Skycoaster

Flurry rolled her eyes at her father’s nickname for her as she flew down to give him a big hug. Her ears would twitch as she heard Shining say something about now on. What did he mean by that? She was far too young to be making any changes to the empire other then this charity event and small experiment. “Um dad, I got the sweets menu submitted to the kitchen but I couldn’t think of what would make a good dinner. I don’t suppose you have a meal that Grandma and Grandpa would make for you and Aunt Twilight for Heartswarming? Eating cookies and sweets all day sounds more like a Pinkie Pie thing,” she’d say with a giggle. A long table was placed along the side wall of the room. Sweets where slowly filling the table as kitchen staff beganjng bringing cookies and gingerbread replicas of some of the Crystal Empire’s more famous building. Even one frozen yogurt shop. Next the centerpiece was set up. It was a pony sized snowman made of an off white frozen yogurt enchanted not to melt. It’s arms where cinnamon sticks while the buttons and eye where made of dried fruits. ”Oh, I forgot to tell you, I invited somponies from Ponyville to spend a few nights. Mom’s going to have them set up in one of the guest rooms. The ones with the big pillows. It will be nice to see the Apples again.” Flurry couldn’t believe how well the table was coming together and how well everything looked together. Looking to the snowman with a grin she would look back at Shining. “He’s Holiday Nog flavored.” As the clock struck three, Flurry looked to her father. “We still have to select the guards for the door! Who do you think we should get? I bet guest will be showing up shortly.”

Ok. I’ll update the roster tonight.

No gift exchange, but each creature is asked to bring a new toy to be given to the less fortunate foals of the Crystal Empire and nearby areas.

A Crystal Heartswarming Princess Flurry Heart Flurry flew from decoration to decoration. Every bow on every wreath had to be straight. Every piece of garland uniform in it hanging. A large evergreen tree graced one of the ballrooms of the Crystal Palace. Flurry had chosen this room herself to host the party. It wasn't the largest in the castle, but each end was flanked by a large fireplace. The filly grinned as she lit the first, smaller of them with a spell. She chuckled as she heard her mother's voice in her head about playing with fire. "How's it look dad?" she called to her father, whom was co-hosting the event...her first to boot. She was glad to have his guidance with things like this. "I hope every creature we invited comes, though I understand a lot of them probably have their own traditions, like the ones you told me about when you and Auntie Twilight where my age with Grandma and Grandpa....and the ones after where Uncle Spike hatched." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Seasons Greetings Her Highness, Princess Flurry Heart of the Crystal Empire Requests your presence on Hearthswarming Eve To Celebrate this most loving time of the year. Refreshments and Entertainment Provided. There will be no gift exchange, However please bring a new toy To be donated to less fortunate foals. Please arrive no earlier then 4 in the evening. Toys will be collected at the door. Thank you Princess Flurry Heart ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A CRYSTAL HEARTswarming Princess Flurry Heart has been tasked with hosting her first royal function in the Crystal Empire. Eat, drink, and make merry at the Crystal Palace in the glow of the Crystal Heart. What could go wrong with the Filly Princess in charge? Skycoaster Princess Flurry Heart Blueblood Shining Armor SteelEagel Apple Bloom PyroBlaze Sunrise Cubbage Udon Aisede Rose Windwright Eden Glow

The alicorn’s eyes glared at Hou…or at least the illusion of her. She had pressed the retired princess’s buttons and it could show as her frown had turned into a scowl. Her breathing deepened as she tried to calm herself. “Remember your temper Luna,” she mumbled to herself, not wanting to show her vulnerability as the others would soon be arriving to her location. “Tis a pity that you are not here in body, I was just about to prepare a lovely moon rise,” as she did her best to hide her anger and frustration. Luna could not help but notice Shuren’s fascination with Midnight, and it made her more uncomfortable. In all her years, the alicorn knew that one did not just get Hou’s attention easily and it made her stomach sink. Looking to her guard flying towards the camp and then back to Hou’s projection, she’d give the ancient unicorn a glare that itself could turn ponies to stone.

