Chapters This is the end. We go softly. One of the maestro’s hooves met the floor, the low hum of the basses and cellos fading off into silence, leaving only the faint, almost angelic high C to fill the void of the silenced strings. The stallion’s other hoof returned to the ground as the sopranos lessened their dynamic, their voices also fading to nothing as an almost eerie emptiness filled the room. A ghost of a smile could be seen on the young stallion’s face as he turned to bow to the audience, speaking to the crowd after the applause was finished. “With that, I thank you all for coming, and I bid you all safe travels and a good rest of the evening.” His russet eyes came to a close as he trotted down from the stage…
It’s been a long time since I’ve conducted with an orchestra and choir simultaneously…not that I don’t enjoy it. I suppose it's more that I’m not used to it…although… The stallion listened to the flood of positive comments coming from those leaving the concert hall, his smile only growing larger as he heard the various compliments being tossed in their direction. I do well enough, I suppose. Of course, it’s not me; it’s the orchestra and choir. I guide. They act. Opening his eyes, he watched as the members of the choir and orchestra flooded upstairs to grab their things before leaving, gaze moving to the doors. I’d like to congratulate them on a show well done, but…right now, all I want to do is just get some sleep. I’m beat…
Beginning to trot outside of the concert hall, he looked at the sky. Luna, you did a good job with the sky tonight. The stars are shining bright and there's not a cloud in the sky…though, I suppose I have the pegasi to thank for that last bit, instead. A low chuckle left his mouth, rich Canterlot dialect shining through for a moment before he yawned, his body slightly sore from the day’s events.
Manehattan was bustling, even at nighttime; an abundance of carriages awaited both performers and attendees alike, and smiles were in even greater quantity…but the maestro had no such method of transport. It’d be nice to get a ride, but…I know my hotel’s not too far. Aching or not, I’ll walk. Keeping a small smile on his face, he walked away from the concert hall, looking back…
Just about a year, it’s been. Conducting in that concert hall…it’s home. Well, as close to “home” as I’ll get anymore, anyway…mother and father were never exactly fond of my talent. Though I should count my blessings; I finally got to get some exercise for once. A chuckle escaped his lips as he walked into the shadows, black mane and tail blending in with the darkness. It’s good to be back.
Above the usual chatter of the city, the conductor noticed something quite unusual…someone wearing a dark robe. In the midst of a summer night, no less. What…? The stallion paused, the mare continuing to walk toward him as his mind raced for a moment…
"You’re Maestro Step Lock, aren’t you?" The voice was definitely female, that much could be certain…and upon closer inspection, she had very bright yellow eyes, as if she could cry gold at any moment. She seemed as wary as he did…well, almost as wary. Step pulled out his conducting baton, looking over at the mare with an eyebrow raised in an attempt to look threatening, expecting a fight…
Only to have the mare’s horn glow with a golden hue, the baton being lifted into the air and smacking his forehead as she removed the hood on her robe. The mare’s mint green coat, along with her lighter green and white mane seemed to shine in the dark. A grin was plastered onto her face as she levitated the baton out of his reach, the stallion quickly standing on his hind hooves to grab it. Leaping into the air, he swore he had gripped it…only to fall flat onto the concrete, Lyra withholding her laughter as he clutched his stomach. “You’re a funny one. You think a conducting baton’s going to save you? What if I knew how to fire magic blasts or something?” Giggling, she gave the baton back to the maestro, who promptly placed it in his coat pocket as he stood up, a tad irritated at the strange mare.
“Well, your appearance didn’t exactly help my nerves; wearing a robe in the middle of a dimly lit Manehattan sidewalk? You must be a revolutionary in the fashion industry,” The maestro snidely remarked, the mare loudly laughing as she wrapped a hoof around his neck.
“Oh, you’ve got wit. I like you already, y’know that?” She bumped flanks with him, following his lead as he began to trot forward. “Say, where’re ya headed? Home?” A small smile lit his face as he spotted the hotel just a block down…
“Not quite, but you’re not exactly wrong. Given that you’ve been talking to me for this long, I presume you have some sort of business with me, correct?” Step raised an eyebrow quizzically at the mare, who chuckled as she moved a hoof to gently ruffle his mane.
“There’s something I'm here for, yeah…but we gotta take this to your room. It’s something important, so this needs to be on the down low, got it?” She raised an eyebrow over at the maestro, who replied with a curt nod before fixing his coiffure.
“Understood.” The duo entered the hotel, Step unlocking the door and entering the room before looking at the mysterious mare…
Her horn began to glow brightly, and the light expanded throughout the room to envelop it completely, the mare taking off her robe, revealing a saddlebag with a letter sticking out of it. “My name’s Lyra Heartstrings. I’m one of the String players for the Royal Orchestra, and I’m here instead of Princess Moonbutt because she’s busy with some other things.” Lyra smiled, watching as Step Lock’s professional facade immediately shattered.
