A Chance Encounter

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Bonus Chapter/Epilogue

Chapter 1

Daylight broke. Seth groaned despondently as sunlight forcefully invaded his slumber. He blinked several times in an effort to add some clarity to his vision. Not quite succeeding, the unicorn rolled over and stumbled out of his bed, fighting to keep his balance.

His bedroom was a mess. Clothes lay haphazardly on the floor and there was an empty bottle of scotch on his bedside table. He groaned again as the memory of last night slowly clicked into place. He staggered through his apartment, the soft carpet muffling his heavy hoofsteps. Summoning forth his magic, he opened the door to his lounge area. The sharp lines of the furniture jumped out at him. The black leather sofa’s contrasting nicely with the cream coloured carpet. He was somewhat surprised to see that the room was in relatively good condition. The only mess he could see were some empty, heavy bottomed glasses on the glass table in the middle of the room and a half empty bottle of scotch that sat near them.

A bottle and a half, damn… Seth was not impressed. Drinking was something he very rarely indulged himself with. He gazed sadly around the ultra-modern apartment, looking for any more evidence of his… discrepancy. Seeing nothing, the pony was somewhat pleased. However, the guilt of his binge still racked his aching head.

Fighting off the melancholy, Seth made his way to the bathroom. This room, like everything else in his apartment was brand new, shiny and expensive. He walked over to the shower and using his magic adjusted the dials to their optimum temperature. The unicorn revelled in the stream of hot water blasting his body, washing away the grogginess that was plaguing him.

All too soon, Seth stepped out of the shower and hastily dried his silver coat, paying little attention to his dark golden mane, instead letting it lay in whatever position the towel left it in. He paused in the mirror and gave himself a quick look over; his golden eyes stared apathetically back at him. He didn’t look too bad. Continuing his morning ritual, Seth made himself breakfast: oats with milk. It was the same breakfast he had been having for years now. Holding the bowl in front of him inside a silver aura of magic, the pony opened the door to his balcony and stepped out into the embracing warmth of Celestia’s sun.

Seth lived in a sky-rise apartment building in the centre of upper-class Canterlot. The view from his 64th story place was incredible, soaring down the mountain and out onto the plains below. This section of Canterlot was tucked away along the other side of the mountain, hidden behind the royal castle. However, his height meant that while ponies from the ground couldn’t see him, he could see them clearly.

The unicorn gazed down at the bustling metropolis that was Canterlot. Hundreds of ponies were going about their day, caring nothing of Seth and his concerns. The thought made him feel very small indeed. Even in his tower of omniscience, Seth could almost feel their indifference to a pony they knew nothing about.

He hated himself for feeling like this. He was Seth Locarno after all! A pony of power, of prestige, of respect! He almost rolled his eyes at the thought. He knew he was a pony lost in amongst a sea of greed and power-brokering, an individual whose voice could not be heard above a cry of selfishness that offended his very being.

Seth had worked so very hard for many years now, striving to fulfil his desire to help ponies, to make their lives better. He was an official of the Equestrian Royal Office. At least that’s what he was meant to be. He had recently almost single-hoofedly brought back Luna’s Night Court.

After being selected over many impressive candidates for the position, he had attacked the task with fervour. While this was different from his normal work of advisement of treaties and policy, he knew that this was a fantastic opportunity to do some good for the world. Seth worked tirelessly to ensure that the court ran efficiently, so that Luna could help as many subjects as possible in order to bring them happiness.

While the operation could be characterised nothing less than a complete success, Seth felt none of the satisfaction. Layers upon layers of bureaucracy got in the way. He had been attacked viciously by the many power-brokers eyeing the prestigious position the work had placed him in. They undermined his efforts and cut at his reputation. Slowly, they had beaten down Seth’s spirit. He could no longer see the beauty in the world that had inspired him to help lead it.

The silver unicorn walked back inside. Not even the sun could shake him now from his reacquired dark mood. He gazed at his apartment, its size dwarfing the pony. He shook his head, and the silence of solitude echoed back at him.

The day passed slowly for Seth, the sun gradually dragging itself across the sky, exacerbating his boredom and frustration. Despite his best efforts, Luna herself had just about ordered the pony to take a vacation after his hard work. Seth hated it, for it left him nothing to fill the long days with. It was just him alone with his thoughts.

Desperate for an activity to keep his mind engaged, Seth skimmed over the Equestria Daily, noting with faint interest a write up on the decision to not increase the guard on the southern border of Equestria. He had almost worked on that policy decision. While absentmindedly turning pages, an ad in the entertainment section caught his eye:

“The Canterlot Music Society is proud to host a new up-and-coming star in the world of classical music: Octavia. This Friday, one night only!”

A black and white photograph of a charcoal-coloured earth pony standing with a cello accompanied the ad. His interest thoroughly piqued, Seth made a note of the time and place.

Something to do! he thought with glee. It had been far too long since he had gone to see any sort of live entertainment.

Besides, he rationalised. Maybe she is as good as they say. That, and there is no denying she is kinda cute…

He smiled at thought.

Suddenly, as if the entire universe was intentionally meddling with him, the sun seemed to double its pace, hurrying along the sky. Seth took it as a sign, of what he was not sure, but a sign nonetheless.

It was not long before dusk fell, and Seth exited his apartment, dressed in a coat and tie. He chose to walk to the Canterlot Centre of Music and Arts; it had been too long since he got to stretch his legs like this. Sure, running for exercise was one thing, but taking the time to walk and appreciate the outdoors was another entirely.

The air was cool, but not uncomfortably so, with a few ponies going by their business, closing up shop or finishing errands before night fell in earnest. A kind of tranquillity fell upon Seth. He enjoyed watching the world work. It gave him some sort of pleasure to simply witness everything just exist. Outside, he certainly felt a little better.

It was not long before the unicorn reached his destination. The CCMA was a grand structure: A testament to pony architecture with its sweeping roof that formed into several interlocking plates, reminding Seth simultaneously of both scales and water. Casting his eyes around at his environment, the pony walked into the warmly lit foyer and found himself surrounded by many of the best and brightest (not to mention richest), that Canterlot had to offer.

She must really be something, huh? Seth was suddenly very glad he had chosen to dress up for the occasion.

Picking up the ticket he had reserved earlier in the day, Seth bought himself a glass of champagne, more to complete the image than out of any kind of thirst. He sipped at it quietly, watching the crowds in front of him. A cough drew him from his silence.

“Why Seth, it is such a pleasure to see you here!”

Seth looked around to the source of the voice, heavy with forced sophistication. He felt an internal snarl grow at the sight of the brown earth pony, whose top hat and monocle made him look ridiculous.

“Top Hat,” Seth stated bluntly, “I assure you, the pleasure is all mine.”

The rich pony looked him up and down before continuing. “Your presence at work has been sorely missed Seth. The palace just isn’t the same without your liberal…recommendations.”

Seth snorted. “Rest assured, my absence is merely temporary. Princess Luna herself insisted that I indulge in a vacation.”

Top Hat’s brow furrowed at the mention of the Princess. “I see. Well, return swiftly will you?” The snobbish pony stopped briefly, before finishing the thought, “After all, we wouldn’t want your father’s hard work to go to waste now, would we?”

Seth gritted his teeth. “My father has plenty of concerns, my presence at work being the least of them. Enjoy the performance, Top Hat.”

The brown pony chuckled quietly before leaving. “Oh I dare say I will, dear Seth. I dare say I will.”

Seth fumed quietly as the bureaucrat left and swallowed the rest of his champagne in a single gulp. Stupid, good for nothing conservative…

He knew that he shouldn’t let it get to him. After all, in several short years Seth had done more in his career than Top Hat had in almost thirty. But regardless, the lie about his father’s influence made him furious.

The sound of hoofsteps brought Seth back to reality. He looked up and saw the assembled crowd slowly make their way into the auditorium. Joining them, Seth entered the performance space and took to his seat right at the back of the theatre.

The unicorn closed his eyes and let himself go amongst the sea of murmurs that reached his ears from the crowd around him. A cold sense of apathy was beginning to grip his insides, a reaction to the anger earlier. Seth fought it desperately; he could not allow himself to become indifferent. Empathy was part of who he was.

Locked in the internal struggle, Seth didn’t notice the master of ceremonies walk onstage. However, he did notice the immediate silence that fell over the crowd and opened his eyes.

“Mares and Gentlecolts,” the stallion began, “tonight it is the great pleasure of the Canterlot Musical Society to welcome you here this evening to witness one of the most anticipated artists in recent history.”

Seth was intrigued, high praise indeed.

“She is a mare of grace, of passion and of immense talent. She is by far the best earth pony musician to grace Equestria in many a year!”

Definitely high praise.

“And so, please join me in extending a warm welcome to tonight’s featured musician, Octavia!” The stallion finished with a bow and moved offstage as Seth joined the other ponies in the audience in applauding as the velvet red curtain began to open.

A grey earth pony with a purple treble clef cutie mark walked onstage, illuminated by the stage lights, her instrument locked within her grip. She bowed low and the applause died down. Silence fell over the theatre. Seth let out a breath he didn’t realise he was holding and waited with anticipation.

Slowly, the pony began to play. Seth was impressed, but admittedly, somewhat disappointed. She was good, but not great. He looked around and saw a similar sentiment broadcasted on the faces of the ponies around him. The song was missing something.

Seth looked down at the musician and could swear he could see her trembling. Her face though, was a mask of concentration, hiding the nerves Seth was certain he could almost feel radiating off her, even as far back as he was.

A soft, almost un-noticeable jam in the melody snapped Seth back from his visual observations.

Did she just make a mistake? He wondered. He looked around, the ponies around him showed no sign of witnessing anything out of the ordinary. Huh, must have been deliberate then.

Looking back at Octavia, Seth was surprised to notice that something was changing. The song, it was becoming faster, more aggressive. There was no denying it was the same song, but it felt… angry.

Seth settled back into his chair, pleased at the turn the performance had taken. Once he had found the emotion in the song, he had forgotten it was never there.

Octavia’s epic swept along, now a juggernaut of passion. Seth found himself totally immersed in the musical creation Octavia was painting in front of him. The song flowed, changing pace and mood numerous times, each alteration more engaging than the last.

The musician was swaying now as she played, also lost in her creation. The music now was sad, heartbreakingly so. Seth felt his own heart tear as the music resonated within his very soul. However, just when he was convinced he could not take the mental agony any more, the song shifted again, the melody soaring into an inspiring crescendo, lifting Seth up with it. He felt invincible, like nothing could stand between him and his goals. He was flying.

And then, suddenly, it was over. The last notes fading into oblivion, their creator visibly exhausted, breathing heavily.

Seth was stunned. He felt… different. He felt… alive!

A sharp rapping sound snapped him back to reality, he looked down shocked to see that the sound was emanating from his own hooves, stamping repeatedly on the floor. Before Seth knew it, the ponies near him, and then the ponies near them followed suit. A great roar grew from the crowd. The round of applause attempting to mimic the passion they had just witnessed.

Seth looked around, thrilled. Almost every other pony seemed to share his happiness. It was simply incredible.

Octavia took a bow, her eyes brimming with tears. Seth smiled down fondly at her. She then turned and walked offstage, leaving the audience filled with a tumultuous mixture of emotions.

The unicorn smiled more brightly. He knew he would never forget this night for the rest of his days.

The joy though, was short lived. Ever since Seth was young colt, whenever he enjoyed an emotional high it was immediately followed by a crushing low. To Seth, everything was wrong. The walk home was too short, the streets too quiet and Seth’s mind too active. He scrambled as he tried to stall the post-high crash, and tried to cling to the feelings experienced only a few hours before. However, he could only watch on helplessly as the emotion slowly slipped out of him, replaced by a hollow emptiness.

The pony opened the door silently to his apartment, the transformation to the melancholy fully complete. He walked over to the lounge area as he undid his tie with magic. Sighing, he laid it on the sofa and poured himself a drink, the sharp taste of hard liquor biting his throat. Seth sighed with a contentment he knew he would regret later.

Walking out into the night on his balcony, Seth was despondent. He was jealous of Octavia, jealous of her passion. Try as he might, he could not summon the strength to re-ignite the flame of desire that drove him to such success in his younger years. Octavia’s performance only highlighted this failure.

Angry and absolutely lost, the pony stared forlornly into the inky darkness. The bottle by his side his only companion through the long night.

The week passed slowly for Seth. Numerous times he tried to summon the will to fulfil the Princess’ desire and actually go on a holiday. Go to some place tropical and far away. However, he could not find it within himself to leave. He just couldn’t find the energy.

After several days though, it was not long before the unicorn had had enough with his own behaviour. Seth deliberately hit his head against the table in frustration, accidentally knocking his horn.

“Ow...” Seth said out loud to nopony in particular. He stood up and using his magic, flung on a jacket. It was a little formal, but he didn’t really have much else.

“That’s it,” he growled. “I have had enough of this. I am going out tonight. I am going to a bar!”

Only slightly concerned with the fact that he was talking to himself, the pony left the apartment hurriedly, making sure to grab his wallet as he closed the door behind him.

Seth wandered around several of the more ‘hip’ places of Canterlot for over an hour before finally setting on his mark, a classy affair called ‘The Golden Glow’. Seth stepped inside and exhaled a sigh of relief. The mahogany surfaces and leather seating fit his tastes perfectly. The bar was filled with ponies, talking quietly in small groups or drinking alone. All were dressed up.

The unicorn slowly made his way to the bar, eyeing the haze hovering around one corner of the room with apprehension. He never did understand why some ponies smoked. An impeccably groomed stallion approached him from behind the bar.

“Good evening sir. What shall it be?”

Seth nodded his head in acknowledgement. “I actually do not care. Just please, some sort of scotch on the rocks and make it expensive.”

The bartender nodded his head in understanding and proceeded to pour Seth his drink. “That will be forty bits, sir.”

While goggling at the price, Seth silently handed over the money with a nod of his head. It was what he asked for after all.

Hovering the drink in front of him, Seth took a sip. Sweet Celestia! That is damn good scotch!

His mood definitely improved, Seth settled into his chair and got comfortable, surveying his surroundings. Glancing around at his fellow ponies, Seth couldn’t help but notice one particular mare sitting alone in one of the corners of the bar, a half empty glass of wine in front of her. Seth stared intently at her; something about the pony was famil- That was it! He gasped. It was that musician, Octavia!

Seth felt bad but he couldn’t help but stare. The charcoal pony stared glumly into her glass. Her eyes, while too far away to make out the colour, appeared sad. Seth was torn; he wanted nothing other than to go over and introduce himself to this most outstanding of musicians, but at the same time he couldn’t quite bring up the courage to go and talk to her. Especially if he would be interrupting some sort of monumentally important self-actualisation, as would be just his luck.

Almost as if she was aware she was being watched, Octavia suddenly looked up, straight into Seth’s eyes. He blushed and made to look away, yet Octavia raised an eyebrow, a faint smile on the edge of her lips. Knowing he was trapped, Seth smiled awkwardly and walked over to her. The amusement on her face was very off-putting.

“I, uh, I am terribly sorry about that. I just had realised I had remembered you from somewhere.” Seth rubbed the back of his head with a hoof, and laughed nervously.

“Oh?” the musician asked, her voice smooth like velvet. “And where might that have been?”

“Your performance last week at the CCMA, I was fortunate enough to witness it.”

Octavia’s amusement faded slightly and a shadow crossed her face. She suppressed it quickly with a classy smile. “Is that so? Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

Seth took another sip of scotch and allowed the liquor to restore some confidence. “I more than enjoyed it. It was… a masterpiece,” he finished lamely.

Octavia giggled softly. “Oh dear me, such high praise indeed! I am Octavia, as I assume you know. What is your name?”

“Seth. Seth Locarno.”

“Seth,” Octavia rolled the word around her mouth. “Well it’s definitely smooth, that’s for sure.”

The unicorn rolled his eyes but laughed at the same time. “Yeah, that is one way of putting it.”

“So Seth, tell me. What do you do for a living then? I mean, your cutie mark doesn’t seem to give much away.”

Seth was stunned. He didn’t know what was more frightening, the actual question or the realistic look of interest upon her face.

“I’m not actually too sure anymore,” he said softly, taking another sip. He threw a quick glance down to his cutie mark: two golden olive branches intertwined in a circle. He looked up hurriedly after realising the annoying ambiguity of his words. “I work for the Princesses. I do policy work and what-not. The cutie mark is meant to represent peace and harmony, I guess.”

“A noble mark,” Octavia laughed. “So you’re a politician then?”

Seth cringed at the term. He had always hated that word, it insinuated a desire for power he didn’t really have. Mostly. “Celestia no!” he said. “I am more of a… adviser, if you will.”

“An adviser? Sounds prestigious.”

“Hardly.” Seth grunted at the thought. “It’s a lot dirtier than that.”

Octavia looked concerned at the darkness that had suddenly gripped her companion. “Are you ok?” She inquired.

“Hmm? Oh, of course!” He cleared his throat. “Excuse me, I forget my self. What brings you to such a sombre location?”

“Me? I would fathom a guess that it would be a similar reason to yours.” She smiled at him. “No matter, such glum thoughts are for another time. Tell me, what’s it like working inside the royal palace?”

And so they spent the night deep in conversation. Seth was filled with wonder by the mare in front of him; she was incredible! And those eyes, those mesmerising purple eyes! More than once he found himself lost in her gaze. They talked about everything: music, politics, their friends, their educations, even the weather got a mention. Seth felt more like himself than he had in weeks.

“My, my,” Octavia said with yet another dazzling smile, to what Seth deemed to be her thousandth for the evening. Not that he was complaining. “You certainly do appear to like that scotch.”

Seth smiled languidly back at her. “Of course, this stuff is the only thing that keeps me going.” He paused. “In moderation of course.”

She giggled again.

Sweet Celestia how I love that sound! Seth thought.

“Indeed. I have to say, I do prefer wine myself. You can enjoy so much more.”

Seth shook his head. “Quality over quantity any day.”

She nodded her head in defeat. “Perhaps you are right, dear Seth.” Seth’s heart skipped a beat, even if it was just a harmless expression. “But regardless, nothing beats a good red wine.”

“To each their own,” Seth teased.

Octavia smiled back at him. She looked up at the antique clock resting on top of the bar. “Oh Celestia, is that the time? I should have been in bed hours ago!”

Seth’s heart sank at the thought of ending their conversation. He really didn’t want her to go just yet. “Oh wow,” he began half-heartedly, “it really is late!”

“I really hope you don’t mind me running out on you like this. It’s just I have practice tomorrow.” She looked at Seth, with what he could only describe as genuine concern in her eyes.

“Of course not.” He smiled at her. “I tell you what, what say we catch up here again soon? I don’t know about you, but I thoroughly enjoyed this.”

“That sounds wonderful!” She beamed at him. “Saturday, 8 o’clock?”

“Perfect.”

Octavia stood up. She smiled up at him and began to head over to the door. Seth was momentarily frozen by the expression on her face when she had smiled, and blinked several times in an attempt to regain normal thought patterns.

She paused at the exit and turned to flash Seth one last grin. “It really was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to Saturday.” And with that, she disappeared out the door.

Seth sighed contentedly. That had gone well. Really well, some would say too well, but not Seth. Not tonight. He finished the last of his drink and followed the path Octavia had taken to the door, a huge smile on his face.

As he exited the bar he looked up into Luna’s twinkling night and began to laugh.

Maybe, just maybe…

Saturday couldn’t come soon enough.

Authors notes:

Thank you so much everypony for taking the time to read this fic, I really do appreciate every view I get! I am really excited for where this fic is heading and I hope you liked chapter 1! Remember to give a star rating or a comment if you liked it as they really make my day!

A big thank you to Dcaz5 for sticking with me through this whole process, he really is a super brony and friend. And a huge thank you to Sessalisk who once again gave up a crazy amount of time to edit this for me. She’s so awesome. Also, another huge thank you to HeWhoErasesMost for the cover image! Be sure to check out his DA profile here: http://hewhoerasesmost.deviantart.com/

Once again, thank you for reading this and I hope to see you again with chapter 2! :)

(As an interesting side note, my other fic ‘Octavia’s Performance’, details the concert Seth attended but from Octavia’s perspective. While not necessary at all in the understanding of this fic, be sure to check it out on my profile if interested!)

Chapter 2

Quite frankly, Seth couldn’t be happier. The promise of seeing Octavia again seemed to fill the unicorn with a sense of energy that he had long since forgotten was even possible. The days passed swiftly and the nights peacefully, as all of Seth’s attention was focused upon seeing that marvellous musician on the now rapidly approaching date.

On Friday night, the night before he was meant to meet Octavia again, the practically glowing unicorn stepped onto his balcony and breathed a sigh into the twilight. The cool night air calmed the pony, reminding him of the effect Octavia’s voice had on him. He rolled his eyes. He was hopeless. He knew it, but he didn’t care.

It took a certain kind of pony to become so infatuated in such a short period of time. It required a certain naivety, perhaps. An innocence that when imbued with hope became a beacon against all manner of troubles and woes. Seth knew he was old fashioned and he knew he was a hopeless romantic. However, if he was being honest with himself, he wasn’t completely sure how he felt about Octavia so far. He didn’t quite know what direction he wanted this to go.

What the pony did know, though, was that she had filled him with a sense of hope, something that had been missing from his life for too long now. As a result, while unsure over the particulars of the emotions flooding through him, he was certainly excited to find out exactly what they were or where they might take him.

While Seth was not a complete stranger to love or relationships, he never did quite grasp them. Ponies baffled Seth. He wanted nothing more than to bestow happiness on everypony, but he struggled to connect with them individually. He was a big picture pony: he saw the world clearly in abstract concepts and ideas, but the erratic nature of pony emotions left him confused and bewildered. But the notion of love thrilled him, the passion and the intensity of the feeling naturally fit well within his personality.

Seth stared up toward the heavens, smiling at Luna’s gorgeous moon, floating serenely in the sky. The stars twinkled nearby, each pin-prick of light a bastion of beauty in the inky blackness of the night.

There really is so much wonder in the world… Seth marvelled.

Still smiling, the pony turned and went back inside. Right now, it was time for sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a big day.

Seth rose soon after sunrise, and pressed through his morning routine with vigour. The uncharacteristic energy that still flowed through him prompted the pony to go for a run. It had been too long since he had exercised properly, and besides, he needed to maintain his shape after all.

Pounding away through the streets of Canterlot, his surroundings little more than a blur, Seth felt the thrill of freedom course through his veins. He laughed out loud, earning more than one strange look from passers by. He couldn’t care less. After all, the sun was shining and a soft wind was blowing from the south, granting a cool reprieve from his efforts. Seth revelled in the feeling of power that surged through his muscles with every stride and the satisfaction he got from the acute burn in his lungs.

Sweet Celestia, why did I stop doing this everyday?

Seth couldn’t stop smiling. Even when he finished, gasping for breath in the foyer of his apartment building, he still kept up his grin. He ignored the looks of distaste at the sweat in which he was drenched from several of the other ponies who lived in the building, and headed towards the elevator.

