Mapper looked over her wife to ensure she was dressed for the evening’s entertainment. Both of them were in Rarity originals. Mapper had packed her suit and accessories for later tonight in an overnight bag. “Time to go, Love. Mustn’t keep Middle Pet’s friends waiting.”

Serenity checked herself in the mirror, “I’m ready Mistress.”

Mapper led the way out of the hotel room, “You’re on free time for the rest of the evening. Have fun, as I know I will.”

Serenity took up the overnight bag in her magic and followed Mapper out of the room. Soon the both of them were in a cab on the way to the Season’s house. They rode in silence until the cab pulled up to the house, and Serenity commented, “Mistress Moonbeams may be there to take in your performance this evening.”

Mapper raised an eyebrow and giggled as she got out of the cab and paid the driver. She motioned for her wife to precede her to the house. Serenity shared the giggle, knowing she would pay for it later. She followed her wife out of the cab with the bag in tow. Once she reached the front door she knocked on it with a hoof.

When she heard the knock, Winter glanced at the clock. It was ten minutes to seven. “She’s here!” the mare said excitedly. “Autumn, Summer, best behaviour please.” Winter moved to the front door. When she opened the door she realized how simple her dress was compared to the two on her front porch. She fought to find her voice, “W…H…Hello! Oh my stars, you’re really here!” She moved to the side, “Please come in!”

“Greetings Ms. Winter,” Serenity said as she moved in for a hug. “It is a pleasure to be here. This is my wife, Mapper. I do hope I’m not too early.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” Winter said, “Oh my, thank you so much for coming Ms. Serenity. I’m very pleased to meet you Ms. Mapper. Please come in and make yourselves comfortable.”

“Thank you,” Serenity said. “We don’t want to hold up your guests. Do you need any help preparing?”

Winter shook her head, “Oh no, ma’am. I’ve had Summer and Autumn on food duty all afternoon. Please forgive me. The place is a little cosy.”

“This is a lovely home,” stated Serenity and she leaned in closer to whisper, “You did mention food? My wife is a bit peckish.”

Winter blushed, “It’s nothing special. There are a couple of tables set up in the kitchen, just buffet things though. I hope that’s alright?”

“Buffet is right up my alley,” said Mapper. “I’ll check it out.” Mapper moved past and into the kitchen.

Serenity smiled at her wife’s departure, “She isn’t one to waste an opportunity to eat.”

“Well, that is what it’s made for dear,” said Winter. The doorbell rang. “Pardon me.” Winter opened the door to reveal a pair of ponies. “Starburst, Fire Prism, thank you both for coming. Is Air Raid with you?”

Starburst shook her head, “She had practice but should be along shortly. If we had this at our place there’d be more…Oh, hello!”

“We did offer to have this catered,” commented Fire Prism.

“Hello,” said Serenity. “I’m so happy you’ve come to hear me sing. Ms. Winter has a lovely home and I know my wife prefers home cooking over some restaurant food.” She watched both ponies take the news of her having a wife in stride.

“I’ll have to admit when Winter said you’d be here,” said Starburst, “I thought she was pulling my hind leg. I would never miss a chance at a live performance!”

Winter gave a soft sigh of relief as Serenity had nicely deflected the disparaging comments. “Please come in and make your selves comfortable. Food is in the kitchen.”

Starburst scrunched her nose, as they both moved past Winter to the living room. Winter whispered, “You have to ignore Starburst and her husband. They think they are more ‘royal’ than the alicorns.” She giggled, “When Wildfire said you’d come I never doubted you’d be here.”

Serenity smiled, “Having had a meal or two with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, I can agree they could be more ‘royal’.”

Winter’s eyes went wide, “You’ve eaten with the Sisters?” She blushed, “I can’t thank you enough for coming to my little house.”

“That’s the point,” giggled Serenity, “they are just ponies too, so let others put on their ‘royals’ and try not to laugh. Where are the twins?”

“Let’s join the others and I’ll call for them,” said Winter as she leads Serenity to the living room where Starburst and Fire Prism sat. “Summer, Autumn, come on out, our guests are here.”

As the colts came out Serenity moved to receive hugs from both of them, “Hi, I’m Serenity and I like to sing. Do either of you sing?”

Both colts took their hugs and Autumn spoke up first, “Um, I don’t sing, Miss.

Summer snickered, “He can tell you all about the fire station though.”

“Oh!” exclaimed Serenity, “I met a nice pony here in Canterlot called Hot Spot.”

