//------------------------------//
// Gathering Together 
// Story: Acceptance 
// by Riddle-Me-Think 
//------------------------------//


I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic





Masquerade stared ahead with a from of dread and fear that he rarely ever felt. He wasn’t sure as to why he had agreed to this, and partially wondered if staying in this place called Ponyville was slowly sapping away at his sanity.

True, he did think of doing something like this at some point in time, and true this will be not as bad as the other option, but still he didn’t like the idea in the least. There was only one reason why he was even doing this.

“How did you talk me into this Twinkles?” He turned to the lavender mare who was helping set up a table with a punch bowl and cups with her now active magic.

Looking to him with a sweetest look she said, “Because I thought it was a good idea, along with every other pony.” And lit her horn again to rise a few streamers into the air where Rainbow Dash flew by and attached them one by one.

She could not contain her smile at moving things with her magic, after not being able to for nearly a week. In a way, it gave the unicorn some perspective on what it would have been like to actually lose her magic, making her the more grateful to have it back.

Pouting and scuffing his hoof with the floor he muttered, “Never was a part pony…didn’t like the crowds all that much.”

Next to him, one of the boxes of supplies blew open with confetti and a fanfare of kazoo sounds as two pink hooves gripped his face as a pink mare said, “Not a party pony, how could you say that!” Giving a large gasp afterwards as if the very idea was sucking away at her life.

“Maybe because I‘m not a pony in the first place?” He said with his squished together cheeks, waiting for Pinkie Pie to let go. He was happy to have an immunity to her now, but it still more or less burned when she was touching him like she was now.

Letting the unicorn go, she asked, “But what about the crowds, they‘ll be changeling, not ponies!” Referring to the whole idea of the party in the first place.

Twilight had gotten it into her mind that since Daisy, Roma and Toe-Tapper knew some changelings, then they could potentially meet them all in one go with a party like this. Turns out some of the changelings in town knew each other and then some. This party was to being them together and also mix the ponies who knew, into it to help smooth things out further.

Masquerade, however, didn’t like the idea of being in such a large crowed, “That only makes it worse, changelings trust their clans and family, rarely do they trust other clans and families.” And working his jaw from being gripped so tightly.

Pinkie Pie seemed to deflate some, but was stopped from doing so when two voices giggled, “It is not your fault Pinkie Pie of Sugar Cube Corner.”

Above them both were Ivory and Ebony, high in the barn rafters hanging a few piñatas for latter, “Cousin Masquerade is just suffering the side effects of feeding on Twilight's more flustered emotions.”

“How so?” Rarity asked from somewhere else in the room, also helping with getting the party ready. Next to her was Roma, who came along with Toe-Tapper to help with the whole idea too.

“Well, its like this Rare.” Roma smirked, feeding more cloth that was being used as curtain for a stage Applejack had gotten up, “Every emotion a changeling feeds on effects their thoughts some. If a changeling feeds off happy feelings, there more happy. If they feed on excitement, they get more excited. If they feed on embarrassment, they get more shy.” Then sent a look to the black Unicorn, “Right mask boy?”

“No, I just feel that being around a number of strangers leaves me exposed to possible attacks.” He justified, trying not to show his nervousness over the idea of being surrounded by unknowns. Granted, he did have backup plans for such cases, but that didn’t help his nerves.

Rolling her eyes Twilight said, “You‘re just upset that you can't go sneaking around. You‘ll get over it.” She heard him give off a huge sigh, but not try to dispute it.

“Mask, min‘ getting that ther’ barrel?” The deep voice of Big Mac called from the far side of the barn, “I need ‘em fer waterin‘ the new saplings!”

Hearing another drawn out sigh, she heard him use his magic as he called, “Sure thing Mac. Need anything else that might call for my magic touch?” Making his way to the red farmer who seemed to appreciate the smaller stallions help.

“Tha‘ Mask fella is sure strange.” Commented a smaller voice that drew Twilight's gaze downwards.

“Apple Bloom, ah, what are you doing here?” She asked uneasily as her eyes darted to Ivory and Ebony for a moment and seeing them raise a black banner that was spelt in big green letters ‘Welcome to the Changeling Gathering Party!’ with a changeling Pinkie Pie doodle at the end.