Today is off to a flying start, even if I do say so myself, the unicorn thought with yet another smile. A great start indeed.

The rest of the day passed quickly for Seth. He wrote a few letters to colleagues at work, more out of a sense of obligation than any real concern or interest. The pony tried very hard not to let his thoughts lapse too often toward the charcoal coloured mare. However, he failed spectacularly, filled with equal parts excitement and nervousness over the imminent meeting.

Eventually though, evening did fall and Seth felt the butterflies in his stomach writhe uncomfortably, the feeling in stark contrast to the serenity that was settling on most other ponies in the twilight. He rushed around his apartment, trying to decide what to wear.

“Ugh,” he said out loud, to nopony in particular. “Why must this insist on being so difficult?”

Met with nothing but silence the pony shook his head. Sighing, he settled on a simple black jacket, choosing to leave the tie behind.

“Far too formal,” he said again to the silence. “Right?”

Realising that, despite his best efforts, neither the furniture nor his clothing was going to respond, the unicorn gave up, condemning himself to his selection.

Simple and classy. Of course she’ll love it. He really hoped he was right.

Seth left his apartment and slowly meandered through the streets of Canterlot, reminded of the night he first saw Octavia play at the CCMA. He gazed around at the numerous vendors still open for the night to come, their neon signs casting a surreal glow onto the street. Ponies passed him in groups or in pairs, all seemingly laughing or joking with each other, dressed in strange fashions or way too formally. Canterlot in the evening truly was a unique experience.

He paused in front of a flower store, a sudden idea engaging him in an intense internal debate.

Is it too weird? Yeah it is, I shouldn’t worry about it. I mean who gives a flower to somepony like that? It’s not even like this is actually a date… But still, what if she likes it? Maybe I should… Oh, I don’t know!

His tirade was broken by a sudden realisation.

“Oh,” he said to himself, his cheeks flushing crimson. “It’s shut.”

Seth quickly left the scene, knowing full well that even though his self-consciousness was very much unwarranted as nopony would have noticed him, he would still prefer to forget that the whole thing had ever happened.

Realising he would soon be late if he didn’t hurry, Seth quickened his pace and soon found himself standing outside the arranged meeting place: the bar, ‘The Golden Glow’. Seth inhaled deeply and opened the door, trying to prepare himself up for whatever lay ahead.

The familiar décor and lighting washed over Seth and he suddenly felt very much at home. He walked in slowly, casting his eyes around the classy furniture and their inhabitants for a certain grey mare. His efforts were soon rewarded and he found her sitting in the exact same corner of the room she had been the first time he met her.

She smiled when she saw him, and beckoned him over. Butterflies again gripped his stomach as he picked his way through the assortment of classic wooden and leather furniture. His heart skipped a beat when he saw she had already got him a drink.

“Why hello there, Seth.” Octavia smiled at him.

“Greetings.” Seth returned the sentiment just as warmly.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I went ahead and ordered you something I think you might like.”

He laughed. “Not at all. I am always willing to try new things.”

Using his magic, the unicorn lifted the glass to his lips, smiling at the soft clink the ice cubes made as they were moved. He sipped at it, allowing the taste to wash over him a second before the burn hit. He gasped.

“That was…wow.”

She smirked. “I thought you might like it. So tell me, what have you been up to since I last saw you?”

Seth was still unaccustomed to anypony actually asking how his days have been. The fact that the query was coming from Octavia no less, actually stunned him.

“Not a lot, I suppose,” he said, taking another sip. “I really do live such a boring life now that I am on… holiday.”

“Nonsense! Surely you have been doing something?”

Seth chuckled. Pondering about you really isn’t an appropriate response, is it?

“No, really, I have been bored half to death,” he said.

“But don’t you have any sort of hobbies or pastimes?” Octavia seemed genuinely perplexed by the unicorn’s lack of entertainment.

“Nothing long term,” Seth said with a contemplative look. “I mean, I’m normally so wrapped up in work that I usually have never needed anything like that. Sad really.”

Octavia looked shocked. “Now, now, this simply won’t do! You enjoy music don’t you?”

The unicorn laughed. “Yeah, I guess that is correct. I don’t really listen to a whole lot though.”

Octavia shook her head. “Rest assured, I will soon change that. Nopony should be without their passions.” She paused. “Outside of work, that is.”

Seth laughed again. “I guess you’re right. What about you then? Music is your passion, what are your extra-curricular activities?

Octavia stuck her tongue out at Seth’s light teasing before replying, “Well, I actually like to paint.”

“A mare of many talents then?”

This time, it was Octavia’s turn to laugh. “Not at all. It’s just something to keep me entertained outside of music.”

“I would like to see some of your paintings then. If you are half as good at art as you are with music, I think that I will be very impressed.”

Octavia shook her head, laughing bashfully. “I doubt that very much, I am really not very good!”

“Let me be the judge of that.” Seth smiled at her, before a sudden thought jumped into his head. “Hey, have you eaten yet? We could get something here?”

Octavia looked at him incredulously. “Forgive me, I do appreciate the thought, but I have already eaten.” She paused, looking around the bar. “Though Seth, they may have a wonderful selection of drinks, but you cannot eat at a place like this!”

Seth was confused. “Why?”

The musician just shook her head. “You can get much better food elsewhere. In fact, I bet I could make a better meal than a place like this.”

“So you can cook now, too?” Seth teased. “I should have known.”

Octavia shot him a look, but her smile belied any irritation. “Bah! I am an incredible cook I should have you know!”

“Oh I believe you.” Seth’s grin was huge, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

Octavia pouted, mock offended by Seth’s condescending. Suddenly, she smiled, a glint in her eyes. “Oh, I know. If you are willing to put your money where your mouth is, that is.”

Seth stared at her, unsure at where she was going with this. “Yeah sure, I guess.”

Her smile grew larger. “Well, since you’re so convinced that my cooking abilities are overrated, why don’t you actually try them?”

Seth froze; he was not expecting this.

“Unless of course, you want to admit that I am right, now…?”

This could not be happening, there was no way she was serious.

“Of course not, what do you have in mind?” he tentatively asked the pony.

She laughed. “What say you come over to my place sometime and I treat you to a proper meal?”

Seth was stunned; this he was definitely not expecting… Not that it wasn’t welcome. However, years of political sparring helped to keep his emotions hidden this time, aided somewhat by the promise of competition presented by the musician.

“That sounds most agreeable, what do you have in mind?”

She thought for a moment. “Monday? At six?”

Seth nodded. “I look forward to it.”

She smiled at him and wrote down her address on a sheet of paper.

The rest of the evening passed far too quickly for Seth’s liking. He really did enjoy talking to her; she was just fun to be around. They chatted amicably for several hours before Octavia left, touching him gently on the shoulder with her hoof as she said her goodbyes. Seth’s heart had skipped a beat and had then frozen completely at the look she had thrown him as she walked out the door.

She really is…something. Something special.

Seth sighed in contentment. A dinner date? He was thrilled.

“Well that went well,” Seth said quietly as he walked home. The cool night air refreshed the unicorn, adding to his good mood.

He laughed at the understatement. His stomach twirled gently as the butterflies continued their dance.

Sunday passed without event for Seth, being entirely focused on the next day. To break up the monotony, he made a trip into the city’s shopping district, browsing music stores until he found his prize: The one album Octavia and her band had released. It was an EP, something that Seth found strange. It was an odd match, such a modern medium of content for the classic style of music that Octavia produced. Regardless, Seth was thrilled with his find and listened to it several times that day, loving every second of the small collection of songs on the disc.

By the time Monday afternoon had crept up on the unicorn, he had listened to the album well in excess of twenty times. His favourite piece, a sad melody whose lamenting tone echoed through the house, played quietly in the background as he got ready.

Not exactly inspiring… Seth thought with a chuckle as he flicked through potential jacket candidates for his ‘date’.

Settling on a straight up black affair he left the house, whistling to himself in an attempt to keep the army of butterflies at bay. Fighting a losing battle, the pony picked up the pace.

He made one stop on the trip, grabbing a single rose from a (making sure to check twice), definitely open flower store.

Octavia lived in an apartment building similar to his own, a tall structure of glass and steel very much unlike the stone that comprised the royal castle and the adjacent complex. He entered the foyer, noting the water feature in the corner.

We don’t have one of them… he grumbled.

The musician lived on the 33rd floor, a fact that gave Seth a rush of guilty pleasure. At least he lived higher.

Getting off at her floor Seth walked slowly toward room 334. He stopped directly in front of it and sucked in a deep breath. Raising his hoof, he knocked three times.

Seth heard the rapid pattern of hoofsteps race toward the door, slowing to a complete standstill directly in front of him. A second passed, Seth waited quietly. Suddenly, the door opened and the unicorn found himself face to face with the smiling features of Octavia.

“Seth! How wonderful to see you! Please, come in!”

“Why thank you,” Seth said as he levitated the rose over to the musician.

Octavia’s eyes widened and her face became a deep shade of red. “Oh Seth,” she breathed, looking down. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Seth was thrilled

He smiled at her and walked past, into her home. Seth looked around pleased, but not at all surprised by what he saw. Octavia’s apartment was the combination of a very stylish and very old sense of décor. Antique pieces of period furniture littered every room. Looking over the cosy, scarlet leather sofa’s and mahogany bookshelves, Seth couldn’t help but smile. However, perhaps the objects that most captured Seth’s attention was the large number of paintings featured on the walls. A mixture of both contemporary and traditional artworks placed in no real sense or order, Seth felt he had stumbled into a private art gallery.

“Wow, this place is…”

“Do you like it?” Octavia’s voice was hopeful.

He turned to her so she could see his smile. “I actually love it,” he admitted.

Octavia laughed. “Oh good. I know it’s a little old fashioned, but I love it as well. I really feel like it makes it mine. My own space.”

Seth’s stomach jolted at the realisation that he was very fortunate indeed to be let in here. It seemed like not just anypony was invited.

“It suits your personality perfectly.”

She smiled at him. “Well then, I hope you are prepared, dinner is almost ready. Would you like a drink?”

“I would love one thankyou. What do you have?”

Octavia smirked, took a deep breath and then promptly recited a long list of various alcoholic beverages (some Seth had never even heard of), along with various comments about the nature and quality of each drink.

“… And then finally, I have water. Which is rather boring, if you ask me. You could do so much better.”

Seth stood there, not at all sure what to say. “…Uh, you choose?”

Octavia laughed, a sweet sound that was music to Seth’s ears. “Of course. I’ll be a minute.”

She disappeared into another room, leaving Seth to stare awkwardly around the room. He walked over and started to examine the various paintings on the wall, his hoofsteps silent against the lush carpet. A particular piece caught his eye: a landscape, looking out over Canterlot, the rich red sun setting in the distance, washing out the colours as they blurred into each other. It was a mesmerising image. Seth could only wonder at the inspiration for such a picture. It made him feel small, overwhelmed and awed by the natural beauty that was ever present around them.

A soft noise snapped Seth’s attention back to present. He turned and saw that Octavia had returned and a silver tray now sat on the coffee table in the middle of the room, two wine glasses and a bottle sitting upon it.

“Well, here’s something a little special, a bottle of Pinot noir from near Golden Meadows that I have had for quite a while now.”

“Golden Meadows? Sounds delicious.” Seth levitated his glass toward him, and sipped at it experimentally, his eyes widening as the liquid hit his tongue. “Oh sweet Celestia, that is incredible!”

Octavia laughed, sipping her own glass. “I thought you would like it. Maybe now you will admit wine has its place.” She smiled at him. “However, I must ask, you have been to Golden Meadows?”

“Oh, once or twice. Family holidays and the like.” Seth coughed, not at all sure why he lied. He didn’t think Octavia would judge him for his parents owning a summer house in one of the most coveted regions in Equestria.

I mean, look at the furniture here…

“I have always wanted to visit Golden Meadows,” Octavia said, trailing off slightly at the end.

“It really is beautiful. The sunsets are amazing. Speaking of actually, this painting here is incredible.” Seth gestured over to the piece he was so engrossed over earlier.

Octavia blushed, and suddenly looked down at her hooves. “Oh that?”

“Yes, it’s sublime. Who is the artist?”

She smiled awkwardly at him before replying, “That might have been me…”

Seth stared, not at all sure why he was surprised. “Wow.” Suddenly remembering their previous conversation, he burst out laughing. “Ha! I knew it! You most certainly are a mare of many talents!”

Octavia blushed again. “I am not too sure about that.”

Seth rolled his eyes. “Shh, you have proven me right, I am not going to let you take that away from me.” He smiled at her mischievously.

She laughed softly, accepting the compliment with a petite nod. “Fine, you can have this one. However, I must warn you, next time, you will be admitting I am right. After all, dinner is ready.”

Seth chuckled before speaking, “I am beginning to think that you may be correct.”

Seth followed the musician out of the living room and into the kitchen. This room was much more modern and looked very similar to Seth’s own. Though, he was certain this one got a little more use than his. She seated him at the table, another antique this time with ornate patterns carved into the edging. Seth was beginning to love her home.

The unicorn sipped softly at his wine as Octavia served dinner. The first course was soup, a delicious blend of ingredients that Seth had no idea what they were, but yet threatened to overwhelm his tastebuds with pleasure. Next came the main course of the evening: a salad whose components seemed to form an artwork of their own, all of the colours complimenting each other while a drizzle of dressing circled the meal. The aesthetics alone were incredible, and the taste was even better.

Damn, I’m going to have to concede that she was right, aren’t I? Not that I’m surprised.

They chatted amicably together throughout the meal, simply enjoying each other’s company. Seth was radiant.

I could get used to this, he sighed, not a little depressed at the impossibility of his wish.

“Well Octavia, I must relent. You are right. Congratulations, this meal was fantastic,” Seth said, as they were starting to clean up after dinner.

Octavia laughed, another faint tinge of red noticeable on her cheeks.

Oh my. She is rather cute when she does that, isn’t she?

“Why thank you. I must admit, I am very glad you enjoyed it.”

“It was marvellous. So thank you,” Seth said, trying to reflect as much appreciation as he could within his words.

“You’re welcome.” They smiled at each other.

After the dishes had been put away, Octavia led Seth to the living room where she had made coffee. They sipped at it quietly, getting comfortable on the marvellous antiques Octavia was fortunate enough to call furniture.

Seth felt a warm contentment grow as the two ponies sat, simply enjoying the night. While the butterflies had temporarily quietened their dance, his heart still got a work out almost every time Octavia looked at him.

“That was actually fantastic,” Seth stated again, for the fourth time that evening.

Octavia laughed. “Well I enjoyed making it, I don’t get to do that as often as I would like. Tonight has been lovely.”

“It really has been.” Seth smiled. “But how come you get to do this so seldom? Are you busy?”

Octavia paused, a sadness creeping into her eyes. “I... you could say that, yes.”

Seth felt his heart freeze, the pain in her voice was subtle and obviously concealed, but it was there. “Are... are you ok?” he asked gently.

She looked up at him, and a smile that did not reach her eyes danced across her face. “Of course, why would I not be?”

“Are you sure? I mean, finding you in a bar, drinking alone the night we met doesn’t exactly hint at that everything is fine.” The information fell into place nicely in Seth’s head as he spoke it out loud, adding to his concern.

Octavia looked at him for a long moment, her expression torn. Eventually, her eyes hardened, but Seth could still see the pain behind them. “Relax. I assure you, I am fine.”

“Octavia-”

“Seth. I am fine. Please,” Octavia cut him off, her voice firm.

Seth’s heart melted as he registered the slight crack in her voice when she had said ‘please’, but he chose to back down. Retreat to fight another day. It was not an easy decision though, for worry gnawed at his insides.

He nodded his head slowly. “I understand, but remember, if you ever need to talk… I am here,” Seth said, his words heavy with affection.

Octavia looked away. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

Desperate to break the silence, Seth stumbled for another topic of conversation.

“So, uh, tell me. Where did you get the inspiration for that painting? It really is amazing.”

Octavia looked at him, obviously grateful and plunged into a description of the event with vigour. “Well, it was early evening one day in autumn last year, I was on my balcony and the sun seemed to melt the horizon…”

Glad to have returned the conversation back to its normal, Seth allowed some of the concern to disappear. However, he still felt a pang of distress for his friend.

The rest of the evening passed without incident, the two ponies soon back to their normal style of conversation. Seth mentioned that he had bought her EP, to which Octavia blushed again, saying something about ‘modernising for a greater range of potential listeners’. Seth had laughed at that one. Late in the evening, Seth looked over at the old grandfather clock in the corner or the room.

“Oh goodness! Look at the time! I apologise, Octavia, I seem to have forgotten my manners.”

“Oh, that’s quite alright,” Octavia said, her voice laced with thinly-veiled disappointment. “You should be getting home.”

“I am sorry about intruding for so long…” Seth trailed off.

Octavia smiled at him. “Oh, that’s fine. I think I can manage your company.”

Seth chuckled at her teasing. “Well, thank you so very much for this evening. I really enjoyed it.”

“Me too, Seth. I had a wonderful time. We should definitely do something like this again soon.”

“I agree.” Seth walked over to the door, opening it with magic. He stepped out into the hallway and turned to look at Octavia, shocked to see that her face was torn between expressions. “Octavia are you alr-”

Without warning, the charcoal mare suddenly reached up and kissed Seth lightly on the cheek. He froze: his heart pounded rapidly, his face warm from where her lips had touched him.

“Good night, Seth. And… thank you.” She smiled at him one last time before closing the door.

Seth stood there, stunned. Adrenalin coursed through his veins, and the butterflies resumed their performance with a vengeance.

Wow.

Back at his apartment, Seth paced in near darkness, not bothering to turn on the lights. He could not stay still for he was torn; he couldn’t decide what that kiss meant. Did it mean anything? Was it just a sign of appreciation, of goodwill between friends? He groaned. He was not cut out for this level of emotional turmoil.

Despite the confusion, Seth couldn’t help but notice a warmth grow inside of him. It took him a while, but he finally figured out what it was. Hope. It was hope.

The pony smiled, and dared to dream.

Despite the happiness though, Seth knew that a shadow still lingered. Something was wrong with his Octavia, something she was trying to hide away from the world. And deep down Seth knew that while she still kept whatever it was locked away inside of her, a wall would forever remain between them.

Sighing, assaulted on all sides by emotional feedback, Seth finally stopped his pacing. He looked down at his cutie mark, the golden olive branches barely recognizable in the shadows.

Helping ponies, that was what it meant. That was his special talent. So why couldn’t he do it any longer? What had changed? Seth felt hopeless. Work had beaten him. He wasn’t even sure of his own special talent anymore.

He stopped. The anger rose up, growing in intensity.

No. He thought.

He would not be beaten. He would not go quietly. He would not fade away into obscurity. Not this time, not when it was Octavia at stake.

I just want her to be happy…

Seth nodded his head slowly, his mind now made up. Suddenly, the pony felt a little better. Finally, he had something to work towards again, something to work for. Somepony to help.

Octavia.

Seth smiled into the darkness, a light onto himself.

A big thank you to Dcaz5 for putting up with me, a huge thank you to Sessalisk for editing and an equally big thank you to HeWhoErasesMost for the cover image! Also, thank you everypony for reading this! It really means a lot! :)

Chapter 3

Over the following weeks, Seth and Octavia fell into some sort of a routine. They saw each other regularly, a combination of drinks, dinners and lunch outings. Seth loved every second he spent with the mare, but he was fast becoming frustrated with himself: he wanted to tell Octavia his feelings, but he just couldn’t find the right time. Seth was well aware that he was waiting for the impossible. It was a fantasy, a story-book situation where the stars (and the moon for good measure), aligned themselves into perfect orientation with each other while Octavia did nothing but batter her eyes at him in the moonlight, and the Princesses themselves helped in his declaration. Despite this understanding that what he was waiting for was never going to happen, Seth couldn’t bring himself to actually tell her.

He felt as if they were trapped with her flirting and his feelings hidden just below the surface, neither pony willing to point them out. For Seth it was the fear of rejection that held his tongue. He had no idea why Octavia stayed silent. In fact, he wasn’t even sure if she was flirting to begin with. It was such an ambiguous term after all.

One Tuesday, Seth and Octavia were engaging in one of their more increasingly common activities, a lunch date. It was a gorgeous day, the sun was warm but not uncomfortably so and a cool breeze washed over Canterlot. The two ponies sat outside one of the fancier café’s in the upper-class district of the city, enjoying the good weather. Despite his frustrations, the pony was content with the day so far: Octavia was in a very jovial mood, which he found very entertaining.

“I have to say,” Seth said, just finishing his salad. “This food is actually fantastic, we should remember this place for the future, I think.”

Octavia nodded her agreement, swallowing a mouthful of soup. “I wholeheartedly agree actually. It may even rival my cooking!”

“Such modesty!” Seth laughed.

“I am a show pony after all,” Octavia countered. Her smile was infectious.

“Very true, and also a mare of many talents, don’t forget that.”

“Indeed! I have taught you well, it seems.”

Seth laughed loudly at this, earning a few sideways glances from other patrons at the café. “You certainly are in a good mood today.” He laughed again. “But I have a terrible feeling that I am going to have to take you down a peg, aren’t I?”

“Seth my dear, you can definitely try.” She stuck her tongue out at him, causing Seth to chuckle, albeit more quietly this time.

“Oh I will. Rest assured, I will,” Seth said in a serious voice, mimicking one of the silly super-heroes that little colts liked.

The two ponies both burst into laughter at that, Octavia at the terrible voice he had just put on and Seth out of sheer embarrassment.

“Remind me never to try that voice again, ok?”

“But it was so entertaining!” Octavia complained, still laughing.

Seth groaned. He hoped she would forget about that quickly. “I am never going to be an actor, am I?”

“No my dear, you most certainly won’t.”

Seth’s heart managed to flutter at that.

Never gets old, does it? He sighed gently as a brief silence fell.

“Hey,” Octavia said suddenly, the informal greeting surprising Seth. “Are you available for the remainder of the day? I would very much like for you to see something.”

Seth jumped to reply. “Of course. I had a few letters and what-not for work to do today but I did them this morning. What did you have in mind?”

“Well,” Octavia began, suddenly seeming almost…nervous, “would you be interested at all, in coming along to our band practice this afternoon?”

“That sounds great actually. I would love too!” Seth said. He always loved to hear the music Octavia created. Her little ensemble really was his favourite music group.

“Wonderful!” she exclaimed, visibly brightening.

“What time is it?”

“Well, we actually should leave now. I have to pick up my cello,” Octavia explained.

“Alright then,” Seth said.

Seth summoned the waiter and paid for both of their meals. That had been a fight that he had won about a week ago, an intense duel over who paid for food that had lasted days. Finally, to Seth’s pleasure, Octavia had retreated, allowing him to pay in compensation of her cooking him meals at her house at least once a week.