“Really?” Autumn clapped his hooves excitedly, “He’s the Fire Captain! I’m going to work for him someday.”

“He’s a nice pony,” Serenity said. “My friend, Wildfire, worked for him before she moved to Manehattan.” She turned to the other colt, “What do you look forward to doing, Summer?”

Summer’s eyes lit up, “I’m learning to be a paramedic, like Red Alert!”

“Just don’t ask him anything medical,” snickered Autumn.

“First aid training is awesome,” added Summer.

Serenity nodded, “Both of you are looking to do important jobs that will save lives. Do remember to still have some fun though.” The unicorn giggled, “Shall we see if my wife left us anything to eat, Ms. Winter?”

Mapper quickly used her hoof to pile items from the buffet table to her plate. “Hello, you must be Spring. I’m Mapper and it’s a pleasure to meet you.” She held out a hoof for a bump.

“It is, Ms. Mapper,” Spring responded with a hoof bump. “And I’m very grateful that you and Serenity could come over tonight.” He watched the unicorn fill her play without magic, but said nothing about it. “I’m sure my wife is talking your wife’s ear off.”

“Who did all the cooking?” asked Mapper. “This is a really nice spread.” She watched Serenity and Winter walk in followed by the colts. “Hey guys, you look sharp today!”

Summer blushed as he answered, “Thanks Miss.”

Autumn stood a little taller, “I told him to wear the suit.”

“You did not!” retorted Summer.

“Did too!” responded Autumn.

Spring chuckled and gave the colts a look that quieted them down. “I’m glad you like the food. Winter and the colts prepared it. You colts can have something after Ms. Serenity gets hers.” The two colts nodded.

Mapper waved a hoof, “You should see the cardboard they serve backstage.” She looked back to the colts, “You’re both handsome.” She walked out into the living room with Spring and sat at the end of a couch pad. She couldn’t help but notice the two ponies in the room give a disapproving look at her piled plate. Spring sat next to her. “This is a pretty nice place, Spring. What do you do?”

Spring smiled with pride, “Senior Nurse, Ms. Mapper. This is my twentieth year.”

Before Mapper could reply she was distracted by a conversation in the kitchen. Summer stated, “She called us handsome!”

“I’m more than you,” quipped Autumn.

“Are not!” responded Summer.

Winter intervened, “Colts, that’s enough.”

Mapper giggled, “Twins must be a hoof full. Are you at Canterlot Royal?”

“They’re not that bad,” responded Spring. “I think a level of competition keeps them both striving for the best. Yes, I’m at Canterlot Royal, and I work with the stallion over there.” Mapper looked over at the couple with a benign smile to see if they were real or pretenders.

“I’m on the board of directors,” Fire Prism said.

“Is Air Raid still coming?” asked Spring.

“While she does need to stay in practice to stay on top,” commented Starburst. “I do expect her any moment.”

“Well she needs to hurry it up if she doesn’t want to miss the performance,” responded Spring.

Serenity walked into the room with far less on her plate than Mapper. “We have a few minutes till I start.” Serenity daintily used her magic to eat while her wife ate directly from her plate.

Mapper thought she had the couple pegged, but wanted to test it further, “Hello, I’m Mapper, Serenity’s wife.”

“Fire Prism,” the stallion replied. “My wife, Starburst, Ms. Mapper. We were waiting to be introduced. Really, Spring, must you be so impolite?”

Mapper giggled, “I think having Serenity over has him a bit flustered. She can do that to ponies. I love your dress, Starburst, and you’re looking dapper as well, Fire Prism.”

Fire Prism gave a shrug of his shoulders and nodded, “Your visit is certainly the biggest thing to happen here in a good few years.”

“Why thank you, Ms. Mapper,” Starburst smiled, “Carousel Boutique originals, you know.”

“Lovely,” responded Mapper, “Rarity does make some wonderful creations. Don’t let me hold you up from the buffet. There’s a marvellous selection. Serenity, love, I do hope you got some of this Trojan Salad, it is a wonderful mix of olives and fresh feta!”

Fire Prism sniffed, “It’s not bad. A bit pedestrian.”

Spring grinned, “You’re right Prism, it’s not the stuff you’re used to. How will you ever manage?” That got a chuckle from Fire Prism, but neither him, nor his wife, stood up to get any food.

Winter and the colts entered the room with their plates. Mapper looked at them and back to the couple on the couch. Mapper labelled the two of them ‘likeable pretenders’. She should know being a pretender herself. They didn’t rise to the bait and were putting on airs without really knowing how.

