I glanced out my window from the air ship at the icy terrain as we flew over it; watching it change from the ice covered ground of the frozen north to the more temperate climate of the southern lands. I turned my gaze back into the cabin; several ponies were aboard but I was the only one of my kind on the ship. A few stared at me if only for a moment before going back to their business though I guess I shouldn't be surprised; Satyrs don't leave the homeland much.

With my upright posture and mix matched features I definitely stand out. My appearance was similar to that of a Minotaur but not as muscular and instead of bull like features I had pony ones; A pair of pony legs with matching tail and a pony face with matching ears sticking out of my shaggy black hair. I glanced out the window again this time though focusing on my reflection; a face similar to a mare stared back at me; many said I had the face of a girl. My hand touched the end of my nose as I stared at my reflection; the criticism was not unfounded.

I decided to take my mind off my sudden bout off self consciousness as I drew in my coat; it's dark blackness standing out against my light lavender fur. I reached into the messenger bag I had slung over my shoulder; after briefly fishing around inside of it I found what I was looking for; a letter that had been sent to me earlier in the week. I removed it from my bag; the heavy parchment giving it some weight. I opened it gingerly and read it's contents for what had to be the hundredth time.

It read:

To: Amir Wintersun

Address: 1610 Lion St.

Lewis, Narn 1950

We are pleased to inform you of your application's acceptance into Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns through our school's new student outreach program. Your aptitude and knowledge of magic are sufficient for enrollment into our establishment.

As a student you will be attending our campus in the Equestrian capitol of Canterlot with your classes beginning on the 1st of March. You will be staying in our dormitory facilities while in attendance; more information about your courses will be available upon arrival.

Once though Canterlot customs please report to Mrs. Guiding Star at our facilities to be shown to your living quarters.

Again we are pleased to welcome you and hope you enjoy your time with us.

Signed,

Princess Celestia, School Headmaster and Founder

I stared at the words on the parchment; I had been accepted to Celestia's school. The student outreach program was new; created to help the ponies of Equestria meet and interact with the other cultures of the world while at the same time giving individuals from said cultures a chance to learn about Equestria. I was the trial case before the program was to be widely implemented.

“Can I have your attention please” someone said; causing me to look up. It was an air hostess pony; she smiled as she continued to talk to the passengers, “We are about to dock at the Canterlot air yard. Would all passengers please prepare to disembark”

I place the letter back in my bag and stood up to retrieve my suitcase from the overhead compartment. It was a bit tricky as I'm not quite that tall; there is a reason Satyrs are called 'Miniature Minotaurs' after all; A mare standing on her hind legs would be able to look me dead in the eye. As I grab my bag I notice some of the mares having the same problem I did; earth ponies who couldn't use magic or just fly up to get them. I probably could have used magic to make it easier but I accidentally packed my focusing stone inside my suitcase so yea I'll have to wait till I get to the campus to get it out.

After the air ship lands I disembark with the other passengers; mostly ponies who conduct business abroad. I get to the customs check in and stand in line for a few minutes as the passengers in front of me are processed. When it comes my turn I approach the counter; a unicorn mare in glasses was behind it; I give her my passport.

“Name?” She asks in a flat tone; using her magic to take my passport.

“Amir Wintersun”

“Reason for visit?” she continues

“Education”

“Canterlot University?” She glances at me.

I shake my head, “No, Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns” The pony checking me in does a double take and stares at me over her glasses. My ears slicked back against my head, “It's part of a new student outreach program” I explain hoping to get her to stop staring at me.

“Yes, it is new; I remember hearing about it just the other day” she adjusted her glasses. She then hoofed my passport back to me, “Enjoy your stay in Equestria” she said with out so much as an ounce of warmth. I left the terminal a bit unnerved; did she disapprove of a non-unicorn going to the school or something? I tried to shrug off the uneasy feeling by looking around the city.

Canterlot was huge; a lot bigger than Lewis that's for sure. All of the building were white with gold décor giving the city a feeling of opulence. I took in the sights for as long as I could before my stomach growled reminding me I had not eaten anything since I left Narn. I glanced around and saw a doughnut shop; perfect for a quick bit to eat.

I enter the shop; several ponies are inside discussing various topics; none pay any attention to me as I walk up to the counter. The pony behind it gives me a friendly smile as I sit down; setting my suitcase beside me.

“Welcome, I'm Joe. What can I get you?” he asked in a polite manner.

“Do you accept crystals?” I ask; the only form of currency I have is from my home land. If I needed some other form I would have to go to the treasury.