The stallion's russet eyes widened as he struggled to fully grasp the situation, bowing respectfully. “You...I didn't recognize you in the darkness, Ms. Heartstrings! Oh, it's an-” Lyra quickly slapped his muzzle with the rolled up scroll, a faux stern, professional glare directed at the young maestro.
“Shh. I'm going to get serious because this is supposed to be read 'with great importance', or something like that. Nothing personal.” Her smile disappeared as she cleared her throat, opening the letter and starting to read the contents.
“'To Maestro Step Lock,' that's you, by the way...” The maestro ignored the small jab with a smile, trying his very best to not interject as she continued. “'We have heard of your skill as a conductor at such a young age, and are enthusiastic to see how you would guide our Royal Orchestra; should you choose to accept, Ms. Lyra Heartstrings-'” The mint green mare gestured to herself, smiling as she noticed Step trying (and failing) to contain his excitement by shuffling about. “'will guide you to the train station in the morning. You will receive further instructions when at Canterlot. We hope to see you tomorrow, and congratulate you on this opportunity. Yours truly, Princess Luna: Lunar Manipulator, Co-Ruler of Equestria'-blah, blah, titles and stuff. So, this is your chance to be-”
“YES!” Step's voice boomed as he jogged in place, unable to contain his excitement any longer. “Oh, yesyesyes yesyes **, I accept the position!” The stallion's usually low voice shot up several octaves before he quickly covered his mouth and cleared his throat. “I-I mean, yes. It would be an honor and a privilege, Ms. Heartstrings.” He began to calm down, his voice returning to it's normal pitch slowly as his grin turned into a calm smile (though one that was on the verge of looking creepy as opposed to legitimately happy).
“Now now, calm down...you're lucky I soundproofed the room before I read the letter, y'know. We don't wanna leak any information.” Lyra smiled, sitting down on the hotel bed and looking over at him. “I'll spend the night here, if that's fine. Make whatever peace you have with the ponies here in Manehattan; you won't be coming back here for a long time; a year, I'd say.” The suited stallion bobbed his head, taking off his suit and starting to walk out of the room.
“Understood. I'll be back in just a few moments, Ms. Heartstrings.” The mare looked over at Step, smiling as she casually walked up to the door.
“Just 'Lyra' is fine. Ya don't need to be so formal; I got a feeling we'll be good friends, you and I.” She smiled, watching him leave before settling down on his bed, closing her eyes. If he's this excited for the invitation, I wonder how excited he'll be when he gets there. Newbie's gonna love it.
“Hey. Hey, wake up!” The lyrist grumbled as the stallion shook her, her horn lighting up with yellow magic that started to push him away from her, the musician snapping out of slumber. “Come on! You said we had to leave in the morning, didn't you?! It's already 10:45, and we need to get out of this room by 11 to check out and head to the station!” He felt the magic pin him against the wall slowly, becoming unable to move as she stood up quietly.
Rubbing her eyes, the mint green mare murmured a small obscenity before looking at him, her eyes opening slowly to glare at the maestro. “...What?” The magic dissipated as she tilted her head, cocking her eyebrow as she started to slowly stretch.
Great. She's not a morning kind of pony. It would have been nice to know this * yesterday!*** He growled a bit as he gestured to the clock, eyebrows furrowed as he watched the seconds ticked by... “We need to get out of here in 15 minutes, and head to Celestial Center by 11:30!” The mare walked past him, eyes closing as she walked over to the bathroom, a look of complete disinterest on her face. “I-” The stallion felt his stomach rumble, his eyes lighting up as he turned to face her with an almost desperate smile. “I'll pay for food when we get near the station! I know a good hay burger shop!”
Step watched as the mare's movement speed seemingly tripled, quickly freshening up before grabbing her saddlebag, a twinkle in her eye. “All I needed to hear. Come on, Maestro Bitbags.” Step exhaled, his anger now relief as he adjusted his tie in the bathroom mirror before walking out.
“Let's go then, Ms. Heartstrings. Sorry about the-” Lyra proceeded to magically ruffle his hair, a smile on her face as he grumbled, fixing his now messy coiffure.
“Hey, don't worry about it...and what did I say about calling me that? Don't gotta be so formal, y'know?” The stallion shook his head, getting in line to check out... “And what're you sorry for? That I couldn't wake up in a,” she paused, the grin on her face wide as a mile as she leaned toward him. “TIMELY manner?”
The maestro stoically ignored the lyrist's attempt at humor, checking out and walking out the hotel's doors as the string player kept the smile on her face, even as they boarded the taxi carriage to Celestial Center. “Didja get it? 'Cause you're a conductor? And you keep-”
“Yes.”
“You know,” Step watched the mare finish off her hay fries, sailing the paper boat into the garbage and wiping her lips. “I gotta wonder why you said 11:30. I mean, we leave at 12; you know that. Well, not that I'm complaining: I got free food out of the deal.” Lyra chuckled, patting Step's back amicably as the maestro shook his head.
