Sweet Beginnings Part (1): A Unicorn-Centric Prelude (Being Re-Written... Please Wait)

Chapters

The Day It All Changed Part - 1 (Starry I )
The Day it All Changed Part - 2 (Starry II)
The Day It All Changed (Radiant I)

The Day It All Changed Part - 1 (Starry I )

When the two deities, Mortimer and Irene, harnessed the powers of the seven elements, Darkness, Light, Chaos, Harmony, Life, Death and Time, they ended up creating a world, filled with millions of dimensions, each inhabited by creatures most unique. However, there were three that reigned supreme.

The Realms Creatarum, Fabulelas and Hominus.

Creatarum was a land full of creatures with fantastical powers, including the ponies. And it is, in a tiny corner of this wondrous place, called Coltuxor, where our story begins.

"I'm bored!", Galaxia whined. "Isn't there anything for us to do right now?"

"Hmm, you know what, there actually might be", Starry replied, musing on the topic for a bit.

She was definitely not bored, unlike her friend at the moment, perfectly content reading 'The Tale of The Lunar Mage'. But she knew that Galaxia would keep on irritating her with complaints until she came up with something for them to do together.

"What?", Galaxia asked

Suddenly, an idea popped into her head and Starry, keeping the book down and getting up from her place under the shade of a tree, poked Galaxia and yelled, "TAG, YOU'RE IT", running away as swiftly as her she could, with Galaxia shouting as she chased her, "Hey! Not fair. You could've given me a warning"

“Not my fault you weren’t paying attention”, she yelled back turning around. She was running backwards by now, amused at the disgruntled look on Galaxia’s face as she struggled to keep up with Starry.

But alas! There was a reason wise ponies always cautioned foals to keep their eyes to the front, for only a moment later, she found herself bumping into something.

“Ah”, Starry yelped as she wobbled and lost her balance, whirling around oddly as she fell on her back, with unimpressed blue eyes staring down at her.

Oh for the sake of- Why did her mother have to show up right now?

She lifted herself off the ground and stood up straight and alert. The least her mother could have done was to help her up.

“Good afternoon, mother”, she stated, making sure her posture was straight. She tried to maintain eye contact, but her mother’s stern gaze was fixed elsewhere.

She turned around, following her mother’s gaze and tensed when she spotted that the object her mother’s ire was Galatia, who had frozen when met with her mother, Duchess Pampered Ruby’s harsh glare.

“You!”, her mother cried out. “How many times must I reiterate that you must stay away from my daughter”, she hissed. Galatia backed away, cowering a little.

“And you”, she turned her towards Starry, who was too used to it to care, but still tensed a bit and pricked her ears to show her mother that she was listening.

“Why must you go around, associating yourself, associating us, with nameless, impoverished peasants like her? Are you really that eager to tarnish out reputations? What will ponies say?

Lady Starlit Night, daughter of Duchess Pampered Ruby and Duke Cosseted Nobleman, befriending dirty, filthy little things like her”, she spat at Galaxia’s, who seemed to be on the verge of tears. Starry sent her a loom that was supposed to be a mixture of reassuring and apologetic, however Galaxia’s simply looked away.

“And that’s excluding what you were doing! Running around like some plebeian foal! You might as well find a way to transform youself into a pig”, she scoffed. That disgusted expression had never suited her face, but Starry would never dare say that out loud.

“Come along right now, Starlit Night. And from now on, don’t let me see you in the company of the likes of her”, her mother scowled, walking away with a reluctant Starry, who had hurriedly grabbed her book, in tow.

Starry looked at Galaxia’s, hopefully. Perhaps Galaxia could forgive her for this, maybe they could remain friends. But judging by the harsh glare she received in return, that likely wasn’t going to be the case.

Lowering her head, ashamed and guilty, Starry held back tears of her own. Her friendship with Galaxia had been the most long-lasting, as they had met when they were twelve. It had endured for almost two years, and now, everything was ruined, all thanks to her mother.

She quietly followed her mother to their mansion, where she was greeted and bowed to by the servants, whom she did her best to greet back, but she really couldn't get herself to talk to anypony at the moment.

Suddenly, her mother halted and with her, so did Starry.

“Oh, I almost forgot! The reason I had been looking for you prior to, ahem, this, was to inform you of tonight’s banquet”, her mother revealed, her tone a lot lighter than it had been a little while ago.

“A banquet?”, Starry questioned, struggling to keep her voice from breaking. Bile had risen up in her throat, burning harshly due to the lack of outlet, but she wasn’t going to cry, not in front of her mother, no absolutely not.

But despite her numerous attempts, the tears leaked out eventually, streaming down her face and sobs escaped her mouth unvoluntarily.

"Oh, darling", her mother sighed, her eyes softening a little as she gathered Starlit in a hug. "Shhh, shh, hush now, hush", she whispered soothingly, rubbing Starlit's back gently.

"Mother's so sorry sweetheart, so sorry. But you'll understand why I did that eventually, it was for your own good. Ponies like her, well, they're not like us.