Looking up at the older mare, she said, “Applejack‘s out in the orchard buckin‘ apples, an‘ told me t‘ come an‘ help with the party.” While giving two large expecting eyes.

Twilight was unsure how to respond, but luckily didn’t need to when both Gem twins glided down and landed to either side to her assuring, “It is alright Twilight Sparkle of wonderful Library, little Bloom knows of our secret.” Moving past the unicorn to nuzzle the younger filly they cooed, “And she has done well to keep said secret!”

Giggling, the yellow filly tried to push the two touchy sisters away saying, “Iv, Eb, ah gotta help with the party, stop ticklin‘ me!”

“But its so fun tickling little Bloom!” They playfully whined, going in to start poking and jabbing.

Shaking her head at the two sisters and their playful gestures, Twilight nudged them both saying, “Why not you give Apple Bloom her tasks? Then you can be around her and she can still work as Applejack asked.”

Giving the other a glance while looking at Twilight, they gained mischievous smiles and Ebony said to her sister, “No wonder cousin Masquerade likes her.” Getting Ivory to nod to her sister saying, “She is smart and knows how to get work done!”

Before the lavender mare had a chance to ask what they were talking about, they snatched up the small filly and took off, giggling as they did.

The librarian stood there for a moment, trying to puzzle out what just happened, slowly coming to the realization of Masquerades feelings again. She lightly blushed at the idea but shook it off. Think of it later, this party comes first. And stomped off to do her own work.





With another grunt, Applejack heaved the next wooden board she had and got it standing. Wiping her forehead and looking at the circle pen that she had helped make, she turned her attention to Daisy. Said mare was pushing a rack of sorts over and setting it next to the ring they had made.

Hitting the wooden barrier with her hoof to get the mares attention, she asked, “Wha‘s this here pen fer?” Wondering what the reason was to even set it up at all.

Taking in a breath to calm herself and remember she can trust this pony, Daisy told, “Changelings, no matter the clan, enjoy a sporting event we like to call Challenging.” Walking over to the ring and giving it a somewhat far away look she further told, “It can almost be seen like a old tradition changelings have. Something like the duels and fights griffons have.”

“So ya‘ll figh‘ in this ‘ere ring?” Applejack summed up and motioning into the ring she was leaning on, “Aint tha‘ a bit, I don‘ know, a bit harsh or somthin‘?”

With a light giggle Daisy explained, “A challenge is a old tradition and game most young adults play.” Going up and leaning on the improvised barrier she reminisced, “It is not a fight to beat the other up, rather a game of learning and adapting.”

Looking to the orange mare and seeing her confused face she explained, “It would be like seeing how far you can jump or weave through posts. Only in this case, we see how fast we react, change and adapt to the other.” Looking back into the ring, Daisy could remember back when she would watch such games go on with her other clan members.

Seeing the smile on the fake ponies face, Applejack asked, “Did ya do this much?” And motioned with her head to the empty ring.

Looking to the other mare in surprise she told, “Oh no, I wasn’t that skilled to try. I also wasn’t old enough at the time, was just getting use to some sword play.”

“Well, if you want I can give you a few pointers.” The new voice made both ponies jump and look over to the rack Daisy was pushing to find Masquerade with a number of sticks.

Patting her chest, Applejack practically yelled, “Consarnit Mask, ya‘ll nearly gave me a heart attack!”

Grinning at the apple mare and setting the sticks against the rack he said, “Now why would I go and do that?” And leaned on the rack with crossed forelegs, “After all, Twinkles would talk my ear off if you go and do that on me.”

“Then don‘ go sneakin‘ up on me!” She berated the stallion who still held his grin.

With a laugh he told, “I wouldn’t be much of an infiltrator if I did that, now would I?” Lighting his horn with its sickly green aura and picking up two sticks. Giving a look to Daisy he asked, “How’s a quick lesson?”

Getting off the barrier and standing before the heir, she shuffled her hooves some saying, “I don’t know, I haven’t really done much in sword play.”

With a playful roll of his eyes he told, “That’s why it’s a lesson, not an actual challenge.” Putting out one of the sticks, leaving most of it free of his magic.