“Yes, Love, I did get some, but not too much,” answered Serenity. “I don’t want to overfill before I sing.”

“Thank you, Ms. Mapper,” Starburst responded to the comment. “I had to brave a trip to Ponyville, but the clothes are worth it.” A screech of tires was heard outside the house. “Ah, that would be Air Raid now.”

“Excuse me, while I go let Air Raid in,” Winter said as she moved out of the room. With a giggle, she added, “Before she lets herself in.”

Mapper said, “I grew rather fond of Ponyville. It was the place to escape too. College here could really wear a unicorn down.”

Fire Prism sniggered, “Please, I should have Spring issue shots before going there. I’ll get us a plate before our daughter takes all that is left.” He stood and exited to the kitchen.

Spring laughed, “You’d think Ponyville was a foreign country.”

“As dangerous as it is, it might as well be,” added Starburst. “Did you attend Canterlot University? That is where Air Raid graduated from.”

“Oh, no,” responded Mapper, “Serenity and I graduated from Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.”

“The both of us are going over there later this evening for an alumni event,” added Serenity.

“The Princess’s school. That’s very impressive, Ms. Mapper, Ms. Serenity,” Fire Prism said as he returned with a plate of select item for his wife and himself.

“I found the night life in Ponyville to be very entertaining.” Mapper giggled, “And the occasional monster attack spiced things up.”

“That is true,” Serenity said, “the varity of musical styles did influence me when I was younger.”

“I must say we are huge fans of yours, Ms. Serenity,” stated Starburst.

Winter and Air Raid entered from the kitchen. Air Raid’s plate was piled in the same fashion that Mapper’s was. “I saved you a spot over there next to your parents, Air Raid.” She motioned to the pair of unicorns, “This is Ms. Serenity and her wife Ms. Mapper. They’re friends of Wildfire.”

Mapper noted that Air Raid was stunned by the news, but she wasn’t going to let her have a chance to speak. “Now, Winter, is sporting an elegant gown. I believe that is the same cut and style that Princess Twilight wears. Quite the prize to obtain.”

“Princess Twilight did make that dress famous,” interjected Serenity and added, “Thank you, Starburst, it is always wonderful to meet fans of the opera.”

Mapper continued before Winter could deny any such claim. “Air Raid, are you with the Wonderbolts Academy? That is a very nice looking uniform.”

Winter sat next to her husband with a strong blush showing. She knew that she purchased the dress at Marecys. Air Raid overcame her shock. “I’m not a Wonderbolt, Ms. Mapper, I’m a rally driver. Sorry for being late. Did…Did you know Wildfire?”

“Any fan of the opera is a fan of yours, Ms. Serenity,” said Starburst and she then turned to her daughter, “We are not here to reminisce about old friends.”

Serenity ignored Starburst to answer Air Raid’s question, “Yes, she lives in Manehattan just across the lake from us. Wildfire works at the Manehattan Fire Department.”

“A very respectable job for the city,” commented Mapper. “I say, Serenity, doesn’t Air Raid remind you of our dear friend, Tempest?” She giggled, “The need for speed.”

“Mane…Manehattan,” stuttered Air Raid.

Fire Prism said, “The last we heard she was in Fillydelphia being cared for by her family.”

“I had wondered where she had gone,” muttered Air Raid. “A firefighter, but how?”

Starburst’s voice carried a warning, “You aren’t getting nostalgic, are you?”

Air Raid’s ears wilted, “No mother, we are long over.”

“I was born in Fillydelphia, unlike my wife who is a Canterlot native,” Serenity said. “Wildfire has never lived in Fillydelphia, and I’m not sure where you’d have gotten that information.”

“She is also a very capable flyer, which is just what the Fire Department needs,” added Mapper. “Just the minor handicap of being blind.”

“It was her father, Cold Front,” explained Fire Prism. “He informed us all that she went there after her accident.”

Air Raid smirked, “Minor handicap, yeah right, I mean she was pretty once, but…ah…y’know.”

“That is what we were told, alright,” Spring agreed.

Both Summer and Autumn gave their best ‘death stares’ at Air Raid for her comment. Winter spoke up, “Pardon me, Ms. Serenity? Are you saying our Wildfire was never in Fillydelphia?”

Serenity nodded, “Ah, yes, Cold Front. Sad that.”

