His imagination paled next to the real thing – the pony with the prettiest eyes, the softest mane, and the neatest coat. Of all the books in the library that Twilight loved so much, none of the adventures or pony-tales or any of his wildest dreams could compare to just standing next to her. Her name suited her. Rare was exactly what she was, the only pony for a million miles who shone so bright.

When he first saw her, time stopped. The decorations around him didn't matter – none of the novelty of being in a new place or the excitement of the upcoming festival. All of his worries faded away, and his breath stopped. He felt a huge smile curving, showing his sharp teeth, but he couldn't help it. Even her voice flowed over him like a soft breeze in the summertime, much more soothing than any time he'd ever flown.

Self-conscious, he wondered if he could even match her – his scales were probably mussed, and he hastily straightened himself before she even noticed –

And then she only had eyes for Twilight. He was mostly speechless, unable to even contribute to the conversation as she forcibly made over his friend. But when she proudly dictated their future together, "the best of friends", he only wondered if he was included.

Upon hearing her special nickname for him, he knew he was.