It's been days since the Soarin's rejection. Rainbow and Soarin weren't talking with each other, avoiding more and more. The walls of coldness growing between them. Dash was feeling like somepony else. As if Pinkamena Diane Pie went inside her, took all her rejoice and life energy.

Girls had tried to cheer her up as much as they could, however, their effort was a waste. She didn't even pay attention to everything around her. Finally, Rarity decided to solve in her way, style.

"C'mon Rarity it's ridiculous! How can he recognise me? It's a masquerade ball." Dash whined, sitting on a chair.

"Of course he'll notice you, darling. Let's get to work!" Rarity replied. "If he doesn't that's his fault. Who knows maybe you would meet stallion of your dreams this evening!"

"Oh yeah, keep telling that to yourself." murmured Rainbow.

"Whatever dear. There is the only thing I know; you will be the most dazzling mare in that ball!"

****

Here was the most waited evening, Heart's Warming Eve, the foundation of Equestria and the true friendship. Golden and silver lights were hanging down in Canterlot. Making the whole city gleaming as a second moon in the dark. Spirit of the holiday could be seen everywhere. A chariot of six entered the castle garden.

There were the elements of harmony, alongside with Princess Twilight they headed to the ballroom. Inside the ballroom, every aspect of Equestria was standing. Twilight saw three divine princesses and ran to them. Flurry heart and Shining Armour meeting her.

Rarity and Pinkie were already in a heated chat with their former friend, Saffron Masala. Fluttershy, Applejack and Rainbow were together with the Apple family. After a while, Dash got bored, approached to the foods table. Maybe tasting few things would keep her busy.

The table was very abundant. From the luxurious Canterlot cuisine to Appleloosa's delicious goods were there. But, Rainbow just ate some cupcakes and broccoli stew. Which made her smile little. Then, she flew to the drinks part to end her thirst. She leant her hoof to a glass. When she was about to grab, another force pulled it.

Her hoof was on another hoof! She looked at the owner of it, their eyes locked on each other. His eyes were magnificent, two deep emeralds. His navy blue mane was combed backwards, completing his violet jacket perfectly. He couldn't help but proceed to stare at the mare. Her wavy, multicoloured mane was enchantingly shining under her hoodie, her cheeks were burning slightly.

Soon, they broke their long contact. They exchanged 'Sorries' and grabbed different glasses. While Rainbow was about to move, he stopped her. He picked her glass gently.

"Oh please, let me bring the drinks m'lady. What would you like to have?"

"You don't need to but some cider would be nice."

He walked a little further than where she was, filled the drinks. 'He sure is a gentlecolt' thought Dash. Perhaps Rarity's work was causing this, perhaps fate. She didn't know. However, she wanted to get to know this stallion and this was certain. He came back to her side.

"Here our drinks. Hope you enjoy."

"T-thanks." said Dash, lightly shaking her glass.

"Pretty awesome ball isn't it?"

"Y-yeah very nice." she responded, last bitter events reviving in her brain.

"Hey are you OK?" he said in a concerned tone. "Mind if I accompany you in the rest of the ball?"

"Sure."

They flew to a much more silent, isolated corner of the ballroom. Everypony seemed to have fun; they were dancing or speaking with the princesses. To be honest, Rainbow desired to spend this evening at home, curling on her couch. But she couldn't because first, she was one the protectors of the land and second the wonderbolts received and invitation directly from Princess Celestia. Also, this was their independence day.

"So, what's your name m'lady?" her companion asked.

"You can call me RD. Yours?"

"Well, I'm, I'm... Soren. Yeah! Soren."

"OK, Soren. Nice to meet you."

Well, it was sort of odd. Why did he stutter while saying his name? Furthermore, why couldn't she tell her full name? He was reminding her Soarin. Maybe it was the reason. She attempted to escape from her unnecessary questions.

"So where are you from? I am from Cloudsdale." inquired Soren.

"Same. Although, I'm living in Ponyville now."

"Oh, I heard about it. How is it?"

"Well, usually it's a calm town but we can face with some abnormalities."

"Abnormalities? Why?"

"Everfree forest is near there so, creatures like to run away!" Rainbow snickered.

****

The time was surely passing quickly with Soren. Dash glanced at the clock, it was 11.00 p.m. Which, meant the ball was ending in an hour. Days later the happiness was knocking her door and, Rainbow sensed that her head drifting away from Soarin. Whoever needed him when she had Soren?

They had been trying to get to know each other since the past hour and Soren was indeed a nice stallion. He was witty, smart and handsome. And most prominently he was understanding.

"Haha, You are so entertaining RD!"

"Not as you Sour-Ann. Where did you get those puns?"

"A master never explains his secrets m'lady."

Rainbow just rolled her eyes. "As you wish. 'Master' Sour-Ann,"

"Seriously RD a pony doesn't like your company should be stupid!" Soren said out of blue.

"Where did that come from?"

"Nowhere. I just wanted to say it."

"Thank you, Soren. I wish somepony could get that too," replied Dash, a sad expression emerged on her face.

"RD, what's wrong?" he asked worriedly.

"Well a few days ago, this colt who is my workmate and close friend ditched me in front of everypony. Despite everything we shared." Rainbow's head dropped slightly, her heart clutched in her chest like a plastic.

Soren immediately neared her, lifted her chin slowly. "A stallion who ditches you must be very dumb."

Dash gasped at his words, her cheeks began to burn. Before she could answer, Soren continued his speech.

"Shall we dance milady?"

"I'd love that!"

****

They placed themselves on the dancefloor. A new music started to fill the hall. From the opening lyrics, it was clearly meant for lovers. And now, here Rainbow "so awesome for love" Dash was dancing with a stallion. A stallion forming a wind of change in her.

"Aww look at them, darling! Isn't it like a fairytale?" Rarity inquired.

"Yeah. I'm so glad to see Rainbow like that." Fluttershy replied, giving a small smile.

"Let's leave them be sugarcubes," Applejack said.

****

Soren gazed at her beautiful eyes. They were sparkling as roses at the sunset, getting brighter each second. Why was there a familiar warmth in them? Had they been together in the real life? Her attitudes, her beauty reminded of him somepony he knew.

Rainbow silently giggled at his contagious smile. That smile could melt the snow on mid-January, even the coldness of the Crystal Empire!

Soon, the music died down. Soren and Dash headed to the exit, holding hooves.

"Thanks for the amazing time m'lady."

"Hehe, You're welcome. I better get going my friends are waiting for me."

"O-OK. It's just," he took a small rose from his pocket. "Please accept it as a memory of this night."

"T-thanks for everything Soren." she untangled her ribbon bracelet and handed to him. "If I have a memory you should too."

Dash planted a small kiss on his cheek, wandered as swiftly as she can.

Soren or Soarin really held bracelet, only a thing spinning in his mind.

He was falling to a total stranger.