As it turned out, Celestia was encountering more trouble at keeping her subjects in line than she had expected. Before their stay at Deepvein, the sprawling castle home of House Garnet, the mainly pegasi army had no quarrel with anypony but each other. But the trek through Unicornia only added more unicorns to the vast array, and as the unicorn presence grew, so did tensions between the two traditionally rival races. After their arrival at the capital of Unicornia, Lithton, the distrust and veiled hostility between the two races reached a peak.

“What kind of name is Lithton, anyway?” Asked Hemlock Farpeak.

“An old name.” Goldleaf replied.

“Older than the days of Discord, in fact.” Princess Luna added in. “In the time of Our grandparents, it was a small hilltop village.” The midnight alicorn looked over Lithton, which was anything but a small village. The central city was made all of gleaming white marble, edged in purples and golds. It was all very regal, and it's placement upon a hill that just barely missed out on mountainhood only added to that. Long had it been thought that the ancient rulers of House Platinum based their citadel and city on the architecture of Old Alicornia, but Everfree Castle seemed to disprove that notion. Then again, Everfree was a product of necessity in a desperate time.

“Everything is so... ornate, and complex.” Hemlock continued on. “I don't understand what purpose it serves.”

“We do not either.” Agreed Luna.

“Display has its purpose.” Goldleaf retorted. “You pegasi don't seem to understand that.”

“It all looks superficial to me.” And thus, Luna's two companions descended into another argument. Though Goldleaf and Hemlock had, and still kept a relatively friendly relationship, the racial tensions seemed to be getting to even them. It was as if only the three alicorns were immune.

“The young races are all so uppity.” Sighed Aegis Vigil one night, taking tea after their meal. The three had been given top-of-the-line residence in House Platinum's shining fortress, Amethyst's Citadel. The colossal structure had been build by the former Queen Amethyst, during her long and prosperous reign. It surpassed Deepvein, but just barely, in scope and opulence. Unicornia is a truly rich land.

“Pegasi, unicorns, and humans are all alike.” Celestia said. “Young, jumpy, eager to fight...”

“The humans are older than the lesser Equestrians, actually.” Their granduncle corrected. “But yes, humans enjoy fighting as much as our subjects do. Dragons too. Alicorns did once as well. You might say we're all a bit uppity.”

“Nevertheless, I have never seen such outright and yet misplaced supremacism!” Declared the Regent of the Sun, as if she was forgetting her own hatred of the humans. “Do they not realize they are all equally below us?” Luna frowned; her friendship with Goldleaf and Hemlock was making her rethink what she had always been told. The two were mortal, and oftentimes foolish, but they seemed to have the same potential and capacity as anypony else. Just within a mortal time limit, of course. “The only thing that unites these unicorns and pegasi is a shared disdain for earth ponies. I suppose we could use that to our advantage.”

“Queen Clearspring's daughter and her troops are subjugating disobedient clans in the south. But for every one they pacify, two more seem to rise up.” Reported Aegis, while they were on the subject. “It is both advantageous and to our detriment that they're a complicated patchwork of bloodlines, tribes, debts, and feuds. On one hoof, they can't present a united front against us. On the other hoof, they can't present any front for us either!”

“No wonder Queen Platinum keeps saying earth ponies are barely even ponies at all.” Said Celestia, as she sipped the last of her tea. “They're so disorganized and uncivil.”

“But earth ponies are the majority population of Equestria. They outnumber the others two to one...” Spoke up Luna for the first time.

“So? They just breed like rabbits, or those dreadful parasprites, cursed spawn of Discord that they were.” Retorted her older sister. “Earth ponies are the least clever of the three, though that isn't saying much of the other two. You know, Splendor Garnet came up with a good idea the other day.”

“Oh really?” Prompted Aegis. The white alicorn nodded.

“Really. Lady Splendor suggested that we... dismantle the earth pony state, if it can even be called that. Equestria would be divided up between pegasi and unicorns, ruling over the earth ponies and all being ruled over by us alicorns.” Explained she.

“That would not be in accordance with the pact we made after Discord's defeat...” Aegis said warily. “I hope you are not seriously considering that.”

“I will do what I must to keep this land stable and peaceful.” Celestia replied dismissively.

