The Sun’s rays illuminated the library, flooding the room with light and warmth. Twilight Sparkle stood at her desk, poring through the last tome she could find on intermediate Cosmology. The advanced pile she’d yet to move onto stood neatly stacked to the left of her, and those she’d already been through lay in a heap to her right…ish. Spike groaned in dismay as he slotted yet more books about Astronomy and Astrophysics – stuff he called ‘inconp…incomre…impossible to understand’ – back onto their appropriate shelves.

“C’mon, Twilight. Aren’t you gonna help clear those away?”

“In a sec, Spike. I’m just getting my head round the idea of open and closed universes. Did you know the tiniest little difference in the curvature of the universe could mean the difference between our universe expanding forever and it collapsing in on itself?”

“…uh-huh.” A very disinterested Spike responded. “And why are you even studying the stars right now, anyway? Do you know what time it is? You can’t even see the stars.”

“Hmm?” Twilight turned her gaze out the window, quietly pondering the question. Morning. Or afternoon. She couldn’t quite tell by the Sun’s position overhead; it seemed to have reached its peak, and was on the cusp of beginning its descent. She could grab her sextant and determine how far above the horizon it was. Then again, Celestia’s Sun is very bright, and looking at it would damage her eyes; perhaps a length of shadow-

Her stomach interrupted with a quick growl, and she instead decided that it was, in fact, lunchtime. She giggled red-faced, the somewhat vulgar noise both embarrassing and entertaining her. “Okay, perhaps I should get us something to eat.”

“Now, that, I can understand. Are you heading out to get something?” Spike’s face lit up, and his own belly grumbled in agreement as he stepped down from the ladder.

Twilight chuckled again, closing her book and magically opening the door.

“I’ll be right back. I’ll drop by Rarity’s for your meal. The usual?”

“Nah, I was thinking something else today; you’re always telling me to try something new. I think I’ll have it cabochon for once.”

She stopped and looked back a little surprised. “Spiiike, I didn’t know you were a connoisseur.”

“…a what now?” A blank stare crossed his face.

“Never mind. Back in a jiffy. Oh, and you might want to wipe your mouth.”

The door closed before Spike as magically as it had opened, and he slid his forearm over his snout. The drool he wiped off stuck to his arm like glue. “Ergh.”

Twilight began basking in the warm sunshine as she trotted to the café. She’d hardly taken ten paces from her front door when-

“LOOK OUT BELOOOOOOW!”

That same old voice in that same old tone.

A streak of colour – mostly pale blue – blasted down the main street of Ponyville, causing many stood nearby to leap away or cringe in surprise; not Twilight, though. She merely sighed before channelling a spell into her horn.

A second or two later, the streak had come to a stop, revealing its true form as a light-blue Pegasus adorned with a multi-coloured mane hanging upside down in mid-air. At the point she stopped, her snout almost met that of the unicorn, albeit the other way up – this didn’t faze Twilight even slightly, and she retained her lack of amusement.

“Hi, Twilight.” Rainbow Dash added a wide grin to her greeting, her mane hanging oddly above her head – Twilight hoped she’d never do her hair like that when she was upright. “Awesome catch! You’re really getting better at this magic thing!”

The purple glow surrounding Rainbow pulled her right and lightly set her down on the path.

“Let me guess: new trick, sudden wind, went wrong, you ended up here. Am I right?”

“Almost. More like sudden tree. But, what with me being perfect and all, I totally saw the tree coming and I could have easily dodged it! It was just, I couldn’t move so much in time-“

“-because of the wind.” Twilight and the Pegasus finished the sentence in unison. “So I was right.”

“Hey, you weren’t there! What makes you so sure?!”

“Because this is what happens every time. I should count myself lucky I was already outside…and that I saw you coming.” The frown is gone, and a teasing smile has taken its place.

“And that I slowed myself down a bit first! I am constantly improving, after all!”

“I thought you said you were perfect!”

“Even perfection like me needs to train, or I’ll never stay that way!”

Determined to nip the argument in the bud before it coiled on itself, Twilight merely sighed and rolled her eyes, still with a smile on her face. She trotted on, and without turning back she called “I’m getting some food. You coming?”

The Pegasus hardly needed any more excuse to follow.

