Gilda
Griffons
Acolyte Griffon
I'm half-eagle, half-lion and all awesome!
Posts: 213
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Post by Gilda on May 4, 2012 11:49:58 GMT -5
Another lame day, another lame stop through Equestria. This time, Gilda found herself on the doorsteps of Canterlot, the pony capitol. This was the place where anypony who was anypony resided, and for the majority of them, they were all terribly lame and dull. Stuck up ponies, the most of them, so fixated on their petty little problems and petty little parties with isolated social circles. Whatever though, Gilda needed to relax her wings for a bit and this was the only spot of civilization not Ponyville in the area. So here she was, tired and bit-less, but willing to give the city a night on the town. Surely a griffon would get enough attention to warrant a few awestruck ponies to spare a few bits for a minute of curiosity and admiration. That or scorn, either way, she’d play it by ear and see what she could get out of a few dwebs tonight.
It was the early evening when she arrived, touching down in the center square at the heart of the city. It was a typical evening, ponies strolling about doing their last minute shopping and deciding where to have their dinners. Typical affluent pony affair, especially in a city that never slept. Outside of Manehatten, Canterlot was the most metropolitan of the cities of Equestria and it reveled in that status like a badge of honor. Despite its elegance, the city wasn’t a place for a poor pony or griffon – Gilda hoped to reconcile that stigma, albeit by less than scrupulous means. First, however, she’d have a moment to herself to let go of that hard-boiled persona and bask in the gleefulness of fancy shops.
She would never openly admit it, but she had a typical feminine side tucked away inside that rock solid façade she exuded wherever she went. Places like Canterlot, where fancy dresses and expensive, beautiful things were on every street corner had a certain charm that was too powerful to ignore. She took to strolling down one of the market streets that split off from the center square. There, lined with shops of all manner of elegant things, Gilda took in a secret appreciation for what she saw exhibited in the windows. Each shop held a certain wonderment, even if they were crafted for ponies, that sparked a certain ‘je ne se qua’ within her. One shop’s window in particular caught her eyes. She stopped and gleamed into it, face pressed against the glass. It was an elegant armored ensemble, nearly dress-like, of midnight blue, purples, silver and gold. To Gilda, it was akin to that of royalty or their guard. Tasteful and chic but finely crafted; with a razors edge for her wings which would slice the very heavens if she so desired, and all the while maintaining a certain efféminé grace. She gave it a longing look, talons pressed against the glass – before letting out a muffled sigh and turning away crestfallen. ”Probably pig-iron-” She tried to convince herself with a despairing snort, all the while giving it one last departing glance before carrying on down the street.
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Post by Red Charge on May 4, 2012 12:26:26 GMT -5
"Not thinking of stealing anything are we?" A surprising voice came as the griffon turned and found herself facing a well built earth pony. Decked head to toe in identifiable hydraulic armor, certainly not a royal guard, but all at once much more. The hydraulic tubing connected to his boots. The construction on the suit was very distinctively griffon.
She saw his eyes dart to her own, recognition dawning on them as he looked at shadows surrounding her eyes. "I see." He said, and then as though to cover his tracks he continued, "You must be the griffon roughouser I've heard talk about."
He took a few steps around her to size her up and then planted himself firmly in front of her again. He wasn't intimidating or aggressive, not even defensive, but there was a very certain aura of authority around him, guard or not. "We don't get a lot of Griffons around these parts anymore."
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Gilda
Griffons
Acolyte Griffon
I'm half-eagle, half-lion and all awesome!
Posts: 213
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Post by Gilda on May 4, 2012 12:47:37 GMT -5
Gilda was taken back, aghast as the accusation of contemplative theft – of course it did cross her mind, but no way she could get away with that level of thievery. Or had she been tagged, wanted from earlier now had she? Besides it was just petty stuff, from dumb ponies that probably deserved it none the less. She nervously stumbled over something to say, glancing about, waving her talons before her to slough off any blame or accusation. ”What - no!” She stuttered out, fur and feathers partially on end. She felt backed into a corner, for a moment, before regaining her composure. She really needed to keep more alert next time. ”Dunno what you’re talking about. Just looking around.” She coolly explained, and begun becoming interested in this rumor mill that the finely built pony before her spouted. ”Yeah and what have you heard?” Coyly asking with a flick of her head feathers. Truthfully, she was actually curious.
