Solaria

Mjölna took a deep draught of her mug, letting the liquid fire spread through her veins while the actual fire in the hearth warmed her fur. It was a good feeling, being the eve of a day of adventure and courage. Who knew what she'd find in those mountains? The pony next to her, apparently. With his diminished stature and his bookish appearance, the mare wouldn't have thought twice about him until he directly introduced himself with hoof extended.

"Page Turner?" she echoed with a friendly laugh. "Well met! It is mine honor to meet a loreseeker such as yourself." She shook his hoof. "I am called Mjölna. And yes, just a legend perhaps. But tell me brother, do not legends hold their basis in truths long past? It is true that the story of a might dragon might entertain foals some dark Equestrian night, while they lie safe in their homes. But to truly face such a creature is terrifying. So in light of your disbelief, I believe I shall go and face a legend."

The thought of one of the oldest dragons in Equestria, bearing down upon her with unbreakable armored scales coating its body while opening a furnace of a maw that could swallow a schoolhouse did frighten Mjölna, but she wasn't about to back down. No, her father had raised strong, brave ponies. And to be the best at what she did, she needed the best materials.

"What say you, Page Turner? Wouldst thou meet a dragon?"

The wonders never ceased! Not only had Cadence received a fun message for her first letter in the correspondence campaign, but now she had another one to answer! How had she not noticed it earlier in the day? As she unfurled the letter in the air before her, her eyes narrowed at the words viewed through the shimmering ether of her magic. This was serious business, and thus required the right state of mind. At the moment, she didn't have the right materials, but this could be fixed.

After setting the scroll on her desk to wait for her return, the princess removed her crown and replaced it with a violet beret after tugging on a similarly-colored turtleneck. It was going to be cold this Luna's night, after all! Deciding she was adequately dressed and prepared, Cadence flared her wings, took a small leap from her balcony, and glided into the bright lights of nighttime Canterlot below her.

After using her pegasus magic to gather the breeze beneath her undulating feathers and coming to a cantering stop on the cobblestones, Cadence found herself right where she wanted to be: Hot Trot Alley. Shiny glitzy ponies of all shapes and sizes shmoozed past the alicorn, rarely even glancing her way. This is why she'd picked fairly subtle clothing... Everypony here was their own show. The more things you wore, the more you were noticed. That's how the alley worked, even though it was more of an entire section of downtown Canterlot. And that was why she was here.

Her first stop was a threads shop, where a grizzled red pegasus with his mane twisted into cornrows sat behind a counter. All over the store hung various attire, most outfitted with golden chains and jewelry. It felt tiny for such a sizable space...

" 'Sup?" the stallion asked, giving Cadence the once over. "I think you in the wrong place, girl. You sure you ain't lookin' fo 'Butterfly Boulevard' or 'Pretty Pony Place?' You look like you tryin' to be a princess or somethin'."

"Not at all, I'm exactly where I want to be," the mare responded airily. "Now uh, deck me out, if you'd be so kind."

An exchange of bits and some extremely judgmental looks later, Cadence walked out of the shop with ruffled, glitzy clothing and countless chains draped around her neck. There was only one other stop now. As she moved to the bling shop, she popped the collar of her outfit just for effect. After all, it couldn't hurt to stand out even more. The disbelief routine repeated itself in the second business, but the alicorn left with a small bag that contained her purchase and took flight back to Canterlot Castle and her chambers.

After enchanting one of her teeth to look golden in colour and putting on some shades, Cadence looked in the mirror and decided she was ready. To respond in kind to someone so hip and cool, she had to get on their level. And to the best of her ability, she had. She could walk anywhere in Hot Trot and be a hawt piece of flank. She tugged her scroll over and began to write.

Yo Wordplay,

What up homepony? Ain't nothin' but a thing, keep on bein' real playa. If yo lyrics speak from da heart, ain't no pony gonna tell you that you wrong. If it bring ponies to da hizzy, you doin' it right.

