//------------------------------//
// House of the Alicorn 
// Story: House of the Alicorn 
// by James Pwyll 
//------------------------------//

White clouds drifted gently across the beautiful, blue skies above, and all was calm and peaceful. That is, until a single shape effortlessly flew through them. Twilight, her wings spread wide, gliding through the air as she had done a thousand times before, the wind rushing through her mane as a big smile was upon her face. Her speed was great, and he took every opportunity to practice her skill in the skies by swirling around the aforementioned clouds, before eventually diving straight down. Through the haze of the early morning, her gaze fell upon what lay below. Canterlot, the glistening jewel of her nation, jutting out of the side of the greatest mountain if Equestria as though it had been carved from it. In the early sunlight, the high, white towers practically glowed, and she weaved through them, looking down at all the ponies waking up and leaving their homes to begin their day. As for her, her smile returned as she looked upon her own destination, a large balcony on the side of one of the tallest towers of all. With precision and ease, she landed, letting out a deep exhale that gave away her satisfaction. "Ah! Always a pleasant way to start the day!"

"Ahem," began a voice from the side, causing the young mare to look towards its owner. It was an older stallion, white of fur and blue of mane, clad in distinct, purple armour, who now stepped closer to her and saluted. "Pardon me for saying this, Princess, but I'd feel a lot better about these morning flights of yours if you'd take an escort with you."

Twilight giggled as she made her way over to him. "I appreciate the sentiment, Sir Shining, but I assure you I'm perfectly safe out there."

"Assurance is all well and good, Highness, but I'd still rather be safe than sorry."

The princess rolled her eyes. "Shining, come on. You've been married to my sister for, what, two years now? I think we can do without the formalities."

The stallion gave a quick shrug. "Protocol is protocol, Princess."

Twilight sighed. "Very well. If it'll make you feel better, you can escort me to the council chambers. It won't be long before they're all in attendance."

Shining raised an eyebrow, turning his head to the still-rising sun. "Is it not a touch early for that, Princess?"

Walking past him and towards the door, Twilight gave him a smile. "Indeed. The Queen's cup-bearer mustn't be late, after all." 

With a brief chuckle from the knight, the two began their walk together, entering the palace from the balcony doors and travelling along many a hallway. With every passing pony, the princess was greeted with bows of reverence and respect, all of which she gave courteous nods to as she continued onwards. Eventually, however, Shining himself had to stop, as another of the palace guards began rushing towards the two of them. Instinctively, the elder stallion placed himself ahead of Twilight to intercept the oncoming newcomer, but he relaxed when the latter gave a salute, prompting him to break the silence. "Report."

The new stallion, clearly a recent recruit, fumbled a bit before doing as commanded. "Sir! There's a slight argument out in the courtyard. Apparently, some of the visiting families are unhappy with the seating arrangements for today's tourney. They're requesting to speak to somepony about getting a better view."

Shining sighed. "It's always something with them." He glanced over to the princess, and was obviously conflicted about leaving her alone, but then, fortunately, somepony else caught his eye. "You there! Sentry! Fall in!" To that, Twilight blushed slightly as she looked in the same direction, seeing a stallion with a yellowish-orange colouring, about her age, march towards them. Immediately, Twilight fixed Shining with a glare, to which he simply smirked. "Well, you appointed him, didn't you? Might as well make use of him." Once the new stallion was in listening distance, he too saluted, after which Shining gestured to the still-embarrassed mare beside him. "Sir Sentry, you are to escort Princess Twilight to the council chambers. Understood?"

"Sir, yes, Sir!" Flash replied.

Shining nodded. "Good." He looked over to Twilight. "I will see you later, Princess. Good luck with the council meeting."

Twilight put on a smile for his benefit, bowing her head slightly, and after watching him go off with the first guard, she looked over to the recently-arrived Flash, who was still awaiting her command with his salute. "So...um...is it alright if we go via the throne room? There's a door to the council room through there and it'll probably be a shorter trip."

Flash nodded to her. "Ma'am!"

Having calmed down a touch, Twilight led the way, with Flash just a step or two behind her. Throughout their walk together, Twilight kept giving him quick glances, and while he himself did not sense it, his charge was definitely feeling some awkwardness right now. "Er...how's castle life faring for you, Sir?"

