//------------------------------// // Something’s Missing, Something’s Lost // Story: A New Fairy Tale // by Marina Stars //------------------------------// Far north of the land of Equestria, beneath an endlessly cloudy sky rested an empire, a kingdom not considered as part of Equestria itself, but rather its own entity. The Crystal Empire.  It’s royal family had once been a friend to the sisters of Canterlot, and while there was no ill will between the two lands, the tradition of friendship between them had long ago faded till only acquaintanceship remained.  The current rulers of the magnificent empire were Princess Cadence, a beautiful pink alicorn with a gift for love and all its related magic, and her beloved husband Prince Shining Armor, former captain of the Crystal Guard, a strong and dependable stallion whom she loved very much.  It was on this particular chilly morning that the royal couple decided to take a stroll through the waking city and around the perimeters of their land, as they had several mornings before. They spoke comfortably of this and that, never ruining the calm of the morning with talk of royal duty or public affairs. That was their rule. To spend their morning talking like normal ponies would, to remember to truly speak with each other and to listen also.  They passed the occasional guard post exchanging the occasional words before continuing on their path. A common occurrence for morning walks.  What wasn't common for morning walks, however, was the sight of a purple figure half buried in the snow outside the Empire's border.  Oddly enough, that's exactly what Cadence saw somewhere between posts. Yes, odd. “Shiny, do you see that?” She stopped to point out the figure only a few yards away.  He followed her gaze and her hoof, then nodded. It wasn't too hard to find amidst the stark white snow.  “Do you think it might be a pony?” he asked, eyeing the purple spot suspiciously. “What else could it be?” Cadence's brow furrowed, "Though, I can't imagine how or why they'd be passed out in the snow like that," Years of training with the royal guard taught him a certain amount of suspicion for situations like these. Even if he'd stepped down from his position in the Royal Guard long ago, he knew that's one thing that would never change about him. Royalty could never be too careful, afterall. "It is strange." He hummed, unwilling to be caught off guard or ambushed. Even if just by one pony. "I'll have some guards come check it out."  "I'll keep an eye on things over here," Cadence smiled, curiosity driving her to stay more than anything. The pony had yet to move and even if they did, and even if they could potentially pose a threat, she had enough magic to keep herself safe. She was an alicorn, afterall. On top of that, Shining Armour had taught her more than a few of his defensive tricks. They both knew she was more than capable of holding her ground when she had to. "If you're sure," He gave her a quick peck before making his way to the nearest post.  Cadence only waited a few minutes before Shining Armor returned, true to his word, with a pair of guards. The four stepped out of the barrier that surrounded the empire and into the icy snow. Luckily, today's weather was mild: cloudy, but without much snowfall or wind. It was actually quite peaceful, if not a bit grey.  The guards took the lead on approaching the pony, as their job was to protect the royal family-capable as they were. Let no pony say they weren't simply doing their duty. After moving the dustings of snow the two began their investigation prodding at the pony and finding them unconscious. After a  quick but thorough search, they stepped away to give room for the royal couple. “The pony does not seem to be a threat and is unconscious. By the looks of it, it’s a mare.” One guard reported “A well-dressed mare,” The other noted, “But unequipped for the snow.” Cadence nodded, stepping up to the unconscious mare who lay curled up in a bed of ice.  Cadence noted her guards had spoken true. The mare appeared well dressed in a deep blue gown which complimented her lavender coat beautifully, silver stars decorated the bodice and skirt. Her indigo mane too, was well fashioned, the streaks of pink and purple helping reveal the intricacies of the otherwise simple looking updo.  Though her back was to the crystal princess, Cadence could see several tears in the gown, though two holes on the back seemed out of place. Like the gown was made for a pegasus but worn by an earth pony-or unicorn. Neither had wings. Yet it suited the mare so well, as if it was made for her. So, why? What was this mare doing so far north? And in such a fine gown, no less?  The mare’s sudden appearance made little sense. What did make sense, however, was getting her somewhere warm. They had no idea how long she’d been passed out in the snow, or why, but if she wasn't frozen to death yet, she very well could be soon.  “We need to get her out of the snow.” Cadence spoke with authority, “I think it best we bring her to the royal infirmary to see if she can be helped,” Shining nodded, stepping up “Yes, and we need to act quick.” “Yes sir,” The guards saluted moving dutifully to lift the mare, “We’ll help you bring her into the city,” They moved fast and efficiently hoisting her onto their backs and moving in perfect sync back to the protected edge of the empire. As the royal couple moved to follow, Cadence was able to get a better look at the mare, and smiled. She had missed it before, the long lavender horn atop the mare’s head, but found it a pleasant surprise. "She's a unicorn," Unicorns were rare in the empire, as most of its citizens were crystal ponies. Earth ponies. Very few unicorns or pegasi traveled from the warmer climates of Equestria to the colder northern lands that made up the empire and stayed. She could only name a few, a small hoof full of ponies who had made the journey, ponies who’d decided to call this place their home. Cadence hoped the mare wasn't too far gone as she was curious of her story. Curious of what brought her to the north. Perhaps a part of her hoped the unicorn would stay if given the chance. All she felt was pain. That pulsing, aching, pain that drummed against her skull. To even attempt to open her eyes right now was a struggle, but sensing the light beyond her lids made her all the more unwilling to do so. She could feel a distinctive chill deep in her bones, despite the warmth around her and was just barely aware of the thick blanket wrapped around her.  She groaned, summoning all her strength to burrow herself deeper into the warm fabric to chase off the chill. Her bones felt so heavy, and the change was so minimal, but it felt cozier. Why was she so cold, anyways? Why did she feel her insides quiver and her bones stiffen from a chill so opposite of the warmth of the room and her blankets?  Her mind felt weak, too weak to sort it all out, her body too. And though she hadn't been awake long, she found herself slipping back to unconsciousness. Twilight's head continued to throb with pain but she felt better than before, still cold, but better. Slowly, she managed to pry open her eyes, squinting at the soft but prominent light around her, light that seemed to come from everywhere.  When her eyes finally adjusted enough to see the room around her, she gasped. She was right in thinking the light came from everywhere as the walls were made of crystals that reflected the soft white light produced by the fixtures above her.  She found herself cocooned in thicker blankets than she initially thought, in one of several beds that occupied the unfamiliar room.  She wiggled a hoof free, pressing it against her still aching temple, and groaned, "Where am I?"  "The castle infirmary," A polite, mare's voice answered promptly. Twilight swiveled her head as best she could to see the source of the voice. The mare in question seemed to be made of crystal, just like the room around them. The mare, an earth pony, wore a comforting smile and a blue nurses’ dress with a pristine white apron.  “Infirmary?” Twilight echoed, “How did I get here?” “You were found out in the snow this morning, unconscious.” She explained, picking up a clipboard and pen, “Her majesty will be glad to hear you’re awake.” A million questions clouded Twilight’s mind, once she couldn't quite understand or answer. “Snow? It’s the middle of Summer.” The mare chuckled, “That it is. But up here in the empire we see snow practically year round. Well, not in the empire, but around it.” Twilight’s brow furrowed. “How does that-?” “Magic of the Empire.” She winked, pulling a chair up to the bedside. “Let’s get you checked out, shall we? Make sure all’s well.” Twilight nodded, allowing the mare to assist her in sitting up, though she took a blanket with her to keep her warm.  The nurse conducted a physical examination, taking the mare’s temp, checking her breathing, so on and so forth. There were the occasional questions of how she was feeling and the like. To her relief, nothing seemed to be amaiss, aside from that lingering chill, which the nurse assured her would fade. “Wonderful!” She scribbled some final notes. “I’ll send the princess in, let her know you’re in good shape, she’s been dying to meet you.” “The princess?”  “Yes, the crystal princess, kindest mare in the world.” The nurse assured her.  Princess. There was something about the title, or the knowledge that she was meeting a princess. Something pinged in the back of her mind, a feeling she didn't know how to express. Was this simple nervousness over meeting royalty?  No that couldn't be.  She’d met royalty before.  Or… had she? No, no. That wasn't possible. She was a simple common mare. … Was it possible? Her mind continued to play it’s game of tug of war as she slowly realised she genuinely didn't have a clue. She should have been able to offer herself a simple yes or no answer. There was something off about all this but she couldn't put her hoof on it. She couldn't remember how, or why.  If that wasn't unnerving, she didn't know what was! She groaned, flopping backwards onto the bed and dragging her hooves down her face. “Get it together Twilight. It’ll come to you.”  “Is that your name? Twilight?” The unicorn jumped. She’d gotten so caught up in her thoughts she hadn't noticed the nurse leave or heard a new pony enter. Two for that matter.  