For the first time in years, Moondancer woke up with a smile across her face. She had every reason to be joyful with her repaired relationship with Twilight Sparkle. While there was the problem of Twilight's status as a princess making it difficult to meet up with her, the myriad of events which came with such a title adding to the issue, Moondancer felt understanding nonetheless. She knew just how hectic Celestia's life could get just by watching her; Moondancer still wasn't able to comprehend how Celestia could juggle so many errands at once. It was a talent she wished she could do.
After all, the hours she put into studying did do a number on her house. A layer of dust covered all but the bed and a few books. Anything which started out with a bright coat of paint became pale only a few days later. Moondancer was even certain there were some spider webs residing in the harder to reach corners, the thought of what resided in those webs churned her stomach. At least it'd be a quick fix with a duster and other cleaning appliances.
If she had any.
Moondancer sighed softly. Pushing herself off her bed, the ancient springs in her mattress squeaking like mice, she rubbed her eyes and put her glasses and sweater on. It wasn't as though she needed her glasses, but they made for a nice accessory in her view.
Meandering through the rooms of her house also proved to be a challenge. Stacks of books rested atop the wooden floor; the chipped bookshelves by it were already filled to the brim with studies and novels, among other literary treats. And if the creaks echoing into Moondancer's ears with each step were anything to go by, they'd probably break the floor and descend into the abyss at any moment.
Three knocks polluted the air. Then three more knocks.
"Give me a second!" Moondancer shouted. Why anypony would want to see her at such an early time was beyond her. Perhaps some ponies were going to tell her to clean her house up and make it conform to Canterlot's architecture for the millionth time. Moondancer never understood those who took real estate so seriously. To her, just having a roof above one's head was good enough.
However, beautification only yielded yawns from her. There were much better subjects just around the corner.
Another trio of knocks occurred.
"Moondancer!" a familiar voice cried out. "It's Minuette! I wanna talk to ya for a bit!"
"I'll be there shortly!"
Minuette was the kind of pony who'd wake somepony up an hour past dawn; her usual giggling and how she somehow eagerly convinced Lemon Hearts to stick her head in a flask defined her to anypony who knew her. Nevertheless, she was a friend to all sorts of ponies, from Moondancer herself all the way up to Fleur de Lis. Everypony had a Minuette story to share.
Reaching the brittle door, Moondancer pushed it open with a deafening screech splitting her ears, Minuette standing before her with a wide grin. A calm breeze also greeted her; Moondancer shivered for a brief moment. Minuette wrapped her forelegs around Moondancer, the sensation surprisingly warm and comfortable like a scarf.
"Nice to see ya, Moondancer!" Minuette yelled. She released Moondancer from her hug; a chuckle left Minuette's mouth. "How are ya?"
"I'm well," Moondancer replied. "I just got out of bed, so—" Moondancer yawned and stretched her forelegs "—I'm a bit drowsy. Though knowing you I'll be fully awake soon enough."
"That's right!" Minuette motioned her hoof and waved toward her. "Come on out, the sunshine is wonderful!"
Moondancer did as instructed, the fluffy doormat tickling her hooves. "Well, I was planning on heading out anyway, so I guess you're in luck."
"Nice! Where to?"
"Probably the nearest appliance shop." Moondancer peeked behind her shoulder; she noticed the decrepit exterior of her home and wondered how it was even still upright, a wooden plank clinging onto the ceiling for dear life. "I—I need to do some home improvement. Haven't done any in years."
"That sounds like so much fun! Twinkleshine is an expert when it comes to this stuff, though she's busy helping out with Lyra and Bon Bon at the moment, so maybe she'll be able to make your house look good as new tomorrow!"
"I wouldn't call it fun." Moondancer let out a soft snicker, only for it to trail off shortly after. She returned eye contact with Minuette. "But I appreciate your enthusiasm, Minuette." She paused. Moondancer then noticed the rising sun lighting the horizon a flaming orange. "By the way, what brings you here? It's quite early, you know."
"Oh, I just had a crazy awesome idea!"
Moondancer arched a brow; her head cocked to the left. "What's on your mind?"
"Well, you know how you made amends with Twilight Sparkle yesterday? And how she's the Princess of Friendship?"
