Chapter 1: Arrival

The following day began as preparation for the arrival of the emperor of the Dire Wolves from the Wulfric Empire who will come over to Ponyville for two weeks to discuss opening up more trade deals. In contrast to the Yaks they are friendlier and have been allies to Equestria for a few years now. Pinkie Pie was of course in charge of party decorations and to give them a Ponyville welcome with local pastries, decorations, and loading her party cannon as soon as they come through the doors. Princess Luna is also here to greet the wolves on behalf of her older sister as she was far too busy to attend with other diplomats.

"Okay everypony" says Twilight, "all places set, decorations, and the Dire Wolves should be arriving about…" her eyes open wide at the clock, "Now!"

They ran out of her castle halting in complete shock to what was hovering over in the air a type of ship, however not particularly a ship it looked like one, but was flying and appeared to be supported by some kind of rounded frame like a blimp. It was absolutely massive. Probably 250ft. long, a lone chimney billowing out smoke, three propellers on each side of this metal behemoth. Colored in a dark red and brass paint job as it made its descent Twilight could almost make out the words on the side of the hull. Liberator. That was its name. Two round objects attached to chains from each side of the hull fell to the ground what obviously must be the anchors. It continued its descent; once it touched down a ramp was lowered to reveal the emperor. He was almost around Celestia's height minus the horn; a dark grey top coat from his back all the way to the forehead where they met his amber eyes with a lighter, almost white-grey beneath his lower body, and wearing a golden collar holding together a vibrant red shoulder cape to the right and a decorative shoulder plate on the left. He was accompanied by six guards cladded in full armor with dark red and yellow trim. They must be the Praetorian Guard the elite, loyal warriors tasked with protecting the emperor at all cost. Wulfric is known for having a strong military with a proud warrior culture. He looked around observing the quaint town; a nice change to their bustling home country. The canine came down the ramp he was greeted by both Princess Twilight and Luna with the rest of the ponies standing next by.

"Good afternoon Emperor Ronan. I am Princess Luna and this;" she gestured to the left of her "is Princess Twilight of Friendship."

He gave a warm smile to them and said

"Thank you, it's lovely to see Equestria again. A lot has changed, hasn't it?" his voice was smooth, but mildly deep as well. With an accent that almost sounded like somepony from Trottingham.

"Yes, it has, come you must be famished after the trip."

Inside Twilight's castle were a banquet of desserts, baked goods, and salads for the ponies while the Emperor's personal cooks had transported food. The aroma filled the air bringing everypony and wolf to the table.

"It's a pleasure to finally see you Luna face to face." He complimented in a grin "I've been hearing much about you since…you know the whole returning from the moon thing."

"Yes, well I've been adjusting to this modern era fine" as she took in another bite of salad. Actually, I heard a few about you too. Even at a young age, you managed to lead an empire after the Coal War ended."

There was silence for a moment Ronan went mute while his guards fully knew what had happened back then with a shocked expression on their faces. Luna felt embarrassed to have brought up what must have been very personal to him. She was never really good at consulting with diplomats when it was Celestia that usually did this. Ronan recollected himself replying,

"Thank you, the rest of us figured out a way to rebuild our home."

She felt guilty for bringing up such a dark topic, so Luna decided to stop prodding. After some more dead silence for the next five minutes or so; Twilight decided to speak up.

"So... Emperor Ronan?" she asked.

"Just Ronan is alright." He answered.

"Sorry, um…Ronan perhaps we should begin the agreements you're here for?" She sheepishly asked.

"Oh right, well I heard that you have propositions on giving you our marathon trains?"

"Yes, you have an impressive array of technology at your disposal and we'd like to buy some of them. All we're asking is for three to five to these marathon trains for twenty-five million Bits."

Luna spoke up.

"We would also like to have more access for more of that Wulfvanian steel you wolves praise so much about. Building materials and goods. In return for this we'll offer up more ceramic goods. Do we have a deal?"

He discussed this over with his advisors: Marathon trains were finely crafted masterpieces in locomotive engineering traveling up to blazing speeds no one else have been able to replicate that could cut down time almost triple of that in comparison to others without even overheating the engine. Dire wolves are also the only ones who can craft and process Wulfvanian steel, keeping the secrets from the outside world. Many have tried, but failed to match the quality wolves can produce. After careful consideration, Ronan has made a decision to sell the trains and further export steel. Further discussions on trade, security, and tariffs were made as the day slowly arrived for Luna to raise the moon as the meeting continues tomorrow.

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