Chapter 1: Prelude to Romance
Princess Celestia was the most wonderful pony ever. Everypony in Equestria agreed on this. She was kind, humble, wise, and cheerful. Just being around her made a pony feel better about themselves and the world in general. Everypony was indebted to her for the one thousand years she spent bearing the burden of governing this country alone.
Twilight Sparkle, the most recently crowned princess of Equestria, felt especially indebted to the sun monarch for all the ways she vastly improved her life. Celestia had not only made her personal protégé, but also sent her to Ponyville, where she met the five mares she would call her very best friends. At on top of that, Celestia made her a princess, giving Twilight the opportunity to share what she has learned under her mentor’s tutelage with the ponies of Equestria and help make her country, and the world, a better place.
But right now, surrounded by all these hypocritical, selfish, bigoted, two-faced, boastful idiots that dared to call themselves “Canterlot’s elite,” Twilight Sparkle couldn’t help but feel just the tiniest little bit of outrage towards her lovely teacher for thrusting her into this world of arrogant socialites. Everything these ponies said was nice, but that was only because they thought piling on insincere compliments would persuade the fledgling princess to grant them a ridiculous amount of bits to fund their businesses.
Of course, Twilight was more than happy to donate money to a business that actually needed it, but most of the ponies she talked to simply wanted to increase their social standing by earning her favor. And the fact that they thought she was so superficial as to be won over by their sycophantic compliments was insulting!
As Twilight tried desperately to pay attention to…whomever this was begging for her attention now, Princess Luna approached her. “Ivory Tower,” the night princess began, “I do believe my sister is more well-versed in the matters of foreign business deals than her student. If anypony can convince the griffons to let you expand your gold mining into their territory, it’s her. Besides, I need a word with the young princess out in the garden.”
“Of course, your majesty,” the cobalt unicorn said as he gave a deep bow, “Do excuse me.” And with that, he headed off in Princess Celestia’s direction.
“Thank you, Luna,” Twilight said when Ivory Tower was out of earshot, “I couldn’t even remember what he was talking about!”
“I could tell,” Luna replied as she lead Twilight out of the ballroom, “My sister have worn that false smile many times in the past. I know it well.”
“Speaking of smiling,” Twilight groaned as she rubbed her left cheek with her forehoof, “I think my cheeks are going to split in half if I have to keep it up for all these pompous…” but she was cut off my the moon princess.
“Now, Twilight, you should be more patient. The nobles (whether they deserve the title or not) threw this party for you.”
“Only so they kiss up to me.” The younger monarch grumbled dejectedly.
“True,” Luna answered, “But even if they are primarily motived by fame and money, some of their ideas do have some merit. Take Ivory Tower, for instance. While at first his plan to expand his gold mining business beyond Equestria’s borders may seem to be merely a ploy to increase his on wealth, it does have a few benefits. Tell me, how many griffons have you ever seen?”
“Well, two, if memory serves,” Twilight answered.
“Exactly. We are no longer enemies with the griffons, but some grudges can last ages. Any interaction between our nations could improve relations. An increase in gold would benefit both our economies, which could make the Griffon Kingdom very grateful to use and increase trade.”
“I understand that, Luna,” the young alicorn sighed, “I just wish I could have one conversation with somepony here that didn’t involve so much insincere flattery. I’d actually prefer it if somepony just said, ‘I want you to give me money!’ At least that would be honest! I never had to put with this in Ponyville.” Twilight paused at this. She and Luna were in the center of the garden now, the place Fluttershy once dreamed of visiting. As she looked around at all the animals scurrying about, Twilight’s mind drifted back to the yellow pegasus’ home and all the time she spent there just talking, having tea, helping with the animals every now and again. Tears slowly formed in her eyes.
“Twilight,” Luna said softly, nuzzling her companion, “I know this is all very sudden for you, and I understand the pain of separation, but things change. That’s how life is. Things are rough right now, but you’ll adapt to it, I know you will.”
“I know,” Twilight responded, fighting back her tears, “It’s just, I’ve barely seen them at all this month, and this is probably how things are going to be for a while. A few years ago, that wouldn’t have meant anything to me, but now…now they’re all I can think about.” At this point Twilight could fight it back no longer, and cried softly into the elder alicorn’s neck.
After a few minutes, Twilight pulled away and dried her eyes with her hoof. “Sorry about that. That’s been building up for a while.”
“No need to apologize, Twilight. I know a few things about separation anxiety myself.” Luna consoled her, “Now come, I do believe that the band is about to play their final song.”
