Nothing But Memories - Junicorn 2022

Bright, colorful lights illuminated the city around him, with numerous of magical lanterns hanging in the air. Long shadows were cast by the Quirlicorns milling around, moving in groups large and small, from one street to the next. Many of the shops in the city had been decorated with fluorescent gems, glittering pieces of fake gold and silver, a lot of balloons, and shimmering feathers, among other decorations. Many shops had decorations that matched the shop and what was sold by the shop: the pastry shop had several large pieces of fake bread in front, the confectionary had giant lollipops propped up against the storefront, while the bookstore had a few glowing books placed on a pedastal, with a strange, eerie mist rising from the books.  

Resplendence fit right in with the festival, her bright aura and sparkling coat matching the atmosphere of the city perfectly. 

She spun around, and her flowery cape fluttered behind her. Resplendence looked right at Sonnet and Minuet, grinning her bright smile. (A smile that always reminded Sonnet of their grandmother). 

Sonnet didn't want to know how much Resplendence had needled both their grandmother and Psychomyth, or what she had said to convince both adults that going to the Carnival festival was a good idea. Especially for three foals, two of which had never left Candentia alone. 

But he was certainly enjoying the festival, having fun displaying his magic for other Quirlicorns, and chatting with the other foals meandering through the streets. The streets were chaotic, but filled with a certain festive and jovial energy. And Sonnet would never say no to being able to meet new Quirlicorns. 

"Like it?" Resplendence asked them. Her grin shifted slightly, as if she was daring him and Minuet to say no. 

"I love it," Sonnet said truthfully. 

Minuet, on the other hoof, was quieter (but still enthusiastic and entirely truthful) when she replied with a gentle, "I like it."

Sonnet knew his sister didn't enjoy the large parties hosted in the Candentia palace, the way he and Resplendence did. Whereas he loved the parties, and mingling with the Quirlicorns, Minuet tended to look more exhausted by the time conversations began to die down, and the Quirlicorns began to leave. (But it didn't matter, because they both enjoyed the parties. Sonnet from the heart of the gatherings, while Minuet chatted with one or two Quirlicorns near the outskirts.)

Today though, her eyes, while beginning to show the faintest signs of tiredness and exhaustion, still were glittering with joy and excitement. 

Sonnet grinned, "Let's go check out those booths over there!"

"The ones with the cards? Let's go!" 

Minuet nodded as well, and said, "I am curious about that one."

The three of them bounded off through the city streets, their auras blending in with the glowing lights. 

(Later, looking back, Sonnet would reckon the reason why Minuet loved that day so much, was because the three of them got to spend the entire night together, having fun, without the weight of representing Candentia on their backs.)