Professionalism

“You sure this is a good idea?” The mint green unicorn looked over at the maestro, currently styling his mane in the bathroom meticulously. “I mean, I get wanting the group to be close knit. Trust me, I do. But I really don’t think piling them all onto one table is a good idea.” The stallion walked out, carefully buttoning his coat on with a smile, feeling the suit cling onto him as the final button fit snugly into place.

“Nothing changes without a bit of clashing, you know. It might be sudden to bring everyone to a restaurant and eat at the same table just a day after my arrival, but you said it yourself: this hasn’t happened in a while. Why not?” Smiling, he opened the door, seeing Canterlot just 10 minutes away. Such a strange sight to see something so far, now so close. Whether that be Canterlot or my dreams of being someone in a position like this.

Lyra sighed, eyes closing as she stepped out, closing the door magically. “Well, if things get nasty, can’t say I didn’t try to warn you. I’m grateful that you’re trying to make an effort, though…even if it’s a bit much.” A small smile rose on her lips as she began to walk toward the city, Step pausing to look at the relatively humble cliffside home with a smile on his face. Luna had said that this home was in reserve for the next maestro to take the position, and surprisingly enough, it was in pristine condition, having been magically preserved. A perfect location to see the sun and moon rise along with the rest of southern Equestria…if a bit dizzying to the acrophobic.

I have a house. I have a job. I have the freedom to create and conduct and hear music…I feel alive. It’s a good feeling. He smiled as he looked back to Lyra, who was rather impatiently tapping her leg as if to gesture to the time.

“I really wonder where you’d be without me, y’know.” Lyra placed a hoof on her forehead, magically tugging him by the suit as he chuckled, starting to walk alongside her.

--

Step smiled, seeing the rest of the Orchestra standing in front of a fountain in a rather large area: nobles were everywhere, crowding the streets as they walked in and out of the shops nearby (probably to buy some gaudy dress for some exclusive party or another). Large streetlights emitted a warm orange glow to match the setting sun, illuminating the four musicians as he walked up to them.“Welcome to Canterlot Square: our usual meetup place when it comes to rehearsals! It’s kinda like Canterlot’s hub; you can get just about anywhere from here. Given that you basically traveled a straight line, I’m sure you know that already.” Harpo smiled warmly, patting the maestro’s shoulder as he passed the maestro a note from Beauty Brass.

Finding your new home to be pleasant? You have our apologies for not joining you in exploring it; we had other things to take care of for the night. The trumpeter bowed, Step shaking his head.

“You’ve no need to apologize; if you had your own obligations to tend to, that was your business. If you don’t want to go somewhere, as much as I can order it, I won’t force it on any of you.” The statement earned the maestro a small (not small) glance (deathly, soul crushing glare) from Frederic, who seemed to be a little annoyed at effectively being dragged out by social convention.

Seeing a glimpse of the pianist's piercing glare in his peripheral vision made the maestro a little unnerved, attention snapping back to the other members. “The house itself is a good size for two, but I’m sure I could fit all of you in there for a…bit of a crowded rehearsal, but a rehearsal.” Still feeling Frederic’s gaze running him through, he shook his head and refocused himself.

“In any case, I’m sure you’re all wondering why I’ve gathered you here.” Immediately, Frederic stepped forward, looking the maestro in the eyes with a coldness; as though he were just another threat, ready to be neutralized. “Princess Luna said that the bonds in this group were a little tense, so…I decided that it might be beneficial if we all went to dinner together. I don’t have a tremendous amount of bits, but if it wouldn’t be trouble…” Octavia paused for a moment, eyes blank as though she were processing the information she was received before beginning to inquire something:

“If that was your intention, could you not have asked earlier? Had any of us been busy with practice or other such prior engagements, your entire plan would have fallen through.” The maestro turned to face the cellist, stepping toward her in an attempt to seem authoritative.

“Not necessarily…I only had Lyra tell you to meet here; whether or not any of you came was up to you. I may be your leader, but I’m certainly not your commander: I’ll earn that with respect soon enough.” Step looked over to the castle with a smile. “Now, I’ve reserved a restaurant near the Castle. I hear only good things of it, and thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea.” Just as eager as she was in Manehattan, Lyra skipped forward with the thought of food in her mind.

At least, until she questioned why she was feeling her hooves hit nothing but air. A yellow magic aura had surrounded Lyra as a white stallion with a blonde mane approached the group with an inexplicably annoying smile, his horn lit the same yellow color. Stopping, he released his telekinetic grip on the lyre player to look down at the maestro. “What have we here…? Another servant for the royals?” Step simply raised an eyebrow at the noble.

Prince Blueblood. Every mare in Equestria dreams of being with him…this is a splendid first introduction. Charming, really. Stepping forward, the maestro bowed politely. “Pardon me, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m the newly appointed maestro of the Royal Orchestra: Step Lock.” He turned to the other members of the Orchestra, who were demonstrating the spectrum of annoyed stares.

Frederic seemed far more irritated than usual, stepping next to the maestro and silently glaring at the royal, while Octavia seemed ready to grab her cello bow and play someone’s funeral dirge. Harpo seemed to ignore Blueblood, while Brass’ normally smiling face turned into a rather unamused, stoic look. Lyra, however, seemed ready to laugh off the noble’s antics without a second thought (despite the small bruise on her stomach).

“Do keep your pets under your leash, Mr. Lock. I’m sure you all know the punishment for assaulting nobility, yes?” Without any warning, Blueblood’s horn lit up once more, nudging Lyra toward the group with a rough push before leaving the group to their stewing rage.

Step carefully supported the lyre player, who rolled her eyes in response.  “Thanks, newbie. Now, dinner…”

“You’re not going to tell me about Prince…” The stallion could feel the group’s rage spread to him, his body tense with anger toward the uncouth “gentlecolt” as Lyra began to check the other ponies for injuries.

This wasn’t my reason to take everyone out. Step closed his eyes, starting to contemplate. Emotions are like illnesses: when you enter a room with one, it’ll spread like a sickness. A little calmer, the maestro turned to look at the group: they seemed about ready to get into a scrap. I suppose it’s good that they’re all in tune and ready to play to the beat of their hooves against a certain Prince, but anger isn’t going to get us anywhere. Let's switch to Major.

A little less concerned, Step chuckled as he started to walk ahead. “We can discuss this later, everyone.” As the maestro started to walk, he felt a small smile form on his face.

Seeing Lyra walk past him, Step followed her lead, looking behind to face the group. “I asked you all out here so that we could enjoy the night together, yes? Everyone is safe, there's little harm done...I see no reason to dwell. Let us enjoy the night.” Facing forward, the stallion soon heard the 4 ponies trotting behind him, and couldn’t help but smile as he looked at the restaurant in the distance.