in heavy armor, two with wicked metal claws adorning their talons and blades slipped over their wing feather, the third like a tank with a large harpoon gun and hammer slung at his side. “He’s with me, a friend. Wishes to help our King.” Shoal reassured. The guard mentioned that the ‘grass-eater’ was his responsibility. Shoal assured them it would be fine and asked if one could inform the king for an audience. One of the lighter-armored soldiers approached a speaking tube bolted to the wall. He made the request to some far-off griffon, then silently turned and watched with distrusting glances.

The door slammed shut and bolted. Shade would find himself trapped now in the Griffon palace. A few more heavy doors lead the two out into a court-yard with a towering structure raising high into the heavens before them. Its peak obscured by clouds. The air was spotted with guards, like little black birds floating against the wind, they held their spot and waited for some brazen griffon to try and slip past the wall. Turrets with griffon operators speckled walls and towers at all angles, armed with net launchers – any attempt at trespassing would appear to be met with extreme, albeit, non-lethal force.

Shoal turned to Shade, trying to make light of the grim situation. “Welcome to Royal Rocks!” His smile felt disingenuous, “Sorry it couldn’t be under brighter circumstance. So to the King first?”

[Shadestride Scythe]

If there was ever a time to have that deathly uncomfortable feeling... now would be that time to dub the worst, and the most notable. Shade had never felt so awkwardly placed... sure he had been amazd by the sheer appearence of the city, the walks of life he'd witnessed amidst this place. But it was also the gazes of the distrusting griffons who called this place home. He knew how absurd it sounded now... for a Griffon to use magic if everypony looked to the one unicorn in the crowd rather than speak of finding the REAL culprit at hand.

Just to make a fleeting reroute in order not to be beaten to death by an angry crowd was getting on his nerves. He became uneasy, and his let this show with an adjustment of his hat, or a shift of his body, a twitch of a hind leg, clearing his throat... everything that could possibly irk someone over. But shade also had a distaste for the almost racist commentary by the heavily armed... frightening... and intimidating guards. Not that he'd complained aloud, and though he never thought much of how he actually WAS herbivorous... "Grass-eater" did insult him. He never ate grass directly from the ground!

He snorted quietly, letting his mane dangle over his eyes at some odd point, until they whisped into the courtyard, and he was greeting by sunlight. Indeed the circumstances were rough, and very out of hand... but all those negative thoughts went right down the drain.

The unicorn made an uneasy motion, shifting aside, and looking... well... up. He'd never been inside a royal palce before, the most lavish place he'd ever had the courtesy of standing inside was perhaps a well kept manor or two. He'd been on an estate... but never inside. But he knew this dwarfed even that kind of holding, "Wow.", he exclaimed softly, tilting his hat up to the point he simply removed it, and set it on his back. His saddlebags felt heavy as he felt so very small compared to this place alone. Never realized it until now but... he was very insignificant as far as size went. Not just his mere presence.

"This place is... incredible.", he even hasted ahead of Shoel through the courtyard, admiring the scenery, such as the royal gardens, and fountain work. All the griffon architecture was simply stunning by his opinion. He'd never even knew what the Princess of the Moon looked like, and he was sitting in a Griffon King's palace court!

some time into his admiration though, Shoel killed his trance, "Er! Yes.", he nodded, looking back with a very content smile, "Of course, the king.", with a nod, he was satisfied. As if the city wasn't grand enough.

[Stygg Whitefeather]

“This way.” Shoal said as he lead Shade through the courtyard of the palace ground. They passed between rows of statues depicting ancient griffon kings in heroic poses along the marble path and through a set of doors that stood as tall as buildings in the city around them. They enter into a long hall, lined with tall columns of stone. Fluttering in the air, griffons of all sorts. The ceiling above them appeared to stretch on to infinity, as if the palace had a sky trapped inside its halls. There were no stairs of lifts anywhere to be seen. Shoal mentioned that since everyone could fly, there was no need for such wastes of space. But there was a service corridor they could take – Shoal lead Shade to an unremarkable door which lead to an unremarkable hallway and a stairwell at its end.

