The girl lay in bed, the gentle morning breeze carrying soft floral scents from the palace gardens through the window. She had been catching up on her studying, hoping to learn something before the Grand Galloping Gala, where she would have the opportunity to speak with Princess Twilight. She just needed to figure out what she was going to ask.

While reading about the creatures beyond the borders of Equestria, the girl finally came across something; something familiar.

The image that tugged at her mind was of a 'sea-pony' from a place appropriately called Seaquestria. Apparently a sea-pony was not one of the three types of pony, but some sort of mutated hippogriff that lived underwater, but that was beside the point. The important thing was that, after all this time, the girl had finally found a clue to her past.

It was a small clue, and lacked context, but it was more than she had before. It also gave her some direction, providing her with a thread to pull. She said as much to the princess, who was pleased to learn of this development and furnished the girl with what was available in the palace library pertaining to Seaquestria and the Hippogriffs, which was disappointingly little. There were also confusingly similar creatures to the sea-ponies called 'mer-mares,' and a mention of something called a 'Siren' as well, all of which seemed to be some kind of aquatic horse.

Hippocampus.

The word appeared in her mind as if from nowhere, but felt proper, like a puzzle-piece sliding into place, though the entirety of the image was still scattered and unintelligible.

What does any of this have to do with me?

To answer that question, she figured she would need to explore the connection between the sea-ponies and her arrival in Equestria, if there was one.

She harbored the fear that this memory had nothing to do with her present circumstance, but without the ability to recall them at will, she had only her feelings to guide her to her memories.

With the Gala coming up, it was unlikely that she would be able to visit Seaquestria herself. Besides, she had no idea where it was or how she would even survive beneath the waves.

At least that swimsuit will come in handy.

The girl got up and made her way to her wardrobe, remembering that Rarity had completed the swimsuit commissioned by the princess, for which the girl had recently attended a fitting where final adjustments were made.

It was a scanty thing; a bikini in two pieces made from a water-resistant material that was as smooth as silk. Rarity had gone for quality over quantity with the garment, the rare material sparse but incredibly sturdy.

The princess herself actually dropped by during the fitting, and the girl was horrified by her gaze despite Celestia's approval.

At least she got to see the princess squirm when Rarity insisted that she try on a bikini-bottom she had made for ponies, having her lift her tail so she could inspect how the triangle of material rested over her ass and pussy. She even asked the opinion of the girl, having her examine it up close, which made Celestia blush.

Even though it made her uncomfortable, the girl liked the swimsuit and appreciated the effort Rarity put into everything she did, and found herself wanting to be the pony's friend. By the time the gala dresses (as Rarity had made new ones for all the princesses,) were finished and the final adjustments were made the two had grown quite familiar, though the girl still couldn't shake the self-consciousness she experienced when dressed down.

The girl’s own dress was fabulous, with silvery sequins and a slit skirt. It even came with a pair of heels that Rarity had painstakingly recreated from her magazines. She also got new, bespoke bra that was beyond magical. It was made with genuine care, just for her, and fit better than anything she could remember, which wasn’t much but even still she absolutely loved it, even asking Rarity to tailor the one she already had.

The girl decided to try on the dress and admire her appearance in the mirror, only for there to be a knock at the door while she did, but she was feeling confident enough to answer it.

On the other side was the sun-guard from before. It had been awhile since she had seen him, but she had no trouble recognizing him.

His eyes went wide when he saw her, scanning her up and down. "M-Miss umm.... Sorry, I didn't catch your name."

Neither did I.

"That's ok." she said, hoping she didn't sound rude. "I didn't catch yours either."

The pony straightened up. "Of course. I am Gaius Helios." he said proudly, then his posture loosened. "But most just call me 'Guy.'

Guy and ‘the girl,’ huh?

Perhaps it was time she got herself a name, even if it wasn't her given one.

"Ok, Gaius." she said, which seemed to make him happy. "What would you call me?"

He seemed confused. "You mean, guess your name?"

"That's the best I can do myself." she admitted.

"Oh, of course! Your memory... I’m such a fool. Forgive me, please. I wasn't trying to be rude, I—"

She raised her hand to cut him off. "That's okay! Don't worry about it. I should have been straight with you, I just haven't really given it much thought with everything else going on..."

The girl wasn't sure why she was opening up to Gaius. Maybe the dress gave her confidence, or perhaps having seen him so vulnerable before made him feel more familiar.

"Goldilocks." he said suddenly.

"...huh?" The girl withdrew from her musings and tilted her head.

"What I'd call you.” said Gaius shyly. “It was the first thing that came to mind."

The girl thought for a moment in silence.

Goldilocks, like the human girl in the fairy tale with the talking bears.

"I like it."

Author's Note

Hopefully this isn’t too messy. I had a few things I wanted to include before the next chapter, but while still important I felt they weren’t substantial enough for a chapter of their own.