Moondancer nodded, throat tensed. Whatever Minuette was proposing, she knew she'd either adore it or end up loathing the idea; there was no middle ground.
"Well, I was thinking of something we should do—right now!" Minuette rubbed her muzzle. "More specifically, do you remember how to make friends?"
Moondancer shuddered. "Well, I have you, Twilight Sparkle, Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and Lyra." She sighed; Moondancer didn't remember the specifics on how friendships were formed. However, she just couldn't tell Minuette that, as doing so would end with her being dragged to make a friend with somepony she may not even know. But lying would only be a short term solution. Moondancer pursed her lips. "Well, I think I'm good when it comes to friends, but—"
"Nonsense!" Minuette pulled Moondancer toward her, their shoulders rubbing against each other. The former trotted along the street with a skip in her step whilst the latter followed close behind. Moondancer's face was somewhat pale. "We'll do something fun and you'll definitely find a friend soon enough! I know you can do it, Moondancer!"
"Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Yep!"
Moondancer trotted closer to Minuette and made eye contact. "You said Lemon Hearts getting her head stuck in the flask was a good idea, so I don't know how to respond to that."
"But this won't end poorly! Besides, Lemon Hearts getting her head stuck was hilarious!" Yet another giggle departed Minuette's mouth. Moondancer couldn't help but think of how listing the things Minuette didn't laugh at would be easier. It didn't irritate her, however, but it intrigued her. "I have a sixth sense for finding friendly ponies, and I'll be able to tell who'll be the best to talk to."
Moondancer lowered her head, her gaze focused on the cracks along the cobblestone road. Her ears twitched in unison with the constant clacking of hooves. "I hope so, Minuette." Maybe making friends was easier than she thought. After all, she did make five of them once, and such an occurrence couldn't have been due to chance. "Maybe I can make another friend, but I'm still unsure."
"Don't worry about it too much, Moondancer!" Minuette wrapped a foreleg around Moondancer's shoulders. "Just stay positive and you'll do just fine!"
"Easier said than done," Moondancer muttered to herself. Perhaps cleaning the house seemed to be the fun option for once.
"Maybe so, but it's nowhere near as bad as you think." Minuette sped up; she darted to the right in the flash as Moondancer dashed to catch up with her. "Come on, Moondancer, we're almost here!"
"How far?" Moondancer huffed and puffed; an aching sensation coursed through her legs. "I'm not good at this running thing, you know?"
"Oh." Minuette screeched to a halt. A few seconds later, Moondancer caught up, shoulders sagging and sweat beading down her thick brow. And as she predicted as though she were clairvoyant, Minuette released a giggle. "Sorry, Moondancer." Minuette rubbed her hooves together. "I just got so excited that I couldn't stop myself from running!"
"That's nice and all, but please don't go galloping off like that." Moondancer rubbed her sore hooves; her teeth were clenched. "I'd probably destroy my body before catching up to you."
Minuette's jaw dropped. "Really?"
Rolling her eyes, Moondancer released a soft sigh. "It's called hyperbole, Minuette. It'd hurt, but I wouldn't just disintegrate."
"Hyperbole?"
"When you make something out to be much more than it actually is."
Minuette nodded with a blank stare. "I get it!" Moondancer didn't believe her claim, though she knew it'd be better to just pretend Minuette knew what hyperbole than to shove it into her cranium. If this were a group project during their school days, however, it'd be a much different story.
"That's good to hear." Moondancer glanced to her left; she then looked to the right. Both streets in question were packed with ponies of all shapes and sizes, their voices polluting the air unlike the roads she traversed to get there. Colorful bazaars were established on the sidewalks, all selling various trinkets and souvenirs. Most of these were glitzy accessories and tote bags, nothing Moondancer would even bat an eye at, but Minuette gawked at the crowded scene before her.
"Moondancer, do you know what this is?"
Moondancer shook her head. "I've been a recluse for the past year, remember?"
"Right!" Minuette snickered. "Anyway, this is the Canterlot Fair. All sorts of ponies visit it each year."
"No kidding." Moondancer bit her lip for a moment. There was little doubt as to what Minuette was planing; she was far from ecstatic about it. "So let me guess, this is where you wanted to take me, right?"
