I stood at the snack table miserable and scowling while at the same time munching snacks and staring off into space. I really didn't feel as though I needed to apologize a second time, as it wasn't my fault but then again it couldn't hurt. My pride was already beaten into submission at this point, what was one more indignity after the cavalcade of shame I had been part of thus far?

At least it wouldn't be a wasted effort anyway, as Twilight was stubborn as a mule, wait is that racist? Whatever. She was stubborn, but she had a soft spot for her friends. A soft spot I could exploit, though saying it like that made me feel a bit evil. My conscience was soothed a bit when I reminded myself that yes, my reasons were a bit underhanded but I was ultimately the victim here.

“Good enough for me,” I muttered to myself.

Stuffing a handful of chips into my mouth I chewed loudly as I strode across the room, intent on sitting down next to the mane six. I was intercepted by the smiling face of Lyra and her bitter partner, Bon Bon, the pair stepping out in front of me.

“Hey, there she is! Wait, you are a she right? I didn't want to assume but well…” Lyra rambled, giving up and shrugging to herself at the end.

“Err yes, I use she her though I honestly don't care what you call me so long as it ain't late for dinner. The name’s Fareeah by the way,” I offered, extending a fist.

Lyra bumped the appendage with her hoof and grinned even wider.

“I heard you made quite the impression with the local constabulary,” Lyra remarked, chuckling to herself.

“You could say that again,” Bon Bon muttered.

“Yeah, things got off on the wrong foot, or is it hoof with you ponies? Whatever,” I dismissed, waving a hand. “The princesses and I are making good progress on clearing up all these misconceptions though so I should be free soon enough.”

“That's good to hear!” Lyra proclaimed. “Once you clear your name, and are a free mare-er gnoll you’ll have to come by for a jam session sometime. I bet you would be mean on the bass.”

“Err yeah how'd you know that?” I muttered.

“Lyra is very perceptive when it comes to two things. If you have with experience with musical instruments and knowing exactly when the next batch of candy will be done in the oven,” Bon Bon added.

“Heh guilty as charged,” Lyra declared somewhat proudly.

“Thank you for the chat, Fareeah. Best of luck,” Bon Bon added, all but dragging a waving Lyra towards a distant table.

“I’ll be rooting for you!” Lyra shouted.

I waved back somewhat awkwardly, a bit unused to the energy Lyra brought to the table. She really was a bubbly mare, though I couldn't help but shake the feeling that they had ulterior motives. Bon Bon was inspecting me with a very critical eye while Lyra was doing her best to capture my attention.

If I didn't know better I would have assumed that it was some kind of setup to pick my pocket but thankfully I had no wallet to steal. Well, I still had my prison wallet, but that was currently unoccupied, and thank god for that as, I never wanted to do that again. A thought for another time, I reminded myself, giving my head a shake and walking the rest of the way over to Twilight's table.

With all eyes on me, I pulled up a chair, spun it around, and plunked down at the end of the booth. With the widest, and least tooth revealing smile plastered on my face, I greeted the group, giving them a small wave.

“Hey everyone, mind if I take a seat?” I half asked half stated.

“Seems like you’ve already done that,” Applejack retorted somewhat icily.

This was going to be harder than anticipated, I thought to myself. Evidently Twilight had recently done much to dampen their opinion of me, except for Pinkie Pie, she seemed genuinely thrilled by my presence.

Bless that pink mare.

“It's a free country,” Rainbow Dash offered.

“Yes well, anyhow,” I murmured, placing a hand over my heart. “The name’s Fareeah as you probably already know.”

“And this is Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and finally, Fluttershy,” Twilight replied gesturing to each of her friends. “I know the introductions were mostly unnecessary but still, it's polite.”

“That it is, and speaking of polite,” I continued, looking to Fluttershy and making the poor mare flinch under my gaze. “I do wish to formally apologize for all the trouble I caused you. If there had been any other way to ensure I didn't get vaporized immediately I would have taken it.”

Fluttershy opened her mouth to speak only to be cut off.

