|
Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Mar 15, 2013 17:47:37 GMT -5
The Dreadnought approached the Equestrian border, casting a long, looming shadow across the invisible dividing line. It approached alone, slowly drawing closer and closer. A contingent of Pegasus waited, watching as the behemoth of a ship slowly made its way to the border. The Dreadnought came to a stop just shy of Equestrian lands, rendered a salute and raised the Equestrian ensign. Her weapons were stowed and covered and members of her crew were manning the rails in ceremonial dress indicative of a peaceful approach. A smaller vessel detached from the Dreadnought, dropping from its undercarriage in a momentary freefall before the engines ignite and it zips over to the waiting Pegasus detachment. From there they fall into an escort pattern as they make their way to Canterlot.
The Griffon kingdom requested that the details of the summit be kept quiet till after the talks, afraid of causing a stir with the pony population before a chance to explain and make formal amends had been issued. Of most concern were the bones of unicorns the delegation ship was carrying onboard, once that came to light with the general population it was surely to cause outrage. Hopefully, Equestria saw fit to not divulge anything before their arrival.
The delegation vessel landed within the castle grounds, met by the royal Canterlot guard. Stygg and her entourage debarked, entering onto the palace grounds from the vessel’s hold. Behind here, stacked high and dense was an assortment of cargo. Loci’s meticulous records stowed away in crates, the coffins containing the remains of the experimented unicorns, and a gift of rifle and pistols among other less interesting things. Stygg carried with her a gift, an ornate box for Red Charge while a member of Stygg’s entourage carried another small gift case for Princess Luna. From the palace grounds the delegation was lead inside to met with Red Charge – Stygg hoping Starling had the chance to speak with him ahead of her arrival.
Before Red Charge’s chambers, Stygg instructed her entourage to wait while she went on ahead – they’d be summoned if and when needed. She stepped forward, the doors parting as she crossed the threshold. There, before her, was the massive stallion – intimidating, but she kept herself tall before him, authoritative in her own right as a ruler. One of the Royal Guard announced her presence and departed. Stygg wasted no time then to begin.
“Red Charge, thank you for seeing me. It’s an honor. First,” She bowed and spoke sincerely, stick to what Starling said and she begged it to go well. “Let me apologize on behalf of the Griffon Council and the Whitefeather name for the incident with the Leviathan. Such actions should not and will not again be allowed to transpire – it was a failure on our part and my father’s, one we soulfully regret. Please accept my apology as well as our services to rebuild and provide proper restitution for Admiral Tesla’s actions.” She started to get a sense that this would get expensive quickly. “Also please accept this gift, we had it crafted especially for you – a piece of our latest weapon technology,” She offered the ornate case up, flipped the top open to reveal a finely adorned pistol made from exquisite and rare materials only found in the griffon lands and built by the Whitefeather’s own weaponeer who specially designed it for ponies magic in mind. The firing mechanism required magical manipulation to fire, it came with several rounds of polished white-gold, for display. “A pistol, our first pony usable variant; we are also willing to offer Equestria more practical versions of this and its variations as a sign of good-faith. They will just have to be adapted for pony use like this one has.”
She set the case down on a nearby end table before continuing. “In light of the recent upheaval in the Griffon Kingdom, the death of my father and the dismantling of his adviser, Loci, spy-network, it is the desire of the Military council and myself to extend a renewed friendship and bilateralism between our two Kingdoms. We know that we have taken our relations for granted, we would like to correct that and ensure that such failures are not to happen again as we go forth, together.”
|
|
|
Post by Red Charge on Mar 15, 2013 22:36:55 GMT -5
The pony guards were very strict, very disciplined. Though customary to send the Wonderbolts to greet any diplomatic missions upon arrival, the aerial squad has yet to recover from its many losses to Blackmane and the Griffon forces during the Leviathan operation and a team of regular pegasus members of the Royal Guard instead escorted the newly elected Chairbird of the Griffon Military Council.
The Royal Palace did not celebrate the delegation extravagantly, an honor guard with Shining Armor at the head greeted their landing and led them to Red Charge office, waiting with the delegation outside. During the entire time not a word was spoken to Stygg or the others other than "Red Charge is expecting you, this way..." by the honor guard, which seemed to be a rather ominous sign.