“Sure” he said with a nod, “I accept Bits, Gems and Crystals” Relieved I place an order for some hot chocolate and some raspberry icing doughnuts. He brings them to me, “New to town? Don't see that many Satyrs here in Canterlot” he says as I give him a deep purple crystal as payment.

“Yep” I said nodding, “I've been accepted to Celestia's School; I start classes day after tomorrow” As I say that I notice the place gets extremely quite; I turn to see everyone staring at me with expressions that range from shock to disgust.

“Really?” Joe asked; I can hear the surprise in his voice but it keeps its friendly tone.

“Yea” I say turning back toward him, “Princess Celestia created a new outreach program for the school and I qualify”

“Well I'll be darn, Congratulations. It's not easy to get into Celestia's School” Joe said with genuine happiness. All around me I hear the ponies start talking again this time they are all talking about me though. I hear one mare say that it's good for the growth of the school to accept magic able beings not just unicorns; a stallion says letting me in will smudge the station of the school and whats next letting an earth pony in. I duck down and try to focus on my doughnuts; Joe places a hoof on my shoulder, “Hey don't let some of these foals get you down. Princess Celestia personally approves each student; If you made it in than that means she believes in you.” I look up to see a reassuring smile from him.

“Thanks” I say smiling in return.

After finishing my snack I head for the campus grounds. As I approach I can't help but notice how clean and pristine the building was; it looked just a new at the day it was built despite the fact it is one of Canterlot's oldest buildings. I enter the building; the polished floor giving it the feel of a palace. I tighten my grip on my suitcase; this is an uncomfortable feeling; one that says I am out of my element. I follow some plaques fixed to the walls of the hallway and manage to find the office of Mrs. Guiding Star; whom was sitting behind her desk. She was a light pink unicorn; her mane a pale lemon color. She looked up as I entered the room and gave me a welcoming smile.

“You must Amir; so very nice to meet you in person” she said raising from her seat, “I do hope you enjoy your stay with us. Did you find the campus grounds okay?”

“Yes, ma'am” I said politely, “I would have been here sooner but I got hungry on the way here so I stopped to eat”

“That's okay; it's nice to familiarize yourself with the city” she said with a reassuring smile, “Now follow me; lets get you settled in” she motioned me to follow with her hoof.

I followed her to a nearby building; it was a large place decorated white and gold like the rest of the city, “This is our residential hall” She said opening the door; entering the building as I followed her. She led me out of the entry way into a large room that could easily fit 20, “This is the common room, ponies like to relax in here between classes” The room contained many bookshelves as well as a record player and a small film projector. She then led me up a flight stairs and waved a hoof at the small hall of rooms in front of us, “This is our dormitory; many ponies come to our school from outside Canterlot so we offer a place for them to stay while they study here” She led me down the hall to a room door with a plaque that read 'Room 26'; she opened the door and stepped inside; I followed behind her.

The room was about medium in size and in a studio apartment style; one large room with the north wall having a window with the bed off the east side of it while a large cabinet space was on the other side of the window. All down the west wall was a kitchenette area with a small stove, sink and refrigerator surrounded by cupboards. On the opposite wall was a door leading into a small bathroom with all the necessary faculties.

“This is where you will be staying as long as your a student” Mrs. Guiding Star said; waving her hoof around the room, “Curfew is at 9 except on weekends which is midnight. Any plans to stay off campus must be given in advance to me” She gestured to herself, “Any visitors who are not students must also check in with me. Between classes what you do is your business but please be mindful of curfew; tardiness will result in disciplinary measures” She looked at me and smiled, “You understand, sweetie?”

“Yes, Ma'am” I nodded.

After leaving my suitcase and bag in my room Mrs. Guiding Star shows me where the cafeteria is as well as the gym in case I get hungry or feel like exercise. We then returned to her office, “That wraps up just about everything; new student orientation is tomorrow at 8 in the morning. Your courses will be given to you then” she turned to me, “Any questions?”

“Yes one actually if you don't mind” I say after a moment, “I knew a mare who mentioned coming here; you wouldn't happen to know if she is still enrolled here would you?” I ask with hope; I haven't seen my friend in years. She made me promise if I ever came to Canterlot to find her; I think this would count.

“Let me get my record book and we'll see what we can find out” She said going back to her desk. She began to rummage through her papers, “This mare; you met her in Narn?”

