Over the night, the cold of the winter brought a snowstorm that lasted well into the day. When the sun rose the entire kingdom was covered in a white blanket of thick sparkling fluff. The castle and city streets were worked tirelessly on. Shovels dug deep, scooping the white out to make the brick roads visible. The day felt like someone had bewitched the clock to run fast. Celestia and Luna would’ve loved to be outside like the rest of the citizens, but they along with their parents would have to be ready to greet the tribe leaders soon. The first to arrive was the leader of the Pegasi, Commander Hurricane and his subordinate, Private Pansy. The two flew into Canterlot and as always, the Commander looked like he meant business. Their wings and neatly polished armor had been covered in patches of snow and ice from the flight. This didn’t seem to bother them as they approached the King and his family with their heads held high. Pansy was holding up the flag of their tribe. A navy blue flag with what looked like stars from the night sky and a picture of a Pegasus head with wings that came out at the ears. Pansy bowed to the royal family while Commander Hurricane took his helmet off to brush snow off and simply nodded.

“Commander,” said Night Shade politely. “Welcome to Canterlot!” He motioned wordlessly to the door. “Why don’t you two step inside and warm up.”

Without a trace of a smile, the two made their way inside the room that had been set up just for the occasion. The second to arrive was a more enthusiastic pair. Princess Platinum had once again stepped in to represent both her father and the leader of the unicorn tribe. She unlike her companion wore a heavy long cape for warmth. Her advisor, Clover the Clever dressed in a raggedy old cloak and shaking from scrawny legs to frozen horseshoes, came galloping up branding the Unicorn Tribes flag. The colors purple and white flashed before the king and Queen as the many stars on the flag and the head of a white unicorn danced in the introduction of his majesties daughter’s arrival. Once the introduction was over. Princess Platinum wasted no time in greeting the family with open hooves.

“King Night Shade,” she said bowing in respect before them. “How good it is to see you again! And Queen Star Bright, you looks as lovely as ever!”

“The same goes to you Princess,” said Star Bright warmly as she and the rest bowed to her.

“And these must be the new Princesses I’ve heard about.” Princess Platinum cried with delight at spotting the two Alicorn sisters.

“Uh… Yes we are!” said Celestia quickly after being nudged by her sister. “It’s nice to finally meet you Princess!”

“And the same to you! I’m sure we can some how find a way to negotiate with these hooligans before things get out of hoof. Come Clover, we must greet that loon in irons by the name of Commander Hurricane!”

“Right away your majesty!” said Clover as he hurried to open the doors for his Princess.

It was strange, but Celestia always thought of Princess Platinum as a bit younger than them, but now that the two had met, she saw that she wasn’t only older than her and Luna, but she also seemed like she was trying her hardest to be polite. Perhaps she was trying a little to hard. Star Bright, Night Shade, Celestia and Luna waited for what seemed like an hour later until Night Shade suggested that they better get the meeting started without the missing leader. He made sure to tell the guards to let her in when she arrived.

“Yes my liege!” said Snap Shot. “How will we be able to tell which Earth Pony she is? Does she wear any type of royal clothing?”

“Don’t worry,” said Night Shade confidently. “She isn’t hard to miss. You’ll know who she is once she shows up.”

And leaving a puzzled Snap Shot behind the King and his family went inside to order the meeting to begin. Throughout the city of Canterlot, two Earth Ponies were making their way down the snow-covered road. The leader of the two was plump, had an orange coat and was dressed in festive clothing. Her companion surprisingly didn’t feel too out of place trotting beside her. Every time she looked around she spotted ponies of the city stopping what they were doing to watch the odd couple. Despite the amount of looks that were being thrown their way, the assistant didn’t care. She knew that the pony walking beside her may act and appear loud and rambunctious, but when she wanted to be serious she had the ability to not only sound in charge, but she was taken very seriously when ever that happened. She, unlike the pony beside her, wore professional clothing best suited for mares of her stacher. She was the Chancellors Secretary! Her job was not only to help the Chancellor in this important event, but to carry their tribe’s flag as well. The flag on the cold pole was tan with a window shape image stitched in. The upper right had the sky and below a field of flowers, while the upper left brandished the rest of the sky as well as the sun with a crop field underneath. The two continued on their path until they were spotted by one of the Royal Guards, who was waving over to them.

“His majesty wasn’t kidding,” said the guard beside Snap Shot. “Just look at her! Do you see…”

“That will do soldier!” Snap Shot warned. “You must be Chancellor Puddinghead I presume!”

“That’s me!” said the round pony genially.