The way Fire Walker mentioned the differences between the books she had let him and the actual test? Trials? It made him a bit conflicted. He liked to have a plan for everything...sometimes two, though it made sense to him that they would expect him to be able to think on his hooves and...as the pegasi would say, wing it. As he helped levitate the chest onto the cab, he would stifle a chuckle. "You would be surprised at how much stuff I left in the Frozen North...though I wouldn't say I had a lot to begin with. Anyhow in a few hundred years, perhaps somepony will find my old snow dwelling burred in the dunes and use it as a time capsule." As the Captain explained who the two ponies where, he had an idea. "Perhaps being back in Canterlot I can look up some of my old friends..." he'd roll his eyes. "Classmates I mean. The librarians seemed to be more like friends to me...and they where just acquaintances..." Getting into the cab, he'd look as if he had seen a ghost as he remembered the magazine he read on the train about Twilight Sparkle and her friendship escapades. He'd swallow a lump in his throat before looking Fire dead in the eye. "There is no test on friendship...or having so many friends...or having to make friends, is there? If so can I use you as a reference?" Blizzard would change the subject by his stomach grumbeling once more. "That eggplant sound like a good idea, but I think sandwitch isn't going to cut it. Know anywhere where we can get a big portion of eggplant parmesan?"

With a few flaps of their wings, Luna and her loyal guard would begin preparations to begin the night. She had to admit that she was a bit out of practice of late since Twilight had repaired the amulet, though after a thousand years on the moon, how hard would less then a year be? She'd have to watch the sun for the proper timing however. With Twilight at her home, they were working half a world away. "Alright Midnight, once the sky turns from red to purple, we shall begin. If my intuition is correct, we have about a quarter hour to go." The bat pony would nod as he kept a lookout. Without warning a distinct sound would draw both of their attention. The distinct sound of a teleportation spell. Luna turned her head, expecting Ice Storm or perhaps one of the other unicorns with news from the camp only to gasp before scowling with her horn aglow, ready to blast the intruder. "YOU!" she exclaimed. "I SHOULD HAVE LET MY SISTER TURN THEE TO STONE ALL THOSE YEARS AGO. I AM PREPARED TO RECTIFY THAT OVERSIGHT!" Before she could finish, Midnight had charged the unknown intruder. He had been around Luna long enough to know when something troubled the retired princess, and by her stance and the tone of her voice, it was clear that Luna was clearly upset with the newcomer. He would stop mere feet from the intruder as he heard Luna recall him. "Midnight stop," she ordered. "Go get Ice Storm and the others. I can hold off Shuren for now." With a nod, he'd quickly fly down the hill toward the camp, hoping that their target wouldn't stop him.

I’ll put Midnight and Blizzard in. On the fence about bringing Luna. Both Midnight and Blizzard like books. Blizzard is more a spell book pony where as Midnight likes action and adventure books.

The unicorn would force a small smile. “It was an uneventful journey, which is a good thing. I had time to work on a few spells, as well as read a few books I had been meaning to get my hooves on.” He’d give a small smirk. “Oh, and I also read those books you gave me to prepare for the trials….twice.” He couldn’t help but chuckle. “I will say I’ve gotten the best sleep I’ve had in years. The cabin was so much more comfortable then a ten year old frozen cot.” At the mention of food, his stomach would grumble. “The deli sounds like a good choice. Too much spice and I may melt from the inside.” Blizzard loaded his trunk onto the cart before following Fire. “So, friends of yours I take it?” He’d say looking to the two ponies he saw with her earlier. “Lead tbd way captain.”

It had been quite a few months since Blizzard had returned from his last trip to Canterlot. Now the icy unicorn finished packing a his possessions that he would bring with him to his new home. He would sigh as he put the last of his own transcribed magic books into a trunk that the Twilight Guard had generously given him for the move. He'd walk around his makeshift home of the past many years and sigh. So many of his years spent in the cold solitude of the igloo's walls. All that now remained was all his makeshift furniture and empty crates. Leaving, he would use a spell to bury his old home in a mound of snow, blending it in with the other dunes, however leaving it intact should he need to someday return. With his tattered cloak on, the unicorn made his way to the train station, ready to move on to the next stage of his life. The train ride from the Crystal Empire station had been uneventful. His time spent in his private cabin had given him time to refine a few spells he had been tinkering with...one of which was the amulet spell from his previous visit. Speaking of which, he had a few books to return. He'd be back for his few belongings once the train had been fully unloaded. Once he had made a rare daylight visit to the library he had visited so many times 'after hours,' he clammed his trunk and waited for his contact...or was it commanding officer? Friend? as he looked around for a red pagasus to appear.

