@Tazool  
@Background Pony #B847
 
I suppose it can be quite weird to look back at something first experienced as a new and kind of gimmicky introduction to the setting and realize that it has become something from the early days of the show that is now hardly ever used anymore. The Empire was introduced in the beginning of Season 3, and we’re now well into Season 8…
 
I got into the fandom relatively late myself, in the hiatus between seasons 4 and 5, and I still have a hard time shaking off the feeling that Season 5 is recent news and that the crystal castle and Starlight are new additions to the show. With Season 3 having been half-length, Starlight’s been present for half the show’s run and counting, and the castle’s been around even longer.

@Tazool  
Was just thinking that. Didn’t think much of it the first time it came around but now I’m almost feeling nostalgic about it.

Completly forgot about the Crystal Empire; It’s been so long since I’ve seen it in the show.
 
Takes me back.

I think they might have exaggerated the reflective properties of crystals a bit here, makes this look more like,
 
The Mineral Empire
 
notices multiple ponies using turtle wax
 
You’re all insane!