Twilight could not believe what she was reading. She held in her hooves the personal journal of Star Swirl himself. And to top it off, it contained a first-hoof account of events that took place thousands of years ago.
The First Equestrian Council intrigued Twilight. She had never heard of how Equestria was politically structured before Princess Celestia came to power. The events that occurred before the founding of Equestria were retold over and over again so the story had survived over the many years. It was the events that followed that always seemed to be the more debated topic. But now the answer had presented itself.
Twilight was almost shaking with anticipation as she eagerly read through the text that laid before her.
“After the meeting convened it was obvious there was much to discuss...”
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Now that we finally have everypony together, we should go over the things that we previously discussed,” said Star Swirl as he scanned the ponies that sat in front of him. “Princess Platinum, would you please summarize your militaristic ideas.”
“Of course, Star Swirl,” she started, “After talking with Commander Hurricane and Chancellor Puddinghead,” she nodded toward the two leaders, “I found that while the Pegasi had a formidable military, the Earth Ponies lacked a unified force. They seemed to rely on local militias to protect towns and farms from any form of conflict. This, of course, stems from them being an overall agricultural society.” She then placed a hoof to her chest to signify that she was turning the topic to her tribe, “The unicorns, in comparison have somewhat of a private force. The guards that we have are well trained, but beyond that we had little in the way of a military. This information was relayed to my advisor Clover the Clever.” She looked over at her second-in-command, “Clover could you please tell us what you came up with, using that information.”
Clover levitated a piece of paper she had in front of her and cleared her throat before speaking, “Very well, each tribe seems to have their own strengths, and I played off of those when coming up with these ideas. It would be easy enough to combine the pegasi army and the unicorn private force.” She beamed at each of the ponies in attendance, “Together I could see them being quite a force to be reckoned with. As for the Earth Ponies,” she directed her gaze to the pink and orange Earth Ponies, “we could use a sort of town watch. We can’t rely on the military to police villages as our society grows, and the Earth Ponies are already used to the idea of a small group of ponies protecting a town.”
Smart Cookie was the first to speak up, “That sounds like a mighty fine plan Clover. How do you plan on combinin’ the forces?”
Clover smiled as she answered Smart Cookie, “I am glad you asked, because that brings us to our next topic. Our tribes are exhausted and just today they had the best meal they’ve had in months.” Clover explained, “We just brought everyone together and currently we don’t really have any structure to things.”
“You can’t expect things to all the sudden be normal again after what has happened,” Commander Hurricane interrupted.
“You’re right Commander, we can’t,” agreed Clover, “But the fact of the matter is that we need some way to get back on that track. I know that it will take time for things to go at a steady pace again, but we have to start somewhere.” Clover shifted herself as to address the whole room again. “What we need to do is hold a meeting with all three tribes in attendance and place upon them certain roles in society. This land was just founded and we have a lot of work to do. The addition of jobs is one step closer to having a slice of normalcy once more.”
Star Swirl was next to speak, “What kind of jobs can we give them. Some of these ponies have talents that are currently unusable at this point in time. For instance what good is a musician at this point in time?”
Clover shook her head, “They might be more important than you think Star Swirl. The next few months will be tough, and require a lot of hard labor to be done. Ponies are going to need something to keep their spirits up.”
“Yeah, and nothing says fun like some super fantabulous music to dance to!” exclaimed the Earth Pony leader. “It’s Earth Pony tradition to sing and dance under the stars after a hard days work. Nothing makes the plants grow better than some good music.”
The other leaders exchanged skeptical glances, but thought it best not to argue. “Anyway,” stated the Pegasus leader, “In addition to our militaristic prowess we also specialize in forging. If it’s made of metal, you name it, we can make it.”
“That could work well in conjunction with us,” said the orange Earth Pony. “We not only farm, but specialize in crafting. We can work with the Pegasi to make all kinds of useful tools like carts and whatnot. I suppose that we could also help with construction as well, seeing as Earth Ponies tend to be a little stronger than the other tribes.” Commander Hurricane looked as though she was going to say something, but decided against it.