“It's best to be early for any occasion, Lyra. I would much rather avoid having to sprint to an important event...especially one as important as meeting the Princesses , wouldn't you?” Step raised an eyebrow, a small smile on his face as she proceeded to, once again, mess up his hair. “Why do you insist on doing that?” He grumbled, attempting to fix his mane as she giggled. “Have you no idea the lengths I go through to manage this to begin with?”
“Actually, yes.” The mint musician magically pulled her lyre out of her saddlebag, adjusting the tuning a little before strumming a chord, a smile on her face as she spotted the ever grandiose Celestial Center just a block away. “It definitely doesn't seem very difficult. As for why...well, I like seeing you all flustered over your mane; it's not like Beethooven was worried about his mane.”
“It's because he wore a wig.” Step bluntly stated, briskly walking into Center Station...before being pulled back by Lyra, who gestured to her saddlebag.
“I've got the golden tickets, remember? Chillax.” She easily navigated the sea of ponies in the station, Step following closely as the duo approached security...
“You two're headed to Canterlot, huh...?” One of the guards spoke, looking at the duo with a raised eyebrow. “I'll need your tickets, and some ID. Canterlot's being rough with letting ponies in; 'swhy we're here, see? No ID, no can do.” Step shrunk a little, Lyra gently patting his back as she simply took out her lyre and the letter given to her.
“I'm a part of the Royal Orchestra. Under order of Princess Luna, I was instructed to bring this stallion to Canterlot...I trust we won't have problems here?” Lyra raised an eyebrow, the guard bobbing his head as he looked at the lyre, the other guard looking at the royal seal on the letter.
The guards bobbed their heads, and both seemed intimidated as she took the items back, placing them in her saddlebag.“R-Right. Go on ahead; sorry to bother you two.” The maestro quickly stepped forward, Lyra smiling calmly as she lead Step to the train.
“I...I'm admittedly impressed at how well you handled that, but I need to ask: why your lyre?” The stallion raised an eyebrow quizzically, Lyra smiling as she walked inside the locomotive, tickets punched magically as she walked past.
“We get to choose an item we have with us when we join the Royal Orchestra for an Imprint spell. It's basically an easy way of saying 'I am who I say I am, and if you don't cooperate, things're gonna get messy for you.'. Convenient for getting into secure places without the hassle of guards at your tail.” The mare grinned, gently wrapping an arm around the maestro's neck playfully. “What would you do without me, am I right?”
“You know what?” Step smiled, chuckling a little. “If it weren't for you, my mood wouldn't be as elated as it is right now. I'm simply ecstatic , if it weren't obvious-”
“I'd expect ecstasy to be a little louder.” Lyra interrupted, her arm going to a cabin door with a smile, Step exhaling and shaking his head.
“We were having a moment, and then...” The maestro facehoofed, Lyra laughing as she pat his back roughly, a grin on her face as she pushed open the cabin door.
“We can have a moment in our first class cabin .” Lyra pulled him into the rather large, well furnished cabin, Step quickly managing to slip into a bunk bed after stumbling into it. “Let that ecstasy grow a bit more. We got 8 hours or so before we reach Canterlot; you'll have plenty of time to get all that 'yes' out of your system.” The mare laid back on a couch, closing her eyes as Step smiled, rising from the bunk bed as he heard the train's whistle pierce the air...
The locomotive chugging forward, he looked back at Manehattan, a small tinge of sadness in his heart as he watched it go from the large, grand city he knew to a speck in the distance. “Always depressing to see something so big turn so small...but...” He looked forward, and seeing a very distinct, purple, snow capped mountain in the distance, he couldn't help but grin. “The future is there, right in front of me! And no matter what the future holds...I'll cherish every moment!” Feeling a surge of energy rush through him, he felt his grin grow almost comically large as he watched the mountain come slowly closer. “Yes...! I'll-”
“One...” Lyra counted, Step looking over at the couch to see the mare idly fiddling with her lyre, the stallion toning down his grin to a smile as the string player plucked her instrument. “Don't mind me. Keep going with the emotional speech; I was really getting into it, y'know? I could taste that ham-" She paused, a grin on her face as she gently ribbed the stallion. "I mean passion.” The maestro calmed himself a little, simply sitting down next to Lyra and watching Canterlot grow closer as the smile on his face grew more by the minute.
“That's forty one times you've raised your voice in the past 8 hours. A paragon of professionalism, you are; nearly shouting at the top of your lungs...you're lucky I can soundproof rooms.” Lyra smiled, gently ribbing the maestro as they stepped off the train, Step smiling in return as he looked at Equestria's capital.
“We're finally here.” Canterlot's large buildings made Step feel quite a bit at home; it was as though he were in a fancier, ritzier Manehattan, packed to the brim with aristocrats, artists, and musicians alike. Before his mind could wander too much, his felt his eyes widen as he saw a certain Princess gliding down from above, carefully landing in front of Lyra with a small, almost reserved smile.
