Sketchy Salad Serenata

Chapters

Overture
Prima Aria
Recitativo 1 - A Lesson for and from a Princess
Seconda Aria
Recitativo 2 - A Warm Chill
Terza Aria
Recitativo 3 - A Moonlit Sonata
Quarta Aria
Recitativo 4 – Airs and Graces from Foreign Places
Quinta Aria
Recitativo 5 – Dinner for Two, Pain for One
Sesta Aria
Recitativo 6 – New Voices for Old Tunes
Settima Aria
Recitativo 7 — A Fresh Perspective
Ottava Aria
Recitativo 8 — Friends in High Places
Nona Aria
Recitativo 9 – Expectations and Experiences
Decima Aria
Recitativo 10 –Reflections and Resolve

Overture

The days were beginning to shorten in the royal city of Canterlot. Autumn was most certainly on its way as the year crept slowly on through August, though the daylight hours were still sunny and warm. The capital of Equestria was, however, still a delightfully colourful place; although the floral hues of spring had long since faded, and the bright tones of assorted ponies in fashionable summer wear were beginning to become less common, the city was still painted with a veritable smorgasbord. The leaves of the assorted trees that dotted the city were beginning to turn, thus coating the town with an array of golden browns and yellows.

It was one of the most beautiful times of year to be a resident of Canterlot - and as the sun began its lazy descent into the afternoon of the day, two of its residents were sat outside enjoying the weather. One of them was a large earth pony stallion with a light brown mane and tail, contrasted by a grey-white coat. His ocean green eyes were currently roving back and forth over a few sheets of paper laid on the little bistro table before him. He reached over and picked up the glass of iced tea sat atop one of the sheets, taking a small draught from the temporary paperweight before setting it back down.

“How is it going there, dear?”

His attention moved from the letter in front of him to the pony sat opposite him. He smiled, as her face was something that was always a pleasure to behold for him. It was easy to see why; the stone grey coated earth pony filling his vision was one of refined beauty. Her ebony mane was thick and lustrous, immaculately combed, and styled in a very understated fashion. It was a perfect contrast to her eyes, which were of a striking violet hue. She smiled in turn and tilted her head slightly to the side, silently prompting him for an answer.

“I think I’ve covered everything, Tavy.” he smiled. This was the nickname he had adopted for the pony in his company, though her proper name was in fact Octavia. It was a name that was known far beyond the boundaries of the capital city, for she had travelled far and wide with the Canterlot Royal Symphony Orchestra as one of its star performers. Her capabilities with the cello were held in great renown by those in classical circles; she was one whose name you only had to speak to such ponies for them to know exactly whom you were referring to.

“Excellent, Sketchy. Perhaps we may even catch the afternoon collection, then.”

That was his name, or part of it: Sketchy Sounds. Up until recently, he had not been a pony of any particular renown, save for having had his work exhibited a scant few times in some smaller galleries on occasion. As per his name and the mark upon his flank, he was a pony skilled in both the arts of music and visual media. He could not compare to the level of exceptional skill possessed by the pony sat opposite him in terms of music, of course - although he would not want to have been compared to her, either.

Still, he had become much more well known just around half a month ago. That had been due to Octavia, or to put it more precisely, it had been because he and the famed cellist had fallen for each other and started to see each other in a romantic context. It had made the local newspapers when Octavia had chosen to make her feelings toward him known through nothing less than a beautiful composition she had written of their relationship. That on its own would not have been newsworthy, but the cellist had chosen to perform the piece as an addendum to the Summer Equinox Celebration - hence most of Canterlot had heard it, including Princess Luna herself. He had been left speechless by it, but nevertheless thoroughly delighted.

“We might just! I’m just gonna finish checking this over before I send it off.”

Octavia nodded, taking a sip of her own favoured beverage, a contented smile on her face.

“Very well, dear. Take your time.”

Sketchy grinned, flashed her a wink, and dropped his gaze back to the paper. He resumed mentally reading where he had left off.

So, besides that big news, I’ve had other things going on too. I had probably the most exciting client ever for a commission. I can’t even tell you who thanks to being more or less sworn to secrecy, though I’ll be happy to show you the references when you’re next in town.

Speaking of, when do you reckon you’ll stop by? I remember you saying you’d probably have time and money to hoof later this year. I’d love to see you, and Octavia’s rather anxious to meet you too. Perhaps a little too anxious: when I told her you might come to town some time this month or next, she went a bit pale. You’ll have to drop by soon and let her see you’re nothing to be scared of. And besides, I miss you.

Oh also, Freezy’s been getting pretty close to a guy from Cape Sunrise. Last I heard, he’d headed back there for a spell - but I figure it won’t be long ‘fore we see him around town again. I sure hope so anyway, I can tell she misses him more than she’s letting on.

He paused, thinking over that with a smile. “Freezy” was the shorthand name he had for one of his closest friends; a pegasus by the name of Freeze Pop. She was one of the finest examples of a Royal Guard he had ever met: devoted, dedicated, unswervingly loyal and utterly dependable. She was also very sturdily built, and naught but a few inches or so shorter than himself. The two had been friends since foalhood, and been by turns an ever-present confidante and rival.

During the weeks that had led to the Equinox concert, the pegasus mare had met a slightly shy and retiring pegasus named Blacklight. She had taken to addressing him by the nickname of “Blackie”, and unlike her relationships with other pegasi around Canterlot, she had indeed become somewhat fond of him. Sketchy still didn’t fully understand it himself; in many ways the two were polar opposites, after all. His friend was quite large, strong-willed, somewhat extroverted and self-assured, and she wasn’t afraid to “call a spade a bloody shovel”, as she would put it. Her potential suitor, by contrast, was of average stature, somewhat shy and quiet, and generally only spoke up if spoken to in the first place.

He shrugged to himself and kept reading.

Seems like maybe some time soon she won’t be flying solo any more. Well OK, they’re pretty much already dating. I dunno if she’s really fallen for him though. Guess we’ll see in due course.

Oh and of course I can’t really go sending you word from here without making mention of Sally. She’s the same as ever she was - well, apart from her having grown, of course. These past several months she’s really matured, too. You’ll really have to see her yourself to believe it.

Ah yes, Sally. Yet another nickname, for his culinarily gifted unicorn friend Salad Sandwich. The filly was a living ray of sunshine, always cheerful and hospitable. That was probably why it was that she now worked in her parents’ sandwich bar, where she spent all day engaging her culinary talents and chattering to patrons. Of all the ponies he knew, Sally was his oldest and closest friend. The two had been neighbours during his foalhood, and their relationship was closer to that of brother and sister than just simply best friends. This was probably due to the fact that neither one had siblings of their own, and hence had found in each other something they had not been naturally blessed with. It helped that Salad’s parents were as welcoming as she herself was, and they had welcomed the young colt almost like a member of their family even from early on.

It had helped as well that, being neighbours, his parents had become closely acquainted with Salad’s. It had meant that it was very easy for the young foals to call on each other, and it was not uncommon for them to come and go from each others’ homes with nigh-on free rein.

I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you too - and I know you’ll want to call on her folks. I expect you’ve a lot of catching up to do as per always.

Anyways, I think that’s all there is to report. Do let me know when you expect to be in town soon as you can, I’m really looking forward to seeing you.

All my love and hope to see you soon,

~Sketchy.

“Hmmm. I think it’s ready.” he smiled, carefully folding up the pieces of paper. He tucked them into an envelope before him, sealing it shut.

“Excellent. I am sure your mother will be delighted to receive news from you, especially with her living so very far away these days. The journey from the Amareicas is not one to be taken lightly.”

“It’s not, no. She said in her last letter that she’d undertake it soon, though. I really am looking forward to it, I’ve not seen her in absolutely ages.”

“As am I, dear.” Octavia nodded, though there was a tone of apprehension in her voice. “Though I confess, I am slightly unnerved by the prospect. It is imperative I make a good impression on her.”

Sketchy smiled fondly to her at that. “Octavia my love, I can tell you now she is going to love you. You’re every inch a proper lady, yet you have all four hooves planted firmly on the ground. My mum’s sure to recognise that, and she’ll love you for it.”

“I suppose I shall simply have to see when the time comes.” Octavia nodded, though she smiled in turn at his reassurance. “Well then, you had better get that letter posted.”

“I better had.” the stallion agreed. He then noticed a distracted look on his lady friend’s face. “...uh, something up?”

“It is nothing, dear. I just have this nagging feeling that I am forgetting something. Something important...” the cellist replied. Her eyes then widened in abject horror. “Oh... oh no! Oh goodness me, how could I have forgotten!?”

“What, what is it?” Sketchy inquired alarmedly, a little unnerved by her sudden upset. The cellist looked back to him with dinner plate sized eyes.

“Tonight is lesson night!”

Sketchy’s mouth fell open at that, and he winced as he drew in a sharp breath. “Oh gosh... we should tidy things up a bit. Oh, I should go get this letter posted first though. I’ll be back soon as possible!”

“Yes yes my dear, do so!” Octavia nodded, rising hastily from her seat. The two were sat outside the front of her home, which was a modest sized cottage close to the outskirts of Canterlot. It was far enough removed from the city centre to be in a quiet neighbourhood, yet still close enough to be in walking distance of most of the amenities. Nestled back among trees and hedges, it was quite the idyllic dwelling. It was here that Octavia had spent her time when she had been composing the music that was later played for the Summer Equinox.

Most of the time, her home was a delightful haven where she was able to shut out the outside world and focus on the joys of her life - but right now it was a hive of frenzied activity as she hurried inside to make her home presentable. That wasn’t to say that she didn’t already keep it very tidy most of the time anyway, but it had to be said that whenever she had her stallion companion round, tending to the upkeep of her home’s tidy appearance tended to lapse on her list of priorities. That would not do, for she was to tend to the tuition of a fellow musician tonight. That on its own would be cause enough for her to need to tidy, but what made her activity all the more frantic was that her student was no ordinary student.

Some months back, at about the same time as Octavia had been approached by Princess Luna for the task of composing music for the Summer Equinox, the alicorn had submitted another more personal request. She still remembered the letter even now that had arrived, requesting that she, a mere mortal earth pony musician, assist the elegant and immortal Princess of the Moon in re-acquiring her former talent for music - a talent which, the Princess had stated, was “ever so slightly dusty”.

Naturally, she had agreed to it. To even be considered for such a task was an unfathomable honour for any musician, and she would not have dreamed of turning down a request from one of the royal sisters themselves. There had, however, been a few conditions placed upon her agreement. Luna had insisted on almost total secrecy: she wanted no-one to know of her undertaking Octavia’s tuition, lest word get back to her sister. She had explained this as due to a desire to surprise the Sun Princess with her re-kindled skill at an appropriate moment, and it would ruin said surprise if word were to get out.

With that said, she had decided to trust her stallion suitor with the information roughly a week after the concert that brought them into a deeper relationship had passed. It was a far easier thing than having to make up some reason as to why she would not have time to spend with him on certain nights of the week when he knew full well she currently had no composition or rehearsal commitments currently. As she had expected, of course, he had made her a solemn promise to keep her secret.

Nevertheless, Octavia was still somewhat frazzled as she scurried around her home, dusting surfaces, righting books, arranging everything just so. There was one other additional factor to her stress over the lesson she was to give, and that was the fact that, as opposed to previous visits from Her Highness, Octavia had decided to allow Sketchy to remain at her home whilst the Princess called round. It made sense to do so, after all: if the alicorn would be comfortable with his presence during her lessons, it would mean not having to turn him away on a regular basis - which was something she didn’t like having to do.

Strange how much one’s perceptions change when they no longer have simply themselves to think of.

She heard the sound of Sketchy returning from posting off his letter. His voice sounded from the vicinity of the hall, as she continued to scurry around picking up the already well organised home.

“D’you need any help, lass?”

“I am doing just fine, dear! I just need to hurry--OOF!” she replied, as she tripped over the carpet leading towards where his voice had come from. It took only a moment for him to arrive where she had fallen and help her back up to her feet.

“You sure you’re alright?”

“Oh, I am fine. Dumb rug...” she replied huffily. “I simply feel as though I am forgetting something, however! Violin is prepared, tea is ready to be made, home is cleaned, the gardener has been round, everything is in its place.” she stated, rattling off her mental checklist of all that was needed.

“Hmm...” the stallion nodded, his eyes turning to the side as he thought over all she’d just mentioned. His eyes then lit up as he looked back to her with a smile. If he had been blessed with fingers, he would have snapped them. “I know!”

Octvaia glanced frantically from the view of the slowly setting sun to her stallion companion. “What, what is it? Quickly!”

“Sandwiches.”

A loud gasp escaped the cellist’s throat at that. Of course! She had promised the Princess that on her next visit, she would ensure that she had one of her favourite snacks on hand - and there was no-one better suited to the task of providing that on short notice and high quality than the unicorn chef she and Sketchy were acquainted with.

“Oh... my... gosh...” she nodded, taking deep breaths. “You are right! Dear, do you think you can--”

“--run on down to Graze and pick some eats up? I’ll be back before you know it!” Sketchy cut in with a smile. The cellist gave him a grateful nod and hastily rummaged in one of her bags, tossing him a small bag of bits.

“Here, this is more than enough - and make sure to get something for yourself. Oh! And one more thing, if you return and the guards are outside, do not just rush in! Make sure to tell them who you are, I shall tell them to expect you!”

“Will do! Oh and as for you...” he replied, pausing to lean his head down and kiss her affectionately, albeit briefly. “Settle down and stop panicking. You’re a professional after all - and you know Her Highness is very appreciative of you. Everything’s gonna be fine.”

“You are right, of course you are right--oh dear, please do hurry though! I shall be fine!”

The stallion nodded, turning tail and bolting out the door with the bag she had tossed him held securely in his teeth. Rather than open the front gate for himself when he reached the end of the path, he simply vaulted over it like a racehorse in a steeplechase before clattering off down the road.

Octavia watched him go, then turned back to look over her home once more. After a few moments’ careful inspection, she realised she had left the front door ajar. She moved to close it properly, but it refused to go all the way. She pulled it open a bit to inspect the step for blockages - and she let out a slight gasp when she found one.

Stood on the doorstep was a Royal Guard, silent and stony-faced as was the usual expression to be found on the stoic soldiers’ faces. The cellist’s eyes widened and she stepped back and to one side to let him pass. This was, after all, a ritual she had become used to by now: prior to the arrival of Princess Luna, her bodyguard would show up to perform a sweep of the house to ensure there were no lurking ne’er-do-wells present. It was something that took only a minute or so, and the Guard she had found at her door wordlessly marched past her to carry out that very task.

It wasn’t long before the armoured pegasus returned, and Octavia cleared her throat to get his attention. “Do pardon me, sir... there will be another pony joining us tonight. His name is Sketchy, Sketchy Sounds... when he returns, please allow him safe passage.”

The Guard listened quietly, his expression unchanging, and then gave a single nod of his head as he strode back outside to stand at attention in the front garden. Octavia ran back through to the living room of her house, peering out the window as the sun vanished beyond the horizon. She strained her ears, listening out for even the faintest sound of galloping hooves coming back in this direction before she would hear the sound of descending wings. However, after what felt like a short eternity spent standing in silence, she heard the latter sound first. She initially thought that perhaps she imagined it, but she then heard the telltale sound of the Moon Princess’s glassy slippered hooves touching the cobblestone. She knew then that her mind was not playing tricks, and she hurried to the entranceway to make her guest welcome, taking a few deep breaths en route to settle her demeanour.

Equestria’s Princess of the Moon was a picture of regal elegance and grace, stood as she was before Octavia’s door. Her teal eyes sparkled as she smiled upon her host as the door was opened to her.

“Good evening, Miss Octavia.” she began. She was about to say something further, when the both of them caught the sound of clattering hooves on cobblestone approaching the house. “My dear, are you expecting company, by any chance?”

Prima Aria

On silent wings the night descends,

The Moon rides high to see her friends.

And we, the patrons of the night,

shall make us merry in her light.

For who can call himself her friend

whom with her, time they do not spend?

And though the stars through night’s veil peek,

their company she does not seek.

So come ye all, friendship knowing,

and fill her heart to overflowing.

Recitativo 1 - A Lesson for and from a Princess

Octavia bowed her head low, then looked up to her guest, nodding slightly in answer to her question. “Your Highness, yes, I have a companion tonight--” she began, but she was interrupted by a quiet call from one of the Guards.

“Your Highness; Madam Octavia... a gentlecolt approaches.”

Octavia tensed up somewhat as she opened her mouth to explain. “Princess, please understand. If you would rather my mate not be here tonight--”

The alicorn interrupted her once more with a peal of silvery laughter. “Octavia, please. Settle yourself! If this gentlecolt is your mate, then he is more than welcome - especially in your own home.”

Octavia’s eyes widened. She hadn’t expected Luna to be so accommodating. She could only watch in a rather shocked state as the alicorn turned slightly to address her Guards.

“Sirs, please kindly allow entrance to Madam Octavia’s mate.”

As she finished her sentence, said stallion came skidding to a halt in front of the house, his horseshoes grinding across the cobble. He came to a stop mere inches from the gate, panting slightly around a collection of paper bags held in his jaws.

“Er...” he started.

“Sir, you may enter.” the sturdily built Guard before him replied, allowing him to pass through the front gate. He simply nodded gratefully in reply, trotting past the guards with a slightly sheepish look aimed in Octavia’s direction.

“Ebening, Yur Highneff.” Sketchy slurred, his speech impeded a bit by the bags he was holding.

“Good evening, sir. Were you on errands?”

“Uhm! Yes!” Octavia blurted, her tense feeling starting to dissipate. “My apologies, Princess. I sent him to fetch some refreshments for tonight.” She smiled and stood to the side of the entranceway, gesturing with a hoof towards the main room. “Please, come on in, the both of you. My home is of course your home.”

Sketchy nodded politely to the Princess. “Ladief firft.”

The Princess smiled, an amused giggle colouring her speech as she stepped inside. “Octavia my dear, are you alright? You seem dreadfully tense this evening.”

The smaller mare let out a short gasp as she stepped inside, followed by her stallion companion. “I, ah, I am fine, Princess. I was simply worried, you know, with having someone else present whilst you are visiting - but I see now that it is okay.”

“I see!” the princess nodded, turning her eye upon the larger of the two earth ponies as she made her way on into the main room. “Sketchy dear, I see you have taken a more vested interest in our dear cellist than simply friendship and musical recreation!” she called as he set down the bags he’d been carrying.

Sketchy nodded, grinning as he followed on through to the comfortable surroundings of the main room. “I have indeed... I dunno how much she’s told you, though I’ll happily tell you that it was me that confessed to her first. That was just before the Summer Equinox Celebration. You know the extra piece she included at the end? That was her response.”

“Aha! It makes sense now!” the alicorn stated with a delighted clap of her front hooves. “I do recall, certainly noting your descent into a somewhat catatonic state shortly after its conclusion. I had wondered over that briefly.” Her attention moved back to Octavia as the latter joined them. “Tavia dear, why did you not explain to me at the time the significance of that piece? Certainly I was aware of some level of its meaning, but I did not realise it was so deep as that.”

Octavia let out a small sigh of relief, glad of the fact that the stallion’s presence was no problem. “Well, Princess,” she explained, parking her hindquarters on the chair nearest the front window, “I did not want to bring up personal affairs when the night was for you and your sister, and the changing of seasons and hailing your glory.”

Luna smiled fondly at the little grey mare trying to explain herself. “My dear, I would have loved to have known the whole story behind the piece. Now that I do, its musical significance is far deeper than before.”

“I do apologise. I need to watch my assumptions.” Octavia replied, finally starting to relax. Her settled demeanour was rather rudely disturbed, however, by Sketchy speaking up as he settled himself on an empty patch of floor for the time being.

“So Luna, Tavy’s teaching you violin?”

The cellist’s head whipped round and she stared at Sketchy with wide eyes, almost gasping at his sheer lack of manners towards the princess. Her stare was met with a brief smile from the stallion, one which silently said “trust me!”. She was just about to consider scolding him and apologising to the alicorn he had addressed, when her train of thought was rather badly derailed once more as Luna spoke up.

“Yes, Sketchy. Before my incident, I would play day and night. Mostly night.” She let out a giggle at her own little joke, and then went on. “My sister was very much into her studies and magic practice, so I would play music for her as she practiced in order to keep her mind at ease. I spent many a night doing so.”

“I see... so, now that you’re back, it’s a case of blowing the dust off your old skill, essentially?”

“Haha. Moon dust, perhaps?” Luna replied, nodding her head. “It is indeed the case - and Tavia here is more than a jewel helping me get my hooves back in shape, as ‘t were. You see,” and with that she leaned her head forward and lowered her voice conspiratorially, “I have not told my sister I am playing again, and I intend to surprise her some day soon.”

“Ooh!” Sketchy replied, perking up a bit at the idea. “What a wonderful thought! I bet she’ll be surprised!” he grinned, picturing how Celestia would no doubt react to being given such a lovely surprise.

As for Octavia, she had leaned back in her seat, her mouth hanging open slightly. She couldn’t find words to put in the space. The Princess was quite happily chatting away to Sketchy without a care for the fact he had quite clearly been impolite to her - and not only that, there was not a hint of worry on either side that what was being discussed was too personal.

Luna apparently noticed her tutor’s more persistent than usual silence, and she turned her questioning gaze upon the earth pony. “My dear Tavia, so quiet. Have you not divulged any of this to him?”

“I... only a very little amount. I was unsure I should share such things. I apologise, I realise it is probably silly of me - not least as Sketchy and I are together nowadays.” Octavia replied, blushing a bit as she took into account how much she had worried herself without reason.

“To be fair to her, Luna, I haven’t exactly been prying.” Sketchy pointed out. That elicited a peal of silvery laughter from the Princess, as she thought over how incredibly secretive the cellist must have been.

“My goodness, Tavia! Perhaps you underestimate the amount of trust I have in you.”

Octavia stared blankly back, taken somewhat by surprise. Granted, she knew very well that Luna must already have some trust in her - after all, were that not the case, she would not currently be tutoring the alicorn. But to hear her state it so plainly, with the implication that there was something she had missed...

“Princess, ple--” she began, but she was cut off by Luna’s clicking tongue.

“Tavia, please. Enough of that.”

From the side came a suppressed snort of laughter, as Sketchy rather obviously found the situation hilarious. Luna disregarded that for the time being, as she trotted over to her tutor and delicately set a front hoof on the other’s shoulder.

“My dear, here, in this moment, there is no need for such formalities. You must relax! Remember the times I have been playing, and you are sat listening to me do so - and then when I fumble or slip and make a screech, we share a laugh? Like that, my little pony.”

The strings player slowly lifted her eye to Luna’s, a smile slowly spreading across her face. “I do like those moments... Luna.” she replied, finally finding the will to drop the title from her address. “I like those a lot.”

A quiet clop of hooves meeting sounded from the side, as Sketchy clapped his front hooves together happily. “You see? I told you so, Tavy!”

Luna turned her attention back to him, making her way back to her position on the couch. “Aha, so there was some forethought regarding this, was there?” she smiled, clambering back up on the comfortable sofa and stretching out a bit. “And what kind of conversation led to such a plot, hmm?”

“In a word, friendship.” Sketchy replied, casting his mind back a few days as he answered.

It had been a rather lazy day - considering that Octavia no longer had a hectic schedule of composition and regular rehearsal to attend to, she had far more free time on her hooves. That had meant, much to the delight of both, a lot more time spent together.

They had therefore taken the day off of normal life to simply enjoy some of the summer weather, and had wandered around the city before visiting the Royal Gardens. Even though the Summer Equinox had passed, Octavia’s special permission to enter the Gardens had not been revoked. She had been granted permission prior to the Equinox for the purposes of providing her a more or less guaranteed tranquil location to focus on her compositions if required. After having been shown around for the first time, she had gladly made further use of her privileges on a regular basis - and though she was no longer putting together a composition for either Princess, it seemed that neither one had seen fit to stop her from continual visits if it pleased her.

The day hadn’t been without excitement, though: when she and her stallion companion had stopped for lunch, she had been somewhat startled by a puff of blue smoke erupting from her bag. It was something she was used to by now, but it still took her by surprise at the time. As expected, however, it had been a letter from her star pupil--indeed, her only pupil--detailing when she would next pay a visit. It was at that time that she had explained to the slightly puzzled Sketchy why she was receiving such a letter - and had also asked if he would attend, this time.

That had gotten them onto the subject of the Princess and her behaviour as they had made their way back to the cellist’s cottage, with the sky overhead beginning to turn orange as the sun sank towards the horizon.

“I do love this time of day.” was all Octavia had said as she took in the pleasing sight of her home city cast in the waning light of day.

“You and me both.” Sketchy had agreed. “As I said to you before, I think the two most beautiful times of the day are the ones that have a bit of both Celestia and Luna wrapped up in them.”

“Mmm.” Octavia had nodded as she went on. “I always wished to ask Princess Luna about the night; about how it feels to paint such beautiful imagery in the skies. I feel like I may be overstepping the boundaries of our relationship, were I to do so however.” She had smiled at that, adding “As it stands, though, I am happy just being able to assist her playing.”

“You think so? If you ask me, I have a feeling she’d love to tell you, actually.”

“I suppose you may be right...” she had replied, lowering her ears slightly. An anxious tone crept into her voice as she glanced to her mate. “Do you think I should ask her tomorrow?”

Sketchy had flashed her a wicked grin at that, a teasing tone in his voice as he answered. “If you don’t, I might beat you to it!”

“Ahaha! Oh my, that would be a sight!” Octavia had laughed, a little nervously. “Although with that said, she is very nice. You know, when she and I were waiting on you after the Equinox concert, she told me how she had spoken with you after that one rehearsal. She told me if I did not look out that she happened to have a sixth cousin who is single.”

“Oh, is that so?” the stallion had remarked. His expression had been thoughtful but the mischievous spark in his eyes had given away the fact that he wasn’t giving it any serious degree of consideration. “A good job you snapped me up, then.” he had added after a moment.

It wasn’t long before the two were back in her home. Octavia’s instruments had been returned, and she had been somewhat nonplussed about some scuffing that had occurred on the case of her viola. Still, she had let the matter lie for the time being as she had seen to setting the kettle to boil, before flopping down on the couch.

“Ahh. The day has gone, the night has come, and my backside feels great on this couch. This, my original poetry verse.” she had stated, nodding her head self-approvingly. Her stallion companion had burst out laughing on hearing that.

“My advice honey? Stick with writing music.”

“Oh, I totally agree with you there!” the cellist had agreed, laughing herself. It was then that she had pointed out something that Sketchy had wondered about before, as she indicated a blue-lacquered violin sat on a stand in one corner of the room. “You see that violin, the one without a bow?”

“What of it?”

Upon that question, Octavia had risen from her seat and fetched the violin from its stand. She had set it down carefully on the table with the utmost care. The instrument itself was unquestionably a work of art; its smooth lines and precision cut pieces were bound together in such a way that it looked to be as good as seamless. Every angle and and joint was perfectly engineered, and the deeply lacquered finish showed neither scratch nor spot.

“This violin is well over two-thousand years old.” she had stated in a matter-of-fact tone as though such a thing were commonplace. Sketchy had whistled in an impressed fashion at that.

“It’s aged incredibly well, then. Whose was... or, is it?”

“Whom else could possess an instrument so ancient and yet leave it in the care of a humble cello player?” Octavia had replied, a melodious giggle mixed into her speech. The kettle had whistled then, as though trying to compete with her mate. “You get one guess!” she had told him as she headed through to sort herself some tea.

“Aha, of course!” he had called after her. “Well, I’d say this shows even more how much Luna trusts you - and how highly she thinks of you, too.”

Octavia returned, a cup of tea held carefully on a saucer before her, which she had set down on the table. She took a sip of her tea, and then nodded thoughtfully at Sketchy’s comment.

“Yes... I would say you are right.”

“You could probably talk to her about anything.”

“Mm-hmm, perhaps so. You know, when she is played,” she said, gesturing to the priceless musical relic on her table, “the stars you see in the lacquer become little notes? Ah, when Luna plays, I mean.” She had taken another sip of her tea, and then smiled. “Us normal ponies do not get such wondrous effects.”

“I’ll have to see that some time. But you know... you should ask her what you want. Goodness knows, she’s spent that much time away from Equestria and hence other ponies... she must be horribly starved of companionship, Celestia and the palace staff notwithstanding.”

Octavia had taken a long, thoughtful draw of her tea at that. When she spoke, it was as a soft whisper. “I did not think of it that way... perhaps that is why she comes here, and I have simply been incapable of perceiving it. You must understand, after all, I see her as the Princess. Not simply somepony in need of a friend.”

“That so? When she stops by, does she come here just on her own, or with her guards?”

“Oh, she has her guards, of course... they keep their distance, though. They do not come inside the house. Assuming you are here tomorrow you will see for yourself - or hear, rather. You do not tend to see them, but you can hear them walking about outside now and again. It is difficult to keep one’s movements hidden from someone with hearing attuned to even the subtlest of sounds.”

“Well there you have it.” Sketchy had affirmed. “She’s taking liberties to be as ordinary as she can.”

“You are correct, she is.” Octavia had nodded, a small smile spreading across her face. She took a few moments to look at the priceless antique sat on her table plain as day. An instrument that had sat inside the Royal Palace’s Music Room for generations upon generations, played for and by royalty, listened to by countless members of the highest echelons of society across several centuries... and it was sat here, in her home, upon her table. She was slightly dizzied by the thought, and she had hastily picked up her teacup once more and swallowed a large gulp of its contents.

“Have you ever had one of those epiphany moments? Where something suddenly become clear?”

“Every so often.”

“She... seeks a friend... and she comes to me...”

“...and that was more or less what brought us to here. Though I think Tavy just needed a bit of a push.” Sketchy smiled as he finished recounting the tale of the previous day.

Luna chuckled happily at the story. “Friendship is always a good thing to think of.” She turned her eyes back on Octavia once more. “You realise of course that what you thought was quite correct, and that I do indeed consider you my friend, yes?”

“I... you do!?” the grey pony questioned, her eyes once more growing wide.

“Of course!” the elegant blue pony laughed happily. “Why else would I spend so much time with you? Because you can teach me to play a violin? Because of your talent for composition? Oh dear me, it is quite more than that!”

“Just what I tried to tell her.” Sketchy grinned. “I mean, why else would you go to all the bother of coming out here, when it would be far easier for you to simply summon her to the palace?”

Luna nodded, another chuckle emanating from her. “Sketchy understands it, Tavia.”

Octavia smiled weakly, feeling somewhat foolish for having missed something that had been right in front of her nose for so long. “I am sorry, really. I just... I lose sight of certain things, I assume. It is just, I have never had any real friends before, so... I am learning a new skill myself, in the midst of all this.”

The Princess of the Moon raised an eyebrow at that. “My, my, my. The very cornerstone upon which our land is built, and our most learned virtuoso does not get to experience it? We shall certainly have to change this, post haste.”

“Well, my friends and I have been doing a lot about that, of late.” Sketchy grinned.

Luna’s gaze turned upon the stallion once more, a smile adorning her features as she nodded to him. “You are a good stallion, Sketchy. Take good care of my dear friend; she deserves to have somepony like you for her own - and she certainly deserves to have some good friends.” She then addressed said friend once more. “And you, my dear, my friend, must relax a little more.”

A warm smile spread on Octavia’s face at that as she nodded in reply to the alicorn’s good-natured gentle scolding. “I have been a lot different than I was before. I am sure Sketchy could tell you about my public appearance when we are together.”

“Under the facade she wears for the public, she hides a thoroughly adorable and child-like nature. And with all due respect to you, Your Highness...” Sketchy spoke up, looking over at Luna with a meaningful gaze, “Does that remind you of anyone?”

A mischievous smirk marrowed Luna’s eyes as she looked back at the stallion. “Let me tell you a little secret, Sketchy.” she said, leaning forward in her seat and lowering her voice to a hushed whisper. “Sometimes, just for fun...”

“Yes?”

“...I like to put on my socks and slide down the hallways of the palace. The floors are perfect for it.”

There was a moment’s silence as the two earth ponies digested that information, and their minds swiftly painted a mental picture of it. Octavia was the first to burst out laughing, so hard that she almost fell from her perch.

Sketchy was the next to lose control of his mirth, managing an “I knew it!” between guffaws. Luna joined in the laughter, leaning back in her seat with a delighted smile on her face.

“You see, Tavia? Times such as these feel good, yes?”

Any vestige of so-called proper decorum had by now fled from Octavia, as she nodded enthusiastically to her friend, putting a hoof to her muzzle to muffle her laughter a bit.

“Yes indeed... my goodness, I would never have dreamed to ask about such a thing... but the very idea is so adorable!”

Luna’s grin grew wider as she laughed happily with her hosts. “Tell that to anypony though... and I shall banish you!” she declared, a serious expression on her face. She held it only for enough time for the cellist’s eyes to widen in shock, before the both of them cracked up again. At length, she turned her attention to the stallion once more.

“Ah... Sketchy dear, you brought along some snacks, yes? Tell me, would they happen to be of the same kind that I was treated to at the Equinox?”

“They are! I almost forgot, just a sec!” he smiled, getting up from his seat on the floor to retrieve the paper-wrapped sandwiches. “Tavy figured you’d want another taste.” he added as he trotted over to the hallway.

Octavia smiled, sitting back up properly on her seat. “Yes, I wanted to make sure you had lined your stomach after painting the sky.”

“So thoughtful!” Luna smiled, glancing back to the stallion as he came back through with the paper bags. “And you too, running off to pick them up on such short notice. A shame Salad is not here too, or I would offer her my gratitude as well.”

“Nothing we wouldn’t do for any of our friends.” Sketchy replied, fishing his sandwich out of its bag as his companions retrieved theirs.

“This is one amazing night, I must say.” Octavia commented, taking a bite of her snack.

“You’re welcome, dear.” Luna grinned as she swallowed a mouthful of hers. The cellist nearly choked as she laughed, quickly getting the princess’s little joke. The alicorn grinned happily at that, then cleared her throat. “Might I bother you for something to drink, Tavia?”

“But of course!” the grey-coated mare replied, rising to her feet. “Tea, mango water, or wine?”

“Is it that same tea that nearly set my head on fire?” the alicorn questioned, a thoughtful look on her face. Her question elicited an amused laugh from the cellist.

“Zecora’s special blend? Yes, I am afraid so.”

“I know your pain, Luna.” Sketchy piped up. He had, after all, tried the tea himself at one point. He had almost choked on the very strong herbal essences in it, which had rather amused Octavia. It had been a small practical joke on her part; the particular blend of tea that she drank was a carefully mixed blend intended to breeze through any blockages in her auditory canals. It was an intermittent problem that the cellist had, and she had found a solution in the form of said beverage.

“Water, please.” Luna replied, with a nod and a giggle aside to the stallion. “I should like to keep from singeing my coat.”

“I could go for some too, if you’d be so kind, honey.” Sketchy added. The cellist nodded to them both, and then disappeared into the kitchen to clatter around with bottles and glasses. Masked by the background noise, Luna’s voice caught the stallion’s attention.

“Dear, however did you run into our little musician in the first place? I swear that she never goes anywhere except to eat, play in the gardens, and go to concerts. The rest of the time, she is pent up in here playing to the walls.”

“Ah, that?” Sketchy smiled, turning his gaze on the regal pony sat across from him. “As it happens, I met her when she went out to eat - or to be more exact, Sally set us up. Invited her over for dinner, and me to the same event. She, ah, well, knew I was a bit of an admirer of Tavy’s.” he replied, blushing a bit at that last part.

“Aha, I see. You baited her into socialising with food.” Luna giggled, clearly amused by whatever mental picture she had painted for herself. “A cunning plan to be sure.”

“Did you say something?” Octavia’s voice questioned from the kitchen in a distracted tone.

“Do not worry, Tavia dear! We were just musing.” Luna called back, perking her head up in the direction of the musician’s voice.

Octavia returned, a tray of drinks balanced carefully across her back. She carefully set it down on the coffee table, taking her teacup from it and making herself comfortable on her chair once more.

“There we are.” she stated, taking a large sip from her cup. It made the alicorn scrunch her face up in a bit of a wince.

“I honestly have no idea how you can drink that.” she stated. Her tutor smirked, a wry grin crossing her features.

“I drink this so I can hear those fumbles of yours.” she returned, flashing the alicorn a wink.

“I’ve yet to see Tavy in action as a teacher.” Sketchy mused, swishing his tail idly in thought. “Is she a harsh mistress?” he inquired, a playful grin on his face.

Octavia feigned a shocked gasp. “Why, how dare you!” she said with a shake of her head, smiling at her stallion admirer before taking another sip of her tea.

Luna set down her glass, having taken a draught of it, and cleared her throat. “Oh, if only you knew! Why, there are nights I go home and have to soak my poor aching hooves for hours, to say nothing of the riding crop she keeps hidden for use on her more lackadaisical students!”

Octavia nearly spluttered her tea everywhere, and it was all she could do to keep from dropping her cup and making a mess as she almost choked. “WHAT!?”

Sketchy meanwhile started choking on the gulp of water he’d taken, laughing and spluttering everywhere. The princess looked suitably amused with her little joke, and she beamed happily at the two.

“Ahahahaha! I jest, of course! No no, she is a most wonderful teacher - even with all the time I have lived, I have never had a more caring, attentive and pleasing instructor.”

“You...! I almost keeled over!” Octavia exclaimed, shaking her head and letting out a sigh, though there was nevertheless a large smile of amusement on her face.

Sketchy, meanwhile, finally managed to splutter the water out of his lungs enough to talk between silent heaves of laughter. “You’re awful, Luna!”

The Princess of the Night rolled back on the couch, relaxing as she continued to fill the air with laughter along with her hosts. “Ah... just between us ponies, this is quite likely one of the most enjoyable nights I have had in a very long time. I hope we can enjoy more of these.”

“I would second that, Luna.” Octavia agreed. “I would very much like to have more moments like these.”

“Same here!” Sketchy agreed.

“I am glad to hear it! Besides, I have visited both of you at least once on your own, I was starting to wonder when I would have the opportunity to call upon you both at once.”

“You... have?” Octavia blinked, looking over at her mate with an air of surprise. “You never mentioned this to me, sir.”

“I guess I’m guilty of the same concerns as you, Tavy. I was actually going to tell you though - when you told me you were tutoring Luna, I realised that perhaps I should let you in on my little secret as well. But I guess it’s out of the bag now.”

“So it would seem, Sketchy! Speaking of which, how is that picture coming along?” Luna intoned, chuckling a bit at having caught him out.

“Your delightful likeness is very close to completion, my Princess!” the artist replied in a deliberately overblown fashion.

“Superb! I look forward to laying eyes upon it!” Luna replied, in turn hamming it up as she clapped her front hooves together with a laugh.

Is this the same Princess whom I have known all this time? Octavia thought to herself. How is it that I did not see this sooner? All these nights we have spent together as student and teacher, yet truly what she wanted was nothing more than friendship.

A thought from the previous day then returned to her, and she cleared her throat.

“Luna... may I ask you something?”

“Yes, my dear?”

Octavia’s eyes drifted briefly from the princess to her mate, then back again. She faltered slightly as she spoke, feeling somewhat apprehensive of the question she was about to ask - though far less so than she had done before.

“What is it like... to raise the moon and the stars? To... to paint such beautiful things in the sky? Both you and your sister create such amazing works every day and night...”

The slender alicorn sat up on her seat, her face creasing into a thoughtful look. “Well now, this is a little difficult to explain, but allow me to try.”

Off to the side, Octavia noted Sketchy smiling to himself - but her attention was stolen back by the room beginning to darken, lit only by a shimmering glow from Luna’s horn. A quiet “Ooh!” came from the stallion’s vicinity as he sat up to watch what the princess had in store.

The shimmering light from Luna’s horn intensified, and the backdrop of Octavia’s living room seemed to melt away into nothingness. In its place, the surrounding space became as blue and bright as the sky, lit brightly with the glow of the sun as Luna began to speak.

“When the sun becomes tired and seeks rest, my sister reaches out and guides it home, like a mother leading her lost foals home. The sun is thankful for her guidance, and it shows us its gratitude by blessing us with the dark of night; a blank canvas upon which both my sister and I are gifted to paint upon, with the colours of both sun and moon as our palette.” As she spoke, the sky-like backdrop was darkened and shaded in hues of orange, pink and dark blue.

“The sun gives us paints with which to create, and our love for the sun and moon in turn brings us our inspiration.”

The backdrop of a sunset sky darkened further, becoming the colour of night as Luna spoke on. “As I wake the moon and bring it from rest, it brings forth yet another canvas - one which is painted with the stars, the far off planets, and the comets that streak through the vast beyond.” Her words were accompanied by a similar spectacle playing out in the illusory backdrop she had created.

“This delights the moon, and it chases after the sun as though they were naught but children at play - akin to my sister and I. Inside, the moon is one with me. I feel it as it drifts through the sky, and I see all that it looks upon. I see our fair city, and I see its precious inhabitants. I see you, Tavia, and you as well, Sketchy.”

The moon in Luna’s illusion began to set, her horn starting to shimmer more brightly. “And as with my sister and the sun, when the moon grows tired of its playful pursuit I guide it home to rest. And just like the sun, the moon shows us its gratitude by bringing forth another blank canvas for us to paint upon.”

As her explanation finished, the illusion slowly faded away. The familiar surroundings of Octavia’s living room returned once more. “So you see, my friends, it is naught but the will of those two children of the cosmos that we, my sister and I, are able to give all of Equestria such wonderful paintings every day and night.”

It was of little surprise to note that, after all that, both Sketchy and Octavia wore somewhat awed expressions.

“Luna... that was.. is beautiful.” the cellist breathed. Her statement was soon echoed by Sketchy.

“What Tavy said... I can see both you and Celestia put a lot of thought into it - and it’s plain to see the both of you take joy in your work.”

The alicorn smiled, a simple expression of happiness on her face as she took a small sip from her drink. “Celestia and I have a deep affection for our kingdom, and all who reside in it. They may not appreciate every single dawn and dusk, nor even think twice about what is put into it - but we are thankful when even one takes notice.“

A short silence ensued, broken by Sketchy’s voice as a thought occurred to him.

“Something I just thought of, Luna... you said earlier you see everything the moon sees. So... does that mean you’ve seen it when I’ve been sat outside, playing late at night? It’s something I do sometimes...”

Luna suppressed a giggle at that, putting a hoof to her mouth in a most ladylike manner. “Sketchy dear, I see and I hear your playing almost every single time. Perhaps you have not noticed it, but every so often the stars shimmer in time with your music.” A rather mischievous grin wrote itself on her features as she added “Just don’t fumble with her around.” She winked to her tutor with that remark, causing the cellist to stick her tongue out.

“I can’t say I had, actually.” Sketchy replied, snickering at the alicorn’s antics. “If ever I did spot it, I simply wrote it off as coincidence. I’ll have to keep a closer eye out next time I play.”

“He plays quite the variety of instruments, too.” Octavia pointed out. “A wider palette than mine, certainly.”

“Though by no means the same level of skill.” the artist was quick to point out.

“Oh! Is that so?” Luna questioned, her eyes sparkling as an idea formed in her head. “Well then! Perhaps one night when Celly is asleep we can all sneak into the music room back home and enjoy ourselves.”

Sketchy’s jaw hung open at her suggestion. He had never set foot in the palace, let alone its fabled music room, rumoured to contain countless instruments of all kinds. “The... the Royal Music Room? Are you serious!?”

“Of course I am serious! And yes, I mean the very same where that violin over there--” and with that, she waved a hoof toward the centuries-old instrument sat in plain sight in one corner of the room “--came from, and where it usually resides. There are instruments within those walls that nopony alive nowadays has even heard of.”

“Oh my gosh... that would be a dream come true! ...for the second time in my life!” the stallion replied excitedly, his mind reeling at the thought. “Are you sure, though?”

“Of course I am sure.” Luna replied, chuckling slightly. “Both of you must understand, it is indeed a wonderful thing to have so many beautiful instruments under the one roof to play. But what good is such a collection of instruments which may bring joy to many, if they are only ever played for an audience of one?”

“I certainly see your point, Luna.” Octavia nodded, then chuckled slightly. “Do you think Celly will get mad if she catches us?” She bit her lip slightly after saying that out loud. I cannot believe I just referred to Princess Celestia like that!

“Oh my, of course not. My big sister is just as relaxed as I am, perhaps even moreso. We need not worry about that.”

“That reminds me.” Sketchy spoke up, looking over at the Moon Princess with a thoughtful expression. “From what I’ve heard, your sister isn’t the only one with a nickname...”

“Ahahaha! You perhaps mean how, around the palace, there are some ponies that call me Lu-Lu?” the princess giggled, looking and sounding less like a ruler so much as she did an ordinary pony reminded of a happy memory. “That is Celly’s fault, do you want to hear how that came about?” she smiled, her silvery voice exuberant and inviting.

“Oh, yes please!” Octavia chimed in, the royal pony’s happiness proving infectious. “This sounds like a fun tale!”

“Very well!” Luna nodded, leaning forward in her seat. There was a fond look in her eyes, as she averted her gaze to think back on the circumstances. Her voice was soft and warm as she recanted her story. “When my sister and I were still little foals, she never could say my whole name. It was always Lu-Lu-Lu-Lu-Lu! But as we got older, she never stopped calling me Lu-Lu when we were playing together.” She paused for a moment to brush away a small tear, as she went on to a more recent memory. “Celly is adorable, and she has such a big heart... when I came home, and I heard her call me Lu-Lu again, it melted my heart. I must have clung to her for a full hour.”

Luna’s story was met with a cry of “Awwww!” from her hosts, in nigh-perfect unison. It brought a tinge of red to her cheeks, just visible through the deep blue of her coat. That was met by giggles from the two earth ponies.

“We made her blush, Tavy!”

“So we did!”

Luna let out a giggle of her own at that, a small happy sigh escaping her lips as she spoke. “Well, at least now you can see for yourself that Celly and I both are just ponies like everypony else. Granted there are some inherent differences, but we are certainly not made of stone.”

“I do indeed, Luna. I am very glad to have had Sketchy push me into loosening up around you.” Octavia smiled.

“I was wondering when you would come around, Tavia dear.”

“I have to say, even if I’ve seen it before, it’s still a wonderful thing to see you outside of the princess mantle, Luna.” Sketchy commented.

“Well, I must say it is a pleasure to see Octavia at ease.” the princess replied with a grin. Octavia rose from her seat at that, and sat next to the larger earth pony responsible for her relaxing. She hugged him tightly, planting a kiss on his cheek before settling next to him, leaned into him slightly.

“It is a relief to be able to be myself around you, Luna - and to see you, as he says, without the mantle you normally wear.” she stated. “He is the first best thing that has happened to me.”

One of Sketchy’s forelegs found its way around Octavia’s shoulders, and he gently nudged her head with his own. “And she is a dream come true.” he added.

“Mmm, so I see. So, when are you going to be married?” the alicorn questioned, though there was a devious grin on her face. She continued on before either of her hosts had time enough to think she was serious. “I am kidding, you should enjoy your blossoming love and the time you have together. There is time enough to think about the future later.”

Sketchy let out a laugh at that, shaking his head. “Something tells me life is a lot more entertaining around the palace ever since you came home, Lu-Lu.”

A fond smile spread across the princess’s face as she recalled another memory. “The first day, when I came home with Celly, the doors opened and I walked into a home that did not change in a thousand years. Even the marks hidden behind the door to the closet in my room, where Celly and I used to mark our height when we were growing up, were still there.

“When I asked her why it still looked the same, Celly said that when I... left... she wanted it to remain just how she remembered it from when I was there, so she could remember me and all the good times we spent together.”

Sketchy nodded as he listened to Luna’s tale. The smile on his face slowly turned into a frown, though, as he thought over what she had said. “That’s... both really sweet and kinda saddening at the same time... I can’t even begin to imagine how she must have felt...” he began, but then caught himself. “Uhm. I’m sorry if this is a touchy subject.”

The smile remained on Luna’s face, though the glimmer in her eyes was gone as she cast her gaze towards the floor. When she spoke up, her voice was quiet and contemplative, lacking its former warmth.

“Sometimes, you lose sight of what is important in life. You feel insignificant, unimportant even - yet in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. It took a very long time for me to come to this realisation, and it took some very brave ponies to wrest my soul from the grip of my own turmoil and return me to reality. But please, do not trouble yourselves with such trifling details. What is important is the forgiveness I was granted for my former indiscretions - that, and my proving to all that never again shall such a thing occur.”

“I, for one, am happy to have you back, my Princess - and do not correct me on that.” Octavia stated, flashing the alicorn a wink.

Luna smiled a little at that, raising her head a bit from where she still had her gaze turned down. She raised her head further, though, when she noticed the larger of the two earth ponies rise to his feet and approach her. She regarded him with a quizzical and slightly apprehensive expression.

The earth pony looked back at her in a serious manner. He drew in a breath, and spoke. “Please pardon the indiscretion, Princess.”

Before Luna could process what he had said and decide whether or not she should be concerned, the stallion had thrown a foreleg around her shoulders and she found herself pulled into a gentle hug. She was surprised, but not upset.

“It... is quite alright...” she replied, a soft sigh sounding in her voice. She then felt the embrace of another pony around her, and she turned her head slightly to note Octavia now also offering her comfort. “Thank you, both of you. This... is what is important.”

How long has it been since I last had friends such as these, outside of my Guard? she thought to herself. I have missed this feeling.

The three released each other after a few long moments. It was Sketchy who spoke first.

“Being able to make friends, you mean? When you said it’s what’s important?” he smiled.

“Quite, Sketchy.”

“I couldn’t agree more. It doesn’t matter in the end what your station in life is - what matters is being able to look out for others, and in turn having others to look out for you.”

Octavia sat herself down alongside the alicorn ruler of the night. “Both of you are so inspiring, you know that? You have really opened my eyes, in your own ways. I feel so indebted to you both.”

Luna looked round at her tutor with a contented smile. “Tavia, dear, you never have to worry about that. You are my friend, and I am honoured to count you as such.”

“Same here!” Sketchy grinned, adding “Except, uhm, y’know, with a more fitting word in place.”

Their socialising was interrupted, however, by a soft knock from the door and the voice of a Royal Guard. “Princess Luna? Your nightly duties await.”

“One moment, sir! I must bid my friends good night, I shall not keep you waiting long.” Luna called back, turning her attention back to her hosts. “I am sorry, my dears. I must attend to the business of running a kingdom. Perhaps our next lesson should be held in the palace music room?”

Octavia gasped, images of instruments great and small owned by some of the greatest musicians of all time danced through her mind. “Oh, please? That would be absolutely amazing!”

“I’d love that!” Sketchy agreed excitedly.

“Then it’s settled.” Luna smiled, getting to her feet. She cast a glance over towards a corner of the room, where her violin lay untouched. “Do be sure to bring along my violin, I think she feels lonely tonight. Oh and Sketchy? You tell your friend Sally that her sandwiches never falter in being absolutely delicious!”

“You can count on me!” he replied, adding “Though, I think you’d make her day if you can find the time to stop on by and tell her personally. I know that’s asking a lot, though.”

“Well, we shall see.” Luna smiled, a spark of mischief glittering briefly in her eyes. “I must be off now, my poor guards are waiting on me. The officials will be wanting my signature on several pieces of paper, no doubt. Listen, let us not put off our next meeting until next week. I will send word, will the both of you be free in the evenings?”

“Any time I would normally have spent with you should be fine, Luna.” Octavia replied. “But you should know already that neither one of us would turn down the opportunity for such a rare treat!”

“Excellent! Well then, I shall send word at my earliest convenience!” Luna replied, clapping her hooves happily. She then stood up straight, posing briefly in her most regal fashion as she tossed her mane over one shoulder. “How do I look? Official?” she smiled, letting out a giggle as she scampered off out of the house to the tune of her friends’ goodbyes.

Octavia fell back on her sofa, blinking a few times and letting out a deep breath. “Did... that really just happen?” she asked, her eyes falling on the empty glass on the table. “I mean, if this is a dream... please, do not wake me!”

Her mate snickered as he spoke up. “Well, one of two things just happened, I think. Either we treated Luna as an ordinary pony, and she was thoroughly delighted by it and opened up to us, making conversation and enjoying herself... or she hated it and was so insulted that she’s currently punishing us with some kind of cruel illusion.”

“Ahaha! Oh, that is just too much!” Octavia laughed. “My goodness... you know, I am rather sleepy from all this excitement - but I fear if I go to bed, I shall wake from this cruel illusion!”

Sketchy burst out laughing in turn at that, a broad grin adorning his features. “I think it’s safe to assume that really all did just happen. C’mon, let’s go sleep.”

“You are looking rather happy, Your Highness. To what do we owe the pleasure of your smile?”

Luna glanced over at the courtier before her, for whom she was currently reading over some documentation. “Hm? Well... I have just returned from spending some time in the company of friends. That, and I have been reminded of some simple, yet important truths.”

“I see, Your Highness. Plenty of reason to smile, then.”

“Quite! And I expect more smiles soon.”

The officials around the princess recognised that look on her face. It was the one she wore when she was up to something - though by now it was common knowledge that the Princess’s plans were far from malevolent, and in the spirit of fun. None questioned her on her plans, opting to wait and see what she had in store.

As for the day to come, it would carry a surprise of its own for one pony.

Seconda Aria

Even though the mind may wander,
absence makes the heart grow fonder.

My thoughts lie many miles away
from where each night my head I lay.

Your face upon my mind engraved;
a fleeting dream I try to save.

I hope the day will be here soon
when you won’t leave me with the moon.

Recitativo 2 - A Warm Chill

“Good morning, Captain!”

Freeze Pop’s cheerful greeting to her superior rang through the warm morning air as she touched down outside of the Canterlot Royal Palace.

The dark grey pegasus whom she had greeted smiled, nodding in greeting back to her.

“Good morning, Sergeant. The day finds you well, I see.”

“It does indeed - and finds you ready to go home and sleep, I bet.”

Again her superior nodded. Captain Nimbus was, after all, primarily involved with the night watch. Unlike the younger pegasus mare, his schedule was more or less set in stone nowadays. Very seldom was he seen during daylight hours—or at least, seen in his official capacity during them.

