Octavia's Melodyby Isaac The RedChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 1The Gala was winding down. As it always was, it had been a glorious evening. The food had been great, the entertainment spectacular, and the music just right. Now however the night was over, Celestia had lowered the sun and Luna had raised the moon, but that had been hours ago. The closing ceremony had concluded and it was time for one last song. Octavia Melody, a gray mare with ink black hair and light purple eyes, was to play this last piece of music. The stage was being readied by a handful of stage hooves, some cleaning, others moving props out of the way, and a brown unicorn colt who carefully brought her Cello to center stage in preparation for her performance. The colt let the Mahogany Cello rest on it's stand with it's bow hanging from a simple hook on the side of the stand. A lonely sight without the mare who so lovingly played it. Watching all this while a pair of well groomed blue and pink mares fussed with her mane and tail, adjusting her collar and pink bow tie, the other busied herself with brushing out any matted areas along her coat. This was the ending piece of music to close out the gala for the year and Octavia needed to look perfect for this. Just playing at the gala several years in a row as a consistent member of the band playing in the dining hall and ballroom had been a dream come true for the young Cellist, but being the mare to close the whole celebration with one final piece of music. That was far more than she could have possibly hoped for. A true honor for any musician. A quiet filled the whole hall as the lights began to dim and the single mare trotted out on stage, her mane glimmering in the low lighting. A soft spotlight shifted into place over her. Octavia gave a bow first before taking the Cello's bow in her mouth and rearing up on her hind legs with one fore hoof around the neck of her instrument. Passing the bow to her other leg and beginning the subtle balancing act where her own weight and that of the Cello were to counterbalance each other, allowing her to stand and play. Pulling it close as if in the starting steps of a romantic dance. With the bow cradled in the crook of her leg behind her hoof in a simple, and almost natural animation second nature to her, drew the bow across the strings as her eyes closed. The beginning of a beautiful dance between her and the cello, eyes never opening, there was no need. She knew each string, and each movement needed to bring fourth the wonderful sounds that kept the audience in rapturous silence, some swaying lightly with the slow melodic notes. Tempo slowly rising as the apex of the song was approached. As suddenly as the tempo rose, it now descended, bringing back the soft deep sounds that filled the hall. And as the final notes rang out over the audience her eyes finally reopened taking in the joyous faces of all before her. All eyes followed her as she stepped down from the dance allowing her instrument to rest against it's stand once more. Replacing the bow on its hook. Dipping her head in a deep bow, her voice soft as the final notes of her song, smiling she said “Thank you all for allowing me to play for you.” What had until then been a quiet hall erupted in enthusiastic applause. Octavia allowed herself a final bow before the curtain closed, separating her from the crowd. She could still hear the applause as she made her way off stage. This night was the kind of night to make one wonder if there was much more one could do to top such an occasion. An immense accomplishment, shared by a handful of musicians across Equestria, and now shared by her as well. As far as important event performances were concerned this truly seemed to be the highest she dare think of. For now however, this had been the most important performance of her life. Approaching her dressing room a note could be spotted hanging from the handle of the door. It was a simple note, a record and a few musical notes scattered about its surface. Octavia's smile was small, similar notes would of course be waiting for her after solo performances, though this was the first to have ever just been left hanging from her dressing room door handle. Picking it up as she pushed open the door and entered the room, the open Cello case resting on the table mid room was filled with various notes and gifts. The usual bottle of Wine, a few small boxes of assorted chocolates and candies, and of course flowers. Always there were flowers, this time orchid's arranged nicely in a vase. Of the letters some would of course contain offers for solo performance contracts, participation in bands, and larger orchestras, and even private in house entertainment gigs. The note that had been hanging on the door handle was far simpler, there was only a short message in it. “Cafe' Symphony, Tomorrow, 3:00pm. I'd like to talk with you.” Octavia read the note one last time before tucking it away into her saddlebag. Standing outside the mentioned musical themed cafe, she actually was a fan of this particular cafe. It played classical music, the selection of teas was fabulous, and the decor of the whole establishment really made you feel relaxed. Dimmed lighting keeping things cozy, tinted windows to shade patrons from even the brightest of days. Each drink was always delivered at the right temperature, hot, but not scalding. Eager waitresses would even mix in your cream and sugar should you desire. Against her better judgment, she had decided she would indeed meet the pony who left the small note behind for her. Meeting such a stranger on a whim like this was a bad idea, at least that was her first thought as she read the note the previous night. However Cafe Symphony was a favored place of hers, and it was not unlikely that she would have stopped in anyway, that at least was what she told herself while adjusting her mane before stepping in through the threshold out of the mid afternoon sun, and into the soft lighting of the cafe's interior. A young cream colored unicorn mare, a cup and saucer adorning her flank, greeted her as she entered. The tag on her chest read 'Caramel Cream,' she was smiling enthusiastically, clearly happy to see the cellist. Caramel toned down the smile as she spoke “Just yourself, or are we expecting company?” “I'm expecting someone.” Octavia looked around the cafe briefly surveying the ponies already occupying the place. Making sure no one was going to get up and wave her over. "They should arrive soon." “Alright, please come with m and we'll find you a nice place for you and your date.” The almost bubbly mare chirped as she lead the way. After being seated and giving her order of a simple citrus spiced tea, and raspberry tart Octavia relaxed a bit, listening to the quiet music. Waiting for her drink, one she was ready to enjoy, and waiting for the pony who requested to meet with her. Something she was less enthusiastic of, but none the less, curious about. The young cream colored waitress named Caramel returned, a medium sized round tray with a teacup on a saucer next to a small plate with raspberry tart, as well as a coffee cup and plate with a small piece of crumb cake. Raising a brow Octavia would have said something had the waitress not spoke first. “Sorry for the wait, your company caught me, before I knew it I had a little more on the order. Nice filly, paid for everything then stepped out for a tic. Said she would be right in-” As she was placing down the drinks and snacks for each of them, the second party arrived. A pure white coat of fur covered this new mare, and a striking two toned blue mane and tail made her stand out vibrantly even in the dim light of the cafe. Resting on the bridge of her nose with a unicorn's horn above it was a pair of large purple lensed sunglasses, that were equally out of place in the surrounding area. This mare had a simple bared pair of notes on her flank that Octavia spied briefly before she took a seat across from her. The sheer difference in appearances from what she would have expected, and what was clearly now sitting right in front of her was enough to throw her off her guard. Smiling broadly, the white mare was the fist to break the silence after the waitress had left. “So, you actually came. I didn't think you'd actually show up to meet a total stranger like this. Great!” the unicorn's voice was a bit on the brash side, but full of playful and friendly tones. “So let's get down to business shall we?” she said before taking a long drink from the coffee mug before her. “I'm sure your a busy mare with lots of things to do. So I don't want to take up too much of your time just yet.” “I erm...” Octavia stammered a bit before clearing her throat and taking a sip of her tea. Enough to calm her and let her take time to assess the situation. Recomposing herself from the shock, this was nothing as she would have expected, and nothing like what she would have believed a pony who wanted to speak to a concert Cellist would appear to be. “So... your the one who was looking to meet me?” It was more of a statement than a question, though it came out as such. Leaning back and taking a drink of tea she took in the mare before her. Gauging what it was that while so out of place before her seemed familiar. She didn't quite understand but something told her that this pony before her was more than she seemed. Something recognizable lay hidden among the rest of things, but the Cellist could not for the life of her pick out exactly what it was. Surely she didn't know this pony, and there was no way she would have been at any of the functions she previously played