And sure enough, Twilight could hear the band warming up to play the last song of the night. The two princesses arrived back in the ballroom just in time to hear the conductor say, “And now, if you will all please gather around, we would like to close tonight’s festivities with our rendition of the first movement of César Foutanké’s ‘Symphony in D Minor.’” Twilight’s ears perked up at this. This was one of favorite pieces of classical music! She could remember several afternoons and evenings back in her school days when she’d relax and put one of Foutanké’s records on. And to say that the band wasn’t preforming it perfectly would be a gross exaggeration. But this was to be expected. The musicians were all the highest seated members of their respective sections in the Canterlot Philharmonic Orchestra.
Now that Twilight was watching the band more intently, she noticed something, or rather somepony that she hadn’t before. ‘How did I not notice her?’ The lavender mare thought incredulously. ‘Has he been here the entire night? Pony feathers! I could’ve gotten an autograph!’ There were three strings performing in the band that night: a violinist, a bassist, and the mare Twilight currently had her sights her on: their cellist, Octavia Melody.
Octavia had risen to fame shortly before Twilight moved to Ponyville. She came from a long line of musicians and her family was one of the few earth pony families that were not only members of the upper class but also were nobility, as her father was a member of the royal court. But it wasn’t her family’s status that had propelled her; it was her outrageous talent. Octavia first gained recognition when she performed at a local talent show when she was 19. She had wowed the judges with her rendition of Friesian Chopin’s “Cello Sonata in G Minor.” After that, she got an audition with the orchestra and became the youngest pony in history to join.
And now, here she was, less than fifty feet away. As the band went on, Twilight focused more and more on the gray mare to point where she could no longer hear the other instruments. The first movement of the symphony lasted nearly twenty minutes, but to Twilight it seemed to pass by in an instant. In the blink of an eye, Octavia and her band mates were all taking their bows.
Ivory Tower then took the stage and pronounced, “My partners and I would like to thank everypony for coming tonight, and we would especially like to extend a hardy congratulations to our newest princess – Twilight Sparkle!” At that, the other nobles began to stomp their hooves in applause. “Princess,” the tycoon continued, “we do hope you enjoyed your evening, and we all wish you a wonderful reign!” Everypony turned toward Twilight as they continued to applaud, so Twilight just put on her best smile and waved her right hoof casually.
“Thank you all so much!” she said as sincerely as she could manage. ‘And thank heaven this night is almost over!’
______
Octavia was trotting slowly across the courtyard, her cello slung across her shoulders, towards the taxi carriage that would take her and her fellow performers back to their apartments, when suddenly a voice calling from the sky stopped her in her tracks.
“Miss Melody, wait a moment!” Turning around and shifting her gaze upward, Octavia spotted one of Princess Luna’s night guards flying towards her. “Princess Twilight has asked me to inform you that if you could spare a moment, she would love the opportunity to speak with you.” The thestral said as he landed.
“Oh!” Octavia replied somewhat surprised, “Well, I’d love to, really, but I the carriage won’t wait for very long and…”
“The princess would also like it to be made known that she will arrange for a private carriage to take you home if you wish.” He added.
“…Well, never mind then.” The musician replied. She was looking forward to turning in early for the night, but she knew her parents would never let her hear the end of it if she passed up a chance to win the favor of a princess, especially since her excuse was just shot down. The guard led her back into the castle and into the royal library. Once inside, Octavia saw purple princess seated at a table to her immediate right. The cellist wasn’t entirely sure what to make of her situation now. To be quite frank, she was… confused. Not by the fact that a princess wanted to talk to her, though that had certainly caught off guard, but more by said princess’s expression.
Princess Twilight was staring at her wide-eyed, much like a child would upon seeing a shiny new toy on display in a store window. Her wings were spread wide in excitement and she bore a grin that threatened to swallow her face. It was actually kind of disturbing, really. Not to mention unprofessional. “Um, hello princess. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure’s all mine, Miss Melody! I’m a big fan! Please, sit down!” the young princess said excitedly.
Octavia was a bit taken aback at being called “Miss Melody” by someone who must’ve been younger than herself, princess or not. “You may simply call me ‘Octavia,’ Princess Twilight. I’ve never much liked being called ‘miss.’” She said as she propped her cello against the table.
“And while we’re alone,” Twilight answered, “you can just call me ‘Twilight'.”