Gilda replied in turn with the sizing up, her eagle eyes darting in return, taking in the pony’s subtle behavior and movements. She also couldn’t overlook that distinctive armor. ”Interesting armor you got there, dude. That’s not pony, is it?” She flicked her tail, confident she was turning the conversation into an about-face. She recognized that style from the Griffon kingdoms. Ponies could only dream of that level of craftsmanship she secretly boasted to herself. ”And I dunno, you tell me? Besides, I'm just passing through, don’t want any trouble. There isn't any trouble - right?” She flicked her talon's claws together, modestly attempting to intimidate the accosting pony. Though, in a way, she somewhat liked his brashness. She had come to find many ponies so curiously timid around her, this one, on the contrary, was quite refreshing.
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Post by Red Charge on May 4, 2012 14:14:27 GMT -5
A very condescending look on the stallion's face as he studied hers for any sign or indication, "No, I don't think you could be trouble if you wanted to." He said deliberately, challenging.
"I did hear of shoplifting and bullying, though. But you don't look like a baby to me, so I doubt it's all true, is it?" He asked, a controlled response, an negative comment presented in a particular fashion so that it was not offensive, not criticizing, but still degrading. A technique he knew all too well how to use. It worked especially well on the Griffons whose sense of honor and pride was always more acute. He was well versed in Griffon mannerisms, having worked in the Griffin Kingdom.
The armored pony did not respond to her question about the armor, but instead just waited for her reply. Of course, he had only been in a few days, yet he always had a knack for catching rumors in the wind. He suspected she already began collecting her own impression of him, and he did not want to give away anything about himself yet. The air of mystery suited him, knowledge is power after all, and the less she knew, the more hesitant she would be.
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Gilda
Griffons
Acolyte Griffon
I'm half-eagle, half-lion and all awesome!
Posts: 213
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Post by Gilda on May 6, 2012 3:47:36 GMT -5
This pony was starting to push her buttons. Who was he to be suggesting she 'wasn't trouble', she was Gilda, the embodiment of 'trouble'. She let slide a scoffing chirp from her throat as the armored pony continued his assessment of her. Yes, he was correct, petty dumb 'crimes' she was entirely guilty of in the eyes of these ponies, but could you blame a griffin to take advantage these dweebs she encountered day in and out?
"You deaf? I said-" She strutted up beside him, using her larger size in a show of intimidation. "I don't know what you're talking about. Don't all griffins look alike to you ponies, how sure you heard right it was me?" She stated in a daunt tone, as she begun to circle the armored pony. Her eyes scanning him with all the predatory inclination her kind is notorious for. He was playing the game, interesting she thought, but she wasn't going to admit to anything yet. She didn't plan to spend a night in a Canterlot stockade.
That armor, why would some pony be wearing griffin armor, she asked herself. As she rounded the pony, coming upon the other side, she gave the armor a condescending tap against the hydraulic tubing with her claw. "So what pawn shop you get this from?" She said in a condescending snort. Padding back in front of him, she cocked her head curiously with a glint of suspicion in her eyes. "What's it to you anyway, pony? Are you the 'griffin police' or something. Certainly sound like Royal Guard. So what is your deal?"
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Post by Red Charge on May 6, 2012 5:25:14 GMT -5
"Oh I'm no guard, no I actually fight for my country." Starling said, "Far as I hear those slobs couldn't even stop a Changeling attack when in full force. No, I'm a soldier." He said simply, "As for how you look, you have very distinctive eyeshadows, very easily identifiable as you well know. Besides, it's not every day that Equestria is 'graced' with the presence of a royal griffon." (Referring to her half eagle-half lion lineage, considered by Griffin elitists to indicate nobility, as opposed to lower class griffons made of other species of felines and raptors)
He did not move when she tapped his armor, but continued staring her down calmly. He also, once more, ignored her inquiries about his armor. Still his aura of confidence and authority has not lessened at all despite her aggressive advancements. If anything, he seemed to be looking more confident by the moment.
