The cold icy wind on the way to The Crystal Empire was bitter, snow fell harshly upon the ground in a never ceasing pattern.
The wind howled once more, bringing with it a harshness like no other.
Shivering upon the newest layer of snow were two cloaked figures, one was tall and proud, pushing with all its might through the storm and closer to the city. The other more delicate and small, tripping and falling into the snow every so often, only to scooped up by the other.
These odd figures did not walk on all fours, much like the ponies of the land. No these creatures were bipedal, standing tall and straight, even as the wind pounded against the poor soul.
What seemed like a never ending journey came to a close, as the tall figure slammed its side against the front gates of The Crystal City. Holding the smaller figure for dear life, as it shivered uncontrollably weak and limp.
“Who goes there!?” Snapped a royal guard from high atop the gate walls.
“Just two outcast souls! We search for a city that treasures love over hate!” The tall figure coughed aloud, feeling weaker by the second.
“You two chose to travel out in this blizzard? You are either fools or worse fiends!” The guard snorted aloud in annoyance.
“As outcasts of our home, we did not have the leisure of choosing travel plans.” The tall figure yelled back, his voice filled with sarcasm.
“Hold your tongue with me boy!” The Guard stomped a hoof hard on the floor.
“Please sir! We need sanctuary, anymore of this cold and we shall perish!” The tall figure slid slowly down the wall weakly.
“Grrr. Away with you I say!”
“Please! If it is I you don’t trust, then please take in my fiance! She is frail and weak, a delicate flower caught in the storm!”
The figure hugged his companion tenderly, doing his best to keep her warm.
“I said no!” The Guard snorted once more, much like a raging bull.
“Raining Thunder! Open the gates at once!” A sweet melodic voice echoed behind the stallion, his eyes widening in shock.
Spinning around he came face to face with Princess Cadance, she was draped in a silk violet see through gown on this cold bitter night. Her mane swished to the side of her face elegantly, eyes filled with compassion and love.
“But ma’am! They are outsiders, exiled from their own home! Nopony is exiled for…” He tried to speak as Cadance lit up her horn, her soft warm magic flicking the gate switch up herself.
“Any male willing to give his life, for the female he loves. Can’t be a wicked soul.” She sighed softly and trotted out of the guard booth with a smile.
The cloaked figure stood outside the gate, in a vain attempt at staying warm. The last of his strength spent, he fell down to his knees just as the gate began to lift.
He leaned forward slowly planting a tender kiss atop the head of his love, her small frail frame cuddling ever closer to her heart. With him at her side she could stay warm, his love burning brighter than any fire.
Strands of warm auburn hair framing her face sweetly, pale green eyes watching in all joy as the gates lifted. She felt so weak and limp, yet as the lights from the city shined upon them, her soul was renewed with hope.
Indeed there were places that values love above all else, a fairytale come true as she watched a angel walk through the light. Her wings spread far and elegantly, light beaming from her in warmth and love.
“These poor creatures are nearly frozen solid! Open up our quarters to our guests and fix them some hot food!” Cadance spoke in a elegant and loving tone, though her husband was away, she could handle her subjects masterfully.
A small group of guards surrounded the two figures, helping them pass through the open gates into the city. Cadance made sure the female was placed atop her strongest guard, smiling to her with a sense of hope.
“Do not fear my dear. You are safe now.” Cadance softly whispered into her ear, the small figure letting out a small whimper of gratitude.
The blizzard high above began to grow worse, the gates slowly coming to a close behind the guards. The two souls lost among the ice were now saved, their love leading them both to salvation.
The castle was warm beyond any compare, the two cloaked figures sat atop a luxurious sofa. Cuddled close and enjoying the blazing fire before them, both thankful that this kingdom was so compassionate.
Unlike many others that they had visited before, these creatures opened their hearts and their homes to them. The large crystal doors of the castle room swung open, many ponies pushing carts of various hot meals flooded in.
At the end of the group was Cadance herself, two large stallions at her side for protection. Unlike her guards, her eyes were soft and tender. She walked over to the figures in worry, gazing upon them in curiosity as well.
“Please eat and rest. My home is open to you both, for as long as needed.” Cadance smiled warmly to both.
“You are far too kind.” The male spoke and lowered his hood, oval dark green hues locking on her softly.
He had light bronze fur covering his body from head to toe, whiskers upon his face that twitched curiously. Dark short blue hair that curled into a twist fringe on the front, he was unlike any creature she had seen before.
“Cadance. Princess Cadance of the Crystal Empire.” The mare spoke in a sophisticated tone, offering her hoof towards the creature.
In her surprise he uncloaked a large clawed hand, swiftly taking her hoof as he lowered and planted a kiss upon it.
“Capper. Prince Capper.” He replied in a mature warm tone.
Cadance couldn’t help but blush a slight bit, gently pulling back her hoof and flashing a polite smile.
“Prince you say?” The Princess raised a delicate brow in interest.
“Yes. You see it is a long tale of woe and treachery.” The feline creature gazed down in sorrow.
“I’m so sorry to hear that. Please do rest, we can continue such a conversation in the morrow.” Cadance smiled to her guests, both of which nodded along.
“Thank you so much Princess. Your kindness is unlike anything I’ve witnessed before.” The cloaked female spoke in a enchanting proper tone.
The alicorn smiled warmly to such a lovely creature, eyes locking onto her small frame. She was indeed a petite little thing, yet Cadance could sense a fiery spirit within.
“Thank you so much dear. The world needs to be guided by love, not hate.” Cadance gave a polite nod.
“Indeed. If love ruled over all, the world she would be forever beautiful.” The small creature replied, delicately pulling down her hood.
Waves of bright auburn hair flowed down framing her face angelically, those pale green eyes seemed to pierce through the Alicorn’s very soul. Her fur a elegant dark bronze, lips full, soft and pouting.
The very air around her was that of beauty, as if from another world altogether.
“You may call me Catrina.”
