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The day of the social gathering.

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The citizens of Ponyville were buzzing with excitement as they prepared for the much-anticipated social gathering. Everypony had something special to contribute, from cakes to pies, each carefully made for the night’s festivities. Even the royal sisters, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, along with Princess Cadence, had promised to bring their own unique dishes for the occasion. It seemed that no pony in Equestria was sitting this one out.

At Twilight Sparkle's crystal tree castle, the Princess of Friendship was hard at work, preparing the grand ballroom for the evening's guests. Starlight Glimmer, her trusted friend and student, was right by her side, helping set up.

“Thanks for helping out with the tables, Starlight. I really needed it, especially since Spike is busy working on the guest list.” Twilight said, smiling gratefully as she hovered a few decorations into place with her magic.

“It’s no problem, Twilight," Starlight replied with a shrug. "I figure I owe you for letting me go off on Trixie’s magic tour while I was still supposed to be doing my friendship counseling duties.”

Twilight waved it off. “It’s nothing, really. I hope Trixie wasn’t being too pushy, though, with you being her assistant and all. I’ve seen her shows especially her big performances—it must’ve been. . . well, difficult at times.”

Starlight chuckled lightly. “Oh no, it wasn’t that bad, Twilight. Sure, some of her stunts were. . . questionable, but it’s not too hard to pull them off. . . I mean . . .”

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A few weeks ago.

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“I, The Great and Powerful Trixie, will now attempt to lean my head over the jaws of a deadly Ursa Minor, supported by only a single steel pole!” Trixie declared boldly, her voice echoing through the stage.

The audience gasped in awe, their eyes wide with anticipation. Backstage, Trixie shot Starlight Glimmer a quick wink, signaling it was time. Starlight subtly cast her magic, strengthening the steel pole Trixie would be relying on.

With a dramatic flair, Trixie took a deep breath, steadying herself. Slowly and carefully, she placed her head between the Ursa Minor's enormous jaws. The audience held its breath, watching as Trixie stood motionless for what felt like an eternity two long minutes passed. Then, with a swift motion, she pulled her head out just as the steel pole snapped in half behind her.

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The crowd erupted into applause, cheering wildly for the two mares. Trixie and Starlight took a bow, basking in the audience's admiration.

“The crowd loved it! They're already excited for our next magic tour.” Starlight recounted with a smile.

Twilight, grinning at her friend, replied, “Seems like you’re really enjoying your time with Trixie.”

“Oh, absolutely, Twilight. But sometimes I just want to hang out with you and the girls too. I wish we could plan a picnic with Trixie someday.” Starlight mused, a wistful tone in her voice.

“Well. . . we can’t say when, but I’m sure we can make it happen soon,” Twilight said thoughtfully. “Now, could you give me a hoof with these tablecloths?”

“Sure, Twilight.” Starlight agreed, and with a wave of their horns, they used their magic to spread fifteen tablecloths across the long banquet tables, setting everything perfectly in place.

As they worked, Starlight brought up something she’d been curious about. “Hey, Twilight, I heard Pinkie Pie’s cousin just moved to Ponyville.”

Twilight nodded. “Yes, just this week. We were all surprised to hear she had a cousin from Mitaly.”

“Mitaly?” Starlight's brow furrowed. “Isn't that where the Alicorns’ capital used to be?”

“Indeed it is,” Twilight confirmed, raising an eyebrow. “You know about Mitaly’s history?”

“Of course,” Starlight replied, intrigued. “It’s one of the ancient lands, rich in history. There were so many important events like the Great Golden War and the death of Princess Awee.”

Twilight’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Oh, those events are fascinating! So much mystery surrounds them. Historians studying the ruins there say the Great Golden War began when the Golden Army launched a campaign called the Great Chain. They built massive borders around each mainland, forcing Equestria's species to live separately. Princess Awee, the first princess of Equestria, opposed the Archon’s vision of order. War broke out, and all the species were dragged into the conflict.”

Starlight blinked, surprised by the depth of the tale. “Wait, what’s an Archon, Twilight?”

Twilight looked a bit taken aback. “You don’t know?”

