//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Empress Rarity's 250th Birthday // by Lord-Commander //------------------------------// "You look simply splendid, your Majesty—” "Happy Birthday, Darling—" "I must say, are you using a new wax? Your coat just dazzles—" "Thank you! Thank you all!" shouted Empress Rarity who, having just entered her Grand Dining Room, found herself assaulted on all sides by a teeming mass of ponies. These were the Nobles of the Crystal Empire. Rarity had always held the belief that society prospered when the best were positioned to lead. That’s why it was so surprising to her that the nobility was only a thing of the past by the time she became Empress. She never faulted Cadence or Shining Armor for the blatant deficiency in social structure, no. Not when the Empire had villains like King Sombra lurking in its history books. Indeed, the reformation of the nobility was one of her first pet projects after her coronation. She scoured the Empire for long dormant ancient lines that survived the horrors of King Sombra, and the peace of Princess Cadence. Where she couldn’t find old lines, she started new ones, elevating many of the most talented, successful, and respected of her crystal ponies. In short, she ushered the Crystal Empire into a renaissance of the Imperial Elite, and a rebirth of the Crystal Noble. And all these years later, those lines continued to thrive, if the throng of well-wishers almost-but-not-quite pressed up against her was any indication. As Merry Sapphire put it, these were the most ‘persistent’ of the Imperial Elite. If Rarity had to guess, Sapphire had invited the top notch of the nobility the Empire had to offer. Though there was little doubt in the unicorn’s mind that others had wormed their way into the brunch. It reminded her a bit of Canterlot’s nobility. She frowned at that. While the Imperial Elite weren't as snobbish or stuck up like their Canterlot cousins were, they definitely knew how to play the game with each other in front of the Empress, and against each other when they thought she wasn't looking. Really, it was more than a little sad. Her little nobles were so cute and polite when they were alone with her. Unfortunately, a number of the nobles were thick as bricks, having lost the shiny luster of their ancestors. Even more worrisome were the backstabbers, a few select troublemakers that were as dark and cutthroat as politics could get. She kept an eye on these last few as best she could, but those that wished ill worked their secrets in the shadows where she dared not reach. Rarity could see that her ponies weren't the only ones invited into the brunch. She could see the strong and proud ambassador from the Griffon Republic, Gale Wing, speaking to a small group of ponies. His loyalties came first and foremost to the Republic, but there was a sense of honesty and nobility from him that she had come to appreciate in the last few weeks. Rarity wished she could say the same about her other diplomatic guest from Equestria. She could see him on the other side of the room, chatting up a few of the crystal nobles. Evidently each of them were under his spell as they nodded eagerly to whatever he said. His rich snow white coat, brilliant blonde mane, and his mastery of elegance spoke every inch of the supposed Equestrian Noble. However, she knew Ambassador Blueblood better than that. The ruler did her best to avoid Blueblood, choosing instead to look the part of the cheerful birthday girl sharing her thanks as she carefully worked her way out of the throng. "Empress, I must sa- AHHH!" screamed the mare next to Rarity, killing the commotion in the room instantly. "What happened?" demanded Rarity as she sent out a micro-pulse of magic, trying to detect any signs of a potential attacker. Her own magic and natural defenses began to stir awake in response. The Empress could feel the formation of the crystalline armor taking shape on her body. "N-nothing, Empress," said the mare with a shiver as she took a step back, bumping up against those behind her. "I must have accidentally brushed up against you. " "Oh my, I do apologize dear," said Rarity, blushing slightly as she forced her defenses down. Rarity knew she wasn't cold enough to cause any harm, but she knew that accidental contact could be a nasty surprise. Rarity felt the nervousness of her little ponies around her, but it was more than just the concern of an empathetic monarch. Ever since Rarity and the Crystal Heart became one in the same, she could feel the emotions of the crystal ponies. Often it helped in making her a more effective ruler for her Empire, but it did have its down side. Like the dark tang of fear she felt growing in the distance of the room's emotional spectrum. The Empress took a deep breath and began to channel both comforting thoughts and warm feelings. And all around her, smiles began to show on her ponies’ faces and she felt the fear melt away. "There, that's better," said Rarity with a smile. "Nothing to be afraid of, my dear. What was it you were going to say?" "Oh, well yes," replied the