Once upon a time, a recently-grown mare sealed up the final box. Standing on a high platform overlooking the countryside of Equestria, she waited for the arrival of a pegasus-powered carriage with enough size to handle the biggest moving day of her life.

“Good luck on your new era,” the mare’s mother said with a short hug.

“I will give it the best start I can. Love you!” the departing daughter responded. Shortly after, the two pegasi flying the vehicle arrived at the dock, with a third helper there for loading things up. Sooner or later, the dock was empty of boxes, and at the point of takeoff, a final goodbye made way for a first hello.

The awaited sight faded into view, and the mare felt so far beyond herself that she avoided letting her mind wander too much. She had read about Ponyville for years, with the dream of living there someday ever since childhood. And now here came the moment that had been only an imagination so many times.

In addition, she had opted to pay extra money for the special treatment of being landed in town square rather than on the traditional boarding station, for really no reason other than “Why not?”

The vehicle began to lower its altitude, and the mare had no more time to wait for the big moment. It was here. She promptly thanked the flyers as they switched the carriage into wheel mode, bringing her boxes over to a storage unit. What she’s been told is that it’s best to start exploring Ponyville empty-hoofed, apparently so you can feel the hospitality.

Either way, the mare found herself in town square, with many ponies around her from every angle. It was pretty much a matter of who wanted to make the first greeting. This first minute or so in Ponyville characterized itself through awkward silence, but then the new resident’s awaited moment came in the form of a raspberry-colored pony holding out her right hoof.

“Hi there! My name is Berry Punch; nice to meet somepony new!”

“Nice to meet you as well!” the light pink-coated mare responded. “My name is Feathers. I just moved in right before you approached!” She gave the local resident a hoof shake.

“Well, Feathers, welcome to Ponyville!” Berry Punch gushed. “Any plans for this first day?”

“I think I’ll be exploring the town, but if anything else happens, it happens,” Feathers responded, looking in every direction.

Berry Punch let out a giggle. “Beware of a certain other pink pony; if she sees you, a welcome party at our local bakery will probably go into plan.”

“A welcome party?” Feathers said. “Oh… I never thought that would be a thing, but I’d take the opportunity to meet the residents of this town!”

“If there is a welcome party, I’ll be there!” Berry Punch says, beginning to walk away. “I have to go now, but hopefully I’ll see you later!”

“We’ll see what happens. Thank you for the greeting!” Feathers replied as she set out to explore the town more.

While deciding which locations to check out, Feathers took notice to a building that you might think was a giant dessert if you weren’t looking closely enough. With the wall edges resembling icing around the seemingly chocolate roof, topped with a cupcake-shaped room, she had to think “I might as well go inside this one.” Was it a bakery?

The bell hanging from the door made its ring heard, and behind the counter was a blue and pink mare. “Hello! What can I get for you today?” she said.

“I’ll have to take a look; it’s my first time here,” Feathers responded, taking in the sight of not only the baked goods on display, but the tables, chairs, and everything else.

“In that case, welcome to Sugarcube Corner, dear!” Mrs. Cake said. “Where we put in as much Earth pony magic as we can to create the best sweet treats in town.”

Feathers walked over to the counter. “Thanks! And now I know the name of this place.” She considered purchasing a treat and scanned the options, but not for long…

“Hey, there’s somepony I haven’t seen before in here!” a high-pitched voice called out from upstairs.

“Uh-oh, be ready for this,” Mrs. Cake said with a laugh.

As far as she knew, Feathers was ready. Already meeting the pony she had just heard about? Yes. A mare with a coat color very similar to hers, but a significantly darker mane, made her way down to the bottom floor. “Hi! Do you happen to be new here?!”

“I am new! First day living in Ponyville,” Feathers replied, taking a few steps forward.

“Aww, welcome to your new home!... oops, I didn’t ask your name.” Pinkie giggled after her sentence trailed off.

“Hehe. I’m Feathers. Nice to meet you!” A hoofshake ensued, marking the second physical touch in Ponyville for this new resident.

“And she is Pinkie Pie,” Mrs. Cake said. “Ponyville’s charismatic party planner.”

“I’m always here to make ponies smile!” Pinkie said. Being the observant pony that she is, Pinkie caught a glimpse of Feathers’ cutie mark while her body was turned to the side, due to Mrs. Cake speaking to her. The cutie mark was her namesake: a pointy purple feather with three same-colored sparkles next to it. Where might that have come from?

For now, though, Pinkie brought her face in a little closer, with no backing away from the other pony. “Hey Feathers, I always like to throw welcome parties for new Ponyville residents. Do you accept the invitation?”

Certainly a weird invitation if there ever was one, but the new resident already anticipated the question and couldn’t get the idea out of her head. A gathering of ponies wanting to meet her and all the rest? “I’d be honored; thank you! At what time?”

“Oh, I’ll have to figure that out depending on how work goes today, but I’ll get back to you, and I’ll send out invitations to everypony who might want to come!” Pinkie says, checking the analog clock on the wall.

Mrs. Cake leaned over the counter into Feathers’ ear. “Rule of thumb: Don’t question Pinkie Pie. It doesn’t make sense that she can send out that many invitations in such a short time, but she just can.”

Fair enough. Leaving the conversation there, Feathers holds her front leg out. “I’ll be there whenever it’s time!”

Pinkie gave her a hoof bump. “This will be your best first day in Ponyville ever!”

“Well, the only first day that will ever exist, but thank you, Pinkie. This town is already treating me so well.” Feathers had been holding a smile for quite a while now, and her muscles didn’t mind.

“It’s what we do here,” Mrs. Cake said.

After making her first purchase in Ponyville -- a box of strawberry cupcakes, Feathers set out to explore the town more, but doubted that her experience at Sugarcube Corner would be topped, particularly if she gets to have another experience there.

Author's Note

It's good to be back. It'll take more effort for me to stay and continue writing instead of slipping right into old habits again, but for now, I'm here with a new story and a new character.