"Err, maybe just a bit less..." Lyra paused searching for the correct word. Violently? Unbearably? Destructively? "...passionately, dear? Musical instruments have feelings too." I just had to go for the easy bits, she grumbled to herself. How bad could it be, Lyra? Just two hours per week. Right now her decision had come back to bite her in the rump.
"Hmph! So what?" The small gray filly slid her hooves along the strings of the harp, nearly causing them to snap. "If the harp breaks, Mommy will buy me a new one."
Lyra could feel her heart shrink. How could anypony think of destroying such a fine instrument and voice it so casually? For Celestia's sake, this was a Silvarius Harp! Even in Canterlot, musicians would part with all their savings to spend a day in the presence of such divine perfection. And here, Silver Spoon was threatening to destroy it!
"Yes, Silver Spoon, I'm sure she would," the unicorn said with the largest forced smile she was capable of. "But then nopony would be impressed by your magnificent skills."
Take the bait, you dreadful filly! Lyra felt her mane stand on end. Take the bait and leave the instrument alone! Silver Spoon looked at her with a mixture of annoyance and boredom, then with a shrug moved her chair slightly back. Her hooves slid gently along the harp producing a series of three perfect chords. Lyra gaped in amazement. A single word about the Silver’s public image and she transformed into that? Incredible was too bland a word to describe it.
"Miss Heartstrings, are you sure this is the right instrument for me?" the filly asked somewhat skeptically. "It's not like I can take it to school or anything."
"Err, well..." Lyra had half the mind to agree and end this torture. Clearly neither of them wanted to be here. Then again, Silver Spoon's parents had been very generous... very very generous. "Maybe they could come visit you?" the unicorn suggested. "Harp playing is a hallmark of sophistication. Your parents and classmates will certainly..." she stopped. Was she seriously trying to convince Silver Spoon not to give up? Oh the irony.
Much to Lyra's misfortune, she succeeded. Whooshing her tail, Silver Spoon adjusted her seat once more and persevered. The eartwisting torture continued for another hour. There was no telling whether Silver Spoon had changed her mind for the better, or she simply enjoyed tormenting Lyra. Her hooves would chaotically slide along the strings, sometimes gently, other times with the force and precision of an Ursa Minor having a tantrum. It was a miracle that the harp—and Lyra—managed to survive the lesson. On at least two occasions the unicorn considered grabbing the instrument and galloping out of the window. Even the life of a fugitive was preferable to this! The only thing that stopped her from going on with such a dastardly scheme was the thought of having to face Bon Bon afterwards.
"That will be all, Silver Spoon," Lyra said hurriedly as the platinum clock struck noon. "Quite good for a first lesson."
"Hmph!" The filly got off her chair, unimpressed.
"Just think of the harp as your friend—" What am I saying?! With this attitude, it's a blessing you don't have friends!"—and things will become much easier."
"So you're saying I have to be nice to the harp for it to play well?" Silver Spoon looked at her. "Some friend she is! Always relying on me to take care of her without anything in return."
"Well, that's something to think about for next time." the unicorn tiptoed towards the door. The faster she got out, the better.
And this was only my first day! she cried mentally. Sterling Standard paid me for three months. Three months! I can't possibly survive that long! Stars help me! If this morning's lesson was any indication, she'd be a nervous wreck by the end of the week. Not even Bon Bon would manage to counter the harmful effects she'd be subjected to. As much as it pained her to admit, Lyra's only hope was for Silver Spoon to quit. Maybe the filly would decide on another musical instrument, one without strings preferably?
I really need something sweet. Lira sighed as she trotted along. Something to get rid of that bitter taste in my mouth. Some sugar hay would be nice, or cocoa oats... Her mouth watered. She was trying to cut down, but on days like this, putting on a few pounds was the least of her concerns. Sugarcube Corner, here I come!
When she arrived there, though, her mood took a nosedive. Just my luck. Her ears drooped. The place as so full, it was bursting at the seams. Not only that, but a line of ponies stretched twenty paces outside the bakery entrance. It would take ages to get inside, let alone eat there. I suppose I could go elsewhere, she considered. It was a valid option. There were plenty of other places, including Bon Bon's... which was the last place she wanted to be at. The crux of the matter was that Bon Bon had found Lyra her present job. The two had had a long and heated argument during which the musician had made it clear she wanted to "earn her keep" and not "mooch off" her fiancé. Harsh words had been exchanged, but in the end Bon Bon had accepted the idea, and as an apology used her connections to get Lyra hired as a music instructor. No way I'm telling her I want to quit after a single session. She’d be devastated, and furious. If she finds out she won't speak to me for weeks. And yet, Bon Bon has chocolate…
"The hay with it!" Lyra stomped her hoof. I’m skipping lunch! I’m going straight to the park, where I'll find a nice bench and spend the rest of the afternoon in p—
"There you are!" A cheerful voice made Lyra’s mane stand on end. "I've been looking for you!"
