Elderflower

[/colour]Lilac Briolette stared down over the crowd and felt tears welling in her light pink eyes. There were so many ponies, and not just crystal ponies! Earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns all milled about the crowd that filled the Trillion Ballet Company’s main hall, and Lilac could not be happier. It felt as though it had been an eternity since her last dance, and in many ways it truly was – seeing the energy and warmth of these ponies filled her with a joy she could hardly describe, especially knowing they had all attended the evening’s event due to love and appreciation for the art of ballet. Her art. She was even willing to bet that the number of ponies who were attending the after party was very close to the number of those who had seen the evening’s performance. It was overwhelming. The prima ballerina had experienced her first emotional fit when the performance had ended: with her chest heaving and muscles burning, she felt the tears gather, only to begin streaming the moment the audience rose from their seats and roared with a standing ovation. This was the very moment she lived for – the moment when all of her years of pushing herself and pushing, spending every day rehearsing ballet, came to life on stage to be met with applause tantamount to the fierce roaring she felt in her heart with every plié and passé, every sissone and pas de poisson! It only made her heart swell that much more that this was her company’s first performance since the Crystal Heart returned and the crystal ponies had awoken; she just knew the future would be bright!

The prima ballerina did not think that her emotions would swarm her heart and threaten to spill down her checks (ruining her lovely powder job for the evening) again, but seeing all of these ponies gathered together in celebration of the Trillion Company, especially the ponies from outside the Crystal Empire – it was encouraging. Finally, one of the suited servers for the evening’s caterer let out a little ‘Ahem’ nearby and brought Lilac Briolette back to reality. Oh my! It seemed as though she was frozen at the top of the stairs that lead into the foyer, and she was beginning to gather some looks. She handled the minor awkward moment with great aplomb; without missing a beat, the slender mare lifted her head and beamed widely, blinking a few times to clear the tears from her eyes. Then, with the impeccable grace and fluidity that only a ballerina of her esteem could produce, she stepped down the stairs, the sheer golds and white of her long train flowing behind her like a stream. She wore a streamlined gown tonight, one that accentuated her dancer’s figure. The accessories were rather scarce – her usual pink gold necklace with matching shoes, plus a few pink gold and pearl pins that held her hair in an elaborate up-do, leaving a curled lock to hang behind her left ear.

When she made it to the bottom of the stairs, she did a quick scan of her surroundings. The other dancers were already mingling, as were the director of Trillion and the conductor. Everypony else was a stranger! Lilac was just deciding who she should approach first when, all of a sudden, there was a blue-grey and terribly fetching presence already at her side. Hoity Toity! She had met him earlier in the week while the company was still preparing for their opening. The earth pony, though his eye for fashion was critical, was friendly in his own unique way, and he was appreciative of beauty to boot! The two had hit it off instantly when she had run into him, and he seemed very grateful for her tour around the Crystal Empire.

“Hoity Toity,” she said smoothly, dipping her head in greeting, “How did you enjoy the night’s performance?”[colour=#9966cc]

[/colour]How marvelous. How stunning. How absolutely enchanting! Hoity Toity was one of the first to rise to his hooves when the ballet had come to a close. La Bayamare! Who would have thought that one of his absolute favourite ballets (despite being very old, La Bayamare had a timeless, elegant story - not to mention choreography!) would be opening in the Crystal Empire the very week he decided to visit? The Fashion Authority Hoity Toity finally managed to take time away from Bouclé Boutique in order to visit the dazzling crystalline metropolis in the frigid reaches of the north. After all, it was his duty as one of Equestria’s top fashion minds to know anything and everything there was to know about pony fashion, and with the Crystal Empire now just a train ride away, he was obligated to visit the glittering paradise and learn everything he could about their fashions. So far, he was not disappointed. Crystal ponies had a keen eye for finery – elaborate hairstyles, intricate embroidery, sheer materials that reflected the translucent qualities of the ponies themselves – what impeccable taste! Hoity Toity – the Hoity Toity – was dazzled.

He had met Lilac Briolette by chance and immediately approached her. A beautiful crystal mare with excellent style and poise – he knew that befriending her would only further his education in crystal fashions! And what a clever move that had been! He didn’t just learn about fashion, he learned all about the art of the Crystal Empire to finally learn of the Trillion Company’s opening night for their performance of La Bayamare. Hoity Toity was not disappointed by the performance. The costumes sparkled, the dancers were flawless, and Lilac Briolette herself was a sparkling gem. The sheer emotion she conveyed was supported brilliantly by her technique – truly a prima ballerina! She danced her role so well – the heartache, the tragedy, the drama of it all was brought to life by the crystal mare. Ah, La Bayamare! The story of two lovers separated by status, ultimately doomed to be separated forever. Such an intense story, such a spectacle!

When he watched her make her graceful entrance (albeit a rather delayed one, which he suspected had something to do with those watery eyes of hers), Hoity Toity made sure he was the first to approach her.