Giving the three foot stick a look over for a moment, Daisy changed her form slightly, giving herself a Unicorn horn and losing some of her earth pony mass. Applejack gave a curious look at how a little change made so much difference if one looked closely. Both changeling jumped into the rind, taking up a stance at either end and holding out their blunt weapons.

Looking over how Daisy was standing, he noted rather pleased that she was trying to mirror him, “Alright, I‘m going to show you some basics that you can use for some light sparing, ready?”

Seeing her nod with a gulp, Masquerade made a steady advancement towards her with his ‘sword’ in front of him, “Lets start with some basic defense. Attack me.” Letting the ‘sword’ ease down to his side.

Seeing this, Daisy swung her own straight at him in a downward swing. Instead of blocking, he dodged to the side, “Evasion will be your main defense, not actually blocking. Again.”

Moving to a new position, she tried to sweep horizontally, once again he dodged, by backing away. Nodding for her to try again, she went for another over head swing. This time he did a light swing at the tip of her stick with the more lower half of his, and sending hers off course.

“The top half of your sword can be redirected easily, and as you see, leave you open.”

Applejack watched on rather interested in the practice going on and made a note to herself to show Twilight this. Seeing it was some sort of changeling tradition, the curious pony might have a few questions.

Another clack was heard as Masquerade blocked an attack that was swung near his legs, “Remember, the tip can easily be controlled by your opponent, as most of your grip is near the bottom.” Pushing the weapon away and bringing his own up to his side he asked, “Do you think you have some idea how defense works?”

Seeing her nervous nod, he smiled, “Don’t worry, I‘ll take it easy, I‘m more use to a two foot blade and not a three foot one after all.” And went in to do a few easy strikes for Daisy to practice with.

Admittedly, what most ponies would call a violent sport to watch, was some what enjoyable to observe. It almost gave the feeling that she should be rooting for somepony, even if it was just some light practice.

“Ya‘ll are lucky tha‘ ya get magic to do all tha‘ fer ya.” She could not help but laugh out as the changelings continued on.

Giving the shortest glance at Applejack, the black unicorn stated, “Well, there are a few six foot sticks there, you can always join in!”

“No thanks, I‘ll leave the bruising to ya shifty folk.” Applejack told with a teasing smile, and turned to leave.

Batting away another swing Mask called, “Suit yourself, but you never know when you‘ll find the skill useful!” And reared up to avoid another leg sweep, “By the way Daisy, how is it you don’t know any sword play?” Returning a counter swing that tapped the mares shoulder.

Snorting at being hit, she went for a thrust, only for it to be batted away with the lower part of his weapon, “If your talking about the sword on the wall, it belongs to Rose‘s grandfather, who was part of the royal guard at one point.” When he attacked, she decided to do what he did, and batted away at the top half on his stick and sent it away and leaving him open.

He grinned openly at her learning and held his place as she tapped his shoulder with a light whack. Pulling away some, he nodded to her and brought his stick up to bare once more, “So, it‘s there for looks?” Deciding to hold his stick sword next to his head, and pointing at Daisy’s.

Seeing how he held the sword of sorts higher, Daisy positioned hers more vertical, “Yes, Rose keeps it around to remind herself of him and some of her families ties with Equestrian military.” Deciding to wait for the first attack then do her own.

Seeing she wasn’t going to make the first move, he took initiative for her and switched form, having the sword next to his head, to having it at his side, still facing her.

He went for a thrust, where she brought her own weapon to bare and parried the attack, controlling Masquerade’s weapon to go wide while she could counter. He dropped his weapon and dodged to the side, almost letting his reactions take over.

“Good parry.” He nodded again, going around her to pick the stick up again, “You‘ll find that parrying isn’t something you should do much. Miss your mark or fall for a faint, and it will leave you open.” Readying himself he smirked, “Now, lets throw said feints in, shall we?”





With a list of names before her, Twilight checked each name off while sorting through each letter that would be sent. Most of the barn had been done on converting it into a party like gathering place, and the few things that she knew changelings like were set up as well.