"Err, hi, Bon Bon." Lyra turned around like a wooden puppet. "I wasn't expecting to see you..." A wide smile covered her face, in the hopes to mask her unease. "I thought you'd be busy."
"And miss your first day?" Bon Bon gasped, shocked at the suggestion. "What kind of monster do you take me for?" She gave Lyra a wink, followed by a peck on the muzzle. "I took the afternoon off. Was this close to taking the whole day. It was so tempting to sneak into Silver Manor and watch you in action."
"Oh my strings, that would have been terrible!" Lyra kept smiling, but deep inside thanked her lucky stars that Bon Bon hadn't been there to see that disaster. Maybe I'll tell her in a week. Or two. Or more. Best I play it by ear. Who knows, things might get better? Silver Spoon could actually start enjoy playing the harp and actually be good at it. Lyra's ears drooped even more. Who was she kidding? Getting Silver Spoon to appreciate music was as difficult as getting Bon Bon talk about her past.
"You never know. Maybe one day the temptation will prove too great," Bon Bon joked. Several drops of sweat appeared on Lyra's forehead in response.
"Right, sure thing." Lyra looked around uncomfortably. "How about we go have a bite somewhere? I was a bit nervous so I skipped breakfast this morning." She started making a step forward, when Bon Bon instantly stopped her.
"Oh, no you don't," the earth pony said harshly, placing a hoof on her back. "You're not ruining your appetite before our visit to Sugarcube Corner!"
Sugarcube corner? Lyra's ears perked up in surprise. Confused, she looked at the queue to the bakery, then back to Bon Bon. Did she intend for them to wait? That would take hours! Not only would she still be depressed after her lesson with Silver Spoon, but her stomach would be empty as well. Truly, this had all the signs of being a terrible day!
"I arranged a party for you, you silly filly." Bon Bon shoved Lura playfully. "Nothing but the Cakes' best for my special musician."
"Wow!" That's so sweet. Pity I won't be able to enjoy any of it. "I think I'll just pass out here.” Lyra took another look at the queue. It had grown by four ponies. “You can drag me inside when all the ponies are gone. I just hope it's before sunset."
Much to her surprise, Lyra didn't have to wait that long. Five minutes later and the ponies had dispersed. From what she could make out, Bon Bon had spoken to Minuette, who had spoken to Pinkie Pie, who had reserved the whole afternoon for Lyra's great-first-day-of-work party. The whole reason the place had been swarming with customers was because all of them wanted to get a few treats before Sugarcube Corner closed for the event. There was no telling how Bon Bon had managed to arrange all this — on a weekday no less — but she always had her ways... which made Lyra feel all the more rotten inside. Guess I have no choice. I'll grit my teeth and soldier through this, even if I have to spend every afternoon in the spa for the next three months!
The party continued well into the night, and then some. By the time Lyra got home, she was so exhausted that she nearly collapsed in the living room. Just a few more steps. She dragged herself to the bedroom. Usually she was the energetic one, prancing all over the place, making jokes or composing song lyrics. Now, she understood what it was like having a job she didn't like. The mental pressure was crushing. I'll never ridicule anypony that complains about work ever again, she thought as she flopped on the bed. Instantly the softness enveloped her. Bon Bon had spent a small fortune to buy them a cloud bed, and it was so worth it!
"Thanks for the great party, Bon b..." Lyra didn't manage to finish the sentence. Seconds after her face touched the pillow, her journey into the dreamworld had begun. Strangely enough, even in her dream she was dozing off, seated on a comfortable chaise-long surrounded by beautiful music.
"So nice." She stretched, admiring the gentle sophistication of the melody. "I wish Silver Spoon could play like that."
"You wanted me to play, Miss?" a voice asked, a terrifyingly familiar voice.
Feeling her stomach tighten, Lyra shot up. The nightmare was real! Standing a few steps away was none other than Silver Spoon, and she wasn't alone. And entire army of Silver Spoons was behind her, glaring, grinning...
"We'll play if you want us to, Miss," the lead Silver Spoon said, her words capable of making a timberwolf howl in terror. "All of us will play."
And then the horrors began. The dreadful, grotesque legion of Silver Spoons galloped forward, right towards Lyra. Knowing no mercy, they attacked any music instrument they could get their hooves on. Lyra watched helplessly as they deboned pianos, twisted trumpets, bottomed out drums, and destrung violins. And then, they went for the most majestic instrument of them all — the Silvarius.
"No! Please!" Lyra yelled, but her words were drowned by the screams of the harp as the Silver Spoons destrung the instrument string by string. Within moments only the frame was left. Shortly later, even it was reduced to metallic splinters.
