Equestria at War IC

[LurkingWreck]

Diplomat Ponies from distant Equestria seek audiences with various member-states of the River Coalition, in particular the River Republic, requesting information on why they are so hostile to Greneclyffe, Equestria's trading partner. And whose people, if recent reports are to be believed, are currently facing starvation. Perhaps Equestria's recent decision to increase trade with the River Coalition should be rescinded if they so dislike foreigners?

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It is not that we dislike foreigners, it is simply that one cannot trust Changelings. For centuries their kind has raided the coastlines of the Riverlands kidnapping hundreds if not thousands of griffons and ponies and taking them away to a fate worse than death. To have the Greneclyf Changelings return after so long in relative isolation seeking friendship and trade of all things? It simply boggles the mind. We would have thought Equestria would be more understanding of the common River Pony's plight, given your own Changelings very nearly conquered your capital a few years ago.

Coco Pommel approaches the fearsome city of Barad-Dur under a flag of truce, prancing nervously as she eyes the heavily armed yaks on the walls, many of whom were aiming in her direction. She was here on behalf of Equestria to try and broker peace between the Yaks, for just like the Yaks, ponies were horrified by modern warfare. The outcry among the populace was immense, and Coco Pommel only hoped that she would be successful.

Eventually, the forbidding gates of the city creak open, and a grizzled yak comes out to meet Coco. He does not look friendly or happy, and Coco's heart sinks.

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The imposing Yak eyes Coco Pommel for a few moments, before huffing out a ball of hot air, taking shape in the cold temperatures as a small white vapor cloud. His lamellar armor rustles slightly as he shifts his gaze back towards the imposing stone walls to give a hoof signal to the sentries. As Coco suddenly didn't find herself perforated with arrows and crossbow bolts she assumed that meant they would at least hear her message before killing her.

"What brings you to Barad-Dur, Horse-woman?" His Equine was particularly accented, although thankfully still clear enough for her to understand him.

 

[Demonic Spoon]

It is not that we dislike foreigners, it is simply that one cannot trust Changelings. For centuries their kind has raided the coastlines of the Riverlands kidnapping hundreds if not thousands of griffons and ponies and taking them away to a fate worse than death. To have the Greneclyf Changelings return after so long in relative isolation seeking friendship and trade of all things? It simply boggles the mind. We would have thought Equestria would be more understanding of the common River Pony's plight, given your own Changelings very nearly conquered your capital a few years ago.

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While those Changelings that adhere to the ways of stealing love and happiness from others are of course loathsome, and must be combated where they are found, it is our understanding that Greneclyf has not done so for eight centuries. Have the Changelings of Greneclyf in fact been raiding you the past eight centuries? If not, why should they be held responsible for the crimes of their distant ancestors? If you believe that which our distant foreparents did must be held accountable unto the current generation, how does the River Coalition even exist, given the warfare and raiding that also occurred between your various people centuries ago?

The imposing Yak eyes Coco Pommel for a few moments, before huffing out a ball of hot air, taking shape in the cold temperatures as a small white vapor cloud. His lamellar armor rustles slightly as he shifts his gaze back towards the imposing stone walls to give a hoof signal to the sentries. As Coco suddenly didn't find herself perforated with arrows and crossbow bolts she assumed that meant they would at least hear her message before killing her.

"What brings you to Barad-Dur, Horse-woman?" His Equine was particularly accented, although thankfully still clear enough for her to understand him.

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Coco bows to the Yak, "Greetings and well met. I am Coco Pommel of Equestria, and I come today on a mission of peace. Too much yak blood has been shed in fierce war, and it is my hope that I can broker a peace between the two brothers and end this war. May such a negotiation be arranged?"

 

[LurkingWreck]

While those Changelings to adhere to the ways of stealing love and happiness from others are of course loathsome, and must be combated where they are found, it is our understanding that Greneclyf has not done so for eight centuries. Have the Changelings of Greneclyf in fact been raiding you the past eight centuries? If not, why should they be held responsible for the crimes of their distant ancestors? If you believe that which our distant foreparents did must be held accountable unto the current generation, how does the River Coalition even exist, given the warfare and raiding that also occurred between your various people centuries ago?

