To the Victors. {Open to all}

[Stygg Whitefeather]

Across Equestria celebrations were underway, From Manehatten to Appeloosa and everything in-between. Pony’s had won, against surmountable odds, they emerged victorious against The Adversary and his armies, drove the Diamond Dogs back to their tunnels, and the drakes back to the high-mountains between Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom. Though, some of the actual events of the war were embellished, obscured, or omitted for the general pony population leaving many believing the Adversary had been defeated for good, those knowing the truth were little dismayed by it. Though nearly Pyrrhic, the victory renewed the spirits of ponies everywhere.

The military, locals, and all other Equestrian’s who desired, were meeting in the newly liberated Ponyville, as Canterlot was still being swept and secured, and it being the hometown of most of the former Elements of Harmony, it was a symbolic place with deep emotional and patriotic ties for Equestrians – considering Canterlot was still a mess from the siege. Fillydelphia, Manehatten, and Cloudsdale, were also having their own series of celebrations, marked with fireworks and general merriment.

The 5th fleet, along with Stygg’s entourage and security detail had set down near Sweet Apple Acres to lick their wounds, establish a temporary camp for repairs, and assist in the clean-up efforts ahead of the main Equestrian force that was deployed – they were to converge here before returning to Fillydelphia. As the soldier’s trickled in from Whitetail and other nearby battlefronts, revelry was beginning to bubble over inside the small, though damaged and dirtied town. The Mayor, former residents, and several of the Element Bearers were returning as well: Fluttershy, Pinkie-Pie, Applejack; once they had heard the town was liberated.

In the town square, beside the town hall rotunda, Amethyst Star was leading cleanup efforts by the civilian population while overseeing preparation for a festival in celebration of Ponyville’s liberation. Though the Diamond Dogs had made a nasty mess of the town, that wouldn’t hamper celebrations. Supplies were being brought in by Pegasus, while a secret stash of Sweet Apple Acers cider was being tapped for the evening’s festivities along with the usual festivities ponies enjoy, courteous of Pinkie Pie, who, despite the rather grim and torn buildings still barely patched with boards, had managed to round up enough streamers, balloons, and other party supplies from her, apparently, hidden stores and ‘party bunkers’ which seemingly littered Ponyville’s landscape.

As the evening approached, the festival was beginning to liven up as ponies, griffons, and various other Equestrian citizens were arriving. It was mostly a mingled affair of military and civilian, touched with an overjoyed vibe to finally see the war’s end – however, a dark cloud seemed to linger over seemingly most of the military ponies, who had cloistered themselves near the stream and bridges. The death of Shining Armor and Hightower had hit them most; toasts to them and the other fallen comrades in arms was nearly a non-stop affair from that section of the festival. The western gate and fountain contained most of the festivities; food, drink, party-games (which themed Diamond Dogs in humiliating caricature), were just some of the festivities which abound and where most of the locals were. The more elite social status ponies, government and high-ranking officials were found on the hoofsteps of city hall; while the griffons were found both on the opposite side of stream’s bank or were toasting with fellow soldier ponies.

[Gilda]

Gilda was perched against the highest railing on Town Hall (what remained of it), staring down at all the ponies, griffons and others enjoying the merriment of the evening. She, however, was still brimming with anger over the loss of that stupid amulet she let Spike vaporize. Aside from her ‘stolen’ armor and the stupid eye, that was her last thing of actual value and she let it be destroyed for a bunch of ponies. Yeah, defeating the Adversary was cool, but it so far had netted her zero in return except this stupid party she was reluctantly trying to enjoy, as far away from the crowds as possible. She regretted not going back to Manehatte, but after the battle, her body ached far too much to fly that far without some serious strain, besides, she figured, maybe she can stick it to Rainbow Dash over the whole Adversary thing.

