Starlight sat at the table overlooking the grotto that was Maude's home as she listened to the calm and steady voice of her friend explaining what crystalline structures she'd been studying while Starlight had been gone. “… It would seem that the process for the formation of this particular rock follows a similar process to the permineralization of petrified wood. Once Mudbriar is back from his study, I'm certain he'll find it as fascinating as I do.”

“That sounds,” Starlight paused only half a beat as she felt her chest get slightly tighter, “great. It's wonderful that there are points where your and Mudbriar's interests overlap like that.”

She was relieved to hear Maude continue as if the pause never happened. While Starlight had finally accepted that she and Sunburst wouldn't be together, the loneliness would creep back up when she thought about the relationships of others.

“Maude!” Pinkie loudly announced as she burst into the grotto. “Hi Starlight!” She added as she noticed her sister had company.

“Hello, Pinkie Pie.” Maude evenly said. “Nice to see you made it back safely.”

In moments Pinkie was sitting by Maude. “Oh yeah, we're fine.” Pinkie said dismissively, “You worry too much. Anyway, I just have time to say hi, I still have two more deliveries to make. Talk to you later!” By the time Pinkie had finished talking she was already back at the entrance and waving goodbye. All Pinkie left behind as she vanished was the lingering smell of cupcakes and the echo of her excited laughter.

Starlight couldn't help but chuckle at Pinkie's interruption.

“I really am overjoyed things went so well.” Maude said, her tone unchanging. “I even had trouble focusing on my research while all of you were gone.”

Starlight smiled at her friend's concern, “Thanks, Maude. It did get a little complicated, but everything turned out alright.”

Maude slowly nodded before continuing in her normal monotone. “That's good. I thought maybe something had gone wrong when you paused earlier.”

Starlight cleared her throat. “Oh, you noticed.”
“Of course I noticed, you're my friend.” Maude paused, waiting for Starlight to continue. “That means that you can tell me what's wrong. If you're worried I might tell somepony, you know I can keep a secret.”

Starlight chewed her bottom lip briefly before nodding. With a breath she explained her feelings around Sunburst and her own situation now.

“I see.” Maude calmly said, “I know Limestone has trouble finding stallions, so she's tried speed dating recently.”

“Really?” Starlight asked, genuinely interested. “How would you say it's gone for her?”

Maude answered, her tone saying nothing. “I'd say the results are mixed. Not that she tells me a lot about it.”

“Maybe that's not a bad idea … Wait, this is your sister Limestone you're talking about. Would she be alright with you telling anypony this?”

“Oops.” Maude said, her only tell being her turning her eyes from Starlight.

***

Starlight sat just outside the entrance to Maude's home, watching the sun set over Ponyville. Almost unconsciously she turned her head, quietly hoping that somehow she wasn't sitting alone.

Only confirming what she knew before looking, she stood and walked back towards Ponyville, though not quite ready to go home herself. Maybe I should see if Burnt Oak has a story he might want to share.

She shook her head at the thought as she quietly chastised herself. “And just what are you thinking Starlight? He's literally old enough to be your father.”

Hearing herself speak, Starlight stopped mid-step. My mind really is stuck on relationships right now, isn't it?

“Well, is it so wrong?” Starlight asked herself, rolling her eyes as she did. “I'm a healthy young mare, and it's perfectly reasonable for me to want a partner.”

Continuing to avoid going home just yet, Starlight decided to take a walk around the park. Not many were still out as the night grew closer, the long shadows of Ponyville stretching out over the paths of the park. She watched a group of mares chatting and laughing around the fountain as Bulk Biceps jogged past with an enthusiastic “Yeah!”

Starlight let out a long breath as a warm evening breeze ruffled her mane. Relationships nagging at the edge of her thoughts as she watched the last of the ponies in the park.

“No.” She said aloud as she shook her head. “I've spent enough time just feeling sorry for myself. If I'm going to find somepony I need to go out and actually do something about it!”

Determination began replacing the weight in her chest as she left the park, “Ponyville may not be the biggest place, but there's obviously bachelors here. Big Mac was one of them until just recently, and there's no way he just happened to be the last one. I just haven't been looking for them. Well that changes now!” She smiled as the determination in her grew. She had a goal and a plan, and she would see them through. “And you know what? I might just make some new friends along the way.”

