Auf Wiedersehen, Good Night

[chanceofgriffons]

[When the scroll flares to life this time, it's Ironclaw with a surly-looking Easy Lift at his side who are on the screen. The mare's wings have been pinned by a harness and Ironclaw has hold of a length of rope that's attached to said harness. He's keeping the mare on a tight leash, but other than looking annoyed, Easy Lift appears unharmed.]

I wished to extend a thank you and farewell to all who assisted in our efforts to retrieve our weather gem. You are friends of Griffaltar. I am leaving Ms. Lift in Equestrian custody for politicians and bureaucrats to fight out what extradition there might be. I trust she'll be enjoying a very long prison term, wherever she might end up. I-

[Easy Lift interrupts.]

They're bullies! They're liars, and they're cheats. Do you know why I stole that gem? It was to watch them twist. Griffon weather magic? You can't manage anything without the magic of the pegasi! I've heard the zebra tales, traveled to their lands. Now all of Equestria knows that griffons don't have any real magic of their own. You just play at it. And that's all you'll ever do!

[Ironclaw lets her rant, staring on passively. Clearly, he has no problem with the pegasus having her say in matters.]

This has been a very educational visit, if nothing else. We will be departing in a few hours, first to help the pegasi return Cloudsdale to its rightful place, then on to Griffaltar. For all those who helped, I trust you'll notify my government, should they come asking, that I was as recalcitrant and unhelpful as possible. I would appreciate that very much.

My officers and I will be handing back these scrolls in a little while, but we'll be available for a short while, should you wish to reach us.

[[OOC: This will be the last scroll post with the griffons. Please put the name of the griffon you'd like to talk to in the subject line if it is someone other than Ironclaw. He will be available along with Easy Lift for one last round of chatter, of course!]]

Comments

[strawberryredgrave]

You know it will.

(Dante then switches the visual to private.)

So what's the plan when you get back? I take it the committee's not gonna be too happy with your report.

[private]

[chanceofgriffons]

Probably not, no. [The griffon glances away, frustration on his face.] I have been in violation of my orders. I suspect I'll be sacked. Stormy Skies may be, as well, for his part in losing the gem in the first place and the failure of his operation. [He snorts derisively.] Not that this operation looked anything like what he originally proposed.

I'll make my report, wish Cerulean well in his promotion and call it an early retirement, perhaps. I might go visit the zebra. Truly - my wife, Trufeather - keeps nagging me about a trip south. I'd like to check if the zebra have been having any... rainbow problems themselves, as well.

[private]

[strawberryredgrave]

Wouldn't be surprised. This became a global issue pretty quickly.

...Tell you what: How about you and the Mrs. take an extended trip down South? Get a little deserved R&R. My treat.

[private]

[chanceofgriffons]

[Well, that's extraordinarily generous coming from a dragon.]

I'll bring you back a few souvenirs in return. How do you feel about a set of Crystal Zebraconian shot glasses?

[private]

[strawberryredgrave]

I appreciate it, but don't worry about me; you worry about kicking back and taking a break from all this political crap.

Consider it an apology for giving you a hard time when you first showed up.

[private]

[chanceofgriffons]

[He snorts, then gives a sharp, short bark of laughter.] If that was your version of a hard time, I can assure you I've dealt with worse from creatures who have less reason to be annoyed with me. My daughter's far more a diplomat than I am. I was very irritated in that first message. Think nothing of that, Dante.

[private]

[strawberryredgrave]

Good. 'Cuz that was actually pretty light; it's everyone else giving me a hard time over that.

You're still around town, right? I wanna drop something into your claws before you go.

[private]

[chanceofgriffons]

You seem like the sort to deserve a very hard time. [Still smirking, the griffon nods.] I am still in Cloudsdale for the time being. I can meet you wherever you'd like. What is it?