"I probably should have said this much earlier," I said as I stepped out of the carriage and onto the path towards the front gate, "but you all look incredibly beautiful."

The girls, who had been staring at Canterlot, turned back to me and they all had varying degrees of blushes on their cheeks. "Aww, shucks," Applejack said, crossing one hoof over the other, "Ya don't have tah butter us up like that, ya know?"

"I'm not," I said. "You all are honestly gorgeous."

"You mean, tonight, right?" a heavily blushing Fluttershy asked.

"Certainly tonight, you all look quite lovely, but I meant in general."

"My my, love, you are quite the flatterer," Zecora tittered behind her hand.

"I've learned that sometimes, a woman likes being told they're beautiful," I replied softly. I hummed, then sand briefly. "All our dreams and our hopes from now until hereafter. All that we've been wishing for will happen at the Gala! At the Gala!"

They all turned to me and Twilight raised a suspicious eyebrow. "You've seen this already, haven't you?" she asked.

"Eeyup," I said, "but things won't be going the way they would have in the show. If you're interested, I'll show you the episode later, but for now, it's Terra Incognita, or I guess Equestria Incognita for you."

"You'd better keep that promise," she said, with a little twinkle in her eye. "So, what should we do first?" she added, her smile returning.

"Well," I said, pointing to the main entrance to the palace, "let's actually go in first." I took Zecora's arm in mine. "Together?"

"Together," Zecora said with a smile that sent my heart soaring.

We all walked down a cobblestone walkway, surrounded on either side by red rope attached to silver poles, the kind normally seen at a club, towards a drawbridge over a deep moat surrounding the palace. I heard water rushing down below. We crossed the drawbridge and entered the main foyer of the space cordoned off for the entire Gala. A pair of Pegasus guards approached us, and one asked, "Invitations, please."

We all pulled out the golden Gala tickets and showed them to the guards. They looked the invites over, then stepped aside. "Welcome to the Gala. Enjoy your time," the second guard, in an identical voice to the first, said.

As we walked further in, a large dark gray Unicorn Stallion with a butler's outfit waved us over. "And who, may I ask, might I announce is entering?" he asked.

They have a Master of Ceremonies? Like the kind who announces who has just arrived like in the Middle Ages? I shrugged it off as Twilight said, "Twilight Sparkle. These are my friends Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. They are with me."

The Unicorn then looked over a bit more uncertainly at me. "And you two?"

"Jethro Bethridge," I said, showing the personal golden invite. "This is Zecora Mtunga Dawa, my date."

He looked it over, nodded in approval, then used his magic to pick up a small golden staff with a ball on the top. He tapped it loudly on the ground. "Announcing the arrival of the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony! The Lady Twilight Sparkle, as well as Lady Applejack, Lady Rainbow Dash, Lady Rarity, Lady Fluttershy and Lady Pinkie Pie. Also announcing the arrival of the human Jethro Bethridge and his companion, the Lady Zecora Mtunga Dawa."

As we walked down the red carpet into the main hall, I felt eyes from the other ponies in the room staring towards me. I didn't miss the lack of Sir before my name, and I'd tensed up a bit when I noticed, but Zecora's arm tightened around me. Nope, this is the Gala. And I'm with my friends. Time to have fun.

We walked through a golden archway and into a larger room. Banners hung from the walls all around us and in front of us a large stairway led up, then took both a right and a left. Standing at the top of the first set of stairs stood a regal looking Celestia, her wings spread majestically and one of her hooves raised off the ground. Behind her, two stain glass windows bore the crests of not only Celestia, but Luna's as well.

She saw me and the others surrounding me, and the practiced royal smile broke into a more genuine one. With everyone else following me, I walked up towards her, my own smile growing. When I was a few steps away, I stopped, then bowed. "Your Highness," I said in my politest tone, "I am honored to have received your invitation." Before anyone else could say anything, I took her golden-shodden hoof, the one raised, and, bringing it up, kissed it reverently.

