The cold air had settled in as the sun's last golden rays faded away, casting shades of blue and violet over the eastern land. The figure donned in a dark cloak and cape blowing in the gentle wind. The cherry blossom petals, picked up by it glowed a pale pink and lavender hue thanks to the rising moon high above him. This pony was no mere peasant. He was the Crown Prince of the land, Prince Diamond Shine. Many look down on his actions as foolish, but he does it for the excitement and thrill for the scenes beyond the walls of the Imperial Palace. What did he care if the path ahead was indeed full of peril, the beauty of it to him was the mystery of what was ahead, hiding in the bamboo trees or the bushes, maybe even perhaps behind him.  The adventurous prince removed the hood from his face as he came up to a tranquil, gentle lake in a meadow washed in the silvery graceful light of the moon. Diamond took a moment to lay in the cool,  grass that swayed with the autumn breeze. A single sakura petal landing on his nose. He smiled and looked up. "Another night that Princess Luna of the West blesses us with the moon." He said softly as he then looked to the other side of the small lake, looking past the swans and ducks, and the koi fish bobbing up to the surface. There stood the small village he often came to as a home away from home. "I wonder what has become of the villagers as of late?" He got up from the chilly ground and trotted over to the little village, foals playing around while the elders sat around a fire in the middle of the community. "Your highness!" A jade colored earth pony called out as he exited his hut and waved at the prince coming forward. "You just can't help but sneak away from your lavish lifestyle to come to our humble, modest mountain village, can you?" The jade stallion chuckled. Diamond chuckled as well as he trotted over to him. "You know it, Sakura Haiku! Once again I needed to escape from the boring, prolix, somnolent lectures of my tutors." They both laughed. "My, what a wordy prince, no surprise there." Sakura chimed a bit. "Are you ready for another lesson in my training?" Diamond smirked at him. "You know it! I'm always up for your teachings! Anyways, is Cherry Blossom around? I was also hoping she'd show me more of her art."  Sakura Haiku then shook his head. "Negative sire, she is out into the big city for a few days." "Oh, what a shame." Diamond looked down at the ground. Sakura then gave another look to Diamond. "Many apologies your highness, but tonight I must tend to other matters. In the morning we can train, before the sun rise."