The next day a lanky earth pony in a postal uniform was waiting for me at work. “Hi, I’m Long Stride,” he greeted me.

“I’m Shane. I take it you’re my replacement.” Picking up my mailbag, I slung it over my shoulder. “Hope your talent is walking, because that’s ninety percent of this gig.”

“It is!” he said, a little bubbly that I had guessed his talent.

“Oh, okay. Lets get going then. So what did you do before this?”

“I pulled the cross-town mail wagon in Baltimare. Five miles each way,” Stride said, trotting up beside me.

His hoof steps made a different sound than I was used to. Looking at his one of his toes, he was wearing horseshoes. Not the decorative things the princesses wore, but plain old horseshoes.

“Well, this is kinda similar,” I said, carefully watching his gait. “Except it’s a big circle you make four times a day, and there's no wagon. The post office is our start and stop. Mail runs at two; you probably know that. But most of what we’ll be handling is interdepartmental.”

It was nice having someone to talk with while I wandered the halls and courtyards of the palace. Stride educated me about horseshoes. They were considered uncomfortable by most; keeping them from using their strange hoof-grip, but necessary for any heavy labor, or endurance walking.

Which, by the way, is thought to be anything over five miles. I forget the humans are endurance walkers. While any foal can trounce me in a sprint, only the most athletic pony can go ten miles before giving out. Pegasus being a major exception there, when they’re flying.

I got to have a little fun with Stride when it came time to make Celestia’s delivery. He handled it pretty well, I managed to get him to not throw himself on the floor. Really most the day was spent teaching him the small talk, introducing him to all the offices, and slipping him into the gossip.

On the second day, we were in the Ministry of Festivals when we picked up a package for Luna. Apparently there was a festival coming up they called Mid-Summer Lights, and Luna was the presiding host for Canterlot’s celebration.

“Normally you leave Luna’s mail with her guards.” I told Stride, as we neared the lunar office.

“Nocturne?” Stride asked, slowing in his steps. There was a touch of fear in his voice.

“Normally. Why, what’s up?”

“I’ve never met a nocturne.” Strode said looking around, then beckoning me to bend down so he could whisper something. I rolled my eyes, but did as he wanted. “They eat meat ... raw meat.”

Ponies love gossip: I’ve said that right?

“Long Stride, that’s silly. I’m friends with several of them. I’ve never seen anything of the like. Come on, I’ll introduce you to them.”

Strawberry was on post again when we go there; he’s not the best pony for first impressions, but certainly not the worst.

“Hi, Strawberry,” I called with a wave. “This is my replacement Long Stride.”

Strawberry gave me a confused look. “You’re leaving?”

“Yea, the House of the Rising Sun hired me as a stud”

I’ll be honest, I expected him to laugh at me, but instead I got a dumb look. “You?” he asked.

“For novelty factor, I’m told.”

Strawberry stroked his chin, giving me an appraising look. “I suppose I could see that.”

That was about as much approval as I could expect for Strawberry. “Here’s something from the Ministry of Festivals,” I said handing him the packet.

He gave it a look over, before setting it on a table behind him. “Thanks. Don’t be a stranger. I’m not working the festival; we should hang out.”

“That’d be great,” I said, turning to leave with Stride. “See Long Stride, they’re perfectly nice ponies.”

Long Stride gave me a sheepish grin, then nodded to the guards. “Pleasure to meet you,” he said, looking a little more comfortable than he had a moment ago.

I made a point to tell Stride a few stories about the nocturne and how they'd been rather forgiving of my original meeting. He got a few good laughs at my expense, and by the time we got back the to postoffice, he seemed much more comfortable about the idea of working around the nocturne.

The work day over, and a good deed done, I headed home. I’d decided tomorrow was going to be my last day, so I visited the house and left a message for Ruby that I’d be moving in soon.

I was a little sad to hang my bag on its hook for the last time. Long Stride was a sharp fellow, and after three days, I saw no need in coming back here.

“I’m heading home,” Long Stride’s voice snapped me from my melancholy.

“Be safe. I’m sure I’ll see you around,” I said waving to him.

Picking up a few little personal items, I started for the door myself; only to be blocked by a mare.

“I know you’re off duty and all ... But could you please take this over to the commissary for me?” Mrs. Hooves asked me, trying her best to lay the cute act on a thick as possible.

“Yea, no problem. Heading that direction anyway,” I said, taking the box from her.