“Hmm...” Their granduncle sighed in contemplation. No more was said of the issue, as Luna began her watch, and the other two went to sleep. Nights were very different from Canterlot here in Lithton. The unicorn city was actually populated, for instance. There were lights beyond the castle well into the early hours of the morning, and there was always somepony up to something, no matter the time. The tradeoff for the sounds and smells of a city was that they no longer had to deal with construction noises. No more hammers, no more chisels, no more shouting commands, none of it. It was quite pleasant. With nothing to oversee, it was up to Luna to find new activities for the Night Court to busy themselves with. After a week of pestering her sister, Luna finally acquired a task for her three-pony Court.

“It's really not fair that you do all the work, Celly.” She had complained as the white alicorn removed her regalia, readying herself for bed. “Just give me something to do, you'll have more time for yourself because of it.”

“Like what?” Asked Celestia wearily.

“I don't know, anything!” Exclaimed the Regent of the Moon. “I just feel so useless, sitting around doing nothing. Lady Hemlock and Goldleaf feel that way too.”

“Well, I might have something for you to take care of.” The white alicorn said. Luna jumped forward excitedly.

“Really?” She asked, itching with energy. At last, a chance to do something useful! She hoped it wasn't just busywork so that Celestia wouldn't be bothered by her. Her sister wouldn't do that, right?

“Remember our discussion about earth ponies the other day?” More like the other two weeks ago, Luna thought as she nodded. “I'd like you to get Lady Splendor to elaborate on her plan. See if it's viable or not, talk to whom you must. Bring me a report on it by next week.” Yawned Celestia, levitating the sheets off her bed.

“You can count on me!” Declared Luna. “Good night, Celly.” She said quickly, before rushing off through the halls of Amethyst's Citadel. Finally, something to do! Her ordinarily loud hooffalls were muffled by the carpets the unicorns had put throughout their fortress, something everypony must have been thankful for. We should do that at Canterlot, when we return. Just as expected, Hemlock and Goldleaf were already waiting for her in their pre-ordained meeting place, a study room tucked away near the Queen's library. Luna opened the door from afar with a quick work of magic. It was a cozy little chamber, bearing a fireplace and one narrow window. Only candles and a fire lit the room, giving it a warm, orange glow. Despite the warm season having begun, nights were cold at this altitude; the extra heat was welcome.

“Good evening, my princess.” Bowed Goldleaf. The midnight alicorn almost ran into him before bringing herself to a stop.

“I've gotten us a job!” Announced Luna excitedly, forgetting her formalities for a moment. “Uh- I- We mean: We've gotten us a job.”

“Wonderful!” Hemlock said, immediately looking more interested than she had been recently. “What is it?”

“Our sister wishes us to investigate a possible solution to these racial tensions we have all been facing as of late. We are to seek out Lady Splendor Garnet.” Stated the Regent of the Moon.

“Oh no.” Whispered Goldleaf, cringing. Luna gave him a questioning look.

“His only interactions with Lady Splendor were rather embarrassing on his part.” Explained the dark beige pegasus. “Apparently, such a splendid-looking mare makes him a bit nervous.” Luna stifled a giggle at what surely must have been an intended play on words. While Goldleaf was a thinker like her, Hemlock definitely had a sense of humor that Luna could appreciate.

“It is no matter. Lady Hemlock, find Splendor Garnet and bring her here. Tell her what you must.” Commanded Luna.

“Right away.” Hemlock nodded, trotting out into the hall and vanishing. Her head appeared in the doorway moments later. “Princess, where is she? I don't think a lone pegasus should be wandering around the unicorn's residences... Especially at night.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” Sighed Goldleaf.

“It'd make me look more credible, so yes.” Hemlock affirmed, before turning to Luna expectantly.

“Lady Splendor's room is probably in the west tower of the fortress. Here-” The midnight alicorn levitated a roll of parchment, and burned the sun and moon mark of the alicorn diarchy into it. “If anypony doubts you, just show them this. Our seal will not be questioned.”