at was there? Besides, with a mane like that she would have remembered such a thing. “The name's Vinyl Scratch, I happened to see your performance at the end of this years 'Triple G', very nice, and a fine sight better than last years performance with that band. The 'Pony Pokey' was it?” Smirking as she said the title of the song, almost tauntingly. Flushed cheeks and a sudden decision to give the raspberry tart before her some extra attention rather than give the previous years fiasco any validation with words. “Ms. Scratch, can I ask you what this is all about? I doubt to think you just wanted to talk over drinks about petty things.” “Ooo touchy touchy... Sorry didn't mean to hit a sour note with you.” Vinyl said apologetically and took another drink of coffee, this time chasing it down with a bite from the crumb cake, giving little time before the bite and speaking, she still was chewing. “Ok, so I've been looking for a spark of inspiration for a while now, and I have no Idea why, but that performance of yours last night, the way it captured the crowd struck me with an idea. With the inspiration I needed.” She let a wide almost devious smile spread across her lips as she finished the statement. Flicking her ear, Octavia was admittedly curious though this 'Vinyl's' smile bothered her, it was as if she was thinking of something so very wrong, and it was showing all over her face with that smile. The untamed type of emotion she could see spilling out with no reservations, putting her on edge. Not to mention those overlarge sunglasses hiding most of the mares face from view. Rather than respond, she allowed silence to speak for her, along with her eyes. Asking with no words for her to continue, and explain further. Vinyl was confident always, but she was also used to those she spoke to being more enthused about the situation. This didn't sop her though, just a new breed she was working with was all. Without losing any of her own enthusiasm fall she continued. “In so many words, I want to hire you.” Again she smiled, though this time with a touch of reservation. “Hire me? If that is what this was about, you would have been able to just call my agent like everypony else. He handles the scheduling of events and performances. You're little more than wasting both our time here.” “Wait- Hear me out here. I came to you directly for a reason!” Vinyl cut her off. “Calling your agent would work if I just wanted you to perform for a night somewhere, but for this that would have just been a waste of my time!” taking a drink and adjusting her shades, she tried again. “At least hear me out, you showed up, despite that you showed up to meet a pony who's only act to get a hold of you was to hang a note on your dressing room door. You've got to be curious enough to at least give me that much.” “Fine, I'll give that much to you, but this is highly unorthodox and remember, I have many obligations before this.” Her words came out in an even tone, but not without a small touch of annoyance. “Great! Ok, so listen to this!” Back in her element, Vinyl was ready to pitch her idea. “:I own Scratched Records.” Her voice full of pride as she announced this. Octavia simply raised a brow. “Wait, what is so good about a damaged record collection?” “Huh?” The comment gave Vinyl pause. “Oh! No, no 'Scratched Records' is the name of my Record Label!” She laughed as she explained, having forgotten the musical differences between herself and the pony before her. “Oh... well... Carry on.” She could feel the heat in her face as the blood rushed to her cheeks tinging them red ever so slightly. Though perhaps this record label was the reason she faintly recognized this pony. “Right, as I was saying, I want to hire you!” The white mare again flashed a bright smile. “I write and produce a lot of my own music as well, and your performance last night was like a hoof to the face full of inspiration!” This was a new experience for Octavia, much like her early musical career, gathering the members together for her ensemble that she still played with regularly to this day. That same ensemble being scouted out from their small performances back in Manehatten to do bigger and better things, such as their regular scheduling as musicians for the Gala. It had been a long journey from then till now. She was used to playing in cafes, restaurants, and many different functions and parties. And with this last one she was really going to be making a name for herself, and if she could bring her whole ensemble into it. This Vinyl was possibly another good opportunity to follow, but it was a request to hire her, not an offer for a recording contract. She wasn't exactly sure about what this was all going to entail exactly. “If... And I do mean if, I say yes, what exactly are we expecting to have me do for you? I'll assume you want me to play? But for what or who?” A soft smile accompanied this question. “That's an easy one! I mix tracks and I need musicians such as yourself from time to time to play for me. I record what they play as material for my works. I considered looking for a different artist, but I want only the best so I wanted to try and get a hold of you first. Had my little note on the dressing room door trick not worked I would have likely found a way to just show up on your doorstep. And to pull this concept of mine off, I really do need the best." Vinyl drained the last of her mug letting out a satisfied sigh. “So I came after you, think of last night's gig as an audition you didn’t even know you were having, an' I didn’t know I was giving, an' you got the job!” Nodding in understanding Octavia gave this a moment of thought, performing for a crowd was her passion. It was a situation she was comfortable with, and drew great energy and inspiration from. It was her passion. “I am going to consider it.” Her simple response was just that, she didn't want to answer right away. Consider her options and go from there. It was her turn now to finish her tea, followed by dabbing a small napkin over her lips to dry them. “Aww-Yea!” Vinyl almost knocked over her chair as she rose to her hooves, her forehooves on the table. What light amount of chatter there had been going on around them died off almost immediately with her outburst. For a moment all eyes were on them. Author's Note Well, I am not known for my talent's as an author. I am however looking to improve that aspect. In preparation of this I have been reading a ton of Octavia centric fics for inspiration. I'm not 100% on the direction I want everything to go, but I have general ideas. If you notice glaring grammatical or spelling errors please be sure to tell me about them. They will only help in the long run. Love you all! Hope you enjoyed the read. Chapter 2The door was adorned with a light purple treble clef, above that, the number “416.” Octavia pressed a small silver key into the lock and gave it a turn before pushing the door open and stepping inside. The apartment was not terribly large, nor was it particularly cramped. The main room that all others were attached was large enough to accommodate comfortably; a couch, bookshelf, and of course her prized cellos, next to a modest sound system with record player. There were two cellos in the room, one sat in it’s case in a corner, out of the way and protected, this was the cello that she would play in her performances for the public, and for the private functions. It had a lovely bass tone and it’s natural classic appearance was a thing of beauty. The other cello in the room, sat upon a stand, this one was not a classic styled instrument of beauty that was so commonly associated with her, and there were few who even knew she owned it. This was an electric cello. Almost silent when played on it’s own, but when plugged into the sound system it made brilliant music, and when living in an apartment, the option of putting on some personal headphones was rather nice. Playing for only yourself and not disturbing the neighbors. Branching off from this main room was a kitchen nook, big enough to have a table fit for two ponies. While the appliances weren’t new, they were immaculate, and well taken care of. The only sign of their a\real age was the style, of the burners, and the lack of any kind of modern display. Just knobs for setting low, medium, and high temperatures. Beside this kitchen area ran a hallway that lead to the only other rooms in the apartment. Her bedroom, a second bedroom currently used for little else than storage space. A small washroom, and linen closet was also down the hallway, opposite the bedrooms. There wasn’t much to the apartment, but it was modest, a humble home that allowed her to stay true to herself. Octavia’s Meeting with Vinyl Scratch had ended on a high note, when she had heard that Octavia would consider the proposal she had gotten rather excited. They agreed to meet at the studio for “Scratched Records” so they could discuss things in more detail in the next week. Octavia was free from the strange blue maned pony until then. Hanging the key on a small hook by the door as she closed it behind her with a tap of her hoof. It was late in the afternoon now and the slight rumbling in her stomach reminded her it was time to eat. So to the kitchen she went, setting down her saddlebag as she went. After a small meal comprised of a daisy salad and tea, Octavia settled down on the couch in the main room with a book from the shelf. A guilty pleasure, a romance novel. This particular one was about a singer who accidentally fell in love with one of her fans who was unaware of who she really was. She has to juggle her relationship with him, and her