"Are you ready for this?" I asked Ember as the two of us stood in the room adjacent to the Council chambers an hour after my breakfast with Celestia. The room we were in was the very same one where not only had I introduced many of my close friends to the joys of Skyrim, but was also the room where Celestia herself had slapped some sense into me quite literally.

Ember looked down at herself. She scowled at what she wore. Before I had gone to bed in the very same room I'd been given when I'd first come to this Council, Hestia had arrived with more ancient clothes she'd recovered from the Ruins of Dormog, only these belonged to a long forgotten Dragon royal female. Ember now wore a thin red silk kirtle dress inlaid with silvery threads. There were orange flames sewn onto the skirt itself. She wore a smaller golden circlet around her head. It was simpler than my own, just a ring of gold. It somehow fit her perfectly, and I further wondered just how small Dragon royals were if they had clothes that fit not only me, but Ember as well. "This is ridiculous," she muttered. "Why the fuck am I wearing this?"

"You can take it off if you want," I said, "but we're not here representing the old Dragon Lands anymore. We're here representing the newly reborn Aelyssian Empire. Hestia recommended you wear it. Celestia recommended you wear it. Hell, even Luna recommended you wear it, and she's more the warrior princess type."

"You think I don't know that?" Ember snarled angrily at me. "It just feels…wrong!"

"And yet, thousands of years ago, Dragons wore clothes, for whatever reason," I replied as I picked up the Bloodstone Scepter from where it had been leaning against the wall. "Also, you've got to remember that while the Lycan Empire is currently on good terms with the Dragons, once they hear about my ascension to the throne, that very well might change."

"I've met the Lycan Empress and her daughter," Ember said, "and I'm really not surprised that they both treated you the way they did. I've met other Lycans, though. They're good wolves, more or less. Just trying to live their damn lives. It's the Empress and her daughter that are making things difficult."

"No kidding," I heard Mica mutter behind me. Ember and I were, of course, not alone. Gemini and Mica were there as well as the four members of the Guard.

"After this entire Council is over, you can get rid of it, but try not to tear it up," I said, getting back on topic. "Give it back to me. I know a certain mare who'd love to get her hooves on it."

"Yeah, sure, whatever," Ember said as she pulled on the sleeves. "So constricting…how do you manage it?"

"It helps that humans have no fur or scales to keep us warm," I explained. "That, and we don't exactly have any way to hide what's between our legs. It's a necessity and a moral thing back on Earth."

To her credit, Ember blushed hard. "Fuck you," she said, turning away to face the door. "Come on, it's almost time."

I straightened and once more adjusted my cloak. Just then there was a knock and the door opened slightly. Twilight stuck her head in. "It's time," she whispered.

"We're ready, Twilight," I said, forcing my expression to go neutral.

Nodding, she pushed the door open, letting in the light from the council chambers. She stepped aside just as I heard a stallion announce, "Now, representing the Aelyssian Empire, formerly the Dragon Lands, the newly crowned Emperor Jethro Bethridge, First of His Name, and daughter of the former Dragon Lord, Princess Ember, First of Her Name."

I nodded at Ember, and as one we took the first step towards the door. Ember's dress flowed gently behind her as did my cloak. As we stepped into the room, the first thing I noticed was that everyone was a little closer together, mostly because of two new additions to the council table. Thorax sat at a spot between the Abyssians and Caribou, looking at me with a somewhat surprised expression. Beside him, his older brother Pharynx sat, giving me a somewhat bemused expression.

The two chairs between the Hippogriffs and Deerfolk were empty as we approached. Lahar, who was there with Silica, pulled out both chairs for us. We both sat down at the same time, and when our chairs were pushed in, I leaned forward, folding my hands and looking at all the delegates in the room. Most had looks of surprise on their faces, save for those who already knew.

But not all were stunned into silence.

"What mockery is this?!" Amethyst snarled, glaring at me with rage. "Since when did winged monkeys rule over Dragons!?"

"Since he slew my father and claimed the Emperor's Blade, little Ami," Ember snapped, turning to glare at the Lycan Princess.

Amethyst's eyes widened as she looked at Ember in shock. "It…it's the real you," she said in stunned astonishment.