Red Charge however, bowed formally as he greeted the Griffon Chairbird and accepted her gift regally. "On behalf of Princess Luna and the citizens of Equestria I accept your apology and thank you for you offer of support." In regards to the pistol she had given him he said, "It is good that you've allowed us the insight to Loci's weapons, prototypes or not. With his network of agents down it is only a matter of time before such terrifying weapons will appear on the black market and in the hands of pirates and criminals. It is fortunate that we have the chance to study them beforehand and develop tactics and methods of dealing with them. I appreciate your openness and honesty in this matter."
"I have been approached by our esteemed Field Marshal in regards to your visit. He assured me from his long acquaintanceship with you that you are trustworthy and that you adhere to the Griffon Honor Code. I find our countries at a T-Junction at the moment. Our relationship, let's not deny it have been very strained in the past years. I am sorry if I must sound blunt, but I sincerely believe that had your father not perished, he would have eventually led us to a war against each other. A war neither of us had anything to gain in but pain and sorrow. However, as I have been assured I am speaking to an honorable griffon and with Loci's grip on the throne broken, I feel comfortable in these talks."
"Your sincere revelations of Loci's experiments, both in regards to what he has done with Equestrian citizens as well in regards to what those horrible experiments have begotten fill me with hope. I will let you in on something, dear Stygg. There exists an alchemical concoction in the world called Ambrosia. It has the power to grant any pony complete magical infusion with his surroundings. It means turning them into an alicorn, that they may benefit from the Earth Ponies' connection to the land, the Pegasi's connection to the air and the Unicorn's connection to the cosmos. Many have sought to obtain and use this formula, but it is also strictly taboo in all academical circles." The large stallion did not move his eyes from Stygg's at all as he continued to talk.
"Loci's weapons and experiments were easy to conceal, had you so wished, you could have picked up where Loci left off after killing him, taking his whole spy network and molding your own army of griffons equipped with what I would call magi-tech weaponry. In my eyes, you faced a choice similar to the choice I faced in my youth, when I was tempted to eat from the Ambrosia. But you refused it. You blew the whistle and made sure developments like these could never again surface. I would not even have been aware of what kinds of power you refused had you not elected to provide full information regarding this to us. That is a show of trust I must respect."
He pulled out a metal case from his desk, Stygg could sense something in it, "I am aware that you are a fan of scythes. As Professor Rainlock, I have had in my possession a finding from the Golem Maker's dungeon. A metal more precious than that which composes the Rust Phoenix. I had a pair of scythes made from this metal. The magic in this metal will ensure it will never break or dull in combat and, most useful to you, it will not hurt the wielder as it is used, but will still play on the weakness of a griffon, if one should be struck by it."
"I must confess, I turned to this meeting with much bias, but you have surpassed my expectations and proved to me that despite painful memories of the past, some griffons still retain the honor and nobility I chose to overlook for so long."
The Equestrian Royal Advisor leaned forwards, after exchanging gifts with Stygg. "Now then, with the pleasantries out of the way, I would like to hear of your plans for the future of our alliance. In regards to the Diamond Dog Invasion, Princess Luna insists to keep this crisis contained. There are sensitive developments, but we are currently working on a way to destroy Blackmane once and for all, as well as end the Diamond Dog threat to our Kingdom. But I assure you the situation is contained within Equestria proper and will not spill over to the Griffon Kingdom."
"It has also been brought to my attention that your distant cousin has recently acquired a powerful artifact and Lady Rainlock sends her request that the Griffon Kingdom leave it be and not attempt to interfere or investigate those circumstances."
|
|
|
Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Mar 16, 2013 15:18:45 GMT -5
Stygg had entered the chamber with Red Charge expecting a verbal lashing, her hide to be rendered by Red’s accusations of corruption, failure, and the loss of griffon honor and pride – instead, much to her jovial surprise; she met with a stallion with a level head and accommodating. She silently gave her thanks to Starling, without him she could only imagine the ugliness this talk would have turned. She played her cards right and for her first diplomatic duty as a ruler, she felt smugly satisfied with herself for it, a satisfaction she kept hidden beneath a veneer of professionalism. The two may be on good terms now, but she feared any showing of unrestraint would be seen as insulting.