“Such a gentlecolt,” she said shortly, still smarting a bit from the loss.

Seth simply laughed at her. “One point to me.”

The two ponies made their way through the streets of Canterlot, in no particular hurry, being glad to simply be in each other’s presence. After Octavia had made a stop at her place and grabbed her instrument, they continued over to the music hall where Octavia and her band practiced.

Seth felt a strange sense of déjà vu as they walked the city streets; he could swear this was the direction to the Canterlot Centre of Music and Arts, which would just be incredible as only the best of the best managed to practice there. Before he could voice his suspicions though, they turned a corner and found themselves directly in front of the organic-looking construct that was the hall.

“You never mentioned that you practiced at the CCMA,” Seth said, his voice equal parts impressed and surprised.

“It never came up,” Octavia replied.

Is she nervous…? Seth thought.

“I mean, a week or so after my solo performance, the CCMA offered me the position. I told them that I was only doing work with my friends and would only accept if we were together and they agreed. Very fortunate, really.”

“That’s really impressive. You really are quite something, aren’t you?”

Octavia only blushed in response, all of her previous bravado long gone.

Seth and Octavia walked around to the side of the building where they were let into the artists’ entrance by a smartly-dressed security guard. Entering the theatre, Seth felt he was in an entirely different building to the one he had seen Octavia perform at a mere month ago. The corridors here were narrow and dimly lit, with ropes hanging from the ceiling and props in every conceivable storage space. Ponies pushed past them hurriedly, all looking like they had somewhere important to be and soon.

Seth followed Octavia as she led him through the twists and turns of the backstage areas. He occasionally caught a word or two of dialogue as she gave a brief tour.

“And there is the changing room for live production pieces, like operas.”

“Uh huh.”

Eventually, they reached the main stage, itself. Octavia opened a door and walked into the wings quietly, her soft hoofsteps echoing gently. Seth could hear voices coming from the stage, which he assumed belonged to Octavia’s bandmates and friends. A small bead of sweat travelled down his forehead.

I hope they like me… a small voice deep inside Seth’s consciousness said. “Shut up,” he whispered to himself.

“Sorry? Did you say something?” Octavia asked.

“Oh. Nothing,” Seth said, blushing.

Following Octavia, Seth walked onto the stage; three musicians stood there, fiddling with their instruments and chatting quietly. They looked up when they noticed the new arrivals.

“Hey Octavia,” a brown unicorn stallion called out. ‘Who’s this?”

“He is a friend,” Octavia said curtly. “Seth, meet my friends. That is Troy Keyes, he is our pianist. The other two are Melody and Golden String, who are our violinist and harpist, respectively.” She gestured over to a purple coated mare first and then a light blue one as she called out their names.

All of Octavia’s bandmates were unicorns, a fact which made Octavia stand out quite a bit.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Seth said, with as much kindness as he could muster.

“Heya Seth,” the pianist, Troy, said. “I’m gonna stake my claim early before the other two speak and say that I’m the cool one of this little group of ours.” He winked at him, smiling mischievously.

Seth laughed as Octavia rolled her eyes.

Next approached Golden String, the harpist. “It’s great to finally meet you. Octavia has told us a lot about you.” She smiled at him.

“Oh really?” Seth said, stifling a chuckle. “Like what?”

“About how my friends need to shut-up,” Octavia muttered darkly.

Everypony assembled laughed at that.

“Hi Seth, it’s nice to meet you,” said a quiet voice belonging to the purple violinist, Melody.

“It’s great to meet all of you,” Seth said, genuine in his praise. “I can’t wait to hear some of your music!”

“Oh don’t worry, you won’t be let down,” Troy boasted with a smirk.

“Indeed,” Octavia said. “Seth, why don’t you take a seat in the stands where you can watch us play?”

“Sounds good to me.”

Seth made his way down the stairs from the stage and into the seats. He sat in the middle of the third row, back far enough so he wouldn’t be staring up at the musicians the whole time. Octavia took out her cello and began to tune it, enlisting Troy’s help to match the correct pitch with the piano. When she was satisfied it was ready, she picked the instrument up and motioned that they should begin to play.

A soft melody made itself known to Seth’s ears, causing the pony to relax, a smile sliding across his face. Octavia and Melody worked in a beautiful tandem, with Troy and Golden String adding to the complex piece being woven in front of him.

They played for what seemed like hours, occasionally falling quiet to change the song. Seth loved every second of it. They were even better live than on CD.

After some time they took a break, the bandmates chatting quietly about the music. Troy stood around comfortably, affirming that their music was indeed fantastic, as usual. Octavia remained relatively quiet, choosing to offer simple head gestures in response to any questions sent her way.

“So Seth my good pony,” Troy called down to him with a smile. “What did you think of the first half of our current set?”

“That was only the first half?!” Seth baulked. “I mean, I love it, but that was rather long.”

Troy laughed. “Yeah, it is long. That’s why we will cut it down to only the best of the best over the next few weeks. This is everything in one big chunk of music. We fiddle with the order of things till we can find out what works and where and what should be left out.”

Seth nodded his head. “That makes a whole lot more sense. In saying that, they do all sound pretty great.”

“Of course they do.” Troy winked. “Well, I’m not actually needed for the next few songs, strings only. So I’m gonna come down and join you.”

“Of course,” Seth said, suddenly remembering that were other ponies onstage. He looked over at Octavia and she smiled softly at him. He smiled back and she looked down quickly, a red tinge just noticeable on her cheeks.

Before he could react, Troy had sat himself heavily next to him, sighing in contentment.

“Alrighty girls, fire when ready.”

Octavia, her composure recomposed, rolled her eyes at Troy and picked up her cello. She said something to Melody and Golden String, inaudible to Seth, and they laughed quietly, Melody trying to cover her mouth with a hoof. Smiling, Octavia tapped the floor four times to set a beat and the three of them started to play.

No sooner than they had begun, Troy started talking to Seth. “So, how did you meet Octy?”

Seth chucked a glance in the brown unicorn’s direction before speaking, taken aback by the nickname. “Chance really. It was just good fortune we were in the same bar at the same time.”

“Huh, really? That’s cool. She doesn’t normally go to bars that often, so you’re right, that is good luck.” Troy was nodding his head slowly, apparently deep in thought. “So then, you guys hang out regularly?” he asked abruptly.

Taken aback by the sudden change in focus from the unicorn, Seth stammered slightly with his reply. “I, uh… yeah. I guess we are. Just drinks and stuff.”

“Cool. Cool. She really is quite something isn’t she?”

“Yeah she is…” Seth trailed off at the end, a smile threatening to creep onto his face. He looked over at Troy and saw the teasing grin on his face.

Oh dear. Seth thought. “I mean, she really is good at a whole lot of things, it’s impressive,” he quickly added. Oh Celestia. Seth wanted nothing more than to bury his head in some sand. His normally cool façade from years of mental fencing through work was suddenly nowhere to be found.

Troy laughed. “Oh don’t worry. She’s artistic and all that, but hopeless in other areas. You’ll soon see.” He winked at him.

“She can cook…” Seth added quietly.

“So she’s been cooking for you now, has she? That’s fast.”

Oh come on. Seth blushed, his mind growing mysteriously blank. “I…”

Troy burst into laughter, nudging Seth in the ribs, causing the unicorn to blush an even stronger colour of red.

“Seth my friend, you couldn’t be more obvious even if you tried. I thought you were meant to be a politician or something?” Troy was still laughing, shaking his head slowly.

“Quiet, Octavia will hear…” Seth said half-heartedly.

“Oh don’t worry, she won’t. And relax, I won’t tell her either. Your secret is safe with me.”

“Thank you. I guess.”

Troy chuckled again. “Well, are you going to tell her or what?”

“I…” Seth trailed off, blushing at his hooves. “I want too, but I just… I don’t know.”

For once, Troy was silent briefly, obviously thinking over his response long and hard. “Well buddy, good luck to you. I’ve been friends with that mare for many years now. In fact, I was really the first friend she made here in Canterlot…” He fell quiet, his eyes lost in thought. “Anyway, I’ve known her for a long time and I have to say, good luck.”

“Wait, her first friend?” Seth asked, a little confused.

“Yeah, I found her performing in some rotten jazz club about 10 years ago now. She was a really good musician, and she looked so miserable, so I offered her a spot with Golden String and me. We’ve been friends ever since.”

Seth looked away, trying to compute this information. Why on Equestria was she alone in a dingy jazz bar…? However, the pony had another, more pressing question.

“You said good luck… why?”

Troy chuckled for a moment before replying. “Well, Octavia’s great. She really is, but she’s not having the best time of things right now, and she gets really distant and all self-sacrificing when she’s like that. Makes it a real pain in the rump to talk sense into her.” He paused briefly, his eyes suddenly very concerned. “Aaaand I have probably just given too much away. Oh well, just forget I said that, alright?”

“Wait, what?” Seth was stunned.

“Look, it’s really not my place to talk. I’m sorry. Just… good luck, ok?”

“But…” Seth’s voice petered out to nothing. It was annoying, but he could understand Troy’s silence. In fact, he was probably more jealous than anything that Troy knew what was wrong with her and he didn’t. However, the conclusive affirmation that something was indeed wrong sent a chill down the unicorn’s spine.

Troy nudged Seth again, the smile back on his face. “Relax. Though it’s almost impossible to know what’s going through her head, she obviously likes you enough to want to spend time with you.”

“I guess… She’s just a mare out of my league.” Seth’s shoulders slumped, his eyes downcast.

“Hey there! That’s a terrible attitude! Optimistic till the last, ok? You’re clearly smart and successful and all that, so why wouldn’t she like you?”

A thousand and one rebuttals flew through Seth’s mind, but he made none of them vocal. The pianist had a point. Self-doubt would get him nowhere.

“You’re probably right, Troy.” Seth smiled meekly at him.

“Of course I am. I’m always right.”

Seth managed to chuckle at that.

“Y’know Seth? You’re alright. I like you.” Troy playfully knocked him again.

“Thanks Troy, that means a lot,” Seth said, genuine.

“Hey, think nothing of it. A friend of Octy’s is always going to be a friend of mine.”

The two unicorns fell silent, turning their attention back to the performers, both locked up in their own thoughts.

Shortly after, the three mares onstage finished playing, though Seth would never admit he really didn’t listen that closely. His mind was racing, not at all sure what to feel.

“So Seth, tell me, what did you think of that?”

“I loved it!” Seth exclaimed, ignoring Troy’s smirk.

“Wonderful! I’m glad you liked it!” Octavia replied, her eyes glowing with excitement.

“You all play so well! I just love your music. I cannot wait to see you perform in a proper concert.”

“Well, hopefully that will be sooner rather than later,” Octavia said.

They spent some time talking after the practice was over, Seth just generally getting to know Octavia’s friends better. They treated him with kindness and respect, something he enjoyed. It was a refreshing change of pace to his line of work.

Finally, they parted ways, making promises to see each other again soon. When it was just Seth and Octavia left onstage, she turned to him.

“So, you really liked it?”

“I really did.” Seth smiled.

“Good.” She cleared her throat. “I was curious, would you be interested in getting a drink with me now?”

“I most certainly would,” he said, a small spike of joy coursing through him.

She smiled, looking relieved. “Excellent, I’ll just have to drop my cello off at home first, and then we can go.”

The two ponies walked slowly through the streets of Canterlot, enjoying the twilight. After Octavia had dropped off her cello back at her apartment, they set about attempting to find a new bar for them to frequent.

“I mean, the Golden Glow is fantastic, but we really need a new establishment to… mix things up a little.”

Seth smirked and raised an eyebrow at the cliché. “Octavia, getting a little adventurous, are we?”

She poked her tongue out at him. “Adventure is lost on me. I beat adventure a very long time ago.”

“Beat adventure? That’s no mean feat, especially since it doesn’t make any sense.” Seth laughed.

Octavia gave an indignant snort that only Seth could find cute. “Of course it makes sense, you just don’t understand it properly.”

“So quick to temper Octy!” He nudged her gently.

Octavia burst into laughter at that. “Octy? My, my, you really have been listening to Troy.”

Seth smiled. “I like him. He’s a good pony.”

“Yes, he is,” Octavia agreed. “He really has been such a marvellous friend to me.” The musician fell quiet briefly, staring up at the sky. “So tell me,” she said quickly, snapping back to the present. “What did you two talk about?”

Seth slowed slightly. They were in amongst a quieter region of the city, filled mainly with shops that had long since closed up for the night. Seth and Octavia were alone.

“Oh. Not a lot really. Just about your music and stuff.”

Octavia raised an eyebrow. “I find that hard to believe. Troy certainly loves to talk.”

“Really, I am serious. He explained how you put together a set,” Seth lied, suddenly shifting his weight to one side.

“Seth, please. Be honest with me?”

Desperately trying to find the impossible way out of telling Octavia the truth without lying to her further, Seth subconsciously went on the offensive. “Well this is a little hypocritical. I don’t get any secrets?” His voice was light, but Octavia froze.

“Seth…” Octavia said, her voice cracking.

Seth was mortified, stunned by the words that had just left his mouth. “I’m so sorry! I really didn’t mean it like that!”

Octavia hung her head, not saying a word. Seth was horrified.

“Octavia I’m sorry! I’m-”

“No Seth,” she said suddenly, her voice quiet. “I am the one who should be sorry.”

“Wait, why?” Seth was totally thrown. It didn’t make any sense…

“I’m sorry for hiding things from you. I truly am. But please know, it is for the best.”

“What do you mean?” Seth said, suddenly very cautious.

“I mean that it’s for your own good. This way it’s simple. It’s uncomplicated.”

The words hit Seth like a tonne of bricks. He could not believe the words she was speaking. Uncomplicated? Was that what their relationship was? Something simple? That’s not what it was to Seth… Did she really not trust him enough to let him in? Each thought struck at Seth like an axe, shattering the pony’s spirit.

“I… uncomplicated. I get it.” Seth’s voice was flat.

“Seth I-”

“No, I get it. Uncomplicated. Simple.” He couldn’t believe what he was saying, but the thought that it was what Octavia wanted forced him to continue. “I can do that.”

Octavia stared at him for a long time, her purple eyes misting over, the pain on her face sending spikes of agony through his heart.

Look at what I am doing to her… Seth felt panic begin to rise. I’m hurting her!

“Uncomplicated,” he repeated, more to calm himself than anything else.

Octavia continued to stare at him hopelessly, the tears now noticeable in the corner of her eyes. Her bottom lip trembled. And then, with a look of desperation, she broke Seth’s heart. “I’m truly sorry,” she said. “It’s for the best, I promise…”

The musician’s voice faded into nothing as Seth slipped away into his own subconscious. The pony’s mind screamed at him to abort with wave after wave of pain racking his body.

With tears in his eyes, Seth did the only thing he could do. He fled. He knew he was a coward and he knew that he was weak, but he just couldn’t continue here anymore... Not like this.

He turned slowly from Octavia, not daring to look into her eyes, his voice breaking as he spoke. “I’m so sorry, but I have to go.”

And without another word, he left. His hoofsteps echoed in the night, just loud enough to muffle the almost-silent tears streaming from the musician behind him. He didn’t look back. He could barely breathe as it was.

Crushed, Seth began to run, his world shattered as the mare of his dreams was slowly enveloped behind him by the night.

A big thank you to Dacaz5 for putting up with me and keeping me going, another big thank you to HeWhoErasesMost for the cover image and a huge thank you to Sessalisk for editing! Also, thank you everypony for reading this! It really means a lot! :) Don't forget to leave a comment or a star rating!

Chapter 4

Alcohol. Alcohol and darkness. To Seth they were the most logical options he had at his disposal to deal with his situation. The pony had barely moved all day after he had collapsed in the early hours of the morning. He laid haphazardly, stretched out over his bed, occasionally bringing a glass of scotch to his lips. Each mouthful sent a fresh burn down into his stomach, a not so pleasant reminder that he could indeed still feel. The shutters over his windows were jammed shut, blocking any potential light from the setting sun from entering. His room was cold. He liked it that way.

The fact that Octavia, the mare of his dreams, was never going to want to see him again forced him to consume another gulp of liquor. His head was starting to spin. He had left her in the middle of street, alone. He was not fit to even look at her ever again. He did not deserve such a privilege.

Groaning, the pony sunk his head into his pillow, a dull ache inside his chest preventing him from getting any rest.

I failed… he thought. I failed to live up to my promise. I couldn’t help her… I couldn’t make her happy… Seth coughed, his eyes growing warm.

He had been like this for hours now.

A rumbling in his stomach caused the unicorn to stir. Even in his current state of mind, starvation was not appealing. Seth literally rolled out of bed, only just keeping on his hooves. He stumbled slightly as he made his way over to the kitchen. The clock stared down at him, informing the pony that he had been catatonic for almost a day and a half now, a fact which somehow worsened his mood.

Chewing on a single piece of bread, Seth stared into his table, the glass reflecting little in the poor light. Despite the bad visibility, he could tell he was a mess. His hair was dishevelled and his eyes were bloodshot. Seth’s jaw was growing heavy and the very act of chewing was becoming tiresome.

“Pathetic,” he spat at his reflection.

Staring forlornly back, his reflection merely echoed its agreement. The pony slumped in his chair and levitated the bottle of scotch over. This was going to be a long night.

Octavia was in turmoil. She was pacing in her living room, having long since given up on any attempt to play music. While helping at first, the fact that she was unable to draw inspiration for anything other than melancholy pieces soon forced her to stop. She was at least, making some attempt to control her emotions.

She stared around at her apartment. Her home was meant to be a place of comfort and solace, yet now when she needed it most, it was failing spectacularly. Everywhere the pony looked, she was reminded somewhat of Seth. The perfect order she had worked so hard to piece together no longer existed within her world. The once-neat brushstrokes and faultless notes that comprised her life, the ones she had spent so long to create, were now broken, floating without meaning, too far out of reach to be brought back down and tethered again.

He had come, lit up her life, and now she had pushed him away, just like she always did.

She had done the right thing though. She was sure of it. She would be simply horrible if she burdened somepony else with her mistakes. Yet her conviction did not explain the horrible ache that racked her body every time she replayed the previous night’s events. The way Seth had looked at her, the way he had spoke, his voice so flat, so empty. She missed the sound of his voice when they were together normally; it was charming, friendly and caring. It made her smile.

Her stomach danced slightly as she thought about the sound of his laugh, and a ghost of a smile fought its way onto her lips. She blushed.

Octavia sniffed. The thought of Seth caused a hollow feeling to invade her subconscious. A single tear tracked its way down her face, the journey unknown to its creator.

Oh Seth, she thought for the hundredth time that day. Believe me my darling; it is far easier this way. I promise. Despite her constant assurances, Octavia could not shake a feeling of emptiness. She missed him. She missed him terribly.

Octavia slowed in her pacing. She was going to be late if she did not leave soon. The musician knew she had another practice again this evening. She knew she should go, but she didn’t want to. She had hurt enough ponies already.

The consideration of her friends made her pause. A thought began to make itself heard in amongst her subconscious.

Your friends, they can help. That is what friends are for, after all. Remember what you learnt after your ‘solo performance’.

Suppressing a shudder at her little episode, Octavia knew she had a point. Lost to a depression, the musician had inexplicably screamed at her friends over something so small she had long since forgotten what it was and then had stormed off, prompting her to start a solo career, convinced that her friends would never want to see her again. However, despite everything she had put them through, they had come back to her with forgiveness in their hearts. It was a lesson she would not be forgetting soon.

Your friends can help. Don’t abandon everypony again.

Another tear joined the first. Octavia took a deep breathe and steadied herself.

“Never again,” she promised to herself. “Never again.”

Octavia grabbed her cello and hurried out the door.

Running late, Octavia raced inside the CCMA. She moved far more quickly than the gigantic instrument to her back might suggest possible. Octavia hated being late.

Bursting onto the stage, her friends looked up at her, surprised by the abrupt nature of their normally calm and collected friend’s entrance.

“Wow, Octavia. You look terrible.”

Realising she hadn’t thought to check her appearance before leaving, and that she must look awful, Octavia mentally kicked herself before answering in a shaky attempt at sarcasm. “Why thank you Troy. I really appreciate the concern.”

Melody moved over to her, worry painted all over her face. “Are you ok, Octavia? Is something wrong?”

“I…” Now that Octavia was here, the strength of her conviction was suddenly nowhere to be found. She looked away, unable to meet any of her friend’s gazes. “I… I don’t know what to do about Seth!” she exclaimed suddenly, much more loudly than she had meant to.

A collective groan caused her to look up sharply.

“What?” she asked.

“C’mon Octy, you know exactly what to do about Seth. You’re just mindlessly preventing yourself from doing it,” Troy said. Her friends nodded their agreements.

“What on Equestria do you mean?”

“Well, you’ve been fighting with yourself for months now, Octavia,” Golden String said gently, trying to not upset her. “We have watched you the whole time. But when Seth came along, you stopped fighting. You were actually smiling again.”

Octavia was thoroughly taken aback. She knew that Golden String was right. Seth made her feel elated, joyous and happy. She never blushed, yet around him, or even just thinking of him, she felt like her face would never stop being red. Yet, regardless of the accuracy behind her friend’s words, she was cautious. After all, her friends had been hiding this from her. More importantly, they already knew about her feelings for Seth.

“But-”

“No buts Octy. Look, I don’t know what happened, even though it was probably something big from looking at you, but I don’t want to know. It’s not our business, after all.” Troy paused, looking over his friend with a concerned look in his eyes. “But anyway, Seth can help you. He makes you happy. You just need to see that for yourself.”

Seeing her once-impregnable internal rationalisations being washed away by her friends left Octavia in a state of shock. The fact that Troy, of all ponies, was spear-heading this movement only made things worse.

“But… I cannot hope to be anything for Seth!” she exclaimed. “I don’t want to lose him as a friend… I can’t lose him as a friend, not like I almost did with all of you.” Octavia’s voice began to crack and she gazed at the floor, not wanting to see her friend’s faces.

A sudden embrace caused her to jump, the contact breaking down the emotional walls she had spent the last twenty-four hours constructing. She looked up into the purple coat of Melody, and returned the hug with feeling.

“It’s ok, Octavia. You won’t lose us,” Melody cooed gently, rubbing her hoof along Octavia’s back, the affection comforting the pony.

“And you won’t lose Seth,” Troy added. “You just have to wanna take a dive and hope for the best.”

Octavia sniffed, fighting back tears. “I just don’t want to have to run anymore…”

“You won’t have to Octavia. You’ll see.” Golden String smiled at her.

Octavia hiccupped quietly, her purple eyes misting over. She was silent for a time, struggling to find the right words to express the torn emotions inside of her.

“I don’t know,” she admitted after a while. “I just don’t know. It may be too late, and besides, maybe this is all for the best.”

Her friends threw some worried glances at each other over Octavia’s defeatist words. They knew what would likely come next, and it did not bode well for anypony- least of all Octavia.