"Yes, it's the real me!" Ember said, then she turned to the rest of the council. "I can bear witness to the ascension to the throne of this being sitting beside me," she continued, "and according to all our ancient laws and traditions, once he claimed both the Sunsword and Moonsword, ancient birthrights of our kind, he became our Emperor! Nothing in our laws state that he had to be a Dragon."

Celestia held up a hoof. "Please, delegates, we have not come to argue over succession rights. I was in the Dragon Lands when His Grace became Emperor. Myself and many others here who can attest to its legitimacy. As one of the Diarchs of Equestria, I recognize his legitimacy to the Crimson Throne of Aelyssia."

Before anyone else could speak, I held up a hand. "Esteemed delegates of the Council of Equestria," I said, "I didn't come here to start arguments or debates. You know I was here before representing the interests of the Kingdom of Equestria only one week ago, but then with the invasion of Queen Chrysalis and her Fae, the council had to be delayed until matters between my new Empire and the Kingdom of Equestria could be settled. Her Highness, Princess Ember, is correct. I took the life of Dragon Lord Torch and was named the Emperor because of it. Currently, I am here with Princess Ember representing the interests of the newly reformed Aelyssian Empire."

"And what of your status as a Knight of Equestria?" Lady Arathyra asked softly but firmly.

"Temporarily suspended," I replied. "Emperor trumps Knight. Besides, Equestria has plenty of representation at this table."

"Isn't that a conflict of interest?" Prince Rutherford asked.

"I can't deny that it is," I replied, "but I am here representing all Dragonkind. They're now my subjects, and I won't just shirk these duties, even if they were thrust upon me."

I watched for the reactions of everyone in the room. Rutherford and Veritas looked impressed by my words and nodded. The Deerfolk representatives also both nodded in my direction with looks of approval. Skystar had a warm smile on her face and Silverstorm was nodding in my direction. Most of the others seemed to accept this, all except for Amethyst, who continued to glare at me angrily. "Dragons and Lycans have been allies for many generations," she said, "but if you're their new ruler, consider our alliance over-"

"Your Highness," Jasper quickly silenced her younger companion, "a moment, please."

Amethyst looked furious at having been interrupted, but simply turned to the older Lycan. "What is it, Jasper," she spat in fury.

Jasper didn't seem fazed as she simply turned to me. "Emperor Jethro, I take it you don't know the nature of the alliance between our two nations, correct?"

"I have not heard about the details, no," I replied.

To my surprise, Jasper smiled slightly. "For that, I think, you can be forgiven. You haven't been an Emperor for very long. May I enlighten you?"

"By all means, please do," I said.

She nodded and cleared her throat. "The lands of the Dragons are studded with certain gems and minerals that we have not found in our own mines," she explained. "Dragons have no use for such gems except as little trinkets in their hoards or as meals. We, on the other hand, have the skill to change them into many different things, such as special weapons which we can use in our military or even sell to other nations." She indicated the Caribou. "The Caribou Confederacy is one of our chief buyers."

Thormod nodded, bringing up a small knife and drawing it slowly, displaying a silvery blade. "I did purchase this blade directly from the Empire," he said.

"Is that so?" I asked. "May I see that blade, Ambassador?"

"Of course!" Thormod said, sheathing it and handing it to one of his guards, who walked it over towards me. It was handed to Lahar, who presented the blade to me.

I took it and drew it out, looking in awe at the exquisite craftsmanship of the blade. The hilt was itself gold plated, encrusted with sapphire, ruby, and emerald. The blade itself looked incredibly sharp, and I gave it the hair test, plucking a bit of hair from my head and letting it fall. The hair split once it hit the blade. Satisfied, I set the blade on the table and turned to Jasper. "That is quite an impressive blade, I must say," I admitted. "The skill of the Lycan craft is indeed very impressive."

"Might I see that blade as well?" Luna asked.

"Of course, Your Highness," Thormod said.

She took the blade in her magic and lifted it over to her. She drew it and looked at it with careful consideration. Celestia, now back in her normal form, leaned closer to take a look as well, her face a mask. After a while, she sheathed it and floated it back over to Thormod, setting it in front of him. "His Grace is correct," Luna said, gesturing towards me but looking at Jasper. "That is an exceptional blade."

"You honor me with your praise, both of you," Jasper said. Amethyst was clenching the armrests of her chair, fuming at this exchange, but one stern look from Jasper shut her up before she could say anything.