The two Gem twins brought a bowl of what they called, ‘Love Candies’ which was a type of changeling candy that was commonly made for slight enjoyment like a jawbreaker. Pinkie Pie had quickly found out that they don’t taste anything like candy for ponies at all, seeing it was the emotions in them that gave the taste.

Inside Applejack and Daisy were setting up something called a “Challenge Ring” and got a brief explanation from Masquerade that it was a sporting form that changelings enjoyed to play.

Turns out it was also used to settle some disputes between two changelings or gain ownership of something, and was traditionally held as a more honorable way of conducting business that could not be settled by talking.

With a quick look around, she could only confirm the stallion had snuck away again while she was distracted. He seems to enjoy doing that to me, Twilight thought, slightly annoyed at the stallion.

Rising up the next letter and sighing it, Twilight said absently, “Alight, this ones for Cipher Splash.” Ready to place it into one of the piles she had made.

“Give it here Twilight.” Rarity called, “Her house is on my route home, and I wanted to fix myself up for tonight’s events.” Brushing her mane to get it’s curls to fluff up some.

Floating it over to her fellow unicorn she said, “Just be sure not to be too late.”

With a light toss of her head, Rarity told, “Twilight, I might be fashionably late, but never late.” Giving a wink and walking away with a light laugh.

With her own smile, Twilight went back to sorting the few letters before her and waited for either Pinkie Pie or Rainbow Dash to stop by to pick up and send them.

Pinkie Pie had gone back into town to get some other treats such as cupcakes, cake, more cupcakes, some candies, cookies and a few extra cupcakes. Why they needed so many cupcakes was out of Twilight's grasp of understanding, but she supposed that it wouldn’t hurt anything to have extras.

Rainbow Dash had ran off to help Fluttershy with a few things at home and make sure the shy mare could be able to join in the festivities. She hopped the canary yellow pegasus wouldn’t get too frightened at all the changelings that would eventually be coming that night.

Masquerade had seemed to voice plenty of concerns for such an idea, and had gone as far as make a list of reasons why it was a bad idea, and also a list of backup plans if said things were to happen. Maybe I should add paranoia to his list of faults.

Scribbling another name down and checking that off, she gave a slight turn of her head to see Mac with Ebony and Ivory to either side of him, “Somthin‘ on ya mind Twilight?” The large stallion drawled slowly after noticing Twilights somewhat tense moment when was in thought.

Rubbing her head some she said, “Just wondering why Masquerade is so worried about all this.” And turned back to looking over the letters again.

“Cousin Masquerade has plenty reason to worry.” The twins said, “Changelings are territorial, and don’t play nice with other clans they don’t know.”

“I understand that.” The unicorn told with a gesturing foreleg, remembering the incident nearly a week back, “But we can't let that stop us from trying and getting them to play nice.”

Both changeling heirs gained grins and nodded, “If that so, than make sure to keep cousin Masquerade close, would make good deterrent.”

Blinking, Twilight asked, “Why would I need him for that?” Only getting giggles from the two. Looking to the stallion she asked, “Do you know what their talking about?”

With a nod, Big Mac gave, “Eyup.”

After waiting a moment she said, “Your not going to tell me either, are you?”

“Nope” He shook his head, smiling some as Twilight groaned.

Giving suspicious looks to either Gem sister, she told Big Mac, “Their corrupting you with their sneakiness, aren’t they?”

With knowing smiled the twins told, “Ask no questions, and we‘ll tell no lies.” Giggling all the while under the unicorns glare.

The large stallion gave slight chuckle and nudged his two fillyfriends to get moving. They still had some work to do, and he preferred to do it now and be done with it then later after a party full of changelings.

Twilight mutely watched them leave, seeing one of the twins whisper something to Macs ear and getting him to laugh. She smiled some at the interaction, but also felt a little sad in some way. The more she had looked into romantic relationships, the more she wanted to know why they left her so…

Wanting, longing, needy? There was plenty of words to bring up, but none seemed to fit. Adding Masquerade into this only made her confusion grow again, and leave her uncertain as to what to do.

She decided to put those thoughts aside and refocused on the party to be. After all, she could see a rainbow contrail heading towards her.