“We'll be back shortly. Come on, Goldleaf.” Commanded the young pegasus. Her unicorn companion followed, stumbling out of the room reluctantly. While they were gone, Luna had a rare moment of solitude. She wasn't like her sister, always trying to get away from other ponies; Luna liked the company of others. Celestia once said that the midnight alicorn tended to think herself into a sad state when left alone for too long, and she didn't doubt it was true. Luckily, her two courtiers would only be absent for ten minutes or so. That wasn't enough time to dwell on the past. I wonder how much of my industry of late is honest will to work, and how much is just trying to forget, she pondered. It didn't matter, she was happy just to be doing something. Anything that kept her from falling back into the pit of despair at the loss of their family was good. Luna had to wonder if Celestia had gotten stuck in that pit; and was raging against it by trying to make war on humanity. The youngest alicorn looked out the window, and at the sky far above.

She wasn't sure how long she stared, but eventually, Hemlock and Goldleaf returned, with Lady Splendor Garnet in tow. “Good evening, Princess Luna.” Splendor said, no doubt kneeling. Luna turned away from the window to face her.

“Good evening, Lady Splendor.” Acknowledged the midnight alicorn. “Our sister tells Us that you have a plan for the future.”

“She does?” Asked the cream-colored unicorn, surprised, and looking more than a little nervous “Well, I remember mentioning it to her. Just an idea of mine, really. Nothing serious, I wasn't-”

“You have not been called here to be chastised, Lady Splendor.” Stated Luna.

“Oh.” The noblemare sighed in relief.

“In fact, you have been called here to elaborate more on your plan. Our sister is very busy, but she would like to know more, so she has set Us to the task.” The Regent of the Moon explained.

“I see.” Said Splendor, still looking a bit on edge.

“I still don't know what her so-called plan is.” Remarked Hemlock, narrowing her eyes at the other noblemare. “And I'd bet it involves something about keeping us pegasi down. Just more unicorn interferences.”

“Your kind didn't seem to object when we helped get rid of your Blackwind problem.” Shot back Splendor defensively. “My plan, if it can even be called that, does nothing to the detriment of pegasi. It's not really a plan, though, I'm still putting it together, and only just mentioned the basics to the Princess-”

“Stay on topic, Lady Splendor.” Luna stated, before levitating a stack of papers in front of the lone stallion in the room. “Goldleaf, write down what she says.” She commanded, putting a quill and ink in front of him as well.

“As you command, my princess.” Answered the mahogany unicorn.

“Like I said, Princess Luna, I'm still putting this all together myself. But we have a very efficient system in Unicornia. It is we who provide the strength, organization, leadership, and protection for our serfs, in return for their labor and servitude.” Began Splendor, sitting down. “This system has worked for hundreds of years, since the waning days of Discord. Our earth ponies enjoy the benefit of technology, safety, access to unicorn healers, and other such things unheard of in the southern lands! Unicornia has never had internal strife once in its history, unlike our neighbors to the north.” She glanced at Hemlock, who scowled back. “Contrast this with daily life in the earth pony lands.

“Everything is in a state of flux, nopony can know who is the enemy one day and who is friend the next. The tribes constantly fight and raid each other over small things. There is no technology beyond the most basic levels of weaponry, nopony is ever truly safe, there is constant strife, and ponies die from injuries and illnesses we can easily cure here!” Exclaimed Splendor, waving a hoof to the window and Lithton below. “We are good, decent ponies here, aren't we?” She asked.

“We would say so.” Agreed Luna.

“Then is it not our duty to bring a better way of life to those below us?” Proposed Splendor. “If we disband the barbaric and petty earth pony states, and annex them to Unicornia and the pegasi realms, we can bring them a future they could have otherwise never imagined.” Stated the noblemare. “They have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. And perhaps in time, it could lead to a union between Unicornia and the pegasi, directly under your diarchy, Princess Luna. Imagine it: A united Equestria, a truly united Equestria, not this loose confederation held together by who knows what!”

“This sounds like quite the endeavor, my lady.” Commented Goldleaf.

“It would be, I admit that.” Splendor nodded. “But I think it'd be worth it.”

“It might. I don't like the idea of union with your kind, though.” Said Hemlock, looking skeptical.

