Composing Love

Vinyl Scratch was galloping at the speed of a thousand stampeding buffaloes. "C'mon, Octy, we're gonna be late if you don't scooch your tail to the concert hall!"

Further down the road, an out-of-breath Octavia was struggling to walk. "Vinyl wait up! "

The concert hall was an enormous building exactly between Canterlot and Ponyville. It was shaped like a giant dome, and the walls were painted with countenances of famous pony composers and musicians. Among them was Beethoofen, Neighydn, and others. Once the pair was finally in their seats, Vinyl bounced up and down. "Look, I can see somepony behind the curtain! Who do you think it is? What do you think they play?"

"I have no idea why you're so excited for a concert," said Octavia. "You usually never like old-fashioned music."

"You totally forgot that we get to meet the performers later! Oh my gosh, it's gonna be so exciting! I've actually never touched a French horn before, have you?"

Octavia smiled. "Yes, I have. Now be quiet, the show's starting."

The lights dimmed softly. Sounds of tuning could be heard. Then the conductor stepped onstage and tapped his baton. In a raspy voice, he said, "Welcome one, welcome all, to the Seventh Annual Canterlot Royal Symphony Concert! The first song we will be playing for you tonight is Celestia's Ballad, written and transcribed by Nightingale. Enjoy!"

Music filled the air as the orchestra played song after song after song. It was unlike any concert Octavia had ever attended. Something in the clarinet section kept catching her eye, but she couldn't quite make it out. Was there an out-of-place instrument? Perhaps a dropped bracelet of some sort? Whatever it was, it was irrelevant right now. She turned her attention back to the music.

After the show was over, Vinyl sprang out of her seat and raced down the aisle. "Hurry! We're gonna see the players! We're gonna see the players!" Octavia just smiled and followed her backstage.

Behind the curtain, there was a whirl of activity. Ponies wearing bows and ties rushed about, oiling valves and changing reeds. In the background, the conductor could be heard shouting, "We've got only half an hour before the next show starts, everybody!" Among the hustle and bustle, Octavia could feel that same eye-catching itch. Curious, she wandered over to the woodwinds section, where some players were polishing their flutes. Then she tripped over an instrument case.

Everything seemed to go in slow motion. Her hooves flailed in the air, and she fell into the arms of a stallion. He smiled warmly. "Hi. I haven't seen you around before. Are you new?"

Octavia forgot how to speak momentarily. The Earth pony wasn't big or tall, he was actually only slightly taller than her. His glasses had black frames and thick lenses, and they matched his mane. It contrasted with his light brown coat. His Cutie Mark was of a 4/4 time signature. In his hoof was a clarinet case.

She stuttered, "Uh... um... ... hi?"

He smiled again. "My name's Clarence Key. What's yours?"

This time, Octavia successfully completed a sentence. "M-My name's Octavia Melody. I actually don't play here. I'm touring the backstage with my friend."

Clarence laughed. "Your friend, huh? No need to ask who she is, I suppose." Then he pointed to Vinyl, who was excitedly holding a French horn. Octavia had to refrain from facehoofing.

Suddenly, they noticed their current situation. The clarinet player cleared his throat. "Oh, um, I should probably put you down. Sorry."

Octavia blushed more then she had ever before. "Oh, no, you're fine," she said, standing back on the floor. "Thank you for catching me when I fell."

He replied, "No problem."

Vinyl trotted over and tapped Octavia's shoulder. "Yo, Tavi, we gotta go. The conductor's kicking us out cuz' they gotta practice."

Clarence and Octavia looked at each other. He said, "Maybe we should meet at Sugarcube Corner. Tomorrow?" She could only nod.

Then they walked away from each other, secretly smiling with happiness.