SteelEagle

He wasn't necessarily prepared for her to raise the temperature. He more or less felt the same about that as he would about somegriff roasting him over a fire, though it helped if the griff turning the spit was cute as tartarus. He loosened his feathers to allow more air to filter through in preparation for Silverstream's latest attempt to murder him with kindness. "Pretty mild? Ha, well if you say so. Should I get you some dragonfire for your birthday?" He asked with a laugh, enjoying her company nonetheless. She was a murderer who took out her feathered marks with overheated saunas while she turned into a flopping fish. Sure this was true and she was a half-bird half-fish sauna temptress murderer, but she was his half-bird half-fish sauna temptress murderer. As the temptress spoke about her horrible potential future, filled with scenic waves, good food, and relaxation, he could only pity her. The horror of a royal life, the terror of such luxury. He visibly shivered playfully before looking at her. "That sounds horrible. I bet you'd be sleeping in beds with crisp white sheets and watching plays...or whatever else royals do! I'm glad we saved you from that life. Can't imagine abandoning somegriff to that fate..." he looked up at the ceiling as the steam started to overcome him. "Ahhh, there we go. Now this is hot. If I hadn't met any of you, I wouldn't have to worry about being roasted alive. Cold maybe, but not roasted. I should have brought a baster. Don't want to dry out too fast after I sweat all my water out," he said with a smile before closing his eyes and spreading his wings out fully. "Thanks. I needed this. I was stressed after that last test. I hate tests."

"You don't have to dress up or anything if you don't want to. Like I said, we should be good for most of the restaurants in the area. I usually just wear a hat or something if it is a bit sunny, but there isn't much use in dressing up. There aren't enough ponies around to blend in so if the papparazi wanna get you, they'll get you. And if you wanna dress to impress...well, rest assured, you're plenty impressive enough," Rara said, allowing that last sentence to escape even as she grasped at the trailing edge of the words to stuff it back down into a deep, dark hole. She was too late, and decided to just not comment any further on it rather than dig herself a freshly marked grave. Keeping her expression the same and allowing the awkward comments to die, she trotted into one of the bathrooms. "If you did want to dress up, the first closet in my room has some outfits you may like. So, uhh, if you want. No pressure, I'm just gonna freshen up" she said with a smile as she trotted into the bathroom. Once the door was locked she collapsed onto the floor like a total fool. She considered diving into the toilet or shower drain and hiding out of sheer embarassment or even launching herself out of the narrow window heading outside, glass or no. She wanted to run, hide, die. Her stupid, stupid, stupid mouth saying stupid things was going to lead her to stupid places doing stupid...she took a deep breath and calmed herself down, going through the motions of freshening up. It was going to be okay. friends complimented other friends all the time, right? Applejack probably didn't even notice it. And if she did notice it, she probably thought, "wow what a nice friend being so flattering" not, "oh wow is Rara hitting on me for land's sakes". So, yeah. Everything was going to be fine, just fine. She freshened up, cleaning herself up well and giving herself a nice confidence boosting wink in the mirror before trotting back out, ready and raring to go.

Ambrosia's sweetness was well received by High Bar. She may be a little deceitful and a bit of a bully, but nopony could take too much advantage of a sweet little unicorn like Ambrosia too much. And for now, why would she want to? "Aww, thanks. Yeah, one time I chipped it back home and my dad got sooo mad that he spent, like, ten thousand bits making sure it was fixed and polished right. I even got this cool little engraving it, some sort of runic thing for protection," she said, leaning in to show off her horn with a little showmareship. She liked the sister. "I think it's pretty neat that our horns are so pretty and capable, don't you?" Besides, it helped distract her from the stinky colt. "My mom's back home. I'm here with my bodyguard," she said, pointing at the large stallion who was now laughing at the comic strips in the paper. "Cause I'm super important, pretty cool right?" She said as she gandered at the floundering Zap Apple. "As if I'm mean. I'm super nice. You're just being a dramacolt," she said as she picked up another ball and dropped it on him. "I thought colts liked to play?"