“I trust there are many unicorns who would voice a similar sentiment. But it is for the greater good, Lady Hemlock. I'm sure our alicorn rulers will agree.” Splendor Garnet replied. She's very sure of herself... Then again, most mares of House Garnet were bold thinkers, and quite a few stallions were too.

“Thank you for taking time out of your night to talk to us.” Said Luna. “We have the information we need, and We will report back to our sister at dawn. You may go.”

“It's always a pleasure, my Princess.” Splendor said, kneeling again. “And it was nice to see you two again as well.” She remarked with a smile to the other unicorn and pegasus.

“Say what you will about her, at least she's nice.” Remarked Hemlock, after the other noblemare had left.

“So she is.” Agreed Goldleaf.

“We do not see why you are so hesitant for a union of races, Lady Hemlock.” Said Luna. “You seem to get on just fine with Goldleaf.”

“The difference is, my Princess, I know Goldleaf. I don't know many other unicorns, but most of them seem to think just as ill of me as I do of them.” Explained the beige pegasus.

“So We see.” The rest of the night passed without note, as Luna thought on Lady Splendor's proposal for a new future. What did the earth ponies have to lose? Freedom, I guess, thought Luna. In exchange for freedom, the earth ponies would gain medicine, technology, protection, peace... Was it a fair trade-off? The Regent of the Moon didn't know much about earth pony life under unicorn or pegasi rule... Perhaps should could find out.

Dawn came, she lowered the moon, and Luna turned in Goldleaf's transcript to Celestia, who read it during breakfast with she and Aegis. “It could work.” Decided the white alicorn.

“I doubt the earth ponies would go along willingly.” Said their granduncle. “In case you haven't noticed, their life here in Unicornia isn't perfect.”

“We don't know that for sure.” Shot back Celestia. “Sister, do me a favor.” Luna jumped up eagerly, despite her weariness.

“I'm ready!” She announced.

“Go find Rye, she should be lurking around somewhere in the city.” The city! Luna thought. Was she being given a free excuse to go explore Lithton? “In fact, I think she's staying at one of the inn's near the lower market. Go ask around until you find her.”

“Right away!” Luna said, before pausing. “I won't need any escort, will I?”

“Lithton is a safe city, Queen Ember keeps tight control.” Aegis assured her. “You should be just fine.”

“I'll go find her.” With that, she rushed from the room in the castle, and then promptly rushed back in.

“You can't be done already!” Said Aegis disbelievingly.

“I should probably bring some bits, just in case.” Replied Luna, walking into her borrowed bedroom. She levitated a bag sack of cloth on a string, and put it around her neck. It clashed with her formal regalia, but unlike Celestia, she didn't concern herself with such trivialities. Into the bag she put a few silver bits, enough to... Enough to what? Luna didn't know what she was preparing for, but it was best to be prepared...

“I can't imagine you'll be gone long.” Remarked Celestia as Luna left again.

“I probably won't.” Nodded Luna. She trotted into the castle hall, and then out the closest door to the walls. Once outside, she took to the air. Lithton wasn't the biggest city in the world, being restricted to a hilltop, but it wasn't a lone fortress like Everfree either. Radiating out from Amethyst's Citadel were six roads, and they were crisscrossed by a chaotic mess of smaller streets and alleys. The lowest part of the city was reserved for earth ponies, or rather, the earth ponies were confined to that area. The lower market was in this part, were earth ponies bought and sold what they could to each other. Needless to say, their being graced by an alicorn's presence was the last thing anypony expected when Luna dropped down in the center of the market. Despite being so young for her kind, she already stood taller than most of them. After a moment of shock, all the ponies knelt right where they were standing.

“Earth ponies of Lithton!” She boomed in her royal voice. “Where might We find the mare known as Rye?”

“Rye, your highness?” Squeaked a red mare, looking up in equal-parts fear and awe. “Last I heard, she was staying over there...” The mare pointed to an inn labeled The Hearth Away from Home. Luna guessed it was specially aimed towards lodging long-distance earth pony travelers, though the princess had never suspected there were enough to warrant such a lodging.

“Thank you, my good pony. You may return to your business.” Announced Luna, dismissing them with a wave of her hoof. Slowly, the buzz of the market returned, but the crowd still parted before her as she approached the inn. Her entrance seemed to have been expected, only a deaf pony would have been oblivious to her arrival outside.