career while afraid that should he find out who she truly was, it would scare him off, or worse he would begin to only love her for who she was, and not who SHE was. Octavia let out a small giggle, after having read so many romance novels before, they all were similar in one way or another and one could begin to predict how they would go from the subtle hints of the author, it was kind of nonsensical that even though this was true, she would keep reading book after book. Romance was a fleeting thing, and love was a composition she just couldn’t seem to play. At least when it came to love between ponies. She was rather clueless about the whole order of how things were supposed to flow, despite all the books she read, real life was never so convenient. Music and song was a whole different matter, she was always a mare in love with things such as music. Some of the recent magazine articles that had mentioned her even stated how she looked like a mare in the midst of romance when playing her cello on stage. Closing the book with a smile creeping into her features, she rested it on her chest as she lay on her back and daydreamed of how things might be like if she had a special somepony of her own to return home to each night. Certainly it would be a pony who shared her love of music. A pony capable of sweeping her off her hooves and taking her away to- KNOCK KNOCK!! The rapping on the front door to the apartment tore her from the daydream with a startling loudness she hadn’t expected. The book laying on her chest fell to the floor as she struggled to right herself in the sudden moment of confusion. The knocking would continue as she got to her hooves and kicked the book under the couch as she made her way hastily to the door. “I’m coming!” She chirped as she fixed her mane to settle it back in place, an effort to hide the fact that she had been startled so. Opening the door, immediately there was a smile brought to her face. Standing before her was the members of the band she played with so frequently. Beauty Brass, Fredric Horshoepin, Harpo, and Noteworthy. Each had a wide grin on their face. An unexpected surprise indeed. “Congratulations!” They all said immediately as the door was opened revealing Octavia to them. The infectious smile of her friends made her giggle and smile a bit wider as she backed from the door to allow them inside. The five of them had been friends for over a year and a half now, and though each spoke with a canterlotian accent now, hints of their original homes could be found in each of their voices. Fredric and Octavia being the exceptions each spoke as if native to the area all their lives, Fredric actually was. Octavia greeted them each in turn with a hug as they entered. They all took seats, Beauty Brass on the couch with Harpo, Fredric and Noteworthy on the chairs from the kitchen they had brought out into the main room. Octavia joined them on the couch next to Beauty Brass. “Dare I ask what the congratulations is about?” She asked with a smirk. “It’s been a long time since everyone gathered at my place. “It was B.B.’s idea-” Noteworhy responded. A violinist, and the pony most likely to choke during a solo performance. He played magnificently when with the rest of the group, but alone he was too nervous. “-we were all dragged along.” “Oh come now, there was no dragging involved. We had to practically put you on a leash to keep you from showing up before the lot of us with how eager you were to come see our cellist here, Note.” Beauty teased him and he visually shrank as his face turned a tinge red. His feelings painfully obvious to all but the Mare of honor. “We wanted to celebrate your solo at the gala last night, but as usual you disappeared before we could get to you.” Fredric stated simply. Being the eldest of the group and the one who gathered them together to start their classical band in the first place. He could be blunt and to the point at times. “So, we came to you where you couldn’t just escape.” Harpo would just nod in agreement. A friendly enough young stallion, but usually content to stay silent unless he had something important to say. Now was apparently not one of those times however. The rest of the night was fun, more a small party than just a get together. Everyone had brought gifts. Fredric brought a bottle of wine, decorated with a little pink bow tie around the neck. The card accompanying it said: “Like this wine, your music woo will only get better with age.” Beauty Brass’ gift was in the same lines, a set of crystal wine glasses, Six in all, each with a pink crystal bow tie. There was no card with this gift but Beauty announced that “The music will indeed get better and better, but if we let that wine age too long it will be nothing more than vinegar! So how about we have a drink?” This aroused a laugh from them all. Drinks were poured for all and the last glass was put away as everyone settled back down ready to see the unveiling of the next gift. This next one was presented by Harpo, in a small gray box tied with a pink ribbon. Octavia opened it with everyone watching curiously, inside sat a silver charm bracelet. Five charms hung from the silver chain bracelet, each was modeled after the five ponies’ cutie marks. Octavia’s charm was just a little larger than the rest. “Well, go on, put it on!” Beauty urged as Octavia removed it from the box to admire it. With a smile she did just that, and held out her hoof for all to see, as the little charms glinted in the light of the room. She was smiling, it was a gift that really meant something. Harpo was never one for many words, but always did things in such a way that meant a lot more than simple words could do. “I absolutely love it, thank you Harpo.” Octavia moved over and gave him a hug, he returned in kind a gentle smile, she retreated back to the couch and all eyes moved and rested on Noteworthy. Noteworthy shrank a little as everyone watched him, he produced a somewhat big bag from within his saddlebag, The contents seemed to swell up a bit as they were freed from the confines of the saddlebag. “It’s nothing much really. I’m not too good with hoofmade things, but I saw the idea in a magazine...” He trailed off a bit nervously as he got to his feet and gave Octavia the bag. It was far too big to be a hoofmade scarf and looking into the bag the large mass of pink was a bit crumpled. Octavia ventured a hoof into the bag. Whatever it was, it was light and squished under hoof. Pulling it free, it flopped open and everyone saw that it was a big bow tie pillow, a silky fabric similar to the actual bow tie she wore, it was actually rather cute, Octavia was the last to see what it actually was as everyone laughed. The way she held it made it look as if she was just wearing a ridiculously oversized bow tie. Pushing the pillow down a bit to get a better look at it she smiled and snickered a bit. “That’s... that’s just adorable.” She hugged it, and it squished up only to flop back into it’s proper shape when she let go. After a moment she moved it into position between her and the arm of the couch, leaning against it. Indeed it was a squishy pillow, rather comfortable too. “I’m glad you like it.” Note was tinged a little around the cheeks, embarrassed. The rest of the night was full of light chatter and the rest of the wine. Octavia’s cheeks were warm from the alcohol, even though she only had two glasses, and she was an earth pony, she was still rather a light weight when it came to these kind of things. As it got late her guests slowly filtered out, the next day’s duties calling for a proper bedtime. As she was left to herself for the night she too decided it was time for sleep. Getting to her feet she yawned, glad no one was there any longer to see the wide mouthed display of her tiredness she dragged the floppy pink pillow with her as she retired for the night. Her room was just as clean as the rest of the house, but much less actually was I it. A simple writing desk in the corner, parchment, and an ink well sat on top, a few quills stuck in it, one of them was bright yellow/orange, made from a Wonderbolt’s feather. She was a fan, though no one would have known unless she told them. Next to the desk hanging from the wall was a clock, it’s hands currently and rather adamantly pointing to the one. It was late. Tossing the pillow onto the bed Octavia readied herself for bed. Sitting down on the edge she grabbed her brush and lazily brushed her mane, and then her tail. Just enough to get the tangles out and reduce the tangles of the morning. Pushing the new pink pillow up so she could slip under the covers she smiled and buried her face into its softness. After a few moments her breathing settled into a slow rhythm. The kind that only sleep could maintain. Author's Note *EDIT* Ok sorry about the wait, I appended the latter part of this chapter directly, since it wasn't as long as I expected when typed out. I am about 700ish words into chapter three. Things have been kinda busy and hectic and it's all making me scatter brained. And when I am scatterbrained... nothing really gets done. ;-; Chapter 3The previous week had gone by as the wind, business as usual, practice with the band, meetings with fancy ponies from different businesses, many moments caught her off guard, and she had never signed so many autographs before. Some for music enthusiasts, other for rich ponies with the need to have such a thing as if it was some badge of status, like they would be less of a Mare or Colt if they didn’t have autographs from all the famous ponies of the area. She certainly wasn’t complaining. Photo’s of her had appeared in just about