Flash smiled, though kept his gaze ahead with the expected discipline of his profession. "It has been a pleasure to work here so far. And I must say, Princess, it was a true honour for you to have selected me for the position."

Here, Twilight's awkwardness faded, replaced instead with a calmer air. "It was an obvious choice. With your recent efforts defending trade caravans on our furthest roads, you were the only stallion who could claim to actually know how to defend others."

Flash gave a quick nod. "I hope I can live up to the expectations of this posting."

A sly look came to the princess. "Only time will tell, Sir Flash." 

Though they smiled to one another, they remained silent as they continued forward. After several minutes of walking, they finally reached the large and ornate doors that marked the entrance to the throne room, and Flash, as expected of his station, walked ahead of Twilight here, pushing the doors open to allow her entry. "We should be upon the chambers...soon?"

Twilight heard the hesitation and uncertainty in his voice, and so peered over his shoulder to see what the problem was. Immediately, she understood. For while the throne room ahead was as it should be, with all its grandeur and prestige, there was one, notable element out of place in this picture, and that was the fact that the current occupant of said throne was not, in fact, the Queen herself. Rather it was a figure who, even from this distance, could be identified as another alicorn, though their face was obscured by the shade that currently hung over that highest of chairs. But rather than be concerned by this development, Twilight simply bore a knowing smile, patting Flash's shoulder in a gesture of reassurance. "It's alright, Sir Flash. I will see to this." Again, Flash hesitated, but he nevertheless nodded to her, staying put while he watched the princess enter the room. Her hoofsteps echoed in the grand chamber, though her attention was squarely on the mysterious figure upon the throne, and once she was sure she was close enough to be heard, Twilight spoke, though her words were not the common Equestrian tongue that Flash behind her knew, but a language far older, and long forgotten by all but her kind. "What are you doing, Aunt?"

"Sitting," the other alicorn replied firmly. "I often wonder what appeal this throne has for my sister. Thought it might be worth trying it out for size."

Once at the base of the stairs that led to that throne, Twilight raised an eyebrow. "I hope that does not suggest some unspoken ambition on your part?"

Leaning forward, the previously-unknown figure, now revealed as a dark-blue mare and fellow alicorn, emerged from the shade, smirking to the younger one below. "I will leave that to the realm of speculation, dear niece."

Seeing her rise from the throne and begin to descend down towards her, Twilight's smile became a more genuine one, and now she decided to speak again in the Equestrian language. "All kidding aside, it's good to see you again, Luna. It's been too long."

Luna chuckled. "A mere month, Twilight. I've had far longer absences."

Twilight laughed along with her. "Well, in any case, I'm sure the city will rejoice to have our family all back together again."

"Oh?" Luna enquired. "I was under the impression that many nobles would be far happier if a, how did they put it, troublemaker such as myself were far from the capital?"

Twilight giggled. "Oh come now, Auntie. I'm sure nopony calls you that." But then, she was subjected to a long and piercing stare from the elder mare, and after an uncomfortable silence, Twilight glanced away as she nervously scratched the back of her head. "Although...we did receive a report or two of you getting involved in a few...um...scuffles?"

Luna scoffed. "If by 'scuffles' you mean I was busy dealing with the bandits and outlaws that pester our border territories, then I freely admit to it." She turned from her niece. "Alicorn power was meant to be used, Twilight. Not to just go to waste while we sit around a table discussing trade agreements."

Looking back to her, Twilight's expression was a soft one. "You know...your old chair is still available...if you want it."

After a pause, Luna shook her head. "No. I'm no politician. Never was. I know my sister would wish me there at council, but I've always felt I could do far more out there..." She gestured to one of the nearby windows. "...than I ever could do in here."

Hearing that, Twilight regained her earlier interest, taking a single step closer to her elder. "And speaking of your travels, dare I asked what you uncovered during your latest foray?" The older alicorn smiled, reaching out with her forehoof to reveal something within its grasp. Twilight looked down to it, seeing that it appeared to be little more than a necklace of some sort. A mere piece of string with a shiny bauble at the end. But upon closer inspection, the princess' eyes widened, for she could now make out the shimmer that tiny, sparkling gem possessed. Something ethereal, magical, and wholly unlike any other jewel she was likely to see. Immediately, she understood just what it was she was looking at. "From...the Heart?"