By comparison, Freeze Pop was somepony whose duties could change on an almost daily basis. An especially notable example of this had been during the days leading up to the Summer Equinox Concert, when she had been asked on more than one occasion to be part of the Princess of the Night’s bodyguard. On two occasions she could think of, this had then led to her being assigned to escort Octavia home; after all, even if Canterlot was one of the safest places to live in all of Equestria, it was not without its criminal element. Having a large and sturdily built Guard escort you home went a very long way to deterring any would-be assailants.

“It’s been a long night, Freezy. I mean that literally, mind. I don’t doubt Celestia’s grateful for Lu-Lu taking over the major share of the work this time of year.”

“Neither do I - and I know Luna’s enjoying her bigger share of the spotlight, so to speak.”

Nimbus chuckled at that. “Well, you know what Celestia would say to that.”

“Something along the lines of ‘she is quite welcome to her share of it’, perhaps?”

The question hadn’t been Freeze Pop’s. It had instead come from the mouth of Princess Celestia herself, as she approached the two Guards. Both of them immediately snapped to attention upon noticing her arrival, though they relaxed just as quickly when she gave them a simple smile and a nod of her head to acknowledge their salute.

“That’d have been my guess, Princess.” the white pegasus mare nodded. “And a good morning to you, might I add.”

“Stealthy as always, Your Highness!” Nimbus chuckled, eliciting a small chuckle from the elegant alicorn.

“Well, someone must keep you alert.” she smiled, a twinkle in her eyes. “I see your relief is here, Captain.”

“She is, and what a relief it is.” the grey pegasus joked. “Well Your Highness, if I may be excused, I shall be on my way. I expect Hazy is going to be up soon.”

The princess nodded in reply, a warm tone to her voice as she spoke. “You may indeed, Captain. Give her my best.”

Nimbus snapped to attention once more with a smile. “Shall do, Princess Celestia!” he replied, before taking to the air with a mighty flap of his wings and setting off into town.

Celestia watched him go, then turned her attention to the remaining pegasus. “Sergeant, walk with me a while?”

“As Her Highness wishes!” Freeze Pop replied with a smile, snapping to attention herself before falling into step alongside the taller pony. It was a habit of the princess’s that she was used to by now: each morning after raising the sun, Celestia would take a stroll around the grounds. Sometimes she would have company, be it in the form of her younger sister or one of the palace staff. At other times she would simply go alone, using the time for indulging her mind in a myriad of thoughts.

Today, however, Celestia had chosen to bring Freeze with her for company while she walked the grounds. It meant that, for perhaps the next hour, both of them had a friend to chat idly to before attending to the rigours of their daily duty.

“So, Freeze Pop my dear, how have you been getting on with your evening classes?”

The armoured pegasus chuckled softly to herself. When she had first joined the Guard, she would have been surprised by a question such as that. She hadn’t been aware, after all, how much of an interest the Princesses took in their attendants’ lives and general well-being. Over time, however, she had learned that Celestia and Luna both made it their business to know every member of the palace staff by name. Additionally, both of Their Highnesses invested time in getting to know every pony in their employ on a personal level to some degree – and it was because of such behaviour that Celestia was therefore aware of this particular member of her Guard’s recent learning.

“Things are going quite well, Celestia. Golden Voice keeps telling me I have one of the most wonderful voices he’s ever listened to.”

“My my! Quite the compliment, coming from him.”

It was true, certainly. The tutor of whom they spoke was by no means without talent for song himself. It was, after all, in his name and, unsurprisingly, on his flank. In his younger days the suave stallion had travelled all across the kingdom, dazzling audiences young and old with spirited and breathtaking performances of songs ancient and modern.

“It is. You know, I remember the first time I ever heard him in concert. My mum and dad had dragged me to the amphitheatre, insisting on me experiencing something a bit cultured. I was dead set against it; wasn’t a fan of opera at all y’see.”

“I expect his performance changed your mind on that!”

“Sure did! Come the end of the show, I didn’t wanna leave. I was hoping he’d come back on and sing some more, but he’d already said his final goodnight. Wasn’t the last one I ever heard from him though.”

“I can imagine. A shame time has not been kind to him... I recall when he was still in his prime, not a summer went by without that dashing young stallion travelling his way right across the kingdom and making the fillies swoon in every town he stopped at.”

“I can picture it!” Freeze giggled. “It makes my coat stand on end when I hear him do his thing, even now. Shame he’s a bit old for me and already spoken for.”

Celestia glanced round at her companion, a knowing grin on her lips. “A voice such as that never loses its magic, no matter how old its owner gets. I was nothing but happy when I heard of his decision to spend the remainder of his life here in Canterlot, and on coaching other singers no less.”

“You and me both! And when I managed to secure some tutoring from him... well. I honestly didn’t think I could be happier.”

“And then you had your run-in with your friend from over the hills and far away?” Celestia playfully pried, her knowing look unchanging.

Freeze Pop grinned sheepishly at the princess’s teasing. “News travels fast, huh?”

“That’s one way of putting it.” the tall pony replied. “I shan’t pry further if you’re not comfortable talking about it though.”

“Oh no, nothing of the sort!” the pegasus replied cheerfully. “I don’t mind, it’s not like I’d be able to keep it quiet for too long anyway.”

“Very well.” the princess smiled. “So... is he cute?” she questioned, shoving lightly against the guard’s shoulder.

That was another thing that had surprised Freeze Pop about her sovereign after entering her employ. The only face of the princess she had ever seen was the one she wore for the majority of her subjects: that of Equestria’s sovereign ruler, Princess of the Sun, fair and just, wise and all-knowing. She projected the impression of calm and utmost authority, and commanded an air of awe and respect everywhere she went.

But that was merely one side of the princess. She was not just the ruling authority over the land, and her mind was not focused solely on running the kingdom. Even if that was a large part of where her mind resided most of the time, Freeze Pop had learned that Princess Celestia was, like any other pony, one with many facets to her being. As the pegasus had settled into her role as a guardian of the city, she had also in turn begun to see more of the princess’s other side - the one that only showed when she was not faced by those expecting an audience with the highest authority in the kingdom. When in the company of only a sole few ponies whom she trusted, Celestia would drop her facade of aloof regality and let those around her see what lay beneath.

And as it turned out, what lay beneath was quite the same as any other pony: one who loved spending time with her friends, laughing and joking about life, consoling and comforting when needed, and simply enjoying all that it meant to be alive.

“Well, I thought so.” Freeze Pop answered. “He’s very different. Not some ego-fuelled musclehead. Quite the opposite in fact.”

“Mmhmm? Opposites attract, I see.”

“Hey! I’m not that bad!”

Celestia laughed at that, a warm smile on her face. “No my dear. You have pride in your abilities, as well you should. There is nothing wrong with that, so long as it is not taken too far. I believe one of my student’s friends learned that lesson herself not too long ago.”

“Wouldn’t happen to have been Cloudsdale’s Best Young Flyer, would it?”

“It might have been.”

“Well either way, good for her.” Freeze chuckled.

“How did you run into this friend of yours?”

“Oh, that’s a story in and of itself!” the pegasus replied, happy to have the opportunity to talk at length about her exploits.

Celestia chuckled softly to herself. She knew that look on the guard’s face, and she’d asked her this question for the hope of seeing it. “Well dear, you know I love a good story.”

“Well...” Freeze began.

The freezing cold air sent shivers through the pegasus’s body as she climbed ever higher towards the stratosphere. In spite of the cold, however, she continued her climb. She was used to the feeling, having spent many a month perfecting her high altitude manoeuvres. The mark on her flank was testament to this fact: a frigid cloud over a mountain range declared to the world that she was a pegasus whose endurance was of considerable note.

The air around her wings was now so thin and frigid that ice crystals had formed along her feathers. This was, however, something she had planned for. The very reason for her climbing to this height was for the fact that this would happen. As the layer of ice began to harden further, she stopped beating her wings and angled her body down.

The rushing air seared through her coat as she fell back towards the ground. She was very glad of both the scarf around her neck and the goggles covering her eyes as she rocketed downwards. Her mane was blown back into a long blue streak, and her ordinarily puffed out tail was similarly buffeted into a lengthy blue blur behind her. Her ears pinned back against her head to keep out the wind, though even through the roar of air rushing past her, she could still make out the sound rising in her throat. It was a whoop of pure exhilaration as she delighted in the thrill of her descent.

Clouds filled her vision, but only briefly as she punched straight through them at an incredible speed. The sea below spread out before her, but as she flared out her wings and angled them, her body was pulled up out of its sea-bound plummet. The ice that had been encasing her wings flaked off in all directions, shimmering brightly in the afternoon sunshine. It made for quite the spectacle as she pulled up and soared over the little seaside town below, her course set towards Canterlot.

This had been a training flight for her, after all: an endurance test to keep her fitness up, and to make sure she didn’t lose her talent for such things. She was quite pleased with herself so far, as she had managed to set a new personal best for the time taken to reach Cape Sunrise. With a bit of effort, she had thought, perhaps she would set a record going back as well. It wasn’t until she had already flown about half a mile back towards Canterlot that she had noticed she was being followed.

She couldn’t properly make out who her pursuer was, although it was definitely a pegasus of some sort. She had pondered looping around to chat, but that would have meant a lost opportunity to better her record. As such, she had just continued on her way. Her pace had increased slightly, as she decided to give her pursuer a run for their money as a bit of entertainment on her journey.

After a mile or two, the other pegasus had given up and turned back around, leaving an amused Freeze Pop to continue on her way home with a bit of an amused smirk on her face. She had thought nothing more of the incident until several weeks later...

“...and then it turned out, the same guy Sketchy had seen in the park earlier on was the same guy Lancer had seen in the pub - the one who’d asked after a white pegasus with blue hair in a pub fulla guards.” Freeze finished, giggling at the memory.

“I see. And I take it he saw to introducing the two of you?”

“Yeah, something like that. And he didn’t run off scared that time, so we were able to hit it off.”

“Quite the tale!” the princess commented. “His tenacity is impressive, making the trip from Cape Sunrise to here with no guarantee of locating you.”

“Eh, no offence to Cape Sunrise, but it ain’t the most thrilling place in the kingdom. I should know, I’ve been there.” Freeze smirked. “I guess he just figured there was more to life and set out to see if he could find it.”

“You may be right. So, when do you expect to see him again?”

“No idea, ‘cept for ‘sometime soon’. Blackie said he’d make the trip as soon as there’s some favourable weather for it this month. Well, that and when he reckons he’s up to it. Like I said, he ain’t a big fella. That flight’s nothing to be scoffed at, even one way as I’m sure you know. I just need to make sure to be on the lookout for him.”

“Well, I hope he doesn’t keep you waiting for too long.” Celestia smiled. By now the two had made their way through the palace gardens and back towards where the white pegasus was to be posted for the day.

“I shall take my leave of you for now, dear. Thank you for the company and the conversation, though.”

“Any time, Your Majesty.” Freeze Pop replied, the appropriately respectful tone of a Guard addressing her sovereign returning to her voice.

Celestia gave a simple nod of thanks to the pegasus guard, flashed her a smile, and then was on her way back inside the palace.

Freeze Pop, meanwhile, returned to her post. There was one other Guard stood here, as per requirements. The white-coated unicorn stood to attention, a click of his hooves saluting the approaching pegasus.

“At ease.” Freeze told him as she took up her position at the other side of the royal palace’s front door. The unicorn nodded and relaxed into the same standing position he’d held before. After a few minutes, though, the pegasus noted her fellow Guard shifting uncomfortably from time to time.

“Something the matter, private?”

“Ah? Uhm, no, Sergeant. Not at all. Just, uhm, well...”

Freeze turned her head to look at the unicorn. He was definitely younger than her, that much was clear. It was also obvious that he hadn’t long been a member of the Guard, going by both the lack of any special insignia denoting rank and what Freeze suspected to be the source of his discomfort.

“Let me guess. You’re a bit surprised that the infamous Sergeant Hard-head’s a mare?” she smiled.

“No! ...well... maybe...”

“Listen... what’s your name, private?”

“Flashbang, s—uhh, ma’am.”

“OK, Flashbang. Listen up. There’re a lot of things you’ll encounter in the Guard that’re odd, and that’ll surprise you. Myself for one thing. Sure, most of the Guards’re guys. That’s not really that surprising though. I bet you dunno too many gals who dreamt of being a Royal Guard, right?”

“No ma’am.”

“You can just call me Freeze Pop. Rank’s only important to remember around royalty and rabble, as the old saying goes. ‘course you shouldn’t call anyone rabble, but you get my meaning.”

“Right.”

“Anyways. Yeah. A girl Guard might be weird, but it ain’t the weirdest thing you’ll ever see in this line of work.”

“What is, then?”

“I dunno, man. I’ve seen some pretty weird stuff during my service so far, and I expect the world has a tonne more of it out there. Main thing I would say to you is, learn to take the weird stuff in stride and you’ll go far.”

“I see... thanks, Sergeant!” the unicorn smiled. Freeze Pop raised an eyebrow at him.

“Y’know I did say rank ain’t important at the moment...”

“That’s as may be, Freeze Pop... but even if rank isn’t important as you say, respect is.”

A smile spread on the pegasus’s face at that remark. “Heh. You’re right, it is. Thanks for reminding me.” She turned her attention back towards the main drive leading to the palace gates.

“Are there any other lady Guards?”

“Huh?” Freeze blinked and looked back round at the unicorn. “Well... yeah, ‘course there are. I’m not the only tough as nails mare in the world after all. There’re others in the Guard as well.”

“That’s interesting...”

Freeze Pop smirked. She’d seen that kind of look and that sort of tone before. “Is it now? You scoping for a fillyfriend?” she teased. The resultant blush on the unicorn’s face told her the answer to that.

“Maybe?”

“Pffft, not something you gotta be ashamed of man. If you are, you are. Just be forewarned, the other gals in the Guard are all just as tough as you are. You know full well what kinda testing you gotta go through to get inducted after all.”

“I do.” the young unicorn nodded. “It’s rather gruelling, but I knew I had it in me.”

“I thought I did when I made my first attempt. Hurt when I found out I didn’t.”

“So I’ve heard! Y’know, when they put us through the physical tests, they made mention of one really stubborn pegasus mare who came back time and again to beat the physical. Uh, that was you, right?”

Freeze Pop grinned. Even if she was aware of her own notoriety within the Guard, it still tickled her every time she found out her reputation preceded her among the newbies.

“They didn’t nickname me Hard-head for nothing. Yep, that was me alright. I guess I was just too pigheaded about doing what I dreamed of to give up on it after only one go. Or two. Or three. Or... well, you get the idea.”

“It was the fifth attempt in the end, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah, after I spent several months on working myself up to this size. I shoulda done that in the first place; when I first tried out I was a skinny bit of nothing.”

Her fellow Guard took a moment to briefly glance over her figure. The pegasus’s large and sturdy frame was an excellent example of a Guard in her prime: her musculature was firm and lean, well toned from regular exercise. Her posture was proud and upright, and she carried an air of authority about her. It was plain to see simply from looking at her that she was in excellent shape and knew how to handle herself.

“I honestly can’t imagine you as skinny, Freeze Pop.”

“Yeah. Nowadays, neither can I. But I bet you weren’t always a big strapping lad either.”

“Well, no.”

“Ponies change as time goes on. We become who we need to be as life shapes us. This line of work... you’ll get an awful lotta shapin’, if you catch my drift.”

“I do. It’s gonna be difficult and full of unexpected challenges, right?”

Freeze Pop smiled. “Bingo. I think you might just do OK, though.”

The two fell silent after that, their attention focused on their duty. Still, when lunch came around and they were sat outside on the lawn with a hearty lunch courtesy of the royal kitchen, Flashbang had something more to ask of his superior.

“So uhm, Sarge.”

“Mmm?” Freeze Pop replied around a mouthful of sandwich.

“Pardon me if I’m asking too much, but... what were you talking about Her Highness with, earlier?”

The pegasus grinned as she gulped down her mouthful. “Girl talk.”

Flashbang blinked a few times in surprise. “Er... really?”

“Really. Is it that hard to believe?” Freeze Pop replied, an amused smile on her face. “Listen man, both their Highnesses may be responsible for running the kingdom and all, but they’re still also both ponies like you and me underneath that. Honestly, they’re the best bosses you could ever hope to have in that regard: perfectly approachable and easy to talk to.”

“Huh. They hide it well.”

“Of course they do. Equestria needs its rulers, after all. The populace needs somepony to lead them, and they need to be able to look up to that pony - or ponies, rather. That’s why Celestia takes her time to help out her subjects, but she still maintains some degree of aloofness. It’s expected of her.”

“And Luna?”

Freeze Pop suppressed a loud snort of laughter, causing the younger guard to tilt his head in bemusement. She grinned at him as she spoke.

“Luna’s just somepony you have to experience for yourself.” she replied, stifling a giggle as a mental image of the younger monarch zipping down one of the polished tile floors of the palace, her legs covered to the knees in slinky fabric socks, passed through her head.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

The rest of their lunch was fairly quiet, and it came to an end fairly promptly. As for what remained of their duty, it passed by with little more conversation or activity of note.

Freeze Pop preferred the quiet days, for the most part. After all, it was only when she began to feel restless that trouble seemed to strike - and at such times, it usually reminded her why she cherished the peace. As her shift drew to a close, though, her younger guard companion had one last thing to question her on.

“There something up there I’m missing, Sergeant...?”

“Hmm?” she asked, blinking. She turned her head to look back around at the inquisitive unicorn. She smiled, shaking her head. “Nope, Private. I’m just on the lookout for something.”

“Hostiles?”

“Nah.”

“Birds?”

“Nope.”

“The sunset?”

“Not that either.” Freeze stated, her eyes scanning the sky. She stopped, staring at one particular patch of sky as she spotted something. She tensed slightly, frowning up at the black speck in a blue sky. A smile slowly spread on her face.

“There. That’s what I was looking out for.” she pointed out, gesturing with a hoof.

“...that’s another pegasus, isn’t it?”

“Not just any pegasus, if my reckoning’s correct!” Freeze Pop grinned, flexing out her wings. “Reckon you can hold the fort for a little while?”

“Well of course, Sergeant!”

“Perfect.” With that, the white pegasus crouched forward slightly and beat her wings a few times, working them into a rapid rhythm. “I’ll be back in a few!” she called back, speeding forward and up into the air.

It had been an arduous flight from Cape Sunrise, but Blacklight now found himself travelling the familiar skies of Canterlot. With the well-laden saddlebags he wore, the journey had taken him a good six hours of flight - with stops along the way to refresh himself, of course.

Still, it’s gonna be worth it. It’s been far too long since I last saw Freeze... now, if I could just remember the way to her apartment...

As he paused in mid-air, however, he noticed something heading his way. Or rather, someone. It didn’t take him long to figure out it was a Royal Guard, and for a few dread-filled moments he wondered if perhaps he had strayed too close to the restricted airspace surrounding the palace. He tensed up a bit as the Guard approached, but as she closed in on him he relaxed.

“Do you know why I’ve pulled up here?” the armour-clad pegasus questioned, her tone authoritative. She had a huge smile on her face as she spoke, however.

“Did I fly into restricted airspace, ma’am?” Blacklight questioned, grinning back at her.

“Oh no, I’m afraid it’s far more serious. You see, you’ve stolen something from one of our ranking officers.”

“...I have?” the black-coated pegasus blinked, taken rather aback by that accusation.

Freeze Pop smiled as she closed the gap between the two, pressing her nose into his. “Yep. You went and made off with my heart a few weeks back, you thieving scoundrel.”

Blacklight’s face flushed red under his coat at that remark, his cheeks hence taking on a sort of purplish hue. “Erm. Well... do you need to bring me in for questioning?” he managed to squeak. He was, after all, somewhat of a shy individual - and although he was usually more at ease around the white pegasus, she knew just what to say to really make him blush.

Freeze Pop grinned at that. “Not questioning, as such... but I will have to bring you down to ground level to keep an eye on you.”

“Lead on then, officer.”

With that, the two of them swept back down toward the palace, landing back where Freeze Pop had left her unicorn subordinate. He promptly clicked his hooves together in salute as she approached.

“Welcome back Sergeant. Who’s this colt?” he questioned, eyeing the black pegasus suspiciously. Blacklight shrank back slightly under the other Guard’s keen gaze.

“This fellow is a very close personal friend of mine, Private.” Freeze Pop replied, arching an eyebrow briefly at the younger unicorn. “So be nice.” she added in a less stern tone.

“You’re a friend of the Sergeant’s?” the unicorn repeated, looking at Blacklight once more with a more relaxed expression. “Well, a pleasure to meet you then, mister...?”

“Uhm. Shining. Blacklight Shining. But just Blacklight is fine.” the pegasus in question replied, feeling rather small stood around two very sturdily built guardsponies.

“Blacklight it is, then. Like I said, pleasure to meet you. I’m Flashbang. I just got assigned to work with the Sergeant today.”

“Nice to meet you. You both on day duty today?”

“We sure are, Blackie. Which means we’re almost done, your timing was practically perfect.”

“Well that’s good. I’m sure the last thing the Princess needs is me distracting you while you’re at work.”

Freeze Pop let out a giggle at that. “Careful there, Blackie. She’ll hear you and start thinking I’m not doing my job properly!”

“As well it’s nearly finishing time then, huh?”

No sooner had the words left the unicorn’s mouth, than a pair of Guards emerged from the very doors they were guarding. Both Freeze Pop and her subordinate snapped to attention, saluting the new arrivals—or, more specifically, the one unicorn of the pair.

“Good afternoon, Captain Armor sir!” Freeze Pop spoke, a smile on her face. “Five thirty pm, and all is well.”

Shining Armor nodded to the pegasus, his expression purposeful but relaxed. “Thank you, Sergeant Freeze. Well, if there’s nothing to report, you’re free to head home. We’ll be relieving you for the night watch.” he replied, indicating himself and the other Guard with him. He then glanced at the smaller black pegasus, and then back to Freeze Pop questioningly. “Friend of yours?”

“Quite a special one too, Captain.” Freeze Pop nodded, glancing over to Blacklight. “Blackie, I’d like you to meet Shining Armor - Captain of the Royal Guard. Captain, this is my friend Blacklight Shining.”

“A pleasure!” the armour-clad unicorn smiled, offering a hoof to the black pegasus. Blacklight shook it after a few moments’ hesitation.

“Likewise, sir.” he replied respectfully.

“So what brings you to the capital, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“Oh, that’d be me that does.” Freeze Pop cut in with a smirk. Blacklight simply nodded sheepishly at that, raising a chuckle from the Captain.

“Ah, so that’s it? Well, I won’t delay you further from being on your way then, Sergeant.” he grinned. The white pegasus grinned back at him in a similar fashion.

“You’ve my thanks, Captain!” she stated, stretching out her wings. “We’ll be off then. Say hi to Luna for me when she stops by.”

Shining Armor simply nodded a reply to that, leaving Freeze Pop and Blacklight to take to the air. Once they were out of earshot of the palace, Blacklight glanced round at his companion.

“Y’know, Freezy... the Guards are a lot more relaxed than I thought they’d be.”

“Oh yeah?” Freeze questioned, looking round at her friend with a relaxed smile. “Did you expect them all to be hardcore serious?”

“Something like that.”

“Heh heh. We’re only serious when occasion demands it, Blackie. That’s not to say us Guards aren’t disciplined—far from it, we’re all able to jump into action at the drop of a hat. But the very reason we’re all able to be disciplined and orderly on a moment’s notice is that we keep ourselves more or less at ease the rest of the time. It’s all about your state of mind. If you can keep your mind ready but your body at ease, it’s easier to adjust to a sudden change.”

“So that’s why you’re all... buddy-buddy with each other?” Blacklight replied.

“Pretty much! Besides, it promotes our cohesion as a singular force. If everypony knows each other and gets along, they bond better; therefore they’re more likely to look out for each other in the field where it counts.”

“Got it.” Blacklight nodded.

“Good. So anyway, how was your trip?” Freeze inquired as the two glided lazily down toward the rooftop plaza of her apartment block.

“Tiring!” Blacklight answered truthfully. “My wings and my back are killing me. Can’t remember the last time I felt so sore.”

“Oh?” Freeze replied, a note of concern in her voice as they touched down and made their way to the steps leading down inside the complex. “Well, that’s no good. Sounds like somepony could use a little TLC.”

With that, she pushed open the door of her apartment and led the way inside. It was just as Blacklight remembered it: a short entrance hall led onto a large main room, off of which were a few other doorways leading to a kitchen, a bathroom and a bedroom. One wall of the room was dominated by large glass panels, granting a spectacular view of the surrounding city.

“Good job for you I’ve had the opportunity to learn a thing or two about giving a good rub down.” Freeze Pop went on, glancing back at the black pegasus with a flirtatious flutter of her eyelashes. “Care to give me a hoof getting this lot off?” she added, gesturing with her head at the armour plating she wore. The subject of her address let out a nervous squeak, his face flushing again. He nodded regardless though, and hesitantly stepped towards her.

“Uhm... what do you need me to do?”

“See along my back there? My plate fastens together along there and between my wings. It’s a little tricky to get at sometimes.”

“Oh, I see it.” Blacklight nodded, finding the fasteners carefully crafted into the armour. They were simple enough to undo from this angle, and he heard the solidly built mare let out a sigh of relief as the plates loosened around her.

“Ah, thanks. I can take it from here. Those things are a real pain sometimes!” she smiled, pulling herself free from the rigid material. Under the plate she still had on a short undershirt covering her upper back, though she soon loosened that and tossed it aside also.

“Ahh! I can’t tell you how much of a relief it is to get all that lot off at the end of the day!”

“Probably about as much of a relief as it was to get those bags off my back.” Blacklight replied with a smile.

“Mmm, I bet!” his companion nodded. “That flight’s bad enough without some extra weight. Speaking of which... why don’t you make yourself comfy on the couch here?” she continued, half closing her eyes with a slightly seductive smile on her face.

“Is this my reward for helping you get that armour off, then?” the black pegasus giggled as he clambered up on the couch as asked.

“I guess you could look at it that way.” Freeze replied. “Now, just hold still and relax.” she instructed, climbing up behind him and laying her front hooves on his back. He flinched slightly under her touch, but soon settled once more as she began to gently search for any tightened knots of muscle. When she began massaging his aching flight muscles, the stallion couldn’t help letting out a bit of a groan.

“Nnnnngh... Freezy... that’s incrediblllle...” he slurred, the tension ebbing out of his body.

“Haha! Thanks, Blackie!” her voice came merrily from behind him as she continued her gentle but firm treatment. “You’ve got a good few knots back here from flying all this way. Seeing as you did that for my sake, I think it’s only fair I loosen them up, you know?”

“Yyyyyeah, only fffaaaairrrr... “ he agreed, closing his eyes as he gave in to the blissful feeling of her healing touch. The distance he’d covered was soothed away into naught but a distant memory, as far as his muscles were concerned.

Freeze’s smooth tones continued along with her treatment. “I’ve missed having you around, you know.”

“I’ve missed being around.”

“Mmm. I’m glad you came better prepared, this time. You’ll want to crash here while you’re staying in Canterlot of course, right?”

“That was the plan, yeeeeah...” Blacklight replied, feeling a growing need to fight to stay awake. It wasn’t the exhaustion from flying here that was tiring him—well, perhaps it was that a little—so much as it was the depth of relaxation he was experiencing that threatened to plunge him into unconsciousness.

“Well, of course you’re welcome to. In fact, I’d have insisted on it.”

“Mmm.” Blacklight replied, a smile spreading across his face. He had expected as much of his companion, seeing as she had essentially taken him in last time he had been in Canterlot. “Thanks, Freezy.”

“You’re welcome, Blackie.” the sturdy mare replied, drawing her hooves down along his back one last time, before settling into a seated position alongside him. “Feeling better now?”

“Much better, thanks.” he replied, sitting back up and stretching slightly. “Oh, I uhm... brought you something, by the way. From home, I mean.”

“Other than yourself, you mean?” Freeze chuckled. “You didn’t have to, you know.”

“I know, but I wanted to.”

“I somehow had a feeling you’d say that. Well... what did you bring me then?”

In response to that, Blacklight hopped off the sofa and headed over to where he’d deposited his saddlebags. Rummaging in one side of them for a moment, he pulled out a large, candy-striped paper bag, which he brought back over to the couch with him. A faint, sweet smell wafted from within, tantalising his companion’s nose.

“Here you go.”

Freeze took the bag from her friend, carefully opening it and peering inside. A delighted smile spread across her face as the distinctly sugary sweet smell hit her nose full force, and she saw what lay within.

“Salt water taffy? Mmm! And that’s a lot in there, too!” she enthused, carefully tipping out a piece onto a hoof. She tossed it into her mouth and chomped on it. The inside of her mouth was soon coated in a sugary mess as she chewed on the confectionery.

“You like it then?” Blacklight chuckled, somewhat amused at her fighting with the chewy sweet.

“Mmnn! Izsh delishush!” Freeze Pop replied. She chomped and slurped a bit more, and then amended her statement. “I mean, it’s delicious!” she chuckled. “Thanks, Blackie.” Having swallowed her sugary treat, she stretched and glanced out the windows, and then back to her friend.

“I take it you won’t be up for heading out anywhere for dinner?”

“I’d love to... but I don’t think I’m actually up to it.”

“Maybe tomorrow then.” Freeze nodded. “I’ll just cook us up something.”

Some hours later, the two pegasi were comfortably ensconced on the large couch facing the window. Two empty plates sat on the nearby coffee table, evidence of the meal of pasta and vegetables Freeze Pop had cooked up—in spite of her own admissions that she wasn’t that much of a cook. The room was quiet, save for the faint background music of a vinyl record playing one of the white pegasus’s favourite opera numbers, and the calm, contented breathing of the room’s occupants.

This wasn’t the first time Freeze Pop had found herself relaxing in her living room with this particular stallion in this fashion. When he had first come to Canterlot and the two had come to know each other as friends, they had spent a fair few evenings in each others’ company like this. In fact, towards the end of his stay, she had more or less been accommodating him here. On that first journey, after all, Blacklight had not brought along much to sustain him. It struck Freeze that, most likely, he had journeyed to Canterlot on a whim, with the hope of finding what he was looking for buoying him on.

When he actually had found the target of his search, though, he hadn’t really thought through what to do. That was why he had ended up under her roof for a spell.

Well, that and a load of other reasons. Freeze thought to herself happily, shifting slightly as she cuddled up to her friend. He responded with a minimal sleepy-sounding grunt, and moved a little to better accommodate her. Despite her better judgement, she found herself fast falling asleep on the couch—but she had to admit that the possibility of a sore neck in the morning was a small price to pay for the level of comfort she now felt.

As the sun finally sank completely below the horizon, both ponies had drifted off into a blissful unconsciousness.

Terza Aria

Daylight brings an invitation,
lacking formal salutation.

To those a princess calls her friends,
to meet when dusk is at an end...

Recitativo 3 - A Moonlit Sonata

A soft summer rain pattered against the stained glass of Octavia’s bedroom windows. It was enough to rouse Octavia from her slumber, but not so much as to make her want to leave the comfort of where she lay. She slowly forced an eye open, taking in the familiar silhouette of the large stallion she rested against. A quiet sigh of contentment escaped her throat, and she kissed him softly on the cheek before laying her head down once more against his shoulder.

The serene nature of her rest was abruptly interrupted, however, by a quiet but distinct “thoomp” from round the corner, causing her to sit up suddenly in bed. She gave her companion a gentle nudge, stirring him to half-consciousness.

“Did you hear that?” she questioned, slipping out of bed before he could answer.

“Hmm?” Sketchy questioned, sitting up with a wide yawn. “Did I hear what?”

A quiet clattering of hooves marked Octavia’s rapid skittering off to where she had left her bag, and then a further sound of horseshoes on floorboards heralded her return with her bag held in her mouth. Curiously, there was a small puff of blue smoke leaking out from it.

“Rr gryt uh mrrsrrge.” she stated.

Sketchy tilted his head curiously at her garbled speech, before realisation dawned on his face with a grin. “You got a message.” It was an amusing yet endearing trait that the cellist had. Thanks to her taking off her usual mask of social airs when he was her only company, she would sometimes forget to empty her mouth before she spoke.

Octavia proceeded to demonstrate one of her other more endearing habits, as she stuck her tongue out at him and playfully blew a raspberry after she’d put down her bag. Turning her attention to it, she reached down inside and fished out a small parchment bearing a silvery-blue seal. Unfurling the letter, she cleared her throat and scanned over the letter.

“Ahem... oh my. This is...”

“What does it say?”

“Tavia and Sketchy, please meet me in the Gardens tonight. Lu-Lu.”

Sketchy blinked in a somewhat dumbstruck fashion, taking in what he’d just heard. A smile crept across his face, followed soon after by a hearty laugh.

“She really signed it that way? How cute!”

Octavia too couldn’t contain her amusement, and she laughed along with him as she read over the letter once more herself, shaking her head. “She... is going to be a hoof-full, is she not?”

“Perhaps so... but in a good way, I think.”

The cellist took in a deep breath, trying to settle her nerves a bit. Even if she was by now used to this means of communication from the lunar princess, it still made her heart flutter a bit every time she got a letter in her bag.

“I... think I shall get myself some tea, I will put something on for you as well.” she stated, tucking the parchment away in a dresser drawer. She set down her bags and trotted off out of the room. The clattering of crockery was soon audible from the kitchen. Octavia’s voice echoed back over the noise.

“The Garden... I wonder what she has in mind?”

“I think I may have some idea, if Freezy’s anecdotes are anything to go by!” Sketchy called back, a note of laughter in his tone. There was a moment of silence from the kitchen as Octavia paused to think on that one, before a giggle was heard and she spoke up once more.

“Oh... oh my!” There came some more clattering, and then the sound of Octavia’s careful footsteps on the floorboards moving back towards the bedroom. Sketchy perked his ears and then blinked in surprise as the black-maned mare returned, a tray balanced perfectly on her back. It was laden with a plate of toast, two bowls of cereal, a pot and tea cup and a tall glass of water.

“Breakfast in bed, dear?” she questioned with a smile, walking back over to the bed and carefully setting the tray down. She proceeded to climb back up on the bed, settling herself next to the larger pony.

Sketchy couldn’t help but show his appreciation, leaning his head down and affectionately nuzzling the top of her head. “You’re spoiling me, honey.” he told her in a half-serious tone. “I think I have some idea what we might be in store for. Freeze tells me Lu-Lu can be quite the prankster when she wants to be. Best advice I can give would be to look out for any statues that look a bit too life-like.”

Octavia laughed at the notion of the Princess of the Night pulling off such a prank. That, and her culinary concoction being termed as spoiling her companion. She leaned into him a bit, taking a sip of her tea. She felt the special brew begin to work its magic on opening her ears up. Already she felt more awake and alive, and she sighed in contentment at the feeling.

“Ah... this is hardly a banquet, you know. It is simply artist food. Were I as versed as well in the culinary arts as I am the musical, it would certainly be far more grand... anyway. Do you expect she is going to try to fool us?”

“With her asking to meet us in the gardens? At night? I’d say it’s practically a given; I’m reliably informed that’s her favourite hiding spot.”

A giggle escaped the cellist’s mouth as she filled it with cereal, and then as she swallowed, her expression slowly grew into one of excitement. “Oh oh oh... oh my, this is going to be grand!” She clapped her front hooves together in excitement, wiggling a little where she sat. Her excitement proved infectious as her stallion companion started to think over the reality of what had been asked of them.

“Yeah... yeah, you’re right! I mean, she did after all promise to show us the music room...” he nodded, images of all kinds of instruments great and small floating through his imagination. “That’s going to be spectacular!”

“Do you think Freezy will be at the gates? My goodness, I shall really have to take a close look at the Guards every time I head there now. My word!”

Sketchy snickered at that, remembering the occasion not too long ago when the stone grey mare by his side had rather unfortunately addressed their mutual friend as a stallion. To be fair, of course, the Royal Guards all looked a lot alike. About the only way one could tell Freeze Pop apart from her peers was by her slightly flamboyantly styled tail, and the occasional bit of poofy mane sticking out from under her helmet. Other than that, though, she was easily as solidly built as any other pegasus guard, and she wore the same expression as any of them when on duty.

“No idea if she’ll be on. I dunno what hours she’s on at all today, if at all. It’s probably about 50-50.” he mused, helping himself to the breakfast spread. He and Octavia both remained quiet for a few minutes, the only sound coming from either being that of them demolishing their breakfast. That was up until a stray thought caught up with Sketchy’s mind.

“...you can’t cook?”

Octavia turned her head towards him with a smile. “Not anything in particular. I can handle making a sandwich or a decent salad, but aside from that? Better call the weather team to put out my burning kitchen.”

The stallion shook his head in mock disappointment. “For shame, Tavy! I’ll have to do something about that one of these days. Not that I’m a spectacular chef either, of course... I’m sure I can expand your palate a bit, though.”

The violet-eyed mare smiled, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. “And this is why I love you.” she whispered to him.

“Because I show you new things?” he replied, returning the gesture before resuming his meal.

“That, among other things.”

“Well, the same goes for you, my love.”

The two exchanged smiles before returning to their meal. Presently, Sketchy moved the mostly emptied tray off the bed and sat up, rolling his neck a bit.

“So, what’s on the agenda for today? Other than stopping by Lu-Lu’s house.” he grinned, still rather amused by the Princess’s manner in her letter.

“Well, let us see... we should certainly stop by your abode and check whether you have received word back from overseas yet.”

“Ah, from my mum, you mean?”

Octavia nodded at that. “Indeed. I shall admit, I am anxious to learn from her when she plans to be here in Canterlot. The main thing that has me unsettled is not knowing when to expect her.”

Sketchy nodded in reply to that. “Well, it’s been a few days... that should have been long enough for the Pony Express to get a letter back, if she’s had the time to pen one.”

The shorter pony glanced towards the stained glass, noting the absence of the pattering background ambience. “Then in that case, we should go and see. It seems to have stopped raining, and I expect the sun will be out now. It would be shameful to waste the warm weather.”

A pleasant breeze was blowing through the air of Canterlot, carrying the refreshing scent of fallen rain drying on the streets and the trees. Although the year was beginning to draw on towards autumn, the weather was still wonderfully warm during the day. Considering that Canterlot was, of course, at the heart of Equestria, it made sense that its residents enjoyed some of the best weather in all the land.

As Octavia and Sketchy made their way at a leisurely pace through the town, they were treated to the assorted sights and sounds of the capital on a typical day. Ponies dressed in all kinds of fashions roamed the streets, moving to the tune of cheerful chatter back and forth and the dull hubbub of hundreds of hooves drumming the pavement. The music was punctuated here and there by the occasional call of greeting from other ponies, as the classical cellist was noticed here and there by appreciative admirers. She responded as she was well used to doing, with a simple nod and an understated smile. Her reputation preceded her, after all, and a part of the image she had built up of herself in the public eye was one that suited her: she was aware of her following and took the time to acknowledge it, but like many things in life, she did not make a big show of it.

Her attitude towards fame was something Sketchy had found one of the most admirable things about her. There were, after all, a good deal of ponies that tended to take fame and run with it. He could think of several he knew of in Canterlot—although, having considered that, it occurred to him that perhaps some of those he thought of as full of themselves may not be what they seemed. Octavia, after all, wore a very well crafted mask in public. The average observer would only ever see how she was on stage, and how she carried herself around town. They never saw her without that facade, which meant that they had no idea that the refined and classy musician had the capacity for being very silly when she so chose. A small grin spread on his face as he recalled the beautiful black-maned mare talking with her mouth full earlier that morning. He felt a slight nudge against his shoulder a few moments later, and he glanced round to see Octavia’s violet eyes peering curiously at him with a similar smile on her own lips.

“I was thinking about this morning.” he said.

“Oh?”

“Have I ever told you I get a kick outta the fact I see you do some very non-classy things on a regular basis?”

“Such as talking with my mouth full of letter, perhaps?”

“That would be one example, yeah.” Sketchy chuckled, nodding slightly. Octavia playfully shoved her head against his neck at that, letting out a giggle of her own.

“Well my dear, you know that one has to maintain some semblance of balance in life. I am expected to be so well behaved in public, so it is only fair that I be permitted to be ridiculous when it does not matter who is watching.”

“Very true.” Sketchy agreed. “It’s nice to see you more relaxed these days, though.”

“Why, whatever do you mean?” his companion questioned, her tone only half-serious. She didn’t need to be told, after all, that since she had taken the time to invest a little more of her time in social pursuits, her public image had undergone some metamorphosis. Only a few months back, it would have been a rare thing to see her laughing and smiling with other ponies in view of the public. That wasn’t because she never took the time to do so. Far from it, in fact, as she often indulged her sense of humour with her colleagues. However, since she had made some genuine friends and spent some time with them, she had come to realise something that she had known all along – and that was the fact that there was nothing wrong with having fun outside of your main pursuit in life.

“Oh, you know. Not looking so serious the whole time... that and not caring about being seen in the company of some scallywag like me.” Sketchy joked. He was rewarded with a peal of melodious laughter for his efforts.

“Ahahaha! Oh come now, dear, you are far from being some disreputable figure who would blemish my reputation to be seen with. Quite the opposite, in fact.”

“Oh?” Sketchy blinked. It wasn’t that he was unused to being complimented by her—well, OK, perhaps he was still a little unused to it—but he’d never heard her explicitly say she thought he was good for her image. His slight bewilderment was met with a similar look of surprise on Octavia’s features, though it soon melted into a smile.

“You are surprised to hear that, Sketchy?” she gently teased. “You should not be. You know full well that I love you. I care not what most other ponies would have to say about that. Nevertheless, I will happily say that I am proud to be seen in your company. You are one of the most well-mannered ponies I have ever met, more chivalrous even than some I have known of far higher standing.”

“...wow, really?”

Octavia nodded at that. “Yes, really. If you have one flaw, my dear, it is that you sometimes sell yourself too short. You are allowed some pride. All I would ask is that you hold your head high, and not your nose.”

Sketchy smiled broadly at that. “I think I can manage that.”

They continued on their way up the winding path of Beech Grove, finally turning off near the top onto the driveway leading towards the Old Chapel where Sketchy made his home. The building was so-called as it had, at one time in its history, served as a gathering place for a religious order of ponies. It had then later served as a school, before falling out of use when Canterlot had been founded and subsequently grown to such a size that it had gained a number of schools within its boundaries. Nowadays, it was an out of the way block of apartments. It sat at the top of the winding road that was Beech Grove, surrounded by trees and grass, and overlooking the capital below.

“I’ll just nip up the stairs and check the mail then.” Sketchy told his violet-eyed companion.

“Very well. Perhaps afterwards we should stroll back into town, perhaps say hello to Miss Sandwich?”

Sketchy smiled and nodded at that suggestion. His unicorn friend was an almost constant source of good cheer, to say nothing of her culinary skill.

“Sounds like a plan. If I’ve gotten anything in the post, I can read over it at her place.”

“So, what’s yer mom gotta say?”

“Let’s have a look, Sally.”

Sketchy, Octavia, and Salad were now sat around a table in Graze, the sandwich bar that belonged to Salad’s parents. Both earth ponies had an empty plate in front of them, a testament of the unicorn’s sandwich making skill.

Taking out an envelope he’d retrieved from home, Sketchy carefully pulled it open and retrieved the letter from within. Unfurling the paper, he cleared his throat and began to read.

Dear Sketchy,

thank you so much for taking the time to pen a letter to your poor old mum. It’s always good to hear from you, and especially so on this occasion! I am delighted to hear you have found somepony special, and a fellow musician no less. I hope you are treating her well, with as much respect and courtesy as she is due. As I’m sure you know, not every girl is as tough as Freeze Pop or as forgiving as Sally.

Speaking of them, you can let them know (along with your fillyfriend, who I am looking forward a lot to meeting!) that I will be in town quite soon. As it happens, I am actually writing you this letter before I finish up packing. The forecast is for clear skies and calm weather all this week and next, so I will be catching the first airship out tomorrow morning.

Also, please reassure Octavia that I am far from terrifying. I am sure she is a delightful pony, especially from the way you describe her. The last thing I would want would be for her to be petrified of me – after all, I’m hardly crazy old lady material yet!

I am going to be travelling alone on this occasion. My own special somepony is up to his ears in work, but he insisted I make the trip regardless. I am really looking forward to seeing you, and catching up with Honey, Mustard, Snowdrop and Stormcloud. I’ll most likely be staying over with the Sandwiches while I’m in town. I know you wouldn’t hesitate to put me up, of course, but I really don’t fancy trying to get up and down those stairs of yours every day!

I think that’s all for now. Sorry for the short letter! I’ll be sure to send a telegram from the ship before I reach Canterlot, so you’ll know when to expect me.

Love you to bits, see you soon!

The mad old bum.

Octavia tilted her head at the way the letter had been signed, a puzzled look on her face. “Whatever did she refer to herself as that for?”

“Hmm? Oh! Ahaha, that’s a little family in-joke, Tavy.” Sketchy explained, a grin on his face. “You see, my mum’s special talent is languages. She loves picking them apart and figuring out how they work. Sometimes just for fun, she swaps letters and sounds around. So, that last bit was actually ‘the bad old mum’. You see?”

“Ah, I follow you now, yes.” Octavia nodded.

“So, Trilly’s gonna stay here? That’ll be fun!” Salad piped up, a grin on her face.

“That’s her nickname.” Sketchy explained once more to the black-maned cellist. “Her name’s actually Trillian Tones.”

“Were it not for you mentioning her talent, I would have thought her to perhaps be a musician herself.” Octavia noted.

“That or a singer perhaps?”

“Mmm. That would be the other thought.”

“You wouldn’t be the first to think it. Anyway, I’ll have to keep an eye out for that telegram. Could come any day this week; going by the date on this letter, my mum wrote this and sent it the very same day she must have received my own letter. And that looks like it was three days ago.”

“Hmm. Roughly how long does it take for an airship to cross the ocean?”

“Oh, Ah can answer that!” Salad exclaimed. She had, after all, travelled a lot throughout her life: her extended family was of such a size that there were relatives of hers spread right across the kingdom. “From the Amareicas across tuh Canterlot is about three tuh five days, dependin’ of course on thuh weather conditions an’ all.”

Octavia nodded, smiling to herself on hearing the unicorn’s accented drawl. Salad was a bit of an oddity in some respects. One such quirk that she had was this: ordinarily, her speech and mannerisms were as refined as any member of Canterlot high society, but if she was around her more regular customers or she happened to get excited, her less formal tones tended to seep through.

“Hmm... so it is possible she may even be with us tomorrow?”

“Possible, but unlikely I’d have thought.” Sketchy thought out loud. “Unless they catch a tailwind or something. I’m no expert on airship flight though.”

“I suppose we shall just have to see.”

“So Sketchy, Ah got a question.” Salad informed her long-legged earth pony companion. He turned his gaze in her direction, an inquiring look in his ocean green eyes.

“What’s up, Sally?”

Salad’s features creased into a grin. “Did yuh finish that special commission fer that special customer yet?”

“I assume, Miss Sandwich, that you refer to his portrait of our dear Princess Luna?” Octavia questioned with a small smile.

“Ah, so he let yuh in on that little secret then?” Salad chirped. “Ah was wonderin’ when you’d find out about it. A’ course, that idjit can be a little unnecessarily secretive when the fancy takes him.”

“Guilty as charged.” Sketchy chuckled with a slightly sheepish look. “Yeah, it’s done. And yeah, Tavy found out when Luna let the cat outta the bag.”

“Aha! Well, right enough, Ah guess yuh couldn’t’ve held it in any longer when she let it slip. Speakin’ of which, y’all should remind her to stop by here like she promised—when she’s got time, Ah mean.”

“Oh, we will, we will.” Sketchy assured her with a nod.

“Indeed we shall. I expect she is merely somewhat preoccupied most of the time; the business of running the kingdom leaves little time for social activities.”

“Well, that and Ah expect she’s usually asleep durin’ normal business hours.” Salad giggled.

“Well, for the time being she is, yes.” Octavia agreed. “But we are drawing towards the colder months. When autumn sets in, I expect you will be far more likely to be graced by her presence.”

“Ah sure do hope so.” Salad nodded, her ear twitching as the bell over the shop’s door gave its characteristic tinkle. “Well, Ah’d best get back tuh business!”

Once the unicorn was out of earshot, Octavia leaned forward in her seat, towards Sketchy. A small smile of excitement played around her features.

“So,” she intoned quietly, “are you as excited about tonight as I am?”

The answer to Octavia’s question, as was proven some hours later, was a definite yes. Both she and Sketchy had a spring to their step as they made their way towards the side gate of the Canterlot Royal Gardens. Fireflies flitted to and fro among the trees lining the approach to the gate, and the air was peppered with the scents of assorted night-blooming flowers.

“Do you not just love the night, when everything is lit up like this?” Octavia chimed from alongside the tall stallion accompanying her. “Not to say that the day is any less magical, of course... but, my goodness, just look at how wonderful everything is.”

Sketchy felt a gentle bump against his side, as his companion drew in a deep breath to enjoy the assorted aromas lingering in the air. He glanced down to her with a smile.

“It is, you’re right.” he agreed, chuckling a bit at her antics. “Do contain your excitement a little, we’re not even through the gates yet.” he teased.

“True, we are not. And speaking of the gates...” Octavia replied, turning her gaze to the large gate up ahead, squinting and focusing on the armoured ponies stood to either side. “Whaaat do you think?” she questioned of her mate with a flick of her tail, as she attempted to discern whether either of the gate’s sentinels was their mutual friend. Sketchy was somewhat amused to watch her walk right up to one of the guards, eyeing them very carefully – and so closely that she was practically nose-to-nose with the guard, save for the height difference.

“Tavy, honey? That’s not Freeze.” he grinned, suppressing a snort of laughter as he waved a hoof towards the impressively patient guard’s hindquarters. “See? Wrong tail style.” He glanced between the two guards, and added “Excuse her, sirs.”

“Hmmmm. Well, if you are certain...” she replied, a small smile forming on her face as she stood back a bit from the guards. Standing up properly, her posture as noble-looking as could be, she cleared her throat and addressed the two armoured ponies. “My dear sirs, I am Oc—”

“We have been waiting for you.” the guard on the left stated, his voice carrying a slight huff to it. He then turned and opened the gate, leaving Octavia to blink in surprise. She glanced over at Sketchy, who met her surprised look with one of his own. He was quick to plaster his ordinary easy-going smile and tone over it though, as he nodded to the two guards.

“Our thanks.” he stated politely, glancing to Octavia to prompt her through the gate. She in turn made her way through, bowing her head slightly to the guard she had stared at beforehand.

“I... apologise, sir. Thank you.” she intoned quietly as she passed through, followed shortly by Sketchy.

Any buoyancy Octavia’s excitement might have lost from the encounter was soon returned, however, as the two of them made their way along the path through the gardens. Not more than a few hundred metres off to one side stood the Palace itself, lit brightly by the moon and the lamplight of its decorative lights.

“Breathtaking.” was all Octavia could say of it. She turned her head back towards her companion, her eyes slightly wide. “You do realise where we are.... and what we are doing, right?”

“I sure do!” Sketchy replied, an excited laugh in his voice as they walked along towards the archway that led into the gardens proper. Upon reaching it, though, the two of them stopped short in their tracks.

The garden was not there – or rather, some of it was not there. The trees, the bushes, and the grass were all intact... but everything else had gone missing. The surrounding air was dark and still, as though it was waiting on something – but it was not a cold, chilling darkness. It felt more as though there was an air of anticipation, one which beckoned the two onward and into the clearing.

As they walked onward, the ambient light of the palace, the moon, and the stars seemed to vanish – and yet, there was light, as tiny points of light began to streak by overhead and around them. The flitting fireflies among the bushes and trees were not fireflies, as they had become tiny planets, stars, and circling constellations. Every tiny shooting star made a tinkling chime as it shot past, and the sounds mingled together in a peaceful tune with no particular rhyme or reason.

Sketchy let out a quiet, awed whistle. “Wow...” he breathed. “This certainly beats playing hide and seek...”

“This... is amazing...” Octavia agreed, leaning against him and craning her neck to watch the multitude of passing stars shooting by. It felt almost as though they were stood in the middle of the cosmos itself. All in all, it was quite humbling.

In the blink of an eye, however, the stars, constellations, planets and galaxies vanished, zipping out of sight as though they were nothing but a tablecloth placed over the top of the gardens. It was a little dizzying, but as the two earth ponies’ eyes refocused on their surroundings, they could see that the garden’s regular features had returned. The familiar fountain depicting the Princess of the Night stood in its rightful place, lit by the moon. The trees and hedges stood where they had been, now decorated by normal fireflies flitting among their boughs; and the quiet chirruping of insects punctuated the air.

Another sound echoed through the evening air – a familiar laugh, that rang like the chiming stars. It was unclear where it was coming from, as the voice’s owner spoke.

“I am delighted to see you both!” she declared. “But the question is...”

With a whirl of wind and a plume of blue haze and smoke, Princess Luna appeared a short distance away, facing the two with a mischievous grin on her face. Her sudden appearance caused Octavia to jump, letting out a frightened squeak.

“...ready to have some fun?” the alicorn asked.

“If I wasn’t before, I am now, Lu-Lu.” Sketchy replied, a broad grin on his face. “That was quite the light show you put on!”

“Quite! It was fantastic!” Octavia chimed in, her eyes wide with excitement.

The princess giggled as she bowed her head slightly. “You could say I have had some time to practice...” she stated with a wry smile.

The cellist applauded her, clapping her front hooves together. “Bravo, Luna. You are indeed the most skilled conductor of the stars.”

Luna’s smile broadened as she approached her two friends. “I had the feeling that if anypony could appreciate a good light show, it would be you two. And besides, it has been absolutely ages since I have had guests to entertain – I felt it only fair to pull out the stops, so to speak.”

“Well, you were right about the appreciation.” the stallion nodded. “I’m rather amazed, and somewhat humbled, I have to say, that you laid that on just for us.”

A mischievous twinkle lit the alicorn’s eyes as she leaned her head down a bit to whisper to the two. “Did the guards seem a little upset?”

“They did seem a little fussed about something...” Sketchy nodded, snickering slightly. “You wouldn’t happen to have had something to do with that, now would you?” he enquired with a knowing grin.

“Hmmm... well, you know how they stand perfectly still all the time at those guardposts? It is a little difficult to maintain that stance if one should happen to, say, tickle their noses with a little stardust...”

Octavia giggled aloud at that. “Oh my goodness!”