“You two had best head on in. The meeting has already started and uh, Commander Hurricane…”

“Oh, Commander Hurricane!” Puddinghead said waving the air impatiently. “Very well, Smart Cookie, lets hurry on in so the Commander can at last stuff a loaf in it!”

Once the doors to the outside had closed behind them, the two proceeded toward the sound of muffled talking. Puddinghead and Smart Cookie made sure to relieve themselves of any snow before continuing any further. The talking grew louder as the heavy voice of Commander Hurricane was unmatched in the dispute taking place.

“Your Highnesses, let me make this absolutely clear to everypony here! The winters have been harsh lately we know that! And if anypony around here wants things to change, Cloudsdale has to take the land! With it being a part of our territory, we could begin to make changes in the wind currents and put to rest these harsh winters!”

“And you can do all of that by the end of Hearts Warming Eve?” questioned Princess Platinum looking skeptical.

“I’ll admit, it won’t be an easy task. But if my tribe’s plan works, we could have all of that done by the time of next winter!”

“Next Winter?!” Princess Platinum spluttered. “And what will happen to the harvesting until then eh?”

“The same thing that’s been happening every winter.”

“And you can’t change a couple things now?”

“Princess Platinum, do use your head. We are already taking a heavy risk at changing a big part of the natural balance! If we were to change any more there would be nothing but catastrophe to fallow!”

“Excuse me, but I don’t see the harm in making one little change for a day. You have the power to change the weather when ever you want!”

“For the love of Night Shade think about what you’re saying! Do you have any idea how many forms have to be looked over and approved to change even the slightest bit of weather? The thing you are requesting my tribe to do isn’t an easy fix! And I thought we already settled that debate last harvest!”

As the arguing between the two increased, neither of them noticed that the last tribe leader had arrived. She bowed to the King and his family before she and Smart Cookie took their seats between the bickering. Smart Cookie nodded over to the rest of those accompanying their Tribe leaders. Above them other ponies had just started to arrive. Soon the whole room was filed with ponies from each of the three races. The argument between Princess Platinum and Commander Hurricane had switched from weather control to something that only the two of them knew about. Smart Cookie frowned. Nothing that the two were fighting about had anything to do with the matter at hand; and from the looks the rest of the companions and royal family were giving, they didn’t seem to think so either. Just then, Chancellor Puddinghead took off her bizarre pastry hat and patted her main before speaking loud and clear so everyone could hear.

“Your majesties I would like to speak!”

Silence took over the room as the other two tribe leaders finally acknowledged her.

“Ah, look who finally decided to show up,” said Commander Hurricane breaking the silence. “Better late than never I suppose. Her highness and I were just talking about you and your tribes beneficial tasks.”

“Well, that’s refreshing to hear Commander, usually you’re screaming about us.”

Snickers from the earth ponies above them were heard. Now that Puddinghead had gotten their full attention, it was time for them to get back on track and discuss the reason why they all came to Canterlot in the first place. Glancing over at the four Alicorns behind her, Queen Star Bright gave her approval to speak.

“Now that you got all of that out of your system, I think its time to begin.”

Commander Hurricane looked like he might shout, but he bit back his outburst and sat back to allow the Chancellor to continue.

“Right then,” Puddinghead said before taking a deep breath and continuing. “As by this time we are all aware, that winter is once again upon us. First off, on behalf of all three of us, I would like to apologize to the King and Queen for bringing this unfortunate situation to them at this time. Now, to the matter at hoof…”

As the Chancellor went on about how she overheard Commander Hurricane’s plans for the weather, she too had a plan if her tribe were to claim the land. She went on to say that not only will the land be just what they needed for good soil, but with one of the hills she had seen, their cops would be double that of what it already is. It was clear that the Alicorns understood that the Pegasi and Earth Ponies had a good plan set that would benefit everyone in the end. As it turned out, each of them wanted the land that was directly below Canterlot. That part of the Everfree was the first to return to normal after the Defiler’s attack. And since the area was left with only the rest of the forest beside it, they could see a small community being built there at some point. They just never thought it would happen this soon or be fought over. Celestia’s mind was racing, trying to see a way they could make the meeting end with everyone walking out satisfied, when a strong wave of something powerful got her attention. She looked around unsure of what was causing her to feel uneasy. The ceiling above them seemed to form threatening creeks as the wind from outside howled. Looking over at Luna she saw that she was giving her the same look of worry. A half glance at their parents, told them that they had felt it too.