***

As Starlight looked at the small annex of the town hall memories of James's and Rainbow Dash's prank came flooding back. “Seems fitting.” She recalled the evening as clearly now as when it first happened. Rainbow Dash welcoming them in a simple white dress, the wedding style decorations Mirror Pinkie had spent all day placing. And the other guests, Rainbow Dash's Wonderbolt friends who had unwittingly set themselves up to be pranked along with the rest of her friends, Princess Celestia who was in on the joke, and Princess Luna who set the stage for the last joke of it with her quiet fuming. Starlight had been here several times since then, but this time the memory felt fresh. With a chuckle to herself, she opened the door and walked inside.

The room was lightly decorated with an assortment of flowers and a series of small tables, each with a candle, a pair of cushions, and a clipboard.

The room hummed with conversations set against soft background music, helping it feel much more casual than Starlight had been expecting.

At the far end of the room, Bulk Biceps wore an excited smile as his tiny bow tie strained against his neck muscles, and next to him was an earth pony mare with a pale lavender coat, dark green mane pulled into a sleek ponytail, and her cutie mark was a pony in the middle of a Sun Salutation pose. She exuded calm, contrasting Bulk's usual boisterous energy, and spoke warmly as she gestured to the seating arrangements.

“Welcome everypony.” she said with an inviting smile. “I'm Asana Glow, and this is Bulk Biceps. Together, we'll be hosting tonight's speed dating event. We were lucky enough to find each other back when I hosted these in my yoga studio, and now we both get to help other ponies make connections.”

“YEAH!” Bulk roared enthusiastically. His wide grin softened as Asana gently placed her hoof on his foreleg, giving him an affectionate glance. He cleared his throat and added more quietly, “I mean, we're here to help!”

Starlight couldn't help but smile at the pair, watching Asana's calming effect on Bulk, and just how happy he looked as he smiled at her.

Asana continued, still smiling as she turned back to the group. “Everypony will rotate after five minutes. Remember, there's no pressure to find anypony tonight, this is about meeting new ponies and making friends. So just relax and enjoy yourselves.”

Starlight settled into a seat near the center of the room and took the opportunity while everyone was finding a place to sit to glance around. A moment was all it took to confirm what she had first noticed when she walked in, there were far more mares than stallions.

Maybe it's just not something many guys go to. She reasoned, brushing off the observation in favor of simply enjoying the evening.

Her first “date” was a friendly, but awkward unicorn who constantly fidgeted with his tie and never managed to make eye contact with her. He nervously explained his job at the post office, nearly knocking over his water as he talked.

Starlight offered a polite smile as she listened, and would occasionally interject with advice she would offer a nervous student. While she could easily tell the unicorn was kind and hopeful, she felt more like a counselor with him than his date.

Her next “date” was a pegasus who was similarly nervous, but completely taciturn. Starlight tried asking him questions, offering chances for him to interject, even telling him a joke. Unfortunately at best she would get one to two word responses.

He seemed far more engaged with his glass of water, staring into it and adjusting it as he offered only simple replies to Starlight.

Wow, Big Mac is a real chatterbox compared to this guy. Starlight thought to herself as the last two silent minutes slowly passed, each moment becoming more and more uncomfortable.

The next few conversations went smoother, but left Starlight feeling no closer to any kind of connection. Her energy had started to wane by the time a cheerful earth pony mare plopped into the seat across from her.

“Hi there!” the Mare said brightly, brushing a lock of blue mane from her eyes. “I'm River Stream. And you are …?”

“Starlight Glimmer.” She answered, glad to have someone who seemed happy to talk to her. River's demeanor was bubbly but not overbearing, and Starlight found herself relaxing as the two talked.

They chatted easily for minutes, mostly about hobbies and places around Ponyville they enjoyed visiting. As they talked, Starlight found herself noticing River's smile lingering, the pointed compliments, and her complete attention.

Too soon the bell rang signaling the end of the round, River hesitated, looking disappointed as she stood up. “You know, this was fun.” She said, her voice noticeably softer. “It's nice to meet somepony who actually wants to talk. Most of the time we're all just waiting around for the guys to free up.”

Starlight was about to respond when River added, “Anyway, if you ever want to talk again – about anything – you know where to find me.” She gave a wink as she trotted to the next table.

Starlight blinked as she reflected on the conversation she just had. Was that wink … Starlight wasn't able to finish her thought when another mare dropped into the seat across from her.

“Five bits says that pegasus guy's not coming back.” She said without any kind of introduction.

“What makes you say that?” Starlight asked as her conversation with River faded into memory.

“He's been glancing towards the exit this whole time. If there were more guys he'd have bolted already.” She answered, taking a drink of water as she continued to look to the stallions. “Now that postal worker – if he can get comfortable enough to hold a conversation some mare's gonna snatch him up in a hurry.”

“I take it this happens a lot.” Starlight commented to the side of the mare's head.