The pair of mares were still about 10 feet from the library door when it swung open for them.

“You could smell it from in there, Spike? Oh, and you’re drooling again.”

Spike didn’t take any notice this time. His mind was set firmly on the impending meal. Twilight used her magic to levitate the food over the table, neatly organised into three sections: Spike ordered the cabochon emeralds with quartz seasoning (Rarity was more than happy to give away ‘those horrific, impure, unrefined rocks’), Rainbow Dash went for a five-cheese deep-pan pizza, and the daffodil and lemongrass baguette remained for herself.

Twilight was a little bit disdained to see what her friend was eating. “Don’t you eat pizza pretty much all the time? It can’t be healthy for you.”
Rainbow Dash begged to differ, somehow speaking past the globs of food in her mouth. “It’s not all the time; it’s just when I can’t be bothered to make something myself. And besides, it tastes really good! Want some?”

“No thanks, Dash; I’m watching my figure. And I’d suggest that you do too, or you’ll end up getting chubby! Not only would that make you look a bit weird, seeing as I’ve known you so long now, but it’d affect your ability to fly quite a lot, too." She added with a more a subtle tone, "Also, please don’t talk with food in your mouth; it’s disgusting.”

“…uh…” Words failed the Pegasus. Being called weird, she was fine with, but being unable to soar in the skies so freely? That was not going to happen. (The final sentence went all but ignored. Typical Dash, thought Twilight.)

“…okay, Twi. You make a point; I’ll not have this kind of thing so often now.”

The unicorn was taken aback a little. She didn’t expect that sort of response from Rainbow Dash; especially not so quickly…or so willingly. It was a little unnervi-

“No more than once a week, right after I finish this last slice!”

Okay, there’s the Rainbow she knows. Still, she had to laugh internally at the thought of her friend struggling with all her might to avoid what has essentially become her staple diet.

Rainbow Dash forced in the last bite of crust in just as Twilight was magically mopping up her mouth. (Having been silent during the meal, Spike had spent his whole effort on eating, and had finished a short while before the two ponies.)

“So, Rainbow Dash. Are you going to keep your word? No pizza for a whole week?” She tried to come across less as though she was lecturing her friend, and more as though she was encouraging. Seeing as the former is what she excelled at, it didn’t really work.

As Dash’s mouth began to open in speech, it suddenly closed again, her cheeks puffing up drastically. Twilight stepped backwards, surprised at the sudden expression. No-one dared move during the next few moments of sheer tension.

A loud, deep, gurgling belch escaped the Pegasus’s stomach - the reply certainly wasn’t one Twilight was expecting – and it echoed around the library two or three times.

“…Rainbow Dash. That. Was utterly. Gross.” The unicorn made no attempt to hide the look of disgust on her face.

“…Whoa. Sorry, Twi. That was a big one.” Rainbow sounded apologetic, but there was a hint of pride in her voice at the sheer vulgarity of her expulsion of hot air. Another, a bit lighter, came from the kitchen.

“Oh, Spike! Not you too! Ugh, does anypony around here have any manners?!”

The voice in the kitchen retorted, “Wait, Twilight! It’s from the Princess!”

Both mares stopped what they were doing and turned to look at the kitchen doorway, as if expecting it to do something incredible; it didn’t do anything at all, so they got up and ran through it instead.

And behold: there in the dragon’s hands was a scroll, neatly coiled around itself and tied tight with a red ribbon. Upon the ribbon was a small golden medallion imprinted with the ever-familiar “C”, signifying the seal of the First Princess of Equestria herself. (Why she used a “C” instead of her unique Blazing Sun cutie mark, Twilight never understood – “C” could practically mean anypony – but whenever a letter adorned with it turned up, the matter never seemed to hold her attention long.)

This one was quite thick; a longer letter than normal. Grabbing the scroll with her magic, Twilight opened it and began reading the familiar hornwriting aloud. Spike and Rainbow Dash listened intently, as the Princess always had something important to say.

Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student,

I am writing to you today to inform you of the upcoming Mid-Spring Honours here in Canterlot. I’m sure you yourself are aware of the significance of the event, but I shall explain regardless for your friends, may they not be so learned.

