Two can still be a party; for party gets as fun as the one next to you is dear to you.

Rembrandt noticed a few curious looks on his way to his new home close to the city square, but otherwise, thankfully, nothing – probably because he wore a decorative piece on his back that covered just enough of his flank. He decided to deal with the agenda of his missing Cutie Mark some other time, because it was bound to pop up sooner or later.

The house was small and comfy, with an extra staircase to the small upper floor with a bed that led to a balcony and had a fantastic view of the city, the sky and the distances. But fancy views didn't concern Rembrandt at that point. After quickly putting his luggage away, he pondered over the things he had to do today – visit the agency of Ponyville Daily newspapers to secure his working place, getting the house ready and clean for potential visitors, sending a letter with address to his parents and visiting a certain pony. He spent a great deal of morning getting the house clean, and when he was about done, a first visitor knocked onto his door.

Wondering if it was someone living nearby, Rembrandt opened the door with a greeting smile on his face – his smile immediately turned into an expression of slightly scared surprise when a pink pony with a very beautiful curl to her mane almost smacked him with a party horn – it let out a loud, high pitched noise that startled him and covered him in numerous confetti.

“Hi there! I just couldn't help but notice that you just moved in here, so I thought I just MUST come and welcome you to Ponyville; so welcome to Ponyville!"

"Oh, why yes, I-"

“You see I know that you're new here, because I know every single pony in Ponyville and I never saw you before”, she continued randomly, finishing her ramble with a giggle. Just as Rembrandt was about to speak, she opened her mouth again:

“My name is Pinkie Pie! Who are you?”

She seemed almost as the knowledge of his identity was the only thing she needed in her life at that moment. Her stunningly blue eyes practically stared into his soul.

“Uh”, he needed a moment o compose himself, and quickly started before she continued talking – she seemed like quite a chit-chatter:

“Rembrandt Quill, but my friends call me Blank Rembrandt”, he said automatically. He had that recognizable accent of Canterlot ponies in his voice.

“Rembrandt? Such a fancy name! I knew a pony once by that name! Or at least I think I did, I mean, I'm pretty sure I heard of that name before! Are you sure we never met?”

She spoke very fast, but clear enough to be understood.

“Pretty much, miss Pie.”

“Oh just call me Pinkie, Blank Rem!” she gave him a childish smile. She pinned him a nickname quite fast, he noticed.

“Well, Blank Rem, I'll see you some other time! I just realized I have big plans for tonight!”

“You did?” Rembrandt asked in surprise; she must have had a ton of things to do if she suddenly realized she has obligations.

“Sure did! See ya!” she left him with a very unique bounce that Rembrandt never saw; not even as a colt surrounded by many of his age. It made him smile for some reason.

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Later that day, Rembrandt visited the agency of Ponyville Daily - it was a very busy little building, slightly disorganized too, but otherwise seemed like an interesting place with many interesting ponies.

He practically got the job right away; the pony who was the head of office was apparently more than eager to have someone working for her. What was with this town and its need for employees, Rembrandt wondered. Maybe it was the matter of economy balance.

Already having work to do, Rembrandt was trying to think about what could he possibly write in his first article ever - he could write well, but searching for the content? That was something else.

His flow of thoughts was soon broken though, when a couple of young colts ran past him very fast, one of them accidentally bumping slightly into him – the young colt didn't even notice it properly, running out of Rembrandt's sight before he could even react.

Trying not to get himself too bothered by child's play, Rembrandt continued on his way; or at least he tried to, as he heard a sweet, childish voice nearby.

“Excuse me”, he turned around to see a young filly with fiery red hair decorated with a bow and light yellow coat. She was accompanied by two more fillies who were staring both at him and his lack of Cutie Mark with great deal of curiosity. They must've participated in the game of tag with the colt who just ran by, because they were slightly out of breath.

“Excuse me Sir, but how come you still don't have your Cutie Mark?” she asked, her voice giving away her awe.

Rembrandt shortly looked at her flank, noticing the lack of her Cutie Mark, as well as the other two girls. He pondered over what he should say. Then he answered:

“I never tried hard enough to find it, I guess”, he tried. “That is why I came to Ponyville. I heard that there is no pony in this little town who was ever denied a Cutie Mark", he continued, eyeing their own flanks they yet lacked Cutie Marks.

Seemingly, he choose his answer well, because the fillies' eyes shined with joy that wasn't there before.

“Really?! Do you really think so?” the filly asked, both her friends and her visible excited about such amazing revelation about Ponyville.

"I wonder", Rembrandt replied somewhat undefined, but with a smile.