One, a white unicorn stallion, dressed finely. The other, a pink alicorn mare, one who’s golden crown sat perfectly upon her head. Alicorn’s were rare. And wherever they existed, they usually held positions of power and nobility. It was their divine purpose in Equestria. Though some may refuse to be rulers, they still play important roles in representing and maintaining the balance, order, and nature of life. ...How was it she could remember that and not a thing about herself!  She scrambled to sit up, finding herself instinctively reacting to the presence of nobility. She gave her best respectful bow despite her current position on the bed. “Uh.. your highness.” “There’s no need for that,” She giggled kindly, “You need to rest and take it easy more than I need a silly bow.” “Sorry,” She blushed, ears pinning to the sides of her head. “I-uh… Are you the… Crystal Princes?” The alicorn nodded politely, “That is how many subjects refer to me. I am Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, of the Crystal Empire. Or, Princess Cadence, if you please.” The Crystal Empire? Yes. She did believe this is where she was meant to be.  But for what? “And this,” Cadence wrapped a hoof around the unicorn stallion who’d come with her, “Is my husband.” “Prince Shining Armor, “ He placed his hoof over his heart, giving a respectful bow, “Former Captain of the Crystal Guard.” A stallion of the people. That’s why he’d bow to a mare like her, she supposed. Not because she was anypony of power, but that he would respect the ponies he protects. That or he was simply a gentlecolt.  “Twilight,” She began feeling there was more to her name than she’d given. “Twilight Sparkle.” “A pleasure,” Cadence smiled warmly, pulling a chair up to Twilight’s bedside, much like the nurse had. “How are you feeling, Miss Sparkle?” “Twilight’s fine, your highness.” She smiled sheepishly, rubbing her front hoof. “And I’m feeling... alright. Better than when I first woke up.”  “Oh that’s wonderful to hear. Are you up for a walk by chance? Perhaps wanting to get some fresh air?” “Right now?” The princess nodded.  Twilight took a moment to think. Simply conversing with the mare removed the chill from her, her smile helping her to feel lighter on her hooves. Could this mare be a healer, she wondered, or perhaps she just had a comforting presence? Either way, Twilight felt a walk wouldn't hurt. It may jog her memory, help her straighten out her thoughts.  “I don't see why not,” She shrugged, pushing the blankets off her lap.  She hadn't noticed before, the simple purple dress she now wore, one just a few shades darker than her coat. Now, she couldn't remember what she’d been wearing before, but she knew this wasn't it.  “What happened to my other dress?” She wondered curiously. “We found you in the snow. It was soaking from all the ice that melted against you. We had to change you into something warmer and dryer.” Cadence explained, helping Twilight out of the bed, “There were some snags and tears so I’m having a seamstress wash and repair it for you. It will be returned to you as good as new.” A little surprised by the thoughtful and generous offer, Twilight couldn't help but smile. “Thank you.” “Don't mention it.” She shrugged, wrapping Twilight’s hoof around hers so she could escort her more easily, “Now, I’ll show you around the Empire, and Shining will prepare you a room for tonight.” The mare was speechless. Fixing a gown was one thing, but a room in the palace? She didn't know these ponies, yet they had taken her in from the snow, ensured her health, and now offered her a shelter for the night. “That really isn't necessary-” “Nonsense, you’re a guest! I wouldn't have it any other way.” The princess was insistent and Twilight could tell she wouldn't hear further argument. Her mind was made up, so why fight it? She had other things to focus her energy on. Instead she exited the infirmary with the princess as Shining Armor bid them goodbye, leaving to carry out his promised duty.  Soon the two were outside the palace walls, and chatting comfortably as if they’d always known each other. Cadence pointed out various sights within the empire, sharing some of its stories and her fond memories.  Yes, this land held true to it’s name, as the roads, homes and ponies themselves seemed to be made of crystals. But not Princess Cadence, Twilight noted. Before she could ask, Cadence directed a question of her own to the mare. “You know, we don't get a lot of Equestrians in the Empire. Where did you come from? And what brings you north?” Twilight paused, realising she hadn't had time to think through that part either. “I… actually don't know…”  The crystal princess raised a brow, “What do you mean? Everyone’s got to come from somewhere.”  “Sure, but… well, ever since I woke up, I haven't been able to recall much. Everything’s felt a little foggy since then.“ “Poor dear,” Cadence frowned, “It may have been the snow. Perhaps you have temporary amnesia from your condition?”  Twilight only shrugged, “I guess we’ll find out one day or another.” Princess Cadence nodded along, asking out of curiosity, “What can you recall?  Again, Twilight paused to think, starting from the beginning. “My name is Twilight Sparkle. I am eighteen years old. I have studied magic for years… though I couldn't tell you where. I.. I think I was meant to be here. I think someone sent me. But I don't know why.” “It’s a start,” The princess hummed thoughtfully wondering what questions might help spark a memory, “What about family? Or friends?” Family? As it echoed in Twilight’s mind the word felt… empty… and heavy, all at the same time. Like a deep void that weighed down her chest and gripped her heart.  