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It is said that there is good and bad in humanity, that we are the point at which the falling angel meets the rising ape.

And nothing more demonstrated this fact than the newspaper headlines I read as I settled into my seat on the train to Trottingham.

'US states rule human-pony relationships bestiality' ran one headline.

The article said that several US state congresses had voted to rule that pony-human relationships were legally equivalent to bestiality. This despite the fact ponies were sapient, not to mention that there were no more than one thousand ponies in the entire US, and that an even fewer number were at any time dating a human.

'First pony actor wins Oscar' ran another.

A pony had won best actor in a film about the first meetings between our worlds. Not in a separate class, but competing against human actors.

'Pope declares ponysexuality "gravely disordered" '

This one was a mixed bag, while saying ponies and humans ought not to date, much less have sex with each other, and that attraction to ponies was "a distortion of the sexual faculty". The pope also denounced "those who seek to deny the personhood of the Equestrian peoples. Who would reduce them to mere beasts of burden or worse."

'Construction of first weather factory begins, work on rainforest restoration going well.'

Pegasi were importing clouds in order to help with drought relief and other weather problems due to the greater difficulties they had in controlling Earth clouds. And the collaborative work of replanting the rainforests was going well, with the subtle magic and skill with plants of the earth ponies working well in tandem with human science.

Four articles showing the two sides of humanity. One side open and embracing of the new, the strange, the other wishing to keep it away, to not have to engage as equals with ponykind.

I put the paper on the table and thought back to my current case. I had managed to compose a fairly good letter to the Wonderbolts outlining the reasons I believed that Lightning Dust deserved to be re-admitted to the week long camp used to scout for potential recruits.

All in all, my new life in Equestria was going well. I had started a small law firm, I'd managed two clients as a gentleman, but best of all I'd started a relationship with a wonderful mare.

After an entirely uneventful trip, the train arrived at Trottingham, and with barely contained excitement, I made my way to Milky Ways' house.

'Edmund!' she squealed when she saw me

'Milky Way!' I responded, and took her up in my arms and kissed her

'When I got your letter, I went straight to my boss and requested a weeks leave, and she said yes! Isn't that wonderful?'

'Simply wonderful news darling.' I affirmed

She seemed happy to see me, but something wasn't quite right. I wasn't sure what it was but I hoped to figure it out soon.

That evening, I treated her to a home cooked meal of mushroom soup with a generous amount of French bread and butter for dipping.

I dipped a slice into my own bowl, 'Open wide" I said, moving it closer to her and I slowly, tantalisingly placed it into her mouth

She chewed it with eyes closed, 'Mmm! Yummy, you're not a bad chef.'

'Oh, you missed a bit.' I said, and wiped the small tickle of soup off her lips

She licked it off my finger, then blushed slightly.

We passed the meal catching up on what the other had been doing, it seemed things were fairly slow in Trottingham, with nothing of importance to report.

'How's your job going?' she asked me

'Not too bad, I have a couple of clients, and one court case too!'

'I mean your other job.' she said, smiling at my reservedness

'Oh, that's fine, had a tough one recently but nothing I couldn't manage.'

Later, as we cuddled on the couch, Milky Way became very quiet.

'Is something wrong Milky?' I asked, as another minute passed without her saying anything.

'No, I'm just enjoying being here with you.'

'My love, I have some training in psychology, and I'm rather good at knowing when people aren't being fully truthful. You aren't being totally honest with me now are you?'

To my surprise she burst into tears, and I rushed to comfort her.

'Hush now, don't cry my love.' I said holding her tight and rubbing her back as she wept uncontrollably

After a few minutes, her sobs subsided, though she still was wracked with deep gasps as her body tried to breath normally.

'Now, why don't you tell me what's wrong?' I asked in as soothing a tone I could

'I..think it...was a..a mistake... to agree... to date you!' she choked between gasps, tears still streaming down her face

'My love, what makes you think that?' I asked, wounded

'Look at me! I'm a pony, you're human! It couldn't work, it shouldn't work!