The trio's new found excitement was obvious. They left in a hurry yelling out something about crusaders. It brought a smile to Rembrandt's face as he continued on his way, ignoring the surprised looks of anypony who passed him by.

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The Sun was already setting slowly when he reached the house of a certain somepony he was looking forward to visit ever since he started to think about moving out of Canterlot - Twilight Sparkle.

The name was pretty well known among the ponies of Equestria by now, though Rembrandt never quite remembered it. But after he decided to move to Ponyville, he questioned and looked a bit more into her. An honorary student of Princess Celestia, the most powerful Element of Harmony, the pony who brought back Princess Luna, and saved Equestria from chaotic paws – a paw and a claw, to be specific – of Discord, restored the long lost Crystal Kingdom, even; along with other five elements of Harmony, other five praise-worthy ponies.

Soon, after asking a few ponies for directions, he found himself in front of the oddest home he ever saw - it was in fact a big oak tree. A mighty well decorated one, too. Rembrandt couldn't help but be amazed at the house, staring at the balconies and the windows, until a soft voice interrupted his wandering thoughts.

"Oh, hello there!" he turned his head to see a purple mare with a batch of books in her bag - he immediately recognized her as Twilight Sparkle.

"Sorry I wasn't here, I had to fetch some of the books very fast - but , the library is still open, feel free to come in!"

"Thank you, but the library is not the actual reason I am here; I was in fact looking for you. If you recall, we were in contact through the mail. I am Rembrandt Quil. The one with the 'problem'", he pointed to his flank.

"Oh!" Twilight let the surprise take over her face for a second. "Oh, please, do come in!"

Rembrandt followed her into the library, which, to be honest, looked more like a warm home... only with way too many books. Then again, one can never have enough knowledge, Rembrandt concluded.

"Oh, hi Twilight!" Rembrandt blinked when a small purple dragon entered the room. Seeing a dragon was indeed a rare occurrence - especially a baby dragon. And a well behaved one too.

"I just put on some tea for yo-- oh, hello", the dragon added when he noticed the visitor.

"Thank you Spike. Oh, can we offer you some tea?"

"Thank you", Rembrandt politely accepted. The two soon sat themselves in the library and Rembrandt told her more thoroughly about his problem, and the ways he tried to deal with it.

"That really is very strange." Twilight frowned in confusion. "Have you ever been to the doctor's by any chance?"

"I had appointed examinations annually", Rembrandt sighed. "The doctors never found a thing wrong with me. In fact, they told me I'm in excellent shape. I stopped visiting them a couple of years ago, since there was simply no point."

For the first time since she was born, Twilight didn't have a book she found appropriate for this situation. Well, not yet, anyway.

"Alright... Well, Sir, for now I can't really tell you anything, as this is the first time I've really heard of such a case. What do you say you visit me again tomorrow night; by then I might have some answers."

"That would be splendid", Rembrandt got up and paused.

"Thank you for your time Miss Sparkle. While I do hope you might be able to help me, my expectations will not exceed your abilities, I assure you."

Twilight gave him a compassionate smile.

"I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of this problem, Mr Rembrandt. You know, everypony here will be glad to give you some help, if you need it; we're always happy to help."

"That is very kind. I guess I'll be on my way then. Have a pleasant evening, Miss Sparkle."

"You too."

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Rembrandt finally reached the door to his new home. He sighed, feeling a bit tired and worn out. A relaxing bath and warm bed was all that was on his mind.

So you can probably imagine his surprise when he opened the door, the lights went on and a loud "SURPRISE" was emitted from about at least twenty ponies in his home.

"What in the name of...", Rembrandt started, not being able to finish. His first thought was they got the wrong house - perhaps even he did. Then the now familiar bouncing pony approached him and, to his slight terror, started singing while performing a very improvisational dance:

"This~ is a surprise party and you're invited too,

well of course you are, you silly, it's a party just for you!

All I want is your friendship, how hard can that be?

Enjoy, have fun, you're welcome here, it's not so hard to see!

We welcome you warmly to the town of Ponyville,

I'm sure you'll make a lot of friends, Mister Rembrandt Quill!" Pinkie finished the song with a pose worthy of a medal, while the ponies applauded.

Rembrandt just stared at her with probably the silliest face he ever made; his jaw dropped and eyes looking at her suspiciously. He was about to lecture this young lady about privacy and peace of one pony's own home, but she patted him on the back so cheerfully he couldn't say anything; she was obviously enjoying this way more than he was.

