Dawn's new day.

I couldn’t help but let my tail idly wag as we waited for the train to roll in.

“Excited there partner?” Applejack asked, she, Rarity, and Mom Forest were waiting with me.

“Why wouldn’t he be with his school filly friends coming into town.” Forest ruffled my mane.

“I am somewhat nervous meeting two unicorns of CSGU.” Rarity spoke mostly to herself as she watched us and adjusted her mane.

“Mom~.” A quick application of magic fixed mine right back up. Mom just giggled while watching me fuss. “But yeah she’s right. I never expected you guys to invite Twilight, Trixie, and their families to come out for the start of cider season.” Cider season started the last week of fall break and lasted until winter but was only sold at the farm the first few days. I’m excited to finally get some of the super fresh cider.

“Well your dam and I thought it would be good to see Twilight’s parents again and Velvet was begging for some of our fresh cider. Plus’s they can escort you and Lyra back to school once the week is done.”
She puffed up, proud of the idea the moms had come up with. As she did that we all heard the train whistle getting closer.

“Hey I like the plan.” I fluffed my wings and nodded. To my delight Ponyville lived up to their acceptance of the strange and no pony mentioned my wings though I did get plenty of second glances. Most thought I was just a pegacorn and not a full alicorn. Boy will they be shocked come spring.

“I’m looking forward to meeting this Trixie you talk about. I’ve met Twilight at the gala but not her.” Applejack was in protective sister mode still after what happened last week and the moms were sadly encouraging it.

“I just hope I make a good impression.” Rarity was still fussing so I bumped her side playfully.

“Don’t worry I’m sure they’ll like you and our other friends.” Before she could reply the train pulled up to the station with a ‘hiss’ of steam and the Trainmares hopped off first to make sure the train was ready for unloading. Once they gave the all clear they began unloading luggage and letting the passengers out.

Not many ponies were getting off so we didn’t have to wait long. As soon as Twilight stepped off of the train I could have sworn I felt a pulse of magic in my very hooves and a gasp saying ‘She’s early’.

When I looked around to check I didn’t see anything so just shrugged. Oh I hope that was nothing.

“Twilight, Trixie.” I trotted over and gave them both a nuzzle with a few ‘daws’ going off in the background as soon as they were both off the train.

“And hello Spike.” I plucked the napping drake off Twilight’s back with my magic and gave him a nuzzle before putting him on my own back. Twilight had long since gotten used to this and even encouraged the ‘male bonding’ as she called it.

“Hi dad.” Spike sleepily mumbled and nuzzled into my mane. Mom now found it adorable the little drake called me that. It wasn’t fun explaining why he did or that the drake would be a baby for a few years longer than a pony foal would.

“Velvet, Night Light good to see you both again. Is it just the five of you?” Forest gave them both friendly nuzzles then stepped back looking around. She had been expecting Trixie’s parents to show as well.

“Sadly yes.” Velvet answered as we all began moving off the platform. “Trixie’s parents couldn’t get out of work to make the trip so we offered to escort her. Shining and Cadence have work as well but offer their greetings.”

“Well that’s kind of you.” Forest took the lead with the other adults, after grabbing the luggage, while the fillies and I followed behind.

“So, you must be Trixie?” Applejack gave her an appraiser’s look but held up a hoof that Trixie bumped. Trixie, like the rest of us, had a recent growth spurt that had brought her closer to my height. I had been ‘growing like a weed’ as moms put it after gaining my wings.

“That is I. The great and Powerful Trixie. And you must be Applejack, Dawn’s slightly older and very fit sister.” AJ blushed and her tail wagged at the surprise complement.

“That’s me.” She then whispered just to me as Trixie and Twilight took in the sight of Ponyville. “Does she always talk like that?”

“No, it’s a defense mechanism when meeting new ponies, don’t bring it up please.” I gave her the puppy dog eyes.

AJ gave me a funny look then shook her head. “You attract some strange ones.” She then gave Spike a nuzzle causing him to shift on my back.

“I like what I like.” I gave her a playful swat with my tail.

“I must say this place is absolutely beautiful.” Velvet spoke up as we all continued to move through Town. “I always wanted to move to a town like this.” Velvet then sighed. “Sadly our work wouldn’t allow for that.”

“Honestly honey you know I wouldn’t mind the commute.” Night light gave her a nuzzle.

“Maybe one day but I would mind you being gone so long.” Velvet nuzzled him back. “Maybe one day After the children are grown up and you finally retire from the institute.”

“Trixie likes it as well.” Her tail was swishing back and fourth as she walked on my side.

“It still feels just so… open.” Twilight looked towards the sky line and almost fell over.

“Hehe, haven’t ever left the city?” Applejack bumped her and Twilight shook her head.

“Not really.” She was still feeling a bit overwhelmed though now that we had made it to the orchard and were surrounded by Apple trees she didn’t look quite as agoraphobic. “I used to skip out on field trips in favor of studying.”