“Keep coming by and you'll see for yourself.” The mare commented, taking a swig of her water. “Not much else to do when we're all playing musical chairs for the same hoofful of guys.”

For the next half hour Starlight realized just how right River was when she said that they spent a lot of time just waiting for the guys to free up. She got little more than acknowledgment for the rest of the event, and found herself scribbling games she was interested in trying later rather than any names from ponies at the event.

Starlight barely even realized what was happening when she heard Asana speaking again. “Thank you for coming, everypony.” She said in her warm, friendly tones. “Keep an eye out for our next event. And if tonight didn't go as well as you hoped, while there are familiar faces there will always be new ones too.”

“YEAH!” Bulk said enthusiastically, though mercifully not in his usual roar. “Just remember to keep at it! We all believe in you!”

While Asana smiled warmly at Bulk, Starlight distinctly heard grumbling from many of the mares who trudged towards the door.

“Well, at least I had some fun tonight.” River happily said as she pranced up from behind Starlight. “You are coming to the next one, right, Starlight?” She asked, her voice clearly hopeful.

Starlight paused as she thought about Asana's comment just moments ago. “Yeah, I'll be there.” Starlight said with a smile.

“Yay!” River said with a wide smile. “I'll see you then. Unless you want to get together sooner.”

Starlight couldn't help but smile at River's infectious happiness. “Sure. I'll see you then, River.”

River practically danced as she left the event, humming as she went.

Starlight's attention drifted back to how few stallions attended, and resolved to start looking into more singles events. The more I put myself out, the better my chances to meet more stallions.Besides, she thought to herself, I made a new friend today. And that's a win in my book.

***

“Huh.” Starlight said as she stepped into Pinkie Pie's classroom, glancing around the familiar space now strange by it's current use. “I didn't realize Pinkie lent out her classroom for events like this.”

At the front of the room, an older orange pegasus mare with a vibrant pink mane, glasses perched high up her muzzle, and a rolling pin cutie mark turned at the comment. She smiled warmly at the new arrival, “Oh yes, Pinkie's generosity makes quite a difference. Without her we'd be in a bit of a pickle.”

Starlight could see what the older mare meant as she took in the setup: ten cooking stations, each fully stocked and spacious enough for a team of two to work comfortably. “I'll have to thank her.” She muttered to herself as she made her way to one of the open stations.

Starlight sighed as she noticed the familiar imbalance of attendees. Once again, this appeared to be a mare-dominated event. I guess this one's on me. She thought, shaking her head. How many stallions do I know who enjoy cooking? Other than Mr. Cake, of course.

Determined to not let the lack of potential dates sour her mood, Starlight straightened her posture as she nodded to herself. Perhaps more stallions would show up before the event started.

As the hour struck and the class began, Starlight couldn't help but feel a twinge of defeat as her hopes proved futile.

“Well, at least we'll have something to eat at the end of this.” A soft violet earth mare beside her said, flashing Starlight a wry smile. “No offense if you weren't here for the guys.”

Starlight shook her head with a small laugh. “None taken. I was here for the guys too.”

“Well, I'd say they're missing out.” A voice behind them quipped.

Both mares turned to see a thin, cream-colored pegasus stallion with a long, raven black mane. His brightly colored shirt was as loud as his grin was wide. “All the guys I know would go crazy for a mare who can cook,” he added with a mischievous glint in his eye. He paused dramatically, then screwed up his face as if deep in thought. “Although … I guess that's why they're all married.”

The mare beside Starlight quickly perked up and took a small step forward, her smile growing warmer. “Oh,” She said, her tone softening. “Is that why you're here?”

He gave a quick, hearty laugh, seemingly oblivious to her approach. “Me? Nah. My wife and I are both disasters in the kitchen. We wouldn't even have one if it didn't come free with the house.”

The mare's smile froze before fading into a thin line. “You're married?” She asked, her tone turning flat.

“Yep.” He beamed, either unfazed by or unaware of her irritation. “Mum just needed some help with the class. Not that she's helpless – she could whip up a meringue club faster than you can ask what that is.”

Starlight couldn't help but chuckle as the stallion mimed a dramatic whisking motion, followed by an imaginary baking session.

“Of course,” he added with a shrug, “it's still meringue, so it crumbles the moment she hits somepony with it.”

Starlight let out a full laugh at his antics, shaking her head at the absurdity.

The stallion stepped closer to Starlight. “I like you.” He said with a large grin. “Don't be flattered, though. I like anypony who laughs at my jokes.”

“Enough teasing, Cor,” his mother said from the front of the class “we have to get started.”

