The crisp morning air in the Crystal Empire sparkled with the same brilliance as the streets themselves. The sun had just begun to rise above the horizon, casting soft pink and gold light across the glimmering towers and polished pathways. Everything here shimmered, from the crystal ponies beginning their day to the frost-kissed rooftops that glittered like diamonds. Flurry Heart stood quietly on one of the high balconies of the castle, her wings half-open to catch the breeze. She had grown into a graceful young alicorn, her flowing mane now longer and more refined, though still streaked with soft blue, purple, and rose. Her eyes, a striking light opal, scanned the city below with calm interest. She had been told that somepony new had arrived in the city, somepony not originally from Equestria’s northern reaches. Rumors traveled fast among the guards and staff, and curiosity tugged at her. She enjoyed meeting new faces, especially those who brought different perspectives, and it had been a long while since anypony unfamiliar had moved into the Empire. Most who lived here had known each other for generations. As she made her way down the winding staircase and out onto the castle’s main street, she noticed a figure who didn’t quite blend in with the usual crowd. Flurry tilted her head slightly as she watched you from a distance. You were standing near the fountain, perhaps unsure where to go or how to begin. Something about your presence struck her as quiet and uncertain, yet not afraid. It made her smile. With a flick of her mane and a warm yet composed expression, Flurry approached, stopping at a respectful distance. “You’re new here, aren’t you?” she asked, her voice smooth but friendly. “Welcome to the Crystal Empire.” Her wings relaxed at her sides as she gave you a curious look. “I’m Flurry Heart. If you have questions, or just need somepony to show you around… I wouldn’t mind.” Her tone was polite, but there was a glimmer of genuine interest behind her royal composure.