A Trip to the Crystal Empire

Dear Diary,

I am currently in the Crystal Empire's palace's guest room. It is amazing here. I know that I have visited this place before, but this is the first time I have actually been here as a normal person, not on some special task or test like the first few times. I got incited to stay here by my brother and Princess Cadence. We haven't talked ever since my coronation, and even then, Cadence and I only got to exchange a few words before my speech and a little bit after. This was really our time to bond! And boy, did we have a lot of time to do that today. This is also the first time I am here as a Princess. It still feels weird being called "Princess Twilight Sparkle" though. I still can't help feeling strange whenever I'm on a royal sky chariot or when every pony bows to me. I know that it's common courtesy, but I just feel like shouting "Get up every pony! It's just me! Twilight! Nothing really special! Get up, get UP!" I guess I just need to get used to it. Anyway, I am in the Crystal Empire as a guest. It is amazing. My first day was great. Here is how everything went down:

I got off of my sky chariot at around 9:00 in the morning to be greeted by my brother and Princess Cadence. They were in front of the palace, waiting for me. It looked really nice up close. I know I have seen it a thousand times before, but this time, I really got an upclose look at it. It shimmered in the morning air and stood up tall. It was really tall, It looked taller than I have previously seen before, but I think it's just my up close glance that made it look just that big. I don't feel like getting into the big sciences yet, just not then. Another pony carried up all of my things as Cadence, Shining Armor, and I walked around the Crystal Empire. We got to explore a bunch of fun places.

The first stop was the grand stadium where the Equestria Games were to be held. That's coming up in a few days, so I will be able to watch it while I am still in the Empire! My other friends will be joining me that day. I can't wait to see them! I know that we meet almost everyday, but it feels weird not even hearing about them for more than a day or so. It hasn't been that long since I saw them, but it feels longer. A few ponies were already training at the arena. Some even came from other parts of Equestria like Trottingham or Phillydelpia, just to get the feel of the new earth and get in extra training. It looked as if they really wanted to win, which I bet they do. I greeted every pony and had some small talk with a few of the athletes. They were all pumped for the games! I wished them all good luck and exited the arena. It took a while to get my brother away from the athletes though. He keeps giving them these pep talks that just drag on and on forever! It's quite amusing for the first few minutes, but get really boring afterwards.

Afterwards, I had lunch at this place called 'Crystalline'. It was really fancy and the food there was great! We got to eat at the balcony area where all of the important ponies ate. Of course, I sometimes forget that I, myself is also a very important pony. The point was that lunch was just amazing. They had all sorts of food that I have never even heard of! I tried a lot of it and it tasted great! however, on the balcony, I saw that the Crystal Palace looked a little..dark for a moment. Strange things have been happening, now that I think of it. I must investigate at once! Wait, what am I doing? It was probably just a cloud blocking the sun for an instant. Nothing more. Besides, I'm here to relax, not worry about the world again.

The next place we went to was the spa. Shining Armor had ran off the do some important business, so Cadence and I had some girl time. I have to say, my hoof has never looked so...polished. That is kinda the only word I can describe it as. I also got to do some shopping, so overall, I had a royal makeover. We went to a ton of stores and every pony was so nice to me! The crystal pony looks sure are nice! I didn't want to be a big spender, so I found the best dress they had and just went with it. Of course, I did my mane and tail too. They don't look too different though. I can only explain the change as this: Noticeable for Rarity to see, but not noticeable enough for Pinkie Pie to see.

Great huh? I told you, I don't look that different. It's just the dress and the photographer's work that makes it look all that different.

After that, I just had time to relax. I ate dinner with everyone in the royal dining room and just hung out in my bedroom, reading over a few of my books on being a princess that I have already memorized. That was pretty much my day. I'm getting tired now so I will go to sleep. Hopefully, my next day will be just as eventful as this one. The Crystal Empire is starting to feel like home now. I wonder why...

I closed my diary and threw it at a desk not so far away from where I was lying. I feel different here, I can't put my hoof on what exactly is bothering me, but I just know that something is wrong. I tried to tell myself all of the logical explanations for all of the things I saw today. Weird feelings, darkness, the palace looking too tall. Something tells me that this week isn't just for relaxing. I know that it's vacation, but the world can throw itself into any kind of peril, and I will save it. It is my duty to. I just know it. Maybe I should think tomorrow, for I am way too tired to think and read over my books now. Good night.