Ponyville had changed a great deal over the years, even as the core concepts that made it the greatest town in all the land remained as bolted and centered as ever to its firm and lasting foundation. New types of critters had come in all manner of sizes and shapes and like all of Equestria she had learned to grow and learn about all of the great creatures that made her world as rich as it was, in ways she had never known or suspected in her youth. For all that and much more however, she had to admit some sight and sounds still pulled on parts of her that had otherwise long ago been left behind. Nilaavin was one of those creatures that should by all rights have brought out the fear in her. He was a sphinx, a creature so near mythical and considered ahistorical that his mere presence made the world feel less and less real. His height was majestic, his gaze unnerving, and he looked like he was wearing the entire town's treasury. Which considering who his...rasha, was it?...was, well, it was not wholly out of the realm of possibility. He was gaudy and majestic and powerful and scary, made all the more unnerving by his rather personable way that seemed to shake all your conceptions of him. Of course, it was hard to take him too seriously when you imagined he'd like to play with a ball of yarn. Which, despite all of his majesty, Applejack was very certain he would do. "Howdy there, Nilayveen! How've ya been? Yer claws lookin' extra fancy today. Got somepony to paint'm for ya? How's Spoiled? Please ta be seein' ya today in any case. Well, Ah guess Ah've been seein' ya for a while. Ya know, cause yer big an' all. Anyway," she said after realizing she had probably failed. She looked down at Amby, who had been such an adorable little helper so far. Why and how this stand hadn't been swamped by ten thousand customers dying with heart attacks at how adorable she was, Applejack would never know. It was hard enough living with her and not wanting to cry because of how much she found Ambrosia to be essentially perfect. She was going to be spoiled for a very long time, especially because she always seemed so eager to help her mom...help her mom sell some apples, especially so. And it saved Applejack from a booth babe situation; who the hay would want that? "Ambrosia, think you can help the big cat?" She asked with a smile. Speaking of cats, it took her a few seconds to realize what Nilaavin meant by kittens. She meant young of any kind- oh, he was referring to Tempest and her calves! Or Apple Bloom and her pups? Her farm was becoming a zoo, wasn't it? "Oh, uhh- who exactly do you mean, sugarcube?" She asked, not sure if it was right or not to be discussing the affairs of a family guest.

Sunset Shimmer's attention shifted towards the voice that emerged, now accompanied by a name—Brandon. She offered a warm smile, trying to ease his evident nervousness. She could sense his unease and discomfort in this unfamiliar place, and her compassionate nature urged her to lend a listening ear and offer guidance. "It's nice to meet you, Brandon," Sunset replied, her voice gentle and soothing. "Don't worry; I'm here to help. You're not from here? That's alright. Sometimes finding yourself in a new location can be overwhelming," Sunset said with a dry chuckle. She had a little more experience with that then she would like to admit. Lightning Star took out her phone. "What's your parents phone number, honey?"

"Oh, silly me!" Pinkie Pie giggled, covering her mouth with a hoof. "I must have gotten a little carried away with my introduction. Humans are super cool too! especially when they come through portals from other worlds. It just means we get to have even more fun and make even more amazing treats together!" She hopped up and down, her enthusiasm undeterred. "So, human or not, you're still very much welcome here at Sugarcube Corner! We're a place for everyone to enjoy scrumptious delights and create fantastic memories. We'll whip up some extra special treats that humans love! How about that?" Pinkie Pie's genuine excitement and acceptance shone through, reassuring Brandon that his differences were not a problem but an opportunity to bring unique experiences to the bakery. With her lightheartedness and inclusive spirit, she was determined to make sure Brandon felt right at home in the sweet world of Sugarcube Corner.

