Etpitivi/ Applebloom
Etpinego/ Applejack
Zajepev/ Scootaloo
Waimi Fipi/ Sweetie Belle
Xamspona Tevopi/ Twilight Sparkle
Vivmay/ Rarity
Vemsa Hewl/ Rainbow Dash
Hyva Zopul/ Dusty Shine
Zebra mare/ ?

Today was the day. A day that I had secretly been dreading since I had reluctantly conceded to my new marefriends' demands. I had to chuckle a little at how it was kind of funny that even when I wasn't aware that I was in a relationship with them, I had already been pussy-whipped. Either way, today was the day. The day of the ball. An event that I'm sure was going to have me so far out of my comfort zone, that I was seriously contemplating finding some cave up in the mountains to hide out in, Taliban-style, till this whole thing passed like a bad hangover. Yet I'm sure a couple of the mares in my new herd would have a thing or two to say about me not showing up to the party that they were putting on for me. Then again, leading them on a merry ol' chase, with the risk of death imminent, would be a more pleasing time then dressing up like a peacock and being gawked at by a bunch of snobs.

Turning my head lazily to the side, I checked to see what time it was getting to be from the clock that hung safely on the wall across the room. The hands on the dial read a quarter to seven, which meant that I had a little over twelve hours till the event, and about two hours till I had to meet the other girls at the train station. Drawing from the deepest depths of my being, I somehow managed to find enough motivation to crawl out of bed and start the day.

About half an hour later found me walking up the front porch steps of the Etpi homestead with a backpack slung over my shoulders to pick up my new marefriend and escort her into town. After all, what kind of beau would I be if I didn't pick my mare up from her house? Plus, the possible reactions that I would more than likely receive from her or her family would be worth it. Stopping in front of the door, I found a devious smile tugging at my lips as I lightly rapped my knuckles against the wood and waited for a reply.

After a few moments of silence, I heard a bustle of movement coming from behind the door as it opened to reveal the youngest of the Etpi siblings and her two fellow Crusaders.

"Hiya Eric," the little yellow filly with the big red bow said as the three of them shot me a wide smile.

"Hello girls," I greeted the three fillies, flashing a smile of my own, "Is Etpinego here?"

"Yeah, she's finishin' up her tuvypun chores out mu tha barn," Etpitivi told me, as she pointed over to the big red building.

With a curt nod of my head in thanks, I headed towards the old building, all the while hearing whispers from behind me as they shut the door. Upon reaching the red barn, I sat my bag down outside as I silently slipped through the big doors. My intentions were to hopefully find Etpinego busy with work, as was her wont, and to be able to creep up on her undetected. A quick look around once I had entered the building found her nowhere in sight. The inside of the barn was dark, save for the beams of sunlight streaming in through the windows set high on the walls. Illuminating the floating dust particles like flecks of gold floating in the ocean, but little else as the contrast in light made it hard to see into the dark shadows. I could barely make out that the loft and stalls were empty, save for the piles of hay that laid within them, and in the middle of the barn set Etpinego's now barren applecart. The fruit having been moved to the storehouse to keep it from spoiling quicker. It was then that I noticed a movement coming from the shadows under the cart as I squinted my eyes to get a better look.

The black mass slowly began to morph in shape and height as I made out two shining orbs and the jingling sound of bells could be heard. Squinting a little harder as my eyes continued to try and adjusted to the dark, I could begin to make out more of the shape. I let out a smile as it finally came into view. The mysterious form being nothing more than Etpinego's faithful Australian Shepherd, Mueva, having found a quiet place to take an early morning nap.

The little brown and white dog's ears perked up and her long tail began thumping loudly against the wooden planks as she saw me. Kneeling down I motioned the farm dog to me, who quickly trotted her way over to my outstretched arms.

"Hey girl," I whispered as quietly as I could. Still not wanting to alert Etpinego to my presence as I scratched the happy dog's dusty brown coat. "Where's Etpinego at? Huh girl? You know where she's at?"

Yet all I received for a reply was a series of happy pants from the little aussie as she soaked up the attention I was giving her. I gave her a good scratch behind one of her ears as I tried to avoid her wet tongue that was busy trying to lick my face. So busy was I in playing with Mueva, that I didn't hear someone approaching me from behind, until it was too late.

