open Shining Star Festival

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@@Glitter Glue, 

 

Copper overheard the announcement, and finished putting his vest and tie on.  He got out of his trailer, and trotted over to the stage.  He was getting excited, and he didn't care how many visitors there were, he was determined to put on a show.  Once he made it to the back stage, he waved at the others before taking his seat.

[Midnight Starfall 179]

Skyla walked toward the huge crowd gathering in front of the stage. She didn't walk in a particular hurry; she was taking the whole festival in. She looked at all the booths, the food, and she glanced up at the stars every once in a while. She kept running into ponies, giving them a quick "Sorry, excuse me."

 

She arrived at the edge of the crowd, gazing up at the stage. She couldn't see quite clearly from the edge of the crowd. She flapped her wings and left the ground, looking for an open place to watch the performances. "Excuse me, sorry. I don't mean to be rude..," she said to anypony that complained of her being in the way.

[Denim&Venöm 22,101]

Heaving and panting her way forward, a red thestral mare pulled her wagon to the performers gate. It had been a long trot from her house to the performers entrance, but Ruby had finally made it. She would here in minutes if she'd been allowed to fly, instead of an hour, but again, she had a wagon full of her equipment. She adjusted her glasses, looking for he event staff that would let her in.  

[Your Nightly Spectre 1,061]

@@Denim&Venom,@@Midnight Starfall, @@DwhitetheGamer, @@Unicorncob, @@AzureNightLight, 

 

Suddenly, as the final minutes passed the area of the festival grew an unnatural sudden darkness, caused by nothing less but magic as the atmosphere grew into utter silence. 

 

Then, once more out of nowhere yet everywhere a voice of a young stallion echoed out through the crowd. 

 

"Mares and Gentlecolts... Fillies and Foals... Griphons, Changelings, Horses, Deer, Donkeys, Mules and all other! WELCOME, to this years edition of the one and only... SHINING STAR FESTIVAL! With this years opening host... Neight Patric Harris!" 

 

Suddenly the area shined bright lights over the crowd, reflectors of all sorts of rainbow colours going through the crowd before focusing on the stage and turning a white-ish yellow to reveal the one and only host, a tall young looking yet middle-aged pony. 

 

"Good evening, I'm mare heartthrob Neight Patric Harris. " Several mares screamed out in approval out through the crowd and he returned a smile in their direction and a wink. "We have a truly amazing week planned for everyone here so I won't start by boring you all with some sort of long speech. " Suddenly the lights scattered again while one was still on the presenter, as several red lights appeared on a band. "I would rather present what awaits you tonight and the days to follow... we will be having music..." Slowly the band started playing and the lights switched off back into darkness with music filling everyponies ears through the night. Then the lights switched, a different colour as they lit up a bunch of ponies doing crazy stunts. "...Crazy stunts and unnaturally bendy bodies. " They also dissapeared into darkness with the cheering of the audiance and then suddenly with sparks other ponies were lit up, unicorns as they lit their horns, performing crazy tricks in the air that suddenly started to light up the rest of the scene. "Magic... AND MANY OTHER of all sorts of amazing talents waiting to present themselves to you!"

 

What then finished it up as the music raised its tempto were fireworks shooting up into the sky and filling it with fancy colours and the sound of their explosions filling everyones ears before the sparks falling down started turning into flower pedals and rained down on the crowd. 

 

What then followed suit was the situation changing into a fancy song number featuring plenty of everything this week had to offer and then as it ended the show continued on with other bands taking the spotlight as the presenter once more approached the crowd. "With the honour bestowed upon me I declare this week of the Shining Star festival OPEN! " 

 

____________________________

 

Nightlight clapped his hooves, cheering in approval from his spot as the crowd slowly started to move around and spread out to the many other stages that awaited them. So far so good he thought as his mind traced back to the interest in the wizard-y mare he saw earlier and wondering where she might be performing. But, this only being a thought on his mind he just hoped that he'd be casually wandering about the right scene to catch her doing her act.

 

But, due to having other matters to attend to he left the line, watching the main show for a moment longer but paying a bit more attention to the crowd, scanning it over as was his job.  

[redaxted 1,765]

@, Cyan Flare watched the opening ceremony from backstage, in awe of the amazing performances, wonderful announcer, and beautiful fireworks shooting up into the blackening night sky and exploding in colourful bursts. Golden Spell, too, gazed up at them along with the twinkling stars. "Well..." he declared. "So it begins! Our first ever Shining Star Festival!"