The sun had just begun to rise over Ponyville, casting a warm, golden glow across the sleepy town. Applejack, the ever hardworking farmer and former element of honesty, stood outside her newly expanded apple stand at the bustling Ponyville marketplace. With determination in her emerald eyes, she took a deep breath, ready to embark on a new chapter in her entrepreneurial journey. The apple stand had undergone quite the transformation over the past few weeks, thanks to the help of her friends and family. The structure had been enlarged and reinforced to accommodate the increasing demand for Applejack's delicious apples. It now stood tall and proud, adorned with vibrant banners that proudly displayed the Apple family crest. It was twice, maybe three times bigger, and it had a nice covered cart attached to it for cooking for fresh pies and other goodies. In front of the apple stand was an outside cafeteria setup- tables with umbrellas for cover. Apples, pies, all sorts of treats and goodies, but also some warm foods and apple bread. As Applejack surveyed her domain, a sense of anticipation bubbled within her. She knew that today would be a busy day. The whole family had chipped in. Some had worked on the construction, others (okay, it was all RD) paid for it, and most of them went ahead and offered their help on the first day. They had already offloaded crates of freshly picked apples, others had helped arrange it onto the display shelves, arranging them meticulously to entice the customers. Applejack admired their dedication and work ethic, grateful for her supportive family. With a bandana tied snugly around her neck, Applejack busily arranged jars of apple butter, bottles of apple cider, and various apple-themed products on a nearby table. The scent of cinnamon and fresh apples permeated the air, creating an irresistible aroma that promised a delightful culinary experience. Applejack glanced at her reflection in the polished apple-shaped mirror that adorned the stand. Her freckled face was framed by her signature blonde mane, neatly braided to keep it out of her way. She was more aged than the last time she had opened a new stand, and she could still feel a cold breeze along her spine bringing more than shivers. Still, no matter what today was going to be amazing. She adjusted her stetson and let out a contented sigh, ready to face the day head-on. As the marketplace began to stir with activity, ponies of all kinds started to trickle in, curious about the buzz surrounding Applejack's newly expanded stand. Excitement danced in Applejack's eyes as she wiped her hooves clean on a nearby cloth, a gesture of pride and determination, an eye on a clock behind the counter. She opened not a minute early nor a minute late, same with closing. Not because she didn't want to work as long and hard as possible for her ponyfolk. No, instead she felt that routine and ritual was as important in business as it was in farm work, and hopefully ponyfolk would appreciate her consistency. With a final nod of approval, Applejack stepped back, her heart pounding with anticipation. She had worked tirelessly to build her business and provide the best apples in Equestria, and today marked the newest culmination of her efforts. It was time to open her stand to the world, to share the fruits of her labor and the love of her family with everypony who walked by once more. A confident smile broad and proud on her face, Applejack extended a hoof and swung open the doors of her newly enlarged apple stand, revealing row upon row of gleaming apples, glistening in the morning sunlight. The sight drew gasps of delight and admiration from the onlookers, who quickly formed a line, eager to get their hooves on the succulent fruits. "Welcome, everypony!" Applejack called out with genuine enthusiasm, her voice carrying across the marketplace. "Come on in and taste tha finest apples in Equestria! We've got 'em sweet, tangy, crisp, and everything in between!" As the customers flocked to her stand, their eager expressions and joyful chatter filled Applejack's heart with warmth. She knew that her hard work had paid off, and she was ready to serve them the best apples they had ever tasted. With her trusted hat shading her eyes, Applejack stood tall, ready to make this day a success. The marketplace echoed with the sounds of laughter, conversations, and the delightful crunch of apples being enjoyed.

Twilight laughed. "This isn't my first time with an admirer, Brandon. Let's leave it at that," Twilight said as she looked towards Pinkie, who just then took note of them. "Pinkie Pie at your service!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! I'm the resident party pony, cupcake connoisseur, and all-around super-duper friend-maker extraordinaire!" She twirled in the air, showcasing her energetic personality, and then gestured to the colorful array of treats surrounding them. "We've got cakes, pies, muffins, cookies, and so much more! If you have any questions, just ask! I'm here to make your time at Sugarcube Corner the sweetest, most fun-filled experience ever!" She said as she looked at Brandon. "Hey, you're the strangest minotaur I've ever seen!"