Flurry smiled to Apple Bloom. “I’ll make sure to pencil you both in for a visit….as long as their isn’t another royal summit again…” She’d smile at AB’s comment about how cold it was in the winter in the empire. “Don’t worry about frostbite though. The Crystal Heart keeps us safe from the bitter stuff.” As Zap’s interest in her life grew, she had to think. “Well, mom runs things with dad’s help. I’m still mainly an overworked student, like you?” She couldn’t tell if he was old enough to attend school yet, but it was just assumed. “I have to learn everything mom knows, and then some. History of the Crystal Empire to finance to How to even eat. Who knew there where three forks and what each was for,” she’d try to laugh. “Most of that stuff I brought with me where different books mom wants me to know by the end of the year. A few of them have my Power Ponies comics hidden in them.”

As they reached the clearing, Luna would smirk looking up to the clear skies. This would be a perfect spot for the moon to make its appearance this evening. "Had we been in Equestria, I would have had to commend your weather pegasi for keeping the sky so clear, though I'm afraid I'm not as well learned as I should be on other nations policies. Being gone 1,000 years had left me little time to catch up with all that had changed in Equestria." she'd chuckle. Looking back, she'd call upon Niradaña. "Just how dose one in your area control weather?" Midnight had been in tow with Luna's and his supplies for making camp. She assumed that the others had their bedrolls and tents with them or stored nearby on the airship. With a nod, the loyal bat pony would begin assembling Camp...or at least Luna's corner. She'd smile as that reminded her of a street in Canterlot...come to think of it, it was nearby one of Ice Storm's early Ice Cream shops. Luna's tent was fairly modest for a pony of her former position. It was a midnight blue cabin tent with a few stars on it. Nothing like her sisters...that could double as a summer home. Once finished, Midnight would put his tent near hers. Being a bat pony, his was a standard issue Lunar Guard tent. It was made of a material that could block out the sun rays. "Ice Storm," she'd call out. "I am going to scout that nearby hill as a possible site to raise the moon from. I'm sure as you remember proper elevation is essential for a spectacular moon rise. I assume everypony can set up their own sites?" She'd have to think for a moment. For a department as well funded as S.T.A.R., perhaps Ice had ponies on the airship to set up the camp. She guessed she'd find out when she returned. She'd motion with her head for Midnight to follow. He'd nod before extending his bat like wings and follow the alicorn to a nearby hill that had a clear view of the eastern beach of the island.

The white unicorn would notice his cup had run dry as the princess and her guard captain had been discussing the upcoming wedding. As the conversation turned to him however, he looked up. Apparently Captain Fire was already planning his uniform. "Who can say no to a robes," he'd add as he listened to her continue. The job did seem to have some wonderful perks. He had not been to Whinny World in ages. There was one perk that he did have to ask. "And I assume access to the guard's immense library as well?," he said with a beaming smile. As the talk turned to tests and approvals, his eyes would go to the ceiling momentarily as he tried to hide a sigh. He was relieved that the red pegasus was confident in his skills. "I think I would need about a month to pack and prepare. I don't suppose you have any suggestions on books to prepare for the tests. Tests..." he'd chuckle looking to the purple alicorn with a smirk. "You must really like tests princess with how you emphasized that word. If there is one thing the School for Gifted Unicorn's taught us, it's how to ace any exam." "I think I have outstayed my time," as he looked to the empty tea pot. "Or at least the tea. I'll just check out the recommended books and..." he'd pause before levitating a few of the remaining briskets into the empty side of his saddle bag, and a few butter packets. "...And a few of these, and be on my way...but before I forget, what is the planned date for the wedding? I'd hate to come for my test and you be away on your honeymoon Captain or worse, interfering with the planning. It almost sounds like weddings are more work then the tests I will face," he'd say standing up, flipping his ragged old cloak over himself. "I look forward to our next visit...and meeting the other members of your unique guard.

The alicorn smiled to both wolves and Ice Storm. “Wonderful. Once my sister l begins lowering the sun, I shall begin to raise the moon over the horizon. I believe tonight is scheduled to be a full moon as well.” As Luna listened to the discussion on locations, Luna would tap her chin. “While I do like the idea of the cave for its ability to be hidden and the protection from weather, I do have one concern….the single entryway. It is both a blessing and a curse.” She’d look to Ice, the way she had many times before. “I am no military mastermind. What do you think Ice?”