“Lilac my darling you were fabulous,” he replied, extending a hoof for her to shake. Hoity Toity, in celebration of his love for the Crystal Empire, was sporting his usual attire, though made from shimmering sheer fabrics tailored by a local artisan earlier in the week. “What an enchanting display of pure artistry. You should all be proud of the night’s performance. It was not a perfect show mind you – perfection is nigh impossible. But it was spectacular – I have no doubt it will bring nothing but success to your company.”[colour=#6666CC]

[/colour]Lilac found herself a little overwhelmed once more. It stung a bit, hearing the performance had not been perfect (Lilac Briolette always aimed for perfection), but perhaps the fashionable Hoity Toity was correct and perfection was a little more difficult than she imagined it to be. Nonetheless, his compliments filled her with yet another wave of emotions, and with watering eyes she reached a shoed hoof towards his to shake. With a little smile, he stood back, though he didn’t look as though he was about to leave. Instead, it seemed as though he was clearing the way for the Prima Ballerina in case there were other ponies who wished to approach her and speak to her about the ballet!

Anticipation began to mount once more for Lilac. Would she get to speak to more ponies from outside the Empire? Were the ballets very different there? What would she learn? Lilac looked about the massive, gilded foyer of the Trillion Company’s ballet house. Glittering Trillion, the stallion who inherited the ballet company, spared no expense for finery. The amethyst and lazuli building was bedecked in golden trimmings, with marble statues of dancing ponies and birds in flight tucked into every nook and cranny. Coloured lanterns made of crystal lit the interior and covered in with rainbow lights, creating a breathtaking and ethereal atmosphere that made a perfect partner for the fanciful nature of the ballet. Suited crystal mares and stallions darted about the place, balancing trays of Crystal Empire delicacies and sparkling wines made from crystal berries, and Lilac had to wonder which ponies lost in the grandeur of this celebration she would get to speak with next! There was no doubt: this was going to be the best night ever.[colour=#9966cc]

[/colour]What a lovely morning it was in Canterlot! Sugar Star had awoken at the crack of dawn on one of the rare days where she could actually afford to sleep in, and though her weary body had protested when she first rolled out of bed (quite literally, and the resulting thunk! when she landed upon her rump was quite loud!), she was glad to be awake. The moment she had donned the second skin that was her golden armour and stepped out through the doors of Canterlot castle, she knew she had made the right decision. It had been some time since the feisty young pegasus had seen the sun rise over Canterlot, and what a treat it was! Though the wind was a little crisp this early in the morning, the gentle touch of sunlight that was slipping over the gilded rooftops of the royal city warmed Sugar’s wings and face and glittered brilliantly off of her armour. What a treat! Sometimes, simple moments like this were the strongest reminders of why she was so proud to serve Celestia and Equestria as she did: these little moments, even though they must happen every sunny morning, were utterly precious! More so than any gem Sugar Star had ever seen.

But that was enough poetic dwelling on the sunrise: Sugar Star was a mare on a mission! Her parents’ anniversary was approaching, and she wanted to get them something very very special for the occasion! Luckily, her father had been dropping hints all over the place, even if it was unintentional. Like her, Sugar’s father was a pegasus and a proud member of the Royal Equestrian Army, though unlike her he was a First Sergeant as opposed to a Specialist. He was always very much an REA stallion: everything down to his fashion and interior design senses revolved around metal and shields and mail and- well, you get the picture. So for some time now, he had been saying how he would like to replace the old landscape painting on the mantle above their fireplace with a decorative shield that displayed the family’s cutie marks! Shockingly enough, her mother had agreed – normally she would be frustrated by her husband’s predictable tastes, but having the two loves of her life in the Royal Equestrian Army really changed her tune on this one!

And that was why Sugar Star was awake so early. She would be on duty at the castle later in the afternoon, so for now she wished to check out a smithy that she had yet to visit in Canterlot: Regal’s Steel and Iron. With a smirk, Sugar spread her wings and leapt away from the castle, immediately catching on an updraft that carried her up and into the sky, the wind rattling her mane as it stood out of her helmet. What a morning! Indulgently, Sugar wasted a few moments simply soaring about Canterlot, until finally her sense of responsibility kicked in and she tilted in the direction of the smithy she had been told of by a fellow enlist.

She touched down in front of the shop with a flourish, a fancy landing for a fancy flyer! Time to spend some bits! Smiling, she trotted on up to the door of the shop and entered, causing a little bell attached to jingle cheerfully.

“Good morning!” she called out merrily.[colour=#ff0066]

[/colour]“Hm,” Elderflower said, holding a hoof to her chin as she thought for a moment, “I think you exaggerate the humble nature of your career. Small or not, so long as the knowledge contained within is true or even has value beyond the literal, a museum is a precious thing. I may be a little bit tea-brained and horribly lacking in historical knowledge compared to yourself, but growing up in Canterlot I have visited quite a few museums. Not yours, unfortunately, though I would like to visit it someday, now! Er, either way, I appreciate the quiet atmosphere. Ponies gather together in these places and it’s like a spell’s been placed on them: everypony grows still and hushed, more hungry for knowledge than the company of others. And yet, despite this, there’s an immediate sense of camaraderie. You read one document after another pony, and you feel as though you’ve connected them, or at least I do! I always wonder what they think about what they see and read, the ponies ahead of and behind me. It’s a little game I play, I suppose…Ahem, anyways. All I’m trying to say is that no matter the size of the museum, I don’t think that any of them are humble or small in worth.”