Calm deep breaths, Masquerade told himself, holding a perfect mask of calm as a number of ponies began to file in, Think of this as a joint diplomacy mission. Your part is to act as overseer, only intervening at the sight of trouble.

Looking to the entrance where the two Gem sisters sat with their new coltfriend, he added, Ivory and Ebony are the going to be primary scanners, able to keep tabs on them all and alert us to danger.

This was made easier by the fact they had their telepathic link. This was made better with them having their battle fans hidden under their wings.

Another look to the far side of the room showed Daisy, Rose and Lily, all chatting with changelings still in their disguises. It took some time, but he was able to persuade Daisy to bring her unique contraption and keep it hidden for later use.

Roma’s a different story, but not a terrible one. Strangely enough, the mare had taken up to being around Rarity more, and was using her chakrams like some accessory. Rarity too, had some golden bracelets, necklace and headband to somewhat match Roma’s silver weapons. Nopony would think them, or at least Roma, armed with weapons.

On the stage was Toe-Tapper with his cane and doing a few warm ups for later singing. Surprisingly to the second heir, he brought a gust in the form of a earth mare with multiple blue beads in her berry like mane.

Torch Song was apparently the final pony to the Ponytones, and at Rarity’s and Mac’s insistence, brought her into the ever growing secret. At this rate, the whole town’s going to know about changelings. He thought while rolling his eyes, wondering how it went from one pony knowing too…

Forget it, not worth counting now, He shook his head to look around again. Twilight and her friends were spread about, talking with a few changelings in their pony forms and making last minute checks.

He blinked and did another scan of the barn, already noticing something was off. With a sigh he asked, “Yes Pinkie?” It still bugged him that the pink mare could get so close to him without any logical reason, but it was also good practice at predicting others. Lot of good that did with this one though.

“Why are you here when you could be out their having a good time?” She got right to the point, grabbing one of his hooves and starting to drag him along the ground, “Come on, their‘s games, punch, love candies, cupcakes--”

Why me? He thought slightly irritated, but did noting. She was only trying to make him less of a party-pooper and relax some. She just keeps forgetting that a huge number of changelings can put other changelings on edge.

Darting his eyes to the side, he spotted a grey pony making her way past and formed a plan in his mind.

Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie was still dragging the unicorn along saying, “--and I told gummy, ‘though gobstoppers are nice, they don’t compete with a good jolly rancher’ because, you know, they have more flavors and are great for making cupcakes with candy tops, know what I mean!” Turning around to lift the pony she was dragging into the air.

“Um…sure?” The grey unicorn mare asked, completely confused what had just happened and why she was being held by Pinkie.

Blinking a few times, they hyper-active mare said, “Oh, hi Cloudy, where‘s Mask?” Lifting the mare up more to see if Masquerade was hiding under her.

“I--” Was all Cloudy was able to say before being dropped to the ground where one Pinkamena diane Pie was looking this way and that for one Masquerade.

Both blue eyes looked about quickly for the tricky changeling, already trying to see where eh could have hidden, “You maybe good at hid and seek Masky!” She said with a sing song voice, “But I am the champion of hide and seek, so you can't hide forever!” And darted off.

Meanwhile, Cloudy looked around very perplexed and confused asking, “What just happened?”





With a list in magic and a quill at the ready, Twilight began to check off a few last things before seeing that all was in order. She gave a pleased smile and turned around to count the current number of ponies.

With practiced ease, her eyes scanned the crowd and counted each body while finding them on her list and checking them off. All together, there were twenty-seven changelings, excluding the six she knew being: Masquerade, Ivory, Ebony, Daisy, Roma and Toe-Tapper.

That makes thirty-three changelings, all in Ponyville collected under one roof. The unicorn mare gulped a little at the prospect of so many changelings gathered in one space, but if things went as planed, then Masquerade didn’t have to search them out and confirm them to be friendly‘s.

Waving her hoof to Applejack to close the barn door, she moved her way to the stage and politely asked Toe-Tapper and Torch Song to step off stage and get the other two Ponytones for a latter performance.

That was a suggestion made by Toe-Tapper, as changelings seemed to like music as much as ponies; even if they didn’t to it at the drop of a hat like they did.

