The ponies didn't know what to think. Applejack thought about the last time she had a date, which was very long ago. Rainbow Dash thought about who would have the courage to ask her out. Pinkie Pie thought about how a party can still be a party, even without a date. Rarity thought about who wouldn't ask her out. Fluttershy was too afraid to think about boys at all. And Twilight Sparkle thought about if a boy would be smart enough to ask her out.
Spike folded up the letter and left them to themselves. The ponies immediately starting gabbing to each other about which pony they would want to take them.
"I would need some pony who can fly, like myself!" Rainbow Dash gushed to the others. "Some pony fast, some pony strong, some pony–"
"Like yourself?" Applejack said, and they laughed. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and huffed at the blonde pony.
"Well, I would need some pony with a little more class, a little more charm. Wings or not wings, horn or no horn, I would just need a pony who can treat me right," Rarity added. The ponies faded into their minds for their perfect pony.
Spike watched from a distance. He had never thought that the princess would have them bring dates, but suddenly, he saw his golden opportunity. Rarity was looking for a date! He knew he had to ask; this could be his only chance!
But as he tuned into their conversation, his hopes dropped. She wanted a pony with class and charm, and he lacked in both. Spike sighed, and when the ponies weren't looking, snatched an etiquette book from the E section. He would be charming and classy if it killed him.
As the sun began to set, the ponies decided to head home. Twilight fell asleep to the sound of light rain on her tree library.
Far northeast of Ponyville, the two sisters sat in Canterlot's kingdom, staring out the window.
"Cosmo will be here," Celestia agreed with her younger sister. She nodded, and replied, "The only thing that really worries me is: why is she coming here? What does she want?"
"I believe its just a visit, after a few thousand years, I would guess that she gets lonely or misses us. Still, I can't help but wonder if it's something else, something more…." Celestia wondered. The two, once again, fell asleep have dreams, or rather, nightmares about the mysterious Cosmo.