Cor pantomimed a pained smile. “Sorry, I can't stay and play. My mum's calling me.” With an exaggerated sulk he trudged towards his mother, who smiled as she shook her head much as Starlight had.

***

“Glad to see you back Starlight.” Bulk excitedly said to Starlight as she entered the annex again.

Starlight paused as she smiled slightly. “It's nice to be back. … Although that does mean I failed to find a date.”

Bulk cocked his head as he considered Starlight's comment. “Oh … I hadn't thought of it like that. Or at all really.”

“No, you didn't fail to find a date, Starlight.” Asana gently said as she softly placed her hoof on Starlight's shoulder, “Your journey is just starting. I was hosting and participating in these for a long time before my love cushion finally showed up.” Bulk wings fluttered and he noticeably blushed as Asana finished speaking.

Bulk is pure muscle, I'd hardly describe him as any kind of cushion. Starlight thought to herself as she thanked Asana and went to find a table for herself.

Starlight took a bracing breath as she looked up from her clip board. There were several new faces at the event this time, though only two were stallions.

Well, she thought as she took stock of the newcomers. Two is … next to nothing. But you can't give up now Starlight. Then again, it was when I wasn't looking for friends that I found Trixy.

Her first “date” soon sat across from her and began talking, and talking, and talking. At first Starlight was more than ready to hear about him, but as the short minutes passed it quickly became clear that he was the only topic of interest as far as he was concerned. Not that she got a chance to try changing the subject at all.

Finally the bell to switch rang and most of what he was saying was drowned out by the chatter of ponies moving on. Starlight wasn't entirely sure he stopped talking even as he went on to his next “date.”

As relieved as she was when the switch came she wasn't exactly looking forward to her next “date.”

The awkward unicorn sat and nodded slightly. “H-hello again.” He said as he straightened his tie once again.

“Hi Deft Sort.” Starlight answered as she politely smiled at him.

“You remembered? Oh wow.”

“To be fair, there's not that many stallions here.” She offered as she gestured to the room with her head.

Deft fidgeted with his tie once more. “Oh … yeah, you're right.”

Starlight was relieved to not hear about the post office for the next five minutes, though she was once more ready when the bell chimed to end their dates.

After a few moments, an all too familiar mare dropped onto the cushion across from Starlight, and starred towards the stallions.

“Good thing I didn't take you up on that bet last time.” Starlight offered conversationally, curious if the mare even noticed.

“Bet … Oh, yeah, that quiet pegasus didn't come back. Yeah, told you so.” She said offhanded. “Anyway, that chatterbox came by here before me: What's he like?”

Starlight sighed and shook her head. “He'll tell you everything. Trust me.”

“Wouldn't be the worst guy I've dated.” She said, more to herself than to Starlight.

Just as the five minutes was ending Starlight heard another familiar voice off to the side. “Move, move, move, move.” River quietly said before eagerly taking the cushion across from Starlight. “Hi!” She added as she gave Starlight a bright smile. “Glad to see you here for round two. Anypony catching your eye?”

Starlight couldn't help but grin at River's infectious positivity. “Well, it's only my second time here.”

River leaned in, her voice softening as she spoke. “I get it. It took quite a while before anypony I really liked walked in. Just relax and have fun.”

A nervous chuckle escaped Starlight, unsure about how to respond. “Oh, uhm, thanks … I guess.”

River waved a hoof, her smile widening. “You're welcome. So, who else have you talked to tonight? Did the chatterbox stop by?”

Starlight groaned and rolled her eyes, the memory of her first “date” that night still fresh. “Oh yeah. And he's convinced that he's the most interesting thing in all of Equestria. Spoiler alert: he's not.”

River laughed, the sound light and infectious. “Yikes. I'm sorry to hear that, you certainly deserve better. What about the rest of your week? What kind of adventures did you have?”

Starlight laughed along with River a second as she placed the clipboard down. “Well, I did try a singles cooking class earlier this week.”

River's ears perked up, her smile turning sly. “Ooh, fancy. Did somepony set something on fire? That would be a great story.”

Starlight smirked, shaking her head. “Actually things went pretty smoothly. Of course there weren't many stallions, and one of them was already married.”

River's amused smile faded at the statement, and Starlight was quick to pick up on it. “Oh, he was only there to help his mother run the class. Though I think he probably had the most fun of anypony there.”

River tapped her chin thoughtfully, “You know, maybe I'll have to join you the next time you go. I probably won't be much help, though. I'm not to be trusted in a kitchen.”

“Ooh, that bad?” Starlight asked, raising an eyebrow.