"Did you enjoy how we played, Miss?" One of the fillies turned towards Lyra. Silver eyes glowed ominously. More Silver Spoons joined in the stare. "Because we can play like this through all Equestria. Forever!"
"Noooo!" Lyra jumped to her hooves. Cold sweat poured down her face, onto the already drenched sheets.
Just a dream. She looked around, breathing heavily. The bedroom appeared to be as it always had been, spacious, cozy, with lots of pictures on the walls. Bon Bon seemed to have left already. The earth pony was quite the early bird, one of the many qualities Lyra admired in her. I bet you made me breakfast, too. Lyra cracked a smile and forces herself out of bed.
A quick shower, some chocolate pretzels, a quick crossword, and the musician was ready for the day. The pain in her stomach, however, didn't got away. How could it? Soon, she would have to go there again and try to convince a walking disaster to treat her instruments, her extremely rare and expensive instruments, with care. Maybe she'll learn through example? I could take my lyre and show her a proper performance. It was a scary perspective, but what if it worked?
Closing her eyes, Lyra took a deep breath. "Guess I owe you that much, Bon Bon," she said out loud. In any event, it was worth a shot. After a quick brush to the mane, she took her prized lyre and trotted off for Silver Manor.
The weather was fresh outside. Lyra remembered vaguely Derpy mentioning something about a wind lane going through Ponyville for the next few days. On the bright side, there was no rain scheduled till the end of the month. Maybe if the weather is fine all week long, Silver would prefer to go out and play? Fillies love playing in the sun! No way a spoilt brat like her would stand being cooped up indoors having some boring music lesson. Alas that was not the case.
The moment Lyra set eyes on Silver Spoon, she knew she should abandon all hope. Determination streamed from the filly like water from a colander, along with a strong dose of disapproval.
This can't be good. "Good morning, Silver Spoon." Lyra stretched a smile. "How are you today? You definitely seem—"
"It's not fair," the filly cut her off mid question.
Lyra froze, blinked, then tried to regain control of her mouth, yet with little success. Where did that come from? she wondered. Could it be that the filly was actually thinking of quitting? The unicorn's pulse hastened.
"What isn't fair, dear?" Lyra asked. Please say it. Just say the magic words and we'll never have to see each other's again.
"You have a horn!" Silver Spoon declared.
"Err, yes?" Lyra narrowed her eyes a fraction. What does that have to do with anything.
"It's much easier for you to play stringed instruments! You don't have to bother to learn hoof angles and pressures and proper movement patterns!" the filly humphed. It was obvious she had spent a long time thinking about this. "You just use magic and the strings play!"
"Silver Spoon, it's not that simple." Lyra kept her smile. You little brat! Have you any idea how difficult it is to control magic? Especially for music? One doesn't simply "use magic" to play an instrument. It takes years of practice and dedication, not to mention things like magic-music theory, of which you know squat! "I've also played by hoof, you know. The first year at the Conservatory we had to go through the basics before focusing on magic playing."
"Whatever." Silver looked away, still sulking.
"Are you saying I can't?" Lyra frowned. Acting like a brat was one thing, but challenging her in such an open fashion was something Lyra wouldn't take lying down. "Well, then, let me show you!"
It was now Lyra's turn to humph, as she went to the harp. Telling me I can't play! I have been playing strings before you were born! Before I could even do magic! Unlike Silver Spoon, she didn't need a stool to play. Instead, she sat down in front of the instrument and adjusted herself slightly. Despite her anger, part of her was tingling with joy. I’m going to play a Silvarius harp! How many musicians could claim that? Eat your heart out, Octavia!
"Pay attention, now." Lyra gave the filly a condescending look. To a degree, she felt guilty for behaving this way, but not enough to stop. "We start with a few basic chords."
Her hooves slid gently along the harp's strings getting a feel of the instrument. They felt delicate, yet strong, the perfect combination. The ponies that made them were clearly master artisans beyond compare. The first few sounds were hesitant, half broken. To an outsider it would seem as though Lyra was as clueless as her student. However, that was necessary to get a grip on the situation. One had to talk to the instrument, to get to know it, and only then could the dance begin.
"I see you've kept it tuned," Lyra said, somewhat impressed. At least you are diligent. With that cutie-mark, I should have guessed. Her hooves moved along the strings with ease, crafting a series of sounds that flowed like a waterfall. It was a bit different than playing a lyre, but the principle remained the same. "It should be a bit easier for you since your hooves are smaller, though you must apply a bit more strength," She explained. "A bit more. Also, start with the tip of your hoof. When you get enough practice you could use the sides as well." Lyra demonstrated. The experience was pleasant, so much so that for a moment she completely forgot about the filly and focused on the joy of playing. How I wish I could have a Silvarius of my own, the unicorn fantasized. I feel like my hooves are playing a cloud. Fat chance of me getting one, though. I'd have to sell everything I own ten times over, and even then I'd need a miracle to find a pony willing to sell one.