They have nothing to their names, no property, no fame, no social standing, not a drop of riches. They live filthy, unimportant lives. They're beneath us, do you understand?", her mother stated, gently stroking her mane.

There had been a time when she had believed in her parents' honey coated drivel, but that time was long gone.

She wasn't a naive, malleable little filly anymore. No, she was a proud adolescent, aged fifteen, with bold opinions that she wished she were bold enough to openly defend, instead of sneaking around.

So all Starry could do in response was turn her face away with a huff. Her mother's eyes hardened at that and retracted her hoof, coldly stating, "So be it. As I was saying before I was interrupted, your father and I are hosting a banquet. Most ponies of importance shall be attending, including King Zircon and Queen Silver Spades.

Do clean up, I'd rather not be answering guests as to why your eyes are red", she stood up and left without glancing back.

Starry sniffled, wiping her tears away harshly. She didn't want anypony at the banquet to see her in such a vulnerable state.

Wait, now that she had thought of the feast, she remembered that her mother said that King Zircon and Queen Silver Spades would be attending.

Which meant, her eyes widened in horror as the thought struck her, that Princess Golden Horn and Prince Bullion would be attending as well.

No, no, no, no, no! That couldn't be happening! Her day had just descended from bad to worse. The reason for this was that, well, let's just say that she wasn't too fond of either of them, though especially Golden Horn. But, really, she couldn't be blamed.

She really couldn't be blamed though. They were the archetypical spoiled, rich foals. Except, that they weren't just rich foals, no, they were also the foals of the monarchs of Unicoreanth and, in Bullion's case, their heir, which meant that Starry, unfortunately had had to tolerate their rude remarks and their presence in general quite often.

There was only one thing that could brighten her mood right now, and that, was their mansion's library. But she didn't wish to walk at the moment. Her legs were wobbling, as though all the energy had suddenly been drained out of them. They definitely wouldn't be able to handle climbing two flights of stairs.

Concentrating, she build up magic in her horn, which glowed with an indigo aura as a result, and teleported away, feeling herself dissipating from the corridor and reappearing in the library.

It was as comforting as ever, with thousands of books that were perfectly organised in their shelves, tables and chairs perfectly aligned. Her potions ingredients and bottles were stored away neatly and her brass telescope was stowed next to one of the shelves.

A large mirror hung on the wall, pristine and clean. She turned towards it, wincing as she took in her reflection. Her navy blue eyes were red-rimmed. Her dually midnight blue and black mane was messed up and there was mud on her hooves that stood out against her white coat.

Sighing, she yet again lit up her horn and used a few well-placed cleansing, styling and glamour spells for her hooves, her mane and eyes. There, much better.

She felt much better by now, the vanilla scent of books providing a calming effect. She flipped settled down on a chair, flipping through to find the page where she had left off and resumed reading 'The Tale of The Lunar Mage'

After a while, with the comfort of the cushy seat, the book in her hand and the utter exhaustion from today's events caused a pleasant buzz in her mind that remained there until she heard somepony knocking at the library's doors.

"Come in", she called out, keeping the book down, folding the top of the page she had left it off at. She was already halfway through it, she pridefully noted.

The door opened and the head servant, Red Apron, entered.

"My lady", she bowed down and Starry in turn, got up from the chair and inclined her head.

"Yes?", she questioned, urging the mare to go on.

"The guests will start arriving in an hour, my lady. Your mother told me to ask you to get ready", Red Apron informed, much to Starry's surprised.

"In an hour! But, isn't it supposed to be during the evening", Starlit cried out.

Red Apron smiled, a fond note in her eyes as she replied, "My lady, you've been here for the past six hours."

Five hours? But..... She glanced out of the window, only to find that Red Apron had been telling the truth The sun had lowered quite a bit, almost ready to set, whereas last she had checked, it had still been high up in the sky.

"Time really flies when you're reading a good book", she shook her head, still in disbelief over the fact that six hours had passed by without even her noticing.

"I personally don't see how you enjoy it as a past time, my lady", Red Apron casually remarked. "I would probably tire myself out if I continuously kept looking at words."

"Most ponies don't, not even my own parents", she shook her head.

"Well, you are quite a unique individual, my lady. After all, nopony else of your stature would show a lowly servant like me the respect you do", she quietly added, smiling at Starry.

Starry shook her head. There was nothing unique about treating somepony and being treated with respect, even if you were a 'lowly servant'. It was saddening to thing that she was the only pony to have treated Red Apron with respect, or at least the only pony with her social status.

Red Apron had been here for as long as she remembered. She was around seven years older than Starry and had lived here with her mother, who had been a servant herself.

Once her mother passed away of illness, as she'd received no education, Red Apron took over her mother's work at the mansion. Starry was quite fond of her and viewed her as an older-sister figure of sorts.

"I shall get you a dress, my lady. Which one do you wish to wear?", Red inquired.

"The white and blue dress dress, the one I enchanted, please", Starlit softly requested.

"Of course, right away", Red bowed one last time, before exiting the room.