The princess reared up a bit on her hind legs as she laughed herself. “Ooooh, they were sneezing up a storm!”

“That’s bad!” Sketchy laughed, shaking his head with a grin. The princess dropped back onto all fours, lowering her voice once more.

“So... shall I show you both in?” she asked, tilting her head toward the palace. “Most of the council have left for the day, and the rest are all quartered in guest rooms and likely sleeping. We can enjoy all the house has to offer.”

“Do I ever!” Sketchy whispered back excitedly. “I’ve never even been inside the Palace before!”

“Yes, please!” Octavia agreed. “That would be great! I too have never been inside, barring the Gala and the occasional garden party!”

The princess gave a bit of a snort at Octavia’s declaration. “The Gala? That snoozefest? You haven’t seen anything.” she grinned, eliciting a snicker of laughter from the taller of the two earth ponies.

Octavia made a slightly grumpy-looking face at Luna’s description of the event. “Hey! I was playing there!” she said, though a smile crept back onto her face as she went on. “But, yes, did you hear what they wanted us to play? Ugh!”

“Haha! Well, perhaps this time around we can hire a DJ, liven it up a little!” Luna suggested with a light giggle. “Come on, let’s go. We can sneak in through the side door; I would rather not make a fuss with the guards round the front.”

Having said that, she led the way along a wide path towards the palace itself. She turned off it and walked along the lawn after a small while, making her way towards a large door somewhat out of the way with a single guard posted next to it. She approached the guard and looked him straight in the eye, drawing a look of puzzlement from her two companions. Just as Octavia was about to ask the princess what she was doing, Luna’s face suddenly contorted into a comically silly look as she stuck out her tongue and made a “Nyahnyahnyah!” noise at the guard, who summarily almost fainted.

“Gotcha!” Luna giggled triumphantly, as the guard hastily recovered his composure and moved to open the door. She smiled broadly to him and bowed her head slightly. “Thank you for being a good sport, you are an asset to us all.”

Sketchy and Octavia were barely able to contain their laughter, although for the sake of the poor guard’s dignity they did their best. As such, Octavia crossed over the threshold with a muffled giggle, followed by Sketchy with a broad grin on his face, not daring to look at the guard. He soon found plenty to look at inside, however, as they found themselves in a large pantry just off of a kitchen. There were cupboards and shelves stacked to the ceiling and loaded with carefully arranged ingredients and ready-made foods.

The princess casually snatched a granola bar from a shelf, biting the end off it and munching on it as she walked.

“Yu hav nu ideuh huw buring ut geuhts heurr sumtimes.” she noted, talking with her mouth full as she gnawed on her treat, and then as she emptied her mouth she added “Please, have one if you like.”

“I’m good for now, thank you.” Sketchy replied politely, nudging Octavia’s shoulder lightly with his own and nodding towards Luna in order to check that she had seen that too, and he hadn’t just hallucinated the princess talking with her mouth full. The cellist raised her eyebrows and smiled in response, confirming that neither one of them was dreaming.

“Onward, then!” the princess declared, pushing her way through the doors at the other end of the pantry and straight into the kitchen. A small gathering of cooks and chefs stopped dead in their tracks for a moment on catching sight of the princess herself invading their domain, though they relaxed fairly quickly as she spoke once more.

“Ah, nevermind us, ladies. We are just... touring!” she stated, having had to pause for a few moments to grasp an appropriate term as she chomped thoughtfully on the remains of her snack.

Octavia could no longer hold in her giggles, and she buried her face in a hoof as her laughter escaped her throat. “I cannot put into words how much I should like to keel over and laugh right now!” she managed to say between breaths. There was something so simply comical about the princess acting so very ordinary like this in spite of her position that amused her to no end.

As for Luna, she simply glanced back to her friend with a smile and a giggle of her own. “Wonderful, Tavia! That’s exactly what I would have hoped for, that you have fun!”

“Let it not be said that Princess Luna is out of touch with her subjects.” Sketchy commented quietly, trying hard not burst out laughing himself. The princess glanced round at him, her smile growing.

“Anything either of you may need, simply say so. Now then! We have some places to be. Come along!”

With that, the dark blue alicorn led her earth pony companions through a large set of swinging double doors, which opened out onto the famous ballroom. It was without a doubt the largest dance hall Sketchy had ever set hoof in, with its high ceiling and tall pillars topped with assorted pony statues. It was easy to see why it was a favoured venue for large events here in Canterlot: the decor was quite opulent, the room’s capacity was impressive, and of course it was housed within the palace itself.

“Ahh, a familiar spot, yes Tavia?” Luna spoke up. “Of course, you were assaulted right over there, upon the stage. What a comedic night that turned out to be—though, I was sorry to hear that you had to have your instrument restrung.”

“Hmph.” Octavia replied in a grumbling manner. “Aside from that, the music was drab, the food was mediocre at best, and it was so stuffy it was as though I had a pillow stuck to my face the whole time.”

“Ahahahaha!” the princess giggled aloud, delighted with her friend’s honesty. “Perhaps next year you can bring Sketchy to liven things up?” she suggested with a chuckle, glancing round to the stallion. “Maybe bring your sax with you, let them hear something with some soul to it for a change?”

“It’d be my pleasure!” Sketchy affirmed, wondering to himself whether or not she was actually serious. It was sometimes difficult to tell when the princess was merely playing, and when she was making a serious suggestion. Occasionally, the two tended to intermingle.

“Excellent. Well, let’s get out of this place. I’m sure Tavia doesn’t want to dwell on that catastrophe of a night!” the princess grinned,playfully bumping the smaller pony’s flank with her own. “What would you like to see, dear? I can already take a guess at your answer, but I’d like to be certain.”

The cellist’s ears perked up from her slight brooding, and she looked up at the ruler of the night. “The music chamber?” she questioned, her smile slowly returning. “That would definitely be top of my list... or the carousel room.”

Sketchy had been about to voice his own approval of visiting the music room, but he stopped short and raised an eyebrow at her mention of the latter place. “Carousel room? What’s that, then?” he asked, though he barely managed to utter the question before Luna’s excited voice cut through the air.

“How do you know about that!?” she squealed excitedly, clapping her front hooves together happily as her voice rose loud enough to echo around the ballroom. “Tell me!”

Octavia blushed, her ears turning down partially to block out the princess’s excited squeal, but mostly due to her feeling a bit embarrassed at having gotten such a reaction out of her. She spoke up in a somewhat muted tone.

“Oh... rumours, speculation... and... uh... I heard your sister mention it once in passing. Not from eavesdropping, mind you!” she hastily added.

“Well, this certainly has me curious now.” Sketchy grinned. Luna meanwhile had turned about in a tight circle, looking almost as though she wanted to prance about like a filly.

“We must! We must stop there first, then, even if only for a brief moment!” she declared, turning towards the large set of doors at the end of the ballroom. She then promptly shot off towards them at a gallop, taking her guests somewhat by surprise. They were quick to follow suit, though.

“She sure can move, when the urge takes her!” Octavia commented slightly breathlessly as they chased after the alicorn, who had now started running up a winding staircase beyond the doors. There was little time to appreciate the plush carpet underfoot, which thankfully went a fair way to muting their thudding hooves as they raced after the fleeing princess, or the beautiful stained glass windows overlooking the hallway below. About the only thing that was a consistently visible feature as they made their way up the staircase was the impressive chandelier dominating the ceiling above, which they drew nearer to with every step.

They came to a skidding halt upon reaching the top, where the princess of the night was gazing intently over the railing. She raised a hoof to her mouth in a shushing gesture as the two caught up with her, silencing the question Octavia had been about to ask of what the princess was looking at.

“Just wait.” she instructed quietly. “And watch...”

Looking down over the railing, the two caught sight of a guard marching into the atrium below in a disciplined fashion. He came to a halt at the door guard post, standing stock still. The princess’s horn glimmered for a moment, and the carpet under the guard’s hooves shifted ever so slightly. He tried to keep his stance steady, but another nudge threw him just off balance enough that he dropped a small parchment scroll from a sash he had on, which he hastily scooped back up. Resuming his rigid posture, his eyes scanned the surroundings to see if anyone had seen his brief moment of undisciplined clumsiness. It was then that his eyes fell upon the three ponies watching from the top of the stairs. Although they couldn’t see clearly from up there, Sketchy was certain he saw a brief grin cross the guard’s face as the princess called down to him.

“Please, my good sir, accept my apology for making sport of you!” Her apology was accompanied by her flashing him a smile, a twinkle in her eyes. The guardspony remained stiff as a board, save for a slight, brief nod.

“You were right,” Sketchy whispered to his black-maned companion, “she’s a hoof full alright!”

Octavia giggled quietly at that, looking round at Luna. “You are so terrible! Obviously they have to let you do such things, but do they not get mad?”

The princess smiled as she turned her attention back to her two friends. “Rest assured, I have spoken to them when they are off-duty about such things. They are more than fine with my antics during these quiet hours. I would never dream of playing such tricks on them when they are being evaluated, or if there were something important or critical happening. Dare I say, they have all played a prank or two on me in return as well. It is all in good fun.”

“They have? It must have taken them some time to get up the nerve to even consider pranking you back.” Sketchy mused aloud.

“They do say turnabout is fair play, though, yes?” Octavia pointed out.

“Oh, it took them a little while. They were spurred on by my sister, though.” Luna replied, a happy giggle punctuating her speech. “Picture this, if you will. I am happily lounging in my bathtub, I have one of my favourite records playing for atmosphere – and, critically, I had on an eye mask so that I could more fully indulge my other senses. After lounging for some time, I step out of the tub and remove my mask... and I see that I have been turned an orange as bright as the sun!”

The two earth ponies exchanged glances, and then promptly burst out laughing. The princess was quick to join their mirthful outburst as she continued telling her tale.

“Why, I almost fainted there and then, and I screamed in horror when I saw myself! But then I swiftly began to see the hilarity of it all, and I laughed out loud... I must have laughed for a good half an hour, and I galloped all around the house as I went. I felt like a filly all over again, and when I finally settled down, my big sister was kind enough to simply magic it away as though it had never happened. It was wonderful; the house was filled with laughter that day.”

“I can imagine!” Sketchy nodded as he finally got his laughter under control. “Ah, I would have loved to have seen that for myself. I’ll have to ask Freezy if she was lucky enough to be on duty that day.”

“Can you imagine if somepony had gotten a picture? Ha!” the princess chuckled, turning her attention towards a set of large and rather ancient looking double doors set into the wall at the top of the stairs. The doors had a lock built into them, which she gently touched her horn to. A small spark ran through the lock, and the muffled sound of gears clanking to life sounded from behind the doors as they slowly parted.

“This is something I have only heard of, and only read about once in a book.” Octavia quietly commented to her mate, her eyes wide as she glanced briefly to him and then back to the opening doors.

Sketchy looked back at her with a smile. “Hon, all of this is stuff I’ve only ever heard about before.” he replied, glancing back toward the doors himself.

Beyond the doorway there was very little to be seen, save for a set of stairs illuminated from below by some form of magic. Beyond that, there was little to see save for some vague shapes shrouded by darkness.

“Ladies first.” Sketchy politely commented, noting the princess already stepping through the doorway. His companion smiled, following after the princess, and Sketchy followed shortly thereafter. The three of them made their way down to the bottom of the stairs carefully. It was next to impossible to make out any of the shapes hidden in the dark, but once they reached the bottom, Luna’s horn began to glimmer with magic.

Shapes of ornately sculpted prancing ponies began to emerge from the dark, as the light from the princess’s horn grew in intensity. Unlike an ordinary carousel, this was one where there was no central pillar; instead there was this platform upon which they were now sat, surrounded by the shapes of a few dozen lovingly crafted ponies on the carousel’s poles.

“My... parents built this room, for my sister and me.” Luna told them as the glow from her horn intensified. “We would come up here and ride on the backs of these ponies, and chase each other around the poles as it turned and played music.”

As she spoke, a spark of magic arced from her horn and found its way to a hidden mechanism buried somewhere among the sculpted figures. There came another quiet rumbling of gears as the carousel slowly came to life. The whole assembly began to gently bounce up and down, and music reverberated around the chamber. It was easy to see how two young and rambunctious fillies could have whiled away many happy hours on a toy such as this.

For a few moments there was silence from the room’s three occupants, with naught but a quiet, wistful murmur from the princess as her mind drifted back through the years to a time long since past. Presently, she gave Octavia a gentle nudge.

“Pretty, isn’t it?” she smiled, and then looked over at Sketchy. “If you want to assume maths, this was my seventh birthday present.”

Octavia snapped out of the reverie she had been in, and laughed into her hoof. “Your seventh? Oh, is that all?”

“Woooow... it’s been here some time, then.” Sketchy noted, letting out a low whistle.

“You might even say it has been around a lot of time!” Luna declared with a giggle.

“...ha!” the stallion laughed, taking a moment to notice her pun. “You know, I would never have expected you to be such a... what’s the word... a comedian?”

A warm smile spread across the princess’s face at that. “This is about the only time I really get to just... be a child again. But in truth, all anypony need do is ask. I would be honoured to share such things as this with them.”

“This is certainly far more than I expected, though!” Octavia declared, gesturing at the gently bobbing ponies still circling around them.

“I’d have to agree. Your house is a veritable trove of wonders, Lu-Lu.” Sketchy agreed. The princess bowed her head slightly in reply, a twinkle in her eyes.

“This isn’t even half of it.”

Sketchy laughed at that. “I don’t doubt it. And I still can’t believe we’re trotting about the Royal Palace in the middle of the night, with yourself as our host, and chatting away to you in a completely informal manner... No-one’d believe me for a minute if I told them!”

“Not quite. I would imagine Freeze Pop would believe you.” Luna pointed out with a chuckle. “And I expect Salad would as well. Ah! Perhaps I’ll drop your name when I go to visit her store. I must go and do that soon.”

“Oh, right! With all the excitement, I forgot she’d asked us to remind you to do that.” Sketchy admitted in a slightly sheepish tone. “And you’re right, both of them have gotten a good peek under your mask.”

“They have indeed. So, what more would you like to see?”

“I have heard of all kinds of things, such as the library and... the dungeons.” Octavia chimed in. “Are those things real?”

“The Library? Yes, of course it is real. Dungeons? Not so much, in this day and age.” Luna replied, flashing the cellist a smile. Her horn glimmered brightly, and the carousel around them began to slow as its accompanying music faded out. “I expect what the both of you want to see the most, though, would be the music chamber. Am I right?”

“Yes! Yes, please!” Sketchy replied immediately. “Not that this wasn’t a wonderful sight as well!” he added hastily.

As for Octavia, she let out a squeal of excitement, even hopping up and down for a moment where she stood. “The very idea of it is making me feel as giddy as a foal!”

“Come along, then.” the princess smiled, climbing the stairs back up out of the slowly dimming room. She was followed closely by Octavia and Sketchy, the former of whom spoke up as she followed up the steps.

“My goodness, Luna... this will be a pinnacle moment in our lives, you have no idea!”

A light chuckle came from behind Octavia at that. “I think she might have at least some idea, Tavy, with how bouncy you’re getting!”

The stone-grey mare cast a glance back over her shoulder, a broad grin on her face as she looked back at her companion as though to say “look who’s talking!” – after all, she was not the only one to be somewhat excited by the prospect of where they were going.

They left the carousel room, and its enchanted doors clanked back into place behind them as they descended the winding staircase outside. The princess cast a glance back over her shoulder at her two followers as they went.

“Alright, my friends, here is the thing. We’ll have to keep our voices down as we pass through here. There is a long hallway we’re about to go through, and half-way along it is Celly’s room.” She winked as she said that, as though it was no big deal that they would be walking straight past where the ruler of the day slept.

“She’ll be asleep at the moment, won’t she?” Sketchy questioned. His fellow earth pony’s ears folded back as a look of concern crossed her face.

“That is true, she will be resting will she not? I do not want want to disturb her.”

Luna chuckled a little as she replied “She is asleep, but so long as we tread lightly we won’t bother her. The music chamber is at the end of the hallway, and it is completely soundproofed. We could take the long way around, but I would rather not as those rooms have council members sleeping in them. They’re not as heavy sleepers as Celly is.” She winked at her two friends with that last remark, and then as they passed by the guard whom she’d subjected to her sense of humour earlier on, she bowed her head lightly to him.

“Thank you again, sir. You are wonderful.” she spoke quietly as she passed by him through the doorway he was stood next to. Beyond that was a long hallway, one side of which was entirely dominated by huge windows overlooking the courtyard outside. The other side of the hallway featured statues of assorted named ponies from ages past, and pedestals with busts of more famed figures from history. Interspersed between the sculptures were assorted potted plants and flowers, adding a splash of colour and fragrance to the hall.

Half-way along, as Luna had warned, stood a grand set of double doors. There was no mistaking whose bedchamber lay beyond, as the ornate sun motif emblazoned across them made it quite clear who slept inside.

I guess that beats simply having a sign on the door with your name on it! Sketchy thought to himself.

Luna paused briefly to mouth a “shhh” and “Celestia” as she indicated the door, before quietly walking past it. Octavia and Sketchy both paused for a few moments to admire the beautifully crafted decoration on the doors themselves, before swiftly and quietly following after their host.

As they approached the end of the hallway, Luna picked up the pace, dashing toward a huge set of doors set into the end of the hallway that looked as though they spanned almost two storeys. They were adorned with a decoration of music notes, instruments, time signatures and clefs, leaving absolutely no doubt as to what was inside. The three ponies stopped in front of the imposing doors, and Luna turned to look at Octavia.

“Octavia, this is where you come in.”

The cellist blinked, and stared in a confused manner at the princess for a moment. “I... I am sorry, what?” she questioned, looking from Luna to Sketchy and back again. Her fellow musician looked just as confused as she did.

“I need you to sing a tune for me.” Luna explained. “Think of a song that holds a deep meaning to you, and simply sing its notes.”

Octavia’s violet eyes narrowed as she thought over that for a moment, and then she cleared her throat and stood up straight. She began to softly hum a simple melody, though as she became less self-conscious about doing so before her two friends, she went from humming to openly singing out the notes. They echoed down the hallway, and she found herself momentarily concerned that she may even wake the slumbering alicorn in the room further down the hall. Her worries were unfounded, however, as there was no sign of the taller princess appearing – and as she reached the chorus of her song, the lock on the chamber’s doors began to glimmer with magic. There was a rhythmic clicking from within as it slowly opened up, and as she reached the end of her song, there was a soft click from the lock and the large doors opened slightly.

Princess Luna smiled to her classically-trained friend. “You see? Magic. It knows who can enter.”

“So then, either one of us could have opened it?” Sketchy questioned. Luna nodded in reply to that.

“Sadly, I left my violin behind at Tavia’s place, and she hasn’t brought it with her. I believe there may be a few inside, though.”

A smile spread on the stallion’s face. “We’ll soon see.”

Neither he nor Octavia could have dreamed of what lay beyond, though.

As the doors swung open and the lights inside the chamber came on, their eyes were met with the sight of instruments in their hundreds, of all shapes and sizes. The room was laid out in sections, much like an orchestra. There were instruments sat on stands, carefully hung from racks upon the walls, and even a good number of them suspended from the ceiling. Light reflected off of brass, silver, gem-lined highlights, glass... there was not a single kind of instrument that was not represented in some way or shape in the chamber.

The centre of the room was clear of instruments, containing only a couch of the kind popular with those who were prone to fainting and a few chairs and stools.

“Oh... oh wow...!” was all Sketchy managed to say as he gazed around the large chamber, his eyes widening as he took in the reality of a room filled with more instruments than he had ever seen in one place. “I honestly feel like a foal in a candy shop right now!”

As for Octavia, speech was beyond her for the time being. All she could do was simply gaze around the room in awed silence as she slowly trotted in.

“Welcome to my second home, my friends.” Luna said, making her way in and hopping up on the couch. “Please do be careful; some of these wondrous pieces you see in here are older even than I am – but you have my trust. If there is something you wish to see, please be my guests. I would love to hear something good from either one of you.”

Sketchy trotted forward slowly as though in a daze, his eyes roving all around the room. It was practically impossible to decide where to go first, there was too much to take in at once. However, something glistening off to one side caught his eye, and he turned to look at it.

Sat to one side of the strings section was a large, gilded harp. It was definitely one of the larger specimens he had ever seen, and he slowly approached it as though hypnotised by it. He looked closer at the instrument, taking in the intricately carved decorative linework etched into its frame. Far from being just an instrument, it was clear that the luthier who had built this particular instrument had taken their time to make it something special: spiralling, vine-like lines twisted their way around the instrument’s frame, and it was adorned at the top with the figure of a unicorn – or rather, he corrected himself as he noted its wings, an alicorn.

“...is it alright for me to touch this?” he asked hesitantly.

“Absolutely, my dear.” came the reply, accompanied by a light chuckle from the princess. “Play us some angelic tones.”

The stallion laughed a little in reply to that, as he sat up on his haunches. “I don’t know about angelic. I’ve never touched a harp in my life. I’ll see if I can manage an approximation, though.”

“Give it your best, then!” Luna nodded. She then turned her head as she heard a soft gasp come from elsewhere in the strings section.

Octavia had located a cello, inlaid with deep walnut and cherry tree wood, sat alone on a stand. Having already overheard the princess’s reply to Sketchy’s request for permission, even after she had told them they could touch any of the instruments, she decided permission was likely not necessary to ask for a second time. Nevertheless, she lifted the instrument with the greatest of care. The appreciation she had for her craft meant that she was well aware that this particular cello, ancient as it was, was also the only surviving one of its kind. The luthier who had crafted it had only ever made seven cellos in his time, due to having a preference for the smaller instruments. Nevertheless, he was known as somewhat of a legend among luthiers and musicians alike.

Carrying it with the greatest of care, she brought the instrument to the centre of the room, along with the bow that had been sat with it. The bow too was something special, made from glass and filled with tiny shimmering flecks of light. She stood up on her hind legs, twitching an ear as her fellow musician had already begun to pluck experimentally at the harp’s strings. As he slowly found his way around the instrument, a tune began to emerge.

Octavia smiled to herself. This was a tune she recognised and knew well – it was, after all, the tune she and Sketchy had played together the very first time she had invited him to meet her in the park for a little jam session. She closed her eyes as the harp’s soft tones rung in her ears.

“This... is an amazing instrument...” Sketchy commented quietly from where he sat as his hooves continued to glide over the strings.

Octavia opened her eyes again and glanced over to the alicorn princess resting on the couch. “...I know this cello and this bow. I know who made them.”

The princess responded with a simple small smile. “Play along with your mate, Octavia. I am anxious to hear you both.”

The cellist blushed a little at that, tucking the instrument more comfortably into its playing position. She laid her head against its armature, giving the strings a gentle pluck. Even after so many years sat within this chamber, the musical relic was still in perfect tune. She smiled at that, having expected nothing less. Latching the bow to her specially crafted horseshoe, she dragged it carefully into position. The strings whined softly as she waited for the right moment to join in. She took in a deep breath, hoping that she would do the aged instrument justice.

The bow slid across the strings, singing out with such a vibrant tone that it almost threw her off there and then. She had not expected it to be so easy to play, and she hastily adjusted herself to it. Following her partner’s lead, she echoed every note on the bass end of the scale; her hooves moved so effortlessly over the strings that she almost felt as though the cello was just letting her hold it while it played itself. She closed her eyes, lost in the deep and resonant tone of the centuries-old instrument. She could feel the vibration of its body coursing through her limbs, every note that left its strings like a piece of history filling her ears. In those few minutes, as she played, she became as one with a countless number of other musicians who had gone before her, their love for their craft touching her heart.

Neither of the two musicians noticed that Luna, sat on the couch as she was, had begun waving her forehooves in the air as though she was conducting the two-piece orchestra. As the song came to a close, though, she simply smiled, clapping her hooves together.

Octavia and Sketchy both opened their eyes, the latter looking over towards the princess of the night with a huge smile. He let out a bit of a gasp though, as his gaze was suddenly redirected over her shoulder and towards the door of the room. Octavia was somewhat puzzled by that and she tilted her head in bewilderment at him. Luna, on the other hand, simply smiled to herself.

“Did we wake you?” she asked, turning her head towards the door of the room with a childish grin on her face.

Octavia followed her gaze, and gasped herself. It was now very clear why Sketchy had been surprised.

Stood in the doorway of the music room, with the doors pushed ajar slightly, was the slender and statuesque figure of Princess Celestia herself – devoid of her usual jewelled adornments. In place of her golden slippers, however, was a set of large, fluffy pink ones. She wore nothing else, and her colourful mane was lying flat across her neck and back, rather than gleaming and floating like it usually did. Her tail, however, was quite happily defying physics in its usual manner.

“No, Lu-Lu,” she chuckled, “I was actually just fetching a late night snack, and I happened to hear music.” She briefly tilted her head at the doors, which none of the three ponies who had entered had remembered to close properly. “That, and I also noticed your light show in the garden earlier on. I was simply curious as to what you were up to.”

“I’m simply enjoying the company of friends.” Luna replied with a happy giggle. “Did you try a granola bar? Chef Cherries baked them, they are exquisite!” She sat up and looked over properly at the larger alicorn, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Dear sister, you always look so pretty.” she commented.

To the side of the couch and among the stringed instruments, Octavia and Sketchy both swiftly set aside their instruments and dropped to their knees in the ruler of the day’s presence.

Celestia laughed softly as she entered the room, nudging the doors closed behind her with a rear hoof. “Why thank you, Lu-Lu.” she replied, her tone and her smile evidence of the fact she knew that was a little joke, as she hardly looked her best. She then noticed the two earth ponies, and she shook her head slightly.

“Come now, you two... you don’t have to go doing that.”

Octavia was the first to rise back to her feet, a blush painting her cheeks. “Princess, I apologise. It... it is a little difficult to get used to. I still have to remind myself around Luna, too.”

“Ah, what Tavy said.” Sketchy chimed in as he stood back up. “It... well.. yeah. I’ve only ever known you as ‘Her Highness’ my whole life. So... this is very weird.”

Octavia nodded in agreement. “The same applies to me, Madam.”

Luna, meanwhile, slid off the couch and trotted over to the larger alicorn, wrapping a foreleg over her shoulders and pressing her neck against her sister’s in a warm hug. Celestia wasted no time in reciprocating her actions, hugging her in return.

“You know, she is a bigger prankster than I am.” Luna noted, casting her glance back to her two friends as she let go of her sister. Her comment caused Celestia to laugh melodiously, her voice ringing briefly around the chamber.

“Ahaha! Oh, listen to her boast about her big sister!” she chuckled, casting a fond glance at the midnight blue alicorn. “It’s true, of course... she had to learn from someone. Lu-Lu, do you mind if I stay here a little while with you and your friends?”

There was a moment’s silence, as the eyes of all three of the other ponies widened.

“Most certainly, Celly!” the younger alicorn finally stated, a big smile spreading across her face. “I think we would love nothing more than to give you a song... if these two virtuosos don’t mind me joining them?”

Playing a tune with a princess, for an audience of a princess. Octavia thought, her eyes going wide. Before she could consider raising an objection, though, Sketchy spoke up from where he was next to the harp.

“It... it’d be our pleasure!” he said, his voice a little shaky around the edges.

“Wonderful!” the tall white-pink alicorn smiled, making her way over to the couch and settling comfortably on the floor before it. “Ah, and before I forget... Octavia, and Sketchy Sounds. Correct?” she inquired with a smile and a nod to each of them in turn.

“That, uhm, that’s right, Prin—uh... I mean... Celestia...?” Sketchy ventured. It’s one thing addressing Luna familiarly, but... that’s Princess Celestia there!

Octavia bowed her head politely in response. “Madam, yes, I am Octavia. I played for the previous Grand Gala.” She pulled herself up on the couch, feeling a need to take the weight off her feet for a bit while she took in what was going on. “Your sister has been my... student, for a while... and we have, through that, become... friends.”

It was far more difficult for her to talk without feeling nervous towards the ruler of the day: whilst Luna had only been back in Equestria for perhaps a couple of years at the most, the sun princess had been there for the whole of Octavia’s life. She had grown up knowing Celestia as the all-powerful yet benevolent ruler of the entire kingdom, the highest authority in the land. Sitting there and talking to her like a regular pony with her stood around wearing fluffy pink slippers and all... it was a somewhat surreal experience.

This... is much harder than talking to Luna!

Luna had obviously picked up on her friends’ nervousness, as she trotted back over to the sofa and hopped up on it next to Octavia, waving a hoof for Sketchy to come and join them. He did so, parking his backside on the floor next to the couch.

“Tavia dear, you can be just as casual now as you are with me always. You too, Sketchy. Tell them, Celly!” the younger princess declared.

“What she says is true, I honestly don’t mind.” Celestia smiled, casting her warm gaze on the two somewhat nervous earth ponies. “I mean, look around you, children. The only ponies here are you, my sister, and me. I can tell you for certain that neither me nor Lu-Lu are all that hung up on titles when they aren’t needed. So, please. Don’t call me Princess. I’m just Lu-Lu’s big sister.”

“...so... Celly...?” Octavia ventured, in a small voice. A large smile spread across the princess’s face in answer to that.

“Yes, Tavy?” she inquired. She had obviously gotten wind of the cellist’s nickname from somewhere – and from the sly wink she flashed at her sister, it wasn’t difficult to guess where from.

“Some years ago, I wrote a song for you... uhm, on the off-chance that I would ever get the chance to play for you. There seems no better time than now, and I believe Sketchy and Luna could accompany me. If that is OK with you both?” she asked of the two, glancing from one to the other.

“Sounds like a great idea!” Sketchy replied. To his side, Luna looked into the depths of the strings section, her horn shimmering with magic.

“I think I can follow along just fine.” she stated as a violin floated towards her from somewhere in the back row of instruments. “Do you remember when I used to play for you, Celly? Tavia here has been tutoring me so I can play for you again, just like I used to.”

Celestia’s face lit up on hearing that, and she nodded her head with a smile. “So that’s where you kept sneaking off to! When Octavia said you had become her student, I figured it had perhaps been something like that. I purposely never asked you where you kept vanishing off to, though. I knew you were keeping it a secret for good reason. I’m touched, Lu-Lu.”

“I’ve missed how things were. I want to re-capture that, Celly.”

“Then by all means, go right ahead. I would love that, little sister.”

Octavia shifted herself slightly on the couch, taking up the cello once more where she sat, leaning her cheek to its neck and brushing her hooves gently over its strings. The docile tones it made were naught but a quiet prelude to what the instrument would release when bowed once more, as the cellist readied the glassy implement in her hoof. As she made ready, so too did Luna, bringing the violin up to her chin and readying the bow. Sketchy too decided to take up position again behind the harp, even if it was hardly his forte.

“My dear friends, my wonderful mate, please fill in where you will.” Octavia instructed. She tapped a hoof a few times for a sense of rhythm, and then she bowed the first note.

The song began on a long, high note at the top of the cello’s register. It was a fluttering, sustained note, like a hovering bird in the morning light. Slowly, more notes rolled from the strings with a warmer and lighter sound, giving the feeling of everything coming to life.

Luna soon chimed in on her violin, rolling across the strings of her instrument in matched arpeggios. Between the two instruments, it was as though their notes formed the sound of a sunrise with a dawn chorus of birdsong.

Sketchy, meanwhile, waited and listened for a few bars before finally beginning to softly pluck the harp’s strings, accenting the midtones and high notes as they floated through the air.

Focused as the three musicians were, they didn’t notice at first that their audience had closed her eyes, a relaxed smile gracing her lips.

The voice of the violin rose in volume and complexity as the composition Octavia had put together faded, moving into a different piece. The cello’s voice died down to background accompaniment, as Luna drew out a gently paced yet melodious tune – one which had gone unplayed for over a thousand years.

Celestia’s expression remained unchanged, save for her smile momentarily fading as the initial tune had changed, and then growing wide as she realised what was being played for her now. The cello and harp’s voices now served only to add accompaniment to the violin’s voice, as it sang out the melody of a song once sung by a mother to her two young children years and years ago. Luna’s movements were no less graceful than the last time she had played, and it was clear from both her smile and that on the face of her sister that the song she played held many a memory for the two.

The song’s final note rang sweet and long in the chamber. A tear rolled down the midnight blue alicorn’s cheek as she lowered her violin, looking toward the elegant form of her sister sat before them. She smiled, and her voice came in a quiet whisper as she spoke.

“I wish I had never left you.”

Celestia let out a loud sniffle as she opened her eyes, which it was clear to see were now moist around the edges.

“Oh Lu-Lu...” she replied. “Don’t you see? You never did.”

The violin and bow fell from Luna’s grasp, landing on the couch as she laid them aside and ran the few steps to her sister, hugging her fiercely. “I love you, big sister...!” she exclaimed, her voice muffled somewhat as Celestia in turn embraced her with equal strength and affection. She too could no longer hold her emotions in check, and her tears rolled along her snout and into the smaller alicorn’s mane as the two clung to each other.

Octavia felt a gentle bump against her shoulder as she was joined on the couch by her own loved one. Turning her gaze on him, she carefully set aside the cello and hugged close to his side, lifting her muzzle to whisper quietly to his ear.

“I am so glad to be here. And... can you believe all this?”

“I can... but only just!” he replied in a quiet chuckle. Although he’d known why Luna had been visiting Octavia, he never would have imagined getting to witness her putting her plan in motion firsthoof.

“My friends, thank you. Thank you for helping to make this happen.” the midnight blue alicorn spoke up. “This was not exactly what I had planned, but I am glad it came about this way regardless.”

“As Lu-Lu said, thank you.” Celestia intoned warmly, her chin resting atop her younger sister’s head. “The three of you made some wonderful music. But, more than that, I also want to thank you for accepting her as she is, and extending a hoof in friendship. I had been worried that, outside of our palace staff at least, she may have had difficulty finding some friends. I am pleased to see I needn’t have worried; as capable as I am, this is perhaps one of the only things I could not have done myself.”

A grin slowly spread across Sketchy’s face. He had been trying to find words to say for the situation, but as Celestia finished talking, the simplest thing to say presented itself in his mind.

“Anything for a friend... Celly.”

Both the royal sisters giggled a bit at that, but they quieted down as Octavia then chimed in, bowing her head politely to them both as she spoke.

“Your Highnesses, tonight has been one of the most eye-opening and fulfilling experiences I have had. I could not be happier to be considered your friend, Luna,” she said as she turned her gaze specifically to the younger princess for a moment, “and I am incredibly thankful to have been brought along here tonight. And again, I am most pleased to be considered a friend to the both of you.”

“Oh, Tavia, you are always so proper!” Luna replied with a giggle as she rose to her feet.

“I cannot help it!” Octavia replied. “And if you ever send me a message so early in the morning again, and scare me so, I shall... I shall... something!” she threatened, pointing a hoof at the princess. It was, of course, about as threatening sounding as her ordinary speaking voice – hence her “threat” came out as a docile statement. It was enough to make all three of the other ponies burst out laughing, however.

Octavia laughed along with them, until her laughter was interrupted by a wide yawn. “Oh my, excuse me!”

Celestia rose to her feet, shaking her head with a smile.

“This has been a most enjoyable evening, my little ponies, but I must get my bed rest. I have a sun to raise tomorrow, after all!” she stated in her usual warm tones.

“Rest well, big sister. I’ll see you tomorrow!” Luna chirped happily, and then added in quieter tones, “It looks like Tavia is shortly behind you. I should probably show them home.”

The sun princess glanced over at the yawning earth pony, and nodded slightly as she returned her gaze to Luna. “It does, at that. I believe you should, little sister of mine. Thank you for letting me sit in with you while you played, it was a wonderful thing to see you so happy again. I... have missed this.”

With that, Celestia bowed her head towards her sister’s, kissing her softly on the forehead. “Have a lovely evening, Lu-Lu. I’ll see you in the morning.” She turned, opening the chamber doors with a glimmer of golden magic from her horn, and made her way out. She paused on the threshold, however, to glance back over her shoulder at her younger sister. “Love you, sis.” she added with a smile, before heading out of the room and quietly down the passageway.

The wide smile that etched itself onto Luna’s face remained for several minutes as she watched the form of her older sister disappear off down the corridor. “Love you too!” she called after her, before turning to look over at Octavia with twinkling eyes.

“Tavia... you have helped me so much with this healing heart. Both your tutelage and your friendship... it has helped more than you know.” She then looked to Sketchy and spoke on.

“And you too, Sketchy. Without you inspiring her so, and opening her eyes here and there, I don’t think we would all be here right now enjoying all that has come together these past weeks and days.”

“I can honestly say, Luna, I don’t think I’ll ever forget this day for the rest of my entire life.” the stallion replied with a huge grin. Octavia, meanwhile, trotted over to the princess and wrapped her forelegs around her shoulders, hugging her.

“I have been shown, by him, by you, and by several other ponies now, that love and friendship are two of the most important things in life. I could never trade this for anything.”

Luna simply nodded in reply, returning her tutor’s embrace – shortly before the both of them felt another leg around their shoulders, as Sketchy trotted over and hugged the both of them.

“Thank you, both of you.” the princess of the night intoned softly, her voice a warm whisper.

“You’re more than welcome. It was our pleasure!”

“Absolutely our pleasure.” Octavia agreed.

“Let us get you two home. How do you feel about... flying?” Luna questioned in a whisper, a hint of mischief in her voice. Her two friends released her with a gasp.

“You can’t mean...”

“As in... through the air?” Octavia questioned, a little nervously.

“Ahaha! You will see. Come, let’s go up to the spire. Unless you two are scared of heights!” Luna replied cheerfully, slipping out of the music room’s doors. She was swiftly followed by her earth pony companions, whom shared a look of bewilderment as they made their way after her.

Whatever does she mean? Sketchy thought to himself. Does she honestly mean she’s going to fly us both home!? She can’t! I mean, look at her! She’s nowhere near as big as Freezy, she’d fall out of the sky! The rather glaring fact that, muscular or not, the slender-framed mare leading the way was responsible for raising the moon every night, had for the moment escaped him.

They came to a narrow hallway, and lastly to a long, spiralling set of stairs.

“It’s a bit of a climb, but the view is more than worth the while!” Luna informed them. Her tone became thoughtful as she then added “Perhaps a little too much of a climb...”

As Octavia looked up, and then further up, she felt she had to agree with Luna’s judgement. They were inside a hollow tower, stairs leading up and around the wall, all the way up to the distant top far overhead.

“We’ll take a shortcut!” the princess declared – and before either Sketchy or Octavia could voice a complaint, they found themselves gently lifted aloft with a shimmering blue glow around them. “Be ready for it...” Luna instructed, and then there was a bright flash of midnight blue.

Sketchy blinked a few times as his vision slowly cleared, and he took in his surroundings. He let out a long, low whistle of admiration as he took in the view, as they were now stood atop the tallest spire of the palace itself. For miles around, the distant lights of towns nestled on hills and in valleys could be seen, along with the radiant brilliance of Canterlot itself spread out below. With the moon riding high above, the whole land was bathed in a gentle silvery glow; complemented by the twinkling light of the stars.

“Wow... just look at that!” the artist exclaimed. “Is this where you and Celestia, you know... do your stuff from?” As he spoke, he heard a soft, frightened sounding squeak from his side, and then felt Octavia clinging to him. She was, it seemed, not as good with heights as he was.

“This is where I come whenever I want to properly admire this beautiful land of ours.” Luna replied contentedly, gazing out over the landscape. “Maybe next time I have you two over, you can see Celly and I change the day?”

“Ooooh!” Octavia chimed, feeling slightly less uneasy as she felt one of her stallion companion’s forelegs wrap snugly around her shoulders. “That would be lovely, Luna. As long as we would not be interfering, of course.”

“I wouldn’t be suggesting it otherwise.” Luna replied. She turned her gaze to the two, and an impish grin spread over her face. “So, his place or yours?”

“Yours, dear? Need a change of socks?” Octavia inquired of Sketchy, a smile playing around her features.

“Sounds good to me.” he replied with a small snicker.

“So it will be!” Luna nodded, her horn shimmering with magic. A blue haze spread around her two companions, littered with tiny glittering sparkles. “Be forewarned, this spell will wear off once you touch the ground, so be careful with it.”

With that, she lifted her head slightly. Both earth ponies found their hooves leaving the floor, which was a bit of an unnerving feeling for them. “Have a lovely evening, my friends! This has been one of the happiest days I have had in recent memory.”

“Whoa... whoa!” Octavia exclaimed, flailing her hooves about a bit. She wasn’t sure what to make of the whole floating thing, and her instincts didn’t like it.

Sketchy didn’t appear to be fairing much better, as he looked at the ground under his feet in a slightly panicked fashion.

Seeing this, Luna spoke once more. “Relax, both of you! There is nothing to fear; simply think of where you wish to travel, and the magic will carry you there. Pegasus ponies make it all seem so effortless, but this is actually far more straightforward. Just trust me!” With that, she gave a nod of her head, and the two were sent on their way, floating out gently over the edge of the roof.

Octavia looked from Luna to Sketchy with rather wide eyes, but swiftly decided she should try what she had been told. She pictured the stallion’s top floor apartment, set at the top of one of the Old Chapel’s towers; thought of the familiar scent it carried, and the comfortable surroundings...

There was a pulling feeling in her stomach, and Octavia suddenly accelerated off in the direction of the Old Chapel. Sketchy was rather surprised to see her fly off, but it wasn’t long before he was in hot pursuit as he too pictured his home. As they went rocketing over the city, he called out to his partner with an idea.

“Think of the balcony! It’ll save us the climb up the stairs!”

Moments later, Octavia felt her feet touch solid stone. She opened her eyes, as she had clenched them shut to avoid looking down, and was relieved to see that she had indeed touched down on the very balcony that led into Sketchy’s home. As for Sketchy himself...

“—WHOA!”

The cellist leapt aside just in time to avoid being plowed into by her large stallion companion, as he made a skidding touchdown on the balcony. He steadied himself, shaking his head a little.

“That was a rare experience...!” he exclaimed, looking around. He had barely finished speaking before Octavia pounced on him from behind, almost yelling excitedly.

“That was the most AMAZING THING EVER!”

Sketchy laughed aloud at that, fumbling with the window latch before finally managing to get it open and stumble inside, the excited mare still on his back. “I know, right!?” he agreed, trying to keep his voice down. It was clear by now that Octavia had been containing herself somewhat – a fact made all the more obvious as she let ou a delighted squeal.

“We were... in the Royal House! And the music chamber! ...and with BOTH Princesses!” she exclaimed, panting a bit from her excitement finally getting out. She skipped across the floor, turned, and then flopped over on the bed with a loud sigh.

“We were! Goodness me, what a night!” Sketchy agreed, following her over to the bed and flopping down on it himself, chuckling happily. She rolled over and up on top of him, her long black mane falling around her face as her nose met his.

“I am so worn out, but my mind is going absolutely CRAZY! We... spent the evening.. with the princesses... playing with them... and then we FLEW! Well, floated, but.. we DID!” she continued on, her tiredness starting to show once more on her face.

Sketchy wrapped his forelegs around her and hugged her close. “We sure did.” was all he said, fatigue starting to take its toll on him as well.

Octavia slowly relaxed, as the amazingly magic-filled evening slowly drew to a close.

“So much... I am dreaming, am I not?”

“If this is all a dream, Tavy, I don’t wanna wake up. Not yet, anyway.” Sketchy replied, making himself comfortable where he lay. He felt his companion’s body fall to rest limply on top of him, her head coming to rest on his chest.

“I have never... been so happy in... my entire life...” she murmured as her eyes slid shut.

“Neither have I. Love you, Tavy.”

A small smile briefly graced Octavia’s face. “Love... you too...” she replied, before her consciousness faded completely.

It didn’t take long for Sketchy to succumb to unconsciousness after that.

Of course, neither he nor Octavia were to know that the next day would bring another rude awakening...

Quarta Aria

The winds bring word from far flung sands,
a welcome visitor comes to land.

Her presence causes trepidation,
but in the end wins admiration;

for though she holds authority,
judgement’s not her priority.

To think such would be most remiss,
for she has come to reminisce...

Recitativo 4 – Airs and Graces from Foreign Places

Sketchy awoke to a still dark room, morning sunshine still blotted out by the blinds covering the nearby window. He frowned and shook his head slightly, wondering what could have caused him to stir earlier than usual, until a muffled rapping at the door caught his attention. He yawned wide, stretching a bit, and then carefully pulled himself out of bed in order to avoid disturbing the sleeping mare alongside him. For her part, Octavia was still sleeping soundly – although, considering the periodic problems she had with her hearing, that wasn’t so much of a surprise.

“Coming!” he called as he made his way down the stairs. He opened the door to the sight of a pegasus dressed in a blue shirt and cap, with a large bag slung over her shoulders. One of Canterlot’s many mailmares, she looked rather relieved to have gotten an answer to her repeated knocking.

“Good morning! I have a telegram for you! Sketchy Sounds, yes?”

Sketchy nodded, the question he’d been about to ask of why she was knocking already answered in her greeting.

“Here you are then, Mr Sounds!” she continued politely, hoofing over the piece of paper. “We tried to deliver yesterday, but you weren’t at home and the sender requested personal delivery assurance.”

“Personal...?” Sketchy asked dully, his brain having not yet fully woken up.

“As in, they asked to make sure we gave this directly to you.”

“Oh. Oh! Durr, of course. Sorry... just woke up...” the stallion apologised. “Uhm, thanks. I’ll be sure to read it right away. Thanks for, uh, dropping it off.”

The mailmare giggled and fluttered her wings, nodding in turn. “It’s what they pay me for, after all! You have a good day now!” she said sweetly, turning and heading off down the hall. Sketchy simply nodded and closed the door, glancing to the telegram he held.

“Let’s see here...”

Dear Sketchy,

Will be arriving in Canterlot first thing tomorrow morning stop

Come meet me by the Grand Plaza fountain quarter to eleven stop

from Mum

Sketchy’s eyes drifted to a nearby clock. It was already 9:45am.

“...oh, heck!”

Octavia, who had by now stirred from her sleep thanks to the absence of her living mattress, sat up and blinked on hearing his exclamation.

“What is wrong? Are you okay, dear?”

“I’m fine! It’s fine, everything is fine,” Sketchy replied as he climbed the stairs in a hurried fashion, “just, we need to be at the Grand Plaza in about an hour’s time.”

“Well, I am sure we can make that.” Octavia mused, tilting her head at the stallion in mild bemusement. “May I ask why?”

“Becaaaause that’s when my mum expects to meet us—or me, at least—down there.” Sketchy informed her with a hint of panic in his tone.

The cellist blinked a few times at this revelation, her mind quickly waking up to the situation and grasping hold of why now was a good time to worry.

“Wait... she is arriving in an hour...!?” she exclaimed, hurriedly leaping off the bed. When she received only a nod in reply, she clattered off down the stairs, making a beeline for the bathroom.

It was a bit of a relief to Sketchy to see his companion somewhat more worked up than him. It meant he could be the one to keep a cool head over it a little more easily – and he had to admit, the way she had raced off down the stairs was just a little comical.

“Don’t fret it so much, Tavy!” he called to her, descending the stairs himself.

“This is your mother!” Octavia countered from the bathroom, over the sounds of her wrestling with her bags for a fresh bowtie, grabbing her brush to tame her hair, and fussing with her toiletries to make sure she was clean and presentable. “I cannot make a bad impression.”

“She’s honestly not that bad...” Sketchy pointed out, cautiously making his way into the tiled chamber as well to attend to his own grooming. “Though I agree, best to make a good first impression.”

The stone-grey mare was by now absorbed in brushing out her long black tail, ironing out any kinks she found and seeing to it that not a single hair was out of place. She then turned her violet-hued gaze to the mirror to see her way to tidying her mane, and finally she set aside the hairbrush and smiled a toothy smile at her reflection. She gave a slightly disgusted sounding snort.

“This will not do!” she proclaimed, then dug a toothbrush out of her bags, muttering “I was going to leave this here anyway...” before promptly giving her teeth a thorough cleansing. Sketchy raised an eyebrow at her fastidiousness amidst seeing to his own appearance.

Finally, Octavia seemed satisfied. She turned to the tall pony occupying the space alongside her, striking a pose. “Right. How do I look?”

Sketchy looked round at her, lowered his head and nuzzled her gently under her chin.

“Stunning.”

Octavia blushed in turn, her heart fluttering a little at the compliment, yet also feeling somewhat calmed by the stallion’s reassuring actions.

“My mum’s really nice, you know.” Sketchy went on, resuming his own grooming. “I’m sure you’ll hit it off quite easily.”

“I hope so. This is important, for the both of us.” Octavia murmured as she checked over each of her shoes to be sure they were polished and perfect, and examined her legs to be certain her coat was sitting properly on each limb.

“And how do I look, gorgeous?” the grey-white pony questioned a few moments later as he finished tidying his own appearance, regarding his partner with a grin.

“You... look dashing, handsome!” she replied, smiling as she stepped to him and lifted her muzzle to plant a soft kiss on his own.

“Thank you, my love. Well then, we should be on our way. My mum’s pretty punctual; it wouldn’t surprise me if she turned up well before she said she would in that note.”

“Let us get moving, then!” Octavia agreed, hefting her bags onto her back and wiggling herself a little to make them sit properly.

“Mm, shake it!” Sketchy commented jokingly, a silly grin plastered on his face as he winked to her on his way to the door.

The cellist let out a giggle at that, playfully flicking her tail to smack the stallion’s side as she passed by him out the door he had stopped to hold open for her. She paused at the top of the stairs beyond, taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling to help settle her nerves. Sketchy soon joined her, and they made their way downward.

“I’ll say it again lass, you’ve nothing to worry about. Just be yourself. I’m crazy about you, and my mum knows that.”

“Oh, I know. It is just worry; I want everything to be perfect. She is your mother, after all. I know I am very likely fretting for naught as you say, but still...”

The artist nodded in reply as they headed out of the Old Chapel’s door and towards the downward-winding avenue. He could understand where she was coming from – were the tables turned, and it was her parents they were meeting, he too would have been somewhat unnerved.

Little more was said of the matter as they continued on their way, with Sketchy glancing a little worriedly at the assorted clock faces they passed en route. By the time they reached the Grand Plaza, it was already 10:40. They were five minutes early, which was a relief.

The two of them sat down next to the massive decorative fountain that dominated the centre of the Grand Plaza itself. The plaza was a place of some significance, if you were into Equestrian history: it was rather liberally decorated with statues of assorted famed figures from the kingdom’s past. There were many legendary ponies immortalised in stone and sat upon columns around the square.

The fountain of course was no exception, as it was a marvellous multi-tiered masterpiece of masonry. At the bottom were the figures of several ponies of all races, supporting the large bottom tier of the fountain. Stood atop that were some of the more notable figures from the early history of the kingdom, supporting another tier upon their backs. On that higher tier stood the figures of six ponies that any foal who paid attention in history could name: Commander Hurricane, Chancellor Puddinghead, Princess Platinum, Smart Cookie, Private Pansy, and Clover the Clever. Those six in turn supported another tier, and stood atop this tier were only two ponies who nevertheless were instantly recognisable to all, poised as they were with regal grace and depicted hoisting the sun and the moon aloft.

Octavia laid her head against Sketchy’s shoulder in an effort to keep her cool. She couldn’t shake the jittery feeling she had, much like the nervousness before a performance. With that said, the pleasant surroundings and company helped allay it all somewhat.

“You know, I tend to miss this part of town often. It always amazes me each time to see what is here.”

“It is quite the sight.” Sketchy agreed, leaning his own head against hers. As they sat enjoying the surroundings, however, a voice from off to the side called for the cellist’s attention.

“Miss Octavia! How lovely to see you around here! Ooh, and this handsome fellow must be the lucky pony you wrote that wonderful composition for, yes?”

Octavia blinked, lifting her head and turning her gaze in the direction of the voice. It belonged to a bespectacled, purple-coated earth pony, possessed of a slender build, a very dark brown mane and tail, and deep green eyes peering at the two ponies with a friendly glimmer.

“Ah... yes, Madam, I did indeed. His name is Sketchy Sounds, and I am very happy to have met him. Were you there for the Equinox Concert, then?” Octavia enquired, adopting her usual professional and polite air.

“I’m afraid I didn’t have the pleasure, but I certainly read all about it!” the elder-looking mare replied, glancing to the larger of the two and then back to Octavia with a nod. “He’s a lucky stallion, to be sure.”

Sketchy’s face finally cracked out in a grin, and a snicker escaped his lips as he spoke up. “I sure am, and I’m glad you think so... mum!”

Octavia blinked, looking from the mare before her to Sketchy and back, suddenly feeling a trifle dazed.

“Oh... oh my!” she exclaimed, dipping her head towards the bespectacled pony. “Madam Trillian! My... It is so nice to finally meet you!”

The purple pony giggled mischievously, a broad smile adorning her features. “Ahahaha! Oh dear, I am sorry!” she exclaimed. “I couldn’t resist a little mischief. Oh, and don’t go calling me ‘madam’, you’ll make me feel ancient!”

The stone-grey mare smiled at that, feeling her previous anxiety start to melt. “I do apologise, Trillian. It is my nature. Let me say again, it is a pleasure to meet you!”

Trillian nodded in reply, a similar smile adorning her features. “And you too, dear. Now then!” she went on, turning her attention to Sketchy. “Who’s got a hug for his poor old mother?”

Having said that, she reared up on her hind legs and threw her forelegs around the stallion’s shoulders. He chuckled, raising a foreleg and wrapping it around her in return. “Good to see you, mum.”

Octavia’s nose scrunched up slightly as she watched the two, her smile growing. “Awww!” she commented.

The elder mare released her son, dropping back onto all fours, and looked over to Octavia with a grin. “I swear he gets bigger every time I see him.”

“That or you’re shrinking, mum.” Sketchy commented, sticking his tongue out. He and Trillian both laughed at that, causing Octavia to laugh into her hoof as well.

“So cute, both of you!”

“Oh, he gets that from his mum.” Trillian asserted with a grin.

“Kids, right?” Octavia smiled. She then moved to embrace the older pony in a gentle hug of her own, which she was quietly relieved to have reciprocated. “I am very happy to finally meet you, Trillian. Family is such an important part of life.”

“The pleasure is mine, dear. And you’re quite right! I’m glad one of you knows how important family is.” Trillian replied, her latter remark aimed at Sketchy in a light-hearted tone as she released her hold on the cellist.