After standing, I saw, to my delight, a blush appearing on the monarch's cheeks. I knew that a hoof-kissing greeting had fallen out of style hundred of years prior, but it was still a valid greeting. I gave her a slight smirk before my smile returned. Celestia gently coughed, then grinned. "I'm glad you came, Jethro," she said. Then, turning to Zecora, she nodded in polite greeting to the Zebra. "So, this is what that spell did. I must say, Twilight's reports didn't do them justice."

"You honor me, your Highness," Zecora said, curtsying politely. How'd she know how to do that? I wondered.

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight exclaimed happily, rushing up to her mentor.

"Twilight!" Celestia's smile widened as the young Unicorn approached "It is so lovely to see my star student!"

Twilight smiled. "I'm really excited to be here!"

"I can tell," Celestia said, before turning to the other girls. "I'm pleased to see all of you as well. Please enjoy the Gala."

"Oh, we will!" Twilight said, moving once more to stand next to me. The others moved a bit closer to me as well.

When Celestia saw this, she tilted her head in curiosity. "Are you all staying together tonight?"

"Yep!" Pinkie said with a wide grin. "What fun is a party if poor Jethy here has an upside-down smile?"

Celestia turned to me. "What do they mean?"

"These awesome mares decided to give up on their hopes for the Gala to make sure I didn't feel alone," I explained a bit sheepishly.

Her smile became a look of concern. "Feel alone?"

"Hard to feel alone when I'm surrounded by all these awesome Ponies, Dragon and Zebra," I admitted with grin.

"It's an understandable feeling," Celestia said, "but I do wish I could do something to help."

"You've done plenty to help," I said. "You've been more than generous and kind and patient with me ever since I came to Ponyville."

She smiled wide. "Jethro, you're a friend. Of course I would act that way."

I chuckled. "Well, at any rate, thank you for inviting me again. Good luck greeting the hundreds of Ponies."

She raised an eyebrow. "You've seen what happens in your show, haven't you?" she said quietly, grinning.

"I doubt it'll happen the same way anymore," I replied. "Trust me. I'll show you later."

"I look forward to it," Celestia said, "but actually, I won't be greeting Ponies as I normally do all night. My sister is coming to the Gala as well, as well as Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and her escort."

"Wow, I didn't see that coming," I said. "They didn't even show up in that episode."

She chuckled, then turned to Twilight, looking very slightly nervous. "Before you head off with your friends, I'd like to ask you about that…topic from before. The one you and Jethro are considering."

Twilight shuffled her hooves a bit nervously now. "We've been studying different rulers from Earth and Equestria," she explained, "so we're still not sure."

"I understand," Celestia said, "but I was merely wondering how things are going."

"So far, so good," Twilight replied.

"Take your time, Twilight," Celestia said. She turned to me again. "And you too, Jethro."

"As the human expression goes, measure twice, cut once," I said.

She nodded in approval. "One can never be too careful with a decision like this. Please, enjoy the Gala."

We all bowed and began heading down the steps before Celestia called out, "Jethro, by the way, when I announce my sister, my niece and her escort, I would like you to be there. There's a little surprise I'm sure you'll enjoy!"

I turned and saw Celestia with a trollish grin on her face. Oh, this can't be good. "I'll be there," I said. "When will you do that?"

"In an hour or so," she called back, looking at a massive clock hanging above the golden archway we'd come through. "Eight o'clock!"

Pulling out my phone, I set an alarm for five minutes till. "I'll be here!" She nodded before being swarmed by a group of other Ponies. I looked down at the others, who all had similar looks of confusion on their faces. I shrugged, then said, "Come on, there's far too much to see in one night."

"Where do you wanna go?" Spike asked, looking up at me.

"Hmm…" I looked around, seeing a few Ponies heading for the courtyard. "Why don't we all head out for some fresh air for a bit? It's a lovely night out."