Spending time in the library had helped quite a bit, because Starry felt completely relaxed and rejuvenated. True, she still mourned her friendship with Galaxia and was going to do so for a few years at the very least, but at least it wouldn't be at the fore-front of her mind.

Stretching, she picked up her book again, reading from where she left off, hoping to at least squeeze in a page, but unfortunately, there was another knock on the door, and she decided that it was probably Red Apron with her dress.

She had assumed right, for a moment later, said mare entered the library, levitating Starry's favourite with her.

"Thank you", she thanked Red Apron, who smiled back.

"Red", she began, just as Red was about to bow down and leave.

"Yes, my lady?", Red Apron asked.

"Where is my father?", she inquired.

"He is at the palace, my lady. He shall be escorting the Royals", Red replied.

"Thank you for telling me", she thanked Red Apron, who replied, "It was my pleasure", before bowing one last time and leaving.

If the Royals were going to be escorted by her father, then that meant they were going to be the first guests to arrive, which meant that she was going to have to show Bullion and Golden Horn around. Honestly, this was shaping up to be a horrible day for her.

Slipping into the dress, she teleported downstairs, right at the front door, where she found her mother pacing around, a nervous look on her face.

Starry realised that this was the first time the Royal Family was coming to their home. After all, it was she and her parents who generally went to the Imperial Palace.

"There you are! Finally. Come, your Father shall arrive with the Royal Family in a few moments", her mother beckoned her forwards.

"Stand over there, alright. Be ready to greet them", she instructed and Starry obeyed, mentally preparing a few lines of pleasantries and greetings.

Welcome to our place, thy highnesses. No, that, didn't sound good. Hmm, how about, welcome to our humble abode, thy highnesses. We hope thou enjoy the banquet, yes that sounded good enough. Or perhaps, we welcome you to our humble....

But Starry had no time left to prepare, for suddenly, her mother's wedding ring lit up. That could only mean that father was either in mortal danger or that he was coming. Starry was certain that it wasn't the former, which could only mean that father, and along with him, the Royal Family, was there.

Soon enough, there was a tell-tale knock on the double doors. Hastily bowing down, Starry and her mother clutched the double doors in their magic and swung them open.

Starry's father was the first to enter. He took his place next to the door, bowing down as well. He was followed by a mare and a stallion.

The stallion was regal looking, with a lavender coat, short and curly brown hair with blonde streaks and sharp magenta eyes, that seemed to be analysing everything in their surroundings. He wore a golden, amethyst decked crown and a fluffy, royal purple cape.

The mare on the other hoof, had an off-white coat, similar to a dove's colour. Her silver mane flowed down till her shoulder, but it was curled at the ends.

Her eyes were a smoky grey, with black eyes shadow on the lids and she too wore a cape, a black one with a silver hemline, but hers was long enough to resemble a dress. She wore a silver tiara with a sapphire studded in the middle.

"We are so delighted to have thou here, thy highnesses. Please followeth us to the ballroom", her father stated.

"We art delighted to be here as well, dear Duke and Duchess. Though we hope thou daughter shalt not mind entertaining our foals meanwhile", King Zircon replied. His voice was deep and slightly hoarse.

"Of course not. I shalt be delighted to, thy highnesses. It is an honour", Starlit replied. Well, not really, but there were some things you simply did not do and refusing the king was one of them.

As if on cue, Golden Horn and Bullion too entered. Golden had a canary yellow coat with, as her name suggested, golden eyes.

Her mane, which was orange with lemon yellow streaks, was pinned up in a bun and she had a look on her face that Starry assumed was supposed to be haughty, but made it appear as though she had something particularly smelly and disgusting under her nose.

Bullion, on the other hoof, closely resembled his father in terms of looks, however his lavender coat coat had a grey tint, his eyes were more purple than violet and his mane was purely blonde.

"The hall is this way, thy highnesses", her mother stated to the elder royals, as she and her father started leading them towards it, while the foals tagged along behind.

Once they had finally arrived, her parents began an economy related conversation with the elder royals, which meant that it was up to her to entertain the younger ones.

"Welcome to our humble abode, thy highnesses. We hope thou enjoy the banquet", she greeted the younger ones. Bullion acknowledged her with a nod, whereas Golden Horn, much to her frustration, simply glared down at her with a disgusted expression on her. Not unlike how her mother had glared down at Galaxia.

Golden Horn opened her mouth to say something, but she was cut off by Bullion, who stated, "Thank thee for thy warm welcome, Lady Starlit", all the while shooting a warning look at Golden Horn and pointing to their parents when he thought that Starry was not paying attention.

Golden huffed and walked over to her parents, with an exasperated Bullion following her. She spotted her mother excusing herself and heading in Starry's direction.

"Starlit come, we shall greet the other guests", her mother declared, beckoning Starry to follow her.

Author's Note

And before anyone asks about the shifts between Shakespearian and Modern English, it has been done on purpose. After all, Princess Luna mentioned that it was the royal dialect, the royal 'we', as far as I remember.