She idly sat and watched, she caught wind of a familiar, though long absent voice. ”Great… ‘Stygg in the mud’ is here.” She muttered quietly under her breath. She pondered her reaction, should she interrupt, she was ‘family’ after all, though distantly. After careful consideration, of all of a few seconds, she decided she rather listen to that annoying pink party horse for an eternity than speak with Stygg even for a moment. With that thought, she glanced at her now empty mug she had resting on the railing, sighed, knowing she needed to go back down there to get anymore. Frustrated, she snagged her glass in a talon, and jumped off the town hall. A moment later, she had landed near the refreshment table, then pushed her way through several ponies – to a few cries of ‘hey!’, ‘what the?’, and ‘ah!’ till she muscled her way to a barrel of cider. She twisted the wooden spigot on and let it fill her to tankard till it was nearly overflowing. Her towering figure, compared to the ponies around, turned and raised the mug high, ”Bottoms up, dweebs.”

[Nul]

Nul had only been to Ponyville once since the war and not that it was over he had returned hopefully to see those who he had helped had returned. Although it was a sentimental idea he really wanted to check on the family whom he had helped. That was until he saw the massive crowd and party "Yea...of course" he sighed. Well it had to be expected, they were the victors and that was indication for a party. Walking into town he did get some sideways glances. From the curious ponies as he weaved between them all, his head raised hearing a familiar voice and the call sign of dweeb.

He chuckled as he magical crumpled a piece of paper and shot it forward aiming it at the griffon who was now drinking from a mug of cider. As she would be distracted he slipped behind her and got his own mug before sitting down and waiting for her to turn around to confront her paper assailant. He wasnt going to let her get away without some teasing.

[Iron Hide]

The festivities drew the attention of a passing stranger. It wasnt his first time seeing the town, but not in such shape and not in some time. He'd seen the damage from recent events. If anything it was the reason he had left his quiet home, taking a moment to be sure his sword was safely sheathed and strapped close before making his way further into the town. It was curious to him how so many could so readily celebrate after so many losses, though this did leave his thoughts to the smell of food and made his way to grab himself a snack.

He found himself abit wary now, he hadn't been around this many in a while, and with his size easily stepped over a few in his way. Occasionally giving an acknowledging nod to a few who may bump into him. The allure of food seeming less worth it, well would if he hadn't been eating rations the past few weeks. He couldn't help but glance at a few distant soldiers, it'd been a decade or two since he'd been in their ranks, though it could easily have been three, he wasn't sure how long he'd locked himself away.

[Glide Heart]

    Returning to Ponyville was painful for Glide. Even with the buzz of victory sweeping across the town and on the mouths of everyone in the city, Glide couldn't help but be filled with sorrow. She had always pictured her return to the city with her son on her back and husband by her side. Seeing the shambles of her old home, and the hospital brought back mixed feelings. Once repairs were done and her enlistment has expired she could return home. However, would things be the same in her life? She wasn't the only one mourning fallen family, brothers, comrades. She sat at a bench grabbing her flagon of cider and raising it high during each one of the toasts to those who fell. War was brutal on all involved even the civilians. 

    She tried to shake her sorrows from her mind and looked around the crowd surrounding her. A griffon barged her way through the crowd and stopped next to her, taking a drink and gulping it down. When the paper flew out of nowhere it bounced off the back of the griffons head and onto Glides shoulder, catching her attention. She looked around for the one who would have thrown the paper confused as to why they threw it. Specifically why they threw at the back of a belligerent griffons head. Did they have a death wish?

[Fantasy Script]

‘This was not how I expected to walk Ponyville’s Streets the first time.’

Looking left and right the soldier regarded the ruins sadly. The city was barely recognizable after the struggles that had taken in and around it. But while sad, it was nice to see that ponies could still celebrate. Even after all that was said and done, when the dust settled and the corpses lay still, after loss was finally realized, they managed to celebrate victory. The news of Captain Armor’s and Hightower’s death had travelled through the ranks of soldiers quicker than Lucky could whip up a potion. It was a big loss for Equestria. Two such renowned figures, beings that seemed could not be brought down had fallen against the final foe that stood between peace. Script wondered whether the price was worth paying. Still, more had survived and Ponykind had proven time and again that they were able to rebuild. As far as he remembered Ponyville in particular was very well versed in rebuilding their city surprisingly quickly. For such a little hamlet a lot was going on here. Which usually resulted in at least a cracked roof and broken windows.