"I would be more than willing to sit down in private and discuss continued good relations between our two Empires," I said, "but I think we have some more pressing issues to discuss, wouldn't you agree?"

"I look forward to that conversation, but you're right," Jasper said, turning from me to Celestia. "Your Highness, when the council last spoke, we were discussing the matter of Eris as well as the establishing of new trade routes throughout the world."

Celestia nodded. "Indeed we were," she said, "and we should revisit that since real representatives of the Dragons are here." She turned to me and Ember. "How many Dragons died because of Eris' actions?"

Ember and I slowly looked at each other. She nodded at me, then gave me a very small but sad smile. I turned back to the council. "Within the territory formerly known as the Dragon Lands? Just over two thousand Dragons have been listed among the dead. I've had some of my Guard going out to collect a more accurate number as well as all of their names so we can honor them. Within the old Aelyssian Empire's territory? That remains to be seen, but I suspect the number is higher."

Silence fell over the council table. To my surprise, Lady Arathyra spoke up and said, "I and my kind grieve with thee in this time of loss."

I bowed to her. "You honor us with your kind words." I then turned to Celestia. "I have been informed that you took many precautions to prevent Eris' return from a very reliable source, and while I personally can forgive you, as Emperor of Aelyssia, something must be done. The Dragons won't be satisfied unless Equestria shows that it is truly apologetic."

"We Dragons see Ponies as weak and pampered," Ember quickly added. "You have tons of comforts and riches, but the Dragons have caves! Damp, cold caves! We don't even have pillows!" She took a deep breath and exhaled. "I won't sit here and deny Dragons haven't done anything wrong since Old Aelyssia fell! We've terrorized Pony villages, stealing from them and even killing them! Some of us have even eaten Ponies! But even when that is true, your entire race judges us based off of the examples of a clawful of individuals! Most of us might grumble and look at Equestria with envy, but we wouldn't want to start a war, despite what my late father might have thought!"

I quickly put a hand on her shoulder to calm her down, and she looked at me with fire in her lovely red eyes. "Deep breaths, Princess," I said calmly.

She glared at me, but nodded and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. Turning to the council, she said, "Sorry. I'm just angry, is all."

"You are forgiven," Celestia said calmly before turning to me. "What would the Aelyssian Empire ask of us?"

"Aid," I said. "Aid in the reconstruction and restoration of the Ruins of Dormog. Or at the very least, help to teach Dragons to rebuild the palace and the city to its former glory. Aid also in the form of scholars who can read Old Draconic and Old Aelyssian. Much of the culture has been lost to time."

Ember turned on me angrily. "Are you groveling?!"

I turned to her slowly. "My duty is to my citizens, Princess, as it is yours. They are the ones who've suffered the most. You said it yourself. You live in caves! How can I call myself an Emperor when I've been living in extreme comfort the past couple of days and my subjects live the way they do? If it means that my subjects will sleep well and securely, it's my duty to endure any indignity."

I saw a brief smile form on Celestia's face, but it was gone immediately. Ember quickly replied, "Look, I get that, and I can accept that, I guess, but the other Dragons won't be too happy about it. You know that, right? They'll see it as weakness on your part!"

"I actually have to agree," Jasper said. "Lycans and Dragons are similar in one aspect: our pride. We pride ourselves on not begging for help. We pride ourselves on our workwolfship, too."

"Then let me put my request in context," I said, turning slowly to Celestia. There was an even look in her eyes, and for a moment, I was afraid of her once more. But then I remembered our earlier conversation. I steeled myself, and said, "I don't make this request lightly. Because of your actions, Princess Celestia, more than two thousand of my citizens have perished. Two thousand! I could easily demand you empty out your royal coffers in recompense, but I think my request of aid in certain areas is more than reasonable. Medical aid. Aid in helping to reconstruct the ancestral city of the Empire and teaching those of my Dragons with the promising skillset in construction. I don't want to make an enemy of Equestria. I think there is much we can offer each other in the coming years, but I can't just let my citizen's suffering go unanswered. Many have died, and I can't let that slide."

