A couple of days have passed since that day when I discovered just how much differently pony society treats sex and relationships than humans. I've also read about courtship a bit more, and... well, that is probably one of few things closest to what humans do. Besides the age — it is perfectly okay to court a girl at the age of eight if you're the same age or not too much older or younger. While I don't remember if that is bad in human society, it certainly is never treated with any seriousness. Well, first crushes might not be serious, but they should be treated as such because they might leave a mark on a person... I'm the 'perfect' example of that.

Needless to say, I've learned a couple of things that might become handy later. Some relationship advice, ideas... That sort of thing.

It's the thirty-first of December, a day before the Hearth's Warming. And today, Moonshine and I are going to the theater! With live orchestra! Man, I always wanted to attend something like that! Never had the time to when I was young. I did go to a lot of metal concerts but nothing with a live orchestra.

By the way, taking someone to the theatre is considered part of the courtship. I guess I can call it a date of sorts, then... Well, whatever makes Moonshine happy. While I'm a bit nervous about how she might take that, should it refrain me from doing nice things to her out of my... um... out of my friendship, I guess? Uh, my relationship with Moon can't really be put in a word so simple. It's a bit more complicated than that.

So, I've gotten us two tickets for the balcony. Surprisingly for me, they were free of charge. I guess it is because it's national holiday, and the play will show us the reason for that. I suppose the princesses have put their money into it to make that happen.

This country hasn't yet given me any opportunity to call it bad in any way. I mean, the rulers are certainly nice people that don't want to just fill up their wallets and, um, treasuries with gold and stuff. The castle (perhaps 'palace' is a more suitable word?) is rather richly-decorated, yes, but what castle isn't? I especially like gothic ones. They just have that feeling of greatness. These castles tower above you and make you think just how small you are in comparison to them.

Today, I'll wear my gray suit I had for the Nightmare Night, and my hair will be tied back into a ponytail. So, I'm going to look classy. Why not look good at least once in a year?

Moonshine, on the other hand, decided to wear only the ear clips I've given her. I don't think that explanation of why she couldn't put on the Nightmare Night dress is needed.

I'm feeling myself great today. Without any worries whatsoever, actually. I have a feeling this day will be great.

I've grown up a bit since the Nightmare Night, and soon my suit will become too tight and too short for me. But it still fits me quite well, and I'm thankful for that. It's maybe a bit tight in the crotch, but I think it's entirely my fault. I mean, I made this suit myself. It took a lot of time to get it right, and I'm still not sure that it has quality behind it. However, sewing all those parts together was a pain in the ass, that's what I'm certain about.

Anyway, the two of us are ready to go. I took the tickets with me, and we departed.

***

We've reached our destination and entered the theatre. We're a bit early but there's a lot of ponies already. Most of them are dressed casually. I mean they are completely nude. Some ponies wear classy outfit. Well, at least I look good here.

Anyway, Moonshine and I went to search for out places. On our way, I saw Blueblood and his family. And it seems there's an elder brother. Wow, they look mostly the same. I and the younger brother exchanged glances and nods, and left for our respective places.

"Oh, this is going to be great!" Moonshine said. "I'm so happy you brought me here!"

"Don't mention it." I smiled at her. "Why sit all day at home?"

"Yeah, you're right." she smiled back.

What a nice day today is! The weather is calm, the ponies are smiling... It indeed feels like holiday. Those aren't fake smiles that I see, I can tell they're genuine. And I like it!

The play will start in a few minutes. We better take our places.

***

The play has begun. It started with a story that, a long time ago, ponies didn't like working with each-other, and hated those not of their own tribe. Earth ponies thought that neither pegasi nor unicorns put as much effort into sowing seeds. Pegasi thought that without their clouds, everypony else would be nothing. Unicorns took much pride in their magic, and thought they didn't need anyone else to live.

The hate built up to the point when ancient horse-like creatures appeared. They were called wendigos, and they fed on hatred, and from that hatred they created cold and snow that quickly covered all lands of the three tribes.