every music magazine in some form or another. Earlier in the morning she even dropped her first cup of coffee all over the morning paper when she opened it to see a front page article on the gala with her closing performance as the feature photo. Having little blips here and there in classical music magazines was nothing new, but this was the first time she had ever appeared so prominently. “Hey! You wit the case!” A dirty beige colored Colt behind a news stand called out to her, his coat wasnt actually that dirty but there were smudges of news print ink on his back and forehooves. He was holding up a copy of the Canterlot Daily, This mornings issue to be exact, with her face on the front page. “Huh? Oh! Uhm, sorry I get them delivered daily. I don’t-” She started to decline the paper before being cut off. “No no, I ain’t trying to sell it to ya, You’re Octavia Melody right?” He smiled broadly as he looked back from her to the picture on the paper and back. “Got that there Cello case too so I don’t think I’m wrong.” “Er.. well no, your not wrong I am her.” She couldn’t very well deny it. Before she could ask what it was he needed however, he picked up again. “That’s great, you wouldn’t happen to mind sign’n this here paper for me would’ja?” Another autograph seeker, though he didn’t look like one to care for such things. Octavia smiled slightly, a little taken back, even news stand ponies wanted her autograph? She approached the stand with a leisurely pace, deliberately slowing her trot, though she had done this so many times this past week, it still was a bit strange to her. Before she really only signed contracts and sales receipts. Now it was pictures and papers. “I’d be glad to, do you have a quill?” “Make it out to Blunt Statement, will ya?” He pushed the ink well closer to her side of the counter, the quill in it was a little bent on the top, but would do. Taking the quill and making the signature with a deliberate and practiced flourish ‘For Blunt Statement with love, Octavia Melody.’ Returning the quill to its ink well, she smiled. “There you go, did you come to the gala?” “Oh, nah, I don’t have the money for that fancy stuff.” He slapped his hoof a few times on the counter and then rubbed it lightly. “This here is mah baby, got a lot -o- work to do to keep the news paper’s flowin’, got a few pegasi flying paper routs for me, got to pay them too. A friend o mine went though, talked a lot about your performance, figure this will give ‘im somet’n to look at.” Blunt gave a good laugh before taking the paper and folding it back proper and placing it on the stool behind him. “Thanks Ma’am Looks like yer headed somewhere, sorry ta keep ya.” Shaking her head a bit Octavia smiled before turning to walk away. “It’s no trouble, have a good day.” She walked away, trotting slightly faster than before, he waved a hoof as she left. Arriving at her destination eyes wide as she double checked the address, it was correct, and the name was there proper too, “Scratched Records.” Downtown Canterlot was a little foreign to her as she rarely spent any time there any more. It had changed quite a bit, and while the street names were the same, the buildings were different. This particular building did not look familiar to her at all,. It was bright white, and had to have at least fifteen floors to it. Grand glass windows lined the ground floor, allowing passers by to see the lobby. A revolving door stood between two sets of double doors, ponies milling in and out with differing levels of urgency, some with document cases, some with instruments. A rather intimidating environment for those unfamiliar with the commercial music industry of modern equestria. Octavia stood before this large building, the familiar weight of her Cello resting across her back feeling slightly heavier than usual. Nerves? Was she getting nervous? The feeling was fleeting but it felt like a stone had settled in the pit of her stomach. Vinyl Scratch was the owner of THIS building? Who exactly was she meeting, the mare she spoke to the week before was nothing like someone who owned this kind of elaborate business. At most she expected a single floor building selling records with some record your own song gimmick attached, but this, this was a grand scale record label. With business ponies milling in and out. No doubt the agents of musicians, or agents for concert halls or stadiums looking to get a musician from this label to do a show in their area. So much grander of a scale than she had anticipated. Taking a deep breath Octavia raised her head and pushed through the revolving doors, an air of importance cloaking her features, the way in which she walked, purposefully with her head held high and steps that did not allow her Cello case to tilt or bounce as she moved. Though for all her practiced steps no pony even paid her any mind, they were far too busy, and just didn't care. The receptionist, a pale blue unicorn with glasses, paid her little mind as she approached and placed a hoof on the counter to make herself known. “Excuse me, I am here to see Ms. Scratch.” She kept it short and simple her head inclined forward a tad as she spoke. The receptionist glanced up from her work only briefly before looking back down and shuffling through some papers needlessly. “Yea? You and half of the Disk Jockeys in Equestria. You have an appointment?” “Yes of course, my name is Octavia Melody,. We agreed to meet here at her office today, at eleven.” It was about ten minutes till the appointed time. She liked to be early it was her policy, early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable. “Melody.....” She flipped through a hoof full of pages looking through while repeating the name slowly before stopping on a page. “Octavia Melody, OK. Yea, never hear of ya, but your on the schedule. Must have been a last minute thing.” Levitating a badge on a loop of string and putting it around Octavia's neck, and marking her name and checking a box that said visitor. She pointed off behind her to a row of elevators. “Take the lift to the tenth floor, check in with the secretary up there.” And with that she returned to whatever it was that she had been interrupted from doing before. Octavia peered around the receptionist's booth to see the back wall of the reception area, there were three elevators, each with a set of simple numbered lights above them. There was nothing overly fantastic about elevators, though as Octavia approached them she was still having a hard time believing she was in the right place. The wild looking pony didn't seem the type to run a record company, possibly work in one but not run it. That thought was pushed aside however as the pony clearly was here, and on the tenth floor, waiting for her to arrive. The elevator was rather swift, and the odd sense of shifted gravity was much stronger than other elevators she had used. Not that she had used many of them, they were usually reserved for rather large buildings in modern Equestria. Even her own apartment complex only had one elevator and it was in the back reserved for the movement of heavy oversized items, like refrigerators and the like. The loud ding from the lift as the door opened returned her to reality from her thoughts. Before her was another large room, records and art hung on the walls, the art was.... different. Some of it was Photography, much of it dark, looking closer there were flashes of color streaked across parts of one photo, there were a lot of ponies in that one, glowing bangles and necklaces and mane ornaments. In the back of that picture was what sort of resembled a raised stage, but it was small, and full of equipment. Almost hidden behind it all, was a perfectly white pony with two toned blue mane disheveled and messy... or was that considered specifically 'styled' for that kind of environment. Stepping out of the elevator, the door closed almost immediately after her as it had been called elsewhere. The floor was carpeted in a deep red and black checkered pattern, the carpet was soft under hoof. There was a single door in the back of this room, next to it was a desk the pony sitting behind it was asleep, she had a green mane with a red streak dyed into it. Said mane was messily covering her face as she lay her head across folded hooves, a pair of headphones covered her ears. Was that truly what would be considered a Secretary? It was clear that the definition of certain words as Octavia knew them would have to be slightly changed while she was within the confines of this particular building. “Ahem!” Octavia cleared her throat as she stood at the desk, seeing that did nothing she sighed and tapped her hoof on the desk, giving it a simple few knocks, all of which were ignored. Her eyes however caught something. Seeing the wire of the headphones trail away from the sleeping mares head, she followed it down and plugged into a small music player. Unplugging it she smiled. “Hu- Hey! I was listening to-........ that...” The pony snapped to attention a look of defiance and agitation on her face that someone would interrupt her listening to music. But that look was frozen and melted away seeing that the pony before her was no one she knew, and clearly held herself of the members of the higher class of Canterlot. “Uh, oh sorry...” She blushed and cleared her desk of a few things before looking back to Octavia. “C-Can I help you?” Straightening herself and looking over to the door. “Yes, I have a meeting with Ms. Scratch, My name is Octavia Melody.” Author's Note I lost the flash drive I save these things on... found it last night. :D it was in a pair of pants that ALMOST went through the washing machine. >.>; crisis averted.