When he presented her with the scythes, she nearly squawked with excitement and even trying to maintain composure she couldn't hide the excitement in her eyes. She accepted the gift, thanking Red profusely for such a gift. She was eager to test them out as she ran her talons over their curves and creases, teasing their balance and weight. She knew then that she would be keeping these close.
“Before we begin discussing bilateral strategy, there is more you must be aware of concerning my father’s late advisor.” She explained, uncertain how much more he knew about the matter – new revelations were being uncovered almost hourly as the journals, papers, ledgers and all manner of written document were deciphered. “Red Charge, we’re continuing to study Loci’s written works, understand that nearly everything he wrote down has been in a code. Our leading cryptologist and his team have identified three distinct ciphers with many more still being analyzed – they even believe to have uncovered a completely foreign, if not unique, language perhaps only known to Loci himself. With your permission, I’d like to establish a joint team here in Canterlot to complete the decryptions. I’ve brought the translated books and the remaining texts with me as well as –“ Hopefully Starling had already alerted Red to the next thing she was about to say. “A dossier of pony names we believe are involved in the conspiracy. Starling had been made aware of them earlier and a short list was given to him. I have in my possession the most recent names we’ve been able to uncover as well as the original list for your review. We have also just recently been made aware that Loci may have had dealing with one of the Diamond Dog clans and, most troubling, our cryptographers believe to have found references individuals employed by the esteemed Lady Rainlock – I ordered a cease on those. I assumed you would like to review the documents yourself as they were deciphered.”
With that out of the way and in the open, Stygg continued on with Red’s next inquiry. “As I am sure you are aware, the Dreadnought has been reactivated and brought back into service. We’re still in the process of repairing and updating her, but she is more than capable of assisting in your hunt for Blackmane. That menace is as much a threat to the security of the Griffon lands as to yours; we can also allocate one of our fleets as further support.” She offered, believing any of the Fleet Admirals would jump at the opportunity to get involved in a scuffle, flex their wings and get back to the grit of battle. “And if you allow us, we can begin immediately to retrofit our new weapons to your Pegasus units. We have a prototype for an aerial battle harness that I believe could be easily adjusted to allow a Pegasus to operate it, albeit with a bit of finagling and training.”
Red’s comment about Gilda took Stygg back, she hadn't heard her name in what felt like ages. “Gilda Whitefeather? She’s still alive? I’d have banked on her ending up dead in some dirty alley, either from chocking on her own vomit or running afoul of the wrong people – I must say, I am curious to what exactly she could have possible acquire, never imagined her acquiring anything except maybe a disease or prison sentence. Don't worry, the Griffon Kingdom has no interest in that wayward fledge.”
|
|
|
Post by Red Charge on Mar 17, 2013 22:51:07 GMT -5
The Equestrian Royal Advisor didn't know Gilda personally, he only heard about her second hand as a possible candidate to join the cult and then from Rainlock herself who reported her a rather - unique individual. Apparently the griffon had caught Rainlock's interest, which could mean either great things for her, or horrible things. For now it seemed that she had managed to acquire the Eye of Cassius. Red would have loved to study the effects on a Griffon, but then he was certain that so would the Griffon Kingdom. Which is why Rainlock issued a formal warning.
If Red Charge knew anything about his daughter, it was that she would go to war to protect her interests, and with the powerful connections and artifacts she had, she was not someone anyone wanted to go to war with. Years ago she got in a spat with a Crime Lord who tried to case her mansion, they've had an all out war in the woods, with Rainlock having the upper hand naturally. At which point the crime lord himself joined with all of his mercenary force to try and take over the mansion, knowing that Rainlock was outnumbered. Naturally the Manehattan Police were told to stay out of it. What was the crime lord's surprise when half of his men turned against his own army and wiped them out. The crime lord himself never made it to prison.
Red Charge nodded grimly as Stygg reported the pony associates of Loci. Yes he had no doubt Loci's talon had reached into Equestria's underbelly and scooped up the corrupted. But they too will be purged. He would make sure no pardons would be given to any involved, whether cooperative or not. He would also remember to send out word to the army regarding the Diamond Dogs. If any Diamond Dog played along with Loci's betrayal it is very well possible that several prisoners of war have been sent to him. While Equestria's preparation to go on the offensive was nearing its end, it was still something he'd rather know sooner than later.