“What the hay do you mean get vaporized?” Rainbow Dash blurted out, placing her hooves on the table. “The princesses wouldn't do that.”

“The very first time I met a pony they attempted to murder me, so excuse me if I’m a bit paranoid,” I retorted, crossing my arms over my chest.

“That doesn't sound very nice at all,” Pinkie Pie muttered with a frown.

“There were… extenuating circumstances,” Twilight tried to add.

“I was attacked on sight after having done nothing wrong. There are no extenuating circumstances that stop that from being anything less than an act of pure, unbridled evil,” I shot back.

“I think we are getting a bit off topic,” Rarity intervened, awkwardly inserting herself into the conversation while leaning between me and Rainbow Dash.

“Yes well,” I murmured, coughing into my hand and looking to Fluttershy. “Still, I am genuinely sorry I caused you any trouble. If it helps I wouldn't mind replanting that cute little flower garden of yours.”

“That would be very kind of you. If that's alright with Twilight,” Fluttershy exclaimed, glancing expectantly at the alicorn.

“Yeah of course,” Twilight hastily replied. “She would have to be supervised but I don't see why we couldn't do that.”

“You pamper me far too much Twilight. Why it hardly feels like I’m in jail and under constant threat of execution,” I exclaimed, hand over my heart once more.

“You aren't really under some kinda threat, are ya?” Applejack began. “I mean it's Ponyville. Sure the Everfree is right there but this town’s about as quiet as they come.”

“It sure would be. If some Shining Armor the psycho-” I retorted, my blood pumping hot only to cool a moment later when I remembered the company I was in. “I mean Shining Armor the uh… complicated stallion had not attempted to kill me since being imprisoned here.”

“I haven't heard of this. Twilight, is it true?” Rarity exclaimed in shock.

All eyes turned to an increasingly nervous-looking alicorn.

“I uh, wasn't going to reveal that information yet,” Twilight murmured. “Or ever.”

“Oop, cat’s out of the bag now,” I exclaimed in fake shock, placing a hand over my mouth in a dramatic fashion.

“Look there's more to it but… its a long story and not one I’m ready to relay in full quite yet,” Twilight muttered sadly.

“And out of respect for Twilight, I will say no more,” I added.

“Thank you Fareeah,” Twilight replied.

“So, I take it my apology has been accepted?” I asked, gesturing to Fluttershy.

“Oh uh yes. Of course,” Fluttershy declared.

“Really? Just like that Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in shock.

“Well I was scared, and this entire thing has left me err… shaken,” Fluttershy muttered, pausing as a shiver ran down her spine. “But even when I was being held hostage I never felt any cruel intent from Miss Fareeah.”

“Just like with the manticore! Only this time the scary-looking creature is a little easier on the eyes,” Pinkie Pie added with a giggle.

“Yes, I suppose,” Fluttershy admitted, the mare stifling her own laugh.

“I for one am relieved to hear that my faith has not been misplaced,” Rarity exclaimed.

I smiled and gave the mare a small nod of appreciation. Applejack and Rainbow Dash seemed a bit more convinced while the others were already on my side or at least on the fence.

“I should apologize too,” Rainbow Dash remarked. “We already chatted but-”

“You saw your friend still struggling with her issues and got a bit hot-blooded,” I interjected, resting my head in my hands. “Don't worry about it, girl. Happens to the best of us.”

“Yeah well still. I don't know what it is lately but I’ve just been antsy for some reason. Like something big is gonna happen,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“How about this? I’ll forgive you but only if you do me this one favor,” I began, holding up a finger.

“What were you thinking of?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Would you mind grabbing everyone some good punch? I think we’re all a little parched,” I replied, flashing the speedster a wink.

“Ha! I like how you think. I’m on it,” Rainbow Dash proclaimed before disappearing in rainbow colored flash of light.

“Awesome. I can't wait to wet my whistle,” I muttered.

“Sounds like a good idea to me,” Applejack agreed.

I glanced around the table, glad that I had made the trip and given the effort though I did feel a bit bad that my original intent was so… underhanded. Still, it had turned out well, and it wasn't like I had lied, putting Fluttershy in the line of fire had been a regrettable act. I pushed aside such thoughts for the moment, they weren't helpful and I was already guilt-ridden enough as it was.