“Oh, no. I couldn’t! It wouldn’t be…”
“Proper, I know.” Twilight finished for her. “Normally I’m something of a stickler myself, but to be honest, I’m still getting used to being treated like royalty. Besides, it’s just the two of us right now. I won’t tell if you won’t!” She said with a giggle.
Octavia couldn’t help but giggle herself. Now that the initial shock had worn off, she found herself surprisingly relaxed. She had heard that Twilight Sparkle came from a very well respected family. They were not nobles, but most of the men in her family, and more than a few of the women, had served the government in some capacity for generations. And yet the princess before her was so normal. She was absolutely nothing like any other pony from Canterlot she had ever met. It was quite refreshing, actually.
“So, was there something I can do you, er, Twilight?” Octavia asked.
“Well, I know this will sound kind of silly,” Twilight began, “but I was wondering…”
“Let me guess,” Octavia ventured, “Would you like an autograph?”
“Oh, that’d be great! I mean, no! Well, yes, actually, but night right now!” the young princess sputtered out, causing Octavia to smirk involuntarily at her fangirlish behavior. “What I mean to say,” she managed, “is that I spend most of my time these days either studying magic or history all day with Princess Celestia, or sitting in court discussing bills and whatnot. I’ve been looking to find a new hobby to help me relax. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind being my cello tutor.”
Octavia’s eyes were as wide as dinner plates. “M-m-me? Tutor a p-p-p-princess?” she stuttered.
“Of course!” Twilight answered, “I’ve been meaning to learn ever since I first heard you play, but I never made the time. If you’d like to…”
“Like to?” Octavia exclaimed, “I’d love to!”
“Wonderful!” Twilight said as she clapped her forelegs. “Come by tomorrow morning at nine. We can compare schedules and work something out!”
And with that, the two mares shook hooves, and Octavia grabbed her cello and trotted excitedly to the private carriage waiting for her outside.
Author's Note
Well, this one is only three weeks later than i said it'd be. i really need to stop setting such short deadlines for myself. anyway, expect this story to update slowly. this is my first shipfic, so i'm in uncharted territory here. please be patient and keep your criticisms constructive. thank you and enjoy!
Chapter 2 - Bittersweet Memories
The afternoon sun hung high over Ponyville as a white unicorn toiled away in her boutique, desperately working to complete her latest orders on time. A low rumbling caught Rarity’s ear even as she pushed a length of red cloth through her sewing machine. She turned off the machine and listened carefully, trying to pinpoint the source of the disturbance. When the rumbling sound came again, Rarity realized it was coming from her own stomach. Glancing at the clock on the wall to her left, she saw the time was four after one in the afternon.
“Oh, pony feathers!” she cried irritably. Rarity just realized that she was over an hour late for her lunch date with Applejack. No sooner had realized this then she heard a knock at her door. Rushing, she flung open the door with her magic. “Sorry but I’m taking a late lunch break and…”
“Well, why d’you think Ah’m here?” Applejack interrupted her. “Ah figured you got all caught up in yer work, so Ah just got lunch to go!” The farm pony turned to her right to reveal a saddlebag stuffed with sandwiches, potato chips, and bottled water. “Mind if Ah come in?”
“Not at all, darling,” a pleasantly surprised Rarity replied, motioning for her friend to enter. “I’m dreadfully sorry about making you wait. I’m afraid I was caught up in my work. I have three dresses due next week, but I’ve made such appallingly little progress on them! It’s as though the muse of fashion has abandoned me.”
“Who’re they for?” asked Applejack as they entered the kitchen.
“Well,” Rarity began, opening Applejack’s saddlebags and levitating their meal onto the table, “they’re bridesmaid dresses for the…the, uh…um…”
“The…?”
“I…forgot.” Rarity admitted.
“You what?!?” Applejack cried, “You mean to tell me you’ve spent the past three days workin’ your hooves to the bone and you don’t even remember who yer doin’ this for?”
“It’s not as bad as it sounds! I have a set notebooks I use to write down client information. I’ll just have to go through them and I’ll find the names soon enough.”
“Are you alright, Rarity?” Applejack asked, unwrapping her daisy sandwich, “You’ve never just up and forgot one of yer clients before. Is something botherin’ you?”
Rarity swallowed the bite of sandwich she had been chewing and sighed. “I don’t know what’s going on, Applejack. I’ve just felt so…unenthusiastic about my job lately. I just don’t have much energy these days. Every time I start on a project, I lose my momentum almost as soon as I begin. Like I said, it’s as though my muse has abandoned me.”
“Well, when did this start? Maybe if we backtrack a bit, we can find out what happened.”