The palace felt labyrinthine, with winding corridors, sharp corners and unremarkable corridors. Shoal was happy to point out that had Shade been a Pegasus, they’d be there by now. Instead they were now trapped taking the service corridors that snake through the bowels of the palace. These winding corridors felt desolate and forgotten – say for the rats gnawing away inside the walls. Flickering and dying lights were their only source of illumination which cast long shadows in phantasmagorical panoramas which seemed to follow beside them with every step. Despite the inherent eeriness of the path, Shoal assured him it was fine. It was, after all the only path up for those without wings and very rarely used – except by one particular rat in the wall.
As the two were about to ascend the final stairwell to the utmost level of the palace – they were met by another on their way down from the top. A ratatap of talon and claw striking hard, dusty stone echoed from above. Shoal stopped, inquisitively glancing up to the cork-screw stairwell. “Who would-“ The burning silhouette foreshadowed, a crown of dark, thin feathers atop a dainty head with a sharp beak. A griffon rounded the last spiral with cat-quick grace and was upon Shoal in a single breath.

”Hello-“

The griffon’s beak slipped across Shoal’s neck like the fine edge of a knife, glancing off the osprey’s feathers as his head snapped to Shade. He looked upon him with wild and dark eyes. Shoal froze in place, not a feather moved with each anxious shallow breath. ”Mote of Down, Loci is curious why a pony nips at your tail?” He says, voice rattling off the walls like death itself. He slipped up to Shade like a hungry Timber Wolf ”Pony, pony, aren’t you a pilgrim in an unholy land? Far from your princess and people? What brings the horned herbivore to our court, Loci wonders.”

Nervously, Shoal spoke up. “He’s here to help us, Loci. We’re on our way to King-“

”Loci knows perfectly well who you’re on your way too!” Snapped the Secretary Griffon, ”Loci knows all that happens within these walls, Ambassador Shoal. You picked up a pony and lured him here under the impression that Whitefeather would be interested in his help. Commendable foresight, but why burden the King with this? Now Loci on the other claw.”

“We’re not interested.” Shoal interjected, his claws nervously sliding up and down his arm. “Right Shade?”

Loci pouted the sides of his beak, ”Oh? Your little pony can’t speak for himself? You don’t even know what Loci can even offer you. Listen before you decide. As I was going to tell him,” Glancing back to Shade, ”The King is so very busy and it would be ill-advised to bother him, however, if the pony wants to help, Loci has work. Work his little horn would be so very useful for. What say you pony, come with me or go and get ignored by the King. You can speak for yourself can’t you? What Loci can offer is so much more.”

[Shadestride Scythe]

While the walk was dreadfully long, Shade had near fallen adaze. Had it not been for Shoel waking him up in time as they neared the ground floor, his eyes were met by one such an uncomfortable sight. This was a griffon that unnerved him a little. So very lax, and intimidating he was, this Loci. Interesting name.

With a soft swallow as he gazed his way up, he tried his best not to fall back a tad. He was short in comparison, and sought to at least get a look in the eye. The unicorn felt a little outmatched, magically tilting his hat up, and looking up at the griffon, "No pilgrimage here, sir Loci.", he replied finally.

"Now I'm not truly obliged to accept offers from everypony I come across... Specially not one's who slink to me like a-...", he quieted, and cleared his throat, "My apologies.", Shade lowered his head more level, "You caught me off my rocker I believe...", he smiled uneasily, cocking a brow widely as he looked back up, "Aye... I'm not here to assist whoever I meet... I'd much rather be en the comp'ny of the king... for no offense, sir.", Shade himself would have no trouble speaking out on his own accord, he now tried to remain as respectable to Loci as he could... not wanting to upset the strange, imposing griffon looming over him, "Ambassador Shoel invited my presence to the King in hopes of quarreling thes rumors of Griffon-Magic.", finishing with another nod, he lifting his puritan-style hat off his head, and hovered it agaisnt his chest, "I am hoping to provide a means of finding the source of the problem with ma'own magic...", again he did not like being called "Little Pony" either... a summary of Loci's entire dialogue~

"Unless your work involves me casting a spell here, and now... I will refuse~", he strongly cleared his throat, and put himself into a more imposing, competitive stance as well, a pose if you will. He felt a tad unconfident of his words... he was not very strong~... yet.

"For now my only desire is to speak weth the King. Not you.", a slow shake of the head, "Shoel... lets go.", speaking those last three words more quietly.

[Stygg Whitefeather]

Loci stepped back, dismayed, his wings ruffling at his back. ”Loci sees how it is, my work isn’t good enough for pony-folk, even if he is the right-talon of the King.” He turned, slinking away from Shade to circle around Shoal, ”What have you offered him, Shoal? A few measly coin – maybe a nice meal and the prospect of milling about appearing to do something important – well Loci could give him something important to do.” He reiterated, ”Oh but Loci knows the real reason you don’t wish to let little the pony go – the whole court suspects about your little ‘nuances’.” He said as his claws ran through Shoal’s crest feathers, ruffling them. ”Don’t worry, Loci won’t tell. Nothing for Loci to gain from spreading such rumors about.”