"Gosh... I'm so nervous," was Cyan's reply, as she sat shaking with nervousness. "I had no idea it would this big of a production. There are so many ponies here!"

Golden Spell placed his right hoof gently on his sister's shoulder comfortingly.

"I'm sure all will go well," he told her, beaming with excitement and encouragement. "You have dedicated the last five moons to preparing for this night. Training, day in, day out. You know exactly what you're doing!"

Cyan smiled at her protective brother and then once again looked at the stage. She was nervous, but determination to do her very best welled up in her heart.

[Unicorncob 5,779]

@

 

Cipolla watched the introduction to the ceremony with mild interest. She was honestly only there because she felt like she had to, being one of the festival's 'staff'.

 

She was, however, mildly surprised that Neigh Patrick Harris was opening the ceremony. He was a big name around Manehattan, and she had even seen him in her restaurant once or twice. Not a stallion she would go for, but not ugly either.

 

Though, she appreciated his decision to skip any boring introduction speeches. She hated those.

 

She gave a little applause to the finale of the opening ceremony, then immediately went back to her tent. It was time to work.

 

With so many ponies attending the festival, she had to keep them fed. Such was the daily grind. But she loved cooking and making ponies happy with her meals.

 

And if they weren't happy, she could always change their tune with persuasion and reason. Two words her father vehemently refused to let her get tattooed on her front hooves.

 

She returned to her tent, and was relieved to see nothing had been taking. She took the closed sign off the table, and sat back in her chair, ready to jump up when the snack rush started.

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@, 

 

Copper heard the announcement for the festival to begin, and he was excited.  He knew this would be a great experience.  For the first time, however, pressure was kind of getting to him, but he knew better than that.  He knew how to have fun here.

 

He looked at the group with him, then looked confused.  "So, who goes first?"

[Midnight Starfall 179]

@,

 

Skyla finally found a space between two ponies in the middle. She squeezed between them, muttering, "Sorry." She looked up as the show started. She was dazzled by the lights, the performers, and the host. A grin slowly spread across her face. The fireworks that went up soon after made her eyes light up.

 

She stood there as the crowd dispersed, bubbling over with excitement. Her very first Shining Star Festival had began. She gazed around, wondering what to do next. "I guess I could go see the other performances? Or get some food?" she thought aloud.

 

@@Unicorncob,

 

Skyla wandered over to a nearby food stand. She looked at all the snacks, deciding what to get. "Excuse me? Can I get a couple mini pizzas please?" she asked the pony running the booth.

[Unicorncob 5,779]

Skyla wandered over to a nearby food stand. She looked at all the snacks, deciding what to get. "Excuse me? Can I get a couple mini pizzas please?" she asked the pony running the booth.

 

Cipolla glanced up and saw the mare at her tent, asking for a couple of mini pizzas. She got onto her hooves and used her magic to levitate a couple of the circular cheese-covered foods and placed them into a little foil bag to keep the heat trapped inside.

 

"Dat'll be four bits," she said, hovering the little bag to her customer in a little golden aura.

[Midnight Starfall 179]

@@Unicorncob,

 

Skyla pulled out a tiny wallet tucked under her wing. She counted out four bits from inside the wallet and put them on the counter in front of the pony. "Thank you," she said politely. She grabbed the foil bag and set it on her back. She decided to make small talk, since she had no idea what else to do or where else to go. "Is this your first time at the Shining Star Festival?"

[Unicorncob 5,779]

Skyla pulled out a tiny wallet tucked under her wing. She counted out four bits from inside the wallet and put them on the counter in front of the pony. "Thank you," she said politely. She grabbed the foil bag and set it on her back. She decided to make small talk, since she had no idea what else to do or where else to go. "Is this your first time at the Shining Star Festival?"

 

Cipolla craned her neck to look behind the mare, and saw no other ponies in line. She figured she could stave off the oncoming boredom after her customer left with a little small talk.

 

"Pretty much," she nodded, "never done dis sorta thing before, actually. I'm da head chef up at Pomodoro's, da best Bitalian dis side'a 'Questria." A proud smirk crossed her muzzle, always loving to talk about her craft.

[Midnight Starfall 179]

@@Unicorncob,

 

Skyla nodded and said, "Really? If you're the best, I'd love to go sometime! I'm from Ponyville, so I've never been here. Might as well go sightseeing and such while I'm here for the week of the Festival." She smiled, but then an apologetic look crossed her face. "I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Skyla, what's yours?" She extended her hoof to shake.