The others beside me all nodded in agreement, and we made our way into the massive courtyard. The sun had already set, and the stars shone brightly despite the lanterns hung everywhere. In the east, the moon rose, silvery and majestic. I stared at it, admiring the alien crater marks on the surface. I smiled, then looked around. Many Ponies were looking my way with fear, distrust, or curiosity. I gave a polite bow, then wandered out further.

Just then, I saw a pearl white Unicorn stallion with cyan eyes, dirty blonde mane and tail, and a silver and gold star cutie mark walking around the courtyard. To my surprise, however, he was escorting a Unicorn mare with him. She had a light purple and blue striped coat of fur, along with a crew cut dusty blue mane and tail. Her cutie mark was, of all things, a pair of rapiers crossing blades. "Hey, is that Prince Blueblood?" I asked.

To my surprise, the prince himself stopped, ear swiveled at the mention of his name. He turned and his eyes widened when he saw me. To his credit, he didn't run. The mare at his side looked more on her guard than scared. "Did you mention my name?" Blueblood asked, a bit of hesitation in his voice.

I approached, bowing respectfully. Despite how he acted in the episode, I knew better than to antagonize him. "I did, your Highness," I said. "Pleased to meet you. I am Jethro Bethridge."

"The human from Ponyville?" the mare at his side asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice now.

I bowed to her as well. "The same, milady. The same."

Blueblood, to my astonishment, simply chuckled good-naturedly. "So, you're the hero who single-hoofedly stopped a way between our kingdom and the Lycan Empire," he said, approaching me with less fear in his face than before.

"You honor me too much," I said, a bit surprised by his friendly tone. "I was merely in Lady Luck's good graces that day. That, and the hard work of these lovely mares with me greatly helped."

Blueblood looked at the rest. "Ah yes! The Bearers of Harmony! I've heard how you defeated Nightmare Moon. My aunt told me the tale after it happened. The Kingdom owes you six a debt it can never repay in full."

"Ahem!" the mare at his side cleared her throat, but she had a knowing smirk on her face.

"Oh my, apologies," Blueblood said, standing. "Everypony, this is Sharp Point. My fiancée."

O…kay…I did not see that coming, I thought. "Lady Point, it's an honor to meet you," I said, bowing once more.

"Oh, don't call me that," she chuckled. "Sharp works."

"Pardon me for asking, your Highness," Rarity asked, a slight hint of heartbreak in her voice, "but how long have you two been engaged?"

"Only two weeks," Blueblood said, "but we've been seeing each other for about a year, now."

"Really? I've never heard about this," Twilight asked.

Blueblood gave a self-deprecating smile. "It was a mutual decision on our part," he explained. "If the press or any other nobles knew about us as a couple, she wouldn't be able to be left alone and we'd never have any alone time."

"So why tell us now?" Twilight asked, confused.

"We decided we didn't want to keep secrets anymore. I'm sorry I never told you, Twilight." There was a slight familiarity in his tone that once more surprised me.

"No, I understand," Twilight said with a smile.

I instinctively made my way to Rarity's side, as did Spike. Putting a hand on her back, I looked down at her as Blueblood and Twilight continued talking. "Hey, are you okay?" I asked.

"I…I'll be fine," she said, pulling out a dark purple kerchief and dabbing at her eyes. "I should have realized it was a pipe dream."

"Rarity, no," I said, kneeling to her level. "Never stop dreaming. I like it when you dream big."

"Pardon me, but is everything okay over here?" Sharp Point asked, approaching us with a concerned look.

Rarity stiffened. "I'm fine," she said stonily.

Taken aback by her tone, Sharp Point's ears lowered. "I…see…you had a crush on him, didn't you? Oh dear…"

Rarity dabbed at her eyes again. "It's not your fault, darling. It was just a foalish crush."

Sharp Point chuckled. "You know, if you'd met Blueblood a couple years ago, you would not have recognized him."

That got her attention. "What do you mean?"

"Bluey here was one of the most self-centered entitled brats in the palace," Sharp Point said.