The halls were mostly empty as I ventured across the palace grounds. It was the awkward time of day, Celestia’s court not quite over, Luna’s still a few hours away. But today something just felt off as I opened the door to the lunchroom.

“SURPRISE!” a dozen ponies yelled at me. I should have seen this coming, but I didn’t. Which is why I screamed like a girl.

I stood in the doorway and gawked for a moment. Strawberry and Key Peg had put together a nice going-away party for me. It’s the kind of celebration that ponies throw at the drop of a hat: a few decorations, punch bowl, pastries, some vegetable snacks. I’d seen a dozen little parties just like this, even attended a few. Short Bread’s maternity party had been far more fun that any baby shower I’d ever seen, but this was the first one I’d had held in my honor.

Guess I’d stood in the door a bit too long, as I found Long Stride’s head planted in my backside, pushing me into the waiting host of ponies. Turns out he’d been tasked with shadowing me, making sure I didn’t wander off. I only had to be forced the first few steps, before I came to my senses and happily waded into the group of awaiting ponies. The first round of hugs had barely started when everyone suddenly looked behind me, and bowed: spinning, I followed suit.

“Arise and relax. I am here for the punch,” Luna said, sounding like she needed coffee over fruit punch. Skirting the edge of the little herd, she poured herself a cup of punch, before raiding the vegetable tray. Sitting by the nearest unoccupied table, she took a sip of the prize, then looked quizzically into the cup.

“Strawberry, may I have a bottle of that wine you keep on you?” Luna asked looking to her guard.

“Ugh...” Strawberry drawled. I’m not sure if he was embarrassed for being called on having it at work, or simply because a princess had asked him for his wine. Either way, he quickly pulled a bottle from his mane.

That’s another trick I haven’t figured out yet. When I ask them about it, they just give me a dumb look like I’d asked them how to pee.

With the bottle now in Luna’s grasp, she magicked the cork out, and emptied the bottle into the punch bowl. Filling a fresh cup, Luna again tested it. “Much better,” she said with a smile.

Luna only stayed with us for a moment, before wishing me well and telling me she had a small gift for me, that would be delivered later. Excusing herself to the night court, Luna took a second glass of punch with her, and left us as we were.

Grabbing my own plate of food and cup of spiked punch, which was really good, I made a point to speak to everyone that had showed up. I was made, more than once, to promise to come back and visit regularly. Eventually Key Peg had me sit down and open my little housewarming gifts.

It was a nice evening with friends, I was going to miss seeing them every day. My melancholy thought had not more than surfaced when Celestia walked into the room, as if summoned to stamp out the mood.

“I was told there was cake in here?” Celestia said, sounding like a lost filly looking for a cookie jar. It was an act. We all knew it, but couldn’t help but laugh anyway. Walking through the gathered ponies, Celestia laid a little gift box near me before helping herself to a cupcake.

Picking up the colorful little package, I found a tag labeling it as being from both Luna and Celestia. I took care to keep the tag as a keepsake as I peeled back the paper. The seamless piece of wood I unwrapped confused me for a moment. I fiddled with the puzzle for a bit, before finally pushing on the right spot; sliding its lid ajar. Opening it the rest of the way, I revealed a straight razor. The blade was fine steel, and the handle made from crystal that seemed to sparkle even in the dark.

“Thank you! Thank you very much,” I said, tucking the razor back into its box. This was quite possibly the best gift I could imagine, I almost jumped up and hugged Celestia’s neck.

Not that I had much to shave, but what spotty little patches I did grow, drove me crazy. I’d found some scissors fine enough to keep my scruff short, but nothing to properly shave with. I’m still not sure how they knew what a straight razor looked like.

Celestia was on her third cup before someone thought to warn her Luna had spiked the punch.
She either already knew or didn’t care, as she finished that cup, and nursed a forth. Which lead me to learn Celestia gets chatty with a few drinks in her. There’s three history books I can return to the library now. It was really interesting to see Celestia relax. She hung out with us till it was time to go home, even helped us clean up before leaving.

The next day was moving day. I hate moving, but then I never had a team of horses to help me move.

Well, ponies, and really Strawberry and Key Peg were overkill for what I had. They were currently out picking up a cart to haul my stuff over, even though the trunk Key Peg gave me at the going-away party was the largest thing I owned. Seems everypony owned a trunk that held their most personal belongings. For now, I could put almost everything I own in it. I’d put my clothing in it last night. Now all I had to pack was the few odd books and baubles I’d collected over the past few months. But first, I was going to put my prized gift to use. Taking up the little box, I headed to the shower.

