It was a warm, brisk day in Canterlot as Heartsong awoke to the sound of trumpets.
Today, the Princess was to announce something of importance to everypony.
"It's a bit early for such a big announcement" Heartsong yawned as she started downstairs. She made some hot chocolate and sat down on her loveseat till the parade was over
and the Princess was ready to make an announcement. But something made her jump and look outside. It was Twilight Sparkle and her friends! Heartsong hadn't seen Twilight in
forever and she quickly made her way outside to see her.
"Twi! Its you!" Heartsong tightly hugged the violet mare.
"Yes yes its me, Heartsong" Twi muttered as she was being constricted by the light beige pony.
Heartsong let go of her and giggled. She cocked her head slightly and saw a bit of distress on her friends faces.
The blue pegasus, Rainbow Dash, looked like she was about to bomb all of Equestria with the amount of anger in her eyes.
"Is something wrong, Heartsong?" Fluttershy said in a quiet voice.
"Oh no it's nothing. But, I must ask, why have you decided to come to Canterlot all of the sudden?" She felt a pang of worry hit her.
"We just came to-"
"Cancel the wedding!! That devious little..." Dash interrupted Twilight and started rubbing her hooves in seething anger. Twi looked at Dash disapprovingly and continued with
what she was saying until Pinkie Pie interrupted her as well.
"No no, Twilight! Remember?! We came to stop the wedding 'cause Cadence is dirty cheater!" Pinkie smiled and bounced.
Twi face hoofed and just decided not to even try to hide it.
"We learned some...interesting things earlier."
"Like what? And who's Cadence?" Heartsong was completely confused. She knew however, it had something to do with Celestia's announcement.
--
"So that's why you six are here? Wow, incredible!" Heartsong was intrigued, and slightly anxious.
The mares trotted up to where the crowd was and saw 4 ponies on stage.
Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Cadence, and...
Heartsong froze. A white stallion with a light-dark blue mane stood tall, with a serious face.
He was handsome, and so mysterious. Heartsong's eyes sparkled and she began to blush. It seemed as if they were the only two unicorns in Equestria.
Her fantasy faded when she heard Twi's voice.
"Hey, Heartsong what'cha staring at?" She giggled and followed Heartsongs gaze.
"Oh I see you see my brother, Shining Armor!"
Heartsong turned her head towards Twi in sheer surprise.
"Brother?! He's your brother?" Heartsong glanced back at the regal unicorn shaking hooves with Celestia.
"Yeah! Isn't he so handsome? He got that from our father."
Great, Heartsong thought.
Princess Celestia cleared her throat and began talking. Everypony fell silent.
"Welcome! Welcome, everypony! I have come here to tell you all the wonderful news that my niece, Cadence, is getting married to Twilight Sparkle's brother, Shining Armor!"
The crowd stomped in excitement, but Heartsong stood there frozen again.
Married? Well this day just keeps getting better, she thought.
"The marriage will happen exactly one week from now in my castle." Celestia paused.
"And you are all invited!" Everypony, once more stomped happily.
--
Heartsong backed out of the crowd and walked back to her home. Her mind was fuzzy and a bead of sweat ran down her cheek.
She arrived at her house, relieved to be away from the crowd. Then she heard somepony's voice.
It was Rainbow Dash.
"Hey! Why did you leave? The announcement was only half over!" Dash said half-irritated.
"I-uhm...I wasn't feeling well! Yes, I uh...I have a cold!" Heartsong stuttered as she started to pretend to cough.
"Yeah right!" Dash smirked. "Now, REALLY, what gives?" Her face became more serious, almost sympathetic.
"Well, I.." She paused as her face turned a cherry red.
"Oh I see, you've got the hots for Twi's brother, eh?" Dash began smirking once more.
"N-no!! I don't.." Dash looked at Heartsong with a look of satisfaction. "Ok, ok. I do. But DO NOT tell Twi!"
Dash pondered for a second. "Alright, I won't tell her. But YOU have to"
Heartsong sighed and nodded. Her hooves nervously tapped the ground as Dash flew back to where the crowd was.