“I suppose...” Rarity responded thoughtfully, “Well, I first noticed this little dilemma two weeks ago. I had just received an order from Sapphire Shores for a diamond-studded gown. Her regular seamstress was sick, so she sent the plans for the dress over to me. Even though I had a clear set of instructions to go by, I felt, well, very much like I’m feeling now.”
“Unenthusiastic?”
“Precisely. I finished the job on time, but I didn’t feel any satisfaction upon completing it, nor did I feel nearly as excited as I thought I would when Sapphire sent me the commission. And I’ve felt that way about every job since,” the unicorn concluded.
“Hmm…Not much has happened in the last couple’a weeks, ‘cept our trip to Canterlot.”
“Oh, wasn’t that just wonderful?” Rarity asked excitedly. “Remember Twilight took us to that improv comedy show? I nearly choked to death I was laughing so hard! Ooo, and she looked so stunning after that visit to the spa! I’ve always told her she should pamper herself more. And at the restaurant when she got ice cream on her nose…”
As the made their way through their sandwiches, Rarity talked on and on about all the details of their excursion. “It was great visitin’ Twilight again, wasn’t it?” Applejack asked after Rarity had finished.
“Yes, indeed it was, Applejack,” Rarity sighed with a blissful expression on her face. “Things just haven’t been the same around here since she’s been gone.”
“Yeah, the ol’ library just don’t look right without her in it.” Applejack said as she swallowed the last of her sandwich. “Well, Ah hate to leave so soon, but Ah really need to hurry back to the farm. Me and Big Mac got a lot of plantin’ to do this afternoon, and Ah told him Ah’d be back half an hour ago.”
“Well, don’t let me keep you, darling,” Rarity responded, “and again, I am so sorry about making you wait like that. I didn’t mean to get so distracted.”
“Well, do yourself a favor, Rarity, and take the rest of the day off.”
“I can’t possibly do that!” the fashionista cried in horror, “I’m already behind schedule and I have three orders to complete after this! There’s no way – ”
“There’s no way can finish if you pass out from exhaustion first!” Applejack interrupted firmly. “Ah wasn’t gonna say anything, but you look dead beat sugar cube. Yer not gonna do a very good job if you force yourself to work while yer this strung out, trust me. Get some rest and pick it back up tomorrow.”
“Yes, I suppose you’re right.” Rarity relented. “Thank you, darling. And thanks for lunch, as well.”
“My pleasure.” Applejack said as she pushed open the front door. “Now get some rest. You really need it.”
‘Poor thing,’ thought Applejack as she started back to the apple orchard. ‘She must really miss Twi. Heck, if Ah didn’t know any better, Ah’d say...nah, that’s just silly. Rarity don’t swing that way. Anyhow, Ah hope a good night’s sleep is all she needs to get her spirits back up. Ah don’t know how cheer her up otherwise without bringing Twilight here.’
______
Octavia couldn’t recall ever feeling this excited. If she sat down and thought about it, she could come up with a plethora of memories that could match the greatness of the events that have occurred over the past 24 hours, but ‘Dear, sweet, Celestia I’m going to tutor a princess! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh!’ was all she could think of at the moment.
The taxi carriage she had been riding in stopped in front of her family’s estate. She paid the cabbie and rang the bell at the locked gates. “Yes?” came a familiar voice.
“Hello, Etiquette,” Octavia responded. “It’s me. Might I come in?”
“But of course, Miss Octavia!” answered Proper Etiquette. “A pleasure to have you back!”
The bronze gates swung inwards and the cellist marched up the cobblestones to the front porch. The pristine white doors opened just as she climbed the steps and a middle aged pegasus stallion with dark green fur and a sky blue mane greeted her. “Good afternoon, Miss Octavia. It is so good to see you again.”
“It’s good to see you, as well, Etiquette. Are mother and father home?”
“Indeed, ma’am. They’re on the back porch. Right this way.” The pegasus motioned her inside and shut the door. “So, to what do we owe the pleasure?”
“You’ll just have to wait a few more minutes, Etiquette,” Octavia teased. “I have the most wonderful news!”
“Oh, are we keeping secrets now?” the older pony prodded, his grey eyes widening slightly. “Could it be that some dashing stallion has finally secured the fair lady’s heart?”
“Oh, Etiquette, don’t be so cliché,” the young mare replied. “It’s not nearly that simple.”
The older pony simply smirked. “Love is never simple, my lady. I hope that you have the pleasure of finding that out for yourself one day.”
