Celestia gave a content sigh as she slumped back into her chair, the once massive pile of paperwork before her now reduced nothing but an empty spot on the desk. She had spent the better part of the day simply writing her name on paper, which can, believe it or not, get quite boring. Overall things had been relatively peaceful in Equestria since the complete reunification of the continent. The only real place's that weren't under her direct control was the Griffish continent and the Crystal Empire, the latter however being a vassal of her. Of course they would be integrated eventually with their autonomy having lowered severely over the last couple of years. Everything was right with the world.

A sudden knocking at her door brought her out of her stupor, causing her to grumble out something about peace and quiet before using her magic to open the door. Standing at said door was Praetorian Captain Shining Armor, his stoic look having never changed since the moment she had met him.

"And what is the meaning of this badly timed interruption Captain?" She sighed, giving him a look to say not to waste her time.

Bowing he stepped forward, pulling a letter out form the pouch at his side, "You may want to look at this." He said, not a hint of emotion in his voice.

Sighing she picked up the letter, "More paperwork I gue-" She stopped mid-sentence as her eyes fell upon the characters in the letter. She and only seen them once before, and it was not good. "Where did you get this?" She demanded, looking straight into the captain's eyes.

"Came in from Praetorian Sunset Shimmer when she was investigating monster sightings at Ponyville. Says a creature that called itself a thestral gave it to her before disappearing. her report also detailed that several arrow shots were fired at them, the arrowheads being made of a metal not found on the periodic table. Unfortunately all attempts to collect the arrows resulted in them, and I quote, "blowing to smitherens."."

The entire story would be completely unbelievable if it had come from anyone else but Shining Armor. He was the most serious person she ahd ever met, and had most likely never smiled. Frowning she stroked her chin in thought, trying to think of how to address this. her gaze returned to the letter that was now on the desk. She hadn't even read it yet, a major oversight from her. Picking it up, she began to read it.

Dear Equestria,

This is a message from the Prince of the Principality of Everfree.

After centuries of isolation from the other races, we have decided to open diplomatic relations.

Now, as we have not discussed, or decided borders, know this.

The everfree forest, and all it entails is a part of the principality.

If you wish to meet with us then you yourself must come into the forest with a guard of no more than five.

I look forward to meeting you,

Prince Lycan of the Everfree.

She stared at the letter. A slight chuckling came from her. It slowly grew into regular chuckling. Soon she was laughing her wings out, pounding the desk with her fist. her demeanor switched in an instant as she let loose a roar of rage, her mane sprouting into flame.

"HOW DARE THIS INSOLENT CREATURE CLAIM OWNERSHIP OF MY LANDS FOR A NATION THAT DOESN'T EVEN EXIST! IT'S A SCANDAL! IT'S AN OUTRAGE! I WILL SHOW THEM THE REASON I AM THE RULER OF EQUIS! ALL OF EQUIS!"

She continued roaring for quite some time, causing several staff and guards to see if all was fine, only to be dismissed by a worried looking Shining Armor. After the roaring had died down, and Celestia's mane had returned to it's regular rainbow ethereal colour did Shining speak.

"My queen, if I may make a suggestion." He requested, looking Celestia in the eyes. "We should see how this plays out."
He continued, holding both his hands up as Celestia's mane started flickering back into flame. "Now hear me out. From the report Praetorian Sunset gave me, this is an entirely new species that has never been recorder in Equestrian History. This is further reinforced by the fact that there has been no expeditions into the Everfree since the unification of Equestria. Of course the same cannot be said for the pre-unification nations. There is a possibility that these nations had established relations with them. Now if we can confirm this, it is possible that these pre-unification also had access to this mysterious metal that the arrows made with. This could bring us much prestige for discovering a new metal."

Celestia nodded in understanding, thinking of the implications of this. Not to mention what this new metal could be used for. Their weapon industry could experience a possible boom from this, giving them the ability to possibly invade Zebrica, maybe even Griffonia! one thing did stick out for her though.

"We didn't discover the metal though. These 'Thestrals' did." She stated, raising an eyebrow at her captain.

Then, for the first time ever, Shining Armor smiled. A devilish, evil smile that creeped Celestia out to no end.

"That's the thing. They have been in diplomatic isolation for who knows how long, therefore the other nations of the world have no knowledge that this 'Principality of Everfree' exists. And they won't ever have to." He finished, the evil smile still on his face.

Now mirroring Celestia's own.

"You truly are quite idiotic sir."

"Spare me the lecture Moondancer, this was necessary."

"And how exactly is it necessary my liege? If anything exposing ourselves is the opposite of necessary."

"We couldn't have just stayed in the forest for another 1000 years could we? Besides, now that we have reveaed ourselves we hold the all the cards."

'You do realize that Equestria owns the entire continent right? While we are strong, we aren't that strong."

"You see Moondancer, that is why we have the advantage. They own the entire continent, as well as a collossal army. Plus we have Ebony. All the Ebony in fact. And they will want that metal."

"That just means they have more reason to invade us!"

"It may seem that way but I am confident they won't at first. But in case they do, I have a plan."

And they talked into the night, Moondancer becoming mroe and more in awe of her Prince's plan. The Equestrians wouldn't know what hit them.

Author's Note

Dang, possibly one of the shortest chapters i have written. Honestly I just felt obligated to write a chapter for any of my books. Any critiscism is appreciated