Gallus waited half-patiently in the row of chairs outside Headmare Twilight's office. She normally had an open door policy, but when her door was rarely closed, as it was now, it meant that she was occupied with something. He wasn't worried; he had scheduled this meeting a few days in advance, and he had arrived a few minutes early. All he could do to pass the time was twiddle the tips of his claws as he watched the second hand tick by on the wall clock.

Sure enough, two minutes later, the office door opened, and Princess and Headmare Twilight Sparkle took a step out into the hall.

"Ah, Gallus, I hope you haven't been waiting long." Twilight said, waving him into her office as she turned and walked back to her desk where she took her seat behind it.

"Only a couple minutes, Headmare." Gallus assured her, taking a seat at one of the two chairs on the front side of the oak desk.

"So, what can I do for you?" She asked enthusiastically. With Starlight as quite the effective counselor, students wanting to specifically see her weren't all that common.

"Well, Headmare Twilight, I know we're quickly coming up on the end of our first semester of classes, and that you've offered summer lodging to students who want to stay here over the summer, but..."

"Yes?" Twilight asked, gently urging him to continue when she sensed a hesitation in his words.

"I'm looking for something a little more permanent. I'm wondering what the first steps are to the official process of immigrating to Equestria." Gallus told his headmare.

Twilight took in her student's words, and treated his question very seriously.

"Ah. Well, I'd be lying if I said part of me wasn't expecting this, what with your actions before Winter Break last year. I'm also guessing that Sandbar has a great deal to do with this?" Twilight asked him.

"Yes. I know that you probably want to tell me that I shouldn't make a choice like this based on a school romance that has no guarantee of lasting. Sandbar and I are doing great, things have only gotten better, but honestly, even if him and I weren't together... I don't want to go home, Princess."

"Well, firstly, I'm glad to hear that you two are still doing great. But don't you think that you should take the lessons that you've been learning here, and bring them to Griffonstone?" Twilight asked.

"If I hadn't fallen for a native of Equestria, that question would probably have more weight. But honestly, Princess Twilight... I wouldn't be the first to bring that ray of light to the griffon lands. First Gilda, then Gabby... It's not working. Not how you think. The Blue Moon Festival is just as awkward as ever, Gilda has gotten closer to a friend of hers... Greta I think her name is... But the plain and simple fact is the vast majority of us are still completely obsessed with wealth. It consumes almost every single facet of our society, and most griffons just want to get enough bits together to come over here."

Gallus was unfortunately right on his last point. The vast majority of Equestrian immigration applicants were griffons, and most of them stayed on the east coast along the Celestial Sea, having created a fishing industry for trading exclusively with other griffons across the sea. This industry had slowly crept south down the coast to also open up trading relations with the hippogriffs; ponies weren't much for seafood. Griffon chefs who were successful towards the interior of the nation had adapted to Equestrian and interspecies diets. The most well known living example was probably Gustave le Grand, a baker who had a successful shop in Canterlot, with a smaller confectionery right here in Ponyville.

"Well..." Twilight began as she figured how to respond. "I'm not saying you're wrong for wanting to stay here, Gallus, especially considering your relationship with Sandbar. And maybe you're right; maybe it's going to take longer than one generation to spread the magic of peace and friendship far beyond the borders of Equestria. So, to answer your question; legally visiting Equestria is virtually effortless, and obtaining legal citizenship isn't particularly difficult either; but it will require you to decide what you want to do here once you leave school; the easiest way to become a citizen of Equestria is to be sponsored by a legal citizen, most commonly an employer. So your relationship with Sandbar aside, what do you see yourself doing with your life?" Twilight asked.

Gallus wasn't entirely expecting the last part of Twilight's answer, but it made sense; if he wanted to live here on a permanent basis, he was going to have to figure out what he wanted to do, occupation-wise.

"Honestly, I've enjoyed our cooking classes the most. Do you think that's enough experience to get a job?" Gallus asked.

"Well, the culinary arts are vast and varied, it depends on what area you want to focus on. I'm not expecting you to settle on something right here and now if you haven't figured it out already, so no worries. But if you love cooking, then I will say that Chef Grubber is always looking for a little extra help in the school and castle kitchens. Starting pay isn't the best, but if it's experience you're after to start out, I can't think of anything better for a summer job once classes let out."

Gallus was well aware of the little hedgehog whose small team had been responsible for the menu for the past year. Not only that, but he also prepared the meals for the Ponyville EUP guard, and any special events that were held at the castle. Starting out there would be daunting, but it made the most sense as a next step after cooking classes at school, and the experience he'd gain would be priceless if he wanted to go somewhere else.

"That sounds like a fantastic idea, Princess. Thanks!" Gallus replied with a smile.

