The lands beyond the pony town of Appleoosa were often known for being vast, empty and quiet. And today, while the fist of those categories could definitely be applied to it, that same could not be said for the other two. For today, something was happening that had not been witnessed in living memory; the Buffalo were gathering. Oh sure, every once in a while you'd get one or two tribes meeting, but nowhere near as many as what was occurring here. There were hundreds, if not thousands of Buffalo gathered in this place, creating a vast heard the likes of which no pony had ever laid eyes upon. And in the centre of it all, a massive tent, adorned with the symbols and icons of their people, beautiful to behold. Within? Even those on the periphery could see what was occurring in that tent. Chiefs, from every tribe, all sitting around a single camp fire, discussing important matters. The air was abuzz with chatter and speculation over what was happening, but through it all, one voice quietly spoke to herself.
"So...at long last."
Celestia, smiling softly, gazed out at all those here, seeing the excited faces of the younger Buffalo, and the quiet contemplation of the elders. She knew she was witnessing history here, but, like many other outsiders, had taken up a place on the edge, looking in. Currently, she was flanked by two of the royal guard, who looked out stoically at the gathering before them. The mare of the sun herself, however, thought long and hard on what was to occur. Unification. It was a dream often held by Chiefs of all stripes in the Buffalo people, but only now was that dream seeming to become a reality. And she was here to see it.
"A fine occasion indeed.”
"On that, we agree, Princess Celestia."
Surprised at the second voice, Celestia turned, and when she did, her smile vanished. For now, a grey female Griffon descended from the skies, flanked not by the guard of her own people, but rather a single pegasus mare, green in her fur, and clad in the unmistakeable armour of the Lunar Guard. The sun-mare did her best not to frown at the sight of this latter visitor, but the Griffon herself, one upon the ground, took a few steps towards her before giving a sweeping bow.
"Princess Celestia. I am Gabby, Queen of Griffonstone It is an honour to meet you."
There was just the tiniest flicker of hesitation on the part of Celestia, after which she put on a diplomatic smile, bowing her head in response.
"And you, Queen Gabby. I am sorry I have not had the chance to visit your land since your coronation."
Rising from her bow, Gabby nodded.
"It is no issue. We have been...very busy."
Celestia nodded back.
"I can understand. I was a new ruler myself, once upon a time. And..."
She cast a glance at the green pegasus.
"...your companion?"
The other mare stepped forward, giving a salute to Celestia while maintaining an utterly professional expression.
"Captain Lightning Dust, your Majesty. The head of Queen Gabby's personal guard."
Celestia considered that.
"I see."
She turned to Gabby once more.
"I understand that position is usually only held by those of your people, is it not?"
Gabby nodded in response, her face bearing the slightest tint of disapproval towards the other monarch's words.
"Usually. But recently, I've come to decide that the position might better be held by someone more...effective."
Celestia nodded.
"Well...I'm glad to hear that you...have such certainty in your choices. It is a rare trait for many leaders."
Gabby considered that.
"Perhaps."
Silence passed between them, and as they did so, the two Equestrian guards beside Celestia were narrowing their eyes at Lightning, who simply smirked at them. But, there came a time when the silence ended, as Celestia let out a long sigh.
"But, we didn't come here to discuss politics. We came here to witness something..."
She turned, returning to her earlier genuine smile.
"...something special happening."
For once, Gabby seemed to agree with that, and turned to face the massive gathering of Buffalo nearby. But, she didn't get the chance to properly respond herself, as another voice soon entered the fray.
"I couldn't have said it better myself, Celestia!"
All eyes turned, looking up into the sky. And when they did, Celestia's smile grew wider. For there, arriving onto the scene, were a trio of creatures quite unlike any who were currently present. At a glance, they appeared to be a cross between ponies and some kind of insect, and bore many bright colours. The largest of them, who dwelt in the middle, was taller than the others by far, and had a pair of distinct antlers upon his head. When they reached the ground, they took a few steps forward, all giving respectful bows to the leader of Equestria.
"Celestia, it has been far too long!"
But the Princess, for her part, did not bow. Instead, while she kept her smile, she approached this newcomer and, once he'd finished bowing, embraced him in a friendly hug, which he promptly returned.
"Indeed it has, Thorax."
When they parted, Celestia, though somewhat unsure as she did so, turned to Gabby, before looking back to Thorax and gesturing to her.
"King Thorax, this is Queen Gabby, the newly-coroneted monarch of Griffonstone."
Gabby, for her part, offered a respectful bow of her head, though remained unsure of this new arrival. But Thorax, by contrast, maintained his friendly smile, approaching her and, in a move that clearly shocked her, took her claw and planted a single kiss upon it.
"It is truly an honour to meet the Alpha of the Griffons. I hope you lead your people well."
Though taken aback, Gabby, after suffering a few snickers from Lightning, quickly composed herself.
"Yes...well...it's nice to meet you too, king Thorax."