"What are you looking at me silly, it's your party; mingle!" and she pushed the shocked pony into the crowd. He stood in the middle of the room nervously and was slightly delighted to realize everypony were pretty much occupied with somepony, or something else. Sure, a couple of them did notice his lack of cutie mark, but, figured Rembrandt, the sooner the better. Maybe this party wasn't such a bad idea. Still, he would prefer if he were told anything about it. He never liked being the center of attention, obviously.

"I see you're not very used to surprises!" an earth stallion of yellow coat and brown mane approached Rembrandt. He had a playful twinkle in his eyes and a friendly smile; his voice slightly pulled towards Southern accent, but not too much.

"I can't say I had too many surprises in my life; and when I did, they weren't half as musical." Rembrandt agreed, and the stallion snickered.

"My name's Caramel. I work on th' Apple Acres and am part of th' Apple family."

"Right, I heard of it; I was offered a job there."

"Oh, really? So what do you do instead?"

The two enjoyed the chit chat as they got to know each other better. Rembrandt found himself immensely enjoying the talk with the stallion, but he seemed to be quite forgetful; he would sometimes mention things he already brought up in a such a fashion as he was talking about them for the first time. But he was quite clever otherwise and had a few interesting stories to share.

"You were right Daisy, he has no cutie mark! How come I didn't notice that?"

"Does that mean he's good for nothing?"

"Oh, hush Rose! Don't be so cruel! It can be a gazillion reasons!"

"Maybe he painted over it?"

Rembrandt couldn't help but smile a bit apologetic as a particularly loud, and probably punch-overdosed group of three mares commented on Rembrandt's 'flaw'.

"I do apologize if I'm the cause of any err, shocks."

"Ya don't have to feel sorry; I'm sure that for whatever reason ya don't have a Cutie Mark, it's a good reason."

"Huh, you think so?"

"Naturally. After all, each pony got one just at the right time and age. There must be a reason you still haven't got one, don't ya think?"

Rembrandt paused, apparently not sure what to say, but Caramel continued:

"Maybe you didn' get your Cutie Mark 'cause your talent still ain't ready for ya."

As interesting as that theory sounded, Rembrandt wasn't sure if he totally understood it. Still, Caramel gave him something to think about.

"You know, I never thought about it that way. Thank you. You've been a great help."

Caramel laughed a bit shyly.

"Aw, shucks, would you look at the time! And everypony almost left too."

Rembrandt was surprised to realized his house was practiclly empty; aside from him and Caramel, the only ponies remaining were the three mares who were recovering from punch overdose, Pinkie Pie who was trying to talk them into going home, and a few stallions who were eyeing the mares with interested smiles.

"My word, I haven not even noticed the room got so empty", he murmured.

"And it is quite an early hour as well; good night then, my friend."

"See ya soon, Rem! 'twas very nice talking to you!" Caramel sincerely said and trotted over to the exit; Rembrandt soon greeted everybody out, glad to have succeeded on closing the doors on time; Pinkie looked like she was about to sing again.

The room was slightly messy, but Rembrandt decided to worry about that afterwards; he got an inspiration to write something for his job; first article was supposed to be an introduction of a new writer. Climbing on the second floor, he quickly summoned himself a quill and a parchment, made himself comfortable in the bed and started writing.

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Misjudgment can be quite a deceiver.

I wouldn't be lying when I say Ponyville definitely seemed like a regular, if maybe a bit too small town; or if I said I expected a lot of not so pleasant conversations, rude glares and occasional taunting. All I could, all I did expect in fact, from this town, was to offer me some peaceful time alone, as it is so conveniently settled in a very natural surrounding.

But Celestia help me, I was wrong.

One should definitely not judge the book by its covers, but in Canterlot, many books were, while interesting, way too similar, so to speak; Canterlot is the city of a single genre. What I probably am trying to say, is, I never quite got along with the lifestyle of the fanciest city of Equestria.

I came to Ponyville to find peace, and even though my rich experience and travels have taught me so much, and even though I was sure I knew enough for several lifetimes, I was both happy and a bit terrified to realize there is a lot you can learn from such a small place. Ponyville hides much more than one would expect and I intend to discover all its charms and bits of knowledge; after all, one can never have enough of knowledge.

Private notes:

Miss Pinkie Pie showed me what does it mean to be random. A most unusual aspect of personality, but I intend to study it more. Seems like it brings a lot of fun and happiness.

A gent by the name Caramel taught me I can enjoy stuff I do not like, sometimes even without effort; the party I was very ready to dismiss brought me to him; a new friend.

Three little fillies I met on the street were quite inspired by my effort to find out about myself; I may have just made someone's day.