The ride in the Scouticus Maximus this time was much more pleasant for Flurry, not to mention not so much on the brink of death this time around. Instead of being curled up on the floor under three thermal blankets, Flurry Heart was now buckled into the passenger seat up front, dividing her attention between the book she was holding, and the surroundings outside, which was flattening out more into arctic tundra. Sprout was napping in the back, and the two pegasus sisters were outside in the back with Izzy, enjoying the cool air and keeping an eye on the connected trailer, making sure it was keeping up with the rigors of the terrain, leaving the alicorn up front with Sunny, who was currently driving.
"Well, this is as smooth as any train ride, I'll give you that," Flurry said, glancing over at Sunny.
"The tribes are already talking about rebuilding the Equestrian rail network," Sunny replied. "Plenty of experience in both Zephyr Heights and Maretime Bay, with the monorails and trams."
"That would certainly make visiting and tourism easier," Flurry commented, returning her attention to her book as Sunny continued to drive. Several moments passed in silence, save for the sounds of the engine and the snoring stallion in the back.
"So..." Sunny began, trying to figure out how to word this politely. "What was Princess Twilight like?"
When Flurry looked back at Sunny, the way the earth mare was focusing on the road gave the impression that she was a little embarrassed and thought it was a rather awkward question to ask.
"Perfectly reasonable question when you have someone that knew her for most of her life, Sunny," Flurry began, setting the mare's mind at ease. "Twilight was... Nowhere close to being a perfect princess, and I think that was my favorite part about her. A lot of ponies expect a Princess to stand on ceremony all the time, and even worse, some seem offended when we act just as normal as everypony else."
"Yeah, I know what that's like... And I'm not even a princess, I just have the glowing wings and horn sometimes," Sunny added.
"Well, and you played the most integral part in reuniting the divided tribes of Equestria for the first time in generations. But I can certainly understand getting tired of the constant celebrity status, which is why going to visit Twilight growing up, especially in my teens, was such a breath of fresh air. I wasn't expected to stand on ceremony during dinner. Sometimes we'd just order a pizza and watch a movie."
Flurry saw Sunny smile warmly at the mental image.
"Which isn't to say that Twilight never stood on ceremony, but I like to think she changed the expectation of what a Princess should be all the time compared to the reigns of Celestia and Luna. But to answer your question... She was friendly, analytical, and most of the time was most at home either throwing a party with all of her friends, or just the opposite; in the middle of a quiet library with a table all to herself. There were times that she could figure out a pony instantly, and then sometimes, she could be so neurotic that she'd read everything but the room. But it was part of who she was as a pony. I know she'd instantly like you and your friends, Sunny."
"I just hope we don't repeat whatever mistakes were made," the earth mare said.
"History doesn't repeat itself, Sunny, but it does often rhyme. That's why the work you're doing here is so important. The more ponies know about their history, the safer they'll be from the mistakes of the past," Flurry reassured her.
"So, I know what I'm hoping to find up in the Crystal Empire. Books, artifacts, things that will deepen our understanding of Equestria's past. But are you looking for anything in particular, Flurry?" Sunny asked.
Flurry looked up from her book again, seeing the setting sun shine through the driver-side window, nearly silhouetting Sunny.
"Memories."