And Starry's dress: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/79446380905111239/

The Day it All Changed Part - 2 (Starry II)

Greeting the other guests went as well as expected.Putting on a sweet, utterly fake smile that she hoped would appear genuine enough not to be offensive, curtsying and shaking hooves, saying sweet word of greetings.

"Is that the last of them, mother", Starry inquired softly after she was done greeting Duke Raven Rest and Duchess Morning Dew. She hoped she could get away from this place if her services were no longer require. Maybe catching up on some reading...

"Oh, I know why you're asking this, and hear me out! Don't you dare use that as an excuse to sneak off to the library! What kind of impression would it give, the hosts' own daughter not caring to stay for the festivities? Everypony would consider us arrogant and obnoxious", her mother warned back in a hushed whisper.

Oh, come on! How did she even know what Starry had been thinking!

Perhaps some of her frustration and bewilderment had shown on her face, for her mother rolled her eyes and sternly replied,

"I'm your mother, darling. I'd like to think, that after carrying you inside me for almost a years and raising you four another twelve, I'd know you well enough to predict the most likely course of action you're going to take."

"Alright, I shan't be sneaking off to the library. But at least tell me so I won't have to suffer through the torture of faking cheeriness, when I am anything but", Starry argued.

"Oh, alright. No, there is a guest left, though only one. Bear this 'torture', as you so delicately said it, for a while longer", her mother replied.

"As you wish, mother", Starry reluctantly replied.

The double doors were knocked at and Starry and her mother, yet again opened them using their magic, curtsying and then shaking hooves with the Duke who walked in.

"May I take my leave, mother", Starry begged.

"Oh alright. But don't simply stay alone, try mingling with some of the other foals your age", her mother permitted.

"Alright, mother. I shall attempt to do so", Starry sighed, before turning back around and teleporting in front of the doors of the ballroom, where the banquet was held.

She entered, nervous when the sound of the doors opening briefly attracted everypony’s attention, before they went back to their own conversations.

Unsure of what to do, she headed over to one of the serving counters for a glass of lemonade. She sighed as she swept a look around.

How was she supposed to mingle, when all the foals in sight either seemed to be glued to their parents sides or were too old or young for her to be able to converse with them without seeming out of place?

Sipping her drink, she leaned against a counter exhaustedly.

“Are you feeling alright, my lady?”, the stallion serving at the counter, Masaala Mirch, if she wasn’t mistaken, asked.

“Yes I am. Thank you very much for asking”, she replied.

“Simply doing my job”, Masaala Mirch responded, inclining his head respectfully.

She had decided to walk around the counters to get a look at what was being served, even though she wasn’t particularly hungry yet, when she heard somepony humming.

It was a startling sound to hear, after all, one of the nobility would ever dare to do something so utterly informal at a feast.

The pony did seem to know this fact, though, as the sound was too soft to be heard by anypony who wasn’t nearby. Her, she identified the high-pitched sound to belong to a girl, voice was melodious and perfectly tuned in a way that simply had Starry want to hear more.

Another startling thing, since Starry, while knowing how to appreciate good music, wasn’t one to crave to hear it. She looked

She looked around for a while, before finally tracing the owner of that voice. It was a filly, around her own age. She had a light bluish-purple coat, with a curly dark blue mane with a violet streak and her eyes were a bright, clear ocean blue.

She wore a dress with three layers that were each a different shade of blue, with silver borders and a necklace with a blue, amethyst, flower in the middle.

Well, her mother did request her to mingle and this filly seemed to be nice enough. Now, she wasn’t one to judge a book by its cover but how could somepony with such a beautiful voice not have an equally beautiful personality?

Thus, she decided to approach the filly. But how to start? Greetings, hello?

She decided to go for a more casual approach and said, “Hello.”

The filly jumped, startled, looking around before her eyes landed on Starry.

“Hello”, she replied. “Pardon my behaviour, I was just a little distracted”, she apologised.

“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I must say, you have a lovely voice.”

There. Everypony liked a compliment, especially a sincere one. Yet, instead of being flattered, the filly seemed to panick, glancing everywhere, before sighing in relief.

“Is there a problem”, Starry inquired, raising a brow.

“Oh! Pardon me, again. I was simply, how to put it, ah! Making sure that others weren’t listening in”, the filly grimaced.

“Do you mean you parents?”

She had guessed correctly if he filly’s scowl was anything to go by. Then, realising how invasive she had sounded, Starry hurriedly added,

“I apologise if that was too invasive. I have no right to inquire about your personal matters.”

“It’s quite alright, hon”, the filly replied. “My name is Radiant, Lady Radiant Beam, Daughter of Duke Dinero Gelt and Duchess Bejewelled Coronet", she introduced.

Duke Dinero Gelt and Duchess Bejewelled Coronet. Hmm, they were below Starry's family on the social ladder but it wasn't too big of a difference. They simply owned less property than Starry's parents.

"I am Starlit, Lady Starlit Night. Daughter of Duke Cosseted Nobleman and Duchess Pampered Ruby", she extended her hoof, which Radiant shook lightly.