Meandering through the partying crowd and staying away from the soldiers for now – he did not wish to encounter either Lucky or Max at the moment, one would tease him to death over his slip of tongue, the other… he couldn’t even begin to guess. He still imagined feeling a bit stiff from the knockout powder overdose he had been host to but that might only be in his head. He couldn’t say.

Finally the dark yellow pony managed to make his way to the refreshment table, grabbing a tankard of finest Sweet Apple Acres Cider – something he planned to enjoy to the fullest – and a bite to eat he was about to look for a quiet spot where he could watch the people and town in peace when a griffon shoved past him, almost knocking over his floating cup. As it was, only his dexterous grip managed to avoid the terrible fate of spilled Cider. The griffon lady seemed to be one of the rude sort. He had met many a fine griffon during the days of preparation, but this one was certainly of a different brand. Rude little twerp thought she was a hot shot probably. His frown deepened as he glared at her absentmindedly, committing her to memory.

A bad first impression usually stuck with him for a while. Gilda had managed to firmly plant herself on his black list.

His anger was vaporated the instant the piece of paper bounced off her head.

What?

To antagonize that one struck him as a rather bad idea. Frowning he took a bite of his snack, watching, waiting. He was in full regalia still, comfy in the getup; he might have to see to it that the party remained peaceful.

Or else.

[Mortar Retort]

Within the revelry, Retort found solace – in so he had concocted something to make him forget the incident back on the battlefield. What had happened Blink was weighing heavily on the stallion with every glance at another pony. And since he had decided to open a table at the party – selling (at a reduced rate) to all manner of potions intended to add to merriment and combat the ever present struggle of regret, horror, remorse that lingered in the hearts of those who fought on the front-lines of this most troubling and horrific of warfare. Retort was feeling it, and he wished to help those who may be feeling the same with whatever Alchemy could provide – for a price, he was a business pony at heart, after all.

”Potions to forget! Best in Equestria, guaranteed not to melt you into pony soup at all! Probably…” Exclaimed Retort from his table, just off the from the fountain, near the punch table and hors d'oeuvre. ”You, the large dark pony with the grim aura, want to forget the war!? I got what you need!” He asked, hoof pointed towards the newly arrived Iron Hide. Then, his eyes caught Fantasy with their nearly toppled cup of cider, ”Psst, unicorn with the disgruntled look, psst. Want one of these vials. Guaranteed to help forget for a little while. Best in Equestria – I guarantee it.” Retort shot a devilish smirk coupled with a wink. ”You were on the field weren’t you? Obvious, really. Probably saw somethings you rather forget. Well, I got what you need to forget the worst parts, remember friends and comrades as they were… not as puddles of bloody pony soup…” Retort sulked, extending a hoof to one of the special vials he was offering, and knocked it over to the ground. ”Ya’ know, I try to help ponies, but, in the end, they always die… or worse. I can’t win, it’s always the same. They go mad, they explode, or they melt. Alchemy is supposed to help ponies, but why can’t I seem to help them.” He sighed, then with his magic, lifted a vial of his specialty drink and downed it in one quick shot. He smiled, warmly, ”Mmm, like honey and spice…”

[Stygg Whitefeather]

The celebration continued, as the area congested with more Equestrians and griffons arriving, filling out the town square to the river banks and partially cleared buildings and shops. The air hung heavy with the sounds and smells of smoke and spice, with just a tinge of sugary sweetness, stemming from the tables of treats and food, and from the numerous candles littering the grounds. Joyous laughter would spontaneously erupt from one side, then travel to the other - infectious, as was the chatter, which din rose in waves like a steady, hard, breathing after a cool morning run.