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While the raids themselves may be a distant memory, they have all left deep scars that in some places have yet to heal. Whole cities became ghost towns overnight during the worst of the raids, and some remote parts of the Riverlands have still not recovered from their debauched attacks. We let them have their island, and have not intruded upon them since. With such wounds upon the mental psyche, how else where we to react in a way that would not have us lynched by our own citizens?

Coco bows to the Yak, "Greetings and well met. I am Coco Pommel of Equestria, and I come today on a mission of peace. Too much yak blood has been shed in fierce war, and it is my hope that I can broker a peace between the two brothers and end this war. May such a negotiation be arranged?"

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The large Yak seems conflicted for a few brief moments, before the emotional mask reasserts itself and he stands aside. "That is not up to me, Horse-woman. Only the Prince may decide that. He is willing to grant a single audience with you. More than that cannot be promised, so make your case and leave." Behind him, the gates slowly open once again, granting passage into the heart of the Jaki-Clan.

 

[Demonic Spoon]

The large Yak seems conflicted for a few brief moments, before the emotional mask reasserts itself and he stands aside. "That is not up to me, Horse-woman. Only the Prince may decide that. He is willing to grant a single audience with you. More than that cannot be promised, so make your case and leave." Behind him, the gates slowly open once again, granting passage into the heart of the Jaki-Clan.

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"And I am grateful that Prince Bradford is willing to speak to me. I hope that our words can reach each others hearts. Please, lead on. May I know your name?" Coco Pommel follows the Yak into the city.

 

[LurkingWreck]

"And I am grateful that Prince Bradford is willing to speak to me. I hope that our words can reach each others hearts. Please, lead on. May I know your name?" Coco Pommel follows the Yak into the city.

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"Khan Garrin Korai. I serve my Prince as the head of his personal guards." Ending with that, the large Yak escorted Coco through the eerily quiet, but nonetheless imposing hallways of Barad-Dur. Deep within the bowels of the dark stone structure, sat a equally imposing throne room, where Prince Bradford rested upon a throne of wood and dark glass-like stone carved into representations of Yaks. At his sides stood two heavily armored Yaks, likely more members of his personal guards, and in front of him, standing before the Prince, was a Changeling, dressed in the modern thick coats and dark uniforms they had been associated with since the Reunification Wars. The Prince appeared to converse with the Changeling, until Garrin made his presence known with another heavy snort. This abruptly ended the conversation, and the Changeling slinked off to a position just behind the Prince's throne, eyeing Coco warily with it's unblinking eyes.

"The Horses sent another diplomat." Prince Bradford rumbled from his throne, a frown stark and clear on his features. "You have asked to see me. Speak."

 

[Demonic Spoon]

While the raids themselves may be a distant memory, they have all left deep scars that in some places have yet to heal. Whole cities became ghost towns overnight during the worst of the raids, and some remote parts of the Riverlands have still not recovered from their debauched attacks. We let them have their island, and have not intruded upon them since. With such wounds upon the mental psyche, how else where we to react in a way that would not have us lynched by our own citizens?

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We of Equestria intimately understand the issue of prejudice, as it is one we have been dealing with very closely over the last year. The only way for you and your people to move beyond the past, is to interact with the Greneclyffians and judge for yourself if Changelings can indeed change, or if they are still the same as the stories told around the campfire on moonless nights.

Equestria earnestly beseeches that you attempt in some way to begin bridging the chasm with the Greneclyffians, even if only to allow small groups of their traders into designated trading ports.

---

"Khan Garrin Korai. I serve my Prince as the head of his personal guards." Ending with that, the large Yak escorted Coco through the eerily quiet, but nonetheless imposing hallways of Barad-Dur. Deep within the bowels of the dark stone structure, sat a equally imposing throne room, where Prince Bradford rested upon a throne of wood and dark glass-like stone carved into representations of Yaks. At his sides stood two heavily armored Yaks, likely more members of his personal guards, and in front of him, standing before the Prince, was a Changeling, dressed in the modern thick coats and dark uniforms they had been associated with since the Reunification Wars. The Prince appeared to converse with the Changeling, until Garrin made his presence known with another heavy snort. This abruptly ended the conversation, and the Changeling slinked off to a position just behind the Prince's throne, eyeing Coco warily with it's unblinking eyes.

"The Horses sent another diplomat." Prince Bradford rumbled from his throne, a frown stark and clear on his features. "You have asked to see me. Speak."