Minuette bobbed her head. "Yep! There are so many ponies to meet and chat with!" Squinting, she then scanned the area before her, humming throughout this process. It was a tune vaguely familiar to Moondancer, one she could've sworn she heard Twilight Sparkle singing atop a balcony. How such a thought even occurred was lost to her, but there were more important things to dwell on than music.
"Are you looking for somepony?" Moondancer raised an eyebrow. "First off, shouldn't we check out some of the shops as you implied? And as for ponies, there's so many out and about to where I don't—"
"Found one!"
Moondancer leaped up in surprise and shivered upon touching the ground. Gazing into Minuette's eyes, she said, "That doesn't make sense. How could you have found one?" She spread her forelegs out as if holding a large bucket. "There's so many ponies here that I think finding him or her again will be impossible." Then, Moondancer planted her front hooves on the ground; a popping sound reached her ears. Another sigh left her as she swished her tail. "Let's just head home, Minuette. We've probably already lost them."
"Moondancer, are you nervous?"
Moondancer's teeth chattered as if on cue. With a haunted expression, she violently shook her head. "Not at all!" She stood up straight. "See, I'm perfectly fine."
Minuette shrugged. "Right."
She then turned to her left; Minuette pointed her hoof at a pale blue pegasus, her white mane a wild design which captured her attention. In a way, Moondancer considered it to be quite similar to her own mane, only much cleaner and lacked any clips to maintain its shape. The pegasus yawned. Her blank expression as she reclined against a wall did tighten Moondancer's muscles, however. Either she was a calm, friendly mare just relaxing, or she was somepony who didn't want to deal with anypony.
Just like Moondancer was for over a year.
"Minuette?" Moondancer asked.
"What is it?" Minuette replied. "Did you wanna go see what the fair is like?"
"Not really." Moondancer exhaled; she wondered how it'd be best to phrase this. "I'm curious, how come you chose her out of all the ponies we've seen?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, she's standing there, but other ponies probably were as well. What made her stick out—besides the mane, that is?"
Minuette nudged closer to Moondancer, her smile wider than ever, and then patted her back. The sensations were comforting in a way, loosening Moondancer as she kept focusing on the pegasus. "It's simple. I have a feeling she's going to be a great friend! Call it a sixth sense or something! I was the pony who introduced you to Twinkleshine, after all." Minuette clasped her hooves together; a cheerful squeal left her mouth. "Just do the best you can. If you were able to make friends with five other ponies, I just know you can do it a sixth time."
"Um, okay." Moondancer took a short step forward. Then another. However, the pegasus never bothered to glance back at her as Moondancer approached her. Perhaps this was another one of Minuette's pranks. For all she knew, the pegasus was just a statue, and Moondancer would find herself talking to a chiseled block of stone.
The mare blinked. At least Moondancer knew she wasn't a statue. Now finding herself less than five hoofsteps away, she raised a foreleg up, clearing her throat. Uneventful or chaotic, Moondancer yearned for the discussion to be brief. Meeting new ponies was not what she had in mind to begin with.
"I had a feeling you wanted to talk to me," the pegasus said. She fiddled with the goggles around her neck. "So, what's up? Can I help you with anything?"
"Well, it's a long story," Moondancer responded. "I just felt like—like taking a walk, and I was wondering if you wanted to chat." Perhaps she said it wrong. Moondancer cringed ever so slightly, bracing herself for the mare's reply.
"I'm totally up for that. Chatting with ponies, whether friends or strangers, can be quite fun. Waiting around for six minutes and counting isn't what I'd call exciting, you know."
"I—I know what you mean."
The mare nodded. "Honestly, it's tough having to juggle so many tasks at once. One minute I'm training at the Wonderbolts Academy, the next I'm helping my sister with Breezie migration, and the next I'm stuck here having to pick up some stuff only sold in Canterlot. And to my luck, there's a fair going on." She sighed. "Sometimes, you can't catch a break."
"No kidding." Moondancer stepped back. "Should I leave you alone?"
"You don't have to. Look, sorry if I dumped my problems on you for a moment. I've just been itching to talk with somepony. Holding in these emotions isn't healthy and all, but we sometimes do it anyway." With a sheepish grin, the pegasus chuckled softly. "Funny how that happens."
Moondancer breathed a sigh of relief; she wiped sweat from her forehead.
