The streets of Canterlot were bustling with ponies and other species of all kinds; Unicorns, Earth Ponies, Donkeys even, shared the paved paths (mostly Unicorns), Pegasi, Griffons, and even a Bat Pony or two shared the skies above, and Crystal Ponies were scattered here and there. Delegates from all over Equestria had come to yet another Grand Equestrian Pony Summit.
The streets had been decorated for the occasion - newly planted trees and flowers lined the sidewalks, banners hung over the streets, and even the restaurants and shops took part in the prep work and decoration in hopes of drawing in new customers. Decorations weren’t place just outside, but also inside buildings as well. Canterlot Castle was a bustling hive of ponies; delegates, tourists, and residents alike. Vendors had been set up, banners hung, and the large Crystal Pony statue remained standing as a centerpiece from last year’s meeting.
This year was different though. Delegates even beyond the Equestrian borders had come this time around. Upon the discovery of new lands and the recognition of pre-existing ones, more areas had become included in the summit. Dragons, Yaks, Changelings, and more were brought into the mix to strengthen ties among the lands.
One of those delegates was Snow Powder, a princess hailing from the land of Alicorns. This area was located well outside the lands of Equestria and was one little knew about. Recently, the Two Sisters reached out to their homelands to connect Equestria and the Alicornian Empire. They felt the bonds could some day be of good use and significant importance. This is why Snow Powder was here, to speak with the other representatives of their homelands and make connections. It would be a great idea to make ties with other places now in case something were to arise in the future. It was suggested by both her parents and Celestia and Luna.
Which is why now, Snowy Powder walked down the smooth, paved sidewalks of Canterlot. She had never been so far from home before. Equestria seemed so different but so much similar to her home lands. Shops up and down the road with shelf upon shelf of displays of all sorts of merchandise, restaurants letting out delicious aromas from their open windows and doors, beckoning to the potential patrons that passed, and even smaller street vendors with carts hoping to catch the eye of a pony who wanted something that wasn't as fancy or expensive as what was being sold indoors. This was Canterlot after all. Many of the richest ponies lived here. What seemed expensive to other ponies who resided elsewhere probably seemed average for those who took residence here.
Atop Snowy Powder’s head, her crown reflected the warming sunlight that shone down on the summit. A few clouds were scattered here and there, no doubt carefully placed by Pegasi to add a welcoming feeling to the event. Sunshine with a touch of clouds. Certainly felt comfortable to know they put attention to even details in the sky, Snow thought to herself. Her metallic horseshoes made small clopping sounds on the pavement as she walked, her attention on the decor and details of Equestria’s capital. Around her neck, her family’s crest rested, encased in a metallic necklace with a purple cravat hanging from the pointed bottom.
Though, her attention was quickly diverted from the fascinating decorations. With a thudding sound, a sudden feeling of walking into something solid, and an “oomph!!”, Snowy suddenly found herself on the ground. The white Alicorn shook her head, her purple mane whipping around her face in the process. Her blue and purple hued eyes darted up to identify what she had failed to see and walked right into. To her surprise, it was a stallion.
”Goodness, I'm so sorry!” she apologized hastily, hoping she hadn't caused him to spill or drop anything. Instead of an annoyed look Snowy expected, the taller equine smiled.
”Nah, it's alright. You okay?” the also white stallion asked, looking down at her from her seat on the sidewalk. His green eyes examined the mare, noting her horn and blue tipped wings. He then smiled in a way Snowy Powder couldn't exactly explain. Sly? Coy? Flirtatious? It seemed like a mix of the three.
She took a moment to note the stallion’s features. White coat, Unicorn’s horn, green eyes (though not a solid green, more of a blue tinge in there), a vibrant, messy mane of purple, blue, and pink. Several hairs stuck out and curled from the messy ponytail he sported. Certainly he couldn't be a resident of Canterlot, not with that look. A delegate, maybe? She examined him further, and what she saw made her expression contort into a frown before she could stop herself.
A pair of neatly kept, snowy white feathered wings were residing comfortably against his sides as he extended a hoof to her in assistance. An Alicorn.
”Hey, you still here?” the stallion asked, his voice and minor chuckle snapping Snowy from her thoughts. Her frown remained as she took the extended hoof and stood up. Her feathers ruffled slightly as his extended to open. “You don't seem to be hurt, that's good. Name’s Crystal Clear.”
Snowy didn't speak, just continued to stare at this unheard of Alicorn.
Who was this guy? Was it someone from her home that they sent along with her for the summit? She didn't remember a mention of him from her parents. His face wasn't familiar. Annoyance started to bubble at the thought of her parents sending someone along with her. She told them she could handle this, did they not trust her, or believe she couldn't do this on her-
”Uh, hey,” Snowy Powder blinked at the sound of this Crystal Clear guy’s voice, “Equestria to Princess Frowny Face.” he waved a hoof in front of her face, which she promptly slapped away. Crystal Clear blinked in shock and withdrew it.
”Don't call me that.” she nearly barked. “Who are you?” Snowy’s tone was almost demanding, and Crystal cocked an eyebrow with an amused smile.
”I just told you, name’s Crystal Clear-”
”No, not that! Are you a delegate or something?” Snowy narrowed her eyes.
It was the stallion’s turn to frown. “A delegate?” he asked, and then gave a look of realization. “Oh, you think that because I’m- No, it's not like that at all.” the mare didn't look convinced, so he continued. “I came to check out the summit, learn about the different places inside and outside of Equestria. Not everyone here is a representative for their home, I hope you know that.” this seemed to make Snowy back down a bit, and her expression lightened from a not so deep frown to one of caution.
”King Mystical Wonder.” she said simply.
”Uh….no, I'm Crystal Clear….” he looked confused. “Did you hit your head when you fell?” he stepped closer to examine her, and she stepped back a bit.
”Nevermind.” the white mare shook her head. It seemed he was telling the truth. That was good, maybe her parents really did trust her to do a good job at this summit. The thought lightened her mood and she dropped the wary look.
”So what's your name? You said not to call you Princess Frowny Face.” there was that sly smile again. Snowy rolled her eyes.
”Princess Snowy Powder, heir to the Alicornian Empire, daughter of Queen Lightning Flash and King Mystical Wonder.” the title rolled off her tongue expertly, as if she had practiced the saying a hundred times. No way Crystal was going to repeat that.
”Alright, nice to meet you Snowy.” he extended his hoof to her once more, this time in an offer to shake hooves. The princess frowned once more.
”That's Princess Snowy to you.” she replied, not snapping at him, but using a somewhat stern tone with the other Alicorn.
”Nice to meet you, Princess Snowy.” Crystal corrected himself with that cheeky smile of his, shaking her hoof as she took his in a greeting gesture. “Now may I ask where exactly is this ‘Alicornian Empire’ is? I’ve certainly never heard of it.” he asked, curiosity overcoming him.
Just then, a sound of a clock tower striking half past the hour rang over the streets of Canterlot. The mare stepped back, realizing she had to get going.
”Ah great, I'm going to be late for one of the meetings!” she groaned, and opened her wings to take off.
”Maybe some other time then?” he asked. “After all, you owe me for running into me~ Maybe a coffee after your meeting?” there he went with that damn coy smile again. Princess Snowy Powder stared at him for a moment, deciding it wouldn't help her to argue. She didn't have time for this.
”Sure, whatever. I gatta go.” she sighed, and she heard him call after her as she took off.
”I’ll be waiting, Princess!~”