"It's true," a sheepish sounding Blueblood said, joining the conversation. "I was a complete jerk. Thanks to Sharp here, though, she beat some sense into me." He rubbed his flank. "Sometimes quite literally."

"What happened?" I asked curiously.

"Aunt Celestia was so upset with my behavior in her court one day that she selected Sharp Point to straighten me out," he said, and had the good grace to actually blush.

"I was second in command of her Highness' royal guards at the time," Sharp said. "I had him undergo guard training, the most intense I felt he could endure. Then I made him train with others. They wiped the floor with him."

"That…tends to break egos," Blueblood laughed. "But I'm glad she did. I was a complete fool."

"Simple training in the guards was all it took?" I asked incredulously.

"Oh, Elysium, no," Sharp giggled. "I made him eat what he considered peasant food. Mostly products from Appleloosa."

"Hold on there," Applejack said, "what kind of food did y'all eat?"

"Apple fritters, apple pies, dumplings, caramel apples, those sorts of food," Blueblood said. "She practically shoved them down my throat for days."

"Now hang on, y'all considered that peasant food?" Applejack frowned.

"Not anymore," Blueblood said. "Now I can't get enough. Sure, I still enjoy hors d'oeuvres and palace food, but I've grown to love more foods." He turned to Applejack. "Hang on, are you from Sweet Apple Acres?"

Applejack's frown vanished. "Ah sure am, pardner," she said.

"I've wanted to try some of your apple products for a while, but I haven't found the time. Not until now, anyway."

"Here you go!" Pinkie Pie shouted, and just like that Applejack's cart of food appeared out of nowhere.

"How the hay…?" Blueblood tilted his head in utter confusion.

"Don't worry about it, your Highness," I chuckled. "Pinkie Pie is an enigma. We've just learned to accept her chaotic bubbly nature."

Applejack opened her cart, displaying all of her, as she put it, appletastic treats. "Ah've got all the vittles ya mentioned, plus apple juice, apple fries, apple cupcakes, and fresh apples straight from the tree!"

I swore I saw Blueblood salivating a bit, but he had enough training to hold back. Sharp Point, on the other hand, didn't have that training. "Celestia's flowing mane, they all look amazing," she said. Noticing a small empty bucket near the edge of the cart, she chuckled. "How much for that apple pie there?" she asked, pointing to one of the apple pies.

"Ah reckon a hundred and sixty bits oughta do it," Applejack said, her smile radiant with joy.

"That seems a bit expensive," Sharp said, causing Applejack's smile to falter.

Before either mare could say anything else, Blueblood walked up, hovering a sack of coins and dumping its contents into the bucket. "That should be more than enough," he said with a chuckle. "And keep the change. I can smell how delectable they are from here."

I couldn't believe it. The fact that Blueblood, of all Ponies, was acting like this just didn't feel right. Then again, I had to remind myself that this was another universe altogether. Who knew what could have happened?

Applejack looked into the bucket and her eyes bulged. "Now hold on a cotton-pickin' minute, yer Highness," she said in protest, but Blueblood raised a hoof.

"Please, Lady Applejack," he said, "As a minor Prince of Equestria, it's my pleasure to contribute to your family's wellbeing." Using his magic, he cut a slice of pie, then floated it up to his mouth. When he took a bite, his eyes widened. "I…have never tasted such a delicious pie before. Why, they almost taste like…like Younger Golden Apples!"

"AJ, you're already making apple pies with those?" I asked, grinning at the Earth Pony.

"Ah had tah try!" she retorted. "Tain't like that other apple ya brung, but it's still mighty delicious!"

"Wait, these are Younger Goldens?" Blueblood asked in awe. "How'd you get them? Only Aunt Celestia has a tree capable of growing those apples. And the apples on Auntie's tree are still Elder."

I chuckled. "That's an interesting story."

"I'd be interested to hear it," he said, sounding excited.