“That way, I can’t push him away from me again. That way I won’t leave him. I won’t hurt him…” She stopped, unable to continue as the first tears finally broke free from her eyes.

Melody reached over to hug her again, but Octavia backed away.

“I’m sorry,” she said, her mind made up. “But I have to go. I... I need to think over some things.”

“Octavia…” Melody was on the verge of crying herself.

“I’m sorry,” Octavia repeated. She smiled at her friends, her face still wet with tears. “You have been so good to me. I am so lucky to have you as my friends.”

“We’re always here for you Octavia,” Golden String affirmed, a sad look in her eyes.

“I know, it really means so much to me. Thank you.” With a final, small smile, Octavia turned and left the hall. She hadn’t even opened her cello case.

Octavia walked quietly, trying to stay out of the war that was being waged inside of her between desire and responsibility. What she wanted and what was right.

Alone, she left the CCMA, all the while fighting a losing battle against herself.

Seth had a restless night. The fact that he managed to get any sleep at all was a welcome surprise. He woke feeling groggy and unsteady. His vision was still slightly blurred and his head hurt. He stayed in bed for a long time, not quite finding the strength to get up. The longer he stayed still though, the more agitated he became.

C’mon Seth, pull yourself together! She’s just a mare after all. Get up and get over yourself.

“Just a mare…” he whispered to nopony in particular.

Eventually, Seth had enough of his own self-pity. He got up and had a shower, feeling slightly better afterwards as the water washed away the cloying feeling plaguing his limbs. His recovery was further spurred along by a healthy breakfast and some sunshine. Even Seth had to admit it was a nice day.

Sitting on his balcony, Seth immersed himself with all manner of mental projects as far away from Octavia as possible. To this end, work proved to be a welcome distraction. He was starting to get a whole manner of offers in regards to advisement roles, and he mulled them over individually, picking each one to pieces in his head. He didn’t gather any enjoyment from this. In fact he still hated the concept of working around those ponies, but at that moment, it really was the lesser of two evils.

It was not long before he had exhausted this option, and without fail, his mind instantly began to wander like a misbehaving colt. Seth smirked at his own analogy. It fit too well.

Octavia…Octavia…Octavia.

There really was no escape. Screaming quietly with frustration, Seth leapt to his hooves. Not pausing to throw anything on, the unicorn hurriedly left his apartment, the first time in two days. He practically flew down the hallway, desperate to get to the mail centre in the building’s foyer. Seth hoped that there he would find some more distractions, anything to get her out of his head. He hadn’t had any correspondence with Luna’s office for a while now… surely they were due to ask for something…

The second the elevator doors opened, the pony burst out, cantering toward the mail room. He paid no attention whatsoever to the looks he was getting from the other ponies.

C’mon, c’mon… he thought, lifting his mail box key clumsily with magic. He really did drink too much last night. Finally, after a brief moment of resistance, the lock yielded and the door swung open. Leaving the key in the door, Seth levitated the only letter in the box over to him. He glanced at the address and froze.

No…

Slowly, he opened the letter. The pony’s lungs refused to work. His magic shook despite the laughable effort that holding up a letter entailed. With a feeble attempt at a deep breath, he began to read.

Dear Seth,

We need to talk. Could you please meet me at the Golden Glow, tonight at 8pm?

I am sorry. I am truly, so very sorry... For everything.

Thank you in advance,

- Octavia

The letter fell from Seth’s grasp, twirling in the air as it made its slow, fluttering descent.

So this is how you say goodbye.

A/N: A short chapter this time! The part about Octavia's falling out with her friends is a reference to my other fic, Octavia's Performance. All of the relevant information is included here though, so it is not a necessary read for this. Next chapter should be exciting! I can't wait! :D

Chapter 5

It had taken almost half an hour before Seth finally left the mail room. He had gotten up, leaving the letter inside the black deposit box and locked it. Oblivious to the world, Seth had left the building, not at all sure where he was headed. He just wanted to walk.

For hours the pony wandered the streets of Canterlot, unmindful and unaware of his surroundings. His mind was blank, having burnt itself out shortly after reading the letter.

She’s saying goodbye to me… what have I done? he thought, a question he had asked himself more times than he could possibly count. She’s saying goodbye…

Seth took a shuddering breath, trying to calm himself. The knowledge that he had just completely destroyed the one good thing left in his life, the one thing he still enjoyed, ate at him. It was an acidic thought, burning itself an uncomfortable home in his mind.

A sudden gust of wind chilled Seth, making the pony regret forgetting to grab a coat before he left. All afternoon the air had been charging itself, a cold wind from the south colliding with the warmth that lingered from the past few days. He had forgotten a thunderstorm was planned for late that night. He stared up at the growing clouds, grey, ominous towers that threatened to engulf everything in their bulk. Subconsciously, Seth picked up the pace.

The pony had entered one of the many shopping districts of the city. An assortment of cafés and retail mostly, all with large windows displaying their fancier wares. There were still several ponies going about their business, keeping their heads down against the wind. Seth continued through the streets, looking vaguely at various shops that made an attempt at catching his eye. It was a fruitless effort though, for Seth was neither hungry nor willing to spend money on new clothes. The fact that the horrendous mark-up came only from the name of the designer, not the quality, only made Seth less willing.

He sighed into the air, stopping in his tracks. It would be evening soon, and he really should get ready for Octavia’s… goodbyes. A wave of frustration hit the pony. It’s just not fair! he thought, nostrils flaring as he stomped his hoof on the ground. It’s just not fair…

With a great sense of effort, Seth turned reluctantly and made his way down an alleyway that joined onto the street he was currently on. It was considerably darker here than on the street, for the shop sides loomed over, blocking most of the sun’s light from entering. It was also a lot quieter. Keeping his head down, Seth picked up the pace. He wasn’t afraid - his father’s military background and the resulting ‘training’ with his son, meant that he could take care of himself - but he knew better than to linger in uninviting places.

Walking through the dark laneway, his hoofsteps echoing against the old cobblestones, Seth noticed an old sign creaking slightly on its hinges in the wind. Closer inspection of the tattered, dark-green sign revealed that the golden lettering spelled out the words: ‘Before the Verb: A Bookstore’. The dusty window beneath the sign featured several piles of old tomes, each looking tattered and well-read. His interest piqued, for a reason he could not quite fathom, Seth opened the door with magic and cautiously entered the store. Inside it was dark, illuminated only by a single lantern attached to a hook on the ceiling. The store stretched out before him with several rows of bookshelves, all groaning under the weight of their inhabitants, beckoning him forward into the shop.

A small cough caused Seth to jump violently. “Oh Celestia, you scared the hay out of me!”

“I am terribly sorry,” a quiet voice replied. “I just wished to welcome you to Before the Verb.”

Seth looked over towards the pony who spoke, a wizened white unicorn with a silver mane. He wore a faded red vest with golden buttons, wire spectacles completing the image. Seth noted with interest his cutie mark, for it was incredibly detailed. It was an open scroll, looking faded with age. On it was the letter ‘I’, appearing in the most beautiful calligraphy Seth had ever seen. The letter was broken into segments, each coloured differently, giving the image an overall likeness to a stained-glass window. It was a sight to behold.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Seth said. “I took one look at your store and couldn’t help but come in.”

“Ah yes.” The unicorn chuckled. “It does tend to have that effect on ponies.” He paused for a moment, before continuing, “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Vollard and literature is my passion and my life.”

“My name is Seth. Seth Locarno. And you have a wonderful store here.”

‘Ah thank you, Mr. Locarno. I am rather proud of it. Beware though, many ponies tend to lose themselves within the shelves of these rooms. Something about the air, I believe.” His voice was soft but there was a darkness to it that put Seth slightly on edge.

“Lose themselves?”

“Yes indeed,” Vollard said with a nod. “Books have a tendency tend to find ponies here, not the other way around as one might expect.”

Seth raised an eyebrow. “How does that work?”

“I do not pretend to know. We live in a world filled with magic, Mr. Locarno. I am positive anything can be possible.” Seth had no answer to that and simply stared, puzzled, at the unicorn. Vollard smiled slightly at Seth, knowing that the conversation was over. “Is there anything in particular you were looking for?”

“No. Thank you,” Seth replied. “I would just like to look around, if that’s ok.”

“Of course,” Vollard said with a bow. “I shall be by the counter if you require any assistance. Language, after all, can be quite the powerful medium.” He left, leaving Seth alone at the front of the shop.

Still puzzling over the meaning of the bookstore’s owner’s words, the pony started down one of the shelves, glancing over many of the large covers, all faded and covered in dust. It was silent except for Seth’s occasional hoofsteps, or hushed breathing. Seth felt an uneasy peace settle upon him. There was something in the air. Seth was sure of it. It was subtle, almost unnoticeable, dancing out of reach whenever Seth tried to locate it, but it was there. However, at the same time, it was comforting, relaxing and companionable.

Frustrated, Seth continued down the shelves, the light growing dimmer as he moved along. Is it just me, or are the shelves getting taller? Seth thought warily, throwing his gaze up at the now-towering displays.

As he moved, the subtle magical feeling began to grow stronger, almost beckoning the pony along. Now undoubtedly curious, Seth abated slightly and let himself be guided by this strange force. He passed through several rooms, each one laid out in the exact same fashion as the first: rows of bookshelves lit by a single lantern. After an incalculable amount of time, Seth found the sense lingering in a particular corner of a room, not wanting to go any further. Confused, he looked at the shelves around him, not at all sure what he was looking for.

Seth reached out with magic and began to feel each of the texts, testing their texture and weight. A few captured his attention, but the interest didn’t remain after pulling them off the shelf. Disappointed, Seth was about to give up when he came across a small black book, marked only with cursive silver lettering naming it as: ‘A Chance Encounter – A Collection of Poems’. He picked it up, the manuscript almost weightless. Gently, he opened it, the small spine stiff and unyielding, and looked upon the yellowed pages. On each was a poem, all with a different author. Some of the poems were long and epic, others short and vague, their morals altogether unclear. There appeared to be no rhyme or reason to the poems, each holding an apparently different theme. Yet to Seth, they were all amazing, breathtaking pieces of literature.

Toward the end of the book, a single poem caught his eye: ‘Forever and Always – by Syntax’. It sat there, unassuming, almost pleading with him to understand it. Slowly, with an unexplained sense of wonder, Seth began to read:

By Luna’s night, trees sway over darkling lands

Moving as if in song for a sensitivity most severe

And by referencing those thoughts, making real

A situation by definition sweet and deftly given life.

Within the shadows dancing by nature, whispers a love

That glistens and gleams like a diamond amongst the sinister backdrop

Of demons past and present

Inflating an inner joy ecstatic beyond comprehension,

And all the while a voice inside whispers gleefully-

That bliss and adoration walk lithely, hand in hand and

That perhaps all prayers and dreams screamed at the heavens

Under the lines of red and pain,

Shall be answered by the simplest and purest of words.

As the dancing light gathers intensity and force

Hope imbues a new meaning of conviction and peace

To be embraced with a wholehearted devotion and an open mind.

But yet the trees continue to respectfully sway, as if in approval-

Of a moment shared and stored away

A challenge made, and a promise kept

For a love beyond all things

Seth stood there, star-struck, re-reading that last couplet over and over again. The poem had burned itself into his mind, each line painting a vivid image, the lines flowing and breaking, smooth and jarring, harmonious and chaotic. Filled with awe, the pony slowly closed the book.

“Books have a tendency tend to find ponies here, not the other way around as one might expect.” Vollard’s words echoed through his head, reverberating around his subconscious. Thoroughly disconcerted, Seth shook his head, trying to clear it. But yet, a sense of optimism still lingered throughout the pony’s thoughts. He smiled softly to himself.

A challenge made, and a promise kept

For a love beyond all things

Octavia…

Octavia! Seth jerked back to reality, suddenly very aware that he was going to be very, very late. Pausing only to quickly buy the book of poems from Vollard, who now wore a frighteningly omniscient smile, Seth dashed out of the old store and into the evening. Octavia was waiting.

Seth stood there, unmoving, staring at his reflection in the mirror. He was dressed up in a sleek, dark-grey jacket and complimentary blue tie. His mane had been faintly touched up with some unknown product that his mother had given him a very long time ago. He looked good; at least, he sure hoped he did.

“Alright then, listen up,” he said to himself, his eyes cold. “You have one chance, I repeat, one chance to get her to change her mind.” His reflection nodded in agreement.

“You want her? You can get her. You want to make her happy? You can make her happy. Do you understand?” He jabbed a hoof at the mirror angrily.

“You can do this. You just have to tell her how you feel. Be honest. All you want is for her to be happy. All you have to do is march straight into that bar, and tell her upfront how you feel, and what you want from her… To just see her smile...” He shook his head, a faint, sad smile on his own lips.

“You can do this,” he repeated. “You can do this!” he said again, this time more firmly. He paused, staring at himself, a faint light in his eyes. “For her. Octavia.”

More than satisfied with his pep talk, Seth practically ran out the bathroom, flinging his wallet into his pocket with magic as he left the apartment.

Seth wasted little time in travelling over to the ‘Golden Glow’. The weather was progressively getting worse as the wind was picking up considerably. His mind replayed all of the terribly bold and beautiful things he was going to tell the mare as soon as he saw her. Seth allowed a little bubble of confidence to build.

I can do this!

He turned onto the street where the bar resided, as the butterflies within his stomach grew steadily in both numbers and intensity. It was 7:59 pm.

I can do this.

The unicorn approached the bar; the classy storefront emitted a warm glow. There weren’t many ponies in the street, all apparently choosing to wait for better weather before having a night out. The butterflies began to attack his stomach. He felt sick.

I can do this, right?

Inhaling deeply several times, Seth pushed open the door with a hoof and stepped into the bar. He walked in slowly, his eyes darting side-to-side, trying desperately to find her. In the end, he wasn’t surprised. She was in their normal corner, sipping at a wine glass, her purple eyes hidden away, looking at the table.

Oh Celestia she is beautiful. Please, please tell me I can do this.

He approached her carefully, his stomach an ocean of turmoil. When he drew near, she looked up, and a soft smile spread across her face.

“Hello, Seth,” she said, her voice weak.

I can’t do this… Absolutely everything he was going to say to her to make her change her mind slipped from his head, totally lost to oblivion.

“I… uh, hi!” He mentally slapped himself in the face. Foal!

“How have you been?”

“Ok, I guess. Yourself?”

“About the same.” She attempted a weak smile. A silence began to creep in with neither of them looking at each other.

“Your music, how is that coming along?” Seth asked abruptly.

“Rather well, we have started to make the first few serious cuts to the set.”

“Oh, that sounds fantastic.”

“I’m looking forward to working on it some more.”

“Good, good.” They fell into silence, both unable to maintain eye contact. “So…” Seth said after awhile. He coughed nervously. “Would you like something to drink?”

Octavia motioned toward the glass in front of her, an apologetic smile on her face.

“Oh, right! Sorry!” Seth wanted to throw himself of the tallest tower of the Canterlot Castle.

“That’s ok. W-would you like a drink then?”

“That is quite alright. I am not that thirsty.” He laughed, a pathetic attempt to cover his foalish mistake.

“Are you sure?” she pressed, suddenly displaying way too much enthusiasm than what the conversation deserved. “We could go over to the bar together?”

“Well, if that’s not a hassle for you.”

“Oh no, not at all!” She blushed.

“Well ok then.” He smiled weakly at her briefly, and then returned his gaze to the floor as he stood. They walked over to the bar, not daring to speak, let alone look at each other.

“Good evening, sir. What shall it be then?” It was the same bartender as the night they had first met.

“Johnny Trotter black please. No ice.”

“Of course, sir.”

Seth hoofed over the money, and the bartender handed him his drink. He took a sip. It burned, a smoky, silky burn.

“Ahhh…” he sighed. “That is just brilliant.”

“Well you just paid an obscene amount of money for it, so I am glad you think so.”

Seth rolled his eyes, thankful at least, that they were back somewhat on familiar territory as far as their conversations went. “Believe me, it is a quality that I gladly pay for.”

“Money equals quality does it? You really are such a politician,” Octavia teased.

“Oh no, I just assume that the pony who made this worked as hard as I did for the bits to buy it. That way, I sleep at night.”

Octavia laughed, and this time it wasn’t forced or awkward. Seth smiled, relieved. A silence settled upon the two ponies, only now, it wasn’t nearly as uncomfortable as before. They just sat there, enjoying their drinks. Whatever needed to be said could wait, for the moment.

Seth was in the middle of a sip when he noticed a pony, just old enough to be called a stallion, sidle up on the other side of Octavia. His bright blue coat was covered by an expensive jacket and his white mane was styled in a sweeping fashion that was popular with the young and rich. He wore a smirk like an identity badge. Seth could already tell he wasn’t going to like the pony. The stallion coughed, and Octavia turned to face him, apprehension plain in her eyes.

“Hey there, I was just sitting over there and I couldn’t help but notice you.” He gestured over to a table where several other young stallions sat, all smoking and drinking. They winked at their friend. A few even shouted some incomprehensible encouragement.

“Oh really?” Octavia replied.

“Yeah, your coat is simply fine.” His smirk grew and Seth winced.

“Why thank you,” Octavia said, her voice flat.

“So I was wondering, why don’t you come over and sit with us and we can get you some drinks?” Seth felt a surge of anger at the pony’s words. He took a gulp of his own drink and forced his displeasure down.

She’s not yours Seth… She can do what she wants. Stay out of it. He took another sip.

“I am flattered, truly. But I already have a drink.”

“There’s no reason to be so difficult about it. Just give us a chance.” The stallion’s voice suddenly had an edge to it, and his smirk had faded somewhat. His friends were snickering in the background.

“I apologise, but I am not interested,” Octavia said firmly, her mouth set in a straight line.

“Oh come on, you don’t need to be like that.” His smirk was definitely gone now, replaced instead by a cold sneer.

“No, thank you.” Octavia made little attempt to hide the disinterest in her voice.

“Now listen here you uptight piece-”

That’s it. Seth got up quickly, knocking his chair back as he did, his anger bubbling just below the surface. “I believe the mare said no,” he said, his voice dark.

The stallion looked Seth up and down, the sneer turning into a hybrid of amusement and contempt. “And who are you?”

“I’m her friend. Now kindly, back off.” He stressed the last two words, the threat in his voice not hard to find. He wasn’t at all afraid of the stallion, his father and their ‘training’ had seen to that. And besides, nopony spoke to Octavia in that way, and definitely not in front of him.

“Or what?” The challenge was clear.

“Seth, please-”

“Or you will have me to deal with.” Seth wasn’t going to move an inch.

“Seth, let’s just go, ok?”

The stallion looked Seth up and down, sizing him up. “Tough words, I don’t reckon you have anything to back it up though.”

“Seth, he’s not worth it, let’s go.”

“If you want to find out, be my guest.” Seth’s vision was red, and his muscles were twitching. He stared the other pony down, daring him to make a move.

The stallion took a step toward Seth, his muzzle now only inches from the unicorn’s. “Gladly.”

Seth tensed, his whole body eager for the stallion’s imminent attack. He was ready, willing and waiting. He watched as his opponent shifted his weight onto his back hooves, Seth felt a grin beginning to grow. So predictable. This is too easy.

“Seth, stop it! Now!” Octavia’s shout forced both ponies to halt. They looked around the bar, absolutely everypony had their attention fixed on them, either waiting eagerly or dreading the next move.

“Seth, I am leaving, come if you wish.” And without another word, she turned and left the bar.

“Octavia, wait!” Seth rushed after her. The stallion was left humiliated in front of his friends. Seth never heard the jeers of ‘couldn’t get the girl!’ as he left. His mind only had room for one pony right now.

He caught up to her just outside the bar. The wind was strong now, whipping his open jacket around wildly. He rushed up, apologising profusely. “I am so, so sorry!”

“Seth I-”

“I just couldn’t sit there and let somepony talk down to you like that and I just had to-”

“Seth!” Octavia interrupted, for the second time in as many minutes. “I’m not mad.”

“Wait, you’re not?”

“No. In fact, I am actually flattered you stood up for me like that.” Octavia blushed. “I just had to get you out of there before you did something you regretted. You get too passionate about things.” She smiled at him.

“I… I guess you’re right.” He chuckled weakly, very, very relieved. “So now what do we do? It’s not like we can go back inside.”

Octavia laughed. “I guess you are right, mayb-”

A sudden flash, followed by a deep, resonating boom caused both ponies to jump violently. They had forgotten about the storm.

“Uh, Seth?”

“Yes?”

“Could you please walk me home?” She blushed again.

“Of course,” Seth said, his stomach completing a particularly aggressive somersault.

The two ponies hurried to Octavia’s apartment, eager to get inside before the rain started in earnest. Every so often a flash of lightening briefly illuminated the city streets, casting long shadows that rocked violently as the thunder rolled in. Big drops of rain began to fall, striking the ground, or anypony unfortunate enough to be outside, with impressive force. Desperate to not get saturated by the steadily increasing rainfall, the ponies picked up the pace, almost breaking into a full-on gallop.

Just as the downpour reached torrential levels, they burst into the apartment building’s foyer, glad to be inside. It was late and nopony was around, the night lighting providing the only illumination. Slightly exhilarated from their run, Seth and Octavia took the elevator up, trying to suck in air. Neither of them said a word.

The elevator doors opened with a slight hiss, signalling their stop. They walked slowly toward Octavia’s front door. An unspoken understanding seemed to have been reached; they knew what had to come next. They both knew it, and neither of them wanted to start. A terrible feeling began to settle on Seth. The butterflies had decided that now it was the perfect time to return with a vengeance.

Octavia opened the door to her apartment, and ushered Seth inside. He took a deep breath, and entered.

I can do this.

“Would you like a drink?”

“Uh, no thank you. I am fine.” A silence stretched out. Both ponies just stood in Octavia’s living room, looking everywhere but at each other. Seth could suddenly hear each tick of the grand-father clock as it slowly counted down the seconds.

Tick…Tick…Tick…

“So…” Seth started. He looked up; Octavia was smiling sheepishly at him. They both started to laugh. “Oh, Celestia, this is ridiculous.”

“Yes, it is.” Octavia agreed, still smiling faintly. Neither of them said anything more.

Tick…Tick…Tick…

Oh please, just get it over with… Seth thought. End it and be done with it. I can’t take this! He shot a look over at the musician; she was standing awkwardly, all of her weight to one side. But yet, her eyes seemed furrowed, obviously contemplating something. Seth wasn’t sure he wanted to find out what though. Suddenly, she looked up.

“Seth, I-” Seth stoped listening. It was her eyes. She had looked up at him with those glorious, purple eyes, filled with fear, apprehension and something else that Seth couldn’t quite put his hoof on.

A challenge made, and a promise kept

For a love beyond all things

Octavia. She was the best thing to have happened to the unicorn in years. And he was about to let it escape from him, despite everything he had promised himself otherwise. A little ball of fire began to grow inside of Seth, and suddenly all of his determination from his session in front of the mirror came flooding back.