The words hit her like a barrage of arrows, each one piercing deeper into her soul. Her breathing became heavy and labored, her chest rising and falling rapidly with the force of her emotions. Her brows furrowed, and a fire ignited in her eyes, blazing with a fury that could not be contained. She struggled to maintain her composure, her trembling hands betraying her anger. Her teeth clenched together, grinding with the weight of her frustration. She had tried to find solace in this world, tried to make a difference, but her efforts were being dismissed and criticized. This dimensional traveler knew nothing of what had happened, who she was helping and why. She was an idiot, but a powerful one, and therefore a useful idiot to the true cruel masters of this world. Every accusation flung at her only fueled the fire within her. The accusation of being a monster, a tormentor of others, stung like a venomous bite. WHo was this other Storm to judge her? She, who came from any number of better realities, nicer realities, realities where Celestia and Twilight were heroines and not villains? The air crackled with tension as the interloper delivered her ultimatum, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade as she spoke from the mare's own ships. Her words were a warning, a promise of consequences for the path the other Ice Storm had chosen. And as she stood there, poised and resolute, it was clear that she would not back down. "Your words are as awfully misplaced as the trust Luna placed in her sister and that bitch Twilight. Again and again, again and again, but fine, you want to make threats, let's keep on repeating this!" The mare said, teleporting above the ship and launching an attack. Her ice powers took a decidedly darker and more menacing turn, the power they drew on being from beyond herself and a reflection of her broken world. When she fired, she fired with all the cold fury that was the right of somepony so denied and offended, a blizzard of razor ice that seemed to cut more than flesh- dimensions, emotions, mental acuity itself in the absolute zero that this poor form felt. However, when the attack struck, it seemed to fade in power greatly. Maybe it was the sheer power of Ice Storm's own defenses or a counter-spell, though no matter what there was something in addition. The heat of the sun seemed to come from above and below, enveloping the field. In a few moments, the combined magical might saw this other form of Ice Storm overwhelmed. As she failed, her ship started to break apart, her crew members flying off or teleporting somewhere...while a few unlucky ones managed to start falling down, down, down. Mostly into the waiting vessel of Rarity's own design, as if he had more than enough practice with it. Ice Storm herself felt her tears freezing and then burning off as she was overwhelmed, her very essence extinguished. "AGAIN! AGAIN Again! again! again! aga-" and then there was no more, as the mare seemed to vanish into nothingness but burned, frozen flanks, the clouds parting below to reveal the Sol Guards looking nonplused, and the mare herself at the balcony of her estate, her expression unreadable at such a distance, though the friendlier Ice Storm would find a small golden floor- extremely hot as it was- beneath her, preventing a fall. Celestia then turned and walked back in, through a red and purple curtain.

"Well, Brandon, it sounds like a mighty fine plan! Ah'm glad you're open to trying something different. Sugarcube Corner is a lively place, and Ah reckon Pinkie Pie will be thrilled to have ya lend a hoof in the kitchen," Applejack said as she tipped her hat to the both of them. "Pardon, but Ah gotta get mah shop opened up. Already a bit late. Brandon, nice ta meet ya. Twi, see ya soon," she said as she trotted on by. Twilight smiled at her friend. "I'll stop by later, Applejack," she said as she turned back to Brandon. "That's great to hear, Brandon! I'm sure you'll enjoy working with Pinkie Pie and the rest of the team. And don't you worry about lunch; it's really kind of you to want to treat me, but there's no need to feel like you have to impress me. We're friends, after all," she said as she started to trot towards Sugarcube corner, the most delightful bakery in Ponyville, her human in tow. The sweet aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air as we entered, and the sight of Pinkie Pie bouncing behind the counter brought a cheerful atmosphere to the place.

