PLEASE NOTE: this is the sequel to The Equestrian Bloodmoon, you need to read that, otherwise you will have no idea what half of the things in this story mean.

@#@#@#@#@#@#

Princess,

It is my pleasure to inform you that I have made it to Whiterun, after a day and a half of travel. While Jarl Balgruuf owes me a favor, Kodlak will be difficult to sway, given the Companions' rule about staying out of politics. Nevertheless, I will do my best to bring him around, as per our agreement regarding my debt. I'll write again after I have received any news, You will likely hear from me again either this afternoon, or tomorrow morning.

– Reman.

Celestia read the letter again, just to confirm what it said. Despite half-expecting the Imperial to ignore her request, he was adamant about completing his assigned task. However, that wasn't what held her attention, rather, the monarch's eyes kept drifting to a small collection of dark splotches near one of the margins. There was no doubt in Celestia's mind about what it was.

Blood.

The Princess knew that Nirn was dangerous, but she hadn't thought that Reman had been presented ample time to get into trouble. Shaking her head, Celestia realized that the man would find something to mess with, even when there wasn't another living organism in sight. Well, at least Reman was in good enough health to write. Besides, he took to the spell required to send the letter like a fish to water, even if he had forgotten every other enchantment.

With a sigh and smile, the Princess went to eat her morning meal, where she would inform everypony in Canterlot of the update.

@#@#@#@#@#@#

Summer Glade was enjoying her time off, though she was uneasy about certain things. Her parents were overjoyed to see her again, alive and well, especially after news of the Festival reached them. The two pegasi lived in Cloudsdale, and they had raised the lycan mare in the floating city, so Glade was right at home. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, like things were about to take a turn for the worse.

Actually, the mare knew things were going to go downhill in the future, especially when Reman comes back to Equestria. A loose word from Pinkie had informed the gruff Major Tundra that his daughter was seeing somepony, though the stallion quickly learned of the suitor's non-equine nature, courtesy of Captain Shining Armor. While the Royal Guard retiree had been angry, Glade's mother, Spring Valley, had swayed him against the warpath, much to the lycan mare's relief. Well, Glade never thought staying with her parents would ever be more stressful than life in the Equestrian military.

“So, what sounds good to you two?” The lycan was currently hanging out with the Elements of Loyalty and Kindness, she had grown to enjoy their company over the course of her quest.

“I hear that there a new exhibit at the Museum of Pegasus History.” Actually, the idea didn't sound that bad, though a little boring. Then again, Fluttershy had been the source of the group's previous endeavors, planning a number of amusing activities to pass the time until they heard more about the trip to Nirn.

“The Wonderbolts are having a stunt show later, we could go there after the museum.” While Dash wasn't a fan of dusty relics, her love of the Daring Doo series had inspired a slight interest in history. Besides, with Glade's status as one of the Princess' personal bodyguards, they'd get a huge discount at the gate.

“Why pay for the show, when I can get us into the practice for free?” The mare giggled as Rainbow stopped in her tracks, well, hovered in place. A look of disbelief was plastered on the cyan pony's face.

“Royal Guards can do that?” The prospect awe-inspiring to the Element of Loyalty, who now wondered about the other perks of he job.

“No, but a friend of Soarin' can.” Glade wasn't lying, the stallion had gone to school with her cousins.

“Well, what are we waiting for?”

@#@#@#@#@#@#

Twilight had opted to stay in Canterlot, shacking up with her parents. The Element of Magic had all ready sent for Spike, and her mother and father had agreed to look after him while the mare was in Nirn. The unicorn was currently pouring over books regarding negotiation and deal making, trying to cram for the test of experience that surely awaited those traveling to the strange realm. In addition to the political manuals, Twilight was also reading about legendary flora and fauna, trying to find any creature that may exist in Reman's home. Despite the fact that the lycan had never mentioned any of the wildlife of Nirn, the mare was confident in her abilities to find anything that matched Equestria's native creatures.

With a sip from her drink, Twilight went back to work.

@#@#@#@#@#@#

Rarity's current stay in Canterlot could hardly be described as a vacation. In a rush of panicked motions, she unpacked and repacked her bag, just one! That was all she was allowed to carry! How was she supposed to bring her sewing supplies with just one bag? Maybe she could get Applejack to carry some of her things, the farmer wouldn't bring much, so it only seemed natural to offer her friend a helping hoof. Or perhaps she could negotiate with Princess Luna about the carry limit, the Element of Generosity needed to bring her regular kit, how else was she going to take a note of the fashions of Nirn?

Just the thought of every lavish dress and intricate bauble made her head spin. Even if she had to carry a thousand pounds across a thousand miles, Rarity would not be denied her chance!

@#@#@#@#@#@#

With her hat, a few extra lengths of rope, and a saddlebag full of apples, the Element of Honesty felt that she was prepared for her trip. A mare of simple means, Applejack wasn't for packing every little thing and fussing over the tiniest details. Really, all she had to take care of was filling in her workload during her absence, and Caramel gladly accepted the position. With a content smile, the mare went to play with her sister, something she might not be able to do for a quite some time.

@#@#@#@#@#@#

Ingredients for cake? Check.

Balloons? Check.

Party hats? Check.

Banners for every occasion? Check.

Portable Party Cannon? Check.

Gummy? Check.

Gummy's favorite punch mix? Check.

Pinkie checked and re-checked her list, making sure that she wasn't forgetting anything. While she had packed winter clothes and food, well, candy, for herself, she put the utmost priority on her party supplies. If Equestria was going to open relations with a foreign government, then it was up to Ambassador Pinkie Pie to ensure that things went off without a hitch.

@#@#@#@#@#@#

Princess,

The coast is clear at the moment, though I regret that I will be unable to meet the group coming through. However, I have enclosed a map of Skyrim, marked with every major city, settlement, and camp, whether bandit or of the parties involved in the civil war. Even if the map is too difficult to follow, Whiterun is easy to find, after all, it's just a city with a fortress built on a hill. The hill itself is located in a plain with sparse trees, like a tundra in the summer, nothing simpler than finding something that sticks out that much.

While I have no doubt that entering the city through normal means will be impossible, the eastern wall isn't patrolled regularly, and it would be a simple matter to fly the ponies over it. Just inside the wall, there will a a wide, wooden building, that's Jorrvaskr. Don't ask how to pronounce it, I'll take care of that when Luna and the others arrive. Inside Jorrvaskr, the group will find a number of people dressed in heavy armor, myself included, the oldest one there will be Kodlak Whitemane, if anything, he must be shown the utmost respect.

One more thing: the portal doesn't let out where I came through the first time. The diplomatic party will emerge in the Pine Forest, in the southwestern area of Skyrim, very temperate climate, but watch out for spriggans, sabercats, and bears, they are extremely dangerous to anyone who hasn't had much experience dealing with Nirn's wildlife. My recommendation: travel during the day, stick close to the roads, but don't actually travel on them. If anyone sees a human or elf wearing any sort of uniform, DO NOT APPROACH, he or she is a combatant in the civil war, and will be very jumpy.

– Reman

Celestia read the letter aloud, and her audience listened intently. Everypony wore an expression of excitement and seriousness, each for her own reasons, but all were practically shaking. This would go down in history as the first diplomatic mission to another world, Summer Glade and the Elements of Harmony would have their names echoed throughout history for their actions. But there was no time to stand and ponder the effects of this momentous day.

For the shimmering portal beckoned for them to enter, and the ponies were eager to accept the call.