mare, with some hesitation. "Your Highness, I was wondering about something. Would you be able to attend the Gallery's premiere night next week?" "Oh, and we have a new restaurant opening! You simply must come," interjected another. "And I've got an auction going for charity! Empress, do you have any pieces we might include?" Soon after, every pony in the room began asking something of her. The crystal unicorn held up a hoof and the room immediately ceased its questions and demands. "Everypony, please. I will attend what I am able to, but remember,” she added with a smirk. “I also have a country to run. You may talk to my seneschal when she arrives." "Speaking of 'a country to run', Empress," said Lord Jade Crest, staring at the folder Commander Onyx gave her in the hallway. "Do you have any updates for us on how the Empire is faring?" "Now, Darling," she said with a raised eyebrow. "Don't you hear enough of that on the floor of the Crystal Council?" "Of course, my Lady," he replied. "The Council Chambers are rife with strange rumors and idle words, but to hear the truth from the lips of the Empress can put to ease even the most troubled of hearts." I must look like a loaf of bread to these ponies, thought Rarity. Rarity took a deep breath and put on a mask of practiced dignity. She took pride in her empire and though he may not have intended to, Jade Crest had put her on the spot. With foreign dignitaries in the room no less. She must choose her words carefully. "The Empire is doing better than ever. Our once small city-state is no longer an empire in name only. The Crystal Empire now boasts five cities as, just last year mind you, we welcomed the free city of Amaranthine into our borders with open hearts and warm smiles. Like a gem-studded tapestry in the pure northern ice, we are sewing the Crystal Empire together into a thriving and—" she turned her head to look in the direction of Blueblood before continuing, "—wholly self-sufficient entity." A polite stomping of hooves earned her a smile. Then the Empress raised a hoof to her chin, an act that looked like she was thinking. "But our unprecedented growth now leaves us with a problem. How do we go about building the infrastructure we need to support everything? But enough about that for now, if you please. Much is still on the drafting table as it were." Lord Crest was about to press her for more information, but she silenced him with a soft, almost imperceptible glare. "I can tell you that more changes are coming. Changes that will be very beneficial to us all." The ponies around her cheered and stomped wildly at her words. Really, it was almost too easy, thought Rarity. The announcement came that breakfast is served, and the ponies forcefully made their way over to the table, still talking and gossiping with each other. Rarity sat at the head of the table, and looked out over the over-flowing plates of her Imperial Elite. Compared to the array of exotic fruits, fluffy pancakes, and frosted pastries, Rarity's plate seemed completely spartan; a couple of multi-grain biscuits and a small bowl of assorted berries. Looking up, she could see that the nobles were back to talking amongst themselves, exchanging what gossip and rumors they had been able to get their hooves on, and going on into their incomprehensibly silly lives. She listened in on snippets of conversation as she ate. Something about a pony she'd never met before, here. A new pair of shoes that were just bought, there. And a rather long winded story from Lady Beryl about how big of a mistake it was to have everyone wear feathers to a birthday party. The Empress was careful not to roll her eyes, but said nothing about Lady Beryl’s tale, nor did she involve herself in their conversations. It was a moment of peace, and she was going to take advantage of it for as long as she could. She was annoyed though that her drink had not yet come. Sapphire must have gotten caught up in something, hopefully it had nothing more to do with birthday celebrations. Rarity glanced at the folder on the table from Onyx. She didn't want to read it, but perhaps by opening it, she could buy some extra time for herself. Rarity picked the folder up from the table and opened it. This time, a genuine smile crossed her face as she looked at its contents. The normal report on the nation was missing, and in its place was this month’s edition of The Glamorous Fashionista. Written across the mare on the front of the magazine were the words "Enjoy - CO." "Oh Commander, whatever am I going to do with you," mumbled Rarity as she used her magic to open to the first page. * * * Lady Merry Sapphire quietly walked down the hallway, lost in thought over what she had just learned from Chef Cake. If the Empress really did hate her birthday, that was just going to make her job harder. Why would anypony hate their birthday? If she could just figure out why, maybe she could find a way to help her Empress get over it and still give her the best birthday ever. But getting the information was clearly going to be an uphill battle. Sapphire had pressed the unicorn stallion for