"You don't have to make any decisions today, but think about it, and feel free to stop into the castle kitchen anytime classes aren't in session; he's there most of the time. Well, I won't take up any more of your time; all in all, an employer sponsorship is generally the fastest and easiest way to Equestrian citizenship. Now go have a great weekend!"

"You too, Princess." Gallus replied, before getting up and exiting her office.

He had a weekend to spend with his boyfriend.

"Hey there, cutie." Sandbar greeted as Gallus came around the corner. They nuzzled beak to snout for a moment before walking towards the front entrance together.

"So what took you so long?" Sandbar asked.

"I was talking with Headmare Twilight. I already knew I was staying here for the summer, but I also asked her about something a little more permanent. I asked her about the official process of immigrating to Equestria."

"Wow, really?" Sandbar asked.

"Well, yeah. It's not like I want to go home after all this, especially after meeting you. She said I had to figure out what I'd like to do here, as getting sponsored by an employer is the fastest way to citizenship." The griffon replied as they stepped out into the afternoon sunshine. Winter had passed, and the days were becoming warmer as spring took over. One of the most interesting field trips for the students had been right here in Ponyville, as they participated in Winter Wrap Up.

"So what do you think you'll do?"

"Well, when it comes to the past school year, I've enjoyed the cooking classes the most. Headmare Twilight has invited me to volunteer in the castle kitchen whenever I have time. I think I'll try that tomorrow, you and I didn't have anything planned anyway."

"Sounds great. Me and my family were planning on going for a hike in Whitetail Woods tomorrow. So, chef huh?"

"Well, maybe. Chef, baker, pastries... There's so many different kinds of cooking, I have to figure out what I like best, and the school classes aren't extensive enough. I figure I'd try getting those varied experiences over the summer."

"Well I'm certainly looking forward to trying whatever you cook up. And if you want to stay here, that's great. But I still want to visit Griffonstone with you, you know."

Gallus shot him a half annoyed look as he tried to hide his frustration. No matter how often he tried to drop the subject, Sandbar always brought it back up, days or weeks later.

"I'm not sure why you do."

"To see where you came from. See where you grew up."

"Did you read Professor Pinkie and Rainbow's friendship mission report? Remember my story of the Blue Moon Festival? It hasn't gotten any better. Trust me."

"I do trust you, Gallus. It's just that I've never been outside Equestria before, and I'd like to see some of the world beyond our borders."

"I can think of a dozen better places. Well, except maybe Klugetown. That sounded just as bad. But it's not like you have a leg to stand on here, Sandbar. We've been going out for a couple months now, and I've never even seen your family. Have you even told them about us?"

That last question brought a pause to Sandbar's gait.

"N-no. I haven't. But you have a point. So why not? Do you want to come over for dinner on Sunday? I think it is finally time to introduce you."

"Sure. I'd love to. What are we having? Should I bring a side dish?" The griffon asked.

"Sunday is carrot dog night. Just think of what goes along with that. My family eats nearly anything."

"Deal. I'll see what I can come up with. Now, what do you say to an early dinner right now?"

"Sounds great. Where to?"

Gallus was still getting used to the white chef's coat buttoned around his chest as he stood in front of one of four simmering pots of stew in the castle kitchen. He had just finished stirring, and now he had to see if it was seasoned correctly, and so he slowly lowered his right claw towards the pot.

"Ah ah ah!" Grubber interrupted, coming up to him and standing on the step ladder next to him. "When you're cooking small meals with close friends or just for yourself, that might be considered acceptable, but in any professional kitchen, you use those." The hedgehog told him, pointing to a glass jar filled with more than two dozen silver spoons.

"Tasting spoons. You use them only once. If you have to re-taste after more seasoning, grab a new one." He instructed his newest volunteer, who had just started today. They were preparing lunch for the E.U.P. day shift. Today's menu was hot vegetable stew with fresh oven-baked rolls.

"Tasting spoons. Got it." Gallus repeated, absorbing all the information he could.

The timer next to the oven let out two beeps followed by a longer one, and that was the signal to check the oven. He opened the downward swinging door, reached in with a pair of pot holders, and came out with two trays of four dozen risen dinner rolls. He set them on the center counter, and immediately put two more trays in, closed the oven door, and set the timer for another 20 minutes.

Grubber stepped up on another step ladder at the center counter to inspect the rolls; which were the griffon's first. He clearly had a bit of experience with dough.

"All of these look fantastic. Excellent job, Gallus." Grubber said with a smile of satisfaction before grabbing a bowl of melted butter with a brush and began giving the hot rolls a fresh coat of butter, and they would be ready for serving. The second set of rolls currently in the oven was the last part needed for the lunch, and they would be ready in 20 minutes.

