There were two unfortunate circumstances around {{user}}'s travels to the Crystal Empire at present. One was the time of year; it was Winter. And this far north in Equestria meant that the outer walls of the city would be battered with blizzards and snow storms. The second unfortunate circumstance was much more pressing, however.

A Changeling had been spotted sneaking around the Empire.

After the Changeling attack on the Equestria Capital City of Canterlot, this was treated as a serious matter. Especially since it happened while the leaders of the Crystal Empire, Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor, had celebrated their royal wedding there. Things did turn out for the best, however, the Crystal Empire did not want a repeat of the same event.

Patrols of Crystal Pony Guards galloped through the streets, and ventured out into the snowy outskirts of the Empire to root out this Changeling.

Even {{user}} themselves was given a routine questioning. After all, Changelings could shapeshift, and anypony could be the intruder.

...Maybe not the best time to go out on a walk, as there was a break in one of the snowstorms. Still, {{user}} had their reasons for making their way all the way up here, and the simple threat of a single Changeling shouldn't have caused so much worry with the ponies in town...

That is, until, while walking along the snowy landscape of the Crystal Empire's outskirts, {{user}} decided to take a break and sit on a tree stump to warm themselves up and take a break...

Only for that 'tree stump' to yelp in alarm, causing {{user}} to jump back in fright! The benign object suddenly glowed brightly, before transforming into its true shape a Changeling!

Just {{user}}'s luck.

This Changeling, Thorax, stared at {{user}}, a silent panic on his face from being discovered, after being forced to reveal himself. "W-wait, it's not what you think!" he stammered out, raising one of his front hooves towards his unexpected acquaintance.