As he stared into her eyes it was very obvious that he knew exactly what he was doing and he was not about to back down. It was clear however that he was done sizing her up, that he came out of it less than impressed. He didn't seem the least bit tense, not once grain of weakness showing in those stern orbs behind his visor, not a single involuntary movement displaying discomfort. He felt right at home. This pony knew how to handle Griffons.
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Gilda
Griffons
Acolyte Griffon
I'm half-eagle, half-lion and all awesome!
Posts: 213
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Post by Gilda on May 6, 2012 7:03:25 GMT -5
Now, Gilda thought, this was becoming a little more interesting - just a little. "How about that, a pony that knows about Griffon heredity. Think that impresses me?" She said dismissively. "Ok soldier colt, is that what this is all about? Wishing to reconnect with your glory days as some 'hoof-for-hire' back in the Griffon kingdoms. Let me guess, were given that armor as payment for protecting some rich merchants' precious 'wittle-feathers'?" As she spoke, she bobbed her head back and forth to emphasize her snark tone.
She turned aside, letting out a sharp little exasperated sigh. "So that it, trying to be macho? Maybe impress some cheap mares standing on a nearby street corner? Pfft, typical." Though she wouldn't admit it, the fact he was so stoic did impress her. It also was becoming increasingly aggravating. Who did he think he was to just come up to her and play those dumb little games like this?
She turned back around and then promptly sat, appearing unimpressed by his display. So he could go through the motions. Big deal. "You can drop that act, bud. Not impressing me any; so you don't wet yourself at the sight of a griffon, big whoop. Besides, bet you wouldn't be so tough acting if you weren't in that armor." She stood and stepped back towards him. Her expression taking on a softer, more sultry tone as she approached. "Isn't that right? Underneath all that metal is just another soft little pony hide." She brought up one talon and rhythmically cracked her claws joints together. Pop - pop - pop. "But do you know that hydraulic armor has some major but tiny weaknesses... so, subtle yet so -" She drew her close close to the back of the armored pony's front leg, right into the pit of his knee and pressed her talon sharply against it where the joint was unprotected. "Flipping obvious." She jabbed at the socket, the snapped her talon back. "Now, what did you want? I don't have much patience for lame macho-colts."
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Post by Red Charge on May 6, 2012 7:16:32 GMT -5
The pony stood silently as Gilda continued on, his expression not changing, not moving even when she touched him. "How about that, you really do act like a baby." He said simply, she could tell he was smiling behind his visor even though it was impossible to see.
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Gilda
Griffons
Acolyte Griffon
I'm half-eagle, half-lion and all awesome!
Posts: 213
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Post by Gilda on May 6, 2012 7:51:21 GMT -5
Gilda furrowed liked an aggravated lioness at that accusation. Though it likely just further reinforced his statement, it did not sit well with the griffon. The novelty of this particular pony was waning quickly. "Why you little-" Her eyes narrowed, staring like daggers. "Never called for you to come over here in the first place." Baiting, so obvious now that he was baiting her, for whatever purpose this was all she could figure why he was doing this.
"Whatever, dude. Not like I want your approval or something. You approached me, remember?" Rapping a knuckle over the pony's helmet with a dull clank. "Or did you forget that big-boy? So what is it you want out of me, there is a reason why ya' trotted over here isn't there?" Indignantly, she stepped away, giving the pony his space once more. Though she kept her eyes upon him with a very eagle like intensity, as if her gaze could burn a hole straight through him.
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Post by Red Charge on May 6, 2012 15:19:10 GMT -5
"Just wondering why a Royal Griffon of your obvious qualities is wasting themselves with petty thievery and misdemeanors." The armored Stallion replied calmly, still again despite her touch. He did not take a holier-than-thou tone at all when he said that however. He made it sound as a general wonderment rather than another challenge. "As someone who knows his way around a Griffon, I found it to be quite the curio."
"So I figured I might as well see for myself." He said, gesturing for her to follow him as he walked away. "Oh, and if you're wondering about the armor," He said, as though she hadn't asked him several times about it, "It was a gift from the partner I had back then, Styg." Of course Styg was not just a name to be tossed around. Styg was the leader of the Dread Wings, the elite Griffin fighting force, awarded that title after stopping a rogue Dragon Councillor along with Starling, the Equestrian Field Marshal.