A weight suddenly collided with my back, knocking me off balance as I fell forward. Startling Mueva in the process as she yelped at my sudden movement and scurried to get out of my path as I fell. Landing in the hay, I rolled to the side as I felt the weight above roll with me, pinning me to the ground as the sound of laughter filled my ears.

"Thought y'ah could sneak up on me, didya?" Etpinego laughed as she looked down at me from her perch on top of me.

"The thought had crossed my mind," I replied, as I swatted away Mueva, who had decided to take advantage of her mistress's distraction and begin to lick my face. "Aw, Mueva not in the mouth!"

Etpinego let out another bout of laughter as I began to try and spit the taste of dog breath out of my mouth. "Looks like she really likes y'ah."

"The feeling's mutual," I said sarcastically as I narrowed my sights at the little brown dog now happily sitting beside the blonde-maned mare.

Etpinego grinned as she leaned down, nuzzling my cheek tenderly as she whispered softly in my ear, "Well, I guess she just has good taste then."

"You think so?" I asked inquisitively as I lightly gripped her thighs, figuring that I would play dumb a little longer.

"Mm-hmm," she hummed in approval before attempting to sit-up, but I wasn't going to have any of that as I shot her a rascally grin.

She didn't get time to contemplate my expression as I moved my grip up to her toned waist, swiftly rolled her off of me, and onto the hay. Both of us laughed all the while as I propped myself over her with that same grin plastered across my face. Mueva meanwhile must have thought it was time to play again as she hopped around us, barking at me and her mistress at being left out.

"Not so fun being on the bottom is it?" I asked the farm mare as I leaned in closer, but Etpinego wouldn't be so easily defeated.

"I don't know, suga'," she replied with heavy-lidded eyes as she wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me closer. "I think I could get used to it."

"Really?" I said surprised as my eyebrows raised, not expecting her to be so bold.

"Mm-hmm," she agreed with me as she flashed me a warm smile.

Slowly, I got lost in the depths of her green eyes as I sat there lightly running my fingers through her blonde mane. We didn't say a word as we let our eyes do our talking for us. I could see the happiness in those green gems, and any lingering doubts I may have had about going forward with our relationship were quelled completely by that simple look. My feelings towards the three mares that were now a close part of my life were true, and no matter how long it lasted, I was going to give it my all. I would take the advice given to me and focus on the present, making them as happy as they could be. For if it was to be fate's destiny for me to be eventually separated from these three, then I would do my best to give them the best memories of me now while it lasted.

Gingerly, I leaned in and rubbed my cheek against her tan colored one, an intimate act for ponies as we used the physical connection to strengthen the bond between me and my mare. Breathing in deeply, I smelled her natural scent of apples and cinnamon mixed in with the ever present smell of sweat and dirt while I heard her do the same, remembering my scent as that of her stallion's. I heard her let out a sound that almost sounded like a nicker as I made my way down her neck, grazing her soft fur with my lips and tickling her skin with my breaths. As much as my body wanted to continue, I knew from the conversation that my herd and I had had last night that Etpinego was not experienced with relationships. So I wanted to take it slow with her and not rush it, letting her make the first move. I could wait, for any of them I could wait.

As I pulled back, I gave Etpinego one final smile as I sat up and helped us both to our feet. "Are you ready to go?"

The farmer went to answer, but was interrupted by a loud shout coming from behind the parked cart.

"Aw, qis vu!" came a cry, causing us to look and find Etpitivi and her fellow Crusaders trying to stay hidden despite their outburst.

"Etpitivi," Etpinego called to her younger sister in a warning tone. "I know y’all three are fego there."

The three fillies cowered behind the wooden cart from the older mare's gaze. Hoping that Etpinego would forget about them if she couldn't see them, yet simple trickery like that would not work on the experienced mare. After a few moments though, the fillies knew that their attempts at evasion were fruitless as they sullenly shuffled their way into view.

"Now what do y'all lezi to say fer celvwip?" Etpinego asked as she crossed her arms expectantly.

"We weren't spyin' vu y'ah sis, honest," Etpitivi pleaded with her older sister as the little orange pegasus, Zajepev, piped in.

"Yeah, we were syxmih and heard a bunch of noise qispun from mumih the barn and slyxklyx you were in trouble."

"So we qes to see if you rihih any help," Waimi Fipi added cheerfully as she smiled at us, her curly pink and lavender mane falling over her shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah that's it!" Etpitivi exclaimed excitedly, pointing to the young white unicorn. "We qes to help y'ah! That's when we saw y'all two and didn't want to pualyta, b'cause it looked like you were doin' somethin' important."