Chapter 1The Gala was winding down. As it always was, it had been a glorious evening. The food had been great, the entertainment spectacular, and the music just right. Now however the night was over, Celestia had lowered the sun and Luna had raised the moon, but that had been hours ago. The closing ceremony had concluded and it was time for one last song. Octavia Melody, a gray mare with ink black hair and light purple eyes, was to play this last piece of music. The stage was being readied by a handful of stage hooves, some cleaning, others moving props out of the way, and a brown unicorn colt who carefully brought her Cello to center stage in preparation for her performance. The colt let the Mahogany Cello rest on it's stand with it's bow hanging from a simple hook on the side of the stand. A lonely sight without the mare who so lovingly played it. Watching all this while a pair of well groomed blue and pink mares fussed with her mane and tail, adjusting her collar and pink bow tie, the other busied herself with brushing out any matted areas along her coat. This was the ending piece of music to close out the gala for the year and Octavia needed to look perfect for this. Just playing at the gala several years in a row as a consistent member of the band playing in the dining hall and ballroom had been a dream come true for the young Cellist, but being the mare to close the whole celebration with one final piece of music. That was far more than she could have possibly hoped for. A true honor for any musician. A quiet filled the whole hall as the lights began to dim and the single mare trotted out on stage, her mane glimmering in the low lighting. A soft spotlight shifted into place over her. Octavia gave a bow first before taking the Cello's bow in her mouth and rearing up on her hind legs with one fore hoof around the neck of her instrument. Passing the bow to her other leg and beginning the subtle balancing act where her own weight and that of the Cello were to counterbalance each other, allowing her to stand and play. Pulling it close as if in the starting steps of a romantic dance. With the bow cradled in the crook of her leg behind her hoof in a simple, and almost natural animation second nature to her, drew the bow across the strings as her eyes closed. The beginning of a beautiful dance between her and the cello, eyes never opening, there was no need. She knew each string, and each movement needed to bring fourth the wonderful sounds that kept the audience in rapturous silence, some swaying lightly with the slow melodic notes. Tempo slowly rising as the apex of the song was approached. As suddenly as the tempo rose, it now descended, bringing back the soft deep sounds that filled the hall. And as the final notes rang out over the audience her eyes finally reopened taking in the joyous faces of all before her. All eyes followed her as she stepped down from the dance allowing her instrument to rest against it's stand once more. Replacing the bow on its hook. Dipping her head in a deep bow, her voice soft as the final notes of her song, smiling she said “Thank you all for allowing me to play for you.” What had until then been a quiet hall erupted in enthusiastic applause. Octavia allowed herself a final bow before the curtain closed, separating her from the crowd. She could still hear the applause as she made her way off stage. This night was the kind of night to make one wonder if there was much more one could do to top such an occasion. An immense accomplishment, shared by a handful of musicians across Equestria, and now shared by her as well. As far as important event performances were concerned this truly seemed to be the highest she dare think of. For now however, this had been the most important performance of her life. Approaching her dressing room a note could be spotted hanging from the handle of the door. It was a simple note, a record and a few musical notes scattered about its surface. Octavia's smile was small, similar notes would of course be waiting for her after solo performances, though this was the first to have ever just been left hanging from her dressing room door handle. Picking it up as she pushed open the door and entered the room, the open Cello case resting on the table mid room was filled with various notes and gifts. The usual bottle of Wine, a few small boxes of assorted chocolates and candies, and of course flowers. Always there were flowers, this time orchid's arranged nicely in a vase. Of the letters some would of course contain offers for solo performance contracts, participation in bands, and larger orchestras, and even private in house entertainment gigs. The note that had been hanging on the door handle was far simpler, there was only a short message in it. “Cafe' Symphony, Tomorrow, 3:00pm. I'd like to talk with you.” Octavia read the note one last time before tucking it away into her saddlebag. Standing outside the mentioned musical themed cafe, she actually was a fan of this particular cafe. It played classical music, the selection of teas was fabulous, and the decor of the whole establishment really made you feel relaxed. Dimmed lighting keeping things cozy, tinted windows to shade patrons from even the brightest of days. Each drink was always delivered at the right temperature, hot, but not scalding. Eager waitresses would even mix in your cream and sugar should you desire. Against her better judgment, she had decided she would indeed meet the pony who left the small note behind for her. Meeting such a stranger on a whim like this was a bad idea, at least that was her first thought as she read the note the previous night. However Cafe Symphony was a favored place of hers, and it was not unlikely that she would have stopped in anyway, that at least was what she told herself while adjusting her mane before stepping in through the threshold out of the mid afternoon sun, and into the soft lighting of the cafe's interior. A young cream colored unicorn mare, a cup and saucer adorning her flank, greeted her as she entered. The tag on her chest read 'Caramel Cream,' she was smiling enthusiastically, clearly happy to see the cellist. Caramel toned down the smile as she spoke “Just yourself, or are we expecting company?” “I'm expecting someone.” Octavia looked around the cafe briefly surveying the ponies already occupying the place. Making sure no one was going to get up and wave her over. "They should arrive soon." “Alright, please come with m and we'll find you a nice place for you and your date.” The almost bubbly mare chirped as she lead the way. After being seated and giving her order of a simple citrus spiced tea, and raspberry tart Octavia relaxed a bit, listening to the quiet music. Waiting for her drink, one she was ready to enjoy, and waiting for the pony who requested to meet with her. Something she was less enthusiastic of, but none the less, curious about. The young cream colored waitress named Caramel returned, a medium sized round tray with a teacup on a saucer next to a small plate with raspberry tart, as well as a coffee cup and plate with a small piece of crumb cake. Raising a brow Octavia would have said something had the waitress not spoke first. “Sorry for the wait, your company caught me, before I knew it I had a little more on the order. Nice filly, paid for everything then stepped out for a tic. Said she would be right in-” As she was placing down the drinks and snacks for each of them, the second party arrived. A pure white coat of fur covered this new mare, and a striking two toned blue mane and tail made her stand out vibrantly even in the dim light of the cafe. Resting on the bridge of her nose with a unicorn's horn above it was a pair of large purple lensed sunglasses, that were equally out of place in the surrounding area. This mare had a simple bared pair of notes on her flank that Octavia spied briefly before she took a seat across from her. The sheer difference in appearances from what she would have expected, and what was clearly now sitting right in front of her was enough to throw her off her guard. Smiling broadly, the white mare was the fist to break the silence after the waitress had left. “So, you actually came. I didn't think you'd actually show up to meet a total stranger like this. Great!” the unicorn's voice was a bit on the brash side, but full of playful and friendly tones. “So let's get down to business shall we?” she said before taking a long drink from the coffee mug before her. “I'm sure your a busy mare with lots of things to do. So I don't want to take up too much of your time just yet.” “I erm...” Octavia stammered a bit before clearing her throat and taking a sip of her tea. Enough to calm her and let her take time to assess the situation. Recomposing herself from the shock, this was nothing as she would have expected, and nothing like what she would have believed a pony who wanted to speak to a concert Cellist would appear to be. “So... your the one who was looking to meet me?” It was more of a statement than a question, though it came out as such. Leaning back and taking a drink of tea she took in the mare before her. Gauging what it was that while so out of place before her seemed familiar. She didn't quite understand but something told her that this pony before her was more than she seemed. Something recognizable lay hidden among the rest of things, but the Cellist could not for the life of her pick out exactly what it was. Surely she didn't know this pony, and there was no way she would have been at any of the functions she previously played at was there? Besides, with a mane like