//------------------------------// // Chapter 8: The Book of the Valiant // Story: The Unknown Daughter's Reunion:Part 3 // by Disembodied_Pony //------------------------------// As the empress and her guard materialized in the courtyard of the Crystal Empire, they collectively saluted the posted guards on duty. Returning the greeting, they welcomed her highness, and together made their way inside the palace. Today, Moon sought an audience with the Princess of Love, as well as the Princess of Friendship. Having chosen to visit her old foalsitter, Twilight took the opportunity to make a vacation of the event. Trotting into the throne room, the empress was welcomed by the sight of two princesses at the head of the room. Cadance was on her throne, Twilight standing besides it. Bowing before the princesses, the empress and entourage was introduced by their escort. "Your highness's, announcing; The restorer of Warmth, Sun and Moon, Friendship and Love; The Empress: New Moon of the Star Light Empire." Cadance's guard escort boomed. 'That is quite the proclamation. Is that not a bit exaggerated?' She though to herself. Brandishing a wide smile, Cadance greeted the visitors. "Welcome to the Crystal Empire, auntie empress" Cadance greeted the dark alicorn, which drew a bit of a snorted laugh from her. "I thank you... princess niece-y?" Moon lobbed the joke back awkwardly. Twilight shook her head at their antics; "You know, this is supposed to be an official audience. You're supposed to be following protocol here" She spoke in admonishment. "Ooh, loosen up Twilight. You'll be getting stiffer than the sisters at this rate. This isn't some dignitary from the Griffons or the Dragon lands here; it's Moon" Cadance spoke like an older sister to her. "Be that as it may, this is still an official event. The empress is a ruler from foreign lands, and we should conduct ourselves accordingly" Twilight spoke. Looking to the giggling Cadance, the empress spoke; "Now she speaks almost as I do. Somewhere I heard that imitation is a sincere form of flattery, however I never expected such from you Princess Twilight. I am most honored" the empress joined in. "Wuh? What are you talking about? I'm just saying that we should follow proper procedures, that's all!" Twilight defended herself. "She reminds me of the Lunar princess from long ago; She was very proper, and quite steadfast with procedure. Well met, princess Twilight" the empress piled on. "Oh just forget it, then!" Twilight relented, throwing in the towel. "Okay, now that greetings are taken care of, to what do we owe the pleasure, your highness?" Cadance asked the dark alicorn. Nodding, the empress took lead of the conversation; "I seek both of your audiences, concerning a result of The Warming performed a year ago. As you are aware, Twenty-nine ponies returned to Equestria following my interviews with the ponies captured that fateful day. However there were many more ponies with pure hearts that chose to stay with their families in their new home, rather than abandon them. An honorable choice and gesture, to be sure" She spoke with pride. "Though their lives would be at odds with the ponies surrounding them, they stayed true to their loved ones. Choosing to live and work to bring them out of the darkness; A task they did not expect to achieve in their lifetimes" the empress finished. "How many?" Twilight asked her. "One hundred, and twenty-one" she answered. "So many..." Cadance said with wonder. "Indeed. Wonderful ponies. I spoke with them at length. Where my interviews would usually be quite short, I spent hours talking with each of them, hearing their stories. The interviews having been recorded, I had them transcribed and recorded into this tome. In hopes that upon the return of the exiles descendants, their names and stories can be recognized with honors as unsung heroes. Posthumously of course, but no less honored for their works" the empress said while her assistant brought the book up to the princesses. Cadance, taking it into her hooves, read the cover. Emblazoned on it, were the words: 'The Valiant Ponies among the Exiled' Below the title were the words: 'May their brilliant hearts outshine all else' "Their love and spirit of friendship were so strong, I... could not decide whom of the two of you should be its keeper?" The empress asked. Looking up from the book, Cadance smiled.