Mapper continued, “Yes, but Emerald should make a full recovery. I’m surprised it wasn’t in the paper.”

“There was something in the paper about him being arrested,” said Winter, “but the details were sketchy.”

“Arrested, was he?” Spring frowned, “Can’t say I’m surprised at that. I haven’t read the paper yet, Ms. Mapper, just back from a long shift.”

“I’ll tell you later dear,” said Winter and then she looked at Air Raid, “You could always visit her in Manehattan.”

Air Raid snorted, “No thanks, she was alright till she got herself blinded.”

Summer spoke up, “Don’t be mean to auntie Wildfire!”

“Summer,” Spring told his colt, “that is enough.”

“Indeed, Air Raid,” added Fire Prism, “these are her friends.”

“It is the truth though,” said Serenity, “and the world can be unforgiving. She has already met many of the same opinion as Air Raid.” Serenity shrugged her shoulders, “Even if it is an opinion I don’t share.”

“True,” added Mapper. “One does have to face the good and the bad, which Wildfire seems to be doing well at. She has spoken of you in a kind way.”

“She has spoken of me?” whispered Air Raid.

“Ms. Winter,” said Serenity in a loud voice, “that was a lovely buffet you put together. So, who is ready for a song?”

Winter was grateful for the change of subject, “Ms. Serenity, I’m sure we’re all more than ready to hear your lovely voice, my dear.”

Mapper leaned towards Air Raid and in a low voice she said, “Yes, Air Raid, some fond memories.” Then louder, “Serenity is correct, it was an excellent buffet. I thought the salad was good, but these spring rolls are divine! I demand, as price for tonight’s performance, the recipe!”

Winter giggled, “I think I can afford that.” While Serenity glared at her wife.

Mapper was not unaware of the glare, “That, of course is only for the entertainment that I provide. My wife refuses to accept any payment for hers.” She turned to her wife, “So, love, do lead us off.”

Serenity could see she had everypony’s attention, even the colts. “Well, first I’ll need to warm up my voice so I thought I’d start off with something to honour our hosts from that wonderful Pegasus, MyFly. ‘You’ve Got a Friend’.”

No one was more surprised by Serenity’s first choice than Winter. She would later deny that she looked for a pony named after another season so they could have the other two for foals. Of course, Serenity could have sung the phone book and Winter would still have been happy.

Serenity made sure she pointed to each member of the family when prompted by the song, “Winter, spring, summer or fall, all you have to do is call.” She took a little bow at the applause she received, loudest from the family she honoured. “Now that I’m warmed up I’ll start with Hamerea from Camare.”

Winter practically bounced in her seat while Starburst was only a little more restrained as she leaned forward to capture every note. Spring and Fire Prism looked on at their spouses with amusement. When Serenity finished the song, Mapper commented, “I don’t remember you dressed as modestly when you sang that on stage.” She was pleased with the blush her wife gave. The rest gave her performance a heartfelt applause.

“Thank you for your enthusiasm,” said Serenity. “Next I’ll sing ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ from ‘Die Walkure’ which I think is a beloved opera for all pegisi.”

“Indeed, it is, Ms. Serenity,” said Fire Prism.

When Serenity finished, Winter said quietly, “Best. Night. Of. My. Life.” Louder she commented, I’m amazed you can do that with no music to accompany you.”

All clapped loudly, except for Air Raid, who seemed to clap to keep up appearances. She herself was deep in thought about what the two unicorns told her. Mapper smiled and said, “I’m ready to ride that…” She cut herself off with both the look and thought of what would happen if she finished that sentence. “Well done, love,” Mapper concluded.

“That should have gotten everypony’s blood flowing,” Serenity said. “Let’s start with Ms. Starburst. Is there a song or opera you’d like to hear me sing?”

“Anything?” Starburst asked and Serenity nodded. “Well, could you sing ‘Music of the Night’ from ‘Phantom of the Opera’, please Ms. Serenity?”

“I can do that octave,” Serenity lowers her range and sings. She can see that Starburst was enraptured by the song. “Now I’ll preform the song that I sang on stage, ‘All I Ask of You’,” Serenity raised her range and sang.

Starburst wiped a tear from her eye, “That was marvellous! Thank you so much.”

Serenity’s eyes settled on the colts. She managed not to laugh when Autumn moved onto his mother’s back to hide in her mane which left Summer in the open. “The next request will come from Summer.”

“But I don’t know any operas,” Summer said quietly.

“Trust me young Sir,” said Mapper, “Serenity is not limited to the opera.”