I turned to the other delegates. "Old Aelyssia was once a great nation. Ages before the Ponies even set hoof in this land, the emperors of old ruled over their lands in contented peace. They were even able to move the sun and moon before Princesses Celestia and Luna could. They ruled over many distant islands and, if my brief glimpse into their history is accurate, Aelyssia was a great and prosperous nation. Old Aelyssia was overflowing with wealth and prosperity, and I would see it that way once again. Now, while I might be requesting aid from Equestria as recompense, and we can negotiate those requests here, I am also requesting it from the rest of the members of the council here, but not for the same reasons. Our Empire has been in ruins for too long. My citizens have suffered many indignities not only from without, but from within as well. Your kingdoms and nations have stood proud for many generations, and I would try and diversify our ways of thinking by exposing my Dragon citizens to other cultures. If you are unable or unwilling to assist, I will not hold it against anyone here."

Silence fell. Even Amethyst's own anger was gone, and she just stared at me with some incredulity in her expression. The others, even the Ponies, looked contemplative and thoughtful. Even Pinkie's eyebrows were furled, as if she too was deep in thought.

After a while, someone cleared their throat. I turned to the source and found it belonged to none other than Princess Amani, one of the Zebra representatives. "Let me preface what I am about to say by stating this: Farasi and the Dragon Lands have never been on good terms. After the Fall of Aelyssia, Dragons would invade our territory, kidnap our citizens either for their own pleasure or food, and burn entire caravans to the ground for sport. We were merely a nomadic race at the time, living off of the wealth and plenty of the vast jungles in those days."

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She seemed affected by the story she was telling, but a hoof on her withers from Ambassador Kujadiliana made her relax a bit, then she opened her eyes and continued. "It was because of these incursions into our lands by the Dragons that we had to flee our ancestral home of Zebrica and journey westward in our First Walk of Tears until we settled another smaller land, the Island of Maredagascar. We lived there for many peaceful centuries, undisturbed. We settled around the great mountains of that land, building many magnificent cities. That is, until the mountains betrayed us. Once again, we were forced to flee out lands due to the mountains erupting around us and sinking the island. We call it the Second Walk of Tears. We continued westward until those of us who remained found Farasi, way outside of the reach of any Dragon or volcano. Farasi is a great land, to be sure, but even we long for a time when we can reclaim our lost shores."

She stood and slowly walked over to me. Her steps were slow and deliberate as she said, "My father, King Jiwe the Fourth, has always longed for us to return to our original land of Zebrica and settle there anew." As she came closer, Lahar and Gemini moved as one to block her, but I held up a hand. They stepped away, and she came closer. I stood and turned to face her as she moved closer to me. When she was in front of me, she gazed up at me with light hazel eyes. I was immediately aware of Zecora now standing by my side, almost protectively. Princess Amani's gaze didn't waver. Instead, she only looked at me all the harder as she finished with, "If Your Grace would assure us and promise us that his new subjects would keep out of Zebrica, then I know that I would believe him." She slowly turned to Zecora. "I know that if you have gained the love and support of one such as Lady Zecora, then you can be trusted." She turned back to me. "If you can promise us this and if you can promise that any Dragons who might now live in that land will be removed, we will send out aid in the form of medicines, healers and teachers."

Ember stood furiously. "You would have us order those Dragons to uproot their homes, their hoards, even their families in order to help us?!" she asked angrily.

"Princess, wait," I said, holding out my arm to stop her.

Ember turned to glare at me. "Don't tell me you're actually thinking about this!"

"I am," I replied, turning to Ember. "But until I know more about the history, I won't make a decision." I turned to Zecora, knelt and whispered, "You know of a potion that allows brief glimpses into the past, right? I've seen it in the show. All it needs is Alicorn magic to activate." Zecora's eyes widened imperceptibly, but she nodded. "Is it difficult to make?" Another nod. "May I ask you to make some for me?"

She turned to me and gazed into my eyes with a questioning look. "Do you ask me as an Emperor, or as my lover?" she whispered.

I swallowed hard. "Both, my dearest."

Her gaze became loving. "I would have said yes regardless, my beloved," she replied. "You have much on your shoulders, it is true. But I will always be here for you." She reached up and put her hoof on my shoulder. "I'll have it ready as soon as possible."

I smiled gratefully at her. "Thank you, dear." I then turned and faced Princess Amani. "You have made me a generous offer, Princess Amani, but Princess Ember has a good point. The sins of the fathers shouldn't be taken out on their sons or daughters. Please let me have time to think it over."