more information, but he had been unable to give her anything solid to go on, just rumors and haysay from the Palace Staff. "Ya know, Ah'm not sure why," she remembered him saying. "Heard once it's because she had 'er heart broken by some stallion on 'er birthday back in the day. But der was anoth'r pony who said it's because she never gets what she wants. Another said it was because something silly always ‘appens. Ah think she's just difficult to please." Sapphire frowned at each of these ideas, and absent-mindedly took another sip of one of the mugs of coffee she was carrying. Surely there was some pony that would know what was wrong. She just had to find them. This was starting to get more frustrating than that time she tried her hoof out at writing a book. "This is good stuff," she said to nopony in particular as she licked her lips. This coffee was great at helping her relax and feel at ease with the world. The creamy orange taste was a delight. "I’m sure everything is going to be alright... Even if she doesn't like this year’s event, there is always next year." Still trotting down the hall, things started to feel... weird. Sure she was feeling unusually calm, but she was also feeling a little foggy. Her thoughts weren’t so clear, like… thoughts stuck in a big ol’ mashy mush of mashed potatoes. She tried really hard to focus on… stuff and things. Until she caught sight of the dining room door. Lady Sapphire stumbled up to the dining room doors, and waited as one of the guard ponies opened it for her. They looked at her, then at each other, and then back to her. "W-what?" she hiccuped. "Never seen a mare before?" One of them was about to make some comment back, but the other quickly jumped in. "I don't think it'd be a good idea for you to go in." "I am..." she stumbled back a little bit and shook her head to try and clear the fog. "I am the Royal Schnitzel to the Impress," she continued. "Maybe you'd like to explain to her why she galloped off to a jelly without her senior toast on hand!" One of the guardponies smacked his face with his hoof. The other stood blinking at her for a few seconds. "How much have you had to drink?" he asked her. "Drinking? Me? Are y-you implying something? Because I don't have time for your silly games." Sapphire screwed her face up in confusion and eyed the stallion. "Maybe YOU’RE the one drinking on the job. Cuz I can smell something on your breath. Like a... fruity smelly smell. Like not an apple, but the opposite apple." "Chocolate Cake?" asked the guard who had smacked himself in the face. That got a quick smack in the back of the head from the other guard. "I mean, orange... ohh." The realization suddenly hit the guard. Sapphire bumped past the two and made her way into the Dining Room before they could stop her. Luckily for her, breakfast had come and all of the ponies were busy with their meals or gossiping in their own little circles, so she managed to stumble inside without drawing any attention. Eventually her eyes wandered to the head of the table where the Empress was seated. "Right over there, Merry. Just put one hoof in front of the other," Sapphire muttered to herself. She drained the mug of its contents and continued into the room until she reached the Empress' side. "There ya go," she said, a little loudly as she placed the "World's Best Empress" mug before the monarch and then planted her rump on the floor like some sort of obedient dog. "Thank you, Sa-" Rarity paused as her magic lifted the surprising light mug. Her source of comfort for the day? Gone. She held an empty cup, empty but for the tell-tail signs that it was once full. She checked the front of the mug to confirm that it was hers. She pouted again at said confirmation. "Umm, Darling? I don't mean to be much of a bother, but... why did you bring me an empty mug?" "It’s not," came the quick reply. "Yes, Sapphire, there isn-" Rarity paused as she looked at Sapphire. The mare's half-lidded eyes were dilated, and she rocked slowly from side to side, staring off into space just beyond the Empress. Rarity looked at the cup and then back at Sapphire, only to find her missing and the table suddenly silent. For the second time that dreadful morning, Rarity experienced that ‘sort-of-unnerving-silence-in-which-you-knew-something-was-about-to-happen’ silence. "Why are you wearing an ascot?" Rarity slowly turned and looked down the table with horror at the situation. Lady Merry Sapphire stood on the top of the table, staring down a orange mare. "My grandpa wears an ascot, are you a grandpa too?" "I am a countess, madam, and this is my mother's broach," replied Countess Citrine, leaning away from Sapphire. "Did she know it was an ascot?" said Sapphire as she lightly bopped the other mare on the nose. "Cuz, I think she got ripped off." "Just who do you think you are? Get off the table and away from me!" she shrieked at the mare. Sapphire blinked a few times as if she had just been asked the dumbest question. "I think I'm a pony, what do you think you are?" Before the Empress could regain control of the situation, the entire table was