Heart Song nodded. "I remember him. Kevin. I also remember that everypony there gave him a wide berth. They were afraid of him."
She sighed. "I suppose, but it's a long way from acceptance. Begrudging tolerance of our existence just means we won't get attacked in the street. It doesn't mean the ponies like us, and they certainly don't accept us. That's why why happened in the Empire is such a big deal. When somepony as important as the Princess of Friendship befriends a Changeling, other ponies notice. And they follow her example." Still smiling, she took her seat at the bar and reverted to her Changeling form. "Who knows? Maybe someday, the Queen herself will counted among the friends of the princesses."
"I can dream, can't I?" Cricket sighed wistfully. "Centuries of hatred. So many dead on both sides. And it could finally end."
"And I hope it does. Soon. I believe our universal tolerance of you, and the events in the Crystal Empire, are good signs of progression."
Hmmm... Tail Whip, a winemaking unicorn from Garden Gate was wondering around before looking over and seeing Maya's Bar, before deciding to check it out, having never visited before. As she trotted in, she made her way to one of the stools and sat down on it, waiting for the bar pony to catch her attention.
Dusty trotted over to the new mare with a small smile. "Hello, beauriful. I am not Maya, but I'll gladly take your order."
She giggled some at the compliment. "I'll take a Merlot. So if you're not Maya, then what's your name?"
"I'm Skydust." He began to pour her the drink with his magic. "But please, call me Dusty. And who might you be?"
"Oh, I'm Tail Whip," she responded. "I live near Canterlot and I thought I'd stop by since I was delivering some wine to local businesses."
"Tail Whip? I believe we carry your wine here." Dusty floated her her drink and extended his hoof. "Pleasure." Meanwhile, back home, Raven stirred awake and yawned after a short sleep.
"Oh, nice," she responded, sticking her hoof out to "shake". "Great to hear that it's starting to become more well-known around Equestria. I normally only hear people from Canterlot say how much they like it, so this is a start. Thanks." She took the wine and sipped it. "Hmm, not bad."
Nova finished her glass of wine, and turned to the new pony. "You're a winemaker? What's your brand?"
"Oh, it's called Mer De Noms," she responded. "I make and deliver it myself." Turning back over to Dusty, she blushed at the kiss and licked her lips. "How kind~"
Dusty chuckled. "I do my best.~" A loud sonic boom was heard outside. Azrael said plainly, "Raven's here."
"I bet," she softly cooed. "Her entrances are normally quite dramatic, aren't they?" Blackened responded to Az, also hearing the sound.