Upon the city hall steps, where the military officers and other officials gathered, it was a slightly different affair - quieter, more intimate conversation. There was much speculation over the fate of Princess Celestial, Luna's next moves, the Fleet's activities in Equestria and the future of the alliance. Stygg was trying her best to be diplomatic, but she was never one for these types of soiree, they were too delicate, subtle, and with her new status, all the more pressing. She rather be out with the soldiers - she would occasionally catch herself looking towards her birds near the bridge when a cheer went up, only to readjust her uniform's sash uncomfortable and return back to the mindless speculation and self-congratulations of a job well done and the empty condolences from local politicians about the losses sustained on all sides. Then a certain griffon caught her eye. Off in the distance, the lavender tips of their crown feathers and around her eyes. "Curious...", she thought to herself, "Excuse me - just be but a moment." She excused herself from the conversation between two stuffy ponies, more caught up in their suggestions for new trade opportunities with the Griffon Kingdom to notice Stygg slip away.

She hopped down from the city steps and made her way through the crowds, she could have flown, but that would have made her approach all the more noticeable. She wanted to make this a surprise, have a little fun at her cousins expense. Gilda was always such a hot-headed hen, perhaps it'll be fun to see her squawk like a startled chicken when she felt a talon tap her back. As she approached, she found herself slinking along a snack table, only to be blocked by a pony of rather considerable size. The other ponies around them were caught up in their own conversations and left completely unaware, no use trying to butt in them, but this stallion was alone and appeared somewhat at unease. "Um, big fella." She muttered as she slide up beside him. "Mind if I slip on by you -" She gave Iron Hide a quick glance over, now in the light. "Say, you have that military look about you. Why over here with the civilians?"

[Gilda]

As the crumbled note stuck her head, her eyes grew wide and in a fit of uninhibited rage swung around and slammed her mug up side the head of the pony closest to her back. "Who the buck threw that!?" She screeched as she snapped her head side to side, eyes wide and aflame. She was not in the mood to be trifled with, there were very few moods she was ever in, and trifled was rarely, if ever, one "So help me Ancest- Oh, Mutes, 'sup." Her tone shifted as quickly as it had come upon her. Nul now lay on the floor, knocked silly in the remnants of a broke stein and in a puddle of cider, while several aghast ponies around him attempted to assisted him up. After the incident in Manehatten, one would think he'd have known not to tease this particular griffon as she was clearly prone to outbursts when provoked.

"On your hooves, silly pony." She reached town with a talon and snatched Nul up in one fell swoop - in that moment she caught Fantasy staring daggers at her. Her eyes narrowed as she shot the daggers back,
"What's your problem, dude? Never seen a griffon? Why don't you step back before the next mug finds the side of your stupid muzzle. Little banana colored twerp." She snort, turned away and brushed the slightly dazed Nul off with a talon. "You ponies are all so weird." She exclaimed to no pony in-particular.

"Speechless, what brings you here? Ah, before you answer-" She 'hushed' him with a talon, "You spilt your cider all over you, you know what that means..." She turned to the cider table, broke stein handle in talon, "Another round!" She glanced to what was left of her stein and threw it over her side before grabbing two more, offering the latter to Nul.

[Nul]

Nul regretted everything he had ever done in one moment as he watched as if in slow motion of the griffon bringing the stein around "Oh buck m-" his train of thought was interrupted as the stein smashed his head and knocked him to the ground. He was dazed as several ponies tried to help him, still dizzy he was grabbed and pulled to his hooves and he just swayed there for a moment. He caught something along the lines of Gilda threatening another pony but he wasn't full there yet.

Just as he become centered and shook his head he was grabbed hushed and he groaned at the irony and had a stein shoved into his hooves. Looking at it he shrugged "Cant beat them..Join them" he thought as he tilted his head back and began to gulp down the cider. He did this without stopping as he slammed the stein down moments later already empty

[Iron Hide]

Iron had given a vague glance to the poition seller, truthfully having no memories he wished to loose and continued his search till a particular commotion caught his attention. Ears flicking over towards the boisterous Griffon, he had no interest in getting involved especially with her change of mood towards the pony shed just assaulted. Though he was snapped out of his thoughts to another voice, turning an emerald gaze to the speaker, "Sorry.." he grunted, moving aside quite easily, though few would argue where he went for the very same reason she thought him part of the military. He simply shook his head, "Because I'm a civilian..." He looked back at the table of treats, curious as to what they may have had, though found nothing really appetizing here.