Sunset seemed to hesitate for a moment, her gaze searching the young man's face. She was a vibrant, fiery-haired girl who could only look him up and down. Sunset Shimmer's gaze flickered toward the source of the feeble voice, her attention immediately drawn to a figure lying on the ground. Curiosity mingled with concern as she assessed the situation, her mind working quickly to piece together the fragments of the scene before her. She took a step closer, her expression a mix of empathy and determination. It was evident that the individual before her was in need of assistance, a fact that resonated deeply within her compassionate nature. Without hesitation, Sunset crouched down beside the person, her voice laced with genuine concern as she addressed them. "Are you alright? What happened to you? Let's get you out of the rain first." Her tone was warm and soothing, as if she sought to offer solace and reassurance to the weary soul in distress she thought as she extended a hand. Lightning Star was a busy woman. She had two adopted daughters to take care of and a few other tasks on her mind. A lot of charity work, a lot of work-work, a lot of family-work, a lot of yard-work, a lot of -work, and finally, a lot of interpersonal-work. Always more work to do, and so it was her luck that as she walked up to the boy and Sunset Shimmer that her mind immediately wentr to what she needed to do to work on him and get him healthy again. "Sunset, what's happening?" She asked, her voice deeper than expected but full of warmth as Sunset turned towards her and shrugged. "I just got here, myself." "What's your name, sweetie?" Star asked as she bent down.

Rainbow couldn't believe what was happening even as it was happening. Well, she could believe it. The two had expressed- affection, love, all of that before. But there was always some great manner of issue between them. Awkwardness dominated and pervaded them alongside their intimacy, and any thought of one destroyed the other. Maybe Rainbow had unintentionally and subconsciously caused a thunderstorm in the area. Maybe Twilight had ordered the pegasi crews to manipulate weather just so. Either one could have been responsible for forcing them into a cave while on their journey. Whoever it was, however it was done, was a genius. Rainbow returned the Princess' affections eagerly, a small nickering escaping her unintentionally as she started kissing Twilight. On the lips, yes, but quicker. The lips, the neck, Twilight was too large for her to explore too much. Rainbow's wings started fluttering around Twilight's flanks, brushing up against the Princess' cutie marks, feathermarking the Princess as she found her body heat rise. Her tail flicked against Twilight longingly, searchingly. Rainbow positioned herself, her lower legs wrapped up along the upper-lower legs of Twilight due to the height difference. "Are we...crazy?" She asked, knowing the answer even as she pulled herself usimng Twilight as an anchor into where she knew she needed to be. "I...don't care if we are."

There was never a time like the first time you saw a new place but that rule never did seem to stick with izzy, who entertained Sunny with her flash and flair as she re-introduced Sunny to the most happening place in sll of Bridlewood. Izzy's home was eye-catchingly sporadic at first glance, though in time anypony who took care to pay attention would find all the ways that it perectly illustrated the bustling mare who called it home. Erratic, even sloppy? Perhaps. Wonderfully creative and expressive? Absolutely. But there was also a rhyme behind every placement, a reason behind every piece. It was presentable and easier to see that it was as normal as Izzy- which is to say not at all, in all and only the very best of ways. "Okay. To the share room I go," Sunny said with no hint of even the barest irony as she chewed on the idea that any room could be the share room, especially when you considered how easily Izzy seemed to be willing to share with pony kind. She did her best and chose the front room where most of her Izzy creations were, especially that all-in-one teaset had made its first appearance. She sat down near it and took a look at it, marveling at just how creative and yet how intricate it looked. Delicate even- she was pretty sure if anypony else other than Izzy touched it, tea cups would come flying out. Hot tea would pour and drown Sunny, and little tea cakes would float around her as she tried to swim. She decided it best not to destroy it, and laughed at her imagination as she waited for Izzy.

None of you are ever, or were ever, wastes to me.