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Coco looks around curiously as they walk through Barad-Dur. She frowns briefly at the sight of the Changeling. As Bradford speaks to her, she dons her best smile and bows low.

"I greet you Prince Bradford of the Yaks. I, Coco Pommel of Equestria, have come here because I believe that this war between Yaks must end. The shedding of Yak blood serves not the Yaks, but only the Changelings who eye your lands eagerly. They hope to divide and weaken you."

"They hope to make you their protectorate, and no doubt impose a Love tribute for that privilege. Only if this conflict can be brought to a swift end, and the Yaks stand united, can you ensure your bright, independent, future."

"I thus humbly beg of your highness Bradford. Do not let more Yaks die. Let the fighting end."

 

[Cloak&Dagger]

Coco looks around curiously as they walk through Barad-Dur. She frowns briefly at the sight of the Changeling. As Bradford speaks to her, she dons her best smile bows low.

"I greet you Prince Bradford of the Yaks. I, Coco Pommel of Equestria, have come here because I believe that this war between Yaks must end. The shedding of Yak blood serves not the Yaks, but only the Changelings who eye your lands eagerly. They hope to weaken you, and no doubt eventually make you a protectorate and impose a Love tribute for that privilege. Only if this conflict can be brought to a swift end, and the Yaks stand united, can you ensure your bright, independent, future."

"I thus humbly beg of your highness Bradford. Do not let more Yaks die. Let the fighting end."

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The Changeling present reveals its fangs in a twisted smile, but remains silent, waiting for the Prince to respond.

 

[LurkingWreck]

The Prince huffs and shits slightly in his seat, before turning his gaze to Coco. "You say that, Horse-woman, but who was it that came here first with their strange new ideas of "harmony"? Such is not the way of the Yaks, and my brother would throw away our proud history for naught but the approval of outsiders." Steadily, as the Prince spoke his voice grew in volume, until he seemed to catch himself and pause to collect himself again. "The Changelings are not a threat to the Yaks. Nay, they are a useful tool, and they know this." He passes a glance to the Changeling at his side. "When the Yaks that follow my foolish brother sees the error of their ways, Yakyakistan shall be closed to all, as it always should have been."

 

[Demonic Spoon]

The Prince huffs and shits slightly in his seat, before turning his gaze to Coco. "You say that, Horse-woman, but who was it that came here first with their strange new ideas of "harmony"? Such is not the way of the Yaks, and my brother would throw away our proud history for naught but the approval of outsiders." Steadily, as the Prince spoke his voice grew in volume, until he seemed to catch himself and pause to collect himself again. "The Changelings are not a threat to the Yaks. Nay, they are a useful tool, and they know this." He passes a glance to the Changeling at his side. "When the Yaks that follow my foolish brother sees the error of their ways, Yakyakistan shall be closed to all, as it always should have been."

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"I would ask your highness Bradford, can you prevent the Changelings from rolling over you as they did the Polar Bears? Or stop them from invading you with their metal machines of war that even now fly in the skies of the Griffons?"

"We do not force our ideals of Harmony on others, and if you wish to reject them, then you are free to do so. If you can convince the rest of the Yaks to close off your homeland from the outside world, we shall not stop you. But before all that, you must present a united military front, to prevent the Changelings from making you yet another of their provinces or puppets."

 

[LurkingWreck]

It is uncertain if the Prince wanted to show his surprise at that. Either way, he was silent for a few precious moments. His personal guards fidgeted behind him, unsure if this was a signal for them to step into action or not. Eventually, a contemplative sound escaped the Prince's throat, like the rumble of the earth itself. He looked back to the Changeling at his side for a second time. "Do you have nothing to say, advisor? The horse-woman mocks and accuses your people before our very feet. A Yak would have struck her down for such an insult."

 

[Demonic Spoon]

It is uncertain if the Prince wanted to show his surprise at that. Either way, he was silent for a few precious moments. His personal guards fidgeted behind him, unsure if this was a signal for them to step into action or not. Eventually, a contemplative sound escaped the Prince's throat, like the rumble of the earth itself. He looked back to the Changeling at his side for a second time. "Do you have nothing to say, advisor? The horse-woman mocks and accuses your people before our very feet. A Yak would have struck her down for such an insult."

