With a grinding of metal, the train came to a halt at Ponyville Station. Lilac yawned, and stretched her neck as she stood up. After a twelve hour train ride, she was relieved that she'd arrived at her destination. As she stepped onto the platform, she was greeted by sounds of birdsong. The sky was clear and blue, and for a moment she stood letting the warm sunlight seep into her coat. She allowed herself a small smile, and began to make her way deeper into the town, gazing all about her. Everywhere she looked, ponies were going about their daily routines with smiles on their faces. Here and there, the residents walked side by side, chatting to one another. The entire town's atmosphere was peaceful and welcoming, and Lilac once again gave thanks to Celestia that she'd made it here.

"Oof!"

Turning her head forward, she realized that she'd walked straight into a mare with a bright pink coat and mane. But what startled Lilac the most was the expression on the pony's face: Her blue eyes were wide as dinner plates and her mouth hung open in astonishment.

"Oh, sorry!" Lilac said quickly, worried that she'd upset her. "I didn't see where I was going!"

The pony said nothing, but continued to stare at Lilac with her jaw on the floor.

"Um, are you oka-"

But at that moment the pony gasped loudly, jumped in the air and zipped away. Lilac remained on the spot, staring after the mare with confusion. It was a moment before she heard the loud giggling from somewhere not far off. Glancing around, she saw an orange pony with a blond mane and green eyes wearing a cowboy hat. Lilac raised an eyebrow at her as the mare stepped closer.

"You're new around here, aren't you? Haven't seen Pinkie Pie that excited in a long time."

Lilac blinked and gave her head a little shake. "Pardon me, but who are you?"

"Apple Jack, that's me," the earth pony answered proudly.

Lilac held back a snort. "Nice to meet you, Apple Jack. I'm Li-" She stopped, realizing she didn't want to use her real name. "Violet," she said, forcing a grin. "My name is Violet."

"Violet, huh?" Apple Jack answered. "Cool. So where ya from?"

"Oh. Manehatten." Lilac's smile faltered. Wanting to change the subject she said, "Excuse me, but you wouldn't happen to know where a mare could get a bite around here do you? Train travel makes my stomach a little nauseous."

AJ grinned. "You bet I do! There's a great hayburger joint not too far from here. Follow me!"

Without further ado, the two mares set off side by side. As they walked along, Apple Jack was so friendly and laid back that in time, Lilac's shyness went away. By the time they arrived at their destination, she felt as though they'd known each other for years.

"So Pinkie Pie does that to everyone who's new?" Lilac said as they were led to a booth table by a waitress.

"Oh yeah!" Apple Jack smirked. "I still remember when Twilight first arrived here. Whoey, was that a night to remember!"

Lilac's eyes widened. "Wait...you know the Princess of Friendship?"

"Know her?" AJ snorted. "A better question is who doesn't! But yes, we're very close. You know, Elements of Harmony and all that." Apple Jack waved a dismissive hoof.

"So who are the other Elements?" Lilac asked, fascinated.

Apple Jack grinned at her. "There's Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty. Pinkie Pie is Laughter, Fluttershy is Kindness, Rarity is Generosity, I'm Honesty, and Twilight is Magic."

"And you all live here in Ponyville?"

"Yep!" Apple Jack replied. "Anyway, you'll have a chance to meet the others soon."

"What do you mean?"

"You'll see," Apple Jack said with a shrug. "So what brings you here? You're a long way from the city."

"Oh, heh," Lilac chuckled nervously. "Well, I just needed a change of scenery and a quiet place like this seemed perfect."

"So how long are you planning on staying in the area?"

Lilac smiled. "I'm hoping it'll be permanent."

Apple Jack put a hoof to her chin in thought. "Pardon my asking, but have ya thought of what you're gonna do for work?" she said.

Lilac shrugged. "I'll probably just work at a restaurant or shop."

"Well," Apple Jack said slowly. "If ya like, we could always use an extra pair of hooves on the farm. Especially with Applebuck Season startin' next week."

Lilac stared at her, hardly daring to believe her ears. "You really wouldn't mind?"

"Sure! You can come by the farm tomorrow to get started."

"Yeah. Yeah, okay. Perfect."

AJ grinned. "It's settled then."

Author's Note

Just so you guys know, if it seems my OC's name changes it's because Violet is the identity she assumes while she's on the run. Hope that clears things up.