Twice every year – once in the middle of Spring and once in the middle of Autumn, when the day is as long as the night – we honour those that have performed great deeds, be they a single act of much courage or sacrifice, or a lifetime of dedication to the benefit of ponies all over Equestria and the world. These honours come in the form of titles that one is addressed with when one speaks their name.

As an example, last Autumn I honoured Calgus Norchsten for his research into the physicality of spells. After more than 15 years of hard toil and failure, he had finally found a way to take magic and give it physical form, and this has proven invaluable, especially in the medical field. No longer must there be a trained unicorn doctor on hand at all times, as an earth-pony or Pegasus nurse can administer the stored healing spells in tablet, drip or inhalation form. For his incredible discovery and selfless devotion, I granted him the title “Royal Chartered Scientist”, one of the highest awards a scientific achievement can warrant.

And so, to this year’s Mid-Spring Honours, I formally invite you, Twilight Sparkle, and your friends – Applejack, Rarity, Pinkamena Diane Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and of course, Spike – each to receive an award for your courageous actions during both Nightmare Moon’s return and Discord’s tirade, as well as your on-going studies into the magic of friendship. The titles I am to give each of you, I shall withhold for now; I wish for this to remain a surprise for you all. I also formally invite your families and close friends to spectate, which will be held in 3 days’ time from today; this should give them – and you – ample time to prepare.

This is also the first such event that my dear younger sister, Princess Luna, will be attending, and she has offered to assist me with the ceremony. I have full confidence she will perform her duties admirably, but she may be more comfortable if the ones who removed the evil presence from her were there too.

I would personally feel honoured if you would accept my invitation. Let it be known, Twilight, that I am delighted to have taken such a wonderfully talented unicorn such as yourself under my wing, and that I am very proud of you.

Your mentor,

Princess Celestia

Once Twilight had finished reading, there was only silence. It must have lasted five minutes, minimum. At least, that’s what it felt like to the three of them. Eventually, the Pegasus broke the silence.

“…wow…that’s…wow…so…what sort of titles are we talking about, here?”

“…I don’t know. She specifically said ‘she’s withholding them’.”

“I mean theoretically, Spike. What do you think she’ll give us? I’m hoping I get something like ‘Ultimate Flyer’! Personal recognition of my flying skill from Princess Celestia herself! The Wonderbolts will practically have to accept me into their team then!”

“I know she’s the Princess of Equestria, but I don’t think even she has that authority. I think mine would be something like
‘Dragon Knight’, or ‘Defender of Equestria’ or something cool like that!”

“Pfft! More like ‘Number One Assistant’!”

Spike defended his position as Rainbow snickered away at his expense. “Aww, c’mon, Rainbow Dash, I do more than being an assistant around here!”

“Alright! How about ‘Rarity’s Biggest Fan’!?” Her odd sense of humour got the better of her, and she degraded into full-blown laughter. Her legs give way and she was on her back, struggling for breath from the hilarity.

“Well, no-one quite admires her the way I- Hey!” He turns to the unicorn. “Twilight, she’s picking on me! Say something to her! ...Twilight?”

Dash’s laughter receded slowly and she brought herself back to her hooves. Wet lines ran down her face, likely from the tears of mirth over the past minute or so. She looked at Twilight too.

The mare in question had still not moved an inch since she stopped reading the letter. It hung in front of her exactly where it had been when she opened it. A tear had formed in her eye too. She looked almost…vulnerable.

The Pegasus moved next to Twilight and spoke softly, “Twi? Is something wrong?”

Released from her trance, Twilight snapped her head towards Rainbow Dash, their snouts almost touching again. Rainbow shied away; the sudden movement was a surprise, but the most shocking aspect was being able to feel Twilight’s breath on her own face. The thought of it made her a little red-faced, but she quickly shook it off. The other mare, however, hardly seemed to notice. She sat, staring at Rainbow Dash. The gaze pierced the Pegasus, as if her very soul was being scrutinised.

“Um…are you okay, Twilight? You haven’t said anything for about 10 min- Hwah!”

Rainbow’s face burned once again, a deeper crimson than before, as Twilight threw her forelegs around the Pegasus’ neck, holding her tightly, burying her purple muzzle in that light-blue coat.