“No, listen here, please.” His voice was soft, but assertive.

Octavia stopped mid-sentence, thoroughly taken aback. Her mouth was open in a cute little ‘o’, and her eyes looked at him curiously through those long, elegant lashes. Seth took a deep breath, and steeled himself.

“Octavia, for a long time before I met you, I was lost, lost in a sea of greed that was such a common feature of my work. I couldn’t see where I was going in life anymore. I was useless then.” He paused, and took another deep breath. His knees had started to shake. “But then, I went and saw your performance at the CCMA and you were amazing. Your talent, your passion, you had everything I had wanted. You were simply incredible.”

Octavia laughed quietly. “I’m not like that…”

“Oh but you are!” Seth continued, growing in confidence. “Don’t you see? You are that amazing. So when I finally met you a week later, by pure coincidence, it was a dream come true. And then I got to know you, and you were everything I wanted in a mare. You’re smart, confident, sophisticated, funny and beautiful. And you have so much passion and so much talent.”

Octavia blushed, a smile growing on her lips.

Seth pushed on, not wanting to stop. “But then I found out something was wrong, and it ate at me. You deserve to be happy one-hundred percent of the time. You deserve to smile, and laugh, and follow your dreams and pursue your talents. You deserve all of those things, and all I’ve ever wanted is to give that to you. I just want you to be happy, Octavia. With or without me, I just want to see you smile…” he suddenly trailed off, mentally exhausted.

Now or never, he thought, staring at the mare. She stared back at him, the confusion in her eyes not quite matching up to the smile on her lips.

“So, you… like me?” Octavia started slowly.

Oh Celestia. Oh sweet, sweet Celestia. “Yes, I do.” Seth hoped his voice hid the fact that he was about to collapse. “Yes Octavia, I like you. And I know you have some things in your past that you are struggling to fight. But I just want to let you know that I don’t care. All I want is for you to be happy, that’s all I’ve ever wanted. I just want to see you smile, for your smile lights up my world.”

Octavia stared at him; the smile on her face was now enormous. Seth felt a bead of sweat travel down his forehead. The silence stretched out into forever. Suddenly, she took a step toward him, hesitant, and slowly, but a step nonetheless. And then she took another, and then another, slowly closing the gap between them. She stopped, only a few paces in front of him. He could see every beautiful detail of her face. It was breathtaking.

“Seth,” Octavia started slowly. Seth’s heart felt like it was about to explode from his chest. “I… Thank you.”

Are those tears in her eyes? Wait! Am I making her cry?! Oh Celestia no! Seth felt his world drop away from beneath him. This couldn’t be happening.

“And Seth, did you mean it? Did you really mean what you said about just wanting to make me smile?”

Seth dragged up enough strength to nod. “I meant every word, and more. You’re beautiful, Octavia. You deserve the best in this world, and I want to make that happen.”

“Oh Seth!” Octavia suddenly cried out, the tears in her eyes now definitely noticeable. “That’s all I needed to hear!”

And suddenly, without any warning, she threw her legs around Seth in a close embrace and kissed him passionately. Seth’s heart fluttered, and threatened to give out as he felt his lips mould themselves against hers. Their breaths came in shorter and shorter gasps as their lips moved in an ardent tandem. He held her close, stroking her mane with a hoof, making sure to keep three on the ground for balance. She was perfect, and in this moment, so was everything else.

Eventually, they broke the kiss. Octavia moved her head back a fraction to stare into Seth’s eyes. She smiled up at him as Seth used a hoof to wipe away some of her tears.

“I really meant it, you know, every single word.”

“I know, Seth. Thank you.” She kissed him again, this time more softly.

And so they held each other tight, relief washing over their bodies like waves. The storm continued to rage outside, yet neither pony paid any attention to it. They were lost in a moment that could not have been more perfect.

A challenge made, and a promise kept

For a love beyond all things

Octavia. Seth smiled as he kissed her. Tomorrow can wait.

A/N: Huzzah! A happy chapter ending! I hope everypony liked this. I know I sure loved writing it! :D

Chapter 6

It was a peaceful slumber that Seth awoke from the next morning. He blinked slowly, his vision still slightly blurred from sleep. He yawned, a big expression that felt good. He smiled. He was rested, warm and comfortable.

Seth stretched slowly, feeling his joints creak from a lack of use. He stopped when his legs hit something warm. He looked across, and his smile grew even larger. Octavia was still sleeping deeply next to him. Her breaths came in evenly, her body rising and falling gently with each one.

Celestia, she is beautiful, he thought as he scooted over to get closer to her. He reached out with his hoof, and began to lightly stroke her mane. Sunlight was streaming through an open window, the dust motes dancing gently in the air. Seth looked back over to the mare just across from him. A soft smile now graced her lips as she continued to sleep peacefully.

It was the best feeling in the world. Seth was sure of it, and he was living it. It was a golden bubble of warmth and hope and joy. It was contentment incarnate, manifesting itself as living flame inside the pony, reaching out and touching all of his emotional responses. Driven by this flame, Seth reached over slowly and kissed the grey mare on the forehead. She stirred slightly, her eyes blinking open.

“Seth?” she asked, her voice soft.

“Right here,” he said kindly.

Octavia smiled and closed her eyes again, content in the knowledge that he was there. Seth reached out and pulled her close, holding her against his body. She snuggled in a little closer.

They stayed like that for a long time. However, Seth’s peace was shortly interrupted by a rapidly beating heart: Octavia’s. Seth couldn’t help but notice that the musician was beginning to become… restless. It was subtle though, almost like she was trying to hide it. Seth hugged her closer, attempting to reassure her while his mind ran through all of the possible worst-case scenarios.

“Octavia, is everything ok?” he asked, concerned.

Suddenly, she shifted away from him and moved away to the other side of the bed. He looked at her expectantly, confusion clear in his expression. She looked down at the mattress, unsure. Seth raised an eyebrow. Now it was his heart rate that was increasing.

She smiled at the sheets. “Yes, everything is fine. At the moment, everything is more than fine. Things are perfect.”

Seth’s heart fluttered a bit at her words, but his stomach had tightened. There was definitely something on her mind. “But?”

“I… I have to tell you something, Seth. I need to tell somepony and I am not sure how much longer I can keep it on my shoulders.” She looked up at him, her eyes pleading. “I hate to ruin this moment, but, but…” Her eyes started to mist over as she lost control of her words.

Seth smiled at her and raised a hoof to cover her mouth. “It’s ok, Octavia. I am here for you. You know that, right?”

She nodded weakly as Seth removed his hoof. “I know that. I do, please believe me. Honestly, I am just scared that you will no longer feel the same way. It’s silly, but I am scared.”

“You don’t need to be scared. You have nothing to be scared of. It’s cliché, I know, but I am not going to suddenly change my opinion of you just because you have told me the truth.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I am sure. I like you for you, Octavia.”

She smiled at him and shook her head. “Ugh, I am acting like such a little filly. You do this to me, you know. You even make me blush for goodness sake.”

Seth laughed and kissed her gently on the nose, and right on cue, she blushed, causing Seth to laugh even harder. “I am here for you. You don’t have to go it alone anymore, Octavia.”

“Thank you,” she said with a warm, gentle smile. “Thank you.”

“Anytime,” Seth answered, nuzzling her kindly.

Octavia took a deep breath, obviously trying to collect herself. Seth sat there patiently, trying not to guess what it was that had been plaguing Octavia for so long. He was happy though, that she was finally opening up to him.

“I grew up in the outskirts of Trottingham with my parents. At a young age they noticed the love I held for music in any shape or form, and so they pursued that love, introducing me to many different types of instruments. When they finally put a cello in front of me, well…” She trailed off, a distant smile on her face. “Well put it this way, I got my cutie mark that day.”

Seth smiled as she obviously reminisced over a good memory.

“As a result, they enrolled me in the Academy for Talented Musicians. I was accepted a week later. It was a dream come true. For the next few years, life was fantastic. My music progressed in leaps and bounds and I made some good friends. However, things… things fell apart. As I grew older, the teachers became more and more unsupportive, the students more and more competitive. Me, being the stubborn foal I am, kept the pressure inside and didn’t tell anypony about my rapidly-fading passion.” She stopped, and cleared her throat, not looking at Seth.

“Well, one day it simply became too much. I came home and exploded at my parents, attacking them for the position I perceived that they were responsible for putting me in. I told them I was leaving, and that very same day, I left home. I have not seen them since.” Octavia choked, tears in her eyes. Seth reached out and pulled Octavia back into his embrace.

“It… It will be ok, trust me.” Despite his good intentions, the words felt… empty, even to Seth.

“But I left them Seth! I, their only daughter, left their house after everything they had given me and never returned. I am a terrible pony, and I always do that exact same thing, I push away the ponies that mean the most to me.” She had started to gush so Seth silenced her with a kiss.

“Relax. Breathe,” he told her gently. “It will be ok. You are not a terrible pony. That’s all in the past.” Seth’s voice was firm; he knew that Octavia would stew in guilt otherwise, like she had obviously been doing for a while now. “That doesn’t change anything to me.”

“Really? It doesn’t?”

“No,” he affirmed. “It doesn’t. I like you for who you are now. That’s in the past.”

She smiled at him, and he kissed her gently. “Thank you,” she said. “I… I feel better,” she admitted with a nervous smile. “I haven’t really told anypony about that before… it all seems so trivial now.”

“It’s not trivial. But it doesn’t change the way I see you.”

She nuzzled up to him, a smile on her face. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.” They stayed there for a time, leaning against each other as the morning passed peacefully into afternoon.

Eventually though, Octavia had decided that they had stayed in bed long enough, and had forced Seth out into the kitchen where she could make, considering the hour, lunch.

While Octavia fried some sort of vegetable (frankly, Seth didn’t care what), he sat at the kitchen table, basking in the contentment of the moment. A pleasant smell reached his nostrils, making his stomach grumble. The sun was warm, streaming in through the window across the room.

“That smells delicious.”

“I’m glad you think so. Do you even know what it is?”

“I haven’t a clue.”

She laughed at him. It was a warm sound that filled the room up with happiness. Seth smiled.

After lunch, Octavia had insisted that the unicorn take a shower, pressing something about being a ‘terrible host’. Once Seth was satisfied he was presentable, he left the bathroom, making sure to leave the towels folded neatly and not crumpled over a chair like he did at his place.

“There, you look dashing now!”

Seth rolled his eyes. “Please, that is one word I would not use to describe myself.”

She giggled and kissed him lightly on the lips as she walked passed him to take a shower of her own. “Simply debonair,” she shot over her shoulder as she closed the door.

Chuckling, Seth began to wander around her apartment. He loved to just admire all of the paintings she had up. His favourite was still the sunset she had painted, but he also had a thing for a particular piece by an artist whose name he was not familiar with. It was another landscape, this time of an ashen and ominous skyline, punctuated by a single shaft of light bursting forward from the grey and illuminating the ground beneath it. The picture was simple, yet majestic in its concept. I really need to get some of these for my place…

The pony continued to explore absentmindedly. He had been there several times before, but he could swear that she changed the layout of the photos every time he visited. He smiled at the pictures of her and her bandmates. She was lucky to have such good friends. Seth noted though, the absence of any foalhood photos. It made a lot of sense now.

Seth paused, mulling over the musician’s confession earlier that morning. It all added up now. He knew her well enough to realise that something like that would cripple her with guilt. He wished that he could do something to help, other than just comforting her. If he was being honest with himself, he felt kind of useless. It made his relationship with his parents look incredible by comparison.

The soft pit-pat of hoofsteps made him turn. He smiled at the pony in front of him. Octavia’s mane was still damp from the shower and hung about her sides like a curtain. Seth had to admit, he kind of liked it like that. Not that he would ever admit it out loud.

“Excuse the mane,” she said. “It takes a while to dry.” She looked at her mane, annoyed at it for being difficult.

“That’s not a problem. It looks great.” Octavia rolled her eyes, and Seth, all too keen to get away from the topic of Octavia’s mane before he said something he would regret, quickly changed the subject. “So, uh, what are our plans for today?”

“Well, I actually have concert practice planned for today.”

“Oh…” Seth felt his heart sink.

“But I would love it if you would could come,” Octavia said, not quite looking at Seth.

Seth felt his spirits soar. Oh yes! “That sounds fantastic!”

Octavia smiled at him.

They left soon after, walking very close, almost touching. Seth had offered to carry her cello for her and to his surprise, she had accepted. The couple moved through the streets of Canterlot in high spirits. Even the weather mimicked their joy as the sky had been cleared expertly by the city’s weather teams early in the morning.

As they walked, they chatted about whatever topic they could think of. It was inconsequential and forgettable discussion, yet to each other they were some of the best conversations they had ever had. Every now and then one would look over at the other and they would smile, filled with relief. Everything was out in the open, and everything was ok. In fact, everything was more than ok.

Occasionally, they would bump into each other as they walked, each accident bringing on a wave of blushing and apologies. Seth felt his heart jump every time they touched.

Ok, just do it. Just do it. It’s not that big of a deal… just do it. He had been debating with himself for close to five minutes now. Slowly, he began to reach out. That’s it! Just like that! Suddenly, Octavia shifted slightly and Seth pulled away. Foal! It’s nothing that scary! Be a stallion and do it!

Seth sucked in a deep breath, and counted to three. Mustering whatever courage he could. One… two… th- His heart froze as he felt Octavia’s tail suddenly intertwine itself with his. He looked over at her, and saw that she was smiling at him mischievously.

“You took too long,” she teased.

Oh Celestia damn it! She beat me to it! Seth sulked for the rest of the trip, but tightened his grip on her tail all the same.

The pair wandered into the CCMA in high spirits. Seth couldn’t help but notice the small bounce that had appeared in the musicians step. It was subtle, as Celestia knows she would be trying very hard to keep her emotions in check, but Seth could sense her excitement.

“I think we are going to keep most of the second half of the set. Melody is playing magnificently and it would such a shame to waste that.”

“That sounds great to me.”

Octavia laughed at her companion. “It’s ok, darling. You will soon learn all about music, rest assured.”

Seth chuckled back at her, yet the pony was more focused on the promise of spending more time with her in the future than the patronising tone she had teased him with. “I have a feeling that is probably going to take a very long time.”

“We will see,” Octavia said, suddenly seeming very reserved. Her ears had pricked up attentively.

Seth felt his stomach drop. Did I do something wr… Seth’s thoughts were interrupted by the voices of Octavia’s bandmates floating down the corridor to them.

“Do you think she will show up today?” That was definitely Golden String.

“I sure hope so,” said Melody in her quiet tones.

“She was a mess the other day. She left without even playing a single song.”

“Just give her some time.” This time it was Troy who spoke. “She’ll be here, don’t worry.”

Seth turned to look at Octavia, his eyebrow raised. It was dark in the wings of the stage and he couldn’t make out her face properly.

“Um?”

“I… Seth, don’t worry about it. That was before last night. I was a bit of a mess,” Octavia admitted quietly. Seth felt a twinge of guilt. She looked down, not able to meet his eyes. “Seth, could I ask a favour from you?”

“Of course,” Seth offered quickly.

“Could we not tell them about… about us? At least, just for the time being?”

“I…” Seth was confused. Did she not want other ponies to know that she was with him? Had he done something wrong? “I guess so. If that’s what you want.” It was something in her eyes, a sadness, perhaps. Even in the gloom, one look and he had crumbled.

“Thank you.” She smiled at him. “It is only for the time being, I promise.”

“That’s fine.” He smiled back at her. She paused, not sure how to continue.

“Seth, can I please have my cello back?”

He laughed. “Oh, since you asked so nicely…” Using his magic, he levitated the instrument off of his back and onto hers.

She kissed him gently and walked onstage with an equally soft ‘thank you’.

“Octavia! There you are! And Seth! How fantastic!” Troy said, obviously thrilled by the sight of them.

Too thrilled… Seth thought.

“Why Troy, it is lovely to see you too,” Octavia replied, her voice suddenly controlled and restrained.

“Hey everypony!” Seth called out from behind the grey musician.

He was greeted by a chorus of “Hey Seth!” that made him smile. Everypony seemed very, very happy. In fact, it was quite disconcerting.

“Wonderful, now that everypony has said hello, can we please get practicing? We… we are a little behind schedule,” Octavia said.

Troy laughed. “Whatever you want, Octy. Alright girls, you heard the mare, let’s get set up.”

Seth retreated to his normal chair in the middle of the third row. It was close enough to be able to still talk to the musicians on stage, but not too close that he was forced to stare up the whole time.

When he was satisfied that he was comfortable, he returned his attention to the performers onstage. Octavia was the only one not ready, still tuning her cello to perfection. Troy tapped a hoof on the ground impatiently. When she was finally ready, she lifted up the instrument, standing confidently on her back hooves. With the bow tucked in between her foreleg and leg, she gestured that they begin to play.

The set started like all of the others that Seth had heard, only this time, he could swear that Octavia’s cello seemed louder… more prominent. He paid little attention to her friends; he only had eyes for her, as she swayed gently with the melodies.

He closed his eyes and became lost in the music that was being woven in front of him. It was a pleasant experience, and it fed off the good mood that he had been in all day. Seth gently reopened his eyes as the last notes of the first set faded away quietly.

“Well, that sounds even better than it did last time,” he called out to the musicians.

“See? I told you girls, we sound awesome.”

“Troy, you shouldn’t boast. But thank you, Seth.” Octavia smiled at him.

“Well, I’m not needed now. Seth, I hope you saved me a seat.”

Seth looked around at the totally empty theatre in confusion. Troy just laughed at him and shook his head. “Too easy.”

After Troy had sat himself down heavily next to him, the girls onstage resumed their playing. Seth slowly counted down the seconds in his head. Three… two… one…

“So Seth!”

Bingo.

“How’s things with Octavia? You two look pretty good.”

“Things are great, Troy. Things are really great.” Seth tried to keep some ambiguity in his words due to his promise to Octavia, but he had a terrible feeling his smile belied the truth.

“Great huh? Sounds good. Celestia knows she needs great.” Troy smirked, looking sideways over at Seth. Seth stared pointedly at the musicians.

“So, how did last night go? You two did catch up, right?”

“What?! How did you know?!” Seth was horrified, nopony should have known about that!

Troy burst into raucous laughter, and placed a hoof on the back of the chair in front of him for support. “Oh Sweet Celestia! You’re just too easy!”

Oh damn it! Not again… “Oh no…”

Troy’s laughter slowly died down into wheezing chuckles. “Seth, you are just too much fun. That’s twice now.”

“Troy… you can’t tell her anything.”

“But why not? She’s happy! After all, she hasn’t stopped staring at you all set.”

Seth couldn’t get his eyes over fast enough, and true to the pianist’s words, their eyes met briefly before Octavia looked away, blushing.

“See? It’s even worse than before. I’m so happy for you two.”

“But she made me promise not to tell you about it yet.”

Troy waved away Seth’s words with his hoof. “She’s just scared. Beyond that snobbish exterior-”

“Hey!” Seth interrupted.

Troy smiled, yet pressed on, “beyond that snobbish exterior, she really just is scared to love somepony. She’s convinced herself that she’ll push them away as soon as they get close.”

“She’s gonna have to push pretty damn hard…”

“That’s the spirit!” He chuckled. “She’s a good mare, Seth, and you’re a good stallion. Perfect match if I ever saw one.”

“She’s going to kill me if she finds out I told you…”

“Oh don’t be stupid. She’s not going to kill you… mortally wound, maybe.” Troy laughed and winked at Seth who gulped nervously. “And besides, just think, you didn’t tell me, I just guessed!”

“Considering my line of work, you think I would take more comfort in a technicality.”

Troy burst into another fit of laughter. “Seth my friend, you’re too funny to be around.”

Seth couldn’t help but smile at that. Nopony ever called him funny.

The musicians on stage finished up soon after, and Troy and Seth gave an enthusiastic round of applause with a few cheers added for good measure. All of the girls on stage blushed and Troy gave Seth a high-hoof, snickering about a ‘mission successful’.

“Troy, that wasn’t very nice.”

“Hey, we were applauding your wonderful talent!” Troy said, as the two stallions walked back onstage.

“You enjoyed it then, Seth?” Octavia asked.

“I sure did.”

“I don’t know, Troy seemed like he was laughing a lot more than he was listening,” Golden String reproached playfully.

“I can multi-task,” Troy shot back.

“Of course you can, Troy,” Octavia said, and all of the girls laughed.

“See how they gang up on me?” Troy said to Seth. “That’s not fair!”

“I…” Seth blanked, looking between Troy and Octavia, who were both staring at him expectantly. “I like you both very much.”

“Wimp,” Troy laughed.

“He is actually siding with me, you know,” Octavia said.

“Oh, I know that he is siding with you, Octy.” Troy grinned mischievously.

“Of course he is-” Octavia stopped, and Seth watched in horror as the penny dropped behind her eyes. “Oh you didn’t…”

“Octavia, I didn’t, I promise!”

Octavia looked like a deer caught in headlights. Her face was bright red as she stared at Troy in horror. “I… I…” Suddenly, she turned and ran off-stage. Seth took off after her. He didn’t notice Golden String punching Troy in the shoulder as he left.

Seth caught up to Octavia just as she was about to leave the wings. “Octavia, wait!”

The grey mare halted abruptly and Seth had to pull himself up before he ran into her. “Octavia, I’m sorry, I didn’t really tell him!”

Slowly, Octavia turned, and Seth was surprised to see that she didn’t look mad. Instead she looked embarrassed, or was that fear? Seth wasn’t sure.

“I… I know Seth.”

“Wait -you do?”

“Yes, I do. I am sorry for running like that. I… I was a foal for not realising how easy it would have been to work out, anyway. After all, they knew I was meeting up with you last night, and to see us together the next day… I was so stupid.”

“You’re not stupid. After all, I unwittingly walked straight into Troy’s trap and confirmed it.”

She smiled at him awkwardly. “Well… I’m sorry for that. I was a foal, a foal who was scared.”

“Scared?” Seth was confused now. “What were you scared of, Octavia?” Seth asked gently, reaching out with a hoof to reassure her.

“I… I guess…” She shook her head, annoyed at her inability to put words together into coherent sentences. “I was scared that if I presented you as my coltfriend too soon, you would believe that we were moving too quickly,” she admitted in one breath, not looking at the unicorn.

Seth smiled kindly at her and reached out with a hoof to raise her face up to his. Her eyes slowly met his. Even terrified they were still beautiful. Gently, and with as much affection as he could muster, he kissed her.

“Nothing would make me happier, Octavia. I would love to be your coltfriend.”

Octavia beamed at him, all of her apprehension visibly washing away. Seth kissed her again, this time with more passion.

A sudden ‘woop’ broke their kiss, and they both strained to see who was spying. Octavia was just about to yell out when all three of Octavia’s friends stood out from behind one of the stage curtains, huge smiles plastered on their faces.