Summer blushed, “Do you know ‘Circle of Life’ from the ‘Zebra King’?”

“I do!” exclaimed Serenity. She sang that song and followed up with ‘Love Will Find a Way’ from the sequel.

Winter beamed, “They do love their Disney movies.”

“Ms. Serenity,” Summer said as he clapped loudly, “That was better than the movies!”

“Thank you, Mr. Summer. Have you ever seen a zebra?” Serenity asked. Summer shook his head. “I know a zebra who could be king,” continued Serenity. “I think he is much happier serving coffee to others.” That got a snort out of Mapper. “It is now Ms. Winter’s turn.”

“I’ve always loved ‘Memories’ from ‘Diamond Dogs’,” said Winter, “if you could sing that please.”

Serenity reminisced, “I so wanted to play Grizabella, but instead I played Jennyanydots.” She sang the requested song and followed up with ‘The Rum Tum Tugger’.

Spring had to give Winter a napkin to wipe away the tears after the first song. When Serenity finished the second song she squealed like a filly, “Brilliant!”

“Thank you,” said Serenity. She looked at the other colt, “Mr. Autumn, do you have a request?”

The colt froze up on his mother’s back, “Aw, don’t go all shy, honey,” Winter comforted her colt.

Autumn poked his head out and whispered, “’A Whole New World’ please.”

Serenity nodded, “That is a nice production, though I haven’t played any of the parts.” She led off with ‘Saddle Arabian Nights’ and then followed up with the requested song. She encouraged Autumn to join in on the male lead’s sections and by the end of the song she had the colt singing loud enough for all to hear him. “Very good, Autumn. Now for a brief intermission. Ms. Winter, could I get some water please with a twist of citrus? And some more of the spring rolls my wife is raving over.”

“Of course, Ms. Serenity,” Winter said as she shooed Autumn off her back and stood. “I’ll get something for the two of you.”

“If you have a beer, I’d like that,” said Mapper.

“Of course we do,” said Winter. “We have wine also.”

“Some wine would be nice,” said Starburst, “Thank you.”

“A beer for me, Ma’am” added Air Raid.

“Aren’t you driving, dearie?” asked Winter.

“Just one beer,” responded Air Raid.

Winter left for the kitchen followed by Spring to help bring out the drinks and food.

Autumn approached Serenity, “Thank you for singing my songs. I’m sorry I got shy.”

“That is okay, Mr. Autumn,” Serenity said, “but remember the Fire Department is a public job so you will have to learn to work with others.” Autumn nods and moves back to his seat next to his brother.

Mapper moved up to nuzzle her wife, “How is your voice holding out?”

“I’m pacing well,” responded Serenity. Both helped themselves to the food and drink that Winter and Spring brought out.

Air Raid was done chasing her circling thoughts, “What did Wily say about me?”

Mapper responded, “She has spoken about you. We visited Silverbolt recently. Oh, Air Raid, did you know that Princess Twilight is having Wildfire’s book of poems published? You were quite an inspiration for many of those.”

Air Raid blushed, “She’s spoken about me…I, well, I knew she wrote poems.”

Fire Prism interjected himself, “Will you please forget about that pegasus, Raid, and…” He turned to Mapper, “I’m sorry, Ms. Mapper, but did I hear you right?”

Starburst laughed, “How does a Princess know a pony like her?”

Serenity said in an even tone, “Wildfire is well aquatinted with all four Princesses.”

“Yeah, and I’ve only dined with three of them.” Mapper’s voice turned conspiratorial, “Twilight didn’t have wings then in my class, and I called her Queen of the Libraries.”

Fire Prism’s jaw hung open in disbelief, and Starburst stopped laughing, “Really?” she asked.

“Mum, mum, auntie Wildfire knows the Princesses! Exclaimed Autumn.

“Yeah, she really does!” added summer.

“She remembers me?” Air Raid’s voice was just above a whisper.

Serenity continued, “Wildfire had enough poems and when she showed them to Princess Twilight, only a little editing was needed.” Serenity smiled, “I even have her autograph.”

Mapper picked back up, “Yes, Air Raid, she has spoken about you. Some very happy memories, and some, well shall I say, less pleasant.”

“Unlike my wife,” said Serenity, “I’ve never had a chance to eat at the same table as Princess Celestia.” Serenity giggled, “Ms. Wildfire got us both seats with Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.” She gave a soft sigh.

Mapper waved a hoof, “They eat like any other pony, with their mouth.”