As for musical education, I was tutored in the finer points of chamber music and ochestral instruments, with my choice for focus being the viola. I've always appreciated its range and versatility, though sadly I have little time to practice it as of late. In my personal opinion however, I believe we ourselves already have the greatest instrument available to ponykind: our voices. I love to sing nearly every day, as it just seems to make everything a little better. Even dealing with the red tape of bureaucrats. And don't think that's necessarily out of the question for a public singing appearance, I might just take you up on it!

To your question regarding love being an inspiration, it's definitely a driving force in many aspects of life, but not the only one. While I will say from personal experience that your heart connecting to others is one of the most powerful things one can experience, you have to do what works for you. If you're inexperienced with relationships, give it time. Now, you can also turn your question around. Why not use your LOVE of music to inspire yourself? It doesn't require anypony but you, and never underestimate your own passions. I hope that helps!

Cadence then upended her bag and tugged over an ink pad, sliding the metal band of the inscribed jewelry over her foreleg and getting the stylized surface coated with the rose pigment. With a smile and a decisive thump, she wrote and stamped her parting words.

Word to yo mare,

[colour=#daa520]Sounds fun.[/colour]

Princess Mi Amore Cadenza had languished about Canterlot Castle for the past few days, her usual bright and perky mood dimming somewhat each morning when the mail pegasi would bring letters. Most were business, an encroaching timber wolf pack here, a domestic dispute over pastries there, a letter from some stuffy pony on the board for the Canterlot Royal Public Relations Bureau... When had they even added the "bureau" part? The mare couldn't remember, but she'd likely either dozed off or had her mind shut down in self-preservation during Councilpony von Snoot's ego-feeding presentations. Whatever kept the old stallion happy, she supposed.

But those weren't what Cadence was looking for as Celestia's sun broke the horizon into a million scattered pieces of light and bathed the world in warmth each day. She had been so excited for the idea of a written correspondence between the princesses and their subjects, as really the only non-work mail she ever received was from her husband. Each time, however, they were either addressed to Princess Celestia or Princess Luna, which mostly contributed to her dulled attitude.

Had she overexposed herself to the public? She straightened in front of her vanity mirror, puffing up and looking regal. Had she lost some of that aloof princess mystique? Or maybe she was just... boring! The reflection in the mirror gained a haunted, disbelieving look in her eyes, mouth slightly agape. That couldn't be it could it?! She was more in tune with modern trends than any other immortal of which she could think!

Just as her doubt threatened to consume her, a modest letter was dropped at her chambers.

"[colour=#ee82ee]Oh, more work[/colour]?" she grumbled, dropping all pretense and trudging over to stand at the foot of her bed while levitating the scroll into the air before her. "[colour=#ee82ee]Hmmm[/colour]... [colour=#0000ff]'Dear Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, please stop opening the windows during CRPRB meetings. We like to drown in our own stuffiness, blah blah blah[/colour],' " she imitated in a deep, snide voice, waving a hoof through the air for effect until she actually realized what she was reading.

"[colour=#ee82ee]Oh[/colour]!" the royal mare squealed quietly, her eyes roving the parchment. "[colour=#ee82ee]Critter Wranglers[/colour]?" she chuckled, before her mouth set into a passive line after reading the bit pertaining to Shining Armor.

Her eyes flicked over to the REA Stallions of the Year calendar that sat prominently upon the bedside table... on her husband's side of the bed. The photo depicted the unicorn in a very assumed pose with a teasing glint in his eye, and a toothy smile that said 'I know you want me.'

"[colour=#ee82ee]Yeah no, he doesn't need to hear that little ego-inflating tidbit[/colour]," Cadence muttered, continuing her reading before preparing an inkwell, quill, and fresh sheaf of parchment on her desk.

It had been a while since she'd been able to practice casual calligraphy. The quill became enveloped in the soft blue of her magic, dipping itself into the ink before beginning to softly scratch out her reply in smooth, flowing script.