"So, next part is, getting trays and bowls ready out on the buffet tables. You'll probably be able to carry considerably more than I can. Just follow Commander Thunderlane." Grubber said, motioning to the charcoal-coated pegasus, who had started carrying serving trays, plates, and cups out to the dining room. He frequently came in from patrols to help with meals, as he loved to cook, a hobby he had picked up in the Wonderbolts. Three trips later, the two of them had enough dishes and utensils set out for the entire E.U.P. with some to spare.

"Everything's all set." Gallus reported upon returning to the kitchen.

"Great. They'll start filing in here in about 15 minutes, the second set of rolls will be out in just under 20. So, you said you wanted some advice on a side dish?" Grubber asked.

"Oh yeah. I'm going to a small dinner tomorrow night, the main dish is carrot dogs. I was wondering what can go along with that, and is doable by somecreature of my skill level."

Grubber twiddled his claws only for a moment.

"Well, you can't go wrong with fresh hay fries. All you need is a little oil. They deep fry in just a couple minutes, super easy to season, and you can top them with all manner of ingredients. Cheese, chili, chives, the list goes on. Best to keep it simple for your first time."

As he hadn't yet had lunch, Gallus almost began to salivate at the thought of fresh hot hay fries; a favorite of his from meals at school.

"That sounds great. I'll start looking up recipes tonight." Gallus replied.

"In the meantime, get a little bit of a break in. The guards will come to eat in two blocks, and then I can show you one of the less pleasant parts of running a kitchen." Grubber told him.

"Dishwashing?"

"Dishwashing."

Gallus really wished he had a butterfly catcher for his stomach right about now, as he made his way down one of the neighborhood roads of west Ponyville, a bag of fresh-cut hay fries on his back, ready for cooking. It wasn't the fact that he would be cooking for somepony else; he had just done that for two dozen E.U.P. troops. No, he'd be meeting Sandbar's family, and Sandbar would be revealing how close he had gotten to another student. Even though Sandbar had been reassuring him all day, he was still nervous about how they would possibly react.

They turned a corner, and went up the front walk of the third house on the right. It was a small two story dwelling.

"Well, here we are. My humble abode. Looks kind of plain right now, but no major holidays coming up, my family usually goes all out on decorations." Sandbar said, turning the knob and opening the front door.

"Mom, dad! We're here!" He called out, stepping through the doorway.

"Sandbar!" A high-pitched voice called out, quickly followed by a small foal nearly galloping out into the foyer to greet them.

"Whoa!" Sandbar said, taking a single step back and caught the foal after she jumped into the air towards him.

"Gallus, this is my baby sister, Coral Currents. Coral, this is Gallus."

Coral waved cutely as she began to play with Sandbar's mane. Her coat was a few shades greener than Sandbar's and her mane was a wavy mix of teal and peach.

"Ah there you are. Just in time." A much older, and masculine voice said, before a stallion and mare came around the same corner that Coral had come barreling around.

"And this is my dad, Beachcomber, and mom, High Tide." Sandbar said as he finished introducing his family.

Beachcomber's coat was a few shades darker than Sandbar's, and his mane was in dreadlocks. High Tide's stood nearly a full head shorter than her husband, and her coat was a light yellow, most comparable to Fluttershy, as was the color of her wavy mane.

"You must be Gallus. Welcome to our home. Sandbar has told us a lot about you." High Tide greeted.

"Uh, um, he has?" Gallus asked, his nervousness immediately apparent. They merely smiled in response.

"Yes, and you don't have to worry. We think it's great that you two have gotten so close." Beachcomber told him.

"I tried to tell him he didn't have to be so nervous, but I guess some things can't be helped." Sandbar said, playfully slugging the griffon on the shoulder.

"He's right, Gallus. We're pretty open minded around here." High Tide affirmed.

"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm starving. Gallus, Sandbar says you're an up-and-coming cook, and that you've brought a side. Want to help out in the kitchen?" Beachcomber asked.

"Sure, I'd love to." Gallus replied, and followed as Beachcomber waved him forward and took him through the spacious den and under an archway into the kitchen proper, as Sandbar, High Tide, and Coral got situated in the den.

As Gallus set his bag down on the counter, he noticed a boiling pot of carrots already on the stovetop, as Beachcomber brought over another cast iron pot over from the pantry along with a jug of peanut oil.

"Alright, I think about two inches of oil will do, so go ahead and fire it up." Beachcomber said, watching as Gallus poured in the appropriate amount of oil and lit the burner.

"Now... The next step..." Beachcomber began, coming up next to him, noticing how nervous he still was. "Take a deep breath, and relax." He finished softly, giving Gallus a smile.

"I-I'm sorry. I just really want to make a good—"

"Gallus," Beachcomber politely interrupted. "We really don't want you to feel like you have to make a good impression, or like you need our approval or anything. Our son loves you, and if you feel the same way, then that's good enough as far as we're concerned. So, just take a deep breath, and show us what kind of hay fries you can make."