Besides, you don't really love me, you just want to boast that you managed to have sex with a silly mare with big teats!' she said in an accusatory tone

'How could you think that? Last time I was here I made it clear I wanted to wait didn't I?

Her face faltered, 'But eventually, you'll convince me and then you'll be gone and you'll be bragging to your friends about "scoring" me. I know about men, the other mares told me!'

'The same mares that teased you about your talent?' I asked gently

'What if they were?' she replied thickly

'Well, don't you think that same envy is at work here?'

She considered this for a while.

'Oh Celestia, I've been such a foal! I should have known, they only mentioned it when I told them about you!' she said, hanging her head.

'Milky,' I said, gently lifting her head by the chin, 'I could never even think of doing that to you, or anyone.

'I know, you're a good man, I'm sorry I doubted you. I let those mares play on my insecurity and I risked loosing you.' she said ruefully

'I forgive you, it's like it never happened.'

'But are you, are you really not bothered by the fact I'm not human?'

Her eyes, shining in the soft light, stared at me, eagerly awaiting an answer.

'Think, man, think!' I yelled in my mind, but no words came

'You're loosing her,!'

'Milky, the truth is that I love all that you are, even, perhaps especially that you're not human.'

'Why?' came the simple question, tears still streaming from her eyes

'Because, as Shakespeare wrote, "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,

And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind." and in my mind, you're the woman I love.'

I hugged her again and began to sing to her.

"Come stop your crying

It will be alright

Just take my hand

Hold it tight

I will protect you

From all around you

I will be here

Don't you cry

For one so small,

You seem so strong

My arms will hold you,

Keep you safe and warm

This bond between us

Can't be broken

I will be here

Don't you cry

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart, always

Why can't they understand the way we feel?

They just don't trust what they can't explain

I know we're different but deep inside us

We're not that different at all

And you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

Don't listen to them

'Cause what do they know?

We need each other

To have, to hold.

They'll see in time

I know

When destiny calls you

You must be strong

I may not be with you

But you've got to hold on

They'll see in time

I know

We'll show them together

Oh, you'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart , always

Always

I'll be with you

I'll be there for you always

Always and always

Just look over your shoulder

I'll be there always."

'Wow, where did you learn to sing like that?' she asked in awe

'Well, like many people in England, my parents were the type of people that wrote C of E, for Church of England when asked on forms what their religion was, even though they seldom attended. Until I was born that is; they had me baptised, went to church every Sunday, and eventually had me join the choir. All so that I could get into the Church school.'

'Why'd they do that?'

'See, a lot of people want to change their station in life. Even though the class structure is a lot less strict these days, it's deeply ingrained in the national psyche. My parents were right on the boundary between working class and middle class. They figured being seen to be regular churchgoers could help them move up, or at the very least help me. They thought I might be an opera superstar, but when my voice broke, and I couldn't sing as well, they were very disappointed.'

'Well, I think you sing wonderfully!'

And though this sounds like a five pound "romance" novel, she threw herself into my arms again and we simply hugged for quite some time.

'Speaking of our relationship, I saw something the other day that got me thinking.' I said after a while

'What did you see?'

'I was eating dinner, and I happened to see a married couple at dinner, a very elegant unicorn mare and a tall and handsome man. The way they looked into each others eyes, and laughed, they just seemed like they were meant to be, you know - soul mates. I began to think that perhaps one day, we might get married.'

'I'd like that very much. Starting a family with you, me and maybe one or two other mares.'

I was surprised, 'You wouldn't want to keep me to yourself?'

'I would, but I don't like to be selfish, not that monogamous mares are selfish, but I feel like I could share you with a few others full time. Besides, I don't mind you being a gentleman after all.'

'You're a marvellously selfless mare.' I said and kissed her tenderly on the nose

That night we slept well, warm in each others arms.

The time had gone by so fast and it was Wednesday evening already, and as usual we were snuggled up together. I was reading, she was knitting, which was intriguing as I had no clue as to how she managed to do it.

As I read, she began squirming, and her face showed increasing discomfort.