Air Raid bowed her head, “I’m sorry.”

“Rubbish!” interjected Fire Prism, “You have nothing to apologize for.”

Winter said, “Well, I for one, am very pleased she’s doing well for herself. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer mare.”

“I’ll let her know, Ms. Raid,” Serenity said with a smile.

“Thank you,” responded Air Raid as she sat back in her seat.

“True, Mr. Prism,” Mapper said, “Life moves on. We learn from our past and try to not repeat it in the future. And, Ms. Winter, I do want this spring roll recipe!”

“Ahem,” Winter coughed, “Yes, well, let the past stay there shall we dears?” She smiled at Mapper, “You have most certainly entertained me tonight and shall receive your price of one recipe.”

“Thank you, I do try my best.” Mapper turned to her wife, “Ready to start up again, love?”

“I am,” Serenity said, “and I believe it is Mr. Prism’s turn to pick a song.”

Fire Prism thought for a moment, “I wonder if you could do a song from Evita, ‘Don’t Cry For Me Griffonstone’, please.”

Serenity smiled at a memory, “Very interesting choice. My friend Thespian played the part of Evita in the Equestrian production.” She sang the requested song and followed up with ‘On This Night of a Thousand Stars’.

There was a lot of hoof clapping, and Fire Prism clapped the loudest, “My thanks for a wondrous performance.”

“That is one of our favourites,” added Starburst.

“Thank you,” said Serenity, “I do believe that Evita is on tour, but you really should come to Manehattan to truly enjoy the show.”

“We’d love to go back to Manehattan,” said Fire Prism.

Starburst laughed, “Any excuse to see Evita again.”

Serenity took a small bow and turned her sights on another pony, “Mr. Spring, your selection please.”

“Are you a ‘Highlander’ fan?” Spring asked, “If so, I’d like ‘Who Wants to Live forever’.”

Winter nudged her husband, “You and that movie.”

Serenity laughed, “It just so happens I heard Princess Celestia sing that very song when she was helping the staff for a school play.” She sang the requested song and followed up with ‘Princess of the Universe’.”

Spring stomped his hooves like a little fancolt, “Princess of the Universe! Oh, my heavens! Superb, Ms. Serenity, Superb!”

Serenity couldn’t suppress the giggle, “Thank you sir. I would be remiss if I didn’t give my dear wife a song choice.”

Mapper grinned, “You know I want to hear from ‘Rigoletto’, love. You played a beautiful Gilda.”

Serenity led off with ‘La donna e mobile’ and followed up with ‘Bella figlia dell amore’. She received plenty of ‘Oohs and ahhs’ for the performance and after the hoof clapping died down she said, “Ms. Starburst will you do me the honour of a second selection?”

“I’d be only too happy to, Ms. Serenity,” said Starburst. “There is a song I know me and Winter both like called ‘Cuando Calienta el Sol’, if you could sing that please.”

Serenity asked, “The version by Neighcy Sineightra?”

“Oh, yes please!” squealed Starburst and Winter joined in on the excitement to the amusement of both stallions. After she sung the request Serenity followed up with ‘Saturday in the Park’. Starburst and Winter bounced like fillies, and the colts sniggered.
“Thank you for your enthusiasm,” said Serenity. “Now, Ms. Winter, your second choice please.”

“Oh, my, could you please sing Dolly Parton’s ‘Coat of Many Colours’? It’s a favourite from back home.”

Winter may or may not have seen Mapper’s eye roll, but Serenity ignored it. “I’d love to,” said Serenity, “But how about I sing ‘I Will Always Love You’ from ‘Jolene’ first.” With happy Winter’s happy nod she sang the songs in that order.

Spring was quick with another napkin to wipe away his wife’s tears and follow up with a hug. Winter said, “My old mum used to sing that.”

“Thank you, Ms. Winter for being a wonderful host, and for inviting your friends to attend,” Serenity said. “It has been a pleasure, but I’m scheduled to perform at Celestia’s school later this evening.”

Mapper said, “Our cab will be here at nine ten so you have time for one more, love. From an opera.”

Serenity looked at her wife and gave a little pouty lip before she smiled, “Then I’d like to close this evening’s entertainment with ‘Madam Butterfly’.” She finished the song to a loud round of hoof clapping and cheers.

Winter was the first to thank Serenity and Mapper, “It was my pleasure to host you this evening, my dears. Thank you so very much for dropping in.”