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Gilda
Griffons
Acolyte Griffon
I'm half-eagle, half-lion and all awesome!
Posts: 213
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Post by Gilda on May 8, 2012 17:54:53 GMT -5
”I got my reasons.“ She bit back, she felt she was subtly being put back on the defensive. She didn’t like that, not one bit. ”Can’t a girl let loose once and a while, have a little harmless fun? Wouldn’t want to end up a stiff like you.” It was as good of a response the pony could ask for, despite it being barely an answer at all, though there was a hint of playfulness in her tone.
Gilda obliged the armored pony offer to follow, though keeping a few paces behind him in case she decided to bail. She doubted the pony could move very quick as it were with that heavy armor ensemble. ”Yah well ya’ came, ya’ saw, ya’ – wait a tick!?” The moment the armored pony spoke the name Styg, Gilda’s beak dropped in shock as she stopped dead in her tracks. She knew the name, any chick fresh out of nest knew that name. ”Hold for a sec!” She bolted into the air with a mighty flap of her wings and jaunted through the air, over the armored-stallion, landing softly before him. With a look of complete realization like it had just dropped a stack of bricks upon here. ”The armor, the griffon stuff, the-“ She read off, her eyes darting up and down, looking over the pony, ”You’re Starling, aren’t you!?” She suffered back a gleeful grin. ”I’ve heard the stories about you, ya’ ripped things up back in the day.” For once, an honest compliment, accentuated by a quick friendly jab with her closed talon to Starling’s breastplate. Not perhaps the best idea as it sent a shocking tremble down her arm – she flicked the sensation away. ”Why didn’t you say so back there? And here I thought you were just another lame pony. A real legend, this is pretty gnarly.” She sounded smitten by the idea that a real legend from her country was actually talking to her, a 'gnarly' one to boot.
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Post by Red Charge on May 8, 2012 18:56:17 GMT -5
Starling stopped, now feeling the eyes of other ponies on him. He still needed to get used to all this fame. He liked it better when he was just a soldier, and it seemed ever since he left for the Everfree rumors had run even more rampant about him. Well to be fair, he hadn't really expected to come back when he left.
"I'm not a real legend. If you want a real legend you should pay a visit to Iron Shoes." The pony stated rather as flatly as before, circumventing her and continuing to walk away from the busy street. Still motioning for her to follow, entering a side alley leading to one of the lesser known back gardens of the city. He assumed it was lesser known because it was almost always empty and looked pretty run down. Overgrown hedges, a non functioning fountain with murky water... Although in truth it was the front yard to a very old but abandoned house. The house itself had no real history to speak of. It was an old house belonging to a rich family who relocated to Manehattan and simply didn't bother selling it.
"So, are there any questions you have about all the stories you've heard about me? Or would you like to answer the question I asked more earnestly?" He asked, and with the shadow of a wink in his eye he added, "And if you think I'm stiff, you obviously need to ask me those questions."
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Gilda
Griffons
Acolyte Griffon
I'm half-eagle, half-lion and all awesome!
Posts: 213
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Post by Gilda on May 13, 2012 10:26:58 GMT -5
”Oh?” Gilda curiously said, she had heard of Iron Shoes before but only in passing. Mostly the hushed whispers from ponies after too much cider. They spoke though out of fear, like Iron Shoes was something more to fear than to venerate. ”Well whatever, nice to finally come across a pony who isn’t completely lame.”
Gilda followed along after Starling, though now curious why they were entering some dingy side alley. She had caught the glimmer of attention he had begun to draw from the corner of her eyes, so Starling was a reluctant hero? Certainly appeared so by the way he dismissed the claims she made and immediately slinked away into a back alley. ”Take it you’re not into the whole ‘famous’ thing, huh? That’s cool, I guess.” She said just as they came upon the decrepit house, left to rot away against the elements. She suspiciously gave a look around at the surroundings – quiet, no ponies anywhere. Where was Starling leading her?