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@Cloak&Dagger

 

[Cloak&Dagger]

It is uncertain if the Prince wanted to show his surprise at that. Either way, he was silent for a few precious moments. His personal guards fidgeted behind him, unsure if this was a signal for them to step into action or not. Eventually, a contemplative sound escaped the Prince's throat, like the rumble of the earth itself. He looked back to the Changeling at his side for a second time. "Do you have nothing to say, advisor? The horse-woman mocks and accuses your people before our very feet. A Yak would have struck her down for such an insult."

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The prince receives a hiss in response, "Yes, that would be the Yak way. The Changeling way..." The advisor stops to examine the pony, closing in and circling to get a good look. "A pony diplomat sent to end a war in a foreign land. A land likely considered a neighbor, seeing as the Crystal Empire is little but a puppet of Equestria, ruled by Celestia's appointed regent. There is no doubt she must be highly regarded to be sent on such a mission, and Celestia will heed her words carefully." The changeling steps back, returning to the Prince's side and looking back to him. "Yet everything this pony says is wrong. No, the Changeling way is not to kill her. We wish her long life rather, so that Celestia's ear and time may be consumed by whatever inane foolishness overcomes her next."

The advisor looks to the Equestrian, "You speak of peace and harmony and Changeling aggression, but do you know the origin of this war, or why we are here? Prince Rutherford started this war when he decided aligning Yakyakistan to Equestria was more important than peace, and he chose civil war over the status quo. We are here only because we will not tolerate having yet another Equestrian-aligned puppet state on our border. Do we want Yakyakistan under our rule? Yes!" The Changeling looks back at the Prince, "We would offer riches to a leader who would gift Yakyakistan to us, and we would be foolish to reject such a prize!"

"But that is not the deal, and that is not why we are here. Prince Bradford wants to unite his race and take it into isolation, and that is completely acceptable to us. Thousands fewer kilometers without a need to garrison and bereft of Equestrian threat is exactly what we want. Unlike in your fevered dreams, we have no desire to occupy Yakyakistan forcefully, tying down our armies in a brutal mountain insurgency supplied by foreign weapons, bleeding Changeling blood and treasure to get us nothing but an even larger border with our rival that will be forced to defend."

Again, the advisor steps forward, "You accuse us of aggression, but who is supplying Rutherford's war to spread 'harmony'? Who provided arms, ships, and supplies to Velvet's war for 'harmony' in Olenia? Who annexed the Buffalo and is opposing their independence movement in the name of 'harmony'? Who is increasing trade with Stalliongrad to support their invasion of Nova Griffonia to spread communism? Certainly not Equestria. Who is defending Nova Griffonia against the reds and their collaborators, and if the reds push north and get a border to invade the Jaki-Clan, who will aid them, I wonder? Certainly not Equestria."

The Changeling moves face to face with the diplomat, inches from collision, "You claim you want peace in Yakyakistan, and an end to the bloodshed. It is easily done. Cut off all supplies to Prince Rutherford. Without your support his nation will fall by the end of this season or the next, the Yaks and Jaks will reunite and peace will reign. Prince Bradford will hold the uncontested throne, and as per our agreements Yakyakistan will be free to enter into isolation, and you need fear no Changeling armies on your northern border. If you change your mind, you can even try to convince Rutherford to run to Equestria to raise an army later, just like Velvet."

The Changeling backs off.

 

[Demonic Spoon]

The prince receives a hiss in response, "Yes, that would be the Yak way. The Changeling way..." The advisor stops to examine the pony, closing in and circling to get a good look. "A pony diplomat sent to end a war in a foreign land. A land likely considered a neighbor, seeing as the Crystal Empire is little but a puppet of Equestria, ruled by Celestia's appointed regent. There is no doubt she must be highly regarded to be sent on such a mission, and Celestia will heed her words carefully." The changeling steps back, returning to the Prince's side and looking back to him. "Yet everything this pony says in wrong. No, the Changeling way is not to kill her. We wish her long life rather, so that Celestia's ear and time may be consumed by whatever inane foolishness overcomes her next."

The advisor looks to the Equestrian, "You speak of peace and harmony and Changeling aggression, but do you know the origin of this war, or why we are here? Prince Rutherford started this war when he decided aligning Yakyakistan to Equestria was more important than peace, and he chose civil war over the status quo. We are here only because we will not tolerate having yet another Equestrian-aligned puppet state on our border. Do we want Yakyakistan under our rule? Yes!" The Changeling looks back at the Prince, "We would offer riches to a leader who would gift Yakyakistan to us, and we would be foolish to reject such a prize!"