“Spring roll recipe please.” Mapper giggled, “And if I can have some to go I’ll slip a few to Princess Luna tonight.”

“Why certainly!” exclaimed Winter as she bustled off to the kitchen followed by Mapper.

Serenity said, “If you have anything for autographs, I can take care of that.” The adults all had something, and Spring brought Winter’s items for her. Even the colts got Serenity to sign their school class books. Only Air Raid had nothing for her to sign as she was lost in her conflicted thoughts.

Mapper and Winter came back out of the kitchen. Mapper had a bag with the remaining spring rolls on her back and Starburst quipped with a sly smile, “Are those fit for royal lips?”

Winter snorted, “Well they were good enough for you.” The two mares shared a laugh.

Serenity had finished the signings, and Mapper told Winter, “Here is Wildfire’s mobile number. She’s moving to a bigger place so I won’t bother with an address. I’m sure she will forward the new one to you.” Mapper lowered her voice to a conspiratorial tone, “As I’ve warned others, once Luna tastes these you may receive an unannounced spring roll inspection.” Mapper giggled.

“Oh, thank you, Ms. Mapper, I’ll be sure to call her soon.” Winter giggled, “I’ll be sure to make her highness most welcome. Perhaps she’d join us for a coffee morning, Starburst?” To that Starburst offered her own eye roll.

Serenity spoke up, “Oh, no, no, no, no, that would not do at all Ms. Winter. Donut Joe has the best coffee in Canterlot!”

Mapper giggled at her wife’s outburst, “It is all about the beans, Winter.”

Winter laughed, “Indeed it is, my dear, indeed it is. That is why I get my beans from Donut Joe.”

“Well, in that case, please do carry on with your original plan,” Serenity said with a smug smile. A horn outside let everypony know it was time for them to go. “We must be off,” Serenity said as she then gave everypony a hug to include the colts. Mapper was gracious enough to receive hugs from Winter and Starburst. The two were soon out the door to their waiting cab.

The door didn’t have a chance to close when Air Raid rushed outside, “Wait! Please wait!”

Mapper positioned herself between Air Raid and Serenity, “Yes?”

Air Raid nervously ran a hoof through her mane, “You…You’re Wily’s friends…What happened to her?” Air Raid’s words became rushed, “I tried to go back to the hospital the next day to apologize for what I did. I felt awful, but her dad had checked her out. Please, what happened?”

Mapper turned and shared a look with Serenity and then turned back to Air Raid, “Ride with us.”

“Okay,” said Air Raid as she got into the cab with the other two.

Serenity studied the pegasus mare closely as the cab drove off. She reflected on what Air Raid said in the house and then what she said outside the house. It seemed to her that Air Raid didn’t care about Wildfire until she found out that Wildfire had made something of herself. Serenity decided to skip the small talk, “Why do you care?”

Air Raid could tell she was under scrutiny. She took a moment to think about the direct question. “If she told you about me, then she told you about what I did to her. I…I just want to make it right between us.”

Serenity stated, “The first time on the cloud is a strong and happy memory of hers.”

Mapper advised, “As they say a mountain of At-A-Colts can be destroyed by one Ah-Shit-Pebble.”

Serenity continued, “Your last meeting is also a strong memory of hers.”

Air Raid smiled, “Yeah…That date was awesome.” Her smile faded, “Look, I should never ever have left it like that. I tried to see her, I really did, but she was gone. I went to see her dad, many times, in the end he slammed the door in my face and broke my nose and muzzle.”

Mapper nodded, “That does sound like Cold Front.”

“After that I took the hint and I stopped asking.” Air Raid was on the verge of tears, “Then my friend was injured looking for Wily, and that is when I stopped searching. I thought it best I just pretended she never happened.”

Mapper nodded, “There are some things you need to know then. Wildfire moved from Canterlot to Manehattan less than two weeks back. She starts work at the Manehattan Fire Department the Monday after this.”

Air Raid was stunned by the news, “Wait, she never left Canterlot?”

Mapper continued, “Cold Front imprisoned her for money. One of the reasons he has been arrested. Those that ran the jail have already been dealt with. Still one must dig to the root of the rot.”

Air Raid was still trying to take it all in, “He…I can’t…He did that to her? His own daughter. I had no idea, I thought she was with family.”

Serenity gave a soft sigh, “She took you to see the part of her family that mattered the most to her.”

Air Raid nodded, “Her mum. I remember, she wrote a poem right there before we, y’know, took it to a cloud.”