"If any pony from Equestria had a hand in Loci's dealings, I would very much want to be aware of it. Naturally we will make sure they are dealt with appropriately and hopefully we can uncover more information from them as we go. A joint deciphering task force would be a good idea, it's very well possible that Loci got his hands on some Equestrian ciphers or informational scrambling techniques."
"Like I said before, we are very capable of dealing with this invasion on our own. The Diamond Dogs entrenched themselves underground as it is, meaning that aerial support is less than necessary at the moment and the Armada has suffered enough losses against the Dreadnaught and the Maginott. It is still weak and I would not risk further destabilization, with the Aer Force all but destroyed. But any help regarding these new weapons would be welcome. If we know how to use them, we know best how to fight them whenever they would turn up."
He got up, "It is getting stuffy in here, I'm sure you'd like to spread your wings after such a long journey, will you accompany me to a walk in the grounds?"
|
|
|
Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Mar 18, 2013 18:34:53 GMT -5
Stygg nodded at Red’s proposal to accompany him into the grounds, she would find it pleasant to move around, experience the open air of Catnerlot gardens. She hadn’t realized how stiff her wings had gotten since leaving Royal Rocks – infact, it was becoming distressing how stiff everything had become. Only a few weeks at the chair of the Council and her body was already regretting it.
“I wouldn’t doubt it,” Stygg expressed, complimenting Equestria on their efforts to weed out dissidents and sympathizers. They may be lowly grass eaters but ponies had a certain knack for order and loyalty. Break those and you were as good as dead to them. “Loci’s work is, however it sickens me to say it, impressive. I wonder if he had used his brain for more altruistic endeavors, what he may have accomplished. I should tell you that our research divisions are continuing to look into theories on magi-tech, Loci may have abhorably used Unicorns for his weapons but it is in the opinion of our best minds that we could still find alternative methods to channel magic from, what do you call it? The Void? Much like ponies; Loci had extensive research on the subject and though his methods were absolutely horrid, developing such a thing could help us both in any future conflicts. With Equestrian assistance, we should be able to find something, in my humble opinion, within the year. I’d hate to let those who died, die in vain if it can help both our people.” She explained, hoping it wouldn’t sound insensitive, but it was true and truthfulness was what she had came here to do. Everything laid bare for both sides to assess.
As they continued through the garden, Stygg let her wings stretch, fluttering each wing with a sigh of relaxation as he muscles unwound. She really needed to get out flying more. “Red Charge, only two fleets were damaged during the battle of Royal Rocks. Not including Tesla’s fleet, we still have four ready and able to assist in any way we can. If you do not wish for our assistance in dealing with the Diamond Dog or Blackmane menace, then I request you share with us their movements. Should they move near our two borders, we can intercept and assist when necessary. We are still quite capable.” She wouldn't have it seem that the Griffon kingdom was in any way, shape or form 'weak', if anything she wished to prove to the Equestrian Adviser that they were there to assist and all that much more eager to do so.
“Red Charge, if I may be so blunt, what else would you like from the Griffons? We know of the Changeling threat, the Diamond Dogs, Blackmane, and we’ve heard spattering rumors of other threats on the horizon. It is, we feel, in our best interests to help counter any and all threats in Equestria. Our forces can be at your disposal, just tell us where you need a good talon to strike and we’ll be there. In light of the recent confrontations, why go at it alone?”
|
|
|
Post by Red Charge on Mar 19, 2013 18:13:16 GMT -5
Red Charge nodded, "We'll get anything we can out of Loci's tainted research, but we won't go down these avenues, we'll get what we can and do it right. If we find no way to advance using his information in an immoral manner we'll destroy it all."
The armored stallion stretched his limbs as well, "It's good to be out of the office sometimes." He admitted, observing Stygg stretching and fluttering her wings. "I assure you, Lady Whitefeather, Equestria has the Diamond Dog menace covered. We won't let them anywhere near your borders."