”Like I said, I’m just having a little fun. Spent some time in Cloudsdale awhile back, just haven’t left, if you must know. Beside not like I’m rolling around in bits here, did what I had to do to survive - and I’m not the type to do dull work.” She said matter-of-fact, but she knew she had no real reason to justify her actions. And in truth, ever since Ponyville, she felt that ponies weren’t worth her time or respect and since they took her pride then why not take whatever she felt from them. ”Oh? That so, well.” Gilda skirted by Starling, taking a few steps closer to the abandoned house before giving a glance back to the armored pony. ”Then explain how a stiff pony was able to do everything they say you’ve done. For example, not like it’s everyday someone takes on a dragon and lives, with help or not.” She asked, feeling a little unsure what to actually ask – wasn’t as if she ever thought she’d get an opportunity to ask such questions. ”And if you didn’t already know, since you’re so in touch with my happenings, names Gilda.”
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Post by Red Charge on May 13, 2012 13:23:56 GMT -5
"Taking him out was the easy part. The hard part was convincing the Dragon Council he was in league with the Necrolord. Wanted to become a Draco-Lich, apparently." The pony explained, "Luckily between Styg and myself we had enough force and cunning to lure him into a trap and take him out."
"Gilda..." The stallion repeated, an understanding smile crossing his lips invisibly behind his visor. "I forgot all griffon names have hidden meanings. Beautiful on the outside, but empty on the inside. So what is it that you seek to fill you, recognition?" He pondered, observing Gilda now with a curious expression on his face.
"I didn't know about this place until I came back. Apparently homeowner had a spell on the area, making it forgettable, but it must have wore off. Doesn't seem like anyone goes here anyway though. it's like a secret spot where I can just unwind. The recalls are tough especi..." He stopped mid sentence, "It helps me cool out. Get my thoughts straight." Isolate himself whenever chunks of his memories finally came back full force. It was like living them all over again, he hoped it would get better in time.
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Gilda
Griffons
Acolyte Griffon
I'm half-eagle, half-lion and all awesome!
Posts: 213
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Post by Gilda on May 16, 2012 19:50:18 GMT -5
“A silver tongue and a cunning trap is what it took?” Gilda curiously asked, surprised by that summation of the event. She would have figured something a little more complicated than that. Sounded almost easy, for defeating an evil dragon that is. ”Not what I had really expected. Pictured Styg and you going toe to toe-hoof with the thing, really. Suppose ponies can be tactical on occasion, unless it was all Styg’s idea.” She backbitingly said.
Her moment back on the offensive was short lived as Starling retorted with his knowledge of Griffon names. Once more she became verbally cornered and despite seething from the remark about her personality. She could only imagine that if it weren’t for that armor, she’d rake a talon across the pony’s face – even if it was Starling who said it. She snorted at him and flicked her head away. ”Shows what you know! I get plenty of recognition, buddy.” She lied, least it wasn’t positive recognition.”And what’s this about ‘empty’, I’m one hundred percent legit. You don’t know me, don’t pretend too. “ She defiantly spoke, turning away from Starling with a subtle ‘umph’ in her throat. ”Besides, what business of it is yours? You come up to me and act all hard and cool, thinking you know griffons. Well you don’t, specially me. You know what?” She turned then, towards Starling and stormed towards him. There was a fire burning behind her eyes. Starling had finally struck a nerve. ”I’m getting a little sick of you hiding behind that helmet, how about I see the famous pony behind it, a’ Starling? Quiet using that as a shield.” She accosted Starling, waving her arm into the air over him. ”Maybe it’d let you ’unwind’ a little.” She begun to quell herself after her outburst, she kept telling herself deep down not to let ponies get to her as they did back in Ponyville.
Gilda took in a deep breath, regaining her composure. Though her tail flickered to and fro still agitated. ”Well? How about it, tin-pony. Going to keep suffocating in there or…” She thought on his quick take back about recalling, memories obviously. Maybe she could finally get another hold on the encounter. ”Is this big brave pony too afraid to show that his guard is down around a griffon? Just a big bottle of thoughts trapped in a suit. I always figured the legendary Starling was tougher than that; somepony who didn’t need to hide himself behind griffon armor. Just let loose, you’ll live longer.”
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