'Are you okay my love? You seem distracted.' I asked as she let out a small squeak

'I, I've not milked myself this evening.' she confessed, going red in the face

'Oh, why not?'

'Because I was so comfortable here. Plus you seem so happy too.'

Had my content been that easy to spot? I thought I was being very good at playing the cool customer.

'That's sweet my darling, but you really shouldn't hold off on my account, I know how painful it can get. Go on, I'll be here waiting.'

She got up ever so gingerly, 'Thank you, sweetheart.' she said and gave me a quick kiss before slowly walking to the room where her pump machine was. I tried not to stare at her full teats, with beads of milk on her nipples as they jiggled with every hoof step.

After but a few minutes, a loud cry caused me to dash to the milking room.

'Milky!' I shouted, opening the door 'What's wrong?'

The question was answered by the sight of a very distraught looking Milky in a puddle of milk, with milk splashed on the walls and ceiling.

'The rubber seal's perished!' she wailed, 'It'll be ages to get a replacement for such an old model, now what do I do!?'

She was very close to tears by this point.

'Come now dear, no point crying over spilt milk.' I quipped

She smiled weakly, 'This is serious!' she whined

'Made you smile though, didn't I?' I said cheekily

'I suppose, but what am I going to do? Hardly any of my milk was pumped out before the seal gave.'

'I have an idea, but it depends on how much you trust me.'

'Anything, please, they hurt so much!'

'Okay, don't be offended, but I'm going to hand milk you. I promise, I'm not using this as an excuse to "cop a feel" as they say.'

She nodded, and I found a milking stool and two stainless steel buckets. I sat down and placed the buckets in a good place to catch the milk.

'Are you ready?'

She nodded, as red as a stop light.

I nervously reached out and grasped her teats and began milking her, trying to recall everything I'd learnt in Scouts about milking animals.

As the first squirts hit the sides of the buckets, Milky Way let out a gasp of relief.

I pulled away in a rhythm, left then right whilst I tried not to think about the fact that I was technically groping my girl, or rather my marefriends breasts.

'Thank . . . thank you Edmund!' she said, breathing heavily

'It's OK, I'm happy to help.' I replied cheerfully

Soon the buckets were full, but her teats weren't empty.

'I think I'll be okay until morning.'

'If you're sure then.' I said doubtfully

As we walked to her bedroom, I couldn't help but see that she had been as aroused as I had.

But I kept silent until we were in the bedroom.

'You know, There's another way to get you fully empty.' I told her, taking off my shirt.

'Oh, and what's that?' she replied

'I could suck the milk out.'

She blushed, 'You'd do that?'

'Of course, unless you think it's too much, that is.'

'No, I guess it's OK.'

Oh bless, she didn't want to admit she wanted me to do it anyway.'

'Okay, just lie back and relax.' I told her as I knelt in front of her

She lay back, her hooves coyly covering her face 'Okay, I'm ready.'

I latched on to her left nipple, and she let out a gasp as I began to suck.

Her milk flowed instantly into my mouth, it was rich, smooth and creamy!

The little whimpers and moans she made were both cute and erotic.

I took a break to catch my breath and to ask how she was doing. 'Am I doing OK? should I be more gentle?'

'No, you're doing fine, please, keep going.' She was even redder than before! Her face now resembled a belisha beacon.

So I continued sucking and after a few minutes her left teat was empty, so I moved onto the right.

'A man could get addicted to this stuff!' I thought as I sucked away

So engrossed in my task was I that it took a tap on the head from Milky Way to stop me.

"You can stop now, I'm dry.' She giggled

'Oh, right, sorry!'

'It's okay, I guess my milk is pretty tasty.'

Now was my turn to blush, 'Ah, yeah, the best I ever tasted actually.'

'You smooth talker you.' she replied

'Well, I suppose we'd better turn in for the night.' I said, slipping under the covers

Milky Way slipped in next to me and wrapped her legs around me, she kissed my cheek 'Thank you for that darling.'

I kissed her hoof in reply and we fell fast asleep.

The next morning I awoke early and made her breakfast in bed.