[AzureNightLight 122]

Azure had found a spot somewhere in the crowd just in time for the show to start.

 

“Mares and Gentlecolts…”

 

/*---*/

 

@@Unicorncob

With the introductory performance finished, Azure couldn’t help but sigh. This was first Shining Star Festival and it was already living up to the tales told by her friends. As the crowd started disperse, she decided that some food would be in order. She scanned her surroundings and sure enough, there was a stall selling food.

[Unicorncob 5,779]

Skyla nodded and said, "Really? If you're the best, I'd love to go sometime! I'm from Ponyville, so I've never been here. Might as well go sightseeing and such while I'm here for the week of the Festival." She smiled, but then an apologetic look crossed her face. "I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Skyla, what's yours?" She extended her hoof to shake.

 

Cipolla's smirk grew at Skyla's wish to visit her restaurant. "If ya like what ya got dere, den ya won't be disappointed. We's in the restaurant district."

 

She took her hoof and shook it. "Cipolla Panzanella.

 

 

With the introductory performance finished, Azure couldn’t help but sigh. This was first Shining Star Festival and it was already living up to the tales told by her friends. As the crowd started disperse, she decided that some food would be in order. She scanned her surroundings and sure enough, there was a stall selling food.

 

Her eyes slowly scanned the area outside the tent, and she saw a mare looking her way. As usual, she was ready to take her order if she needed it.

[Midnight Starfall 179]

@@Unicorncob,

 

"It's nice to meet you!," Skyla smiled warmly and continued, "I don't want to hold up anything, so I'll be around the festival. I'll be sure to visit the restaurant sometime during the week." With that, Skyla gave her a wave and trotted off.

 

Skyla looked around and found a tree near the main stage to sit under. The moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting Skyla in a white glow. She sat down and ate quietly, looking around at the festivities. She occasionally glanced up at the starlit sky, just taking everything in.

[Denim&Venöm 22,101]

"Yay. The festival has started. And yet there is still no one here to help me find where I am performing. I guess...I guess I will just wonder in and try to find out for myself then..." Ruby said as she pulled her cart through the unguarded performers entrance. 

[Unicorncob 5,779]

"It's nice to meet you!," Skyla smiled warmly and continued, "I don't want to hold up anything, so I'll be around the festival. I'll be sure to visit the restaurant sometime during the week." With that, Skyla gave her a wave and trotted off.

 

Skyla looked around and found a tree near the main stage to sit under. The moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting Skyla in a white glow. She sat down and ate quietly, looking around at the festivities. She occasionally glanced up at the starlit sky, just taking everything in.

 

"Alright, catch ya later then, Skyla," Cipolla nodded and nonchalantly waved a hoof as the mare trotted off.

 

She could still see the other pony in the distance, still deciding whether or not to come over.

 

Was the unicorn chef that intimidating? She smirked, secretly hoping so.

[AzureNightLight 122]

@@Unicorncob

Azure trotted up to the stall.

 

“Oooh! What have we got here?”, she mused to herself.

 

A mare with a red mane and dull yellow fur stood behind the counter, with various foods piled atop. Azure eyed the lasagne. Lasagne was actually the only food she recognised on the counter before her besides pizza. She only had it once, when she was visiting a relative and she happened to make it for dinner. It was a bit of a new experience but she liked it nonetheless.

 

“How much for that a potion or lasagne?”, she asked, reaching for her saddlebags. 

[redaxted 1,765]

@@DwhitetheGamer, Cyan Flare heard a pony nearby, presumably one who would also be performing, asking who would go first. Golden Spell had noticed, too, and moved a few steps to answer him. "I am not entirely certain, however it looks as if everypony is being allowed to go and get some food and possibly souvenirs and the like before the real show begins," he answered. "I am sure there must be a set-list around here somewhere, as well."

Cyan Flare, meanwhile, was talking to the animals she would be performing with encouragingly, assuring them that they would do well. It seemed that they had more confidence than her!

[Glitter Glue 79]

@@Wolves, @@DwhitetheGamer, @@Denim&Venom, @

 

After the opening was over Lavender was about to turn and go back to her tent, when a middle-aged mare with an organizers' pass walked up onto the stage. She looked at what was left of the crowd. She cleared her throat and grinned at the ponies watching.