in a uproar. Rarity could only blink as she watched Sapphire stumble around the table, knocking over glasses and stepping in various plates while singing an off-pitch rendition of "Happy Birthday" as loud as possible. The nobles screamed and shrieked for somepony, anypony, to do something. The two guards at the door came in at the first signs of the commotion, but joined their Empress in a stupor of disbelief as the drunken mare continued on. One of them finally got the courage to go forth and set things straight, but he was too late. In the chaos, the drunken mare hit a bowl of oatmeal with her hoof, launching it across the table, straight into the face of the Lord Jade Crest. The table fell into a sudden silence, with the exception of Sapphire, who now began singing an off-pitch rendition of "Las Mañanitas". The stallion, shaking with anger, placed his hooves on the table and pushed himself up. He grabbed the nearest jelly filled doughnut and threw it at Sapphire, only for it to miss and hit the nearby Countess Citrine in the face. "All power to forward shields," muttered Rarity. A slightly glimmering bubble enveloped the Empress. She’d been to one-too-many Pinkie Pie Parties not to know what was going to come next. The room exploded into a full out, every pony for themselves, food fight. Biscuits, fruit, oatmeal, juice, and for some odd reason, a flock of chickens, flew high and fast through the air. Rarity was completely safe behind her shield. Physically, at least. In theory the shield could repel the blast of an Alicorn if needed. Sapphire though, did not enjoy such protection, but somehow remained completely free of any flying food as she danced in the middle of what Rarity deemed the "no pony's land". It was when one of the nobles impacted her shield and slowly slid off that she decided enough was enough. "A word, Sapphire?" asked Rarity as she jumped off her chair and walked to the doors. A light blue aura wrapped itself around Sapphire's tail, jerked her off the table, and dragged the tipsy mare out of the room with the Crystal Empress. Once outside, Rarity shut the door and dismissed the guardponies that had been called for backup. Sapphire watched her Empress in the long silence that followed. She watched how the white unicorn stood in the hallway and looked into an adjacent mirror for a time. Like she was looking for something. The seneschal slumped to the ground when the realization of what happened started to make its way through the fog of her mind. She spent the rest of that silence fiddling with her hooves, only risking a quick look to her Empress every so often. Even in her fuzzy state, Sapphire could tell that Rarity wasn't looking at her reflection, but past it, somehow… deeper into it. "Sapphire," she said at last, still looking into the mirror. "I'm... well, shocked to be honest with you. I—" The Empress didn't have a chance to finish as the doors burst open again, revealing a herd of angry, jam and syrup-coated ponies. "THERE SHE IS! GET HER!" shouted one. "YOU'LL PAY FOR RUINING MY COIFFURE!" shouted another. The Empress tried everything in her power to stop them, short of freezing everypony, but it was too late. The offended Imperial Elite took off after the already fleeing Lady Sapphire. They galloped past, leaving Rarity to her own thoughts. "Well... at least it's quiet now." * * * Stallions and mares alike saluted the Commander as he passed. The steady clip-clop of his hooves went perfectly with the tune he was humming as he went along. There was something about being in the guard that Onyx liked. Perhaps it was the attitude, the order, or maybe the snazzy uniforms. He paused for a moment in front of a reflective panel of crystal. No, it was definitely the snazzy uniforms. In his earlier years, Onyx had done several promotional aids for the Crystal Guard as their "poster boy". He quickly made sure nopony was nearby and snapped into a quick pose. Perfect. The polished crystalline armor contrasted perfectly with his coal black coat. He was neither too tall or short, fat or skinny, muscularly or thin, but a healthy average for a stallion. Onyx removed his helmet and placed it on the rack of his armor where a spear would normally sit. He could see just a touch of grey in his mane. He liked it because he thought it made him look neither young nor old, but experienced, seasoned, and with just a little grin. Dashing. The sound of a snicker breaking out into a full blown laughter broke him out of his admiration. He turned around, face red in embarrassment. Before him were two ponies; a silver pegasus mare, clearly amused by finding her commanding officer in such a situation, and a blue crystal stallion dressed in a delivery uniform. "Oh my gosh," laughed the pegasus. "I need my camera. You should have seen the look on your face!" "Uhh, Commander Snowflake Onyx?" asked the delivery stallion. This enticed another roar of laughter from the pegasus, who had now fallen to the ground. "Yes?" "Umm... package for you," he said as he slid a clipboard over. "I need you to sign here, but if you're busy—" "No, no, not at