Lyra continued to play for a few minutes more. She would have gone on longer, if something hadn't caught her attention — Silver Spoon hadn't said a word since she started. Not a humph, not a snarky comment, not even a sarcastic remark. Why was that? If yesterday was any indication, she should have been chewing the harp strings with rage by now.
"Silver Spoon?" The musician stopped. "Are you okay?"
"It's not fair!" the filly said quietly. "You're actually good at this!"
"Well, I've had a lot of practice." Lyra beamed at the unexpected compliment. "And, I also... Wait, what?" She suddenly realized what had been said. "I'm actually good? What does that supposed to mean? Have you had other music tutors before?"
"Well, duuuh!" Silver Spoon frowned in typical spoilt-brat fashion. "Why would mom buy me a harp otherwise? It makes a lousy decoration."
"Right." Touché, filly. Of course no one just buys a musical instrument. Not that kind anyway.
"You're my fifth, and the only one so far that can actually play!" The words didn't sound at all reassuring. Lyra already had visions of getting fired from her first real job less than a week after starting. Moments ago she was desperately searching for an excuse to escape. Now, when Silver had signaled at the possibility, she dreaded the prospect. "Guess it's true what they say. Earth ponies should stick to wind instruments," the filly grumbled bitterly.
"What? No! That's wrong!" Could I have been wrong about her? What if she wasn't trying to destroy the harp, but was only frustrated at it? Thinking about it, despite her barbaric behaviour yesterday, Silver hadn't done any actual harm. It was as if she knew exactly how much it would take and stopped short of damaging it. Serves me right for judging a pony based on a few hours interaction... even if it is Silver Spoon. "Did they tell you that?"
"As much as you did, yesterday." The filly looked Lyra directly in the eyes. "The first one I tolerated for three weeks before I got mother to change her. The next lasted a two. The ones after that less than a week."
Wow! I didn't manage even to make it to the end of my second day. "I'll be going then." Lyra stood up. She would be lying if she said she wasn't disappointed. For the briefest of moments she actually enjoyed it here. Now she'd have to come up with an explanation for Bon Bon. "I'll come back later today to return the bits your mother gave me."
"What are you talking about?" The filly stomped her hoof on the floor. "You can play! The previous "tutors" hadn't touched an instrument in years! They could barely play a chord! You're the first I've seen that enjoyed playing. I bet if it were up to you you'd just play the harp during the entire session and have me watch."
"Where on earth did you get that idea?" Lyra laughed tensely, as the faintest of blushes covered her face.
"So you think I can learn?" Silver spoon moved to the opposite side of the harp and sat down. Far shorter than Lyra, only her head was visible behind the large frame. "To be as good as you, I mean."
"Umm." Should I tell you the truth? Will that get me fired. "One never knows," she bit her lip after she said it. "With enough sweat and dedication, I think you could." The real phrase was sweat and tears, yet dedication worked just as well. "You know, there's a trick to learn faster," she added in hushed words. The air of secrecy instantly caught Silver's attention. Look at that. You are a filly after all. "The Conservatory would disown me for suggesting this, but..." She focused her magic on one string causing it to vibrate. "I'll use magic to show you which strings to play and you can follow by hoof a bit later. It might seem strange and annoying at first, but you'll quickly catch on. My mother taught me to play this way. That was way before I had magic of my own."
Silver Spoon looked at the vibrating string skeptically, then at Lyra. Her expression was as flat as ever, yet her perked up ears clearly conveyed her excitement. Show me, her eyes said silently.
"Let's give it a try." Lyra smiled, starting to play. One after the other strings vibrated, wrapped in the minty glow of her magic. "I'm certain you know this, so it should be easy. The main thing is not to think of this as a lesson and let the music guide—"
Without warning a strong sound swept the room, bringing everything to a halt. Frozen in place, Lyra glanced at the harp. Silver Spoon's hoof remained in the air, an inch away from one of the strings, shivering as if struck by lightning.
"My stars, Silver!" Lyra screamed in panic, rushing to her. "I'm so sorry! Are you all right?" She looked at the Filly's hoof. Stupid, stupid, stupid! I should have warned you not to touch magicked strings. Unlike other ponies, Lyra had a tendency to put way too much magic into her music. Normally, touching a string like that would result in a slight jolt at most. In Silver Spoon's case, it probably felt like being zapped by lightning. "Can you feel your hoof?"
"The sound," the filly said, eyes wide, as if she were in a trance.
"That's what happens when you play a string that's already resonating with magic." Lyra gently examined Silver's hoof. All seems fine, thank the stars! "The magic gathered there is released along with the sound, transforming it into something you'd hear at a DJ Pon3 rave."
