Summer made itself known by early May in this area, even if the air never reached the farfetched notion of ‘warm’. Even to an outsider, a brief stroll in the park would blissful mares and restless stallions occupy the benches they were intent on having to themselves. Yes, in the Frozen North there was no real heat. But in the Crystal Empire, there was still a summer: a summer of Love.
Love didn’t follow the seasons here, it ignored them entirely. Not many intangible concepts can have such a palpable effect on the world around them. These queer, secluded crystal ponies were moved by their relationships with one another. Without companionship and compassion, this civilization would have been smudged text in a buried catacomb.
Pessimistic archaeologists ask: how could a society exist in such unfavorable conditions, away from other strongholds in Equestria and planted right in the center of bitter tundra? There is certainly an answer, but to understand is another task entirely. This purpose of this tale is not to satisfy the latter, but to show how much is tied to it.
One monarch and a large gem held the Crystal Empire together. The ties that bound the isolated territory's citizens were love and simply that. Again the previous inquiries shall be made, and promptly left with no answer.
Only one time in the entire lifespan of the city-state was the one agent of harmony and prosperity removed. Only one time was the outlook of the future bleak. Only one time did the monarch forbade happiness. Only one time did her loyal subjects suffer.
This is that one time. The kidnapping.