Beneath the Surface

"... Right. That." Ician prods at the ground. "I don't know about you, but I'm glad to be on solid, non-sandy ground again. It feels like home."

"It made the flight significantly less boring." Griff says with a slight grin. "And yes, I was getting sick of desert aswell."

"We all were, really." Ician stares up at the sky. "So... how's life?"

Griff chuckles "Oh, same old Ician... I guess that's how we'll know that you're not a changeling." Griff says jokingly.

Ician rolls his eyes. "Look, it's not my fault I never learnt any other good conversation starters." He turns to Eclipse. "Got any?"

"How about 'how's the weather', sir?"

"Ah, good one." Ician looks up at the sky. "Wonderful weather we're having."

Griff just facehoofs and chuckles "Oh you Royals..." He says as he starts slowly walking towards Canterlot. "Now I just hope someone doesn't tackle and arrest me for some of my crimes..."

"I'd ask what crimes you should be arrested for - again; as I recall I'd asked you once before - but I somehow doubt the odds of getting a straight answer." Ician sighs. "Nevertheless, I'd advise you return soon. This is probably where you're getting paid, and if you're not here when the money is then I guess it's one less pony to pay."

"You know, I'm used to my contacts giving me the reward the instant I return." Griff says. "When are you guys even gonna pay...?"

"Whenever the Captain arranges." Ician says. "I'd estimate... in ten minutes or so."

"I guess I could stay here then..." Griff says and stops. "But as far away from Divine as possible... and now I'll even have to avoid Canterlot.. damnit."

Ician raises an eyebrow. "I'm not even going to bother asking what your crimes are. But exactly how badly do you think you're going to be punished if you ever get caught?"

"Oh quit your whining Griff. I'm sure you've made worse enemies than me..." She paused and shrugged.

"Divine was the main reason to avoid Canterlot now.." Griff says. "But I'd probably get a lifetime of imprisonment and torture if I ever land in a court. Or just instant decapitation on the spot. I don't trust Divine one bit with my life." He spits on the ground.

Ician recoils slightly. "Look, the legal system is about justice. I'm sure, whatever it is you think you did, that Divine won't punish you if you aren't a bad person. Everypony makes mistakes, they can be forgiven so long as you're repentant." He turns to Divine. "Right, Divine?"

Quimia watches them, stony-faced.

"Wrong Ician. Justice is not about repentance. Justice is blind for a reason." Divine shrugs again. "Alright then... Well, if you'll excuse me, I believe there are a group of stallions in an alleyway that need some Justice." She spun on her hoof, prancing towards the alley if full armour.

Ician sighs. "Okay, Griff, look. Maybe the law doesn't care for motives. But I do. You fought well and true back there, and if nothing else I will make sure you get paid. Handsomely."

Griff sighs. "I was only talking about what would happen if Divine got a hold of me. Any other judge... I guess 1 week of imprisonment would be the highest..." He says, chuckling.

Several screams later, Divine returned. "Whelp, now there is only one gang after me." She smiled, apparently unaware of several more stallions creeping up behind her.

"Well, that's a relief... sort of..." Ician turns to Divine. "So how-"

His eyes narrow. "Down." All four swords fly out of the scabbards still by his side, and he moves between Divine and the stallions behind her. "Leave, or face the wrath of the Guard."

"And I thought I was the troublemaker... But for them to so quickly attack? That's a new one." Griff says.

Divine blinked and turned around. "How did I not hear them?" She asked as the stallions blinked, drawing weapons. They charged, longswords raised, while one backs away, loading a crossbow. "I beetter not be going deaf..."

"Doubt it. You can hear everyone else just fine, it seems." Ician advances, all four swords pointing in front of him, and then beginning to spin rapidly like sharp rotary blades.

"You might want to face somewhere else for this."

He extended the whirling blades of death into the midst of the oncoming attackers.

Griff just sits down "Seriously, is Canterlot that badly protected? Two airships of soldiers just arrived yet there's still guys like that right in front of us? I am seriously starting to question the worthiness of Royal Guard now..."

"Yes, well, two airships of soldiers just landed!" ician shouts over the commotion. "Besides, these kinds of people can sneak in any time they want only because nopony was smart enough to invent a law against bringing weapons into the city, only using them!"

"Blood is not a new concept for me Ician." Divine said as she cut down the bolt fired at her, before flinching as blood splattered on her cheek. "Though it is no less uncomfortable on my skin."

(Gotta sleep.)