"I've never heard anything like it!" Silver pulled her hoof away, looked at it, then stepped on the ground. Her entire body was shaking. Strangely enough, that wasn't the largest change in her. She was smiling. Actually smiling! Lyra definitely hadn't known her for long, but even she could sense this was unusual. "Do it again!" the filly said eagerly.
"Definitely not!" Lyra snapped. Ouch. I sound just like my mother. How uncool... But this is dangerous! It's not like earth ponies are used to magic jolts. "You’re still shaking! And it's not like..."
"Please." Silver Spoon moved her hoof close to the harp. Obviously she wasn't even considering no for an answer.
"Okay,” Lyra folded. What else could she do? “But if I see you're hurt I'm stopping!" Damn it! Now you got me curious as well! "Here we go." I hope I don't regret this...
"Morning, Bon Bon!" Lyra hummed as she pulled the curtains wide open. Her entire body was positively tingling with energy. "Breakfast is in the kitchen: honey and those expensive oats you like so much." She pecked her fiancée on the cheek.
"Mmmrgh!" Bon Bon grumbled, retreating further in the bed in an effort to escape the rays of the rising sun. Lyra giggled. Silly thing. Bet you never expected this to happen? Usually, Bon Bon was the early riser. At times she would even bring a bowl of treats to tempt Lyra out of bed. I better learn how to cook as well, the musician considered, although it was doubtful she could ever manage to impress a third generation chocolatier.
"I know, I know." Lyra ruffled Bon Bon's mane gently, careful not to fully wake her up. "I'll be late tonight, so don't wait up."
A most innocent sentence added just at the last moment. It was supposed to pass unnoticed, taking advantage of Bon Bon's sleepiness. Quiet enough to be barely heard, vague enough to give but a modicum of information, its goal was to keep both Lyra's conscience and secret intact. On that it succeeded perfectly. Within moments the musician was out in the street and Bon Bon was none the wiser. A sensation of guilt made Lyra pause and glance over her shoulder. The moment didn't last. Shaking her head, she turned around and galloped through Ponyville.
"Morning, Lyra," a pair of trotters greeted her as they passed by.
"Morning!" She dashed by. The town was an entirely different place early in the morning. The streets were quiet, mostly deserted, with only a hoofful of ponies about. "The regulars" as Lyra referred to them. They all knew each other as if they were part of some secret club. After a few days of early morning gallops, Lyra had also been accepted into the group.
Hoof protectors, Lyra's mind switched as she headed towards Silver Manor. Must remember to order hoof protectors, and a new set of strings. That was the only negative aspect of her new style music tutoring—it tended to be harsh on hooves and instruments alike. By Lyra's estimates Silver Spoon had spent a small fortune on replacement strings. At the same time she had mulishly refused to even consider buying any sort of hoof protection.
The butler stood at the manor's front entrance. Lyra didn't go that way. Instead, she circled round the house heading for the servant's entrance. As every morning for the past few days, Silver Spoon was there waiting, her hoof tapping impatiently on the pavement. This time, however, she seemed particularly annoyed. The moment she heard her tutor approach, the filly's ears turned in her direction.
"Finally!" she grumbled. "I thought you'd be late. Again!" The tone was that of an extremely annoyed teacher.
Oh, give it a rest, Silver. Lyra patted her on the head, ignoring the remark. For all her posturing, fancy words, and money, Silver Spoon remained a filly; for all her pouting and grumbling, she enjoyed music—Lyra's type of music—and wasn't going to do a thing to stop the lessons. Quite the contrary, in fact. For the last two days the "one hour of music training" had increased to eight, half of which Silver's own parents weren't aware of.
"Good morning, Silver," Lyra said clearly. I'll be bucked if I don't take advantage of the situation to teach her some manners. "How are you today?"
"Good morning, Lyra." Each world came out level as a school ruler. "I am fine. How are you?"
"Let me see your hoof." Lyra looked down. Immediately Silver moved her right foreleg behind her left. I knew it! You didn't even call a nurse, did you? "Silver?"
"Oh, come on, Lyra! It's just a scratch!" The filly protested. "Barely noticeable."
Lyra didn't budge. Smile on face, she waited patiently. Across her, Silver frowned, pouted, grumbled, rolled her eyes, and finally showed her hoof. The "barely noticeable scratch" was, in fact, a chip heading towards a crack. The filly had tried to mask it with hoof polish, but that only made it more obvious. It's never easy with you, is it? Either you destroy the instruments or they you.
"Hold still," Lyra ordered and focused her magic. Healing wasn't her speciality, but she too had suffered her share of chipped hooves while at the Conservatory. A green glow surrounded Silver's leg. "This might sting a bit." The filly tensed up, but didn't pull her leg back. A simple scratch, my rump!