Immediately, Step bowed to Princess Luna: ruler of Equestria, protector of the night, and most importantly at the moment, his boss.
“Princess Luna! An honor to meet you face to face.” The stallion smiled brightly as the Princess of the Night outstretched a hoof, Step politely pecking her hoof before giving it a shake.
“We are pleased to have you here in Canterlot; your travels have taken you far...and here you stand.” She gestured to the rest of Canterlot, gently draping a wing over the stallion for a moment with a smile. “Come. We will lead you to the Castle.” She began to walk, Step following closely as he took in the seemingly vast city; it may have been on the side of a mountain, but it was certainly larger than he'd anticipated. “I presume this is your first time in Canterlot?”
The stallion bobbed his head affirmatively. “Yes. I had previously attempted to visit, but felt a thought push me from entering the city: What if I was ever tasked with playing for the Princesses? Sure enough, the day has come.” Step smiled, trotting next to Princess Luna as Lyra gently nudged the maestro with a grin.
“Don't get too cocky, now. You're not in yet.” Step cocked an eyebrow, head turning to face Lyra eye to eye. “Sorry to lift your spirits, but you honestly didn't think you'd get in without an audition, did you?” The stallion opened his mouth as if he were to object, but chose to mentally slap himself instead.
Of course, how could I be so * blind?** An invitation to Canterlot for such a position doesn't automatically mean I'll get the job. Let's think realistically here...* The stallion exhaled as he turned to face the Princess, whose smile (as small was it was) was a present reminder of her faith in his ability. She chose me for some reason, right? The thought soothed the maestro's mind for a moment, bringing a smile to his face as he observed the Canterlot elite looking toward the trio.
He could hear distant murmurs; about how they'd never seen that pony before, that he could be a emissary or an ambassador under a low profile. The feeling of importance only elevated as the trio neared the castle, Luna stopping in front of it and gesturing toward the entrance.
“Maestro Step, this is your audition.” The guards in front of the castle stoically looked at the young stallion, who seemed to shrink in the presence of the royal guards. “At this moment, the Orchestra's concertmaster is playing a cello piece inside the ballroom. There are three stipulations; all of which will make locating the ballroom more difficult. The first makes it so that the castle's layout is different; everyone in the castle knows of the altered layout, while you do not. The second is already in effect; the sound of your voice will be muted to every pony in that castle, yourself included.” The stallion raised an eyebrow, looking at the massive building...
“That means that I can't ask for help, even if I wanted to.” Luna bobbed her head affirmatively.
“You have 2 hours to find the room. When you step inside the room, all of the stipulations will be lifted, and you will have passed your 'audition'. Should you fail, however...Lyra will escort you back to the train station.” Step felt his heart sink like a boulder in water, and bobbed his head as he nervously shuffled a bit. “This is a test of your hearing and memory; a maestro should be able to pick up on the slightest of sounds, don't you agree?”
The stallion nodded again before taking a small pause, a confused glint in his eyes. “Wait, Princess. You gave me two stipulations; what of the-” Step realized his third stipulation as Luna's horn lit up brightly, feeling a change in the air...
The rest of her speech faded in and out of his hearing, and he watched her and Lyra teleport elsewhere, the once majestic castle now the most intimidating thing he could imagine. Alright...let's see if I can do this.
The stallion felt his head ache as he trotted into the castle, the sensation of sound cutting in and out already proving to be a physical detriment as much as it was a mental one. His ears lowered as he looked about the interior of the already large castle, and the thought dawned upon him: the castle was large, yes, that also meant that the rather excessive amount of halls in the entrance only lead to more halls, some of which split. To scour all these possible routes in two hours with no help from anyone and a hearing impediment seemed like an impossible task... My sense of sound...she said this would be a test of hearing, but I fear it's more a test of trying to stay conscious! I pray she realizes just how painful this is...perhaps the pain is just another stipulation? He exhaled, starting to walk into one of the halls and avoiding eye contact with the various guards that walked on by.
Alright, things to do; obviously, listen up for the sound of a cello. Even better, if I see a stallion or mare I recognize twice, and I'm in a similar location, chances are the halls might actually loop around; which gets rid of some of the guesswork I need to do. I just need to keep walking, and I'll find out. The stallion watched as he passed by a rather nice courtyard, a royal guard captain drilling ponies in close quarters combat. A small smile crept up onto his face as he watched soldiers quickly send each other to the floor before his headache set in again, the guard captain's orders piercing his skull.
I'll have time to observe such things in detail later. I've other, more dire matters to attend to. Reaching a split path, he swore he could hear a cello playing somewhere in front of him. His enthusiasm growing larger, Step began to close his eyes in an effort to concentrate. I can only hear it so loudly...I might not be able to hear myself, but I can use other ways to remember how loud it is.
