//------------------------------// // Epilogue: A New Day, A New Dream // Story: Dreams // by Orfearus //------------------------------// For the first time since she started playing, Lyra dreamed a new dream She stuck a chord Under the rising sun A smooth, melodic chord That soared through the sky She looked out And smiled to herself A dozen ponies were gathered A dozen ponies loved her music Her attention returned To the music she played To most powerful song She had ever attempted An explosive speed An overwhelming beauty Woven together In a passionate dance She challenged herself To perfect this song And was determined To rise to her challenge Increasing her speed Elevating her volume She filled the room With an electric excitement Pouring out her passion Through the strings of the lyre She brought the music to life And made the world come alive One fiery stroke Brought the song to and end One powerful chord That rang through the day As soon as she hit that last chord, she knew she had done it. Dreams and memories blended seamlessly together as an incomparable euphoria spread throughout her. She had risen to her own challenge; she had played more beautifully, passionately, and powerfully than ever before. The music deserved to be performed that way, and she succeeded beyond her greatest hopes. It is the purest type of bliss imaginable, after working so long and hard to be so successful. She felt like she could fly. Her heart soared in such pure emotion. This was why she performed. Why she dedicated her life to music, and every day to practicing. This is what made life so beautiful. The applause of the crowd only helped to heighten her euphoria. Smiling to herself, she opened her eyes. A beam of moonlight shone across her room, illuminating it in a pale light. It was only a dream, but a beautiful one at that. The bliss felt so real, the emotions so pure. But she had never challenged herself in such a way before, nor performed a song as perfectly as in that dreams. When she finally did, all the efforts would be worth it. Excitement at this new goal filled Lyra's soul, and she lay with her mind reveling in its emotions for a short while. When she finally focused her mind again, she thought back to the small crowd of ponies. They were the only ones who would get to appreciate that performance. The ones who took time out of there day for her, who truly appreciated her music. Unlike some high-class ponies. The events of the previous days still left a bitter taste in her mouth. But she would move past that. Glancing at her clock she eagerly climbed out of bed. 6:08. I took Bonbon’s advice and got some more sleep. Now it’s time to practice! Lyra walked downstairs and grabbed her lyre and an apple. Stepping out into the frigid air, she bit into the apple. It was sweet, but very delicate in taste. She had never appreciated such flavors before, even though they were a part of her daily life. Walking along the empty streets of Ponyville, she stared at the moon hanging low in the sky that illuminated the ground and thanked Luna for such a beautiful night. Making her way to a hill outside of town, she pulled out her lyre. The resonance didn't compare to that of a hall, but the view from the hill was much more powerful and inspiring. Striking out a few chords, she started to play. She played as the moon fell, and with the fire of the sun inside her heart, welcomed the new day that dawned. The music faded in the distance, but her passion did not; it took her too long to truly appreciate life, she was not going to forget the lessons it had taught her. With the sun rising in the sky, Lyra returned to Ponyville town hall to prepare for her concert later that day. Bonbon had organized it last minute for her to perform in front of Town Hall, even promising to bring a large crowd for her. As she walked, she thanked Bonbon for everything she did; there were probably tons of everyday things she didn't know about, but was determined to appreciate her for them all. She was so caught up in her thoughts, she almost crashed into a brown earth pony standing in front of Town Hall "Sorry about that" she said "No problem, my dear Lyra. I was just looking for you." "Maestro?!" she said, finally recognizing the pony. "The one and only." "Don't you need to be in Canterlot?" Lyra asked, both surprised and confused at his visit "Lyra, I need to be where the great musicians are. And right now you're here." There was a short silence between them, before Maestro spoke again. "Tell me Lyra, why did you leave Canterlot?" "Isn't it obvious. I left because nopony appreciated me." "Now what in EQUESTRIA would give you that idea?" Maestro nearly shouted in surprise "My music didn't connect with them. They felt no emotion for what I played, nor any impact or care for it." Her voice was rising as her past anger was building up once more "Lyra, calm down. I fear this is a terrible misunderstanding. you have to understand how high class society works. Every word, every action of theirs is scrutinized by each other. They must remain controlled at all times, and breaking into tears in a performance would destroy their reputation. While you looked out and saw ponies showing no emotion, I saw ponies struggling not to let themselves be overwhelmed. After the concert I saw many a pony overcome with emotions. Your music effected some of the most powerful ponies I have ever met in more profound ways than ever before. You truly were appreciated there." Lyra just stood staring into the distance contemplating what he had said. The stoic faces of the audience that held back all emotion were just for show? How could she have misjudged it so completely? She looked through her mind to that night, wondering if they did appreciate her. Opening her eyes she looked out over the audience that was already gathering and saw Bonbon near the center, along with the six ponies from the previous night. They truly appreciated her. "Why don't you come back" Maestro offered. "Return to chase your dream." "No" Lyra replied. "I have a new dream to live." She picked up her lyre and walked onstage.