that she would have remembered such a thing. “The name's Vinyl Scratch, I happened to see your performance at the end of this years 'Triple G', very nice, and a fine sight better than last years performance with that band. The 'Pony Pokey' was it?” Smirking as she said the title of the song, almost tauntingly. Flushed cheeks and a sudden decision to give the raspberry tart before her some extra attention rather than give the previous years fiasco any validation with words. “Ms. Scratch, can I ask you what this is all about? I doubt to think you just wanted to talk over drinks about petty things.” “Ooo touchy touchy... Sorry didn't mean to hit a sour note with you.” Vinyl said apologetically and took another drink of coffee, this time chasing it down with a bite from the crumb cake, giving little time before the bite and speaking, she still was chewing. “Ok, so I've been looking for a spark of inspiration for a while now, and I have no Idea why, but that performance of yours last night, the way it captured the crowd struck me with an idea. With the inspiration I needed.” She let a wide almost devious smile spread across her lips as she finished the statement. Flicking her ear, Octavia was admittedly curious though this 'Vinyl's' smile bothered her, it was as if she was thinking of something so very wrong, and it was showing all over her face with that smile. The untamed type of emotion she could see spilling out with no reservations, putting her on edge. Not to mention those overlarge sunglasses hiding most of the mares face from view. Rather than respond, she allowed silence to speak for her, along with her eyes. Asking with no words for her to continue, and explain further. Vinyl was confident always, but she was also used to those she spoke to being more enthused about the situation. This didn't sop her though, just a new breed she was working with was all. Without losing any of her own enthusiasm fall she continued. “In so many words, I want to hire you.” Again she smiled, though this time with a touch of reservation. “Hire me? If that is what this was about, you would have been able to just call my agent like everypony else. He handles the scheduling of events and performances. You're little more than wasting both our time here.” “Wait- Hear me out here. I came to you directly for a reason!” Vinyl cut her off. “Calling your agent would work if I just wanted you to perform for a night somewhere, but for this that would have just been a waste of my time!” taking a drink and adjusting her shades, she tried again. “At least hear me out, you showed up, despite that you showed up to meet a pony who's only act to get a hold of you was to hang a note on your dressing room door. You've got to be curious enough to at least give me that much.” “Fine, I'll give that much to you, but this is highly unorthodox and remember, I have many obligations before this.” Her words came out in an even tone, but not without a small touch of annoyance. “Great! Ok, so listen to this!” Back in her element, Vinyl was ready to pitch her idea. “:I own Scratched Records.” Her voice full of pride as she announced this. Octavia simply raised a brow. “Wait, what is so good about a damaged record collection?” “Huh?” The comment gave Vinyl pause. “Oh! No, no 'Scratched Records' is the name of my Record Label!” She laughed as she explained, having forgotten the musical differences between herself and the pony before her. “Oh... well... Carry on.” She could feel the heat in her face as the blood rushed to her cheeks tinging them red ever so slightly. Though perhaps this record label was the reason she faintly recognized this pony. “Right, as I was saying, I want to hire you!” The white mare again flashed a bright smile. “I write and produce a lot of my own music as well, and your performance last night was like a hoof to the face full of inspiration!” This was a new experience for Octavia, much like her early musical career, gathering the members together for her ensemble that she still played with regularly to this day. That same ensemble being scouted out from their small performances back in Manehatten to do bigger and better things, such as their regular scheduling as musicians for the Gala. It had been a long journey from then till now. She was used to playing in cafes, restaurants, and many different functions and parties. And with this last one she was really going to be making a name for herself, and if she could bring her whole ensemble into it. This Vinyl was possibly another good opportunity to follow, but it was a request to hire her, not an offer for a recording contract. She wasn't exactly sure about what this was all going to entail exactly. “If... And I do mean if, I say yes, what exactly are we expecting to have me do for you? I'll assume you want me to play? But for what or who?” A soft smile accompanied this question. “That's an easy one! I mix tracks and I need musicians such as yourself from time to time to play for me. I record what they play as material for my works. I considered looking for a different artist, but I want only the best so I wanted to try and get a hold of you first. Had my little note on the dressing room door trick not worked I would have likely found a way to just show up on your doorstep. And to pull this concept of mine off, I really do need the best." Vinyl drained the last of her mug letting out a satisfied sigh. “So I came after you, think of last night's gig as an audition you didn’t even know you were having, an' I didn’t know I was giving, an' you got the job!” Nodding in understanding Octavia gave this a moment of thought, performing for a crowd was her passion. It was a situation she was comfortable with, and drew great energy and inspiration from. It was her passion. “I am going to consider it.” Her simple response was just that, she didn't want to answer right away. Consider her options and go from there. It was her turn now to finish her tea, followed by dabbing a small napkin over her lips to dry them. “Aww-Yea!” Vinyl almost knocked over her chair as she rose to her hooves, her forehooves on the table. What light amount of chatter there had been going on around them died off almost immediately with her outburst. For a moment all eyes were on them. Author's Note Well, I am not known for my talent's as an author. I am however looking to improve that aspect. In preparation of this I have been reading a ton of Octavia centric fics for inspiration. I'm not 100% on the direction I want everything to go, but I have general ideas. If you notice glaring grammatical or spelling errors please be sure to tell me about them. They will only help in the long run. Love you all! Hope you enjoyed the read.
Chapter 2The door was adorned with a light purple treble clef, above that, the number “416.” Octavia pressed a small silver key into the lock and gave it a turn before pushing the door open and stepping inside. The apartment was not terribly large, nor was it particularly cramped. The main room that all others were attached was large enough to accommodate comfortably; a couch, bookshelf, and of course her prized cellos, next to a modest sound system with record player. There were two cellos in the room, one sat in it’s case in a corner, out of the way and protected, this was the cello that she would play in her performances for the public, and for the private functions. It had a lovely bass tone and it’s natural classic appearance was a thing of beauty. The other cello in the room, sat upon a stand, this one was not a classic styled instrument of beauty that was so commonly associated with her, and there were few who even knew she owned it. This was an electric cello. Almost silent when played on it’s own, but when plugged into the sound system it made brilliant music, and when living in an apartment, the option of putting on some personal headphones was rather nice. Playing for only yourself and not disturbing the neighbors. Branching off from this main room was a kitchen nook, big enough to have a table fit for two ponies. While the appliances weren’t new, they were immaculate, and well taken care of. The only sign of their a\real age was the style, of the burners, and the lack of any kind of modern display. Just knobs for setting low, medium, and high temperatures. Beside this kitchen area ran a hallway that lead to the only other rooms in the apartment. Her bedroom, a second bedroom currently used for little else than storage space. A small washroom, and linen closet was also down the hallway, opposite the bedrooms. There wasn’t much to the apartment, but it was modest, a humble home that allowed her to stay true to herself. Octavia’s Meeting with Vinyl Scratch had ended on a high note, when she had heard that Octavia would consider the proposal she had gotten rather excited. They agreed to meet at the studio for “Scratched Records” so they could discuss things in more detail in the next week. Octavia was free from the strange blue maned pony until then. Hanging the key on a small hook by the door as she closed it behind her with a tap of her hoof. It was late in the afternoon now and the slight rumbling in her stomach reminded her it was time to eat. So to the kitchen she went, setting down her saddlebag as she went. After a small meal comprised of a daisy salad and tea, Octavia settled down on the couch in the main room with a book from the shelf. A guilty pleasure, a romance novel. This particular one was about a singer who accidentally fell in love with one of her fans who was unaware of who she really was. She has to juggle her relationship with him, and her career while afraid that should he find