Luna nodded. "Correct. Old and broken and its pieces scattered to the four winds of that frozen north forever...but still it possesses its beautiful shine." She looked to the object herself. "This is likely to be the only fragment of our people's greatest treasure you and I will ever gaze upon." Slowly, her eyes drifted up to her niece. "I may have found it...but I believe it would do far better to be worn by the latest generation."

Understanding her words, Twilight stepped back, shaking her head. "Oh! No, I couldn't possibly...!"

But Luna again gestured towards her. "Take it, Twilight. A gift from family to family."

Though still hesitant, Twilight knew it would be rude to not accept, and so her horn glowed, her magic engulfing the offered pendant, which soon found itself floating up from Luna's hoof and being lowered down over the younger mare's head. Once it was there, Twilight again looked to the shimmering jewel, before smiling again to her aunt. "Thank you, Luna."

Luna bowed her head slightly. "You are most welcome. And now, if you'll excuse me..." She began to walk past her niece, towards the throne room doors Twilight herself had entered through. "I believe I should depart, lest my sister see me and interrogate me about my absence."

But Twilight wasn't about to let her go that easily, and so spoke up with a renewed pep in her voice. "Won't you stay for the tourney? I'm sure it'll be fun."

Luna sighed, looking over her shoulder to her. "Combat is meant to accomplish things, Twilight. It is not simply there to provide a day's entertainment for the smallfolk." In only a moment, Luna could see the disappointment in Twilight's face, complete with her ears drooping down somewhat. Taking a deep breath, and doing her level best to avoid looking her niece in the eye, Luna eventually relented. "Although...I suppose I could just pop into the royal box to watch a joust or two, just to say I didn't ignore everypony."

Her ears perking up again, Twilight leapt forward, embracing Luna in a hug, much to the latter's chagrin. But, despite clearly not being a hugging type of person, Luna again gave in, returning the gesture, after which the younger mare moved away from her. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Word on the grapevine is that there's a pegasus mare from Cloudsdale whose pretty good in a melee."

Luna smirked. "In that case, Twilight, I might actually look forward to it." She gave her a nod. "Be well."

Twilight watched her walk off, and after seeing her aunt leave the chamber, she saw Flash, who had honestly been forgotten for a minute there, nervously poke his head around the corner, silently asking for permission, to which Twilight had to stifle a laugh. "Yes, Sir Flash, you may resume your escort duties." With a long-absent smile, Flash galloped over to her, and Twilight resumed her own journey, heading to the area just to the rear of the throne. Before reaching the door there, she took a moment to glance at the massive and impressive stained-glass windows that adorned this great chamber, and smiled at the images of all the queens of the past that were depicted there. But, her attention soon focused ahead once more, and Flash stepped ahead  to open the door for her. Giving him a thankful nod, she entered, now finding herself in the adjacent chamber, her true destination in all this. It was well lit, with sunlight pouring in from many an open window that surrounded the room, and at its centre was a long table, ornate and old. There were at least half a dozen chairs around it, and at the head was one far more beautifully-carved than the others, designated for the monarch herself. But Twilight soon found that she and Flash were not the only ones here today, and surprise came to her as she spoke up to the one she now noticed sitting beside her mother's place. "Sir Fancy?"

The stallion, bearing much of the same colouring as Shining, and clad in what was undoubtedly the finest of finery, looked up from his papers, adjusted his monocle slightly and smiled to her. "Ah, Princess. Good morning to you. I trust your day has been good thus far?"

The princess smiled back to him, walking further into the chamber while Flash assumed a post at the door. "Indeed it has. And I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who values punctuality."

A chuckle from the stallion. "Quite. It is, of course, the duty of the Hoof of the Queen to set an example for the other councilors."

Twilight looked to the still-empty chairs. "I assume we will be seeing them at some point today?"

Fancy sighed, setting his parchment to the table. "Alas, no. Seems my fellows are far busier trying to arrange the best seats for the tourney. Your royal mother, bless her, has seen fit to give them leave for the day."

Shaking her head slightly, Twilight nevertheless kept her cheerful demeanour. "Well, I'm sure Mother was simply eager to reward them for their recent efforts. Word has it the recent diplomacy with the Kirin peoples has gotten off to a good start."

To that, Fancy smiled back to her. "With luck, we'll soon be discussing proper channels of communication soon afterwards."

Twilight, taking a seat of her own on the opposite end of the table from where Fancy was sitting, nodded enthusiastically. "I'm sure you and my Mother will succeed there as you have with everything else."