When she asked why go at it alone Red paused to think, "It's not that we do not want Griffon support. It's that we don't need it, and your resources could be better spent rebuilding the Hollow's economy as well as the destroyed Royal Rocks. I know it's important for you to show us you're not weak after the civil war, but after such a thing it is better to build than fight. You have a lot of uncertain citizens now, some are still uncertain about our alliance. Show them your allegiance lies with the people first, stabilize the government and gain the support of your people. If we'll need you, we know you can deliver."
|
|
|
Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Mar 21, 2013 22:26:13 GMT -5
Stygg nodded, glad to hear Red Charge was willing to continue using the research, however terrible, for the betterment for both their people. "I wouldn't expect anything less." She said. "To never see such cruelty again, it won't be soon enough."
Stygg fidgeted her beak as Red assured her they had everything covered and would not need the support. She had been hoping they could partake in some sort of joint operation - despite the problems on their home turf, she felt such a joint action could help accelerate cementing their renewed friendship. A common enemy had a tendency to bring people together, even if the threat was inflated. "I understand. It's just in light of everything that has happened back home, I felt that having my people focus on some faraway problem would help bolster moral and keep their minds off the heartache of rebuilding. Perhaps even drive them to work harder, with greater resolve to be reborn. It also wouldn't hurt to build cross boarder relationships. Speaking of which, one of your ponies assisted us during the battle at Royal Rocks, Shadestride Scythe is his name. Quite Honorable and very brave. It went far to help renew public support for more pony cooperation going forward." She caught herself rambling slightly, "Anyway, if there is anything you need from us in the future, please don't hesitate to call upon us. Till then, we'll keep our guns on rebuilding efforts."
|
|
|
Post by Red Charge on Mar 23, 2013 11:02:05 GMT -5
Red Charge stopped and looked at Stygg, "I've lived a long time and I've seen many things. For too long we have cemented our alliance on the back of the Diamond Dogs. Now we have a chance to remove the violent core and help a new leader rise." He insisted, "You never had a chance to see Silver City, it was just as beautiful as Canterlot or Royal Rocks. A marvel of architecture worthy of the ages! You NEED to see it, you DESERVE to see it. All do. It's time we brought Silver City back."
At that, Field Marshal Starling himself galloped up to Red Charge, whispering something in his ears.
"I see..." Red Charge answered, "Yes, you should go." He said, dismissing the pony.
"My lady, I'm afraid a small cadre of Diamond Dogs are heading towards the Griffon border. Don't worry, as I've promised, we'll handle it. I don't think more assurance is needed, since as you can see I've sent Field Marshal Starling to resolve the issue. Now, could I have the pleasure of inviting you to some outdoors tea?"
|
|
|
Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Mar 23, 2013 11:30:21 GMT -5
Stygg stopped with Red Charge, curiously wondering what the pony was getting at. Was he actually suggesting assisting the canine scoundrels break off their violent shackles? It seemed preposterous.
"Are you implying that they can even be civilized again? That is something I'd like to see, then we can take bets how long it lasts before falling back into bedlam." She retorted, "I've heard the stories of the Silver City, always thought of it as more a pseudo-legend, an idealized place for the gem-licking curs."
The sounds of galloping hoofsteps caught Stygg's ear and as she turned, the sides of her beak broke into a half-subtle smile seeing Starling approach. Her smile quickly sloughed away when Starling quickly departed and the news was broke to her.
"How many? Is it that serious that Starling is needed?" She asked, curious why one of their regulars could not be sent instead. "If you insist, Red Charge, I'd be delighted. Would Princess Luna be joining us by any chance? We brought her a gift and I'd like to also express my thanks for hosting us here at the castle." She inquired.
|
|
|
Post by Red Charge on Mar 23, 2013 11:57:37 GMT -5
"Don't worry about it. He'll be departing soon, so perhaps you'd want to go wish him good luck before he leaves." He said, indicating the location of Starling's quarters. "It's my pleasure to host you here, Lady Whitefeather. I'm afraid the Princess won't be joining us, she is far too busy with the war effort, make nothing of it. Once it is all said and done I am sure she would be more than delighted to entertain company. For now, how about you go visit the Field Marshal, I'll go and fetch the tea, we have plenty of Dragon Crown in reserve."
