Working Class DJ
9. The Unconservative Of The Conservatory
Previous ChapterNext Chapter"Are you being serious?" Vinyl barely managed to ask without losing her composure. Other phrases had passed her mind, but in light of recent events, she decided it was better to keep them to herself.
"What better place to talk about music than the Conservatory?" Lyra opened a window. "I have permission to use this whenever I wish. Neat, right?"
If there ever was a word that would be further from the truth "neat" was it. The place was an absolute mess, which was normal considering it was the attic. Instruments and old furniture cluttered the place, giving it more the appearance of a warehouse than a room. The only silver lining was immaculately cleanliness. If nothing else, Lyra had that going for her.
Vinyl glanced about. It was the larger instruments that seemed to be stored here — pianos, harps, drum sets, tubas, double basses, as well as one monstrosity which Vinyl couldn't identify.
"So, what's your thing?" Lyra went to be of the harps. "I'm pretty good with most strings." her magic caused several of the harp's strings to vibrate, while she pressed the pedals with her hooves. The melody was nice and refined, if not a bit mundane. Vinyl could find no fault in it, but then again, it wasn't something she would bother lasting, given the choice.
"Violins and the like are a bit tricky, but I really rock on drums!" She laughed. Somepony has a very high opinion of herself, Vinyl thought. "Want to have a go? Don't worry, ll be here to guide you. It'll be as easy as—"
"I don't think the instrument I'm interested in is here," Vinyl cut her off. It was extremely rude of her, but the chances of finding a turntable, here of all places, was practically nil.
"What then?" Lyra asked eagerly. "I'm passable in wind instruments, great in percussions." Lyra moved to a set of drums and did a quick beat. It was, as before, precise, elegant and boring.
"Actually..." Hesitation stepped in. They were in the Royal Canterlot Conservatory — the place where prodigies from all over Equestria gathered to further their excellence. Could Vinyl in all good consciousness ask what she was about to? She glanced at Lyra. The aquamarine unicorn was looking at her with baited breath. That only made Vinyl question herself further.
"Actually?" Lyra repeated, helpfully.
"Actually the instrument I am referring to is not purely classical." Vinyl felt embarrassment colour her cheeks as she spoke.
"Oh? Contemporary stuff?" Lyra tilted her head. Obviously Vinyl's state amused her. "You know that not all that of the students here are dried up snobs, right? Just because it's Canterlot, doesn't mean it's all candlelight and bow ties. There are cool ones, as well. For example," she levitated a pair of trumpets to either side of her," yours truly!" The trumpets nearly exploded in a cacophony of sounds and aether sparks.
The performance was not lost on Vinyl, at least to the extent that it replaced her embarrassment with confusion. Interesting to know that Glitter had such friends. This Lyra was a party-pony if there ever was one. Vinyl still remembered the insanity she had witnessed at one of the few 'evening parties' she had witnessed at her cousin's. Initially, she wasn't supposed to be there, yet her mother — swamped with work at the palace again — had decided to have Vinyl spend a few hours at the place. It was literally a minute's trot away, and her cousin could keep an eye on her, if nothing else. Vinyl had been fifteen at the time. It was then that she had witnessed the craziness the stallion was capable of, first hoof. Music, drinking, 'dancing' and more ponies than one thought capable of fitting in a single hall. If Lyra were older, she definitely would have been there.
"Pardon the question..." Vinyl carefully considered her words. "Did you happen to attend any of my cousin's soirees?"
"PB's parties?" Lyra beamed. "Why, I—"
"Thank you!" the white unicorn immediately stopped her. This was all she needed to know. "I apologize for wasting your time, Miss Heartstrings, "rather hurriedly, she trotted by her," but I believe it was a mistake to—"
Suddenly, Vinyl stopped mid-step. She could feel a hoof placed on her shoulder.
"Hey, don't be like that," Lyra kept her smile, but it had clearly lost most of its radiance. "I didn't mean to scare you and such. I'm just like this — terrible at first impressions. Usually it takes three or four for most to get used to me. I really did mean what I said, though. I am pretty good at teaching music, and I do know most musicians in Canterlot. I even know what your speciality is."
The last sounded intriguing enough, for Vinyl to reconsider. Maybe it was vanity talking, or maybe she really wanted to give Lyra a chance. Regardless, she turned around and nodded slightly. I'm actually curious what you have heard. My parents are too ashamed by my talent to mention it openly, and the only other who— Droplets of sweat appeared her face. Stars, it couldn't be!