“Princess Luna, welcome.” Said the innkeeper, a thickly built stallion, as he knelt. “I would not have expected to be blessed with your presence, especially so early in the morning.”

“We did not expect to be here either. We have come seeking Rye, the representative of the southern tribes to Our sister's court.” Explained Luna. The stallion frowned in concern.

“Has she done something wrong?” He asked, moving out from behind the counter he stood behind.

“Not at all. We just have matters that Our sister has instructed us to discuss.” Stated the midnight alicorn.

“Oh.” Nodded the stallion to himself. “Well, apologies your majesty, but Rye left for Reedsport three days ago.”

“Reedsport?” Echoed Luna. What is Rye doing in Reedsport?

“Family business, my Princess.” Said the innkeeper. The Regent of the Moon looked at him in confusion. “You did ask me what she was doing there, right?”

“I- We don't think we did.”

“How strange. I swear to the stars, I heard you ask...” Trailed off the stallion.

“Thank you for your time, innkeeper. It seems We must travel to Reedsport.” Luna summoned another ethereal parchment with the diarchy's seal on it, and wrote down her intent upon it. She levitated four silver bits out, and placed them upon the paper on the innkeeper's counter. “Ensure this reaches the castle, We have a journey to make.”

“Of course, your highness.” With that, Luna departed the inn, and immediately launched into the sky. She could make Reedsport in a day, easily. It was only sixty or so miles from Lithton. For Celestia's army, that could be a week of marching to the coast, but one alicorn alone traveled much faster.

Luna considered that this may have been a rash move on her part, but Celestia had told her to find Rye, and she was going to do just that. It felt good to stretch her wings and feel the rush of air around her again. Quickly, she left behind Lithton and its hill, flying over the shallow rises and valleys that marked the end of the mountains that ran through Unicornia. The land was dotted with farms and fallow fields, and here and there was a holding of some noble. It was relatively unchanging as the hours passed by, but soon Luna noticed a change of foliage. There were more and more pines, the closer she got to the coast, and the smell of salt was in the air. The sun had long reached it's zenith and was now on the way down again; Luna felt a weight on her eyes.

But there! On the horizon, a tiny sparkling sliver: the sea! She had made it. Somewhere below would appear Reedsport, a small but busy center of the kelp-harvesting trade. Luna had visited once, with her parents, long ago, and still remembered something about where it was. It wasn't long before she saw smoke, and that led her directly to the town. Reedsport was nestled at the back end of a decently-sized inlet, where the oar-driven ships could be kept safe from storms and other disasters. It seemed to have gotten even smaller than the last time Luna had been here. As she touched town on the center street of the town, the few ponies around gawked. Only a few knelt immediately, but most appeared never to have seen one of Luna's kind their life.

“My lady alicorn, what are you doing here?” Asked a middle-aged unicorn, whose old and mismatched armor seemed to indicate she was the lone town guard.

“We are Princess Luna of Equestria, Regent of the Moon, daughter of the late Sun Queen and Nightlord. We have come in search of Rye the earth pony, representing the southern tribes.” Announced Luna, looking as formal as she could. It certainly stung to have to add late before her parent's names.

“Rye? I'm afraid I don't know a Rye, your highness.” Said the guard. “But we did have an earth pony from Lithon arrive yesterday, at the Inn.”

“Which inn?” Asked the midnight alicorn, stifling a yawn. She'd been awake for far too long.

“Our only inn, your highness.” Answered the unicorn.

“Of course...” Nodded Luna. She was directed to the building in question, which tugged at distant memories of Luna's mind. I may have been here before, long ago... Perhaps, perhaps not. The guard left her at the door, before resuming her mostly-unneeded patrol of the town.

“My Princess!” Said the owner of the establishment, an ancient-looking mare with a dusty-blue coat and grey mane. “Forgive this old mare, but she is too stiff in the knees to kneel down.” The owner bowed her head as deeply as she could though.

“It is no matter.” Replied Luna, lowering her voice.

“I am Goodrain, innkeeper and former soldier in Queen Amethyst's army. What business brings one so mighty and noble to the company of wretches as poor as we earth ponies?” Asked she, squinting at the midnight alicorn.