So, I told him. I explained that I'd received two Elder Goldens during a visit with his aunt and, after eating the majority, I'd planted one of the Golden cores at Sweet Apple Acres. After pouring my magic into the tree, I helped her plant a small orchard of the trees. Applejack added that she hoped to expand that particular crop since the taste was something different than most of her other apples.

When Blueblood heard this, he had the biggest grin on his face. "That's amazing news! If you'd allow me, could I become one of your first customers for those products?"

If Applejack's eyes could go any wider, they'd have popped out of their sockets and rolled around on the floor. "Ah'd be mighty happy to have ya!" she said happily.

"I'll come down and make the deal personally," he promised. "Would a week from today sound good to you? Say, around three in the afternoon?" He gave her an apologetic glance. "I'd try and make it earlier, but I have certain royal obligations I can't escape from."

The orange mare almost squealed in joy. "Ah'll make sure tah let Granny know!"

"Great! I'll see you then."

By this time, a curious crowd of other Ponies were approaching Applejack's cart, looking at the food on it. A larger gray Earth Pony stallion with a top hat on as well as a collar and a cravat around his neck, was the first to approach. "Pardon me, miss, but what are you selling here?"

And that was it. Applejack's cart was surrounded by other rich looking Ponies. I suspected that this was more of a political maneuver, an attempt to get into Blueblood's good graces, but that probably went right out the window when those who bought her goodies complimented on how delicious the food actually was. I walked up next to her and began helping her sell. The others watched a short distance away, beaming widely. I even bought enough of the apple juice for each of us despite Applejack's protests.

The next thing I knew, Applejack's cart had been sold out. The bucket was nearly overflowing with bits, gold, silver and bronze. I took the bucket and hoisted it up as Applejack closed the cart up. I signaled to Twilight, who came up. "Hey, is there a place where we can store these until we head back to Ponyville? It wouldn't make things as fun having to carry this around all night."

"Of course!" She waved at a couple of nearby guards, who approached. "Pardon me, but can you lock this cart and bucket of bits in the northeastern vault? We'll retrieve them when we're ready to leave."

"Of course, Miss Sparkle," one of the Unicorn guards said politely, taking the bucket from me in a barrier of magic. The other guard, a Pegasus, used his wings to push the cart away.

I turned to Applejack, who had the biggest of grins on her face. "I take it that your night has been made?"

"Are ya kiddin'?" she turned and threw her hooves around me, bouncing like a child on Christmas who'd received the gift of their dreams. "It's been better than ah could've ever imagined!"

She was squeezing my neck a bit hard. I tapped her. "Air…breath…!"

She quickly released me, looking embarrassed. "Sorry 'bout that."

Rarity approached, a wide smile on her face. The smile looked a bit stiff. "Congratulations, darling," she said, and it sounded like she did mean that. "I'm happy for you!"

Spike was still by her side, his claws gently stroking her fur. "Rarity…?" he asked uncertainly.

We moved around her, and her smile began to falter. "I…I really am happy for you, Applejack," she said, "Honest."

"Yer not tellin' us everything," Applejack said.

Her smile completely fell. Spike immediately hugged her as best he could, and she returned it gratefully. "I'm sorry, everypony," she said, hiccupping through her tears. "You should go enjoy the Gala. I'll only bring you down."

"Don't be like that," Spike said. "We want you with us, right?" he looked at the rest of us for confirmation.

"Spike's right," Twilight said. "It wouldn't be the same without you."

"If you plan on leaving, then I will too," Spike said.

"Same," I added.

She looked at the rest of us, a grateful smile on her face as the others nodded their agreement. "You…you're all the best friends a mare could ask for," she said, once more dabbing her eyes.

I held up the bottles of apple juice. "Why don't we celebrate with a toast?" I handed everyone there a glass, then put an arm around Zecora, who put her own arm around my waist. "This is gonna sound corny, but what the heck? To the magic of friendship!"

As we all raised the bottles, clinking them, I wondered just what else would happen tonight.