"Lady Radiant -", Starry began but was cut off by the other filly, who declared, "You can call me Radiant if you wish, that is if I can call you Starlit."

"Starry", Starlit stated.

At Radiant's raised brow, she elaborated, "I'd prefer to be called Starry, if we are to speak to each other in such a casual manner."

"Alright, as you wish, Starry", Radiant smiled.

"Do you like to sing? While from what I have witnessed, the answer seems very obvious, however there is a chance you might have had a sudden desire to sing. Goodness knows how many times I randomly stop reading in order to stargaze and vice-versa", Starry chuckled lightly.

"I love singing, and not just singing, but music as a whole. Art-forms in general really, though especially music", her eyes were glazed with longing, dreamy look and the tone of her voice relayed passion.

But then she sighed, despondently and added, "Not that I'll ever be allowed to pursue them."

"After all, tis beneath one of my stature to perform in front of ponies. That's what harlots do, not ladies", she blandly stated, as though she had heard and practiced it often, that instantly told Starlit that she did not mean a word of it.

"Do you actually believe that, or is it the doctrine your parents tell you?", Starry raised a brow, before realising how derisive that had sounded, and sought to correct it with a hastily apology that Radiant waved away.

"You're right. It, it's what my parents told me, when I asked for the to hire a music teacher. Ever since then they have hounded me about why I shouldn't be engaging in such activities", Radiant shook her head.

Still, Starry decided that from now on she shall strive to make sure that she didn't reveal her cynical views so openly to strangers.

"Yet, you were still humming in the middle of a formal celebration. Quite a daring move, I must say, even if you had been somepony whose parents did appreciate her talents", Starry mused.

"Ah, well my humming at the moment was subconscious, though I have to admit that, while it sounds silly, sometimes I intentionally sing under my breath when my parents are nearby, hoping they would like my voice and agree to let me learn.

But alas! The sounds never to seem to reach their ears and I am not brave enough to be louder. Perhaps someday, though", Radiant responded.

"No they won't", Starry scoffed. "They sound like my parents, always concerned about their social status.

And while my own interests aren't one that they see as inappropriate, them being reading, magic and astronomy, I am often berated for my choice of friends and am force to sever my friendship with them."

"That sounds terrible, to constantly lose you relationships with ponies you care", Radiant softly remarked.

"It is. In fact, such an incident took place again. My friend Galaxia and I were playing tag. Foalish, I know, but she would've complained my ears off due to boredom if we hadn't.

Everything was going well, until I happened to bump into my mother", she scowled as she remembered what had occurred earlier that day.

Radiant winced in sympathy. "Goodness, I imagine that must not have gone well."

"No, of course not. My mother said some rude things about Galaxia, which caused her to break her friendship with me. And then my mother lectured me about 'playing plebeian games', social status and whatnot, before dragging me home."

"That must have hurt, your friendship breaking I mean", Radiant replied, grimacing.

"Oh it did. Especially since her friendship with me was the longest one I'd managed to keep, for about two years", Starry revealed, to which Radiant's frown deepened, before her face seemed to light up with an idea.

"How about we become friends? I mean, after pouring our hearts out to each other, it seems like the natural option, right? Besides, I do not believe that either of our parents will be against our friendship", Radiant relayed her thoughts.

Well, that didn't seem like a bad idea. Radiant seemed to be a kind filly who was easy to talk to and understood her. A little too optimistic, if her clinging hope that her parents would actually appreciate her talent was anything to, but somepony Starry could find herself getting along with.

Plus, she would get to hear that beautiful voice regularly,.

"Alright then, let's become friends", Starlit agreed, extending her hoof, but much to her surprise, instead of shaking it, Radiant pulled at it and tugged her into a warm embrace.

Starry couldn't help the startled yelp that escaped her mouth at the tug, not anymore than she could control the smile that stretched on her face afterwards.

Yes, she could get used to this.

Author's Note

Radiant's Dress: https://www.pngegg.com/en/png-orzhe

The Day It All Changed (Radiant I)

Radiant woke up with a smile, as she always did. The sun was shining brightly today, bathing everything in her room with its golden glow, making it appear even more magnificent than it already did. It made her truly wish to preserve the essence of the beauty of daybreak, and in her opinion, there was no better way to do that than through a song.

"The birds are chirping, twitter twitter twitter
As the golden sun shines brightly through my window
I can hear the ceaseless flow of the river
Oh these mornings set my heart aglow

Mornings, oh so serene and beautiful
Mornings, perfect for singing a song
Mornings, mornings so utterly wonderful
Mornings in Coltuxor, the land where I belong

As a filly dan-"

Radiant suddenly halted, the magic of the serenity fading with a loud knock on the door.

"Come in!", she called out.

The door creaked open and in stepped a lavender mare, with forest green eyes and a light green mane.

"Good morning Brussel Berry", she greeted cheerfully, gently smiling at her former nanny and the head of staff at her house but all she got in return was a sigh and an exasperated look. What had she done so early in the morning to deserve such a look? Radiant couldn't help but feel perplexed.