“Way to go Seth!” Troy cheered. “I knew you could do it!”

“Oh shut up, Troy,” both Octavia and Golden String said in unison. Seth laughed as Octavia pulled his head back to hers for another kiss, both smiling broadly as they did.

A/N: A light and fluffy chapter this time! I hope you all enjoyed it!

Chapter 7

For Seth and Octavia, the following month passed in a blur. They were nearly inseparable the whole time, choosing to do practically everything together. For both ponies, life seemed easy, happier and brighter. It was a worn out truth, the effects of love, but for them, it certainly held true.

While they definitely didn’t always see eye to eye, even in disagreement they still found comfort in the knowledge that the other pony was nearby. They laughed and teased and sat in comfortable silences.

Despite everything though, and despite how much Seth hated to admit it, he still caught himself staring resignedly out of windows when he was alone at night. Something was missing. And that something, was work. He had kept in contact with his colleagues and had often offered advice (mostly to keep some sort of income), but he still had not actually returned to work properly. He still felt sick every time he pictured ponies like Top Hat, and their remorseless bids for power. Yet in the absence of his life’s passion, every time Seth looked into the mirror he stared at his cutie mark, knowing full well that it was essentially meaningless.

“What time is the social?” Seth asked Octavia, looking up from the drink he was staring at intently on his glass coffee table.

Octavia poked her head around the corner of his kitchen and called out into the living room. Whatever it was that she was cooking, it sure smelled great. “I am not actually too sure I feel like going tonight.”

Seth lowered his drink, raising an eyebrow in confusion. “Oh, how come? Is everything ok?”

“Y-yes. Everything is fine. I just don’t feel like going out tonight, if that’s alright.”

The unicorn got up from his couch, walking gradually over to the kitchen. He was concerned now. This was the third time in a week she had blown-off a social event. She still seemed eager to spend time with him, but anything out in public and she instantly became withdrawn and reserved.

He entered the kitchen slowly. Octavia was busy stirring the sizzling contents of a frying pan, seemingly engrossed in her work. He stood there silently for a few moments and she didn’t turn around.

Gently, he cleared his throat. “So then, just a quiet one at home?”

“Yes, that sounds wonderful,” Octavia said, lowering the spoon temporarily, still not looking at him.

“I feel like a broken record these days, but that smells delicious. What is it?”

Seth saw the corners of her mouth raise in a smile. “Well, that is eggplant currently in the frying pan. I plan to do a risotto.”

“Delicious?”

Another smile. “Yes Seth, delicious.”

“Fantastic then.” Seth let the matter drop. There was no point pushing Octavia for information when she was not ready to give it. She knew he was there for her, whenever she needed it.

He retreated to the living room once again, allowing the black leather sofas to greedily warp to his body’s form. Lifting up the glass of scotch he had left earlier, he leisurely took a sip. Octavia would come to him in time. He was sure of it.

Dinner, as Octavia had affirmed, was delicious. Seth even helped himself to a small serving of seconds, just to emphasize the point. He knew Octavia loved to see her creations enjoyed, and he loved to make her happy.

She smiled as he emptied his plate for a second time. “Nice?”

“Exquisite as always. Thank you.”

“It is my pleasure.” She smiled as he served her another small glass of wine. It was another bottle from Golden Meadows, just like their first dinner together.

They sat there for a time, each lost in their own thoughts. It wasn’t awkward. In fact, that was something that Seth truly loved about their relationship: silences were often as enjoyable as their conversations. They were companionable, meaningful moments.

He slipped slowly at his drink, occasionally throwing a glance over to the mare opposite him. She stared down at the table, her eyes occasionally narrowing in thought. The unicorn fought the urge to speak and stayed silent. Any second now-

“Seth,” she said suddenly, interrupting the pony’s thoughts. “I… I’m sorry. You’re right, there is something on my mind and I… I should be honest with you.”

“What’s wrong?” He looked at her, his eyes soft.

“It’s just… My parents Seth. I… I still feel so guilty about what I did to them.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, genuinely inquisitive as the pieces started to come together.

“I-it’s been years, and I almost feel like I should try to make amends. But I-I’m not sure.”

Seth nodded his head slowly, thinking over his response. “Then do it. Meet your parents and tell them how you feel.”

“But that’s just the thing, I don’t think I am ready for that.” She hung her head, staring at her empty plate.

“Why not?”

“Whenever I start to think about seeing them again, I… I… I just can’t do it, Seth. At least, not yet.”

Seth was quiet, mentally running through plenty of wild schemes to help Octavia face her demons. Yet time and time again, he drew blank after blank. His eyes furrowed in frustration.

“So I guess that leaves us in a pretty useless situation,” she offered weakly.

He laughed, trying to reassure her. “Don’t worry, we will think of something.”

“Will we?”

“We will.”

She looked at him and couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you. For everything.”

“Anytime, you know that.”

Seth swirled his glass around inside a grey aura of magic, deep in thought. He knew that unless he could get the issue of her parents resolved soon, it would continue to eat at her, and that made his coat stand on end.

I have to help her… but how? he mused, taking a drink as he did. Perhaps she needs something before she can face them? But what? Some sort of strength, perhaps? Confidence? Celestia knows even I could use that, especially with my father. My father… my parents… Hang on… my parents!

He jerked up in his chair, his eyes lighting up as he did. “Octavia, I think I have an idea!”

The musician stared at him with her head tilted slightly to one side, not quite understanding his words. “An idea?”

“Yes, an idea!” His excitement was hard to contain.

“…Then what is it?” she asked with an amused kick in the corner of her mouth after Seth said nothing to elaborate.

“Oh, yeah. Well, and bear with me for this one, you said that you can’t face your parents. Understandable. So, why not come with me and we shall go visit my parents?”

“V-visit your parents?”

“Yeah, we can visit my parents and you can build some confidence and we can re-evaluate where you stand afterwards.” Seth was glowing, convinced that his plan was genius.

“Are… are you sure that it will help?”

“Sure I’m sure. It’s about time you met my parents anyway and this could prove to be that spark you need to make things right with your parents. And besides, I think we both deserve a holiday.”

She smiled at that, and looked up at Seth hopefully. “You would really do that, for me?”

“Of course I would.” He smiled back at her.

“Then,” she began, her smile growing larger. “Then I think that sounds fantastic.”

“Wait, you really think it sounds good?”

She nodded. “Yes, I do. You are right, I do need to get away for a time and this could really help. It sounds perfect.”

“Excellent!” Seth was positively over the moon. Octavia liked his plan! He was actually doing something practical to help!

“So where do your parents live? I just realised I’ve never thought to ask,” Octavia asked, interrupting the unicorn’s mental victory dance.

Seth froze. His mind stalled, jarring out of elation into deadlock. Shakily, he attempted to answer, “Uhh, well normally they live in Canterlot.”

“Normally?”

“Yeah, well at the moment they are living at their summer home in… uh, Golden Meadows.”

“Golden Meadows? Oh wow! That is so fantastic! I have always wanted to go to Golden Meadows! They have one of the best-” She stopped suddenly, and Seth watched in silent fear as she recalled a memory. “Wait… so that is why you knew all about Golden Meadows back when you first had dinner at my house.” Her eyes narrowed. “Why didn’t you say that then?”

Seth chuckled nervously, caught red hoofed in the lie. “Well, um, actually… I-I guess I didn’t really want you thinking I was too snobbish or less-deserving if you knew my parents could afford a place at Golden Meadows.”

Octavia’s eyes had softened slightly at his stammering and she had to cover her mouth with a hoof to stifle a giggle. “Is that all? Seth, my darling, there is no way I would have thought less about you in the knowledge that your parents live in Golden Meadows. I think it’s fantastic.”

“I know it’s kinda silly, but you would be surprised at the number of ponies for whom that is an issue. They hear that piece of information and assume I was spoon-fed my entire life.”

“Well,” she said getting up from her chair and walking over to Seth. “I know that’s not true. You don’t have to keep things like that from me, ok?”

He smiled at her. “I know, thank you.”

She kissed him gently and walked back toward the kitchen, presumably to clean up. Seth sat there for a moment, contemplating his plan. He felt uneasy. His own words about being ‘spoon-fed through life’ had triggered something inside of him.

Seth tapped his hoof upon the table slowly; the knowledge that this brilliant plan of his involved seeing his father again formed a knot inside his stomach. He gulped. The unicorn wasn’t quite sure if he wanted to meet his father again. He had little doubt as to what kind of condition their relationship was in at the moment.

He downed the rest of his drink in one gulp, trying to shake his head in the process. Seth massaged his temple with a hoof. His once-brilliant plan had all of a sudden lost most of its appeal.

Over the next few days, Seth made plans for the two of them to visit his parents at their summer home in Golden Meadows. Through a series of short, polite letters, he had informed his parents that he and a guest were coming for a few days and that they should be there by the beginning of next week. His mother’s replies seemed happy enough, a fact that eased the knot in his stomach somewhat. He was actually looking forward to seeing his mother.

As the date drew closer, Octavia became more and more nervous. Seth had to admit, he found it very cute, not that he would ever admit it to her face. Even though Seth himself was not completely at ease with seeing his parents again, he found her uncharacteristically flustered behaviour quite amusing. A by-product of this, however, was Octavia’s frantic packing and re-packing for the holiday. Despite Seth stressing that they wouldn’t be away for any longer than a week, she had packed clothes for near on two.

Whatever makes her most at ease, he had thought when he finally let the matter drop.

Eventually though, without fail, the day arrived for them to leave. Seth struggled slightly under the strain of levitating her bags along with his own. Fortunately, the train station was not too far from his apartment and the day was gorgeous. A few pegasi dotted the brilliant blue sky, making the most of the cool summer day.

Seth had decided, despite the fact that the train ride was only a few hours long, that they should travel in a private car. It was a luxury that made the unicorn feel guilty, why he wasn’t sure, but he wanted everything to go as smoothly as possible for Octavia.

“How long till the train arrives?” Octavia asked, craning her neck left and right in an attempt to see it approach.

“It will be here in a few minutes. Relax, we got here early.” He smiled as he saw her take a deep breath.

“I am relaxed,” she answered half-heartedly.

They stood in the middle of the platform for the train out to Golden Meadows. It was a wide open space, a single sign informing them of the platform number. The terminal building lay behind them, a small stone affair with squat, square windows. They were alone on the platform. Most of the ponies who would be out at Golden Meadows had left at the beginning of summer.

Octavia had begun to tap her hoof on the ground, her eyes darting left and right. Occasionally she would glance down at her cello case by her feet, the one possession she chose to carry herself.

Suddenly, with a sharp whistle, the train appeared, its breaks squeaking as it slowed down.

“The train is here. The train is here! Seth, the train!”

He laughed. “I see it, Octavia, I see it.” She really was just adorable. It was a side of her he had never seen before.

After the train had stopped, two white unicorns and a purple earth pony exited. One of the unicorns was gangly and obviously sweated under the gaze of his older companion. He walked toward their bags as the earth pony spoke up.

“Greetings, Mr. Locarno. Your car has been prepared.”

“Wonderful. Thank you.”

The earth pony bowed, and motioned for Seth and Octavia to follow him onto the train. “Mr. Etiquette and his helper will store your luggage safely, so if you would please follow me.”

Seth stepped onto the train and Octavia followed with a fearful glance back at her cello. “It will be fine,” Seth whispered back at her, noticing her apprehension. A loud thud and the sound of the older unicorn yelling did nothing to abate her fear as the door slid shut.

Seth heard Octavia give a small gasp of surprise. The interior of the train could only be described as luxurious. Lush, mahogany-coloured carpets ran along the floors and leather sofas lined the walls, antique tables placed carefully between them. On the walls, ornate lanterns sat in brackets, interspaced between the windows that were now covered in large, purple curtains. The lanterns were dully lit, creating a homely light inside the cabin.

If she thinks this is impressive, wait till she sees home…

“I hope you find everything to your liking, Mr. Locarno. This rope here will alert one of our staff, should you need any sort of refreshments for the journey,” the purple pony said, motioning toward a golden rope near the door at the end of the cabin.

“It looks superb, thank you. We shall be sure to ask if we require anything.”

“Splendid. I shall take my leave now. Enjoy your trip.”

Seth nodded his head in acknowledgement as the pony left through one of the doors. He turned toward Octavia, a smile on his face.

“So, what do you think?” he asked.

“I… wow. This is impressive.”

He chuckled softly. “Yes, but do you like it?”

“Well, it’s certainly a little overwhelming to begin with, but yes, I do suppose I like it.” She smiled at him lightly, regaining enough of her composure to tease him with a sigh as she spoke.

He laughed. “Excellent, I’m glad you think so.”

They heard a whistle and suddenly, the train began to move forward. Steam slowly drifted its way past the windows, visible through the cracks in the curtains.

“I shudder to think about how much it cost, though.”

“Uhh…” Seth began, “well mother insisted she help us find tickets for the journey over, so probably not as much as they should have.”

Octavia raised an eyebrow. “She has some pull then?”

“Well, in Equestria, with money comes power, so yes, she does.”

Octavia thought that over for a moment before continuing, “Yes I suppose it does, doesn’t it.” She paused, thinking. “You know, I just realised, we have known each other for months now and I have never once asked you about your parents!”

Seth chuckled darkly. “Please, that is probably a good thing. I do not often talk about my parents and rarely by choice. But since you have told me about yours, I guess I should tell you about mine.”

Octavia sat on one of the couches, and Seth followed suit. The train was picking up speed now, the turning wheels creating a soothing rhythm.

“Why do you not talk about them? Do you not get along?” Octavia asked, obviously concerned.

“Well, I do actually. Kind of.” Octavia looked confused and so Seth pressed on. “I get along with my mother, always have. My father on the other hand…” his voice petered out into nothing.

“Why not with your father?” Her brow had furrowed slightly, trying to make sense of Seth’s obvious antagonism for his dad.

Seth sighed. “I guess I should start at the beginning, huh?” Octavia smiled at him, encouraging him to continue. “My Father’s name is Versaille Locarno, my Mother’s is Andréa. Mother was born into a family of incredible wealth and respect, one of the original noble families.”

“Which one?” Octavia interrupted.

“The Pacius family,” Seth replied. Octavia’s eyes grew wider by a fraction. “Exactly,” Seth said, noticing her reaction. “While being nowhere near as visible as a pony like Fancy Pants, they have just as much influence on Canterlot society, just in different ways. They are mainly more political while Fancy Pants is much more social. Anyway, she gave up a fair bit of all that by marrying my father but needless to say, she still commands a fair level of respect as well as being unbelievably wealthy.

“Father is ex-military. He rose up through the ranks rapidly, despite the fact there hasn’t been any conflicts of any sort in Equestria for over a thousand years. When I was born though, he became head of Celestia’s royal guard. However, these days he runs a much more administrative role, working mainly behind a desk to make sure the guard runs smoothly and professionally, but that’s not really important.

“Due to Father’s training, he valued excellence and hard work over everything else. As a result, he pushed me to the extreme to succeed as a foal.” Seth snorted, shaking his head. “I guess I should thank him for that. His pressure got me to work into some very prestigious positions, well beyond my age or experience. But therein lies the problem you see, for Father never stopped. Despite the huge amounts of effort I was exerting, and despite the success and the respect I was winning, he was never satisfied. I could always do better; I was never good enough yet. Things often got… tense and we argued a lot. It was petty, but it hurt.”

He stopped and looked down at the table, his forehead knitted together in concentration, almost like he was casting a particularly hard spell. “It’s just… frustrating,” he finally said after a while.

“Why is it frustrating?” Octavia asked gently.

“Oh… just work in general. I… ponies think that all of my success has been because of my Father’s influence. That because he has such close ties with the Princess herself that he can get her to pull strings in my favour. Of course anypony who knew the Princess would know how ridiculous that is, but that doesn’t stop the rumours…” He frowned again. What he had said was only half true. Why he hadn’t told the truth, he wasn’t quite sure and it made him feel guilty. After all, she had been honest with him…

It’s not important… he rationalised. It’s your problem, not hers.

“Oh Seth, don’t let the lies get to you. Your hard work speaks for itself. You are smart, talented and you have a heart of gold. You know the real you, and don’t let anypony tell you differently.” She spoke with a fire that made Seth smile.

He looked up at the mare in front of him. “I know the real me?”

“Yes. You do. And that’s what’s important, not what others think.”

He thought her words over, looking down at his cutie mark, the golden olive branches looping into a perfect circle. I thought I knew who I was… he thought, holding back the actual words themselves. Not her problem after all.

“Your probably right,” he said after awhile, smiling at her. “Thank you.”

“Of course I am,” she replied with grin. “And you’re welcome.” She reached out a hoof over the table to gently touch his. “Things with your Father will be fine, just wait till he hears about your work with Luna’s Night Court!”

He smiled at her attempt to cheer him up; he smiled as it was working. It was impossible to stay melancholy around her. With a warm glow inside his chest, the unicorn dove into the conversation as the country side continued to roll by.

It was just past noon when the train rolled gently into Golden Meadows. Seth and Octavia, their conversation having long since moved from such deep and meaningful things like their families, exited the luxury car with moods that were very similar to the gorgeous sun that was streaming down upon the town.

“Well, this is Golden Meadows.” Seth said, stating the obvious. Octavia, however, didn’t seem to care at all as she looked around at the buildings around her.

“It’s so… pretty…”

The streets around them were in fact, stunning. Shops lined most of the roads, their ornate windows displaying wares that only the richest suburbs of Canterlot possessed. The buildings were all large, with fronts made entirely of glass. Many had golden lettering detailing the shops names. There were jewellers, cafés, tailers, and upmarket food stores. Walking the streets were ponies, all impeccably dressed, and all with their noses in the air.

What Octavia was referring to though, were the immaculately kept, granite cobblestone roads, and the lush, leafy trees that lined every road, illuminating everything in a cool, green light. It really was beautiful.

“Wait till you see the houses. Canterlot is a place of class, but also function. Here, aesthetics and social statements rule supreme.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Locarno, sir,” said a cultured voice, drawing the two ponies’ attention. The speaker was a light-brown unicorn, dressed impeccably in a purple vest with golden buttons. His moustache, mane and tail were all groomed to perfection.

“Ah, it’s nice to see you again, Francis,” Seth said, smiling slightly. “I trust you are well?”

“As always, sir. I am here to take yourself and your companion to Locarno mansion.” He gestured toward an expensive wooden carriage, pulled by two earth ponies, also dressed in purple vests.

Seth nodded, and turned to Octavia. “I guess I should do some introductions. Octavia, this is Francis. He is the head assistant of my parent’s mansion. Francis, this is Octavia, my marefriend.” Octavia smiled and offered a ‘hello’ while Seth couldn’t help but notice a small twitch in Francis’ professional façade.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Octavia. Now, if you would please come this way.” Without another word, he turned and walked over to the carriage, his tail giving a gentle flick. He said something to the train staff and they began to load their luggage onto the back of the carriage.

Seth looked to Octavia, an amused look in his eye. “After you,” he said, bowing as he spoke. Octavia rolled her eyes but walked ahead anyway.

Seth followed her up the steps of the fully enclosed carriage. The interior was almost entirely purple, the sofas and carpets the same colour as Francis’ and the earth pony’s vests. All of the trimmings, however, were golden, giving the space a feeling of prestige. Using magic, Seth lowered the glass windows, allowing the cool summer breeze entrance.

“The entire thing is designed with its unicorn owners in mind,” he offered in explanation for the unique concept of retractable windows, which only a unicorn could operate.

“Oh… That makes sense. Quite impressive, actually.” She paused as Francis gave a brief word to the earth pony drivers and the carriage began to move. “Your parents really are rather wealthy, aren’t they?”

“Just a bit,” he said, rolling his eyes. “Then again, so are most of the ponies who live here.”

“I can see that.” Octavia laughed.

“Excuse Francis,” Seth said. “He really is a great pony, he just takes his job very seriously. I have known him for most of my life.”

“I can understand that,” Octavia offered in reply.

The carriage was beginning to leave the shopping district of the hamlet, and was now passing houses - houses of course, being a very conservative term for the architectural marvels that were each larger and more brilliant than the last.

Seth looked over at the grey mare beside him, and noticed her troubled expression as she stared out of the window.

“Are you alright?” he asked, moving closer to her.

She smiled and leant against him, thankful for the support. “Just a little nervous,” she admitted.

“Please, don’t be nervous. It will be fine, trust me. My parents will love you. After all, you are sophisticated, talented and accomplished.”

“I know. Thank you.” She leant her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

Seth smiled and returned his gaze to the open window as the carriage rolled along.

Soon, they began to leave the township itself behind them, moving into more open country, dotted by regal looking manors. It was not long, however, before they drew close to their destination.

Seth softly nudged Octavia and pointed out the window. “And there it is: Locarno mansion, in all of its glory.”

Up the gentle hill they were currently travelling, lay a manor of epic proportions. It was separated into three, even sections, each about 100 metres long, joined into a square with the front missing, thus forming a natural courtyard in-between. The entire thing had at least five levels, each floor with a balcony that stretched the entire length of the building. A wide, sweeping, cobble path led up to the courtyard, where a fountain featuring a gigantic unicorn mare, reared up onto his hind legs, water gushing forward from its horn, commanded the attention of all near it.

In the distance behind the mansion, Octavia could just make out the green blur of a forest and the twinkling blue of what she assumed was a lake. Gigantic, wrought-iron gates that she hadn’t even noticed were there closed behind them with a clang.

“Home, sweet home,” Seth muttered.

Octavia silently closed her open mouth.

The carriage rolled up into the courtyard, the fountain making the only sound beside the earth ponies’ hooves against the cobbles. They came to a halt in front of the middle of the centre section, to which Octavia assumed to be the main one. Before either of them could react, Francis had hopped down from his seat on the outside of the carriage and opened the door.

“Welcome home, Mr. Locarno.”

“Thank you, Francis.”

Seth turned and offered a hoof to Octavia, who was right behind him. Grateful, she accepted it, walking down the carriage steps.

“Somepony will be with your bags momentarily. I bid you go ahead, your parents are waiting for you,” Francis said with a bow.

“Again, thank you, Francis. You have been most helpful.”

The butler-pony bowed again in reply.

“Alright, are you ready?” Seth asked Octavia. She gave a small nod in reply. “Excellent, let’s go then.” He gave her a quick peck on the lips before walking up to the main entrance, huge double doors with golden carvings laid out in a very organic pattern - almost like the shoots of a new plant.

Using magic, Seth pulled on a rope next to the door and a faint ringing could be heard inside the house. Seth noticed Octavia take a deep breath. He gave a small smile to which she weakly replied with one her own.

Suddenly, both doors swung inwards, revealing two unicorns, standing regally side-by-side inside a huge, wide open foyer space. The stallion to the left was large and muscular, and despite his age, his white coat still possessed a brilliant sheen. The mare next to him was much more slender and soft, her golden coat and silver mane and tail giving her a very royal appearance. She smiled at the pair in front of her. The stallion, who Octavia could only assume was Seth’s father, appeared significantly less pleased.