"Yeah!" The other two fillies chimed in as the three of them flashed us their most sincere smiles.

Etpinego and I didn't believe a word of their story, me especially, having just talked to them at the house mere minutes prior. My marefriend just had more experience hiding it than me, and remained an unfazed symbol of authority. I, on the other hand, had to find something else to look at before I broke down in laughter. Eventually, I settled upon a particularly interesting looking metal hook on a beam. I studied the pitted surface of the wrought iron, each depression making the metal surface look like the surface of some barren asteroid. Looking at it more, I eventually took intense interest in how the metal was bowed ever so slightly, even though nothing hung upon the hook. So deep was I in my thoughts about what all could have hung from the hook over the years to have placed that permanent curve in it, that I almost missed Etpitivi's next comment.

"Etpinego," the little yellow filly began cautiously, pausing to see if it was safe to continue. When she received no response she took it as a sign to go on, "Are you and Eric special someponies now?"

Rubbing the bridge of her nose Etpinego let out a sigh as she answered the curious trio. "Yeah, we are."

The girls let out a squeal of excitement for the older mare at this obviously important news, and looked like they wanted to ask a whole slew of questions. However, I decided that this was as good a time as any to intervene, as I placed my hands gently atop Etpinego's shoulders. After all, we had a ball to get going to.

"It's alright Etpinego, they didn't mean any harm in it. I think we can let them off this time." I whispered to her as she gave me a stubborn snort in reply, "They're just curious is all."

"Still ain't right fer them to be spyin' on us-," She tried to retort as she looked back over her shoulder at me, more than likely something about how she preferred her privacy, but I decided to cut her rambling short as I placed my lips over hers, silencing the frustrated mare.

The kiss, though short and sweet, still had the desired result I was looking for as I heard the trio of spies let out a dreamy, "Aw."

The end of the kiss left Etpinego speechless as her cheeks now held a distinct reddish tint to them. Giving her a cheeky grin just made her blush deepen as I turned my gaze to address our little audience, "Alright you three, off with you."

The three girls quickly exited the barn, giggling like mad as they excitedly talked amongst themselves. As they ran towards the house, I thought I could make out Etpitivi saying something about a brother or something like that.

"Y'ah know I'm gonna get you back fer that," Etpinego promised as she lightly elbowed me in the ribs.

I let out a chuckle as I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her close to me, nuzzling her neck. "I look forward to it."

She let out a sigh again as I felt her relax. "I'm not gonna hear the end of this from Granny and Big Qeg now."

"I think the real issue's going to be when they find out that we're both also courting Gilzia and Pyre.", I said as I let out another chuckle, lightly kissing the crook of her neck as she let out a groan. "Are you ready to go?" I asked again to which she just simply nodded.

After saying as quick of a goodbye to the rest of the family as we could manage, we were soon on our way. It wasn't long before we reached the train station on the edge of town where the others were waiting. As we came up, I noticed that all of the girls were looking at us with varied expressions for some odd reason. Tupomi looked like she was literally about to burst at the seams in excitement. Xamspona had her head tilted to the side with a look of confusion etched on her face, busily trying to analyze something. Meanwhile the rainbow-maned Vemsa Hewl was leering at us with a devilish smirk as she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. All the while, Vivmay stood there wide-eyed and fanning herself dramatically for some odd reason. Finally, poor sweet Paxxila was just blushing madly.

"Hey everyone, y'all ready to go?' I asked as I saw Tupomi and Paxxila nod slowly. Well, Paxxila did at least. Tupomi was obviously more expressive. The others just continued to stare, confusing the two of us.

"What's wrong with you gals?" Etpinego asked, obviously getting a little worried about her friend's well being.

The other mares simply just pointed towards the space between her and I. Confounded even more at what was the issue, Etpinego and I followed where their fingers were pointing down till we saw what all the ruckus was about. Somehow, during our journey into town, the farm mare's and my hand had become intertwined, unbeknownst to the two of us. Etpinego's first reaction was to pull her hand away, embarrassed that her friends had caught her, but I held onto her hand. Giving it a reassuring squeeze, I turned to address the others. This was going to be brought up sooner or later, and I would rather get it out of the way as opposed to dragging it out. After all, what did we have to be ashamed about?