How could she possibly tell her friend something so embarrassing? Heartsong never really thought of love, since her main focus was her music. So this whole idea was new, and
she didn't know how to deal with it.
Heartsong paced in front of her home till she got the courage to go back and tell Twi, but suddenly she stopped walking and tensed up.
Shining Armor and the Princess were walking toward her in a serious manner.
"Fine evening isn't it, Heartsong?" Shining Armor said winking at Heartsong.
"Oh-uh..Yes! The Princess makes the most beautiful of nights" Her face felt hot as she saw him smile at her.
"Now, we have come to ask you a favor" Princess Celestia intervened with a stern face. Heartsong cocked her head and her hazel eyes twinkled in the moonlight.
Shining Armor glanced down at her with a warm smile. She was so small compared to him, even his sister Twilight was taller than her. As Shining Armor evaluated Heartsong,
Princess Celestia continued speaking.
"Would you perform at Shining Armors bachelor party?" Celestia looked over at him with a small smile.
"I would be honored Princess!" Heartsong bowed as she saw out the corner of her eye, Shining Armor grinning.
"I've heard your talents will not disappoint me, mi'lady" His blue eyes glistened as the moon arose to its final position.
The Princess and Shining Armor turned to walk back to the castle, but as they were walking, Shining Armor looked back at Heartsong who was watching them go.
She started to choke and her face grew red as he stared back at her, as if not wanting to leave yet.
Shining Armor brought his gaze back to the castle, to keep the Princess from seeing him like this. He was almost flustered by this meeting with Heartsong, but he brushed it
off.
Heartsong however, couldn't let go of this new feeling. Besides, who could fall for a timid musician like her?
-
She woke up the next morning feeling achy and sick. Her eyelids drooped and her head hung low as she slowly made her way downstairs to make her hot chocolate. While
collecting the necessary ingredients for her morning drink, she noticed that she was out of cocoa. Heartsong rubbed her eyes to make sure it wasn't just an illusion. Sure
enough, she was out of cocoa. Heartsong sighed and put on her saddlebag.
The bazaar was surprisingly more empty than it usually was. Many of the merchants looked bored and tired. Canterlot mornings aren't usually this slow.
This made her feel slightly worried.
Heartsong walked up to a sleeping merchant whom she had bought from many times before. She lightly tapped his mane with her hoof and he awoke startled.
"Huh?! What? Who goes there?" The stallion's voice was low and old.
"Its me, Heartsong. I've come to purchase some more cocoa" She spoke in a quiet tone, admiring the old ponies cataracs.
"Ahh, Hearty it's you!" He grinned as he pat the mare's bed-mane.
"Heres a bag of cocoa, free of charge m'dearie!" Heartsong took a step back at this offer.
“Free? Oh no no, here have two bits” She dropped the bits on his counter with a generous smile. He shook his head.
“No, please! You are my favorite customer, Hearty” The old stallion wobbled over to Heartsongs side and dropped the bag of cocoa in her saddlebags. She stared blankly at him, but then smiled sweetly. Shes never received such kind gestures, as Canterlot isn’t the most giving city in Equestria.
Heartsong began trotting back to her house with the sun rising at her back. Many ponies emerged from their homes in their usual attire. A dark navy-blue mare wore a tall feathered hat and her partner, a light green stallion, wore a dark-grey tie and monocle. They were good friends of Heartsong, but only because they used her for her talent. When Blue Tiara and Tourmaline Gullion couldn’t find any entertainment for their parties, they went to Heartsong who always was happy to perform for them. She saw another one of her friends, Octavia. Back when Heartsong was a filly, Octavia use to mentor her. Octavia found the filly alone and homeless, and took her in as her own. Being a music-enthusiast, she tried to teach her to play different instruments. However, the young filly continuously broke each and every instrument Octavia had, except for one. A viola. One morning, Octavia decided it was the day she was to try and teach the filly how to play the viola. But she realized something odd. She had this filly for almost a year, and she did not have a name yet. Octavia decided to affectionately dub her as Heartsong, due to her loving heart and love of music. However, Heartsong immediately broke the bow of her viola. Octavia, who felt hopeless, left her home in a slump to buy another bow. Heartsong hung her head in disappointment, quietly humming a song. The humming soon turned into singing and Heartsong’s voice filled the room. As Octavia returned, she found Heartsong singing in the most beautiful voice.