Aided by the magic, the keratin filled in the cracks, restoring the hoof to its normal state. It wasn't going to last long, especially if Silver intended to play the harp like she had the last few days, but at least her leg wouldn't get infected.
"That's it for now, but I want you to go see a doctor to get it properly healed." Lyra tried to frown, but judging by Silver Spoon's "Bleh" of a response, she failed yet again. Apparently, some things were unachievable regardless of the circumstances. "Did you get new strings?"
"Absolutely!" The filly lead into the mansion, her cranky attitude instantly replaced by unadulterated enthusiasm. "The priority express order arrived last night. Made of Imperial silver! Guaranteed to withstand a high magic current and also flexible enough to vibrate adequately."
"Let's hope so." The ones you brought from Manehattan also guaranteed the same, yet snapped after ten seconds.
Following Silver's lead, Lyra walked into the music room. She was just about to start her day, when she saw something that made her freeze with fear. In the room, sitting on a cushion next to the harp, was a pink filly with an expensive tiara. The filly wasn't surprised to see Lyra, on the contrary she was looking at her with a calm, but annoyed expectation.
"Err, a word, Silver Spoon?" The musician stepped out of the room. The moment Silver Spoon joined her, Lyra slammed the door shut with her magic. "Diamond Tiara is in the music room."
"I know." The filly frowned. "I invited her."
"Oh." Well, technically that is an explanation, but not what I wanted to know! Why in Equestria did you invite Diamond Tiara?! This is supposed to be a secret! If your parents find out I've been teaching you aether music they'll chase me out of Ponyville. Hay, the Conservatory and the SGU will strike my name off their records! Lyra wanted to yell, to scream. Her entire body trembled with suppressed anger.
"Well, I had to come up with something. I've been avoiding her all week," Silver Spoon said unapologetically. "She is my best friend. And she can keep a secret." The filly then looked away for a moment. Uh, oh, Lura thought. There was something Silver wasn't telling her.
"And?" Lyra invited her to continue.
"And... she might have not believed me when I said I was learning aether music."
That's just great! Lyra slapped herself on the face. It was understandable what the filly was going through, but to tell Diamond Tiara of all ponies? That one was a living menace! Her snobbery was legendary. Even Lyra knew about it, and she didn't even have a foal that went to school! There was absolutely nothing remotely positive in having—
"Di sent an order for a diamond core silver string harp through a friend of her father's," Silver added. "If she's impressed by what she hears you'll get to keep it. If not she'll put it on her wall and ridicule me every time I visit." Her glance turned into a glare directed straight at Lyra. The unspoken "So you better not embarrass me!" screamed louder than an Minotaur.
Lyra sighed deeply. Years of school and Conservatory training, and here she was making sure she didn't embarrass her pupil in front of her friend. Must be good to be rich, she mused as she opened the door and entered the music room once more. Diamond Tiara was still there next to the frame of the Silvarius harp. The strings had been removed after yesterday's practice had destroyed a quarter of them.
"Hello, Diamond Tiara." Lyra offered a polite smile as she trotted up to the harp. "I take it Silver Spoon has told you about our—" she glanced at the grey filly briefly, then back at Diamond "—choice of music?"
"Hmpt!" Diamond made a circle in the air with her hoof. "Silvi is way too impressionable. I've seen special effects before. My father has a friend who helped make the special effects of Countess Coloratura's shows. That's before she changed her style. I'm sure you could do some neat tricks," she waved her hoof, way too dismissively for Lyra's liking, "but it'll take more to impress me."
Joy. Lyra levitated the new box of strings towards her. This one seemed even more expensive than the last. It was covered with half a thesaurus of complicated terms, which the musician knew to be meaningless. That was one of the reasons she disliked the modern music industry—they had made it their goal to trick any juvenile pony into thinking she could become a Pop Star, selling her tons of overpriced and often useless equipment in the process. On the positive side, at least the strings seemed adequate. On their own they'd probably create the worst sound ever. With a little magic, however...
"See? I knew it!" Diamond Tiara pointed triumphantly, as Lyra began painstakingly string the harp. "Those are custom special effect strings used for light displays!"
Gritting her teeth, Lyra continued. Shut up, smartalice! Just because they are used for one thing doesn't mean they can't be used for something else as well. One by one the strings went up until the harp was whole again. Pleased, Lyra took a step back to admire her work. Aren't you a beauty? Her hoof, gently touched one of the strings.
"Lyra, do you think I can—" Silver Spoon began, but was instantly cut off.
"No!" Lyra said firmly. "Not with that hoof. Also, from now on you'll be wearing protectors." A snarl and grumble indicated that the point went through. "Now, let me try it out before you two head to class."
"We don't have school today," Diamond Tiara announced. "We're ill," she added with the pride of a filly who just learned she'd won the beauty pageant.
