//------------------------------//
// The Ball Beautiful 
// Story: Grey Little Pony 
// by Dusty Miller 
//------------------------------//




Chapter Ten:  The Ball Beautiful

	


	Princess Luna, Co-ruler of Equestria


	Requests the pleasure of


	[your name here]


	Company on the fourth day after the conclusion of cider season


	At Ten O’clock Post Meridiem


	At The Everfree Forest Palace.


	


	Dancing-Dinner                            R.S.V.P.  Twilight Sparkle



The library doors opened for Luna as she entered the Everfree forest palace library where Twilight and Grey were working on the party preparations. Grey was sorting the RSVPs. All had come back without regrets. Grey stood at attention and bowed immediately. He was annoyed at how long it took Twilight to put down her writing and stand.  
Luna turned to Grey, “Here we have an example of leadership. If this informal ball of yours goes off without a hitch, I shall receive all accolades. If there are any problems, that is to say if Pinkamina destroys anything, if there are fights, or attacks on my palace, you get all the blame. You do understand the meaning of this, do you not?”
Grey wanted some credit for his idea but deflected his discomfort with humour.
“Twilight, does your Alicorn treat you in such a manor?”
Luna was amused at Grey’s bravery but Twilight was aghast. She was about to admonish him in a dozen ways when Luna intercepted. 
“It is fine Twilight; he is, after all one of a kind.”
Luna and Twilight exchanged smiles as Luna left the library.
“You’re doing it again,” Grey said, his ears lowered. 
“Doing what?” Twilight asked in a sweet voice.
“Looking at me as if I have food on my face.”
“It's fine.”
For the rest of the day Grey had donkey ears.

