The Mask of Silver

Minuet Shimmer was the pony that no pony saw, the kind of pony that you overlook in a crowd, or think nothing of when you pass by her. And that's what every pony did.

“Minuet! Minuet! Come here this instant!” The orphanage keeper shrieked,

Minuet Shimmer walked gloomily into the office of Madam Sniffle, it was perfectly clean, sparkling, because she was the one who cleaned it. The papers were stacked neatly in cubbyholes, pens in a finely decorated pen holder, the shelves were filled with dictionaries, but not a speck of dust on them, lamps, pencil sharpeners, scrolls, pictures, more pens, and small statues were all organized and perfect.

“Minuet,” said Madam Sniffle,

“Yes madam?” Minuet looked into the frowning face, and she racked her memory for any shelf she left without dusting or a pencil that she had accidentally put in a pen holder.

“You left the lamp on in the attic,” Madam Sniffle raised her chin, and expected an apology,

“Very sorry, Madam,” said Minuet, “but I didn't clean the attic today, it was Beach Bounce.”

The Orphanage keeper looked quizzical, but then she shook her head, “He should be ashamed of himself. He could of wasted a whole light bulb.”

“Maybe he just forgot,” tried Minuet, “What if he just—”

“Hold your tongue orphan!” cried Madam Sniffle,

“—but what if—”

“Hush up!” cried Madam Sniffle, her bouncy, golden mane shook with rage, “You should not disrespect your elders! Now go to your room, or something!”

Minuet Shimmer did not hesitate and flew out the door. She galloped out of the sight of The keeper. She then slowed to a walk, going down the orphanage halls, lined with fine portraits of all the past keepers and teachers.

The orphanage was very empty that day, Minuet did not know why, usually there would be at least three or four ponies, coming and going. But today it was strangely quiet.

Minuet Shimmer Found out where every pony was when she went into the gym, in there, there was a large crowd of stallions and mares, all talking. In the center of the crowd, was a very gorgeous pony, Gemstone Blossom, the prettiest mare in the orphanage, her coat was golden, shining like the sun, (because she attended to it every day) and her mane and tail were bubblegum pink, emerald green, and velvet. She was waring a dress or significant beauty, it was pearly whit, with rose red trim, pink ruff, and bits of blue here and there.

Minuet heard talk, such as:

“Isn't that dress perfect for her?”

“—I want it—”

“Her mane looks beautiful today—”

“I should ask her out,”

“—No! I want it!”

Minuet envied the popular pony, withing to get to her a manicure everyday, have people adore you, and have everlasting beauty. She sighed and then turned away from the crowd, she headed for the doors.

Minuet opened a heavy door and then sighed, the crisp fall air tickled her ears, the sun was setting, and giving off a beautiful golden glow. Fallen leaves scattered the street and sidewalk, and they crunched under her hooves. The trees had turned red and harvest yellow, Minuet's favorite time of year in Baltimare.

     ~~~

After School was over, Minuet grabbed up her books and rushed out of her school and onto the sidewalk that led home. Afternoon carried a slight wind, and it sent the loosest of leaves on the ground.

But as Minuet Shimmer was walking home, something caught her eye on a lamppost. She slowly turned around and than saw that there was a flier of some sort on the coal black post. It read:

Dear citizens of Baltimare, On November the first,

there will be a grand ball. Everyone who has a suit

or dress may come and enjoy the party. For no pony

should come without a proper dress or suit.

It will begin at 6:00 pm. And end at 11:00 pm.

So please come and enjoy yourself.

~Mayor

Minuet Fluttered with excitement. A ball! And she could go! She didn't really care about dancing with handsome stallions, she just wanted to be there. And then she galloped back to the orphanage as fast as she could. Wind stung her face but she didn't care. She wanted to go home and tell the keeper.

When Minuet got into the orphanage, she hurriedly put her books away and rushed over to the office. Madam Sniffle was there and she didn't look very friendly.

“Minuet!” Madam sniffle shouted.

Minuet always wondered why she had to yell at her when she was right there. But she answered “Yes?” anyway.

“You're late!” The keeper stomped her foot.

Minuet suddenly thought about how long she might ave been there, admiring the invitation.

“Sorry, Miss, I didn't realize the time,” Minuet apologized, “Because you see, there was a—”

“No excuses,” said Madam Sniffle, “You were late. And that is bad! Do you ant to grow up to be a mare who is always late—”

“I was looking at—” Minuet tried to say again,

“—admiring stuff, such as—”

“An invitation!” Minuet surprised herself by almost shouting, and she expected a scolding, but instead Madam sniffle paused and looked at Minuet, “An invitation? To you?”

“No, an invitation to everyone, to all of Baltimare, as long as they have something to wear.”

Madam Sniffle gasped with excitement, she looked like she was holding in a burst of joy, but she kept it in. “We—we need to tell this to all the orphanage! I'll announce it first thing in the morning!”

“Wait, Miss Sniffle...” said Minuet as the plump keeper turned around, “Can I go? To the ball?”

“Oh of course, it said everyone didn't it? Now run along and fetch me a copy of that invitation.”

Minuet walked out of the office tingling with excitement. She quickly went outside and found a flier quickly, she then took it down and raced it to the keeper's office, she laid it on the desk and scurried to her room. When she closed the door, she grabbed her diary and started writing, most of her writing was about music and songs she had made up in secret, but this time it was finally about something exiting, and now all she needed to do was just get a dress.