Ferrik scratched at the collar of the jacket he was wearing, the troll already feeling confined by the crowded room. All around him various dignitaries of different species mingled and enjoyed the pleasant holiday atmosphere. A massive tree dominated the center of the room, brightly colored objects and lights hanging from it, though he hadn’t the slightest notion what purpose they served.
He was beginning to question K’rik’s decision to send him in his stead, and suspected the alpha had merely wanted to avoid being forced into one of the ridiculous garments the humans favored. He still didn’t know why his ceremonial armor would be unacceptable, but the fierce glare of the unicorn who had fitted him still terrified him. So, here he was, itchy and uncomfortable.
“So tell me, why in the world would a diamond dog travel all the way to a Christmas party, and then spend the whole thing sitting on the sidelines? Especially when that dog is the beta of the plains packs?”
Ferrik practically jumped out of his suit, left paw flexing irritably as he glared at the purple-armored pegasus that had snuck up on him. “Ferrik would tear batpony’s throat out if not representing pack,” he growled in his native tongue.
Eclipse laughed. “Oh come now. You and I both know how that would turn out,” she replied in the same tongue as she watched the mixed group party. “It’s funny, they try so hard to put aside their differences, but even here, it’s still obvious.”
Now it was Ferrik’s turn to chuckle. “Eclipse think so? Ferrik’s nose can see better than your eyes then.” He gestured with a paw to a group of humans and ponies, engaged in a heated discussion. “Eclipse see argument, but Ferrik smell the truth. They are pack, even if they don’t know it.”
Eclipse raised an eyebrow. “Well well, maybe you fit in here better than you think.”
“Don’t make Ferrik hurt you. Suit is itchy, and Ferrik still not understand purpose of ‘bow tie.’”
“Well, look at it this way. You get to come Earthside for free, eat other people’s food for free, and be the novelty of the party for free. Even if you got all those funny looks from eating the silverware.”
“Shut up.”