"Lyra, what exactly have you heard about me?" Vinyl tried to sound calm, despite her pulse increasing three-fold. "Did Glitter say anything unusual?"
Yes, Glitter! It had to be her! By the stars, please, let it have been her!
"Glitter? No way." Lyra waved a hoof, amused. "Maestra Perfect Tact mentions it on occasion, especially when she wants to make us feel bad. 'Class, The Duchess' filly has a greater music since than all of you unfortunate misunderstandings combined!'" Lyra tried to impersonate the tutor.
The impersonation was rather bad, but Vinyl was hardly paying attention. All she could feel was relief.
"Oh," she said, smiling a fraction. "How very unprofessional of her." Thank the stars!
"Aaaanyway, what is the mysterious instrument you wanted my help with?" Lyra winked. "Nothing from the antique section, I hope?"
"Oh, absolutely not. Just a turntable."
A sudden silence filled the room.
"Say again?" Lyra leaned closer, invading Vinyl's personal space.
"A DJ turntable," she said clearly, moving slightly back.
"A DJ turntable?" Lyra asked accusingly. "You, Lady Vinyl, sole heiress of the Duchess of Canterlot, conductor genius, as the Maestra constantly keeps reminding us, are telling me that you wish to learn how to become a DJ?!"
The intonation... it was exactly like that of her grandmother when expressing extreme disapproval. Vinyl had heard it used five times, the last when she had been forced to explain that she had received a cutie-mark not related to aristocracy in any way whatsoever. If there was anything that could make her swallow in fear, that was it.
"Way to go, pone!" Without explanation, Lyra hugged her tightly. The experience was shocking enough that Vinyl found herself incapable of reacting. Locking itself away from reality, the only thing her mind focused on was What in Equestria is a 'pone'?! "I never took you for the type," Lyra continued, as she released her hold. "I suppose I expected something exotic, but this... this..." She waved her hooves about.
"And I would very much appreciate your discretion on the matter!"
"Oh." Lyra's enthusiasm faded a notch. "Your mother doesn't approve?" No answer followed. "Your parents don't approve?"
Vinyl looked about the attic uncomfortably.
"They don't know, do they?" A sly smile formed on Lyra's face.
"Look, this is going nowhere! I didn't wake up at half past five, nor did I suffer through humiliation at Joe's to have to explain myself to you!" Proper etiquette demanded that Vinyl not shout under any circumstances. Her anger, however, brought on by Lyra's behaviour, had dismantled her sense of etiquette completely. "The only reason I came to you was because Glitter has a high opinion of you for some reason."
"Hey, calm down, Vi. I was only trying to give you a cheer boost," the musician said apologetically. "Tartarus, I can't imagine what you are going through. My parents were ultra supportive, and they nearly kicked me out when I suggested quitting the S.G.U. to focus on music. As for you," she whistled, "it must take a lot of guts to do what you did."
Hardly. All the 'guts' involved were me going to a nightclub. Stars, I wish I could get any reaction from my mother.
"Just please tell me one thing." Lyra didn't have any intention of shutting up. "Why did you choose it? Frankly, I'm surprised you even know what a DJ is."
"I suppose it's hardly a secret," Vinyl said, but her glance continued screaming 'discreet' at Lyra. "A pony, by name of Octavia Melody, displayed one—"
"Octavia?" Lyra interrupted. There was more than surprise there. Traces of alarm could be sensed as well. "Mel? Earth mare, grey, talks in the thickest Trottingham accent this side of the sea?"
"I believe so, yes?"
"Vi..." Lyra sighed, shaking her head. "You're lucky to be in one piece."
Apparently, Lyra had a very different view of Octavia. Listening it was almost impossible to imagine that she was describing the same mare. According to Lyra, Octavia had come to Canterlot three months ago, and in that time she had managed to get herself arrested eight times. Some of those arrests had been a group thing — the result of club fights, which weren't so uncommon. Vinyl herself had witnessed how easy it was for things to spiral out of control. The remaining three, though, were far more serious. Two cases of body injuries — Octavia had nearly broken the jaw of a bar patron on one occasion, and cracked the horn of another. In both cases she had acted with reason, so no charges were brought up. The last arrest had been for singing drunk on top of the Royal Conservatory. The offense was quite serious, not to mention insanely dangerous, yet it managed to cause Vinyl to stifle a laugh. Imagining Octavia singing in a Trottingham accent alone must have been a sight for the ages.