She nodded and bowed. "You shall have it, Emperor Jethro." With that, she turned and headed back to her seat.

Seemingly appeased by my words, Ember nodded and returned to her seat. I turned and returned to mine. "Apologies for that, everyone," I said as I sat, poured myself and Ember each a glass of water. After a drink, I continued, "Please, let's continue."

Ambassador Gillian spoke up next. "Can I say something?" he asked.

"Please do," Celestia said, gesturing towards the Griffon.

He nodded and turned to me. "Griffonstone is willing to negotiate prices for our assistance."

"You'd charge for helping us?!" Ember asked incredulously.

Once more, I held up a hand and stopped her. She growled angrily, but took some deep breaths and calmed down. I turned to the Griffon. "First, I'd like to know what you can provide?"

"Food, for one," Greta interjected. "We have many farms which are used for meat production." Out of the corner of my eye I saw Fluttershy's eyes widen. "Our animals aren't like the ones in Equestria," Greta continued. "We know the animals in this continent are under an enchantment that gives them their own speech and thought. Ours aren't."

"Actually, sis, food is about all we can provide," Gillian retorted. He turned to me. "Our country isn't exactly able to do much."

"I'm well aware of your country's current situation," I replied, "and while I'm not sure what I can use to pay you since the Dragon capital I have is ancient and might not spend well, I think an arrangement can be made between us."

"If you have gems to spare, we'd take those gladly," Greta said. "Those we can sell for a hefty sum of bits."

I nodded. "Something can be arranged, I'm sure."

"Then we have nothing else to add to this current conversation," Greta and Gillian said simultaneously.

I smiled. "Sounds good to me."

"I'm afraid we can't provide anything worth much," Prince Rutherford said apologetically. "We're just a small northern kingdom."

"I completely understand," I replied.

"We probably won't be able to help either," Thormod added.

The other nations, save for the Fae and Equestria, told me their availability. I wasn't surprised when the Hippogriffs apologetically declined, as their focus was more on hiding from a nearby enemy called Kör Elzarin who had claimed an island for himself near Mt. Aris. Lady Arathyra actually didn't promise anything, but she said she would talk to her ruler, the High Lady Valindra, about lending some of enchanters that could help reinforce any buildings and keep them standing for years to come without the need for maintenance. The Abyssian ambassadors were a bit reluctant themselves to offer aid, but I excused them from it. The Caribou offered some teachers who could train Dragons in battle. Amethyst began to deny me, but Jasper silenced her and told me that, while she couldn't promise anything, she would send word to her Empress about the current change. The Saddle Arabians were also unsure what they could offer and asked to think about it and send word to their Sultan.

When this was over, the room went silent. I looked around the table, and when I reached the Ponies, I was surprised to see that the eyes of the Bearers of Harmony along with Scarlet, Sunset, Zecora and Spike all locked with me. But that wasn't the fact that they were looking at me that was the surprising bit. It was the looks in their eyes. Sheer determination and resolution. Before I could say anything, Twilight raised her hoof. "I can't speak for anypony else with me, but I would like to help the Dragons if I can." She turned to Spike. "I've raised a Dragon ever since I was a little filly, and I'm proud of how he's turned out. I don't know much about the Dragon Lands, and even less about this Aelyssian Empire, but I want to learn more so I can find a way to help. I…don't know what I can do, but I want to."

"Ah can make some meals fer the youngun's over there," Applejack said next.

"I'm helping too!" Rainbow Dash said quickly.

"I can help foalsit any of the baby Dragons," Fluttershy added, although she looked a bit scared to admit that.

Before any of them could say any more, Celestia held up her hoof. "My little Ponies, your desire to help is admirable, but His Grace is demanding assistance from the crown, not its citizens." She slowly turned to me, giving me an even look. "I do understand why you are requesting it from us, but may I remind you that, as Princess Ember said earlier, Dragons have raided my kingdom and taken my subjects. Even so far as devouring Ponies."

I nodded. "I know this and acknowledge this. But when was the last time a Dragon ate a Pony?"

"Several generations ago," Celestia said.

