Unfortunately for Queen Falcona, Ironhoof's shop is in the bad part of town.

I need to keep my guard up! The bandits shouldn't try to attack me, since I'm queen, but…

As if on cue, she hears hoofsteps from behind.

"Hello, Princess," says a young unicorn with steel-gray fur.

Falcona whirls to face them.

"Who are you, what do you want, and why do you want speech with me?"

"Easy, Princess Falcona! I'm the blacksmith's assistant! Remember, Steelfur? The little colt from training?"

"Now I remember you! Sorry about my hostility. I know there are bandits here, and I wasn't sure if you were one. I didn't recognize your voice right away."

"You needn't worry about bandits, Princess! Miss Ironhoof very easily persuaded them to go away."

"Persuaded by giving the bandits nice hoofprints to their heads, I take it?"

"Welll, she is a pretty skilled fighter..."

Falcona nuzzles the younger unicorn's mane.

"Indeed she is. Mother told me of her courage in the recent wars with the dragons. By the way, is Miss Ironhoof in today? I need a good sword."

"Yes, she's at her forge. But I thought only the king and queen could order custom swords..."

""Didn't you hear? Mother and Father retired, so now I'm the queen."

"When? How? Why?"

"This morning. They gave a speech and everything. And they retired because they are no longer strong enough to lead our warriors to victory."

"Ohh… I wish I'd seen the coronation, but Miss Ironhoof had a whole bunch of customers this morning. This is the first time today I've been out of the shop."

"Well, they do say that Ironhoof is the best smith of Avia, if not of the entire realm. It's no wonder she has so much business."

"Indeed she is! Shall I tell you she has a customer?"

"If you don't mind."

"Not at all, Your Highness!"

Steelfur rushes into the shop, and comes out a moment later followed by a taller smoky black unicorn mare.

"Good afternoon, Your Highness. You are here for a sword, yes?"

"Indeed I am, Ironhoof."

"Very well. Come inside the shop, and I shall make one for you."

"One I can use while flying?"

"Of course. Only the best for the new queen. I heard of your coronation when your parents came by to visit me before heading to the mountains. Congratulations!"

"Thank you!"

"You're very welcome. But now, follow me and I'll make a fine weapon for you."

The unicorn trots back into her shop, followed by Falcona.

"Now hold still, Your Highness. Allow me a moment."

"What will you do?"

"I can use my magic to 'see' exactly what size and weight of weapon you will need for battle."

"Very well."

"Please open your wings."

"May I ask why?"

"Seeing the size and strength in your wings will help me make doubly-sure the blade will not throw your balance off."

"Now I understand."

She spreads her wings in full, remaining perfectly still as the blacksmith circles her.

"Yes, wings that wide, plus her physical strength, as well as the need for stable flying- Your Highness, I know what sword to make for you."

"Thank you."

"Will you want light, flexible armor as well for wartime?"

"Yes. My parents' armor does not fit me well enough to offer protection."

"Then you will have to wait a while longer. I know your size of armor from my magic, but as you know, armor takes a long time to properly forge."

"That is fine. I don't mind waiting for your wonderful metalworking."

"Very good. Take a seat."

The new queen does so, and looks out the window of the shop.

After quite a while, Ironhoof comes in to fetch Falcona.

"Come, Highness. Your armor is ready to wear, and your sword is ready."

Falcona follows her and allows the unicorn mare to help her with her armor.

"Do you approve, Your Highness?" asks Ironhoof as Falcona puts on the last bit of armor and takes up the sword. "I made the armor flexible enough to move, and light enough to fly, but strong enough to keep you safe. In addition, the metal I used will deflect magic attacks used against you. The sword should be light enough not to interfere with your flying, but is strong enough to go through even the toughest dragon's hide, should the need arise."

"Indeed I do! This will be perfect! How much do I owe you for such fine armor and weaponry?"

"It's not proper for a mere craftsmare to charge royalty."

"Perhaps not, but this is wonderfully built. Hmm..."

The winged mare takes a large sack of gold coins out of her saddlebag, which she then places on the counter.

"This should cover it."

"Your Highness, I can't accept this."

Falcona puts a hoof over Ironhoof's mouth.

"It is my imperial order for you to accept it."

"Mmph?"

"Don't give me that excuse, Ironhoof. You deserve to be paid for working so long and hard."

She releases the unicorn so she can speak again.

"Just like your parents, Highness. I see a bright future ahead of you."

"Thank you. But now can you help me get this armor off? I don't want to dent or damage it until I'm actually in battle."

"But of course." The unicorn helps the new queen out of her armor.

"Thank you. I know where to come now if I or a friend need weapons or armor. Such fine work…"

"High praise indeed, my queen."

"Thank you again, and farewell."

Falcona leaves the shop, taking a moment to admire her new weapons and armor before heading back to her home.

Once this is put away, I'd better go visit Redtail, see what she's up to and let her know I've been made queen. I didn't see her at my coronation- wonder if she still is having bandit trouble?

Once inside, she puts her armor away, though she keeps her sword strapped on in case of bandits. Then she leaves her home again, so she can visit the farming district and her old friend Redtail.