Impugnatio ad Imperium

Le  impérial,

June 3rd, 1805.

The Illustrious Scents the environment of the illustrious impérial are rather apparent. The walls made out of marble with gold lining. the gossip that always goes around the Manor, the Dances, the Balls, The Prestige, all of that lies here, the gem of Holestria. As it translates from latin, The Empire truly deserves its title of grace. Crystal and real plant life embody the royal gardens, all while positioned to look like a christian Cross, something that many are shocked that Anner Didn't remove during the Dark days of De-christianization. The fountains with statues of not just holy figures, but of past great Leaders of nations as well, there is even a full sized statue of Queen Flana and King Missur, the couple who famously were responsible for uniting the multiple Prench states in march of 1470. Another is of Celestia and Luna... a ancient and priceless piece of art that came from a time before Nightmare Moon, it even has special paint to give it a even more life like appearance. The stone paths cross all over the palace, and all of it's very pleasurable aspects. I, a mere 19 years of age am drawing a sketch of a rose, next to a fountain, wearing a gorgeous Crinoline with Dark blue being the main color, vine like mendings on the bottom of the skirt represent elegance and i am even wearing white hoof gloves, along with using both my magic to control a parasol, draw and look refined at the same time with a hoof fan. I am quite the intellectual, and brutally honest... so many stallions here don't want me, i wonder why. Maybe my Stallion just isn't in this certain court.

Unfortunately despite all of these bright points, there are always armed griffin guards. they all look like stone to me, cold, emotionless, thoughtless. But don't think for a minute that they will continue to be idle if you disrespect a griffin official, they will hit you with the butt of their musket, arrest you and determine what consequences are necessary. Farmer, sailor, soldier, Nobel, Peasant, dancer, Musical composers, they make no difference to the masters, unless if you are in my family's situation. To be fair, its very rare that anypony challenges authority, the last being about five years ago, and he was hung by a rope, ans had his neck broken. Some guards are nicer than others, some are even married to some mares here, including a close friend of mine, marseille. Though for the most part, in all actuality, 80 percent of griffin guards sent here are mindless demons who would beat a filly till they would bleed no more.

Griffin guards speak to each other, spreading even more gossip than Teenage mares. the rumors they spread are so hurtful to both the pony its referring to and  to their reputation that some suicides have been connected to the matter. I glare at  them, why should they even be here still? its Been over 30  years since the war ended, surely the nations of Europe should come to our aid and force the griffins to leave their military occupation. But no matter how much i pray, it never occurs,it nearly did once in 1800 when The Ponies of Great Britannia demanded it, the griffins refused, and a war nearly started... but some minister managed to prevent that, and what came out of a three month to political crisis?, nothing, absolutely and utterly nothing.

One day, the Holestrian eagle shall fly over Europe again, and will be loved, not hated like it was under Anner the Worthless.

A friendly voice chimes into my left ear " Hello My darling." i turn around and see my nearly just as beautiful mother, Ellispe, maybe even more so when it comes to her mane.

I smile and embrace  her " Mother, it feels like its been an eternity without you, four years at a University dedicated to Art and history may be a unique experience, but it can never replace family."

She observes my clothing with a impressed look " You look like a proper young Holestrian mare. "

I give a proud smile as a twirl to show the full dress " I know, i Saw it for sale in Bovaire and decided to get it." i respond

Mother begins to trot towards the Tea drinking area of the gardens " Your father and brother are all waiting to see you again, your brother was just beginning education when you went to the final stage of it." she says, not even a bit intimidated by the griffin guards keeping an eye balling us as we head in the other direction.

While we trot towards The center of the garden, my mother continues about her Normal, and possibly risky gossip.

" Missur Deldago made quite the statement today towards the griffin ministry at the Mascara de ball last week." she says, silencing herself every time we pass a guard " He told them in quite the admirable way of " she changes her voice to that of a stallion... or a mare trying to sound like one at least.

" If you are a Member of the Holy Griffin Empire,  then where do the crosses of christ appear on your uniforms Gentlegriffins?" she says, a guard eye balls us

One has to turn to a mare talking like that near harsh protectors of the peace "Mother, its dangerous to speak of gossip outside our home, We wont be executed, surely not, but they may not treat us in a civilized manner if a griffin were  to read your lips."  I say, Mother chuckles slightly and pridefully  " Don't worry dear... we are of too upper authority for them to torture us, us being related to Papacy. If word got out the whole nobility would rebel, and everypony knows when the aristocracy revolts, they will surely come out victorious."

I look to her With a concerned look " Mother, surely you don't believe that they would treat us any different if we committed a crime?"

We are nearly to our destination, now leaving the garden, the sounds of Nobles, royalty and just upper class ponies in general can be heard with their gayety and laughter,since the Authorities did agree to let the Wealthy have this  sector of the gardens to themselves without being watched.

Father greets us in a grateful manner " Hello Emerald." he says in a loving tone as he embraces me " I return the favor

"Father, you can now count on another Antoinette in the government. I tell the stallion that did the first half of giving me life.

He smiles " Im sure with your intelligence that you'll become... Emerald the Great, Emerald the Loved or-" He tries to finish

I chuckle, embrace and look into his eyes " Oh stop it father, your over amusing me."  I utter in a casual tone.

He Shrugs " I only want my First born offspring to be happy and successful in a turbulent world." he says as i Feel a sudden embrace from small hooves, i look down to see Aliu, I hug him back by using my magic to levitate him upwards and embrace him them.

" Is it really you Emerald, i haven't seen you in.... I Don't even know how long." he says with a innocent smile at the end.

I smirk " Four years Little brother, and Im most certainly glad to be back." I tell him

" Is it true that Your nearly out of Early schooling?"I ask with a kind voice

He nods rather quickly, getting his maid into a mess " Yes. And I'm happy with that, I'm not a kid anymore,sixth grade here I come." He adorably replies as when a piece of hair covers his left eye, he simply blows it off.