"Brussel Berry, why do you look so aggravated?", Radiant questioned when it became apparent that Brussel Berry wasn't going to start this conversation.

The mare pursed

"Milady, why? Why must you keep defying your parents' wishes? The dear Duke and Duchess have repeatedly expressed their disapproval of your inane desire to become a songstress", she tutted, shaking her head disappointedly.

Radiant felt a pit of coldness in her stomach. She realised that she had, in her eagerness, forgotten the sound-proofing spells she applied to her room everyday.

Oops.

Still, she refused to apologise. After all, she had nothing to apologise for. This was a fight that she refused to forfeit, she couldn't forfeit. They'd see things her way, she knew it. She just had to convince them, make them listen, somehow...

Radiant straightened her posture and met Brussel Berry's gaze with determination. "Brussel Berry, I understand my parents' concerns, but this is my dream, my passion. I won't abandon it. Singing brings me joy and purpose like nothing else. I believe that if they could see how dedicated I am and witness the happiness it brings me, they might change their minds."

She paused, taking in a breath, before continuing on, "I don't wish to upset them, I truly don't. I'll make them understand, believe me I will"

She raised her head, meeting Brussel Berry's gaze briefly, before the mare sighed, shaking her head, looking at the filly in a manner that could only be described as exhausted, as though dismissing her as a lost cause, which Radiant had to admit she was, at least from their perspective.

"Anyway, I did not come all this way just to scold you. An invitation to attend a dinner has been extended to your parents. It shall be a grand celebration, with even our majesties in attendance.

It is scheduled for tonight and it is expected of you to be prepared for it and at the very least, ensure that you do not do anything that could harm your family's good name", Brussel Berry stated, her tone taking on the colder, expressionless and more business-like tone that Radiant absolutely detested.

"I understand", Radiant replied, equally as curt.

"Good", Brussel Berry pursed her lips, before turning around and silently departuring.

Once she left, Radiant shut the door, placing a few magical locks on it, along with the sound-proofing spell she placed on her room every single day.

She walked over to the window, sighing as she leant over it, enjoying the view of the beautiful gardens. She wondered when that day would come, when she could sing out in the open, strolling through these very gardens as she did so, without any complaint. She wondered when she would be allowed to be herself.

The day that passed by was as normal as it ever was. There were lessons on history, politics and all else that a lady and a future duchess would need to know.

Afterwards, her mother brought her along to her routinely tea with her friend, Glittering Gem, followed by a visit to Madam Clairvoyance, the family soothsayer, who as always told them that they would live good lives and that Radiant would have a 'divine future ahead of her'.

Finally, at the end of the day, it was time for the banquet. Thankfully! While it wasn't going to be the be the most exciting celebration ever, it was at the very least better than all her lessons and hearing her mother gossiping with Glittering Gem while Radiant had to distract her toddler, who, despite being a sweet foal otherwise, would salivate over everything.

She had just put on her gown, a three layered masterpiece created by Radiant herself, when her door was knocked.

Deciding not to bother with a reply, she simply used her magic to swing the door open, turning to the maid-servant who entered, struggling to put a name to the face. She must have been newly hired, for generally, Radiant could easily name all the attendants. It had something to do with flowers, perhaps Aster Lily no, Petunia Shine, Sunfl- Ah hah! Jasmine, Wild Jasmine.

"It's time to leave, milady. Your father awaits you and your mother in the hall", Wild Jasmine notified. Her ponish had a slightly different accent, probably because she was an earth pony rather a unicorn.

"Thank you for the notification. I shall come in a few minutes", she nodded , smiling genially.

The servant bowed in response before turning around and exiting.

After a final once-over in front of the mirror, Radiant deemed herself and decided to teleport downstairs, where she found her father impatiently pacing in the hall.

"Finally you're here! Now, by any chance do you know when your mother will finally be deeming to grace us with her much-awaited presence", Dinero Gelt drawled sarcastically.

When Radiant shook her head in response, he mumbled a series of "Of course not" distastefully.

It was around five minutes afterwards that her mother, Bejewelled Coronet, descended downstairs, clad in a beautiful teal gown that went well with her aquamarine coat and ocean green mane, bringing out her bright blue eyes, the same eyes Radiant had inherited.

Radiant wondered why her mother had not simply not teleported down, however she then concluded that her mother simply wanted to make a grand entrance, if the way she had swished her dress as she climbed down the stairs was anything to go by.

Her father too seemed to be wondering the same thing, although he didn't seem to have reached the conclusion Radiant had, if the irritated scowl etched on his face was anything to go by.

"Ah, it appears that somepony has finally decided to grant us the privilege of her presence. Finally tired of looking at youself in the mirror, my dear?", he sneered, turning away dismissively.

Radiant held back a sigh at the heartbroken look on her mother's face, which swiftly morphed into rage.

"Well, at least I look good, which is more than I can say for you", she cuttingly remarked, glaring harshly at Dinero Gelt, or at least the back of his head as he refused to even look at his wife.