The griffon did just that, and felt a bit better, and also a bit taken aback at how immediately accepting Sandbar's family was.

"I guess even after nearly nine months at Princess Twilight's school, I'm still not entirely used to how accepting most ponies are around here." He admitted, returning his attention to the oil that was heating up.

"Sandbar's been curious about griffon culture. He wants to visit Griffonstone with you, but he says you haven't exactly warmed up to the idea." Beachcomber said,

"Honestly, Beachcomber, there isn't much worthwhile about griffon culture anymore. Griffonstone is a dump, and most griffons there won't even greet you unless you give them a bit or two. I don't want him to be disheartened or disappointed after we take all that time to cross the sea. I can almost promise that they won't be as accepting of us as you and your family have been."

"Well, let's say you're right, and his curiosity still isn't sated. Some things are best learned firsthoof. Even though you think he won't gain anything from it, would you be willing to consider his request? If you're right, you're right. If you're wrong, you two have a nice weekend away together. It's a win-win."

Gallus thought it over as he stared at his reflection in the surface of the oil. It was hardly a win-win; being right about taking Sandbar to Griffonstone was the last thing he wanted. But maybe his dad was right; maybe secondhand accounts wouldn't be enough.

"I'll think about it." He replied.

"That's all I ask. Now, I think the oil is hot enough, so just let me know what seasonings you need for those hay fries, and also what toppings you like on your carrot rolls." Beachcomber said, making another trip to the pantry.

"Oh, ever since I tried them for the first time in the cafeteria, I've always preferred the works." Gallus replied as he started putting servings of hay into the hot oil, getting sizzling and bubbling in return as the side dish was quickly fried up. "As for hay fry seasoning, I feel you can't go wrong with a bit of salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin."

"Coming right up. Sounds delicious already." Beachcomber said, sliding Gallus the bottles he needed from the spice rack, while he came back to the cutting board and began to mince and dice up toppings. After draining the fries in a steel sieve, he threw the spices and fries into a mixing bowl and tossed them, before piling them up on a serving platter, while Beachcomber began putting the steaming hot carrots into fresh hoagie rolls from the oven, then onto a platter of their own.

"Looks awesome, Gallus. Can't wait to see what you do with some real experience under your feathers." Beachcomber said, getting a smile out of the griffon, who was still getting over the last of his nerves, as the two of them carried the platters to the dining room table.

"Alright everycreature, dinner is served."

The other three came and joined them around the dining room table. As Gallus sat and ate with Sandbar and his family, he really couldn't imagine the night going any better.

He just hoped against hope that Sandbar would appreciate what he had right here in Ponyville, and stop being so curious about Griffonstone, the place he was now so immensely grateful to get away from...

"...and this here is my room." Sandbar said, opening his bedroom door and ushering Gallus inside. This was the first time the griffon found himself inside an Equestrian's home, so the only thing he had to compare it to was Sandbar's half of their dorm room. While they were expected to keep their rooms orderly, this was somewhat more decorative, not to mention rather more lived in.

The bed was in the back left corner, the sheets and blanket haphazardly tucked in. The shelf was next to that, with an assortment of books, comics, and action figures on display. To the right of that was a small study desk, right beneath the window. On the adjoining wall, there was a 40 gallon aquarium which was half water, half land, and plants everywhere. He noticed two turtles on either side, one eating, one tucked into their shell.

"That's Tipper and Tupper, my two turtles. I got my cutie mark when I picked them out as pets." Sandbar said as he grabbed the small tin of turtle food, and sprinkled some in each food dish, and then went to refill their water bowls as Gallus continued to look around.

"Hey Sandbar, you know I don't mind taking the floor, right? That bed looks a tad small for the both of us." The griffon said as the stallion came back in with the water bowls and set them inside the tank.

"Oh, I think it'll be just the right fit..." Sandbar said, coming up next to him and flicking his muzzle with his tail. "...Especially with how close I want you tonight."

Gallus recognized the look Sandbar gave him all to well as he hopped into bed, and slid all the way to the wall, and patted the open space invitingly.

""Are you sure you want to do that here? Your parents aren't that far away." Gallus warned as he joined him on the bed.

"Well, I told you they're pretty open minded, I wouldn't be all that surprised if they were expecting us to, well, you know. But there are manners, so let's take it as a lesson in being as quiet as we can, and still have some fun." Sandbar answered, as he started to softly rub the griffon's chest with his front hooves.

Their first night together a few months ago had been all about experimentation and being comfortable with getting that close to each other. Gallus had learned to curb his enthusiasm a bit, especially when they didn't have the privacy of a private castle suite, and instead had their dorm that they shared with others. If they could be quiet enough in a dorm room, they could probably be quiet enough in Sandbar's bedroom. He figured it all depended on how squeaky the bed was.