"And when was the last time a Dragon attempted to pillage a Pony town?" I asked. "As far as I know, there have only been two Dragons in Equestria: a red one one who nearly inhabited a mountain near Ponyville and a green one that might very well still be in the Everfree Forest, living in a cave filled with gems. Have either of them terrorized a village? Have any other Dragons attempted anything like that? If so, point them out to me and I will deal harshly with them."

Celestia paused for a bit, looking at me carefully. Then, she finally smiled. "I believe you," she said, "but I have to think about it."

"You mean we do," Luna said, looking at Celestia. "I am a Princess too, you know?"

"Of course," Celestia said, nodding at Luna.

"Then please hurry," I said, "I don't want my people living in misery for much longer."

"My sister and I will have a decision for you soon," she said. "In the meantime, I believe there is another matter at hoof that needs to be discussed." And with that, she turned to look at Thorax and Pharynx. "Lords Thoras and Pharynx, you two were summoned to this Council on good faith. So far you have kept that faith. However, now that your Queen is in our dungeons, what are your plans for the future?"

Thorax looked at Pharynx, who looked back at his younger brother with a snort. "Don't look at me, you idiot. I'm just a soldier."

Thorax sighed. "I don't know, really. A lot of us have changed, but there are some holdouts. We have no culture of our own anymore. All we have is stuff we've taken and corrupted. Well, except for the Fae Throne. That's the only part of our old culture we have left." He sighed. "I didn't want to be ruler. I don't know what to do next. We've done so much to hurt Ponies and other races…"

"There are plenty of examples of good rulers who didn't want to rule," Celestia said. "Your kind have all lived under the rule of a tyrant for too long. You can be free and live as you want to."

"Where is the Fae Kingdom?" Ambassador Ebiner asked.

Thorax looked over the map of the known lands of the planet as it was displayed on the table. After a while, he shook his head. "It's not on the map. There's a large island east of Equestria where we live." His horn lit up and a projection appeared the air. We watched as a crudely drawn landmass appeared in the projection. It looked like a waxing crescent moon for the most part. "It's called Crescent of Ælbas. I don't know why it's called that, but we've called it that for generations."

"How many of you are there?" Thormod asked.

"I don't really know," Thorax said. "Pharynx?"

"Don't ask me," the other Fae asked. "It's a big island."

"A lot of us live in the Hive," he said, and the projection changed, revealing not the fluidic palace I remembered from the show, but a massive lone mountain in the center of a vast desert. There were holes coming out of said mountain, and the projection showed Fae flying in and out and around the mountain. Many were centered around the peak, which looked like it had once been a fortress, but now was in ruin, its walls and towers crumbling, all save for the center tower, which looked more like a keep than anything else. "I don't know anything about it or the castle."

"If the Fae were so far away, why did the High Fae go to war with the Dragons so long ago?" I asked.

"I seriously don't know," Thorax said, sounding frustrated now.

"Give him a break," Pharynx said protectively, brushing his hair aside, "We're just drones. She doesn't tell us anything about her past."

"And speaking of her," I said, turning to an expectant Celestia, "She still needs to answer for her crimes against my Empire and your Kingdom."

Celestia nodded. She'd probably been expecting this. "What did you want?" she asked.

"Give her over to us," I said. "She has much to answer for, and I don't mean the war in the past. From what I know, she was just a child at that time, so I'm not holding her accountable for that. What I am holding her accountable for is attempting to start a war with us by trying to band the world against us."

"She will be dealt with, believe me," Celestia said with a frown, "but by us. She attacked Equestria."

"And yet her aim was to wipe out my subjects in a revenge plot," I retorted protectively. "I know she has attacked and injured many of your Ponies, Princess, but she has made an enemy of the Empire. Her alone. She is the one who wanted revenge. She is the one who ordered her subjects to war, which is why I am not seeking any kind of retribution against those Fae who have since undergone the transformation." I said this while looking directly at Thorax.

He looked stunned. "I…thank you, Your Grace," he said, bowing to me gratefully. "We don't deserve it."

"You don't," I agreed, "but I don't want to go to war over this. I know you were following orders, but your kind's action in saving your life, and your actions in saving Chrysalis' speak volumes to your character." I gave him a smile, then turned back to Celestia. "I seem to be doing a lot of the talking here. I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to talk."

Celestia smiled. "I'm sure you're right." She then stood up straighter and looked at the rest of the council. "Are there any others who want to speak?"