Author's Note

Shorter chapter this time. I'll hopefully get more consistent with length as time goes on.

4- Welcome party & strange sights

--Ponyville: Town Square--

Aidan arrives in Ponyville square, led by Twilight. The place is decorated with balloons, banners and streamers. Tables are set around the area with finger foods, sweets and punch bowls.

The balloons seem to get Aidan's attention the most and he has Cale examine one closer, eventually causing it to pop with his talon. The loud noise makes him jump and the owl nearly falls off his shoulder. "The heck are these?" he asks.

Before Twilight can even start to answer, Pinkie descends from above. Hanging upside down from a banner that shouldn't be able to hold her weight. "They're balloons silly!" After answering she just lets herself drop, stopping momentarily before hitting the ground and then flipping right side up.

"Not like any balloons I have seen. The ones in my world are made with treated fabric, and mostly used for airships. Or paper and used for festivals in the eastern lands." Aidan explains his confusion with the balloons, holding the tattered remains of the popped balloon and examining it. "But that can wait for another time, I'll just keep sharp things away from them."

Pinkie grabs Aidan's hand and leads him around the party, introducing him to various 'important' ponies. Mayor Mare, Mr.&Mrs. Cake, Granny Smith, Gummy, Big Mac, Vinyl Scratch, and many others. Pinkie pretty much introduces him to every single pony there.

"Did you shut down the whole town just for a welcome party?" Aidan asks the excitable party pony.

"Of course, it's not everyday I get to throw a welcome party for someone from another world, a different kingdom and leader of a nation, ALL AT THE SAME TIME!" she exclaims with way too much enthusiasm and even yelling the last part.

"I'll take your word for it, just not used to this many people in one place. Without being in process of getting ready to go on mission." he shakes his head. "I'll either get used to it and learn to appreciate it, or I won't. Only time will tell."

He mingles with the guests, enjoying the atmosphere, even as he continue planning how he will track down the Nine.
In a low magic world, he could just track them by finding the largest concentration of magic. The problem is, the longer he spends here, the more he realizes that this world is just abundant with magic.

A hour or so later, as the party is starting to disperse so that the ponies can go back to their normal day. Until a winged carriage pulled by pegasi in golden half plate, lands at the edge of the town. This of course draws the attention of the townsfolk who all congregate to find out what is happening. Aidan follows Twilight as she heads towards it at a jog.

"I'm guessing that's someone important." he says, not expecting a response.

It does not take long for them to arrive at the winged carriage. Among the large gathered crowd Aidan spots the only person that could have come from such an ornamental means of travel. She is a tall elegant woman, that moves with natural grace, and clad in a regal looking with gown. Her hair flowing in an ethereal breeze and resembling some form of aurora.

Lost in the sight, Aidan does not immediately notice most ponies present are bowing. Once he does notice, he gives a short bow. Hoping that it shows her enough respect, while also showing that he is not one of her subjects.

Twilight leads her towards him and exclaims with a wave of her hands. "Princess Celestia, I'd like to introduce you to Aidan. Archmage of the Isle of magi, from the world of Gaia."

Celestia performs a slight curtsy, which Aidan responds with a light bow once again. "Greetings Archmage Aidan, I Princess Celestia formally welcome you to Equestria." The formal introduction done, she gets right to the matter. "I would like to request your presence at our castle, we have a few things we need to discuss."

"You could use my castle." Twilight offers.

"I'm afraid that the matters we need to discuss will be of greater importance. Princess Cadence and Shinning Armour are already en route from the Crystal Empire." Princess Celestia answers Twilight. "Of course, we would like you and the other Elements to join us as well."

"I accept your invitation Princess." Aidan finally gets the chance to reply. Quickly followed by an affirmative from Twilight's friends. It also seems like Pinkie is already packed, as she has a large hiking bag on her back.

"We shall leave at once." Celestia walks back to her carriage and climbs aboard, followed by Twilight and the rest of the girls. Last to climb in is Aidan, who sits nearest the door and furthest from the two princesses. Next to him is Pinkie, and across from him is Rainbow Dash.

As the carriage takes off, Cale looks out the window from his position on Aidan's shoulder.

"I think I know what this is about." Aidan says, getting the other's attention. Pinkie looking out the window, by leaning over him, and Rainbow doing similar.

Rainbow and Pinkie exclaim in unison. "Is that a black moon!"