Chapter 12: Nature Calls
It was in the morning, since of the location of the land me, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash went over to look at it first hand since we could fly. Twilight and every other pony wasn't free to help me anyway. I needed Fluttershy to see whats wrong with the animals in the area.
"So, this land is where you are going to build your castle?" Fluttershy asked.
"Yep if the animals don't disagree with me being there." I stated.
"It better be worth it, I am missing out on training to keep myself top notch." Rainbow complained.
"If I remember correctly, you said you had nothing better to do." I remind Rainbow Dash.
"Well, I was bored but we moving so slowly by the time we get there it will be the sun celebration." Rainbow stated me and Fluttershy grinned as we both took off making Rainbow Dash spinning. "HEY NO FAIR!" She shouted as she started to keep up.
Fluttershy and I where laughing then we stopped as rainbow dash overshot us. We made it to the land, We could see Pony ville in the distance in the air. We went to land on the small open area in the forest. Rainbow Dash returned quickly, "So this is the place?" She asked.
"Ya It is" I stated looking at the map.
"Not far from pony ville at all, and its also far from Everfree forest. I wonder why the land wasn't used before." Rainbow Dash said as birds started to fly at us. "What the..."
"This is why, the animals are hostile, that why I needed Fluttershy's help." I stated.
"Hey... we mean... no harm..." Fluttershy tried to say to the animals but they tried to attack her. "Please Stop... PLEASE STOP." Fluttershy shouted as the animals fleed as she glared at them.
"Those animals clearly are no match for Fluttershy stare." Rainbow Dash stated.
"I don't want them to be afraid, I want to know why they are so hostile." I stated.
We heard something behind us as we turned around we saw a old male griffin, he wasn't pleased to see yes.
"Ponies are not welcomed here, begone... Does my eyes fool me? A Alicorn?" He was spooked to see a alicorn out here, "Begone!, There are other lands you take, not these!" He roared, which made Fluttershy hide behind Rainbow Dash.
"Who are you to tell us..." Rainbow Dash stated.
"My friend is saying, why ponies are not allowed here? I prefer to know whats going on here before I even consider giving up this land." I asked diplomatically cutting Rainbow Dash off with my wing to show in her sight to show that I was handling this now.
"Why should I tell you." He grunted.
"Because I am Prince Ethan, I am Guardian of Equestria and looking for land to live. Without proper knowledge why I should even consider your demands." I strongly suggested to him.
"So you are the new high monarch, how should I believe that you are him? Where are your guards, I hardly call 2 pitiful mares proper guards." He laughed.
I rushed up to him and knocked him back to the ground saying, "I don't care if you believe me, but one thing you NEVER do, is disrespect my friends. Now I came here to investigate this area regardless you believe me or not, picking a fight would be a unwise choice." I urged him to cooperate.
He grunted in defeat, "Very well, ever since Equestria been founded land for wild animals have been slowly dropping, their homes where being cut down for developing more houses."
"But even still us in pony ville respect the animals and keep their homes safe." Fluttershy added.
"That is true, There are some ponies that respect wildlife." I stated.
"It won't be enough to keep the balance, If too many homes are destroyed where are they going to live?" He asked.
"Why didn't you try and attempt to send a message to Princess Celesta or Luna?" I asked him.
"As the animals can defend themselves from the ponies, I have to protect them from far worse creatures" He stood up as some birds landed on him. "Timberwolves constantly threaten the animals here from the Everfree forest. Some other carnivores from the north that are fleeing from the north away from other Pony cities. I can't leave these animals here alone, I been here for ages protecting these animals." He stated.
"I see... Its something I will go to council about to get this land protected from any development. I will have to seek other land for building my castle, I feel not wanting to force any animal out of their home." I stated.
"That would help matters... a castle you say? You might be in luck.. Not far from here is land that's not used, if you get this land protected as you claim and help me have this area protected the animals and I will be gladly welcome you as a neighbor." He stated in a calmer and relaxed.
"It might be some time, I will send a letter to Princess Celestia right away... By the way, I didn't get your name unless you want me to call you big birdie." I said as this made Rainbow Dash chuckle.
"Granol the Griffin." He bowed.
"Granol, I will meet with the council as soon I can call them together, I may not be able to get this done quickly but I will try." I told him.
"Thank you Prince Ethan." He nodded his head.
After that me, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash went back to pony ville to send Princess Celestia a message. We got to the library to find Twilight and spike.
"Hey ya, how was the visit to the property?" Spike asked.
"We found out that the locals where acting out to protect their land, as long as the land is protected. I need to write a message to Princess Celestia." I stated as spike got me a piece of paper and ink and feather to start writing.
