Chapter 1
~Paperwork~
Bright morning sunlight danced through the windows upon the tiled flooring of the Canterlot Castle as Celestia sets about her daily routine. Summer had arrived and Celestia could feel the extra energy surging about her. Humming a soft tune to herself and taking a moment of peace, she settles into her massive throne to tend to her pile of scrolls. Ah, paperwork so familiar to her, even older than she was she mused. Selecting one at random, she grabs the document from its brethren. It was a small thing, rolled tightly and sealed with the insignia of a howling wolf. She had been seeing this particular insignia far too often lately. She briefly entertained the idea of discarding it or setting it ablaze. However, with a soft sigh she breaks the seal and begins to read.
Princess Celestia,
As the leader of the New Diamond Dog Nation, I implore you to see reason. Your lack of response regarding my first letters beyond your initial outright refusal tends to demonstrate a lack of consideration for the desperation of my people. The damage to the environment will be kept to a minimum, however if we are not allowed to expand our mining for gems, hundreds even thousands of diamond dogs will die of hunger. I can understand your reluctance, but if you are willing, I will show you first hand that this is no trick and the sincerity of my plea. Name the place and I shall arrive without guards or weapons to discuss the terms of your peace agreement also I can show you those who you would be helping. Please I implore you, denying this may lead to more trouble than either of us need.
signed,
Alpha Stonefur
With a grimace of annoyance Celestia crumpled the scroll into a small ball and sent it into a nearby waste bin. It was only a few years ago when she had first gotten word of a newly formed nation of diamond dogs, and the uniting of the great packs. She had been ecstatic and sent ambassadors to establish diplomatic relations with the new country immediately afterword. Initially all seemed to have been going well, The nation had stated its willingness to release all ponies that had been captured as well as establish a peace agreement... for a price. Nothing less than full mining rights throughout Equestria. Many did not see the harm in this but Celestia knew, she had seen it happen countless times before. The diamond dogs would go to a new area, and then they would dig several massive underground tunnels, consequently draining all the liquids from the surface and killing all the roots. Slowly but surely all the plant life would die followed closely by the local wildlife. Turning any area from a viable habitat into a barren wasteland that was common place in their territories. Seeing the danger this could have on the country, Celestia declines. Since then nothing has changed, The new nation still won't accept anything less than full mining rights and Celestia being as relenting as a granite wall in the matter.
"I just wish they'd stop asking already!" Muttered Celestia. Giving the waste basket a withering glare. "I suppose no harm could come of the visit." thought Celestia. "Besides this may be the perfect opportunity to give my faithful student more experience in politics" Resigning to her decision Celestia mentally notes to write to Twilight later today. She returns her attention to the remaining scrolls, her original chipper mood forgotten...