“Applejack, Darling no need to tease.” Rarity helped Twilight steady herself again. The adults had noticed her trouble but let us manage ourselves as they walked ahead of us.

“Ah shucks, let me have some fun.” Applejack paused by one tree, bucked it for a few apples, and hoofed one over to each of us as the adults continued moving along. “Here, this should make ya feel better.”

“Mmm.” Trixie bit into hers first. “Sooo good.”

“Thanks, we try.” AJ laughed and we got moving towards the house again. Twilight’s eyes went wide as she bit into hers and Rarity hummed happily.

I hung back with a smile as the fillies happily chatted. I was still feeling something strange but it wasn’t worrying.

“So full.” Twilight rubbed her stomach and made me giggle. It was just after lunch and the two of us had decided to go for a walk together. The others had all stayed behind to chat or nap after the feast of a lunch.

“Yeah the moms don’t do small meals especially if we have guests.” I shrugged my wings. “You didn’t have to eat it all when granny kept piling food on your plate.”

“I just don’t get how Trixie ate so much.” Twilight groaned. I giggled at the thought of Trixie napping back at the farmhouse on the couch and kicking her legs while drooling as we left. We had invited her along but she was content and had a full stomach.

“Same. Anyway where to first?” I spun around and gave her a smile.

“LOOK OUT!” Before I could even turn, a rainbow blur crashed into Twilight and sent them both tumbling.

“Ow, what hit me.” Twilight was sprawled out on the ground with Dash right next to her.

“Dash, Twilight! Are you two okay?” I rushed over but didn’t dare move them. “Let me go get help.” I might have been decent with spell work but healing spells were still advanced magic.

“Ugh, calm down Dawn I’m fine.” Dash got up slow and brushed herself off. “You okay there purple?”

“It’s Twilight. And I’m fine.” She also shakily got to her hooves. “I think.”

With a quick application of magic I cleaned them both off causing them to shudder.

“Careful Dawn you know how sensitive wings can be.” Dash blushed. “Sorry about that by the way.” She held up a hoof towards Twilight. “Was practicing my stunts and hit a stray cloud.”

“Well I can forgive you then.” Twilight bumped her hoof and I felt that strange magic pulse again. Neither seamed to notice as Dash apologized. “So what were you practicing anyway?” Twilight tilted her head.

“Just my awesome moves.” She puffed up as if it was enough explanation.

Twilight just looked more confused and I laughed. “Rainbow Dash here is an aspiring Wonderbolt.” I wrapping her in a side wing hug. “She works on the weather team with my mom as an apprentice and a she’s a pretty great flyer but… she tends to crash quite a bit.”

At first she puffed up more until I finished my sentence. “Hey.” She ruffled my mane and Twilight smiled at our banter.

“Anyway, Dash this is one of my filly friends from school, Twilight Sparkle.” I gave her a nuzzle and sat back at her side.

“Really? Well then I hope we can get along.” Dash gave her a friendly nuzzle as well. “Egghead.” She teased. “Anyway I better get back to my practice. Good seeing you both.”

Dash flapped her wings and took off to bust that rogue cloud before getting back to practice.

“Is she always so…” Twilight rolled her hoof in the general direction she had flown off, not knowing what to say.

“Yeah but she’s loyal to a fault and she grows on ya.” I smiled while looking at the prismatic blur.

“Like her?” Twilight pondered and I nodded. “She did seam friendly enough.” She gave me a surprise nuzzle then stretched. “Let’s keep walking too.”

“So Velvet how have you been?” Morning Dew found it nice to have another unicorn mare around, they were rare in Ponyville. The two were having after lunch tea on the porch and watching Spike, Sweetie and Bloom play. There had been an awkward introduction between Spike and Sweetie but they became fast friends once Bloom got involved.

“Really well, thanks. Editing work has picked up since I took on working for AK Yearling. Her Daring Do books are wonderful.” Velvet hummed happily as the fall breeze stroked her fur and she took a sip of tea.

“Really? We all like those books. Dawn and AJ already finished the first two. Any idea about the next?” Morning swished her tail hopefully.

“Sorry Dew, even if I did know I couldn’t tell you.” Velvet smiled knowingly.

“Drat.” Dew gave a little stomp.

“I wouldn’t bother, she won’t even tell me and I’m her stallion.” Night Light walked out onto the porch and gave his mare a nuzzle.

“Oh hush you.” Velvet gave him a swat then changed the subject. “I hear Mac formed his own herd recently?”

“Yep.” Dew took a sip of her own tea. “Him and Cheerilee are officially together. She may move onto the farm in the next year if we all approve.” She hummed “No foals planed yet though, as she’s still getting her teaching license.”

“Well congratulations.” Velvet spoke while swatting her affectionate husband away with her tail. Night had been nuzzling her a bit more than appropriate for a public setting. “I’m glad he found a good mare like Shining and Dawn have. Oh I can’t wait for grandfoals.” She clapped her forehooves together.