Celestia couldn't help but take a moment to be amused by this, though quickly hid it as Gabby glanced over to her, sounding far more reserved than she did before.
"I mean no disrespect, Princess, but I'm required elsewhere. I need to find Chief Thunderhooves and offer him my apologies for the past actions of my people towards his."
Though surprised by this news, Celestia nevertheless understood, and gave a nod to show it.
"Very well, though I think you'll have to wait until he's done with the other Chiefs."
Gabby turned, seeing from afar that Thunderhooves was indeed in the massive tent with all the other Buffalo leaders. Realising this, the Griffon Queen nodded curtly, before starting to walk away.
"Alright...then wait I shall."
Celestia and Thorax watched her go, with Lightning close beside her as she walked. The Changeling king, for his part, soon noticed the concerned look Celestia bore as she regarded the young leader.
"Celestia? Is everything okay?"
The white mare smiled to him.
"I appreciate your concern, Thorax, but I'm fine. Besides..."
She started looking around.
"...I'm far more interested in where your lovely wife is."
Hearing that, Thorax, all of a sudden, started to look just a touch embarrassed about something, raising a hoof and scratching the back of his head.
"Ah, yes. Well, Pupae couldn't be here today. She's busy...um...laying?"
Immediately, Celestia's eyes widened, and her smile turned into one of absolute joy.
"Thorax! Congratulations! How many?"
Blushing slightly, the Changeling King answered.
"Six eggs before I left. I wish I could have stayed with her, but..."
But Celestia placed a hoof upon his shoulder in a reassuring manner.
"I'm sure she understands. You are a King after all. And Kings have responsibilities."
The Changeling male sighed.
"Yeah. If I'd have known everything that was going to be expected of me, I probably never would have started that rebellion in the first place."
Hearing that, Celestia's expression became more serious.
"You know that isn't true, Thorax."
Thorax sighed in response.
"You're right. It...it had to be done."
Celestia paused, looking around them, making sure none were prying into their conversation, before speaking to her colleague in a lower tone.
"So...how are things going with the clean-up?"
Thorax shook his head slightly.
"Most of Chrysalis' followers have been defeated in the field of battle, or otherwise captured. But..."
He frowned.
"...we know there are still some out there. Though, as you can expect, finding them has not been easy."
Celestia nodded in agreement, turning away and appearing deep in thought.
"I mean no offense to your people, Thorax, but it is utter madness that so many would retain loyalty to her. She's been dead for, what, two years now? Surely they should know that continued fighting is pointless?"
Thorax sighed.
"Her shadow was long, and far-reaching, Celestia. She ruled us for centuries, and even when thousands of us all saw her fall in that great battle...there is not a single soul within our generation who will ever be completely free of her."
He turned, looking somewhat angry.
"If those fools choose to continue to fight and die in the name of her and the old ways, let them. Their cause died with their Queen. It's only a matter of time now."
Seeing the anger in her friend, Celestia once more placed a gentle hoof upon his shoulder. When he looked to her, Thorax relented, his expression softening.
"You're right. Now's not the time to dwell on it."
Together, they turned, and just in time, for it appeared as though the gathered Chiefs had come to a decision after their long talks. All eyes turned towards the tent, eagerly awaiting what was to come. And soon, there was one among those Chiefs who stepped out before all the rest. Even from this distance, Celestia could tell that it was Thunderhooves. But, within his headdress, was a single large, blue feather, a mark of status, and when those other Buffalo saw it, they knelt before him. Even the other Chiefs did so, showing great respect and deference to the older male. Seeing all of this, Celestia smiled.
"So...their leader is chosen."
And it was here that her eyes soon spotted another figure moving among the crowd. It was another Buffalo, but smaller, and female from the looks of it. Curiosity took hold of the mare as she watched this newcomer move through the crowds. Most were fine with letting her pass, as their attention was on Thunderhooves, and soon, the youngster was out, and heading straight for Celestia. Once she was close to her, the young Buffalo gave a respectful bow.
"Princess Celestia. I am Little Strongheart. My Father welcomes you to this gathering."
Smiling, Celestia returned the bow.
"Ah, yes, Little Strongheart. My apprentice, Twilight, has told me about you. You are Chief Thunderhooves' daughter, yes?"
Rising, the Buffalo nodded, smiling.
"Yes...but...I suppose it's High Chief Thunderhooves now."
Celestia chuckled a little.
"And a well-earned title, I'm sure. We all have great hopes for you and your people, young one."
Little Strongheart nodded.
"Many of the elders say this is a new start for us. That our people will be better now that we are one. Do you think they speak truly?"
Celestia considered that, looking out at all the assembled Buffalo nearby. There were smiles everywhere she looked, and all around there was a sense of hope and excitement in the air. Something monumental had occurred in this place, that she had been witness too, and now she could see that all here were looking forward to a future full of possibilities. Realising this, she looked to the young Buffalo again, and gave a sweet smile.
"Yes, Little Strongheart...I think they do."