"But that is not the deal, and that is not why we are here. Prince Bradford wants to unite his race and take it into isolation, and that is completely acceptable to us. Thousands fewer kilometers without a need to garrison and bereft of Equestrian threat is exactly what we want. Unlike in your fevered dreams, we have no desire to occupy Yakyakistan forcefully, tying down our armies in a brutal mountain insurgency supplied by foreign weapons, bleeding Changeling blood and treasure to get us nothing but an even larger border with our rival that will be forced to defend."

Again, the advisor steps forward, "You accuse us of aggression, but who is supplying Rutherford's war to spread 'harmony'? Who provided arms, ships, and supplies to Velvet's war for 'harmony' in Olenia? Who annexed the Buffalo and is opposing their independence movement in the name of 'harmony'? Who is increasing trade with Stalliongrad to support their invasion of Nova Griffonia to spread communism? Certainly not Equestria. Who is defending Nova Griffonia against the reds and their collaborators, and if the reds push north and get a border to invade the Jaki-Clan, who will aid them, I wonder? Certainly not Equestria."

The Changeling moves face to face with the diplomat, inches from collision, "You claim you want peace in Yakyakistan, and an end to the bloodshed. It is easily done. Cut off all supplies to Prince Rutherford. Without your support his nation will fall by the end of this season or the next, the Yaks and Jaks will reunite and peace will reign. Prince Bradford will hold the uncontested throne, and as per our agreements Yakyakistan will be free to enter into isolation, and you need fear no Changeling armies on your northern border. If you change your mind, you can even try to convince Rutherford to run to Equestria to raise an army later, just like Velvet."

The Changeling backs off.

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Coco considers the Changeling's words for several long minutes with a thoughtful face.

"There is certainly truth to what the Changeling says, though there are reasons and nuances and motivations that you do not mention. Certainly, Equestria is not perfect nor blemishless. However, I am not here to debate what is right with the Changelings. It was the Changelings who first gave weapons to the Jaki-clan, sparking the beginning of this war, and Equestria merely responded to that. Equestria attempted to prevent hostilities actually breaking out, only for our diplomat to be attacked. It is the Changelings who have been aggressively expanding, and the Changelings who are invading the Griffons, not Equestria."

"Again, I ask you, your Highness Bradford, to end the war. Why do you continue a fight that kills the Yaks and brings them no good? Or I may continue to debate with your... advisor, if you do not wish to discuss peace."

 

[LurkingWreck]

Coco considers the Changeling's words for several long minutes with a thoughtful face.

"There is certainly truth to what the Changeling says, though there are reasons and motivations that you do not mention. Certainly, Equestria is not perfect or blemishless. However, I am not here to debate what is right with the Changelings. It was the Changelings who first gave weapons to the Jaki-clan, sparking the beginning of this war, and we merely responded to that. We attempted to prevent hostilities actually breaking out, only for our diplomat to be attacked. It is the Changelings who have been aggressively expanding, and the Changelings who are invading the Griffons, not us."

"Again, we ask you, your Highness Bradford, to end the war. Why do you continue a fight that kills the Yaks and brings them no good? Or I may continue to debate with your... advisor, if you do not wish to discuss peace."

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The Prince remains silent for another long stretch of time. Eventually, he beckons over Garrin, and after whispering a few words into his bodyguard's ear, the Prince stands up from his throne. "This audience is over. You will however stay within my walls. I am not quite done with you just yet. No harm shall fall upon you, so long as you cooperate with my guards." With that said, Bradford leaves the throne room, likely intending to retreat to his personal quarters.

Garrin returns to stand beside Coco, in turn guiding her out of the throne room.

 

[Demonic Spoon]

The Prince remains silent for another long stretch of time. Eventually, he beckons over Garrin, and after whispering a few words into his bodyguard's ear, the Prince stands up from his throne. "This audience is over. You will however stay within my walls. I am not quite done with you just yet. No harm shall fall upon you, so long as you cooperate with my guards." With that said, Bradford leaves the throne room, likely intending to retreat to his personal quarters.

Garrin returns to stand beside Coco, in turn guiding her out of the throne room.

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Coco appears to be pensive and mulling over the Changeling's words as she follows Garrin.