all, I'll take that." Onyx took the pen in his mouth and scribbled his name out on the clipboard. "Here you go, uh, sir." "Thank you," said Onyx as he examined the package. He tore into the box and pulled out a simple black box, flat and nearly square. He popped it open and gave a sigh of relief. He had ordered this nearly a month ago and feared it wouldn't make it in time. It had cost him a small fortune, but in the end, it would be worth it... hopefully. A still-giggling voice piped up. "So, whatcha got there?" Onyx looked up at a silver pegasus hovering above him, looking clearly disappointed that he hadn't jumped right out of his armor. He closed the small box and tucked it into his armor. "Aww, come on! Not even a reaction?" "Lieutenant Silver Dash, I suggest you spend some time with Lady Sapphire," replied Onyx as the pegasus landed beside him. "She can teach you a thing or two about scaring ponies." Like him, Silver Dash was also wearing armor, but of a different set. The chest-plate sported the curved, sweeping plates that were popular in the Equestrian Guard, and was designed for the aerodynamic use of pegasus ponies. However, her bracers and flanchards sported sharp, crisp edges and surfaces favored by a more modern Crystal design, with the whole armor in a gold color. The merging of these two distinct styles of armor was done to show her role as the Guardian Liaison between the Crystal Empire and the Kingdom of Equestria. Even so, Silver Dash was also one of the few non-crystal ponies that belonged in the Imperial Military, and only a handful of their pegasus flyers. "What? That prissy little wannabe?" she scoffed as they made their way to the parade grounds. "Please, don't make me laugh." "She'd surprise you. There’s a lot more to her than meets the eye." A shrug was the only thing he got out of her before she changed the subject. "So how's the fam?" "Uhh, well," stumbled Onyx. "Good... I think, yourself?" "Wait 'I think?' Come on," she said as she playfully punched him in the shoulder. "You mean to tell me ol' Queen Frosty has been keeping you here that long?" "No... its, umm... Violet Rose and I are... spending some time apart. She has the colts and she's staying with her parents over in Bedrock." "Ohh... I'm sorry," said Silver, her ears pinned back in sympathy. For once, in all the years he'd known her, he believed it was sincere. Onyx shrugged, so was he, but there was nothing he could do about it. Not now anyway. "We knew when we got married that my being a guard would take its toll... The stress, late hours, nearly no time off... She hasn't liked how... much I've been working lately." "Do you need somewhere to stay?" "No, I've been staying at my personal quarters here at the Palace." “That... couch in your office?” “It’s a Hide-a-Bed.” Silver Dash nodded and the two walked together in silence until they were at the parade ground gates. Then she gave him his helmet with a quick salute. "I'll see you after the parade, sir," she said before flying off. Onyx placed his helmet back on without a word, focusing back on the task at hand. He would rather have walked blindfolded into a manticore den, or even face his wife with the truth. He took a deep breath and passed into the parade grounds. The Commander marched down the lines, eying each and every pony assembled in the small courtyard. They were all dressed in their recruit training armor. Simple armor with only the chest plate and helmet. Behind him were thirty or so of the finest, best trained guardponies he had. Their snow white armor was nearly as fancy as his. "You are all assembled here today for a specific assignment," he said loudly. "You have all been pulled from your standard teams and classes, recommended highly by your instructors, to have the opportunity to participate in the security detail of The Empress' Birthday Celebrations. Questions?" He smiled as not a single hoof went into the air. "Let me explain something to you all. We are not paid to stand around and look pretty. If that was the case, I'd make sure all of the guard were mares. They look much better in armor than most of you do. This is not Equestria where everything is sunshine and daisies. This is the Crystal Empire. The danger is real out here, girls and boys. To help you understand this, we've coordinated with Major Tom and his Diamond Force. Major Tom will explain the details. Major?" A grey pony marched up to his side. "Here's the drill, cadets. We're going to pair you off with members of Diamond Force. You'll be given temporary armor and status as a Diamond. You are to follow orders and be on your best behavior as you will represent both the Diamond Force and serve in the name of Her Majesty's Honor Guard." Onyx watched as a few hushed whispers and nervous glances were exchanged between the recruits. "That being said," he spoke a little louder to demand attention. "After the celebrations, you and your assigned partner or partners will be placed on patrol duty and tour the entire Empire. From here in the Capital, to Bedrock in the Crystal Mountains, over to Amaranthine in the Rolling