“Hello mother, hello father,” Seth said, wasting no time. “This is Octavia, she is my marefriend.”

“Your what?!” The unicorn stallion exploded, his eyes bulging. His wife’s eyes too had widened, her mouth opened in a small ‘o’.

Oh Celestia… Seth gulped, his brilliant plan seemingly crashing and burning around him in a shower of surprise.

A/N: And the story gets moving again! I hope you all liked this chapter. I am really excited for the next few chapters! :D

Chapter 8

Seth stood there, horrified beyond belief at his parents’, particularly his father’s, reaction. Both unicorns gaped at Octavia, neither of them saying a word. The seconds dragged on as nopony moved. Just before Seth was about to grab Octavia and run for the hills, Octavia spoke up.

“It’s a-a pleasure to meet you,” she stammered slightly, obviously trying to keep a cool façade.

Another second rolled by as Seth’s parents just stood there. Seth looked at his father who had only just thrown him a glance of pure surprise before returning his gaze to Octavia.

Hang on, surprise? Why is he surprised? Seth thought, the pieces not quite adding up.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, dear,” Seth’s mother eventually said, her voice calm and collected, contrasting against her earlier silence.

But why is father surprised?!

“Ye… oh, yes!” Seth’s father cleared his throat after his wife nudged him gently. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Versaille Locarno.”

But why was he so surprised?! That looked like disbelief in his eyes… he looked over at Octavia, looking beautiful as always. He looked back at his father, who was staring at her, and then back at Octavia. Disbelief… wait a second… It clicked. OH CELESTIA D-

“Seth, where are your manners?” his mother reprimanded gently. “You never told me about your marefriend.” She tsked politely, shaking her head. “Also allow me to introduce myself, dear. I am Andréa, Seth’s mother. Welcome to our home.” She smiled at her warmly.

“Thank you, it’s great to finally meet you,” Octavia replied, smiling back at them, her confidence clearly returning.

“Yes,” Seth said finally, after counting mentally to three. He was still seething at his father. “It’s so wonderful to see you all. It has been far too long.” Stupid stallion doesn’t believe how attractive Octavia is…

The irony that it was his self confidence that had just been torn up, and not Octavia’s, despite all of her fretting otherwise and his confidence, was certainly not lost on him. This trip was off to a great start.

“That it has,” Andréa replied, smiling at her son. “Oh, I just remembered, you have had a terribly long journey and you must be exhausted! Please, come inside!” She gestured for Seth and Octavia to enter, positively beaming now. “Francis will see to it that your bags are placed in one of the guest rooms. For now though, a tour of the house and then a drink I feel is in order!”

Octavia and Seth walked passed the older ponies and into the foyer. Versaille took one last appraising glance and Octavia and then stared at Seth, the message of ‘how did you get one like that?!’ written as broad as day over his face. Seth felt a particularly black feeling settle on him as he glowered at his father.

“Your home is just beautiful,” Octavia said, just slightly in awe of the building in which they currently stood.

“Thank you, dear. We quite like it ourselves.” Andréa winked at Octavia.

It was indeed, beautiful. The entrance room was about twenty metres long, with glossy marble floors that featured specks of gold to break up the white. Snaking their way from the middle of the room to the back, were two symmetrical, sweeping staircases, also made of marble. The banisters were golden and had been in fact, covered in gold leaf. Along the walls were large portraits of what Octavia assumed were Seth’s ancestors. Between the paintings hung large purple banners, featuring the symbol of a golden circlet in front of the rising sun in the middle.

Andréa gestured that they follow as she walked up the right-hand staircase, Versaille only a step behind her. Seth’s father began to talk as they walked.

“Locarno Mansion is the joint venture of the Locarno and the Pacius families. As the names suggest, both families treasure their historical roots. As I am sure you can no doubt identify by the Reneighssance style names and architecture.”

Andréa turned to wink at Octavia, interrupting her husband as she did. “Anyway, while all very fascinating, I am sure nopony wants to be given a history lesson, so let me show you the rooms.”

Seth breathed a sigh of relief. The history of their families and how this mansion came to be became very tedious after hearing it for the thousandth time.

As the afternoon began to creep in, the four ponies slowly meandered their way through the enormous manor. Octavia was blown away by the sheer size of the place; the lavish trappings only further adding to her awe. The fact that there were over fifteen separate bedrooms, all with humungous princess-sized beds, and an ensuite bathroom to boot, or that there were three kitchens, each the size of her apartment back in Canterlot, did nothing to ease her wonder.

“Of course, despite the wonderful heating system installed into the floor, we never get to use it, as this is only our summer home,” Andréa lamented, disappointment clear in her voice.

And then there was that.

Any room that was not floored with marble featured soft, thick, purple carpet, the same symbol on the banners back in the foyer stitched in gold in the middle floor. In fact, purple was the predominate colour of the entire building, complimented at all times by gold edging in various shapes or forms. All in all, the entire tour took well over an hour, even with Andréa toward the end just pointing down hallways and explaining that down them were only more bedrooms, or sitting rooms, or libraries, or studies.

When they were done, the four of them enjoyed a drink on one of the balconies looking over the gardens. If the house was impressive, then the gardens were something else entirely. They were huge, an organic network of roses, shrubs, fruit trees, flowers and bushes. Everything was arranged into neat sections with twisting paths in between. Spaced throughout were fountains, similar in theme to the one in the entrance courtyard. In the middle of this sprawling metropolis of life, however, lay an open grass field, about two-hundred metres long. Central to this meadow was a gigantic stone statue of six ponies standing around what appeared to be the sun. It was hard to make out details from this distance, but it almost looked like they were defending it.

Octavia took a gasp of surprise when she saw the gardens. “Wow…”

“Ah yes, the gardens,” Andréa said lovingly. “They are the pride and joy of the house. We had statues and fountains shipped from my family’s various estates just for this.”

“It’s incredible,” Octavia breathed.

“I’m glad you think so.”

While the two mares sipped at chilled sparkling water, Seth and Versaille stood awkwardly nearby.

“So, how is work?”

“It’s well, Father.”

“Excellent. I was pleased to hear about your success in re-establishing Luna’s night court.”

“Thank you.” Seth was confused, his father actually sounded… proud.

Versaille nodded and took a sip of the glass of wine he was levitating. Seth followed suit. A silence fell, broken only by the pleasant chatter of their companions.

“You play the cello?” Andréa said excitedly. “Oh how marvellous! Wait, you’re that earth pony prodigy that took the CCMA by storm a couple of months back, aren’t you!”

“You heard about that?” Octavia replied weakly.

Seth smiled, despite all her sophistication; she still had trouble taking a compliment.

“My dear, who didn’t hear about that, should be the real question. Apparently you were simply amazing! We must play together!”

“You play an instrument?”

“I do, indeed. The violin, my dear. Hasn’t Seth told you?”

Octavia shook her head. “No, I don’t think he has.”

“Oh that featherbrain! Well, yes, I have played the violin since I was a filly. But I digress, we simply have to play together!”

“That sounds wonderful!”

Seth reluctantly returned his attention back toward his father. “Nice weather we’re having,” he said eventually.

Versaille nodded. “Indeed.”

Ugh… this is overrated…

“So, Octavia… I assume she is actually your marefriend?”

Seth wanted to scream with frustration. “Yes father, she is.”

“She’s quite the attractive mare. How in the Princess’ name did you manage to get her to fall for you?”

And that, was the line for Seth. He threw his father a dark look and moved over to take a seat next to Octavia and joined in on their conversation. Octavia noticed Seth’s tensed jaw yet said nothing. Neither of them saw the slightly crestfallen Versaille behind them.

Later that afternoon, Andréa had shown Octavia and Seth to their room. It was just like the other bedrooms in the mansion, with a large princess-sized bed standing in the middle of the room. A great window bathed the room in sunlight, its long purple drapes pulled back.

Andréa had retreated soon after, leaving the two ponies alone for a time before dinner that evening. Seth gave a sigh of relief; it was nice to simply relax. Being at ‘home’ had put the unicorn on edge and the conflicts with his father only made things worse.

“This place is incredible!” Octavia exclaimed a second after Andréa had left.

Seth chuckled slightly. “I’m glad you think so.”

Octavia, noticing his half-hearted response, raised an eyebrow. “Are you ok, Seth darling?”

“I…” Seth stopped. “I am fine. Being home feels a little weird, I guess.”

“How did you get along with your father? You didn’t look too happy out on the balcony.”

Seth snorted. “That did not go well.”

“How come?”

“Because nothing has changed, Octavia. Nothing has changed,” Seth responded wearily.

“You’ve changed.” Seth looked up at Octavia’s words. “You have changed. You have changed since I met you, you’re happier now. Maybe you just need to try harder.” Her words weren’t harsh, in fact, they were gentle and honest, a reminder just where reality really lay.

“I…”

“Try please. For me?”

It was those damned eyes again, large, pleading, and filled with concern. He exhaled deeply. “For you.”

Octavia smiled and kissed him gently. “Thank you.”

When they had finished unpacking, Octavia insisted that they go down and visit the gardens. Being a beautiful day and desperately wanting to get out of the house itself, Seth agreed enthusiastically.

Outside, the sun had begun its slow descent towards the horizon, washing the air with an orange light. Seth followed Octavia as she picked her way through the multitude of snaking paths through the garden. She would often stop and take a moment to smell or gaze at particular flowers.

“Seth, these roses, they’re gorgeous. I would love to get some roses for my apartment.”

“They are nice,” Seth replied, paying more attention to the mare in front of him than the flowers.

“Roses have always been my favourite type of flower. I guess that’s probably to be expected considering the cliché of having them thrown at a performer’s hooves.” She paused and stared off into space. “But I liked them before that, actually. We had some small ones growing in our garden back home when I was a filly. Mother always used to let me help water them. One summer’s day, it was really hot so when she was watering them, she tipped the watering can on me.” She smiled at the memory, the expression not quite reaching her eyes. “But that was a long time ago now.”

“Re-live it then,” Seth said gently.

Octavia turned and looked at him, a small smile on her face. “Maybe.”

Seth walked up and kissed her softly, the physical contact expressing his concern and affection better than any words. Sighing softly, she broke the kiss and nuzzled his neck, thankful for the support.

They stayed there for a long time, neither pony wanting to move. After a few minutes, they had sat down on the small strip of grass that lined each section, surrounded by flowers.

“Could you imagine, living in a place like this?” Octavia asked after a while.

Seth laughed. “I did. Well, off and on through the summers. Honestly, it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be.”

“Of course it isn’t.” Octavia rolled her eyes, smiling as she did.

“I’m serious! Especially as a young colt growing up, a place like this is boring. Not to mention it sends all the wrong kind of messages about wealth and power.” Now it was Seth’s turn to roll his eyes.

“Do you miss it, though?”

Seth thought for a moment. “Sometimes. Even if I try to run away from it all, it still was my home.”

Octavia had no reply to that, so she chose to lean up against the stallion instead. They sat and watched the breeze gently rustle the rose bushes, the scratching of the leaves becoming soft background noise.

Without warning, Octavia suddenly jerked upright, her eyes alight.

“Seth, look! A butterfly!” she whispered excitedly, pointing with her hoof.

Seth followed the direction she was pointing and sure enough a small, pale-yellow butterfly danced through the rose bushes, its haphazard flying somehow lithe and graceful.

“It’s so pretty,” Octavia breathed. Seth had stopped watching the butterfly and was instead staring at Octavia, entranced by the pure, unadulterated wonder on her face.

“I haven’t seen a butterfly in such a long time!” It was probably true as well, in the middle of sprawling Canterlot, butterflies just could not be found outside of the Canterlot gardens.

Slowly and tentatively, she got up and began to inch her way closer to the fluttering insect. Seth watched as she carefully placed one hoof after the other, vigilant as to not make a sound. Drawing near to the butterfly, she pounced; her eyes alight with foalhood delight as she began to chase the creature.

“Seth, come on! It’s getting away!”

Seth got up and took after Octavia who was madly chasing after the butterfly. Unable to run through the rose bushes, she was forced to go around, trying to anticipate its movements.

Octavia laughed as she ran, totally carefree. “Seth, go around the other side and tell me if you see it!”

“It’s over here!”

Octavia dashed over to him, her eyes darting back and forwards looking for the butterfly.

“It got away! Come on, it went this way!”

And so they continued the chase, laughing as they went. It was not long before they found themselves in the large central meadow, having long since lost the trail of their quarry. They stopped, struggling for breath as they laughed.

“What was that about?” Seth finally gasped out, still chuckling slightly.

“H-having fun,” Octavia replied innocently, considerably more out of breath than Seth.

“That poor butterfly!”

“It’s good exercise,” Octavia shot back, causing Seth to lose himself to another laughing fit.

“Good exercise indeed,” he choked out after finally catching his breath back for the second time in as many minutes.

Seth couldn’t help but marvel at the mare beside him. What she had just done was so uncharacteristic of her normal sophisticated, upper-class self. And yet Seth was utterly entranced. She had moved with grace and joy, each step seemingly ending with a small bounce. The musician hadn’t stopped smiling the whole time, a large carefree expression, devoid of all responsibility and stress. To Seth, nothing was more beautiful than her smile. Octavia was revealing a side of herself that Seth was sure that hardly anypony had ever seen - and he loved every part of it.

He smiled and relaxed into the grass below him, the lazy summer sun warming his body, utterly content in the moment.

Later that evening, Seth and Octavia made their way to the manor’s main dining room for dinner. It had been lavishly set, especially considering that there were only four ponies eating there that night.

“Octavia, Seth! Please, come on in!” Andréa called out when she noticed the two new arrivals.

The dining room was massive with a long wooden table covered in a purple table cloth making its way down the majority of the hall. Doors led off to the kitchens on both sides, a constant stream of waiters now using them to ferry silver dishes out. The amount of food present shocked Octavia.

“How was your afternoon? Seth’s mother continued as she lit a candle with magic after they had sat down.

“It was wonderful,” Seth said. “I had forgotten how fantastic the gardens looked this time of year.’

“Yes, they are truly amazing,” Octavia agreed.

Andréa chuckled. “I am glad you enjoyed them. But now you must be starving! So please, eat!”

Not needing any more invitation, Seth happily dug in. Octavia was far more civil, carefully choosing her servings. She raised an eyebrow at Seth’s enthusiasm, but chose not to say anything.

It was not long before Andréa started off the conversation. “So Octavia, tell me, how is your music proceeding?”

“Everything is going fantastically, at the moment,” she replied. “The CCMA is hosting myself and my band for rehearsals while we finalise our new set before we start giving performances.”

“The CCMA? My, my, they have taken a shining to you. I am impressed.”

“Well,” Octavia said, blushing. “I am just looking forward to performing again, especially with my friends.”

“That sounds wonderful. We shall be sure to come and see you perform as soon as you finish preparing. I trust you are still able to play with me after dinner?”

“Of course! I can’t wait!”

“Delightful!” She paused to swallow a mouthful of food. “So Seth,” she continued, driving the conversation forward. “How fares your work? Keeping your head above the obnoxiousness of Canterlot?”

Seth snorted slightly, a sound Octavia was not sure his parents were meant to hear. “Work is fine, mother. I am currently helping Red Tape with his irrigation proposal for the western settlements.”

“So small a job?” his father interrupted, his brow furrowed.

“Yes. I am taking a small break after the Luna’s night court.”

Octavia watched as Versaille began to bristle as he opened his mouth angrily, but Andréa cut him off, a dangerous look in her eye. “That sounds lovely, dear. We all need a break every now and then. It can do wonders for the mind.”

Seth nodded in agreement, not able to look at his father. For the rest of the evening, Octavia and Andréa chatted quietly, Seth and Versaille not saying a word.

When they had finished up, Octavia and Andréa had left for Andréa’s private study. It was a large room with a desk in one corner, and two sofas up against the wall by the window. The middle of the room was empty, however, featuring only a single music stand and a chair. Octavia noticed her cello had already been brought up.

“This here is my space,” Andréa said, waving a hoof around at the room. “Everything I love, beyond my family, resides in this room.” She paused, a sad smile entering her eyes. “But regardless, I think it is time we played, yes?”

Octavia nodded, smiling at the older mare. “Yes, that sounds wonderful.”

“I must apologise, I only have the one seat. We can fetch one for you if you wish?”

The grey mare shook her head. “That won’t be necessary. I stand to play.”

Andréa raised an eyebrow. “My, that is certainly impressive.” Octavia knew that she was probably referring to the length of her shows and thus the period of time she had to stand, rather than the rarity of musicians standing in the first place. More than one critic had spoken highly of her endurance, and it seemed Andréa had read a few of those.

“Do you have anything in particular you would like to play?” Octavia asked.

“Well, I hope you don’t mind, but I thought we could start with one of mine. That’s if you are ok improvising for a spell.”

“You write music as well?”

Andréa nodded and pointed to the cutie mark Octavia had yet to pay any attention to. “Of course! Writing music was my special talent.” True to her word, the image of a partly filled musical manuscript occupied her flank. Octavia could not help but notice the aching sense of… something that had weighed heavily upon the golden mare’s words.

“Then I would be honoured to,” Octavia replied.

Andréa smiled at her before going over to a large wooden cabinet on the wall. Using magic, she opened the doors and levitated one the most beautiful instruments Octavia had ever seen. The violin was a deep, dark red with a warbled pattern of deeper shades of almost black reds complimenting the aesthetic. Lacing the sides were organic patterns of gold leaf, arching their way through many twists and turns, all ending at a single point at the instrument’s neck. On the back of the violin was the emblem of the sun that Octavia had seen all through out the mansion, only this time without the circlet. Octavia gasped.

“It’s beautiful,” she breathed.

Seth’s mother smiled at her. “She truly is, isn’t she? My pride and joy.”

Still holding the priceless instrument in her magic, Andréa brought the bow over to her as well. She looked at Octavia expectantly as she sat down, bringing letting the violin rest on her shoulder. Gathering her intentions, Octavia quickly brought up her own instrument and readied herself to perform. When she was ready, she nodded back at the older mare.

Closing her eyes, Andréa began to play. She played slowly at first, the melody reaching forward and washing over the grey mare. The music was sweet, yet sad, filled with a longing for an unspoken freedom. Preparing herself, Octavia soon entered the melody with a deeper, resonating tune, complimenting perfectly with the unicorn’s.

As the song progressed, Andréa started to play faster and faster, clearly building for a climax. Falling naturally into the older mare’s rhythm, Octavia found her own playing increase in speed, her notes shaking the walls of her emotions. As the song progressed, the melody became a bird, soaring toward a freedom it had never known possible, the notes of its existence holding and falling, growing louder and louder. Octavia knew the bird was almost free, that it was almost home and she willed it to be so with every fibre of her being. She ached for the bird to find its purpose, to find its home. And then just when it was all about to come true, it was all over. The cello’s notes being the last to fade into silence. Octavia wiped away a tear, and saw Andréa do the same.

“Thank you,” Andréa whispered. “Thank you.”

Octavia couldn’t bring herself to respond, and so they sat in a silence that still resonated with the memory of the song.

“I was just a little filly,” Andréa had said after a while, “just a little filly born into a world where expectations were everything. I stumbled across my special talent by pure accident, finding books upon composing in one of our libraries. It was a whole new world for me, a world of creation, expression and beauty in a place where everything had been already laid out for me. I practiced diligently, and in that time learned to play violin. I played at a few recitals at the boarding school in which I lived most of the time. Ponies told me I was talented, that Equestria would fall head over hooves for a pony like me. Maybe they were right, but I never found out.

“For you see, I was growing older and my mother had so many expectations for me, none of which involved music. I fought with her. Briefly. But my mother won. She always won. I lost my dream, and it never came back even though I never stopped writing and playing music.” She stopped and looked at Octavia, the tears clear in her eyes.

“Promise me Octavia, please promise me. You are so very talented. Never, never give up your dreams, and never stop fighting for them. Never. P-promise me!” the old mare’s voice cracked.

Octavia was shell shocked. She didn’t deserve this level of trust, this level of commendation. But she knew what the right thing was, and with all her heart, she wanted to follow it.

“I will. I promise you that I will. You have my word,” Octavia said with all the sincerity she could muster.

“Thank you,” the golden unicorn said softly. “Thank you. Seth is so very lucky to have you.”

“He’s… a great pony. He means the world to me,” Octavia admitted with a blush. The words stirred something inside of her, a warmth that brushed away all of the sadness left by the song. She smiled, letting the flame wash over her.

Andréa smiled at her, her eyes twinkling gently. “I can see that, Octavia. I can see that.”

For Seth, the evening was not going as he would have liked. After the two mares had excused themselves, Seth had found himself staring at the one pony he did not want to speak to: his father. Despite the little pony in his head screaming at him to leave, Octavia’s request lingered with him, forcing him to speak up. He would make an attempt to hold a pleasant conversation… for her. Nopony else.

“Dinner was delicious, father,” he forced out, not at all sure that the silence wasn’t better.

His father had long since cooled down since the little episode at dinner and appeared thoughtful. “It was. I am so very lucky these days.”

Seth raised an eyebrow.

“Seth, would you like to join me in my study? We can talk over some scotch, if you would like.” Seth couldn’t help but notice that his father’s words were just as forced as his. The fact that both of them had barely glanced at the other only reinforced this notion.

“Sounds fine to me.”

Ugh, this is like a conversation with Top Hat…

Seemingly pleased, Versaille stood up from the table and left the hall, Seth close behind him. Neither of them said a word as they walked, both deciding that the carpet was a safer investment for their attention.

This truce, however, shattered the minute they entered the study of Versaille Locarno. The study was dark, lit only by a dim lantern in the middle of the roof. The desk was central to the room’s layout, its old, antique timber instantly drawing the attention of anypony who entered. By the window sat a table filled with various crystal decanters, all filled with some sort of amber liquid. Seth had been here only a few times as a colt; his father hated distractions while he worked, or thought… or did anything at all, really.

Versaille walked straight over to the table with the alcohol and poured out two glasses before levitating one to Seth. Both ponies took a sip before the old stallion spoke up.

“A vacation from work, then?” Versaille’s voice was accusing, invasive.

Straight to the point, huh, Father?

Seth, after coming under verbal fire, found himself naturally fighting back. “I’m frankly surprised you know the meaning of the word, Father.”

Versaille’s expression darkened. “Don’t speak that way to me. I am your father, remember that.”

“That you are. That you are,” Seth muttered, taking another sip.

His father ploughed on, “What in the Princesses names are you taking a vacation for? Do you not understand how easy it is to lose the initiative in your line of work?”

“I understand that perfectly, Father.”

“Then why are you throwing everything away?!” his father nearly shouted, his face growing red.