“Let me guess, you do not put pen to paper often enough?” Octavia questioned the stallion, giving him a playful nudge. He snickered in reply and stuck his tongue out at her, making her giggle as she turned her attention back to his mother.

“He is very sweet, though. I am sure he can be reminded to write on a more regular basis from now on.”

Trillian laughed happily at that. “That’s very good of you, dear. Why, you’re earning your keep already!”

A melodious giggle left Octavia’s mouth at that, a relaxed smile creasing her face. “I must say, I was a bit nervous about meeting you, Trillian, but you are such a delight!”

“Well, that makes two of us then.” the purple mare replied happily, turning slightly to start walking. “I was also a little nervous about meeting one of my favourite musicians in the flesh, but I’m relieved to see you’re a very down-to-earth mare with all four hooves on the ground.”

Octavia couldn’t help but blush a bit at the praise, and she bowed her head slightly. “Why, thank you madam Trillian!”

“Oh come now dear, I said not to call me madam!” the older mare teased. She then jerked her head slightly in the general direction of the city’s shops. “Shall we get something to eat? Knowing my son, you two won’t have had breakfast before coming to meet me.”

Her remark was met with a laugh and a nod from Sketchy. “Sharp as ever, mother dearest!”

“We do normally have breakfast, but today was a bit of a dash, most certainly.” Octavia agreed with a bit of a giggle, following alongside Trillian. “We had somewhat of a long night visiting with a friend.”

“Oh yes? Anyone I know?”

The cellist smiled, leaning her head towards her fellow mare and lowering her voice. “Princess Luna herself.”

Trillian gasped sharply, looking round at Octavia with a look of surprise. “No! Really!?”

“I know! I still pinch myself!” Octavia giggled, casting a glance over her shoulder at Sketchy following behind them. “We got a tour as well, yes?”

“We sure did! Oh and my goodness... I tell you, last night was without a doubt the most surreal experience I’ve ever had, bar none.” he grinned, leaning his head down between the two ladies. “It isn’t every day you get ushered around the palace by Luna herself, and see her acting like a little filly.” he continued in hushed tones.

“Oh, oh, and we also got to meet Pri—” Octavia began, then leaned her head over and lowered her voice again. “Princess Celestia. Oh, and you will never guess what happened after that!” A giggle left her throat, just the memory of what had gone on making her giddy inside.

“Wait, you met Celestia as well!?” Trillian blinked, her eyes growing wide. She turned her gaze on Sketchy for a moment. “You know, son, if it weren’t for the fact you were trotting about with Octavia here, and the both of you were telling me this tale, I’d have a tough time believing it!” She smiled, then, and added “Not that I don’t believe you, mind. I can tell a lie from you when I hear one.”

She then turned her gaze back to Octavia. “Well now, don’t leave me hanging. What happened?”

The cellist skipped in her step a little. “We played a song for them both – and Luna played alongside us!” She let out a sigh, a wide smile crossing her face. “It was probably the second best night of my entire life.”

A warm smile spread over Sketchy’s face at that, and he leaned his head down to rub cheeks with the black-maned mare. The fact that the top spot had more to do with him was implicit enough in what she’d said.

Octavia smiled at the attention as she continued. “I never, ever would have imagined such a situation unfolding as it did.”

Trillian chuckled softly, nodding. “I can’t say I would have, either. Luna must cherish your bond rather deeply to allow you in to look around like that.”

“Yes, oh my, she has shown us some wonderful things! And my goodness, I did not know—or rather, I never thought that someone in such a position could become a friend. I know, it sounds ridiculous now when I say it out loud, and I am very much rambling – but my mind is still in such a whirl, it takes my breath away to think of it.”

“Mmm.” the purple-coated mare nodded. “If there is one thing I’ve learned in all my years, it’s that authority has very little meaning or sway in deciding one’s friends. Just because somepony happens to be a princess, it doesn’t mean she’s different from the rest of us in any way that matters. Everyone has the same needs, the same emotions. That includes those two.”

A brief giggle escaped her throat as a thought crossed her mind. “And you two as well. My goodness, my poor son must have been an absolute mental wreck when he first met you in the flesh!”

Sketchy gave a hearty laugh at that. “Guilty as charged!” He stepped past the two mares and pushed open the door of the shop they had come to. There was a cheerful tinkling of a bell from overhead as he did so, causing Octavia to look up at the familiar sound. They had, as she suspected, arrived at Graze.

“That is a story all of its own!” she exclaimed, following Trillian into the familiar sandwich shop. “We had an interesting beginning, to say the least.”

“Well, all things considered, I couldn’t imagine it being anything but!”

They had been fortunate enough to arrive at the little shop in the pre-lunch lull. The sounds of vegetables being chopped and the smell of freshly baked bread permeated the air, accompanied by the clatter of plates being cleaned from the kitchen. There was a familiar face behind the counter though – one which lit up and looked in their direction the moment Trillian called out.

“Hello, Sally my dear!”

“Bless ma soul, Trilly!” the rosy-coated unicorn exclaimed happily. “Ah didn’t know yew were gunna be in town today!”

“Hmm, is that so? I wonder whose fault that is...” Trillian smiled, casting a glance over her shoulder at Sketchy.

Octavia, meanwhile, was openly showing her delight at hearing the unicorn’s natural tones. “I adore her accent!” she commented to Trillian, before looking over to Salad herself. “You know, Sally, were we to come here any more often than we do, you would have to charge us rent!”

Salad laughed, flashing a huge grin at the cellist in return. “Aw shucks, hon, Ah couldn’t do that! Why, yer practically like a part of th’ family these days!”

Octavia’s ears curled back as she smiled warmly at her friend’s affectionate statement. “How sweet! It is almost too much!” she giggled, leaning slightly against her stallion companion.

“Well then Sally, if that’s the case then you’ll already know everypony’s favourites, right? Go ahead and rustle them up, it’s on me.” Trillian instructed.

“Thank you, madam.” Octavia intoned, bowing her head slightly to the kindly mare. “It is going to get busy here soon enough, shall we find a space?”

“Let’s.” she agreed, making her way over to a vacant table. Sketchy stepped ahead of her and politely pulled the chair out for her. He then moved to another chair and pulled that one out for Octavia, earning him an approving smile from both his mother and his mate.

“Good, you’ve not forgotten your manners since you struck out on your own.” Trillian noted.

Octavia laughed brightly as Sketchy seated himself. “He is a complete gentlecolt around me, Trillian.”

“Why Tavy, you make it sound like I’m a total lout the rest of the time!” Sketchy teased.

“Haha! Not at all! I am sure you are the most chivalrous pony in this town!” the cellist replied. Her eyes went wide and she blinked in surprise, however, as Sketchy’s mother suddenly ducked theatrically.

“Goodness, that was close!” the purple-coated pony exclaimed. Noting Octavia’s bemused expression, a cheeky smirk wrote itself on her face as she explained. “I nearly got hit by his inflating ego.”

Octavia’s expression rapidly went from puzzled to amused, and straight on to outright mirth as she burst into a fit of giggles, having to fight to keep her balance in her seat. “Oh... oh my, Trillian! You are simply too much!” she exclaimed between peals of laughter.

“Ahaha, I’m just being silly. Pay no attention.” the bespectacled mare grinned, clearly delighted with her audience’s reaction.

“Do behave yourself, mum.” Sketchy snickered, a large grin on his face as he watched his mate fight to regain control over her laughter.

“So... you are from Shetland, correct?” the cellist questioned, managing to get her breath back as she sat up straight once more. The subject of her attention smiled, nodding.

“Aye, lassy, that’s correct!” she intoned, her roots bubbling to the fore in the form of a heavily rolled “r” and a certain twanging to her speech. Octavia clapped her front hooves together happily upon hearing it.

“I just love that accent! My, you never know where any pony is from in this town, they are all so proper – and I am no exception, I must admit.”

“Well, that’s as may be, dear, but...” Trillian began, and her intonation underwent somewhat of a metamorphosis as she continued. “Quando si parla, posso sentire un leggero sentore di esso.”

“Ah!” Octavia exclaimed, her ears perking straight up, and her eyes widening as a broad smile spread across her face. “Sí sí sí! Signora! Questo é fantastico! Ah... how did you know that? I mean, even the dialect is correct!”

Sketchy was taken aback somewhat by what he heard. Octavia’s proper-sounding tones had suddenly been stripped completely away, and instead what he heard was a distinctive and exotic tone, punctuated by a delightful lilting mode of speech with varying intonation that rose and fell with each word. He had, of course, suspected that she wasn’t native to Canterlot – after all, whenever she’d mentioned her parents to him before, she’d spoken of them in a manner that implied they didn’t live anywhere near the city.

There was also the fact that there were traces of what he now heard in her everyday speech, but up until now he’d never heard more than small hints of it around the edges. Now, the cellist was happily chatting away without her formal tone in place, not even attempting to mask her native accent.

“Ahh! There it is! Wonderful, I love it!” Trillian declared triumphantly, her own Shetland roots showing again. “It’s my skill, dear.” She patted the mark emblazoned across her flank for emphasis. It was a depiction of a pair of overlapping speech bubbles of two different colours, blending into one colour where they overlapped.

“Ah, I see!” Octavia nodded. “Sketchy did make mention of it the other day, that your talent was to do with language. I did not ask what exactly it was at the time, though. You are full of surprises!”

“Well dear, what I am is a linguistics specialist.”

“That means she’s spent most of her life listening to other ponies talk.” Sketchy cut in with a cheeky grin. His own speech had changed ever so slightly, bearing more similarity to the Shetland brogue his mother used. It was likely no coincidence that it was occurring in her presence.

“Aye, it’s true.” Trillian affirmed. “Language is an absolutely fascinating thing. You can tell an awful lot about somepony just by listening to them speak. It’s the little things that tell you the most.”

“That is fascinating!” Octavia enthused, leaning forward slightly in her seat. “Especially for me; I do after all spend a lot of my time listening to ponies play music. Sure, I could pick out one tone from a whole symphony of sounds and tell you who made that instrument, but this... is incredible! Tell me, what was it? Was it my ‘e’s?”

Trillian nodded, her enthusiasm for her craft plain to see. “That was probably the biggest tip-off! You draw them out a bit, you see. Took me a while though to put that together with the other little things here and there, and I needed to hear you speak for long enough to be sure. Ah, and when you laughed as well, that helped too.”

“Aha, so that is why you let me ramble on!” Octavia joked, an amused grin plastered on her features.

“Well, not just that, of course!” the older mare smiled. “You have a lovely accent, dear. You shouldn’t be so worried about letting it shine through! Wouldn’t kill Canterlot to have a bit of variety – and besides, you’re committing a terrible crime by depriving your coltfriend of hearing your sexy exotic tones.” she concluded with a cheeky grin.

Sketchy promptly blushed a bright red at that remark, and he clapped his front hooves to his face, uttering a slightly muted “Mum...!” in the appropriate tone for a child who just got thoroughly embarrassed by his parent.

As for Octavia, she took a few moments of sitting in silent, wide-eyed shock to see the funny side, and she burst out laughing with a hoof clapped to her mouth and her head down towards the table. “Oh... my!” she managed to utter between giggles.

Trillian in turn gave a high pitched, filly-like giggle . “Eheehee! Oh, I’m sorry, both of you. It’s true though! You shouldn’t hide such a lovely tone, it’s a part of who you are. And I’m not making this up, there’re studies that’ve shown that particular group of accents are, for some reason, a big hit with most folk. I’ve yet to fathom the exact science behind it, if there is one, but I certainly love the sound myself. I don’t know, perhaps it has something to do with the almost musical quality of it? I’m sure I’ll get to the bottom of it some time.”

A blush still painted Octavia’s cheeks as she lifted her head from her giggling. “Well... Well! Perhaps Canterlot will just have to hear a new instrument in the crowd, then.” she stated, leaving aside the mask she had been keeping on her speech. “Your son has managed to teach me a thing or two about the importance of friends, and now you too have taught me something new. I must thank you, Trillian and Sketchy both, for opening my eyes to such things.”

Sketchy simply grinned at that. “Well lass, now you know where I get that from. Some of it, anyway!”

“I am happy to see the two of you together.” Trillian smiled, looking from her son to Octavia. “You’re every bit the refined lady I expected – well, minus the snobbiness I’d worried you might have had.”

“As long as you are not among my quartet, you will never hear me being snobby, that is for sure!” Octavia replied with a giggle, sitting up and adjusting her bowtie in a gesture of self parody.

The older mare chuckled, and turned her attention once more to Sketchy. “As for you my boy, I’m going to teach you a very valuable phrase in this young lady’s native tongue. Something wonderfully expressive, to show your love for her.” There was a slightly mischievous glimmer in her eyes, one which Sketchy failed to notice.

“Uh-huh? Go on!” he prodded enthusiastically. Octavia simply tilted her head slightly and listened carefully, wondering exactly what the linguist was about to say.

“Well Sketchy, should you ever find yourself walking with her out on a clear summer night, and it’s just the two of you; if you feel your heart welling over with emotion and you simply must express it, here is what to do. Take her hooves in your own, look deep into her eyes and say...” and here she paused for effect, before continuing on in her best rendition of the cellist’s native speech in a low whisper, “Vieni, mia cara, facciamo l’amore sotto le stelle.”

“That’s... beautiful.” Sketchy breathed, and then he glanced over at Octavia. She had turned a very deep shade of red across her cheeks and nose. “...wow, that must have been something amazing, I’ll commit it to memory!”

Octavia promptly clapped a hoof to her snout to muffle her giggles, shaking her head as she did so. Just as Sketchy was about to question his mother on what the phrase meant, however, Salad turned up with their food and promptly laid it down on the table.

“Here y’all are!” she chirped, and then noticed Octavia fighting to stop laughing. “Shucks, did Ah miss a joke here?”

“Oh, nothing big.” Trillian smoothly stated, smiling at the unicorn. “Thank you, dear!”

Sketchy, meanwhile, looked slightly bewilderedly between his mate and his mother, and then chuckled. “Building some in-jokes already, are you? That didn’t take long!”

“I promise it was completely innocent!” Octavia declared, flashing a wink at Trillian and then turning her attention to Salad. Her face was still burning somewhat, but she kept her tone as cool as she could – though her voice now swayed on the sounds of her roots as she spoke up again. “This looks delicious as always, dear.”

“Thank yuh, Tavy! ...say, uh, yer soundin’ a mite different alla sudden. Whut’s that all ‘bout?”

“Let us just say you are not the only one hiding under the prim and proper mask of Canterlot society.” Octavia replied, a smile playing around her features. A grin formed on Salad’s face in return.

“Well slap ma flank and send me to tha moon! Ah’d never a’ guessed!”

Octavia laughed softly at the unicorn’s exclamation. “Trillian caught me out, just like that.”

The unicorn giggled, nodding. “Yuh-huh, she does that! If there’s one thing yuh cain’t hide from her, it’s where yer from. It’s a mite spooky sometimes Ah tell yuh, but it’s mighty impressive too.”

“That it is!” Octavia smiled, eyeing the sandwich before her. “My thanks again, Sally. Your sandwiches look delicious.”

“Anf they tashte duhwiffush too!” Sketchy eloquently commented, his mouth full of bread and vegetables. He caught his mother’s attention with that, and she turned her gaze on him with a displeased look.

“Young man, it is poor manners to speak with your mouth full, and well you know it.” she stated pointedly in the refined tone of a parent with years of experience correcting her children. The effect was practically instantaneous on Sketchy, as he promptly sat up straight, took his hooves off the table and politely swallowed his mouthful of sandwich.

“Sorry mum!” he said with an apologetic grin. She in turn grinned back at him, her green eyes twinkling.

Octavia once more had to fight her laughter, this time having to avoid choking on her own food as she quickly swallowed it down. “Oh my goodness, Trillian, you are going to kill me at this rate!”

“Is that so? You’d best be careful should you meet his father, then.” the mare replied, a knowing smile on her face.

“Oh? This sounds interesting, do tell!” the cellist replied, perking up and focusing her attention on Trillian.

“Ah... let’s just say that, during the years we were together, a lot of his sense of humour rubbed off on me. He is probably the most entertaining pony I ever had the joy of meeting... it’s a great shame that he was so very foolish.” the bespectacled mare mused, averting her gaze to the ceiling with a nostalgic smile on her face. She sighed, shrugged, and returned her gaze to the black-maned pony across from her. “Ah, but I won’t bore you with that.”

Octavia nodded, quietly chewing on a bite of sandwich. She could tell from the way Trillian spoke that there were scars left over from those days that were best left undisturbed. “Perhaps some other time, then. What’s his special talent, if you do not mind my asking?”

“His talent? He’s a driving instructor.” Trillian smiled. “Carriages, chariots, carts, etcetera. Anything that a pony might pull, he provides instruction on it.”

The young mare blinked, swallowing down her mouthful quickly. “You know, I never would have thought that was required. I mean, I have never imagined doing such myself! I assume, though, there is more goes into it than I am thinking.”

“There is, a surprising amount in fact.” Trillian nodded. “I mean, we take our transport for granted, but you really need to have some proper training if you’re going to be relied on to pull a load safely. You have to know the right way to stop a vehicle without hurting yourself for one, and to know how much you can pull uphill and downhill for another. If you’re going to be pulling more than a certain weight, you need to be licensed to do so. That way anyone that might want you to pull large loads has the reassurance you won’t injure yourself from doing it wrong.”

Octavia nodded, listening intently. “Certainly the Royal Guards that pull the flying chariots need to be able to do all of that flawlessly. I have rode in those once or twice, when I have been carried to concerts or rehearsals for royally funded events.”

“You have? Ooh, now I’m jealous!” Trillian pouted, feigning annoyance. She then cracked into a grin. “That must have been quite something!”

“Honestly? I am scared to death of heights.” the cellist replied with a shake of her head. “Even when magically whisked away...” she trailed off, glancing round at Sketchy. He grinned knowingly.

“Oh, but you have to admit, that was pretty awesome!”

“Yes, yes it was, but still! Being cast off from the highest spire in the city, back to your...” Octavia replied, and then lowered her voice back down as she had started to get a little loud from thinking back on the memory. “...back to your home! That was crazy!”

“Whut in the hay are yuh yammerin’ on about now?” Salad questioned, tilting her head in a confused manner. Trillian also raised an eyebrow, silently asking for an explanation.

“...maybe better if we explain some other time, in a less public environment.” Sketchy grinned.

“Definitely less public.” Octavia agreed, giggling a little into her hoof. She then looked over to Sally and leaned towards her, lowering her voice. “The Princess told me she will stop by personally for a meal some time in the near future.”

The unicorn gasped at that little bit of news, her face lighting up with excitement. “Ooh, gosh! That’s gunna—” she began, but she hastily quietened down as the tell-tale tinkle of the shop’s bell alerted her to the start of the lunch hour rush. She quickly adjusted her speech to a more formal manner as she finished her sentence “—going to be wonderful! Well, I must tend to the needs of my customers, my friends! I hope you enjoyed your meal!”

The three ponies watched her trot back off to the counter, before returning their attention to each other.

“How long do you plan to be in town for, may I ask?” Octavia questioned the older mare.

“Perhaps not as long as I’d like.” Trillian admitted. “Only a few days, just long enough to catch up with family and friends. That and to pick up some little trinkets and curiosities I can’t get all the way back across the sea.”

“I see. Well, perhaps if you are not too busy, we could visit the park some afternoon while you are here, and I can play something for you?” the classically-trained pony suggested. The prospect of playing for an audience with an appreciative ear was a pleasing one, after all.

“Oh, I would absolutely love that!”

“Marvellous! I am sure it will attract a crowd, too.” Octavia stated happily, clapping her hooves together. The bespectacled mare giggled at that.

“Oh good, then I can feel all important and famous by saying you laid on a performance in the park just for my sake.” she said, a broad grin plastered on her face.

“Indeed! Whenever I practice in public, ponies tend to want to stop and listen. The park has a small theatre we can use, so long as there is nothing else going on; the weather is so beautiful this time of year, it would be a shame to stay inside.”

“That sounds absolutely delightful, dear. I shall quite happily take you up on that offer.” Trillian smiled.

“Very well. Perhaps you should play with me as well?” Octavia questioned her stallion companion.

“Sure, I’d like that.” Sketchy nodded.

“It’s settled, then. Hmm... tomorrow, if the weather’s nice? Or perhaps the day after?” Trillian questioned.

“Certainly! Let us hope those pegasi keep the skies clear!”

“Quite so. Well, I have some things to attend to. I’m planning to do a little shopping and catch up with some old friends. I already arranged with Honey and Mustard to stay over here tonight, and I expect they won’t let me get away with not taking them up on their hospitality for the rest of my time here either.” Trillian smiled, speaking fondly of Salad’s parents.

Octavia nodded, getting up from her seat with a smile, and moved to hug the older pony. “Madam, it has been such a pleasure. I cannot wait to spend the afternoon with you, today has been a lot of fun!”

Trillian chuckled, reciprocating the affectionate gesture gently. “Likewise, Tavy.” she replied, leaning back to let go. She paused, however, to look the younger mare in the eyes. “And I told you not to call me ‘madam’, young lady.” she said with a wink and a smile, before finally letting go of the cellist.

“I know, Trillian. What can I say? Old habits die hard.” Octavia smiled back, giggling a little. The older mare’s smile grew, as she nodded in understanding.

“They do, at that.”

As the stone-grey mare then saw to picking up her bags, Sketchy rose from his seat and approached his mother. He lowered his head and pressed his cheek up against hers, his neck curling around hers a little in a hug.

“Great to see you, mum. We’ll leave you to it?”

“Yes yes, you kids go and have fun. I’ll see you again.” she replied, cuddling up to him briefly before breaking the embrace and smiling fondly up at him. He kissed her cheek in return, and then joined Octavia as she made her way for the door.

“Thank you again, Sally! Hope you have a good lunch rush!” she called to the unicorn.

“Thank you, darling! You have a delightful day as well, thank you for stopping by!” the unicorn called back in her well practiced Canterlot tones over the low din of hungry customers.

Octavia flashed a smile to the unicorn, then glanced back in Trillian’s direction. “Io a cuore questa volta!” she called, before she and Sketchy headed out the door.

The street outside was filled with a bustling crowd of ponies filing past, some of them heading into the shop they’d just exited.

“Well! We just managed to beat the rush, it would seem.” the grey mare observed, her speech still ringing with the sound of her native accent. “Shall we head back to my place? If we are to play for your mother tomorrow, we shall have to get in some practice!”

“We will, at that.” Sketchy agreed, falling into step alongside her.

“Your mother is a delight, by the way!” Octavia added at length as they strolled along down towards the outlying neighbourhood where she made her home.

“Aye? I did tell you she was fun and you didn’t have to worry!” the stallion replied with a grin.

“You did at that, but my goodness I was not expecting her to be so... colourful! I see now, as you said before, where you get it from.”

“I’m sure she’d be happy to hear you say that.”

“I do not doubt it.” Octavia nodded, a small giggle escaping her throat as they continued on their way. As they neared her house, she spoke up once more.

“You know, you are quite the runner to have made it from my house to Graze and back so quickly the other night. Do not ever let me underestimate your speed again!”

“Well, what can I say? I ate my alfalfa like a good little colt when I was growing up, so I grew up big and strong!” Sketchy snickered, leaning his head down briefly to nip playfully at one of the graceful mare’s ears. She giggled at that, turning her head to smile up at him lovingly, before returning her gaze to the scene before them.

The modest cottage that Octavia called home stood out on its own, a little way back from everything else, surrounded on all sides by a field of gently swaying grass and flowers. The soft scent of jasmine wafted through the air; the waning warmth of summer giving way to autumn having enticed it to bloom. It was simultaneously an inviting picture and somewhat of a lonely one: although the house itself was clearly something that had been built with care and attention, it was also separated from the surrounding homes by its floral barrier.

Stood as they were, taking in the sight for a moment, triggered a forgotten thought in the stallion’s mind.

“Tavy? There was something I remembered a while ago. Several weeks back, actually, which I forgot to ever ask you about.”

“Oh? Well by all means, do tell, dear.” the mare stated invitingly, making her way towards the house’s entrance.

“It’s a memory from some time ago.” Sketchy went on, following after her as they made their way inside. “When I was still in school, actually. I used to hang out with Sally and Freezy the whole time. Freezy reminded me, not long after you and I started seeing each other... that wasn’t the first time we’ve met. Figuratively speaking.”

“It was not...?”

“Nope, though to be fair I don’t think we ever properly met before. Think back to when you were still in primary school.”

Octavia’s brow furrowed in thought, her violet eyes drifting toward the ceiling as she cast her mind back several years.

The young grey filly trotted hastily along the path towards school. She had just finished lunch at one of the local establishments, and she was now being ushered back towards the institution where she would spend the next several hours absorbing yet more knowledge and experience of things she took little interest in. Well, that was not wholly true: she at least derived a lot of enjoyment from her experience of music, even if learning it could be somewhat of an ordeal at times.

As always, she was several steps ahead of her escort. Young and energetic as she still was, it was little trouble for her to out-pace the older mare her parents left her in the care of each day, which meant that she had time enough to skip ahead and take in the assorted sights, sounds and smells of Canterlot during the day outside of school.

A sound caught her ears. Off down a side street, she could faintly hear a noise that appealed to her young ears. It was the unmistakable racket of other foals at play; their laughs and screams of excitement mingling into a background hum of general happiness. She hesitated, however. This was not, after all, the usual route back to where she was expected to go. But with that said...

As she rounded the corner at the end of the street, a marvellous sight met her eyes. Beyond the fence before her was a large group of young ponies, some of them older and some of them younger than her. They were rushing about, skipping to and fro, playing all sorts of games and obviously enjoying themselves. She came to a halt, gazing across the road at what she saw. It would be untrue to say that she did not see this sort of thing happening in the grounds of the school she attended, but it was always so much more... reserved than this. The happy chaos going on across the road did not seem subject to the same sort of restrictions placed on the children at play where she was educated.

As she stood transfixed by the sight, her eyes wandering across the schoolyard, she suddenly realised that she herself was being watched. Her violet gaze was met by one of brilliant icy blue, framed by pure white. She blinked, taking a step back. The pegasus whom had caught her eye didn’t break eye contact, but her lips moved as she waved to a pair of ponies close by. They in turn looked across the road at the little grey filly with a jet black mane spying on them, with an air of intrigue written on their faces.

Before she could consider taking a step closer, however, her elderly escort had caught up with her. She was hastily ushered onward, her nanny fussing on about how she would be late getting back in for classes if they did not hurry.

“...ah!”

“You remember, then?”

“Yes, yes I do. When I would walk from lunch back to school, and sometimes when I would head home... I recall now. I used to sometimes pause for a spell, to see how the other foals my age got along. I... suppose you could say that I was envious.”

“Envious?” Sketchy blinked.

“You must understand, dear, with my having such a classy upbringing, it was expected that I and all of the other pupils at the Canterlot Academy of the Arts conducted ourselves with a certain degree of self-control. It was considered poor behaviour to go running around and screaming with excitement, for example.”

“So that’s why you used to stop and gawk at the kids at the public school?”

Octavia nodded, flopping down on the large and comfortable couch that dominated her living room. “That is essentially the size of it. I could not fathom why you and your schoolmates had more liberty than I did. It did not make any sense to me – and if I am honest, it still makes little sense to me now.”

Having said that, she sprawled herself out in a somewhat unladylike fashion, making a mess of the carefully arranged cushions and pillows. “How fortunate that, now I am no longer subject to their authority, I need not adhere to such rules constantly!” she giggled.

Sketchy had to agree, as he took the opportunity to somewhat unashamedly eye her up where she lay on display. “Sometimes elegance has to take a back seat to comfort.”

“Precisely.” the grey mare agreed, wiggling a back hoof at him. “Besides, it is very seldom that anypony gets to see a lady such as myself laid flat on her back.” With that, she lazily picked up a pillow and tossed it in the general direction of the stallion. It sailed straight past his head by several feet, eliciting a chuckle from him.

“Classy, honey.” he grinned, trotting over to where she lay. She grinned and let out a giggle of her own as he approached, her eyes twinkling.

“But, but, but...! You spent all of this time getting me to unwind and relax, and now you are laughing at my expense!” she protested in a mock upset tone, pouting her lips and arching her eyebrows in a feigned display.

“Silly filly...” Sketchy smiled, leaning his head down towards hers. His lips met with her own, and his eyes slid shut. He could feel her feigned upset vanish from her face, followed by her forelegs slipping around his neck and shoulders as she pulled him closer in a tight embrace – one which he willingly let himself be pulled down into.

Octavia was certainly pleased with her stallion’s reaction, and she pulled him onto the couch entirely. She broke the kiss for a moment to giggle softly and look up at him. “You do know we will have to practice something for your mother tomorrow still, yes?”

“Oh, I know. But we have the whole rest of the day for that.”

“We do, at that...” she agreed, pulling him back down once more as she relaxed into the blurry haze of passion that had begun to cloud her mind. As her perceptions receded into nothing save for herself and her loved one, she momentarily dwelt once more on the lonely memory of a little grey filly forced to sacrifice socialising for success. Instead of feeling sad as she usually did when recalling such things, however, she now could not prevent herself from being glad that, in the end, that same filly had eventually made the kind of friends she had longed for.

Quinta Aria

O’er the water’s teeming waves,
a rare sight was seen one day
by pegasus eyes in Cape Sunrise,
over the hills and far away.

And, choosing to at once depart,
he felt a stirring in his heart
for what had brought the light’s display
over the hills and far away.

Now in the capital he rests,
laid upon his muse’s chest;
he sought her out, perhaps he’ll stay
over the hills and far away.

Recitativo 5 – Dinner for Two, Pain for One

Freeze Pop awoke, feeling a little sore from having fallen asleep on her couch, but nevertheless refreshed from her slumber. Her neck was a bit stiff, as she’d feared it might be. However, that couldn’t compare to the warmth that flooded her heart as she looked to one side and was swiftly reminded of why it was she’d ended up falling asleep here.

Curled up next to her, sleeping soundly, lay the contented form of Blacklight. His sleep had apparently gone undisturbed by her waking, which she was relieved to see: she couldn’t help but find the way he looked at rest both calming and endearing.

Still, can’t just lie around all day.

She reached over and gently prodded the sleeping pegasus. “Blackie!”

The black-coated pony snorted slightly in his sleep and carried right on snoozing. Freeze Pop raised an eyebrow and prodded him again, a little more forcefully.

“Blackie? Wake up!”

Her actions were rewarded with a further grunt and a snort, and no further reaction. Freeze Pop’s other eyebrow crept upward, and she tilted her head in thought, mulling over how best to wake him. A somewhat wicked grin crept across her face, and she leaned her head down to the sleeping Blacklight’s ear.

“Blackie?” she whispered softly into his ear, effecting the most sultry tone she could, “Blackie, please wake up. I really need you right now. Won’t you please wake up?”

For a few moments more there was silence, and she had to wonder if her change in tactics had worked. However, Blacklight suddenly woke up with a start, sitting up straight. His muzzle was flushed purple, and his eyes had gone wide.

“I... just had the oddest dream...” he stated to the world in general, before his mind caught up to the fact Freeze Pop was sat right next to him.

“Ahh! Uhm, good morning Freezy...” he managed, his heart still pounding. “You were just in my dr—uhm, never mind.” he finished awkwardly.

“Your dream? Fancy that.” the sturdy pegasus smiled nonchalantly. “Sleep well?”

“Pretty good, yeah. Oh, right, Canterlot. Right, flew here yesterday, didn’t I?” Blacklight stated, taking in his surroundings with a nervous flutter of his wings.

“Yes, that you did.” Freeze nodded, leaning towards him. “And we came back here, had dinner, and then I guess we just fell asleep here on the couch.”

Blacklight looked back around at her, and the blush on his muzzle deepened. “Do you like making me—” he began, though his speech evaporated into a small squeak as her nose pressed into his.

“—making you blush?” she inquired, completing his question with a shy little flick of her eyelashes. “Of course I do. I think it’s cute, though nowhere near as cute as you looked curled up asleep.”

The black pegasus’s wings popped straight open, and his blush intensified. Freeze Pop giggled upon noticing that, shaking her head.

“Goodness me, that’s the second time I’ve gotten that out of you!” she grinned, playfully poking him in the chest.

“At least they aren’t stuck, this time.” Blacklight replied, flexing his wings once and folding them again.

“True, so you’re already coping better.” Freeze chuckled.

“Looks like it. So, what’s the plan today?”

“Well, breakfast first.” the white pegasus replied, getting up off the couch and rolling her shoulders and neck. There were a few crack sounds as she did so, and she winced slightly at the remaining stiffness in her muscles. “Mmmf. Cereal?”

“Sounds good.” her companion nodded, stretching out on the couch before rising to his feet as well. “Though those cracks didn’t.” he added with a note of concern in his voice.

“Eh, no worries there!” the larger pegasus replied with a hearty laugh. “I’ve suffered worse in my time, sleeping on a couch is comparatively comfortable to some places I’ve had to lie down before.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Blacklight shrugged, silently wondering to himself what sort of places the sturdily-built mare must have had to sleep in during her career thus far. There was, after all, more to the Royal Guard than just standing around all day: they could be called upon at any time to defend the palace, the populace, or even to rush off to some far-flung place with a strange name at the drop of a hat.

Freeze meanwhile had already taken to clattering around the kitchen, and she soon emerged with two good-sized bowls of cereal. Either due to her only having just woken up or still being unused to preparing food for only herself, both bowls were rather heavily laden. The black pegasus chuckled to himself slightly on seeing that.

“What’s funny, Blackie?” Freeze Pop questioned, arching an eyebrow.

“Ah? Well, it’s nothing really, Freeze. Only... well, it’s pretty obvious you’re used to only feeding yourself.” he grinned.

The white pegasus tilted her head in confusion for a moment, before realisation dawned.

“Oh! Er, well... will you eat this much?” she inquired sheepishly.

“I think my stomach’ll stretch to it.” Blacklight nodded. “It was a long flight yesterday, so I’ve more of an appetite than I would have otherwise.”

“Perfect! Well then, help yourself.”

A short while later, both ponies had sated their appetites, and were lounging on the couch. The morning sunshine was streaming in through the large windows that dominated one wall of the living room, bathing the area with warmth.

“So... plans for the day?” Blacklight ventured in a slightly lazy tone, stretched out comfortably as he was.

“Well, I know I’m on mid shift at work today.” Freeze replied, a note of annoyance in her tone. “So that means I can’t spend the whole day with you, much as I might like to.”

It came as no surprise, as she glanced round at her smaller companion, to see that his muzzle had turned slightly purple.

“Uhm. Yes...” he nodded, a shy tone to his voice. “Well then... we’ll have to make the most of what we have. And maybe...” he trailed off, the remainder of his sentence lost to indecision.

Freeze Pop arched an eyebrow at that, turning her gaze on him. “And maybe... what?” she prompted.

“Uhm... maybe we could, uh... go and get something to eat after you finish work? I mean, if you’d like to, and all...” Blacklight replied, his voice trailing off once more.

“Why, Blackie... are you, perchance, asking me on a date?” the white pegasus smiled. In reply, the stallion shuffled a bit where he lay, not looking directly at her.

“Uhm... yes? I think I am, yes...” he ventured, his voice even quieter than normal – though there was a hint of a smile on his face.

The off-duty guard promptly turned and hugged him, a joyous note in her voice as she spoke. “I would be delighted to! Where did you have in mind?” she beamed. Blacklight’s face fell slightly at that, as he came to the realisation that he actually had no knowledge of the eateries in Canterlot.

“Uhm... I... uh...” he mumbled, flashing his companion a slightly desperate look.

An understanding smile made its way across Freeze Pop’s features, her eyelids half-closing as she realised what the problem likely was.

“This is where you say ‘lady’s choice’, Blackie.” she prompted, a small giggle accompanying her words.

“Ah! Uhm, lady’s choice, Freezy.” he grinned back, his tone regaining some confidence. The mare’s grin grew at that.

“How gentlecoltly of you! Well then, how about you meet me at the grand central plaza just after eight tonight? We’ll head to wherever my stomach would prefer.” she offered.

“Sounds like a good plan to me, Freeze.” her companion smiled. She released him and sat back up, eyeing him thoughtfully for a few moments.

“Never asked a gal out before, have you, Blackie dear?” she queried, her head tilted slightly to one side and her eyes narrowed in a sly look. The heavy blush that reddened the stallion’s face confirmed her suspicions.

“No...” he replied honestly. It was true after all – he hadn’t met any pegasi living in his home town that he had been attracted to, or at least none that had been resident to the area. Whilst it was certainly true that there had been the occasional visitor to the area that had caught his eye, he had never plucked up the courage to introduce himself to them.

“Well, for your first shot it was pretty good.” Freeze smiled. “As I say, I’ll be quite happy to go out to dinner with you.”

With that, she then leaned her head forward and planted a soft kiss on the end of his nose. That only caused his face to burn up even more, something that, again, Freeze found incredibly endearing. It wasn’t the first time she’d kissed him, nor the first time she’d seen that reaction from him.

I doubt it’s going to be the last either, with how things are going.

So it was that, some hours later, Blacklight found himself standing around in the royal city’s grand central plaza. In the light of the slowly setting sun, it looked even more grandiose than normal: the tall columns of the assorted statues of Equestria’s heroes from ages past cast long shadows across the square, and the central fountain sparkled as the sunlight caught both its polished stonework and the clear water that trickled down it. Despite such a wondrous spectacle, though, he was still pacing to and fro a bit. It was no secret that he was, after all, just a little bit nervous.

I’ve never been on an actual proper official date. I mean, there was that lunch we had when Freezy escorted me back home a few months back... but this is an actual real, proper, official thing...

He briefly glanced up at the sky for what must have been the fifteenth time in nearly as many minutes.

And where is she, anyway? The sun’s starting to set, surely she must have gotten off work by now...

His question was soon answered, however, by the mare in question descending gracefully from the opposite direction he had been looking for her. He blinked a few times in surprise on noticing her having landed a few feet away. She flashed him a smile, and then trotted towards him.

“Good evening, Blackie. Did you wait long?”

“Not that long... got somewhere in mind, then?” he smiled back. OK, she’s here. You can relax, she didn’t forget, she wasn’t held back or anything.

“Yep, got just the place in mind.” Freeze nodded. “Ready to go?”

“Lead on.”

The robust white pegasus stretched out her wings and then folded them again with a nod, turning and setting off at a trot across the plaza.

“This place we’re going is a favourite of mine, when I feel like treating myself.” she noted over her shoulder as Blacklight began to follow her.

“Uh huh? That sounds good.” Blacklight nodded, having already found another dilemma to worry over. Where should I walk? Beside her? Behind her like I am now? I mean she might think I’m staring at her b—no! Don’t actually stare!

Thankfully, however, the white mare slowed her pace a little to bring her into step alongside him. She glanced round to him briefly with a warm smile on her face.

...uncanny, the black pegasus thought to himself. Maybe she can read my mind? Hey Freeze, can you read my mind?

His companion offered no response to his line of thought. That was probably just as well, he considered, because otherwise it would have meant she’d overheard him telling himself not to look at her posterior.

That or she’s feigning ignorance to disguise her power... but no, let’s be reasonabe. It’s pretty clear she just didn’t want me to be stuck back there fretting as I’ve never done this before. He glanced briefly at the muscular frame of the off-duty guard by his side, and smiled a little to himself.

Either way, side by side it is.

Presently, Freeze spoke up once more.

“Here we are!” she stated, nodding her head towards a cozy-looking restaurant nestled among other cafés and eateries. Hung from the shop front was a sign, that proclaimed the place to be Lo Stallone Sazio.

“I hope you like pizza.” the white pegasus added with a grin as she led the way inside.

“Pizza is good.” Blacklight nodded, keeping his tone calm. Yay, pizza!

Freeze’s smile grew as she turned her attention back to the fore, addressing an usher stood patiently behind a counter just beyond the door.

“I sent word ahead. Freeze Pop, table for two?”

The usher, a tall unicorn with a slick black mane and olive green eyes, cast his gaze down over the book lying on his counter. He nodded briefly and turned to lead the two further into the restaurant, finding them a secluded booth to seat themselves in. The pair seated themselves, and were soon left with just themselves and a set of menus for company. The both of them set to looking over the menu. However, as Freeze Pop had visited the place on many a prior occasion, she soon lost interest in the menu and turned her attention to her date.

It took Blacklight almost a minute to notice the mare’s ice-blue gaze focused on him. He blinked and looked up at her, and was greeted with a slightly shy smile and a blush from the snow white pegasus. He felt his own cheeks flush, and he hastily looked back down at his menu.

Freeze quietly cleared her throat to get his attention once more. “Anything catch your eye?”

Blacklight frowned a little, squinting at the menu. “...no...” he replied, though that wasn’t exactly true. It was more that he was having a little difficulty with understanding some of it, as it didn’t appear to be written in the same language he was familiar with. His companion cocked her head a bit at him.

“No?” she repeated. “Want me to help you pick?”

“Um, OK...”

I bet he’s never seen the language before. That’s probably it. Freeze thought to herself, a small smile forming on her features.

“Alright. Well, how hungry are you? Pizzas here are made to a traditional recipe, so they’re a pretty good size. Like, easily a whole meal’s worth, especially if you get something fairly loaded.”

A growl from the black pegasus’s stomach served to answer that question, accompanied by a sheepish grin.

“Well, that answers that!” Freeze chuckled. “OK then, you probably wanna go for a pizza. I’m quite a fan of their farmhouse selection myself, it’s very filling. You have any particular preferences? I mean, they’ll make just about anything you order.”

Blacklight shook his head. “Maybe just a cheese pizza...”

The white pegasus giggled a bit, shaking her head. “Really? Come on, at least be a little adventurous and make it a quattro formaggi.”

“A kwah-troh-for... what?” her companion echoed, a confused frown on his features.

“A quattro formaggi. Four cheese. They put four varieties of cheese on it.”

“Oh, OK.” the smaller pegasus nodded, his expression mirroring his understanding.

“That do you? Cos if that’s so, let’s get it ordered.” Freeze stated, turning and waving a hoof to get the attention of a waiter. “Oh, and what do you fancy drinking?”

“...just water is fine.” I don’t think it’d be smart to risk anything stronger, I’m still kinda nervous!

“Gotcha.” the off-duty guard nodded, turning her attention to the waiter. “A, signore! Avrò una casale pizze, e il mio compagno affascinante avrà un formaggio quattro. Oh, e due bicchieri di acqua da bere e, grazie.”

Blacklight simply blinked in confusion as the waiter hastily scribbled down some notes in his pad, and then trotted off.

“I did not understand a word of what you just said.” he stated matter-of-factly after the waiter had left, adding after a moment’s thought “...okay, well I got the name of my pizza, but that’s all.”

“Well, thankfully you didn’t have to get it.” Freeze grinned. “Though if you must know, an approximate translation would be ‘I'll have a farmhouse pizza, and my charming companion will have a four cheese. And, two glasses of water, please’. Or thereabouts.”

“Charming?” the black pegasus questioned, raising an eyebrow. His question was rewarded with a coy smile from his robust companion as she narrowed her eyes a little.

“What? Is there something amiss with my description?”

Blacklight felt a rush of blood to his cheeks, and his eloquence once more departed him. “Well... no... I mean... uh...” he mumbled. A giggle emanated from the mare across from him.

“Not used to being complimented, Blackie?” she teased. He looked over at her and shut his mouth, quite clearly deciding it was best not to comment on that. She took that as her cue to lean towards him over the table a bit, her smile growing.

“Well, you’ll have to adjust that.” she informed him, punctuating that sentence with a flirtatious wink.

“I, ah... I guess so...” Blacklight nodded. Somewhat fortunately for the state of his nerves, the waiter returned and Freeze sat herself back down properly. After setting down a pair of glasses of water, the attendant unicorn turned and said something briefly to the white pegasus in the same unintelligible tongue she had used earlier.

“Grazie.” she replied, with a brief nod of her head. The unicorn then vanished off into another part of the establishment once more.

“What was that about?” the pegasus stallion enquired. His date looked up from taking a sip of her drink, a reassuring smile on her face.

“Oh, nothing to worry about. He was just telling me our food ought to be ready in a little while.”

“Oh, right.” Right, of course. I really ought to—

“Ya know, you really ought to relax.” Freeze went on, her tone at ease. “The food here’s good, it’s a lovely evening and all. How’ve you been, all this time?”

“You mean, while I’ve been back in Cape Sunrise? I’ve been doing OK, though I really missed being here. In Canterlot, I mean. There’s just, as I say, something about the place. It’s fun, it’s exciting. And, well, you know... there’s, uhm, you here, too...”

The white mare let out a chuckle at that, though the smile on her face and the rosy tint to her cheeks spoke of her feeling flattered by that. “That’s very sweet of you to say, Blackie.”

Blacklight couldn’t help chuckle a little himself, as his nerves began to loosen a little. “You know, Freezy, you’re nothing at all like what I’d have expected. From a Guard, I mean.”

“Ha! You wouldn’t be the first to say that, Blackie, and I guarantee you won’t be the last, either.” she chuckled. “But hey, I only put on the Guard attitude when I’m wearing the armour. Rest of the time, I am just being me, Freeze Pop.”

“Yeah. Say, now you mention it, what did you have to do to get into the Guard, anyway?”

The mare’s face lit up at that question. It was something he’d not asked her up until now, but it was very obvious from how she sat up in her chair that this was one of her favourite subjects.

“Well now! That’s a heck of a story – and also one of my proudest achievements.” she stated, puffing her chest out a little proudly. Blacklight smiled to himself at that, having had the feeling this would be just the thing to elicit such a response. He relaxed into his seat, silently telling her to go on. She needed little encouragement.

“See, getting into the Guard’s no easy feat. You’ve gotta be one heck of a tough pony. There's a rigorous and unforgiving test of your physical ability. You gotta do stuff like flying, running and swimming long-distance with a heavy load, prove yourself capable of high-speed, high-manoeuvrability flight... it's really tough. And, I failed the test four times over.”

“Wow... wait, you failed it four times?”

“Sure did.” Freeze nodded. “But I didn’t give up. I decided, you know what? I need to go and really toughen myself up. I wasn't gonna get in without really pushing myself. So I left Canterlot for a bit. I headed north, to find some harsher conditions to test myself against. You have to be in much better shape to survive in the colder parts of the world, especially if you're gonna fly.”

Blacklight simply nodded, prompting her for more of the tale.

“Right. So anyway, you might know this already, but the further north you go? The colder the air gets. So I started going further and higher each time, pushing myself harder and harder. I tell you, it's a heck of a workout. The air gets really thin, so your body has to work harder and harder just to keep functioning. Didn't take me too long to really start piling on the muscle, and I started to build up one heck of an endurance for long distance and high altitude. As it stands now, I don't know if there's any pegasus that could equal me for endurance flying. I know I'm not the fastest there is, but I bet I'd have a good crack at being named the toughest!”

A glance over the large pegasus’s supple and muscular frame was certainly confirmation of that last sentence.

“I don’t doubt that!” Blacklight agreed, looking back from the mare’s muscular shoulders to her face. She grinned broadly as she continued on.

“Yeah... so anyway, word spread around in the end about this hardcore pegasus gal that was doing all this intensive training, right? And in the end, they actually came looking for me once they realised I was indeed the same Freeze Pop that’d failed the physical four times over, and they got wind of how much I’d changed. They were pretty impressed by my dedication – and I won’t lie, being head-hunted for it was a big confidence boost.”

“I’ll bet!” the black pegasus chuckled. He could certainly picture the situation in his mind’s eye.

“Yeah. And, well, as I’m sure you can guess, I pretty much aced all the physical tests they threw at me. Heck, set them some new records in the process! It was pretty plain sailing from then on.”

She was about to say something more, but their unicorn attendant returned with two impressively-sized pizzas sat on plates, levitated before him.

“Ooh, excellent timing. I am one hungry horse!” Freeze commented as the plates were laid down on the table before her and Blacklight. She wasted no time as the waiter made his exit in snatching up a slice of the crispy goodness and stuffing it into her mouth, chomping it happily. She heard an amused giggle from the other side of the table, and she slowly swallowed her food as she noticed Blacklight looking at her with an amused expression.

“...what?” she questioned, a rosy tint painting her cheeks. Thanks to her white coat, it was that much more obvious than when her companion blushed.

“I don’t know,” the stallion shrugged, “though apparently you do. You’re blushing.” With that, he picked up a slice of his own pizza, smiling at the mare as he did so.

Freeze felt her cheeks burn a bit hotter at that. “So my manners aren’t perfect.” she stated, letting out a slightly self-conscious giggle. “Nothing wrong with that.” In spite of her saying that, however, she did make an effort to display a more ladylike sort of grace to her eating, even though her date’s attention was now more focused on his food.

“Hey, this is good!” he commented, swallowing a good-sized bite of the slice he’d picked up.

“It should be, Blackie. The family that runs this place have been at this kinda thing for generations.” Freeze pointed out. Blacklight made no reply other than to nod as he took another, larger bite of his slice.

Freeze decided to follow his example, swiftly but politely grazing her way through a good half of her pizza before she piped up again.

“I’m glad to see that’s to your liking.”

Her companion swallowed down another mouthful of his own. “I’ve never had a pizza this good, honestly!”

“Heh! I’m sure the chef will be delighted to hear that.” the blue-maned mare chuckled. Unsurprisingly, her companion once more had little more to say. He was clearly enjoying his food as he continued to steadily graze his way through it. She decided to follow suit. It took her less time to finish off her meal than it did for him to finish his, but she’d expected that. Whether it was a product of her usually keen appetite or her need to be able to stuff her face in a hurry due to her occupation, it seemed to be she was usually the one to finish her food before most of her friends. She patted her belly contentedly as she swallowed the last bite.

“Ahh. Good stuff, that.”

Blacklight again simply nodded, steadily working his way through finishing off his own meal. Freeze slouched contentedly in her seat, stretching out a bit as she watched him. It wasn’t long before he too had demolished the last of his meal, and he stretched a bit as well, a contented look on his face.

“Wow, I’m full. That was good.”

A broad grin spread on Freeze Pop’s face. “Told ya so!” she said with a note of cockiness in her voice.

“You did, and you were right.” her companion agreed with a smile.

“This one’s on me, this time.” Freeze added, fishing in a small bag she’d had hanging round her neck, and setting down some bits on the table. “Only fair, seeing as last time you fed me.”

“You sure? I mean, it was me that asked you out...” her date pointed out.

“Maybe so, but you forked out for feeding me back in Cape Sunrise. Besides,” she went on with a cheeky smile, “would you have understood them at all when they brought the bill?”

Blacklight had to admit defeat on that point. “Well... no, I don’t suppose I would have.” he conceded, a slight chuckle creeping into his speech.

“There you have it!” Freeze concluded with a laugh. “Ah, I’m only being half-serious though. They do actually speak Equestrian standard here too. But I wanted to treat us both this time. And besides, it’s only fair. Next time, you get to pick where we eat.”

“Alright.” Blacklight nodded.

“OK. Well, I’ve left enough for the meal and a tip, so let’s... hmm. You know, the night’s still young... can I show you something special?”

There was an air of mystery in the stoutly built pegasus’s tone, accompanied by an inviting smile and a sparkle in her eyes.

Her eyes...

Blacklight found himself unwittingly leaning forward a bit in his seat as he looked into the intensely blue coloured gaze of his companion.

“Your eyes... they’re so blue...” he commented a little wistfully, his tongue for once moving before his mind could stop it from voicing his internal musings. Still, it was enough to make Freeze Pop blink and then blush rather profusely, having not expected that from him just like that.

“Why... thank you, Blackie...” she said softly, her tone even a little bashful. The stallion’s mind caught up to the rest of him, and he blinked and sat back, averting his gaze. There was a bit of a purplish tinge across his snout.

“Um... sorry, I just...” he trailed off. It elicited a good-natured giggle from the blue-eyed mare as she rose from her seat.

“Don’t apologise. A girl likes to be complimented on her looks, you know.” she informed him, a brief flick of an eyelid punctuating her remark.

“Oh... umm...” he mumbled on, rising from his seat to follow her.

“C’mon.” Freeze prompted him, her voice buoyant and happy as she headed for the door. He followed her outside, his head a mixture of thoughts.

Am I doing this all right then, so far? I suppose I must be, she doesn’t seem upset with me or anything... in fact she seemed fairly happy that I complimented her. I’ve really gotta be more careful about letting my thoughts out, though!

The maelstrom of his thought processes was interrupted by Freeze’s voice once more, however, as she took in a deep lungful of breath.

“Ahh. I do love the cool night air, don’t you?”

The stallion filled his own lungs with a refreshing draught of fresh, chilled air. “Yeah... it’s really refreshing, especially up here in the mountains.”

“Yeah. Well, I said I’d show you something... follow me, Blackie.” the larger pegasus instructed, before launching herself skyward with a few powerful beats of her wings. She was soon joined in flight by Blacklight, who fell into formation alongside her.

“You know, I really love getting out to fly at night. When it’s quiet like this, and all you have is the night sky, filled with stars like it is now—and the moon as well, of course, Luna always does an amazing job with it all—and the cool air... the wide open sky... it’s like flying through the great beyond itself...”

Freeze glanced over her shoulder at him, with a thoughtful nod of her head. Never took you for such a poetic sort, Blackie!

“It’s a thing of beauty, certainly.” she agreed. Her gaze then moved back towards the ground, and she perked her ears.

“Stay close! It’s just down below!” she instructed, before pulling into a sharp dive. Blacklight was quick to dive after her, as her flight path took her down low over a large pool of water, then over a rushing waterfall that cascaded out over the edge of the mountainside. She dove down once more, following the flow of the water, but as she reached the halfway point of the water’s flow, she levelled off and flew out from the mountainside. Her companion followed straight after, as she veered around... and then rocketed straight towards the flow of cascading wall of water.

Oh, this must be some kind of game she’s playing, Blacklight thought to himself with a chuckle. Any moment now she’ll veer off from the waterfall so’s not to get pulled down below. Any moment... now. Now maybe? ...now? Wait... what is she...!

Before he had enough time to fully process what was happening, however, his instincts had already pulled him into an aileron roll, mimicking what his larger companion had just done a split second before, as she hit the wall of water. He was rather surprised, however, to find that the dampness lasted only for a moment, and he then felt cool air rushing through his coat and feathers once more. He quickly looked around, and spotted Freeze Pop already sat atop a nearby rock platform, a mischievous grin on her face. He flew around and up to join her, seating himself on the platform himself, and looked around to get his bearings.

