[Cover and Art by my lovely wife NynxeNym]
{Full Size Cover Link}
Originally part of my PiE/HiE short stories collection I was working on in October, except I accidentally didn't stop writing so it spiraled into this. I didn't feel like jamming all of this into one October chapter, so it gets it's own post. Shares the same world lore and setting as the October Shorts, where Equus and Earth are connected by portals in Canterlot and America, resulting in interspecies crossings and interactions as the nation's go forward. Ending is a little rushed because this spiraled out of control and was supposed to be a, at max, 5k word story and I had to force myself to stop before I kept going.

Ronnie Harrelson, still recovering from his recent injury that he gained during a dicey rescue amidst a roaring house-fire, has found himself being invited to Equestria -- alongside the rest of his Fire Station. One of the individuals they rescued just so happened to be the eldest daughter, and heir, to a rather well-off Equestrian Noble who was visiting Earth on a visitors visa.

As a show of appreciation, a party has been thrown for her rescuers by her grateful father, the event serving dual purpose as both a thanks for saving his child, and a chance to improve international relations between Humans and Ponies. The event in it's entirety, of which is incredibly elaborate and lavish, is being bankrolled by Mister Banks. The thankful father, and an Equestrian textile industry powerhouse.

Ronnie, while appreciate of the gesture, isn't much of one for parties, though it's not like he can exactly turn down going. He's thankful, but leaves his fellows to enjoy the bulk of the party in his stead, Ronnie choosing to peruse one of the quieter snack tables -- until he's finds the table approached by one of Mister Banks business partners, who seems as out of place as he does and looking for the same out.

He finds she makes for some surprisingly good company, not quite the striped mare she appears to be.