But that didn't stop the hate. Instead of uniting in the face of the common danger, everyone blamed others for the harsh weather. Earth ponies were blamed for finding a way to block magic, unicorns were blamed for the sun not warming the earth, and pegasi were blamed for putting such a bad weather.

Ponies didn't realize their mistake until it was too late, and they found their lands covered in tons of snow. They kept fighting each-other, fueling the hate and wendigos' power. Seeing the lands becoming unsuitable for life, pony tribes moved south to find a new place to live.

Eventually, they discovered a new, beautiful land. And at the same time, the tribes met again, starting another fight. It draw windigos to them, and the hate created winter once again. However, this time some ponies came to a realization that the tribes themselves were the architects of their downfall. Realizing that the hate has been for nothing, realizing just how alike ponies are, they united, creating the fire of friendship, effectively banishing the wendigos.

The old lands of the tribes couldn't be returned, and they set on a building a new country — Equestria, they decided to call it.

That's a nice little story for everyone to hear. Even if it seems a bit childish, it's still rather sweet. Besides, everyone might realize their mistakes someday. It was good that ponies were able to do that. I'd like to see humans coming to realization that races don't matter. Even now, a lot of people are racist. Not all, of course, maybe not even a majority, but still there are people who judge others by what they've not chosen.

And this great play was accompanied by the best orchestra I've ever heard! Those moments of tension, action, suspension — all these moments were great! And when wendigos came, the pipe organ played at a fast pace, effectively showing just how harsh the wind that they brought was. That organ definitely blew me away! It was so epic, so... There's no way to describe it in words! You just have to hear it for yourself!

As the play ended, everyone applauded by stomping. Moonshine and I didn't hesitate to do just that. After all, the artists and musicians behind this must be praised for this great play! And then, everyone sang a song. I don't quite remember the lyrics as I think I fell into some kind of trance with a sense of tranquility and happiness filling me up... That felt strange.

Well, it's time to go home now, I suppose.

Moonshine and I returned home. I got undressed and then went to relax on the bed for some time. My wings were unrestrained, and I unfolded them to help them rest.

It's Friday today, but there's no training since Luna is preparing for the Hearth's Warming.

What will I be doing, then? It's four after midday, and I don't really know what to do.

Oh, Moonshine's practicing again. Well, I can listen to her for some time. She's really improved.

"You're doing great, Moon." I told her.

"T-thank you." she smiled at me, her cheeks pink.

Why not give a compliment to someone who deserves it? Well, I wouldn't say she's the greatest at this, but she certainly accomplished a lot more in the time she's learned than most would. I guess it's really easy with magic.

As she practiced, I felt myself growing more and more sleepy until my lids eventually closed and my sleep began.

***

I was woken up by someone violently shaking me. Uh, what?

"Come on, you're going to miss the fireworks!" I heard through the haze of my sleepiness.

...

Oh snap! I'm the dumbest person on Earth and Equestria!

*facehoof*

It's Hearth's Warming. Since it's like the New Year, there are fireworks.

Dammit, I mustn't miss that! I absolutely love those loud exploding things!

I quickly got up from my bed, commanded my wings to disappear, and followed Moonshine as she hastily exited the apartment.

Following her, I came out in the streets. The wind blew at me, and yet it was fine for me to just stand there without any of the clothes on, absolutely naked. Fur's helping, I suppose.

High above the ground, fireworks exploded in a series of brightly-colored flashes of various size and shape. Wait, is that one shaped like Celestia? Hey, it looks pretty good! How did they make those shapes?

I sat in the snow as I watched, and soon I felt some pressure against my side. I slightly turned my head and saw Moonshine leaning at me. Her warm body pressed against mine as we both watched the fireworks going off with loud bangs.

I also felt a slight kiss on my cheek. Well... It's fine and nice.

Welcome, year 3001.

Author's Notes:

Something small before a big event, I suppose.

I want to ask you one thing. You all know that Flame Metal and Moonshine are going to try to enroll at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. What do you think their entrance exams will be like? I want to hear what you have in mind for a good challenge for these two. If it's interesting, I might include it into the story.