Applejack gave the human a quick once over and shook her head. "Ah'm inclined ta agree with you there, Brandon. Workin' on a farm can be mighty physical, and it ain't for everycreature. It's important ta feel comfortable and capable in the tasks at hoof. No need ta worry none if you think it's not the right fit for ya," Applejack said with a nod of her head. Twilight looked away briefly. Yeah, that was a bad move. "You're right, Applejack. Sweet Apple Acres requires a certain level of physical strength and endurance, especially during harvest season. We wouldn't want him to strain himself or feel overwhelmed. But don't you worry, there's another option that might suit him just fine!" Applekack pondered it for a moment. "Yeah, why don't ya give Sugarcube Corner a whirl? It's run by Pinkie Pie, and she's always lookin' for some extra help in tha kitchen. Bakin' pies, decorating cakes, and servin' customers might be more up yer alley. Plus, you won't have ta worry 'bout heavy lifting or strenuous labor. What do ya say, Brandon? Ah mean, Ah'm not sure they're hiring at tha moment, but doesn't hurt ta ask."

As the tea party drew to a close, Twilight Sparkle smiled kindly at Ambrosia, her lavender eyes gleaming with a gentle sparkle. It would be easy to lose herself to this freeing, gentle moment but she knew that the time had come. She sat up, her regal posture emanating an air of wisdom and warmth. With a soft yet authoritative voice, the princess began to deliver her parting message, filled with encouragement and guidance. "My faithful student, I have enjoyed our time together. Remember, the path of a unicorn is a lifelong journey of learning and discovery. But don't ever forget that magic is not just about the spells and incantations; it's about the wonders it brings to the world and the joy it can bring to others. We will walk many steps on this road together, and I will be there for you when you need me to, but the greatest magic is that which is inside you," she said, using her wing to gently tap the filly's heart. She leaned forward slightly, emphasizing her words with earnestness. "As you continue your magical studies, remember to embrace your own unique strengths and talents. Every unicorn has their own special magic within them, waiting to be nurtured and honed. Always stay true to yourself and what feels right." Pausing for a moment, Twilight gazed into Ambrosia's eyes, her expression warm and reassuring. "Always remember, my dear Ambrosia, that learning and growing as a unicorn is an ongoing process. It's okay to make mistakes and stumble along the way. What truly matters is your determination to rise above those challenges and use your magic to make Equestria a better place." As the princess concluded her parting message, she rose gracefully from her seat, her regal presence undiminished. "Now, I must attend to some state affairs, but I want you to know that you are my friend and my family. Keep studying, keep exploring, and honor and love your parents. I believe you have the potential to become a remarkable mare," Twilight Sparkle gently touched Ambrosia's cheek with her hoof, leaving a soft, magical imprint that would remain for a short while. With a final nod of encouragement, she turned and made her way towards the exit, ready to face the responsibilities that awaited her.

"Well, ain't that a thing! So have I. And we're both lucky- we're seeing plenty of someponies!" Applejack said with a deep laugh, throwing her golden-maned head back with hearty laughter before looking back down. "But, eh, whatcha mean he might know me, Twi?" Applejack asked, her eyes cocked. "Long story, Applejack," Twilight rolled her eyes playfully before jabbing her friend in the ribs. "How is the family doing?" "Always something, you know how it is. Foals runnin' about, Dash is always off, Mac'n'Belle doin' their own thing. Lotta plates and workin', but nothing Ah can't handle," Applejack said witha healthy smirk. She disconnected the carts for a moment. "Just finished haulin' a double load ta Filthy Rich." Twilight thought about something for a second before her eyes flashed. "Hey, might you have a role for a farmhand?" "Farmhoof, ya mean?" "No. Farmhand," Twilight said as she looked at Brandon with a smile.