“…Th…this is…the happiest moment of my life…all of my effort…everything I’ve worked for…”

Dash sighed off most of the blush – a little remained, but it was now barely noticeable – and lightly wrapped the unicorn in her hooves. Her mane was soaked with Twilight’s tears of joy.

“…I’m happy for you, Twilight. And I’m happy that someone as awesome as you calls me your friend. You mean a lot to me; you know that?”

Twilight broke from the embrace, wiping her tears with her hooves before placing them on Rainbow’s shoulders. “…Thank you, Rainbow Dash. You mean a lot to me, too. And I know you’ll always be loyal to me, because that’s who you are. You’re one of the best friends I could ask for.”

“Ugh, can’t you do that mushy stuff somewhere else?” Spike was sticking his tongue out, clearly unimpressed.

“Oh, hush, Spike! We’re fillies, we can do this sort of thing!” Twilight gave her blue partner another quick hug – well, she was closer to pink around her cheeks – and broke away. “Okay, I guess we’d better let everyone know the good news! Dash, can you go and tell Fluttershy and Applejack?”

“You got it, Twi’! Back here in ten seconds?”

“Ten seconds?! I’m not as fast as you, Rainbow Dash! Twenty minutes, and not a second less!”

“Ugh, fine! I’ll just have to wait around for ages once I’m done.”

“Okay!” She’d barely pushed the word out of her mouth when Rainbow dashed out of her front door in a multi-coloured blur, leaving the wood clattering on its hinges. A small sigh escaped her before Twilight grinned. “Typical Rainbow Dash; always in a hurry. I won’t be long, Spike. Keep the place clean.”

He looked around at the library. “But-…it’s already clean! I did it while you were getting lunch!”

Unfortunately for the dragon, when he looked back no-one was there to hear his complaints – the unicorn was already galloping down the street and out of view. Well, Twilight; you’re getting a lot like Rainbow Dash lately. Is she rubbing off on you or something?

Suddenly, as he closed the library door, another thought hit him. Wait, if Rainbow Dash is going to Fluttershy’s and Applejack’s places, Twilight is going to…Rarity’s! Darn it all!

The disappointment coursed through him as he realised he’d thought of it just too late. He gloomily walked to the kitchen in search of comfort food, forgetting – and not caring – that he’d just eaten lunch.

With a flap of her wings, Rainbow pulled to a halt and lowered herself lightly to the ground.

“Okay, that’s Applejack informed; now for Fluttershy.”

The reaction from the farmer pony was fairly modest. (Something along the lines of “Well, Ah don’ know ‘bout no event hoo-hah, but if it’s Twahlaht we’re doin’ this fer, Ah’ll be more’n happy ta do it.”)

However, that was nothing compared to how modestly the next recipient of the news would most likely react. Still, Rainbow Dash lifted a hoof and knocked on the yellow one’s door.

“Hey, Fluttershy! It’s me, Rainbow Dash!”

A voice barely audible emerged from a crack in the window – had it been closed, it surely would have been inaudible to anyone outside.

“Oh, Rainbow! I’ll be there right away.”

Some light trotting and the clanks of many bolts and locks later, the front door opened, revealing the pretty pink-maned Pegasus. She spoke in a voice so soft it could soothe one’s soul.

“I’ve just finished giving Mr. Nibbles his medicine; a lot of the mice ate something yesterday and have come down with bad indigestion. Do you want to come in?”

“No thanks, Fluttershy. I just came to give you some news. Twilight just got a letter off Princess Celestia saying we’re all invited to the castle in a few days for the…the, uh…what was it? Oh, right! The Mid-Spring Honours! We’re gonna be recognised for our awesomeness, as well as turning Nightmare Moon back into Princess Luna – she’s even going to be helping out – and knocking the stuffing out of Discord!” She punched at thin air a couple of times. “And then we get a huge party afterwards that lasts pretty much all night!”

Fluttershy’s voice picked up in enthusiasm, though that doesn’t mean it picked up in volume. “Oh, my! That’s wonderful news! I’m sure Twilight was ecstatic!”

“Tell me about it! She sat there for ages after reading the letter, and then burst into tears! She can be so over-the-top about these things!”