Here, Twilight noticed Fancy's smile falter, if only a little, before looking down again to his work. "Perhaps."

But before Twilight could enquire if anything was wrong, she and he were halted in their conversation by the sound of the chamber doors creaking open. All eyes turned, and then immediately the two of them stood at attention. For after the arrival of a pair of the Royal Guard, a new figure made herself known. An alicorn, like Twilight, but one far taller, dwarfing even Luna, whose mane flowed with many, beautiful colours. Upon her approach, one of the aforementioned guards announced her to all who were present. "Queen Celestia of House Solaris. First of her name. Queen of the Unicorns and of the Earth Ponies and of the Pegasi. Lady of the Three Kingdoms and Protector of the realm."

The Queen, walking with all the poise and grace one would expect, approached the table, with Twilight and Fancy bowing their heads in reverence for her approach. Once upon her own chair, Celestia sat, and with a single motion of her hoof, gestured for the others to join her. Once seated, Twilight smiled upon the older mare beside her. "Mother."

Here, at last, Celestia broke the regal façade, returning the smile to her youngest child. "Twilight. I trust all is well?"

Twilight nodded, noting the look her parent now had, and tilted her head slightly. "You seem in a good mood today."

Celestia took on a more amused expression, turning away from her child to look to the door she'd entered through. "Indeed. I've just been interviewing a hopeful for the position of court fool." Glancing down to the table, the queen shook her head. "I swear, I have never, in all my years, ever come across a mare so willing to throw a pie in her own face."

Though not the answer she'd been expecting, Twilight still seemed pleased with it. "Well then, I'm sure she'll do well in the role. If all works out, she could even make her debut at the tourney." She looked over to the window, giving her a good view of Canterlot outside. "Everypony's really excited for it."

Fancy chuckled drily as he once more looked to his notes. "Most of us anyway." After that, he turned his eyes to his ruler. "With respect, Ma'am, I'd have preferred not to have to do my work alone. The other councilors should be here."

Celestia looked to him, reaching over and giving him a quick pat on his hoof. "Fancy, my dear friend, I seem to recall giving you the day off as well. Yet here you are."

Taking off his monocle, fancy's face softened slightly as he regarded his monarch. "Far be it from me to refuse a Queen's gift, but work doesn't stop just because a celebration is afoot." He paused here, thinking on his words, before speaking up again. "And besides...there is an important matter I needed to discuss with you."

Celestia's smile faded a little, and she gave him her full attention. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Fancy took a moment to get is papers together, giving them a quick shuffle on he table, before finally saying what was on his mind. "Your Grace...I wish to formally request my retirement from the position of Hoof of the Queen."

Naturally, both mares were taken aback by this news, and even looked to one another to share their mutual surprise. When the shock of the declaration had settled in, Celestia turned again to her trusted advisor. "Retire? Pardon me for saying this, Sir Fancy, but you are far from an old stallion. You still have many good years ahead of you."

Fancy nodded, smiling for the first time in a while. "Indeed I do. But I believe I have given all I can to the kingdom, and to you, your Grace. Besides which, I, like yourself, am a grandparent now. And that seems like time enough for me to step down and enjoy the years the are left to me. Too often the Hooves of the past have worked in this position until their final days. I do not wish to be counted among them. Equestria is a grand place, but I have spent most of my life within this city. Before my time is up, my wife and I want the opportunity to go out and enjoy what our nation has to offer."

Twilight watched her mother carefully, seeing her process all of this new information. But after a time of quiet between them, Celestia respectfully bowed her head to her closest ally, resuming her smile. "You have indeed served both me and the realm with all the ability one would hope for in a capable Hoof. You have aided me well through the entirety of my reign, and there are few who can be said to have provided such a peerless effort in the role. If you seek for another to take your place, I accept your decision."

Fancy, clearly relieved that his request hadn't been poorly-received, gave a similar bow of his head. "Thank you, your Grace. I may miss this position, but I would rather leave it now, rather than wait for the relentless march of time to render me incapable of performing it properly."

Twilight, herself feeling more at ease after this new arrangement, looked to the older stallion with curiosity. "Do you have any recommendations for who should be appointed to the office?"

Fancy looked to her, seeming almost nervous before assuming his more composed look. "I do. And, with your blessing, Highness...I would ask that my son be my successor."