While the barn doors closed, Twilight spoke into the mike to gather everypony’s attention, “Hello and welcome to today’s gathering!” Looking around to make sure she did get their attention, she notice from the corner of her eye Masquerade was on the stage.

Ignoring this and making sure not to jump at his sudden appearance, she continued, “Now, before we begin the party--”

“Which will start really soon!” Pinkie Pie shouted from somewhere in the crowd.

Trying to give her friend a questioning look, but failing to find her, Twilight returned to her announcement, “I would like to encourage you all to be yourselves this evening.” And nodded to Rainbow Dash, who let loose the black banner.

Gasps filled the room as all changelings in pony form saw the banner that said ‘Welcome to the Changeling Gathering Party!’ Taking their queue, all six known changelings reverted back to their natural form, gaining more gasps form them.

Walking up to the mike with Twilight, Masquerade tapped it twice to gather their nervous attention as he spoke, “I would like to say, that this was not my idea.” And was promptly swatted by Twilight who gave him a withering glare.

Despite this he went on, “But, I was asked to do this by Twinkles here, so here I am, telling you that we have nothing to worry about.” Silence preceded the room as each pony looked around looking scared.

With a huff he spoke up more strongly, “I assure you all, there is nothing to fear.” And motioned to Twilight, “I have come to Ponyville nearly a month ago and decided to reveal our race to pony kind.” The emotional tidal wave of fear flowed all over the room, giving the heir a good feel of what they thought.

“And they accepted it, if not reluctantly.” Stomping his raised hoof to be sure none of them drifted away into their thoughts, “Today, we can shrug off out of out costumes and actually talk to those who we hid from for so long.” Then smirked, “Also, we‘ve got love candies over near the food table, we all know they taste better with a changeling body.”

They all traded looks of uncertainty and fear, unsure as to what to do at all. Masquerade saw this, and went to say something--

Only to be beaten to it, “What are you all waiting for!” Pinkie Pie shouted by the mentioned table, stacking some cupcakes into a tower, “It‘s time to party!”

And jumped off the table launching the sugary treats into the air. On reaction, each pony caught a cupcake in their hooves. Seeing this a good moment, Daisy walked to one of the ponies and nudged them, making sure her changeling form was seen. With some reluctance, he let his pony body disappear in a flash of green to leave a common changeling behind.

From there it was like a domino effect as more and more changelings either worked up the courage to show themselves, or collapse under the peer pressure of being left out.

Masquerade had to admit, having ponies that didn’t panic at the sight of their bug-like counterparts seemed to have helped. Feeling a slight nudge to his side, the heir looked down a little and the now shorter mare at his side as she smiled, “I told you things would work out fine.”

Giving a small smile he said, “The night is still young Twinkle Sprinkles, so don’t gloat just yet.” And got a slight shove.

“I‘m not gloating, and stop using that name!” She glared up at the changeling that was nearly a head taller then her.

Putting up a small act as if to think it over he said, “Well…I would if…” And looked her up and down, “Naw, I might consider not using Sprinkles, but never stop using Twinkles.” Then quickly jumped away as she went to hit him again.

Going after him she shouted, “Oh no, your not getting away from me!” Jumping after the laughing heir who made a turn through a group of changelings trying converse with Big Mac.

With a green flash of fire, Twilight stopped and looked around in sudden confusion. Before her were a number of changelings, but no Masquerade in sight. Changeling. She reminded herself, remembering the green flash. He must be hiding as one of them.

So began her search of the illusive heir that had mixed himself into the changeling hoard around her. While she did, she was happy to note that no fights had broken out yet and that the changelings had started to relax more and more into the party.

Every now and then a green flash of fire would happen, signaling one of the changelings shifting into a new form. At one point, Twilight had come a crossed a group of Toe-Tapper’s all harmonizing into a singing group. Another was when somepony, or someling in this case, decided to play a game of ‘Find the pony’ and had ten others change into Rainbow Dash.

She drifted over to the food table after searching for nearly ten minutes and had decided to get a snack. Bringing up a few candies and popping them in one at a time, she cast her gaze to the spotting game. Each changeling and pony were doing their best to find the original pegasus pony, but no luck as of yet.