“Well, we certainly don’t have the physical strength of an Earth Pony,” stated Princess Platinum, “but with our magic we can easily aid in construction as well.” She fixed her gaze on Chancellor Puddinghead. “We also have absolutely exquisite culinary masters that could be in charge of the food that the Earth Ponies grow.”
“Alright, it seems that we have a rudimentary system set up. It will require some refining as time goes on but I think...” Star Swirl was unable to finish his statement as he was interrupted by a Pegasus that abruptly entered the room.
“Commander, we have a bit of a situation!” shouted the Pegasus.
“What is wrong Lightning?” Commander Hurricane asked the frazzled Pegasus.
“A fight has broken out, and I fear that it may grow in magnitude if it isn’t stopped.”
“Ugh, this is why we need that police force up and running,” stated Star Swirl. “It’s best we go and resolve this matter post haste. Our meeting is adjourned for now. We shall all meet up again once this problem is over.” With that the leaders of the tribes quickly exited the room and followed the Pegasus that had alerted them to the problem. It wasn’t long before the sound of shouting could be heard.
“You prissy, stuck up snobs are all the same,” yelled a violet Earth Pony. “You’re all a bunch of lazy pricks benefiting off the work of others.”
The blue Unicorn across from him simply turned up his nose, “Ugh, how vulgar. It’s a wonder how you barbarians were able to survive at all.”
“Barbarians!? Why you bucking...”
“ENOUGH!” Star Swirls voice rang out among the crowd of ponies that had gathered around the conflict. He and the leaders of the tribes ran up to the two instigators and separated them. “What in the name of Tartarus is going on here?”
“I don’t have to answer to some damn Unicorn,” sneered the Earth Pony.
“Then you’ll answer to me!” snapped the orange Earth Pony as she walked up to him.
“Smart Cookie! You can’t actually get along with these know-it-alls.”
“These ‘know-it-alls’ as ya call them are ponies just like you and me.” She positioned herself to address the rest of the crowd. “It’s high time we stop thinkin’ of ourselves as Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi. We are ponies, plain and simple. Yes, we may have our special traits that set us apart. But we all breathe the same air, eat the same food, and drink the same water. Underneath horns, wings, and muscle we are the same.”
Princess Platinum stepped forward, “Smart Cookie is right. We Unicorns have long looked down upon Earth Ponies and Pegasi. Our culture told us that we are superior because of our magic. But the Earth Ponies and Pegasi both can do things that our magic can’t. Using magic to fly is extremely difficult and we can’t farm with it either. In truth, we couldn’t live without the help of the other tribes.”
“So it’s time for us to work together,” stated Commander Hurricane, “We need to put our differences aside if we want to survive. After all, our hate transformed into a winter that almost killed us all. We can’t let that happen again.”
There was a general consensus of nods from the surrounding ponies. “They’re right,” admitted the blue Unicorn, “We shouldn’t fight amongst ourselves, both of us are above that.”
“Well, alright then, I guess we can set aside our differences,” agreed the Earth Pony.
“Okay, now that that is settled we have some things to go over,” announced Star Swirl. First and foremost is that you should all have some well deserved rest for the remainder of the day. Please rest and relax to your hearts content.” There was a chorus of cheering that followed. “However, tomorrow will bring about several changes. We are now a combined force and therefore we will be combining work forces. I would like the Pegasi Army and the Unicorn Guard to step forward.” A large group of Pegasi and several Unicorns came to the front of the pack. “Commander Hurricane, would you be so kind as to address these ponies.”
“Of course, Lightning step forward!” The Pegasus from before flew up front.
“Yes sir!”
“I’m appointing you as Brigadier General, and I leave you in charge of the Army as a whole. You need to get a solution to the combination of the armies up and running and begin training. Until further notice you can use the castle courtyard.”
