//------------------------------// // Chapter 17 // Story: Cadence Founds The Crystal Kingdom Orphanage // by Creativa-Artly01 //------------------------------// A few days later, not only does Cadence have more adoption meetings to do but also a meeting with the Crystal Newspaper to discuss the orphanage among other things. First thing is first, the meeting with the newspaper’s Mare Fetlock. “So Princess Cadence, tell me,” says Mare Fetlock, “what led you to found The Crystal Kingdom Orphanage?” “Well,” responds Cadence, “I used to be an orphan myself. I was one of them, lived their pain, their hardships, and I knew I wanted to help them, help them find families as I had been found and taken in. I wanted to give back to those I considered my family, not my street family mind you, my family family.” “How many foals have you helped find their forever homes so far to date?” Inquires Mare Fetlock. “A hundred plus currently,” responds Cadence. “Some are the first foal for the parents and some go into homes with existing fillies or colts. They often work out though and that’s the best part.” “That’s fascinating,” responds Mare Fetlock, “now second to final question, what do your aunts, the princesses think of the orphanage?” “They love it and they’re so proud of me and all I’m doing,” responds Cadence, “they even toured a week or so ago. They’re grateful for the work I’m doing and happy that I’m helping orphans find homes and getting them off the empire streets. I help the foals find forever homes and that’s the most important part.” “And now the final question,” responds Mare Fetlock, “do you encourage ponies to adopt? How to contact? And common age range of the foals.” “Sure, yes,” responds Cadence, “of course I encourage ponies to adopt especially if they can’t have a foal of their own due to a history of stillbirths or other circumstances, we have every age from infant to teenagers, but eight to ten years is the average age. To contact, I take letters mainly or in person appointments to schedule as we advertise ourselves fairly well.” “Thank you, that’s it for today, Princess,” responds Mare Fetlock. She takes her interview notes and heads back to the paper to write up her article and it’s out within the next day. Cadence is just glad she’s raising more awareness for the foals she helps find forever homes, now to go meet the newest couple looking to adopt a foal of their own. Cadence trots down to her office where she finds the couple. “Hello Mr. and Mrs. Fairgood,” says Cadence as she shakes hooves with each of them before leading them into her office, “sorry that I’m late by the way, the newspaper just left.” “That’s understandable,” responds the couple. “I know how that goes, I used to be a journalist myself,” adds Mr. Fairgood. “Froghoof Fairgood, journalist for fifteen years. You’re fine.” He giggles. Once in the office, the three sit down. Cadence sits at her desk while the couple sit in the chairs on the opposing side of her desk. “In your file it says that you are looking for a little filly, so let’s begin.” Cadence then leads them to the holding room and it’s adjacent room. There, they are greeted by a little filly named Orange Blossom. Cadence leads the little filly into the adjacent room and they’re followed close behind by the couple. She then introduces the filly to the prospective parents. “Orange Blossom, meet Mr. and Mrs. Fairgood.” “Hello,” says the filly sweetly, “I’m Orange Blossom.” “Nice to meet you,” responds Froghoof, “I’m Froghoof and this is my wife, Sunny Ray.” “Can you tell us a little about yourself?” Asks Sunny Ray sweetly. “Mmhmm,” nods Orange Blossom, “I like oranges, animals, ice cream, painting, drawing, ballet, dogs, bunnies, magic shows, hopscotch, jump rope, cotton candy, sugary sweet things in general, and balloon animals!” She goes and hugs Sunny Ray around the leg. “Are you going to be my mommy?” Asks the inquisitive filly. “Is Froggy going to be my daddy?” She says as a follow up. “Yes, sweetheart,” responds the mare. “Okay, I’ll need you guys to fill out the papers of adoption,” says Cadence, which the couple promptly do and within the week, Orange Blossom heads home with her forever family. Another foal helped, Cadence couldn’t be more proud. She’s happy she’s making a difference in the only way she knows how. Later that day, Shining and Flurry Heart stop by as does Twilight as she’s in town to visit her brother and for her annual pickers session get together with Sunburst. “Oh, hey Twi!” Says Cadence as she embraces her sister in law in a hug. “It’s good to see you again!” “Yeah, it’s been too long,” agrees Twilight. She backs up and lets her brother see his wife. “How’s the day been?” Inquires Shining as he pulls a stray curl out of his wife’s face with his hoof. “Newspaper, adoption meetings, the usual,” responds Cadence. “It’s been good.” “Well that’s good,” he responds as Flurry Heart flies from his arms to Cadence’s. She hugs her mom around the neck. Cadence smiles. “Hey sweetie,” says Cadence as she hugs the filly back, “it’s good to see you too, my little Flurry.” The family all promptly head down to Cadence’s main office. There, they continue to talk and just have an all around blast. They ask how the interview went and Cadence tells them, things like that. It’s definitely been a good day in more ways than one for Cadence and she wouldn’t have it any other way.