"Fine, you win. As if I've ever need a whole lot of convincing." Gallus said, flicking Sandbar's snout with his left wing, before the two of them slipped under the covers. Sandbar reached over to his nightstand, opened the drawer, and took out a small bottle of lube. Before he opened it, however, he slid completely under the covers and slid down towards the foot of the bed, where he went to work on Gallus' shaft with his tongue and lips, eliciting a pleasurable, shuddering moan from his partner, as he watched the slowly moving lump that was Sandbar's head under the blanket. By Grover's bread, he could work that tongue.

After a couple minutes of getting nice and worked up, Gallus heard the cap on the bottle of lube being popped open, just before feeling the cold substance dribble down onto his cock before being spread around by soft hooves, quickly becoming warmer as he worked it in. With that task done, Sandbar popped his head back above the covers and snuggled his back in close to Gallus' chest, letting him know he was good and ready.

Gallus didn't need to wonder what was next; they had done this position before, and it would undoubtedly be best for keeping noise to a minimum. He reached down, lined himself up with Sandbar's entrance, pressed the tip against it, and slowly pushed his way in. There wasn't nearly as much resistance as their first time; Sandbar had long gotten used to the griffon's length. He got the tip in, then slowly wrapped his front talons around the earth pony's barrel, then did the same with his powerful hind lion's legs. Then, having him satisfactorily embraced, with a bit of maneuvering, Gallus stretched his wings and wrapped them around and over each other around his boyfriend. Now that Sandbar was safely trapped as his willing prisoner, Gallus resumed pushing further inside, feeling him lightly squirm against his firm hold as he gave soft squeaks of pleasure. When he had pushed in all the way to his knot, Gallus gave him a squeeze, letting him know he was about to start rutting him.

The griffon pulled out slowly, and then pushed back in faster, as he started softly nipping at Sandbar's mane. For his part, Sandbar pressed back against Gallus' underside. Gallus' thrusts wouldn't be as rough or hard as when he was on top of him, but there were perks to being fucked laying on your side; such as a griffon's warm, inescapable embrace as he was taken.

"I don't think we've ever had an audience before..." Gallus whispered. Sandbar tensed up for a moment, wondering what the griffon could possibly mean, before seeing that he was motioning to the terrarium with his two pet turtles.

"Very... Very funny..." Sandbar replied as Gallus' thrusts got faster, but not necessarily harder. They wanted to stay quiet, and so far the bed was cooperating; they only heard the soft rustle of the sheets.

Keeping him firmly embraced with one talon, Gallus reached down with the other, took hold of the pony's throbbing stallionhood, and started to tug in rhythm to his own thrusts, and Sandbar's breathing only became more labored.

"Feels like you're not going to last too long..." Gallus teased.

"I'll last long enough for you to finish the job." Sandbar assured him.

And so they went, Gallus getting steadily faster, and Sandbar occasionally trying to mock escape as he was milked and fucked for all he was worth.

"Here it comes, my little pony..." Gallus said shakily as his thrusts started to lose rhythm. He gave a strong thrust forward, and when his knot popped in, that was the breaking point for Sandbar, as he started to spurt his load across the sheets in front of him as Gallus emptied himself into the quivering colt. After just under a minute, they were both spent, and Gallus started to slowly pull out, but he had barely gotten the knot out before Sandbar stopped him.

"W-wait, Gallus." Sandbar said tiredly, as the griffon slowly started to release him from his grasp. The pony reached a stretched out hoof over to his nightstand, opened the front drawer, did a little rummaging, and came out with a black silicone cylinder; the base of which was much wider. Sandbar quickly applied a little lube before offering it to Gallus.

"Put that in after you pull out? I want to keep you inside me for the rest of the night. Plus, it'll make cleanup easier."

Gallus chuckled, taking the plug into his left talon and started to reach under the blanket as he resumed pulling out.

"Sure thing."

As soon as his tip exited, Gallus pushed in with the plug, and it went in almost without effort, no doubt due to the knot that had just been inside him. When he had inserted it all the up to the base, Sandbar squirmed a bit to adjust, and then lowered his tail, and you wouldn't even know it was there unless you were really looking for it.

"So, have a good time tonight?" Sandbar asked, rolling over to face his partner as he snuggled into him, barrel to barrel."

"Absolutely, your family is awesome. Dinner was great. And... listen. Your dad talked to me as we were making dinner, and... Look. If you really, really want to visit Griffonstone that badly... I suppose we can visit next weekend after class."

"S-Seriously? Dude, that'd be awesome. Yes, definitely." Sandbar replied, hugging the griffon.

"I just hope you get what you're hoping to get out of it. But for now, let's just get some sleep."

They both adjusted the blankets, and snuggled in closer.

"Love you, Gallus."

"Love you too, Sandbar."