Hills, beautiful Yellowstone, and then to Amberwaves. After a week on tour, you'll be brought back to the Capital for the Graduation Ceremony.” Major Tom took a step back, returning the recruits’ attention back to the Commander. "Ladies and Gentlecolts, good luck and remember to enjoy yourselves. You are dismissed." The stallions and mares snapped the Commander a salute, then started to file out towards the Palace Armory. "Commander, a moment, if you would." Onyx turned around to face Major Tom. "Major?" "Sir, I'm a little... concerned about this," said the Major as he nervously ran a hoof over his helmet. "Concerned? Tom, we've been doing this for years," said the black stallion as he raised an eyebrow. "The celebrations aren't so dangerous that we can't let some of the Guard Recruits be with Force, and the patrol tour will be a big hit." "They're recruits, sir. They aren't ready for this." "Tom," replied Onyx as he rested a hoof on the other pony. "What would you have me do? They need experience, and we need the extra bodies. Their friends and family, seeing them in their shiny, fancy armor, will bring us the recruitment numbers we need fo—" "Is that all you care about?" snapped the Major. Realizing he stepped out of bounds, he made a quick recovery and continued. "Sir, with all due respect, we still have issues with the Diamond Dogs raiding in the North, and things aren't looking their best with Equestria right now. Is it wise doing this? Maybe we need to hold everything in, instead of parading around." "Major, this call isn't yours to make," he stated. "This comes from Empress Rarity, herself." Before the two could continue this, a guard pony trotted up and gave a quick salute. "Sir, you told me to report on any disturbances in the Grand Dining Room." "Yes?" "Well... there is a disturbance in the Grand Dining Room." * * * Rarity tried with all of her might to go back to enjoying the magazine in front of her. But it just wasn't there. Her heart was too heavy with rampant emotions of her crystal ponies to allow such clarity and peace. "Huh. I thought we had more nobles than this," came a strong voice. Rarity looked up and saw her Commander walk into the room. She offered him a weak smile, but said nothing in return. "You didn't banish them all because they showed up wearing hats made out of three pieces of hay and a drinking straw again, did you?" "Darling, please. I am much better at that than I used to be," she said looking back at her magazine. "Cut a lady some slack." Onyx chuckled and made his way slowly around the table, looking at the food as he went by. "So what happened?" "Lady Sapphire... well, she drank my coffee. By accident, I think." "Uh oh." "Yes, and after that she managed to insult several nobles and incite a food fight that left the room looking… well, like this. Then they chased her off down the hallway." "Ahh," he said as if the situation was a normal occurrence. "Would you like me to find her?" "No," replied Rarity as she paused to turn the page. "I'm not worried about her, she can handle herself. Looking back on it, it was quite amusing." "Hmm," was his only reply as he stopped at one of the seats. "What are these?" "Those are crepes, dear. They're like really thin pancakes. Griffons adore them." Onyx shook his head and continued on until he was a few seats away from the Empress. There, a plate of delicious and untouched fruit sat in rich whipped cream. "So did you get your task taken care of?" asked the Empress. "Yes ma'am. We're running at peak efficiency with security detail for today's celebrations. I won't bore you with specific details. Though if I can have your ear for a moment, General Stonewall and I wer—" "Is this about the dragon-attack plan?" asked Rarity as she set down her magazine. "Yes ma'am," said Onyx as he took a sudden fascination with pushing the fruit around. "Again?" "Yes, ma'am." "Darling, we've been over this," replied the Crystal Monarch as she rubbed her head with her hoof. "I've been over this with the General as well. The dragons are not going to attack us. There are no signs that we need to prepare for it, and besides, I'm very good friends with Spi— I mean, the Magicborn. Let's not waste our resources on planning for an event that will never happen." "Understood ma'am," he replied. Silence passed between the two for a few minutes before Onyx spoke up again. "I had this other plan then, your Majesty, much more likely... What if one of Equestria’s Alicorn Princesses were taken over by an ancient magic and went on a rampage?" Rarity sighed and placed her head into her hooves. "I don't have time for this," she said as she hopped off of the chair and walked to the door. "I have a meeting I need to attend." * * * The Empress marched away from the Dining Room to one of the conference rooms where the Griffon Ambassador was scheduled to be waiting for her. Should everything go according to plan, then the Empire will be one step closer to the freedom she believed it deserved. The conference room was styled much like the Dining Room; a full sized table, spaces for talking and walking, and on