Lathering up some soap, I began the zen ritual of shaving with a straight razor. It’d been years since I’d last done this, but there’s not much to remember. It’s one of those things that’s easier than it looks. A hot shower and a fresh shave later, I was ready to move. Key Peg and Strawberry still hadn’t gotten back with the cart, so I took the time to pack my last few possessions into the trunk, and set what didn’t fit in it by the door.

“What’d you do to your face?” were the first words out of Key Peg’s mouth when he got home.

“I finally shaved that moss off my lip. Where’s Strawberry?”

Key Peg studied my face a bit longer before shrugging. “He’s outside with the wagon. That yoke is a pain to get into.”

Not wanting to keep anyone waiting, I latched the trunk, and helped Key peg get it out to the cart. It was a quiet stroll over the the house. Following the cart, my mind was drifting when something occurred to me. “I have no idea how to shop for groceries,” I said aloud. My two movers stopped in their place.

“What?” Strawberry said. “Key, did he not leave his room till last week?”

Key Peg put a hoof to his face. “No, not really.”

Strawberry shook his head, and started the cart rolling again. “Well, I guess we’re going to the grocer’s market today.”

Unpacking was simple enough. Really just dropping the trunk and other junk in the back bedroom, and putting my toiletries into the bathroom. Remind me to explain how their “toilet paper” works sometime.

Coming back into the main room, I found Key Peg rummaging around the kitchen and Strawberry no where in sight, but the door to the garden was wide open.

“What are you two up to?”

“Nice kitchen,” Key Peg answered. “Really dig the hidden wet bar.”

“The hidden what?” I asked looking over Key Peg. Sure enough, there was a tiny bar hidden behind what I had assumed was a pantry door. “Hmm... Guess there’ll be a trip to the liquor store too.”

“Alright, get your saddlebag and bits, we’ll hit the market on the way back,” Strawberry said, walking into the living room from the patio garden; tracking dirt all over my floor in the process.

“Strawberry ... my floor. What were you doing out there?” Thankfully this place was all hardwood, Strawberry’s mess was nothing a broom and mop couldn’t cure. Still, he could at least use the mat.

“Pulled some weeds,” he answered, continuing right through the apartment. I started to ask if he’d been raised in a barn, but thought better of it.

Outside, I was helping Strawberry back into the yolk, when Ruby Heart found us. “All moved in?” she asked.

“Yea, we’re taking him to the market to buy food and cleaning supplies.” Key Peg answered for me.

“Good, will it be okay for me to start scheduling your clients in two weeks?”

“Honestly, I thought I’d have to hit the ground running, so sure.”

Ruby stepped closer to us, shaking her head with a smirk. “We need you up to speed on some things before you start taking clients.”

I had to mess with Ruby. Reaching out, I scratched the little muscles behind her ear. “Oh, do I get a little personal training form the prettiest mare in town?”

Ruby leaned into my hand with a satisfied smile. “Flattery will get you nowhere, but don’t stop trying. I’m having books sent to your stall. Also, I want you to go on a date or two before you start seeing clients. You boys think you could help him there?” Ruby asked looking at Strawberry and Key Peg. I really didn’t like the smiles they were giving me.

“Ha, fair enough,” I said, getting a pouty look from Ruby as I pulled my hand back.

Ruby turned to leave, but paused to look back at me “You can start working out in the gymnasium as soon as you like. Remember that’s where you get bid on, so the sooner the better.“

“I’ll keep that in mind.” My reply earned me a smile and a tail swish, before she trotted back towards the offices.

“I’m going to return the cart, I’ll catch up with you two at the market,” Strawberry said before heading trotting down the road.

Grocer’s market, turned out is a giant farmer’s market. This was actually pretty familiar to me. I’d expected something stranger, but I could easily imagine myself back at the weekly market on the square. We’d gotten there a bit late. Everything had been pretty well picked through, but that meant bigger portions for the bits. I’m told bartering is more common in the smaller towns, but here in Canterlot bits are the primary currency.

Which brings me to their money; bits. I can’t say I’ve really figured them out yet. “Is three bits too much for a quarter-bushel of carrots?” I asked Key Peg.