Dear Candy Catch-em,

Thank you so much for your letter! I have to say I've never met a "Critter Wrangler" before, but it sounds exciting! I met a few ponies in the border settlements who did something similar a few years ago, but they never had a proper title for themselves as you do. At least you'd have something to talk about should you ever meet!

As for the changelings, their greatest danger is even mentioned in their name, obviously. They're made to blend in, to infiltrate without notice. It definitely wasn't the highlight of my life being their prisoner, but if my experiences can help anypony else avoid the same fate I'm more than willing to share what I know. Their most common method of capture is simply overwhelming their target with a surprise attack, having been nearby all along in an incospicuous form. Their powers aren't just limited to pony appearances, so don't be fooled! They can mimic other medium-sized creatures as well, though they can't really change their overall body mass. So, you're safe from squirrelings at least.

If they notice that you frequent an area, they're also capable of constructing a very adhesive 'web' in an unexpected spot, which could very easily catch somepony unawares. It's usually a vibrant shade of green though, so unless they're extremely crafty and you aren't paying attention, a sharp eye should save you from that particular trap.

My greatest piece of advice however would be to simply watch for any out of place behavior from other ponies or animals. Changelings can mimic appearances down to the tiniest detail, but it's up to them to act in such a way as their assumed form might. Caution is your best defense.

On a happier note, don't lose hope on the love side of things! True attraction isn't something you can force, even my magic can't do that. You have the right set of tools though! You're brave, caring, and everything in between just from your job description. What wouldn't a stallion like about that? However, you have to show these things, you can't just assume a stallion is psychic (not even unicorns). Just be yourself, don't hide anything, and let them see you for the amazing pony you are. Taking care of a male is really no different than what you do now. Pet it, tell it it's a good boy, feed it, and let it sleep while thinking it's on top of the world. In any case, you're ahead of the game.

Cordialmente,

Princess Cadence

P.S. Food is always a great conversation starter. If you can, get your hooves on some passion fruit. It's very aptly named.

[colour=#daa520]Ponies.[/colour]

[colour=#daa520][/colour]

A freezing, snowy wind bit at Mjölna's cheek as she stood upon her rocky outcropping, looking out over the desolate world of The Badlands. Far below, the tundra continued in unerring bleakness, obscured by the relentless torrent of blinding white that fell from the grey sky above. She smiled. It reminded her of home.

After another moment or two of studying the landscape she turned and began trotting the short distance back to the nearby inn and tavern, the last one before the true uncivilized wilderness began. The last place to see a friendly face as it were, and the term was used very lightly. Any ponies to be found out here were used to surviving an environment that didn't care if you froze, and it often carried into their attitudes. It hardly mattered. Mjölna had been, and still mostly was, one of those ponies, despite calling Ponyville home now.

As she entered into the torchlit warmth of the two-story, timber and stone building, she shook her coat mightily and scattered any clinging ice crystals to the worn floor. Aside from a long red cloak, she wore nothing to ward against the elements. Returning to her table and its resident mug of mead, she took a long swallow before thumping her heavy, trademark hammer square on its rickety surface. To the furniture's credit, it didn't shatter under the massive tool. The action had the desired effect, and drew the attention of most of the others in attendance.

"Prithee," Mjölna called out in a strong, steady voice. "Who among you considers theirs the heart of an adventurer! One who looks danger in its own eye and laughs at the challenge? A pony whose courage knows no bounds, and meets adversity with enthusiasm?" She thumped her mallet again. "I am such a pony. I will be venturing deep into Mount Naskralar to find one of the oldest supposed dragons known to ponykind. And we shall... request... the use of several of his scales. As should be obvious, dragons' lairs are gilded with gold and other such treasures! Any who would wish to accompany me on such an undertaking would likely return all the richer, for my only goal is the scales for use in some of my greatest armor to date. I shall depart upon the rising of Celestia's sun."