Perhaps it was a mixture of her lack of experience with academia and the way she projected her own experiences onto the idea of the place, but El genuinely appreciated every museum she had ever visited. Atmosphere was something that was very precious to the owner of the Elder Tree Teahouse, after all, so every atmosphere that stands out to her and strikes a similar cord to the serenity she strives to create in her shop has the ability to instantly charm her.

At the very least, she felt herself calming down and stepping away from the jitters she had earlier. With the right topic, she could easily start chatting, and after that it was just a small wait before she was completely relaxed.

“My business is doing quite well, yes,” she replied quietly, smiling fondly at the thought of her teahouse and the little garden she had worked so hard to cultivate, “It’s not quite the gilded lap of luxury that many places in Canterlot seem to be, but I have worked very hard to create a place where anypony can come to unwind and feel completely at ease, and I like to think I have succeeded. I hope I have, at least. I spent a large portion of my life traveling Equestria on my own to start my garden, after all. It would be a shame if my teas could not succeed in soothing my patrons: that is of upmost importance! That said, it can be very tough work. Gardening and making tea and baking and running the shop just with the help of a little fairy wren, well, it can be taxing. It is rare I have a day off, except for the Canterlot-wide holidays, though I often work through those as well! It’s a tough, but very rewarding way of living!

“Oh my,” she finished, her expression turning apologetic as colour touched her cheeks once more,[colour=#ffa07a]

[/colour]Luna’s expression grew serious as she listened to Cadence bare her soul. She was troubled by many things, and though the lunar Princess was aware of this fact from the nightmares, the solid reality of them as Cadence spoke was a little unsettling. There were many doubts and discomforts in her heart, and being away from everything she deemed familiar was likely very difficult for her. Here, in the Crystal Empire, she was so far away and cut off from the Equestria she knew. Once she was finished speaking, Luna paused a moment, her lips set in a tight little frown.

She was not sure what to tell Cadence about Shining Armour. Truthfully, Luna felt torn in two directions with the situation. Part of her felt like the worried aunt who wished to steer her niece take the course of action that would best soothe her heart and bring her peace. On the other hoof, Shining Armour’s distractions revolved solely around his duties, and to the Guardian of Dreams one’s duties were of the utmost importance. Still, for newlyweds to be spending so much time apart did not seem right. But what was more important? Or did they have to choose at all? Issues of romance were…not exactly Luna’s strong suit. She let out a small sigh and stood, separating herself from Cadence now that she was sure the young alicorn could hold herself up.

She began to pace about the lounge slowly, the orange flames of the fire warming each side of her body as she turned. The dancing light shone through her mane and tail to make them appear like a celestial body that caught fire, emphasizing the natural austerity which hung around the Princess of the Night. Even in her uncertain and troubled state, Luna’s pacing exuded an air of grace and regality, the traces of her high status marked in every slight movement. She could not decide on what to say, but knew she had to speak soon – the more she made Cadence wait, the more stress would likely ball up in the Princess of Love’s stomach. But what was more important? Love or duty?

Finally, she stopped before Cadence and drew a deep breath. She would have to admit the truth.

[colour=#6666ff]“I do not know what to tell you of Shining Armour, Cadence. He is not neglecting you, but attending to his duties. I…I am not one to suggest another should step back from their duties, but you two are newlyweds. This is something you will have to speak with him about at length – he understands his own situation and how much he is needed more than I – perhaps there is room for him to make more time for you two to spend together. That is all I can say. I would like to provide for you my unwavering support, but I…it is not in my nature. I am sorry.”[/colour]

Her expression softened just a little, easing the tension that she felt. Luna still worried that her answer would hurt Cadence, but she could not lie to her. Still, she was determined to take whatever actions she could to help Cadence, while remaining honest to herself. She offered the mare a small, apologetic smile.

[colour=#6666ff]“I would very much like to hear of your plans and strategies however. As for Canterlot, my Lunar Guard will stay vigilant while I am gone, and I will be in communication with them. And no matter where I go, I always have two hooves in the æther and thusly in the dreamscape. I cannot be separated from it – I carry my duties with me, Cadence. Do not let my responsibilities trouble you. It…it is difficult to be in a place that is unfamiliar, where you are separate from the things and ponies you hold dear. That much I can understand. A tour of your Empire, then, would be beneficial for us both. I would love to see every inch of it, and it might help you to walk amongst your subjects and make this new life the one that is most familiar for you – to discover and rediscover what you love about this glittering world.”