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// Starlight's First Trip Out of Town 
// Story: Resetting Her Destiny 
// by StormLuna 
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First Trip Out of Town

Three days had passed and it was the day before Starlight would have her entrance exam.  Despite her parents trying to calm her down, Starlight still couldn't help but show a large amount of enthusiasm.  As they were getting ready to head to the train station Starlight was shouting, "Come on mommy, come on daddy, let's get going!"

Their train was not set to depart for another couple hours so they knew they had time to calm her down, again.  Rather than simply being all sweet about it, Primrose knew they had to be more firm.  She began, "Starlight Glimmer, like we have said we are happy you are getting this opportunity but you have to calm down.  If Celestia were to see you like this she might think that you lack the discipline to be in her school." 

Starlight's face dropped, "Really mommy?  You really think she would think that?"

Primrose replied, "Yes, I do."

Stone Cutter, who wasn't exactly thrilled over having to quash her enthusiasm added, "Starlight sweetie, we just want to make sure that you are completely alert and aren't distracted when the time comes."

Starlight replied, "Alright daddy, I understand.  You two just want what is best for me."

Both parents smiled and Stone Cutter obviously wanted to make his daughter feel better.  Given that they didn't really have anything to pack he said, "How about we go to the train station early so we won't be late?"

Primrose sighed, "This early?  I don't feel like sitting over there and waiting for nearly two hours."

Stone Cutter whispered, "I'm not thrilled about it either but I think that if we are there early, it will calm Starlight down and besides, we can eat at the cafe there."

Primrose sighed and the three headed out the door.  As they headed to the train station Starlight's smile returned and after seeing this, both parents had huge smiles on their faces as well.  Despite having a meal at the cafe, the wait seemed to be forever for the three, but especially for Starlight.  After finishing their meal they bought their tickets and waited on the platform.  

After around a half an hour a train pulled into the station.  Starlight excitedly asked, "Mommy, daddy, is that the train to Canterlot?"

Primrose replied, "It is honey."  While she had tried to be the tougher parent she couldn't help but get a few tears in her eyes, "Very soon you'll be on your first trip out of town."

Stone Cutter added, "And hopefully on your journey to a great opportunity."

Given that the train stopped in a very remote town, no ponies got off of the train but Starlight and her family quickly boarded the train and were able to sit in an empty car.  As the train began to pull out of town, Starlight's eyes grew in anticipation as she had never been out of town before.  As new landscapes greeted her eyes for the very first time, she couldn't help but think how beautiful it was and realize what she had been missing during her childhood. 

Arrival in Canterlot

After what seemed to be a quick trip for Starlight and an extremely long trip for her parents, the train finally pulled into Canterlot.  It was all Starlight could do to not immediately rush off the train.  As they stepped out into Canterlot for the very first time, Starlight said, "Wow mommy, wow daddy!  There are so many ponies here!"

While her parents had been out of town before and had been in much larger crowds, they decided to agree with her.  Primrose said, "There are a lot of ponies here.  Canterlot is the capitol city so it will be quite busy."

Starlight asked, "So where is the castle?  I can't wait to go take my exam!"

Stone Cutter replied, "Starlight sweetie, your exam isn't until tomorrow morning!"

Primrose added, "And we need to find a place to stay, after all we do need someplace to stay."

Starlight realized they were right and simply nodded.  While her parents were generally more frugal and would choose a cheap place to stay, they decided that since this was likely a once in a lifetime event, they checked into a much more posh hotel, right in the vicinity of the palace and after that, they decided they would go out and eat.