What had happened to her family? She felt hot tears against her cheeks, but when she placed her hoof beneath her eyes, she found them dry. This phantom sensation carried a sense of pain, anger, and… immeasurable sorrow. She held a whirlwind inside her, but felt a numbness on the outside. Lightning. And darkness. And emotion. They painted an obscure picture, one barely decipherable. "Something… I think something happened." She sounded so empty too. She didn't realise how hard it had become to speak. “Something… bad,” The more she focused on any single detail, the more her memories became distant and unreachable to her.  So much so, she knew she wouldn't remember, not right now. Not if she fought her mind for answers. In the end, she had nothing but a sense of dread and a picture. One that wasn't pretty.  One she didn't want to keep thinking about.  Not right now, at least. Cadence saw her distress and wrapped her hooves and wings around the mare for comfort.  "That's awful." She whispered as she felt the unicorn return the hug. "But you are more than welcome to stay with us until you can remember what happened," Twilight gasped pulling away to look the princess in the eye, "I couldn't," "You could," "But-" "Twilight, I insist. Let us take care of you till you figure things out." Despite the turmoil in her heart, it was warmed by the Princess’ kind gesture. The mare seemed selfless and willing to give what she could for her subjects- and guests to the empire. “Why? You don't even know me,” She asked in earnest, the mare had found her in the snow and offered her a home without reason. Why? No pony could be that good, could they? “Sometimes you don't need a reason to do something kind,” Twilight could have sworn when she looked into Cadence's eyes, they were teal. But when the unicorn blinked, her vision returned to normal with Cadence’s sincere purple eyes shining in the evening light. Was that another phantom sensation here to remind her of all she might have lost. Was it possible those words reminded her of someone? “If it’s within my power to help you, I will.” “Thank you, your highness,” Twilight scrubbed the beginnings of tears from her eyes. She was lucky to have been here, to have been found. She felt Cadence’s promise was the kindest thing anypony could have done for her, especially after what surely was a rough night and an awful morning. The Princess couldn't have known how much this meant to her. Without her memory she was scared. Lost. Afraid of being alone. Unsure of her past or her future. But the mare had given her a place to start. A beginning.  “Cadence is fine,” The alicorn whispered, a hoof against her cheek as if sharing a secret, and then winked. “Now, let’s get you back to the palace. I’d hate to exhaust you after you just woke up,” “If you insist,” She smiled again, grateful for the consideration, even if she felt she could walk a while longer. Quit while you’re ahead, right? Afterall, they still had the walk back to the palace. So, together they circled back through the Empire, returning to the palace a different way from where they’d come before. Twilight found it perfect, not too long, but enough to satisfy her curiosity and need for fresh air. How did Cadence know? Or was it just luck? Either way Twilight was intrigued at what influence the mare held on the nature of the world. The evening slowed and made its way to a close, but not before dinner could be had. True to their word Cadence and Shining Armour had provided her with a room and Twilight spent some time preparing for a casual evening meal, which the couple had invited her to join them in.  It took some work to sort out her mane, removing it from the intricate but ruined updo. If she’d taken it out before passing out the night prior the process would have been so much easier. Unfortunately, past Twilight had little foresight and whatever she’d done the night before did not include saving herself some trouble in the future.  So, she carefully removed pins and brushed out knots. She even took the time to straighten her mane as opposed to leaving it in the messy wavy state it was in after releasing it. This felt right.  Her bangs cut off just above her eyes, curling in ever so slightly, the rest of her mane fell over her shoulders quite nicely and without trouble. Tonight she’d chosen to wear a soft yellow dress, one in a colour complimentary to her lavender coat.  She even took the time to tidy some of the makeup she’d clearly been wearing. That mostly involved removing a good bit of it, touching up the eyeshadow and reapplying mascara. It was simple enough but enough to satisfy her. And yet… Something was missing.  To her it felt like one detail wasn't right. She’d surely seen herself a thousand times in the mirror before this, yet she couldn't pinpoint the one detail.  