Her proclamation finished, the confident earthpony settled before the roaring hearth with her hammer and mug. She would enjoy the warmth tonight, for ahead all that lay in wait was cold and very possible danger. She smiled once more.

Colgate trundled along, breathing in the warm morning air that permeated the cobbled streets of Canterlot. She had arrived yesterday out of the necessity of obtaining new dental supplies for her practice back in Ponyville, then decided to spend a little leisure time while she was in the city anyway. As quaint and wonderful a place to live as her current place of residence was, the shops just simply lacked some of the instruments that needed replacements from time to time. And then there was the city life in general.

The unicorn was perfectly at home wandering about the towering spires of Equestria's capitol. There was window shopping, outdoor cafes, colonnades, all sorts of fun things to oggle and gawk at. Not that she ever gawked... usually. Smiling happily to herself, the azure pony checked a nearby sundial to note that she still had a few hours before the Friendship Express back to Ponyville left the station. Why in Celestia's mane sundials still dotted the city was beyond Colgate, but it was rather fun that she knew how to read them. Bits of her archaeological past must have subconsciously prodded her around the things.

But what was this? Some kind of mansion, retrofitted into a trendy getaway and relaxation spot? A keen, mischievous look came into the dentist's eyes. Who said ponies obssessed with oral hygiene still couldn't be cool?! She was going to march right in there and order a tall, crisp glass of orange juice! Citrus. Edgy.

Without further ado, Colgate trotted right inside and beheld exactly what she had expected: a hip, varied crowd of all sorts of ponies just relaxing and enjoying each other's company. Perfect! This would kill some spare time easily.

"[colour=#0000ff]Your coldest glass of orange juice[/colour]!" the mare proclaimed in an energetic tone. "[colour=#0000ff]On the rocks[/colour]!"

She'd never understood why saying "on the rocks" was cooler than just "ice." But hay, cool and ice kind of went hoof in hoof, so she really didn't have a choice did she? Yep, still a badflank with the brightest smile around. Colgate T. Romana. While waiting for her drink, not even sure she'd been heard, the pony settled into a nearby chair and opted to ponywatch for the time being.

Excitement roiled through the air of the youngest princess's chambers as she flitted about, gathering her crown and three out of four hoofguards. Where was the last one? It should have been right there... Clearly a little anxious, Cadence dipped to check under the bed before huffing in exasperation. Shining Armor was already gone for morning, so she couldn't ask him. Not that he'd likely know anyway, she was the one who kept their wardrobes accessible and in order. Little did her husband know that she was simply talented at making guesses at where particular articles of clothing would be.

"Any ideas?" she asked, turning to the unicorn mare standing attentively by the main doorway as she tugged on her hoofwear with magic.

Solstice Glimmer had seen Cadence go through this routine more times than she could remember, and there was always the same progression of events: Princess can't find particular item of a set, Princess looks fruitlessly for several minutes, Princess turns to Solstice, Princess somehow always manages to trip. After all, the attendant was the reason that the royal couple's wardrobe had any semblance of organization, but it was best to let the alicorn feel in control. She allowed herself a small smile. Her reward would be swift in coming in but a few short moments anyway. There was a thump, a squeak.. And the aubergine pony turned to find Cadence hovering a few inches from the floor, wings spread with a triumphant smile upon her muzzle.

"I bet you thought I was going to trip and fall again, didn't you Solstice?" she weedled, settling daintily to the rug before stumbling slightly due to the lack of a complete set of hoofguards. "Well HAHA! While you were on your annual vacation I went to the royal fitness instructor, and we took care of that little problem. It took a while, and it wasn't pretty, but in the end I learned a few tricks. Also on a completely unrelated note we might need to find a new royal fitness instructor."

"You should check in your bureau," Solstice answered after a moment, having fought down a giggle. "And I'll look into it."