“…You know, Rainbow Dash…I’m sure Twilight would be even happier…if you…well, this party is going to be in the castle, right?”

“…Yuh-huh.”

“And…it’s going to be when Twilight can see the night sky she loves most…especially since Princess Luna is there, she’s going to make it extra special, isn’t she?”

Dash cocked an eyebrow. “…Where are you going with this, Fluttershy?”

“I’m just saying…if you can get her alone, maybe on a balcony with a great view of the Moon and stars…that night will be a very romantic one. If that isn’t a chance, when is?” She looked deep into Rainbow’s eyes, not a hint of a blush on her cheeks, and with a serious-yet-calming expression. Rainbow would have been stunned by the bravery of the usually-timid pony, being able to say something like that with a straight face…had it not become the norm for the subject at hand.

“…D…Don’t tell me you think I should…“

“Yes, Rainbow: tell Twilight. Tell her that you-“

She was cut short by a hoof covering her mouth, only a small squeak of surprise escaping afterwards. The brasher Pegasus had heard enough.

“Ugh, not this again. Thanks for thinking of me, Fluttershy, but I can’t. I have no idea how she’ll react, how she feels…and I don’t want to spoil what we already have. I’m fine with things as they are.”

“But, Rainbow Dash; that’s such a waste! You're-“

“I said enough, Fluttershy. I’m not going to do anything about this. I couldn’t bear to have an awkward air around us, or for her to be disgusted with me. That’s just how it is. And don’t tell anyone else, okay?”

Fluttershy lowered her head in disappointment, returning to her old, cautious self. “…Okay. Now, I’ve got a lot of mice to tend to, so I’ll need some peace and quiet, alright?”

The blue one took a step out the door and began hovering a pony’s height off the floor. “Okay, then. I’m off now.”

“See you later, Rainbow.” The kind, warming smile she usually wore had found its way back on to Fluttershy’s face. Being out of earshot already (and thanks to Fluttershy’s less-than-powerful voice) Dash didn’t hear what she said afterwards, but it sounded something like, “You’ll never know unless you try!”

Ugh, I should never have told her about it. She’s been playing matchmaker ever since I told her about it…how long ago was it now? It must be at least a month! I’ll never hear the end of it! Who knew she was into that kind of thing! Anyway, I’m done telling everyone.

After shaking the thought off, Dash looked at the time. Hmm. That only took 5 minutes… I wonder if…

And with a trail of colour, she darted through the sky towards the centre of Ponyville.

The bell above Carousel Boutique’s door gave a jangle as one knocked into the other. A dignified voice called out to the arrival from behind a purple curtain.

“Just a sec, Darling. I’m almost done. Ah, there we go! Magnifique!”

The curtain was drawn back to reveal a unicorn of purest white, a deep purple mane contrasting with her coat to give an air of sophistication. Next to her was a mannequin pony adorned with what was most likely her latest creation: a daring dress of gold silk, made to fit quite tightly to a pony’s body and yet flow loosely at the bottom, and jewels of various colour and size encrusted along the hems.

“Ah, Twilight! Here again? To what do I owe the pleasure of your company this time, my dear?”

“Just some news for you, Rarity.” The bookish unicorn took one look at the dress and asked ever-so-slightly nervously, “And, this dress is for?”

“Oh, this little thing? It’s just something I whipped together for a client. She’s single, and when she attends the Mid-Spring Honours she wants to present herself rather alluringly…you know. Anyway, what was this news you had to tell me?”

“The Mid-Spring Honours? Funny, that. I’ve just received a letter from Princess Celestia saying that we’re all invited to that same event. We’re being given a title each, and-“

A couple of hooves on her shoulders and a snout pressed up against her own stopped Twilight in her tracks.

“You mean, WE are invited to THE Mid-Spring Honours?! The only place where one can become a noble, a Dame, perhaps even – dare I say it – a Duchess?! The one where those honoured are known Equestria-wide within mere days and can essentially live like royalty for the rest of their LIVES?!”

She should have known Rarity would react like this. Twilight mentally facehoof’d herself. “…uh…yeah. That’s the one.”

No sooner had the words left her than Rarity started giggling uncontrollably. “Ahah…a-hahahaha- wait! We’re all going to need new dresses! And they’ll need to be even more fabulous than the dresses for the Gala!” She was moving and talking like a mare possessed.

