It was a cool summer evening; the sun was going down and the birds had long since stopped their songs, however music still carried faintly through the wind. All around me, I saw the citizens of Canterlot bustling around the city streets delighting in each other’s company as they went on their way towards whatever destination they were going. I let out a content sigh as I closed my eyes and began to focus once again on the orchestra playing in the large structure behind me.
Popular to contrary belief the highlight of Canterlot was not its large structures, exotic plants, nor the castle itself, but the Canterlot Concert Hall; home of the Canterlot Symphony. I had been stationed to guard there almost two years ago, guarding the area around the main entrance watching the area outside while listening to the faint music coming from the inside. It was funny, no matter how often I heard the same set of songs, they almost seemed to maintain my interest and seem almost more exciting than the last time I had heard them.
I rolled my neck several times popping the joints as the gold helmet atop my head rubbed against my silver fur. Although my shift at the hall had ended over three hours ago, I had taken the shift of the next guard that came to relieve me as I often did on nights like this; I enjoyed the music too much to just leave. My hooves were aching of course but that was to be expected after an eight hour shift of just standing in the same place for so long.
In truth I could have given up my post long ago, allowing myself to be promoted from a lowly corporal rank to something respectable; but after four years of guarding the same spot, I grew attached to it, mainly the music that could be heard from the inside.
Letting out a heavy sigh I began humming along to the soft tune coming from inside to pass the time, several onlookers smiled to me as they passed upon hearing me. Like me they enjoyed the music too which was one of the reasons the square was so popular, although the food and shopping assisted in that aspect as well. It wasn’t always classical though, it seemed like not too long ago a famous band passed through here creating quite the bustle of the younger mares, and other adoring fans alike around the square. I didn’t mind though, everyone had their own taste in music, I just preferred classical.
“Hey Edge!” a voice called from behind making me turn to see another guard slowly approaching. “I’ve been sent to relieve you. Captains orders.”
I looked to the clock in the center of the square, it was late, about an hour away from midnight, the performance would be getting out soon and the next guard wouldn’t be scheduled to arrive until morning. I loved the music, but I didn’t love it so much as to lose sleep over it.
“Alright, I’ll leave you to it then.” I stated as I took off of the ground, soaring into the night air using my strong silver colored wings heading for the station to drop off my armor for the night, my wings aching from being unused as I flew through the air flapping once or twice to maintain my height.
A good half hour of flying later I reached the barracks; an old building located just south of the Canterlot Castle, dim torches hung from either side of the door proving one with enough light to just make out the building from a distance. Inside I could hear several guards laughing amongst themselves.
“Must be their time off.” I mused to myself as I landed just in front of the door, wasting no time to enter, the voices now a whole lot clearer and easier to understand.
“And so I said to him, damn it man I’m a guard not a doctor.” A thunderous voice said over the laughing guards surrounding it earning a hearty laugh from everyone listening. “Ah Straight Edge.” His voice called. “Come. Enjoy a fine tank of mead and unwind, you look exhausted.”
I chuckled to myself ignoring his remark as I removed my helmet from my head, placing it in its usual place among my fellow guard’s ponies. I rolled my shoulders popping the joints in my neck as the golden armor fell from my back.
Suddenly a hoof fell over my neck pulling me away from the corner into the hulking figure of my superior. “Straight Edge, how are you my boy?” a half full tankard of mead was in his shaking hoof; like always after his shift, he was drunk.
“I’m doing well commander.” I replied escaping from his grasp and returning to my locker. “I see you’re off duty.”
“Aye that I am.” He laughed. “How was your shift?”
“You know, the usual.” I replied
“Exiting as always I’m sure.” He laughed again taking a large drink from his mug, the liquid spilling from the sides of his mouth and onto the wooden floor. “Enjoying the music as always?”
“It’s my escape.” I stated as I went for the door. “I don’t really expect you to understand…no offense.”
“None taken my boy.” He stated.
“Why don’t you stay awhile Edge, you never drink with us. Makes me think you hate us or something.”
“That’s because I don’t drink, and besides, you’re blatantly honest when you’re drunk.”
“Well that’s too bad Edge. I just got an order from commander Shining Armor requesting an extra escort for the princess within the next week.” He walked towards me. “She’ll be attending the Canterlot Concert Hall for the symphony that’s playing there. I was going to ask if you wanted to go…but if you’re not interested…”
“Wait a second, the Princess, as in Princess Celestia is going to be attending a concert there?” I asked in disbelief.
“I thought it would give you a chance to actually see the concert for once instead of just hearing it.” He stated. “Are you interested?”
“YES!” I said immediately forgetting my place. “I mean…yes, yes sir I would be interested.”