As before, the queen and her child gave each other a look, almost as surprised by this utterance as they were with his first, though it took far less time for Celestia to respond to it this time. "Shining? You never mentioned he had a talent for governance."

A soft smile crossed Fancy's face as he took off his monocle, giving it a wipe with a handkerchief from his from suit pocket as he explained himself. "I have tutored the boy since he was old enough to write. It was always my hope that he would one day serve the realm as I have done. He may not yet have my experience, but I promise you, he will grow to the role."

On this particular matter, there seemed to be little concern on the part of the queen, as Celestia gave her friend a slight nod. "Very well then. The position of Hoof is not normally a hereditary one, but if Shining is even half as capable in the role as he has been as a consort to my heir, then the realm will indeed be looked after."

Fancy sighed. "Thank you, your Grace."

Leaning forward, Celestia gave him a sly smirk. "And with that matter settled, perhaps now is a good time for you to set your parchment down and attend the tourney? I believe it requires an opening speech, and I can think of none other to deliver it." Seeing him about to protest, perhaps to say that he had a lot of paperwork to attend to, Celestia raised her hoof, preemptively silencing him. "Consider it your final, official act as Hoof. A way to go out with the smallfolk and nobles cheering you on."

Realising that he had little way out of this, Fancy's shoulders slumped, and but a moment later he busied himself with adjusting his tie, putting his monocle back on before bowing his head. "As you command, Highness." He got himself up from the table, dusting himself off slightly before making his way over to the chamber doors, stopping one final time to look to his leader. "It...has been the greatest honour of my life to serve, Queen Celestia."

Celestia's smile widened. "And it has been an honour to be served, old friend."

With those last words, Fancy tuned again, at last heading out of the room. Once the doors were closed, Twilight exhaled, looking to the now-empty chair opposite her. "Well...I never thought I'd see the day when he wasn't in the palace anymore."

Celestia nodded solemnly. "Nor I. But, time stands still for nopony. Change comes whether we like it or not, daughter." A thoughtful look came to her. "One day, I too will no longer be here, and my crown will pass to your sister. If nothing else, at least I can be certain that her Hoof will be one who is already fully devoted to her."

Twilight smiled to her, reaching out and patting her on the hoof. "The realm will never have seen such a power couple as they, Mother."

The two shared a laugh together, but the laughter ended when Celestia paid closer attention to her daughter. Specifically, her eyes now focused on the pendant she was wearing, and the magical glow of its jewel. Her expression became sterner as she finally looked her child in the eye. "I trust my sister knows that those lands are far too dangerous for just a casual stroll. I forbade travel there for a reason."

Twilight, unable to think of doing anything other than shrugging, sighed. "You know Luna as well as I do, Mother. Nopony has ever been able to tell her what to do."

Raising both forehooves to her temples, Celestia began to rub them. "Something my parents learned all too often." Once done, she turned to Twilight. "You're the only pony she listens to these days. Perhaps you can convince her not to take so many risks?"

Twilight giggled. "Sorry, Mother. It was difficult enough to convince her to attend the tourney."

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Oh? My sister, the infamous recluse, actually attending a public event? Truly, will wonders ever cease?" she remarked with clear tiredness. After looking to the window, she spoke again. "In any case, I will need to prepare myself for the event also." Finally, she put on another smile. "I have a special gown for the occasion. There's this up-and-coming young mare whose been making quite the name for herself in fashion circles. Though it might be worth seeing what her efforts are like."

Getting up from her seat, Twilight smiled back. "I look forward to seeing it when I get there, but first..."

Her mother watched her go, heading off for one of the side-doors of the chamber. "Paying your first and favourite niece a visit?"

Twilight practically beamed at the mention of the as-yet unvisited foal. "Until the day I die I will give that child every ounce of love that I have."

Celestia chuckled to herself. "You remind me of me when you were born. Well, don't let me keep you. I will see you at the royal box."

As befitting of royalty, Twilight gave a bow to her esteemed mother, before again heading off and out of the chamber. Flash, who had dutifully waited silently by the previous doors during the entire meeting, trotted after her, resuming his position by her side as the two of them, as before, started walking down the large hallways of the palace. This time, however, their journey was a silent one, save for the occasional greeting by the serving staff and other guards. After walking often-trod paths through the palace, Twilight again smiled as she looked to a large door emblazoned with the insignia of a large heart, with the adjacent guards saluting her approach. "I wish to enter," she requested with her calm tone.