Despite not being able to see his face, Radiant knew that her father's eye had twitched.

"Let us go now. It would be rude to be more than fashionably late", he curtly stated, stiffly marching out of the front door. Radiant could hear him calling for the coachmen to draw up the carriages.

"You look beautiful mother. That dress goes well with you colour palette", Radiant whispered, earning a small, slightly sorrowful smile from her mother.

"Thank you dear. It's good to know at least someone thinks so", Bejewelled replied, her eyes glazed by unshed tears that were swiftly blinked away, before slowly making her way out to the yard, Radiant following her tentatively.

By the time the had reached, the carriage had already been pulled out, with the coachstallions strapped in and ready to pull it, while her father was straightening his tuxedo and patting down his hair, levitating a hoof mirror in front of his face.

One of the servants stepped forwards and opened the door for the carriage door for the three of them, allowing them to step inside, which they did gracefully.

The journey was long, but shorter than Radiant had expected. Her parents talked about their plans, the coachstallions conversed with one another, while Radiant spent her time looking out of the window and admiring the scenery.

Their hosts’, Pampered Ruby and Cosseted Nobleman (his parents really must have wanted their son to become a Nobleman, one of the highest positions in the king’s court), had a grand mansion. It was bigger than theirs, but lack all the gold and silver patterned curtains and crystallised sculptures.

Once they stepped inside, they were greeted by a mare and a filly, whom she assumed to be Duchess Pampered Ruby and her daughter.

“Greetings, Duke Dinero Gelt, Duchess Bejewelled Coronet, Lady Radiant Beam”, the mare spoke, smiling, as she curtsied. She had a lavender coat, red mane with maroon streaks that was styled in a bun along with sapphire blue eyes, brighter than her daughter's much darker ones.

“Welcome to our abode. I hope thou enjoy thyselves”, the filly stated, sounding quite a bit less enthusiastic. She had a brilliant white coat, dark, midnight blue eyes and black mane with an indigo streak that was freely flowing though seemed to be held up by magic.

Some servants came and silently guided them to the dining room, asking them if they needed anything and left after her father replied negatively.

It was beautifully decorated, she had to admit. The long tables had been covered by trimmed silk blue and silver cloth. The plates and spoons were made of gold.

There were food counters with all sorts of marvellous cuisines, servants behind each counter to serve them food and there was a separate counter for beverages. A lot of space seemed to have been cleared up though, probably for the dance. Ponies were amicably conversing over glasses of wine, or at the dinner tables.

"Hello Radiant Beam", a voice called out. She almost jumped, startled, and turned around. It was one of her mother's friends' son, Blessed Relief.

"Hello to you to, Blessed Relief", she greeted back and the two started a conversing.

Radiant didn't particularly care about what new place he had visited with parents or the latest spell he had mastered, but she wasn't horrible enough to zone out when somepony was talking about something so excitedly. The glimmer of life in their eyes was just too beautiful, no matter how dull, bigoted or insulting their words might be.

Blessed Relief left to join his parents after five minutes and Radiant was left with nothing to do. She let her eyes wander all around observing the ponies, until they landed on the counters. The food counters didn't seem very appealing at the moment, since she wasn't feeling any hunger as of the moment, but a nice drink sounded lovely.

She walked over to the drinks counter, where drinks were being served by a yellow coated, red maned stallion with amber eyes and a moustache.

"Excuse me", she called out, attracting his attention. "Can I have some iced-tea", she asked.

"Of course, madam", he replied, lighting the pan with his magic.

She waited patiently for her beverage, for a while simply observing her surroundings. However, as she tended to do after long periods of silence, she, almost subconsciously, started humming the tune of the lullaby her late grandmother, her avia, used to sing to her.

She remembered the words clearly although she didn't sing them out.

In gardens fair, a rose so sweet,
Its beauty pure, without a thorn to meet.
A vibrant bloom, like birdsong's cheer,
Yet hungry beings, its fragility near.
Unshielded, in the world so wide,
Innocence exposed, nowhere to hide.
But you, my rose, I'll be your guard,
A thorn to shield, forever on guard.

She allowed herself a small moment of mourning, before she went on humming, too softly for anypony to hear, or at least she though so, because just then, somepony said, "Hello".

Radiant did jump at being startled this time around, much to her profound embarrassment. How had she not noticed somepony standing next to her.

Her eyes fell on the filly who had said that, and after a few moments, recognised her as Duchess Pampered Ruby and Duke Cosseted Nobleman's daughter.

“Hello”, she replied. “Pardon my behaviour, I was just a little distracted”, she apologised.

“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I must say, you have a lovely voice", the other filly stated with a smile.

Oh goodness! She had heard her she had heard her she had-

“Is there a problem”, the filly asked, her eyebrow raised and a confused frown on her lips.

'Goodness Radiant, you're only making yourself look worse in front of her. Pull your act together', she berated herself internally.