“We have come seeking Rye, the representative of the southern tribes to Our sister's court.” Said the Regent of the Moon.

“You've come to the right place, then.” Goodrain said back. “Rye is staying here, but she won't be back until tonight. She's got kin a few miles up the river, it'll take a bit to get back here. Please, my Princess, enjoy our hospitality while you wait.”

“We think it would be wise to do so...” This time, Luna really did yawn. “It has been a long day, We will take lodging here and speak to Rye tomorrow.” She took out some number of bits and placed them before Goodrain; Luna wasn't sure how many.

“Pay won't be necessary, your highness-”

“We insist.” Cut in the midnight alicorn.

“Very well.” Sighed Goodrain, scooping up the currency. “You may take whichever room you please.” Luna nodded, and headed up the stairs to the floor above. She assumed that the first unlocked door was an unoccupied room, and so it was. There was a small bed, and everything seemed to be earth-pony oriented, so that anything in the room could be used without magic. Fortunately, Luna was not so disadvantaged. She took off her regalia, bolted the door, and laid down to sleep. In a way, it was far less comfortable than her room at Amethyst's Citadel; but in another way, it felt much more genuine. Sleep was upon her before she could ponder much more on the issue.

As she usually did, Luna dreamed. In recent days, she had made the delightful discovery that she was able to control her dreams with a finesse that she was sure no other pony could manage. Luna was convinced that this was supposed to be so, now that guardianship of the night had passed to her from her father. This was just another ability that was becoming manifest in her. In the middle of flying around Canterlot as she imagined the completed city to be, she woke quite suddenly. The sun was nearly set, the window revealed, it was time to raise the moon.

Without even raising her head, Luna focused on the presence of the heavenly body, her horn lighting up with energy. As the sun disappeared over the horizon, the soft, white glow of the moon began to slowly replace it, rising into the night sky. Once she was sure that the moon could guide itself the rest of the way up, Luna went back to sleep. The process was getting easier, far less difficult than it had been the first few times she did it. She returned to the dreamworld, and let her body rest more.

After some many hours, Luna was groggily aware of waking up to lower the moon once more, and decided to sleep in a little. Inadvertently, she had set herself back on a diurnal schedule, but it was nothing she couldn't correct later. She went downstairs, seeking food.

“Good morning, your highness.” Greeted Goodrain, who had just finished serving breakfast to one of her patrons. Said patron almost choked on his drink when he saw the alicorn enter.

“Good morning.” Returned Luna. “Has Rye returned?” She asked.

“Indeed, she has. There's been some commotion in the harbor though, not sure about what... But that's where she went off to, last I heard.” Stated the innkeeper.

“At last.” Commented the alicorn. She took a small bundle of celery sticks from the platter Goodrain had set aside for the moment. It'd have to do for breakfast, she had an earth pony to catch. Luna quickly trotted down the street, chewing on her meal, before reaching the docks at the harbor. An assortment of light craft were tied up, usually rowed by earth ponies out into shallow waters, where a unicorn or especially brave earth pony would retrieve kelp from the sea floor. A crowd of earth ponies and several unicorns had gathered. Perhaps somepony found a pearl? Luna observed from a distance, searching for Rye. There she was, right on the edge. Luna snapped a twig off a nearby tree with her magic, and levitated it over to Rye. She tapped twice on the mare's shoulder. Rye turned in confusion, and then shock as she saw the Princess. The earth pony rushed over.

“P-Princess Luna, what are you doing here?” She asked in a hushed voice.

“We have come in search of you, of course.” Replied Luna. “Our sister has matters for us to discuss. It would be very much appreciated if you could return to the Inn with Us.”

“Your highness, this is a bad time...” Rye said, still keeping her voice down. She glanced over her shoulder to the crowd.

“What is happening?” Luna asked, noticing for the first time just how on edge the other ponies where.

“The kelpers saw a ship out beyond the inlet, heading straight for them. They turned around and came back.” Explained Rye.

“We do not see how badly a ship could scare ponies-” Luna began to say, but a collective cry of alarm sounded out from the crowd.

“I guess you can see for yourself, Princess!” They looked out over the river, to wear it turned out to the sea. Over the treetops, a white sail could be seen.