“What’d I miss?” Asked Spike, the dragon pushing his way into the already rather squishy bench next to Twilight before placing a plate piled high with goodies on the table.

“Just some introductions is all,” Rarity dismissed.

“A better question is where you’ve been and who said you could have so many donuts,” Twilight retorted, levitating a good half of the dragon’s food onto her own plate.

“Aww come on Twilight it's a party,” Spike whined.

“No. You are going to make yourself sick. Now where did you get off to? I was getting worried,” Twilight pressed.

“I was just chatting with Lyra and Bon Bon,” Spike answered, jerking a thumb over his shoulder. “I didn't think they’d make it what with Lyra having a concert planned tonight.”

“That mare’s as fickle as the wind. I wouldn't be surprised if she plum forgot,” Applejack dismissed.

Rainbow Dash appeared and deposited a tall glass filled with punch, topped with a few ice cubes and even a tiny umbrella. The mare would make a good bartender, she’d probably even do those fancy bottle-flipping tricks, though I wasn't confident she’d land them.

“Who knows what's happening in that mare’s head? Now, onto more important matters,” Rarity interjected, leaning forward. “You simply must let me make you some clothes.”

“You’ll pry my armor off my cold dead corpse,” I retorted, wrapping my arms around my midsection. “It is far too good for me to trade out for something as useless as a dress.”

“Yes yes it is functional but it is not fashionable,” Rarity dismissed, completely ignoring the slight venom behind my tone. “You don't seem the type to value one over the other and I would not attempt to change your mind.”

“Err what were you thinking then?” I muttered, somewhat confused by the lack of pushing on Rarity’s part. I had fully expected to end up as a model, or with a few new sets of clothes and had come with that expectation firmly in mind.

“Think about it darling,” Rarity began, raising her hoof up in a dramatic fashion. “You need not choose one or the other. You could have both!”

“What are you gettin' at girl?” Applejack pressed.

“Duh, she’s talking about a better suit of armor,” Pinkie Pie proclaimed.

“Precisely,” Rarity added, clopping her hooves together. “A good suit makes the mare as they say but the same goes for the warrior. Trust me, I know a wonderful armorer out of Canterlot who would relish the opportunity to work with you.”

“You know someone who can forge armor?” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“I know everyone who has an eye for fashion, even those whose designs are a bit more… durable in nature,” Rarity answered.

“Well I would certainly enjoy something a bit less… patchwork,” I muttered, glancing down at my makeshift suit. “Though it would have to be after I’ve cleared my name.”

“If you clear your name,” Twilight corrected.

“Yes yes, whatever,” I dismissed, rolling my eyes.

“Excellent! I will send a letter tomorrow and before you know it you will be wearing something far more protective and much easier on the eyes,” Rarity concluded.

“Huh, well thank you Rarity,” I muttered.

“Think nothing of it darling,” Rarity dismissed right back.

I sat straight up and sipped at my drink, relishing the very sweet but still pleasant beverage. As I withdrew into my thoughts, conversation sprung up before me, though I made no effort to listen or participate. The ice had been broken, drinks had been drunk and I was now on decent enough terms with the whole of the mane six.

It was far from perfect, but it was a good start if nothing else it had melted a bit of my cynicism. They were hard to dislike, and I was growing to appreciate even Rainbow Dash, whose worst characteristic was also her best. Loyal to a fault, and eager to protect her friends, she was a bit more wishy-washy than the others but it came from a good place.

As I took another swig, and rolled the punch around my mouth, I looked out over the rest of the party. Noone new had arrived, which was fine in my opinion, but it still left the room feeling a bit on the empty side. That was until the door opened and a mare stepped out of my dreams and into Sugarcube Corner.

Cadence had arrived, and she looked amazing.

Wearing a pink dress adorned with images of roses, she looked ready to party but not too hard. Casual yet still elevated with the addition of a few gems in her mane, and a crystal-studded bracelet on her one foreleg, she was as eye-catching as ever. As expected, her make-up game was on point, reflecting her generally casual but stylish appearance with some very subtle eye shadow and blush.