“Wow... a secret cavern!” he uttered, as his senses took in the natural wonder around him. Indeed, the platform on which he and his larger companion now sat was right at the rather wide mouth of a large grotto, the entrance to which was concealed by the curtain of water.

“Yep! Only us pegasi, and of course the Princesses, know about this little haunt!” Freeze informed him. “And it has quite the view, too.” she added, gesturing back out toward the open sky beyond the clear waters of the waterfall. Through the shimmering waters, the moon and stars could be seen – though with the curtain of water occluding them, the sky was lent an almost other-worldly feel to it, as the light from so many celestial bodies shimmered and danced in the water.

“Wow...” the black stallion breathed, gazing up at it. “That’s really something... I could sit here and watch that for hours. Maybe all night!”

Freeze let out a small sight, smiling to herself as she looked up toward the moon. “Same here. I came and watched a meteor shower here once, it was one of the most beautiful things I ever saw.”

“I can imagine...” Blacklight agreed. He sat in silence alongside her for a few minutes, before his gaze was drawn towards her face as she continued to gaze out at the moon. The flickering light of the moon was reflected in her icy blue eyes, something which he couldn’t help finding his attention drawn to. It was as though the shimmering effervescence he saw in the waterfall had been duplicated further in the eyes of the sturdy mare to his side.

It wasn’t long, however, before Freeze seemed to realise she was being watched. Her gaze drifted to the side, and then she turned her head, her eyes meeting the gaze of the stallion’s own chocolate brown ones. She gave him a shy, questioning look, which caused him to blush and avert his gaze once more, returning his attention to the view and not saying a word.

Freeze didn’t question it, turning her own attention back to the spectacle before her. Blacklight soon mimicked her – then tensed slightly when he felt something soft and warm brush up against his ear, and then lean onto it. He didn’t shy away from the contact though, and he felt the robust mare lean her head a little more against his own, a relaxed-sounding soft “mmm” emanating from her. She began to hum a tune softly to herself, though it was just loud enough for him to hear as well as the two of them sat there. Contrary to her frosty-sounding name, she was soft and warm to the touch. He relaxed a bit more, leaning into her a little in turn. A small sigh of contentment emanated from him at the sensation of his frame sinking a little into her dense coat.

This is so... good. Freeze thought to herself. So relaxing... nothing at all like spending time with most other stallions I know.

That was to be expected, of course, seeing as most of the stallions she knew were fellow guardsponies, and for the most part when the armour came off, so did the attitude and professional conduct. She’d had to very firmly tell some of her colleagues on more than one occasion that she wouldn’t be interested in getting to know them better outside of work, or at least not whilst they had too much alcohol inside them.

But this guy? I’d really like to keep finding out more. she thought happily to herself. She then realised from the position of the moon that they really ought to be heading back to get some sleep.

“We’re going to have to get going, Blackie. Much as I’d love to stay out here all night, we can’t sleep here. Wouldn’t be comfortable at all.”

Blacklight straightened up, looking up at her. He looked a little disappointed at having to leave so soon, but he knew she was right. “OK then.”

The two of them rose to their feet, stretching and shaking themselves out a bit. A sly grin spread across the white pegasus’s features as she glanced at her companion.

“So, just a heads-up. You probably already noticed there’s not enough of a run-up in this little cave of wonders to get back out through the waterfall.”

“Now you mention it, it’s not very big.”

“It’s not, no. Getting out of here is a bit more... thrilling, shall we say.”

“Thrilling?” the smaller pegasus echoed, following her as she trotted over to the edge of the plateau.

“Yep!” Freeze affirmed, standing right on the edge of the island of rock. “C’mon, come stand here. And follow my lead.”

The black pegasus did as instructed, though he eyed the rushing wall of water with an air of nervousness. There wasn’t much of a gap between the cave’s entrance and the waterfall. “OK...” he replied, a little unsure.

His companion, meanwhile, had spread her wings out wide and flat to either side of her body. She then proceeded to pitch slowly over the edge of the plateau, kicking off into a vertical dive with her hooves tucked up under her body. After a few seconds of hesitation, Blacklight followed suit. It was an easier thing for him due to his smaller stature, but he could still feel the water whipping past barely more than a foot away from his back, and he was very aware of the cliff face rocketing by underneath him as he dove down after the white-coated mare.

Freeze took the briefest of glances over her shoulder to be certain Blacklight had followed her. Once she had a visual confirmation of that, she returned her attention to the fore, with a brief call of “This bit is a little tricky!” shouted back into the wind. The cliff face under her jutted inwards, and she pulled sharply in towards it. There was a large enough alcove here to pull in and turn, then rocket out to the side of the waterfall – and that was exactly what she did, arcing up into a swift climb back towards the top of the waterfall. She gave an exhilarated whoop as she went, a huge grin on her face.

“Woo! What a rush, am I right Blackie?” she declared, taking a glance back over her shoulder.

There was no sign of the black pegasus. Freeze frowned a bit at that, though perhaps she had misjudged how far behind he was.

He’ll pop up soon, probably. she thought to herself, hovering where she was as she turned around to watch for him. Seconds passed. She began to worry a bit... and after a whole minute had passed, she began to worry a lot.

She flew back towards the waterfall, looking every which way and calling out for the smaller pegasus.

“Blackie? Blaaaackiiiie!?” she called out as loudly as she could, as she made a slowly spiralling descent back toward the the alcove she’d used for her exit turn. Her eyes were frantically searching as she went, looking for any sign of an accident: clumps of fur, loose feathers... blood... she saw nothing of the sort on the cliff face itself – but as she spiralled around behind the waterfall and peered into the alcove, she spotted something sticking up from the cave’s floor.

There was no mistaking the prone body of the black pegasus lying there, with a wing held out awkwardly. She quickly flew in, alighting alongside him. He was whimpering rather pathetically, clearly in pain. It made her wince as she spoke up.

“Blacklight...! Are you... are you alright? What happened!?”

“F... Freezy? I’m not sure... think I might have... nnph! Might have misjudged...” he answered, hissing air in through gritted teeth.

Freeze Pop frowned, scrutinising his held-out wing. It wasn’t sitting at the right angle, and considering how much pain he was in...

“You can’t fly, can you.” she stated matter-of-factly.

Blacklight slowly shook his head, an upset look in his eyes.

“Right.” the sturdy pegasus asserted, and she knelt next to him. “No choice, then. Get on my back.”

With much wincing and shuddering, the dark-coated pegasus found his way onto the guardspony’s back. She shuddered a little herself, as she could tell he was obviously in a lot of pain, but doing his best not to cry out from it.

He’s being as brave as he possibly can... It’s up to me to make sure it doesn’t go unrewarded.

“Alright, I’m not gonna lie... this will likely be a bit rough, Blackie. So just... hold on as tight as you possibly can, and don’t you dare let go no matter what, OK? Focus on that as much as you can.” she instructed, slowly rising to her feet with a bit of a grunt and a small groan. Even if he wasn’t as large as her, the smaller pegasus was still a fully-grown pony with the weight to go with it.

“I’m going to take us back up to Canterlot, round to the gates. That’ll be the easiest place to get to as it’s the lowest part of the city. I’ll keep us close to the ground, just in case. The Guards’ll get you some help. If you can, keep your wing still, OK?”

She heard a strangled “OK” in response from the stallion on her back. Steeling herself, she drew in a deep breath and spread out her wings wide.

“Alright... here we go!” she warned, and leapt from the alcove.

She had to beat her wings fast and hard as soon as she left the ground, thanks to Blacklight’s extra weight pulling her down. Whether it was adrenaline, urgency, sheer determination or all three she couldn’t tell, but she somehow struggled her way back up the path of the waterfall. Upon reaching the top, she touched down heavily on a stretch of grass just beyond the city’s outer wall, her breath coming in deep gasps.

“Right... we... made it... Blackie...” she panted, glancing round at him. He was still conscious enough to nod, a look of concern in his eyes despite his own discomfort.

“I’ll... be fine...” she hastily informed him before he could voice his concerns. “Come on... let’s go... get you some attention...” she continued, starting towards the gates. Her passenger was in no state to disagree, and as she approached the city’s gates she raised her voice.

“Guys! Got an injured pegasus here!” she informed the two armoured ponies, who promptly came running toward her.

“...Sergeant!?” the one on the left inquired. She quickly recognised him as the same unicorn she’d been working with previously.

“The very same, Flashbang. Listen, you’re a fast runner, right? Do me a favour: run as fast as you can to the barracks hospital, and grab Private Mercy. She’s the only medic I know who’ll still be up and about this time of night.”

“At once Sarge!” Flashbang saluted, then paused. “Uhm, what am I telling her, ma’am?”

Freeze paused, glanced at the pegasus draped over her back, and then looked back at Flashbang.

“You go and you tell her my coltfriend’s knackered his wing and he needs the best first aider in town’s attention, pronto.”

Blacklight blinked a few times, his consciousness having already started to fade due to a mixture of pain and exhaustion. However, as his senses faded, he managed to register one word in memory as he dimly heard the retreating clatter of hooves of the young unicorn.

...coltfriend...?

Sesta Aria

An aged song is played anew,
A younger song is played by two.

From a far-off land comes a well-known tune,
with words that speak life and bring meaning new.

And so friends, come, and gather round
Enjoy our festival of sound.

Recitativo 6 – New Voices for Old Tunes

In an unwitting imitation of Freeze Pop, Sketchy found himself waking up on a couch. It was Octavia’s couch, he realised, taking in his surroundings. The living room it was sat in was familiar to him, with its assorted plaques hung on the walls and various instruments collected neatly in the corners. Resting soundly next to him on the couch was the black-maned mare who owned the house, still very much asleep, with her head lain upon his chest. He smiled to himself at seeing her so content, though he knew he would have to wake her if he wanted to get up.

With that thought in mind, he reached a hoof over and gently stroked it through the cellist’s luxurious ebony mane, calling softly to her.

“Tavy, time to get up...”

Octavia, moaned slightly as she stirred, her violet eyes slowly sliding open. She turned her gaze to him, with one eye more open than the other.

“Mm, good morning, mi amor. Mattina maravigliosa, es it no?” she questioned, and then blinked as she realised what she had said. “I mean... beautiful morning, is it not?” she corrected herself, though without hiding her accent.

Sketchy smiled at her as she raised her head to rub noses with him. “It most certainly is.” he agreed.

The classically-trained pony sat up slowly, stretching herself out with a yawn, and rolled her shoulders and neck a bit to loosen them up from sleeping on the couch. She then recalled the promise she had made to Sketchy’s mother the previous day, and a large smile spread across her features.

“Oh my, today is going to be a fun day.” she stated, looking around and down toward the stallion still spreadeagled on her couch. “We had better make sure to be punctual and well-groomed, hmm?”

“We better had.” he agreed, getting up off the couch and stretching out himself. He then flashed her a cheeky grin, before shouting “Dibs on the bathroom!” as he clattered off down the hall to it before she could object.

“Of course, dear!” she called after him with a laugh. “Actually, do you think we have time enough for a bath?”

“Easily!” the stallion’s voice replied, accompanied by the sound of running water.

“If you would sort that then...” she called back distractedly, her attention turned towards the mess of cushions and pillows strewn around the floor next to the couch. She couldn’t deny her compulsive nature, and she promptly set about picking them all up to set them back on the couch.

A little bit of a mess to clear up is a small price to pay, though. she thought to herself with a smile as she recalled the events that had caused both the mess of cushions and her and her mate waking up on the couch to begin with. She then glanced briefly over at an oboe sitting next to the Princess of the Night’s violin, and her smile grew further. There was a reason for that being out too, after all.

The previous day, after they had lazed around for a while, it had been Sketchy that had finally given voice to something that Octavia too had been thinking.

“Mmm... so, perhaps we should get to practicing something, if we’re going to play a few pieces for my mum?”

Octavia had turned her head from where she had been comfortably resting atop him at that, a relaxed smile adorning her features.

“So much music making in one day? But of course, you are correct. We must have something for tomorrow. Trillian must have the best we can pull together in one day!” she declared with a joking giggle, although she was nevertheless serious about what she said. “The Canterlot Park will not know what hit it—well, not since the last time I was there.”

Having said that, she had carefully pulled herself up from where she lay and made her way over to the window. Luna’s magnificently lacquered blue violin rested there on a stand, drawing a wistful look and a fond smile from Octavia as she glanced down to it.

“She is going to need this back some day, and I am going to be sad to see it leave.”

With a small sigh, she reached down to the large case sat nearby, clicking the clasps open to reveal her most prized possession. Carefully removing the cello from its case, she brought it to rest against her shoulder while she saw to latching its black-threaded bow to her specially-crafted horseshoe.

“What kind of music does your mother enjoy the most?” she queried, the accent that the purple elder mare had uncovered so easily still lacing her words as though she had never hidden it.

The stallion smiled lazily, still lounging on the couch as he watched her. “Good question. I know she’s quite fond of older pieces... you know the Four Seasons?”

“Anponio Vivaldi’s, yes?” the cellist nodded, looking back over at him thoughtfully. “Hm, I am pretty sure I could play that range on this monster.” she stated, raising her forehooves in a mock gesture of menace, momentarily resembling how the lunar princess’s older sister might have looked when entertaining her sister at dinner in their younger years.

“Four Seasons... been a while. Let me see.” With that, she picked up her resin block from the cello’s case and dragged it over the strings, setting it back down once she was satisfied that they would give sufficient resistance for a resonant tone. She then adjusted her posture, straightening out her back as she stood up upon her hind hooves to play. Her bow met the strings and dragged across them, the sound in the warmth of day deeper and brighter than it had been in the cooler temperature of evening during the Equinox Celebration. She glanced over to the stallion as he finally got to his feet and shook himself out, flashing him a gentle smile.

“Okay. Complicated, check. Impeccable experience, check.” she stated, before launching into the vibrant solo of the first concerto. The cello’s deep tones sang out the normally higher-pitched violin’s part as her bow sailed over the strings with seeming ease, her hooves moving quickly and skilfully as she hit each note with nigh perfection as she dug through her memory to recall the piece. Her stallion companion looked suitably impressed as he watched her perform.

As she reached the end of the piece, she seamlessly transitioned to a much more relaxed pace, drawing out longer notes. She swayed in time with the music, her bow seeming to move almost on its own, as she quietly intoned “Freestyle” over the longer notes.

While she was doing this, Sketchy trotted over and stood behind to her to one side, bringing his head down a little to rest up against hers. What with the fact she was stood up to play, he didn’t have to bend his neck down anywhere near as far as usual. His display of affection was echoed in Octavia’s music: she fluttered up a scale, skipping several arpeggios as she played almost on auto-pilot. Her head leaned up against his, and she nuzzled him softly as her emotions flowed through her music. He began to hum an accompaniment to her playing, his own deep tones mixing with those of the cello. She in turn harmonised the notes on the cello, her long tail wrapping itself partially around one of his legs with a brief flick as she leaned her body against his.

They remained like that for a while, until a thought struck Sketchy.

“Hmm... I should have brought one of my instruments over...”

Octavia stopped playing at that, turning her head to look up at him.

“You may be in luck today.” she informed him with a smile. She carefully leaned her cello up against a chair and unlatched her bow, dropping back down to all fours as she made her way over to the range of cabinets that adorned the far wall. “There may be something in here.”

Sketchy was rather surprised but no less delighted to see that, as she opened each of the cabinets, they were filled with assorted instruments hung on brackets and sitting on stands. They were mostly strings and woodwind, though there was also a smattering of brass. It was certainly nowhere near as impressive as the collection in the Canterlot Palace Music Room, but Sketchy was pretty certain that no other collection of instruments ever could be.

“These...” Octavia went on, a fond smile on her face as she looked over the collection, “...these are for when I decide that teaching, rather than playing music, is of more importance.”

“Ooh... quite a nice collection!” the artist enthused as he trotted over.

“They are nothing fantastic.” Octavia noted. “They have all been rehabilitated, though I am certain they are not in tune.”

Sketchy nodded, his attention divided between her and the array of treasures before him. Finally, however, he put his hooves on an oboe and lifted it from its stand. “I’ve always loved the sound of these things.”

“Ah, yes, I love how hollow but whole they sound, like a secret pond with clear, still water.” Octavia noted approvingly. She dug a hoof into a box of assorted metal implements, pulling from it a tuning fork of the correct length. “You will need this.” she stated, striking it briefly off the cabinet.

“Give me another ping there?” Sketchy requested, putting the reed to his lips and blowing into the instrument experimentally. He twitched his ears attentively as the fork rung out again, and began to adjust the instrument until it sounded close to the note he heard from the metal.

“There. That sounds about right.” he stated, and then an idea struck him. “Oh! I just remembered another piece of music she really likes, actually. And now I think on it, your cello and this oboe could probably do a wonderful rendition of it.”

“Oho? And which might that be, dear?” Octavia questioned, smiling to herself both at the sound of the oboe breathing life once more, and that it was her stallion admirer facilitating it.

“Do you know ‘It Was A Very good Year’?”

“Ah, the one by Blue Eyes? I’ve heard it many a time, yes. He has quite the voice.” the cellist replied with a nod as she moved back over to her favoured instrument, latching her bow back in place.

“Right. So, if I play the accompaniment, think you could sing it, so to speak, with your cello?”

“Hmm, I believe that to be within my abilities.” the black-maned mare grinned, giggling a bit. “On your time, mi amor.”

The stallion nodded, blowing a few notes to be sure the oboe was in tune. “Right, here we go...”

With that, he began playing the song’s slow, soulful intro. In perfect time, the cellist came in on her instrument, playing the notes that would normally be sung. It wasn’t quite the same as when the song was sung with words, but it still held its own charm. The cello’s resonant depth made for a very fitting alternative to a voice.

The song came to a close, Sketchy drawing out the last few notes. “Mmm. That worked quite well.” he smiled.

Octavia clapped her front hooves together in appreciation of his performance. “Bravo, dear. Thank you.” She then set down her cello and trotted over to him, wrapping her forelegs round his shoulders in a warm embrace as she whispered softly to him. “Thank you for all that you do.”

The stallion returned her affections, setting down his instrument and hugging her back. “Same to you, honey.” he said softly, nuzzling her forehead. The cellist let out a soft hum of happiness at that, and then released him.

“You know what will be just hilarious later?” she questioned, a mischievous smile playing around her lips as she turned to put away the tuning fork she’d pulled out of the box earlier.

“What’s that then?”

“When we see Luna again. I just know she is going to be surprised when she hears me speak! Or, perhaps she is already aware? Ah, either way, I am sure she will be surprised.”

“Ahahaha! You’re right, she’s only ever heard your "normal" voice before, after all.” Sketchy agreed, a grin creasing his features.

The strings player giggled as she took hold of her cello to stow it away once more. She then glanced over at the violin sat in one corner, and a mischievous look spread across her face as she sauntered over and lifted it into her hooves, picking up its starry glass bow as well. With a flash of a grin to her partner, she began to play a rather lively and jaunty tune on the instrument, going so far as to dance about the room as she played. She skipped over to the large stallion and bumped her flank off of his as she began to sing.

“Ta na caorigh ag ithe an gheamhair, ta an gamhna ag ol an bhainne, tratai sios gan diolachan, 's duine gan mheabhair, na raghta abhaile!” she sang. It was lively and tuneful, even if it wasn’t perfectly pronounced.

A broad smile spread across Sketchy’s face, as he recognised both the style of playing and the language. It was quite close to the kind his home region was famous for; the origins of folk music in both the realms of Trotland and Marelann having some shared roots. It was enough to stir up his Shetland spirit, so to speak, as he joined the black-maned mare in her lively song and dance.

The two of them careened around the room, somehow managing to avoid knocking over or denting anything valuable. The song drew to a close, and Sketchy struck a faintly ridiculous pose as the mare drew her bow over the last note. The two of them grinned at each other, bursting out in a round of happy laughter.

“Ah! What fun... my goodness though, do not tell her I did that!” Octavia chuckled, moving to set the musical relic back down on its stand. She wasn’t being entirely serious about her warning though, and it was difficult to be taken seriously anyway as she was still laughing about the fact she’d just played a jig on a literally priceless instrument.

“Oh I know, she’d be absolutely furious!” Sketchy snickered, joining in on the joke.

“Ah, such a wonderful life...” the cellist smiled, trotting over to her couch and flopping down onto it with a relaxed and happy smile.

Her stallion companion trotted over to where she had flopped down, lowering his head to her neck and roughly nuzzling at her in a playful fashion. “Couldn’t agree more!” he giggled, his voice muffled a bit by her coat.

The stone grey mare let out a little squeak, wiggling a bit where she sat. “My goodness, we are going to have fun tomorrow. I can see it now... I expect your mother will be most delighted with our performance.”

Sketchy settled himself on the floor before her, continuing to nuzzle more gently at his enchanting companion’s neck and shoulders. “Oh, I know she will. I mean, her favourite musician and her own son playing for her? She’ll be thrilled.”

Octavia nodded, settling into the couch on her side. Her head came to rest on its arm, and her long black mane slowly flowed over her shoulders, draping over the stallion’s nose. He twitched, pulling his head back a little.

“Ah... ah... choo!” he sneezed, shaking his head slightly. He looked back down into the mare’s violet eyes with a bit of a giggle. “That tickled!”

The cellist’s smile grew, and she gave him a rather fond look as she laughed in turn. “You, mi amor, are adorable! Ah... what do you have in mind for the rest of today? I figure we should probably get up early so we shall not be late... then you will not have to hear about it!”

“Oh certainly, last thing we need is my mum teasing me about that.” the stallion agreed with a chuckle. “As for ideas... I’m sure we can think of something.”

A grin spread itself across the mare’s features, and her eyelids slid half-closed at that remark. “Why yes, I am certain something will come to mind!” she giggled, well aware of what his intentions were. Still, she certainly had no objections to ending the day’s activities in such a manner...

Octavia’s mind returned to the present as she tidied up the last of the cushions and pillows, tossing them back onto the couch, followed by her tidying away the dishes and glasses that had been left on her table the previous evening. Nevertheless, it was a compulsion she had the time to indulge – a fact she was reminded of as she made her way to the bathroom, the sound of running water having ceased about a minute ago. A smile spread across her face as she entered the room, greeted by the sight of her special somepony swirling a front hoof experimentally in the water. He glanced round at the sound of her entering, and smiled in turn.

“I think it’s about ready, my lovely lass.”

“Mmm, good. I do love sharing a bath with you after all, and there is no way I could look my best without one.”

Sketchy chuckled a little at that. “And we can’t have you not looking stunning.” he agreed, carefully stepping into the tub. He let out a warm sigh as he settled into the water, then turned his attention once more in Octavia’s direction. “C’mon in, beautiful. I’ll give you a hoof prettifying yourself.”

With the poise and practice of someone who had obviously performed a feat more than a thousand times over, Octavia gracefully stepped into the tub, sinking down into it comfortably. After submerging her whole self for a few moments, her head rose again, her long black mane soaked and slicked down against her head and neck.

“Ahhh!” she exclaimed, thoroughly delighted by the feeling of warm water surrounding her. She cast an appreciative look to her companion. “Just perfect, dear. This is bliss.”

“Is it now? So what does it become when I do this?” the stallion replied, reaching over and hugging her to him.

The classically-trained mare let out a small whine of happiness, melting into the embrace. “I take back my previous assessment. This is bliss.” she giggled softly, leaning into him. “Mmm... this is wonderful.”

“Alright, let’s see here....” Sketchy smiled, glancing around the edge of the bath where all sorts of bottles and jars were lined up. “...I’ll admit I’m not that familiar with your choice of cosmetics, my love. Which one’s the shampoo?” he snickered.

A similar amused sound left Octavia’s lips as she sat up a bit, propping herself up against his chest. “Of course, dear. Us complicated creatures have all sorts of strange substances and implements!” she teased, casting her gaze around before picking up a small bottle and dropping it between his hooves.

“That concoction works wonders for both shine and softness.” she stated matter-of-factly, as though she were reading for an endorsement; something which elicited a further laugh from her companion.

“Alright.” he stated with a nod, before pouring some of the stuff out over her head. As he began to work it through her hair, he felt the mare’s smaller body relax against his own.

“Mmm,” she purred, feeling renewed by the stallion’s delicate touch. “You are a gem, my dear.” she stated, leaning forward to let him get at the whole length.

Sketchy smiled to himself, taking the time to work his hooves gently through her mane. Her hair was quite thick and voluminous, something which he knew made it a pain to groom at times for her. But still, he had to admit, the effort was always worth it.

“Thank you, my dear.” he replied. “And you are a most beautiful mare.” He scooped up some water, rinsing the cleansing foam out of her inky black mane. He smiled upon running his front hooves gently through it once more. “Feels much better now.”

Octavia straightened up again, leaning back against him, and tilted her head up towards his. “It is long and can be quite a pain to care for, but I must admit, I do look good.” she stated with a small giggle. She turned and flashed him a wink, pushing herself up to her hooves.

“Going to help with my tail also?”

Sketchy simply grinned at that, nodding. “If my lady wishes for me to do so, how can I refuse?”

A smile spread on the stone grey pony’s features at that, accompanied by a slight blush. She turned, presenting her back end with her saturated tail to him. “A good thing I did not have a braid in there. That would be next to impossible to remove, now!”

“Too true.” her artist companion agreed, laying a hoof firmly on her rump and giving it a cheeky rub, before turning his attention to her tail. “Let’s sort out that gorgeous tail of yours...”

Octavia giggled a bit at his attentions, wiggling her hindquarters a bit and twitching her tail playfully at him. “Oh! Do we need to stop at your place at all before we head to the park?”

“I can’t think of any reason for us to, off the top of my head.” Sketchy replied, emptying more of the little bottle’s contents onto his companion’s tail. Thankfully, it was an easier task to care for it than her mane was, and he soon had it cleaned up.

Octavia turned around once more as he finished up with her tail, leaning up and planting a soft kiss on his muzzle. “Here, allow me to repay your efforts...” she smiled, taking possession of the shampoo. Before the stallion could object, she emptied some of it into his mane and worked her hooves thoroughly through it. He was a little bemused, however, by the silly grin she wore whilst doing so.

“Wait a minute, what...” he started, until a glance in the mirror revealed that the strings player had used the shampoo to style his mane into a rather ridiculous and, it had to be said, slightly pathetic-looking mohawk.

“Ahaha! I am sorry. I just had to!” Octavia giggled, the same ridiculous grin plastered on her features.

Sketchy shook his head at her, letting out a laugh of his own. “You silly filly!” he grinned, before promptly immersing his whole head under the water. He emerged once more with his mane slicked down against his head and neck, much like the cellist’s had been.

“Ooh, that is simply adorable, dear.” Octavia declared, her heart fluttering with happiness. She kissed the stallion’s nosepad and then lunged forward to hug him in a swirl of warmth and bubbles. Her affection was met with equal delight from Sketchy, who wrapped his forelegs round her and squeezed her to him, her head tucking in under his own.

“Mmm... c’mon, lass. We can’t just play around in here all day, fun as that would be.” he smiled, releasing her after a few moments and planting a kiss on her forehead.

“True, we cannot.” the smaller pony agreed, stepping out of the tub. “And we certainly cannot be late for today’s performance, either! This is of the utmost importance to me, after all.”

Sketchy smiled to himself as he followed her out of the tub, helping himself to a large towel as she did much the same. He found it both slightly amusing and at the same time quite impressive how fastidious she was about her appearance, especially before a performance of any kind. Right now, for example, she had wrapped up her mane in one towel and her tail in another, taking yet another towel to dry her coat with. Having taken care of that, she then began to fuss over her eyelashes, making sure every single one was perfect, before then turning her attention to her teeth to brush them nice and clean. Lastly, she took to her hair with a brush, comb, and a hair dryer, and soon she was the usual picture of immaculate refinement he was used to. She turned to him, and took a small bow.

“My dear, the washroom is yours!” she giggled, trotting out of the room to find her collar and bow-tie.

Rather unsurprisingly, it took Sketchy a lot less time to tend to his appearance. Of course, considering that he had less mane and tail to arrange, and that he preferred a look that could be termed as "smart scruffy", it was to be expected that he needed far less time to sort his appearance than the fastidious mare. He did, however, take a bit more care about his appearance than normal. Perhaps it was because he would be performing, or because he was to be seen out and about with Octavia... or most likely, perhaps it was because both of those would be happening at the same time, in front of his mother no less.

Yes, that would be it!

As it was, when he strolled out of the bathroom, his appearance earned him the appreciative remark of “Do you not look fantastic!” from an admiring Octavia, as she pulled on her bags.

“You look quite fantastic as well, Tavy.” he replied with a smile, trotting over to her and planting a kiss on the back of one of her ears. “Shall we grab our instruments and be on our way? I think it’s a nice enough day to grab breakfast en route.”

The cellist reared up slightly on her hind legs, clapping her front hooves together with a nod. “Oh yes yes yes!” she smiled, clearly eager to set out and enjoy the day. “Ah, where are my stagehands when I need them?” she chuckled, heading over to pick up her instrument case. A small groan left her throat as she hoisted its weight onto her back, though she cast a cheeky smirk in her stallion companion’s direction as he too saw to hoisting his chosen instrument onto his shoulders.

“Fortunately for you, that oboe breaks down into small sections. Such cheating!” she giggled, heading towards the mirror to make the last fine adjustments to her appearance. A quick adjustment of her bow-tie and a push of some stray hair out of her face, and she was finally satisfied.

“Right, you good?” she questioned of Sketchy, looking towards his reflected face. A grin spread across his features.

“You know I’m always good, honey.” he replied with a wink, eliciting a snort and a laugh from the stone grey mare.

“Of course, how silly of me!” she smirked, turning towards the entranceway and making her way to the door. She paused, as always, to briefly admire the picture that took pride of place on the wall, before pulling the door open. A warm breeze blew in, and the warmth of the morning sunlight bathed her face as she made her way out, eliciting a contented sigh from her. “Oh Celestia, you do know how to make such wonderful mornings.”

Her brief ritual wasn’t lost on Sketchy, and a warm smile spread across his features as he followed her outside. “One of my better works, that one.”

Octavia turned in her tracks, walking backwards as she spoke up in return. “It is probably one of the best presents anypony has ever given me, and I get to enjoy it at least twice a day.” she smiled, turning back around as she made her way down the path and out onto the thoroughfare. She was soon joined by her taller companion, who let out a small chuckle as he joined her.

“Well, I’m glad you like it so much,” he replied, giving her a gentle nudge to the side, “though I know these days I could draw an even more spectacular image, given time... I’ve seen that much greater a picture of your beauty, after all.”

Octavia felt a rush of heat in her cheeks, one she knew was certainly not due to the weather. She let out a giggle, casting a coy glance at her partner. “Oh you and your flattery, it will get you just everywhere, you know.” she replied, a playful spring in her step as she led the way along the road towards town. “Are we going to our usual spot?”

“Have you any better suggestions?” her companion enquired with a knowing smile.

The cellist shook her head. “Not anything off-hoof. Besides, we love our sandwich maestro!” she chuckled, though her expression became slightly more serious as a small pang of anxiety shot through her. “I would like something light, anyway. Any performance, even if it is only a small venue, honestly makes me nervous... and this is your mother!”

A small chuckle escaped Sketchy’s throat. It was so very like Octavia to be this way: regardless of the size of the audience or the venue, she was always determined to give it her best.

“Alright lass. But honestly, don’t be too worried. She’s going to love whatever we play, you know.”

The cellist nodded, unconsciously quickening her pace as her thoughts began to swirl a bit. The thought that she should be more relaxed served only to increase her anxiety a little. “I know... but still! First impressions, second, third...!”

She skidded to a halt as her panicked pace almost carried her straight past the turn they were meant to take, and she glanced back round at the stallion with slightly wide eyes as he caught up to her.

“Easy there, lass.” he called, his expression a mix of calm and concern.

Octavia took a breath, cleared her throat, and gave a polite nod to the ponies she had almost run into. She let out a small sigh, and then a smile spread across her features once more as she focused her attention back on her companion.

“Ahem. As I was saying. Food.” she stated, looking at him as though the last few minutes hadn’t happened.

Sketchy shook his head slightly, an understanding smile spreading on his face. “Come on.” he beckoned, heading for the door of the nearby sandwich shop.

The cellist’s eyelids flicked a few times as she followed after him. “I am sorry, I know I need to relax more... I just get very worked up when something is important to me, and now I have to worry about you, too! Not that I mind, I am just not used to that...” she explained, stepping past the stallion as he held the door open for her. She took in a deep breath, the familiar smell of fresh baked bread and delicious vegetables wafting through the air serving to calm her mind somewhat.

The door swung shut as Sketchy let it go, and he sidled up alongside his smaller companion. She felt his breath on her ear as he leaned his head down and gave it a playful nibble. “As I always tell you, Tavy, you’re going to be brilliant.” he cooed softly.

Octavia let out a small squeak and a giggle, pleased by the attention though trying not to look too silly in public. “Ee! That tickles!” she exclaimed, bumping her flank against his before leading the way towards the counter where their mutual friend stood with an expectant smile.

“Ah, good morning Octavia! And you too, Sketchy! How delightful to see you both!” Salad enunciated, her tone proper and refined due to the presence of ponies aside from her friends in the shop.

“Good day, madam.” Octavia replied, nodding her head politely. “Can I have a light greens salad?”

“Indeed you may, dear lady.” Salad replied with a nod of her own, her purple irises then flicking towards Sketchy. “And I take it you will want your breakfast special, sir?”

Sketchy nodded, a smile on his face. “Yes please, Sally. Thanks!”

“Very well then. Please go ahead and find yourselves some seating.” Salad nodded.

“Thank you, dear.” Octavia smiled, flashing the unicorn a brief wink as she turned to look for a table. It wasn’t missed by the unicorn, as she in turn winked briefly to the pair of them as she got to work.

The two musicians soon found seating at a table towards the back of the shop, out of the way of the other customers. Octavia still wore a slightly nervous look, though her anxiety was eased somewhat by the look of calm her companion wore. She glanced around the shop a bit, then back to Sketchy.

“I wonder when... you know... may stop by. I bet this place will be packed after that occurs. I should probably send her a letter some time... just to remind her nicely, I mean.”

“Hm? Oh, you mean her.” Sketchy chuckled. “I’m sure that’ll drive the crowds wild, so to speak. But it’s already a little busier of late, I’ve noticed. Word must have gotten out that there are famous and beautiful ponies eating here.” he stated with a conspiratorial wink.

A soft laugh came from Octavia at that, her tail flicking slightly with amusement. “Point them out if you see them!” she smiled, eliciting a small laugh from the stallion in turn.

“Honey, I see one every day lying next to me when I wake up.” he intoned smoothly.

For the second time that day, the black-maned mare felt her muzzle and cheeks turn red, earning a further chuckle from her companion as he regarded her with a slightly cheeky smile.

It was then that Salad arrived, a tray carrying their dishes floating before her in a soft yellow glow of magic.

“Here you are, you two. Enjoy~!” she smiled, setting the tray down on the table before them.

Octavia swiftly sat up straight, smiling to the unicorn caterer as she tried not to giggle. “Thank you, madam~!” she replied, spinning the words back to Salad as she trotted away from them.

The unicorn glanced back briefly in their direction, flashing them both a big wink over her shoulder as she returned to the counter.

The cellist returned her attention to her companion and the food before them. Her mouth watered a bit as she looked at the delightful arrangement of greens on her plate. “Just delightful, every single time. That filly is incredible.”

“She is, at that.” Sketchy agreed with a grin, lifting the sandwich off his plate and taking a hearty chomp of it. “It’ll be a lucky colt that gets to be with her.” he added, swallowing the bite with a pleased look. “And he better be good himself. Else he’ll have me to deal with.”

“Hear hear! She has a lot of muscle behind her!” Octavia chuckled. She knew full well that he was entirely serious, of course. There was a bond between her earth pony partner and the unicorn filly that was as good as kinship, and it was one she had seen both the good and the bad sides of. She took a bite out of her salad, chewing it happily as the luscious flavour filled her mouth.

“You’d know, lass.” Sketchy grinned, taking another bite out of his breakfast. “But heck, it goes both ways. I’m sure you don’t need me to remind you how she looks out for me.”

“Not at all.” Octavia smiled, swallowing another mouthful of crunchy greens. “I have told you before how I am ever so slightly envious. You have had Sally and Freezy both watching your back for most of your life. Whilst I have not been without acquaintances throughout my days, I would be remiss to consider any of them to be as close to me as they are to you—or, indeed, as you are to me, nowadays.”

The stallion grinned a bit at that last remark, narrowing his eyes slightly in a cheeky fashion. “Well I’d certainly hope there aren’t any other ponies as close as I am.” he winked, causing Octavia to giggle once more and shake her head at him.

“You know what I mean!” she playfully scolded, finishing off the last of her meal. “Mm. I am so ready to tackle this little performance.” she exclaimed – perhaps a little too emphatically, as she raised a few strange looks from some of the nearby patrons. She ducked her head slightly at that, lowering her tone to a whisper.

“Heh! I do not think some of those who know of me have heard or are comfortable with my renewed tones, yet. This is rather good fun.” she giggled quietly.

“Seeing ponies’ reactions, you mean?” Sketchy chuckled. “I can’t blame them though. Hearing your natural tones was a surprise to me, too.”

Octavia giggled a little, sitting back up. “I still can not wait to see Lu—uhm, her. What with her not having yet heard me, and all.”

“Should be fun!” Sketchy nodded, rising from his seat as he had emptied his plate. “Shall we be on our way?”

“Absolutely!” the cellist nodded in reply, picking up her bags and adjusting them properly. “Let us not keep your mother waiting!”

With that, the two of them set off out of the shop, Sketchy once more holding the door open for his smaller companion. They made their way along the road, heading towards the park where they had agreed to play for Trillian.

“You know, I hope there are not too many ponies out today,” Octavia mused aloud, “though I fear this lovely weather may prove a crowd.”

“Ach, who cares if it does, lass?” Sketchy replied with a grin. “There’s only one pony we’re playing for, after all.”

A giggle emanated from the black-maned mare, and she nodded an agreement. “True. And I must admit, I would be lying if I said I did not enjoy it. It is quite exhilarating, especially when I finish a piece and raise my head, and all I see are amazed face. It makes me glad for my parents’ pushing me when I was little.”

She skipped a bit in her step, her hind hooves clicking together, raising a hint of a laugh from her companion.

“Same here. You have quite the amazing talent, after all.” he stated, then leaned his head in close to hers and added in a low whisper “In more ways than one.”

Octavia flashed him a smirk at that, a snort of a laugh escaping her. “You... are silly.” she stated, bumping her flank against his. Her attention then turned to the path before them, as they drew near to the park. “Where will she meet us, you think?”

Sketchy craned his neck slightly, glancing towards the park entrance. A smile spread across his face as he caught sight of a familiar face within. “I would say just inside the entrance, on that bench to our right.”

Octavia glanced in the direction he’d indicated, then with a smile and a bit of a giggle, dropped behind her companion slightly. Whether it was nerves, manners, or a combination of the two, it was clear enough that she wanted Sketchy to break the ice.

The stallion’s smile grew as he led the way over to the bench where the familar form of his mother sat waiting. “Hi mum!”

His greeting was echoed shortly thereafter as Octavia slid up beside him, tilting her head slightly in a small bow of greeting. “Good morning, Trillian!”

“Ah, there you are! Good morning, you two. What lovely weather we have today!” the elder mare smiled, then lowered her voice to a conspiratorial tone. “Do say a thank you for me to your friend Celly if you happen to see her!” she added with a wink.

Octavia clapped a hoof to her muzzle, suppressing a laugh at the older pony’s easy-going comment. Her earlier anxiety swiftly began to melt as she was reminded once more of Trillian’s pleasant demeanour.

“I take it you know somewhere nice to play?” the bespectacled mare went on with an expectant look.

“We do indeed. In the eastern side of the park there is a small theatre, and if nopony is using it then we can play for you there.” Octavia confirmed.

“Well then, by all means lead on, my dears.” Trillian nodded, rising to her feet and drawing alongside Sketchy’s opposite flank.

Octavia found herself once more leading the way to her chosen performance stage. She held her head high and kept her posture dignified, as much as she would if she were about to lead a performance of an entire orchestra. Still, she felt more at-ease just now than she would in the other case, and her eyes roamed as she led the way, taking in the scenery of a blue sky dotted with the occasional wisp of cloud, punctuated with the sound of birdsong wafting through the air mixed in with the laughter of foals playing in the grass. All in all, it was a beautiful day, and here she was enjoying it with her favourite pony in the world at her side along with his ever-entertaining mother.

“She paints quite the picture, does she not?” the cellist mused.

“She sure does.” Sketchy agreed. “We are but dilettantes compared to the master artist, though I daresay she’d be quick enough to say that our additions are what make the masterpiece.”

“You may be right.” Octavia nodded, drawing to a stop in front of the small open-air theatre. It was mostly empty, save for a few ponies milling about the seats or lounging there to enjoy the sunshine. “Madam Trillian, in this venue, you get the front row.” she stated with a graceful bow of her head, then looked up to the purple-coated pony with a giggle. “We had a short practice yesterday, and I think you will enjoy this duet. Did you know he plays oboe?” she questioned, indicating the tall stallion.

“I wasnae aware of that, no, but nor can I say I’m that surprised. That young fellow’s been making a racket with whatever he could get his hooves on since he was just a foal.” Trillian replied with a grin, having raised an eyebrow at the cellist’s revelation.

“Oh, I am sure my parents can relate.” Octavia replied with a giggle, recalling for a moment her own early forays into the world of music. She then turned and led the way down to the front row of seats, depositing her baggage on an empty chair before setting her instrument’s case down on the platform. Taking a look around at the other gathered ponies, she put on her best smile and raised her voice to an announcing tone.

“If you fine ponies do not mind, we are going to play two songs here for a lovely lady on this beautiful day.” Her announcement was met with no objections, and so she set to the task of freeing her prized cello from its case, then set to tending the instrument itself along with its bow.

Whilst she was tending to her tasks, Sketchy had joined her and was himself attending to putting the oboe together from its component parts. He and his partner both were watched over by his mother, who wore a relaxed smile on her face, her eyes twinkling slightly with anticipation.

The cellist soon had her instrument prepared, and she made a small show of running up and down the scales on its strings a few times, emphasising the triads and quadrats in such a way as to make the simple act seem almost like a song in and of itself. She cast a brief wink to her companion as he finished putting his instrument together. “Need help with that?”

“I think it may have gone a bit out of tune when I put it back together here.” he replied, blowing a brief note on it. “Can I get a C?”

Octavia nodded, drawing the black hair of her bow across the cello’s string, easily sustaining the note until she got an assenting nod from the stallion that he was tuned.

“I believe we’re prepared.” he smiled. “Let’s start with the older piece first.” he added with a wink. His fellow musician snickered slightly and nodded, readying herself.

“Madam Trillian, I hope you enjoy.” she stated, turning her attention back towards the mare sat in the front row. She then closed her eyes and took a breath, then struck her bow to the strings, the introductory part of the song calling for vibrancy and life. The theatre was soon filled with the sound of her instrument, and she glanced towards her fellow musician for accompaniment, a smile on her face as she swayed in time to the tune as though it was playing itself.

On cue, Sketchy took the oboe’s reed to his lips and blew life into the instrument. The notes flowed forth, mixing together with the bright and deep tones of the cello, creating quite the aural delight. At the very least, their intended audience seemed to think so, as she sat in her seat with her mouth hanging open a bit in a huge smile. It was to be expected, of course: one of her all-time favourite pieces was being performed just for her, by two of the ponies she loved the most.

As they continued to play, more ponies gathered in the seats before them, drawn by the lively sound of their performance. Octavia’s hooves raced expertly over the strings, finding every last note required of her. As they reached the end of the tune, she managed a brief curtsey to their VIP guest, before turning and blowing a kiss to her fellow performer as the final note resonated through her cello’s strings.

There came a round of applause from the gathered audience as the noted faded, though none were quite so exuberant as Trillian, whose shouts of “Bravo, bravo!” echoed above the other ponies’ hooves.

Octavia clapped her hooves together in a small bit of applause towards her companion. “You were amazing, dear! I am impressed you can play that contraption!” she giggled.

“Why thank you, my love!” he replied with a chuckle. “You were spectacular as ever. My mum certainly seems to have been impressed.”

The cellist smiled, turning her attention back to the foremost member of the audience with a brief bow of her head. She then raised her voice once more as she spoke up.

“Thank you, everypony. Sketchy and I wanted to put on an impromptu concert for his lovely mother, and I am glad you all are here to enjoy it.” she smiled, taking an extra bit of amusement from the assorted expressions of the ponies before her. Her gaze shifted back to her companion again. “Onto the next piece?”

“Aye, lass.” Sketchy nodded, a grin creasing his features. “They seem a tad surprised at hearing your natural tones.”

Octavia giggled a little at that, striking the strings of her instrument briefly with a high, sharp tone. “I think they will learn to love it!”

“I know I do.” the stallion replied, setting the reed of the oboe to his lips.

The cellist shook her mane out a bit and then turned her attention back to the audience once more, her voice calling for attention again. “We are going to play one more piece, something a little different and a little more recent than most pieces I would usually play. Sketchy suggested this as something his mother would enjoy, and I do hope the rest of you will as well.”

With that said, she briefly checked her scaling and glanced to the elder mare in the front row with a smile, before turning her attention to Sketchy again. “On you, mi amor.”

A smile briefly creased Sketchy’s features, and he then began to play. It took Trillian barely a moment to recognise the melody of the song’s introduction, and her face lit up with a delighted smile once more.

As the song moved into where a vocalist would usually take the lead, Octavia instead voiced the notes on her instrument’s strings. The slightly melancholy sound was a fitting substitute for the words that would normally have accompanied the music, and the notes resonated around the small theatre. It was certainly a different atmosphere from the previous piece, though no less appreciated.

The final few notes of the song echoed quietly around the theatre, and there was a moment’s silence. It was broken, however, as Trillian rose to her feet with a shout of “Bha sin dìreach à lainn!” and began to stomp her hooves in applause. She was soon joined by the majority of the other gathered ponies.

Octavia smiled, setting down her instrument and moving across the stage to where Sketchy was sat. She took one of his hooves in her own, and the two of them bowed to their audience.

“Thank you, Trillian. And thank you, everypony!” the cellist declared, before turning to her fellow musician and kissing him on the lips, her shorter height forcing her to put her weight solely on her hind legs in order to reach his muzzle with hers. He was a little surprised but certainly by no means upset at such a public show of affection, one which he happily returned. He broke from it shortly thereafter, however, upon noticing his mother approaching the stage and gesturing for his attention.

Octavia watched with a slightly bemused expression, as the elder mare whispered something in her son’s ear. She raised an eyebrow as he exclaimed “Sure, I’d love that!”, followed by him looking round to her with a smile.

“Would you like to take a seat, my love?” he enquired, a twinkle in his eyes.

The black-maned mare tilted her head slightly, but decided to play along with whatever it was he was up to. “Of course, absolutely.” she nodded, moving down off the stage to occupy the seat Trillian had been sat in as the latter clambered up on the stage in turn.

Trillian parked herself on the stage, and focused her gaze on Octavia. “As a little thank you for such a wonderful performance, I’d like to sing you a song from home, with my son. I doubt it’ll be so brilliant as what you both laid on, mind.”

“Ooh! Yes yes, please do!” the younger mare enthused. “I would love to hear it!”

Trillian nodded her head at that, and glanced to the tall stallion sat next to her. “Alright. Ready?”

“Lead on, mum.” Sketchy grinned with a nod.

There was a moment’s quiet as the dark-haired elder mare drew in a deep breath. She then began to sing, her voice soft and clear in the early afternoon air.

“O, chì, chì mi na mòrbheanna;

O, chì, chì mi na còrrbheanna;

O, chì, chì mi na coireachan,

Chì mi na sgoran fo cheò.”

The song was one Octavia had heard before, albeit an instrumental thereof. She knew it by the name of The Mist-covered Mountains, but had never had the opportunity to hear it sung in its native language.

As the song continued, Sketchy joined in, harmonising on the low end of the scale. It obviously wasn’t the first time he and his mother had sung this song together, as their timing and harmonisation were almost perfect.

Octavia sat, enraptured by their performance as they continued, quietly trying to mouth the lyrics phonetically as the duo continued their song. The very last note was drawn out by both Sketchy and Trillian, both of whom had closed their eyes to focus on their singing throughout. As they finished, however, both slowly opened their eyes to glance at Octavia with a smile, Trillian bowing her head slightly.

The cellist stood to her feet, applauding the pair of them. “Lovely! Simply beautiful, the both of you! Such magic, even unicorns would have to agree. Listen to me gush!” she exclaimed all at once, rather delighted by the rare treat she had been given.

“Why, thank you, my dear.” Sketchy intoned, stepping down from the stage and moving to hug her. She was quick to return his affection, planting a kiss on his cheek as well.

“Absolutely stunning!” she repeated.

“That’s what I think every time I look at you.” the stallion whispered to her with a cheeky giggle. It elicited a blush from the cellist, and she shoved at his chest playfully.

“Oh, you!” she giggled, shaking her head. Her attention then turned upon Trillian, who had stood watching the pair’s antics with some amusement. “Trillian! That was simply mind-blowing! I have had little chance to listen to the music of the Shetlands, but should clearly remedy this. Such a rich musical history they must have, I am jealous!” she exclaimed, her voice alive with enthusiasm.

“Oh come on, I’m hardly the world’s greatest singer.” Trillian playfully retorted, though her purple coated face bore a red tinge regardless. “If you want to hear that kind of thing done properly, you ought to take a trip to Shetland some time. Have this big lug take you there some time and introduce you to his father, or something. It’s as good an excuse as any to make the journey.”

The cellist let out a laugh at that, pondering it thoughtfully. “You know, there is a concert series in the works that may take me close to there, perhaps that is possible!” She turned to look at Sketchy, her eyes large and twinkling. “Would that be interesting to do?”

A warm smile spread across the stallion’s face. Given a look like that, he could hardly refuse her. “Sounds like the perfect plan to me, honey.”

Octavia clapped her front hooves together excitedly. “Fantastic! This, I cannot wait for! Even right now, I am thinking what to pack! My goodness!” she laughed, tending to the task of putting her cello away in its case before grabbing her bags and tossing them over her back.

“It’ll be quite the long trip you know, lass. You’ll have to think carefully what you will and won’t need, depending of course on how much space we’ll have for luggage.” Sketchy pointed out. He was a little surprised to see her smile at that and chuckle to herself. She was quick to explain, however.

“Dear, if we are travelling with the orchestra, we could pack both of our homes and they would be waiting for us when we got there. Not to play my own fiddle, but they do tend to treat me very well when we travel.”

“Well, alright then! I guess it’ll be no problem.” Sketchy chuckled. His voice then dropped a bit in volume as he remembered something the cellist had mentioned earlier. “Do you think we should enquire about returning Lu-Lu’s violin to her?”

Octavia pondered that for a moment, and nodded. “I doubt she would be available right now, of course. It is still rather early in the day. That, and I do not have it with me... but, certainly, we could pass on a message at the least. Perhaps we should stop by the gates and ask, if neither of you would mind?”

Trillian shook her head, smiling at the younger mare. “Not at all, dear. A little more time spent with you two will be nice.”

The stone grey pony shook out her mane, a fond smile on her face as she took a last glance around the small theatre. “Well then, let us see what trouble we can get ourselves into.” she smiled, starting back up the hill that the theatre’s seats were built into. She paused at its crest, taking a moment to admire the scenery and the refreshing breeze that went with it. “I wonder if Freezy is working at the gates today. Ha! Did you tell your mother of that incident?”

“Nope, I didn’t.” Sketchy laughed, recalling the memory himself as he glanced round at his mother with a grin. “Though, no doubt you want to hear all about it now. You of course know how Freezy’s a Guard nowadays. Well, when we had to make a stop by the palace one day, Freeze was on duty and Tavy here didn’t recognise her. ‘course, given the armour and all, it’s not that surprising. She was still pretty embarrassed, though!”

Trillian suppressed a small snort of laughter at that tale, an amused grin painting her face. “Oh my, I can imagine. Still, I know Freeze quite well. I’d wager she wasn’t too terribly upset by it. She was probably more amused than anything, knowing her.”

Octavia let out a laugh of her own, her face going slightly red at the memory. “Well! You know, it is not so often there are filly guards. My assumptions certainly got me into trouble that day!” she stated, shaking her head a bit. “She is a tough girl, certainly. I have to admire that, there is no way I would be capable of putting up with the kind of rigours she endures.”

By now, they had reached the main road leading up to the gates of the Royal Palace, with Octavia leading the way.

“Well, you know our Freezy.” Trillian piped up. “Cool as ice, soft as snow...”

“...tough as a glacier: and that’s how I roll!” Sketchy finished off, letting out a laugh.

The cellist stopped, turning to stare confusedly at her two companions. “What... the... what?”

“Ahaha, I guess I should’ve mentioned it to you before, Tavy. That’s a motto of Freeze Pop’s, one she’s had ever since she was a little filly. So you know she’s had it some time.” Sketchy explained with a grin.

“Aha! I see!” Octavia giggled, nodding as she was clued in to the joke. “That is rather funny. Somehow I can see her saying that, too.” She cast her gaze back towards the palace gates, trying to see if there were any familiar faces among the seemingly identical Guards stood to the sides of the gateway.

“It fits her, though.” Trillian pointed out. “She’s got a cool head, a strong will, and a lot of muscle... and yet, she’s a big softy on the inside. Well, and outside too; I’ve always adored that coat of hers. She and her parents are polar ponies through and through.”

“They sure are. I can’t tell if any of those on duty are her—” Sketchy began, but he was interrupted by his mother’s voice calling a single word.

“Litla!”

The guard on the left suddenly perked up, stared in their direction, and smiled. “Well well!” she called back, her voice immediately giving away her identity to the three of them. “Fancy seeing you here!”

Sketchy and Octavia both were somewhat impressed, the two of them blinking a few times in surprise.

“How the heck did you know that one was her, mum?”

“I had a feeling.” Trillian replied with a bit of a cheeky grin. “That, and I know there’s only one Royal Guard who recognises that word; or at the least who’ll respond to it like that.”