“What manner of ship is this?” Wondered Luna aloud. “That it could be so tall that a sail flies above the trees...” A pointed prow came around the corner, followed by a hull, and more hull... It was a tall vessel, white and black stripes running along the sides. But upon the forward sail was a sight that chilled Luna: an eight-pointed star, in blood red. The two long, tasseled banners mounted on the rear structure of the ship only confirmed to Luna what she was looking at, they bore a familiar vertical script, proclaiming just who this ship belonged to. The vessel was still some thousand feet out, and it began to raise its sails; dropping anchor in the deep center of the river.

“I s-suppose it's for the best you're here.” Commented Rye nervously, looking with unveiled fear at the ship in the river.

“Step away from the docks, my subjects.” Announced Luna, in her royal voice. Instantly, the crowd dispersed, falling back to the street. There was much muttering, and some of it sounded more relieved than afraid. With an alicorn present, what could go wrong for them? Luna herself stepped onto the docks, leaving Rye to stand awkwardly between the crowd and her. A smaller boat had departed from the large ship, rowing towards them. Within minutes, it had reached the dock. The first passenger to arrive bore a banner with four black and white squares, the same red star in the middle. Yes, Luna knew exactly who was visiting them. He was followed by several more, some in armor, some not.

“So, the Emperor of Ar-Athazîon sends his regards.” Luna spoke in her best Tarsin. One of the human's mouth twitched as if suppressing a smile, so she must have said something wrong.

“Verrily, he does.” Replied the human in an accented Equestrian, making a funny sound with his r. He was dressed in a dark brown robe, or perhaps long coat, Luna couldn't tell. It was buttoned down the side, as he wore the Empire's seal over his chest, and it would be improper to break the image in human culture. A belt went around his middle, but there was no sword on it. Despite the warmth of the day, he had his cloak securely fastened over his right shoulder, and he wore his two-plumed hat. “I am Kairrôs Gadis, Împîrrial Financier and Master of Coin.” He said with a bow. I guess he doesn't do his elongated r-sound at the end of words, Luna noted.

“We are Princess Luna, Regent of the Moon, and sister of Princess Celestia.” She replied, back in her own Equestrian. “What purpose is there for the Emperor to send his Financier far beyond his own borders?

“You arre a blunt vun, my Prrîncess.” It took Luna a moment to figure out that vun was his way of saying one. The humans did not like to pronounce the w sound for whatever reason, that made communication sometimes difficult. “As a trrusted adviser, I have been sent to discuss your sister's... mmm, înflammatorry behavior tvords an împortant vassal of the Emperror.” I knew she'd live to regret that, Luna thought with a grimace. “I have come to sort thîngs out.”

“It is not Our place to to discuss such things...” Luna began to say.

“Our?” Questioned Financier Kairôs Gadis, looking around. “Prrîincess Luna, I see but vun of you.” No more royal plural, then.

“My apologies, Financier. But I lack the authority to treat on behalf of Equestria. Only Celestia can do that.” Replied Luna.

“As ve expected...” Sighed Kairôs, looking to the sky above. “I rrequest on behalf of our Lorrd the Emperror,” he gestured to himself and his men. “that ve be grranted safe passage to meet vith Celestia.”

“I can grant you that.” Replied the midnight alicorn, nodding. With luck, this delegation from Ar-Athazîon would be able to stop the foolish war of Celestia's before it even began.

“Excellent.” Stated Kairôs, almost smiling. “I vill send for our zôshai, and ve vill follô you to your sister.”

Luna almost said something, but then closed her mouth. How was she going to tell them their large, three-hooved zôshai were considered unwillingly enslaved creatures in Equestria?

Author's Notes:

Author's note: Those of you who have read Lord of the Rings will know that it only gets interesting after Tom Bombadil and the barrow-wights. Consider this chapter the part where Frodo and company wander into Tom’s forest.

Oh, Financier Kairôs Gadis was actually introduced as the author of a letter read in Field Report, a Tempest chapter. This is far from the last time someone from what seems like a once-off mention shows up in person. Furthermore, the One Steve Limit does not apply here, Kairôs is a very common human name, at least among nobility.