"Next stop, Griffon Gorge. Next stop, Griffonstone Station at Griffon Gorge!" The conductor announced to the nearly empty cars as he made his rounds.

For Gallus, it was hitting home that if a half-day-long train ride wasn't going to deter his boyfriend, nothing would. But alas, it was the cheapest method of getting there. The shortest way would have been taking the train east to Manehattan or Fillydelphia and getting passage on a fishing boat across the Celestial Sea, which would take them to the Guto River, just south of Griffonstone Station.

But the Manehattan extension that would take trains up Equestria's northeast coast was still under construction, and wasn't due to be completed for another year, so the cheapest, and longest option for the pair was to take a 10-hour path up to Canterlot, west to Vanhoover, turning through Galloping Gorge and heading up to the Crystal Empire and finally east between the Crystal Mountains and Yaket Range, a quick stop at Rainbow Falls before finally crossing the Bug Bear River and turning south to the current end of the line, Griffonstone Station.

All in all, it was going to be nearly a full day on a train so Sandbar could see the deplorable dump that was Gallus' hometown. He loved the pony, but he was hoping, after this disappointment, he would finally shut up about it.

It wasn't all bad news. After a bit of correspondence through Rainbow Dash, they had arranged dinner and a tour with Gilda, Greta, and Gabby, arguably the nicest griffons that the town had.

When the pair disembarked, they started down the long winding path up the mountain, where they could see the gigantic tree at the top reach up towards the afternoon sky. The trek up the mountain didn't provide much to see, with mostly dirt, rocks, and cliffs on either side of the road. It wasn't until they got to the front gate of Griffonstone proper when the view became stunning.

Unfortunately, the view had very little to do with Griffonstone itself. The high altitude provided vistas of the forests and mountains further east, as well as the Celestial Sea to the west. A small arena had been constructed on the closest peak, Sandbar remembered from Rarity's and Rainbow's Sports of Equestria presentation that griffons had recently taken an interest in boffyball.

And the arena was by far, the most impressive looking structure around. As the path went through the gold and crimson arch, the path gave way to the trunk of the gargantuan tree. Mudbrick and straw-roofed structures were all around the trunk, as well as up the trunk, and in the branches, with a towering castle at the top of the center trunk.

Nearly every building was a dilapidated mess, if it hadn't collapsed entirely, as Sandbar had noticed had happened with the library.

"Well, here we are. Quite something, isn't it?" Gallus announced, the sarcasm practically dripping from his beak.

"Well, I won't lie, it could definitely use some sprucing up. Say, where was Gilda supposed to meet us?" Sandbar asked as they walked past what remained of the library.

"She has a food cart where she sells scones out of. I hope you like griffon scones, because that's probably what we're getting for dinner." Gallus replied.

Sandbar didn't bother asking where Gallus' house was, as he remembered his Hearth's Warming story about how he didn't have a family. As they made their way further up the trunk, he caught glimpses of the castle up top, empty and abandoned. it wasn't the highest point of the tree, but the top of the tower was higher than any other point of Griffonstone.

Meanwhile, Gallus was hoping it wouldn't take Sandbar too long to realize he was wasting his time. Dinner, maybe a quick tour of the castle and... Then what? There was nothing to do here. What in Grover's name was he hoping to accomplish by coming here?

"Hey there, you two. Just in time, the scones are almost done." Came a greeting from further up. Gilda waved them over, as she and Greta tended to the food they were about to serve. They had set up a small table for four.

"I wish I had paid more attention in Twilight's history class when she covered Griffonstone. What happened here, exactly? Something about a golden idol?" Sandbar asked as he and Gallus sat down at the table as Gilda finished preparing the scones.

"Well, let me tell you before Gruff comes over and demands a bag of bits from ya for his version." Gilda said as she brought the tray of scones over and set them in the center of the table.

"It all started, and ended, with the Idol of Boreas. King Grover discovered it, and it instilled the city with a sense of pride. The kingdom prospered. But during the reign of Guto, the fourteenth king, a cyclops by the name of Arimaspi stole the idol. When Guto and his guard gave chase, Arimaspi fell down the Abysmal Abyss, and the idol was lost. Determined to find Griffonstone another uniting treasure, Guto vanished with his remaining guards, and never returned. That was sixty years ago."

"Griffonstone's misfortune really can't be all because of some golden relic though, right?" Sandbar asked, taking his first bite of scone.

"Pinkie Pie said almost the exact same thing. Some say the Idol was enchanted, that it could unite a divided race. But unite it how? I'd guess it united us through prosperity and greed. That's more of a curse than anything. When it disappeared, what did we have to be proud of? Not that it's that far away, though. Nogriffon knows how far down the Abysmal Abyss goes, but the idol is down there at the bottom somewhere."