'Good morning my love, I've made you breakfast.' I announced as I returned with a tray laden with toast, pancakes, a glass of orange juice and a single rose from the same plant I'd bought on our second date.

'Oh my gosh, Edmund you shouldn't have!' she cooed

'I know, but I did it anyway.'

I placed the the tray on the bed, it was one of those with the legs that folded down to allow it to rest on the bed. As she ate, I looked for some music to put on and I found an LP of classical music, so I wound up the gramophone and placed the needle on the record.

After breakfast, we went to the milking room, where once again I milked her by hand. Luckily, she had much less in her than the previous night.

'Thank you again Ed, you're a lifesaver!' she said, pecking me on the cheek

'It's my pleasure.' I replied, 'Tell you what, you go make yourself a cup of tea or something, and I'll clean this lot up.'

'A cup of tea sounds nice, would you like one too?'

'Yes please, two sugars, with, er milk.'

After giving the room a quick spray down, I made my way to the living room where a pot of tea and Milky were waiting for me.

As soon as we were done, I made the excuse of having to go post a letter to a client concerning his case in order to go out alone.

'I won't be long my dear, half an hour at the most.' I assured her

But I hurried to the little post office, which I knew offered a mail order delivery service.

I grabbed the thick catalogue book and flipped through it until I found what I was looking for.

I filled out an order form, and took it to the counter.

'I want to pay for same day delivery, understand? Top priority!' I insisted, perhaps a little to strongly, as the earth stallion looked a little fearful of me.

'Umm, sure, that'll be 140 bits please.' he said nervously

'Certainly my good stallion.' I said and handed over the bits

When I returned to Milky's cottage, she was knitting again.

'Hi honey, I won't be long I just...Oh bother!'

She had dropped the wool, it bounced off the floor and rolled towards me.

'Don't worry, I've got it.' I said, and as I knelt down to retrieve it, my knees cracked audibly

'You really should drink more milk, it's good for your bones and joints.' she chided

'Well then perhaps you'll oblige?' I grinned, winding the wool as I walked towards her

'Don't be silly, we can't go doing that all the time.'

'Are you sure about that?' I said coming close to her and I gently reached down and caressed her teat

'Ed, ohhh, not now.' she moaned, arching her back, her mouth open in a silent gasp

I kissed her, and she leaned into the kiss and didn't stop when I slipped my tongue into her mouth.

I was still somewhat of a novice in kissing ponies, but I liked to think I was improving.

As I massaged her teat, I felt her begin to express milk as my fingertips became wet.

'I think I'm going to have to milk you now.' I said, as if it were an unwelcome chore

'And who's fault is that?' she asked

'Mine, all mine my dear.' I replied meekly

'Well, then I suppose you'd better do something about it.' she said with a wink

'Yes dear.'

And so, with her reclining on the couch, I sucked on her teats, savouring the delicious milk that flowed forth.

Soon, I noticed, a rich, musky smell pervading the air. I took the chance to check my suspicions by switching teats and I was right! She was incredibly turned on, and so was I.

Soon, the flow all but stopped so I stood up and passed her a box of tissues.

'Here, you can use these to wipe up any, er dribbles. I'm going to the loo.'

I walked away, trying to prevent her from seeing the tell-tale bulge in my crotch.

Once in the bathroom, I quickly had one off the wrist, for my immediate relief from the massively painful blue balls that I knew I'd get if I didn't.

When I returned to the living room, I could see that though she was still aroused, Milky had taken the opportunity to wipe up the fluids from her crotch.

'So what are you knitting, honey?'

'A jumper!' she said brightly, 'It's for you!'

'But how do you know how to knit human clothes, and how do you know it'll fit me?'

'Silly, I got a pattern book of human clothes, and I found your size from your wool vest!'

I kissed her on the forehead, 'That's sweet of you my love.'

'Well, winter is coming soon, so I wanted to make you something warm to wear.'

We spent the rest of the afternoon with me helping her knit my jumper.

At 4:30, the front doorbell rang.