Rarity's insistence, a wet bar stocked with a variety of beverages for the foreign diplomats who graced the Palace. She had decorated the interior herself in a style meant to bring relaxation and comfort for these important visitors. Which thanks to a certain blue crystal pony, was not happening. "Und who vas zees... walking distillery und why vas she eating meine crêpe?" squawked the Griffon Ambassador at one of Rarity’s pony advisors. She recognized him as Emerald Shine, her own diplomat to the Griffon Republic, but it seemed like all of the efforts to calm the griffon down were failing. "I do apologize for that incident, Ambassador Gale Wing," said Rarity as she made her way over to the liquor cabinet. "That was my seneschal, and there was a slight... mix up over whose coffee was whose today." "Ah so, meine Kaiserin. Est ist a day of great celebration! Ve vill drink togezer through ze nacht!" "Oh darling," said the Empress, waving the thought away. She levitated a glass down, dropped in a few ice cubes, and poured an amber colored liquid into the glass, filling it halfway. "Would that I could, Gale Wing, but I have a full schedule I'm afraid. Not to mention a meeting with Ambassador Blueblood, and I'm afraid I need to be quite sober for that one." The griffon nodded. "Ja, I suppose so, Kaiserin." She turned to her own ambassador and smiled. "Emerald Shine, thank you for your services today, but I can take it from here," said the Empress. She heard him mutter an ‘okay’ and move for the door. She waited until she heard it click shut before continuing on. "Anyways, thank you so much for staying an extra day to discuss this little... deal of ours." "Est ist no problem, meine Herrin," said Gale Wing as he took a bow and found his own seat. "Had I known zat today vas your, how you say— ‘birthday’, I vould have gotten something." "Well, this will just have to do then," Rarity replied with a smile and sat down on her own chair. "Did Emerald Shine already discuss our plans with you?" Gale Wing replied with another nod. "Ze Republik is villing to negotiate terms für ze change in management für 'Shimmering Bay'." "I'm happy to hear that." "Before ve talk negotiations, I am curious to why you vant such a piece of property." Rarity knew the griffon was no idiot. Anypony or griffon with half a brain could tell what the Empress was trying to do with Shimmering Bay. So instead of lying to him, she decided to just come clean. After all, Applejack did always say that honesty was the best policy. "Gale, as you know, things are getting rather tense between Equestria and the Crystal Empire. We were once viewed as a protectorate, but that illusion is quickly fading with our recent expansions. Currently, all Crystal Empire trade goods must come from or go to Equestria. Even if they come from other countries, they must first touch down in Equestria for assessment and taxation before getting here. This means our economy is doing more to support their idling about than meet our growing needs.” Gale Wing said nothing, but steepled his claws under his beak in clear understanding. Rarity continued. “If the Crystal Empire is going to thrive, I need to break that bondage, and your Shimmering Bay offers the best location for the Empire to begin International Trade on its own." "Ja, I zee," replied the ambassador, clicking his talons together. "Vell, in zat case, I am happy to share a bit of news. Ze Republik vould like to make an offer of trade. Shimmering Bays für Bedrock or ze Kristall Mountains." That took the Empress off guard, and she gasped. "You want to do a land exchange? It should have been clear that this was a purchasing agreement. What makes you think I would give up land when land is what I need?" "Vell if zis iz important, zeen I zee no problem." You want to play hardball, fine, thought Rarity as she kicked back what was left in her glass. Bring. It. On. * * * "Oww..." It felt like a few days had passed for the mare, but in reality it was more like an hour. Sapphire wiggled her way out from whatever it was she was under and knocked a few brooms over in the process. She looked around in the dim room, and realized she was in some sort of janitor’s closet. "Oh... my head..." she whined as she held it tight. It felt like a hundred ponies were drumming against it. It didn't help that the memories of what happened started flooding back to her. The coffee, breakfast with the nobles... her Empress' face. That's what got her the most. She had embarrassed herself, Empress Rarity, and ruined her birthday brunch with the big shots of the Empire. Weeks of planning and careful arrangement, destroyed in a matter of inebriated minutes. Sapphire sunk back into the floor and stifled a tear as she looked down at the pin on her jacket. It was important that she did her job right. This was the most meaningful thing she had done for quite some time, and to have already screwed this up... it was devastating to her. The door to the closet creaked open and light fell on her. She looked up at the back-lit figure in the doorway. Her ears flattened in self-defense, thinking