So this is the reason clubs don't wish to hire you. With so many arrests, even skill wouldn't outweigh potential risks. Stars, the damages alone would probably be more than a club could gather in a week! A pity, though, for Octavia had talent in spades.
The conversation also revealed interesting things about Lyra herself. True, she was a party-pony, as Vinyl feared, but she was also a lot more. The term 'genius' came to mind — always active, constantly trying new things to get bored with. From what Vinyl had seen, that was the common factor with geniuses — they seemed to go struggle with constant boredom.
Magic, music and mayhem — that was the simplest way to describe Lyra. Interesting why Glitter hadn't mentioned it. Or maybe she had through that oh-so-subtle hint of hers. The strangest thing, though, was that Vinyl found the talk enjoyable. All the silly, trivial, things seemed amusing in a non-committal sort of way. She could actually say something without fear of being judged, shushed or criticized, not that she had much to say.
"Oh my strings! You are the unicorn that trashed the Twin?" Lyra grabbed Vinyl's hooves between her own. "Way to go, Vi!" She shouted, causing Vinyl to feel more than a little uncomfortable. "You're the Albino Princess! Strings and stars, you are famous! Well, at least ‘till the end of the week."
"I would prefer if I weren't," Vinyl grumbled, pulling her hooves back to herself.
"You have to admire the irony, though." It was as if Lyra hadn't heard her, losing herself in a world of her own. "They call you 'Princess'!" She doubled over laughing. "Princess!"
"Absolutely hilarious," the white unicorn said drily. "Originally, it was supposed to be a learning experience. Octavia told me that I need to learn to live the life before she would teach me anything. You 'ave to lis'n," she tried to imitate the earth pony's Trottingham accent. "And then I learn she never had any intention of teaching me at all!"
"Well, I warned you to stay away from her," Lyra shook her head, tsking mockingly. Indeed you did, less than an hour ago! Vinyl felt slightly annoyed. "I'm just messing with you." The musician nudged. "You sound nothing like her, by the way," she added, succeeding in making Vinyl pout. "Still, she was right about one thing — can't be a DJ without knowing the culture."
"So she was correct to take me to the Twin?" I'm getting mixed signals here. Is Octavia at fault, or isn't she?
"Yes and no," Lyra levitated herself above Vinyl. "If using a fire-bolt to light a candle is considered a solution, then she certainly was." The musician's horn flashed for a moment, causing a flurry of sparkles to fill the space of the room. "I, on the other hoof, would suggest a far gentler approach — parties."
The word made Vinyl cringe and turn pale the same time. Parties were definitely not something she enjoyed, even before all her unfortunate experiences. Having to be present at the dreadful soirees with her parents was bad enough.
"Oh, no, no need to worry!" Lyra levitated to the ground seeing Vinyl's reaction. "We'll start small. Just a friendly gathering of musicians at my place. Nothing as wild as what you've been through," she placed a hoof on Vinyl's shoulder," or PB's parties."
Why am I even considering this?! Vinyl struggled with herself. She is a party-mare! She is used to that sort if thing! If I go I know I'll regret it!
"It will be okay," Lyra encouraged. "You have to start trotting at some point. Come on, trust me on this."
A deep sigh filled the room. "I might as well," Vinyl said, defeated. She had already come this far, what were a few steps more?
* * *
"No!" Vinyl screamed in horror!
It wasn't possible for this to be true. There had to be some mistake, some explanation. For the third time she looked at her flank in the hope she had mistaken. The note was still there, mocking her, as it were.
"That is no way to behave, young miss," her governess said strictly. "What would her Grace think if she saw you in such a state?"
"But, Miss Presence, it... It..." Vinyl struggled to keep her tears from pouring down her face. "You must help me hide it! I don't even like music!"
"Hush, young miss." The governess levitated a hoofkerchief to the filly's face and gently brushed off the firming tears. "Life is a confusing thing — often things don't turn out as we expect them. The only thing we could do is drive the clear our minds of that confusion."
"Bu..but..."