Thread and needles, pencils and paper, fabrics of all kinds; Rarity grabbed everything she could with her magic and brought it all to her design table.

“Um…Rarity? What’s wrong with the dresses we used for the Gala?”

“Oh, those old things? It’s called fashion, dear. Nonononono, they won't do at all. They may have caught eyes at the Gala, but they won’t do it again. Besides, they got all torn and dirty during the…ahem…fiasco.”

“…Oh, yeah.”

“Anyway, you run along now! I’ve got some dresses to design, and I’m going to make sure they’re my best creations y-…wait a second. Is this what she meant?” Rarity stopped and put a hoof to her mouth in deep thought.

“Is this what who meant?”

It didn’t take long for her to realise what was going on. “Oh! Oh, nothing, Twilight! Just another client’s order for the Honours! Nothing for you to worry about!” She laughed nervously.

“…Ooooookay. Well, I’m looking forward to your dresses. They’re always beautiful.”

“Thanks, Twilight. That means a lot coming from you. Oh, and are you going to…”

“I’ll find a good time and place, don’t you worry! Nothing’s gonna stop me this time!”

“Excellent! I’m sure she’ll love it! Anyway, I’d better get started!”

“Right, I’ll leave you to it! Oh, one more thing, though…”

“And this one I call the 'Cloud Pounder'!”

Rainbow Dash had a few clouds gathered in front of the library. She lifted one high in the sky…

“Now, watch this!” …and threw it back down to the ground at full strength.

It hardly took a moment – blinked, and one would have missed it – but she launched herself after the ground-borne cloud, passing it and planting herself in front of it, hovering just off the ground. Once it was within range, she let loose a kick that burst it in a puff, soaking the path around her while giving her a dry landing directly beneath, which she took immediate advantage of.

Spike was delighted with the show. “Wow, Rainbow Dash! That was incredible! Got any more new tricks to show me?”

“I’ve got a few things in mind, but I’ll need more practice at ‘em before I show anyone. Trust me, once I have ‘em down, they are gonna rock your scales off!”

“Those of us who have scales, anyway.”

The Pegasus leaped back into the air in surprise; she looked at the library clock through the window and realised – as always – Twilight was bang on schedule. She just hadn’t kept track of what time it was.

“Anyway, I’ve told Pinkie Pie and Rarity. I assume you let Applejack and Fluttershy know?”

“In record time! I was wondering whether you’d ever show up!”

“Anyway, is Applejack or Fluttershy free for the next couple of days?”

“I don’t think so. AJ’s always busy with her farm, and Fluttershy’s got a bunch of sick mice to care for.”

Twilight looked a bit dejected. “Oh. Oh, well. Pinkie Pie’s basically running the shop while Mr. and Mrs. Cake are on a break, and Rarity’s going to be very occupied making new dresses for us all.”

“Yeah, tell me about it. Everyone should kick back and relax a little more, like us!”

“Oh, I wasn’t thinking of relaxing. I was going to head back to Canterlot the day beforehand and visit my parents, and I wanted to show them what great friends I’ve made. Since no-one else is coming, I guess it’s just you and me.”

Those three words started a chain reaction in Dash’s head, like a nuclear explosion had just been let off in her brain. You and me. You and me. You and me. Was it really Twilight who said those words to me? Well, it must have been; the voice was exactly the same, and the mare herself is stood in front of me! Introducing me to her parents, too! This is too sudden- wait, calm down! She said it herself: friend. That’s all she’s introducing you as. But it’s her parents! I still need to give a good impression, or they won’t like me and she’ll be forced to move back to Canterlot and we’ll never see each other agai-

A purple face was practically pressed up against her own. “Rainbow Dash!”

Her mind was snapped back to reality. “Huh?!"

“You’re weirding out a bit there. It’s only my parents.”

“But…I don’t want to leave a bad impression.”

“Trust me, they’re gonna love you! So just ‘kick back and relax’, okay?”

“…Yeah…yeah, thanks, Twi.”

Despite Twilight's words, her heart was still thumping a little harder than normal. Things are gonna get complicated once I actually get to Canterlot...