"In all seriousness though," Cadence continued, sighing with delight as she found the missing piece of her ensemble and sank a hoof into it, wiggling to ensure a snug fit. "I'm really happy that Aunt Celestia invited me along to this meeting. Aunt Luna I could understand, even though this is pretty early for her, but normally something this important is a little out of my reach. The helm is such a staple of Equestrian history."

The rose-hued mare trotted over to her vanity mirror, levitating a fine-toothed brush and sliding it through her bright mane while she looked at Solstice Glimmer's reflection.

"I'll have to be at my best to reassure the other princesses that I belong there. I mean, I deserve to be anyway. I may be younger, but I've read just as many history, social theory, and other random tomes as they have!" She paused for a moment, thinking of Celestia's massive library across the causeway. "Well, almost."

Assured that her appearance was as close to flawless as possible, a mix of summery brightness with the tiniest hint of allure through a lightly-applied jasmine scent, Cadence made the mental shift to Mi Amore Cadenza. Regardless of the slightly relaxed nature of the visit, it was still important to be every bit the princess she was expected to be. She opened the door to the hallway, gave a small smile to her attendant, and vanished further into the castle.

A few stairways and happy greetings to guardsponies later, the alicorn emerged into the designated meeting area, her hooffalls on the polished stone announcing her arrival before anything else. A quick perusal revealed that only the servants and the sun princess had preceded her, which made perfect sense. It was the servants' jobs, and Celestia had been up and about since before dawn. Moving to take the cushion at the white alicorn's left side, Cadence settled onto the padded seat with a straightened back and a happy expression toward the other royal pony.

"Good morning, Aunt Celestia," she greeted amiably. "I hope you're as excited as I am."

It took a few moments of searching, but Cadence finally spotted a small tray with shaved and powdered chocolates, as well as a pitcher of warm milk. Wonderful! They'd remembered her minor dislike for tea. She'd have to thank the servants later. For now, she mixed a generous amount of cocoa powder and milk into a cup before topping it with a few chocolate shavings. She was ready.

61: YOU ARE NOT THE MALE EQUIVALENT OF RAINBOW DASH!

Unless you're Rainbow Blitz.

32) You are not an Alicorn.

(Fur srs guys. )

Lies and slander.

These are mine. I've set giant mouse traps around them while I go try to take over the world with powers I can't possibly understand, and will likely lose control of.

Cadence nodded once curtly, smiling at Luna's wink and levitating the chest before walking to the doorway.

"It's in good hooves. Madam Bistro, I'll be waiting with the cab outside. We can't delay too much longer or we'll miss the Friendship Express! Everypony else, thank you for the company and conversation. I hope I all see you again soon!"

With that she moved outside to stand near the stallion and his cab, settling the packed crown neatly into the back seat.

(Going to make my exit here, thanks!)

After realizing that the shop was getting rather crowded, Cadence gathered her fudge close and checked the time. She'd already been here much longer than she'd thought! At this rate she wouldn't be able to get to the few things she'd set out to do today, but if she hurried she still might make it. Trotting up to the front counter, she left a generous pile of bits and made her way toward the door.

"Sweet Surprise, thanks again for the hospitality and the fudge! It's delicious. Polaris, always a pleasure. Everypony else, thank you for the company as well. Prince Blueblood..." She paused for a moment, thinking. "Stay glorious. Have a wonderful day all!" she finished before flitting out the door, her bright tail whipping out of sight around a shop corner.

(Aaaand I'm going to exit there, thanks!)

" ...hey - do you have anything slightly more, uh...rarity-shaped? Can't hurt to ask, right? "

Oh I've got something with a perfect Rarity likeness with which you can play.

I'm sorry to hear that Silver. Best of luck to her, you, and yours.

Serious situation, so I'll just... *insert some witty comment here.*

Shorts huh? Found it.

I feel like there was something I needed to tell you about roleplaying Lyra... Nope. Guess not. Go and have a blast.