"What's the matter?" I asked them with a confused tone to my voice. Figuring that playing it off as nothing would be the best course of action.

"When did this happen?" Xamspona asked, with just as much confusion in her voice.

"Last night when we started courting Princesses Gilzia and Pyre," I simply replied, giving Etpinego's hand another squeeze while she was currently doing a pretty good impression of Paxxila, trying to hide behind the brim of her hat. I guess she wasn't used to such public displays of affection. For a few minutes we stood there in silence, waiting for somepony to make or say the first thing. Luckily, we didn't have long to wait.

"Oh darling, we're so happy for you!" Vivmay practically bawled as she pulled the startled Etpinego into a tight embrace, almost knocking me down in the process as she wedged herself between us.

The seamstress's sudden action opened the floodgates, as the others also surrounded the farm mare and began to ask her a torrent of questions in Equis. I tried to follow along, but they were all talking at once and too fast for me to catch all of the words. Which kind of made me relieved that I wasn't the focus of such a storm. All in all, I would have to say that this went better than I could have hoped for it to. Honestly, I was expecting something along the lines of Xam castrating me for having "seduced" the princesses and her friend. Instead, she seemed just as excited and happy for her friend as everyone else was.

"Nice job there, Stud," Vemsa Hewl said to me as she nudged me playfully in the ribs with her elbow. "Didn't think you had it in y'ah."

"Well it was your advice," I reminded her as a smirk tugged at my face and I crossed my arms.

"I know." The cocky pegasus replied as she smugly smiled at me and crossed her arms as well. "See how much more awesome your life is when you listen to me, Stud?"

I raised an eyebrow at her as she wiggled hers at me again suggestively, we stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, before we both began to laugh at the silliness of the situation.

"But seriously, Stud," Vemsa said as she wiped the tears of mirth from her eyes, "remember what I said and take care of my friend."

"Of course, Vemsa." I told the colorful pegasus mare as I watched Vivmay gush over having to change Etpinego and my outfits for the ball, because we were now part of the Royal Herd. "Just one thing, though."

"What's that Stud?"

"Please stop calling me that," I told her dryly.

"No way!" The weathermare said happily with a pat on my back. "You're in a herd with the Princesses Gilzia and Pyre, in addition to my friend Etpinego. Any stallion in the world would kill to be in your position. Sorry Stud, it's staying."

Shortly thereafter, we boarded the train, and were off on our way to the capitol. Luckily for me, the train ride was fairly uneventful, save for the random questions by the mares about Etpinego and my recent change in relationship. Then there was the small celebratory party, well small by Tupomi's standards, and within a few hours we had arrived at our destination. As we all clamored out of the train car, we noticed a welcome party there already waiting for us on the platform. The leader, a mature pegasus mare with a light grey coat and dark brown hair that had a white streak running down it, bowed deeply to us as her assistants did the same. It also didn't pass my attention that she was very curvy when I got a very good look at her ample bosom as she bowed.

"Welcome back, Princess Xamspona Tevopi," she said keeping her head low. "I tevc that you and your guest's trip was a tipewirx one?"

"Yes it was, thank you." Xam said as she motioned for them to raise their heads.

"That is good to hear Your Highness," she said as she and her team raised their heads. "My team and I have not had the tipewyz to serve you yet Your Highness, so epsa me to puashygi myself. My name is Hyva Zopul and my team and I have been tasked with irvipun that you and your guest's every rihez are met."

I wasn't sure, but I could have sworn that the mare and many of her attendants cast a quick glance my way as she said that. Then again it was probably just my mind playing tricks on me, being as I hadn't been able to bust a nut in quite a few months. After a couple of months of buildup, you start thinking that every female is looking at you, like they can smell the accumulation of hormones emitting from you.

Anyways, Xam thanked the maids and they went to grab the few overnight items that we brought with us, being as we would not be able to catch the final train back to Ponyville. Also, after this was over, I was planning on spending some private time with the other members of my herd. Because even though I had spent plenty of time talking to them individually, throughout the months prior along with last night, I felt there was still a lot that I didn't know about them, nor them about me.

A unicorn maid came over to grab my backpack that I had sat down on the platform, but as she picked it up I reached out to grab it from her. "I get that please."

The young mare jumped and let out a squeak as I grabbed the shoulder strap, close to where she was holding. Her actions fumbled the bag, causing it to land back on the platform with a plop, and garnering everyone's attention.