River groaned dramatically, “Let's just say that my last attempt wound up with three fireponies, a lecture about the right ways to put out a grease fire, and a sincere apology to my stove.”

Starlight burst out laughing, shaking her head.

“The worst part: I was too embarrassed to ask if any of the fireponies were even single.” River concluded with an over emphasized pout.

Starlight took a couple steadying breaths, hoping to stop laughing long enough to talk. “You're right, maybe cooking isn't for you.”

“That's alright, you can cook for me.” River asked with a sly smile, “I mean, worst case scenario the fireponies already know where I live.”

Starlight burst out laughing once more as River gave her a gentle smile. “Okay, okay.” Starlight said as she once again worked to keep from bursting out in laughter. With one last deep breath, Starlight settled on a wide, genuine smile. “What about your week? What sort of mischief did you get up to?”

River winked at Starlight as she smirked, “I thought I just told you.”

Starlight collapsed on the table laughing as tears squeezed from her eyes. “Have mercy, my sides are in agony.”

River smiled gently at Starlight and softly rubbed her shoulder. “I guess I should. But I did love seeing you smile like that.”

It wasn't much longer before the bell to switch rang, and just before leaving River leaned in, “I'll see you at the next cooking class, Starlight.”

Starlight silently nodded, unable to stop smiling as River left.

***

The cheerful jingle of a bell rang out as Starlight stepped into the store. Usually she would buy games from the market near the center of town, but this place felt different. Her eyes drifted across shelves stacked with board games, card decks, books, miniature figures, and dice of every shape and color she could imagine, and even shapes she had never imagined. Tables filled the floor between the shelves and the counters and she could immediately see why some ponies might prefer shopping here.

It didn't take long for Starlight to find what she had been hoping for. Stallions were already gathered at the tables, setting up games and chatting excitedly among each other. Though as she looked closer, the smile faded slightly from her lips – stallions might be a generous term. More like colts really.

“Wow,” Starlight said with a grin as she walked past the salesclerk. “I may have to come here more often just to see what you've got.

“We'd love to have you,” the sales clerk replied with a welcoming smile. “We bring in games from all over Equestria, so there's always something for everypony.”

Starlight hesitated, lowering her voice slightly. “And … will this event be separated by age? I'd rather not feel like some old mare chasing after colts.”

The clerk chuckled and shook her head. “Not at all. And you don't look old enough to worry about that anyway. Besides, we get ponies of all ages at events like this, you might find yourself as one of the younger ones.”

Starlight let out the breath she hadn't realized she had been holding and smiled. “That's a relief.” With renewed confidence, she trotted over to the table to offer her help setting up.

Shortly after the tables were set up, more ponies filtered into the store. And the stallions didn't seem as outnumbered, though Starlight still noticed the imbalance.

Determined to make the most of her time, Starlight settled on a game that was set for six players. Having more players gave her better odds of talking to some of the stallions – and the game looked fun anyway.

“So, a Pioneers of Talwar fan?” A stallion asked, sliding into a seat across from her.

“Oh, well, the box just called it Talwar.” Starlight said, tilting her head as she studied the cards. The title on them matched the box – just Talwar.

The stallion huffed. “Figures. You probably don't even know the rules. First off, the real name is Pioneers of Talwar. They changed it because some ponies were offended by the “Pioneers” part.”

Starlight blinked, looking around hoping that some other stallion would join them soon. “I … didn't know that.”

“Because it doesn't matter,” Another mare said as she plopped into the seat beside the stallion. She gestured to the tiles. “Look at the set up – both expansions, that makes it officially just Talwar.”

The stallion's eyes darted over the board, his nose wrinkling as if he'd just smelled week old un-refrigerated milk. Without another word, he stood and trotted over to the Battleaxe 25000 table.

“Wait,” Starlight stared after him. “He's leaving because of the expansions?”

The mare gave her a tight-lipped smile. “Trust me, it's for the best. The only thing those types hate more than changes to their precious game, are ponies actually having fun with it.”

“Okay, weird.” Starlight muttered, turning back to the game.

“Very.” The mare said, smiling warmer as she leaned over the game. “Especially since he would have complained about the expanded rules the whole time.”

Starlight examined her pieces as the mare across from her organized the resource cards.

“So, do you play Talwar often?” Starlight asked, trying to break the ice.

“Enough to know what I'm doing – and enough to know that most ponies don't.” She said with a wry grin. “Don't worry, I'll make sure everypony understands the rules.”

Starlight nodded. “Thanks, I'd appreciate not making a fool of myself.”

Before she could say anything more, another pony dropped into the seat beside her with a satisfied sigh.

“Good news everypony! I've come to ruin the game.”