Then walked up Rarity, looking over each one with a critical eye as each cerulean flier taunted and goofed off in the air, looping and circling around the other to keep them mixed up. After a few moments, Rarity pointed to the one flying overhead saying, “You’re the real one.”

Rolling her eyes she said, “And how would you know, we all look the same, even if I‘m 20% cooler than the rest.” Smirking down at the unicorn while crossing her hooves.

“True, you all do look exactly the same…” The white mare admitted, playing with one of the golden bracelets around her hoof, “But only you would gloat like that.”

“I don’t gloat!” She said insulted, and quickly stating, “I’m telling fact, right guy‘s?” looking to the other doppelgangers who all faced hoofed.

Twilight giggled lightly as her fast friend blew her cover by emphasizing herself more than the rest. She then noticed one of the gusts at the table taking one of the love candies and humming in delight after putting it in his mouth.

Seeing this as a chance to introduce herself, the unicorn got up and moved next to him saying, “Hello.”

Looking to her, he gave a gulp that took the candy down and gave a awkward smile waving, “Uh…hey.” Unsure of what to do really.

“Are you alright, you seem a little nervous.” The lavender mare observed, seeing as he shifted side-to-side while looking at him.

Gulping and looking about he said with a buzz, “I-its strange to talk to ponies without…you know, staying hidden.” Doing all he could to stay in place.

A hoof was swung over him and caused a start before calming down at the familiar pony that hung on him, who laughed, “Calm down Serenity, not like we ponies bite.”

Taking a few controlled breaths he told, “No they don‘t.” Then sent a small glare with his blue eyes, “But as you‘ve shown Rose, you ponies can certainly throw others around.”

Her laughing stopped as she asked, “Your still not sore over me tossing you into that trash bin are you?”

With a blank look he responded, “It was a dumpster filled with rotten foods, so yes, I still am.”

“I remember that!” A voice called from under the table.

Both ponies and one changeling, all looked under the table to find nothing, and came back up to give the other a look. It was rather sudden, but Pinkie Pie popped out from one of the bowls that had a tin lid on her head saying, “That was kinda funny seeing Rose throw you like that, and we all know why!” Disappearing back into the bowl the closed with a clank.

They looked about to see if the mare would show up again, but apparently was done with her sudden show. Giving the two a confused look Twilight asked, “What did she mean by ‘we all know why’?”

Sliding a hoof full of holes over his face, Serenity said, “Rose is a black belt, and likes to toss guys she doesn’t like.”

Rolling her eyes she said, “You were hitting on Lily in the worst way.” And gave the changeling a hard look, “I mean, really, you were going to make the mare faint with some of the stuff you said!”

Backing into the table a little he defended, “It was my first time trying seduction and I was starving, can you blame me?” Slightly scared of the idea of being picked up and tossed by the mare again.

Giving the evil eye to him a bit longer, she shrugged saying, “Eh, if Daisy can forgive ya, then so can I.” Turing around and leaving a shaking stallion.

Letting out a breath, he looked to Twilight who was giving him a look of her own saying, “You tried to seduce Lily?”

With an embarrassed cough he said, “Three years back, was new to town and was hungry.” Pointing in Rose’s general direction he said, “Thought I could get a quick snack, but I was never good with talking to others, so I more or less messed up.”

Casting her eyes to the flower ponies she said, “Then you found yourself in a dumpster of rotten food.” To which Serenity nodded.

“Quite you mopping common.” A younger voice called, drawing both of their attention to a somewhat smaller changeling eating one of the cupcakes, “You’re a changeling, show some dignity.” And took another large bite.

Giving the diminutive changeling a look over, Twilight said, “Excuse me if I seem impolite, but are you an heir?” She only asked because his eye’s had the same green cat-eye look that both Masquerade and the Gem sister possessed.

“Yea, what of it?” He snapped back holding himself with a form of self-importance while he took another cupcake from the table with his green magic.

Pushing past the slightly snooty behavior, the mare said, “I‘m friends with three heirs, so I was just making sure that I wasn’t wrong with how I spotted the similarities.” Noticing that two other changelings --commons by the looks of it-- walked up to the small heir in a slightly protective manner.

