Since we'd arrived at the Silver Mirror Estate my household has attended many large, extravagant parties in my Equestria dreamscape. Scratch definitely knows how throw a party and tonight was one for the record books.
On any evening there was an average 30+ individuals hanging out at Silver Mirror Estate. But this evening there was easily up to 60 ponies, zebras, and griffins partying and hanging out. Double Boiler and her staff were working with all hooves on deck and were pulling lots of overtime this evening. The bar staff were being pushed even harder. In fact several off-duty bartenders from local hotels and clubs had been brought in tonight help keep up with the demand from thirsty partygoers. I don't want to know how much the bill for the night's festivities were.
My household was partaking of the festivities as well. Flying Gallop was there and Carousel took any chance she could to talk with the unicorn stallion. She didn't have any luck but she did inquired with Petina and I if we would be okay if she spent some time with the stallion if the opportunity came up.
Now my household has established some basic rules and guidelines when it came to what Petina euphemistically called grazing.
1. Always ask all parties if they're okay with it.
2. Never keep it a secret from any other pony in your herd.
3. Never be gone for more than a day without confirming it with everypony.
4. Always come back to the herd.
5. Be smart about it, and be safe.
We gave our blessing to the possibility but for that evening it bore no fruit for Carousel, but it was still a fun evening for us and much food and much more drink was consumed.
Scratch was in fine form that evening and as MC she seemed to be everywhere at once. Chatting, partying, and making sure the scene had the right vibe. One thing that was amazing to observe was just how much liquor Scratch put away that evening and still remain lucid and conscious. There was no toast, declaration, or round of cheer that the mare didn't partake in.
I partook in the festivities myself but somewhere around 5th tankard of rum punch and several shots of whiskey I had to call it an evening. Besides in theory rehearsals were suppose to resume tomorrow, so I needed some time to try and purge my blood system of voluntarily consumed toxins. So made my good nights and retired.
But Petina and Carousel decided they wanted to hang out and party longer so they continued to wander and mingle amongst the numerous ponies, zebras, and griffins gathered throughout the mansion. The mares had stopped at outdoor the bar on the back veranda and had put in their orders for another round of drinks when they heard a sultry, feminine voice behind them.
"I can always remember a face, and I don't remember meeting you. But at the same time you two seem familiar?"
Petina and Carousel turned around to find a brilliant crimson red bat pony with gold cat slit eyes that gleamed like newly minted gold coins. Framing her face was a short mane of wildly tussled hair. Petina picked up her new drink and took a sip before grinning at the newcomer.
"And who are you?" Asked the white unicorn mare.

To be continued.