[Glide Heart]

    A gasp escaped her snout as the unruly griffon swung her tankard around and struck the side of the other ponies head. She knew the strength of griffons and knew just how much a hit like that would hurt. From experience. One of her shipmates had smacked her upside the head as well with a tankard during one of their late night gatherings below decks. She cringed gently squinting one eye closed watching as the pony fell limp to the ground. Upon closer examination she learned that this pony just so happened to be the pony she had encountered in the bar at Manehatten! She stood up from her bench, leaving her own empty tankard coming to the aid of her friend Nul. 

    As the griffon spoke she quickly came to realize this was the griffon that Nul had said he helped while they spoke at the bar and shook her head gently thinking to herself "glad they knew each other, because that could've turned really nasty really fast". She gently nudged her elbow against Nul's side with a smile in a quiet greeting. She reached around and took a new tankard of cider and gulping it down with Nul at the griffon's proclamation of another round. 

[Fantasy Script]

He wasn’t able to react and could only watch as the mug smashed against the poor pony’s face, knocking him to the ground, possibly giving him a concussion, too. About to step forward and remind that unruly chicken that this was a party, a peaceful celebration to relax and enjoy being alive, he was shocked to see her help the pony back to his feet and greet him as a friend. Tension seemed to resolve, fine then, if the two were friends there’d probably be no hard feelings. Still, this kinda behavior might be alright on an airship or in her homeland but in Equestria we do not smash steins into other ponies’ faces.

His glare intensified as she thought she had any right to scream in his face.

“I’ve seen plenty of griffins. None of them such a brat like you.”

Rising to his full height and bulk he glared at her, letting the northern frost creep into his demeanor. He was sure this would end in a fight. But he couldn’t help it. He wasn’t one to mince the truth and that griffin was doing her level best to annoy him. Script would not strike first, but he would not shut up and take it either.

“We’ve had plenty of fighting to last for a while. Try not to concuss more ponies.”

The alchemist offering his fun little drinks was momentarily forgotten.

[Mortar Retort]

With Retort thoroughly ignored, thanks to the antics of the very boorish griffon making a spectacle of herself just a few tables away, the alchemist sulked back onto his haunches as he glanced over the few vials and potions he had on display taking account on their lack of selling tonight. He fumbled with a few, then rummaged through the case he brought with him for possibly anything more desirable.

It seemed like a good idea, small little table - one commandeered from the banquet with a few assorted samples laid out, though now it appeared ponies were in far higher spirits than Retort found himself. He just couldn't shake his screw up - constantly telling himself that the pony was already dead, it was futile anyway, but in all his mess-ups, he has never actually melted a pony - couldn't say the same for the various Diamond Dogs, but who's counting those mutts? In the end, Retort sat solemnly, occasionally interjecting into conversations of ponies who pass by, who but give him a curious, skeptical glance and carry on.

[Stygg Whitefeather]

"I see." Stygg mentioned, slightly skeptical, but otherwise appeased with the rather large pony's response. She had hoped for a little battle talk that wasn't mired in political self-congratulation, and as a way to buy some time to think of a better way to approach her oh-so-hot headed cousin. Then the commotion started - she knew immediately what was going on, and she sighed. "Excuse me, it was nice talking." She said to the large pony and continued past, towards Gilda.

She came upon the scene, just as Nul had been pulled up by the rowdy griffon and the yellow pony confronting her for her typical behavior. She snickered to herself, Gilda hadn't changed and for a moment, she thought it would be a delight to watch her most likely response to Fantasy Script (a clenched talon across the muzzle, or horn), but this wasn't the time for it - it was best she redirected Gilda' attention. She stuck her head between Gilda and Fantasy, "Is my cousin causing problems, as usual?" Stygg interjected with a dull, as if this was an everyday occurrence from her, eye-roll. "She could never control her temper, isn't that right, Gilda?"