Heart-Shaped Horseshoes

“My name is Octavia Melody and this is my presentation, entitled Clashing Strings...”

Music isn't just music, it also tells a story through its notes...

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This was the story of two mares that had nothing in common.

They both studied in the same musical academy. Usually, unicorns were meant to learn magic or science but this unicorn had a musical Cutie Mark so, she was sent to a conservatory. Her name was Lyra Heartstrings and she was the perfect example of what a student should´t be. She was loud and obnoxious, she never listened to her teachers and experimented in class. Most teacher agreed she had talent but lacked discipline, her performance were furious and energetic but she would never get a seat at the Grand Galloping Gala.

Octavia was her complete opposite. She was calm and demure, always obedient in calss and never drifting one beat from the sheets. Their teachers recognized her great skills but felt she lacked passion, her performance were impeccable but lifeless. She would have a career but never stood up from her peers.

It makes sense then that they were paired together, hoping that they could bring the best of each other. They followed this order but never quite accepted. They barely spoke to each other except during practice hours, they were never what anybody would consider friends. Even when sitting next to each other in theory class, it felt like there was a whole world between them.

The only time they were connected was when doing a performance. When they spoke the language of music, they spoke in one voice. A duo of clashing strings making the perfect music. The whimsical tunes of the lyre matching the grim rhythm of the double bass. Two instruments not meant to be together that made a perfect pair.

Despite that, Lyra never befriended Octavia. She was still a wild spirit, that preferred going to parties that staying in her bedroom practicing like Octavia did. They lived in two different worlds, never meant to be together.

But there was more to that story than that, as second story that escaped from the fiercest movements of Octavia´s performance. A story about a quiet and shy mare that slowly opened to her partner. A story about Octavia that hid behind her stern face a growing attraction for her lively companion. She couldn't express those feelings with words so she tried it with her music, composing a melody for her but Lyra didn't understood it. Her raw emotions were so strong that she failed to see the subtlety behind the notes. She patted “Octi” in the back and laughed words of praise before leaving to another party, leaving behind a blushing player that couldn't muster three simple words.

****

Octavia finishes her melody and sighs, putting down her instrument. The audience cheers for her, clapping and stomping the ground.

Octavia looks at them and bow, bringing an end to her performance.