Taking out his conducting baton, he gently tapped the floor at a slow tempo. I'll double the speed should I hear it any louder. For now, I need to keep walking. Pleased with his idea, he continued to walk to the beat of the music as he heard it; immediately recognizable as the first of Bach's Cello Suites. Silently humming along, he heard the music grow louder... Chose the right path on the first go? I must be fortunate...
His pace hastened as he continued to walk, stopping occasionally to adjust his tie and even try to greet some guards as he passed...not that they would respond. The music only grew louder as he continued to walk down the splits in the road, accurately determining which side was louder and just about breaking into a sprint by the end in an effort to keep up with the music...
Only to stop in complete confusion, his hopes crushed as he stared at the end of the hall, nothing but a wall in front of the stallion. But...what...? I hear a cello! I hear one playing, right behind this wall! That's... He shook his head, eyes wide as he looked down at his hooves.
Maybe if I just... He carefully leaned against the wall...
And immediately felt a pair of double doors give, his body flopping down onto the floor, his headache subsiding as the sound of Bach's first Cello Suite came to a close, a grey mare looking at the suited stallion with irritability. “...And who might you be?”
The Orchestra, Second Beat
The suited stallion simply laid there for a moment, taking in the scenery; the ballroom was predictably huge, enough to fill a hundred, if not more. The large windows led out to the famous Canterlot Gardens, a few birds chirping away as he laid there for a moment, the cellist's eyes narrowed as she gently cradled her instrument, setting it back in it's case before walking up to the maestro. "Are you ill?" He hadn't caught it before, but she certainly had a distinct Canterlot accent to her rather modulated voice. "You seem to be lost." The mare's violet irises betrayed her rather pleasant voice, seeming to near-violently glare at the stallion on the floor as she adjusted her mane with her hooves.
Feeling flustered, the maestro rose to his hooves before bowing courteously, a blush on his face. "N-No, I'm not lost. In fact, I'm right where I need to be." He smiled, glad that not only was his voice back, but the other stipulations had been lifted, just as the Princess said. "I'm unsure if you were expecting me, but please, let me introduce myself. My name is Step Lock; making it to the ballroom was my 'audition', if you will, to get into the Royal Orchestra. I was told to listen for a cello, and...well, lo and behold." Step chuckled nervously, the mare's robotic stare seeming to pierce right through him, stoic glare causing Step to shrink a little. ...She certainly carries an air of professionalism around her. To be expected of such an orchestra. Her lavender eyes seemed to be 'scanning' him, as though seeing if they were even worthy of being in the same room. Not the time to be thinking that.
"...We've had no need for a maestro ever since our conception. I fail to see why we would need one now." The musician turned away, an exhale releasing some of the tension in her body as she moved to sit down on a chair nearby.
A silence filled the air where his hope had once blossomed, a dissonance hanging in Step's mind as the cellist opened her mouth to speak, with the first instance of emotion he'd heard from her since he arrived. "Who sent you?" She raised an eyebrow, Step moving to approach her cautiously, as though the floor was made of glass.
"P-Princess Luna." He felt blood rush to his face as he moved closer to her, pulling up a chair to set next to her. "I realize that this may be a...difficult thing to accept. You've been playing without a maestro ever since the group was formed, and..." A somewhat surprised look from the mare cut him off as she turned to face him.
"The Princess herself sent you?" The mare was incredulous as she attempted to process the information she'd just been told. This young stallion? A maestro?
Feeling a small bit of confidence return to him, a small smile formed on his face as he nodded. "Yes. Lyra Heartstrings picked me up at Manehattan, and I met Princess Luna here. She gave me my assignment, and I did as she requested." He paused for a moment, mentally slapping himself for his rude...if unintentional interruption. "Pardon me, but...I never caught your name, my lady."
She stood up, still a little shocked as she looked at the maestro, her stoic look faltering a little as she introduced herself. "Octavia Philharmonica, Concertmaster of the Royal Orchestra. You've no need to refer to me with a title." Octavia bowed, but it seemed to be only out of courtesy as she immediately returned to her cello, inspecting it closely.
A silence hung in the room as she set her cello down, looking at the main entrance to the ballroom. "The others will be here in-"
"Five minutes or so, you were about to say?" A blue stallion entered the room, jovially humming a small tune as he opened an eye, striking green irises seeming to pierce the maestro as they turned to him. However, it wasn't just his eyes that intimidated him, oh no; there was a certain weight to him. As though the air around him was heavier, the gravity in the room suddenly intensifying as he'd entered so nonchalantly...was this truly what it meant to hold such power?
Of course, all that could just as easily be explained by the fact that he'd been balancing what appeared to be a custom made, solid gold harp on his back; and without effort! How strong was this pony...? "I expected Frederic to already be here by now. He's usually earlier than you are, Octavia." His tone was about as lighthearted as his attitude, a smile on his face as he set the harp down gently onto the stage.
"I presume he has business to attend to...no matter." The cellist looked at the harpist, whose eyes were now affixed on the young maestro who was trying (keyword is trying) to introduce himself.