“You won’t eat the tops, offer two bits and tell him to keep the tops”

Forking over the three bits, I took the quarter as-is. I didn’t mind haggling a bit, but I hated to ask for strange favors. Besides I could give the tops to somepony later.

Strawberry landed next to me while I was putting away to carrots. I was very proud of myself, I didn’t even jump. “Get the wagon returned?”

“Yep. You been to the wild-fruit booth yet?”

“No. Why? “

“Well, come on then,” Strawberry beckoned with his wing. “I’ll introduce you two to my family”

Key Peg and I traded a glance--we had to see this. Following our friend through the market, we ended up on the far edge of the plaza. In a shady corner we stopped at a modest stall with two earth ponies standing behind what looked to be a refrigerated display case.

Trotting behind the counter, Strawberry pressed necks with the older tan and black mare. “Mom, Sis, this is Key Peg and Shane. Key Peg is a guard, Shane just started working at the House of the Rising Sun.”

Leaning against Key Peg, I scratched my head. “Umm... Hi.”

“Hello,” Key Peg echoed.

The younger pumpkin-colored mare with black mane shrunk behind the counter at my voice, while the mother seemed to regard me with some curiosity.

“I’m Wild Harvest, and this is my daughter Winter Squash. I suppose Strawberry has told you nothing about us.”

Key Peg and I laughed at Wild Harvest’s words, or Strawberry’s scoul, I’m not sure which.

“I was curious how a nocturine got a mark like that,” Key Peg said.

Wild Harvest threw a foreleg over Strawberry’s neck and hugged him, melting his scowl as he returned the affection. “I raised him like my own. Don’t care who gave him up, he’s my son now.”

Strawberry was adopted, that was interesting. A shrug for Key Peg told me this was news to him too. Walking up to the case, I looked at the selection. Mostly fresh berries, a few odd herbs mixed in the lot. It was pretty odd for a pony to sell more than one type of produce. “So what’s your special talent?” I asked, looking at the older mare.

“Finding wild food. Not everything can be cultivated. Also wild grown versions of domestic plants taste different, they’re harder, denser. Some ponies say wild plants taste funny, but lots like it too.”

“Never thought about vegetables being gamey, but I guess you right. I’ve always like wild blackberries over cultivated ones.”

“What dose gamey mean?” Wild Harvest asked.

“You know, like de-er me I don’t think I can translate that into Equestrian.” Putting on my best dumb look, I eyed my audience: I think they bought it. Key Peg knows about my native eating habits, but few others did, I wanted it to stay that way. Changing topics, I pointed to a colorful pile of berries “How much for that basket of berries?”

“Two bits,” Winter Squash answered reflexively, but hesitated to reach into the case when our eyes met. I was obviously making her nervous, so I took a step back from the counter. Most ponies adjusted to me pretty fast, but every now and then I’d meet one that just couldn’t shake their instincts. I could only imagine it was the same reaction I had to griffons.

Strawberry reached into the cooler and pulled out the berries for me. “Hay sis, what are you up to tomorrow night for midsummer lights?”

“Just seeing the lights. Why?” Winter answered turning towards her brother, but keeping me in the corner of her eye.

Handing over my bits to Wild Harvest, I watched in disbelief as the next words came out of Strawberry’s mouth.

“Shane here needs a date. You should ask him out.”

Yep, that just happened. Winter let out a nervous chuckle, but no one else seemed phased by the comment.

“I thought he worked at the House?” Wild Harvest asked.

“He hasn’t officially started yet,” Key Peg answered for me.

“Oh, good! You can finally wear that dress.”

“Mom!”

Well, there was a familiar reaction. “I don’t think she's comfortable around me,” I said, trying to get away from this situation.

“Nonsense,” Strawberry scoffed. “She has a pet timberwolf. You’re no where near as scary as a timberwolf.”

“Hay, Cedar isn’t scary.”

Wild Harvest shook her head. “Honey, Cedar is terrifying--sweet, but terrifying.”

Winter looked up at me with some reservation. I got the impression she was imagining me to be a timberwolf. “I would like to have somepony to go with... “ she mused.

“”I’d be happy to keep you company, but don’t feel obligated,” I said putting away the berries.

“Well, if you’d like to, we could have dinner, then see the lights.”

I was rather surprised she actually wanted to go anywhere with me. “Where you want to meet?”

“I can pick you up at seven.”

Hay, a real date. Sort of any way. Still a bit odd having Strawberry throw his sister at me. “It’s a date,” I said smiling at her.