Without Octavia, Heartsong probably wouldn’t be alive today.
“Octavia!” Heartsong ran towards Octavia with a large grin.
“Heartsong! It’s you! How are you?” Octavia nuzzled Heartsong’s mane and forehead. Her adoptive mother wasn’t old at all, in fact, she just officially became an adult mare. However, both ponies were about the same size.
“Im great, mum” Heartsong smiled, flicking her tail.
“Thats good. I heard you were to be the main act at Shining Armors bachelor party” Octavia winked, her eyes glowed with a tint of pride.
“Main act? Well I don’t know about that..” Heartsong blushed and kicked her hoof.
“Shining Armor told me personally. He seemed very fond of you.” Octavia chuckled as she said this.
“Fond? How so?” Heartsong froze at her mum’s statement. Octavia noticed a blush quickly appear on Heartsongs face and she smiled.
“Yes. He also seemed awfully excited to see your performance as well.” Octavia paused to tuck a stray hair and continued.
“Of course, he invited me to accompany you. They didn’t seem to have a piano available for performing, so I will play my cello instead.”
Heartsong frowned. She usually played the piano while she sang.
“No piano..?” Her frown quickly upturned into a smile.
“I guess thats fine. At least I get to perform with you, Octavia!” Heartsong hugged Octavia tightly, and ran off to her house to make her hot chocolate.
As she arrived at her home, she found a note on her doorstep.
Dear Miss Heartsong,
We cordially invite you to a feast tonight at 7:00pm.
The feast is in honor of Shining Armor, and his fiance’ Cadence.
We hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia
A grin swept her mouth. She immediately knew who had told the Princess to invite her.
Heartsong stored the note in her saddlebags and made her way inside.
She suddenly felt groggy as she poured a cup of cocoa into the pot. The smell of the cocoa made her stomach grumble and she licked her lips as she patiently waited for the hot chocolate to be done. The ding of the pot alarmed her, as she nearly fell asleep waiting for it to finish. The hot chocolate was a crisp brown and the surface rippled as she placed two sugar cubes into the mug she had poured it in. The first sip scorched her tongue, causing her to flinch in pain. Putting the mug down to cool off, she searched her saddlebag for the note. Lifting the note up to her face using her magic, she noticed that there was something on the back of the note. It was more writing from Celestia.
P.S. Shining Armor would be gratified if you sat with him and Cadence during the feast.
Heartsong sat there for a long time staring at the note. She was pleased, yet incredibly confused. Why was he so intrigued by her? Heartsong shrugged off the thoughts, feeling as if they were nothing but generosity. She put the note back in her saddlebags and plopped down on her couch. Her ceiling was lined with random lines that formed into shapes, which kept her occupied until she closed her eyes and drifted off into a midday nap.
--
She woke up from her nap, somewhat drowsy. Her body ached from sleeping on the narrow couch. Rubbing her back, she glanced over at the clock to find it was exactly 5pm.
Two hours till the feast. She shook her head and ran upstairs to get dressed. Her gala dress still fit but it was still too flashy for just a feast. Heartsong looked through her closet, finding nothing to wear. She never wore anything fancy for just the usual outing, unlike most Canterlot ponies. So, she had no choice but to go to the tailor and buy something.
Heartsong entered the tailor shoppe with her saddlebags and coin bag, not knowing whether or not the tailor had what she needed. A light blue and cobalt pony with a strangely styled mane stood behind the counter. Her attire was also odd, with feathers and streamers protruding out of her dress in every direction.
“Welcome to Miss Sew’s Tailor Shoppe!” The pegasi’s voice was shrill and giddy, even more than Pinkie Pies.
“Hi, may I purchase something casual?” Heartsong rubbed her leg with her hoof nervously.
“Sure, honey! What kind of event are you going to?” She started looking through some clothes hung up on a rack.