“Gaman að sjá þig, Trillian. Although perhaps for the sake of these two, we should stick to a tongue we’re all familiar with?” Freeze chuckled as the three of them approached her station.

“What... was that you just spoke?” Octavia enquired, both surprised and fascinated at the same time.

“Hmm? Ah, that was the language of the Frozen North, Tavy. You could say I’m a first generation immigrant to this part of the world... I spent the first few years of my life growing up on a snowy mountain in the middle of nowhere. I just have very little call to use the language around here.”

“Of course, I’m sure you can already imagine how, when I noticed how her folks sounded, I spent a lot of time conversing with them whenever possible.” Trillian chuckled. “It’s hardly a coincidence that she and Sketchy became such good friends... or, well, perhaps rivals would be the better term, considering how boisterous those two were when they were little.”

“I see!” Octavia nodded, somewhat delighted to have learned yet more about her friends’ earlier lives. “Oh, before we get you into trouble, Freezy... I was wanting to make an enquiry of Her Highness, Princess Luna. I, well... I think it is past time I let her take her violin back.”

The sturdily built pegasus nodded her head briefly. “I’ll handle that personally.” she replied, casting a brief glance toward her colleagues. “So long as you don’t mind holding the fort here?” she added with a smile. Her fellow Guards simply nodded an assent, at which she returned her gaze to Octavia. “I’ll go and ask just now, if she’s awake.”

Octavia bowed her head graciously. “You have my thanks, Freezy. I have been so worried that something may happen to it, you have no idea how out of my mind I have been going. Rest assured, however, she has been well cared for and is in perfect playing condition.”

“I’m sure Her Highness would have expected nothing less of you, Octavia.” Freeze Pop smiled, spreading her wings. “You needn’t trouble yourself to wait, I expect it’ll take a little while to get in to see her even if she is awake. I’ll catch up with you later on, or she’ll send you a letter I expect.” She then glanced over to the elder of the two earth pony mares, and smiled. “Lovely to see you again, Trillian!” she said, before launching herself into the air and up over the palace gates.

Octavia smiled as she watched the pegasus vanish off into the gardens. “Pegasus ponies. Always so... yes.” She had no words for her feelings towards that particular tribe of ponies. Love them or loathe them, there was no denying that they could really take your breath away, sometimes. “Thank you, sirs.” she added with a gracious nod of her head to the other Guards. She turned and began to walk away, turning her gaze on Trillian once more.

“You... are full of tricks, madam.” she giggled, a smile lighting up her face.

“Oh, you don’t know the half of it, my dear.” the bespectacled earth pony replied, smiling the devious little smile she had worn quite often. “What were you two planning for the rest of the day?”

“I... do not really have anything going on. I was generally taking today as it comes.” Octavia replied, looking over to her stallion companion. She couldn’t help but smile, and she moved to kiss him on the cheek softly, before asking “Anything on your mind, dear?”

Sketchy lifted a hoof to his chin thoughtfully, nodding a bit. “...I do have some artwork that I shouldn’t put off finishing any longer if it’s to meet the deadline.” he replied. “Thankfully, it’s a perfect day for sitting out on the balcony with the ol’ drawing board and some good company.”

The cellist clapped her front hooves together briefly, a smile spreading on her face. “That sounds like an excellent idea! I just love your home, and I think I could stand a change of scenery besides. A good thing I packed a few extra things just in case.”

“Well then, I think I’ll leave you two to that.” Trillian nodded, a fond look on her face as she regarded the pair. “I have a few other ponies I ought to go and catch up with today while I still have the time – and I don’t much fancy trotting up all those steps!” she added with a knowing grin in Sketchy’s direction.

“Oh, those infernal stairs! I had to have new shoes fitted just for them, you know.” Octavia chimed in with a laugh. “Though, it was worth the cost and the slight inconvenience.”

“Aye, that doesn’t surprise me in the slightest.” Trillian affirmed. “I’ve only been up there a scant few times in my life, and it wore me out each time. Anyway, I shall be on my merry way to catch up with a few more familiar faces. You two enjoy the rest of your day! And thank you again for such a lovely performance earlier. I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful memento of my visit.” she stated warmly.

Octavia bowed her head towards the older mare. “Madam Trillian, it is always a pleasure... and no, you will not ever get that habit away from me.” she added, flashing the linguist a wink as she looked back up. “You have a fantastic day, and enjoy what remains of your visit.”

“Well, I can’t say I didn’t try, Miss Octavia!” Trillian giggled, shaking her head slightly. “Ah... I’ll see you both later.”

With that, she trotted over to the larger of the two younger ponies and put her forelegs around his shoulders. He smiled, returning the embrace happily.

“Love you to bits, mum.” he said softly, briefly rubbing his nose against hers as she released him.

“You too, son.” she replied in an equally tender manner, before turning and approaching Octavia. The cellist was happy to embrace her as well, hugging the older mare tightly.

“Thank you for your wonderful son.” she whispered quietly, so only Trillian would hear. “If you should need anything, do let me know.”

Trillian nodded to Octavia as the two released each other, a warm smile on her face. “Will do.” she nodded, then raising her voice to its normal level. “You two have fun, now!” she continued, offering a wave of her hoof before turning and making her way down the road.

The two musicians watched her go, the smaller of the pair leaning her weight a bit against the larger.

“Have I said it today, Sketchy? Your mother is... incredible. Your friends must have a wealth of stories to tell... my, I dare say I am jealous!”

“There are the odd few.” Sketchy nodded, then snickered slightly. “Though I have to say, it feels rather weird for you to be jealous of me.”

Octavia made a thpbtpbt sound as she blew a small raspberry. “Want to know the synopsis of my childhood?” she stated, turning to face him as they began their walk along the road. “Octavia, you must play! Octavia, you must play better! Octavia, you must go to practice! Octavia, you must go to concert!” She rolled her eyes a bit, then smiled. “I never really had proper friends, it was just ponies I knew from orchestra, or from class, and then, school work. So much schoolwork. Not enough to out-play any other pony, I had to have perfecto grades.”

Sketchy nodded, frowning a little. “Sounds like it was rough.”

Octavia’s expression softened as she regarded him, and her tone became lighter as she went on. “Oh, do not get me wrong, mi amor. I do love my parents, for it was they that drove to to do something that I truly love, and now that I have met you and other ponies besides, my world has changed so much. And so, now I have both: ponies I can truly call my friends, and something I can pour my heart into.”

Sketchy’s expression in turn brightened on hearing that. “Well then, I’m glad to have helped bring that sort of completion to your life.” he intoned happily, trotting up alongside her. “C’mon, let’s be on our way. I think we’ve earned our lazy afternoon.”

Thus, a short while later, the two ponies were once more within the familiar confines of Sketchy’s apartment. The two of them deposited their bags and belongings to one side as they entered, with Sketchy then promptly trotting over to a pile of papers sat in one corner. He picked up a sketchpad from on top of it, one which held both a pencil and an eraser threaded through its ring bindings, and headed up the stairs to the balcony window with it. Setting the pad down, he pulled open the window before turning his head to glance back down the stairs.

“Tavy dear?”

“Yes, Sketchy?” the cellist replied, glancing up in his direction as she carefully laid her cello to rest against a wall.

“Would you do me a wee favour and bring my drawing board up with you? It’s the big bit of wood next to the desk down there.”

“Certainly, just... uhh, hold on a moment...” Octavia called back, locating the slightly unwieldy looking board in question. She frowned a bit, then carefully grasped it in her teeth and picked it up. It was a little heavier than she’d expected, and she had to fight with it for a moment to properly balance it in her grasp. She rather carefully made her way to the stairs, doing her best to not run into everything en route, and then slightly clumsily made her way up the stairs, almost tripping over the top step. She finally arrived alongside her mate, regarding him with slightly wide eyes as she panted a bit through her nostrils, carefully setting the board down next to him where he sat. She brushed her mane back a bit and cleared her throat.

“Grace, poise, perfection.” she nodded, getting an amused grin from him at that.

“Thank you, my love.” he added, setting his pad down on the board. He then raised a foreleg invitingly. “Now then, why don’t you come sit here with me, and I’ll shield you from the wind while I work?”

Octavia gave a soft chuckle at that, stepping up to him and clambering up into the generously-sized seat, settling herself with her back against his underside. She curled up a little as the stallion’s foreleg came back down to hold his drawing board in place, making herself more comfortable against him. She cast her gaze out over the scenery, taking a deep breath of the fresh afternoon air, littered with the scents of late-blooming flowers.

Sketchy meanwhile began to flip through the pages of the pad, his neck bending down over one of his companion’s shoulders. He had soon found an occupied page of the pad, one which had on it a drawing that was clearly going through the last stages of refinement. It was a pencilled rendering of a photograph, and the subjects of the picture were instantly recognisable to any pony who hadn’t been living under a rock of late. All six of them wore expressions of happiness: clearly, this was a close-knit group of friends.

The stallion picked up his pencil carefully, beginning the painstaking work of the last bits of refinement to the image. Octavia, meanwhile, had turned her attention to the page, eyeing it carefully.

“I recognise those ponies. Especially that frizzy-maned one.” she stated at length in a dry tone, though she couldn’t really bring herself to feel too deep a feeling of upset or resentment as she snuggled close to the warm body of the artist. “You do make some fantastic artwork, dear.” she stated, gingerly stroking the soft part of her hoof over the edge of the page to feel the texture of it.

“Mmm. Fankf, hon.” Sketchy replied with a smile around the pencil he held between his teeth. “Diff here’f acshully a requeft from vun ov duh ponief Freeze knowf. Feemf dey’re a big fan ov rhe Elementf, and it’f dheir birfday foon. Diff if ngoing coo ge a furprife.”

Octavia had to suppress a giggle at how silly the stallion sounded as he spoke with a pencil stuck in his mouth. “You are so cute sometimes.” she smiled, looking from the page to him and back again. “You know, if it was not for those ponies, the Grand Galloping Gala would have been as boring as ever it was.” she stated with a lazy flick of her tail, quite comfortable where she sat.

“Mmhmm?” Sketchy chuckled, laying down his pencil and picking up the eraser to carefully smooth out the lines some more. He then set that down in favour of a brush to sweep away the graphite and rubber residue. He then set that down too, and lifted his head a bit to rest his chin gently atop Octavia’s head. he let out a sigh of contentment from both the feeling of having more or less finished a piece, and from the current company he had as he wrapped his forelegs a bit more snugly around her. “It’s good they livened it up, then. What would life be without some excitement, after all?”

His companion yawned a bit, the slowly waning light combined with the day’s activities taking its toll on her. “Uh-huh, though... still, rudeness.” she stated idly, letting out a small chuckle. “I am over it, though. It is honestly more of a joke for me now, and I have made my peace.”

“That’s good.” Sketchy affirmed, carefully closing the pad once more. “I’d better put this back inside, you know. Would you mind grabbing my board again?” he asked, nuzzling the smaller pony’s ears gently.

Octavia’s ears flicked playfully at the attention, and she slowly slid out of his lap before trotting over to the railing. She took a long look out over the scenery below, taking it in with a contented smile and a deep sigh, before turning her attention back towards Sketchy. “Sure thing, dear.” she stated, stepping over and taking a better grasp of the board this time as she followed him inside.

“You can just set it down here by the table for now, lass.” Sketchy instructed, having dropped his sketchpad on the same table. “I’ll probably want to bring it outside again some time soon... that, and I’ve a sneaking feeling you might end up doing yourself a mischief if you tried carrying it back down the stairs.” he added in a slightly teasing tone.

His sentence earned him a raspberry from Octavia—or rather, it would have done had her mouth not been full of wood at the time she attempted to blow one. She rolled her eyes, set the board down, and then directed a playful pthpbtpbt in his direction as she trotted over and bumped her flank against his. “You teasing me, dear?” she inquired, locking eyes with him in an attempt to appear menacing.

Sketchy couldn’t help but find his mate’s attempt at intimidation anything but adorable, and he let out a giggle as he leaned his face down towards hers. His nose pressed up against hers, and he rubbed the end of his snout firmly against hers. “And if I am?” he questioned, a mischievous look in his eyes. “What does the terrible Octavia plan to do to me if I am being so bold as to tease her?” he went on, a tone of mock fear in his voice with a huge grin on his face.

The grey mare bared her teeth—an act which would probably have been a lot more scary were she not a herbivore—and growled. She then leapt forward as though pouncing on prey... and kissed the taller pony on the nose. “Ha! Take that ruffian!” she laughed.

Sketchy raised a forehoof to his head in mock lament. “Oh, how terrible! She kissed my nose! The horror! I’m terrified!” he chuckled.

Octavia shook her head at him with a knowing smile, flashing him a wink as she trotted over to the bed and parked herself on the edge of it. She stretch a bit, letting out a yawn. “It has been a good day, has it not?”

Sketchy followed her over and pushed his head into her chest, gently toppling her over onto her back. His head stayed close to that area as she lay there, and he nuzzled gently at her. “A wonderful day, I’d say. Though it’s not like it’s completely over yet.” he replied in a warm tone.

There was a subtext to the way he said it that wasn’t lost on the mare, and she let out a soft giggle, wrapping her forelegs loosely around his neck. The relaxed smile she wore as she did so told him she knew what he was thinking, and also that she had almost been anticipating this. He lifted his head a bit and rubbed noses with her once more.

“Have I ever told you that you are simply adorable sometimes, Tavy my love?”

Octavia’s eyes locked with his, and her smile stretched further on her features. “Today, or within the last, hmmm... ten minutes or so?”

The stallion let out a hearty laugh at that and buried his nose in her neck, nuzzling at her playfully. She in turn wrapped her forelegs tighter around him, closing her eyes and immersing herself in the warm affection being given her.

All in all, it was a perfect end to a perfect day.

Author's Note

The song sung by Sketchy and Trillian is, like all the other songs listed, a real song.

The version I had in mind when writing this part can be found here.

Settima Aria

A beautiful truth,
spoken softly with feeling,
will bring great changes.

Dreamers awaken,
the truth will be revealed
and love shall blossom.

Recitativo 7 — A Fresh Perspective

Consciousness seeped into Blacklight’s head, his eyelids flickering as his mind resurfaced from the dull murk of a dreamless sleep. He winced with a sharp intake of air as his wing reminded him of exactly what had happened to him the other night. Still, wherever he was, at least he was on something soft. His eyes began to adjust to the dim light of the room, and he lifted his head to look around. His surroundings were familiar: the orderly but sparse décor, the odd few Royal Guard posters and, most tellingly, the golden armour hung on the wall assured him he was in Freeze Pop’s apartment—or more specifically, her bedroom. As he turned his attention on his own body, it became clear what it was that had him feeling a little uncomfortable around the middle. A tight wrapping of gauze tape and bandage looped over him and the injured wing, fastened so snugly that the sprained limb was immobilised. He let out a sigh and took a glance underneath him. As he’d suspected, the frost-white pegasus had left him asleep on her syntheticloud bed, something he was quite grateful for. Granted, it was not quite as comfortable as the real thing, as it was somewhat less pliable, but it was still by far and away the next best thing. According to Freeze Pop, the bed was a more recent concoction from one of the more ingenious members of Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. The only problem with them, she’d told him, was that they sometimes condensed or evaporated completely, waking you up either in a puddle of water or a foggy mess. He yawned and stretched out, his good wing flaring out to one side, and then settled more comfortably. His ear then twitched as he heard the door open, followed by a short gasp.

“Oh! You’re awake! Thank goodness!” Freeze Pop’s unmistakable voice declared, before the mare herself hurried over to the cloud bed. Blacklight was a bit taken aback as she then leaned in and pressed her forehead to his, her eyes closing as she rubbed her head somewhat affectionately against his.

“I was so worried—” she continued softly, before her mind caught up to her body. She pulled back from him a bit, a pink glow decorating her cheeks. “Uhm... pardon me.” she apologised, her sentence punctuated with a small cough. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better.” the black stallion replied, feeling a warmth rise in his own cheeks. “So uhm... it’s not too serious, then?”

Freeze Pop’s face creased with consternation. “Define serious.” she replied, failing to completely mask the upset in her voice. “You won’t be flying anywhere for at least the next few days, that much is certain... Your wing’s broken, Blackie. It has to stay as rigid as possible while it heals up. Doctor’s orders.”

Blacklight’s ears drooped as he took in this information, his gaze dropping to the floor. “...oh...” was all he said. It sent a pang of sadness through his companion, and she was quick to continue on.

“Ah, but don’t worry, though! I mean... you’re in a good place to recover. Canterlot is home to some of the greatest minds in magic and medicine. Anywhere else, it’d take longer for you to be back in the air. Weeks, even.” she stated in what she hoped was a comforting tone. She paused. “...and, I’ll look after you.” she added in a quieter voice.

It was certainly enough to lift both the stallion’s spirits and his head, and he smiled back at the white pegasus with a more obvious blush to his face. “Thank you.” he said in an equally hushed tone. “I really appreciate it.”

A smile soon adorned Freeze’s face as well as she looked back at the smaller black pegasus. “Well, considering this is my fault, it’s the least I could do.”

Blacklight’s ears folded back again as that remark hit them. “It... it’s not your fault. I miscalculated, that’s all...”

“Well OK, maybe,” Freeze agreed, “but it’s still my fault for bringing you there in the first place.” she stated a little too firmly.

The stallion shrank back a bit from her. No, it’s not your fault. You couldn’t’ve possibly known this was going to happen. he mentally countered, but hearing her tone put him in no mood to argue. Still, his reaction wasn’t lost on the mare, and she checked herself.

“Sorry... I’m a bit, well, bossy sometimes.” she apologised, her tone a little sheepish. She let out a sigh, and the tension fled her muscles along with her breath. All that was left on her face was simple relief more than anything else. “I didn’t mean to be all... in your face about it.” she went on, parking her rump on the floor alongside the bed.

“That’s OK. But, don’t blame yourself. Honestly, you couldn’t have known...”

Freeze Pop nodded, fighting her desire to argue that point. “...alright. Yes, you’re right. I didn’t know... I couldn’t have foreseen it.” she smiled, resigning herself to that simple truth. “I’m no fortune-teller, nor seer, nor am I a Princess.” She leaned her head down towards his, stopping with her face a mere few inches away. “I am definitely going to shoulder the burden of helping you to recover, though.” she stated in her no-nonsense tones, though the smile she wore was a large and playful one.

“Thank you for that, Freezy.” Blacklight replied, the smile on his face growing as he gazed back at her.

“You’re welcome. Is there anything I can get for you?”

“No, not for the moment...” the stallion replied, stifling a large yawn. “Still feeling kinda tired...”

“Mmm. Hardly surprising, Blackie. Your body’s working overtime to fix up that wing, after all.” Freeze noted, gently setting a forehoof atop his head. “If you need to rest, then rest. You’ll probably have a huge appetite later.”

“Mm... probably...” the stallion agreed, his eyelids sliding shut under the weight of his fatigue and the mare’s comforting gentle touch.

Freeze lifted her hoof from his head, then leaned her head in and planted a gentle kiss where her hoof had lain. She giggled softly as she saw the black pegasus’s cheeks turn slightly purple once more as she leaned back. “Let me help you on your way.”

Blacklight had only a few moments to wonder what she meant, before he heard the mare’s dulcet voice chime with the sound of a gentle lullaby. It was one he’d heard before, as it was quite a well-known song usually saved for rambunctious foals at the end of a long day. Still, it had the desired effect, as he felt his consciousness slip from him once more.

He had no idea how many hours passed, but the black pegasus found himself stirring again some time later. There was still a dull ache in his wing, but the rest of him felt somewhat more energetic. He stretched and rose from the synthetic cloud bed, letting out a yawn as he did so.

“Freeze?” he called, trotting over to the room’s door. Hearing no answer, he pulled the door open and headed into his mare friend’s living room. In so doing, he learned why the guard had not answered his call. He had to suppress a laugh at the sight of Freeze Pop: a picture of ladylike grace, she was sprawled out on her sofa with her legs hanging every which way in a disorderly fashion. Her tongue lolled out of her wide-open mouth, out of which she was issuing some impressive snoring.

Blacklight grinned to himself, reaching out and gently poking the dozing mare’s shoulder. “Freeze?”

The sturdy white pegasus responded with a snort interrupting her snoring, and a mumbled “Mnrgh... ‘few more minutes...”

“Alright, Freezy.” Blacklight snickered. “I suppose I can wait a few more minutes...” With that, he parked his rear on the floor before the sofa, watching his companion expectantly.

“Mmm... good...” the large pegasus murmured, settling back down somewhat. She lay still for only a scant few short moments before her mind caught up to what her ears had fed it, and her eyes popped open. A sheepish look spread across her face. “Oh! Uhm. Err... ‘morning, Blackie. I, ah, guess I fell asleep on the couch.”

“You did. And you didn’t look very Royal Guard-like.” Blacklight grinned, suppressing another snicker.

“Thhpbpbt!” Freeze replied eloquently, sticking her tongue out and grinning. “And I still don’t look it right now, I bet.” she went on, sitting up and organising her limbs into a more comfortable and ordinary arrangement. “...oww... my everything aches. This thing was not designed with sleepy ponies in mind.” she muttered, jerking her head sharply to one side, then the other. It made a brief crick-crack as she did so. “Or at least, not in this shape. How’d you sleep?”

“Good. Though it sounds like you could’ve slept better.” the black pegasus frowned.

“Eh, I’ve had worse. Definitely had better, though. Brought it on myself mind, so I can’t complain.”

Blacklight rose to his feet, pushing his face up close to hers. “Hey. Stop blaming yourself for that. If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s when ponies blame themselves for things they have no control over. We could sit here all day, pointing hooves and getting nowhere, or we can just accept what happened, acknowledge that it was really nopony’s fault, and move on. Besides, it could have been a lot worse. I could be dead, or my wing could be—”

His sentence was cut off by his muzzle colliding gently with the the large mare’s generous chest, as her forelegs had wrapped themselves around him and pulled him close. “I meant that I brought the aches on myself from choosing to sleep on the couch, you daft creature.” she softly chided. “But you’re absolutely right that beating ourselves up over it won’t solve anything, so hush.”

Blacklight relaxed, returning her embrace. “I’m just glad that we’re both OK. More or less. That, and that I should be back in the air soon enough.”

“Me too.” Freeze agreed. “You’re right, it shouldn’t be too long at all. Mercy said she’s certainly seen far worse injuries, in her time. That and, with the healing accelerant they applied, it should only take days rather than weeks before you’re good as new. Though we do need to make sure you’re properly fed and watered... that glamour is assisting your healing process, but it’s also making it run at a faster rate. You’ll use up more energy than you would ordinarily.”

“Makes sense.” the stallion nodded. “But I’m not feeling it right now. if anything, I feel kinda... I dunno, energised? I want to go out and do something. I don’t know what, just... something. I want to get outside, get some fresh air in my lungs. Maybe go for a gallop around somewhere.”

A small giggle escaped Freeze Pop’s muzzle as she pulled herself up from the couch, noting her friend bouncing in place a bit. “I can see that. You’re almost as lively as a foal right now. How about we go get some breakfast?”

“Guess I’m feeling a little foalish.” Blacklight chucked, nodding his head. “Breakfast sounds good.”

“We’ll head on down to Graze, then.” the large mare nodded, pulling herself up off the sofa. “And then I suppose I could show you around the city some. You barely had enough time to take it all in, last time you were here.”

“I didn’t, no.” Blacklight agreed, falling in step behind Freeze Pop as she headed for the door.

“Well, there’ll be plenty to show you, then!” the mare smiled, picking up a small satchel and deftly hooking its strap over her neck. “This way, sir.” she added, pulling the door open. She headed out and held it open with a hind hoof, letting it click shut behind her smaller companion. Pausing briefly to be sure the door was properly locked, she turned towards the stairs leading up. She then checked herself as she remembered her companion’s current condition, and made her way down instead.

Blacklight followed after her, the two making their way down several flights of stairs to reach the bottom of the apartment block. The weather outside was typical for a late summer’s day: the sun rode high overhead across a backdrop of blue sky, and the occasional fluffy white cloud drifted lazily through the air. The stallion flashed a small smile to his companion when she glanced back to make sure he was still following her, and soon he drew alongside her.

“You remember Sally’s place, of course?”

“I don’t think I’d forget it any time soon, Freezy.”

“Mmm, of course not. Sally does tend to stick in the minds of most. Or rather, her talent for making good food does.”

“There’s that, and there’re other reasons to not forget it too.” Blacklight pointed out. He resisted the urge to scratch at an itch he felt under the gauze wrapped around his body. Having to walk everywhere and put up with this is going to get old fast... these next few days are really going to take some enduring.

“True, very true.” Freeze Pop’s voice intoned, cutting through his annoyances. His gaze turned towards her, and a smile found its way to his face again as he saw the look on hers.

I suppose it could be far worse.

There was a cheerful tinkle of bells as the two entered the sandwich shop, followed by an equally cheerful chime of their sandwich making friend.

“Hey there! Mornin’ Freezy! Hi Blacklight!” Salad called, her cheerful tone growing as she noticed the black pegasus accompanying her friend.

“‘morning, Sally. We’ve come for some of your delicious breakfast, if you wouldn’t mind.” the sturdy white mare smiled.

“Well uh course Ah don’t mind!” Salad beamed. “An’ if you don’t mind ma sayin’ so, it sure is nice tuh see yuh both again. Specially seein’ as Ah ain’t seen Blacklight in—ma stars, hon, whut happened?”

Blacklight inwardly sighed a bit, having his mind returned to the cause of his grounding. “Oh, this? It’s, um, a long story.”

“Ah see... well, if’n yuh’d rather not talk about it, that’s fine, sugarcube.” the blonde-maned unicorn assured. “Ah won’t pry. But... are yuh gonna be OK?”

Blacklight nodded. It wasn’t that he was avoiding the question, so much as it was that he simply didn’t want to think about being grounded right now, though he didn’t say as much. “Yeah, I should be fine in a few days. In the mean time, Freeze is giving me an extended tour of Canterlot.”

The look of concern the unicorn had been wearing melted into one of relief. “Well that’s good tuh hear, hon. And hay, if yer gunna be stuck on the ground fer a few days, yuh might as well make the most of it. Ah can think of plenty a place that’d be far worse. There’s plenty tuh see ‘n’ do round here.” She glanced to her larger friend and then back at Blacklight. “Anyways! That aside, what’ll yuh have? It’s on her, Ah reckon.”

Blacklight considered that for a moment, having seen his companion just smile and nod at Salad’s assumption. “Well, I’m not that hungry just yet. Maybe just a small salad?”

The unicorn’s face lit up with a grin, as the opportunity for a joke presented itself. “Ah’m a small Salad!” she happily punned, eliciting a groan from Freeze Pop. “But Ah know what yuh mean. Any perticular kind you were after?”

“Um... not really. So long as it tastes good and is nutritious...”

“Ah gotcha. Ah’ll whip yuh up somethin’ good. An’ how ‘bout you, Freezy? Just yer usual? Ah’m guessin’ you ain’t too hungry yet, either.”

“That’d be right, Sally. Just the usual. Thanks!”

“Gotcha. Go take a seat then, you two. Ah’ll be over in a short little while.”

“Thank you.” Blacklight nodded.

“Yeah, cheers Sally.” Freeze added, turning to find a table. She seated herself, followed by Blacklight. “You know, this is one of my favourite places to come eat. And not just cos it’s where one of my best friends lives, either.”

“She lives here?”

“Yep. Her and her folks live upstairs, above the shop. Have done for several years now.”

“How long have they been here?” Blacklight asked. “Her family, I mean.”

“Hmmm... since before I was born, I know that much.” Freeze mused, her gaze moving to the ceiling as she mulled it over. “Sally was born here in Canterlot. Her family are very tight-knit, though. Her extended family, I mean. And Sally travels around quite a bit, visiting them when she can. It’s probably why she sounds more like a down-home country gal than a city-born snob.” Her gaze returned to her companion’s face a grin spreading on her face. “I have to say though, I love how she sounds. Makes a change from listening to the nobles all day, for one.”

“I can imagine that getting tiresome, certainly.”

“Like you wouldn’t believe. But, like I said to you before, being in a position where you’re allowed to completely ignore ponies is great for dealing with them, sometimes.” the mare snickered.

Her comment elicited a giggle from Blacklight, as his mind painted a picture of the sturdy white pegasus stood stoically in her armour, her gaze set unblinkingly forward, and surrounded by red-faced and fancily clad ponies complaining to her about all kinds of trivial issues.

“...and I can tell you’re imagining what that must be like, I see that grin.” Freeze smiled, a snort of laughter escaping her as she relaxed in her seat.

“Oh yes, I am. Why, I bet you’re very good at being the perfect stoic guard. You know,” he went on, lowering his voice, “looking the complete opposite of how I found you this morning.”

A somewhat noticeable red tint coloured Freeze Pop’s white cheeks, and she swiftly put a hoof to her mouth to suppress her giggles. “Oh, stop!” she grinned, shaking her head.

It was at this point that Salad arrived, the pair’s breakfasts held aloft in her telekinetic grip. “Here yuh go, folks. Enjoy!” she smiled, setting their food down on the table before them.

“Thank you.” Blacklight replied, sitting back in his seat.

“Yer welcome!” the unicorn nodded, trotting back off behind the counter. Her other pegasus friend gave her a brief nod and smile of thanks, before turning her attention to the sandwich that had been brought for her with a hungry look.

“Right, I’m gonna get stuck in here. I’m hungry as a horse.” she said, flashing a smile at her companion before taking a big bite out of her sandwich.

“To be precise, you’re as hungry as a certain very generous, blue-maned and blue-eyed pegasus pony. Which you are.” Blacklight commented, a playful smile on his lips.

Freeze Pop’s eyebrows went up, as did the temperature of her cheeks at his open compliment. “Charmer!” she managed with a coy look, after hastily swallowing her mouthful of sandwich.

“...says the pony who enjoys making me blush because I’m... what was it? "Far too adorable when flustered"?” the stallion teased.

“Well, you are!” Freeze giggled. She didn’t seem to notice her wings unfurl of their own accord to either side of her—or at least, she didn’t notice it until she caught sight of the stallion opposite her casting a brief glance behind her, and then back to her face with a rather amused expression. She cocked her head in a puzzled fashion, before taking a glance herself.

“...oh, gosh!” she exclaimed, her cheeks and muzzle burning. She closed her eyes and took in a breath, then let out a slight cough as her errant appendages folded back in against her body. “Uhm, yes. Anyway!” she added, hastily taking another bite out of her sandwich and looking anywhere but at Blacklight’s face.

Mercifully, the stallion kept his mirth mostly in check, managing to suppress all but the most insistent of giggles as he turned to the task of demolishing his own meal.

It was the larger of the two ponies that was done eating first, what with her having had a considerable appetite to satisfy. She sat and idly watched her companion as he scoffed down the last of the leaves from his salad bowl, before glancing up to her with a smile.

“To your taste then, sir?” she chuckled, getting a nod in reply. She rose to her feet at that, turning towards the door. “Come on then. Let’s go see what Canterlot has to offer!” she smiled, heading out the door. Blacklight was quick to follow, and the two were soon stood outside in the middle of the road, where Freeze Pop had halted.

“So... where are we going?” the black pegasus asked.

“I was about to ask you that, Blackie.” Freeze chuckled. “What would you like to see first? The Grand Central Plaza? The Royal Gardens? Or perhaps the cliffside reservoir?”

“All of them, of course!” the stallion replied eagerly, then he paused for thought. “Oh, which one first? Umm... how about the plaza?”

“Okey-dokey! That’s en route to the other sights anyway.” the large mare nodded, turning and starting off downhill at a trot. Her companion soon drew alongside her, matching her pace as she threaded her way through the busy streets lined with old-looking buildings hewn from stone, and along cobbled roads. It was somewhat of a change of pace for her, as she was more used to just using her wings to get from A to B rather than walk everywhere.

As for Blacklight, his eyes were roving to and fro as he trotted alongside Freeze Pop. Like her, he was more used to flying to get around, and Canterlot was both large and unfamiliar to him. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get to know it a bit better, especially as I’m stuck on my hooves for now. His internal musing was cut short, however, by Freeze Pop’s announcement.

“Here we are.”

And indeed, there they were. The Grand Central Plaza was aptly named: a wide, circular clearing in the middle of the city, the ground was paved with smooth but hard-wearing quartz, kept clean and polished. Dotted around the plaza were a number of huge marble columns, each of them bearing a statue of a famed figure from Equestria’s history. Right in the centre of the plaza sat a large decorative fountain, carved entirely from a single piece of stone and detailed with assorted precious metals and gems. It had a tiered design, with the largest tier at the bottom balanced on the backs of many ponies of all tribes, followed by the next tier balanced on the backs of the six famed founders of Equestria, and the tier on their backs housing the two royal sisters. Rising from the top of the fountain were the two celestial bodies under the control of the two sisters. All in all, it was quite the sight – one which Blacklight tried to take in all at once as he strode forward, turning around this way and that as his eyes took it all in. He’d seen the plaza before, of course, but the last time around he’d been a bit too nervous to really take it all in.

“...wow...” was all he had to say. “We don’t have anything like this back home.”

“It sure is something else, ain’t it? There’re some amazing ponies remembered here. Star Swirl, Commander Hurricane, a whole load of heroes... y’know, some day I’d love to have my own statue sitting around here. Doubt that’ll ever happen though. I mean, heck, I’d say the most likely candidates for that kinda accolade are the current Element bearers.”

“I can see why you’d want that, though!” Blacklight said, craning his neck a bit to look up at one of the statues. “I bet lots of ponies would like a place up there.”

“I reckon so too. But.. well, not everyone wants to be remembered forever, though. Some ponies are happier living their lives in obscurity, touching the lives of others quietly. I know a few like that myself.”

Blacklight simply nodded his head at that, as Freeze continued on.

“If I’m ever immortalised, I want it to be because I did something that really deserves it, you know? The Princess’s student and her friends honestly do. I’ve heard first-hand accounts on how it went, as I was on duty when the record-keepers were noting things down. It must’ve taken nerves of steel to face down Nightmare Moon herself in single combat.”

Blacklight’s attention returned to his companion at that, a thoughtful look on his face. “You’re right... what you say makes sense though. I can’t think of much more a pony could do that could be more worthy than that.”

“Too right! Though I’m happy to say it isn’t something I think I’ll ever get a shot at.”

“Hm?” the stallion blinked, looking a little confused. “But, you were just saying...”

“...taking on Nightmare Moon, I mean!” Freeze Pop clarified, a grin spreading on her face. “Sorry, I don’t always stick to the same path in a conversation.”

“Ah! Yeah, definitely want to avoid that!” Blacklight chuckled, mirroring her expression.

“The closest you’d get these days would be Princess Luna. And you can trust me when I say she’s not a thing like her alter-ego.” the snow-coloured mare giggled, a fleeting thought of one of the younger Princess’s practical jokes passing through her memory.

“I’m sure she isn’t. Somehow, I can’t picture the legendary terror of the dark having a taste for harmless pranks.”

“Nor can I.” Freeze agreed. “I didn’t picture Luna being that way either, mind. That was quite the surprise when I experienced it. Anyways, there’s not really a lot to see here. Well, unless you’re into your history, of course.”

“I can’t say it’s my favourite topic.” Blacklight admitted. “Though it was certainly worth coming to see. Uhm... you mentioned something about a reservoir?”

“Yep! The cliffside reservoir. That’s well worth a visit too, if only because it’s nice to look at. Well, that and it’ll be nice and cool in this weather, plus it’s out of the hustle and bustle. I’ve been posted there every few days over the past few months.”

“A bit of peace and quiet sounds good.”

“On we go, then.” Freeze nodded, setting off at a trot once more down one of the many lanes leading away from the plaza. “...as it happens, you have actually seen it before. Well, briefly. Remember that large pool we flew over the other night?”

Blacklight nodded. He certainly recalled the glistening water they’d flown past, right before they’d flown down the side of the mountain and in behind the waterfall. That particular memory had been rather well burned into his mind, not least as that entire evening had been somewhat pleasant. Well, up until the end of it. “That was it?”

“That was the one. That big pool is essentially an additional water store for Canterlot. Well, and by extension, the rest of the kingdom, if there was an emergency of some sort. You only saw the watery bit, though. It has its other features worth some appreciation, though.”

“What sort of features?”

Freeze Pop flashed the stallion a grin as she moved toward a thick wooden door set into the city wall. “Well, you’re about to find out.” she replied, raising a hoof and rapping firmly on the door. It was opened a few moments later by a Royal Guard clad in the familiar golden armour, who proceeded to eye the mare suspiciously for a moment before a look of recognition crossed his face. It was met with a similar smile from Freeze Pop.

“Hi there Nimbus! I’m just paying a little visit with my friend here.” she said, glancing briefly towards Blacklight. “You don’t mind if we go downstairs, right?”

The older-looking armour-clad stallion took a thoughtful look at Blacklight, then back to Freeze Pop, and then just smiled and shook his head. “No problem, young ‘un.” he replied, pulling the large door fully open to let them in before turning around and walking back inside himself. “You kids have fun.” he added, situating himself back behind the small desk just beyond the door.

“Thanks, sir!” the white mare smiled, leading the way through the small office-like enclosure and onto a staircase with shallow-cut stairs leading downward. The passage had been cut through the mountain itself, and it was lit with torches set periodically on the walls.

As Blacklight followed his larger companion down, however, he found himself stewing over a thought. The other night it was “my coltfriend”, now it’s just “my friend”... what are we now, really?

Freeze Pop apparently noticed the distracted look on his face, as she glanced back in his direction a few times before slowing a little to draw closer to him. “I’ll let you in on a little secret...” she said quietly, leaning her face over so her mouth was closer to his ear. “I really like being posted here... and I have a feeling it was done on purpose.”

“On... purpose? What do you mean?” the stallion asked in an equally conspiratorial tone.

A quiet giggle left Freeze’s throat as she continued. “Well, contrary to what a lot of ponies might think, Luna and Celestia both take a vested interest in their guards... I’ve often got the impression that, really, they only maintain a royal regiment of bodyguards because it’s expected of them, and it fits the image a lot of ponies have of them. Cos to be perfectly honest, barring exceptional circumstances I don’t think there’s anything they couldn’t handle that I could.”

“Uh huh.”

“Anyway... I don’t know exactly when it was they noticed, but somehow they found out about my taking singing lessons. See, it was only in the past few months I started being posted here regularly, and one of my colleagues pointed out, in passing, that the acoustics down here are pretty spectacular. And then not long after that, Celestia asked me how my sessions with Golden Voice were going. That’s my teacher, by the way.”

That was enough to elicit a laugh from the smaller pegasus, as he tried to picture the mare going from stood stoically still to singing her heart out. I suppose that whatever we are currently, she’s still happy to be around me. And I know I’m happy to be around her... I can’t call it one way or the other yet.

They rounded a bend in the passage, and both ponies found themselves blinking a few times in rapid succession as they emerged into a cavern that rapidly widened into an opening leading out into daylight. The ground underfoot was now level once more, and the sound of rushing water was audible from up ahead. It was accompanied by the sight of a cascade of water tumbling from high above to crash into an otherwise calm and somewhat expansive pool of clear water. As they drew closer to the pool, the far edge could be seen, where water flowed out and over the edge of the cliff, and down towards the rivers hundreds of feet below.

Blacklight’s eyes widened as he took in the size of the large pool. It was pretty obvious that it held more than enough water to satisfy Canterlot’s thirst for perhaps a good few months. “Wow... what kind of emergency would ever need this much water?”

Freeze Pop shrugged. “Hopefully, we’ll never know. What I do know is that they originally built this reservoir back when they first made Canterlot, and back then it was much more likely that the city could come under siege, like the Siege of Many Summers when the elks were still a major nuisance. Apparently when that was going on, things did get a bit rough. But the Canterlotians never had a need to leave for want of water, nor much else. The elks never did figure out how we could survive just fine up here, and they eventually gave up and went home. Or so I’ve read.”

“Huh. I guess a big pool like this could also be used for weather factories as well, like over in Cloudsdale?”

“Oh, certainly.” Freeze nodded. “Heck, there’s a weather research facility here in Canterlot, happens to be where my parents work. That all said, this place has some significance to me personally, seeing as for one thing it’s where I met back up with Sketchy for the first time about a year or so ago. More precisely, he fell in here in the middle of a thunderstorm and I pulled him out.”

“He mentioned that.” Blacklight nodded as the two of them made their way across some stepping stones to a small island at one side of the pool.

“Heh heh. Other main interesting thing about this place for me personally, though, is that it’s probably one of the best places I’ve found for practicing my singing when I’m on duty. It’s wide, expansive, and the noise from the waterfalls mostly drowns me out during the day to anyone up there. I can be pretty loud and not bother anyone.”

“How loud is ‘quite loud’?”

Freeze Pop’s eyes narrowed a bit as she grinned at her companion. “Shall I show you?”

“Sure!” Blacklight replied, his expression soon mirroring hers. I wouldn’t have thought she’s that loud, after all.

“Alright then...” the mare nodded, trotting over to the water’s edge. “Oh, I advise staying to one side or behind me. That is, if you want to keep the use of your hearing.”

Blacklight raised an eyebrow at her warning, though he heeded it regardless as she breathed deeply in and out a few times. He guessed she was just preparing her lungs for her little demonstration, as she then closed her eyes and began to draw in a longer breath, her chest expanding slightly as her lungs filled with air. He wasn’t prepared for what came next though, as the mare opened her eyes and mouth at the same time and brought her head forward. A long, tremulous “A~a~a~a~a~h~h~h!” issued forth from her, reverberating around the whole reservoir and even causing a ripple in the water surrounding the island they stood upon.

As Freeze Pop closed her mouth and turned to look at her companion, she was rather pleased to note the stunned look on his face. “I’d ask if you were impressed, Blackie, if it weren’t already obvious!” she snickered.

Blacklight shook his head, a smile growing on his face. “Freeze Pop, you never cease to amaze me.” he stated truthfully, eliciting a bright smile from her.

“Why, thank you Blackie!” she replied, trotting back over to sit beside him. “I try.” Her companion’s face gained a mild purple tinge, eliciting a further giggle from her. She then glanced towards the stairway they’d emerged from beforehand, as though she half expected to find someone spying on them. “Y’know... I’m pretty sure I’m going to see a bit more teasing soon. I don’t think I’ve fooled Nimbus too well.”

Blacklight blinked. Nimbus? Wait, that was the guardspony upstairs... fooled him into what?

“Um... fooled him how?”

“Well... with what I said when we came in.” Freeze replied, her cheeks turning a bit pink. “I mean, I told him about you before, and all. And I think he figured something out then, maybe before I did.”

“Figured what out...? I don’t get it. I mean, all you said when we came in was that we were just paying a visit. That is what we’re doing, unless I’m mistaken.”

Freeze giggled slightly, but the glow on her cheeks remained. “That’s not what I’m getting at. I mean, you’re right, we are, but I wasn’t trying to fool him with that.”

“Well the only other thing was... you said I was your friend. And... well, I am, right? Or, I mean, well...” he trailed off, seeing her head turn back towards him. There was a deep and soulful look in her ice-blue eyes, the likes of which he’d never seen before.

“You are, Blackie...” she replied, her face drawing close to his. She paused, barely an inch separating her muzzle from his, her eyes locked on his chocolate-brown ones. Is this too much, too soon? Should I really do this? I mean... what if I scare him? Heck, what if I scare me? ...why the heck is this so much harder than all the split-second decisions you have to make in a fight!? her mind yelled all at once. And yet throughout, she saw no sign of apprehension in his eyes, and she felt less of it inside of herself in turn.

And there it is. That’s what you were looking for. Confirmation.

“...Freeze?” Blacklight ventured, the purple hue on his face intensifying a bit. Why is she just staring at me—

His thought process was rather abruptly interrupted, however, as Freeze Pop’s head moved through that final inch. Her eyes slid shut as her lips pressed firmly onto his, without giving him a second to react. Contrary to her name, though, her touch was both soft and warm, nothing at all like the motto she had regarding herself.

It was over in no more than a second, however, as she pulled back with the same look in her eyes, still. There was something more besides, though: a feeling of vulnerability, as though she had just shown him her greatest weakness.

As for Blacklight, his good wing had flared out the moment she kissed him. He regarded her with a shocked look. Did... did that just happen!? And what’s wrong with her now? I... I’ve never seen her look this way...

“...I realised something, Blackie, the other night. When... when I was looking for you, when you were... y’know. Injured... For a few horrible moments, brief as they were, I thought, maybe I might have... might have lost you...” Freeze began, pausing for a moment to stop the faltering tone in her voice. “...I couldn’t bear that thought. Not when we’d only just begun to truly know each other better... and, well... not when we were getting on so well...”

Blacklight’s only response was to blink as he continued to simply stare at her, though it was clear enough that he wanted her to continue with what she was saying. She smiled somewhat sheepishly.

“So... uhm... I, well... I decided to seize the moment... carpe diem, you know? ...I really like you, Blacklight. A lot. And... well, I’m done skirting round the issue.” Her gaze fell to the ground for a moment, before returning to meet his. “I... guess what I want to know is, uhm... how do you feel... about me?”

How do I feel? Blacklight thought. ...how do I feel? I don’t even know! Her sudden act of affection, coupled with what she’d just said had really thrown his mind into chaos. It took him several seconds to process some of it, and when he finally opened his mouth, the first thing out of it was “F-Freeze... you kissed me, Freeze...”

Freeze Pop blinked a few times, and then her mouth curled into a small smile. “I... suppose I should take that as a good thing...?” she questioned shyly.

Blacklight shook his head rapidly, trying to clear the pile-up of thoughts and emotions that were making a mess in there. “I’m sorry... I’m just not thinking... er, logically.”

“...you liked it, then?” the mare inquired, the pink glow on her cheeks growing.

“I...” Blacklight began, the blush on his own face threatening to engulf his entire muzzle. Her words were echoing in his mind. I decided to seize the moment... I really like you... I’m done skirting round the issue...

“...oh gosh... Freeze, I...”

How do you feel... about me?

“Freeze... I...”

Are you sure about this!?

“I...”

You can’t take this back once you say it!

Blacklight closed his eyes for a moment, and slowly took in a deep breath. When he let it out, his eyes opened, meeting the ice-blue gaze of Freeze Pop once more. A small smile creased his features. I can do this.

“...I love you, Freeze.”

Freeze Pop’s eyes went wider than Blacklight had ever seen, and her wings flared out in an instant. She stared at him for several long moments, as though he’d just said the most unexpected and shocking thing in the entire history of ponykind.

“...d-do you... really mean that...?” she squeaked out in a voice barely audible over their surroundings.

“Yes. I do.” Blacklight replied. There was more conviction in his tone than she’d ever heard from him before, and a greater confidence in his expression than she’d previously witnessed. Her heart started to thump harder in her chest. Without warning, she threw her forelegs around his shoulders and hugged him tightly, remembering just in time to avoid toppling the smaller pegasus so he wouldn’t land on his injured wing. She couldn’t speak, as her mind was flooded with an emotion such as she’d never experienced.

He loves me. He loves me. And there I was thinking I’d scare him off or worse... I shouldn’t have worried. Heck, I should have just believed in him more... but it doesn’t matter now. Sweet Celestia, now I understand why Sketchy was so happy. This feeling... I can’t even...

Her train of thought halted for a moment, as she realised that, right now, she was clinging to him without having said anything back to him after his confession. Though it’s probably obvious anyway, but... heck with it, this is something that has to be said.

“Blackie...” she began, but the words caught in her throat as her emotions finally got the better of her, and she had to suppress a sniffle. Well, at least he knows for sure I’m not invincible now. she thought, as she saw her own tears roll down her snout. She buried her face in his mane as she finished her sentence with a whisper. “...I love you too.”

Blacklight’s embrace around her tightened at that. She welcomed it, letting herself fall into the comforting feeling that, for a change, she was the one being cared for, the one being held safe and warm, rather than her having to be the fearless and stoic protector of other ponies.

Presently, though, she slowly let go of him, lifting a foreleg to dry her eyes with a polite “pardon me” in the process. She couldn’t shake the huge smile that spread across her face, however, even if she’d wanted to. It was an expression that he shared as he looked back at her, the slight dampness under his eyes telling her that she wasn’t the only one whose emotions had been a little overwhelming.

“So, ah... did you still want to check out the Royal Garden?” she asked, her usual confident nature beginning to re-assert itself.

“Sure.” the stallion replied. There was a look of understanding in his eyes, one that said volumes about what he now realised about his companion.

You’re really not so different from me, are you Freezy? It’s just that you hide your heart with a different sort of covering.

“C’mon then.” Freeze instructed with a fond look back over her shoulder at him. “It’s a bit of a walk, but I just know you’re gonna love it!”

The two made their way back towards the stairs, though at a slightly more leisurely pace. Blacklight smiled to himself on noticing that, as they made their way back up the stairs, Freeze Pop deliberately matched her pace to his and walked alongside him. She stepped ahead of him as they neared the top of the stairs, however. Her colleague noted her entrance, and moved to open the door for them both.

“Have fun?” the older stallion asked in a nonchalant tone.

“As always, Nimbus. Thanks.” Freeze replied with a courteous smile.

“Mm. See you later, then.” Nimbus nodded, taking a glance from the mare to her companion and back. There was the faintest trace of a smirk on his features as the two passed him by.

“...yep, he’s onto us.” Freeze stated a few minutes later as the pegasus pari made their way down the road, side by side once more.

“He hides it well, though.” Blacklight noted, eliciting a giggle from his taller companion.

“Of course he does,” she said, nudging his shoulder gently, “it’s part of the job. If folks can’t tell what we’re thinking or feeling, they can’t manipulate us.”

“Makes sense. You think he’ll tease you later?”

“Goodness me, yes. Captain Nimbus is absolutely awful when he’s not on-duty, and I say that with the greatest of respect for him.” Freeze chuckled.

“Well, so long as he doesn’t over-do it...”

“Oh, he won’t. He’s a tease and a scoundrel at times, but he’s a good pony. He knows when to shut his mouth. He’s married, after all. He’s learned how to stay on the good side of us ladies.”

“That’s good.” Blacklight chuckled. A thought then occurred to him as they continued on uphill, in the direction of the Royal Palace. “Hang on, aren’t the Royal Gardens generally off-limits?”

“They are.” Freeze replied with a shrug. “What of it?”

“Well, then... how are we going to get in?” Blacklight asked, raising a laugh from his companion.

“How? We’re going to walk up to the gates, I’m going to ask them to let us in, and they’re going to let us in.” she said matter-of-factly. “Working for the royals has its perks, you know.”

“...oh! Right, you work for the Royal Guard...”

Freeze Pop leaned her head over and nipped the stallion’s ear playfully. “Yep, so I’m allowed to wander about the gardens at my leisure, more or less. The only exceptions are if the gardens are booked for a function, or there’re foreign dignitaries visiting. And I know today has neither of those.”

“So it’s fine for you to wander about in there.”

“Sure is, and you as well so long as you’re with me. I only have to let the guards on-duty know I’m in there and when I’ve left. See, the Princesses don’t see the point in having such lovely surroundings around their home if no-one else is ever allowed to enjoy them as well. That’s why they allow garden parties and the like, and why their friends and those in their service are given leave to roam at almost any time.” Freeze stated succinctly. She giggled a bit as she went on. “And if you ask me, I think that last bit is to allow them a bit more social interaction.”

“You mean, more opportunity to talk to us ‘ordinary’ ponies?”

“Something like that. Just remember if we do happen to bump into either of their Highnesses to adhere to protocol.”

“As in, referring to them by the right honorifics and so on, right?”

“Yeah.” Freeze nodded. “But in all honesty, I don’t think we’re that likely to see them. They’re both a bit busy currently.”

The two approached a large set of ornately crafted gates, with a pair of guards stationed either side. The armoured ponies stepped forward slightly at their approach, eyeing the two closely.

“Who goes there?” the one on the left inquired.

“Sergeant Freeze Pop of Their Majesties’ Life Guard.” Freeze replied. “At ease, gentlemen. I’m just here to take a stroll with my companion here.”

The guard on the right eyed Freeze Pop a bit more carefully, and then a look of recognition spread across his face. “Why, so it is. Good to see you, Sarge. By all means, head on in.” he said, turning and opening the gate behind him.

“After you, Blacklight.”

The black pegasus trotted through the open gate, followed shortly thereafter by his white-coated companion. They walked along a path bordered with neatly trimmed hedges, some of which had been cut into shapes of ponies of assorted tribes. Everywhere they looked, there were bright summer colours adorning the trees and flowerbeds; the air carried both the mingled scents of freshly cut grass and blooming plants and the sound of birds chirping away in the foliage. It felt a million miles away from the bustling city outside.

Indeed, Blacklight had come to a halt after walking only a short way in, looking every which way. “Where... are we?” he asked.

“The Royal Gardens of Canterlot, of course.” Freeze replied with a smile. “I know, it’s hard to believe, isn’t it? There’s nothing else like this in all of Canterlot... maybe not even in the entire kingdom.” She took in a deep breath, filling her nose with the fresh air and the assorted scents it carried, letting her breath out once more in a contented sigh. “Always so refreshing...”

Blacklight followed suit, closing his eyes for a moment as the air filled his lungs. The noise from outside the gardens seemed to die away as they continued onward, and he opened his eyes again to gaze at all that was on display. I can’t think of anything more beautiful... he thought to himself. His gaze then landed on Freeze Pop once more. Well. I can think of one thing possibly more beautiful...

His compliment went unheard by Freeze though, as she was not gifted with the ability to read minds. She continued on along a narrower hedge-lined avenue, winding her way up a small hill. They emerged from the end of the hedgerow into a small grassy clearing. There was a single bench sat in the middle of it, overlooking many of the flowerbeds below. She headed over to the bench and sat herself down, turning to look over her shoulder at her companion.

“Come, sit with me a while.” she invited, a warm smile on her face.

Blacklight needed no second invitation, and he soon joined her on the bench. “This place really is beautiful...” he mused, looking out over the expanse of colour below. He blinked as he felt the side of Freeze Pop’s body press gently against him, followed by her head coming to rest against his.

“It is.” she sighed. “And now, I have somepony I can share it with.”

Blacklight said nothing, though he felt a rush of blood to his face.

“Mm... are you blushing, Blacklight...?” Freeze questioned in a playful tone, having noted his silence.