“Dude, if you grip that cup any harder you're gonna shatter it,” Rainbow Dash remarked.

I relaxed my grip, only now aware of the fact that I had indeed been squeezing the thing hard enough to cause a few cracks.

“Err sorry about that,” I muttered.

“Damn girl, you got it bad,” Applejack added with a chuckle.

“Well what are you waiting for, go on. Say hello to her,” Rarity encouraged, shooing me from the table.

“Right. Here, Twilight. Hold my drink. I’m gonna hit up your babysitter,” I exclaimed, not waiting for Twilight's response and simply pushing my drink over to her.

“I’m in Tartarus,” Twilight muttered.

“Actually, you’re in Ponyville,” Pinkie Pie corrected.

“Augh, thank you Pinkie Pie,” Twilight murmured, her chin hitting the table with a clack.

“You're welcome!’ Pinkie Pie cheerfully replied.

I barely heard any of this, as I was busy crossing the room, on an intercept course with Cadence. A few ponies seemed interested in stopping me for a conversation but I had eyes for one mare and one mare alone. Ignoring them all, I weaved through the crowd and approached the newly arrived alicorn with a smile.

“Well hello there princess,” I opened, ducking into an exaggerated bow. “I am so glad you could make it to this little soiree.”

“Yes well. I thought it best to speak to you in a more relaxed setting,” Cadance dismissed.

“You came all this way to see little old me? I am doubly honored,” I exclaimed, taking the mare’s hoof and planting a kiss on her fetlock. “Thank you very much, princess.”

“It is err nothing,” Cadence muttered taken aback by my charm, or repulsed by my proximity, I wasn't sure which.

“May I get you some snacks or perhaps a drink? Maybe something a little harder than just punch?” I pressed, grinning wolfishly.

“That's quite alright. Actually, I was wondering if I wouldn't mind talking to you alone before we join the others?” Cadance asked, growing more nervous with each word.

“Of course, if that's alright with my handler that is,” I replied glancing expectantly over at Twilight.

The mare evidently had better hearing than I had anticipated as she gave me a nod. I also noticed that she was clenching her jaw incredibly tightly as if seeing me next to Cadence caused her great pain. That only made the entire thing even funnier to me, and I gestured towards the kitchen.

“Ladies first,” I offered.

“Aren't you a lady as well?” Cadence asked, confused.

“I am a woman darling, but you are a lady,” I emphasized.

That made Cadence blush slightly and she awkwardly trotted past the guard, through the saloon-style doors, and into the backroom. I was quick to follow after the alicorn, imagining how pissed Shining Armor would be if he could see me now. I was quick to wipe the shitting-eating grin from my face when we stopped, adopting a look of concern.

“Is there something I can help you with?” I inquired.

“I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier,” Cadence remarked somewhat awkwardly, the mare unable to meet my gaze. “It was unbecoming of a princess and beyond that, it was well… rude frankly.”

“It is quite understandable given the situation. You are forgiven, of course,” I replied, adding extra emphasis to the last two words.

“I did not think Shining Armor would do something like that. I knew he was becoming increasingly angry and distant but I just thought…” Cadence sighed. “I don't know what I thought.”

“You thought the stress of the job and likely the physical distance between you were taking their toll and that a bit of emotional distance would help you both. It's perfectly understandable,” I added.

“You are more or less correct,” Cadence exclaimed with yet another sigh, her shoulders slumping. “I had hoped that without the stress of one, he could deal with the stress of the other but that doesn't seem to be the case.”

“Don't worry about it one bit. We wouldn't want any grey hairs to mess up that amazing mane of yours after all,” I added, still grinning.

“You can lay off the whole flirting thing by the way,” Cadence retorted, her expression suddenly cold and neutral. “It's unlikely that Shining Armor and I will get back together at this point. You don't need to try and drive a wedge between us.”

“That didn't even occur to me,” I dismissed.