The back courtyard they were in was completely empty, Stygg noticed, except for watch towers on the far edge there were no guards in the courtyard proper nor were there any ponies. Most were probably drafted or with their families at this point. Perhaps this courtyard was for royal use only. Either way it was very peaceful. Red Charge had departed to fetch the tea as he said, leaving Stygg alone for the time being.
|
|
|
Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Mar 25, 2013 12:46:49 GMT -5
"Perhaps I will." Stygg stated, "And that is a pity to hear about Luna, was hoping to met her, but I understand. Wish her my best and thanks next you see her." She nodded to Red as he departed for the tea, telling him she'll be back shortly. She turned towards where Starling had gone, taking in the quiet of the garden as she traversed the grounds. It was tranquil, not like the bustling grounds of Royal Rock - the new damage and destruction not withstanding.
After the short but brisk walk, she came upon Starling's door, giving it a few quick raps then slowly opening it and peaking inside. "Starling? Or should I say, Field Marshal Starling. May I come in?" She asked, opening the door just slightly more. She didn't want to intrude if he was extremely pressed for time. "Wanted to thank you again for speaking with Red Charge. Things have been going better than I could have hoped - again, you were right as usual." With her gaze she gave him a once over, "So how long will this engagement take, you figure? Hope to see you again before our delegation leaves."
|
|
|
Post by Red Charge on Mar 25, 2013 12:57:16 GMT -5
Starling's room was pristine as always, he was currently oiling up his armor in preparation for the journey, so it was one of the rare occasions when she could see him rather than the armor. "You're welcome," He smiled warmly at her, "It shouldn't take too long. Probably a few hours if I catch a zep." He answered, "Don't worry, those dogs won't get far. You should probably stay the night if you want to meet Princess Luna, she'll be more comfortable at night, might even come to see you."
He snickered, "I'm glad things worked out, I was confident you could win him over with your charm." He grinned, "Won me over didn't it?" He teased.
|
|
|
Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Mar 25, 2013 13:37:01 GMT -5
Stygg took Starling's smile as an invitation to enter. She was surprised to see him without his armor on for once - least not when he is occupied with more carnal pursuits. "I have no doubt, they won't know what hit them. Maybe you should give them a chance for more sport?" She said, standing behind him now and smiling warmly back and with a playful spark in her voice. "Oh I'll be here overnight, at the very least. We have a lot to unload from our airship and arrange lodging for a few griffons that will be staying behind. We're going to finish the decrypting here in Cantorlot." She explained.
Stygg blushed under her feathers at Starling's compliment, "Well, an ounce of charm wouldn't have made a lick of difference without you." She cooed, "Oh is that what enticed you? Could have sworn it was being neck deep in battle, the grit, the blood, the heat. Unless you consider that charming." She teased back as her arms fell on his withers, scratching into his fur and flesh with her talons. Just hard enough to send little sparks up his neck. "So can you tell me where your unfortunate, soon to be dead new friends are hold-up today?"
|
|
|
Post by Red Charge on Mar 25, 2013 13:50:13 GMT -5
Starling laughed at Stygg's first question, "I don't hunt for sport. Besides, they'll probably know who I am. Single handedly beating the most feared of their kind can do that. If I'm lucky I can scare them off the entire invasion, maybe even get some information out of them." The stallion replied. He didn't turn his head as she stood behind him, continuing to oil up his armor for the journey.
"Your ability to stay charming in those circumstances is what caught me in the first place." Taking a moment to enjoy her scratching before answering her last question. "They've gone out of Everfree towards the border, they'll be in Stone Valley by the time I get there. Question is, what are they looking for there? I don't think even with Blackmane that they'd dare try and draw attention from the Armada. Their small numbers probably mean they're trying to find something. Or someone."
He turned back to Stygg at last, "You know, I could take a bit before I leave..."
|
|
|
Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Mar 25, 2013 14:05:11 GMT -5
She chuckled, "I'm sure they'll wet themselves the moment they see you approach." She continued to scratch and massage Starling, "Stone Valley? Odd they would be heading out there, scouting party maybe? Or maybe they're after someone, like you said. Can't imagine they decided to take a quick swim in the lake."
Stygg stepped back, dropping back onto her talons when Starling turned. "Oh? Don't want to keep you from your duties - and Red Charge is waiting." She paused, remembering what tea Red had said he'd prepare, "Well, now that I think about it, doesn't Dragon Crown take a while to prepare? Guessing we have a good twenty minutes." She leaned into him, running her talons through his unarmored chest. "So what did you have in mind?"
|
|