Her heart leaping in her throat notwithstanding the idea of taking Applejack to someplace with a private dining room, Coloratura had to admit the overall agenda had appeal. A nice long meal with candlelight and the proper lighting certainly pressed the right buttons. Of course, this was Mustangia and even the outer edges of it had the character of the old mustangs more than anything else, even with her compound bringing a small oasis of Manehattan into the deal. "Well, in Manehattan you'd be right," she said as she started to get herself ready for the walk to teh nearest restaurant, not too far from the train station they had arrived at. "Most of Equestria, I'd think so too. Luckily, this is Mustangia. No doubt a bunch of paparazzis followed me here but after a few days they tend to leave. There is always some other celebrity to harass, after all," she said as she looked herself over in a mirror. Light clothing for a warm day, well suited. "I think we'll be pretty safe. I know most of the store-owners in the area in any case, sure I can get them to work with us," she said as she played around with a necklace. It was an older one with a blue ruby held inside of a gold and dark blue tinged gold piece. Too flashy? Not flashy enough? She wasn't trying to show off too much, even if the necklace did cost six thousand bits. Satisfied with her outfit in any case, she fidgeted a bit here and there while she waited for the Apple mare to finish washing up. "Have anything nice to wear?"

"That would explain it. Ya know, it doesn't feel like we ever have enough of those. Always one short and a dragonfire less. That should be the real mystery: How good can a dragon be to run out of his treats as often as Sparky is, and does that match with what we know?" Sunny said in her own faux detective manner before turning to her at the moment not too flighty friend. "Is Hitch secretly selling the treats on the pastel market? Dun dun dun, detective Zipp," she said with a laugh as she trotted happily along. Cereal, snacks, batteries. New socks, too. There were holes in some of her socks. She wasn't sure why they were there, but they were. And a bunch of household staples- maybe some milk, gotta have the milk with the cereal after all. "Oh, yeah. That is a good plac to go. While we're there- think they sell those efficient bulbs? I was thinking of moving the crystal brighthouse to the ones with the different bridlewood lumens. I heard they were better for the environment, and that would help us with the light pollution problem we're having in Maretime Bay. Well, a little."

Gallus made himself a bit more comfortable as he laid out long wise on a bench on his back, folding his wings so they acted more or less to latch him into spot. He put the towel over his midsection as he allowed his right hind leg to lay off the bench along with his tail, which seemed to swerve aimlessly. He could feel his normally taut muscles start to soothe. Half under the influence of the humidity which, as much as he was not a fan of how it made his griffonite feathers feel, certainly worked to make his muscles slowly melt into jelly under the influence. The other half was simply comfort with Silverstream. She was a great conversationalist, sometimes almost to her detriment whether it was because she spoke too much or expected you to know what she was thinking. But when she was relaxed and allowed the conversation to flow naturally there was nocreature better. She was pretty good at driving things in conversation with a bright, curious mind. He liked that about her. "Other things?" He allowed his mind to wander and as it did, it started to move further away from the minor tropics he used to distract himself. Gallus by design didn't think too much about what the future held or what was happening beyond his immediate control, but as often as that could help him handle the day to day events of his life he also had to admit it also led to him appearing to dodge things. Well, not appear. He just did. But his mind also wandered to topics beyond those that seemed to grip him existentially as well. They just didn't come as easily when somecreature just asked you to open yourself up as easily as Silver had a habit of doing. "I think I'm very lucky to have found all of you."

Continue to work on grammar, but otherwise...