"So if griffons are so greedy, why did Griffonstone send the Grover's crown to Twilight's school?" Sandbar asked.

"I actually made that call. I convinced Grampa Gruff that Princess Twilight could preserve a precious piece of Griffon history much better than we could, what with it being kept under watch in a crumbling castle."

"Well, I don't believe I've properly introduced you," Gallus said to Sandbar before turning to their hosts. "This is Sandbar, my boyfriend, from Twilight's school. He wanted to come and see Griffonstone. Why? I'm honestly still trying to figure that out."

"Pleased to meet you, Sandbar." Gilda began. "I'm honestly a bit puzzled too. Unless ponies are becoming fans of boffyball, we don't have a whole lot of allure when it comes to tourism."

"I just wanted to see where he came from, where he lives." Sandbar replied. "These scones are absolutely delicious, by the way."

"Well..." Gallus paused, as he waved a claw to the surrounding city. "Feel free to take it in in all its splendor."

Sandbar was a bit disappointed that Gallus seemed to be barely putting in a minimal effort to be cordial. Come to think of it, he really hadn't seen him like this since the opening day at Twilight's school.

"So what's this then, a field trip? I don't remember any field trip scheduled." Came a new voice. The table's occupants looked to see Grampa Gruff had come out of his house and was walking towards the table.

"No, just a trip abroad. This is Sandbar, my boyfriend. He wanted to see Griffonstone." Gallus told his legal guardian.

No one at the table missed Gruff's look of surprise turn into a look of disgust.

"I thought it was a school of friendship, not boyfriendship." He grumbled.

"It is, it just... Went further than that. Got stronger."

"Hmph." Gruff said as he turned to head the other way.

"Um, sir, if I've offended you, I apologize." Sandbar said with all the politeness he could muster.

"Hardly. Just apparent that another griffon isn't good enough for Gallus."

Sandbar noticed Gallus visibly tense.

"Excuse me," came Gilda's voice, sounding none too pleased at the senior griffon's demeanor. "Your racial disposition aside, it is hardly your choice who Gallus chooses to love, nor is this how Griffonstone's ambassador should act in front of an Equestrian visitor."

Gilda's words did little to calm Gallus or change Gruff's position as he continued back towards his house, "Pony lover" being audibly mumbled from his beak.

Both Gilda and Gallus were seething.

"I'm sorry, Gilda," Gallus began, finishing off his scone and getting up from the table. "I hate to eat and run, but I'm not going to waste any more of my time here."

He turned to Sandbar.

"Whatever you wanted to accomplish by coming here, have at it. Do whatever you want. Feel free to tour the castle, though it'll probably take most of the bits you came with. When you're done, I'll be at the station waiting on the next train back."

With that, he sprinted off towards the gates without another word.

By the time Sandbar snapped out of it, he noticed Gilda waving him off to go after him, and he likewise galloped out of the gates.

By the time he was there, he barely spotted Gallus going down the hill.

"Gallus, wait!" He called, racing to catch up to the griffon. He noticed Gallus slow his gait and waited for him to catch up, but his ruffled feathers and posture betrayed how angry he still was.

"I'm so sorry, Gallus, I didn't realize-"

"Why did it take you until now, Sandbar?" Gallus interrupted, voice shaking, tears of frustration and fury filling his eyes as he turned to the stallion. "Why didn't you believe me when I tried to tell you, tried to warn you, time and time again that most griffons are self-absorbed, money-obsessed, racist assholes?!? Because you're a pony! You're all optimism and zen and friendship! You think it's so easy to see and assume the best in everycreature because you grew up in a beautiful country that hasn't been destroyed by greed and shortsightedness!"

When Sandbar was too stunned to offer any kind of verbal reply to the griffon's screaming outburst, Gallus just shook his head angrily before spreading his wings and leaping into the sky, quickly disappearing into the darkening dusk.

When Gilda checked on Sandbar and found him sitting at the station in tears, she quickly went back to Greta and told her to keep an eye on the cart, while she accompanied the pony back to Equestria.

"I don't care that Gruff is the last surviving member of Guto's honor guard. I'm going to do everything I can to remove him from Griffonstone's ambassadorship. His behavior is inexcusable." She said the next morning in Starlight's office, when she had come into the school for a Sunday meeting.

"I should have listened to him. He tried to warn me multiple times how Griffonstone was."

"Sandbar, based on the months that I've known Gallus, I think I can safely assume that he's more angry at Griffonstone for proving him right, than he is at you for your curiosity." Starlight assured Sandbar, who was still a little worried about the griffon.

"He didn't take the train back, are you sure he can make it across the Celestial Sea?" Sandbar asked.

"That's a journey Gabby makes weekly, I'm sure he's fine." Gilda replied.

"Just give him the time he needs, and use that time to figure out what you want to say, and how you want to say it." Starlight told him.