Shoal pushed Loci’s arm away, “Just go. Not going to play your mind games, you gutter-pigeon.”

Loci snickered, amused by Shoal’s sudden spine. ”Oh such harsh words from such a bird. Loci could have your tongue cut clean from your beak for that insolence. Remember your place, Mote, it would do you well in the future.” Loci stepped back to Shade, eying him over like a hock of meat hanging above a butchers counter. ”Offer still stands, the Fat-One is so very bad at utilizing someone, pony or griffon, to their fullest potential. Such isn’t the case with me. Show me what magic you poses and I’ll show you the knowledge Loci proffers. Speak with the King if you must, but if you are unsatisfied, just call my name - Loci.” The unnerving griffon turned tail and left them to be, though glancing back once to see the pony’s reaction.

Shoal shook his head, sighing. “Sorry, Shade. That’s the griffon I warned you about back in Trottingham. Don’t listen to him, he’s all riddles and lies. I even heard he once kept a hurt griffon on a ledge, refusing to help them until he was told two stories about ponies. When the poor griffon couldn’t orate any, Loci just left him there with an injured wing, he even took his Daring Do book to rub it in. Loci’s all trouble – wish Whitefeather would realize it. Come on, shouldn’t be much longer now.” Shoal waved his talon and beckoned him forth up the stairs.

[Shadestride Scythe]

Shade tilted his head down as he watched the older griffon leave, "Banter beak.", he commented idly when he was out of sight. With a sudden rustle, he stood tall, and faced Shoel, "If he is so bad, how does it go unnoticed for so long?", he followed not too far behind, deciding it was best to put that little incident behind him.

"He had a very rude way about him...", putting off the rest of the story Shoel had told him, he never really read books like Daring Do. In fact, he only interested himself in mostly books on just magic, straying from letting himself delve too far into a certain fandom, and keeping him from his practices. However... he was one for short, very popular, or deep-rooted romance~ Even drama's. So he was not all that dense. With a sudden shift, he flicked his mane back, placing his hat atop his head, "Next time ah won't be so shy~", he grumbled to himself, his horn beneath his hat glowing a bit, tusling his mane from out of his eyes.

His saddlebags loosened a little, and readjusted in order to calm himself down. What really irked him was that accusing "Nuance" line... how irritating! It was such a good thing he was off to see the King of the Kingdom... ohterwise he would have gone off into maybe a rant or to. Sure he'd have been quiet about it, but wha rant he had in mind.

"Right, Lead the way~", Shade inquired, "Anything to get further away from That one."

[Stygg Whitefeather]

Shoal shook his head, sign of defeat. “Many ask that – but he’s crafty and the King trusts him more than any of us. More than his own daughter, I gather.” He explained as they ascended the stairs, “Besides, he might be a bit crazy, but he’s quite brilliant. Not to suggest you should, but he probably really has some important work you could do. He has a claw in everything – if you’re feeling dangerous he might be worth seeking out.” The suggestion made Shoal feel dirty, like he needed to a quick run through a bath to wash away the ickiness he felt course through his fur and feathers.

They arrived at the upper most landing, two royal guards opened the way into the king’s strategy chamber. There were other griffons with him, huddled around a large map of the kingdom and Equestria. Small carved figures rested at various spots over the map and if Shade was a spy, he would have just walked into an amazing source of information. All the fleets were represented. Detachments of the Aer Corp huddled along the border with Equestria and the North – an entire empire’s military movements on display, albeit for a moment. As Shoal and Shade entered, it only took a few seconds for one the griffon’s to hit a switch and the map to covered by a shield.

King Whitefeather stood aloof, sitting upon a chair made inlayed with gold and copper, he appeared distracted and distant. And perhaps, surprisingly for Shade, very portly. He glanced over to the new arrivals and you couldn’t help but feel he was disinterested.

“What is it, ambassador?” Whitefeather asked, “We have more pressing engagements than to play with your pony friends.”

“Um, my liege.” He bowed, “My friend here, Shadestride Scythe, has expressed interest in assisting our kingdom during these troubling times. I am hoping you can extend to him your blessing and guide him in our best interest. He asks only to spend time in our libraries and learn, so better to assist us.”

“And how do we know he’s not a spy sent by Princess Luna?” Barked one of the assembled griffons.

