Cadance The Crystal Princess

Mount Aris, Many years before the Storm King's invasion

"Come now, Crestwing. We're going to be late for dinner." Wavebreeze said to her young son, as she and her husband, Aetherwing, walked through the hallway of Mount Aris.

Wavebreeze was a female hippogriff with a pale lavender mane and tail, pearl-white coat and a pair of sea green eyes while Aetherwing was a male hippogriff with deep charcoal gray with hints of silver mane and tail, sleek, dark blue coat and a pair of oceanic blue.

"Your mother's right. We wouldn’t want to keep Queen Nereida, King Oceanus and their family waiting." Aetherwing added warmly.

The young male hippogriff nodded his head. "Yes, daddy and mommy."

The family entered the bustling atrium, where hippogriffs moved about on foot and wing, each on their own path as the lively hum of voices and rustling feathers filled the air.

Wavebreeze sighed with a soft smile, glancing at her husband. "I can hardly believe that Queen Nereida decided to invite us to dine. It feels like yesterday she ascended the throne after her mother’s peaceful passing."

Aetherwing chuckled slightly. "It was such a kind invitation, and she’s genuinely interested in getting to know us and our work. I feel honored, too. It’s not every day one dines with the queen."

Wavebreeze smiled. "Well then, let's not disappoint her."

As the family continued to walk through the crowd, they soon arrived to a restaurant at the lower level of the atrium called The Pearl’s Palette. The space was filled with the enticing aroma of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, seasoned with fresh herbs and crafted by an enthusiastic chef known for their vibrant, ocean-themed creations. As they entered, the family felt both humbled and excited to share this special evening when they saw Queen Nereida, King Oceanus and a young hippogriff sitting in a royal reserve table.

"Aetherwing! Wavebreeze! Over here!" The queen of the hippogriff waved a talon, her husband smiling while her daughter glanced at the guests.

Queen Nereida was a female hippogriff with a coral-pink coat, light ocean blue mane and tail and a pair of deep aquamarine eyes while King Oceanus was a male hippogriff with rich and stormy gray coat, deep, midnight-blue color with streaks of silver mane and tail and a pair of blue eyes.

"Ah. Queen Nereida and King Oceanus." Wavebreeze responded with a wave as the family reached the table, pulling the seats before sitting down.

"Please, just call me and my husband Nereida and Oceanus. Tonight, we’re here as friends." The queen of the hippogriff said with a light chuckle, waving away formality.

The king of the hippogriff nodded, his eyes gentle. "We wanted this evening to feel like a gathering of family, a time to share stories and connect." His gaze then landed on a young male hippogriff. "And who is this fine young one with you?"

"Oh! This is Crestwing, our son. How about yours?" Aetherwing introduced before his gaze fell on a young female hippogriff.

"Ah, meet Novo, our daughter." Nereida gestured a talon to her daughter.

Novo shyly fidgeted as she slowly made her eye contact with the family.

At that moment, Crestwing looked at Novo, his heart skipping a beat as he took in her curious, gentle gaze. At the same time, Novo's eyes landed on his.

With a small smile, Crestwing lifted a talon in a friendly wave. "Hello, Novo."

Novo smiled back, her shyness fading ever so slightly. "Hello, Crestwing."

The adults exchanged knowing glances as they watched the young pair introduce themselves. Oceanus leaned toward Novo, his voice warm. “Why don’t you and Crestwing spend a little time together if you’re not too hungry yet?”

Novo looked at her father, then at Crestwing, and gave a small nod, her excitement overcoming her shyness. The two young hippogriffs wandered a few steps away, beginning to talk in hushed tones.

As Novo and Crestwing wandered away from the table, their voices grew softer, blending into the ambient hum of the restaurant. Novo glanced around, her gaze flickering between Crestwing and the decorations on the walls—beautiful, swirling murals of sea creatures and coral reefs.

“So,” Crestwing began, trying to sound casual, “do you come here often? I mean… it’s just really nice here.”

Novo giggled, a quiet, lilting sound. “Sometimes. My parents love this place, but it’s been a while since we’ve all come together. Usually, they’re so busy, and it’s just me and my tutor. What about you?”

Crestwing perked up, happy she was curious about him. “Well, my mom works with sea navigation maps, and my dad’s involved in flight training for the young hippogriffs. So I get to tag along to some cool places, but I’ve never been here either until tonight.”

Novo nodded, her eyes brightening as she took in the idea of Crestwing’s adventures. “That sounds amazing! I… I’m usually reading or practicing songs. I don’t get to see much outside the palace.”

“Oh, do you sing?” Crestwing asked, genuinely intrigued. “What kind of songs?”

Novo’s cheeks flushed a gentle pink. “Mostly old songs of Mount Aris, the kind you’d sing at festivals or during ceremonies. My mom loves them, so she’s always asking me to sing for her.”

“That’s incredible,” Crestwing replied, admiringly. “You must be really good at it. My sister used to sing lullabies to me when I was little… though she would mess up the words sometimes just to make me laugh.”

Novo’s eyes softened at this, her own laughter soft. “That sounds like fun.” She paused, glancing back toward their parents, who were watching them with knowing smiles. “I think they wanted us to get to know each other.”

Crestwing nodded, looking back at their families and noticing their warm smiles. “Probably. It’s like they know we’ll be friends forever.” He turned back to her with a grin. “And, maybe… we will be.”

Novo’s heart fluttered at his words, and she found herself smiling widely. “Maybe we will.”

Just then, a server approached their families’ table, announcing that dinner was ready. Queen Nereida beckoned to them, and Crestwing held out a talon to Novo. “Shall we?”

Novo took his talon, her smile growing as they walked back to the table together. As they settled in for dinner, Crestwing and Novo shared small glances, discovering a comfort in each other's company that would bloom into a bond as steady and unbreakable as the ocean itself.