Wayward Warriors Book 1: "hostage situation at the gala" or "changeling catering"
My story begins on the beautiful nights the weather pegasi reserve only for occasions such as that night. the night of the grand galloping gala. Princess Luna's moon was hung high in the sky with the stars scattered about forming the beautiful images known as the constellations, without so much as a cloud to obstruct the view. The wind blew gently making the leaves dance in place among the trees. these were optimal flying conditions for long distance travel. Rabbits played in the field below me, hopping about going on with there nightly routines merrily.
I was a short fellow for a stallion. About 4 inches below average which put me just above the size of your average mare. Of course I had no problem with it other than it being one of the many causes for teasing when I was in grade school. Other than that I was an average looking pony with a scarlet red mane, gray coat, and blue eyes. I came from a family of blacksmiths from fillydelphia. So as one might expect my cutie mark was the marking of a blacksmith. A hammer and a horseshoe to be precise but, along with the family of blacksmiths came the name of a blacksmith. Forge Fire. Up till last Thursday my life had been rather dull. I got up, ate breakfast, went down to the shop to fill in the various orders I received, had lunch, then lounged around until dinner. this was pretty much my daily routine once I moved out of my parents house.
Then Late Thursday evening an old friend dropped by. Dawnstar was an alicorn I had met at a party about a year prior to the visit. Since then we kept steady contact via mail and visited each other every so often. If you are wondering how there are more than four alicorns in Equestria don't worry I still have no clue and I've known him fifty years. When Dawnstar arrived at my door I was rather surprised since he usually sent me a letter to give me a few days notice. Other than that I was pleased to see him once again. He told me that he had received an invitation to the gala and had asked around but sadly none of his other friends could go with him. So he requested that I go. needless to say I was a little confused as to why he would even consider me but, I was not going to turn down a chance to go to the grand galloping gala. to mingle with high society and have a chance at meeting Celestia herself. in my mind that would be a truly wondrous occasion. Of course the prospect of getting a contract to make the guards armor and uniforms was mostly what had me so excited.
That my friends is why I was flying halfway across Equestria. not the most exciting way to get an invitation but, I was grateful. Why would I not be. That was the happiest day of my life for a long time. I was young, free and going to the biggest party of the year. I was more than happy. I was overjoyed. Of course I had no idea what I was headed into. none of us did and if I knew then what I know now I would have stayed home that night.