“Well, I do now,” Starlight replied, laughing lightly. “But how’s it different from a princess?”

“I thought you knew Mitaly's history, Starlight.” Twilight teased.

“I know some things like the Golden Army and the first princess but I didn’t know about the Archon.” Starlight admitted.

Twilight nodded, launching into a mini-lecture. “An Archon was a powerful and, frankly, dangerous leader. Their authority extended over all the military forces of Equestria’s different species. Any decision they made, the race leaders had to obey. They wielded more control over military affairs than any princess ever could.”

“Wow,” Starlight said, shaking her head. “That’s intense. I can’t imagine living under that kind of rule back then.”

Twilight continued, “Here’s the thing an Archon only led the military forces. They had no idea how to run an economy or manage the day-to-day lives of Equestria's citizens. So life was difficult during that era. After the Golden War, the race leaders agreed to disband the Archonship and formed their own governments. That’s how the big division happened ponies, griffons, changelings, and all the others split up and went their separate ways.”

“Here I thought Queen Chrysalis had the highest authoritarian power, next to the Dragonlord.” Starlight said thoughtfully.

“Well, those titles were inspired by the Archon,” Twilight explained. “The only difference is that their authority only applies to their own kind.”

“Seems like a downfall,” Starlight mused. “Everyone used to live in harmony, and now, because of that one event, the species are split apart. It feels like nobody trusts anyone except their own kind.”

“I know what you mean, Starlight,” Twilight agreed. “Trust is something we all have to work on, but we’re slowly making friends with other species. I mean, Spike became friends with the Dragonlord. . .”

“Only because he’s a dragon himself. It’s natural for Spike to befriend his own kind.” Starlight pointed out.

Twilight hesitated. “Well. . . what about Thorax?”

Starlight rolled her eyes, glancing at the map on the table. “Yeah, we were lucky to have him on our side when we saved you and everypony from Queen Chrysalis. And sure, we’ve made peace with some changelings, but what about those who still follow her? What if Chrysalis comes back to get revenge on Thorax and the changelings who betrayed her? No matter how you look at it, his peace with ponies started by betraying his nature.”

Twilight sighed. “That’s true, but things change over time. Just like you did. And besides, Chrysalis is already encased in stone. It’s hard to imagine her breaking free she’s not Discord, after all.”

“But still,” Starlight persisted, stomping her hoof. “What if things change again, but not for the better? What if they go back to the way they were? Soon, you’ll be in charge of all of Equestria, and your friends will go their separate ways like you never left Canterlot. Just like I never left that village. . .”

Twilight placed a comforting hoof on Starlight’s shoulder. “If you’re talking about yourself, then that’s all behind you now. Me, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and even Trixie we’re all your friends. We won’t forget that, it’s a fact.”

Starlight sighed deeply. “You’re right, Twilight. I’m sorry for overreacting. I guess all these feelings are still bottled up inside me after everything that happened with those three villains. . .”

Twilight smiled gently. “It’s alright, Starlight. I know you didn’t mean what you said. Even if I’m running Equestria one day, I’ll still come visit my friends and the school. I’m a princess, not an Archon.”

They shared a laugh and hugged.

“You’d better not act like one, at least.” Starlight teased.

“I promise I won’t.” Twilight assured her.

“That’s a relief,” Starlight said with a smile. “But back to the topic why would the Archon launch that campaign, when all the species were living together in peace?”

“No one knows, Starlight,” Twilight replied, her voice becoming more serious. “It’s one of Equestria’s greatest mysteries.”

“Hmmm… I see,” Starlight muttered. “Hey, maybe Pinkie Pie’s cousin knows! After all, she lives in Mitaly.”

Twilight chuckled. “I doubt their education system has advanced enough to solve a mystery like that, Starlight. I mean, even the princesses don’t know the answer.”

“Well, we won’t know until we ask her ourselves. . .” Starlight said with a grin.

“I suppose, but. . .- Twilight hesitated.

“But what, Twilight?”

“Maybe now’s not the right time to ask her about it.”

“And why’s that?” Starlight asked, tilting her head.

