Hold Your Horses: A My Little Pony Story

Ginger Blush folded another napkin and set it onto the pile of already-folded napkins. She grabbed another napkin and began to fold that one as well.

"How many more of these do we have to fold?" she asked across the counter.

Savoir Fare, Ginger Blush's stallion, who was seated across the counter, responded promptly.

"I'm sorry you're the pony that has to help me with all of these, but everypony else was busy with different preparations. Given the clientele, I'm surprised the company didn't send more of us. But, for now, we just have about fifty more napkins to fold."

Ginger Blush and Savoir Fare had rolled into Canterlot that morning. Their time together had been an arduous, but rewarding journey. Ginger Blush tagged along as Savoir Fare traveled around Equestria, catering to clients of many different names and faces. It had been a beautiful adventure, but there were some duller moments, such as folding dozens of napkins in a cold, sterile kitchen. Not to mention all the time she'd spent away from her friends, Chorus and Prose. Ginger Blush looked out of a nearby window at the sunny day the city was experiencing, remembering the time she and her friends basically saved the world at the Grand Galloping Gala. She couldn't wait to finish this job so she could enjoy some time with her stallion in the very city where they first met.

"Wait," Ginger paused. "Clientele? Who is this event for?"

Savoir looked up from his napkin with a slightly confused look on his face.

"I told you about it this morning," Savoir explained. "In the carriage."

Ginger blushed. "I wasn't listening," she admitted.

Savoir sighed and chuckled. "It's very important. Princess Celestia has called a meeting of Equestrian leaders to ensure good will and comradery across Equestria. If all goes well, we should be seeing peace in our futures."

An idea flashed across Ginger's mind. "Equestrian leaders? Is it possible that Princess Twilight Sparkle might be in attendance?" she asked.

"Yes, most likely," Savoir answered. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, I was hoping she might bring a plus one," she hinted.

"Prose?" Savoir guessed. "I imagine Twilight would bring her girlfriend."

Ginger smiled. "Oh, I sure hope so. It's been so long since I've seen her. I wonder what she's been up to."

Savoir frowned an almost unnoticeable frown. So unnoticeable that Ginger Blush almost didn't catch it.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Ginger interrogated.

"Nothing, it's just..." Savoir started. "It's nothing."

"You can tell me, Savoir," Ginger assured him.

"Well, you say you haven't seen your friends in so long. I can't help but feel like I'm keeping you from them. I don't want to be the reason you don't get to see your friends, especially after all you've been through with them," Savoir confessed.

Ginger Blush set down her napkin and looked at Savoir Fare across the counter.

"Hey, I spend time with you because I want to spend time with you. You weren't holding me like a prisoner. It's my fault I haven't seen my friends. I guess I've just been so caught up in our adventures, I never cut out time to visit Chorus or Prose..."

She paused for a moment, realizing she'd unknowingly put her relationship with her friends on a back burner.

"I guess it is my fault," she realized. "But I'll see Prose today, and it'll be like we never even spent time apart. And, Sombra has royal connections. Maybe Chorus will even be here today!"

"That is possible," Savoir commented. "I hear Sombra plays a big part in the Crystal Empire now. I don't know what part, but I heard it's a part."

"I guess I just didn't realize how much I've missed my friends until now. I really hope they're here today," Ginger hoped.

Savoir folded his last napkin and set it down in his pile.

"Well, I think we're in order for a break, don't you?" Savoir suggested. "What do you say we walk around the city?"

"Let's do it," Ginger excitedly agreed.

Savoir led Ginger Blush outside and into the city. They harmoniously walked down the streets of the beautiful city of Canterlot. They stopped at several shops on the way, admiring the clothes, food, and trinkets that were displayed within each of them. Savoir treated Ginger to several gifts of her choosing as they walked. The combination of the glowing sun and the gentle breeze made their walk an overall pleasant experience. Savoir and Ginger stumbled upon a charming jewelry store and stepped inside to take a look.

They browsed the many pieces set out on display, admiring how they glittered and shined. Ginger's eyes wandered over to a set of three necklaces, each with a gem centered on a golden chain. The gems sparkled a brilliant orange, pink, and purple. They reminded her of her friends. A melancholy smile crossed her face as she thought of them, which quickly turned into a hopeful smile, hoping her friends were only hours away from reuniting with her.

Savoir browsed the extensive watch collection within the shop, admiring the silvery shine that most of them gave off. He was subconsciously picking his favorite ones, when suddenly he noticed the placement of the hands on all of the watches, depicting the current time. A panicked look possessed his face and rushed over to Ginger Blush, who was observing a set of necklaces.

"Ginger, we've gotta go," Savoir alerted.

"Right now?" Ginger asked.

"Yes," Savoir confirmed. "We're gonna be late!"

"Oh! We better get going then."

Savoir led Ginger out of the jewelry store, and they raced through the streets of Canterlot. They navigated all the way back through all of the twists and turns, trying to make it back to the event before anypony realized they were late. Their hooves clomped on the streets as they sped through the city. As they neared the event, Savoir sighed with relief. He entered the building and held open the door for his girlfriend. As he looked out of the doorway, anticipating Ginger Blush's entrance, he realized nopony was following him through the door.

He stepped back out of the building, scanning his surroundings. There was no sign of his girlfriend anywhere.

"Ginger Blush?" he called out.

He was met with no response.