“And I’m the drunk one.” He chuckled. “Very well, make ready to report to the hall when called upon. Until then, go home and relax, you’ve earned as much.”
“Thank you sir.” I said still unable to believe what I had just heard, my heart racing with excitement, this would be the first time I had seen the inside of the concert hall, to actually hear the music like it was supposed to be heard.
I made my way home that night to my single room apartment on the other side of down. While it was on the edge of the slums of Canterlot it was anything but unlivable. Since I didn’t spend much time there the space was ideal for a single stallion to live comfortably, not that I enjoyed being single, in fact one of the other reasons I stayed out so often on guard duty was to avoid returning to the lonely apartment, at least while guarding I had the opportunity to be somewhat social, even if it was in uniform.
Here in the apartment all I had was a dusty old piano my late father gave me, it was the only enjoyment I got from the old place. Granted I barely knew how to play it and whenever I did the owner of the complex came and complained about the noise saying “No pony needs to hear that ruckus, nor do they want to.”
Sitting down on the red velvet cushion I played a simple scale glancing every so often towards the door expecting the owner to walk in any minute. When she didn’t I began playing something else plucking at the notes, missing a few but playing all the same eventually losing myself in the song.
Suddenly a loud banging sound came from the door followed by the shriveled old voice of a certain old mare. “Edge what have I told you about playing that thing!”
“Sorry Ms. Green!” I yelled back listening as I heard her walk away into her room. “You soulless witch.” I added closing the lid.
“So much for that idea.” I stated walking over to my bed and plopping down on the mattress and burying my face in the pillow ignoring the light that was still on in the room. I turned my head to look at the nightstand beside me where the familiar picture of my mother, father and sister sat.
I smiled picking up the picture and bringing it close to my face looking at my mother and her smiling face, my father and his small grin as he held my mother with one of his powerful wings, my sister and me mere fillies among them.
Putting the picture back on the stand I reached up and flipped off the light closing my eyes and letting out a content sigh as my mind began to relax and sleep slowly claimed my thoughts.
My life wasn’t a hard one, it wasn’t complex; but it was mine, and I wouldn’t trade anything in all of Equestria for anything else.
“Edge, Edge wake up honey!” my mother’s calm voice said as her hooves lightly shook my back.
I groaned for a moment as I turned away from her pulling the blue sheets over my body in hopes to make my mother go away.
I heard her giggle slightly before she leaned down and pecked my forehead. “Five more minutes, you don’t want to be late for your first day of school do you?”
I groaned again turning over to face her with the saddest puppy dog eyes I could muster. “Do I have to go?” I pleaded.
“Yes honey, you don’t want to grow up stupid.” She replied with a smile.
“Dang Moms and their ability to resist the face.” I mumbled getting up out of bed and heading towards the bathroom. My mother merely smiled again as she made her way to the kitchen to prepare her morning coffee.
My mother was an angel of a mare, hence her name; Angel Wing, she could have easily been mistaken as one that was for sure, her pearly white fur and golden eyes made her stand out in a crowd. Not to mention her disposition and patience was that of a saint, rivaling even my fathers. She was a stay at home mom back then, leaving my dad to cover the expenses while she raised me herself. My dad didn’t mind though, his job as a sergeant in Celestias army kept him close to home and I got the chance to see him almost daily.
As I stepped out in the kitchen I heard her humming softly to herself as I saw her almost caress her stomach with one of her wings.
“Mom, do you have a stomach ache?” I asked walking up to her full of concern.
Her humming ceased as she turned to me, her trademark of a smile on her face.
“I’m fine Edge. In fact I couldn’t be doing better.” She replied extending a wing and pulling me close against her. I nuzzled her back with my head burying myself in her white coat.
“Edge, what are your thoughts on having a sibling?” she asked suddenly.
“Sibling?” I questioned the unknown word.
“A little brother or sister.” She giggled.
My eyes went wide with surprise. “Am I getting one?” I asked unable to hide the smile on my face.
My mother merely nodded. I jumped with excitement. “Can I have a brother? I always wanted one of those!” I said raising my voice, demanding for answers.
“We’ll see Edge; I’m un-able to control that sort of thing.”
A sudden sound came from the front door forcing me to turn my gaze towards the entrance immediately seeing the towering grey behemoth unicorn that was my father standing in the doorway. His mint green eyes met mine, and then my mother’s seeing the smile on both our faces.
“I take it you told him?” he asked.
“Sorry honey, you know Edge and his curiosity.” My mother said walking over and kissing my father.
“No worries, its better he found out now and not when you’re further along.” He replied hugging her close to him as he removed his golden helmet from his head, letting his mane spill out.