“Really?” Cadence deadpanned.

“Really really,” I answered, placing a hand over my heart. “I honestly didn't even think about that at first.”

“But you did think about it,” Cadence accused.

“It did occur to me after the fact. That much I’ll admit, but-” I held up a finger. “I am genuinely attracted to you.”

“What really? But wouldn't you want someone who was… I don't know…” Cadence muttered.

“Bipedal?” I replied with a grin.

“Yeah,” Cadance murmured.

“I’ve always been more about the content of the character rather than the contents of one’s pants and you seem to be just my type,” I remarked, rolling my hand around in the air.

“How could you say that? You barely know me,” Cadence retorted without venom.

“I know you are kind, earnest, and are possessed of a generous heart,” I replied, my smile growing slightly. “All things I find utterly captivating.”

“I erm… oh wow,” Cadence murmured, glancing down at my chest as if she were looking at something other than just my armor. “You… you’re serious.”

“Of course I am. Lying to a princess is pretty much impossible, so why bother?” I exclaimed, shrugging my shoulders.

“I apologize for doubting you. Though from the color of your emotions that is not the whole story,” Cadence stated, again without venom, the mare simply stating a fact, cold though it may sound.

“I do admit that although it is your personality and who you are, that captivates me the most, your body sparks a certain desire in me which I had thought dead,” I earnestly proclaimed, putting a slight dramatic flourish to my words.

“R-really?” Cadence exclaimed in shock, a blush coming to her face.

“Look closer, peer deeper into me, and know that I speak the truth,” I whispered, kneeling down before me.

Wordlessly, Cadence placed her hoof on my chest, the pony staring intently at my heart. As she did so I imagined her walking in front of me up the stairs, complete with her cute stomping, and the way her backside jiggled ever so slightly. I framed her child-bearing hips in my mind, and her soft plush lips hovering mere inches away from my own.

“You… you feel so intensely,” Cadence muttered, stumbling back a step. “It is like you are screaming every single emotion.”

“What can I say? I believe we should feel what we feel and make no apologies for this fact,” I replied.

“Interesting,” Cadence whispered to herself.

“And hey, maybe one day you’ll feel the same,” I teased, standing back up.

“I don't know if I can do that but…” Cadence began, a look of deep consideration crossing her face.

I was about to tease her again when I heard the doors to the kitchen twak against one another, signaling a new arrival. Annoyed, I turned around and was about to cuss out whoever had interrupted our little moment, only to be suddenly confused. Bon Bon and Lyra were standing there, along with a limp guard held aloft in the unicorn’s glowing, magical grip.

“Apologies for interrupting things but the gnoll has a date,” Lyra exclaimed, malicious intent flashing behind her eyes.

“What the hell are you talking about?” I demanded, a hand unconsciously reaching toward my hidden dagger only to remember the ring bound on my finger.

“A date, with justice that is,” Bon Bon declared.

Lyra tossed aside the unconscious guard while Bon Bon lurched at me, the pony suddenly wreathed in green fire. The flames of illusion passed from one to the other, revealing that the two mares were actually changelings in disguise. I could hear a commotion in the other room and sensed that an alarm had been sounded but with so little distance between the changelings and myself, I wasn't sure what to do.

In my confused panic, I just stood there, freezing up due to the sheer suddenness of it all. Choice paralysis may have held me firm in its grip, but it did not hold Cadence quite so tightly. The mare leaped toward me, forelegs outstretched.

“Get down!” Yelled the alicorn.

Yet despite her quick thinking, the changeling formerly known as Bon Bon struck us both with a spell. Suddenly the world turned upside down, and all at once Sugarcube Corner vanished, replaced by a small tangled grove ringed by tall trees. Cadence had gotten dragged along with me, and she wasn't the only one, as both of my attackers were there too.

“The fuck is going on?” I muttered blearily, stumbling into a stand.

“Silence, beast,” spat a domineering changeling emerging from the shadows. “It is time to pay for the crime of existing in this world.”

“Augh, how cliche,” I muttered, raising my fists. “Oh well. Bring it on, I guess.”

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