Star Grazer did not particularly like “Parties”. In all honesty he has never been to one. The closest thing was the Grand Galloping Gala and that was more of a social gathering of the rich. Star Grazer was always either too busy, too tired, or too lazy to go to a club or similar place. In this case he was all of those! He doesn’t even know how to dance! He is really shy in big crowds and tends to get dizzy in them. This was like High School all over again!

While Star Grazer had a mental panic attack, Fluttery and Light Dasher were rushing him and Barry onward toward a large tent packed with ponies. As they got closer they noticed several ponies with blush on their faces and mugs in their hooves. They steadied themselves as Star Grazer and Light Dasher walked by receiving a few salutes from some, not all, ponies. It seems someponies are recognizing their rank. He liked this show of respect and saluted back. Light Dasher gave a small nod.

Music played from an unknown source as the group walked into the crowded tent. It was rather dark by the time they got there and several ponies were dancing in the center. A stallion nudged the mare next to him and pointed at Star Grazer. They talked and the mare nodded and disappeared. When she reappeared she was carrying three mugs of what was presumably cider. She walked up to the group and blushed as Star made eye contact with her.

“Congratulations! We heard that you saved those ponies in Windforge!” She handed them all a mug saving Star Grazer’s for last.

“Well we didn’t save them; we more helped to save them.” Star Grazer smiled and took the mug making the mare blush and giggle. When he finishes sorting out how to feel about Cheery he will have to see why mares act strange around him.

He slowly sipped at the mug and looked around for a secluded place. He found an empty corner of the tent and made his way toward it. Several ponies patted him on the back and cheered at him as he passed by. He just wants to be left alone right now! He is most definitely in no condition to be “partying”. Light Dasher probably thought that this would cheer him up. Some more cider would cheer him up. He didn’t even realize it but he was sitting on an empty crate with an empty mug of cider. He looked around for more cider and saw a makeshift bar of wooden crates. It was directly across the tent. He groaned.

Light Dasher didn’t even notice the absence of Star Grazer. She was too busy indulging herself on mug after mug of cider. The bartender was actually nice this time. He let her get more cider when she downed her fifth mug. Several ponies stared in awe as she downed mug after mug of cider. At the tenth mug of cider however the bartender stopped handing her cider. Only reason why was because there wouldn’t be enough for everypony else.

Light Dasher now bored and feeling warm decided to look for Star Grazer. She didn’t have to go particularly far when she spotted him drifting through the happy herd of ponies. He looked as if he was defeated and held an empty mug in his mouth, much in contrast to the room’s vibe. She really was hoping that bringing him to this party would help him. Light Dasher remembered the night before. He cried and cried for at least an hour. Then he suddenly just stopped and acted like nothing happened and went to his tent.

“Hey Star? You ok?” Star Grazer nodded and moved toward a less populated area of the bar. He sat down against it looking out toward the group of ponies chatting and having a good time. His facial expression was blank and neutral. Occasionally his mouth would frown but almost immediately revert to its level state. She stared at him for a while before she plopped herself down next to him. He looked in her general direction before trying to slide away from her. She moved closer and he shied away more until he was stuck between her and the bar.

“What that one mare said was horrible. She should have never said that stuff to you.” She reached out an affectionate hoof but was only rebuffed. He looked out toward the crowd then up at the bar.

“I’m fine. I’m just not a party person is all.” His voice was beginning to break before he stood up and got two mugs of cider from the bartender. Light Dasher reached a hoof out expecting the cold of the mug. Instead she grabbed at empty air as he downed the two mugs almost immediately letting out a long sigh. He proceeded to get up and walk somewhere. Confused Light Dasher followed.

Light Dasher could feel the alcohol taking effect. She felt really warm and her mind was beginning to swim with the music and the walking Star Grazer. He stopped to talk to somepony. A slightly blurry Rainbow Dash was standing next to a slightly blurry Jason. There’s something that they are hiding. They might be romantically involved. That was the popular rumor floating around. Her attention snapped back to Star Grazer when he mentioned some kind of battle.

"Yeah, twenty dead ponies as a result."  Jason said.

"So how exactly did you and your team take out all those griffins?" Light Dasher thought it cute how awkward Star Grazer truly is.

"Teamwork and planning.  And futuristic weapons."  He shrugged.  "I didn't really bring it with me, but it fires metal weights at high speeds.  It was causing all the boom noises."  He turned back to the table.  "You still got that machete, Tank?" Star Grazer seemed satisfied. Light Dasher leaned in toward his ear.

“Hey Star, I think we should probably go.” She began to walk away. At least she thought she was walking. She was actually stumbling everywhere. Star was confused a moment before following her outside the tent.

“Sorry Star.”

“For what?” He really did seem confused.

“For bringing you to this party. I thought it would cheer up.” Light Dasher hung her head and sighed.

“Nonsense! I may not be a party person but I greatly appreciate the gesture.” He smiled sincerely. She could not tell if he was blushing from the alcohol or some other reason.

“Well I'm sorry anyway. Do you want a hug?” Light Dasher was surprised when he quickly hugged her. She was shocked at first then she hugged him back, keeping their embrace. She could feel the heat of Star Grazer radiating into her. She felt happy in his hold. She didn’t understand why. It must be the alcohol. She really should learn to control herself around alcohol. Star Grazer broke the warm embrace and walked away. Light Dasher was never more confused about him then now. Next Chapter: The Green Bay Pa Estimated time remaining: 23 Minutes