She’d smile to Apple Bloom. “Then let’s make it happen….when you are in a non busy season of course. I’m sure that a place like this takes a lot of pony power to run. I don’t want to get blamed for putting you behind.” Flurry would finish the last of her pie before taking a sip of milk. “Um when is your slow season?” She’d pause for a moment ”When you do make it, you’d be my royal guests. I’m sure mom would let you stay in one of the guest bedrooms. Some of them have pillows as large as me!” Looking to Zap, she’d nod. ”Yep, and there is a long story that goes with it. I think both your mothers where there. I was too young to remember it,” as she hid her shame for a moment before looking to AB. “I don’t suppose Applejack ever told you that story, did she?”

The snowy unicorn facial express softened. What he had suggested as almost a half jest was being taken seriously. For the first time he had a real smile, though faint. It had everything he wanted. A position of prestige. It also had a ways to show off his skill. Training others was a perk, but not that important to him. Lastly, and most importantly, it was something he could gloat about to Ice Storm. It also had the bonus of keeping him near his new friends…acquaintance. After mulling it over without saying a word, he’d nod. “If you’d have me.” He said trying to hide any emotion that could be seen as excitement or doubt. “I’d need time get my affairs in the Frozen North in order first though.” On a different subject, Blizzard had been largely ignored the wedding discussion, however now being in a better mood, he’d chime in. “I wonder if anyone knows a bearded unicorn whom wears a cloak….though not with bells,” he’d chuckle.

“You didn’t have to get me anything,” she said returning the hug. Levitating the package off to the side, she would shut the door behind Twinkle and motion her to follow. “I see you’ve noticed the portraits of my ancestors. The most recent one is off my late father. Next to him is my grandmother and next to her is her father. He once held the position that you did from what I read.” Tarot would lead Twinkle to the kitchen. “Tada. A clean room,” she laughed. Walking over to a rather dated stove, she’d lite it and put a kettle on to boil. She’s take a seat and motion for Twinkle to as well. “My mother hated this house. I blame her for its present condition. I think that’s the reason dad left it to me…out of fear of her selling it, or worse, bulldozing the place.” Closing her eyes, she’d take a deep breath. “You can almost feel the past generations who’ve lived here. If you stick around long enough you might even meet one,” she chuckled before getting the teapot. “In our line of work you occasionally have to deal with a few ghost stories.”

Tarot walked the dusty halls of her inherited mansion. The old house stuck out like a sore thumb in the beautiful city of Canterlot...partly do to it's unique architecture...partly do to it's neglect. None the less, it was now finally hers. As the sun began to set, the unicorn would begin lighting a few candles. It always amazed her how the old family portraits seemed to change between daylight and night. A new one now hung next to her grandmother...the pony whom had vanished at her mother's hoof, her father. Oh how she missed him. Her daze would be broken as the old grandfather clock struck. She was getting company this evening, and had to prepare. She had turned a few cards earlier and they told her just what time her most dear friend was arriving. She would light a few more candles to light the rest of the hallway before opening the door, just as it seemed the guest was about to knock. "Another accurate reading," she'd say with a chuckle. "Make yourself at home," as she pointed a hoof inside. "I apologize for the dust and cobwebs. I haven't really had time to clean, and with a house this big...Mother took all the bits from my father's will. I got the house and everything in it... I'l have to tell you that story over a cup of tea. How was your journey through Canterot. I hope this manor wasn't too difficult to find," she'd say with a laugh.

Flurry retracted her wings back to her side as she gave Zap one quick wink before looking over to her chaperone. "Thank you Apple Bloom. I hope your going to have a slice of pie as well." Flurry's horn would glow for a moment as she pulled out the chair next to her. When she saw Zap try the same trick from across the table, she'd put a hoof to her mouth to stifle a laugh. "Pssst, I don't think it works like that, but keep trying," she'd chuckle. Flurry's eyes went wide for a moment though. "Um..don't do it with your mothers though." Eating another few bites of pie and taking a sip of milk, Flurry would ask a question. "So, you two are going to come visit me in the Crystal Empire sometime, right? I got some pull there," she'd say with a grin. "Mom says you haven't been there in a few years, right Apple Bloom? I think she said there was a story that went with that trip, right?"

