The light in the great hall was warm, cast over stone among banners that trapped heat, so that even such a large room was braced against the chill of night.

Goldie was surprised to see that Princess Twilight was quite a bit smaller than the two sisters. The young princess felt more approachable, and the fact that she also shared the same mentor gave the two of them something in common right off the bat.

It would not be long before the guests would be arriving, but for the time being they had the hall to themselves. Of course, Twilight had many questions, and Celestia had to remind her to answer rather than ask.

"Sorry, I know you're missing your memory. I'll try to help as best I can." said a chastened Twilight.

Her sudden sheepishness was endearing, and Goldie decided that she liked her already.

While Luna took her position on the throne, the girl asked about the magic-mirror and about the human world, the former having been moved from Canterlot to Twilight's own castle before Goldie arrived.

She learned about Sunset Shimmer, the fallen apprentice, and her tale of redemption. She learned of the other versions of Twilight's friends, and the magic journal.

In every case, however, when traveling from one world to the other there was a physical transformation. No human remained human when traveling to Equestria from the human world.

"Perhaps it would behoove you to meet miss Shimmer." suggested Celestia, and Twilight agreed.

"I'm curious to see what happens to you when stepping through the portal." added Twilight.

Then the clock tolled, loud enough for all to here, for the hour had grown late.

"There will be time for that after the gala." said Celestia, and a moment later the first of the guests burst through the doors, massive crowd kept from swarming by a pair of Moon Guards.

Luna was in charge of greeting the guests, and Twilight settled by her side to help her remember the names of the nobles.

The girl caught a glimpse of something unusual before she ducked out: a taller figure rising above the crowd, obscured by a hooded cloak.

Celestia used a wing to guide the girl to the side door, and suddenly they were outside, surrounded by lights and music. The princess led the girl to the courtyard where a veritable smorgasbord of confectionaries was laid out on lengthy tables beneath canopies strung with colorful bunting.

The princess gave Goldilocks first pick, and after sampling a couple of treats she selected a slice of vanilla cake with chocolate buttercream, finding the texture to be just right.

By the time she had finished her piece, Celestia had already sampled nearly everything. Goldilocks caught her eye as she was wiping frosting from her mouth. The princess blushed, then gave Goldie a wink that made her giggle.

It pleased Goldie to see that the princess had a weakness for desserts. Sometimes she found that her mentor could be a little intimidating. To move the sun itself suggested great power, and one only had to look upon her mane to see that she was brimming with magic.

And there was something else, something lurking beneath the surface of her fractured mind.

Despite all that, however, Celestia had chosen to stay by her side on the night of the Gala, evidently predicting that the girl might find it all a bit overwhelming.

Celestia's intimidating presence also conveniently served to keep the overly-curious away, though Goldie still caught them staring from time to time as the courtyard began to fill with guests.

"Let us go to the garden. It is getting a little crowded." said the princess, leading the girl away from the masses to a secluded gazebo where they could watch the festivities from afar.

Goldie was glad for that, taking a seat on the curved stone bench. Celestia sat beside her, the pony's length filling up much of the seat, lounging as she was with her front legs crossed, hooves dangling off the edge of the seat, her hind-quarters sideways while her chest and neck remained upright.

The girl could feel her warmth, and surprised Celestia by leaning her head into the princess's shoulder, surrounded by her mane's shimmering aurora of color.

Both the Sun and the Moon Guard had contributed personnel to the Gala Security Taskforce, and Goldie was pleased to see none other than Guy Helios patrolling the perimeter of the courtyard.

With the princess's approval, she waved him over from the throngs of guests still spilling out from the Great Hall.

Standing in the presence of both his mistress Celestia and her human apprentice–the same apprentice that jerked him off in Luna’s bedroom–made him nervous. When they both giggled he nearly fainted. It was all he could do to bend a hoof and lower his head.

Behind him, something moved like a passing shadow, and Goldie might have thought it nothing more than a trick of the light, if it didn't trigger a feeling of dread half-buried in her memory.

The feeling passed when the Sun Guard rose at Celestia's bidding, meeting the girl's eyes.

"How may I be of service?" he asked them both.

Celestia gazed sideways at the girl and smirked, eyes half-lidded, making her blush.

"Would you like to take a walk with me?" asked the girl after a moment of internal debate.

"Of course! I would love– I would be honored."

Goldie liked the way his eyes lit up, and how she felt somehow lighter at the thought of them spending time together, just the two of them.

She was afraid she would insult the princess by leaving, but when she looked over she saw that Celestia was smiling. A nod of approval gave her all she needed. With Gaius by her side made her way toward the garden balcony where the fireworks from Cloudsdale challenged the stars themselves with their brilliance.

Yet a feeling of unease accompanied her, radiating from within the shadows.

Author's Note

First part of the Gala, which always seems to be a memorable event ever since Twilight began to attend. Whether it’s a success or a disaster sometimes seems to be a matter of opinion.

Not sure how many parts there will be, but I’m working on the next one. Hope y’all enjoy!