After the Ending

by Horizon Spark

Songbird Serenade

Songbird Serenade

The crowd of Ponies cheered as the last song of the festival came to a soothing end. Songbird Serenade bowed her head, looking at the sea of ponies who all came to the capital of Equestria celebrate friendship from all over. Her performing here was definitely a major plus on the attendance.

“Thanks Everypony!” She said into her microphone. “Goodnight and enjoy the festival!”

The crowd cheered even louder as she exited backstage. When she was out of everypony’s sight, she stood up straight and took a deep sigh of relief. The stress of the whole day almost got to her. Just the thought of all the chaos from the Storm King’s invasion from yesterday, and the repairs of the aftermath was starting to give her a migraine. She was just happy the Princess and her friends were able to save the day, but the wait for them was anything but nice.

“Kinda wish you guys were a bit faster on the rescue mission, but better late than never as they say. Wonder what they got in my trailer?”

Walking down the steps of the stage she immediately went for her trailer. She now had the entire rest of the night to just herself, a chance to forget about the troubles of yesterday and finally retire for the night. The walk was quite, save for the still cheering ponies in the front, and there weren’t any fans out her begging for an autograph. Not that she would mind signing a little something for her fans, but this was an exception she’ll gladly take.

“Songbird Serenade, please wait!”

Spoke too soon.

Songbird turned to see who called her name, only to see that it was none other than the princess of friendship herself. She was flapping her wings repeatedly like a hummingbird, gasping for breath. It seemed like she was really trying to get to her as fast as possible before she made her exit. Not like she had any reason to tire herself out like this.

It was a bit of a funny sight, one that put Songbird in a much better mood than before. “Hey there Princess Twilight, I’m guessing you came here for an autograph? You know there are easier ways of getting one.”

“What…no, no, no! I didn’t come here for an autograph!” Twilight quickly responded excitedly. “Not to imply that I didn’t enjoy your show or anything, because it was an amazing show and we all enjoyed it and…”

“Whoa there Princess, no need to get your tongue twisted. Even if you only just liked the show, I’m just glad I’m getting to talk to the one and only Princess of Friendship again.”

Twilight managed to compose herself with those last words. She smiled widely. “Oh, that’s great to hear! I don’t usually listen to pop music as much as the next pony, but the few songs you’ve made are some of my favorite. That’s why I was so persistent on having you perform, because I knew the crowd would love you.”

“Huh…thanks Princess Twilight.” Songbird glanced back at the trailer behind her. “Hey Princess, you got a minute? I would like for you to come visit my trailer if you have the time.”

“Oh...well a bit unexpected but I think I have a little time on my hooves. And you’re free to call me just Twilight, all of my friends do.”

Songbird nodded as she guided her Alicorn towards her personal trailer, where two of her personal bodyguards were standing at strict attention. After telling them to take five they left their posts allowing the two inside. In there, Twilight marveled at the luxurious interior that had a variable selection of memorabilia, photos, and gifts the singer seemingly collected over the years. There were also food and drinks straight from the festival just for her.

“So Twilight, what do you think of the pad?”

Twilight shifted her focus back to the Singer. “Well I can see why those two guards were a rather stubborn bunch when it came to this place. This is amazing!”

“Yeah, those two are definitely workaholics, but good hearts nonetheless. You want some water or something to snack on? Princess Celestia gave me some cake and it tastes awesome.”

“Oh sure.” The two sat down as Twilight used her magic to cut two pieces of delicious chocolate cake for them to eat. Minutes passed as they simply relaxed together in silence. Small cheers of the remaining crowd still reverberated from outside the trailer. Twilight thought about how long they were still out there as she heard a small sigh coming from the other mare. “Soo…the cake tastes great! Granted you shouldn’t have expected any less coming from the Royal chefs!”

Songbird responded with a low hum, which proceeded with an awkward silence between the two. Twilight was about to say something to break the silence right before Songbird did it for her.

I am here and I see your pain

Through the storms, through the clouds, the rain

I'm telling you you can not escape

Twilight instantly recognized the song she was singing as the one from earlier. The beautiful song once again reverberated in her ears, the lyrics now being much clearer now that they were alone together. Listening to the words without the background noise of others, she absorbed in all of it without missing a beat. And when she stopped singing, Twilight couldn’t help but shed a few tears.

Songbird was silent for the moment before she looked back at the Princess. “Sorry about that, I tend to sing some of my songs when I’m reminiscing.”

“No,” Twilight stated quickly. “that was beautiful. Your singing's even better up close.”

“Thank you Twilight. I have to admit hearing you say that you knew the crowd would love me means more than you think. Especially after all that’s happened yesterday.” She immediately spotted Twilight blushing and lowering her head. “If you're thinking about apologizing, I’ll have to stop you right there. You guys did all you could to save our lives, and I shouldn’t ask for any more than that. So be happy!”

Twilight managed to grin as she pulled yourself back up. “You’re right…sorry about that. I tend to dwell on past events, even though they ultimately don’t matter now.”

“Don’t we all do that though? I still remember how shocked and excited that I was chosen to perform in the Friendship Festival. To tell you the truth, it’s still unbelievable to me that you didn’t went for Countess Coloratura or Sapphire Shores.”

She glanced to the side towards her vanity mirror, where photos taken from many points from her singing career. From her first big performance to being with other performers on the red carpet in Manehatten. “They’re both great friends of mine, but I still think they’re more popular singers than I am.”

“You shouldn’t think that. Popular or not, you’re still one of Equestria’s greatest pop singers.” Twilight got up from her seat and came closer to Songbird, where for the first time, she was able to see the cerulean eyes she hid behind her mane. “Trust me when I say this, I could’ve chose any other big name to headline this festival, but I knew right from the get-go that you were the perfect one. And that’s coming straight from the Princess of Friendship.”

Songbird couldn’t help but smile at the compliment as she blindly hugged her guest. She didn’t mind in the slightest.

“You know Princess,” She said with a smirk. “I was thinking about doing some kind of Relief Tour when this Festival is all said and done. Something where we can help everyone who were affected by the Storm King, not just the ponies.”

Twilight wings fluttered at the idea. “That sounds amazing! No doubt there must be many more out there still recovering from any damages he’s done. This could be the perfect way to lift their spirits!”

“I’ve always made it my mission to use music to help out Equestria the best way I could. It’d be nice if I had somepony who could help us organize everything so we can perform everywhere without any hitches. Think you know anypony?”

Twilight almost flew up in the air in excitement, right as she took a deep breath and composed herself. “Well, I do know this one pony who would be utterly ecstatic to organize an entire Equestria wide tour. But I don't think she'll be available so, I guess you’ll be stuck with me.”

Songbird chuckled. “Thanks Twilight. I know I can count on you, because you have such an Elastic Heart!”

"...Did...you just make a pun off one of your songs?"

"Yes."

The two couldn't help but laugh at her attempt at her humor. Especially Twilight.

Comments

[Jade Dawn]

To tell you the truth, it’s still unbelievable to me that you didn’t went for Countess Coloratura or Sapphire Shores.

The fanbase was just as surprised. :)