/]*[\

Grey had all the tables and chairs set up in the ball room before anypony arrived. Everything he needed was hidden in the walls. Twilight Sparkle had a list for him and a map of how the room was to be laid out which Grey cavalierly followed.
Ponyville ponies with food, musical instruments and a small amount of decorations were arriving. They all had their own lists. Instruments were placed on the stage, and containers of every shape and size were taken to the kitchen. The lists seemed overly complicated but everything was coming together. It was as if Ponyville ponies were accustomed to these lists and it was Grey that was out of place in the great hall where he trained every day. 
Mrs. Cake set a stack of small plates on the end of the buffet table. She unfolded a napkin revealing a large oatmeal muffin. “You need to eat this so you can last ‘til dinner. Then you are to report to the front door.”
Grey looked at Mrs. Cake while eating the muffin. His eyes rolled back and he smiled with crumbs on his mouth. Mrs. Cake told Grey to get going and stop wasting time. He ran off to the front of the palace.
Grey stood beside Luna as she greeted each guest from Ponyville at the entrance to the palace. She wore a layered grand blue ball gown with stars on it that winked like the ones in her mane and tail. Grey felt awkward as each Ponyville pony looked at him as they entered the palace. His ears were back to normal and he had brushed himself as best he could.
Then Grey realised something he never noticed before. He expected Ponyville to be dressed for the occasion, perhaps even overdressed. He wanted an informal party; Ponyville had gone overboard but still not unexpected. Did they expect him to dress up? In what? All of Ponyville knew Grey owned nothing! And still they looked. Grey realized he was nude in front of his townsfolk! 
Twilight Sparkle didn’t mention anything about a dress code. She set me up!
There was a lull in the greeting line. 
Luna turned to Grey. “Excuse me pony, I neglected to mention that a colonel from Canterlot will be attending our little informal ball. He wishes to meet Rainbow Dash. He is not a Wonderbolt. He’s just curious so he asked to be invited. You will be his aide-de-camp. That means you will facilitate, to make easy his time here. Make him feel at home. Stand with him and introduce him around. I have purchased a great deal of Apple family cider for this event. It is also your job to keep him away from it as he likes it just a little too much and it would be unseemly for him to become intoxicated here.”
Great a snooty Canterlot pony. A stuffy snooty military one that drinks at that. I was hoping to talk with my old friends and get caught up on stuff and apologize and maybe brag a little. They won’t even talk to me if I’m with a Canterlot pony all night. They’ll think I’m turning into one if they haven't already.
The colonel arrived. He flew down and landed in front of the stairs. He adjusted his white tunic over his wings and bowed to the princess. 
“Your Highness, thank you so much for the invitation.”
He was tall for a Pegasus with a broad chest and shoulders. His white mane was closely cropped, his jaw reminded Grey of a lantern. His eyes were firm and deep set below a scowling brow. Grey thought that the colonel would be intimidating to a new recruit, then he swallowed hard.
Luna introduced him. “Colonel Gilroy this is Grey, your aide-de-camp, he will take care of all your needs this evening.”
“The name is Gilly Gilroy young fella, let me buy you a drink. I hear that there is Apple Family cider to be had here.”
Gilly shook Grey’s hoof with great enthusiasm and they walked to the ball room. 
By introducing him to as many ponies as he could Grey thought he was doing a good job keeping Gilly away from the cider. Until he realized he was being manipulated and that Gilly was the one in full control of the social situation. Gilly made everypony he met feel comfortable. He spoke little of himself and asked questions that relaxed and opened others. He even talked to the young foals and answered their questions.
“If those are real medals? How come they’re so small?”
Gilly answered, “They are real and they are for formal occasions like this so I can dance with you pretty fillies. It’s not even all of them. Just the ones I like.”
Gilly casually mentioned some battles where he earned some of his medals and Grey’s eyes went big. 
Gilly talked to Grey’s old friends. In moments he knew their favourite sports teams. A few more questions and Gilly knew some of their team’s secrets. 
Gilly and Grey moved from one group of ponies to another then Gilly turned to Grey. “What’s with you young fella? You’re twitchy.”
“Sorry sir, I have a lot to watch and be responsible for tonight.”
“Good for you. You’re doing a great job. I think Pinkie is up to no good. I overheard her say something about using Luna’s tea set as a drum kit. Follow her young fella.”
It was a fool’s errand. Pinkie was only strolling through the crowd greeting others. She found a pony that was standing by themselves and took him to the dance floor to dance.
Conversations stopped when Grey walked by groups without the colonel. They all looked at him. Only his closest ‘friends’ nodded his presence. 
Be composed Grey, be dignified, restrain your irritation. Be as refined as Colonel Gilroy. You have your own personal power. Be at ease in this situation, just like Gilly is at ease.
When Grey caught up with Gilly, he was leaning on the bar at the end of the hall. He had drunk a pint of cider and was working on his second. 
“Good one, sir.”
“Why are you so uptight? It’s your job to look after me not Pinkie.”