"My sincerest etspykimdz sir," the mare said as she bowed her head to me. "I hope I have not tywix you."

Figuring the maid was still under the false impression that my touch would remove her of her connection with the Magic of Harmony, and not wanting to get her in trouble with Hyva Zopul, who was looking our way, I quickly raised my hand to her in an attempt to placate her worries while lifting the backpack again.

"It okay, I carry." I told her in my broken Equis, as I slung the bag over my shoulder and motioned to myself.

Taking the hint, the maid smiled at me and gave me another short bow, "Very well sir, as you azol."

With that situation out of the way, we all boarded a carriage which took us promptly to the castle. Once there, the maids lead each of us to our designated rooms that we would be using for the night. Xamspona informed us that the wing that we were in was away from all the others and directly connected to the private royal wing. As she said this, she gave a wink towards me and Etpinego. The farm mare just blushed again at getting what her friend was trying to insinuate, while I just gave her a nonchalant shrug. Not wanting to let her know the mischief I could cause at knowing that information if I became too bored tonight.

Upon entering my chamber, I threw my backpack on the bed and headed to the bathroom in anticipation of taking a shower before having to get ready. Although, no sooner did I turn on the faucet and get myself undressed, than a knock come from the bedroom door. Grumbling to myself at being interrupted, I wrapped a towel around my waist before making my way back towards the door. Cracking it open ever so slightly, I saw Hyva Zopul, along with two other maids, smiling at me as she gave me a short little bow.

"Sorry to pualyta, but we have been sent to irvi that you are zhawexih with your egshepavuz."

I couldn't follow some of what she was saying, but I still got the message she was trying to convey.

"Yes, thank you." With that, I tried to close the door, but found it blocked by the foot of the busty maid.

"If you would like, we can help you with your bathing. It is one of the many services we are womsih at shimvpun."

If that had been said to me no more than a couple of months ago, I would not have hesitated a second to invite them in and have one hell of a Pre-Ball party. But now I was a committed man to not just one, but three beautiful mares, and nothing was worth jeopardizing that situation just so I could bust a nut... or six. Which desperately needed to happen, and soon. And even if I was contemplating being unfaithful, I would have to be some kind of stupid to do it when I had a mental connection with two of them and was currently in their house, and the third was just down the hall.

"So, can we come in sir?" the mare asked as she batted her eyes and the other two gave a little giggle.

"No," I told them bluntly, and with that I shut the door and made my way back to the bathroom to take a long, cold shower.

No sooner did I finish though, I heard another knock came from the door. Groaning in frustration, I re-wrapped the towel around my waist as I walked, still dripping wet, to the door. Turning the door handle I was taken by surprise as the door flung open and a certain white seamstress barged in with a garment bag following behind her surrounded in her blue magic.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, darling.", she said without even bothering to look at me as she made her way to the dresser at the far side of the room and opened it with another burst of magic. "I would have been done sooner dear, but I first had to see what the Princesses would be wearing."

"Uh, done with what?" I asked as she hung the bag on the door and looked back at me happily.

"Why your tuxedo, Eric," she said flashing me a smile.

"My tuxedo?" Confusion evident in my voice, "I thought you had finished that a while ago?"

"Oh that old thing," she said as she dismissively waved her hand in the air. "That was before I found out about you and Etpinego courting the Princesses."

"But you just found out about that a couple of hours ago."

"Yes, but you couldn't possibly expect me to work on it while we were on the train. I had to wait until we came to the castle so that I could use their stores of fabric," Vivmay said, not getting what I was confused about as she turned to face me.

"Wait a minute," I said stopping her, "we've only been here for about thirty minutes. Are you telling me that you made a whole tuxedo in that amount of time?"

The seamstress just giggled at me as she placed her hand over her mouth. "Why no darling, that would be absurd."

I let out a sigh of relief at knowing that she hadn't worked herself to the bone on my account. "That's good, I-"

"I did both your tuxedo and Etpinego's dress," she said offhandedly as my jaw hit the floor, but she just continued unfazed, "Oh come now Eric, don't act so surprised. You know I do some of my best work under pressure. Now come here so that you can try it on."