Releasing my mother he walked over to me and leaned down to meet me at eye level.
“Now Edge.” He started. “I want you to promise me one thing.”
“Sure Dad, anything.”
“No matter if it’s a filly or a colt, you watch out for it ok? Be the older brother I know you can be.”
I nodded.
“Just one thing Dad… Where do babies come from?”
I never knew a building could leave me breathless, unable to put anything about it into words. I always knew the outside of the concert hall was breathtaking but the inside of it just made me want to cry. Had I not been guarding the princess I could have easily wandered off, but while on the clock, my duty was to her, and not to the beauty of the building.
I had never had the opportunity to guard the princess, true I had seen her once or twice whilst flying over the castle it was nothing like meeting her in person, and while it was forbidden to speak to her while on duty, just hearing her speak to other ponies in the lobby was more than enough for me. It was around half an hour before the show would start, during that time, the princess would find a place in the lobby and socialize with all of the attendees of the show about who knows what. To me it didn’t matter, as long as she was out of harm’s way, all was good.
I stared up briefly at the ceiling again, taking note of the marble Pegasai that stood just shy of the ceiling, marveling at the craftsmanship and the detail of their wings alone. I was so captivated I barely noticed the large white figure of the princess walking over and stopping just in front of me. Snapping to attention, I puffed out my chest and help my head high, my eyes staring at the crowd before me.
I heard a giggle come from the princess. “Enjoying the scenery?” she asked.
“Forgive me Princess, it won’t happen again.” I stated.
“Relax, I can understand you admiring the architecture, it is your first time after all.” She stated. “What is your name?”
“Straight Edge your highness.”
“Well Straight Edge, as someone who can truly appreciate the splendor of this building and all its features, would you accompany me to my seat?”
“Ma’am.” I said with a nod trying as hard as I could to hide my excitement.
Celestia let out a little giggle as she turned around and began making her way up the large red carpeted staircase that led to the many levels of the concert hall, heading to the very top.
We had passed several other groups of guards who would merely salute as they saw their princess pass, some would give me a look of hate, others confusion as if to say “what was I doing with her.” I merely ignored them; I knew that once the stallions back at the barracks heard about this, I would never hear the end of it.
Stepping through a final curtain, the two of us found ourselves in a small space just above the right side of the stage which was currently occupied by many members of the orchestra setting up their instruments.
“Have you ever seen such a magnificent stage?” Celestia asked.
Curiously I allowed myself to look down at the many details of the stage alone, just for a moment or two of course. From what I could see I noticed many small details on either side, such as a statue of Celestia and her sister placed on either side hanging from the walls. Everywhere I would look there would be something new to catch my eye, be it a painting, or a chandelier, it was all so fascinating.
Quickly remembering just what my job was I snapped back to attention beside Celestia looking straight ahead towards the private boxes on the other side. I must have been quite the joke to the princess, as I heard another giggle come from her.
“It’s ok to look around Straight Edge. Your commanding officer has told me why you continue to guard this building even after all these years.” She said.
“Wait she knew about that? No, I’m sure the commander told her.”
“A lot of guards have noticed your continued presence here at the hall; even I have remembered your face standing in the same post for quite a few years now. May I ask why?”
I remained silent looking straight ahead.
“I’m supposed to be guarding you, not talking with you.”
“I understand protocol Straight Edge, but please, it’s just a simple question.”
“Wait, can she read minds!?”
“No I cannot read minds Straight Edge, but I can read eyes, and yours are looking quite flustered. Now please, I just want to know why a more than capable pony refuses to move up in rank and make a better life for himself.”
I let out a sigh letting my shoulders relax. If I was going to get in trouble, it might as well be telling the truth instead of ignoring the princess completely.
“I enjoy the music.” I replied.
“So that’s why you’re staying, to hear the music?”
I nodded. “I guess I can’t think of anywhere else I’d like to be than at the hall. If I move up, I would have the bits to go to the concerts, but never the time to actually go.” My eyes fell to the floor in front of me as I let out a small sigh. “I wasn’t aware my current post was causing such an uproar at the castle.”
“It wasn’t.” Celestia stated making me turn to look at her directly. “Your Commander was very adamant about that detail when he recommended you for this post. He told me himself that you had never gotten the opportunity to hear the music in its entirety, so consider this a gift for your continued contribution.”
I was speechless, my mouth hanging agape, and my eyes wide. It took all my strength to resist the urge to hug her right there.
“Thank you princess.” I managed to cough out earning a small smile from the regal Alicorn.