Serenity shrugged, “Soon you can read it again if you buy her book.”

“There is something more important that you need to know about Wildfire,” Mapper added, “She is part of a herd now. The same herd we are a part of. The herd has a zebra for an alpha stallion, and an earth pony for the alpha mare.”

“I…I’m really happy Wily’s got decent ponies around her. I’m genuinely sorry I wasn’t one of them when it mattered.” Air Raid looked over at Serenity, “Ms. Serenity, you really don’t like me, do you?”

Serenity looked back, “My opinion of you is of little matter, but it is not favourable as you suspect. Then that is why you’re here, isn’t it?”

Air Raid pleaded her case, “I just want to see her and say sorry, and mean it! Like I tried to do years ago, you think I’m interested because she’s going to be famous?”

Serenity’s face remained neutral, “I don’t think one short book of poems will make her famous outside a coffeehouse poetry club, nor does one become famous in the fire department without terrible sacrifice.”

Mapper continued before Air Raid could speak, “You are two things to Wildfire. Her first, and it is an experience she really did enjoy and left a lasting impression on her. The second reminds me of so many stallions, ‘I opened that well and there is no need to go back for another drink’.”

Serenity added, “Was she little more than a new toy you got to unwrap to find it lost its shine rather quickly when it was a bit broken?”

“Wily was fun. Really fun. Anything you’d think of she’d give it a go, and yeah, I saw other ponies. She said she was cool with it. She did too…” Air Raid looked at the floor board of the cab, “I never thought she was a toy, not ever…” Air Raid sighed, “When she got blinded, no pony warned me, or told me what to expect when I went to see her. I freaked, I panicked, and I’m not proud of it. I did try to go back and make it right. I should have never failed to start with.”

Mapper said, “She is on a trip with her two marefriends. They visited her parents, and now she is off to visit theirs. They are returning to Canterlot sometime early in the week to check up on her step-mother.” Mapper gives Air Raid a piece of paper, “Here is her mobile number.”

“She has forgiven ponies in the past, and will do so in the future,” said Serenity. “There is no reason you cannot be on that list. How much of her new life she will share with you is unknown?”

“Thank you, Ms. Mapper, Ms. Serenity, for giving me this chance,” said Air Raid, “If I may ask, why did you ask if I’d move to Manehattan?”

Serenity answered, “Wildfire is not returning to Canterlot to live. If you want back into her life you would have to move.”

“Some free advice,” Mapper added, “One of her marefriends is a weather pony named Tempest. She is the leader of the three and soft spoken. Her other marefriend is a newspaper pony named Airmail. Put it simply, Airmail would kill you if you hurt Wildfire again.”

“She is being very literal here,” stated Serenity.

“Kill… Hurt,” Air Raid swallowed, “Look, I never meant to hurt her before! I was twenty-one and a jerk. It was a dumb mistake. No amount of saying I’m sorry will change what I did. I just want to apologize and let her know I was thinking of her.”

Serenity pointed a hoof at the paper with Wildfire’s mobile number, “You have the means to repair the past. Then you can make a clean break and move on, or re-establish the friendship. It may, or may not, lead to more, but that is really not in your hooves to decide anymore.”

Mapper gave Air Raid a business card for ‘Stripe’s Cup of Java’, “That is for the shop run by the alpha stallion. If you find yourself in Manehattan that is the best place to start.”

“Thank you,” said Air Raid. “No matter what you think I’m not after Wily to gain anything. I have my own fame as a racing driver, and I’m good at what I do.” She looked at the two of them, “So, um, you think I should ring her up, or turn up at the coffee shop?”

The cab pulled up to the front gate of Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Serenity said, “Do you want to see her on her swing back through Canterlot, or wait till you’re ready to face her in Manehattan?”

The three step out of the cab, and Mapper said, “If the first I’d ring her soon before she goes to bed. The train arrives in Vanhoover at five in the morning. If the latter, I’d wait till she has started work as it is near the coffee shop.”

Serenity gave Air Raid a hug, “My opinion of you is a bit better than it was, but your actions will speak louder than my words.”
“I’ll ring her soon,” stated Air Raid, “Thank you for this opportunity.”

Mapper paid the driver with enough extra to take Air Raid back to Winter’s house. She accepted the hug Air Raid offered, “Clear skies, Air Raid.”

The two unicorns passed through the school gate, while Air Raid got back in the cab to return to her car. She had plenty of time on the ride back to mull over her possible future with Wildfire.