The prime minister had talked with Princess Celestia on many issues, but the one he was most concerned with was food. While we are creatures that gain power from emotion, we still need proper nourishment. Food was getting scarce back at home; fertile soil was hard to come by and most livestock was lost to vandals and criminals. Our queen's reckless actions made it difficult to recover what we had lost.

So the sun princess had an offer, but we needed to talk it out with her subjects, specifically a clan of farmers reaching across the land. They had produce and livestock they could sell us and judging by the princess's words, they were having just as much trouble financially.

A week after the meeting, we assembled an entourage of merchants and workers alike and left for Ponyvile, the town where the clan's head were located.

"I have to say, the community is much nicer than Canterlot."

It maybe because the invasion incident was isolated in Canterlot or it maybe because the upper class are just xenophobic, but the residents of Ponyvile were a lot more accepting of the changeling ambassadors, Many even said hello, especially a certain pink mare. Captain Valour was somewhat annoyed by her antics but the jolly Prime Minister managed to carry a conversation with her all the way to Sweet Apple Acres. Nopony else could understand the conversation very well.

"And then I played like ten instruments at once and led them out of Ponyvile and everypony else was like "uhhh" and I was all like why do you think I was gathering all these instruments in the first place?"

"So your town was practically eaten by parasprites?"

"Mmhm!"

"Talk about eye candy."

Pinkie perked up a smile. "Hey, next time you're in town I gotta throw a party for ya!"

"I might have to think about that. Maybe when we're not on business. Thanks for making the ride here interesting though." With a wave goodbye, Pinkie Pie hopped away.

As the changeling caravan was approaching the ranch house, Applejack was standing outside with the entire Apple clan. This was a huge opportunity and if all goes well, it would see a large increase in profit, something the clan desperately needs. Applejack had mixed feelings about this though. One one hoof, there was a foreign nation ready to buy large stocks of food as well as give away equipment to make harvests much easier and cheaper, therefore optimizing income. This would help tremendously to pay for damages and lost of crops. On the other hoof, these same foreigners were indirectly responsible for causing said damage in the first place. And after having a personal brush with them, she knew full well how dangerous they could be if relations between them turn sour. Then again, they were the ones who wanted to make peace.

"Are you sure about this?" Big Mac said.

"Not really. But ah think we should be open minded. We'd benefit mighty fine if it works out."

Braeburn spoke. "Ah dunno cuz, ah still have my doubts."

"Me too Braeburn. Me too."

The wagons parked near the barn. The merchants disembarked, as did the two leaders. After a brief moment of stretching from the long ride, VIgour approached the Apple clan.

"You have quite a farm. It's pretty nice. Serene. Must be nice living here."

"Ah'm sure it's not as nice as living in a cozy palace." Applejack said trying her best to hide a callous tone.

"Oh you'd be surprised." Vigour said flatly. "Our home isn't all that cozy anymore. Or even remotely quiet. Plus you don't have to deal with the idiotic joker of a monarch that supposedly leads our nation. Supposedly."

"Pa....Pardon?"

"Forgive my lack of professionalism. My sister the queen and I have been arguing more and more as the days go by. I don't mean to take it out on any of you."

Applejack was a bit puzzled. This prince wasn't at all what she was expecting. Truth be told, she wasn't sure what to expect but he was just so... casual. Not that this was a bad thing, he did seem easy to talk to.

"Yeah well ah do know what it's like to have a spat with yer sis. Suppose yer mighty sour at her huh?"

Vigour paused for a bit rolling his eyes a bit. "Uh..."

"Seriously Chrisy, what in the actual Tartarus were you thinking with that plan?! Let's say you succeeded in taking over Canterlot. You would've revealed yourself eventually, if not from simply recklessness, because let's face it you're on a roll with that one, then authorities would figure it out eventually. And don't give me that gathering enough power crap! You know full well emotional power fluctuates at any given time. What if there was some secret weapon we didn't know about? What would you have done then?!"

"Yeah well... shut up. Stop questioning my subtly."

"Your subtly? Oh please, your about as subtle as a train wreck. On a boat."

"You know what.... f**k you."

"Well f**k you too then!"

"No, f**k you!

"F**K you!"

"F**K YOU!"

"F**K! YOU!"

"Yeeeeeah, boats on a sail with that one...."

The Apple clan looked at each other in confusion with that statement. "This is mighty awkward." Braeburn finally said. "Eeyup."

"Look." Applejack began. "Why don't we git down ta business?"

"Probably a good idea." the prime minister said with a laugh. "Valour, I don't think you'll be needed with this one."

"Are you sure that's wise sir?"

"I'm fairly confident it'll be fine. If I need you I'll light a signal. Feel free to take a look around town."

"Heh. Don't mind if I do." Valour turned to walk back when he was stopped by a merchant. "Need something Array?"

"Uh sir, I... was wondering if I could accompany you. Seeing as how we've got a surplus of workers on both sides, I talked it out with the others and they're okay with it." said the merchant. Valour looked back at the prince who simply nodded. Shrugging, the captain looked back at the merchant.

"Sure, why not?"