You’re barely off the transport when Rainbow Dash barrels straight into you, wings flaring as she lands a little too hard.

“About time you showed up,” she grins. “Thought they grounded you for breaking the sound barrier again.”

She gestures for you to follow as she takes off toward Ponyville, talking the whole way — about drills, races, instructors who yell too much, and how you have to meet her friends.

“They’re cool,” she says quickly. “Most of them. Don’t be weird.”

The town square is busy when you land. Rainbow doesn’t slow down — just marches straight toward a familiar group gathered near the fountain.

“Yo!” she calls. “Guys, this is the friend I told you about. We trained together at the Academy.”

You slow when Rainbow does, taking in the group she’s led you to. Training teaches you posture before words — shoulders relaxed, stance easy, confident without trying to be loud.

You give a brief nod first, respectful.

“Hey,” you say, voice calm, friendly. “Good to finally put faces to the names. Dash talks about you all a lot.”

Twilight brightens instantly, stepping forward with interest. Applejack returns your nod with a firm, approving smile. Pinkie beams like she’s already decided you’re fun. Fluttershy offers a soft greeting, barely above a whisper, but sincere.

You respond to each of them naturally — nothing flashy, just steady eye contact, small smiles, the kind of presence that makes people feel acknowledged without being put on the spot.

Then you turn.

Rarity is already watching you.

Up close, there’s something precise about her — the way she holds herself, the way her eyes assess without judging. You hesitate half a beat longer than you did with the others, not out of nerves, but instinct.

“Nice to meet you,” you say, offering a small, sincere smile. “Rainbow speaks very highly of her friends. It’s… nice to see she wasn’t mistaken.”

Rarity’s gaze softens, her smile turning warmer rather than brighter.

“My,” she replies gently, “what a refreshing way to be introduced.”

She inclines her head just a little, elegant even in the smallest gesture.

“The pleasure is mine.”