The unicorn's hoof went to his head as he let out a loud sigh. He would rub his temples as he let the princess and her guard carry on their own conversation. It would be rather obvious that he was deep in though. He knew his future didn't need to be determined at that moment, however for a pony of his age, the luxury of youth was not on his side. Sooner rather then later he would have to make a choice. Reenter civilized Equestria or live out his days alone in the north with his magic and an occasional letter or book run for companionship. Looking up, he would force a smile. "Well, I'm glad I don't have to make a decision today." Even a foal could tell he was concerned. It was a conundrums like this that kept him in the Frozen North for all these year. Blizzard carried a large amount of pride in his abilities and his upbringing. He had fancied himself a wizard, silly as it would sound in hindsight, coming from old Canterlot, a title, though just a few words, used to make an impression, similarly to how a rank worked in the guard... Looking over to Fire Walker, he would try one last suggestion, though his tone was that of a jest. "I don't suppose the Twilight Guard has an opening for a grumpy old ice mage," he'd say with a chuckle. "I'm sure that the other ice mage in that other branch of the guard has everything covered...I could only imagine Ice Storm's face if that where to happen," he'd say with a somewhat sinister laugh. He knew he was too old to be enlisted...by a few years now anyway. Perhaps he just wanted to see the red pegasus's reaction to trying to best Ice.

Flurry nodded. “Yep. Best day ever. Thank you daddy.” It was a day Flurry would soon not forget. When she was older she would always have memories of the time she spent with her father whenever she was feeling down. Hopefully there where more days like this on the horizon. “We’re going to have another day like this again in the future, right daddy?” The young alicorn would walk to her father’s right side on their way back to the Crystal Palace. “What do you think mommy’s going to think of our plan,” she said with a large grin. “I think you should be the one to tell her though.” It wouldn’t take long for them to reach their home. Their next stop, the Crystal Throne Room….

Flurry looked to her father and nodded. "I-I know." as she took a deep breath. "It's just that there is sooo much in those books, and I've read so many of them. Some of the things up in my head might have blurred together." She'd give Shining a small hug. "But I got the best advisor in all the Crystal Empire...and maybe Equestria too. Uncle Spike might have you beat...at least in popularity." The little alicorn followed her father up the street. She'd look over the flower cart, her eyes being drawn to the large white lilies. "May I have one and get one for mommy as well?" she'd say to Shining with the cutest smile she could muster.

As Apple Bloom left the room, the youngest alicorn would put her nose near her slice of pie and take in a few deep breaths of its heavenly aroma. Levitation her silverware over, she would place the fork into the pie near the front before looking across the table to the other pony getting ready to enjoy some apple pie. Carefully eating her first bit, she'd hear Zap's question. A confused look adorned her face. That definitely the first time she'd been asked any such question. Flurry would sigh as she extended her wings to their full spread. "I-um...Alicorn's are just bigger in general then most other winged creatures." She'd take another bite, using her best table manners. "Oh, um, I can paraphrase...is that the word...or is it summary? Ether way my Mommy and Aunt Twilight say that an alicorn's wings are a symbol of authority and power. It's the reason I gotta keep them at my side unless I'm flying or making a royal decree." Flurry would retract her wings back to her side and eat a few more bites of pie, waiting for Apple Bloom to return. That's when she got an idea. "Hey Zap, what to see what I mean?" she said in a low voice. "How does some milk sound?" When Apple Bloom would return, she'd wink at Zap Apple. "I have decided that milk would be the perfect drink to go with this wonderful pie for myself and Zap." she would extend her wings and wait and see what followed. She was sure that the Apple's had been around Twilight enough to know the symbolism of extended wings. The other possibility was that Cadance and Shining Armor left instructions for what to do if Flurry decided to put on a display of 'Authority.'

Flurry smiled in relief that she wasn't the main cause of her mother's stress...though a few hundred foals left an interesting image in her head. "I...um....wow. No wonder mommy always looks like she's ready to take a nap about dinner time." When her father suggested giving her mother a day off, she beamed and nodded. When he sudgested that she fill in for her, little Flurry's jaw dropped. "I....um...." she would take a few pancaked deep breaths. "Isn't there an age limit or something? I think my books called it a Regency Rule?" It would take the youngest alicorn a few moment before she would nod though. "If you think I'm ready, I'd do it for mommy." As her brain caught up, she'd realize that her daddy would be along her side, or would she be along his side?"