“Well, thank you, my friend. But for now, let’s stick to the topic at hoof.” As she said this, the two ponies arrived at the back door. Octavia’s parents were to her left, lying on their lounge chairs under the back porch canopy.
To her immediate left was her mother, Golden Melody. Formerly Golden Shimmer, she was heiress to Shimmer Minerals, the third largest precious mineral mining corporation in Equestria. Golden Melody was currently the only unicorn in the Melody family. She possessed a rich yellow coat and a curly magenta mane. Her Cutie Mark, an overflowing bag of bits lying on its side, indicated her natural talent for making money; something she shared with the rest of her family. If there was a way to make a profit off of something, then a Shimmer could find it.
Brioso Melody lay to the left of his wife. The muscular brown stallion had long legs that were perfect for working the slide of his trombone. For seventeen years Brioso played for the Canterlot Philharmonic Orchestra just as many of his ancestors had and just as his daughter does now. After the death of his father, Brioso retired from the orchestra and took his place in the royal court, a position he has held for eight years now.
“Good afternoon, sweetie,” the lord greeted his daughter. “What brings you here today?”
“I actually just got back from the palace,” Octavia answered, “I have some great news for the two of you!”
“Is this about Ivory Tower’s mining project?” Golden Melody asked with obvious disdain, “Ooo, please tell me that greedy snake’s proposition got rejected! Oh, no, wait! Did they change it so that all mining companies can start mining overseas? Oh, it would burn him so badly if the Shimmers made their claim first!”
“No, mother,” Octavia sighed, “But it does concern the party last night.”
“Oh, don’t tell me you went to one Ivory’s parties?” Brioso asked. “I keep telling you, dearie, he is nothing but a conniving, silver-tongued opportunist! I hope you at least you didn’t speak to him.”
With great restraint, Octavia managed not to facefoof herself. “Father, I was invited to play with some of the other band members. I told you both about this two weeks ago!”
“Oh, yes!” her father recalled, “That thinly-veiled attempt to hob-nob with our newest princess! The blighter didn’t even send us an invitation!”
“How did Princess Twilight enjoy the music, my lady?” Proper Etiquette inquired suddenly.
The grey cellist cast him an appreciative glance and answered, “She loved our performance actually! Which brings me to the reason I’m here.”
“Oh?” her parents said in unison, their interest piqued.
“Indeed,” she answered, trying her best not to appear smug. “Princess Twilight pulled me aside after the festivities to ask me to be her personal cello tutor! And I agreed!”
At this, her parents leaped from their seats and pulled their daughter into a tight embrace. “My dear, this fabulous!” Shouted Brioso. “Etiquette, go fetch a bottle of wine! Something red, preferably.”
“My lord, it’s thirteen past one in the afternoon,” the butler answered with noticeable annoyance.
“I know bloody well what time it is!” Brioso barked. “Just go fetch a bottle! And be quick about it!”
“Very well, sir,” Proper Etiquette replied defeatedly.
“Octavia, darling this is just too perfect!” Golden Melody said excitedly, “Think of what this could do for your career!”
“I already have a very successful career, mother,” Octavia replied, “That’s how the princess knew who I was in the first place.”
“Oh, I know dear, but think of what this could mean. You’d be the envy of every musician in Canterlot! No! In all of Equestria! Just think of the increased record sales, the increased requests for private showings, the increased…everything!”
“She’s right, Octavia.” added Brioso as he released his embrace. “This the best possible thing that could’ve happened to your career. Don’t take this so lightly.”
Before Octavia could respond, Proper Etiquette returned. “Your wine, everypony.”
‘Oh, good, I could use some,’ thought the now very irritated musician.
As he picked up his glass, her father stated, “You know, Goldy, we should spread the word to the other nobles as soon as possible. We should organize a garden party and invite as many ponies as we can.”
“A splendid idea, love,” his wife replied. “And we should invite Ivory Tower as well. That way we can thank him for making this possible in person!” The two chuckled at this while Etiquette cast a sympathetic glance towards their daughter.
‘Not so much as a “congratulations".’ Octavia thought bitterly, taking a long draw from her glass.
Author's Note
Wow, I spent more time editing this than I have on all other chapters I have ever written put together...and I just realized how sad that is. At any rate, special thanks goes to HoneyMead for providing a tremendous amount of help with this chapter. The first draft was childish compared to this. Anyway, thanks for reading and I hope you all stick with me 'till the end!
And just a reminder - if there's anything wrong with this chapter, it's HoneyMead's fault for not catching it.
