David Starlyre is an autistic pony, yet he attracts many girls. He is strong and handsome, fast and agile, and clever and well-studied. Even in his moments where he's socially awkward, girls often think it's cute. Whether he's cool and handsome or awkward and adorkable, it's hard for many girls to resist his company.

Starlyre is one of the stronger and more durable ground ponies. He do some cartoonish stunts -- and can sometimes deflect unicorn spells. In addition, he is excellent at playing the lyre, among other instruments. (Later on, he discovers a seemingly magical ability to soothe other creatures with music.)

Like many autistic people. Starlyre is prone to sensory overload. He's afraid of places with a lot of bright lights, sound, or people (such as a city), along with the sight and sound of lightning. He has mild to moderate OCD, which can cause him to be too obsessed with being neat and organized.

Also common of autistic people, Starlyre can be shy and afraid in a new social environment. Lack of familiarity often triggers a fear response in him. In addition, it's easy for him to fear rejection. One thing he's been learning is this: Many times, you just need to be proud of who you are -- and show it. When you act both friendly and confident, people will often overlook your differences.

Following this advice, Starlyre finds that many girls love him despite his differences -- or even because of his differences! He has a harder time relating to boys. (Maybe this is because "manliness" is often used an excuse for aggression. Or maybe girls just tend to put on a better face for attractive men. Maybe some combination.) Conversely, when Starlyre finds a boy who gets along great with girls, the two boys are likely to become good friends.

Starlyre closely relates to girls -- especially stronghearted ones. Just about every girl finds something they love about him, whether they're tomboyish or very girly. Starlyre is gentle and kind, but he can also be highly competitive. He loves playing sports, both rough and gentle. He loves engineering -- including spell engineering, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering. He loves writing and performing music, both mellow and loud. He is very neat and organized, but he's not afraid to get messy. You might say that Starlyre is the smart athlete, and an adorkably cool guy.

Starlyre is a star student at the Royal Academy. Unlike Nightlight, he is well on his way to graduating -- and receiving a special position in the royal court. Nightlight has also been a star student, but she cannot graduate unless she learns to make friends. Nightlight and her big brother (White Night) are Princess Skysparkle's special students. In turn, Starlyre is White Night's special student.

For her summer-school project, Nightlight is being sent far away from home -- to the town of Friendsville. For extra credit, Starlyre is to be her mentor. To pave the way for Nightlight, he leaves three weeks earlier, so that he can properly introduce Nightlight to the community (and overcome his initial shyness).

• Also have a design where Starlyre is bluish green, as he is here.

Drawing by Tsitra360. Colored by me.