"I see..." Lyra gave her a disapproving look. My parents never let me do that!
No matter. That wasn't important now. If it was a performance she wanted, she was going to get it. Lyra moved into position in front of the harp. She could have used a cushion to sit on, but somepony had taken it to lie upon. Not that it was an issue.
"We'll start with two minutes," she told Silver Spoon. The filly nodded. "You might want to move back, Diamond. Aether music is rough on the ears the first time you hear it."
Unsurprisingly, Diamond Tiara didn't budge. Surprisingly, Lyra felt extremely pleased about it. Let's see who breaks first, little filly—the strings or you. Lips twisting in a cocky smile, the musician started with the preparations. First a large sound bubble. That way servants wouldn't keep running in and out of the room in horror, like had happened on the first day. Second, Lyra cast a protective layer over her hooves. A waste of magic energy, but necessary until she got hoof protectors. Finally, she focused on the strings. Light green auras covered five of them one by one causing the silver to glow with a low barely noticeable hum.
"Okay, girls, time to go wild!" Lyra turned her ears away from the harp and began.
The moment her hoof brushed against the aetherized string, an explosive sound resonated within the sound bubble. Unprepared, Diamond Tiara jumped to her hooves like a frightened animal, eyes wide, ears flicking wildly in a futile attempt to escape the noise. Beside her, Silver Spoon smiled like a music connoisseur at an opera performance.
Feel the sound of heavy aether! Lyra's hooves moved like crazy, each striking a string instants after she energized it with magic. A sea of sounds followed. The harp, created to be a delicate instrument of the highest degree, was now an instrument of power, begging her to lift it up in the air as she played. Lyra ignored its plea, the sounds sinking into her mane, making her feel as if fire and lightning ran through her veins. In this single instant she felt unstoppable, able to take on the whole of Equestria and Nightmare Moon if she had to. The sensation was frightening, yet also sublime. Not the fancy hoofwork they taught at school, not the faint tingle the DJs created in their clubs, this was true music!
*Twang* One of the the strings snapped. Lyra didn't falter. She'd gotten used to the fragility of the instrument. Actually, they'd done quite well. It had taken well over a minute for the first string to give in. Apparently, this manufacturer knew what he was doing.
*Twang* *Twang* *Twang* Three more strings broke. It was only a matter of seconds before the others followed. The musician had no intention of letting that time go to waste. Sweat dripping off her muzzle, she covered the entire harp with magic, playing as fast as her hooves would let her.
Crazy! This is absolutely crazy! She laughed, her voice buried under the aether sounds. There was no better feeling than this. Lyra felt like a pegasus riding a storm. Her heart pumped pure adrenaline, urging her to go on. Her horn, however, like the strings, couldn't keep up. With every second the pressure grew stronger and stronger.
"Oh, yeah!" Lyra shouted, waving her sweat-soaked mane as her hooves slid across the strings one final time, breaking half of them as she did. A second later and it was over. Lacking magic, the sounds suddenly disappeared. The bubble of silence popped, leaving Lyra breathing heavily if front of the harp, sweat pouring down her face. Need... to... catch... breath...
"Over three minutes!" Silver Spoon tossed Lyra a towel. "And till the end the chords were really, really good!" A step away Diamond Tiara continued to stand there motionless, eyes staring blankly forward. Silver Spoon moved beside her, waved a hoof in front of her face several times, then with the shake of the head and a victorious sigh went to the door. "I'll get snacks."
Yes, please! Lyra relaxed on the floor. Three minutes! Three miserable minutes and yet she felt as tired as if she'd plowed Sweet Apple Acres. Even she didn't have enough magic to maintain such an aether drain. Still, if would probably help if she had the strength of an earth pony. Despite her stubbornness, Silver Spoon managed to play for far longer and, although Lyra hated to admit it, the filly had done remarkably well even without hoof protection.
It didn't take long for Silver Spoon to return with "snacks". One thing Lyra had learned was that the Silvers loved to pamper their children. The four level food-cart had enough sweets and drinks on it to last an entire day. Good thing too. Lyra levitated a jug of juice and gulped half of it down. So good!
"Want something to eat, Di?" Silver asked, as Lyra downed the rest of the jug. "I wasn't able to get your favorite, but—"
"That was amazing." Diamond managed to say, her lips barely moving.
"Yeah, I was like that too the first time." Silver lifted her front leg and placed a bowl of chocolate mousse on it. "I can do the same, you know. Almost as good as Lyra. And I don't even have a horn."
"Never heard anything like it." Diamond looked at Silver. "You weren't kidding."
"Told you." Silver offered a smug smile. "Now do you see why I practice so much?"
