>You woke up early again, though you were little more tired.
>At first you were concerned the energy you have had was lost.
>But thankfully, it returned again.
>Though you’re not as concerned as you should be about it.
>Things will be fine, it shouldn’t be a problem.
“Just have to make it through today and the next two concerts is all.”
>The first concert is this evening, and you can’t wait.
>So you practice some more, never hurts, right?
“I will be better, though if I do say so myself, I think I’m nearly the best.”
>After all, you got first chair.
>You shift through some songs, but decide to pick one at random.
>Adjusting the violin, you begin.
>As you play, you imagine yourself before an audience.
>A memory flashes before you.
>The talent show where you got your cutiemark.
>Your parents had pushed you to play, and even your friends did.
>When you stepped onto that stage in front of all those ponies.
>So much anxiety, but you played.
>The roar of applause as you finished was unforgettable.
>A flash of light caught your eye, and you saw the mark finally adorning your flank.
>Your attention almost drifts too much, but you manage to focus again.
>Though you finish the song, you play another.
>It’s like you’re possessed, but you don’t care.
>Another finished, and you stop to take a moment.
“Suppose I should start getting ready.”
>Getting up, you grab your dress for this evening.
“It’s lovely, shame I only wear it for concerts.”
>You set it aside for now, along with your violin and bags.
>It hits you that you forgot to send out those letters.
>You breath out a frustrated sigh.
“Alright, then I’ll send them out when I leave to the concert.”
>Looking to the clock you note it’s getting close to leaving.
“Might as well leave early though, I can kill some time with the other members.”

>Your excitement is at an all time high.
>It’s just another concert, but it feels your first all over again.
>A stray thought enters your mind.
>Maybe you should see a doctor about these weird energy spikes you have.
>After the third concert of course, don’t want to potentially stay home.
“It’s probably nothing, but I can never be too safe.”
>The evening brings out many ponies, so you have to get a taxi.
>You hail one and climb in.
>Along the way, you think some more.
>Yesterday you snapped at Friedrich, and the day before, you nearly did.
>It’s not like you hate him, sure he can be stuck up, but he isn’t a bad pony.
>Not too mention buying those bracelets yesterday.
>It’s not like you really needed one.
>Plus Feather was uncomfortable with it.
>Shouldn’t you be a little more concerned?
>The cart stops, pulling you out of your thoughts and you pay the stallion before stepping to the curb.
>Many ponies are entering the building, some of which you recognize.
>Mostly Manehattan elite, but some are your fellow members.
>You join them and enter the venue to the dressing room.
>As you just finish getting into your dress, you see Feather.
>She is wearing a beautiful dress like yourself.
“Hey there, how are you feeling?”
>Feather beams, you can already tell she is ready.
>”Pretty good actually, I think you gave me the confidence I needed.”
>It’s hard to contain your joy from hearing that.
“That’s wonderful, I’m glad to hear that.”
>The two of you make your way to the back stage.
>You see Friedrich, and figure you should talk to him.
“Just one moment Feather, I’ll be right back.”
>She nods and you approach him.
>He is wearing a tuxedo in addition to his bow tie.
“Hello Friedrich, if you have a moment, I’d like to apologize for yesterday.”
>He raises an eyebrow and nods.