"Of all the things you could have tried, you chose music," Presence went on. "Why is that? You know as well as I that nothing occurs by chance."
"I chose it, because mother told me to start with what I hated the most," the filly whimpered.
"Did you really?" The governess arched a brow. "If you hated it so much, young miss, why did you keep doing it in your spare time? You could have easily asked your tutors for additional lessons."
"I don't want more music lessons!" Vinyl stomped her hoof. "If it were my decision, and not mother's, I would have sent the tutors away years ago!"
"Precisely, young miss." The governess smiled, making Vinyl stare at her in amazement. "It is not music you hate, it is the tutoring. Possibly that is the reason your note is mirrored. You want your music to flow freely, not be caged by lessons."
The explanation didn't make much sense, but at least it put Vinyl's mind at ease. Maybe having a note for a cutie-mark wasn't that bad? It was even possible that her parents wouldn't be upset.
"Does that mean Ican stop having lessons now, Miss Presence?" she asked in hope.
"Sadly not, young miss." The governess levitated the hoofkerchief away. "As much as you dislike them, your lessons must continue. As my mother used to say — 'you must first learn the rules in order to go move beyond them'."
* * *
The sun had set when Vinyl woke up. Her first stint was to go back to sleep. It felt weird — knowing that the day had passed while she was sleeping. The unicorn remained still for a short while longer, contemplating as she stared at the ceiling. Eagerness mixed with fear of the unexpected. Lyra had assured her the event would be strictly casual, with only a small group of friends. Regardless, Vinyl felt she should make a good impression... and considering this wasn't a social event organized by the palace or her parents, this was going to be difficult. Usually, she would just follow her mother's instructions — every evening attire had always been previously decided upon, often made specially for the occasion. For this party Vinyl had all the freedom of choice in Equestria what to wear, and not a single clue who to copy.
"Glitter, do you have any—" she began out of habit, but abruptly stopped. This wasn't morning. Glitter was most probably tending to her duties, namely washing Vinyl's clothes by aether. At most, she would be resting in her quarters.
Well, I can certainly make a decision on my own! Vinyl got out of bed. My parents have been preparing me to enter the world of inter-species politics since I was seven. I am well versed in social, belief and geopolitical issues. There is no way that I cannot choose what to wear to a casual evening with some musicians!
The wardrobe doors swung open. Dozens upon dozens of outfits stared back at Vinyl — each was perfect in its own right, each incorporated splendor reserved for a princess, and each was not at all suited for the occasion.
"I'm doomed," Vinyl sighed loudly, slamming the wardrobe doors.
Maybe a bite was what she needed? Gustave would go out of his way to make something to lighten her mood, as usual. Sadly, the effort would take at least an hour, not to mention that Lyra had specially insisted that Vinyl not eat before the party. If you want to get a proper sense of a musician's life, start with the food, Lyra had said. The notion seemed highly questionable. Then again, Vinyl had gotten used to eating doughnuts. If everything else failed, she could always trot to Donut Joe's.
"Lady Vinyl?" A soft voice said next to the unicorn, causing her to hop in place then trip onto the floor.
"My Lady!" an extremely worried Glitter rushed. "Please forgive me! I am so sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"Glitter?" Vinyl managed to say, as she was being helped back to her hooves.
"Are you hurt? I—"
"Glitter, I am fine!" Vinyl frowned. "And I told you that nothing will happen to you, so relax! Sheesh!" I am not made of porcelain! I can take a bruise or two. "What is it you want?"
"You..." The maid swallowed. "You asked me to wake you up, Lady Vinyl. Then when I heard the noise I assumed that something bad had happened and—"
"As you can clearly see, all is fine!" This is what I get for slamming doors. Honestly, sometimes I feel I can't do anything in my own room! "And stop with the 'Lady' bit! I thought we discussed that when we are alone, I'm plain Vinyl."
"We are still in your manor, Lady Vinyl." Glitter made a few steps back. Right, Vinyl thought. There is no telling who might be listening in. "I will be taking my leave now, Lady Vinyl. The kitchen had been informed that you will skip dinner. Chef, however, insisted on making something light 'for the road'."
The maid's comment was met by an arched eyebrow.
"Monsieur Gustave has been concerned that you aren't eating properly, so..." A slight pause. "He prepared a basket for you to take with you when you leave tonight. I will fetch it immediately." She curtsied, and turned about ready to leave, when a sharp cough made her stop.