"Hmm?" It didn't take long for Diamond to regain her composure. Taking a lick of her chocolate mousse, she placed the bowl on the ground, an air of superiority surrounding her once more. "No, I don't. You're hornless, so you can't practice all the time." Silver Spoon was just about to say something, but Diamond Tiara raised her hoof. "No matter. I must rush to daddy's friend and make him finish the harp by tonight."
Something in the way Diamond said that made Lyra uneasy. If it were any other filly, she'd consider it youthful enthusiasm. This was Diamond Tiara, however. With her things always had the ability to turn for the worst. Lyra stood up, but before she could even ask, the pink filly had left the room. I'm sure it's nothing, she tried to reassure herself, levitating the towel over her face and through her mane. I'm just overthinking things as usual. The fear, however, didn't go away. Lyra waited a bit longer. Silver Spoon had already started replacing the broken strings with new ones. One could only admire her diligence. Not only that, but in her spare time she had been practicing classical harp as well. The young filly had come to the realization that to be able to play aether music, she had to be well versed in the classic hoof techniques. Looking at her, Lyra could only smile with pride.
"Silver," the musician began casually, "is anything happening tonight?" She wasn't expecting any sort of shocking response. A simple "no" would have been enough to reassure her everything was in her head. The guilty look on Silver Spoon, however, told a different story entirely. "Silver" Lyra repeated. "What is happening tonight?"
"Nothing, Miss." That already was a bad sign. "We... I might have argued with a few friends at school who the best musician was."
"Really?" Lyra glared at her. What did you do, filly?
"So I told them I know an artist that is better than Sapphire Shores, Rara and DJ Pon3 combined." Silver continued stringing the harp, keeping its frame between her and Lyra.
"Silver Spoon!" The musician stomped on the floor. What in Equestria made you say that?! Having Diamond Tiara here was bad enough!
"But it's true!" the filly insisted. "Who else plays with both hooves and magic?"
"It's not that simple." Lyra covered her head with the towel. Yes, I'm pretty good with my hooves but I can't come close to Rara and Octavia. As for magic, Vinyl can blow be out of Ponyville without half trying! Just because the sound is different doesn't mean it's better.
Lyra had a mind to tell all this to her student and more. The moment she tossed the towel off her head, though, everything changed. Silver Spoon was looking at her with a mix of hope and expectation. It didn't make it easier that in part Lyra actually wanted to perform in front of an audience. How could she not? All this time in Ponyville and she had practically nothing to show for it. Octavia was the one invited to all the important events, Pinkie was the one who played everything at parties. As far as Everypony was concerned Lyra was nothing more than Bon Bon's goofy marefriend.
I'm so hating myself right now! "What's the plan?" she sighed.
"I gather my class at the edge of the Everfree Forest," Silver Spoon began without a moment's hesitation. Sure, I let you have your way this time, but don't get used to it! Lyra grumbled internally. The things I do for heavy aether. "You play one piece and that's it."
"One piece?" The musician looked at the filly skeptically.
"A-ha."
"No encores?"
"Not one."
"And nopony speaks of this?" Silence. "Silver?"
"Featherweight wanted a few photos for the school paper," Silver Spoon smiled sheepishly. "But nopony other than Di knows who you are!"
There wasn't even any point staying to hear the rest. Without another word Lyra went out of the room, trotted down the corridor and left the mansion. Her mind was so boggled by what had happened that she had no idea what to think. It all seemed like a dream, a nightmare, she was trapped in. At least then she wouldn't have to explain to Bon Bon.
Now I know how Bonnie felt keeping secrets from me. Lyra was unavoidably going to have a talk with her fiancée. Based on Bon Bon's mood, it was going to end either in grumbling or in humiliating laughter. And that was just the easy part. What was she going to do about the rest of Ponyville? Guess I'll have to say goodbye to my respectable name. Bye bye happy Lyra, hello infamy. It'll be as disastrous as the Cutie Mark Crusader's performan—
The musician stopped in her tracks. The Cutie Mark Crusaders! That was the solution! Why didn't she think about to earlier? The performance they had done a few years ago was a catastrophe on so many levels—the decor was laughable, the music was atrocious, the costumes made them look like a bunch of clowns. However, for all their faults, the makeup was exactly what Lyra could use right now. With enough of it she could could make herself absolutely unrecognizable! It didn't have to be good, it only had to transform her into somepony else.
"Perfect!" she shouted, causing everypony around to look at her. Oops. She smiled sheepishly. Definitely too much enthusiasm there. Regardless, it was a glorious idea! Tonight it wasn't going to be Lyra Heartstrings that played, it was going to be—Lyra looked at the the sky—Dark Electra! Yes, that was the face that would bring Heavy Aether to the masses, and then... take over Equestria!
Lyra felt the uncontrollable urge to start cackling right in the street. Before that, however, she needed to get some makeup. And I know just who to see to get it.