Starlight blinked at the newcomer – a scruffy earth pony with a lopsided grin and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. She recognized the pony from Twilight's school, and had met with him just before classes ended for the summer.

“That is, if you don't mind, Miss Starlight.” He added casually.

“Fine with me.” Starlight responded, looking to the mare now giving the stallion and icy stare.

“How do you mean you're going to ruin the game?” She asked, pointedly.

“Just a house rule or two to make the game more fun.” He answered, matching her cold glare with his calm demeanor.

“What kind of rules are we talking about? “ Starlight asked, hoping to smooth things over.

“Well, for one – How about instead of having to trade three of the same resource for a new one at the port, you can trade three of any resource?”

“That throws off the entire economy of the game! Then there's no real sacrifice to get what you need.” The mare countered.

“You're still giving up three resources to get one, that's a sacrifice. Also, it helps keep ponies from getting completely blocked out.” The stallion insisted.

The mare gave a frustrated groan when Starlight raised her hoof. “How about we try the rule, and if it's too unbalanced we can go back to rules as written.”

“Fine,” the mare relented, though her tone made it clear that she wasn't happy about it.

“Also, you don't have to move the bandit on seven.” The stallion added quickly.

“Excuse me?” The mare demanded, shooting a wicked look his way.

“I'm just saying that you don't have to move them. That's barely a change at all.”

The was silent for several second as she thought. “Okay. But for the rest we stick to the rules as written.”

“Fine with me.” The stallion said as he rolled a small wooden piece around in his hoof.

“That just means we have to block the ports.” She said, giving Starlight a sly grin.

“You wouldn't do that to me, would you?” The stallion asked with mock horror.

Starlight chuckled as another pony – a nervous looking unicorn stallion – approached the table.

“Uh … is this seat taken?”

The mare softened, gesturing for him to sit. “Not at all, welcome to the chaos.”

***

Once more, Starlight stood in Pinkie Pie's classroom as the singles cooking class was gathering. Unlike last time, Starlight had a half-empty cup of tea with her.

“Oh, no fair. You've got tea.” Cor said with an exaggerated sigh.

Starlight glanced at her cup and smirked. “It's almost empty. I just stopped by my office on the way here.”

“Well, you may want to go back for more later. We're making biscuits today.”

Starlight paused, tilting her head. “I'm guessing you mean like the cookies.”

Cor chuckled, “It's not my fault ponies here don't know what a biscuit is.”

“And somehow we're speaking the same language.” Starlight joked.

“I don't know, my wife would argue I barely speak Ponish.” Cor grinned.

Starlight laughed and shook her head. “Could have fooled me.”

Before she could turn around to the rest of the class, a voice called out from across the room. “Ooh! Starlight! Over here!” River's excited tone rang out.

“River?” Starlight said, walking over to the mare with a smile. “I thought you said you couldn't be trusted in a kitchen.”

River brushed a stray lock of mane from her eyes as she flashed a playful grin. “Yeah, but you gave me a good reason to at least check out the class.”

“It was a good class, though not too exciting. Other than Cor.” Starlight winked.

River tilted her head slightly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Gee, I wonder what else might have brought me here.”

Starlight raised an eyebrow, “Well I work here. Let's try to not get the fireponies involved this time.”

“I'll just stick with you then, that way I can't possibly get in trouble.” River sidled closer to Starlight, her voice dropping a little in playful mischief. “Or at least, I won't get into trouble alone.”

As she finished speaking, she casually took a drink of Starlight's tea and paused, her eyes widening slightly. “Wow, I don't think I've ever tried this tea before. It's good.”

Starlight quietly stared at River a moment, her mind momentarily blank, before she cleared her throat. “Yeah, I got it from a friend.”

***

Once the dough was mixed and ready, the group started rolling out biscuits, a light buzz of chatter filling the room. River, clearly enjoying herself, leaned over to Starlight. “I can see why so many mares like Cor. How about you, do you like him?”

Starlight blinked, caught off guard by the question. “What?”

Cor, who was nearby, overheard the exchange and grinned. “Oh, this ought to be good.” He leaned towards Starlight dramatically, raising an eyebrow. “Come on, Starlight. We know the real question: who do you like more, me or River?”

Starlight raised a hoof to her chin, playing along with the joke. “Hmm … Well, I think I have to go with River,” she said, earning a wide eyed grin from River.

Before Starlight could even react further, River reached over and suddenly pulled her into a tight hug, lifting Starlight off the ground in her enthusiasm. “I knew it!” she exclaimed, squeezing Starlight playfully. “I knew you had good taste!”