"Glitter," flaring up her horn, Vinyl closed the door of her room, gently this time, "do you have any plans for the evening?"
Both knew this wasn't a question, just as that Glitter had no choice but to accept. With a nod and a sigh the matter was resolved. On the outside Vinyl remained calm and collected, but deep within she was happy as a filly. There was somepony she could now turn to during the party. No more fears of anything going amiss, or Vinyl making a fool of herself. After all, Glitter had been to such parties before — she knew exactly how to act, what to say, and most importantly — how to dress.
"Well, there is nothing we can use from here." Glitter shook her head after briefly going through the wardrobe. "We might buy something along the way, but I'd say not bother."
"You can't mean we are going to a party all naturelle?" Vinyl blinked. "But we simply must... I...even at the Twin everypony was dressed up."
"Lady Vinyl, trust me when I say that at such occasions clothes' only purpose is to attract attention," the maid sighed. Interesting, she would do that quite often, when she was not all scared and panicky. "Believe me, neither of us will have any problem in that regard."
The explanation made no sense whatsoever, but Vinyl left it at that. In truth, part of her just wanted to get everything over with. Thus, she didn't protest too much in them going out as they were. Naturally, they used the servants' entrance. Naturally, they also passed through the kitchen, where a conspiratorial Chef Gustave loaded them with food, all the time pretending to be ignorant as to how long they would be out. Vinyl considered letting it 'slip' they were going to a party — knowing Chef, the griffin would be overjoyed to hear others were enjoying his masterpieces. Then again, he did have a tendency to talk a lot.
Another night — another stroll through Canterlot. Come to think of it, Vinyl had been there every night since she turned eighteen. One could be tempted to say this is how things were meant to be. The sights and sounds, even at dark didn't seem so cold and distant, even at night. It literally felt like a whole new world had appeared right next to the manor. Lamps shined brightly, illuminating the streets, ponies went about doing, enjoying the evening or going about their business... and the accursed whistling filled the air once more. Seriously, colts, don't you ever take a break? Every. Single. Damned. Time!
"Hey, moon-flankers!" Glitter shouted in fashion, Vinyl didn't think possible. "Quit acting like you're players. It's annoying as heck! The whole square knows you have never gotten hayed, so quick your bullcrap and stop pretending you were!"
There was a moment of silence, after which the group of stallions quickly cadenced away under the daze of everypony within earshot.
"Sorry, Vinyl." Glitter continued along, as if nothing had happened. "It just gets on my nerves sometimes." It was as if she were a totally different mare.
"Moon-flankers?" Vinyl managed to ask, while her mind tried to rationalize the rest.
"Oh, it's... best you don't know what it is yet."
Lyra's 'place' was a block away from the palace. Vinyl couldn't recall who the musician's parents were, but they obviously had to be rich to afford to buy her a place in such a neighborhood. Quite the difference from the places she had been visiting lately, although slightly short of aristocracy. Minor nobility at best, if Vinyl would venture a guess.
"Listen, Glitter," she whispered, as they approached the building. "I would very much like if it were not known who I am or the exact nature of our relations. Here we are just friends."
"Not a problem." The other smiled. "I don't expect there to be any trouble at a place like this, but just I case, I'll be there if you need me."
Why does everyone keep telling me that? Vinyl wondered.
"Oh, and just one more thing." Glitter's horn lit up. "Could you close your eyes for a moment?"
The request was quite unusual, as well as alarming. Only the knowledge that Glitter wouldn't dare do anything to harm her, made Vinyl comply. The moment she did, she felt the unmistakable sensation of aether going through her mane. Somewhat similar to her manestylist's practices, be it far less refined, and about an hour shorter. It was as if hundreds of tiny sparks bounced along every single hair before flying off somewhere.
"All done." Vinyl heard her maid say. Cautiously, she opened her eyes.
"By the stars..." The lady managed to utter, almost in trance. The pony in front of her was nothing like the Glitter she knew. The dull brown coat was now covered in golden glitter, as for the white mane — it had become more a river of diamond dust, flowing wildly over her.
"You can say I was not named Glitter for no reason." The unicorn smiled confidently at the still gaping Vinyl. "Come, we have a party to make ours."
Author's Note
Next chapter: Just a few friends...
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