>”I do, and I accept your apology. Though you really cannot let things get to you. We have a job as professionals and must learn to keep a level head.”
“Thank you, I’ll try to do better.”
>He smiles and offers you a hoof shake.
>That’s a little surprising, as it’s the first genuine smile you’ve seen from him.
>Of course you shake his hoof, and hopefully this is all water under the bridge.
>You head back to talk to Feather before you all have to take your places.
“Sorry about that. Had to try to apologize.”
>She looks a little confused, but nods.
>”It’s okay, I saw you two were talking intensely yesterday. I’m guessing something was said?”
>More like you overreacted.
“It’s nothing, just a minor problem was all.”
>Several members head off to the stage.
“Show time, I’ll join you in a moment.”
>She nods, and hurries off.
>The others warm up and start to review the music.
>Just remember, you can do this.
>You have done this many times before, and each a success.
>The only difference is you’re the concertmaster.
>You join the others on stage and tune with the orchestra.
>Shortly after, Maestro Quiet enters the stage and bows to the applauding audience.
>She turns and begins the concert.
>Gently you move with the music.
>It’s a wonder how such works were crafted by a lone individual.
>Can’t lose your focus now.
>You shouldn’t have stray thoughts like this.
>The first half finishes, and it’s time for intermission.
>You’re certain that was great, but the second and final half is just as important.
>Some of the members go use the restroom, others talk.
>Like you’re doing now.
“First half done Feather, are you doing alright?”
>She closes her eyes and nods slowly.
>”Yeah. Kinda feel like my heart is gonna burst from my chest.”
>You give her a soft smile, you’ve been there before.

“It’s no different than a small audience, you’ll get used to it.”
>She snorts and quickly her eyes shoot open.
>You can’t help but laugh.
>Her face turns red.
>”I didn’t mean to do that.”
“It’s fine, not like you’re the only who has done that when they’re nervous.”
>”Doesn’t make it any less embarrassing.”
>You give her a reassure pat on the wither.
“Like I said before, we all have been there. Intermission is just about over though, so let’s finish strong.”
>Feather smiles and nods.
>The remaining members take their seats and you all prepare once again.
>Music picks up, and the final half guides you once more.
>Such strong emotions evoke a response.
>If you were in the audience, you’d have no doubt you would be on the edge of your seat.
>The last piece finishes strongly, and you are certain now.
>It is flawless, you knew it would be!
>The roar of applause only further confirms it.
>You all bow, though you’re almost moved to tears of joy.
>All of you move off stage and back to the dressing rooms.
>Along the way you talk with Feather.
“That was fantastic! Don’t you agree?”
>She beams with joy.
>”I couldn’t agree more, I’m so happy to have made it through.”
>Friedrich interrupts you two.
>>”It was quite nice, I agree. However, do remember we have another two shows.”
>You’re a little annoyed, but he is right.
>Feather’s face loses a little color.
“It will be fine, we made it through tonight, we can do it again.”
>Friedrich replies just after you.
>>”Just continue as you are, that is my advice.”
>He enters the stallion’s dressing room, while you two enter the mares.
>Looks like his words got to Feather, she looks worried now.
“Don’t worry about it Feather, you can do this.”
>She shakes her head, and looks at you.
>”Yeah, yeah I can.”
>You nod gently and get out of your dress.

>As you’re putting away your things, you’re starting to feel tired.
>Odd, you haven’t been feeling tired around this time.
>The concert must have taken more out of you.
>It will be fine.
>Feather approaches you with a small smile.
>”I’ll see you tomorrow Connie.”
>You smile back.
“Take care.”
>She heads off and you yawn.
“Guess I’m more tired than I thought.”
>As you reach the streets of Manehattan, you start to trot home.
>However, you’re starting to find yourself more tired.
>So you hail a taxi.
>A cart pulls up and you climb in.
>Your mind wanders randomly.
>It’s hard to focus.
>The ride home feels longer.
>Your eyes close for just a second and suddenly you’re jolted awake.
>The driver is looking back at you.
>”Hey, wake up, we’re here.”
>You shake your head, how’d that happen?
>Doesn’t matter, you pull out some bits and hoof them over.
“Here you go, keep the change.”
>He tips his hat and takes off.
>Trotting up the stairs, you note how heavy you feel.
“I haven’t been getting much sleep.”
>Letting out another yawn, you reach your apartment at last.
>You set your things aside and head to the bedroom.
>Normally you would stay up for a little longer as it’s still early.
“I’ll be fine, just need to get some rest.”
>You get ready for bed and lay down.
>For some reason, you feel a little sad.
>You can’t discern why as you fall asleep.