Dear Celestia
I have just visited the land and found out why the animals are hostile but I might have a solution for it that needs to be stated in a Royal Council. We need to ensure protection for the animals because pony cities are getting larger. Its something to overview and see if something can be done.
As far as land to build a castle will be allowed if the land is protected as there seems to be a site already there. I haven't seen it yet but once I can get a meeting with a Council I will be letting the local guardian of the land that I will be meeting them. If it wasn't for his need to protect the animals from other dangers.
Prince Ethan
Within a hour Celestia agreed to setup a council meeting at the weeks end about 4 days away.
"Well who is this guardian any way?" Twilight asked as she came into the library from visiting rarity.
"His name is Granol and he is a Griffin." I answered her.
"He very well protective of the animals out there." Fluttershy added.
"I see, I hope the council is understandable. Lumber and land is common issues for Equestria as its needed to grow. I am happy that pony ville as well many small towns support by ensuring a large supply of new trees being planted when one is cut." Twilight stated.
"Equestira should be able to expand without harming the wildlife in the process. If we use up too much land there be less room for wildlife to live." I stated.
"I understand you want to do this but doesn't Equestria have protected forests?" Rainbow Dash informed.
"Only around canterlot and most of it are made as royal gardens, so not really natural. Not many animals are supported by ponies of Equestria as Equestria only a small part of our world." Twilight informed us.
"Also if there is tree farms that grow large supply of lumber and expand land when its needed. It would also ensure Equestria's beauty as we keep Forests around the towns." I stated.
"Well, thinking ahead is what a Prince does I guess." Spike added.
"I hope that you get your castle built, It will be so awesome." Rainbow Dash added as she made a cutie face saying it.
"If the land around your castle will be protected, how will the supplies be sent?" Spike wondered.
"There will be at least a train that goes to my castle and if that's an issue we can send most of the supplies by air... it might take much longer but it will be worth it when its done but I haven't seen the site itself." I stated.
After that we went back to the site, it was the afternoon, so it was going to be a short visit we went to the area we where before.
"Granol you there?" Fluttershy asked pretty quiet.
"Yes, I am" Granol stated clearly having good hearing.
"Hey wanted to tell you I will be meeting the council in 4 days from now. " I told him.
"At least you are attempting to do something about this.. I also take it you like to see the site I was referring too." Granol Guessed.
"Yes I would." I replied.
We went ahead to the site. It seems that there was a place where the river broke into 2 and there was a sizable island with a few trees on it, I landed on it.
"I see what you mean this is perfect spot for a castle, also a good spot to oversee the forest. A River would be great for a mill on the castle." I stated.
"If you get the council to agree with you then you be able to use this." Granol reminded.
"Then its up to the council if this will be possible." I stated.
It will be time before the meeting would begin, I hope that the council would agree with me. We headed home, I had to get ready for that meeting that was coming up.
After a few days of getting prepared the council was called to order by Celestia.
"This is a meeting called by Prince Ethan Pow, he wishes to ensure protection of land from forms of development and nature protection." Celestia stated, "The Prince will make his statement."
"I have visited the land that was uninhabitable by ponies of hostile animals that where displeased with development of land and loss of territory for those animals to live and survive." I informed the council.
"What do you propose prince." Tank Legend Asked.
"The land that would be around the land I would live on will be protected about 200 miles except for a road and rails for train transport. I would also suggest ensure forest protection to ensure forests in Equestria." I Proposed.
"I would disagree with the prince." stated Prince Blueblood, "That land for Equestrians not dirty animals, I wouldn't want them to come close to my castle."
Luna rolled her eyes at this, Celestia just asked, "Does any other council member agree?" which a few of them voted against it for many reasons. "Well since we are not in unity lets take a recess of the council to let us all think about this closely we will continue this a in few hours."
The room emptied expect Luna and myself.
"I don't understand that Prince sometimes." Luna stated, "Never seen such a royal so foal-ish."
"He is clearly thinking of himself and no pony else." I sigh.
"be weary Prince, Not every pony likes to do the right thing but what gives them more in return. I am quite surprised Tank Legend sided with you on this matter. His governs towns that provide most of Equestira's lumber." Luna told me.
"Really?, maybe he would still be able to produce lumber without harming much forests, maybe he has made plans for keeping forests alive and them growing." I stated, " also I have helped him in his land because of the dustmite infestation that was there."
"Our Prince growing with respect?" Luna said walking around me.
"You know what to do. Do you?" I asked.
"Well I do, but telling you would be no fun." Luna smiled.