“I am going to a feast that is being hosted by the Princess”
“A feast? With the Princess? Well aren’t you special, darlin’! Here how about this?” Miss Sew handed over a dark grey, ruffled vest complete with a tie and bow. It was perfect for her.
“This is perfect! Thank you. How many bits?” Heartsong awaited the odd ponies response.
“10 bits, for you!” She smiled sweetly while giggling. Heartsong looked at the price tag.
The outfit was 50 bits.
“Oh but this is 50 bits, miss” She gave the outfit back to Miss Sew.
“No no, dear! 10 bits for the lucky filly who gets to meet the Princess!” Miss Sew began to giggle again. Heartsong, of course, was confused. So many generous gestures in one day? Wow, she thought.
“Okay, thank you Miss Sew!” Heartsong gave 10 bits to her and walked out holding her new outfit. The clock tower above the city read 6pm.
-
She stood, dressed and ready for the feast. The outfit fit perfectly, however she felt out of place. What everypony else was wearing something completely different? Heartsong felt there was nothing to worry about, but anxiety still hung over her.
She trotted outside her home to find a carriage waiting for her. She stepped into it, thanking the driver.
“Don’t mention it.” He said, sighing. The wind wisped his mane as he started towards the castle. Surprisingly, the sun had not yet set and was only halfway down to the tip of the mountains to the west of Canterlot. Soon she would encounter the colossal tower that held all major events, including the upcoming wedding. Heartsong relaxed on the vinyl seats of the carriage, and pondered about the night to come. She wondered how many ponies were actually going to be there, and what it looked like inside. Heartsong was startled as the carriage came to a quick stop, clearing her thoughts. Stepping out of the carriage, she was faced with two large doors guarded by two pegasus knights.
“What is your business here, miss?” One of the pegasi knights asked, showing no emotion what-so-ever.
“I am here for the feast, kind sir. Shining Armor invited me personally” Heartsong flicked her tail and fixed her hair while saying this.
“Alright.”
The doors opened to a brightly lit hall, filled with colorful decor and ponies. Each were seated on red velvet dining chairs, and quietly spoke to one another. As Heartsong trotted in, eveypony turned to look at the filly as if astonished. Some whispered at the sight of her.
“How gorgeous!”
“Where does she get such a lovely outfit?”
“Her eyes are like emeralds!”
Suddenly a stallion stood up, holding his hoof up to signal everyone into silence. It was Shining Armor.
“Welcome, Heartsong.”
Heartsong smiled, and bowed.
“Come, sit here.” Shining Armor motioned to a seat next to him. Somewhat surprised, she started towards him. The seat was placed in between him and Cadence and even had a plaque laid down on the cushion. Placing herself onto the dining chair, she felt something.
Looking to her left, Heartsong saw Cadence glaring at her. What was her problem? Heartsong thought, turning her gaze back to Shining Armor. He sat tall, with a look of impatience and distress on his face. Heartsong’s blank stare caught the attention of Fancy Pants sitting diagonally from her.
“I say, Heartsong, I haven’t seen that kind of emotion in anypony’s eyes since I met Fleur.” Fancy’s head leaned towards Fleur De Lis, sitting next to him. Heartsongs pupils shrunk and her face burned a red color. Was she really staring at Shining Armor that way?!
“Oh no, Mr. Fancy Pants! I was just uh...” She took a sip of tea nervously. Fancy Pants just looked at her with a satisfied smile, and nodded. It seemed that nopony else noticed her and Fancy Pant’s conversation, so Heartsong just carried on like it never happened.
Cadence cleared her throat and whispered into Heartsong’s twitching ear.
“Wonderful night isn’t it? My mothers moon is quite lovely yes?” Her words were soft and sweet, and seemingly fake. Heartsong looked up at the alicorn, whose eyes darkened with envy. Shining Armor looked over to see Heartsong cowering under Cadence's glare.
“Cadence! What are you doing?” His eyes filled with uncertainty.
