She sorted through her clothes to pull out a scarf, her winter sheet, a pair of boots, and other various accessories. With her attire packed, Aria looked back at Cosmo with an edgy grin across her twitching face. “What else do I need?”

Cosmo stared at the ground as he nervously patted the wooden flooring with a hoof.

“T-That's all.”

“That's it? I should've known it wasn't a big list,” Aria bawled. “Otherwise I would have remembered to have packed the night before!”

“Aria, are you okay? Usually you're so organized-”

Aria cut in, “I don't have my assistant! He's the one that makes my checklists, helps set my alarm, and keeps me from staying up late studying. But he’s off helping another pony since I’ll be attending the academy! Now let's go!”

The mare hopped from the second floor down and sprinted for the door, making her companion jump to get out of her way. In the freshness of the autumn air, Aria took not even a second to admire the beauty of the day, and then headed straight for the central square, head low and horn pointing onward.

A chilly breeze blew against her as Aria galloped through the town. Though squinted eyes she could see ponies already out and about tending to the town. The marketplace bustled with activity and gave off its fresh fruit scents. The fragrances tickled at Aria’s nose; her stomach grumbled its complaints. Aria, however, pictured the last chariot taking off without her, missed only by a minute or two. She refused to stop for even a second and even think about food.

Up ahead Aria could begin to make out the sight of some of her close friends, as well as others, standing in the central square. The resistance of the wind began to die down as her pace came to a stumbling stop. As she drew closer Aria could not spot any royal chariots or escorts. Her heart began to pound inside her chest as she suddenly put her hoofs to the ground as quickly as her body allowed her.