“Well... I... um...” the smaller pegasus replied in a stuttering voice, his face growing hotter by the second.

“That’s a yes, then.” the white-coated pegasus giggled, nuzzling at the side of his head gently. “You’re far too cute sometimes, you know that?”

“I... thanks...?” Blacklight managed.

“You’re welcome.” Freeze Pop sighed out, leaning more of her weight against him, and resting her head gently atop his again. Her eyes slid shut slowly, her hearing attuned to nothing but the ambient sounds of the garden, and the quiet sound of her companion’s breathing.

Blacklight too had lapsed into silence, content to just be where he was, with her by his side. This beats watching the waves at Cape Sunrise any day.

The sun had already passed its peak in the sky by the time they had arrived at the gardens, and by now it was beginning to sink towards the horizon. A small sigh escaped Freeze Pop’s lips as she shuffled a bit in her seat.

“Much as I hate to say it, Blackie, we’ll have to get going soon. It’s starting to get late.”

“All good things must come to an end. It’s an annoying saying, but it’s true.” Blacklight responded, straightening up from where he had been leaned against the larger mare’s frame.

“It is.” Freeze agreed, getting up from the bench and stretching herself out. “We’d best be on our way. If we hang around for too long, we may make ourselves a target for Her Highness’s sense of humour.”

“I think we’d be better avoiding that, right enough. Pranks are funny, certainly, but not so much when you’re on the receiving end.”

“Yeah, that’s true.” Freeze Pop nodded. “And I’d rather not dampen the mood. Let’s head on back to mine. We’ve been out all day and I dunno about you, but I’m starting to feel it.”

Blacklight hopped off the bench and stretched a bit. “I’m not too ti—” he began, but his sentence was interrupted by a wide yawn.

“Uh-huh.” Freeze giggled, poorly hiding the amused smirk that crept onto her face.

“OK, so maybe I am a little tired. But just a little!” the smaller pegasus insisted as he tripped over his own hooves, barely catching himself.

Freeze Pop shook her head, stretching one of her large wings across his back and pulling him close to her side. “If that’s your idea of just a little, I’d hate to see you when you’re thoroughly exhausted.” she chuckled. “C’mon, let’s be on our way. You can lean on me as much as you need.”

Blacklight couldn’t find the heart to argue, as he had to concede that he was perhaps more tired out than he had realised. He leaned some of his weight against the mare’s sturdy frame, leaning his head against her shoulder. He caught a breath of her scent, and something else mixed in with it.

“...Freeze... why do you smell of mint...?”

The mare let out a laugh at that, as she began leading the way down from the hill. “Because, Blackie dear, I have a terrible habit.”

“What... sort of terrible habit...?”

“One that rots my teeth. Ahaha, I kid. It’s far from that terrible. Take a peek under my wing there.”

Somewhat intrigued by her instruction, Blacklight lifted his head and peeked under the mare’s outstretched wing. Tucked neatly under the base of her wing was a small drawstring bag.

“What’s in the bag?”

“Something minty.” Freeze replied with a giggle. “Mint imperials, Blackie. They’re good for keeping the airways clear, and that’s important both for when I want to sing, and in general when I’m on duty if I have to spring into action. That and, well, I like mints.”

“Well, there are definitely worse habits.” the smaller pegasus chuckled, returning his head to rest on her shoulder. The pair made their way out through the same gate through which they’d passed earlier. “Do you think you’ll see some teasing from them, too?” Blacklight questioned, after they’d made their way along the road out of earshot of the gate guards.

“Those two? Nah, I doubt it. I outrank them both for one.” the off-duty guard smirked. “They wouldn’t dream of it. Well, not much, anyway.”

“So you’ll still get a bit of ribbing, then?”

Freeze Pop looked round at her stallion companion with a smile. “Oh, most definitely, Blackie. But it’s nothing I can’t handle. And besides, a little teasing is nothing compared to my happiness.”

Blacklight blushed rather profusely at that, earning him a giggle from the mare.

“Let’s not worry any further about it, or you’ll force me to say even more sappy stuff.”

“You make it sound like there’s a problem with sappy...” the black-coated pegasus chuckled, though it was interrupted by another yawn.

“Oh, there’s no real problem with it, I guess.” Freeze replied, gently guiding him to her apartment block and towards the stairs. “Though these stairs could be a problem if you don’t keep your eyes open.”

“I’ll manage.”

The two of them slowly climbed their way up the stairs, with Freeze Pop keeping a careful hold of Blacklight the entire way. They reached her apartment door and made their way inside, the smaller of the two stumbling a few times on the way in.

“I think somepony is ready to sleep.” Freeze noted in a soothing tone, gently rubbing the side of her head against Blacklight’s as she guided him towards the bedroom.

“Mmm...” the black pegasus agreed in a semi-conscious mumble as he let out another wide yawn. He squeaked a bit as Freeze Pop delivered a playful shove to his back end with her flank, causing him to flop down harmlessly onto the synthetic cloud bed.

Freeze Pop smiled to herself, seeing him instinctively curl himself up on the cloud. She lowered her head down to whisper softly in his ear. “Blackie... will you be alright if I sleep next to you tonight?”

“Mm...? Yeah... sure...” the stallion replied, his already-fading consciousness barely registering her words. He was dimly aware of her mass plopping down on the cloud alongside him, followed by her legs wrapping loosely over his body on the side of his good wing. He gave out a soft sigh and snuggled up closer to her. It wasn’t long before he’d succumbed to unconsciousness.

Freeze Pop sighed happily to herself, her consciousness lingering long enough to see her companion drift off, before she too fell into a deep and contented sleep.

Author's Note

Haha oops, I made a goof in this chapter and referred to Mercy by the rank she holds in a later story. That was smart!

Corrected it now.

Ottava Aria

Great and small, rich and poor;
all shall gather at their door.

Foregoing bias, ignoring custom:
through these actions, all shall trust them.

May their glory never fade;
there seldom is a single wave.

Recitativo 8 — Friends in High Places

Sketchy was roused from a restful sleep by a rhythmic knocking from downstairs. He groaned in the back of his throat as his eyes unwillingly slid open, squinting towards the blinds.

“Ungh… what time is it?” he pondered aloud, trying to judge the time of day by the light trying to peek in through the blinds. Considering how dim it was, it couldn’t have been later than eight o'clock in the morning. Nevertheless, whoever was knocking at the door was quite insistent, and so he reluctantly dragged himself free of the bedclothes and his companion.

Octavia made a quiet moan as she in turn was woken, sitting up a bit to rub at her eyes.

“Mmm… Sketchy? What is that racket?” she asked groggily, her unfocused eyes trying to make out the details around her and ascertain what time it was. She yawned widely and fell back against the bed, her head hitting the pillow with a soft thwump. A quiet sigh of relaxation came from her as she caught the familiar scent of her mate from the pillow.

Sketchy had in the mean time made his way downstairs. He was rather surprised, yet also pleased, to find a familiar face awaiting him on the other side of the door.

“Good morning, Sketchy. Did I wake you?” Freeze Pop inquired, a smile on her face beneath her distinctive helm.

“You did, but it’s fine.” Sketchy informed her. “What’s up? You wanna come in?”

The pegasus nodded, making her way past him as he stood aside to let her in. “I can’t stay for long, mind you. For once I’m actually here on official business, by order of Her Highness, Princess Celestia.”

Sketchy paused, the back hoof he’d pushed the door closed with still halfway off the floor, and tilted his head at his friend.

“...you are? Really? Er, we’re not—I mean, I’m… not in trouble, am I?” he asked, catching himself mid-sentence. It wasn’t that he was embarrassed about having Octavia around. It was just that, well… he didn’t think his pegasus friend needed to know the cellist was here just now. It was still something they were both furtive about, even if it was unnecessary.

As if on cue, however, Octavia’s voice chimed from overhead. “Is everything okay, Sketchy? Who is it?”

Freeze Pop smirked slightly, a small giggle escaping her throat as she caught the sheepish expression on Sketchy’s face at that. “No, neither of you are in trouble.” she replied, pulling an alabaster coloured envelope with a golden seal from somewhere under her armour. “Here you go. And good morning to you, miss Octavia!” she added, turning her head up towards the balcony as she set the envelope down on the coffee table.

The cellist’s ears perked up. Despite what troubles she had sometimes with her hearing, she couldn’t fail to recognise that particular mare’s voice now that she was more awake.

“Good morning, Freezy! A bit…” she paused, a wide yawn interrupting her sentence. “...excuse me. A bit early, is it not?” she called, stretching out and then rolling off the bed onto her hooves.

“Oh come now, it’s well past eight o’clock! Positively late in the day for some of us.” the sturdy guard chuckled. “I’m on the dawn patrol this morning, so I got up when Celestia did. Which was about 4:30 today, give or take a few minutes.”

“I’ve no idea how you manage it, Freezy. You’re something else.” Sketchy commented with a shake of his head.

“I would have to say that I, personally, am more on Luna’s schedule.” Octavia commented as she descended the stairs slowly.

Sketchy gave a nod of agreement at that, then his eyes moved to the envelope Freeze Pop had brought. “I’m very curious as to what this is about, I have to say. Uhm, she doesn’t mind you knowing about the contents, does she?” he inquired of the robust pegasus, who shook her head.

“Nope, I already know the gist of it. Go ahead and read it.” she said, a small smile playing around her features.

“A letter from Celestia, is it? Yes, do go on and open it, dear. This should be interesting.” Octavia encouraged him, a note of laughter in her tone as she was reminded of the various letters she had received in the past from the younger princess.

“Alright, let’s see then…” Sketchy nodded, pulling the envelope open. He unfolded the neatly written letter and cleared his throat.

“Good morning, Octavia. And good morning to you too, Sketchy; I trust that the two of you are together still. Well, she’s got us pegged there, heh heh.”

A hint of pink lit up Octavia’s cheeks, and she quietly nodded, prompting him to read on.

“Do pardon me for waking you both so early in the day. However, such is the nature of planning for little surprises, and I have one planned for my little sister.” Sketchy read on, his eyes widening a little at the latter part.

His expression was mirrored by Octavia, who simply commented with an “Oh my.”

“Today is going to be a wonderfully sunny day, and it would be my pleasure if the two of you would join us. It has been many a long year since the two of us were able to spend time in each other’s company and that of our mutual friends. I therefore would like to cordially invite you to join us for tea, this afternoon, around two o’clock. If you are able to attend, please make sure to arrive at least half an hour before. That way, my conspirators in this little surprise may guide you to where we will sit, and your attendance will come as a lovely surprise for Luna, and we can all enjoy seeing the look on her face.”

A snort of laughter escaped Octavia’s throat at that, accompanied by a chuckle from Freeze Pop.

“I bet Celestia was grinning when she wrote that bit.” Sketchy laughed, a similar expression spreading in his own face. “Let’s see, there’s a little bit left. Please send word at your earliest convenience—and I beg of you not to labour under the assumption that your attendance is mandatory. I understand that the both of you can be quite busy sometimes, with your respective talents. Still, I shall hope to see you both later today. Your friend, Celestia.”

“Those two!” Octavia smiled, raising a hoof to her mouth briefly as she let out another chuckle. She was soon raising her other hoof to clap them together as a slightly giddy feeling rose in her chest. “Ah, is it not adorable? And such a fantastic idea! They must really want us to come, yes? I am not dreaming? I really want to attend! Do you?” she went on, trotting over to the stallion’s side and hugging close to him.

Sketchy’s gaze met with hers, and he saw in her wide eyes a look of childlike excitement and delight that he couldn’t have refused even if he’d wanted to.

“Of course!” he replied, a big smile enveloping his face. “Heck, even if I’d made plans already, I’d drop them in a jiffy. It’ll be great!”

“So I’ll report to Her Highness that you’ll both be attending then, shall I?” Freeze Pop inquired, an amused tone creeping into her otherwise completely professional-sounding voice.

“Most definitely, Freezy! We are both ecstatic!” Octavia exclaimed, her excitement almost causing her to twirl in place.

“I’d noticed that.” the armour-clad pegasus chuckled, her amusement getting the better of her for a moment. “I’m sure Celestia will be just as delighted.” she added, flashing the two a wink. “You don’t mind if I use the pegasus exit, do you? Those stairs are a pain.”

Sketchy shook his head. “Not at all, lass. go right ahead. Sooner you get word back, the better, after all.”

“Alright then. Catch you later, you two!” the guard smiled, clanking her way up the stairs. There came the sound of the window opening and shutting again, followed by a slightly muffled sound of pegasus wings unfurling and flapping as she made her exit.

“...so. We are having a garden party… with the Princesses… today.” Octavia stated, her eyes still wide with excitement and disbelief. She then let out a giddy laugh, the reality of the situation setting in making her heart flutter. “Oh my goodness! In all my time, I have never imagined this would happen to me.”

“Aye? Then try to picture for a moment how unlikely I thought it was for me!” Sketchy grinned, shaking his head. “I mean, in your case you’ve at least been acquainted with Luna for a while. And y’know, you’ve your reputation and all. Me, I’m just some schmuck!”

Octavia laughed merrily at his declaration, before bringing her face close to his own and kissing him firmly on the lips. There was a warm smile on her face as she then broke from it, looking up to him with an expression of understated adoration.

“Nonsense, dear. You are fantastic; it is simply that you have gone undiscovered… up until recently.” she told him, reaching up to stroke a hoof across the back of his neck as she gently rubbed noses with him.

The stallion let out a sigh of contentment, returning her affections. “You’re right, lass. And I couldn’t have asked for a better discoverer, either.” he replied, a similar smile on his face. “Breakfast? Seeing as we’re already wide awake and all.”

Octavia’s ears perked back up and she nodded. “You know, if Freezy had not said anything, I would have thought it was 5am!” she said, yawning a bit more as she stretched herself out one leg at a time, and then the realisation hit her waking mind that her mane was quite likely a wreck from being slept on. “Breakfast sounds great, just let me… ugh, mane!”

Sketchy chuckled and let the fastidious mare dash around him towards the washroom, turning towards the kitchenette himself. I wonder how long she’ll take to realise Freezy saw her with bedhead? he idly wondered to himself as he set to gathering together some food.

“This is going to be a great day, I can see it now!” Octavia’s voice sang from the bathroom, accompanied by the sound of her rigorously working a brush and comb through her hair. “And we get to spring a surprise on Luna! I cannot wait, usually it is her that surprises us!”

“In the gardens as well, no less.” Sketchy called back, clattering about the kitchen a little.

“Mmhmm! One of my favourite places! Oh! Oh! Do you think there will be music? Or perhaps mrrrfrrmm…” Octavia continued, her words fading into a mumble as she vainly attempted to continue talking whilst brushing her teeth.

“Empty your mouth before you talk, dear!” Sketchy called back to her with a chuckle and a shake of his head. “Honestly, I don’t really know what to expect; although I imagine she wants us to just come as we are.”

“Sorry! Excited!” Octavia called back as she finished brushing her teeth. She leaned closer to the mirror, casting a critical eye over the finer details of her appearance, then took in a breath and let it out in a satisfied sigh. Much better.

Sketchy flicked an ear as he heard the sound of the smaller mare’s approaching hoofsteps, then smiled to himself as she cleared her throat and spoke up.

“Pardon me, sir.” she said in her most proper tones, ducking her recently revealed accent for a more typical Canterlot one momentarily as she peeped into the kitchenette. She then let out a small giggle as she walked over and gently pressed her side to his, leaning her head to the side of his neck affectionately.

Sketchy glanced down to her, smiling at her restored appearance. “Beautiful as ever, my love.” he commented, taking his eyes off her again to keep watch over the pan he now had on the cooking range. “I hope you’re in the mood for a proper Shetland-style breakfast.”

“Aha? And what, may I ask, does that entail?” Octavia asked, her violet-hued gaze moving to the cooking range in turn.

“A guid-sized bowl o’ porridge, a coupla tattie scanes tae tide ye over, an’ a helpin’ o’ oatcakes wi’ a wee bit o’ cheese fer the stomach.” Sketchy replied, deliberately playing up his homeland’s dialect and earning him a laugh from his companion.

“Suoni delizioso~!” she proclaimed in an equally thick accent. “I cannot wait; it smells wonderful. And do you know how long it has been since I have eaten anything home-cooked? Probably it would have been the last time I was home with my family.”

“That I can believe, considering what you’ve told me about your own culinary experiments.” Sketchy chuckled, turning his head briefly to give the top of her head an affectionate nuzzle. “By the by, did I mention how much I love your native accent? Because if I didn’t, let me just say—oh, hang on a tic here.” he said, cutting himself off to pour out the freshly prepared oatmeal into a pair of bowls sat on a nearby tray, which were accompanied by some cutlery and condiments. Picking it up, he carefully walked over to the table and set it down.

Octavia found herself a seat opposite him, giving an appreciative smile as he slid one of the bowls over to her. “You were saying?”

“Heh heh. I was about to say, it really rubs me the right way.” the stallion grinned, flashing her a wink. “Now then, d’you want anything in your porridge? I usually just drop a glob of jam or something else with some sweetness in there.”

“Jam sounds good to me.” the cellist replied, inhaling a good breath of the bowl’s scent. It was enough to stir her appetite, as her stomach seemed to realise that for one it was now morning, and for another thing she hadn’t yet eaten anything. “I am glad you like the way I speak, it is freeing to let it out. Oh, and can you imagine later, when we meet with the Princesses? I do not think they have a clue.”

“I get that impression as well.” Sketchy agreed, tipping a generous helping of sweet and sticky preserve into his breakfast before passing the jar over to his companion. “It should be quite interesting to see how they react. Bon appetit, dear!”

Octavia smiled, giving a nod of thanks to the stallion as he passed her the jam. She tipped some into her own food, letting it sink in before stirring it a little, then took a good-sized mouthful. A pleased “mmm” left her mouth as she swallowed it down, her smile growing. “Definitely wonderful comfort food.”

“Back in Shetland, this is what’s for breakfast most days. We do like our oats… helps us grow up big and strong!” Sketchy informed her with a grin. Octavia leaned back a bit in her seat, eyeing his sizeable stature for a few moments.

“Seems to have worked.” she said, flashing him a wink. “I have mostly heard it called oatmeal around here. I used to eat it quite a bit before school, though usually with a few cubes of brown sugar stirred in. This is quite to my tastes as well, though.”

“Aye, I’ve heard it called that too. I think I prefer our term for it, though.” Sketchy noted as he polished off the last of his helping. He sat back, licking his lips clean of his meal. “I’m gonna go sort the scones out. Take your time, me lass.” he told Octavia as he rose from the table and headed back into the kitchen.

The cellist smiled to herself as she continued her meal at a leisurely pace, idly watching the object of her affections as he tended to more cooking. The pleasant ambience of breakfast in the morning with someone she loved was still a new thing to her, though certainly it was something she enjoyed. A thought then struck her, as she remembered something which she’d discussed recently with a number of her fellow orchestral performers.

“Sketchy dear, do you think you would be up for some travel in the future? We will be starting practice again soon, and then after a few weeks of that we are going to be going on tour.”

“I could be up for that, aye!” Sketchy called back from the kitchen.

“I should warn you, it may be difficult! You know, staying in exotic and luxurious surroundings, and attending free concerts every night...” Octavia went on, giggling a bit at her own facetiousness.

Sketchy in turn let out a laugh, putting a hoof to his forehead in mock lament. “Oh! It will be so terribly difficult, my love, but for you I shall persevere!”

Octavia laughed openly at that, shaking her head slightly as she neatly wiped her muzzle with a napkin. Picking up her bowl, she made her way through to the kitchenette to set it down in the sink. She then turned to appreciate the sight of her stallion, sat with a watchful eye on the cooking range once more, a patient smile on his face.

Sketchy felt a pair of hooves slide over his shoulders and then up to his neck, ruffling his mane before the cellist’s forelegs squeezed snugly around him. “You are so handsome, however did I get so lucky?” her voice intoned softly. He let out a contented sigh, turning his head to look at her.

“Probably by the same means that I was lucky enough to end up with such a beautiful and talented mare.” he replied, leaning his head down to nuzzle gently at the top of her head. “Give me a mo, scones are about done.” he added, turning to deftly shift the aforementioned food out of the frying pan and onto a waiting plate. Octavia let go of him as he did so, but was pleasantly surprised as he then turned his attention back to her and planted a soft kiss on her lips. Her ears turned back as she blushed faintly, smiling to him at the show of affection.

“They smell great.” she said, taking an appreciative sniff of the freshly prepared food as she ducked her head to pick up the plate. Setting it down on the table, she turned to look back at Sketchy as she parked herself once more. “I really enjoy times such as these, the quiet with just us. It is so… pleasant, you know?” she smiled, scooping up a scone from the plate to take a bite. She quickly realised her mistake, however, and her eyes grew wide as she dropped the still rather hot food back on the plate, sticking her tongue out and waving her hooves at it in a rather comedic attempt to cool the burning feeling. She heard an amused though apologetic chuckle from her companion as he took amusement in her slight misfortune.

“Lass, you gotta let them cool down before you eat them!” he grinned, shaking his head slightly as he seated himself. “You alright there?”

Octavia nodded, swallowing down her mouthful. “Uhf… madre always said I was too anxious.” she stated, a bit of an awkward look on her face as she carefully poked at the still-hot food she had dropped on her plate. “A good thing I have you to help me relax.” she added, casting an alluring glance at the stallion opposite her.

Sketchy leaned forward over the table slightly, planting a soft kiss on her lips. “Couldn’t agree more.” he intoned warmly, before leaning back again to help himself to some of the scones and oatcakes. He garnished the latter with some cheese, then glanced back up to the violet-eyed mare. “A good thing Celly sent advance notice. Mind you, I wouldn’t expect any less from her, as far as organisation’s concerned.”

“Considering how full her days must be, I cannot help but wonder at how she manages it all. Even if she is a princess, it must be difficult fulfilling so many obligations.” Octavia mused, her gaze wandering off to one side.

“True, true. Waking up to raise the sun, then spending nearly all day on your feet making appearances and putting your name on things… and all the other stuff she does. If I was in her shoes I’d have been real glad when Lu-Lu came back. Someone to take some of the work off my back, y’know?”

“If you were in her shoes, dear, I believe you would stumble over your own hooves.” Octavia giggled, earning her a roll of Sketchy’s eyes and a mirthful groan. “But yes, I expect that is but one of many reasons they are happy to have each other. The weight of an entire kingdom should not be borne on a single pony’s shoulders, even if she is a Princess.”

“Mmm… a single pony taking a massive responsibility all on her own shoulders… now, who does that remind me of…?” Sketchy pondered, casting a sidelong look at Octavia with a teasing grin on his face.

“Hmph!” she snorted, shaking her head at him – though the tell-tale hint of a grin on her face gave away her lack of genuine upset at the remark. “A good thing for you that you are not lacking in charm.”

“Good thing indeed! I’d have never managed to capture the heart of such a beautiful, caring, talented mare, otherwise.” Sketchy agreed matter-of-factly. He was inwardly delighted to note the sudden surge of redness around said mare’s face.

“Ah, anyway! We should not tarry too long, dear. We have only so many hours before we are expected for tea.”

As it turned out, those few hours went by more swiftly than expected. Perhaps it was the mix of excitement and nerves that caused the time to fly past, but the two musicians found themselves trotting along the road towards the Royal Gardens after what felt like barely any time at all. The early afternoon sunshine was pleasantly warm, accompanied by the softest hint of a breeze. The few clouds overhead scudded lazily across the sky. It was nothing less than a perfect summer’s afternoon.

“Good afternoon, sirs.” Sketchy spoke up as he and Octavia approached the gates leading into the gardens. He was fairly sure, after all, that neither of the sentries was his childhood friend. “Octavia and I are here by invitation of Princess Celestia.”

One of the armoured ponies scrutinised the two for a moment, before giving a brief nod. “We’ve been expecting you both.” he stated, moving to open the gate, adding “An attendant will receive you, just up the path.”

“Thank you!” Sketchy said, a polite smile on his face as he followed Octavia through the gate. The two of them continued on along the path, the quiet sound of their hooves on the grass accompanied by the twittering ambience of assorted birds nestled happily in the boughs overhead. As they rounded a corner, they were met by one of the palace attendants: a smartly-dressed young mare, with her pastel blue mane styled in tight curls.

“...ah! Good afternoon… Octavia and Sketchy Sounds?” she questioned politely. Seeing Sketchy nod his head, she turned towards the path ahead, keeping her gaze on the two. “Please follow me… and keep as quiet as you can, the Princesses are walking the grounds currently. We wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise!” she whispered, a conspiratorial smile on her face.

Octavia had to suppress a giggle, bowing her head slightly as she did so. “Of course not.” she smiled, flashing a wink to Sketchy, who returned it with a muffled laugh of his own.

The trio of ponies made their way quietly along the garden path, heading deeper into the gardens and up the way along a hedge-lined avenue. The end of the path gave way to a grassy hillock surrounded by trees. There was a deliberate break in the natural border, however, which lent it a view out over the gardens. It was an intimate and yet very welcoming spot, made all the more welcoming by the fact that a blanket had already been spread out, and cups and plates placed for four ponies. There was also a sizeable picnic basket sat at one end of the blanket, the sight of which prompted the young attendant to speak up once more.

“Here we are. Ah, you would not believe the effort it took to avoid Princess Luna cottoning on to our scheme. She knew that Princess Celestia wanted to have lunch outside today, after all, and she has an exceptional eye for numbers. We had to be so very careful that she did not notice the extras we packed!”

“She has a gift for keeping time, also.” Octavia said, a mirthful undercurrent in her voice. Her slightly obscure humour wasn’t lost on her companion, who let out a brief chuckle as well.

“When should we expect their company?” he asked, looking from the setting back to their guide.

“We’ll send word discreetly to Her Highness. I would expect they will arrive shortly thereafter. It will be just the four of you.”

“...and I’ve heard some promising things from the Contessa, as well.”

Princess Celestia arched an eyebrow slightly at her younger sister, an inquisitive look in her eye as the two continued their promenade. “Oh?”

“Yes! She tells me they are making some promising steps towards wider acceptance. Small steps, I will admit, but steps in the right direction, regardless.”

“That is promising.” Celestia smiled, slowing her pace briefly as an attendant approached her. She leaned her head down briefly to listen as the young pony spoke, nodding her head briefly in reply before returning her attention to her sibling. “And speaking of promises, the picnic I promised you is ready and waiting.”

“Ah, and not a moment too soon! I must admit I have quite the appetite. All of this talk does make one hungry!” the deep blue-coated alicorn chuckled, though she tilted her head a bit as a thought struck her. “Are we to collect it from the kitchens then, perchance?”

The tall, pink-white alicorn let out a small chuckle, a teasing smile spreading on her face. “No, Lu-Lu. I arranged for it to be set out for us ahead of time. I do remember, after all, how you always used to practically bounce in place with impatience when waiting for your food. This way, we can get straight to the good part.”

“Ha! Thy ribbing wounds me, sister!” Luna giggled, her face scrunching up with amusement. “And yet I feel a spring in my step, even now.”

Celestia in turn allowed a small chuckle to escape her throat as she playfully nudged her sister’s shoulder with the side of her head. “So I see! Well then, come along. I had them lay it out in one of our favourite spots!”

Luna followed after the larger alicorn, an almost child-like burble of laughter bubbling from her. She calmed herself slightly, though, as her eyes roved around the gardens, and then to the sky overhead. “It is such a nice day, Celly. You really out-do yourself, sometimes. Mother and father would be so proud of you…”

A thoughtful silence pervaded between the two at that, broken only by a small sigh emanating from the younger alicorn.

“Would you… you know, like back when we were still little… help me put up the stars one night?”

Celestia stopped mid-step, turning to look at her sister. There was an earnest look in the night-blue pony’s teal eyes, one that stirred memories in the sun princess’s head that she had long ago laid aside out of necessity. Her heart fluttered for a moment, before an irrepressible smile shone forth on her face. “Why, Lu-Lu… I would love to.” she said, swiftly stepping close to the younger pony and nuzzling at her neck tenderly. It came as no surprise that she soon felt one of Luna’s forelegs wrap itself tightly around her shoulders.

“I missed those moments so much.”

Celestia sighed softly in agreement, leaning into her sister’s affectionate grasp a little before gently pulling away to stand back up to her normal height. “As did I, little sister. As did I.” she said quietly, a warm smile on her face. Her expression then brightened as she raised her voice back to its normal level. “Come now, our food won’t eat itself!”

“I think I hear our hosts…!” Sketchy whispered, twisting an ear in the direction of where he was sure he had just heard Princess Celestia’s voice.

“I believe so. I am so excited!” Octavia agreed in a similarly hushed tone, turning to look towards the same path she and Sketchy had ascended earlier on. Sure enough, the top of a shimmering, pastel-striped mane could just be seen poking up over the top of the hedges. The cellist couldn’t help but let out a quiet “aww!” as the two regal figures emerged from the top of the path, walking side-by-side, and happily chatting away to each other.

Celestia’s gaze flicked from her sister to the picnic site and back, and a mischievous smile spread itself on her face. “Well, my goodness! It seems we have guests for tea, Lu-Lu. I wonder when they got here?” she said, barely suppressing the mirth in her voice.

Luna’s eyes widened as she in turn looked over at the picnic site, before a huge grin rapidly spread on her face. “Tavia! Sketchy!” she exclaimed, the spring in her step becoming all the more apparent as she looked back to her fellow alicorn. “This is your doing, isn’t it Celly? What a wonderful surprise! Thank you!” she added, before bolting the short distance to the blanket with a delighted cry. “It is so good to see you both! It seems like forever since the last time we were together!”

“Likewise, Lu-Lu.” Sketchy grinned in return. It was only the second time in his life that he was having a close encounter with both the Princess of the Night and her older sibling, and it still felt a bit unnatural to refer to either of them familiarly… but, he had to admit, seeing the pony whom they dared to call friend wear her emotions so openly in front of them, it would be even more unnatural to not use a familiar form of address.

“Luna! Celestia! It is so wonderful to see you both, and may I add that you both have done a tremendous job making such beautiful nights and days.” Octavia exclaimed, a bright smile on her features as she let the pure sound of her native tones shine through in her speech. She knew neither one of them had likely ever heard her speak in such a way before, and she wasn’t left wanting for a reaction.

“...my my.” Celestia intoned as she joined her friends and family, tilting her head slightly at Octavia with a mix of curiosity and amusement on her face. “You kept that little secret well hidden. I’d thought you were Canterlot born and bred, dear.” she chuckled, parking her hindquarters on the blanket opposite her sister.

Luna, by comparison, had let out a gasp of surprise on hearing the cellist speak, and she now found herself a place alongside her friend. “Why, Tavia! For what reason would you hide such a lovely accent? I am sure Canterlot could stand some variety!” she exclaimed, the end of her sentence punctuated with a giggle.

“You know this city, it has its influence!” Octavia replied, a blush painting her cheeks. “But you are right, Luna, it could indeed. You may thank Sketchy for this—or his mother, rather. She was able to pick it out in a very short space of time.”

“She must be talented indeed. And I agree with Lu-Lu, dear. You shouldn’t draw a veil over that part of yourself. As much as keeping up appearances may have become a necessary evil in today’s world, there is more to what makes a pony unique than their special talents.” Celestia said, the well-practiced and warm guiding tone she had cultivated through many a year coming to the fore. It raised a giggle from Luna, whose gaze had returned to her sister once more.

“Art thou even aware when thy dost lecture, dear sister?” she giggled, a fond look in her eyes.

“About as aware as you seem to be of your lapsing into olden tongue, Lu-Lu.” the larger alicorn snickered, a similar expression on her own face.

“Touché!” Luna exclaimed, letting out another laugh. “And yet I must say, Celly, today you have certainly outdone yourself. I can hardly remember the last time that we have had the pleasure of the company of friends for lunch like this. It is almost too much to take in all at once!”

“I have to agree, there.” Sketchy chimed in. “This is probably the most beautiful sunny day I’ve ever seen, Celestia.” Comfortable as he might have been calling Luna by her nickname, he still couldn’t bring himself to do the same for the sun Princess he’d looked up to all his life. “Pardon me if I draw a parallel, but as a fellow artist, I have to say you’ve painted a beautiful picture. I’m very moved.”

“As am I!” Octavia added, a warm smile creasing her face. “Without either of you two, my music would be terribly uninspired.”

Celestia raised a front hoof to her mouth as she let out a small chuckle. “Thank you, both of you.” she replied, her tone as warm as ever. “As a fellow artist, I have to say it’s always a joy to have my work appreciated. Allow me to ask, though, putting that aside: who’s hungry?”

Her question was met with a round of enthusiastic replies from the other three ponies, and they soon set to helping themselves to the basket’s contents. There was tea and coffee to drink, a selection of sandwiches, salad, sweet and savoury treats, and fresh fruit as well. It was evident that plenty of thought had gone into ensuring there was something for everyone, and the four ponies were soon sat contentedly munching their way through their assorted snacks.

“This takes me back, you know.”

All eyes turned on Luna, whose utterance had broken the relative calm of the afternoon.

“How long has it been, Celly? Since we last had some quiet time like this, with just a small gathering of friends?”

“Mmm… if memory serves correctly, my dear, the last time would have been that little late night jam session you three had.” Celestia smiled. “Although prior to that… it has certainly been many a year.”

“And you even managed to surprise me with it!” Luna enthused. “You’ve lost none of your touch for the subtle and unexpected.”

“Runs in the family then, does it? Playing pranks and surprising each other, I mean.” Sketchy asked, the expression on his face filled with the kind of curiosity one would expect to find on the face of a foal being told an exciting bedtime story.

“You might say that… Out of the two of us, however, I would have to concede that my little sister has the edge on spur of the moment, spontaneous jokes. I, on the other hoof, prefer to take my time planning my tricks, most of the time… though I have my moments.” Celestia said, her eyes twinkling briefly with mischief.

“Ha! Goodness… you know, if I’d never had the chance to meet you both up-close, I’d have had difficulty believing that either one of you were so… laid-back. So, ordinary, you know?” Sketchy mused aloud. He smiled as he went on. “It’s a good thing, though. I mean, getting this close, seeing you both like this, I can see without a doubt that you can relate to the so-called ordinary ponies of Equestria. That’s both very comforting, and very humbling at the same time.”

“Mmf… we’re all living creatures… nomf…” Luna replied, talking through a partially-full mouth as though to emphasise her ordinary stature. She blushed slightly and grinned apologetically as she went on. “We all have hearts and emotions; we all have wants and needs… and even though we may be in this position, we do enjoy a bit of fun.” she concluded, flashing a mischievous look at her big sister, who smiled back at her.

“Indeed we do. You know, I would be happy to have our friends over to our house again, like last time, whenever you wish. It does belong to us both, after all—and last time was delightful.”

There was a loud clatter of fine china as Octavia nearly dropped her teacup, accompanied by a series of coughs as Sketchy nearly choked on the sandwich he’d just bitten into. It was enough to cause Luna to burst out in a ringing laugh at both her friends’ reactions and her sister’s excellent comedic timing.

“You have earned the prankster crown today, sister, even if it was unintentional!” she exclaimed between giggles. Celestia in turn simply smiled, a warm laugh emanating from her as she gently bowed her head.

“Thank you, thank you, I am here all week!” she said, a large grin creasing her face as she raised her head again.

“Forgive my shock, both of you,” Octavia apologised, carefully setting down her cup, “and please also pardon my gushing, but… that would be stunning!”

“What Tavy said.” Sketchy agreed, having taken the time to properly swallow his sandwich. “I mean… yeah, wow. You’d honestly be fine with that? Really?”

“Oh, Tavia, Sketchy, of course! We’re friends, right?” Luna replied, smiling around the glass of fruit juice she had lifted to her lips in a shimmer of magic.

“...yes. Yes, we are.” Octavia nodded, a similar smile spreading on her face.

“I wouldn’t make such an offer if I wasn’t serious, my little ponies.” Celestia stated. “Luna is clearly fond of the two of you, and I am quickly seeing why. If having you visit will bring more music and happiness to our home, then I am more than happy with the idea of you visiting more often. After all, a part of my duty is to bring happiness to others. I can hardly do well at that if the ponies under my own roof are not as happy as can be… myself included.”

A faint pink tinge had grown on Octavia’s cheeks as she listened to Celestia’s words. She couldn’t help speaking up as well. “I am honoured, Celestia, and obviously you know I am honoured, Luna. And I promise we will try not to keep you up late every night!” she chuckled. Compared to how much she wanted to whoop for joy internally, it was an impressively controlled reaction. “I cannot express in words how happy this makes me. At this very moment, it feels as though my life is complete: I have my friends, my family, my love, and this wonderful day.”

“You… are soooooo sappy, Tavia!” Luna piped up, a mischievous giggle punctuating her words. “Please darling, without you and Sketchy I believe half of our Guard would have quit by now from my boredom!”

Octavia let out a laugh of her own at that, even as she moved over to lean against Sketchy, who welcomed her with a foreleg around her shoulders.

“Oh, I’m not so sure they would have quit, my dear, though I’m sure they would have begun to complain sooner or later. Well, were it not for our own counter-plotting to match your trickery every so often, that is.” Celestia said, a small giggle of recollection accompanying her sentence.

“Ha! Indeed! I am so glad they put up with me and have such a good sense of humour about it.” Luna declared, her tail twitching slightly as she turned her attention once more to the picnic basket, carefully rummaging through its contents with her magic. “Ah! There it is!”

The two earth ponies gave her a curious look, only to be treated shortly thereafter to the rare sight of the Princess of the Night enthusiastically stuffing her face with a generous portion of baklava.

“Mmm! My favourite!” she declared happily through a full mouth, before giving her friends a quizzical look and a “...what?”, prompting them to giggle at her distinct lack of regality.

“Oh Lu-Lu. You grew bigger, but I doubt you’ll ever grow older.” Celestia intoned fondly as she reached a foreleg towards the younger alicorn and drew her into a gentle embrace. Luna in turn leaned into her sister’s figure, a somewhat comical but nevertheless contented smile on her face.

“I will always be your little sister, Celly. Always.”

“You will indeed. I love you, Lu-Lu.”

There was a short pause as the four ponies took a moment to enjoy their surroundings and their company, before Celestia spoke up once more.

“We will have to be prudent about having you visit, however. I expect things are going to become quite hectic around the Palace, soon enough.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“Neither of you have heard?” Luna inquired, raising an eyebrow. “I suppose Freezy has little interest for gossip then… that, or more integrity than some would credit her with.”

“Well, now you have us both intrigued.” Octavia said, cocking her eyebrows at the alicorn pair. “What sort of event is brewing?”

“Well… you didn’t hear this from me,” Celestia began, a sly expression spreading across her face, “but it just so happens that a certain captain of the guard might be getting married, soon. To a certain royal, no less.”

“Oh my, that is quite something, right enough.” Octavia agreed, her eyes widening a little. “I can see why that would cause some commotion. You need not worry, we would not dream of attempting to intrude during such an important time.”

“Well, it would be difficult to intrude very far, regardless.” Luna remarked. “With such a high profile event on the horizon, there are going to be a higher number of patrolling ponies around here. I expect this may be the only decent opportunity we have for a little get together like this for some time.”

“Then I am all the more grateful that we have been able to gather together so.” Octavia smiled. “Forgive me if it is somewhat forward of me, but will my services be required, at all? For the forthcoming event, I mean.”

The younger alicorn let out a slight chuckle at that. “Were it my wedding, Tavia, I would surely enlist your talent. Alas, that detail has already been attended to. I am sorry, their particular tastes do not align with mine.”

The cellist smiled, shrugging her shoulders. “Alas, indeed. But one cannot be blamed for inquiring.” she giggled.

“Indeed, one cannot.” Celestia nodded.

“Speaking of weddings, have you two set a date yet?” Luna inquired, a barely concealed grin on her face. It was still enough to make both her earth pony friends almost choke a second time.

“P… Princess!” Octavia stuttered. “Must you risk our constitution so?”

“What Tavy said!” Sketchy agreed, hastily nodding his head. “I mean, I haven’t even asked her yet—er, I mean, do you not think you’re jumping the gun a bit?” he went on, badly covering his tracks. Mercifully, Luna was quick to quell both their worries.

“Ahahaha! Oh come now, both of you, I was not being completely serious. Such matters are best given time and careful forward thought. I would hardly expect you to be ready so soon.” she said, a reassuring smile gracing her features. “Nay my friends, enjoy the love you have while it is yours to enjoy, along with all that it brings. You will know when you are ready for anything greater.”

“...yeah. You’re right, Luna. Thanks.” Sketchy smiled, internally relieved at the Princess quickly cutting in and drawing attention away from his tripping over his words.

“We shall, you are right.” Octavia agreed casting a fond look at her stallion companion.

“Alas, it seems that duty calls.” Celestia spoke up, casting a glance towards the path up to their picnic spot, where a guardspony had appeared. “Thank you for joining us, Sketchy, Octavia.”

“The pleasure was ours, honestly!” Sketchy grinned, accompanied by Octavia nodding her head in agreement.

“You will certainly see us again, this I promise.”

“So, you guys had lunch with the Princesses, huh?”

A few hours of time and a chance encounter saw the two earth ponies lazing in the early evening sunshine, with a snow-white coated pegasus relaxing just overhead on a cloud she’d appropriated for a sunbed.

“Yep. Though part of me still keeps wondering if we didn’t just hallucinate the last few hours.”

“Heh! You get used to it, eventually.” Freeze Pop chuckled, casting a glance down from her cloud at her friend. “...well OK, you never totally get used to it. It’d be kinda bad if you did, I think. Hanging out with those two always feels special.”

“You can say that again.” Sketchy agreed. “I mean… I can kinda get used to the idea of rubbing shoulders with either one of them, but at the same time I really can’t. Know what I mean?”

“I believe we both do, Sketchy. Myself especially.” Octavia chimed in. “I am still astounded to have Luna refer to either one of us as her friend. In the eyes of many, after all, neither you nor I are anything special.”

“Maybe not in the eyes of many, Tavy, but in the eyes of one…” Sketchy trailed off, turning to look at her lovingly. He got a similar reaction from the cellist, who met his gaze with a smile and a sigh. The moment was slightly soured by Freeze Pop making an exaggerated gagging sound from overhead.

“Jeez, you two. I’m happy for ya both and all, but if you get any more corny you’ll start putting some farmers outta business!” the pegasus smirked. Her expression grew all the more amused as Octavia answered her remark with a “thhpbtpbt!”, accompanied by a good-natured laugh from Sketchy.

“I’d accuse you of jealousy if I didn’t know any better, Freeze.”

“Well it’s a good job you do, then.” the pegasus smiled back, stretching out a bit on her cloud. She kicked an armoured hoof lazily, looking out towards where the sun was very gradually sinking towards the horizon. “Nah, you two have your own thing, and you’re both happy. Us ponies… we’re like pieces of a puzzle, y’know?”

“What do you mean, Freezy?” Octavia questioned, glancing up towards the pegasus’s low-floating cloud. Freeze in turn tilted her head back over its edge.

“Þú getur ekki gert þraut án allra verka.” she replied in her native tongue. “Or, you can’t do a puzzle without all the pieces. It’s pretty rare to find any pony that makes a whole picture just on their own.”

“Ah, I think I see what you mean.” Octavia smiled. “You are referring to the way that we make friends with others, yes?”

“Spot on, Tavy!” Freeze chuckled. “Every pony has a place where they fit in, and make up a bit of a bigger picture. Though most of us never see the whole thing.”

“I guess not. Though I’m glad to’ve found where I seem to fit well.” Sketchy said, shifting closer to Octavia. She glanced round at him with a smile, shifting her weight a bit to lean against him.

“Heh heh. I think I already said as much before, but you two honestly are cute together.” Freeze commented, a note of warmth in her voice. “...kinda makes me wish Blackie wasn’t out of it currently. I’m a little envious.”

“Huh? What happened to him?” Sketchy frowned.

“...bit of a long story, but, well… he broke a wing.” Freeze Pop sighed. “He’s, well, back at mine currently, sleeping. You know how it goes if you opt for some accelerated healing.”

“Well, better a day or two of being knackered then a few weeks of not being able to fly, right?” Sketchy offered cheerfully, though he nevertheless felt a pang of sympathy for his friend. I’d be really upset if something happened to Tavy, after all…

Freeze Pop’s expression brightened though, and she nodded. “Right. And at least he won’t miss me as much when I’m at work the next few days, though I think I’ll ask if I can get time off to help nurse him back to health.”

“Would you not have taken time off anyway, Freezy? Surely you are due for some, after all.” Octavia remarked.

“Well yeah, probably…” Freeze said thoughtfully, averting her gaze to one side. “I am due time off, but I’d still like to save up some of that. For a trip to Cape Sunrise some time, perhaps.”

“Sounds like a plan, lass.” Sketchy chuckled. “...speaking of, I should really take a visit to Obar Dheathain some time. Haven’t been in forever, I’m sure my dad’d welcome a visit.”

“Do you mean that large city in Trotland, Sketchy?” Octavia questioned. “I should not be surprised if my orchestral responsibilities take me there again in the near future. Perhaps you can tag along? That is, if you think you can cope with the hardships of readily-provided travel and accommodation!”

“Oh goodness, how will I survive?” Sketchy exclaimed, putting a hoof to his head in mock lament. “It will be ever so difficult, my love, but for you I shall persevere.” His theatrical display earned him a giggle from Octavia, and a roll of Freeze Pop’s eyes.

“Alright, I think I’ve had my share of your ridiculousness for the day.” she chuckled, rising to her feet. “Well, that and my shift starts soon. I’ll catch you two later, alright?”

“Have a good one, Freezy!” Sketchy smiled.

“Have a lovely evening, Freeze Pop.” Octavia added.

“Will do. Later!” the armoured pegasus nodded, before leaping into the air with a few mighty beats of her wings, setting off towards the palace.

Nona Aria

The new day brings new strength
On renewed wings you will soar,
from sunrise to sunset

Be still and serene,
for although the bells may toll in the distance,
they do not toll for you.

Recitativo 9 – Expectations and Experiences

Freeze Pop stirred in her sleep, squinting a little as she awoke. It was still very early in the day; the golden rays of sunlight from outside only just beginning to glimmer through the blinds. However, as her mind slowly pushed its way through the fog of sleep, a realisation hit her. A smile spread across her face, and she gently prodded the sleeping form of the smaller black pegasus who lay asleep next to her still.

“Blackie! Wake up!”

Her prodding rose no more reaction from her companion, save for him rolling over in his sleep, and continuing right on resting. She frowned slightly at that, and proceeded to prod him a bit harder, a grin forming on her features.

“Oi! Wake up, you lazy bugger!”

She was mildly impressed to find out that Blacklight was, as it happened, quite a deep sleeper. I suppose I should be used to it by now. she thought to herself, as he still didn’t stir from his rest. Her frown pervaded a little longer, but it was soon overtaken by a mischievous look as she decided to change her tactics. She leaned her face down close to his ear, and softly began to whisper into his ear.

For a few moments, nothing happened… but then Blacklight’s eyes flew wide open and he sat up, his cheeks tinted purple. “...uhm! Good… good morning?” he said, looking round at Freeze and then quickly away. She let out a bit of a giggle in turn, and pressed her neck gently against his in a loose hug.

“Have some nice dreams?” she intoned softly.

“Well, uhm…” he replied, not daring to say anything about what his unconscious mind had done with what she’d fed to it. He did, however, peer at her suspiciously for a moment. “...somehow I have a feeling you may have started saying… things… into my ear while I was asleep…”

Freeze Pop put on an air of shock, albeit a very obviously faked one as she stared at him in mock surprise. “Blackie! Would I do that?” she asked, barely disguising the devious grin on her features.

“...so that was your doing, then…” he concluded, averting his gaze to the side as his cheeks burned. His attention was caught once again by Freeze Pop, however, as she let out a small giggle.

“You’re adorable, Blackie. C’mon though, you should get up. Do you know what day it is?” she questioned, stepping off her bed.

“What day?” he echoed, thinking for a moment as he stepped down off the synthetic cloud in turn. “Well, it’s Saturday, isn’t it?”

Freeze Pop blinked at his reply, then smiled. “Well yes, but that wasn’t what I was getting at.” she replied , before reaching over and poking gently at his still-bandaged wing. “Today’s the day they said you should be able to use this again, remember?”

“...right! They said next Saturday, and it’s now next Saturday!” Blacklight confirmed.

“Yeah, something like that.” Freeze Pop agreed, with a slight tilt of her head. Bit of an odd way of putting it, but he’s right, she thought to herself as she moved to grasp the bandage wrap. “Lemme get that for you…”

Blacklight found it difficult to keep still, even as the larger mare began to carefully unwrap his wing. “I can barely wait… I really wanna fly again!” he stated, shuffling his hooves a little in place. He heard Freeze Pop laugh through a mouthful of bandage as she worked the material free from his wing.

“I kngow, I kngow! At leatht try to hold thtill, though…” she gently chided, a smile spreading on her face as she unwrapped his feathered appendage.

“I’ll try… but I mean, well, have you ever broken a wing and not been able to fly for several days? Or even move it?”

“I’ve not, no.” Freeze replied with a shake of her head as she pulled the last of the medical wrapping free. “Never broken one… but I have had them severely damaged before.”

“Oh… sorry.” Blacklight said in a muted tone, his ears flattening a bit as he lowered his head.

Freeze Pop smiled reassuringly, dropping the last of the bandage as she did so. “Hey, just means I know how you feel, dude.” she stated, her attention shifting then to his newly-revealed wing. She swept her head down to it and began smoothing over the feathers, plucking out the more tattered ones that would no longer be of use in the process. “Frostbite, it was.” she added distractedly as she preened his wing. “My time spent pushing myself almost killed me a few times. But you know how the old saying goes.”

“Yeah… ‘what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger’, right? Though, it’s not always true.” Like a lot of sayings. he added mentally.

“...it’s not, no.” Freeze Pop agreed, after a thoughtful pause. She plucked and preened his wing a little more. “You taste of chocolate.” she added, all of a sudden.

“I… huh? Oh you know what? I bet that’s from a few days ago. Remember I spilled some of that ice cream?”

“Yeah, I remember.” Freeze nodded, a chuckle escaping her. “I shouldn’t have left it on your wing.”

“Hey, I asked you to, what with it being a little sore.” Blacklight countered. “And I guess I paid the price for it, too.”

“Well, whatever.” the white mare replied with a shrug of her shoulders, before teasingly dragging her tongue along the edge of his wing. “It makes you yummier, anyway.” she stated, a tinge of pink painting her cheeks as she brought her head back up to smile at him. She was internally pleased to see her companion blushing in turn at her remarks.

“I’m not edible!” he protested, subconsciously aware of his wings stiffening slightly. He ignored it for the moment as he went on. “I mean, just because I taste like chocolate…”

“You might not be edible, no, but you are tasty.” Freeze countered with a sultry tone, a wicked grin spreading on her features as she brought her face close to his. She could see his cheeks turn an even brighter shade as she did.

“Ah… why does it matter… how I taste…?”

“Because of this…” the mare replied, before pressing her lips to his. SHe closed her eyes, making an exaggerated “Mmm~!” sound as she did so. She felt her partner lean into it a little, though she was sure she’d felt him flinch slightly in surprise when she’d kissed him. She was happy to note that he seemed to be finding it less startling now, however.

“Ahh. Now that’s one thing at least I’m glad to see you lose some of your shyness over.” she purred softly, nuzzling his nose gently as she broke from the kiss. “C’mon then. Let’s go get you in the air again, shall we?”

“OK!” Blacklight nodded, following her to the apartment door with a spring in his step. It was clear that he was impatient to make use of his wings once again as they headed out and down the stairs.

“I know somewhere nice and safe for you to test out that wing.” Freeze Pop went on, as they made their way outside. “There’s a good-sized park near here, with plenty of hills and nothing but grass and hedgerows to fall into if you take a tumble.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Blacklight enthused, his wings already fluttering a little. “Honestly, it feels like it was never broken.”

“Alright, but don’t get too carried away.” Freeze warned, a hint of consternation in her voice.

“I won’t, promise.”

Presently, the two pegasi arrived in the park. It was, as Freeze Pop had said, both large and lushly adorned with grass and hedges aplenty. With the weather being both clear and dry, there were already some of the city’s other denizens milling about in the early morning sunshine. Kites dotted the sky here and there, and the occasional shout and laugh of young foals wafted through the air, accompanied by the notes of various birds chirruping from the hedges.

Perfect day to take wing again. Freeze thought to herself, as she glanced round at Blacklight.

“Well, Blackie, I won’t hold you back any longer. Let’s see you fly. Be careful though, alright?”

“I’ll be fine. Just watch!” the smaller pegasus replied, before spreading his wings and taking to the air. Sure enough, his wing showed no signs of seizing up or cramping. It was, as he’d thought, as though he’d never broken it, and he paused mid-flight to hover and look down to where Freeze Pop still stood, keeping an eye on him. “You coming with me? Hey, I know… race you to that cloud!” he called won to her, pointing to a cloud some distance off.

Freeze looked back up at him, tilting her head a bit. Her eyes narrowed slightly, as a competitive smile spread across her face. Oh, that confident, are we?

“You oughta be careful there, Blacklight!” she replied, as her own large wings unfurled and she launched herself into the air, drawing alongside him. “You shouldn’t strain yourself too much when you only just got back into the air. Oh, and you know what else?”

“What?” he smiled back at her, a certain giddiness evident in his voice.

“You definitely shouldn’t challenge a gal like me to a race. I’ll leave ya eating my trails!” she grinned, positioning herself on a path towards the cloud he’d indicated. “Ready when you are!”

“Heh… you’re probably right. We’ll see!” Blacklight replied, readying himself in turn. “Ready… set… go!”

As soon as the word left his mouth, the black stallion surged forward. He was slightly surprised, though certainly no less thrilled, to see that he had a lead on the large mare who he’d challenged. His adulation quickly shifted to alarm, however, as he realised she was very rapidly closing the gap. He beat his wings harder, though he was quite aware how little exercise his flight muscles had been given recently as he attempted not to strain them too hard. He could see that his fellow racer had started to get a bit of a cocky smirk on her face as the gap had closed, one which vanished as he sped away from her a bit more. Still, as it was, he was panting heavily when he touched down on the cloud – at exactly the same time as Freeze Pop.

“...tie…?” he panted, wincing a bit at some unexpected discomfort as he folded in his wings.