"Sandbar, the magic of friendship is real, but in the case of Griffonstone, it's going to take more time than we'd like. Greta and I are putting up with the likes of Gruff, and are setting a good example for the younger generations, but that doesn't mean that every griffon has to. I've heard that Gallus wants to emigrate over here, and you should fully support him, now that you've seen what Griffonstone is like."

"I do fully support him. I just wish his circumstances were better."

When Gilda and Sandbar left to have lunch downtown, Starlight ran into Rainbow Dash on her way out of the school.

"Hey, you told me to keep an eye out for Gallus? Found him in the gymnasium this morning. He was doing quite a number on the bucking bag." The pegasus told the school counselor.

"Yeah, it might be best that he gets it out now before he and Sandbar talk to each other." Starlight said.

"Want me to tell them where to find each other?" Rainbow asked.

Starlight shook her head.

"They share the same dorm room, I have a feeling they know where to find each other. Give them enough time alone to figure out what to do next; they've got good heads, I think it'll be the right things."

Rainbow answered with a shrug.

"Alright, you're the counselor, you probably know better than I do. I just hope I don't have to replace one of the school's bucking bags."

That evening, Gallus made his way down the main hall of the student dorms. He came to the room he shared with Sandbar and hesitated before opening the door. He was pretty sure he had gotten all of his frustrations out, and now hoped that he was hoping that Sandbar wasn't mad at him for leaving him alone on the mountainside near Griffonstone Station. Taking one more deep breath, he put his right claw around the doorknob and slowly opened it, stepping inside.

Sandbar was sitting on his bed.

"Hey." Gallus greeted.

"Hi." Sandbar replied. He had a small gift bag next to him.

"Listen, Gallus, I'm sorry I—" Sandbar paused mid-sentence as Gallus held up a claw.

"Before you apologize for whatever it is you think you need to apologize for, what I did was worse, so let me go first. I'm... I'm so sorry, Sandbar. I-I... I was so scared of going back to Griffonstone, and it played out pretty much exactly how I was afraid it would. But that doesn't make you wrong. Some things you just can't get from a secondhand account. I shouldn't have screamed at you the way that I did. More and more often I feel that they sent me here as just lip service, but it's also the best thing that's ever happened to me, because I met you. I love you more than anything, Sandbar."

"And I love you, Gallus. I should have proven that by listening to you when you tried to convince me that visiting Griffonstone wouldn't be worth the trip. I hope your hometown gets noticeably better in our lifetime, and I'm flattered that you want to spend the rest of your life here in Equestria, hopefully together with me. To show you how sorry I am, I got you something to show you how happy I am to have you here." Sandbar said, offering the griffon the small gift bag, with a sealed scroll taped to the front.

Smiling, Gallus accepted the bag and gently pulled the scroll from the bag before unfurling it, and began to read it.

To the Equestrian Department of Immigration and Citizenship,

After seeing how committed Gallus is to his education, his skill development, and his personal relationships, I, Princess Twilight Sparkle of Ponyville, am happily and proudly sponsoring him for Equestrian citizenship, along with the following witnesses.

- Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship
- Grubber, Head Chef of the Castle of Friendship
- Beachcomber, Sandbar's father and legal guardian
- High Tide, Sandbar's mother and legal guardian

Gallus' throat tightened as he opened the gift bag and looked inside, tears spilling over as he reached inside and came out with a small, crocheted doll of himself.

A Hearth's Warming doll.

"Mom and dad made that for you." Sandbar told him.

He gently set the doll on the bed next to him before jumping up and tackling Sandbar in a hug on his bed.

"Th-thank you... So much..."

Sandbar smiled and returned the hug, nuzzling the griffon.

"How can I show you how much this means to me?" He asked, and he didn't really need a verbal answer as he saw the sultry look in the pony's eyes.

"Sooner or later I'm gonna learn to stop asking that." Gallus said, getting a smirk out of him, feeling Sandbar's growing stallionhood start to poke at his stomach. Just as he was about to go about preening Sandbar's mane, he noticed the pony's ears twitch.

"Hold that thought for just a moment, hun." Sandbar whispered, before he quietly got up, and walked as silently as he could to the door. He stood there for a moment before grabbing hold of the handle and quickly opening the door.

Ocellus, Silverstream, Smolder, and Yona fell over each other into the doorway.

"I told you your breathing was too loud, Yona." Smolder said, sandwiched between the ground and Silverstream.

"Yak breathing perfectly quiet!" Yona protested.

"Guys," Sandbar began, looking down at the student heap at his hooves. "Counselor Starlight has warned you all about this twice now."

"Well, not so fast, Sandbar," He heard Gallus say back on the bed. "Our professors have told us how we should spread friendship far and wide. This is just Advanced Friendship. So, feel like some Show and Tell?"