'Who in Equestria could that be?' she asked, going to answer the door

'Deliver for a miss Milky Way.' I heard the delivery mare tell her.

'I'm sorry, you must be mistaken, I didn't order anything.' Milky replied

'You can sign for it dear,' I said, entering the hallway 'I ordered it earlier.'

She signed for it and I carried it into the living room.

'Milky, I'm afraid I lied to you this morning.' I confessed, 'I didn't post a letter, I was out ordering this for you.'

'What is it?' she asked sceptically

'Open it and see.' I said, smiling

She opened the box, dug around in the packing peanuts and pulled out a plastic and metal contraption with two suction cups attached to a long tube leading to a small motor.

'Is this what I think it is?'

'Yes, It's a breast pump, sometimes women on Earth use them to express their milk. I thought that you could use it until the new gasket thing for your machine arrives.'

I was immediately bowled head over heels as she rugby tackled me and kissed me forcefully on the lips.

'Thank you! It's wonderful!' she cried, before showering me in kisses

'Have I ever told you how lucky I am to have you?'

'You could mention it more.' I replied

She chuckled, 'Oh you!'

Sadly, the eve of my departure arrived and we were just about to go to bed when Milky spoke up.

'Ed, can we, um do something special tonight?' she asked, her face beetroot

'Sure, what did you have in mind?' I asked

'I know you humans always prefer to wear clothes, but just for tonight, could you sleep naked?'

I considered for a moment.

'Why not, I don't mind, you're always naked after all.'

She beamed at my answer, and let out a restrained squeal of delight when I took off my pants, revealing my member to her eyes.

'My eyes are up here darling.' I said with a chuckle

'Oh, sorry, must of zoned out for moment.'

'I wonder why?' I asked wryly

'Shush, and get into bed.'

I did and she slipped in, not behind me, but in front.

'Hold me close.' she said as I put my arms around her

'Of course, my love.' I said and kissed her on the cheek

'Your skin feels so nice against my fur.' she murmured

'And your fur against my skin.' I replied, running my fingers through her cream-yellow fur

We slept like logs, with contented smiles on our faces.

Next morning, I'd just finished carrying my suitcase down when Milky Way entered with a cooler bag in her mouth.

'This is for you; I know how much you love my milk, so there's six pints of this mornings lot in there.' she said after putting it next to my suitcase

We walked as slowly as we dared to the train station and as the conductor called "All aboard!' we shared one parting kiss and I jumped onto the train as it began to pull away.

'Goodbye for now my love!' I called, waving to her as she struggled to keep up with the accelerating train until she gave up and stood on the edge of the platform.

I waved until the tracks curved, and I caught one last glimpse of her face as we rounded the bend.

When I got back to my room, there was a letter on heavy cream parchment with golden writing on it in my mailbox.

Mr. E. Johnson LLB Esq.

I opened it with my letter opener and saw that inside was a marbled card with the same gold lettering.

Dear Mr Edmund Johnson,

You are cordially invited to the garden party at Canterlot castle to be held Saturday the twelfth of October , as the personal guest of Miss Octavia Trebleclef.

Please send RSVP by no later than twentieth September.

"Be at the west gate of Canterlot gardens no later than 2:30pm" I read on

Inside the card was a silver ticket bearing my name.

Wait, the twentieth? That was tomorrow!

I sat down at my desk and wrote out a standard RSVP informing them that I would be attending and went to the lobby to place it the mail box for collection the next morning.

A week later I was in my office writing a letter by typewriter and was having a bit of trouble hitting the keys so that they impacted the paper with sufficient force to be readable. But I'd mostly gotten the hang of by now.

I re-read what I'd written

'To Lord Alan Sugar,

Mr Rich agrees that investment in oil exploration is a sound idea, but with regards to the Falklands project he regrets that he cannot commit any funds to such an uncertain result.

The other project however...'

At that point the door bell rang and I heard the clopping of hooves on the polished oak floor.

'Ah, Miss Dust.' I said, looking up to see that Lightning Dust had returned, 'How may I help?'

'I just got a letter from the Wonderbolts agreeing to hold mediation talks!'