Cor stood up dramatically, throwing his hooves into the air. “I can't let this stand! How dare you, Starlight? I … I like River more too!”

The room fell silent as Cor trotted off to the corner in an exaggerated, offended huff. Starlight and River shared a look, both trying to stifle their laughter as Cor's mother shook her head at the nonsense.

Then, just as quickly, Cor came rushing back, a huge grin plastered on his face. “Who am I kidding? I like you both!” he declared, a playful twinkle in his eye. He shook his head in surrender. “Alright, alright. Can't choose between you two. You're both great.”

River laughed and gave Starlight a mischievous look. “Looks like you're stuck with both of us.”

Starlight smiled wide as she laughed. “You're both a hooffull.”

“True,” Cor said with a casual shrug. “But at least we make good biscuits.” He winked at Starlight as she moved to check on the oven.

As the biscuits came out, golden brown and perfectly baked, River eagerly grabbed one. She bit into it with obvious delight. “Wow, these are amazing. I actually made something that isn't a threat to everypony.”

Starlight chuckled, getting one herself. “Maybe you won't burn your kitchen down next time.”

“Let's not expect miracles just yet.” River teased, nudging Starlight with her shoulder as she grabbed another biscuit. “Maybe you should keep an eye on me, just in case.”

***

The sounds of foals playing and ponies chatting merged pleasantly with the natural sounds of the park as Starlight walked along the well manicured path. Near the fountain, Starlight caught a glimpse of a familiar blue mane as she passed.

“River?” Starlight asked as she walked around the fountain to see if she was right. “Huh, never thought you'd be the “relax in the park” type.”

River looked up and grinned, “Yep. You'll find me here like everypony else.”

“I was a bit surprised when you didn't drop in on me at the last speed dating event.” Starlight said with a smile, sitting beside her.

“Well, you know, I thought I might take a break from all the singles events for once.”

“It's probably for the best. The chatter box was actually the only guy there this time. Trust me, that only made him worse. It would have been nice to talk to you though.”

“What about Deft Sort?”

“Well, that other mare was right again. As soon as he got comfortable talking to mares he was snatched up. It's kind of disappointing, what few stallions there are aren't exactly the kind I'd hoped to meet.”

River went quiet for a moment, fiddling with her mane. “Yeah … I met somepony I really liked. But I'm pretty sure it's not working out.”

Starlight winced. “River –”

“No, it's okay.” River cut her off with a small laugh. “I figured it out a while ago.”

Starlight hesitated before saying softly, “I don't want to lead you on. I'm just not interested in mares. But you're too much fun to lose you as a friend.”

River blinked, then laughed. “Well I'm glad to know know I'm still fun. Don't worry, I'm not heart broken, just a little sad. Honestly I'd still like to be your friend –” she grinned mischievously. “As long as you don't mind me still flirting with you.”

Starlight chuckled slightly. “If that bothered me, I wouldn't be friends with James.”

Their laughter faded into a comfortable silence before Starlight glanced to River. “You sure you're okay?”

River smirked but looked away, “Yeah. My only regret is that I didn't steal a kiss before I knew for certain you weren't interested. You gave me a couple chances.”

Starlight flushed and shoved River playfully. “You're incorrigible.”

River chuckled, smiling at Starlight. “Well, you can let this “James” know that they're in good company … And do I know them? That name sounds familiar.”

“I'd think so. He's actually been really involved in Ponyville, especially last year with Grogar.” Starlight said.

At the mention of Grogar River's eye's went wide. “Right, he's that creature who helped evacuate Ponyville.”

Starlight nodded as she stood up, gesturing for River to follow her. “So you've been doing the dating circuit longer than I have. Is it really just me choosing the wrong places to meet guys?”

“Nah. There's never enough guys to go around. I mean, that's not much of a problem for me, except that most mares only have eyes for the stallions.” River explained with a shrug.

“At least it's not just me.” Starlight said with a laugh.

“On both counts.” River said with an exaggerated sigh as a group of ponies passed them walking the opposite direction.

Starlight shook her head, “It would probably be easier for me if I weren't only in it for the stallions.”

“I don't know,” River said with a shrug, “It's not really easy no matter who you're interested in.”

“Well, I met you.” Starlight said with a playful grin. “So but for that one thing it would have been much easier for me.”

River tried to smile, though her mouth was agape. “Oh, so now you start flirting back.”

Starlight nudged River with her shoulder as they walked. “Well, at least now you know I'm not leading you on when I do.”

River returned the nudge with a chuckle before they realized a pony was trying to get their attention.