The tea date went on for some time, the Princess' appetite and capability to sustain it far outpacing anything the Princess-adoring filly could ever truly hope to understand. Which was fine, because the depth of it was very unglamorous and the genesis of a few very old, very unfunny Celestia-focused jokes that would surely get a purple flanklift over the eons. Beyond that though, it was a very pleasant experience. Twilight always loved teaching fillies and colts about magic, even before she had become a Princess. Her passion for that had never dimmed. Her love for her friends likewise had never dimmed. A part of her was sad that with her new duties she would not be there for her friends' growing families as time passed the way she could have before. She didn't begrudge her fate- she did by and large embrace it and was happy to lead Equestria- but it id come with a few downsides. She would be around for Ambrosia, but not as much as she could have been. She looked around as Ambrosia filled up. This room was set up wonderfully. She had made small magical alterations to it over the visits, enchanting the walls to allow better aetheric reflections. It would subconsciously help with learning and energizing her. Not in a dramatically impactful way, but a little bit of help constantly added up to great differences in the long run. She had all manner of educational materials and had been taught many of the basics, and soon she would be ready to start using magic in a more off-minded manner. But for now, Twilight was content with who they were and what they had done. Her time today grew short as he other duties hung over her haunch with increasing weight, demanding her eventual attention. "So, was this the best tea party ever?"

High Bar gave a false pout at his answer. "Aww, what a shame. They were really cool. I bet little wings like you really look up to them, right?" Shen answered sweetly, her words dripping with sachharine ruthlessness that was hard to argue with. "Maybe one day they'll let you...I dunno, at least watch them. Can't hurt to dream, right?" She asked again, this time dropping one of the balls on his head with her magic. Uggh, pegasi. She didn't dislike them as much as she was annoyed by their bird brain antics. Always trying to show off and be super cool when they were totally not cool. Who would want to fly around and get stinky when you could just walk in nice, perfumed air with a cool horn? They should just try harder. Especially the colts. Gross. What was certainly not gross was his little sister, a cute little unicorn just like High Bar, except smaller and more high pitched. Well, at least one good thing came trotting out of that smelly old farm in smelly old Ponyville. High Bar knew the filly by reputation more than anything else, having caught glimpses of her while in town and hearing about her whenever Applejack was out in the market. And by hearing about her, Bar meant the Apple mom wouldn't stop talking about her filly and colt even when all you wanted was a discount on apples. So maybe High Bar had it in for them, just a bit. "Oh, hey there, Ambrosia. I'm High Bar. Your horn is super cute, by the way," she said as she used one of her back hooves to push the colt away and into the sea of the ball pit.

Gallus was just happy he hadn't made a fool of himself too much in front of the dad. A little bit of a fool maybe. More than a little, perhaps. But hopefully he wouldn't find himself banned from Sequestria and contacting Silverstream outside of scholastic activities due to being a total loser fool in the eyes of Skybeak. Knowing Silverstream she'd read the news out loud in excitement thinking it was a nice, happy letter and then everycreature would think (and know) how stupid he was. Luckily for him that didn't happen, and Skybeak probably thought that Gallus was a totally cool dude. And he'd be welcomed back and they'd wing wrestle and it would be totally cool because Gallus wasn't a loser. Okay, his thoughts were getting away from him. He felt a little light-headed- he had barely been breathing before, and the rush of oxygen nearly made him lose his wings as he flew next to Silverstream. "Oh...oh, yeah. Harmonizing Heights. I've heard about it before from Professor Rarity's little sister. We aren't gonna be singing any songs while we're up there, are we?" He asked in faux annoyance before looking around, keeping to himself the songs he'd like to sing with her. A duet of a sort... "Wow. This place is beautiful. Does anygriff live here, or is it like some sort of park or nature reserve?"

The goofy, exhilarating high that Rara always experienced after a performance went well only rarely entered into the world of practice and preparation, but she couldn't help it. It helped that Applejack had been everything as advertised and then some twice over on a Sunday when push came to shove. When everything worked as you imagined it, well then, just about nothing could bring her down. Except for the hunger pains that she had also ignored across the meandering moments of the day before the performance had begun. With that in mind, a hearty lunch was by no means out of the equation. "Oh, yeah. That would probably be a very good idea. I forgot to prepare myself as I should have- totally famished as well. we've been cooped up here at the ranch for a while, I suppose. Maybe we can head towards civilization a bit. There are a few small places to eat near the train station. Nothing that'll knock your fetlocks loose and clear but I think you'll like it. Anything in particular you want, Jackie?"