It was certainly not made easier by the stallion's appropriately large muscles growing more defined as he merrily trotted to the maestro. "H-Hello. I am-" The larger stallion's smile grew wider as he tightly gripped the poor maestro in a bear hug, the maestro's lungs near-immediately vacating themselves of air.
"Man, it's been a while since we've had another join our ranks!" The azure menace chuckled, noting Step's audible (and very much futile) attempts for air before letting him go, the smaller stallion's body immediately dropping to the ground. "Name's Harpo. Harpo Parish Nadermane; String and Brass player for the Royal Orchestra."
Step took a while to breathe, coughing violently as he attempted to compose himself, sides hurting from just how tightly he'd squeezed his smaller body. "Celestia, you...you have quite a set of hooves." He straightened his posture a bit, taking a few deep breaths before (once again) attempting to introduce himself. "My name is S-"
At least, until a sky blue blur cut him off, Step feeling a mare's tail slap him across the face as she swiftly pivoted to give the harpist a lightning fast slap to the face...with a trumpet in her hoof to boot! The stallion seemed relatively unaffected, however; managing to shrug off the blow, he smiled as he gave the smaller mare a more gentle hug. "Good to see you too, Brass. Take a look at the colt behind you; apparently, he's joining us as a maestro!"
The mare exhaled, turning around and looking at the stallion with a small smile, purple eyes closing as she politely bowed. Reaching inside of her trumpet, she pulled out some parchment and a quill, beginning to write... You'll have to pardon my coltfriend's...rather boisterous behavior. My name is Beauty Brass; Brass and String player for the Royal Orchestra. Step reached out a hoof to grab the quill before pausing.
Wait a second, she could hear him...Harpo, right? Why am I trying to write back? Mentally slapping his forehead, he instead took a bow. "A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Brass...now, before I get cut off again, I'd like to formally introduce myself. My name is-" He found himself cut off by a sudden gust of wind rolling into the room, a stallion with a light brown coat entering from a door off to the side, his green irises quickly traveling to the maestro.
"...Apologies for the lateness; I had some business to settle. Shall we get to work?" The white maned stallion walked past the maestro, who opened his mouth to speak...
Only to have another gust of wind cut him off, Princess Luna swooping in behind her whilst carrying Lyra on her back with a small smile. "I'm glad to see you made it in such short time, maestro." The rest of the group, save Octavia and Lyra, turned to Step.
"I beg your pardon, maestro ?" Frederic was the first to interject, Step shrinking a little as the fellow musician stepped up to him. "...Why a maestro? We've not had one since our conception; why would we possibly need one now?" Luna gently pulled Frederic back magically, Step falling onto his flank and looking away, flushed with embarrassment.
"I've seen your bonds grow weaker. Your dreams grow more troubled, your thoughts grow more uncertain. As a whole, I had thought what you needed was time; what I think you need now is guidance. While I may not be here, I place my trust in someone else...someone whose job it is to guide you, will do so, whether it be interpersonal relations or in music." The Princess summarized, looking at Step with a smile that seemed to fade, a stoic look on her face. "But there lies an important question for you, Step Lock. One that can't simply be answered beforehand, no matter what your inclination to music is."
Her horn lit up, and very quickly, all became dark.
He'd been invited to Canterlot by quirky, if nice mare. He'd been given this strange assignment, which he didn't question...and for what? To be magically blinded after meeting ponies that were either completely indifferent to meeting him or seemingly had no sense of personal space. I feel like I'm floating. Where am I?
Immediately after the thought, Step felt his body's muscles relax as the feeling of weight returned to his body, his hooves hitting what seemed to be a floor. He felt his vision slowly return to him, and one thing was evident: everything was dark. There was no light; just a vast darkness in what appeared to be a void. It was impossible to tell what was ground, what was solid; he only knew what he stood on. Should I even take a step...?
"Maestro Step." Princess Luna descended from what seemed to be the vastness of space above him, the maestro immediately turning to her and bowing, ready to profusely apologize for any wrongdoings. "I have taken us to an isolated area; one where no one will hear us but the Orchestra. This information is to remain strictly confidential; do you understand?"
"Princess...I understand, but I'm confused. What is happening...? Why the odd audition? Why this ?" He gestured to the dark area, Luna walking forward and silently gesturing him to follow.
The stallion's hooves slowly shifted, his hooves meeting some sort of solid ground as he walked next to the Princess. "This is a matter of importance, Maestro. Now...you may not believe what I'm to tell you, and that is alright. The others in the orchestra were in some disbelief as well." A set of five colored lights shone from the "floor", projections of the Orchestra members in the lights for Step to see. "I have come to realize that speaking daintily does little good for the sake of comprehension, so I will be blunt: this is no mere Orchestra." The projections of the Orchestra members turned into physical objects floating in the light.
