//------------------------------// // A diplomatic mission // Story: Uniconia's desire // by xcedra //------------------------------// King Strong Hooves crumpled the letter in the aura of his magic. Equestria had another Alicorn princess, and to add insult to injury, one who wielded an Element of Harmony. His mind churned as he pondered on the unfairness of it all; Equestria prospered with bountiful ley lines providing more then adequate magical power, benefited from treaties so old that most of the ponies did not even recall them; The Pegasus nation had but been forgotten, neatly enfolded into the realm and was now thought only as cloudsdale. Their agreement to administer the weather in exchange for a permanent place above Equestria's sky... Surely that had been a manipulation by Princess Celestia to gain control over them, and the fools had fallen for it, subsumed into the populace until their very identity had been lost. Uniconia, his kingdom, while still independent, had suffered from being apart from Equestria as a separate nation; While there was no definitive record of it, enough of his ancestors had written their own accords that only confirmed his own suspicions, that somehow the magical lines that gave strength to Unicorn magic were being diverted to Equestria. Equestria bloomed and flourished with its Pegasi, Earth and Unicorn Ponies working together, while his kingdom grew smaller each generation as more and more of his subject migrated to Equestria, lured by the idea of living easier more prosperous lives. Strong Hooves minds flickered back to the new Alicorn Princess, almost three years ago he had received another missive informing him of the return of Princess Luna, the a year ago he had received an invitation to the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. Equestria seemed to have an abundance of Alicorns lately. Maybe- “Father!” Prince Gallant Heart called breaking the kings line of though as he burst through the door “I Just heard the news about the new Princess in Equestria. I know you said we had to much to attend to in our own kingdom to attend the last royal affair they held, but surely it would be in our best interest to send a diplomatic party to celebrate the Princess' coronation?” King Strong Hooves did his best to hide his irritation with his only offspring; This son whose heart was, while loyal to the kingdom, to tenderhearted to be interested in conquest. His disappointment in his sons lack of military bearing or interest was tempered by his ability to inspire loyalty in those around him and his ability to grasp the roles of leadership. While his son would never lead armies in battle to vanquish their foes, He would never have to worry that the kingdom would fail through leadership. An idea percolated in the back of the Kings skull, and as he contemplated it, he observed his son; Gallant heart was a dark blue unicorn with hair that while well kept always seemed to want to stick up, his lighter blue hair had a brilliant blue streak down the middle, and his cutie mark revealed that true to his name, Gallant heart was while brave and heroic, he was also soft hearted where mares were concerned; thus King Strong Hoove's plan now coming more fully into focus would have to be kept from his son. “You are right my son, we have been abysmally ignorant of our diplomatic duties to our neighbor Equestria. I suggest you Arrange a team and suitable congratulatory gifts to take with you. I will send a Missive to Equestria informing Their Royal Princesses about your impending arrival. I will also send my personal guard to go with you, to ensure your safety on your journey” Gallant Hearts demeanor visibly brightened at this prospect, he had wanted to visit Equestria since he had been a small colt, and finally his father was not only allowing it, but suggesting it. “I am honored father, that you would send me as your Ambassador.” “I am certain you will represent our kingdom and the Unicorn heritage that goes with it. Remember my son, once all Unicorns lived here, before the founding of Equestria, while they may have forgotten it, every Unicorn that now resides there can trace their beginnings here.” “I wont let you down Father.” Gallant Heart bowed to his father and then left to arrange diplomatic visit. Kind Strong Hooves watched his son leave, then summoned an aid to him “Call Dark Strider to me, I will have need of his services, he will be going with my son.” And he shall have another mission as well, he thought, one that will require his delicate touch. ------------------------ It took nearly a week to get everything settled to Gallant Hearts satisfaction. He had been relieved when Dark Strider had informed him he would be in charge of the parties safety including arranging fro the proper number of guards and their arms; while he was aware of the proper number necessary for ceremonial reasons, he had never journeyed beyond Unicornia's borders, and as they would have to travel through the Ever free forest, he was glad to have the assurance of Dark Strider and his warriors. As the set off on a particularly fine morning, his heart swelled to hear the trumpets sounding from the walls; knowing his father approved of him was something he had wanted for a long time, and had begun to think his father was acutely disappointed in his lack of martial arts. As it was his spirits were high as they set off on their trip. It was a good thing his spirits started off high; it was no fun journey getting from Unicornia to the Everfree forest, while they had officially still been in Uniconia for two days before entering the forest, they had left the last settlement far behind them. It had been a couple of wet, cold days and nights, and now they were entering the dark and dangerous forest. As he consulted his map, he was glad to see that they would only be one day in the forest before coming out near a small town marked as Ponyville. From their they could take a train to Canterlot. The upside was that he had never been able to use his magic so easily before, while it was wild and untamed in the forest, the magic there was quite strong. “Are you ready my Prince?” asked Dark Strider Prince Gallant Heart placed a friendly hoof on his shoulder “It shouldn't take us long to get through the forest my friend, and then we shall be in Equestria.” “That may be so my Prince, but please do remain cautious, as you know this forest contains many dangerous creatures which have been known to ravage towns nearby, which is why though it has ample magic nearby, no Towns lay near it on the Uniconia border.” “I'll be careful, and pass the word on for others to do likewise.” Gallant Heart brightened “perhaps we might gain an insight while in Equestria on why they are not bothered by the monsters, and bring it back with us!” Dark Strider smiled at the prince and returned to his post. If only you knew what your father had planned my prince, you would realize that is what he, in part, hopes as well.