Oh she’d have to figure that one out before it drove her mad. How long would these phantom sensations continue to pester her? Could she not have peace? She hoped they would provide her with answers, otherwise what in the world were they for? She spun once, then again in front of the mirror, eyes instinctively drawn to her back. She checked the folds and creases of the fabric to be sure it laid properly. It did. And it looked beautiful. So why? Shaking her head, she forcefully resolved not to fuss about it any longer. Whatever was missing could wait till tomorrow.  She could figure things out. That’s what she did when she had questions, right? She studied. She turned to the knowledge contained in books and sought out answers. Perhaps that was her start: first thing in the morning, she would ask about a library and seek out answers. Read till something sparked her memory.  Something was missing, but it couldn't stay missing forever. Not if she had anything to do about it. A knock sounded at her door, startling her out of her thoughts.  “One moment!” Twilight called checking things over one last time before hurrying to the door. She took a breath, and pulled open the door ready to step out, And stopped.  Standing right in front of the door, was a member of the Crystal Guard. Not a crystal pony, like all the other guards she’d encountered so far, but a pegasus. A stallion with a marigold coat and electric blue mane.  “Oh, hello,” She hadn't expected somepony like him to be at her door. Other than the royals, she'd yet to see another non-crystal pony in the empire, and maybe that’s what caught her off guard. No pun intended.  “Hello,” He echoed politely, “Princess Cadence requested I be your escort to the dining hall.” She wanted to say it wasn't necessary, that the princess hadn't needed to go out of her way for her sake, but she realised just soon enough that no, she didn't know her way around this castle and yes, it was necessary if she was to avoid getting lost.  Instead, she smiled graciously, stepping out of the guest quarters, “Right on time then, I’d just finished getting ready when you knocked.” He chuckled, gesturing down the hall, “Splendid. If you’d follow me then?”  Twilight complied, falling in beside him and matching his stride in a comfortable walking pace. She couldn't help but notice how he walked: shoulders back, head up, professional but comfortable in the manner of a guard. She found it similar to the walk of a noble and even her own, she realised as she quite comfortably and easily matched the style.  Where had she learned that from? Where had she learned to walk with power and authority, like she was meant to traverse grand halls such as these? Or did it come naturally? “Twilight Sparkle, right?” Partway down the hall he’d decided to strike up polite conversation. Not out of awkwardness, she knew, but more likely out of habit or curiosity. She was more than happy to oblige. “Yes, and you are?” “Flash. Flash Sentry. Captain of the Crystal Guard.” “Captain?” She stopped in her tracks, only just now noticing the golden and blue armour different from that of the average guard. It bore special markings as what should have been an indication of status. “And they sent you to be my escort?” An escort may have been necessary, but a captain? ...might have been overkill. He stopped and turned to her as if it was no big deal and yet there was still sincerity in his eyes, “They said you were an important guest.” “Important enough to warrant captain of the guard?” The thought was almost laughable, knowing how she'd ended up here.  He smirked and answered playfully under her scrutinizing gaze, “Okay, I might have volunteered.” “Why?” She furrowed her brow. Had she really caused such a stir with her presence, or did he know something of her?  He shrugged, urging her to continue walking with him, “Curiosity, I guess,” No answers for her, then.  Still, she chuckled at the casual manner he presented himself in. He was the captain and yet found it comfortable to speak with a mare like her. She didn't know what she was, common or noble, and she figured he hadn't a clue either. But he was down to earth-even for a pegasus-and not overly formal. Not what she would expect from a captain, but she didn't mind. She found him a pleasant conversationalist. “So… captain?” “Yes?” “How did you become…” She thought about how to phrase the thought, “Well, Captain?” Redundant? Mabey. But she didn't feel like overcomplicating things. He seemed pleased by the question, happy to share his story with anyone who asked in earnest. “I’ve always wanted to be a Royal Guard, ever since I was a colt. I even trained with the Canterlot EUP for some time. The Queen’s guard. Twilight’s ears perked, “Did you ever meet the Queen?” He thought for a moment to be sure. “No. Not officially. I mean, she was present as we swore into the guard, the king as well, but we never spoke directly. I wasn't posted around the castle often anyways. I don't think I met any of the royals while I was there. Crazy, I know. I just never got the chance. After some time, I found out about some positions available in the crystal guard that would allow me to progress in the ranks and moved up here. Even ran into Shining Armour. You know, he used to be a Canterlot guard too, once upon a time.” “Really? How’d he end up in the Empire then?” “He fell in love with the Princess and for a while served as her Captain of the Guard. After lots of training and hard work, I was promoted to lieutenant. When Shining Armour got married and became prince, I got promoted to captain.” “Must have been some wedding.” She mused. Royal affairs were never taken lightly. “Oh yeah, one of the best parties I’ve ever been to.” With a reminiscent sigh, he wrapped up his tale. “I’ve served here as Captain for the last several years, highly trusted by the Crystal Prince and Princess. It’s pretty fun, even if we don't get much trouble here in the empire.” Twilight nodded in understanding, looking back on her peaceful walk with Cadence that morning, “The city seems rather idyllic.”  