“It’s just if anything happens it’s my fault.”
“Really? Tell me how did all these ponies walk through the Everfree forest tonight?”
“Luna provided safe passage and watched over them.”
“So, how can you do anything to prevent trouble if an Alicarn Princess can’t?”
“I must be always on guard, always. The slightest problem will be blamed on me. I just know something is going to happen tonight. I can feel it.”
“Are you planning to not do your best? Is there anything you can do to prevent something you know nothing about? Then worry is a toxic waste of energy isn’t it? ”
Derpy and Dr. Turner walked by.
“The potential for chaos and destruction with this group is immense.” Grey said as the two left his sight.
“Ya, but what can you do?”Gilly took another drink.
Applejack spoke in Grey’s ear, “Rainbow Dash is a gonna to explode if you don’t introduce her.”
Grey whispered back, “Don’t worry, she’s the whole reason he’s here. Just keep her calm I’m planning to introduce the six of you as the heroes of Equestria. That should impress him. Go gather the girls.”
Gilly managed to order another cider while Grey was distracted. “You saw my cutie mark didn’t you. It’s a spy glass. That doesn’t mean I’m a spy. It means I observe things like you Grey. Every time we get close to that pink and yellow Pegasus, you lose focus. Now you are going to tell me about the two of you.”
“Colonel Gilroy there is nothing to tell. I have let go of all of my fears and my past life.”
“Oh really? So, if you have no heart, then why is it your heart rate double whenever she’s near, hmm? That Big Macintosh fella was just dancing with her. I suggest you keep an eye on him instead of me and Pinkie.”
“It’s my duty to keep an eye out for you sir. I am your aide-de-camp.”
“You can aide me by loosening up. Admit it; you thought I’d be stiff and snooty. Yet you’re the stiffest pony in the room.”
“I’m sorry Colonel Gilroy, sir I have no social skills or training. I’m as formal as I can be because it’s all I know.”
“It’s a defence, isn’t it? Tonight I have learned about every pony in Ponyville except you. Why is that, do you suppose?”
“Oh look, The Six have assembled for you sir. It is my honour to introduce Colonel Gilroy to the heroes of Equestria. I believe you may know Twilight Sparkle.”
Grey introduced the rest and mentioned their special element. Gilly bowed and asked a small question to each. When he got to Fluttershy he asked.
“Ms Fluttershy my aide has not had a break all night. Would you do him the kindness of dancing with him just this once?”
“I’m sorry I can’t. Rarity wants to ask him a question. I have to go help with the, um, stuff.”
Grey drooped his ears and eyebrows giving Gilly an ‘I told you so’ look.
Gilly turned back to Rainbow Dash. “Ms Dash, I know you have questions for me about the Wonderbolts. You probably know as much about them as I do. But I do have a question for you and I will report your response to the Wonderbolt Academy. Can you dance as a Wonderbolt can dance?”
With that Gilly grabbed her and they leaped into the air above the dance floor and danced as only Pegasi can dance. Grey kept an eye on his charge. He totally forgot about Rarity.
“Grey you simply must tell me what you’ve done to your coat?”
“What? Nothing. Sorry, what?”
“Your coat, you used to be grey as a mule now look at you, you are positively metallic.”
“I’m sorry Rarity I don’t understand.” And don't call me a mule!
 “Your coat, look at your coat it’s not the same colour.”
Grey looked at both sides of his flank and tail. His fur was smoother, and had some shine to it instead of its flat mousy colour. The change had come on so slowly he hadn’t noticed. 
“Oh my, I see. Luna gave me a silver brush a while ago and told me to brush my coat twice a day. And I’ve been eating these apples from a tree Celestia gave Luna. I’ve never seen or tasted apples like that. Is this why everypony stares at me?”
“They stare at you because you come from Ponyville and now you are Princess Luna’s guard pony. They stare at you because you are Colonel Gilroy’s personal assistant. See things from our point of view. You disappeared from Ponyville then you arrive back with Princess Luna. Then you transport yourself back in a ball of fireworks. You do know how ponies so love to gossip. It’s because we know nothing of what became of you. And the superstitious ones are calling you The Grey Ghost. To myself, you seem suddenly so dignified like an austere Canterlot officer. ”
Grey was caught off guard, “Rarity, I know of you but we’ve never met. You’re from Canterlot and I was just a street sweeper. I think you have me mixed up with some other pony.”
“Grey, dear, please. I’m not from Canterlot and I do know the difference between a refined pony and a Canterlot fop and you…”
Grey’s eyes followed the dancing Pegasi. Rainbow Dash and Gilly danced through several songs. Flying, twirling, spinning each other letting go and jumping off the walls and looping around the chandlers. When they had finished they bowed to each other and went their separate ways.  
Grey was a long way from his charge, “I’m so sorry Rarity, I’ve been waiting all night for a chance to talk to anypony and explain what happened. And now that I have that chance and with a very important pony such as yourself, but I have to go after the colonel. I’m sorry, let’s talk later. Please.”
Grey bowed to Rarity. He pushed his way through the crowd to the side wall. Gilly glided down settling next to the buffet tables.
Rarity spoke to herself, “Well since you’re so polite and since you called me a V.I.P., we shall.”