'You did? Why haven't I got a copy?'

I turned to the in box and rifled through it for my copy.

'No, not that, that's not it either,' and that point I dropped the letters, 'Oh, blast! Just a moment!'

I hurriedly gathered them up again.

'Aha! here it is!' I crowed, holding it up like a check for a million pounds I'd lost and then found again.

Opening the letter, I read that Spitfire had decided to hold official talks to consider Lightning Dusts case.

'I just wanted to thank you. I guess.'

'Well, I was just about to step out for elevenses, would you care to join me?'

'I suppose,'

'Excellent! It's a date! Well, not a date, more of a platonic shared meal, a...'

'Shut up and lets get going.'

I grabbed my coat and scarf and turned the open/closed sign to closed and moved the little clock hands to show I'd be back in an hour.

We went to a bakery down the block and then took a detour through a city park.

'Just how did you know about what happened with the wonderbolt academy?' she asked me as we crossed a triple arched stone bridge

'A near fatal accident on a military base, involving the personal protegè of Princess Celestia?' I replied, leaning on the side of the bridge and looking out across the river

'It was in all the newspapers. When I read your name on your booking form, I thought it sounded familiar, so I looked it up.'

Her head drooped, 'Oh, yeah. I sort of lost contact with the world for a while afterwards.' she said sheepishly

It's okay, no need to be ashamed about having a bit of a funk. It's natural after such a thing.'

'Hey! I don't need you feeling sorry for me.' she huffed

'I'm just trying to be sympathetic, that's all.'

'I know what you're trying to do and it won't work alright? Just because I paid for your services once, don't think you can charm your way into my bed.'

'I hadn't even considered that, I'm acting solely as your legal counsel.'

'Good, because you're not as charming or handsome as you think you are! Besides, you're human!'

Her tone may have been cross, and her glare and crossed forelegs certainly seemed to show anger, but I thought I could see a tinge of red on her cheeks.

'Was she blushing?' I thought, before dismissing it as an impossibility

'Okay then, miss Dust.'

'Well, I've thanked you, so I'll be going now.'

'And you also rather insulted me.' I pointed out

'I'm not sorry! You deserved it stupid. Goodbye!'

And with that, she was gone.

The next day, I received a visit from Ever Ring.

'Morning Ed, can't stop long, I've just stopped by to check how you're doing.' she said, hanging her scarf on the hat-stand

'That's very decent of you. Would you like a drink?' I asked, making my way to the kitchen

'Sure, it is a bit chilly out, so I could do with warming up.'

'Aye, it is a wee bit nippy.' I conceded, opening the fridge

'Um, Ed?' she interjected

'Yes?'

'Don't you think that's an awful lot of milk for just one person?' she asked, mouth agape at the four litres of milk I had as well as the last 2 bottles of Milky's batch.

'Ah, well perhaps it is, but I've recently been reminded of how good milk is for you.' I replied

She shook her head, 'Okay then.'

Clearly she felt I was a little overzealous.

I made a pot of tea and carried the tray over to the coffee table.

'So, any plans for the next few months?' she asked, stirring her milk into the tea

'Well, I've been invited to a garden party in Canterlot.' I said plainly

'What? How did you manage that?'

'I'm the personal guest of a one Miss Octavia Trebleclef, according to the invite.'

'Wow, I thought she was satisfied, but I had no idea just how satisfied!'

'Evey, can you do me a favour and stop saying "satisfied"? It just sounds wrong in this context.'

'Oh come on! surely you're not embarrassed?' she laughed

I made no answer other than to make what I hoped was a taciturn expression.

'You are! I thought you were made of sterner stuff.'

I cleared my throat, 'It's not a question of my being "embarrassed", it's just not a suitable topic for right now. But since you raised it, I like to think I am performing as valuable a public service as a "gentleman" as I do in my capacity as a lawyer.'

'Oh, I see, still the respectable gentleman I see.' she teased

'Well yes, it's the difference between an act and a genuine cultivation of a behaviour.'

We continued to make conversation until she apologised again for the shortness of her visit and left.