Commander Hurricane had just slammed his hoof down when another strong wave of an icy cold breeze swept through them. Outside they could hear the wind pick up a bit as the heated conversation carried on. Up in the balconies, the ponies that arrived to witness the outcome of the meeting were beginning to have arguments of their own. It seemed like no one was going to give up until the land was theirs. Right when Princess Platinum made another remark about Commander Hurricanes access to weather. The door to the outside burst open permitting the howling wind to sweep across the room. All around the lanterns swung dangerously on their hanging places. Almost immediately everyone grew silent. King Night Shade and Queen Star Bright looked over to where the sounds of hoof steps were coming from. They only had to wait a couple more seconds before they saw them. A band of four black-cloaked Unicorns came forth. In the center of them a pole was being carried and at the top was a new flag that no one had ever seen before. The four approached the Knight Shade and Queen Star Bright and lowered their hoods. They knew exactly who they were. Members of the Higher Class Unicorn’s Guild.

“What are you doing here?” demanded Commander Hurricane “We’re busy!”

“Forgive the intrusion, but since we are part of an Empire now, we feel it was necessary for us to be here.”

“What was that?”

“The flag Commander. Surly you have seen it.”

The Unicorn pointed up at the purple flag that had a type of large white crystal like symbol in the center. All around, ponies in the balconies were looking down at the newcomers, whispering to their neighbors. Undoubtedly asking if they thought the flag was real.

“As I was saying,” continued the unicorn simply. “We have come from the Empire. After carful well thought out discussions, we have decided to call it, The Crystal Empire.”

He waited for the title of their land to sink in before turning to the three tribe leaders.

“This whole argument is about the little piece of land outside of this city am I right in thinking so?”

They all nodded.

“Then allow me to have my saying in this.” And with a swish of his cloak he moved to the center of the room so everyone could see him. “We are all fully aware of what’s been happening recently. Exploring new lands means eventual interest in claiming it. However, with the way nopony is willing to come to an agreement might I suggest…”

“Your Highnesses I object!” roared Commander Hurricane loudly. “Who cares what these… New Ponies have to say?! That’s it! enough is enough! I want an answer! Listen to me everypony, we can all benefit in the end if you allow Cloudsdale to claim the land below your city!”

“Your strategic war tactics won’t help you here Commander!” boomed Chancellor Puddinghead.

“War tactics my hoof! Our plan is at least worth trying, while yours may I remind you, only works for a short time! If we allow the Earth Ponies to claim the land, how many crops will last then eh? And how many will go hungry through another winter? Well, perhaps not everypony. From the looks of it, you seemed to have came out just fine despite the lack of food.”

“How dare you!” Shrieked Puddinghead, her face going as red as the cherry on top of her hat.

More arguing erupted throughout the room. Each race shouting at one another, claiming that their plan was the best way to make use of the unclaimed land. Celestia felt another wave of energy go through her. This time it was stronger than ever. She tried to ignore it, but the more she tried the stronger it got. Threatening to overpower her as its grip wrapped its way around her, refusing to subside. A loud bang went off and instantly everyone went silent. The heads of the three tribe leaders turned not to Celestia or Luna, but to their parents who had their hooves on their foreheads. They knew that they had heard enough and now, it was time for them to bring this whole thing to a close. The cloaked Unicorn made his way back to his group and waited in silence.

“We have heard all you had to say,” began King Night Shade. “We have listened and waited for an agreement to be made, but that time I fear has passed.”

Commander Hurricane stood up. “My liege let me…”

But Night Shade held up a hoof for silence.

“Commander, now is the time for you to listen. And I beg you do not interrupt what I’m about to say.”

Celestia noticed something about her parents just then. They looked different. Like they were both tired, but Night Shade went on as if nothing was wrong.

“We have thought things over while you were discussing the matter over and I’m afraid this is something we cannot help either of you with. This is something you have to work out yourselves.”

Even as Night Shade said it, Celestia saw that he was struggling to stay awake. Luna saw it to, but she was looking at their mother who still had her hoof resting on her horn. The Cloaked Unicorns seemed to have noticed something wasn’t right too, for the leader had taken a step forward.

“I think that sums things up. Please if everyone could leave now…”

“And what are we supposed to do now?!” asked Princess Platinum.

“What you do now is not up to us!”

“But the land! We can’t go home empty handed!”

“It’s like the king said, you have to figure it out for yourselves.”

And with that, the meeting was over. Everyone rose from their seats and headed out. Some in silence others in disappointment that the outcome was this much of a fiasco. Celestia and Luna looked up at their parents who kept drifting in and out of sleep. They still kept their posture however, all the way until Chancellor Puddinghead and Secretary Smart Cookie left.

“Mom, Dad? Are you two…”

But before Celestia could finish, Queen Star Bright had collapsed. Her crown fell off her head and slid across the floor.

Author's Notes:

Since it is almost the end of September, I thought I would post one more chapter. Consider it a special treat. And next weekend, back to basics.