Suddenly the lights over the seats began to dim as the stage lights intensified; all fell silent, watching in anticipation as they waited for the show to begin. Suddenly a single stallion appeared on stage, dressed in an elegant black suit.
“Good evening everypony, and welcome to the Canterlot Concert Hall.” He stated earning a light applause from the audience. “Long have we pondered at the elegance of music, and how it communicates with us without using words. Tonight I invite all of you to join me as the Canterlot Concert Hall presents it new autumn music selection played by its very own Canterlot Orchestra."
Applause washed over the crowd while the announcer took a solemn bow.
“And now fillies and gentlecolts may I present today’s opening soloist; Octavia, as she presents an old timeless classic I’m sure you all will enjoy.”
Applause came from the crowd once more as the stallion began walking off the stage, only to have another pony walk on the stage lugging a large cello on her back. She was an earth mare, steel gray with a long black mane, slender and well toned. Her cutie mark was a purple treble clef standing brilliantly on her coat. She bowed several times before she looked up to address Princess Celestia with her beautiful purple eyes. Suddenly her eyes turned slightly and met mine which were still starring at her with fascination.
Her gaze immediately shifted forward glancing up at me once or twice to see if I was still looking at her; and much to her dismay, I still was.
“Looks like somepony has a crush.” Princess Celestia whispered.
My eyes snapped forward as I now avoided looking at the mare completely.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about Princess.” I stated
She chuckled. “Your words say one thing; your face says something different.”
I sighed out of defeat, I guess I did admire the mare, but I had only just seen her. I didn’t know her formally, nor anything about her, and judging by the look on her face when she caught me starring, whatever chance I had of ever talking to her were now gone.
My eyes fell upon the mare again as she sat upright on a single chair that had been moved center stage, holding the cello upright with a hoof as she prepared to slide the bow across its strings. I saw her take a single intake of air when suddenly her hooves came to life and music began playing from the instrument.
As she continued playing I noticed her head moving with the music, rising and falling with each note as it was played with perfection. Not many played like her, with the feeling and soul she put into her music, letting the world fade away and the only thing left was this moment; her and her music.
I felt my eyes tear up at the music. It was so different to hear it as an audience member on the inside rather than out those doors. Never in all my days had I heard something so beautiful that it literally left me speechless.
“Are you ok Straight Edge?” I heard the princess ask.
I nodded, unable to turn away from the music. “It’s indescribably beautiful.”
The song ended after another few minutes with a roar of applause coming from the audience. Nearly everyone stood up as the mare on stage took her bows. Her eyes looked up one last time at me before she made her way off stage. She looked angry, or perhaps a little annoyed, either way she was in a rather foul mood after she noticed my on looking eyes.
The rest of that day passed in beautiful bliss, the concert had been more than I could have ever dreamed of, and I enjoyed it in the company of the princess no less. I could barely sleep that night I had been so giddy after the concert, Ms. Green ended up having to come once to make sure I wasn’t high on anything illegal, yes; I was that exited.
I returned to my post earlier than normal the morning after the show, showing up even before the sun came up.
I watched as the concert halls maintenance pony unlocked its front doors before he waved at me, greeting me with a nod of his head. I waved back before looking forward towards the square where others were opening their shops and preparing for the day ahead of them. I let out a long sigh as I let my mind wander; since there was a show last night the group wasn’t going to practice until later that evening, so it was going to be another one of those quite day’s.
“Excuse me!” A voice said snapping me to attention.
“Sorry.” I stated starring at the mare before me; an oddly familiar steel gray colored earth pony with a purple treble clef on her flanks, a huge black case on her back. “Can I help you?”
“Yes, you can actually.” She said.
I took note of her refined voice however I still couldn’t shake the feeling that I knew this pony from somewhere. Then it hit me, the case on her back, and the color of her eyes. This was the same earth pony that was playing on stage last night.
“How may I assist you?”
She looked me over. “I was just curious; did you attend the concert last night? I believe I spotted you in the company of the princess.”
“As a matter of fact I was attending that night.” I stated with a bow. “I must say you played fabulously.”
This earned a small blush from the mare and a smile. “Thank you, it’s always nice to hear somepony enjoys my music. Where are my manners, my name is Octavia.”
“Straight Edge.” I said with a small nod.
“Well Straight Edge, perhaps you would be interested in going out for a cup of tea with me later this evening if you aren’t busy.”
“I would be honored.” I stated. “Perhaps after the moon rises when my shift ends.”
“Sounds perfect, if you will wait here for a moment I will get my address written down for you.”
I merely nodded watching her as she went up the stairs and disappeared into the building. It took a moment or two before it hit me like a ton of bricks. “Wait a minute, did I just get asked out on a date?”