"Nervous, huh?"
A quick nod was all Moondancer could muster for the time being.
"Yeah, I understand. Sorry if it was because of my little tirade there. It happens."
Adjusting her glasses for a moment, Moondancer then nodded. "I've learned this from experience as well."
"Anyway, a lot of ponies feel that way about chatting, you know. So many mysteries about who you're talking to, what they like, what their personality is, and so on. It's exciting in a way, but nervous as well." The mare exhaled. "By the way, I know ponies who have trouble communicating as well. More specifically, they like to keep to themselves."
Why the mare was going on about feelings and anxiety was beyond Moondancer. Nevertheless, she shuffled closer to the mare, her eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
The mare swished her mane about; she then assumed eye contact with Moondancer. "Now then, there's a mare I know who's tough as nails on the job, but when it comes to casual interactions, she's as quiet as they come if she isn't around ponies she knows. She's a successful and pleasant mare to be around, but she still gets nervous whenever placed into social situations. Sometimes, our anxiety can get in the way and prevent us from doing things. It happens to all of us."
Cocking her head, Moondancer shrugged. "H-how do you know this?"
"I've done about three years of research on psychology before realizing awesome flying was what my cutie mark was telling me." The mare chuckled; her cheeks flushed. "Yeah, surprising to hear from somepony with a crazy mane and a future Wonderbolt, but it's true. I still enjoy doing some research on it, however. It helps with some of the things I do." Her lips curled into a soft smile. "So then, anything interesting about yourself you'd like to share?"
"Well, do you mind telling me your name, please?"
"Oops!" The mare giggled again with a sheepish smile; she rubbed the back of her neck. "Should've done that from the start. Anyway, my name's Cloudchaser."
"I'm Moondancer."
"It's nice to meet you." The two mares shook hooves; this hoofshake was firm and slow much to Moondancer's delight.
"Same here, Cloudchaser."
"If you don't mind me asking, what do you like to do?"
Moondancer bit her lip for a second. There was little doubt Cloudchaser would find her hobbies strange, though with her going from psychology to future Wonderbolt, perhaps strange qualities weren't offensive to her.
"Well, I like to research magic, devise new potions which can be used for a variety of tasks, learn about the natural world, and read books."
"That sounds so awesome!" Cloudchaser's eyes twinkled. "I once had to do potion making for school once, believe it or not."
"With your track record, I bet it went just fine."
Cloudchaser shook her head. "Nope. It was a disaster! Of the three attempts I had at making one of the easiest potions, I somehow caused the flasks to explode instead. It got to the point where the teacher just showed me how it was done, and I don't think they let me mess with those things ever again." A chuckle departed her mouth. How anypony could laugh and make light of such an experience fogged Moondancer's mind. "To make a long story short, while I do have a range of talents, potion making is something I cannot do at all. Like, don't trust me when it comes to that! If it's not psychology, I'm terrible at science."
"Well, I can't do anything that requires physical strength, so I guess we kind of complement each other."
"I guess so." Cloudchaser crossed her forelegs; she ruffled her wings. "So then, do you want to hang out?"
Shivering, Moondancer's pupils shrunk. "Hang out?" One simple question somehow took the breath out of her. "But we just met."
"I know that, but I wanted to get to know you better."
Moondancer adjusted her glasses; a quick breath departed her lips. "But don't we know each other better through repeated encounters? You know, starting out brief."
"Perhaps. Anyway, I think spending time with somepony is a great way to connect with them. It's worked wonders for me and other ponies I know. When you give it a try, maybe you'll be surprised."
"That's not how I've made friends. Doing so would just end in trouble, wouldn't it?" They ended in trouble for Moondancer in the past, foals labeling her as a nerd and using it as an excuse to lash at her. With her avoiding putting herself out in the open nowadays, she considered making at least one friend a major accomplishment.
"Moondancer." Cloudchaser gently placed her hoof atop Moondancer's shoulder; it felt as soft as a pillow. "I have a few questions I'd like to ask you."
Moondancer's visage turned pale, the blood rushing out of it. "What is it?"
"I know this is going to sound awkward, but it's something I feel as though I should ask."