The day of the garden party had arrived, and I had my morning suit laid out on the bed before me.

It was a gift from my godfather, and was one of my favourite suits. The trousers and jacket were grey, but the waistcoat was cream with golden embroidery in a floral pattern. To complete the outfit, I had a white cravat with gold edging, and a grey top hat and gloves.

Having arrived at the west gate, as per the instructions, I presented my ticket to the pure white pegasus guard who looked me over before standing aside to let me in.

As I made my way through the crowd I caught snippets of conversation.

'Oh yes, I hope so too!'

'And they still haven't been found?'

'Quite the scandal!'

Just the usual narrow, superficial talk of such events such as this.

The string quartet died away and I looked up, straight into the eyes of Octavia. At sight of me, a ghost of a smile flashed upon her face before it lapsed into her usual demeanour.

'Fillies and Gentle colts, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to this autumn garden party!

Please show your appreciation for Miss Octavia Trebleclef, as she preforms Bach's cello suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011.'

Octavia stood forward from the other members and bowed to the audience before beginning to play.

It was as perfect a performance as I had ever heard, easily the equal, perhaps the better of Jacqueline Du Pré!

After a round of applause, which for most of the guests, was actually stomping on the ground with their fore-hooves. The conversations struck up again.

'She hasn't played that well in months!' enthused one middle aged mare to her friend

'I know! I saw her a month ago, and she was much better than she had been, but this afternoons performance was sublime!'

I wandered around, not entirely sure of what else to do, so I took a champagne flute and did my best to be nonchalant.

'Pardon me sir, but are you Mr Edmund Johnson?' asked one of the waiters

'I am.' I replied

'Miss Octavia requests you join her now, follow me please.'

I followed him as he deftly wove his way through the crowd until he reached the spot where Octavia was waiting.

'Mr Johnson, Miss.' the waiter announced my arrival

'Thank you,' she said in that clear, crisp high class Boston accent

'I'm glad you could make it on such short notice.' she told me once the waiter had taken his leave

'Not at all, I'm most grateful for being invited.' I replied humbly

'Think of it as my way of saying 'thank you". It is down to your help that I was able to clear my head and relax.'

'It was nothing, really,' I began

'Oh but it was Mr Johnson, It feels like a great weight has been lifted!'

'Well then, I graciously accept your thanks.' I gave her a slight bow.

'Miss Octavia, that was a simply wonderful performance!' came an elegant, gentle voice from behind us

We turned, and for the first time in my life, I saw Princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria face to face. Her mane and tail were an ever moving cascade of colours, cerulean, cobalt blue, turquoise all the colours that suggested a brilliant dawn. Her magenta eyes and smile seemed to promise both wisdom and kindness, with a playful streak close to the surface.

'Thank you, your highness!' Octavia replied

'Oh, and who is this?' Celestia asked, her gaze falling upon me

'Edmund, Edmund Johnson your highness.' I answered, getting to one knee, as etiquette demanded when being introduced to royalty

She laughed, 'You don't have to be so formal, Mr Johnson.'

'Thank you Ma'am' I said, getting up

'So what brings you here today?'

'Octavia was kind enough to make me her personal guest, and I'm glad she did as I got to hear some of the finest music I've ever heard.'

'It's my way of thanking him for helping me through the issues that you and I discussed last summer.' Octavia added

'I see. In that case you have our thanks Mr Johnson, your efforts have restored Miss Octavia's confidence, for which she and all music lovers are sure to thank you for.' she said with an all too knowing smile

'Thank you, your majesty.'

'If you'll excuse me I must go now, but it was a pleasure meeting you Mr Johnson. Miss Octavia.' she added with a slight nod of the head and with that, she strode off to continue socialising with the other guests

The rest of the party was very sophisticated, very refined and to be honest, very dull.

I was very glad to be able to go home, kick off my shoes, and collapse onto my bed.

Even though it was autumn, I was looking forward to winter, for with winter came Christmas, or as they called it here hearths' warming. And that meant a long visit to Milky Way.