I walked over to the mare as she opened the garment bag, revealing the outfit I was to wear for the night. It was nothing short of a masterpiece, a work of art that I was almost too afraid to wear, lest I ruin it. Reaching out I ran my hand along the smooth fabric of the double breasted tailcoat that was the same deep shade of navy blue as Pyre's coat, and like her cutie mark, the sleeve cuffs and the top half of the collar were an inky black. Silver embroidery weaved along the black cloth in patterns too detailed for me to fully appreciate as it contrasted against the darker fabric it laid on. This embroidery went along perfectly with the shiny metal buttons that traveled down the front of the coat in two rows of four with two more on each sleeve. The trousers looked to be a fitted pair in a light golden color that reminded me of the golden blonde hair of Etpinego that shined like a field of wheat. Nestled beneath the coat was a vest, double-breasted like it's fellow over garment, which was as blue as a summer sky, and reminded me of Gilzia. Tucked under it all was a simple white collared dress shirt made of silk and a dark magenta colored cravat.

"It is customary in our land, when courting, for the stallion to wear a color of his mare's," she said as she watched me examine the detailed embroidery along the cuffs and collar.

"This is incredible Vivmay," I said as I opened up the coat to get a better look at the clothing items under it. "You didn't need to do this much."

The white seamstress crossed her arms under her breasts defensively as she haughtily tuned her nose up at me. "Nonsense Eric, I refuse for you to go to your ball in anything less than the perfect outfit for you." Her peeved mood didn't last, though, as she recalled something. "Oh, I almost forgot, you'll be needing these as well."

As her horn lit up again a pair of shiny black dress shoes and white dress gloves came in from out in the hall. The items floated through the air and landed on my outstretched hands, the magic dissipating upon coming into contact with my skin. Looking to Vivmay again, I found her giving me one of those smug smiles she got whenever she knew that she had done her job completely.

"Thanks again Vivmay, I really owe you big after this," I told her but she just gave me a smile and a light tap on my chest.

"Think nothing of it. It was my pleasure to do it for you. Now hurry up and put it on so I can see it. After all I still have to get myself ready."

Realizing the time with a jump I went to remove the towel around my waist, but then remembered the mixed company that I was currently in. Then again, thinking on it for a second, it wasn't like she hadn't seen it before, but in the end good manners must prevail.

"Vivmay, would you mind leaving the room for a moment while I get dressed?"

The mare let out a sigh in mild frustration as she rolled her eyes at me. "Eric, darling, you really need to get over this thing about nudity."

"Oh I don't have a problem with it, just thought I'd give you a chance to leave if you wanted," I said as I dropped the towel, and had to laugh a little as the seamstress's eyes followed the cloth to the floor as a light pink crept on her cheeks. When I began to head towards my backpack to grab a pair of underwear, Vivmay stopped me.

"No undergarments Eric. I designed these clothes to be worn in the traditional Equestrian way, without undergarments."

"Really?" I asked to no one in particular as she gave me a nod, but I didn't quite catch that, as my mind was already wandering on the fact that all the mares, more particularly my mares, would not have anything underneath their dresses. Now, don't get me wrong. During my time here on this world, I had become used to seeing most of the inhabitants walking around without any clothing, and had even embraced the idea as most days one could find me wearing nothing but a pair of shorts. Even that was only because of the physical differences between myself and a stallion. Had to think of the decency of the children after all.

But the idea of the celestial sisters or the farm mare going commando beneath their formal wear really got my blood pumping. Their flower's glistening with dew hidden from my sight beneath mere pieces of fabric, silently begging me to pluck them. It wasn't until I felt certain parts of me beginning to rise to the occasion that I was knocked out of my fantasies as I remembered that I wasn't alone in the room. God, I really needed to relieve this sexual frustration. Luckily for me, though, I was currently facing away from the white seamstress, who was hopefully unaware of my compromising situation. Yet with some deep breathing and creative visual images I was able to wrestle the rogue member under control again.

"Is something the matter Eric?" Vivmay asked as I heard her walk over to me.

"Nope, everything's fine," I said quickly as I gave her a nervous laugh before turning, keeping my back to her, and grabbing the pants from the hanger.

After the pants were on, it wasn't long till I had the rest of the suit on and stood before the white unicorn as she looked over the fit of the clothing. Once she had given it a good once over, she stood back and smiled dreamily as she admired her work.

"Ah, perfect," she sighed happily before regaining her composure. "Now tell me Eric, how does it fit?"