With a tightened throat, Moondancer gulped. Whatever was waiting on the tip of Cloudchaser's tongue, it had to do with friendship. And knowing her luck, it'd be a topic which would prod her coat. Moondancer glanced over to Minuette in a flash; the mare was as bright and cheerful as ever. She even waved to her and nodded.
Why did Minuette nod? Unless—
"Okay, I'll answer your question," Moondancer blurted out. Blushing, she covered her lips. "Well, I'll try."
Cloudchaser exhaled. "Okay, but you're more than welcome to change your mind if it's uncomfortable. I don't want to make things awkward."
"Sadly, I'm already doing a good job of that." Moondancer feigned a chuckle; she then regained her composure. "Okay, I'm ready."
"Moondancer, during your lifetime, have you ever felt lonely?"
Moondancer bobbed her head. "Of course. It happened when I shut myself from the world. It started over a year ago and ended yesterday."
"Ah." Cloudchaser rubbed her muzzle. "Now then, are there any other periods where you've felt lonely?"
Fiddling with her hooves, Moondancer paused for a moment. She took a deep breath. "Well, I've felt it for quite some time during the summer as a filly and at times when I was away from my closest friend. I wasn't a popular filly during school. Bullies and all that."
"I understand, Moondancer. I'd imagine it to be tough for somepony to not be with their closest friend, even for a few days." Cloudchaser paused; she then cleared her throat. "And I understand why a troublesome foalhood would make you hesitant to interact with others. However, most ponies are kinder and have matured since then. I know you'll be fine if you put yourself out there. And lastly, aside from myself, have you ever approached somepony before and engaged in small talk?"
Moondancer's head hung low; she shook it a second later. "No. Even before the bullying, I didn't do that."
Cloudchaser patted Moondancer's back, the latter resuming eye contact. "I think I know what's going on."
"Y-you do?"
"Yes. See, you've made wonderful progress in such a short amount of time. To go from being reclusive to talking with me takes a lot of courage, Moondancer." Cloudchaser cracked a smile. "While I've only known you for less than an hour, I'm quite proud of you."
"But I was forced into these situations. I didn't—"
"But that's wrong, Moondancer, and you know it. You were the one who made those decisions. You had other ponies helping you along, but all sorts of things require the assistance of another pony or two, even when it comes to socializing. It won't be easy, but I know you can do it."
Moondancer glanced at the cobblestone road beneath her. Perhaps Cloudchaser had a point. Sure, Twilight Sparkle yesterday and Minuette today were pushing her along a certain pathway, but she could have easily rejected their words from the beginning. Instead, she followed them and took the brighter, smoother path. Maybe she had this penchant for friendship all along; it was just some force within her was holding her back. Her eyes widened.
"I get it," Moondancer said. She brought her attention back to Cloudchaser. "I think I can do this. Make new friends, that is."
"I told you!" Minuette cheered. Bouncing about, she then danced around lampposts, passersby, and even carriages. Both Moondancer and Cloudchaser couldn't help but smirk and snicker at the sight. "What did I tell ya, Moondancer! I knew you had it in you."
"You said I'd make a friend, Minuette. I haven't found any yet."
"Actually, there's one standing right in front of you," Cloudchaser added. Spreading her forelegs out, she wrapped Moondancer into a tight hug, Moondancer returning the favor. "You're just what ponies look for in a friend. Kind, enjoyable to talk to, and willing to share your feelings."
"Thanks, Cloudchaser."
"No, thank you. Helping others is what I enjoy to do outside of flying." The two released each other from their warm embrace. "Also, I learned not to get so snappy when I release my emotions. It'll take time, but I'll get the hang of managing them appropriately. Now then, how about we head over to the cafe and get some grub?"
Moondancer nodded. "Sure!"
"My sister will be waiting there as well, and I know she'll be delighted to meet you!"
"Let's go, Moondancer!" Minuette shouted at the top of her lungs.
And so, the trio of friends trotted down the pathway, leaving the hectic festival behind for the time being. The hurricane of voices quietened as they progressed, soon becoming mere murmurs. Moondancer couldn't help but sense warmth bundling within her heart. Something about not only repairing bridges with Twilight Sparkle, but learning how to make new friends with Cloudchaser, sent electrifying sensations coursing through her veins.
After all, with what happened today and yesterday, she had every reason to be joyful.