With another salute, the guards opened it, with Flash, knowing his place here, staying where he was. "Ma'am," he remarked.

Entering the new room, Twilight's face was one of utter joy. For the sight she now beheld was one which, to her eyes, was the most precious thing in the world. Her beloved niece, Flurry Heart, sitting upon the floor and playing with her lettered-blocks of wood, all while gurgling happily. The child's mother, Cadance, was sitting quietly beside her, though Twilight's arrival caused her to look up, smiling warmly to her sibling. "Sister."

Closing the door behind her, Twilight walked further in, sitting beside Cadance while maintaining her gaze on the youngest of the alicorns. "How's she been today?"

Cadance laughed briefly. "Oh, a sweet little angel, as always."

"Hard to believe, isn't it?" Twilight began. "That this tiny filly will one day reign over the whole of Equestria."

"I only hope I am as adept at preparing her for the role as Mother has been with me," Cadance replied.

Twilight reached over and happily patted her sister on the shoulder. "No hope needed, Cadance. I'm certain you'll raise her well."

The two shared a smile to one another, but it was in this moment of quiet between them that the infant finally looked up from her toys to notice the new arrival. "Twi! Twi!" she exclaimed excitedly, not quite getting her aunt's name right.

Finally seeing her opening, Twilight reached forward and grabbed hold of her niece, bringing her to her face, where she began peppering her cheeks with kisses. "Oh, who's the cutest one-day queen in the world? You are! Yes you are! Yes you are!"

Flurry, naturally, giggled frequently during all this, while Cadance looked to it all with a more subdued tone. "Careful now, Twilight. You don't want the nation's future monarch to grow up obsessed with attention."

Twilight frowned to her. "Oh come now, like you haven't acted this way around her!"

Cadance rolled her eyes. "Well obviously I have! Have you seen my daughter?" The two laughed together, with Twilight setting the child back to the floor. And when this happened, Flurry began crawling to the side of the room, with both of her elders keeping a close watch on her. Eventually, her intent became clear, as she used her as-yet undeveloped magical power to start dragging a somewhat large book over to where the two mares were sitting. "Ah, it seems she'd like her aunt to read her favourite story," Cadance explained.

Twilight, looking to the foal trying her hardest to hold up the book, decided to play coy for a moment. "Well, I dunno, I am very busy today..."

But Flurry wasn't having any of it. "Ba! Ba!"

Giggling, Twilight reached down to pick up the offered book, opening it up to the exact point she knew her niece wanted her to read from. "Alright then. I think I can make time for this." Taking a moment to enjoy the look of elation on the filly's face, Twilight cleared her throat before finally reading the story that had been requested of her. "Long ago, there was a realm that stood high above all others. A domain that was the jewel of all the world. The Crystal Empire. This great nation, boasting power and prestige that was unmatched by any other, was ruled by the most magical beings in creation. The Alicorns. In those ancient times, there were many thousands, and they led their nation well, creating a golden age that would never be seen again by ponykind."

Flurry clapped her hooves excitedly. "Ali! Ali!"

Cadence smiled, taking hold of her daughter and setting her on her knee. "Let's get you a better seat, shall we?"

Giving the filly a moment to get comfortable, Twilight continued. "But then, their golden age came to a terrible end...for the Storm had arrived!" she declared with added drama.

Flurry cowed slightly, of course playing along. "Ooh!"

Twilight smiled, but her face became more serious as she got back to the topic at hoof. "A terrible blizzard, the greatest the world had ever seen, swept down from the icy north, and with it came the end of the Crystal Empire. Towers and palaces centuries old crumbled before it, and though the greatest treasure of the realm, the Crystal Heart, tried to hold it back with vast magical power, even it was helpless in the face of this unrelenting force of nature, and shattered into countless pieces, scattered to the wind." That last part was accompanied by Twilight briefly touching her recently-gifted pendant. For this next part, however, Twilight closed her eyes, knowing the passage off by heart. "Within a single day and night of misfortune, the Crystal Empire, the pride of the world...was gone. Never to be seen again."

Flurry looked to her, enraptured by the tale, all while Cadance smiled to it all, whispering to her sister. "Now's the time you get to the happy part, Twilight."