“Oh! Pardon me, again. I was simply, how to put it, ah! Making sure that others weren’t listening in”, she replied, wincing at the thought of her parents somehow hearing her.

“Do you mean you parents?”, the filly asked, probably without thinking, but Radiant couldn't stop a scowl from forming on her face.

“I apologise if that was too invasive. I have no right to inquire about your personal matters", the filly hurriedly added, a guilty expression forming on her face.

Not that there was any need to apologise. She was right after all, even though the question had been a bit invasive.

“It’s quite alright, hon”, she replied. “My name is Radiant, Lady Radiant Beam, Daughter of Duke Dinero Gelt and Duchess Bejewelled Coronet", she introduced, hoping to get a name. She couldn't keep calling her conversation partner 'the filly' in her head.

"I am Starlit, Lady Starlit Night. Daughter of Duke Cosseted Nobleman and Duchess Pampered Ruby", she extended her hoof, which Radiant shook lightly.

"Lady Radiant -", the other filly, no, Starlit Night began but Radiant cut her off. There was not a chance that a potential friend or at least acquaintance was going to use her title.

"You can call me Radiant if you wish, that is if I can call you Starlit", she declared.

"Starry", the filly said after a while, much to Radiant's confusion. Was she referring to the abnormally starry skies that were there tonight?

"I'd prefer to be called Starry, if we are to speak to each other in such a casual manner."

Oh, so it was a shortened variant of her. That made a lot more sense.

"Alright, as you wish, Starry", Radiant smiled.

They already had so much in common. Radiant had lost count of how many times she would be sewing a dress and would randomly abandon the half-made dress to sing her heart out.

"I love singing, and not just singing, but music as a whole. Art-forms in general really, though especially music", joy and passion overwhelmed her heart, though it faded, just as bubbles and ponies eventually did, as she recalled why she had to periodically apply sound-proofing spells to her room.

"Not that I'll ever be allowed to pursue them."

"After all, tis beneath one of my stature to perform in front of ponies. That's what harlots do, not ladies", she stated monotonously. She'd heard her parents say that so many times, that she had memorised it by heart.

"Do you actually believe that, or is it the doctrine your parents tell you?", Starry stated derisively, an eyebrow raised, before she seemed to realise how rude it sounded and added, "I apologise, I didn't mean to be rude."

Starry had to have had parental issues, Radiant realised, and she liked her all the more for it. After all, it was nice to talk to somepony who truly understood.

"You shall hear no complains from my side for what you said, I assure you. You're right. It, it's what my parents told me, when I asked for the to hire a music teacher. Ever since then they have hounded me about why I shouldn't be engaging in such activities", she shook her head despondently.

"Yet, you were still humming in the middle of a formal celebration. Quite a daring move, I must say, even if you had been somepony whose parents did appreciate her talents", Starry stated.

Radiant had to stamp down the embarrassed flush that was threatening to blossom on her face at hearing that.

But alas! The sounds never to seem to reach their ears and I am not brave enough to be louder. Perhaps someday, though", she responded.

"No they won't", Starry scoffed. "They sound like my parents, always concerned about their social status."

Oh, Starry definitely had parental issues.

"And while my own interests aren't one that they see as inappropriate, them being reading, magic and astronomy, I am often berated for my choice of friends and am force to sever my friendship with them", she added.

Her choice of friends? Admittedly, Radiant tended to only befriend those of her own social status, so she wasn't scolded regarding her choice of company. It must be terrible, for your friendships to constantly break over matters that weren't in your hooves.

"That sounds terrible, to constantly lose you relationships with ponies you care", Radiant softly remarked, feeling her heart bleed for poor Starlit.

"It is. In fact, such an incident took place again. My friend Galaxia and I were playing tag. Foalish, I know, but she would've complained my ears off due to boredom if we hadn't.

Everything was going well, until I happened to bump into my mother", she scowled, as though she were replaying that memory in her mind.

Radiant winced symapthetically. "Goodness, I imagine that must not have gone well."

Good lord! It must have been quite hurtful, to both Starry and Galaxia.

"That must have hurt, your friendship breaking I mean", Radiant replied, grimacing.

"Oh it did. Especially since her friendship with me was the longest one I'd managed to keep, for about two years", Starry added. Two years? That must have been so heartbreaking!

Hmm, what if they became friends? She was almost certain that Starry's parents wouldn't object, with Radiant being a lady as well and Radiant's parents definitely wouldn't, with Duke Cosseted Nobleman and Duchess Pampered Ruby being of even more social importance that they were.

Besides Starry seemed to be an understanding pony. A little too sardonic, but somepony that Radiant could imagine and bear to be friends with.

Besides, with how much they had already told each other, more than one should tell strangers, more than Radiant had ever told any of her other friends, who admittedly were just a bit more than acquaintances, the only choice seemed to be to become friends.

"Alright then, let's become friends", Starlit agreed, extending her hoof but Radiant, as the first act of friendship, decided to forego a hoofshake and pull her new friend into a hug.

She knew, down to the very core of her bones, that this was going to be a beautiful friendship.