Morning Dew laughed at the other mares and her husbands antics. “Well it’s definitely a bit early on Dawn’s part for that. Our children may have their cutie marks but are far from independence.”

“Of course but him and Twilight are so cute together and he’s been wonderful with Spike.” Night actually nodded in approval. “And Trixie is a fiery one. I was thinking Moon Dancer might join but she’s more of a friend to them. Honestly I was worried when she hatched Spike and basically became a young mother.” Velvet shook her head.

“Moon Dancer?” Dew thought the name familiar but couldn’t remember. She also didn’t want to open the can of worms surrounding early motherhood. Cutie marks may have been the original sign of maturity and the start of mare hood but age did still play a factor.

“One of their classmates. She’s a good study buddy of Twilight and workout buddy for Dawn I hear.” Velvet continued to explain as Dew listened and Night idly napped on his Wife’s shoulder.

“So where are we going next?” Twilight’s eyes were sparking and her tail idly wagging as we walked through town. We had just left the open market and Twilight was a few bits shorter after finding some used books.

“How about we rest for a while?” I motioned towards the plaza fountain where Lyra was playing for a small crowd.

“Is that Lyra?” Twilight asked as we got closer. The fillies ear twitched and she shot us a smile without stopping her playing.

“Yeah, she comes out here to practice and earn a few bits.” I hummed a bit while listening to the tune and finding an open spot for us to sit and listen In better.

“She’s good.” Twilight sat down next to me but quickly got up when she found an envelope under her. “What the?” Picking it up Twilight found it addressed to her and opened it.

‘Hi ya,

This is your invitation to you and your family’s ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party. It’s this afternoon.’

That’s all that she found written on the front

“This afternoon?” Twilight tilted her head and flipped over the Card.

‘Yes. This afternoon! Hope to see you there.

Your friend,
Pinkie!’

“How did she do that?” Twilight studied the card held in her magic.

“Pinkie invite?” I put a hoof in my mane and pulled out my own from my inventory. Something I know I didn’t put there but felt arrive a moment ago. “I got mine too.”

“What, but, how.” Twilight’s eye twitched. “You told me Pinkie is an earth pony.”

“Twilight I say this with love and compassion. Do. Not. Try to figure her out. It took me months to gain a basic understanding of some of the things she can do.” I wrapped a wing around her. “If I was a betting colt I would say she’s actually a hidden alicorn.”

“Aww you flatter me.” Pinkie popped up right behind us. “Before I forget, could you please convince Flutters to show up. She’s still upset about what happened last week. Okay thanks. Bye.”

I facehooved as she bounced off leaving only an extra invite behind.

“What happened last week?” Twilight tilted her head in curiosity as I blushed, face hidden behind my hooves.

Twilight was fuming and blushing in an odd mix of jealousy and indignation after I explained the basics. “Who does this filly think she is doing that with you. I should have been first.” Twilight blushed harder when she realized what she said aloud. I was flattered and gave her a nuzzle.

“Twilight I am sorry about that.” I stopped on the bridge in front of Fluttershy’s cottage and pinned my ears back.

“What? No I’m not mad at you.” She sighed. “We’re not officially in a herd so I get it I just wanted to be first is all.” She scuffed at the ground and I gave her neck a love nip as I nuzzled her. The act was a bit intimate but I didn’t want her feeling like I didn’t like her.

“If it makes you uncomfortable I could pick her up alone.” I offered.

She shook her head. “No I’m good now.” Her tail idly swished and we crossed the bridge. “What’s with all the animals though?”

“Oh Fluttershy is part of the conservation society and an apprentice veterinarian. Her special talent lets her understand and speak with animals.” The filly in question had just come around front and ‘eeped’ when she saw us. I gave her a wave with my wing and she hid behind her mane.

“She doesn’t look like the type to do what you mentioned.” Twilight spoke softly then, “Hi. I’m Twilight Sparkle, what’s your name?”

”Fluttershy.” The shaking filly eventually got out.

“I’m sorry what was that.” I couldn’t help but giggle at the scene unfolding.

”I’m Fluttershy.” She spoke just loud enough to pick up what was said.

“Nice to meet you. Listen I heard about what happened and I’m not mad. It’s a natural thing but I am a bit upset I wasn’t first so…” Twilight held out a hoof. “Come to Pinkie’s party with us so we can get to know each other?”

Shy looked at me then the hoof. I nodded and she gave it a gentle bump before leaping forward and giving Twilight a grateful nuzzle. I felt another small burst of magic when they touched. “Thank you for not being mad. Oh um sorry. I better get inside to wash up.”

Twilight was stunned for a moment then looked at me blushing. “Her fur is so soft and she’s so quiet!”

“I know right?” I giggled. I was liking this more social version of Twilight. She was much more reserved in Canterlot.