She gawked at Shining Armor as he held his body close to Heartsong protectively. He realized what he was doing and quickly moved away from her warmth. Cadence stared at the plate in front of her with a look a of distrust on her face. Why was she so..temperamental? Heartsong gazed at the mare in discomfort. Something felt wrong about Shining Armor’s fiance’’.
She felt a nudge and turned to see a relieved Shining Armor.
“Sorry about her, she can get a bit angsty.” His voice was warm and thoughtful, and it seemed to radiate around everypony’s ears. Heartsong’s head turned to see 100’s of eyes staring at them.
“I guess everypony saw that, huh?” Heartsong giggled softly. Shining Armor chuckled and smiled at the filly. It seemed as if each pony in the dining hall had the same thought, the exact same thought that enraged Cadence.
-
The food had come out finally, a happy surprise to everypony. Roasted geese and caramel apples were placed on each of their plates. Buttered sourdough bread, teriyaki celery, and dumplings filled the remaining area of the table. And at last, a large chocolate cake stood in the middle with the Canterlot emblem on it.
“Alright everypony, you may now feast!” Princess Celestia rose her glass of wine with a grin and began to scoff her food.
Heartsong’s plate was pretty much barren, containing a goose breast and some dumplings. The warm dumplings nearly melted on her salted tongue, their dainty taste tingled her tastebuds. The goose meat however, felt dry in her mouth.With the meat stringing in between her molars, she quietly asked Shining Armor if he could pass the soi and guac.
“Of course, m’lady.” He poured the special mixture onto her plate with care. As Heartsong began to cut her goose into smaller pieces, Shining Armor locked his gaze on her. A grin had formed on his white face. The young mare was so intriguing to him, and he didn’t quite know why. Heartsong saw at the corner of her eye, the stallion staring at her and she turned her head and smiled back at him. A pink blush formed on his face and cleared his throat nervously.
“Thank you for inviting me, I’ve had a wonderful time tonight.”The filly’s eyes sparkled in gratitude.
“Ah, you are welcome Miss Heartsong.” He paused to straighten his suit.
“However, I have something to show you after dinner!” Shining Armor winked with a chuckle, which slightly confused Heartsong. He wants to..show me something..?
Two hours went by fast and everypony was stuffed. The white stallion grinned as he stood up to speak.
“Excuse us, Heartsong and I must leave early.” He bowed and led her to a large hallway.
Along the walls, flags and torches stood. A sudden wind caused the whole castle to shudder and the torches to go out. Heartsong was slightly scared, as it was nearly pitch black where they were. Shining Armor stopped at a open window near the middle of the hallway.
Outside the window were the beautiful abodes of Canterlot. Little homes lined the streets, with very few lights on, among them. The spring trees flickered in the breeze that shook them.
With Heartsong awestruck by the view, Shining Armor found himself once again gazing at her. Moonlight glittered on her dark brown mane as it whisked in the wind. He choked on his words, trying to speak.
“I..Heartsong” He stuttered. The mare turned to him with a disconcerted look.
“Yes, Shining Armor?” Her voice was a soft breath in the suddenly chilly air. Everything in the world seemed to fall silent. A rhythmic shudder pounded in Shining Armor’s chest as he dryly began to speak.
“Heartsong, even since I first met you, I’ve felt so-” He was cut short by the sound of hooves clanking towards them.
It was Cadence.
“What do you think you are doing?!” Her voice burned with sheer anger. Both unicorns felt a chill down their back and Heartsong hung her head.
“Your highness-”
“Don’t even speak you little twat!” She shoved past Heartsong to her fiance’.
“Shining Armor, you have business with the Royal Guard.” Her nostrils flared as she stared into Shining Armor’s blue eyes.
Cadence stomped away to the royal garden, leaving the shocked ponies behind.
“I..am..” Shining Armor’s voice shook.
“It’s okay..” Heartsong’s eyes were slightly glazed with tears. Shining Armor stepped toward her and laid his head on top of hers. A rose red blush appeared on her face, and although she knew it was wrong, she nuzzled his chin as it rested on her mane.
His body stiffly walked back to the dining hall, the scent of her mane still lingering around his nose.
-
Chapter 2: A Song for the Groom coming soon