“Looks it.” the sturdy mare replied with a smile, though she frowned slightly when he folded in his wings. “How’s the wing?”

Blacklight unfolded his wings once more and shook them slightly, then folded them back up once more. “I’m sure it’s fine,” he said, waving a hoof dismissively, “just a little sore, because I’ve not used it for a week.”

“Mmm.” Freeze Pop nodded, apparently satisfied with that. “Like I said… don’t push it too hard. Last thing you want is to be grounded again from a cramp or a pulled muscle, you know?”

“Yeah, I think I’ve had enough time out of the air.” Blacklight agreed, plopping himself down on the cloud. He buried his face in it for a moment, closing his eyes. “Mmf, I’d nearly forgotten how good this feels. I could fall asleep right here on this cloud, right now.”

Freeze Pop chuckled softly at that, dropping herself onto the cloud next to him. “I totally agree, on both the cloud and the not being grounded bits.” she affirmed, before reaching a hoof over and vigorously rubbing at his back, just between his wings. “I’d far sooner have you fly and able to enjoy yourself than stuck on the ground.”

“Mmhmm!” Blacklight agreed, then let out a giggle at her touch. “That feels good.”

“Uh huh?” Freeze smiled, bringing her other front hoof to his back. “Well here, lemme do it properly, then. I learned a fair bit about this when I was younger. Helped my aunt and uncle out with running their lodge up in the mountains, so I know how to give a good massage when it’s needed. Lemme know if I’m too rough though, I dunno my own strength sometimes.”

Blacklight felt himself relaxing under the mare’s firm touch, and he shook his head slightly. “Mmm, don’t worry. That feels fine.”

“Good, good…” Freeze nodded absent-mindedly, letting her sense of touch guide her. “It might not be a bad idea to take a little nap up here for a while, I did wake you a bit earlier than usual after all. And besides, it’s a lovely day for a nap in the sunshine.”

“It is… hey, speaking of weather, d’you ever wonder if there’s places without pegasus weather teams? How’d they control the weather, do you think?”

Freeze Pop pondered that question for a few moments. “Well… in my experience, if they don’t have direct control over the weather, they kinda let it do its own thing.” she stated.

“You… you mean, like, the way it does in the Everfree Forest?” the smaller pegasus asked, a slight shudder in his voice. “That sounds a bit scary. Heck, just thinking about that place makes me shiver a bit.”

“I know, right?” Freeze chuckled. “Though… apparently the Everfree’s not too bad, so long as you have someone that knows where they’re going. I heard from Octavia that she’s been in there a few times… with a guide, of course.”

“Huh? Really?” Blacklight chimed, turning his head slightly to look at her with an inquisitive glance. “I really wouldn’t have expected it of her. She doesn’t seem the sort to want to go in there.”

Freeze Pop’s expression softened into an affectionate smile as she gazed down at him, her hoof movements slowing a bit. “Mm, but ponies can be full of surprises. After all, you wouldn’t have thought of me as the kind of gal to fall for a guy like you, would you?”

“Well, maybe not at first glance…”

“And I wouldn’t have expected you to be the kind of guy I could fall for, either.” Freeze continued, lifting her front hooves from his back. She then flopped down gently on top of his back, draping her forelegs around his smaller frame, before rolling onto one side, pulling him with her into a gentle embrace. Blacklight in turn rolled over to face her, his forelegs finding their way around her broad shoulders.

“Also true.” he smiled, before hugging her tightly. “I love you, Freezy.”

Freeze Pop felt a rush of blood to her cheeks as he said that, and she instinctively returned his affections, squeezing him tightly to herself. “I love you too, Blackie.” she sighed out softly, tucking her head under his chin. A short few moments later, she had gone quiet save for the sound of her breathing evenly. Blacklight had to suppress a chuckle.

Couldn’t stay awake any longer? I suppose you did wake up rather early. he pondered to himself. Were you worried about me? Or excited, perhaps…?

Whatever the cause, he couldn’t help but find the situation very relaxing, and his own eyes began to slide shut in turn.

It was only a short hour or so later that the two of them stirred once more, with the sun now having risen higher overhead. Freeze Pop was the first to awaken, stretching out where she lay and letting out a refreshed-sounding yawn.

“Well, that was a lovely little nap.” she noted, absent-mindedly nuzzling Blacklight’s ear. “I slept quite well. How about you, Blackie?”

Despite him becoming more and more accustomed to this kind of treatment from her, Blacklight couldn’t help a small hint of a blush spreading across his cheeks.

“I’m feeling refreshed, certainly…” he agreed. His stomach then gave a bit of a growl, and he let out a slightly self-conscious laugh. “And hungry as well, apparently.”

“Well, we didn’t really stop for breakfast, to be fair to you.” Freeze noted. “Heck, I’m starting to feel it as well. Shall we go drop by Graze and say hi to our favourite sandwich chef?”

“Sounds like a plan!” Blacklight nodded, a smile creasing his features as he rose and spread his wings. “I bet she’ll be relieved to see me flying again.”

“Probably almost as relieved as me.” Freeze chuckled, spreading her own wings in turn. The two of them dove over the edge of their impromptu rest spot, gliding easily down toward the parkland below. It was an easy thing, Freeze had to admit, to forget what a gift it was to be able to fly simply because you were born with wings. Not that the gift of flight was exclusively the domain of pegasi, as far as ponies were concerned: airships had been a fact of life for long years before she was born, after all, but she simply could not imagine going through life without being able to take to the air as she saw fit.

I bet a unicorn without magic’d feel the same. she thought to herself as she and her stallion companion touched down on the grass and trotted out into the street. It’d be like some essential part of you was missing, something you knew you needed to function properly.

She stole a glance at the smaller pegasus next to her, and flashed him a smile as he caught her gaze. I guess… that’s probably how it would feel being separated from someone you love, for any great length of time.

The two of them continued on, the sound of their footfalls mixing with those of so many other ponies walking the streets of the bustling capital now that the sun had fully risen. It didn’t take them long to find their way to the sandwich shop on its busy street corner, and the two of them headed inside. They were welcomed by the familiar tinkle of bells from overhead, followed shortly by Salad’s characteristic “Good morning! Welcome to Graze!”, though her greeting soon changed in tone when she caught a proper look at her customers.

“Well hay there, Freezy! An’ Blacklight too! Good t’ see yuh up ‘n’ about!”

Blacklight smiled at that, flexing his wings briefly. “Good to be up and about! I’ve been down for far too long!”

“Mm? Ooh, I getcha!” Salad chuckled, nodding as the pegasus flexed both of his wings out. “How’s it feeling?”

“Well, we already went for a flit about above the park.” Freeze cut in with a chuckle. “So, either he’s feeling fine, or he’s good at keeping secrets from me.”

“I’ve never been a particularly good secret-keeper…” Blacklight noted, shuffling his hooves a little.

“Then I guess we can say you’re feeling fine.” Salad concluded, a cheerful as always tone to her voice. “Ah’m gonna assume you two didn’t just come in to say hi though, right?”

“Not just to say hi, no, but we certainly didn’t come in to not say hi, either.” Freeze assured her friend, earning herself a tilt of the unicorn’s head.

“Thanks, Ah think?” she said, quirking an eyebrow at her friend.

“She means we came here for both the food and the friendship.” Blacklight clarified.

“Right, that’s what Ah thought she meant.” Salad nodded. She paused for a moment, however, then clapped a hoof to her mouth as she began to giggle for some reason.

“...uh. Sally? Something you wanna share?” Freeze Pop questioned, exchanging a confused look with her black-coated friend. Salad quickly got her mirth under control, shaking her head a little.

“Oh, ah, it’s nothin’, hon. Just, well. Ain’t it normally s’posed to be him that makes the wordy statements an’ you that explains ‘em?” she grinned, having to put a hoof to her mouth once more.

The two pegasi blinked, looked round at each other slowly… and then proceeded to crack up, although not as badly as Sally had.

“You’ve got a point!” Freeze snorted, shaking her head with a huge grin. “You see Blackie? You’re a bad influence!” she joked.

“Oh, I’m the bad influence, am I?” Blacklight grinned, shoving against her lightly.

“You’re right, we’re both awful.” Freeze decided after a moment. “But yeah, Sally. We’ll have some breakfast – and some chatter, if you’re free.”

“Sure thing.”

A few minutes later, the three of them were sat in one of the shop’s booths, with the two pegasi sat on one side, a pair of empty plates now sat in front of them and Salad sat across from them. There was a pleased look in her eyes as she regarded her two friends, one which she soon gave a reason for.

“Ah gotta say, guys, Ah’m so happy to see yuh together. Feels like only yesterday Ah was seein’ Sketchy an’ Tavy gettin’ together, and now Ah got you two as well. Seems like there’s a lotta love floatin’ around.”

“Mmm, sure feels like it.” Freeze Pop smiled. “...not jealous, are ya Sally?”

“Huh? Naw…” Salad replied, though it was a little unconvincing. “Well Ah mean… Ah’m happy fer ya, Freezy, an’ yew too Blackie, honestly Ah am… but, well. Would either a’ ya really blame me if Ah felt, well, maybe just a teensy weeny tiny lil’ bit jealous?”

“I know I wouldn’t, Sally.” Freeze Pop said, her face creasing into a gentle smile. “I’ll admit I felt it a bit, when I saw those two getting together, so I can understand you feeling it again now – even if the reasons are a bit different.”

“Well yeah hon, Ah ain’t into girls much.” Salad giggled, raising a laugh from her fellow mare. Blacklight, however, looked as though the joke had just flown over his head.

“...did I miss something…?” he asked, looking at Freeze Pop for clarification.

“Uh? Oh, er… well, that’s Sally’s choice if she wants to explain…” Freeze Pop told him a little awkwardly, having forgotten for the moment that her coltfriend was not as up-to-date on her friends’ affairs as she was.

“Hm? Oh! Er, right. Hon, all ya gotta really know is that I kinda sorta had a crush on Sketchy, an’ it made me do some stupid stuff.” Salad explained hastily, keen to not dwell on said events for too long.

“Ah. Right. Sounds like something I don’t need to pry at.” Blacklight stated sagely, with a nod of his head.

“Ah’d certainly say Ah’ve had ma finer moments.” Salad concurred. “But yeah! Ah can’t help it if maybe Ah feel a little like it really oughta be ma turn soon, y’know? Ah don’t wanna be the sad loner gal that ain’t got nopony.”

Freeze Pop frowned to herself for a moment. She did a good job of putting a cheerful veneer over it, but it was clear to her that, at this moment, her friend was being quite honest about her feelings – and perhaps felt them more strongly than she let on. She reached a hoof over the table and gently pressed it against her friend’s, a comforting smile etching itself across her face.

“I can’t see that happening, Sal. There’s not a girl quite like you in the entire kingdom. And if anyone should know, it’s me.” she said, in her usual confident tones. It had the effect she’d hoped, as Salad perked up somewhat almost immediately.

“Y’always were a big sap at heart, weren’tcha Freezy?” she smiled. “But heck if you ain’t also right. Ah shouldn’t go mopin’ about that, Ah ain’t got a clue when Ah’ll meet the right guy. Heck, all things considered, p’raps some day he’ll just come waltzin’ on in with one of the Princesses.”

“Mmm? You’d like a guy in uniform, then?” Freeze Pop teased. Her friend’s cheeks turned a bit more pink at that.

“Hee! Hay, Ah wouldn’t say no, necessarily hon. If there’s one thing your work does well fer you lot, it’s keepin’ ya in good shape. Am I right, Blackie?” she added, casting a teasing look at the black pegasus.

“Uh? H-hay, how would I know? I mean, I don’t go staring at Guards!” he blurted, a blush turning his cheeks purple.

“No, but you do like looking at me, don’t you Blackie?” the white mare pressed, fluttering her eyelashes at him with a mischievous grin. His only response was a small squeak, which earned him a giggle from Freeze Pop and Salad both.

“Ah think maybe he was right, Freezy. Yuh are terrible!” Salad laughed, starting to get up from the table. “Ah gotta get back to work. It’s gonna get mighty busy in here soon enough. Ah reckon I’ll haveta be hirin’ in a few more hooves if th’ place keeps on staying this busy.”

“Uh-huh?” Freeze smiled. “Mmm, that Royal Endorsement wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with the increased business, would it?”

“Eeheehee! Stoppit!” Salad giggled, her voice coming out in a rather foalish sounding squeal. “Ah swear hon, ya just mention that to make me giddy!”

“Maybe I do.” the guardspony admitted, grinning broadly at her friend. “Though it has been good for business, hasn’t it?”

“Yuh-huh it has! We’ve actually been givin’ a lil’ bit of thought to carryin’ a bit of a wider range of eats an’ extending our openin’ hours a bit, possibly. Cos well, seein’ as it was Princess Luna gave us her endorsement, it’s gotten her own honour guard kinda interested in seein’ what we have.”

“Luna’s honour guard?” Blacklight piped up. “Wait, do you mean…?”

“Batponies? Yep she does.” Freeze confirmed. “And they do have some, well, somewhat more specialised eating habits and tastes.”

“Yup, they do. Ah’ve been talkin’ to one or two of ‘em about it.” Salad nodded. “We still ain’t certain exactly when or even if we’ll actually do it, but it’d be a good opportunity to expand on the business a little. That and, well, maybe help ‘em feel a little more welcome ‘round us day-ponies, y’know?”

“I’m sure they’d welcome that. It’s not been easy for them, from what I’ve heard.” Freeze Pop chimed in. “I mean, heck, the Princess took her time about even telling the rest of us guards they were a thing… probably cos she was worried about how we’d take the news, I suppose.”

“Ah can believe that.” Salad nodded. “Ah mean, heck, Ah still ain’t quite used to seein’ ‘em about, when Ah do.”

“Remind me to introduce you to their CO sometime.” Freeze Pop mused. “She’s… quite a character I have to say.”

“Hey, if it brings us some more business, Ah ain’t about to say no.” Salad chuckled. “Ah oughta get back to work here, though. Ah reckon it’s gonna get real busy around lunch, and Ah’d like to have plenty of bread ready to go fer that.”

“No worries, Sally. I was thinking we should shoot off anyway. I’d like to show Blackie some more of what’s on offer here in the big city while I’ve got the time to do it.”

“There are only so many hours in a day, after all.” Blacklight noted with a small smile.

“Ah won’t keep yuh then, hon.” Salad nodded, turning to head back behind the counter. “Don’t hesitate to drop by again sometime though, alright?”

“We won’t!” Freeze smiled, watching the unicorn go.

“...she’s really nice, you know.” Blacklight noted after Salad had returned to her station. “I hope she does find somepony.”

“Believe you me, she’ll find herself a nice guy sooner or later.” Freeze Pop chuckled. “I mean, I’m actually a little surprised she hasn’t already… she’s quite easy-going, she’s cute, and she knows how to cook and all. That’s a whole bunch of qualities a lot of guys want, right there.”

“Sure, though it’s not what everypony wants.” Blacklight noted, following Freeze Pop as she rose from the table. “Though you’re still not wrong. And besides, she doesn’t have to worry about getting involved with the wrong kinda pony either, cos she’s got you to chase them all off.”

“Ha! You got that right!” the sturdy mare agreed as the two made their way out of the shop. “I love that girl like she was my own sister, so of course I’ll look out for her. Same goes for Sketchy, too, so any guy looking to hook up with her better have their head on straight if they don’t wanna have to deal with us.”

“No kidding. And hay, I’m sure both of them would look out for you, too.” Blacklight pointed out, a smile on his face. “They’re good friends, after all.”

“They are. Give it enough time, I’m sure they’ll be your friends too, Blacklight.” Freeze replied. “I mean, you and I are already pretty close. I know I’d like it if I could include you in our circle, so to speak.”

“Mmm… do you mean similarly to how Octavia’s been getting to know you two?”

“Mmm. Well, that’s a little different, though.” Freeze chuckled. “I mean, she already knew the both of us before she met Sketchy, in one capacity or another. But I suppose the relationship between us is less business and more personal nowadays.”

The sun had already risen to its zenith as the pair took wing, leaving the bustle of ponies’ hooves below them. Even though it was quite late in summer, it was still a comfortably warm day. The two of them fell mostly silent as they glided through the air, enjoying the ease of soaring on the warm air that wafted up from below.

“Hey, so lemme show you a few things, Blackie.” Freeze called out to her fellow pegasus. “See that building down there?”

Blacklight looked down towards where she was pointing, to see a large, primarily white-coloured building, with a fairly flat roof and a comparatively bland construction. Outside it was a large courtyard, across which he could just make out several armoured ponies making their way back and forth.

“That’s a lot of guards down there.” he noted. “Something to do with the military?”

“Yup!” Freeze Pop replied, adjusting her flight path to glide alongside him. “That down there is the Horse Guards building, along with the parade ground. It’s where they train up new Guards, as well as where some of them are garrisoned.”

“It’s kinda dull-looking.”

“It is!” Freeze chuckled. “But then again, it’s just dull enough to not look particularly special. Probably just as well, or it’d be an obvious target if the city ever came under large scale attack – but as I understand it, that’s not happened for several decades.”

“Yeah. Must make your job really dull, huh?” Blacklight grinned.

“Hey, ‘s like I told you before! You enjoy the dullness while it lasts, cos the moment a Life Guard has to spring into action is the moment it stops being dull!”

“Yeah, you told me about how you earned your nickname after all. I bet that was anything but dull.”

“Too right.” Freeze nodded. “It’s not every day you have to apprehend a dragon. And even if it was just a small one, a dragon’s still a dragon. He coulda toasted me if I wasn’t careful.”

“And then you’d have been a toasted marshmallow!”

Freeze Pop looked round at her coltfriend with an expression that was both amused and slightly perplexed. “I… suppose so?” she chuckled.

“Well, cos you’re already soft and white.” Blacklight clarified.

“Oh! Ha, yeah, guess I would’ve!” Freeze laughed, rolling under him mid-flight, and looking up at him from below. “You come out with some interesting things sometimes.”

“I guess that’s just the way I think. sometimes.”

“And am I as sweet as a marshmallow?” Freeze questioned, a teasing note to her voice as she fluttered her eyelashes a bit at him. She was pleased to see a slight blush appear on his cheeks, even if he tried to play it off a bit.

“I’m kinda obliged to say yes, I think.”

“Heh! So long as it’s what you think, then yes.”

“Well, I won’t say that it’s not.” Blacklight replied. He then caught sight of something below that he hadn’t really noticed before. “Hey… what’s that big tower over there? It almost looks like a bit of the palace, but it’s all the way over here…”

“Hmm?” Freeze replied, looking towards where his gaze had fallen. “Oh! That’s the White Tower. No prizes for guessing how it got that name.”

“Well yeah, it’s definitely both white and a tower.” Blacklight agreed, his gaze still fixed on the tall building that had caught his attention. “But… it’s nowhere near the palace. It kinda looks like it ought to be attached to it.”

“Oh, that’s cos it’s actually older than the palace, Blackie.” Freeze explained. “See, that was built a long while back… roughly around the time Princess Platinum was still trotting about and touting unicorn supremacy.”

“Wow, really? That’s pretty old, then.”

“Yeah… it’s one of the few places we know of that pre-dates the Celestial Age. See, the unicorns already had an outpost here on the mountain long before Canterlot was ever a thing. There’re a network of mines under the mountain that stretch for miles. That tower there is where they hoarded their finds.”

“Huh… so what’s it used for nowadays?” Blacklight inquired, turning his gaze from the building to Freeze Pop.

“Funnily enough, much the same thing.” Freeze replied with a slight laugh. “Nowadays, it’s where the crown jewels and the royal collection are housed. I’ve been in there once or twice myself, though not on guard duty. That’s left to a different part of the Guard.”

“...so it’s the Princesses’ jewellery box?” Blacklight suggested.

“Pretty much!” Freeze nodded. “We should maybe take a look in there some time, if you’re of a mind to look at some shiny trinkets and such.”

“Maybe some other time. There’s plenty out here to look at.” Blacklight replied. There was a certain sincerity in his tone that brought a flush of red to Freeze Pop’s face.

“Heehee… well, fair enough.” she smiled, inwardly grateful that neither of her best friends had just witnessed her having such a girlish moment. “I know I said it earlier, but it’s great to see you airborne again.”

“It’s good to be airborne again. That, and to be up here with you.”

Freeze Pop gave no answer to that, other than her smile widening as her expression softened a little. I am still not used to that! she thought to herself. It was, after all, still an entirely new thing to her for someone else’s words to have that much of an effect. It wasn’t that she was any stranger to having comments aimed her way, both good and bad. There had been other ponies, in the past, that had tried to win her affections by means fair and foul, and she’d seen off every last one of them one way or another.

The difference is choice. she finally concluded. It’s different when it’s coming from him, because it’s not unwelcome.

“...bit for your thoughts?” Blacklight piped up, interrupting her internal musings.

“Heh! Picking up some of the slang, huh?” Freeze said, shaking her head a bit. “Sorry, I was just a bit lost in thought. Guess I could say I’m really growing an appreciation of you not being a typical meathead.”

“Uhh… thanks?”

“Ahaha… I suppose that was a little obscure. I mean that I’m still getting used to hearing compliments aimed my way that aren’t coming from someone I’d happily give a hoof sandwich to.”

“Oh, right… ponies have tried that?” Blacklight asked, tilting his head a bit. “I mean, I can see why, but… well, didn’t they realise you could wallop them if you felt like it?”

“Maybe some of ‘em are into that.” Freeze commented with a roll of her eyes. “Either way, you can rest assured I quite enjoy hearing you compliment me.”

“I quite like hearing your compliments as well.” Blacklight smiled. “I, ahh, haven’t really had too many ponies offer me them that I can remember. I guess maybe that’s, uhm, because of my talent for going unnoticed…”

“Well whatever the reason, Blackie, you’re not about to escape my gaze any time soon.” Freeze replied, a warmth in her voice and a look in her eyes that almost made the stallion skip a few beats of his wings.

“Yeah. I know.” he said, a similar smile on his face.

The rest of the day was calm, peaceful, and without incident. The sun was starting to sink towards the horizon by the time the two pegasi had returned to Freeze Pop’s home, their day spent mostly enjoying each other’s company and re-familiarising Blacklight with the city’s layout. The two of them were now settled in a contented heap on the sofa, watching the sun set through the huge window that dominated one wall of the living room.

“You know, Freezy…” Blacklight began.

“Hmm?”

“It’s a lot more peaceful here than I thought it would be, for a city.”

The large mare let out a small laugh at that. “You sure it’s just your surroundings and not your present company that’s got you at ease?” she teased, earning her a laugh from him in return.

“Well yeah, there’s that as well.” he nodded. “But I mean even so, it’s real quiet up here. Reminds me of Cape Sunrise in some ways.”

“Mmm. Well, I’d say enjoy the peace while it lasts, Blackie. It’s gonna be a heck of a lot noisier here soon enough.”

“Oh?” Blacklight said, looking round at her with a quizzical look.

“Yeah. One of my higher-ups is getting married soon—actually, now I think on it, you met him already.”

“I did? ...oh! Oh, you mean, uhm, Captain, er…”

“Shining Armor, yeah. It ain’t been officially announced yet, but it’s gonna be a big ‘un.”

“It… is? I mean, I know he’s a Captain and all, but why would it be a big deal? Ponies get married all the time.”

“Yeah, but not all of ‘em marry princesses.” Freeze Pop pointed out. “Lucky sod’s engaged to Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, or Princess Cadance if you prefer. Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of her, she’s always been somewhat in her aunt’s shadow.”

“I was going to say, I’m not familiar… who’s her aunt?”

“I’ll give you a hint, Blackie. She likes cake and she raises the sun every day.”

“Well, yeah. If your aunt is Celestia herself then it’s no wonder no-one’s heard of you.” Blacklight chuckled. “When is that gonna be happening?”

“They’re still trying to figure it out.” Freeze replied. “You know how much planning goes into a regular wedding. This one is between a Princess and a Guard Captain, so I expect they’re having some major administrative nightmares.”

“I bet… do you think they’ll call on you?”

“Hmmm… probably, Blackie. I wouldn’t be surprised if they have the entire Life Guard on duty. Big event like this, there’s gonna be a lot of important ponies all in one place. If someone wanted to rid Equestria of its movers and shakers, they’d not have a better opportunity to strike than there. Of course, they’d have to be pretty stupid to: it is gonna be presided over by Celestia herself, and you do not want to mess with her.”

“I certainly wouldn’t want to make her angry.” Blacklight agreed, trying for a moment to picture it. he shuddered slightly. “I bet she’s scary when she’s angry.”

“Wouldn’t know, Blackie, and I’m in no hurry to find out!” Freeze chuckled. “But yeah, if they find a date they can use, I’ll be obliged to work for that. Keeping ponies safe is my sworn duty, after all.”

“Mm… well, it’ll only be one day out of several that I’m getting you to myself.” the stallion pointed out as he settled his head against her shoulder again.

“It will, you’re right.” Freeze sighed, settling her chin on top of his head contentedly. “I could get used to this.”

“Me too.”

There were few words exchanged between the two, but it didn’t matter. As the sun slowly sunk out of sight, all that mattered was the shared feeling of content between them, and the reassurance that whatever tomorrow would bring, they could experience it together.

Decima Aria

Reports of my death

Were most exaggerated

The show must go on!

Recitativo 10 –Reflections and Resolve

“The security will have to be stepped up. Of that, there is no question.”

The statement that had issued forth from the Princess of the Sun’s lips gained an assenting nod and murmurs from the other ponies gathered in one of her palace’s larger meeting rooms. Lining the table on either side were assorted ponies, nobles and soldiers alike, all of whom wore grim expressions.

“Do we know the full scale of this threat?” a large stallion clad in armour rumbled.

“Not entirely, yet.” a small and lithe-looking earth pony piped up. “I mean, I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled back and both ears to the ground, but I’ve not been able to gather as much as I’d like. All I’ve been able to confirm is that ponies have turned up missing, or in some cases have gone missing and then turned up again, but have been really out of sorts.”

“...out of sorts? Prithee, mine Eye, tell us how?” Luna queried of the one she had addressed as her Eye. All attention fell on him in an instant, making him shuffle in his seat a bit.

“Well… the reports say they come back with this empty look in their eyes, almost like they’ve lost something of themselves, wherever they went.” he began. “None of them have been able to talk about what happened to them. But it’s been the same thing each time.”

A concerned glance was exchanged between the two alicorns in the room, one that did not go unmissed by the unicorn who was seated close to the two of them.

“Your Highnesses… do you know something we don’t…?” he asked. It was Celestia that met his gaze first.

“No more than a hunch at this point, Captain, but one worth acting on.”

“Look, all I’m saying is, he coulda picked someone a bit less… high profile.” Freeze Pop said to her companions as they sat round a table, working their way through an assortment of freshly made sandwiches.

“Well yes, Freeze, but you and I both know that the heart does not choose based on status.” Octavia said, a small smile on her features as she regarded the large pegasus. “Besides, is it honestly that bad?”

“It’s bad enough.” the white pegasus replied with a slight sigh. “It’s meaning a lot of extra work… which is meaning a lot less time I get to spend with you guys.”

“And this guy in particular, right?” Sketchy grinned, nodding his head to Blacklight. The diminutive pegasus blushed a little at that, as the mare next to him simply nodded.

“Exactly. That’s what bums me out a bit about it. But, well, it can’t be helped. If there’s the slightest risk of danger to our citizens, it can’t be ignored.”

“Do yuh really think there’s gunna be some kinda danger goin’ down?” Salad put in, a slightly concerned look on her features.

“What, here in Canterlot? Pfft, you serious?” Freeze smiled. “Nah, you’d have to be pretty damned audacious to try anything on in this city. I mean, d’you think either of the Princess’d just sit there and let you?”

“Ah guess not.” Salad agreed, shaking her head thoughtfully. “Right enough, yuh’d have tuh be pretty danged dumb tuh try somethin’ like that.”

“Well… that, or really well prepared.” Blacklight offered. “I mean, if you had a good enough plan…”

“You make a good point, Blacklight. Though I doubt there are many who do have such a plan.” Octavia stated. “Personally, my only peeve with regards to this whole event is the particular choice they made regarding the entertainment. I would have been delighted to play for a royal wedding!”

“Oh, you and goodness knows how many other talented musicians, my love.” Sketchy said to her with a fond grin.

“He’s not wrong.” Freeze added as she swallowed down a good-sized chunk of her somewhat huge sandwich. “I didn’t take part in dealing with the mail that came in about that, following the public announcement, but I sure as heck heard about it.”

“You did? I wouldn’t have thought you had much dealing with mailponies.”

“Oh, I don’t, but I know some of the Clerical Corps well enough, and Paper Clip was in a pretty foul mood the other day when I caught up with her. I believe her exact words were ‘If I see just one more unsolicited service offer from some full-of-themself musician or entertainer or what have you, I swear to Celestia’s almighty rump I will find out where they live and deliver the refusal myself. With a large blunt object’.”

“...would she actually…?” Octavia said, a mix of curiosity and consternation on her face.

“Oh, probably not, no. Paper Clip’s got her head screwed on right. No worry about that from her.”

“...remind me never to get on her bad side, regardless.” Blacklight put in.

“Oh, she’s more patient than she lets on.” Freeze assured her companion. “Though that’s not a bad plan.”

“Well, I suppose when it comes down to it, it’s up to the happy couple who they pick.” Sketchy mused. “There’s no accounting for taste, in the end.”

“Very true. Oh well, I suppose I should not concern myself too greatly – after all, a major event like this is sure to inspire other ponies to also see about tying the knot, as it were. No doubt I shall have requests to play for them flooding in soon enough.” Octavia said, putting a thoughtful hoof to her chin.

“Yer right there. Hay, maybe yerself and Sketchy should take some inspiration, huh?” Salad piped up, a very mischievous grin on her features. It took a second or two for her friends to twig on what she was getting at.

“Wha—?! Sally!” Sketchy blurted, his cheeks burning. “First Luna, now you as well?”

“I-indeed!” Octavia put in, her face having also turned a lovely shade of red. “Why this sudden obsession with our status? At the very least, give him the chance to actually raise the question to me first!”

Salad, of course, had by this point burst out giggling, and she gave her two friends the best of her apologetic smiles. “Gosh you two, Ah’m sorry, really. Y’know Ah’m just teasin’. In all honesty Ah’m just happy the both of yuh are happy.”

“Getting back to what I was saying before, though.” Freeze Pop cut in, “While I don’t think anyone is dumb enough to try something stupid, there’re obviously some ponies involved in planning and so on that do. I’m not saying you need to worry unduly… but, keep your ears and eyes open, alright?”

“We will, Freezy. You can be sure of that.” Sketchy affirmed. “Have you been given any idea of who or what might be planning something?”

Freeze shook her head. “Nope, nothing yet. That either means they don’t want us to panic unduly, or they just simply don’t have anything we need to know. I’m guessing it’s probably a lack of info right now.”

“Hmm… I’m not sure how to feel about that…” Blacklight said, after swallowing thoughtfully. “I mean… I’m glad they’re not taking any chances, of course, but it still makes me a bit uneasy thinking that we might come under some sort of unforeseen attack.”

“Hey, don’t you worry yourself about that.” Freeze reassured him, wrapping one of her wings over his back. “Us Guards are here to protect everyone. And you can bet I wouldn’t let anything bad happen to you.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I certainly feel safer with you around, Freezy.”

“...naturally that goes for the rest of you guys as well.” Freeze Pop added hastily, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. “You’re all my best friends, after all. If something bad went down, you can bet I’ll personally see to it that you’re all safe.”

“We know, Freezy.” Sketchy said with a smile. “If I was gonna entrust my personal safety to anypony, you’d be top of the list.”

“I know that I, for one, feel a lot safer knowing that you are looking out for us.” Octavia agreed. “I shall take your advice and worry little in the coming days. Whatever heightened security may be deemed necessary shall feel but a small inconvenience. It is a small price to pay in order to enjoy what may well be a once-in-a-lifetime event, is it not?”

The rest of the group nodded at that, before falling into a thoughtful silence as they continued to reduce the afternoon’s provisions. Although none of them spoke further on the matter, it was evident to the more careful observer that it was still something that was clearly on all of their minds. The brief glances exchanged between both the couples present spoke volumes: under no circumstances was either of them going to let anything happen to the other.

It’d be nice if we had a bit more of an idea what’s going on, Sketchy thought to himself. I don’t get the feeling Freezy is hiding anything from us. She’s never been an expert at hiding anything from me at least. Whatever happens, though, I won’t let anything happen to Tavy. Not if I can help it.

Perhaps by coincidence, it was as he was thinking this that his glance sidewards met that of the mare he was thinking of. She smiled briefly at him.

You knew I was worrying, did you not? Octavia thought to herself. But of course I would. Even if Freeze Pop says not to, I cannot help but worry, just a little. Not least because of you, and the nature of you. You are a brave stallion, and I worry that, should some threat present itself to us, you would not even hesitate to throw yourself into its path in order to keep me safe. No, I know this about you. That is certainly what you would do, because you have always thrown yourself into whatever you can, if it will make me happy. I hope that you will remember, should it become necessary, that discretion is the better part of valour.

Across the table, Blacklight was chewing thoughtfully on both a sandwich and his own thoughts.

I hope Freezy’s right. She must be – they wouldn’t keep anything important from her if they knew something serious was on the way, right? Of course they wouldn’t. That’d just be silly. Besides, she’s strong. Really strong. Heck, she’s taken on dragons and won! Yeah, whatever might come, she’ll handle it. I know she will.

He caught the look Freeze Pop gave him and smiled, to reassure her he trusted her. She smiled back.

You’re putting all your trust in me, aren’t you? Freeze thought to herself. Well, of course you are. I’ve given you every reason to, and as I live and breathe, I’m not letting anything happen to you – or to anypony else right here. I just hope the odd murmurings I’ve heard here and there don’t have any weight to them… perhaps I ought to ask Luna about it when I next see her.

Salad, meanwhile, was gazing thoughtfully up at the ceiling.

Gee whiz, a royal weddin’... ya don’t see that every day. Wonder if they sorted out the caterin’ yet? Though, with it bein’ as high profile as it is, can’t help but think maybe they won’t have any room fer the kinda stuff we serve up. Oh but then again, if they’re gonna do a buffet for the guests, then maybe… Ooh but Freezy was sayin’ they’d had loads of unsolicited mail in. P’raps it’d be best not to try to ram our services down their throats. Yeah, that’d be better.

It wasn’t long before both the plate of sandwiches and the pool of conversation had emptied, and so the group of friends bid their farewells and went their separate ways. It wasn’t until they’d gone some distance from Graze that Octavia spoke up to her taller companion.

“Sketchy? I feel there is something I must tell you.”

The particular way in which she said it got his immediate attention, and he turned his head to meet her gaze. “What is it, Tavy?”

“This… could be for naught in the end, so it may not even be needed, but I feel I should say it just in case. Freezy has of course given us every assurance that we shall be safe, when the wedding comes… but, if for any reason we should find ourselves in danger, I do not want you to do anything foolish. Do you understand?”

Sketchy took a moment or two to mull that one over, before he nodded, slowly. “I think so, lass. What you’re saying is that you don’t want me to risk my life for your sake, right?”

Octavia nodded vigorously in turn at that. “Precisely so! Or well, to put it in better terms… if there were to be a situation where the options are that we could both attempt to run for safety, or one of us can run and the other could stay and fight… I do not want you to fight. If you could run, I would want you to run.”

Sketchy smiled, at that. “I understand, Tavy. You’d better be willing to take your own advice, of course. I don’t want to lose you, any more than you want to lose me. Alright?”

“Of course not, mi amor. So long as we are clear, separation in such a manner would be the last and worst option, yes?”

“Naturally.” The larger stallion leaned his head down slightly to affectionately nuzzle his partner’s ears. “If it comes down to it, we stick together. Let’s not worry about it any further, OK?”

“I promise I shall pay it no further mind.” Octavia replied, letting out a small sigh of happiness at the display of affection. “I am sure, in the end, worries such as these will come to nothing. Taking into consideration whom some of the guests are likely to be, I feel we shall be more than adequately prepared, should any situation arise.”

“Oh? Not sure I follow your drift there, Tavy.”

“Ah? Oh, right enough, I suppose it is not really common knowledge… I should clarify, dear, as I had been trying to remember where I had heard the name before myself. Captain Shining Armor, the man Freezy mentioned? He happens to have a little sister, whom I am sure he would not exclude from such an occasion. If she and her five friends are all expected, then there is very little need to be concerned.”

Realisation dawned on Sketchy in that moment. “Hang on, hang on. His little sister is Twilight Sparkle? As in, Element of Magic Twilight Sparkle?”

“Indeed! I only just remembered the connection just now. Their family are hardly strangers to the odd soirée in this city, and I recall having played for a few events where I had seen them. I would expect that, given the circumstances, we should expect all six Element Bearers to be present.”

“...so in other words, if anything bad happens, there’s a whole load of Guards, two Princesses, and the Elements of Harmony in the way of that. Yeah, I think we can relax.” Sketchy chuckled. “Perhaps instead we ought to be on the lookout for ways we can put our talents to good use in the run-up to it. I’m pretty sure I can whip up some good designs for some celebratory flyers and such… I mean, granted they haven’t approached me yet for anything like that, but you never know.”

“Mmm, and even if neither of us has any involvement in the wedding itself, I am sure we both stand to at least gain some use of our services from it, as I mentioned before.” Octavia agreed, a thoughtful look on her face. “I must be honest, however, I am still somewhat put out regarding the choice of entertainment.”

“Aye lass, and I get the feeling you’re going to continue to be peeved about it until well after the wedding’s all said and done.” Sketchy chuckled, nudging her gently. “But you can’t let it bother you too much. I’m sure your name was at the very least brought up during the discussions for that. I guess they just decided they wanted something, well, different.”

“Different!” Octavia snorted, tilting her nose up in mock upset. “Well yes, certainly, I suppose if you have no taste for the sort of sacred and ageless melody that is suited for such a momentous occasion, then different is just fine!” She paused, then looked round at him with a bit of a silly grin on her face. “That was just a trifle snobbish, was it not?”

Sketchy let out a laugh at that, and put a foreleg round her shoulders to hug her to him. “Terribly snobbish, love. It’s a good job I’ve learned to not take you too seriously when you say stuff like that!”

Octavia let out a laugh of her own, leaning into his embrace. “And it is well that I, too, have learned not to take myself seriously in moments such as this. I have you to thank for that, you know.”

“Aye, lass, and I have you to thank for turning my dreams into reality.” Sketchy reminded her, letting go of her as he did. “Not a day goes by that I’m not thankful for it. Perhaps…” he trailed off.

“Perhaps what, dear?” Octavia queried, looking up at him with an inquisitive frown on her features. It was definitely one of her more endearing expressions.

“Ah heh heh… well, I was about to say, perhaps our friends have a point, with the ribbing they’ve been giving us.”

“About…?”

Sketchy grinned sheepishly. “About the kind of long-term commitment we haven’t really discussed properly yet, and probably aren’t really sure either of us is ready for.”

Octavia’s face slowly flushed red as she parsed that statement. “Well! Er… mm. I mean…” she said, fighting to get her suddenly-whirling thoughts into order. She then felt a reassuring hoof touch gently against her cheek, and she looked up once more into the sea-green gaze of her partner.

“Hey, relax. I’m not about to ask you a big life-changing question like that right here and now, Tavy. I mean… yes, I love you, of course I do. But I’m not going to ask you to try to make a decision like that, right here like this.”

“Sketchy… I know.” Octavia said, as she managed to still her thoughts somewhat. “I know you are far more of a gentlecolt than that. I have known you long enough by now to know that you would not ask such of me without lending the occasion the sort of splendour it deserves. That, and it is not something that you would rush into.” She smiled, then, taking a moment to compose herself a bit better. “You also know that I love you, too, and that I trust you to know when the time is right. As much as we may have the occasional teasing from our friends, I know that they respect us enough to not pressure us on this.”

“They do, you’re right – and I couldn’t be more thankful.” Sketchy agreed. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a good group of ponies around us. I’m sure they’ll keep us right.”

“Quite.” Octavia agreed, her smile returning. “We should look forward to this forthcoming occasion. After all, who can tell how long it will be until another such momentous occasion should arise? This could well be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us all.”

“Aye, you’re right on that count.” Sketchy agreed. “After all, I don’t see Celly or Lu-Lu settling down any time soon… both of ‘em seem kinda married to their jobs, so to speak.”

Octavia let out a rather amused giggle at that. “Oh, indeed! Alas, what a shame… can you imagine how beautiful either of them would look, dressed for such an occasion?”

Sketchy pondered that for a moment, and then smirked slightly. “I dunno about how they’d look, but I betcha I know how they’d be feeling. Something along the lines of, ‘can I take this blasted dress off yet?’”

Octavia had to put a hoof to her mouth to prevent a very unladylike snort of laughter escaping from her. “You are not wrong, mi amor. I certainly cannot picture the Princesses we know and love having the patience for such a thing… but then again, perhaps they would do it, if they had found somepony worth committing themselves to? Being in love does seem to grant one a remarkable capacity for doing things which involve some personal sacrifice, if it will make the other pony happy.”

Sketchy turned his head a bit more towards her, a fond smile on his face. “I suppose you’re right, my love. That does make a big difference. I’d go so far as to say it’s impossible to love someone and not find yourself doing things just a bit differently, here and there.”

“Mmhmm? Such as, say, my leaving the Canterlot accent in the closet more, nowadays?”

“Aye, well, that’s one example!” Sketchy grinned, his appreciation of her native tone evident on his features. “But there’s more than that… there’re so many little things that change, when you get close to someone. I mean, you get to know all their foibles and habits, and you learn more about your own ones – especially the kind that get under their skin.”

“Mmhmm? Such as, say, your occasionally relaxed attitude towards keeping the dishes clean?” Octavia offered, a teasing smile on her face.

“Why yes indeed – and your own periodic obsession with ensuring your mane doesn’t have a single hair out of place.” Sketchy teased back, before playfully nuzzling at the top of her head.

“Ah! No! Bestia!” Octavia faux-lamented, shoving back at the larger pony playfully. “Now I shall have to spend the entire afternoon restoring my appearance, how could you be so cruel?”

Sketchy let out a laugh at that, and then brought his mouth close to her ear. “I love you, Tavy.” he said, a happy tone of contentment in his voice.

“I love you too, Sketchy.” she replied, turning her head to look straight up into his eyes. “Sometimes I do wonder to myself, where would we both be, had Sally not invited me to spend time with you and her both.”

“Gosh, yeah… I hope she realises how much we’re both thankful to her for that. Thinking back on that, it was kind of a bold step on her part.”

“It was… but, time has certainly shown it was a good step to take. I have made little of it, Sketchy, but in truth I had been feeling somewhat lonesome prior to that time. I think little of it now, having made so many good friends… but, back then, the very idea that I could have had a circle of close friends, let alone a stallion whom I would call my own… it seemed like an alien concept, if I am frank about it.” Octavia said, a note of melancholy in her voice. It was gone a moment later as she went on further. “Consider me thoroughly grateful to have been proven wrong, of course.”

“Well, me too!” Sketchy smiled. “Back then, had someone told me that not only would I have the chance to spend time with a musician I admired, but also that I’d end up dating her and more… I think I’d have looked at them like they had twa heids, as they say back home.”

“It is all the little things that then lead us to the big ones.” Octavia mused. “An invitation that brought us into each other’s company, and then a further invitation from then on… and look at us now.”

“Yeah. We’ll really have to keep our eyes and ears open.” Sketchy mused, and then, noticing Octavia’s quizzical glance, he explained. “I mean, for Sally’s sake. I’ve said as much before, that lass is pretty much family to me. She deserves as much happiness as we’ve found together, I’d say, so… if we happen to cross paths with any properly good guys, we’ll have to introduce her.”

“I think, mi amor, that it will be more you than I that will be likely to have that occur.” Octavia said, a thoughtful look on her face. She smiled, though as she went on. “I certainly agree with your feelings, though. If we are able to play even a small part in her finding somepony with whom she can find the same sort of happiness, I shall be only too grateful to participate in that. Unless I am misreading her, I get the feeling that, perhaps, being the only pony among our circle who is unspoken for is beginning to gnaw at her, a little.”

“You’re not misreading her, no.” Sketchy said, a hint of admiration in his tone. “In fact, I’m actually rather impressed you picked up on that. Sally’s always had a knack for hiding certain things. She knows she can’t hide anything from me for all that long, because we’ve been friends long enough that I know how she hides stuff… what gave her away to you?”

“Hmm, have you forgotten, dear, how adept I am at hiding things myself?” Octavia playfully chided him. “When you have grown so accustomed to wearing so many masks depending on whom you are with, you learn the tell-tale signs when you see such a mask slipping. With Salad, it is the look I see in her eyes for the briefest of moments when she believes I have stopped paying her attention. She looks upon me, she looks upon you, and for a moment I see the most fleeting hint of sadness. But then she will brush it aside with her usual demeanour, and pretend that all is well.”

Sketchy nodded slowly at that, his expression thoughtful. “She does, at that. I think I’ll probably have to take some time to talk with her, some time soon. You might need to as well, maybe. Maybe just to reassure her that just because we’re together, it doesn’t mean she’s lost me.”

“I think she does know this already - or at least, she knows it logically. Emotionally, however… well, that is sometimes a harder thing to convince a lady of.” Octavia stated, shaking her head a little. “I can certainly speak from experience on that front.”

“True, on both counts.” Sketchy smiled, leaning his head down to hers to nuzzle at the top of her head affectionately. “I think if we work together, though, we can help her overcome those feelings.”

Octavia smiled at both the verbal and physical reassurance, and she moved over to brush up against the larger pony’s side. “I think you are right. For now, however, perhaps we should take some time for the rest of the afternoon to consider how best to capitalise on the upcoming events, hmm? I believe you said something about designing some memorabilia… and I am sure it would not hurt my chances of attracting some business in the wake of it to perhaps remind prospective clients that I am, in fact, available to provide suitable music for their special occasions.”

“I did, aye.”

It was some time later that the two of them were happily engaged in the throes of artistry in the comfortable confines of Octavia’s house. In Sketchy’s case, this meant being ensconced on the couch with a sheaf of drawing paper close by, and a pencil clutched in his mouth while he scribbled away at the latest of a number of potential designs he had come up with. Octavia, meanwhile, was happily filling the air with music from her preferred cello. Occasionally the two ponies exchanged a glance and a smile, each appreciating the other’s work as they took pleasure in their own.

For Sketchy’s part, he’d had the good idea on the way home to make a few inquiries about the soon-to-be sister-in-law of the Element of Magic, so he now had some reference materials to work from in regards to the Princess herself – and as for her husband-to-be, he’d heard enough from Freeze Pop about him before to know how the Captain looked. As such, the few promotional poster ideas he’d sketched out were coming along nicely. There were of course some rough edges: he’d had to simply leave a blank box for the date, because nopony had clearly announced when that was going to be as of yet, and he also had no idea exactly what either pony was going to wear for the wedding itself. Still, he hadn’t let that get in the way of pulling together some designs, and he was confident that, at the very least, he might be able to convince some of the local printers to run one or two of them to help advertise the event – or perhaps sell them as a small commemorative token of it.

Still, with those ideas committed to paper, the thought now struck him that, perhaps, he could possibly also help Octavia attract some business. While the prim cellist hadn’t made too great of an issue out of it, it was somewhat clear that she was still somewhat vexed by the snubbing she’d had from the soon-to-be-weds. It was understandable, of course: as one of the greatest living musicians in Canterlot, if not all of Equestria, there was a certain amount of prestige attached to her name, and therefore to any event she would perform at simply by association. Clearly she was bothered by the fact that, by not being chosen to play at the upcoming royal wedding, it could potentially impact her standing. It wasn’t the effect on her reputation that she was bothered about, of course.

After all, if she was purely concerned about just her reputation, both of us would still be single.

No, the issue that was a bother to Octavia in light of all this was simply the potential reduction in business coming her way - though, as she had already asserted earlier that day, there was almost certainly going to be an influx of demand in the wake of an event such as this.

Slightly preoccupied as she was with this particular thought, the cellist didn’t initially realise how much closer attention Sketchy was paying to her. It was only when she glanced in his direction and noticed the intense look of focus in his eyes as he looked up at her, his gaze studying her carefully, that she then realised what he was now up to. Her eyes darted briefly to the page he was working on and then back up to look into the artist’s. Despite how often he’d looked her way like this on many an occasion, she still couldn’t stop a blush reddening her cheeks a little. There was, after all, something inherently thrilling about being the sole object of his focus, and knowing that she was the centre of his attention. The old performers’ axiom still held true: being perfect for an audience of one was far harder than doing it for an audience of hundreds; though she knew this particular audience wouldn’t take offence if she slipped up in front of him. She noticed a small smile spreading on his face.

“Have I told you how beautiful you are, Tavy?” he said round his pencil, a warm note in his voice. She smiled back at him.

“Well, you would have to be more specific than that, dear. If you mean, have you told me more recently than within the last hour, I do not believe that you have.”

Sketchy’s pencil dropped out of his mouth as he let out a laugh. “Goodness, that long? I’m getting lax!”

Octavia couldn’t stop from laughing herself, causing her bow to stutter across the strings a little. “Indeed! Well, perhaps now that you have thoroughly distracted me, you can make it up by reminding me.” she offered, an expectant and affectionate look on her face.

Sketchy pulled himself up from where he had been resting and moved towards her. He lowered his head slightly to look her right in the eyes, and he felt his heart beat a little faster in his chest the way it always did whenever he looked into those deeply violet pools.

“You are beautiful, Octavia.” he said. “You’re the most beautiful mare alive. I could lose an entire day gazing into these pretty eyes of yours. And also…” and with that, he gently nuzzled at the top of her head, “your mane is always so soft - and it’s a gorgeous colour.”

Octavia had by now dropped her bow, as she was too thoroughly distracted by her mate’s attentions to keep playing. “Is it, now?” she mused happily. “You wouldn’t prefer if, say, it was a brighter colour?”

Sketchy brought his head back around to look her in the eyes, one eyebrow slightly raised. “You’d probably have to dye your entire coat a different colour for anything else to work, my dear. But why would you meddle with perfection?”

“Charmer!” Octavia chuckled, even as she felt her cheeks burn a little more. “Although if you are going to call me perfect, I reserve the right to refer to you as such also.”

Sketchy let out a chuckle. “I guess this is what ponies mean when they say they are perfect for each other, hmm?” he mused.

“I suppose you are right. Now that you put it that way, that does make a certain amount of sense… I would never consider myself as perfect, of course, but... “

“But you think I am, when it comes to being your mate. Right?” Sketchy smiled.

“Indeed, and I know you are going to say the same is true of you.” Octavia pointed out. The artist pony simply nodded, at that.

“I am indeed, cos you are.” he said, and let out a contented sigh. “I’ll be quite happy if that never changes.”

“As will I. You know, my dear, even though we may have only been together for a comparatively short time, sometimes I feel as though I have known you my whole life. Do you feel that, sometimes?”

“Quite often, love.” Sketchy affirmed. “In the best possible way. Being around you, spending time with you… it just feels inherently right, like this is what we were made for. If I’m completely honest… I don’t think I could really picture my life without you as a part of it any more.”

Octavia set her instrument to the side at that, and promptly threw her limbs around him in as tight an embrace as she could manage. “You know I feel the same, Sketchy, dear.” she sighed, drawing a deep contentment from being so close - and feeling him return her embrace as he did so. “It is a remarkable thing… had anypony told me a year or so ago that I would within such a short time from then have found somepony I could fall in love with, and so very deeply so? I believe I would have considered them a lunatic, or beset by some form of madness, were they somepony I knew.”

“I know what you mean.” Sketchy agreed, as he shifted his weight around to slide down onto the nearby easy chair, pulling Octavia down on top of him. “If anyone’d told me that, within a short space of time, I’d be in a committed relationship - let alone one with you specifically? I think I would have had some difficulty believing it as well. Honestly, back then? I was having a hard time I’d ever find anyone, really.” He let out a long, contented sigh at that, as he felt Octavia’s weight settle up against him. “But, I’m very happy to have been proven wrong, on that count.”

“You and I both.” the grey mare agreed, making herself more comfortable in his embrace. She brought her nose forward to press against his. “You know, I was beginning to feel the same… that is, as though I would never find this sort of happiness. As I believe I told you before, while I may have felt an attraction to others before, I simply did not ever find the time, nor the courage, to voice those feelings, I suppose that I was too afraid of the potential rejection I would face.”

Sketchy pondered that for a moment, as he happily gazed into his companion’s eyes. “I think, my love, that was maybe down to you not having so many ponies around you that you’d call friends. I mean… when I first asked you out, and you turned me down? I don’t think I’d have gotten over that as well as I did, had I not had Freezy and Sally around.”

Octavia let out a small sigh at that particular memory. “I could hardly forget that. In truth, when that happened… I feared that I would lose the new friendships I had begun to build. I knew I had hurt you, and I also knew it would take little time for the news to reach your other friends – our other friends. I honestly worried, with that knowledge, that I would quite soon be back to square one, so to speak.”

“Well, I’m glad we were all able to prove you wrong, on that count.” Sketchy said with a smile, squeezing her gently. “That, and I’m also glad that, even though you were scared of that, you didn’t back down from being honest with me. Thinking on it, of course, if you hadn’t been honest with me on that particular count, I don’t think we would all still be friends.”

“No, indeed!” Octavia agreed, her mood lifting again as she thought over the events since. “We can only speculate how things would have ended up after all of that… I doubt things would have ended up as they are now. I am very much glad that none of you gave up on me. To be able to say that I am considered a friend of both our Princesses, and to count Sally and Freezy both as friends as well… to say nothing of all the happy memories we have had over the past many months. It almost feels as though, after we all became friends, that I began a new life.” Her eyes narrowed slightly as a broader smile overtook her features, her gaze fixating firmly on the stallion’s. “A life that I am very grateful to be sharing with you, especially.”

“Just as I am.” Sketchy agreed. One of his front hooves reached gently around the back of her head, and gently pulled her just the little bit closer needed for their lips to meet. She offered him no resistance to this, happily reciprocating his affection as her eyes slid closed. The rest of the world seemed to recede into nothingness as they allowed themselves to succumb to each others’ gentle and loving ministrations.

There would be challenges ahead for them, certainly - but what could life throw at them now, which they couldn’t pull through together?