Taking the cue, Twilight did indeed take on a cheerier tone as she carried on with the story. "But, all hope was not lost for the alicorn people. For one, a great stallion named Solaris, was far from his home when the Storm came to the Empire. He alone survived the great loss, and stood now as the last alicorn in the world. He knew his homeland was lost forever, and so he set his eyes south, to the lands called Equestria, and the three warring kingdoms that made it up. The unicorns, the pegasi and the earth ponies. Solaris went to them in peace, hoping to bring an end to the ceaseless wars that had always been between them. And through diplomacy, charisma and sheer, awesome, magical power, he succeeded, bring the three peoples together for the first time in their long and bitter history. In gratitude for ending the bloodshed, they named him their king. And thus was the story of the founder of our house. Solaris the Unifier, first of his name."

"Ba! Ba!" Flurry gurgled, clearly happier than she was earlier with the story.

Here, Cadance decided to take the reins of the story, igniting her horn and levitating the book from Twilight's hooves to her own. Twilight, for her part, had no issue with this, and sat quietly and watched as her sister looked down to the pages, with Flurry eagerly awaiting more. "To legitimise his rule, Solaris took the daughter of the unicorn king, Princess Platinum, to wife, and they had many long and fruitful years together. Upon his death, his daughter, Amore, became Queen, continuing the line that carries on, unbroken, to this very day. And for all these many centuries, House Solaris has stood as the shining pedestal that all others look to for guidance, for strength, and for leadership."

Flurry clapped her hooves even more so than she'd done before, and Twilight giggled to the sight of her doing it. "I know, I know. I was more than a little fond of that story myself when I was your age, Flurry."

"We all were," Cadance confirmed. Then, she raised an eyebrow, taking on a more mischievous tone. "But, if you might allow me a diversion, while we're on the subject of 'being taken to wife'..."

Instantly, Twilight could see the new trajectory of this conversation, and so gave herself a facehoof. "Ugh! Really, Cadance?! I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'll look for a partner when I'm good and ready for it!"

But Cadance simply giggled. "Relax, sister. I'm only teasing. After all, I was a fair few years older than you before I met my dear Shining. So I don't think anypony expects you to just find somepony out of the blue." Then, after pausing to reflect on her own words, she started to tap her chin while developing a sly smirk. "Although...since I hear Sir Flash is currently unattached..."

As soon as she heard that, Twilight pointed her hoof to her. "Oh no you don't! I've had it up to here with all those gossips and tabloid newspapers speculating about that! I chose Flash for the Guard for completely pragmatic and merit-based reasons!"

Cadance raised an eyebrow. "And the fact that he's your age, a complete dreamboat in the eyes of every young mare in this castle, and a few stallions too, coupled with the fact that you blush whenever anypony mentions the possibility is just...pure coincidence?"

As if on cue, that very blush now started to creep upon Twilight's cheeks, and the mare herself, obviously not wanting to be seen that way, turned her face away from her sister and began walking away from her. "You know, I have a lot of chores I need to do today...that I'm only now remembering. So I think I'll bid you farewell until dinner, sister."

But Cadance wasn't about to let her off that easily, and so cleared her throat to get her attention. "Twilight? Isn't it that time of day? I trust you haven't forgotten?"

Stopping in her tracks, Twilight took on a calmer and more relaxed tone to her, finally looking back to her sister and smiling. "Indeed it is. Thank you for the reminder."

Cadance nodded, then looked to the side, to a large window overlooking the city. "You know, you'd probably get there quicker by air."

Twilight's smile returned, and she walked over to that very window, using her magic to turn the knob and open it. A brief gust of relatively cool air rushed in, and as Twilight stood upon the edge, her wings now outstretched, she gave a final look to her niece. "Until later, little Flurry."

"Ba! Ba!" the little princess replied, reaching out as if to try and grab hold of her Aunt once more.

With another smile to her, Twilight turned and, finally, flapped her wings, launching herself out and into the air. She took a moment to enjoy the rush of the cold breeze through her mane as she sped up, ascending higher and higher. Her goal was nowhere in the city per se, but rather behind it, to the great mountain that Canterlot was placed upon. Here, in the tallest spot in all of Equestria, one could look down and out across the whole of her family's domain, from sea to sea. It was beautiful to behold, and Twilight felt immense pride at calling this place her home. But, duties came first, as she silently told herself, and so she continued with her journey, continuing to rise higher until she eventually saw her destination. It was a ledge, which itself led to a large cave opening in the side of the mountain, beside which was another pony, standing there as if waiting for her. Once upon the ledge, Twilight furled her wings and stepped forward, giving a nod to this other pony. "Good day, Keeper Fluttershy. How goes the watch?"