"W-What do you mean by that, Princess? I believed my role was the Maestro of the Royal Orchestra; I never signed up for this..." Luna turned to the stallion, gently patting his shoulder and levitating him to the objects he saw.
"Permit me to finish. What you see before you are objects the members of this Orchestra carry with them to identify themselves to guards posted all around Equestria. I am sure Lyra told you that much before your arrival in Canterlot." The stallion observed the objects in closer detail: a trumpet, harp, cello bow, a pair of bracelets, and a lyre that Step had seen and heard many times on the train to Canterlot. "However, these are not merely tools of their trade in the Orchestra. You see, Maestro...the Orchestra is a subsection of the Royal Guard." Step could feel his grip on the conversation going...going...gone.
"I beg your pardon, what . It certainly explains that...Harpo's hooves, but the rest of them? E-Even Lady Octavia? You mean to tell me that they're-" Luna bobbed her head, the remaining members of the Orchestra appearing from the darkness, taking their possessions from the lights in front of them.
"Surprise!" Lyra smiled, picking up her lyre with a grin. "Look, you don't gotta be in such disbelief about it. I mean, I stopped you from poking my eye out with that baton of yours, right?" The memory replayed in Step's mind, and the stallion closed his eyes in contemplation. "C'mon, give me some credit, why don't ya."
It all clicks, now. Lyra's fast reaction. Why guards would let us through. Harpo's ability to crush my spine. The altered castle test. It all makes sense...but I have more questions than I do answers. Step looked at the Orchestra members taking their possessions, Luna walking up to the guards with a small smile.
"Now, then...you have two options. You can do as many others have done; you can reject being a part of this small Orchestra...or should I say, performing ensemble. You can do so at no cost to yourself; your memories of this event will be erased, and filled with an invitation to visit the castle and see a performance." The stallion felt his heart sink and his spine shiver, an small trace of courage remaining present in his ability to stand. These ponies...they're not what I thought they were, not at all. This...this is serious, isn't it.
She continued, patting Step's shoulder firmly, looking him eye to eye, attempting to quell his nerves."Should you accept...you will become a part of the Incognito Defense Force, stationed in Canterlot. You will receive pay for your performances as a musician as well as for your contributions to keeping Canterlot, and by extension, safe from any and all threats. We have had a vacant home prepared for a newcomer for some time, and would gladly move you into it." Luna flapped her wings, sending her back with the rest of the Orchestra to give Step some breathing room.
"What will your decision be?"
The maestro closed his eyes, taking a few deep breaths as his thoughts began to flow with a bit more control. Let's sort this out. If I join, I won't have to travel Equestria anymore. I would be settled in Canterlot with five other ponies as my co-workers, at least two of which seem amicable enough to at least speak to me. I would be paid, my house would be set, and my dream of working in the Orchestra would be complete. Why do I hesitate? His eyes opened, looking at the group: more specifically, the objects they held. Because I would become someone I'm not. I'm not a mercenary, or a warrior...evident in my stamina, or lack thereof. Of course, neither are they...at least, as far as I know. All I know is that I'm ill suited for even a small tussle. His irises scanned the objects they held before looking at their owners, who seemed to stoically glare at the maestro...except Lyra, who only seemed to smile at the outsider's various reactions to the news. The Princesses themselves invited me here...might have been through a proxy, but still. I don't know what use I'll be; I'm weak physically and can't hold my own. But it if means getting away from the life I used to lead...
Step bowed to the Princess before him, closing his eyes. With uncertainty and trepidation, he spoke slowly. "...I...I am yours to mold as you see fit, Your Highness." Princess Luna's horn lit up, a circle of light magically opening beneath Step, enveloping his body.
"Very well. You have heard the dangers that this job entails, and choose to accept the duties as the leader of the Incognito Defense Force...Step Lock. Stand." The stallion could feel his suit removing itself as he stood, the conducting baton inside being removed from it's pocket as he silently watched Luna closely observing his possessions.
The bluish magic around the clothing and baton began to shift in color to a bright white before a flash of light filled the room, seeming to blind everyone that stood for only a moment. The darkness returned, and what was his possessions were gone, replaced by another suit of much finer quality, and a strange conductor's baton that seemed to have a metal engraving in the length, the white aura that had enveloped it earlier still present. "Step Lock. You understand the importance and relevance of your position: to keep Canterlot safe from threats, whether they be inside or outside of the city. To be silent, to strike when the time calls for it, and to be the judge to those that dare to defile the laws that keep our city safe. The suit I bestow upon you is a symbol of your loyalty to this nation. It is a beacon of hope for those that are in pain, a never ending reminder to those that wish ill upon those in this nation: those that wish to bring harm will be found and punished justly for their crimes." The suit seemed to teleport onto his body, and immediately, it seemed to adjust to his size and cling onto him as though it were a second skin.