“Well, Pizza Pie is still a little self-conscious about meeting new ponies. Especially about how she looks right now.” Twilight said cautiously.

“Oh, really? Well, what does Pinkie’s cousin look like, then?” Starlight asked curiously.

“Uh, let’s just say. . . imitation is a form of flattery. I’ll leave it at that.” Twilight replied, looking slightly amused.

“Huh? I don’t get it. What do you mean by that? Is she trying to look like somepony?” Starlight pressed.

Twilight laughed lightly. “Take it easy, Starlight, you’ll meet her soon enough. For now, we still need to finish preparing the castle for tonight’s gathering. Shall we?”

“Alright. . .” Starlight said, shrugging off her curiosity and returning to her tasks.

Later that night, at Sugarcube Corner, just hours away from the big social gathering, Pizza Pie was in her cousin’s room, rummaging through her trunk for something to wear.

“No, no, no!” Pizza Pie muttered, digging through her drawer, desperately searching for something suitable to wear. She held up a couple of outfits and stood in front of the mirror, frowning. “Ah hah!” She grabbed an outfit, then shook her head. “Nope, too simple.”

Outside the door, Pinkie Pie heard her cousin’s frustrated murmurs. She knocked gently. “Cousin...?”

“Too flashy,” Pizza Pie muttered, still sorting through clothes.

Pinkie Pie tilted her head, knocking again. “Cousin Pizza, are you okay in there?”

“Too formal,” Pizza groaned, tossing another outfit aside.

With a huff, Pinkie pouted and knocked a third time, louder this time. “Cousin! Are you—Ooff!” Pinkie yelped as the door swung open unexpectedly, causing her to tumble inside. “I’m okay...” she mumbled, lying on the floor.

“Oh, sorry about that, cousin,” Pizza Pie said, startled.

“Don’t worry about me!” Pinkie quickly hopped to her hooves, as bouncy as ever. “So, are you done yet? It’s almost time for the gathering!”

“In a minute, Pinkie,” Pizza Pie replied, still rummaging through her pile of clothes. “Why don’t you wait for me downstairs? I’ll be ready in just a minute… Ugh, what to wear, what to wear?”

“Oh, I can help!” Pinkie Pie declared, leaping onto the bed and diving into the clothes pile. “Weeeeee!!” she squealed as clothes flew everywhere, turning the room into a whirlwind of fabric.

“Cousin! What are you doing!?” Pizza Pie yelped, using her magic to gather the scattered clothes and pile them back neatly. “Can’t you see I’m in the middle of a crisis here?”

“Crisis? Gee, you’re starting to sound like Rarity,” Pinkie said, popping up from beneath the clothes, shaking a scarf off her head. “Anyway, don’t get so worked up about it.”

“I’m not getting worked up,” Pizza Pie grumbled. “I just want to find something nice to wear. I don’t want to stand out too much, especially not at my first social gathering.”

“Oh, cousin, this isn’t Mitaly where ponies judge you on how you dress. This is Ponyville! Nopony’s going to mind. Well, except for Rarity—she’s always super conscious of how she looks.”

Pizza Pie looked at her cousin and smiled. “You’re right, Pinkie... I guess I’m just a little nervous.”

“There you go!” Pinkie said cheerfully, patting her cousin on the back. “You don’t have to be nervous. Everything will be fine—and fun!”

“If you say so,” Pizza Pie sighed, feeling her anxiety ease a little. “I’ll take your word for it. Thanks, Pinkie. You always know what to say when I’m stressed about these things.”

“Oh, it’s nothing, cousin! Besides, you’re new to Ponyville. I’ll make sure you make a great first impression on everypony. Just trust me!”

". . . ."

As Pizza Pie sorted through the last few outfits, her thoughts wandered back to her last conversation with Discord. A mare with no cutie mark? What kind of pony never gets their cutie mark? I hope she’s found her true talent. . . The memory gnawed at her, feeding her doubts about attending the gathering. But seeing Pinkie’s bright, reassuring smile brought her back to the present. She shook off her anxiety, determined to hope for the best.

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~ To be continued

Author's Note

Mitaly has its fair share of history much like Equestria. All of it takes place longer than history books can even record any events.