Lightning turned to the other Pegasi and Unicorns. “Alright, you heard the Commander. You are to form up at the front of the castle at dawn tomorrow, understood!”
The crowd chanted, “Sir yes sir!”
“Now, I would like the Earth Pony and Pegasi blacksmiths to come forward,” announced Star Swirl. After a shuffling of ponies the blacksmiths were front and center. “Your two species combined can create some marvelous things. Tomorrow I would like you to get a forge up and running and begin crafting tools for the farmers and army.”
Smart Cookie walked forward. “Where’s Iron Clash?” she called out.
A black Earth Pony with a hammer cutie mark anwered, “Right here, ma’am!”
“Ah, there you are. I’d like you to start planning out designs for these tools since you are renowned for your advanced crafting prowess.”
“Will do ma’am.”
Star Swirl came forward once again, “Next, I would like the Earth Pony farmers and the Unicorn Chefs to come forward.” A minute passed and more than 50 Earth Ponies and two dozen Unicorns were standing at attention. “Farming will begin early tomorrow, you are no doubt already familiar with the routine you follow. The difference is that until the crops begin to grow you will also be in charge of foraging. I have been told the land here is very fertile, so there should be plenty of food nearby. Each day after the food has been collected, it is to be brought to the chefs at the castle. They have the culinary know how to use every bit of food to it’s full advantage.”
“Will Rosemary please come forth?” Princess Platinum appeared to the side of Star Swirl. One of the mares in the front row trotted ahead.
“Right here milady!”
“I would like you to oversee the meals from now on. For the next few weeks at least, you will be in charge of meals for everypony here.”
“Consider it done milady.”
Star Swirl looked out to the rest of the crowd. “The rest of you, regardless of special talent should do anything they can to help with construction. The castle needs to be finished, and housing for everypony must be a priority as well. For now everypony will be housed in the castle, but houses will need to be built quickly to accommodate all of us. Now that we all have jobs, are there any questions?”
A brown Earth Pony with a guitar cutie mark spoke up, “Excuse me, but what of the music ponies. Will we still have time to play?”
“I would like you to focus on construction for the most part,” stated Star Swirl, “However, at night time you may feel free to play to your hearts content. And it should liven everyponies spirits after a long day.”
“Thank you sir,” said the stallion as he receded back into the crowd.
The crowd slowly dispersed as the ponies that originally were drawn to the fight set out to their newly appointed tasks. Eventually Star Swirl turned back towards the leaders. “It was foolish of me to think that these tribes could easily mesh together after our histories with one another.”
“Aww don’t worry Swirly, they’ll get along soon enough,” added Chancellor Puddinghead.
“Swirly...” stated Star Swirl flatly, it went unnoticed.
“I admit that we all hoped that past transgressions would simply disappear, it’s the fault of all of us Star Swirl,” said Princess Platinum.
Clover the Clever stepped forward, a look of determination on her face, “I think that this is what we build our new civilization on. Hate and indifference was what drove us away from our old lands, and killed so many of our citizens. Equestria is a country devoted to the unity of the three tribes. Caring, kindness, and friendship. These jobs will distract them for now, but situations like this will occur unless we live by these values.”
“Love is indeed the fuel that makes a civilization flourish,” said a voice above them. It was not a voice they were familiar with, and although the voice was soft and kind, it carried with it a tone that demanded attention.
The seven ponies looked up to see the source of the voice, and were shocked at what they saw. Flying down towards them was the most beautiful pony they had ever seen. Her coat was a gorgeous baby blue and her mane shone like the purest diamonds. She wore platinum adornments around her chest and on her hooves. On her head was a platinum crown that was studded with pearls that matched the exact color as her horn. Wait...wings and a horn? And what was more was that there was something different about her colors. They were shiny and almost translucent, just like a crystal.
“Greetings,” said the alicorn as she landed, “I am Queen Amor Vincit Omnia.”