He nodded too as they fell back into comfortable silence. But he’d just spent all that time talking about himself, he couldn't not hear from her now. It was the polite thing to do and, as he said before, he was curious. Very few Equestrians ended up among the Crystal Ponies. “What about you, what brings you so far north?” Oh, she was going to be answering this one a lot, she could tell. It was no secret she stood out among these ponies, though she had to admit it was nice to know there were other Equestrians besides their Prince and Princess. So, she answered as best she could: “I don't know.” Before Flash could ask, she knew she had to explain. Again. “I don't remember much of my life before this morning. But I get the sense that I'm meant to be here. That I was on my way to the Empire for a reason. Unfortunately, I passed out in the snow before I could do much of anything, and woke up with what I'm assuming is amnesia.” “Interesting,” He remarked, “I couldn't imagine losing all those years and forgetting everything you know about yourself.” “Don't rub it in,” She rolled her eyes, but the faintest hint of a smirk proved she wasn't upset.  He must have missed it though, because he immediately began apologising, “I’m sorry, I didn't mean to offend. I only meant-” “You didn't offend,” She chuckled, nudging him in the shoulder, “I’m just messing around.” “Apologies,” He blushed, ears pinning back against his head, “I guess it’s hard to tell with ponies sometimes.” “Oh don't worry about it,” She giggled. She had to admit he was cute when he was embarrassed. “I’m sure I’ll get this all figured out in a day or two and I’ll be good as new.” “Then I wish you the best of luck,” He said as the smell of a freshly cooked meal finally reached her nose and a grand pair of double doors stood before them. “I believe this is your stop.” The walk passed quicker than she’d realised and perhaps that was thanks to the company she held. Although she wanted to keep chatting with the captain she was sure he had duties to attend to. Besides, her stomach made sure she knew it was ready for it’s evening meal. When the smell of food had hit her nose, her aforementioned stomach suddenly became quite vocal with its gurgling, a noise not unlike the sounds a dying whale would create. She ignored it for now. “Thank you for the walk, Captain, and the lovely conversation.” “My pleasure,” He smirked, pulling her hoof close to him so he could place a gentle kiss upon it. “Enjoy your dinner.” The simple gesture left a million butterflies to chase away the dying whale. What was it about him that suddenly made her feel that way? His gentle touch, or how lowly he’d said it? Perhaps it was how she got a better look at those sapphire eyes of his. Something inside made her feel like never before. It felt… kinda nice. With that tingly feeling came a heat to her cheeks even as he released her hoof and opened the door for her, all the while never breaking gaze.  Oh, she was just standing there like a fool. But she couldn't look away.  Instead, she cleared her throat, hoping to bring sense back to her. “Thank you…. Again. I-uh… I should get going.” "I look forward to when our paths cross again," He said before gesturing to the grand dining hall, still never looking away. As much as she’d been trapped in his gaze, she knew she had to pry her eyes away and proceed to dinner.  When she did, she was able to step inside and see Cadence and Shining Armour already seated, the former giving her a knowing look.  Twilight opted to ignore that, instead turning her attention to the impressive spread before her. The whale returned, demanding she try every last bit of the delicious looking foods. So, she sat, contemplating what to try first.  The couple shared with her some of the dishes unique to the Empire as well as a few favorite delicacies from their travels. Twilight was delighted to hear the stories behind each, happy to soak in every detail she could. She found she wasn't one to turn down new knowledge no matter the subject. Above all, she enjoyed the warm company.  This… was nice.  Dinner was a much better end to the day than her start had been, and she was thankful for that. She was thankful for them. Perhaps, whoever sent her here knew she could find a place in the Empire, and knew she would have help and a clear path, with or without her memories.  This… she could live with this till she got better, till her memories were restored to her.  So, she enjoyed the peace of the slowly ending evening and delighted in getting to know her generous hosts.  Here lay the start of something potentially beautiful. Here lay her new life, unburdened by the knowledge of how she'd failed.