//------------------------------//
// Epilogue: A Princess and an Omen 
// Story: In Reflection, The Same 
// by Faedelaide 
//------------------------------//

Celestia sat on her throne, patiently watching the day go by. Usually, Raven had her up to her crown in paperwork, but today was quiet. That was odd. Even when there were no public matters to attend to, there was always work to complete. It wasn't particularly enjoyable, but she was usually able to occupy herself with her work. However, on days as slow as this, things quickly became unforgivably boring. But, whether she liked it or not, she still had to keep appearances, so on the throne she stayed. 

Although... Raven hadn't showed herself for maybe an hour now. Maybe she could get away with talking a walk around the castle. It wouldn't be a lot, just enough to keep her legs from atrophying. She had a meeting with some lovely ponies from Las Pegasus later today, and until then, it seemed her schedule was wide open. Nobody would care if she just took a casual jaunt around, right?

The sun was shining bright through the stained glass windows that patterned the throne room. Through them, the room was bathed in a myriad of distinct and beautiful colors. Celestia always liked those windows, showing the accomplishments of her, her sister, and most incredibly of all, her star pupil. It warmed her heart to see how far Twilight had come. She was capable of so much, all she had to do was see it within her. Celestia stared at the glass facsimile of her student. What was she up to now?

It was slightly concerning that Twilight hadn't sent her a single letter throughout the whole week, despite being sent all the way to Griffonstone. It was her pupil's favorite kingdom, and Celestia wasn't even sent a notice of arrival. Maybe Twilight was hurt. Maybe it would be a good idea to send her a letter to see if she was alright.

No, it would do no good to worry over nothing. After all, what was the worst that could happen. If Griffonstone was in any serious danger, they would have asked for Celestia directly. It was just an iceberg, all she needed to do was establish a good connection, figure out what the griffons needed, and listen to them. What if she missed a step? What if the griffons didn't accept her help? Maybe it would be a good idea to send a letter after all.

Celestia's hoofsteps echoed throughout the empty halls. With the exception of the guards placed here and there throughout the castle, no one was present. They didn't usually make for good conversation. She guessed they must have been trying very hard to do their jobs well, and she couldn't help but appreciate it, even if it did make the atmosphere rather stale. What was odd was the lack of any other ponies. Her sister was likely asleep at this hour, so that wasn't a surprise, but surely there would be delegates or assistants roaming the halls, attending to various tasks throughout the castle. Even the cleaners were gone. Did something happen that she missed? Was she meant to be present for an event after all?

As the doors to her balcony swung open, Celestia felt a pleasant wind sweep through her hair and across her face. However, after a moment, the crisp  chillness of the wind quickly turned into a freezing gale. Even considering today was the Lunar Solstice, this wind was exceptionally cold. Down below, she could see dozens of ponies going about their day, standing by Cafés, restaurants and various goods stores. Come to think of it, why weren't they moving? Everyone and everything seemed to be standing still, as if someone had played an elaborate prank and painted a fake Canterlot below her. It was a little unnerving, though Celestia would hate to admit it to herself.

The sky was remarkably clear, in stark contrast to the grey dreariness from earlier this morning. Now, the sky was a brilliant blue, and accompanied by the occassional white, fluffy clouds. But as she looked into the sky Celestia noticed a single large shape riding on the frozen wind. It warped and swayed as it moved, but It moved too fast to be a cloud. Were the pegasi doing something with it? It was dark enough to be a storm cloud, but one so close to Canterlot, and so late into the winter? It didn't make sense, and she certainly wasn't told that there would be a storm in the coming days.

Clack!

Celestia turned to the source of the odd noise. A pair of thin, metal claws secured themselves to the railing of her balcony. The creature, draped in a cloak made from it's own thick, leathery wings, stared at Celestia with wide, curious eyes.

"Hello there," she greeted the being calmly. "Who are you, little one?"

"Am Keek. Son of Kro. Am one Kor. Part of Kor army. Serve Sammakött. You see Sammakött around?"

Celestia blinked, confused. Not only was this Kor... Keek, unlike anything she'd ever seen before, but it was also referring to a... Sammakött? She was beginning to worry that she really had missed out on something important. Were these Kor a delegate from another kingdom?

"Uhm, I'm afraid I haven't heard of such a name. Sammakött, you said?"

"Correct. Sammakött. Is lord. Has plan. Plan to bring back home."

"oh, are you far from home? Is your home someplace nearby?"

"Maybe. Not sure. Maybe missing. Maybe gone. Maybe dead."

Keek's words were rapidly becoming as confusing as they were concerning. A dead home? a lord she'd never heard of? How could this be?

Not sure what else to say, Celestia addressed the Kor again. "Well I'm sorry to hear about that, Keek. If you need a place to stay, Equestria welcomes you and your family with open arms."

Keek's face did not change. Celestia wasn't sure if he had the ability to smile. "Keek thankful. Very generous. Keek will tell Kor. Kor will remember."

The Kor unfurled his wings, revealing an underbelly made up of several rows of thick scales. It flapped its wings, allowing them to extend to their full length, then looked back at the princess with it's piercing gaze.

"One last question. Keek must ask, then Kor will leave. Kor will go find home."

"Of course, Keek, ask away."

"You crystal princess? Know Crystal Kingdom? Can you tell where Crystal Kingdom is?"

Celestia froze for a second, unsure of how to answer Keek's question. "Uh... what business do you have with the Crystal Empire?"

"No!" Keek shouted. As he yelled, the scales on his stomach glowed a pale green. "Keek no mean Crystal Empire. Keek mean Crystal Kingdom. You know Crystal Kingdom?"

"Oh... Uh... No, I don't think I've ever heard of this... Crystal Kingdom."

Keek squinted his eyes. His underbelly shined a subtle pink that blended in with his tan, leathery wings. "If you say so. Keek will trust you. Keek will tell Kor of Crystal Empire. Thank you for help. What is your name?"

"Oh, you can call me Celestia, if you wish."

"thank you Celestia. Kor will not forget your name."

"Nor I yours. Happy flying, Keek."

With a slight screech, Keek released his claws from her balcony, and flew away towards the rapidly moving cloud. As Keek flew away towards his kin, he shouted behind him.

"May dead lord cherish your soul."