Project Gaia : The arrival of humanity

Chapter 20 : Research

"Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds love and compassion would have built the defenses of peace."

- Maha Thray Sithu

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Gallopinghost Island, Peurto Cabelloat. June 26th 2038.

Princess Celestia strode through the opulent corridors of the Convocation of Creatures castle, her golden horseshoes echoing softly on the polished marble floor. The hallway was a testament to millennia of history, with walls adorned by intricate carvings and vibrant mosaics that told the story of the world's many species. From their humble beginnings as hunter-gatherers to the rise of grand civilizations, every scene depicted a tale of perseverance and triumph. Griffons soaring above mountains, Ponies tilling fertile plains, and Kirin crafting the first magical forges-it was a visual chronicle of the diverse cultures that had shaped this world.

The towering ceilings were adorned with chandeliers made of glimmering gemstones, each glowing with soft magical light. Massive stained-glass windows filtered sunlight into brilliant hues of green, blue, and gold, casting ever-shifting patterns across the red-carpeted floor. This castle was the heart of diplomacy in Equseru-the Convocation of Creatures, a gathering place for leaders to discuss peace, unity, and crises. It was this world's equivalent to the United Nations.

Celestia entered the grand hall, her eyes scanning the enormous round table surrounded by representatives of the world's species. Griffonian banners depicting talons clutching laurels hung beside the proud crest of the Kirin Dynasty. Flags of Yakyakistan, with their intricate yak embroidery, fluttered alongside the regal sigils of Hippogriffia. The room was alive with hushed whispers as leaders exchanged speculations about the urgent meeting called by the Solar Princess. When Celestia finally sit in her seat, the chatter ceased, and all eyes turned to her.

Seated around the table were an array of figures: Emperor Magnus Ironclaw of the Griffonian Empire, his piercing golden eyes a reflection of centuries of imperial ambition; Empress Rain Shine of the Kirin Dynasty, her horn crowned with delicate crystals that shimmered with latent magic; King Khufu of Abyssinia, his feline form exuding a mix of elegance and wariness; and Sultan Rashid Al-Majeed of Saddle Arabia, whose gilded armor was a testament to his kingdom's wealth and martial prowess. Among them were representatives of Yakyakistan, Olenia, Diamonica, and many others.

Queen Novo of Hippogriffia was the first to break the silence. Her voice carried an elegant authority. "Princess Celestia, what is the meaning of this emergency summons? What danger has arisen so suddenly?"

Celestia took a deep breath before speaking, her tone calm yet heavy with concern. "My fellow leaders, a grave matter has come to my attention. Several weeks ago, my sister, Princess Luna, detected the presence of a new species while patrolling the dream realm. This species is... unlike any we have encountered before."

The room erupted into murmurs. Some leaders leaned closer, intrigued, while others folded their arms, skeptical.

"They stand upright on two legs, much like the Minotaurs of the western chiefdoms," Celestia began, her voice carrying across the hall. "Their torsos are relatively slim, and they lack tails, though their posture is remarkably balanced. Their arms are long and resemble those of a Centaur, ending in dexterous hands with five distinct fingers. They appear to be mammalian in origin, as their skin is smooth and without scales, though some have patches of hair on their heads, faces, and occasionally on other parts of their bodies." Celestia explained.