"Dear ponies, griffons, mules, and all other species who decided to come visit Shining Star Festival! Before you leave the main stage, let me give you taste of what else is up on the Main Stage this evening" she paused for a moment, then continued, slowly, so everyone could catch the upcoming performers: "First is the animal trainer, Cyan Flare and her assistant and brother, Golden Spell! Together they are showcase just what amazing things animals are capable of! After them Copper Strikes, a young singer will give a concert to all of you. And if that much music was not enough for you all, another musician shall entertain you tonight as well: today's final Main Stage performer will be the musician, Ruby Rain!"

Suddenly, she turned her head towards the side of the stage, seemingly listening to something from over there. She then looked back at the crowd with an apologetic grin:

"Seems Ruby Rain has not arrived yet. But worry not we'll correct our mistake, and send somepony for her. She'll be here by the time of her performance. Meanwhile, welcome Cyan Flare and Golden Spell!"

With that, she galloped off to find a guard, or really, staff member to send after Ruby. How could they forget about something like this?

 

Lavender giggled to herself, finding this whole thing rather funny. Well, it seems mistakes happen at such places as well, she thought with a grin, as she sat down to wait for the upcoming performances, as she was not in the mood to open her tent yet.

Edited July 25, 2016 by Glitter Glue

[Your Nightly Spectre 1,061]

NIghtlight having listened over to the presentation had an ever lasting smile on his face before hearing the last part, sighing as the middle aged mare found another guard ahead of him but sadly noticed him there after which caused her to switch targets.

 

"Ah, Lieutenant! Could you take care of sending someone after Mrs. Ruby Rain who hasn't arrived yet and find the two first performers? I would be most greatful. " She gave him an awkward smile and he returned a more honest one, nodding to her.

 

"Why of course. I'll get right on it. "

 

With that grateful she said a quick 'thank you' and returned where the came from to tend to other issues. Nightlights smile then turned to a smirk as he looked over to the two relaxed rookies by him who overheard the situation, and straightening out and sighing before him they awaited his words which they could have already guessed were going to be. 

 

"Sapphire, find us the performers. Horseson, you go try and locate Mrs. Rain. Good luck!" 

 

The two guards looked at each other and nodded, sighing again. "Yes Sir." They replied and turned their ways to do their new assignments.

 

_____________________

@@Wolves,  @@DwhitetheGamer,  

 

Sapphire, a mare guard glad in the typical golden armor found the two soon enough as well as their new companion, turning to the one she recognized from the description she got. Bowing her head down lightly in greeting to Cyan. 

 

"Mrs. Cyan Flare? You and your..." She quickly took out a piece of paper where she had things noted. "...Brother... Are up now no the big stage. " 

 

_____________________

 

@@Glitter Glue, 

Finding himself bored and a bit wishing he had actually taken one of the tasks so that he'd have something to do Nightlight waited for the first performance. Though, as his eyes scanned the crowd he noticed the wizard-y earth pony from earlier. The thought of apologizing to the mare despite how little he did entered his mind as he thought it over. He then broke through his light layer of pride and decided to talk to her either way, partly for his own amusement and partly because he felt bad to have upset her earlier even if it was very erratic of her to act as she did over nothing. 

 

But, getting a move on he made his way through the crowd without a problem, sliding in between ponies as he was very good with doing before appearing standing seemingly out of nowhere to her right, speaking in his calm rhythmic voice. 

 

"Lovely opening show wasn't it? " He decided to start off somewhat innocently. 

Edited July 25, 2016 by The Nightly Spectre

[Unicorncob 5,779]

@@AzureNightLight @@Glitter Glue @@Wolves

 

Azure trotted up to the stall.

 

“Oooh! What have we got here?”, she mused to herself.

 

A mare with a red mane and dull yellow fur stood behind the counter, with various foods piled atop. Azure eyed the lasagne. Lasagne was actually the only food she recognised on the counter before her besides pizza. She only had it once, when she was visiting a relative and she happened to make it for dinner. It was a bit of a new experience but she liked it nonetheless.

 

“How much for that a potion or lasagne?”, she asked, reaching for her saddlebags. 

 

Cipolla's eyelids raised just a touch as the mare trotted over to her stall. Seemed she was interested in doing some business.

 

"Lasagna's three bits a portion," she said, reaching for a little plastic tray and levitating a portion of lasagna onto it.

