Truly, very truly Celestia could no for the life of her keep her emotions in check, a hoof raised to her mouth and her normally intimidating frame was trembling. Barely withholding a bout of laughter that might seem rude considering the circumstances. The entire ordeal leading up to this point was nothing short of hilarious.
Having come to the Crystal Empire to see Cadence, she found herself now bearing witness to the poor princess having to manage a whole schedule that seemed ill cut from crystal and something almost out of her element. Managing the festival these ponies held that was thousands of years old and some of its views perhaps a bit more than the other had expected. So here she was hiding in the corner watching as Cadence was trying to explain to two of the crystal guard why they could not simply charge each other in combat and wrestle, seeing who came out on top.
Finally, she breaks, announcing her presence as the poor princess falls over in a heap of laughter, startling not only the poor maid nearby who’s cup goes flying and shattering everywhere but half the crystal guards are struggling to uphold their spears and get their armor right, at first preparing for a threat then for the arrival of royalty. Celestia finds herself having to sit down and using a bare hoof wipe away a few tears.
“o-oh! I-I’m so sorry for laughing- I-I swear-” Her words are nearly drowned out by her laughter in-between.
It was one thing, Cadance decided, to shadow her Aunt at work, filling out the mock documents she’d been given, while juggling her normal school work, social life, and foalsitting appointments. It was another entirely to actually do her Aunt’s job, sort of… Cadance luckily wasn’t responsible for the whole of Equestria, but she was now responsible for the wellbeing of those in the Crystal Empire. A task that was far easier said than done, between the usual daily goings on, there was trying to catch them up to the rest of the world, while still keeping in mind their history, the leftover repercussions of living under a ruler like King Sombra. She and Shining Armor had to tread lightly, being careful with each tone they used, each movement, even the wrong facial expression was enough to send of some of them into a mess of apologies and tears. Then there were the others, the ones that insisted she be put on some sort of pedestal, those who insisted Shining Armor was too important to risk his life training the guard, (nevermind the fact that it was sorely needed, and he was only doing basic drills for now) the ones who wanted to treat her not as Cadance, but as their adored and exalted Crystal Princess who shouldn’t go down to the kitchens if she wanted tea in the middle of the night and should instead wake somepony to bring to her. It was a lot to handle to say the least.
“I understand that’s how things are done in the joust, Sir Lance, but in the event of a real threat, there needs to be more planning and strategy involved. To attack an opponent in a direct manner without the upper hand…” Cadance sighed, fighting the urge to roll her eyes. Instead she shook her head and smiled patiently again. “The joust will continue as normal, but I want you both to also pay special attention during Shining Armor’s next exercises. If you have nothing to learn from them, then you should pass the obstacle course with ease, and if you don’t then it wouldn’t hurt you to learn some new techniques in addition to ones you’re familiar with.” As soon as the laughter was heard, Cadance’s ears perked up, she knew that laugh. Chuckling a little to herself at the absurdity of it all, Cadance helped the maid back to her hooves, assuring her that the broken cup was nothing to worry about.
“That’s all for today everypony, I’d like a moment alone with my Aunt if you please. We’ll continue the faire preparations at another time.” It only took a few seconds for the guards to comply, and then another few as they bowed on their way out. No sooner were they gone, Cadance’s shoulders relaxed, her smile turned to a real one, one of a pony happy to see someone familiar again. “That was a good entrance, one of your best I’d say.” She laughed. Oh! to laugh freely again for just a few moments. No longer is she Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, only Cadance, happy to see the mare who’d pretty much raised her throughout her teenage years. The younger alicorn nuzzled the Sun Princess, pressing a kiss to the older’s cheek. “I’ve missed you Aunt, you have no idea.”
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