On 12/21/2012, I will be laughing as I actually end the world. It will be pastry-related.

Oh, everypony knows what I would do

Seeing a donut shop on the way to work, realizing I had enough time to go inside, and pulling a hard U-Turn to obtain said donuts. Also getting a ferret in the past month. Also getting a nice amount of sleep last night. And not working tomorrow.

Who am I kidding, all my days are pretty fantastic. Congratulations on the wedding, Volty. I had no idea you were in so deep.

.....

I definitely won't be hiding in the cake. OH! And Weesh has a pony avatar? What delightful madness is this?

I'll make sure to hoof the new Spike a Cadence doll with which to play.

Cadence blushed slightly when she was told that Dr. Tale had no idea who the filly was. They had walked in at almost the exact same time, and like always she'd made the mistake of assuming things. She had to get better about that. Maybe then she wouldn't get reminded of the habit so often back at the castle.

"I'm sorry Dr. Tale," she said quickly. "I just always think that ponies who come into places like this, looking like they're together, always know one another. This shop has that feel of a special place that not too many know about unless they've already been before, if you know what I mean... Although I suppose the big SALE sign does help it stand out a bit today."

Turning her attention to the filly, the empathic alicorn caught a glimpse of the apprehension in her eyes and turned on one of her warmest smiles. She was always meeting such nervous colts and fillies these days!

"I would love to introduce you to Duke Polaris as soon as he's done entertaining my cousin's attention," Cadence said quietly to the curator stallion. "I apologize for my split attentions, just a perk of royalty you know," she added with a tiny grin before looking at Whirley. "Did you come to get some fudge too?" she asked, bringing her order down with a soft glimmer of magic. "You can try some of my daisy fudge if you'd like, it's wonderful! If not, I'm sure Sweet would love to help you after her new guest there."

The princess had noticed the most recent arrival and her very interesting contraption, but to try and speak with more than just the two ponies she was already engaged with might be seen as rude, regardless of royal duties or station.

*waves*

Bye skropion.

"Of course!" Cadence responded quickly to her aunt's question. "I'll be taking it to the royal historian as soon as I return home!" She turned away slightly, admonishing herself under her breath. "Why didn't I think of that before? There's probably lots of replicas and everything around Equestria, and I just go and automatically assume this is the right one! Ugh, so dumb sometimes..."

Resisting the urge to smack a hoof into her face, the princess gently took hold of the crown again and levitated it back over the chest before strapping it inside. She was always too quick to believe things sometimes, so excitable. There was probably a lot of truth to when advisors told her she still had plenty learn when it came to royal duties. Years bred experience after all. With a quick glance to the waiting cab outside, she stood beside her aunt once more with a set expression.

"Unless you need me for anything else Princess Luna, I'll be on my way back to the castle to get this piece verified and secured. I have a very patient gentlecolt waiting just outside to ferry myself, Madam Bistro, and our cargo to the Friendship Express, unless you think I should summon a guard detail."

Cadence couldn't help her jaw dropping slightly as she heard Ice Storm's story unfold. She hadn't even had a good school experience? Granted, her own had been somewhat boring, but never bad. What in the world would have possessed young fillies and colts to treat a classmate that way? The mare highly doubted that it was something terrible that Ice had done, and even if she'd made a few ponies uncomfortable that was no reason to spit on or do horrible things to the unicorn.

She didn't want to interrupt, seeing as how this was a rather impromptu counseling session, so the princess resigned herself to listen and learn as best she could. She hadn't exactly lead a sheltered foalhood due to her desire to be out and among her subjects, but sometimes situations like this were still new to her. What really, truly baffled her however, was that Ice seemed to claim that her parents had stopped loving her. It couldn't be possible, strong love just didn't go away, expecially for one's own filly.

Cadence narrowed her eyes and squared her shoulders, determined to listen to Ice Storm's every detail and get to the bottom of the mystery. If she had to, she'd use her own powers to discover the truth.