Gilly was praising the cooks’ food as it was being placed on tables along the wall. The Ponyville ponies were immensely proud of their efforts and the colonel’s positive feedback intensified their joy and satisfaction. To Grey it seemed to be the same food that was always served during festivals in Ponyville. He rationalized that it was Princess Lina's china and silver servers that made it special, although the Cake’s had out done themselves at the desert table. They had matching outfits and were very happy to finish loading plates with their wares. 
The colonel was asking which pony had made what dish while he was being directed to stand behind Luna by the mayor. Gilly modesty refused to be allowed in line behind the Princess. Grey used this commotion to get in line behind him pretending to have an important question.
  “Colonel, do you have any advice for a new sentry?”
“What? You? You’re already doing it. You are very professional. Your eyes never stop moving. You’re always scanning the room. Very paranoid. Nothing is going to happen and yet you are still uptight. Tell me why.”
“This informal ball didn’t go the way I planned. I set this up so I could say sorry to Ponyville and, yes, brag about my new job working for Princess Luna.”
“This was your idea? Good for you. Do they know this? And why aren’t you the guest of honour instead of chaperoning somepony who is very capable of taking care of themselves?”
“Luna assigned me to be your aid but I think she did it so I wouldn’t stand in the corner all night. She’s very intuitive. I have learned more about the ponies of Ponyville tonight listening to your conversations than in a near lifetime of living close to them. Everypony here knows this was my idea. I’m an outcast; even Twilight Sparkle set me up to look foolish.” Grey looked down at his lack of dress.
“Now I know that can’t be true. I know her family very well and Twilight has always been the kindest most studious meticulous pony I know. So, if you’re wrong about that perhaps you’re wrong about other assumptions you’ve made.”
“Okay, I’ll be positive; my thoughts are my worst enemy.”
“There you go.”
“I want to let go of my ego. Luna said not getting credit is part of leadership. I want recognition. That makes me selfish.”
“Ha! You can only let go of your ego for a moment. Like fear, it’s only gone for a moment in the heat of battle. Therefore, you are not selfish. Someday you may have to learn how to let go of fear.”
“Actually that was my first lesson, I have learned that lesson.”
“Really, I wonder what Luna is grooming you for?”
“I never thought of that.”
“Keep doing what you’re doing young fella.”
“Thank you sir.” Although not helpful.
Once Gilly had his plate filled, he was whisked to a table of single girls at the back of the hall. There was no place for Grey so he put his plate on the bar and ate from there. It was a good vantage point to watch Gilly’s table and the whole hall. Grey sighed when the girls gave the colonel their cider.
The musical instruments had been put away for dinner. And now the head table was set up with Luna presiding at its centre. She stood and looked around. Her voice filled the hall effortlessly. 
“Where is Colonel Gilroy? Look for the table with all the ladies aaaand, there he is. Colonel, I call upon you to give the toast.”
Gilly stood and the rest of the great hall stood.
“To Celestia, Equestria and health.” 
“Cheers!”
To Princess Luna, for hosting this grand informal ball.” 
“Cheers!”
To Ponyville, for providing food made with love, music made of love and the wonderful company of Ponyville ponies.” 
“Cheers!”
Everypony dug into their feast. Each table erupted into conversation. When it was done everypony help in the clean-up. It was as though a wave of dishes advanced to the kitchen. Musicians were back on stage and the dancing resumed. Pinkie Pie cornered Grey against the bar. He tried to get around her, before the colonel disappeared in the crowd. She grinned at him from ear to ear.
“We’ve had this conversation before Pinkie, I am having fun.”
Pinkie grinned harder, brighter.
“Pinkie, I’m working. I promise I will dance with you after the colonel leaves.”
 Pinkie tilted her head and squeaked.
“Pinkie, did you see all the dishes I have to wash? Alright, I’ll do my best, but you must find me before the end of the dancing.”
Pinkie let him go and catch up to Gilly who was talking to Luna.
“Colonel Gilroy, it is time for me to say my goodbyes. As you know, the hostess always departs early so the rest may be at ease to celebrate. Tell me how did you enjoy the ball?”
“Your Highness, it was wonderful. The food was homemade and delicious. The music was delightfully from the heart. I didn’t get near enough cider but that was Grey’s challenge, wasn’t it?”
“Leave it to you to see everything that’s going on Gilly. And now you will report on your assignment thus singing for your supper and cider.”
Grey was amazed, The colonel had a challenge?
“Oh he’s a tough nut to crack, Princess. He’s very good at deflecting questions about himself and changing the subject. He has had at least two traumatic events in his life perhaps more. He has scars in him. He says he comes from Ponyville but he’s not sure himself. I have no idea why he’s here. Would you like to know who he is in love with?”
“No, thank you colonel. That is extremely obvious. I plan on torturing him for the rest of eternity anyway. That was an excellent report.”
Grey was astonished, I was the colonel’s challenge?
“Your Highness, I do have a parting gift for my Aide-de-camp. Grey, if Princess Luna says you are a guard pony and her guard pony, you Are Her Royal Guard pony!”
Grey mentally sighed, But, she never has.