“No reason for you to worry about there not being enough stallions, girls,” a strong looking bald earth pony said, his face twisted into an unpleasant cocky smile. “I'm here to solve all your problems.”

River and Starlight looked the pony over, and despite clearly taking care of himself, nothing about the stallion came across as good.

“We're more than able to solve our own problems.” Starlight said with a practiced smile. “Thank you.”

In response the stallions let out a loud, forced laugh. “Good one. I heard you two earlier, and you clearly need me.”

“Well there is one thing we need from him.” River said as she tilted her head.

Starlight's face twisted in confusion as she tried to understand just what River could mean.

“We need him to leave.” River finished flatly.

“Yeah, yeah. You two think you're funny, I get it. But we both know it's just you pretending you're not interested.” He said, stalking closer. “I've been around the block and know the game.”

Starlight's breath came in faster as she watched him close in on them, her instincts screaming at her that this stallion was dangerous.

“A game is it?” River asked with sarcastic interest. “I hope it's hide and seek. You run off and hide and I promise we'll look for you.”

In one quick motion the stallion forced himself between Starlight and River, shoving River to the side as he did. “I'm all for going somewhere else, but you're both coming with me. Don't worry, I can take care of both of you.”

Starlight's horn glowed emerald and feint wisps of red smoke rose from the tip as she fought to hold back the rage bubbling just beneath the surface. “How many times do you have to be told to leave before you get the hint!” Starlight growled, deliberately stepping away from the obnoxious pony.

Her hooves cracked the stone of the cobbled path she stood on as she braced herself, not sure what the pony might try next. But neither was she entirely sure what she might do if she let herself act on impulse alone.

“I get the hint, but you broods are to stupid to see how fortunate you are that I even chose to give you a second look.” He spat, his lips curling into a sneer. “You said it yourself, it's not like stallions are exactly lining up to talk to either of you.”

River's eye's narrowed as she mouthed the word “broods” to herself and huffed.

Starlight's eyes went wide as she let her magic loose. In a moment the stallion was engulfed with her emerald magic as he was flung meters back and pinned to the ground.

“You miserable excuse for a stallion!” Starlight's tone was cold enough to turn the stallion's blood to ice as he was unable to do anything but watch her slowly walk towards him. “You think you can just force yourself wherever you like, talk down to us, insult us, and then what? We'd give in and do whatever you like just because you “gave us a second look?”” Her voice cracking briefly as she spoke, unable to stop herself as she felt her control slip away.

As Starlight loomed over the prone pony a flame flickered to life above her horn, it's color shifting between every color of the rainbow. The stallion breathed heavily, trying to force his mouth open against Starlight's magic.

The flame danced menacingly against the gentle breeze as it descended towards the stationary stallion.

“Bad news for you mister, you're not getting away with treating us like that. Or anypony else.”

As the flame touched his body it immediately spread out, Twisting around him like a serpent coiling around it's prey. Shadows stretched across the ground, twisting and elongating as Starlight towered over him. Despite this, there was no heat and no pain. The stallion desperately tried to thrash about, hoping he could put himself out before it was too late.

Starlight watched as the flames slowly died out, leaving the stallion completely unharmed. “Get lost. I don't care where you go, but I don't ever want to see you again.”

The stallion stared up at Starlight, eyes wide in terror as he tried to nod. The moment Starlight released him, he scrambled to his hooves and galloped off as fast as he was able to.

Starlight's stomach turned as she watched him fleeing from her. And with a sigh she turned to River, who looked at her in shock. “I'm sorry. I … I don't have any excuse for that.”

River tilted her head slightly as she looked to her friend. “To be fair, he kind of deserved it. That fire worried me though.”

Starlight shrugged weakly, “Fairy Fire,” She said, still sounding disappointed, “it's an illusion spell I learned a while ago. I only wanted to scare him a bit.”

“I think it's safe to say that you did. I just hope it keeps him from doing that to anypony else.”

“What if I didn't stop in time? What if I scared him so badly he does something even worse to somepony else?” Starlight asked, more to herself than to River.

River slowly walked over to Starlight and gently brushed her hoof along Starlight's shoulder. “But you did stop in time. And you gave him exactly what he deserved. If he tries anything like that again I can guarantee he'll think twice. You didn't just scare him – you protected me. I meant what I said. Hero.” River leaned in and kissed Starlight's cheek quickly.

Starlight looked up at River, not quite smiling. “I guess you got that kiss you wanted.”

“Not quite.” River said softly, smiling gently at Starlight.

Author's Note

I enjoyed this chapter more than I thought I would. And I honestly had no idea I would have River Stream in this beyond their first interaction. But I just wanted to see where it was going.