Yoooo, I just realized that was holding an art contest and I had to do a last-minute entry (or two~). Not only am I a total fool for Startrix, but I haven't participated in an art contest in years. Oddly nostalgic and reminds me of my early days on DA. :'DPrepare for my very awkward attempts at a story dialogue. Oh joy!*~*~*~*~*With the ceremony done and the attendees slowly leaving Twilight's castle, Starlight could breath a small sigh of relief. As happy and touched as she was to have so many praise her for helping reform the Changelings, she was thankful that things were finally going back to normal. She wondered if she would ever be used to this kind of thing..."Need a break from our adoring audience, Star?"Starlight chuckled as the blue mare trotted up to her with a trademark smirk on her face. "Hardy har," she replied, playfully rolling her eyes. "But, yeah. It's been a long day.""Tell me about it! But you can't deny that it feels good, right?" Trixie asked. softly nudging Starlight as she sat down beside her. "We're officially heroes, medal and all. Now I see why Twilight and her friends go out of their way so much.""Yeah! It feels really good. Especially... uh... you know. Considering all of our pasts," Starlight mumbled timidly. To her relief, Trixie nodded in agreement and understanding. That was the one of the greatest (hehe) things about her best friend: she could say as little as she wanted and Trixie would still get her."While I agree, I don't want you getting all mopey. This is a happy day. HAPPY." Trixie laughed and Starlight couldn't help but join in. They then sat in companionable silence for a few moments before Trixie turned back to her. "You know, I didn't expect Twilight to graduate you tonight.""Exactly! I was really shocked," Starlight replied, nodding. "As happy as I am, I don't think I'm quite ready to branch out on my own yet. Do you think I made the right call...?""Yes. If you aren't ready for that step, that's fine! But, you know... if you ever did want to 'leave the nest', the Great and Powerful Trixie would be more than happy to have you travel Equestria with her," Trixie admitted, giving Starlight a wink. "We still could, you know. No one's around to stop us."Starlight turned to Trixie, half-expecting to be met with a laugh and a "gotcha!". But all she saw was sincerity and even a bit of longing. For a fleeting moment, Starlight imagined packing a bag and running away together. Her cheeks heated up and she started to laugh, a nervous giggle that she prayed didn't make her sound like an idiot."Hey! That was serious, you know!" Trixie snapped, slightly hurt."No, no, I know you are. I'm sorry," Starlight quickly replied, still smiling. "That's a very tempting offer, Trix. But we both know poor Twilight would likely have a heart attack. So tell you what: give me more time, and I'll definitely take you up on your offer in the future. I'd love to travel with you," Starlight admitted, feeling the still-new sensation of butterflies in her stomach.Trixie beamed. "I'm holding you to that. As my great and powerful assistance.""It's a promise."*~*~*~*~*