Looking up at her with a board look he asked, “I doubt other heirs would consider you a friend, but bliss is ignorance.” And took up a love candy to have.

“You can’t be sure of that.” Serenity said, but backed up when the smaller heir glared at him, sneering at the changelings fearful actions.

“Yes, I can.” He stated with a nod to himself as if it was right, “Heirs are to keep commons in line, as they keep drones in line.” Giving the lavender unicorn a look over he said, “Ponies fit into the common section half the time.”

Twilight gave the teenaged heir a disapproving look saying, “Regardless, you can not just brush others off so callously, or say who others are friends with like you know it as fact.”

With a upturned nose he told, “It is fact, you just blindly follow what you think you know.”

She went for a return-fire on the changeling, but was stopped when an all to familiar black hoof was put in front of her, “Or you are to arrogant to see otherwise.” Masquerade in his pony form glared down at the changeling who wasn’t looking.

Turning around to face the unicorn, he somewhat spat, “What do you know pony?” And was given a close up look of the unicorns change.

“I know plenty.” The heir stated, “I am second heir to the Malek Clan, Masquerade. You are?” Using his greater height and unimpressed stare on the younger changeling heir.

Holding back the urge to gulp, he said with false bravado, “I am first heir to the Frisk Clan, Trace.” Trying his best to not seem intimidated by the more taller, and no doubt, stronger changeling.

With a piercing gaze Masquerade said, “I would like to inform you, Trace, that I will not tolerate any skewed truths you tell my friends.” Making sure that the younger male got the hint and back down.

With a sniff the younger told, “You know as well as me, that ponies are not up to standards like we changelings are.” Not really paying any head the two commons behind him trying to get him to stay quiet.

The Malek heir noticed this, but said nothing, saying evenly, “That is because they have a different society and way of thinking than us.” Looking up to the two commons that seemed to freeze in place he asked, “May I inquire who the head of you Clan is?”

“There isn’t one, I‘m next in line.” The young voice said, bringing the heirs eyes back down to the smaller changeling, “These two are just looking after me until that time.”

Twilight chose that that time to speak up, “What do you mean, are you saying your clan’s gone too?”

The small heir gave a glare at the unfazed unicorn while a female changeling from behind him stepped up saying, “The Frisk Clan was destroyed seven years ago.” And gestured to the male changeling next to her, “My bond-mate and I were guards for the Clan Head, so when the clan fell, we took their son and ran to here for safety.”

That’s another to add to my ever growing list, The heir thought while feeling dread slowly form in him. Something was not right with this to him. So many changelings all congregating in one place, each one losing their clan. Either this town is cursed, or something more is at play. 

“I‘m sorry for your loss then.” He gave a short bow to the three, “Losing your clan can not be easy.” Focusing a look at the young heir.

The male waved his hoof saying, “Think nothing of it. It was years ago, and this town has shown to be great place to live, right Keen?”

Moving next to Masquerade while Serenity took that moment to sneak away, Twilight said, “I‘m sorry, we never introduced ourselves. I‘m Twilight Sparkle.” Putting a hoof out.

Seemingly relaxing a bit more, the two commons mirrored her and put their own hooves out for a bump, “Keen Eye.” The mare told.

After bumping his own hoof, the stallion told, “Wind Guardian, or Windy Guard, both work.” Smiling in his own humor.

Turning to the Malek heir they bowed lightly, “I am First-guard to the Frisk Clan, Keen Eye.” Keen told before rising.

“I am Sky-guard to the Frisk Clan, Wind Guardian.” Wind also returned up from his bow.

With a pleased smile at the politeness they shown, Masquerade gave a more formal bow saying, “I am second heir to the Malek Clan, Masquerade.” Returning up he did not hold back a grin saying, “I have to say, it‘s not too common for guards of your position to become bond-mates.”

With a curious look, the unicorn mare asked, “Is bond-mate the same as being a married couple?” Giving the two another glance over.

With a light chuckle the taller heir told, “In a sense you could say that.” Giving the two another look, “It‘s different for each clan, but it translates to the same thing more or less.” And asked, “How did you two come to union?”

Trace gave a suffering groan as the couple lit up and lunched into their story while he muttered, “Not this again.” Looking about for a means of escape.