out who she truly was, it would scare him off, or worse he would begin to only love her for who she was, and not who SHE was. Octavia let out a small giggle, after having read so many romance novels before, they all were similar in one way or another and one could begin to predict how they would go from the subtle hints of the author, it was kind of nonsensical that even though this was true, she would keep reading book after book. Romance was a fleeting thing, and love was a composition she just couldn’t seem to play. At least when it came to love between ponies. She was rather clueless about the whole order of how things were supposed to flow, despite all the books she read, real life was never so convenient. Music and song was a whole different matter, she was always a mare in love with things such as music. Some of the recent magazine articles that had mentioned her even stated how she looked like a mare in the midst of romance when playing her cello on stage. Closing the book with a smile creeping into her features, she rested it on her chest as she lay on her back and daydreamed of how things might be like if she had a special somepony of her own to return home to each night. Certainly it would be a pony who shared her love of music. A pony capable of sweeping her off her hooves and taking her away to- KNOCK KNOCK!! The rapping on the front door to the apartment tore her from the daydream with a startling loudness she hadn’t expected. The book laying on her chest fell to the floor as she struggled to right herself in the sudden moment of confusion. The knocking would continue as she got to her hooves and kicked the book under the couch as she made her way hastily to the door. “I’m coming!” She chirped as she fixed her mane to settle it back in place, an effort to hide the fact that she had been startled so. Opening the door, immediately there was a smile brought to her face. Standing before her was the members of the band she played with so frequently. Beauty Brass, Fredric Horshoepin, Harpo, and Noteworthy. Each had a wide grin on their face. An unexpected surprise indeed. “Congratulations!” They all said immediately as the door was opened revealing Octavia to them. The infectious smile of her friends made her giggle and smile a bit wider as she backed from the door to allow them inside. The five of them had been friends for over a year and a half now, and though each spoke with a canterlotian accent now, hints of their original homes could be found in each of their voices. Fredric and Octavia being the exceptions each spoke as if native to the area all their lives, Fredric actually was. Octavia greeted them each in turn with a hug as they entered. They all took seats, Beauty Brass on the couch with Harpo, Fredric and Noteworthy on the chairs from the kitchen they had brought out into the main room. Octavia joined them on the couch next to Beauty Brass. “Dare I ask what the congratulations is about?” She asked with a smirk. “It’s been a long time since everyone gathered at my place. “It was B.B.’s idea-” Noteworhy responded. A violinist, and the pony most likely to choke during a solo performance. He played magnificently when with the rest of the group, but alone he was too nervous. “-we were all dragged along.” “Oh come now, there was no dragging involved. We had to practically put you on a leash to keep you from showing up before the lot of us with how eager you were to come see our cellist here, Note.” Beauty teased him and he visually shrank as his face turned a tinge red. His feelings painfully obvious to all but the Mare of honor. “We wanted to celebrate your solo at the gala last night, but as usual you disappeared before we could get to you.” Fredric stated simply. Being the eldest of the group and the one who gathered them together to start their classical band in the first place. He could be blunt and to the point at times. “So, we came to you where you couldn’t just escape.” Harpo would just nod in agreement. A friendly enough young stallion, but usually content to stay silent unless he had something important to say. Now was apparently not one of those times however. The rest of the night was fun, more a small party than just a get together. Everyone had brought gifts. Fredric brought a bottle of wine, decorated with a little pink bow tie around the neck. The card accompanying it said: “Like this wine, your music woo will only get better with age.” Beauty Brass’ gift was in the same lines, a set of crystal wine glasses, Six in all, each with a pink crystal bow tie. There was no card with this gift but Beauty announced that “The music will indeed get better and better, but if we let that wine age too long it will be nothing more than vinegar! So how about we have a drink?” This aroused a laugh from them all. Drinks were poured for all and the last glass was put away as everyone settled back down ready to see the unveiling of the next gift. This next one was presented by Harpo, in a small gray box tied with a pink ribbon. Octavia opened it with everyone watching curiously, inside sat a silver charm bracelet. Five charms hung from the silver chain bracelet, each was modeled after the five ponies’ cutie marks. Octavia’s charm was just a little larger than the rest. “Well, go on, put it on!” Beauty urged as Octavia removed it from the box to admire it. With a smile she did just that, and held out her hoof for all to see, as the little charms glinted in the light of the room. She was smiling, it was a gift that really meant something. Harpo was never one for many words, but always did things in such a way that meant a lot more than simple words could do. “I absolutely love it, thank you Harpo.” Octavia moved over and gave him a hug, he returned in kind a gentle smile, she retreated back to the couch and all eyes moved and rested on Noteworthy. Noteworthy shrank a little as everyone watched him, he produced a somewhat big bag from within his saddlebag, The contents seemed to swell up a bit as they were freed from the confines of the saddlebag. “It’s nothing much really. I’m not too good with hoofmade things, but I saw the idea in a magazine...” He trailed off a bit nervously as he got to his feet and gave Octavia the bag. It was far too big to be a hoofmade scarf and looking into the bag the large mass of pink was a bit crumpled. Octavia ventured a hoof into the bag. Whatever it was, it was light and squished under hoof. Pulling it free, it flopped open and everyone saw that it was a big bow tie pillow, a silky fabric similar to the actual bow tie she wore, it was actually rather cute, Octavia was the last to see what it actually was as everyone laughed. The way she held it made it look as if she was just wearing a ridiculously oversized bow tie. Pushing the pillow down a bit to get a better look at it she smiled and snickered a bit. “That’s... that’s just adorable.” She hugged it, and it squished up only to flop back into it’s proper shape when she let go. After a moment she moved it into position between her and the arm of the couch, leaning against it. Indeed it was a squishy pillow, rather comfortable too. “I’m glad you like it.” Note was tinged a little around the cheeks, embarrassed. The rest of the night was full of light chatter and the rest of the wine. Octavia’s cheeks were warm from the alcohol, even though she only had two glasses, and she was an earth pony, she was still rather a light weight when it came to these kind of things. As it got late her guests slowly filtered out, the next day’s duties calling for a proper bedtime. As she was left to herself for the night she too decided it was time for sleep. Getting to her feet she yawned, glad no one was there any longer to see the wide mouthed display of her tiredness she dragged the floppy pink pillow with her as she retired for the night. Her room was just as clean as the rest of the house, but much less actually was I it. A simple writing desk in the corner, parchment, and an ink well sat on top, a few quills stuck in it, one of them was bright yellow/orange, made from a Wonderbolt’s feather. She was a fan, though no one would have known unless she told them. Next to the desk hanging from the wall was a clock, it’s hands currently and rather adamantly pointing to the one. It was late. Tossing the pillow onto the bed Octavia readied herself for bed. Sitting down on the edge she grabbed her brush and lazily brushed her mane, and then her tail. Just enough to get the tangles out and reduce the tangles of the morning. Pushing the new pink pillow up so she could slip under the covers she smiled and buried her face into its softness. After a few moments her breathing settled into a slow rhythm. The kind that only sleep could maintain. Author's Note *EDIT* Ok sorry about the wait, I appended the latter part of this chapter directly, since it wasn't as long as I expected when typed out. I am about 700ish words into chapter three. Things have been kinda busy and hectic and it's all making me scatter brained. And when I am scatterbrained... nothing really gets done. ;-;