that the nobles had finally found her. "Lady Sapphire? Honey, what are you doing in here?" "Quick Name!" shouted Sapphire as she recognized the voice that belonged to the tan colored coat of the Crystal Archives' Head Librarian. She bolted for the door and hugged onto the other, older mare. "Oh my, Lady Sapphire, what's wrong darling?" said Quick Name as she pried the mare off of her and sat her down. Sapphire took a deep breath and launched into her tale, about all her plans, what happened this morning, the brawl at breakfast, and how she somehow ended up here. Quick Name listened patiently to her ramblings, and gave a warm chuckle when she finished. "Ohh, that Chef Cake. Yes, it is true, dear. I'm sorry that you had to find out like that. I thought you knew or else I would have explained it to you myself." "Quick Name," said Sapphire as she fumbled with her hooves. "You've worked in the archive for years. Do you know why Empress Rarity hates her own birthday?" The Head Librarian gently stroked Sapphire's mane. "Oh, my little pony. I am sorry, but I don’t know." "I can't mess this up," Sapphire replied with determination, sitting up from the old mare. "She deserves better than this, she deserves to be happy, especially today. The brunch might have been screwed up, but there's still the Public Walk. And the Parade. Oh, and the Ceremony! And to top it all off with the Big Party-" "Merry. Don't bite off more than you can chew. For as long as I have known her, she has never been happy on her birthday. Do what you can and hope for the best," Quick Name added with a small smile. "Hope? No, I need to do better than that. I can do better than that.” Quick Name studied the mare for a moment before shrugging. She turned to walk back down the hall and called back over her shoulder. "If you say so, dear. When you get up to my age, birthdays are just another day, and Rarity is well over a dozen decades my senior... but... maybe I can help." Sapphire spun around, eyes large with excitement as she followed the Head Librarian. "Really?" "Yup. Come on now, let's get to the Library." Quick Name talked as they walked down the Palace halls. Topics ranged from Quick Name’s grandkids visiting, to how her new hip started to hurt again, and the surprisingly unpleasant matter of 'losing control' as you get older. Sapphire nodded politely every so often as if she was listening. Truth be told, she was more intent on her own issues than the ongoing drama in Quick Name's Bingo Circle. "Ahh... here we are." Sapphire swore eternity had come and gone by the time they got to the library, but her smile stayed firm. Quick Name placed a hoof against the doors of the Library and pushed it open. The seneschal couldn't help but grin a little at the sight. It wasn't so much the room that excited the young mare, but the books it contained. After all, books could take a pony to anywhere and anytime in the world without leaving the comfort of a cozy chair. A good story could excite the imagination, quicken the heart, and uplift the mind. It reminded her of Dreams. Her expression wasn't missed by Quick Name who gave a small laugh. "It always warms my heart to see a pony enthused about reading. Except that Princess Twilight... Whenever she visits, I end up with empty spaces on my shelves." Quick Name stared off into the distance with a shell shocked look in her eye. Sapphire giggled at the comment. She had heard stories of the Alicorn Princess and her book hoarding habits. "So you said you could help me learn about R- the Empress' issue with birthdays?" "Ohh, yes, that's right," said Quick Name as she guided Lady Sapphire down some isles. "I have some books here on Princess Cadence, when she was the ruler of the Empire. She adored birthdays. Her birthday, other ponies birthdays, you name it." "How does that help me?" asked the now confused mare. "I have no idea," Quick Name offered, cheerfully. "Ohh... I see," said Lady Sapphire as she slipped one of the books into her saddlebags. "I don't suppose you have anything more... focused on the current leader, like a biography or a history book?" "Hmm," replied Quick Name, "Yes, I suppose I might have something. It's up at the desk." The two ponies walked to the front desk and Sapphire waited patiently, again, as the old mare dug through the books. "Ahh, here it is!" exclaimed the librarian, after a time. She pulled out an old book. The cover was faded, but Sapphire could just make out the imprints of six ponies standing together. What pages she could see through the multicolored rainbow of tabs set all over were yellowed with age. "This should help you. It's a journal kept by the Empress and her friends back when they all lived in Ponyville." Sapphire squealed with excitement as she took the ancient book. This could definitely help her by giving a special insight into Rarity. Gently, she slid the journal into one of her saddlebags and turned to leave. "Have a good day, Lady Sapphire," said the librarian behind her with a smile. "Good? The day shall be splendid! Thanks again!" replied Sapphire as she happily hopped out of the library.