"That's pretty dark of you, having a eclipse of heart?" I asked.
"Its not I can give you the answers all the time, I like it when I see how you work under a bit of pressure." She grinned.
"In other words get more angry, don't be nice. I feel like there a better way than snapping at some pony." I stated.
"Getting there but not what I am aiming for." Luna hinted to me.
"I see what you mean, remind them." I said.
"I think you are thinking what I am thinking." Luna smiled.
It wasn't long after when every council member returned and started up the meeting again.
"Well lets resume shall we?" Celestia started the meeting.
"Alright, right now I want to protect the land to respect the land of Equestria and protect land where its needed, Since the land isn't setup as a state of Equestria I can't protect it myself. I need the council's help to establish that." I stated.
"Why doesn't our prince manage a state of his own? When we all have our own to govern?" Tank Legend asked when he realized that.
This did confused the council except me and Luna. Celestia did oversee this but she got the idea. To be a council member you need to manage your own state, this can be many towns or just one.
"We do have no governing royal southern of Canterlot, It would be a good idea to appoint a new state with Ethan as the governor of that state, a few towns are not set within a state and requested independence form state-ship like ponyville. " Celestia stated.
"Since I haven't been well informed of being a governor whats the requirements?" I asked.
"Well, A state normally contains at least a Capitol where the governor is staying, normally governed by a royal or knighted pony. It should have a population of 1,000 ponies or more, this can be possible without ponyville but you need to quickly establish a new town with the required population in your state. This would require some type of survey of the area to see if there is needed resources to support a new state." Luna informed me
"I suggest this to the council, since our guardian isn't a governor like the rest of us lets setup protection for the forest and allow him to establish himself there, if he can find the means to setup a town outside of the protected area he is suggesting and If he can not til the next year, the protection is removed and he will have to deal with this on his own." Suggested Tank Legend.
It seemed every pony was in agreement, the protection will be established and establishing myself in the land is now my royal duty. I must prove to the council I am worthy to them to get this done. Every Council member head back to their states and I was now going to get further details from Celestia herself.
"Well, you got a long day of planning ahead of you." Celestia informed me, "I was hoping to give you more time and getting you ready for this before you get a state of your own to manage. Its in harmony that the council manages Equestria unless called for."
"Is there anything you can tell me so I can be prepared?" I asked.
"Well a royal doesn't need to always directly manage the state, but you will need a castle and a staff that overviews the land. The Governor makes the choices, to ease much stress on yourself. A book keeper that does accounting, A weather expert, A public relations officer and A royal guard barracks at least." Celestia told me.
"So I got a lot ahead of me, I know that Twilight Sparkle would be the best pony for the book keeper unless you object." I suggested.
"I believe that's a wise call, but you must ask her." Celestia added.
'Its going to be one hoof of a year, Its time to get everything rolling.' I thought. "It will be a undertaking but I know my friends in ponyville with help me if I really need it."
"With your friends anything can be possible." Celestia smiled.
"I will get started then, I must get back to ponyville and make the arrangements." I stated as I left making my way to ponyville.
Once I got onto the train to pony-ville I seemed to get very tired, I took this chance to get some rest. As I closed my eyes as I entered a dream.
"Well Delta, how are you doing." A voice stated, he was clearly familiar.
"Ethan?" I asked.
"Ya, I wanted to check up on you, at the time me and solar have agreed that I need to remain limited effect of the realm." Ethan Pow Stated.
"So is the realm no longer part of the void?" I asked.
"Yes, but I have a link when I need it. How have you been doing Delta?" He replied.
"Well so far so good, I starting to gain respect form the royal council of Equestria." I stated.
"A royal council? Interesting, have you met the mane 6 since you where there?" He asked.
"Oh, yes I am a friend." I responded, "I personally saved Twilight's life when I got here."
"Nice going there, Is Pinkie Pie annoying as ever?" He wondered.
"Personally knowing her, she is nutty but its enjoyable to be around her." I said.
"Has Rainbow Dash got to join the wonderbolts yet?" He asked.
"She hasn't but they want her to join when she becomes an adult." I informed him, "I have to ask, how is Kita doing?"
"Wonderful, Its much fun hanging out with her. We had to directly punish exodus... he is now mortal." he sighed. "He seemed to find happiness now. Maybe meeting you he saw something in himself. He knew he was a monster, he doesn't blame anyone but himself."
"Its good that he is finally happy..." I stated as He cut me off.
"I got to go, remember we will be in touch." He finished as I woke up, when the train made it to ponyville yawning, I needed some more sleep and it was only the afternoon.