“Yes, ma'am. She came with her father to live among us Satyrs; he was a very knowledgeable Xenologist who wanted to study our culture” I explain; my heart filled with emotion thinking of the memories, “We had to say good-bye when he returned to Equestria; our borders were not yet fully open so I lost contact with her after she left”

“Oh I see; a friend reunion how sweet” she said; she then found what she was looking for. She pulled out a small book labeled 'Student Registry' and opened it up, “Now what's your friend's name, Dearie?”

“Lyra Heartstrings”

After a brief check through her book she was able to tell me that Lyra was taking some of the advanced courses; she said that the address listed was for a town south of Canterlot called Ponyville but a secondary address was for here in the city. After giving me directions and still having some time before curfew I decided to go to the Canterlot address. I soon found myself in front of a large purple building with an hourglass above the door; I took a deep breath and exhaled. I was really doing this; after all these years. I approached the door and knocked gently but firmly. After a moment or two the door opened revealing a blue unicorn with a white and blue mane.

“Oh, hello” she said in a friendly tone, “Can I help you?”

“Hopefully” I say in an equal tone, “I'm trying to find an old friend of mine; a unicorn mare named Lyra Heartstrings” At the mention of Lyra's name her expression changes to one of utter joy.

“Your Amir! Oh my gosh; Lyra talks so fondly about you. She always wondered if you would ever come here!” she said with enthusiasm. She then waved me into her house, “Come on, I'm her friend Minuette; I know how to get in touch with her!” I follow her into her home, “She usually stays with me when classes start over at Celestia's school. She should be coming over tomorrow for orientation”

“I know; I'm going too” Minuette inhales deeply and spins around to face me.

“No Way! Your going to Celestia's school too? Oh, my gosh your going through that new outreach program aren't you? Lyra is going to flip!” She says in an even more energetic tone. She then goes over to a telephone; a large black rectangle device mounted on her wall. She picks up the receiver; a small bell shaped piece attached with a wire. Using her magic she spins the dial to place her call; giggling the entire time.

“Hello, Bonnie?” She says to someone on the other end, “It's Minuette; is Lyra around? Got something to talk to her about” She glanced at me, “Bon Bon is Lyra's housemate; she's a candy maker in Ponyville” she explained for me. A few moments pass; the nervousness I feel is thick enough to be used as a doorstop, “Hello Lyra? Hey how are you doing” There is a pause as the pony on the other end is apparently talking. Minuette has a grin from ear to ear, “That's cool; Hey listen there is someone here who has traveled a real long way to talk to you” She smiles and reaches me the receiver. I take it; my mouth going dry I put it to my ear.

“Hello?” Lyra says on the other side of the line; she sounds just like I remember.

“Lyra?” I say once I find my voice; hopefully it hasn't changed that much either. There is a pause on the other end.

“...Sunny?” she says faintly causing me to smile. We gave each other nicknames based on our names; so of course she has one too.

“Hi Stringy” I say to her. There is another pause; this time I can hear some faint sniffing.

“Took you long enough” she said in a weak voice trying to be humorous.

“Hey I keep my promises; It may take awhile but I keep them” I say; I can feel tears start to form in the corner of my eyes. Minuette has a smile on her face; she then turns to go into the next room giving Lyra and me privacy.

“So your in Canterlot, huh? What brings you there?” She asked; her voice regaining some strength.

“I'm going to school; I'll be going to Celestia's to learn magic” There is a short pause on the other end.

“We'll be going to school together?” she said in a barely audible voice.

“Yes. Just like before” When Lyra and her dad moved to Narn for that year she attended the same school as me; that was how we met. I could hear more sniffing, “Lyra?”

“I... I really missed you” she said; I could tell she was trying to hold back tears. I was as well.

“I missed you too” I looked at the clock; curfew was in 7 hours, “How long is the train ride to Ponyville?”

In 30 minutes I was on the train to Ponyville; After thanking Minuette and leaving her place I returned to campus to let Mrs. Guiding Star know. She smiled and told me curfew doesn't start till classes do; she wished me the best on my meeting with Lyra. Stopped by my room long enough to grab my messenger bag; I practically ran to the train station after that. I stared out the window at the passing scenery; my mind racing with thoughts of how shes been since she left. After 10 minutes the train pulled into the station in Ponyville; I quickly stepped out onto the platform. I glanced around looking for her; she was coming out to greet me.

“Amir” I heard to my left; I turned to see a light mint green unicorn with a white mane looking at me. Tears began to fall down her cheeks as did they down mine; we began briskly walking toward each other. Once we met in the middle we embraced; no words needed just pure emotion.

Author's Note

Xenology- Study of Alien/Foreign culture

Xenologist- Person who studies Xenology