The palace looked as magnificent as it ever had. Without the hustle and bustle and eventual chaos from the grand galloping gala, one could truly appreciate the fine architecture. The guards led the girls through the main entrance, through the lobby and up the stairs. No one was aware of the three black blurs that zipped in between shadows following them. The girls couldn't help but let their eyes wander and admire the look of the place.

Twilight started to wonder why they where called. "So, did the princess say anything about why she needed to see us?"

The guards kept their attention forward, but one did answer. "The princess simply had us retrieve you six. You'll find out the reason when you see her."

Rarity gave Twilight a little nudge. "Really, darling, what does it matter why? A private audience with the princess is such an honor."

Twilight seemed content with it. "You're probably right. Still, I can't help but wonder why she didn't just send me a letter. What's so urgent that her guards had to come and get us?"

The question went unanswered as they made their way to the throne room. When they reached the door, the guards let them continue on their own. The girls entered in a calm and polite manner, except for Pinkie Pie, who became so distracted by the colorful tapestry that she walked into a marble column. When they reached their destination, they all bowed. There, on her throne, was Celestia in all her glory.

The princess smiled. "Hello, girls. It's so good to see you all again."

Twilight smiled. "Likewise, princess. Although, we were rather surprised by the invitation."

Celestia felt a tad embarrassed. "Yes, sorry about that. I didn't think the guards would take it so seriously. I just wanted a chance to catch up and get to know my faithful student's dear friends."

Pinkie Pie couldn't help herself. "Awwww, that's so sweet."

Hidden behind a column, surveying the meeting, Fearwing had a different opinion. "Oh, blehh! No one needs to be all that sweet unless they have a lot of bitter to make up for." Edgar and Vincent each gave a nod. The trio continued their spying in silence.

Celestia got up and motioned to a door on her right. "Please, it would be fantastic if you'd join me for tea."

She went on through and the girls followed. Rarity stopped for a moment to savor the moment. "Tea time and socializing with the princess. Rarity, you're moving up in the world." She then happily trotted off to join her friends.

Fearwing and his ravens came out from their hiding spot. The dark pegasus took a moment to muse on what he just saw. "Hmmmm, what a vain, spoiled, stuck up little brat. I'm gonna get her good." Vincent gave a caw and Fearwing turned his gaze sharply to him. "I know this is taking a while. Just bear with me and find a way into that room unnoticed.

The get-together couldn't have gone better. There was music, laughter, and they ended by reminiscing about the events of the gala. Everything from Applejack's failed sales attempts and Rarity's dreadful date with Blue Blood, to Pinkie Pie's plot to liven up the party and Fluttershy's little meltdown.

Twilight was fighting back a laugh. "Hehehe, When you came bursting through that door, I couldn't tell how many ponies just up and fainted."

Fluttershy blushed. "Oh...gee, I didn't mean to cause such a panic. I was just looking forward to seeing all of the animals so much."

Celestia smiled. "Oh, it's all right, dear. I'm sorry you had such a rough time with them."

The yellow pegasus was quick to protest. "Oh no, princess. It was all my fault. I should have been more gentle."

"Well, well, well. What have we here?" Everypony turned to see who it was and they were surprised to see Princess Luna. "I'm surprised that no one sent me an invitation"

Celestia was a pinch shocked, but was more than willing to extend a welcome. "Sister, of coarse. I thought you were still resting from last night. Please, do join us."

Luna smiled, walked over and took the open seat next to Pinkie. The earth pony was enjoying a cupcake and didn't notice the princess of the moon for a few seconds. When she did, she gave a big smile. "Hey, I know you. Queen meany. How've ya been."

Luna didn't exactly know how to react. The name was kind of uncalled for, but she could tell Pinkie was just being friendly. "Um...I've been fine. And my name is Luna by the way."

Pinkie just kept smiling her usual smile. "Okay, hey are you alright?"

The teal eyed alicorn was confused. "Yes. Why?"

The pink earth pony shrugged. "I don't know, but you seem like you could use a hug." And she did just that.

Luna didn't know what to make of it. "Uh..wow...um, thanks." She returned the hug. Luna had never seen any pony who did that just for that simple reason, except...but she tossed the thought aside and the two left the hug. "Listen, I'm glad I was able to catch the six of you while you were here. I have a favor to ask."

Applejack could sense something was up. "What'cha need sugar cube?"

The young princess seemed ashamed. Her older sister reassured her. "It's alright Luna. You can tell us."

Luna looked like she was about to cry. "Well...It's about something important to me. A blanket that my mother gave me when I was very little. I've always kept it close and it was so cold last night, I brought it along to keep warm. There was a gust of wind and...and I lost it over the Everfree Forest."

Rainbow Dash didn't believe it. "You're kidding me? Are you seriously asking us to go into the Everfree Forest just to look for your dumb old baby blanket?"

Twilight gave her friend a well deserved bump for that. "We'd be happy to help."

Luna smiled and she let a few tears drop. "Thank you. Thank you all so much." Pinkie gave her another hug. "I'll meet you at the library at sun-down."

Luna, her sister and the six spent a little more time enjoying each other's company and after awhile, the six departed to rest up if they were going to do some late night searching.

Luna retired to her room. She entered with a cloth held in the glow of her magic. Her horn glowed a dark purple as she dried away the tears from earlier. A voice took her by surprise. "Trouble turning off the crocodile tears?" Luna turned with a start to find Fearwing at the foot of her bed, forelegs crossed and giving her a look with that slick smile of his. "Your missing blanket? You're terrible."

Luna gave a smirk back. "I had to do something to get them on your playing field."

Fearwing didn't pay the excuse any mind. He found himself distracted. "I love this bed of yours. The sheets are so soft and fuzzy." He kept smiling his little grin and started rolling back and forth.

She rolled her eyes. "Can we stay on subject?" She used her magic to lift Fearwing mid roll and levitate him off the bed and over the floor. She proceeded to drop him like a rock. "Are we clear on the terms."

He shook his head after the impact and looked up at her, still with that con-artist's grin. "I got it, I got it. You bring them to the forest at sunset, I have until sunrise to make each one scream. How am I gonna be sure you know?"

Luna smiled. "I rule the night, remember? I know everything that goes on under the moon." She gave him a stern look. "I expect your best, but I trust you know not to hurt any of them."

Fearwing stood up and gave a salute. "Yes, my captain!" He made his way to the window and opened it as his ravens joined him from the shadows. He turned back to Luna for one last word. "You know, you'd better hope that I win this bet. When it's all said and done, and they find out you set them up for this, they won't be able to trust you anymore."

Luna hadn't thought about that. She seemed saddened. "Can we...not tell them?"

He smiled and gave a wink. "My lips are sealed. Fair warning though. I will win this." He took off out the window at great speeds. The black pegasus and his ravens became a blur of darkness in the light sky, then disappeared into a cloud. Next Chapter: Chapter 4 Estimated time remaining: 18 Minutes