"Perfect, Vivmay," I said as I turned to admire my new clothes in the mirror. I couldn't help but think that I looked like some kind of fancy gentleman from the Antebellum South, "you really are a master at your trade."

"But of course dear, would you expect anything less of me?", she asked as she soaked in the admiration, and I had to let out a chuckle.

"No, I guess I wouldn't."

"Well," Vivmay began as she made her way towards the bedroom door, "if you will excuse me, the other girls and I have to finish getting ready."

With a respectful nod of my head to Vivmay, she left the room, closing the door behind her. As I stood there adjusting my tie, I happened to notice the clock on the dresser in the mirror's reflection. I still had a little over an hour left to go. I wasn't particularly hungry, being still a little full from the refreshments from the party on the train ride here. So, I figured I would do a little exploring around the castle till it was time to be back for someone to come and grab me and the others from our rooms. Opening the bedroom door silently, I looked both ways to ensure that the hall was clear before sneaking out to stealthily roam the halls.

I had been to the castle a few times since my initial visit all those months ago, but they were always related to business, and I never actually got a chance to actually see the beauty of this fortress. From the meticulously maintained plants in the halls and gardens, to the suits of armor that shone with such brilliance as they performed their silent vigil. And of course, no amount of words could be said about the stonework that made up the castle. The seamless way that each column rose ever higher to the vaulted ceilings that would be the envy of any cathedral from back home.

It was while marveling at these works of some long departed master that I wasn't watching where I was going as I rounded a corner in the hall and bumped into someone. Taken aback, I thought maybe I had run into one of the many maids and servants that scurried along the halls in their never-ending task of running the castle like a well oiled machine. Yet looking down revealed that the pony I had run into and knocked down was no other than the zebra mare from yesterday's demonstration.

"I sorry miss," I apologized in my broken Equis, as I reached my hand out to help her up.

"Ah zr zypnog," she replied in a language I was unfamiliar with as she reached out and grabbed my hand.

Upon coming into contact with my hand, a bright flash of light briefly erupted from where our hands were in contact before transforming into a white flame that quickly began to go down her arm. Looking at our hands, I realized that I had left my gloves back in my room on accident as the flame began to burn it's way down her forearm, yet she seemed to be in no pain from the fire. I had seen a similar reaction from my touch only once before, and that was when I had grabbed the guard's wrist back in the hotel and had dissolved her disguise. But this, this was different.

We both watched in silent awe as the flame made it's way down her arm, burning away the striped fur that was there and leaving the whitest fur I had ever seen. While similar to Gilzia, it was not quite the same. While Gilzia's fur had a pearlescent shine to it which shimmered in the sunlight, this new fur on the arm of this unknown mare reminded me of a winter field covered in snow as it sheened with a bluish tint. Once the flame reached the rest of her body, it quickly spread till all of her was consumed in the white inferno. After only a brief second, the flame disappeared, leaving the mare with a whole new appearance.

Where once sat an exotic looking zebra mare, now sat a much larger white alicorn mare, her long tresses and tail floating in some unknown breeze and shimmered like ruddy gold. Atop her head sat a gold tiara with many tall slender peaks and atop each peak sat a single pink pearl. Looking down to her hip I noticed that her cutie mark consisted of a large red heart with a yellow crown atop it and a string of smaller hearts orbiting the larger one.

Finally looking back up, I noticed that she was examining her new form as well, and as she held her other hand shakily out in front of her, and I saw the tears running down her face I got the feeling this was something new for her as well. Suddenly, she tensed as she looked at her other hand where I was still holding onto her before she meet my eyes finally. Those eyes, I couldn't stop staring at those eyes. Her eyes, which were a beautiful shade of green, when I saw her back at the presentation yesterday, were now a icy shade of blue that seemed to shine like diamonds from the tears she had shed.

"Are you okay?" I asked her, but she didn't reply as she just nodded her head slowly and continued to stare at me awestruck.

It was honestly making me a little uncomfortable, and I was about to help her up when the noise of footsteps from back down the hall that I had just come from drew my attention back over my shoulder. When I looked back to where the mysterious alicorn had been, I was surprised to find her gone, leaving me alone in the hallway.

Author's Notes:

Well so begins the Ball chapters. Going to keep it short because we have a long way still to go. Next chapter is already done, just waiting for it to get done at the proofreader's. With that in mind once again I'd like to thank AidanPryde for taking time out of his day to look over my chapters.

As always translated version can be found here