 

First is the animal trainer, Cyan Flare and her assistant and brother, Golden Spell! Together they are showcase just what amazing things animals are capable of!

 

Her ears flicked as she overheard the announcement from the main stage. Particularly about the animal tamer act.

 

Dat must be the lemur mare. Hope dat little furball didn't infect anything.

[Midnight Starfall 179]

@@Glitter Glue,

 

Skyla heard the announcement just as she finished her food. She dusted the crumbs off of her face and coat and turned her eyes toward the stage. She heard the part about a pony not showing up and thought aloud, "Why would anypony be late to the Festival?" She shrugged away the thought and waited to see the next performance.

[redaxted 1,765]

@@Glitter Glue, @ @@Midnight Starfall, @@Unicorncob, @@AzureNightLight, @@Denim&Venom, @@DwhitetheGamer, 

"W-wait!" Cyan Flare cried as she was told she and Golden Spell would be performing now. "We're first? I'm not read- the animals aren't ready!"

"Cyan! It shall be fine, calm down," Golden placed his hoof on her shoulder once again. "The animals are fine. Look how excited they are! And we have to take them up onto that stage and put on the performance of a lifetime. Nerve-racking, especially for an introverted pony such as yourself, I understand... But this is the wonderful opportunity. And you will enjoy it once you are up there - you always do."

"Y-you're right..." Cyan nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. 'Now isn't the time to start crying and bawling like a nervous little filly...' she thought to herself. 'It's now or never, I suppose. I have to do this.'

"I'll do all of the talking, and set every prop up - you simply get the animals prepared. We will -  you will - do fabulously, I'm sure," Golden Spell  continued.

With a suddenly confident smile, Cyan shot to hooves and apologized to Sapphire, who may have been a little taken aback by her anxious outburst with a shaky laugh. Turning to Golden, Cyan watched him step up onto the stage and walk over to the microphone.

"First of all," her self-assured brother began, "I'd like to say, welcome everypony! And I do hope you enjoy this first act of the evening."

 

"We'll begin with a wonderful performance from the beautifully colourful, dazzlingly vibrant, birds of paradise, from all across Equestria (and possibly even beyond)!" Golden Spell waved his hoof as Cyan Flare just finished wheeling the cages of the amazing birds onto the stage. For a split second she stood, intimidated by the mass of eager ponies with their eyes fixated on the stage she stood upon. Shaking her head slightly to clear her mind, Cyan let the joy of the event take over.

She opened the doors and the birds gracefully flew out, soaring high up at her command and flying above the audience as Golden adjusted the positioning of the spotlight to set their brilliant feathers aglow in the night sky. Cyan shot after them, gesturing with her hooves to give the vivid birds commands to maneuver, spiral, and turn to show off. As she, too, beat her wings in time to the music playing softly in the background, Cyan Flare glanced down to the audience in order to try and catch a glimpse of their reaction and what they thought of the performance so far. Golden wore a grin on his face, therefore she assumed that he considered things to be going well presently.

[Glitter Glue 79]

@

Lavender jumped a little at the voice, then glanced at the stallion who just spoke. She was about to greet him with a smile, but then she remembered what she last said to him. She wasn't the time to admit defeat easily, so she just grunted and said:

"Oh, it's you..." Her expression remaining blank before replying to his conversation starter: "Sure, it was. The perfect use of lighting to guide the viewers eyes, the spectacular fireworks that distract one from the clearing of the stage, it was absolutely perfect!"

While talking about the opening, she couldn't help a huge grin spreading on her face. Show business was her one big passion after all.

"Though it's kind of funny, I mean, how they couldn't send someone to talk to each first day performer" she giggled like a child. Suddenly, she shook her head and cleared her throat. She was acting silly again, the excitement of actually being at a great festival really had a weird effect on her.

 

@@Wolves

Suddenly, lights lit the stage up again, as two young ponies stepped up with countless animals. Lavender's attention was partially directed to the stage, as a young yellow stallion spoke.

Her eyes lit up when the colourful birds flew up. She turned her head after them, almost forgetting about the guard standing right next to her. Some of these birds she has never seen before, some she knew from earlier. But that did not matter, each of them looked amazing with their spread wings and bright colours. The only thing she could think about comparing them to was the countless fireworks she mentioned earlier... Mentioned earlier? To whom? She thought, looking around.

Oh, right. The guard she just spoke to. She smiled at him apologetically:

"Erm, sorry about that. I guess." She said to him.