Chapter 3The previous week had gone by as the wind, business as usual, practice with the band, meetings with fancy ponies from different businesses, many moments caught her off guard, and she had never signed so many autographs before. Some for music enthusiasts, other for rich ponies with the need to have such a thing as if it was some badge of status, like they would be less of a Mare or Colt if they didn’t have autographs from all the famous ponies of the area. She certainly wasn’t complaining. Photo’s of her had appeared in just about every music magazine in some form or another. Earlier in the morning she even dropped her first cup of coffee all over the morning paper when she opened it to see a front page article on the gala with her closing performance as the feature photo. Having little blips here and there in classical music magazines was nothing new, but this was the first time she had ever appeared so prominently. “Hey! You wit the case!” A dirty beige colored Colt behind a news stand called out to her, his coat wasnt actually that dirty but there were smudges of news print ink on his back and forehooves. He was holding up a copy of the Canterlot Daily, This mornings issue to be exact, with her face on the front page. “Huh? Oh! Uhm, sorry I get them delivered daily. I don’t-” She started to decline the paper before being cut off. “No no, I ain’t trying to sell it to ya, You’re Octavia Melody right?” He smiled broadly as he looked back from her to the picture on the paper and back. “Got that there Cello case too so I don’t think I’m wrong.” “Er.. well no, your not wrong I am her.” She couldn’t very well deny it. Before she could ask what it was he needed however, he picked up again. “That’s great, you wouldn’t happen to mind sign’n this here paper for me would’ja?” Another autograph seeker, though he didn’t look like one to care for such things. Octavia smiled slightly, a little taken back, even news stand ponies wanted her autograph? She approached the stand with a leisurely pace, deliberately slowing her trot, though she had done this so many times this past week, it still was a bit strange to her. Before she really only signed contracts and sales receipts. Now it was pictures and papers. “I’d be glad to, do you have a quill?” “Make it out to Blunt Statement, will ya?” He pushed the ink well closer to her side of the counter, the quill in it was a little bent on the top, but would do. Taking the quill and making the signature with a deliberate and practiced flourish ‘For Blunt Statement with love, Octavia Melody.’ Returning the quill to its ink well, she smiled. “There you go, did you come to the gala?” “Oh, nah, I don’t have the money for that fancy stuff.” He slapped his hoof a few times on the counter and then rubbed it lightly. “This here is mah baby, got a lot -o- work to do to keep the news paper’s flowin’, got a few pegasi flying paper routs for me, got to pay them too. A friend o mine went though, talked a lot about your performance, figure this will give ‘im somet’n to look at.” Blunt gave a good laugh before taking the paper and folding it back proper and placing it on the stool behind him. “Thanks Ma’am Looks like yer headed somewhere, sorry ta keep ya.” Shaking her head a bit Octavia smiled before turning to walk away. “It’s no trouble, have a good day.” She walked away, trotting slightly faster than before, he waved a hoof as she left. Arriving at her destination eyes wide as she double checked the address, it was correct, and the name was there proper too, “Scratched Records.” Downtown Canterlot was a little foreign to her as she rarely spent any time there any more. It had changed quite a bit, and while the street names were the same, the buildings were different. This particular building did not look familiar to her at all,. It was bright white, and had to have at least fifteen floors to it. Grand glass windows lined the ground floor, allowing passers by to see the lobby. A revolving door stood between two sets of double doors, ponies milling in and out with differing levels of urgency, some with document cases, some with instruments. A rather intimidating environment for those unfamiliar with the commercial music industry of modern equestria. Octavia stood before this large building, the familiar weight of her Cello resting across her back feeling slightly heavier than usual. Nerves? Was she getting nervous? The feeling was fleeting but it felt like a stone had settled in the pit of her stomach. Vinyl Scratch was the owner of THIS building? Who exactly was she meeting, the mare she spoke to the week before was nothing like someone who owned this kind of elaborate business. At most she expected a single floor building selling records with some record your own song gimmick attached, but this, this was a grand scale record label. With business ponies milling in and out. No doubt the agents of musicians, or agents for concert halls or stadiums looking to get a musician from this label to do a show in their area. So much grander of a scale than she had anticipated. Taking a deep breath Octavia raised her head and pushed through the revolving doors, an air of importance cloaking her features, the way in which she walked, purposefully with her head held high and steps that did not allow her Cello case to tilt or bounce as she moved. Though for all her practiced steps no pony even paid her any mind, they were far too busy, and just didn't care. The receptionist, a pale blue unicorn with glasses, paid her little mind as she approached and placed a hoof on the counter to make herself known. “Excuse me, I am here to see Ms. Scratch.” She kept it short and simple her head inclined forward a tad as she spoke. The receptionist glanced up from her work only briefly before looking back down and shuffling through some papers needlessly. “Yea? You and half of the Disk Jockeys in Equestria. You have an appointment?” “Yes of course, my name is Octavia Melody,. We agreed to meet here at her office today, at eleven.” It was about ten minutes till the appointed time. She liked to be early it was her policy, early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable. “Melody.....” She flipped through a hoof full of pages looking through while repeating the name slowly before stopping on a page. “Octavia Melody, OK. Yea, never hear of ya, but your on the schedule. Must have been a last minute thing.” Levitating a badge on a loop of string and putting it around Octavia's neck, and marking her name and checking a box that said visitor. She pointed off behind her to a row of elevators. “Take the lift to the tenth floor, check in with the secretary up there.” And with that she returned to whatever it was that she had been interrupted from doing before. Octavia peered around the receptionist's booth to see the back wall of the reception area, there were three elevators, each with a set of simple numbered lights above them. There was nothing overly fantastic about elevators, though as Octavia approached them she was still having a hard time believing she was in the right place. The wild looking pony didn't seem the type to run a record company, possibly work in one but not run it. That thought was pushed aside however as the pony clearly was here, and on the tenth floor, waiting for her to arrive. The elevator was rather swift, and the odd sense of shifted gravity was much stronger than other elevators she had used. Not that she had used many of them, they were usually reserved for rather large buildings in modern Equestria. Even her own apartment complex only had one elevator and it was in the back reserved for the movement of heavy oversized items, like refrigerators and the like. The loud ding from the lift as the door opened returned her to reality from her thoughts. Before her was another large room, records and art hung on the walls, the art was.... different. Some of it was Photography, much of it dark, looking closer there were flashes of color streaked across parts of one photo, there were a lot of ponies in that one, glowing bangles and necklaces and mane ornaments. In the back of that picture was what sort of resembled a raised stage, but it was small, and full of equipment. Almost hidden behind it all, was a perfectly white pony with two toned blue mane disheveled and messy... or was that considered specifically 'styled' for that kind of environment. Stepping out of the elevator, the door closed almost immediately after her as it had been called elsewhere. The floor was carpeted in a deep red and black checkered pattern, the carpet was soft under hoof. There was a single door in the back of this room, next to it was a desk the pony sitting behind it was asleep, she had a green mane with a red streak dyed into it. Said mane was messily covering her face as she lay her head across folded hooves, a pair of headphones covered her ears. Was that truly what would be considered a Secretary? It was clear that the definition of certain words as Octavia knew them would have to be slightly changed while she was within the confines of this particular building. “Ahem!” Octavia cleared her throat as she stood at the desk, seeing that did nothing she sighed and tapped her hoof on the desk, giving it a simple few knocks, all of which were ignored. Her eyes however caught something. Seeing the wire of the headphones trail away from the sleeping mares head, she followed it down and plugged into a small music player. Unplugging it she smiled. “Hu- Hey! I was listening to-........ that...” The pony snapped to attention a look of defiance and agitation on her face that someone would interrupt her listening to music. But that look was frozen and melted away seeing that the pony before her was no one she knew, and clearly held herself of the members of the higher class of Canterlot. “Uh, oh sorry...” She blushed and cleared her desk of a few things before looking back to Octavia. “C-Can I help you?” Straightening herself and looking over to the door. “Yes, I have a meeting with Ms. Scratch, My name is Octavia Melody.” Author's Note I lost the flash drive I save these things on... found it last night. :D it was in a pair of pants that ALMOST went through the washing machine. >.>; crisis averted.