"With this weapon I bestow upon you, you recognize that you are the leader of the Incognito Defense Force, and one of the Personal Guards of Her Majesty, Princess Luna. You will be the perfect reflection of those that stand in your path: the judge of the crimes they have committed, and if given the order, the deliverer of death upon the wicked that dare defile Equestrian law." The conducting baton floated in front of him, and with hesitance, he slowly took it in his hoof and stared at it in disbelief.
"With this suit and conducting baton, you inherit the responsibilities of your fellow Orchestra members. With this suit and conducting baton, you become a leader: a vigilant beacon of hope for those lost in the dark of despair. From this day forth, you will be Step Lock: Leader Commander of the Incognito Defense Force, Personal Guard and Advisor to Her Majesties Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, Personal Guard and Advisor for those of equal or higher power, Protector of Canterlot and Equestria, and Maestro of the Royal Orchestra. May the perfect reflection of your actions guide now and forever." He looked in front of him, the darkness fading to reveal a room; the ceiling was supposedly the vast darkness of space, the group standing on a blue carpet with moonlight pouring in from above.
The Princess and the rest of the Orchestra stood in front of him still, moonlight illuminating more of the Princess as she lowered her horn onto his shoulder. "It is done." Luna raised her head, the rest of the group (some more willingly than others) bowing respectfully to the young maestro before rising, the Princess magically opening the door. "I leave all but one thing to you, Maestro: it had been decided before your arrival that Lyra Heartstrings shall be your roommate for the next year: you will, hopefully, more acquainted with Canterlot's workings then." The stallion affirmatively bobbed his head, bowing again.
"Thank you, Princess Luna. I..." He felt himself at something of a loss for words, and opted to just say what came to mind. "I'll try not to disappoint." Luna simply smiled, walking alongside them only for a moment, spreading her wings and flying out of the tower, door closing itself.
"So, roomie ..." The lyrist gently poked the maestro's side with a smile, the stallion chuckling as he turned to face her. "I guess it's official. You're the maestro of the Royal Orchestra! Let's-"
"Ignore the greenhorn." Frederic stated, looking at the newly appointed maestro with cold indifference, stepping toward him. "You aren't ready. Such hesitance...already, a sign of weakness." Step found himself backing away from the pianist, whose statements seemed to ring in his ear.
Lyra stood in front of the maestro, gently pushing the maestro away as if to defend him. "Frederic...Luna kinda had a point back there, don't you think? We've all been kinda out of sync with each other. I think it'd do us good to have someone focusing our efforts." The maestro felt his smile return, stepping forward to look at the rest of the group...
"Focusing our efforts?" Octavia stepped forward next to Frederic as she spoke, Lyra looking at the cellist coolly. "I do believe that your lack of punctuality should be brought to attention! Neglect to mention that you never actually practice ." This sparked a small flame in Lyra, who stepped in front of Octavia.
"Yes, just because I don't practice every moment of my free time-" Both sides of the argument could feel their resolve to argue diminish as Brass simply stepped between the duo parties.
"That's quite enough." Her voice was soft and silvery, but had an edge to it; befitting of the quiet mare that it inhabited. "Like it or not, it's decided." She looked at the young maestro apologetically, who had backed away from the argument just enough to avoid getting wrapped up in anything physical.
Brass stepped away from the trio, Harpo taking her place and gently nudging the trio away from each other. "...Rehearsals are usually on Wednesday nights at 7:00 in the ballroom; we usually run until midnight or later. If not in the ballroom, then the courtyard works. Does that sound good to you?" Step had been looking out the window, seeing Luna fly about gracefully before landing on another tower nearby.
Turning to face Harpo, the young maestro nodded, his gaze locked on his in an attempt to avoid the others that seemed...a little less than pleased at his current position. "It's settled. We'll rehearse at the usual times for you all. For now, I wish you all a good night; perhaps I'll see you around Canterlot." Step found his hooves taking him a bit quicker than he'd like down the tower, Lyra following closely as the rest trailed behind.
The Princess flew about, looking over at one particular tower just nearby with a smile. Swooping down into the relatively small room, she saw a number of papers suddenly disappear in a flash of light, the rainbow maned sister turning to face Luna with a small smile. "Sister...! What brings you here?" Celestia gently set her crown onto a nightstand, walking up to the fellow Princess.
"We have another in the Orchestra, Sister! 'Tis a time for celebration, methinks!" Luna grinned, hugging Celestia with a bit more force than necessary, the Princess of the Sun gently patting Luna's back with a larger smile.
"That's good, that's good. They will give your mind some ease..." Luna pulled away, eyes seemingly shining as she looked out the window, a hum coming from her mouth.
"The mind is already at ease, Sister. I am by your side, and the work that I've needed to do has lessened considerably; have times really been so relaxed?" Celestia chuckled, patting Luna's back.
"As hectic as ever. Rest assured, I have things under control: go, enjoy the night without a care in the world! I will see you as the sun rises." The Princess of the Night gently nuzzled against her sister's neck before flying off, Celestia smiling as Luna soared above the clouds, watching her little ponies enjoy the night.
“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.