The mare, who naturally bowed to her princess like everypony else today, spoke with the usual quiet and timidity that Twilight had come to expect from her by now. "Good day, Princess. All's quiet, I'm happy to say. Not a peep out of him all night."

Twilight nodded to this, walking past her slightly to look down into the cave, which was, of course, dark and difficult to see into. "So many years on and it still boggles my mind that I was able to find him. All alone, abandoned..."

Fluttershy appeared saddened by her words, standing beside her and looking into the cave herself. "I know. It's heartbreaking that his own kind would leave him like that."

Twilight looked to her, patting her on the shoulder, which came as a surprise to the latter to be sure. "You know what they're like, Fluttershy. His egg was a small one, and they're all about strength and size."

Fluttershy sighed, then took on a smile as she looked to her princess. "Well...if only they could see him now."

Twilight chuckled briefly. "Indeed. Incredible how things turns out sometimes, isn't it?" She paused as she pondered her situation. "I must thank Mother again for allowing me to care for him, young filly though I may have been at the time."

Stepping to the side, Fluttershy gestured to an object on the ground that Twilight hadn't noticed until she did so. It was a basket, filled with what appeared to be precious gemstones, each boasting a colourful and sparkling shine to them. "I hope you don't mind, but I prepared an extra portion this morning."

Twilight gave her an appreciative look, taking the basket in-hoof before starting to walk towards the cave entrance. "You can probably take a nice, long break, Fluttershy. I can see to this."

Fluttershy hesitated here, looking to the cave before again addressing her. "Are you...sure?"

The princess smiled to her. "I am. Don't worry. He'd never hurt me."

Though still uncertain, Fluttershy acknowledged the request, and Twilight watched as she too began to fly away, heading down towards the city. Taking a breath, Twilight looked to the cave, stepping inside and lighting her horn so as to illuminate her path. Within was an old and carved staircase, leading deeper into the mountain, to the long-abandoned gem caverns that used to be here. Her every step down into the depths echoed all around her, punctuated only by the occasional sound of water dropping from above. To break this ominous mood, Twilight elected to start singing. But, as she'd done with her earlier meeting with her aunt, she chose to do so in the language of her ancestors, her voice soothing and almost like a lullaby. This too echoed throughout the vast and empty spaces around her. She didn't bother counting the minutes of how long she was down here, for this was a journey she'd made many times before. And sure enough, she came to her final goal. The bottom of the staircase, wherein the chamber opened up into one that was far more, for lack of a better word, cavernous than what she'd been walking through.

Where she stood was a largely flat surface, like another ledge, except inside the mountain this time. And despite her horn still glowing, this part of the caverns was so large that her light wasn't able to stretch out to wherever the other side was. Her singing continued, and she slowly lowered the basket onto the ground, and it was here that she began to hear something. Movement, as if something else was in here with her. A low growl accompanied that, and she smiled as she started singing slightly louder than before. With this, the movement she'd heard became louder, and through the darkness, she saw it. A large, slowly-moving creature, dwarfing her in size by a wide margin. And as it craned its neck up, it opened its mouth, unleashing a pure torrent of green fire, engulfing the ceiling of the chamber. The roar that came with it was almost deafening, and would have certainly intimidated any pony that wasn't already familiar with this beast. Luckily, Twilight was indeed familiar with him, and stretched out her hoof before speaking softly. "Shhh..it's okay. It's just me." 

The growl of the dragon became calmer, and he slowly moved forward, with Twilight magic finally letting her have a good look at him. Scales largely the same colour as her, with green spines and vast wings acting as forelimbs. The enormous drake looked down to the gemstones and, with one quick flick of his tongue, lapped them up. The crunch of them was loud, and Twilight smiled as she again reached forward, gently stroking the dragon's chin as it munched on its daily snack. "Shhh, there we go. Enjoying that, Spike?" Another growl, this one more like a satisfied pet, was her answer. Twilight let out a quick laugh, thinking on just how miniscule she was compared to this creature, before shaking her head slightly. "Well...let it never be said that my life isn't an interesting one."