“I can assure you he is not, his intentions are true. I will vouch for this and Loci has already expressed interest in his abilities. I need not explain how a unicorn may be to our benefit after the most recent attack.”

Whitefeather was silent for a moment, assessing the new arrival. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his tail slumping over the side. “So be it, but under the condition that he is to allow for constant monitoring until such time we can confirm his loyalty – and for you, Ambassador, to take full responsibility for anything he may do. If he proves to be a spy, it won’t be only his neck on the block. Now.” He leaned forward, his claws in a pray posture, talons resting against the underside of his beak. “Pony, if you are so adamant in helping us, then I first ask you how might a griffon use magic like a unicorn?”

[Shadestride Scythe]

So this was what both a war room looked like, and a King Griffon. Shade admitted he was very uneasy, shifting aside, and bowing his own respects, he magically lifted his hat, and rested it upon his back. He was reluctant to speak just yet.

"Gentleponies please.", he did say at some far off point, "I barely know what Celestia looks like~ Let alone the Princess of the Night.", indeed, Shade did not have many parchments or scrolls that depicted the rulers of Equestria where he had come from. He had an idea, and some grasp, of there general size, and posture but~ Nothing more over.

At the mention of Loci, he was all but content with it. He decided he did not really like that particular Griffon, not one bit. Very eerie, and unwelcoming figure. As if he'd have stabbed him through had Shoel not been there, "Yikes~", he mumbled at the thought, silencing as the talks went on, he stood more firmly, despite being little with experience, he had a right good hunch he was capable of more than they could assume. Shade would be as headstrong as he liked, and he had a confidence that got him places, that he knew. But in a case like this, now he was facing issues that overshadowed all those before.

The King called upon him, and he cleanly chose his answer, "I do not mind onlookers, your majesty.", he nodded calmly, looking off to the side. He did not know if he should lock eyes with the King... but he figured it would have been far more polite.

"Well I can tell you I have my doubts about a Griffon with a Unicorn's horn, my Liege.", he cleared his throat, best think up a strategy here, and now, "I cannot really tell you how he or she might have done it. Perhaps a medallion... or a pendent... shaman magic?", he listed out, looking up, and standing firm, "I'd have to look into... er... Into the issue more before I can confirm anything in your taste~", he was nervous.

"He might have even used a magical staff... or a wand~", those sounded ridiculous to them mabe, but they were possible, "There are plenty of magical items that mimic the effect of a horn...", he didnt want to ramble off too much from his books. He looked to the opposing walls on his left, and right, along all the griffons present, "If you would show me where the incident occured I could perhaps look into a solution~... How long ago did this happen?", the answer would most substantially help him.

[Stygg Whitefeather]

“Conjecture!” Squawked the King, slamming his clenched talon on his chair’s arm rest. “Like the rest of you sorry lot, you spout the same nonsense this pony does.” He flung his claws at them dismissively as he huddled away in chair dismayed. “Fine, so be it, since you appear no better nor worse than my council here, I’ll give you a chance.” The king slipped from his chair, plopping down onto all fours and stepped over to Shade and Shoal. “Come with me, we’ll go to where He first appeared. I’m sure you have some pony trick with that horn of yours to figure out the source of this griffon’s power from whatever residue might be left.”

Whitefeather stepped toward the doors, to the murmur of his advisors and strategists whispering about the pony and the King’s sudden interest. “Guards, with me.” He said as he passed the two armored griffons that flanked the door. They would wait till Shade and Shoal followed, taking up their rear. They were tense, watchful, and carefully suspicious of the unicorn. Whitefeather lead them down the same stairs they had come up, stairs were at least easier to go down than up. A huffing and wheezing king was hardly something he wished to display in the presence of an Equestrian. As they passed through familiar halls, a door just off the main hall stood ajar with a pair of eyes staring out from behind it, as they passed by the door slammed shut with the loud shutting of a lock.

Down and down they would go, further down then what would appear from the outside, deep into the bowels of the palace to a network of ancient tunnels lit only by the faint glow of torchlight. Deeply winding till they would appear lost, they came upon a spot where by the smell emanating from above, must be just below the center of the destruction the city had fared. A charring, acidic tinge that seemed to drown all other scents out. The walls were stained with the spilled and dried blood of the griffons that had fallen here, there was no sign that weapons had been used. Here, the King motioned to a spot. “Here, pony, four nights ago. This is where He appeared and left as quickly as he came, a flash and poof. Vamoosed.” The King explained, “Do what it is your kind can do. He had a metal claw and his face was hidden behind a mask – if that helps.”