Seth regarded him with a glare, Octavia’s voice having long since faded away from his mind. “Always straight to the point, hmm Father? No subtly, no planning, just straight to whatever it is you want.” He shook his head. “No surprises there, I guess. So in answer to your question, keeping in line with your personal philosophy of bluntness, quite frankly, I’m not sure I want to keep ‘everything’ in my possession anymore.”

Seth watched with grim satisfaction as his words struck home, his father’s expression quickly turning into one of horror.

“But… why, Seth? Why?”

Seth froze; he was not expecting that response.

“Why would you want that? What in the name of all that is peaceful in Equestria could make a pony want that?!”

Much better, Seth thought. Anger he could deal with. His father’s first reaction just made him feel… guilty.

“Because, father, life does not revolve around work for everypony, like yourself. Even if our culture of cutie marks suggests otherwise,” he added, almost as an after thought.

“But you loved work! Work gave you meaning, and I gave that to you!”

“You are correct, father, I did ‘loved’ work. Not anymore.”

“After everything I gave you, you are just willing to throw it all away, just because you don’t want it?!” Versaille was definitely shouting now, and that merely fuelled Seth’s anger.

“Of course! Now the truth is revealed! It truly is just about you, isn’t it? It’s all about what you gave me! Nothing to do with me and what may or may not have influenced my decision.”

“What may or may have influenced your decision?! I will tell you what influenced your decision. You are just lazy! You are too lazy with your head in the clouds after meeting that mare! You need to learn to buck up and face the real world, Seth. Your cutie mark defines who you are, and you better well get back to what it means!”

“Lazy? Head in the clouds?! THAT MARE?!” Seth screamed. “You have NO idea father! Do not even begin to presume to know what is going through my head! I can’t work because my cutie mark is meaningless! Do you know how that feels, to stare at something that is meant to give your life purpose, and realise that it means NOTHING? DO YOU?” Seth was trembling now, unable to contain his rage. His father stared at him horrified.

“Of course you don’t! You have no clue! It’s the ponies like you, father, which made me like this. You all think of nothing but yourselves, yourselves and your position, your place in society. There is no substance to it; there is no substance to me!

“So don’t you DARE presume to lecture me about my cutie mark, and you will NEVER, I repeat, NEVER refer to Octavia as ‘that mare’ again! Do you understand me?! I SAID DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"

Versaille stood, dumbstruck. Seth panted from exertion, every nerve in his body trembling. He stared at his father, unable to say a word, as years of frustration rushed to the surface.

“I just can’t take this anymore! All I ever wanted… no forget it. Just forget this, all of this. Nothing has changed. Nothing will ever change.”

And with that, Seth turned out walked out the door, leaving the glass of scotch on his father’s treasured desk, not at all noticing his father reach dumbly out to him.

Seth stormed through the halls of the place he despised calling home. He was furious. He had briefly entertained the hope that his father might actually understand his problem; after all, that’s what fathers were meant to be for, to understand, and to help. But from his, Seth got nothing but everything he hated from his life.

The unicorn burst open the doors out to the garden with magic and began to run through the rows upon rows of foliage as they streaked past him. He hated this. He hated this with every fibre of his being. He had gotten so close to leaving this behind with Octavia, but now, his father had brought it all crashing back on his head.

Reaching the meadow in the middle of the garden, Seth screamed into the night air and collapsed onto the grass. He was right, nothing had changed.

Back in the house, Octavia and Andrea heard the shout echo into the night. They both looked up in horror.

“Seth,” they said in unison.

“I have to find him!” Octavia shouted, and ran out of the door as fast as she could, letting her cello fall loudly to the ground as she did.

She ran as fast as her legs could carry her, with one word repeating itself in her head over, and over again, laced with more emotions than Octavia could count.

Seth.

She had to get to him, and she had to find him. And nothing, absolutely nothing, was going to stop her.

A/N: Hey there everyone, I hope you all liked this chapter! The pace is really starting to pick up now! :D

A big thank you to Dacaz5 for putting up with me and keeping me going, another big thank you to HeWhoErasesMost for the cover image and a huge thank you to Sessalisk for editing! Also, thank you everybody for reading this! It really means a lot! :) Don't forget to leave a comment or a star rating! See you next chapter!

Chapter 9

Seth lay shuddering in the meadow in the middle of his parent’s garden. He couldn’t believe what had just happened. His father, the one pony from whom he wanted nothing more than respect, now represented everything Seth hated about his life, and, to make matters worse, he had simultaneously broken his promise to Octavia. He hadn’t tried to make things better. He had had just let his emotions run unchecked and uncontrolled. He was no better than them. In fact, he was just like them.

He sucked in a breath in an attempt to scream again, yet couldn’t find the strength. Instead, his head fell meekly onto his legs that were stretched out in front of him, the air exhaling uselessly in a great huff.

Outside, the cool night air was easing the fire of his rage. It was forcing him to think clearly and Seth hated it. He knew he was a foal for yelling, for getting upset like he did, and he was a foal for running like a coward from his problems. He should have been the bigger stallion; he should have just walked away calmly, or even better, he should have stayed. It’s what Octavia would have wanted.

He turned and stared at the pride of the garden, the gigantic stone statue of six mares surrounding the sun, the moonlight casting its shadow over Seth. It was an old family heirloom, something from his mother’s family history. It was meant to represent strength, resilience and harmony. Where were those virtues when a pony needed them most? Where were they when Seth needed them? They had been cast away, thrown to the wind in a temper tantrum, and Seth felt sick because of it.

To make matters worse, the gardens were simply spectacular at night. To his left were the banks of roses where he and Octavia had lost themselves chasing a butterfly that very afternoon. They had been utterly carefree in what was one of the best memories Seth had, and now the moment was gone, replaced instead by an aching loneliness as Seth sat on the grass, the stone statue on his right his only company, staring down at him with all the omniscience of Celestia herself.

Octavia galloped out of the door, still left open where Seth had flung it open with magic. That meant he was out here, which meant he was nearby.

I’m almost there, Seth. I’m almost there.

Octavia was panicked. She was trying desperately to stop herself from freaking out as she ran. It was almost certainly an irrational fear, after all, he was probably (physically at least), absolutely fine. But she cared little for the physical. Her Seth was hurting, and she needed to be there for him. She needed to make things ok, for when he hurt, she hurt with him, and that scream of anger and pain still resonated within every fibre of her being.

She thundered through the gardens as fast as she could. She had a hunch about where he might be and was wasting no time in getting there. The bushes flanking her streaked past as wraiths of the night, their shadows blurring into each other. The moon provided just enough light to see, casting a weak, silver glow onto the land.

She turned hard to the right, entering the rose section. A butterfly, that’s all it had been. She had chased a butterfly like a silly little filly. But Octavia hadn’t cared, for with Seth she had no need to care, because she knew he didn’t care. He liked her for her, and he wanted for her to be nothing but happy. And in that moment, she had been truly happy. Just her and Seth with a butterfly, nothing else, for nothing else mattered.

Gasping for breath, Octavia entered the meadow, the grass cool beneath her hooves. The mare could just make out a pony-shaped shadow by the statue, slumped over, not moving a muscle. She slowly walked over to the statue, her heart racing in her chest.

“Seth?” she asked softly, drawing hesitantly closer.

The shadow by the statue looked up, his features obscured. “Right here, Octavia.”

“What happened, Seth? Are you ok?” Her voice was almost pleading.

The shadow snorted. “Nothing has changed, Octavia, least of all me. That’s what happened.”

“What do you mean, Seth?”

Shadow-Seth sighed, his head hanging slightly. “Greed. Selfishness. Power. It’s a dark enough list, really. In the beginning, I told myself that I would never, ever succumb to those desires. Ponies judged me enough because of my father,” he said, his voice now growing in passion. “I had promised myself! Never for as long as I lived! And then, it happened. I got the Luna job. And do you know what I did? I felt good. Really good. I felt good because I got the job and my rivals didn’t. And that scared me, Octavia. That really scared me. I was watching myself slowly turn into the ponies who I hated the most.

“Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled to help other ponies as well. I always have been. But I had never felt such vindictive pleasure in beating another pony before. So I distanced myself from work, and lied to myself over and over with bottle after bottle of scotch.”

Seth snorted, an expression laden with disgust. But then, he lifted his head, the whites of his eyes just noticeable in the moonlight. “But then I met you, Octavia. Then I met you. I soon forgot about myself, about my work, about my fears. All I could think about was you. And after that, you made me so happy, and for a time, I just forgot, and was happy. You made me feel like a decent pony again.

“But that brings us to the present,” he sighed. “My father. The epitome of all that I had worked for, because he put me on the track to work for it. The epitome of what I was scared of becoming. And then we get here, and I saw that nothing has changed. He’s still selfish, filled with pride, and I’m still too weak to tell him that all I ever really wanted was his approval. That all I-I ever wanted was for h-him to respect me.” Seth stopped, choking on his own words, his head falling down again.

“And then there’s this house,” he continued, taking a breath to compose himself. “This damned house. Look at it, Octavia. Look at it. It’s a home built upon the foundations of everything I swore I wouldn’t be. And do you know what? I like it here. This place feels normal to me, it feels like home. So what have I got left after giving up everything I said I was? After becoming everything I said I wouldn’t be? What have I got?” Seth said, utterly defeated.

Octavia looked down at the pony in front of her, her expression gentle and compassionate. “Oh Seth,” she cooed suddenly, her voice heartbreakingly kind. “Oh Seth,” she repeated, sitting next to stallion and pulling him into an embrace. “How do I have to tell you, Seth? What do I have to say to make you understand?”

“Understand what?”

“To make you understand just how good of a pony you truly are, Seth. That despite all that you have told yourself, you are kind, honest, funny, intelligent, loyal and generous. Everywhere you go, you look at how you can make other ponies happy. You even dedicated your whole life to it!”

“But what does that all count for, Octavia, when I forsake every promise I made to myself? When work, and my cutie mark, becomes meaningless? Where does that leave me?”

Octavia was silent for a time, thinking over her response. Slowly, she lent down and whispered in Seth’s ear, “It leaves you with a new beginning, Seth. It leaves you wherever you want it to take you. Work doesn’t define a pony, we define our work. Just like my music, we change what we love to do. We change it so we love it even more. We make it ours.

“You’re not a bad pony, Seth. You were happy because you succeeded. You were happy because you did well, and you beat ponies who would have been genuinely power-hungry. And that’s something to be proud of.”

“But how do you know? How do you know that? How can you be sure?” Seth’s voice was pleading, trying desperately to find answers.

“I am sure because you are scared, Seth. Because you are terrified of losing who you are. You’re not a bad pony. Trust me.

“And besides,” she added, leaning close to him. “You make my days brighter, you make me smile, and you make life just that bit more beautiful. That counts for something, right?”

Seth suddenly shifted, breaking from Octavia’s embrace. The unicorn pulled himself from the shadows and stood in the soft moonlight. He looked over at the grey mare lying on the grass. She was beautiful; there was no other word for it. Her coat, silky and smooth, and her mane like liquid velvet. And her eyes, those large, purple eyes filled with nothing but concern and love.

Love, Seth thought, the word reverberating softly in his mind. It was a flame, a warmth, a feeling. It had been with him for a long time now, and now, staring at this most perfect mare, after everything she had done for him, and was still doing, he understood what it meant.

“Octavia,” he said, his voice barely louder than a whisper. “That counts for everything. It counts for everything and then some.” He gave a quiet laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Octavia asked, curious.

“Because I just realised something, Octavia. I just realised something and I am happy I did. In fact, I am thrilled.” He smiled.

“What? What was it?” She was curious now, imploring.

He took a step toward her, lowering himself to the ground, his muzzle a few inches from hers. He stared into her eyes, that beautiful purple visible even in the dark. “I love you, Octavia,” he said. “I love you.” He said nothing more, for nothing more needed to be said. He just left the words resonating between them, floating in the air. A little flame inside his heart flickered slightly, growing warmer.

Octavia stared at him, her expression blank. A second passed. Then she smiled; she smiled as a tear made its way down her cheek. Without warning, she threw herself at Seth, knocking him onto his back. Lying on top of him, she kissed him with as much passion and affection as she could. Seth returned the gesture, wrapping his legs around her.

When they finally broke the kiss, Octavia raised her head, smiling down at the unicorn beneath her. “I love you too, Seth. I love you too.”

Beaming, Seth shifted his weight, rolling over and pinning Octavia beneath him. “That’s all I needed to hear,” he said quietly, kissing her again. The little flame was an inferno now, like it had been dreaming of for weeks. Kissing her, the flame flickered happily, breathing joy into the unicorn’s limbs.

They stayed in the meadow for a long time, blissful and elated. They both knew that their problems, fears and trepidations lay just outside the grassy rectangle, waiting for them in the shadows, but they didn’t care. They could wait, and when they did face them, it would be together, not alone.

Seth smiled as he kissed her, and Octavia smiled back at him. Everything that needed to be said had been spoken.

The moon had reached its apex when Octavia finally spoke up.

“Seth, we should go inside. Your mother is worried about you.” She spoke languidly at first, but her voice became more serious as she realised the truth of her words.

“I know,” he replied. “And I should face my father, apologise to him, set things right.”

She smiled at him. “See? We can fix this. Everything is going to be ok.”

He smiled back at her as they got up, and slowly began to make their way back to the house, tails entwined, heart beats thudding harmoniously in their chests.

“Did you ever think,” Seth said after a while, “that when you first saw me that you would end up here?”

“I don’t think anypony does, Seth,” she replied. “But after our first conversation, I wouldn’t have been surprised.”

“Really?”

“Yes. You are something special, Seth.”

Seth was silent, choosing not to say anything. Instead, he leaned up against the mare, the physical contact more than enough.

They picked their way through the garden slowly, not at all in a rush to return to the real world.

A soft glow caused Octavia to start with excitement. Seth paused, looking at the mare hesitantly.

“Look, Seth, fireflies!”

Sure enough, a few of the golden insects could be seen dancing lightly through the foliage surrounding them. The pair paused for a moment, watching the creatures float leisurely through the air.

“They’re beautiful,” Octavia breathed, her eyes wide with wonder.

Seth and Octavia watched the fireflies dance in the moonlight, both of them lost in the moment. They leaned against each other, sharing one another’s presence.

A sudden light flickering on inside the mansion brought the pair back to reality.

“Well, are you ready?” Seth asked, focusing himself.

Octavia tightened her grip on his tail. “Yes,” she said simply.

Walking over to the house, both ponies took a deep breath. The door to the foyer was still open so they entered quietly, their hoof-steps creating soft echoes as Seth closed the door behind them.

Seth could hear voices murmuring from the entrance hall in the room opposite the one they were in now. There were definitely three speakers, his mother and father and another whom he did not recognize. He walked over to the door as the voices became clearer.

“…from Canterlot at this hour?” his mother asked.

“It was top priority, ma’am. The customer paid a ridiculous amount for one day shipping,” said the third, unknown voice. It sounded male.

“But why are you here?” That was definitely his father.

“Because the pony to whom this letter is for wasn’t there,” the voice replied. “I had to fulfil the contract, you see, so I got in contact with her employer at the CCMA and then they put me on to one of her band members, who sent me here,” the voice sounded weary, but Seth was more concerned that they seemed to be talking about Octavia.

“Well we will be sure to look after the letter for her until she gets back,” Andréa said.

Seth felt a shape brush past him. He looked up to see Octavia open the door and walk into the room. She had been listening in as well.

“That won’t be necessary,” she said. “I can take it right now.”

“Octavia, you’re back! Where’s Seth?”

“I’m right here, Mother,” Seth said, following his marefriend into the room.

Octavia was staring expectantly at the pegasus mail-pony in front of her. He fumbled a bit with his bag before withdrawing a single, small letter. “For you, miss. It’s from Trottingham.”

Seth watched Octavia freeze in horror as the pegasus spoke. He felt his own blood run cold. It… couldn’t be…

“T-trottingham?”

“Yeah. Well, I have to be off. Have a good night.” Andréa showed him to the door and Seth moved over to stand by the mare, the letter resting on a hoof.

“S-seth, I…”

He shh’d her gently. “I’m sure it’s fine. Do you want me to read it?”

She nodded weakly at him, leaning against the unicorn for support. Seth’s parents didn’t say a word, staring intently at the scene in front of them.

Slowly and carefully, Seth levitated the letter over, opening it as he did. Inside was a single sheet of paper, the black scrawl of somepony’s mouth-writing clearly visible. Taking a deep breath, Seth began to read.

Octavia couldn’t help but notice as Seth’s body began to tense up, and she saw with frightening clarity when his breath caught itself inside his throat. She looked up at him, pleading with him that it be good news. She had not received any correspondence from Trottingham since the she had run away. Seth’s eyes were locked, re-reading the last sentence over and over, an expression of horror on his face. Octavia began to cry.

“W-what is it, Seth? What do they want?”

Octavia watched as Seth took a deep breath, preparing himself. Her knees began to tremble, tears streaming down her face.

“It… It’s your father, Octavia. He… needs you to come home. Your mother, she’s… sick. Really sick. He needs you to come home before…” his voice shook as he spoke.

“B-before what?” she whispered, shaking as she did.

“Before… before it’s too late.”

A/N: And now things start to get interesting! And just when everything was looking up too... :D

As always, a big thank you to Dacaz5 for putting up with me and keeping me going, another big thank you to HeWhoErasesMost for the cover image and a huge thank you to Sessalisk for editing! Also, thank you everybody for reading this! It really means a lot! :) Don't forget to leave a comment or a star rating! See you next chapter!

Chapter 10

The train sped through the open countryside towards their destination. Trottingham was still several hours away, and to Seth, each second seemed to drag on for an eternity. Again with their own private car, they were given total privacy, a fact Seth thanked the Princesses for repeatedly.

Octavia was distraught. She had barely said a word all through the evening as Seth’s mother had organised train tickets to Trottingham that morning. She had sat numbly at the table while Seth spent his time helping his mother, packing, and holding Octavia, gently stroking her mane. Now, finally isolated from other ponies besides Seth, she had begun to cry.

Utterly unsure as to what to do, the unicorn merely held her as close as he could, gently whispering the meaningless cliché ‘it will be ok’ over and over. Truly, Seth had never felt more hopeless, and his stomach turned every time he thought of Octavia’s situation. The letter itself was only barely legible, covered in smudges that Seth was forced to assume were tears. It had seemed that almost every second word was ‘please’, as Octavia’s father had begged with her to come home.

Staring out at the blurry, green vegetation as it flew past the window, Seth felt Octavia grow quiet, her eyes red and raw. He looked down at her as she sniffed softly.

“Hey there,” he said gently. “How are you doing?” It was stupid and redundant, but he felt better after saying it out loud.

“Kind of thirsty,” she admitted, not looking at him.

Seth levitated over a glass of water he had gotten earlier for her. “Here, drink this.”

Slowly at first, but then with more speed, she downed the entire glass. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“Feel better?”

The grey mare gave a bitter laugh that scared Seth, her throat dry and hoarse. “Not really. I guess this is probably what I deserve. A punishment, if you will-”

“Don’t you dare-” Seth started to say before Octavia interrupted him.

“-I finally find the strength and the will to make things right with my parents, and then I get it all taken away.” She sniffed again. Her eyes seemed unable to shed anymore tears for the moment.

“Don’t. Don’t say that. Not now, not ever. You do not deserve this. Nopony deserves this. And remember, hope isn’t lost. She’s still alive so there might be a way out yet.” Seth spoke the last sentence to breathe hope in to himself, just as much as Octavia. In reality, he had no idea.

“I… I am so scared, Seth.” She stopped, looking up at him with pleading eyes. “I am just so terrified. I haven’t seen my parents in almost ten years since I ran away, and now, without warning, here we are. Possibly to see my mother for the l-last time e-ever.” She stopped again, unable to continue.

Seth tightened his grip on her, hoping against hope that by some miracle of diffusion, he could make her right by love and affection alone. “I know, Octavia, I know,” he said slowly. “This is terrible and it’s beyond unfair. And frankly, I have no idea what I can do to make this better for you. I’m not sure if I can. But remember this, for this is all I can do. I am with you, Octavia. For better or worse, I am with you. Never forget that, please, for it’s all I can offer,” his voice sounded weak in his own ears, yet he meant every word.

Octavia smiled. It was an expression that was filled with a heartbreaking sadness, yet it was a smile nonetheless. “I love you,” she said.

“I love you too,” he affirmed. “Never forget that, please.”

“Never,” she repeated, snuggling in closer, yawning as she did.

“Now please, its still several hours before Trottingham. Try to get some rest.”

Octavia didn’t reply and instead let her head fall softly. She was silent for a time before she finally spoke up again.

“Seth?” she said weakly, struggling to keep her eyes open now that he had mentioned rest.

“Right here.”

“Thank you,” she whispered. “For everything.”

“Anytime,” he replied. “Anytime.”

Octavia nodded, utterly exhausted from the emotional turmoil that she had endured in the last sixteen or so hours. Seth knew that they hadn’t seen the last of it either, and so held the mare tightly within his embrace as she quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Seth gazed at Octavia for a while longer, running a hoof through her mane as he did. He was so worried about her, for truly, he was scared as well. By saying those three words out loud he knew that he had willingly dedicated himself in sharing her emotions, both good and bad. He had said it before, that he wished the world for her, but now, just when things had started to turn around, it looked like the entire thing was going to slip between their hooves.

It’s not fair, Seth thought. Oh Celestia, it’s just not fair…

Heedless to his thoughts, the countryside continued to fly by, just a blur in his peripherals as they headed ever closer to their destination.

It was mid-afternoon when the train finally pulled into Trottingham station. The sunlight outside was brilliant, and there was hardly a cloud in the sky. All around Octavia and Seth, ponies exited the train laughing and smiling, all thoroughly enjoying the good day. The buildings surrounding the platform were small and brightly coloured, the hub of pony-life in the smaller sized city.

Seth watched as Octavia took a moment by the door. She sucked in a deep breath, forced a smile onto her face, and then exited the cabin. It was an expression that didn’t reach her eyes, but Seth knew that she wanted to at least try to appear happy for her return to her hometown. As she stepped down onto the platform, Seth approached her, intertwining their tails. Octavia looked at him gratefully, not trusting herself to speak.

On the platform, the two ponies found the wagon driver whom Seth’s mother had arranged the night before. It was almost terrifying, watching his mother pull as many strings as she had to, to get things to go her way, but like all members of the Pacius family, she had succeeded with alarming efficiency. For once though, Seth wasn’t complaining about the abuse of his mother’s position.

The pale-yellow wagon driver greeted them enthusiastically. “Good mornin’, sir!” he said. “Welcome to Trottingham!

Mimicking Octavia’s forced smile, Seth returned the sentiment, “Greetings. I apologise for calling you out at such short notice. It was an emergency.”

“Aww, that’s not a problem at all. I’m happy to help.” Seth was surprised to see that the earth pony driver actually looked like he meant it, a large smile across the yellow pony’s face. “So, do you good folks have bags that I can take care for you?”

Seth motioned over to where the train staff had unloaded the small pile of their belongings. He smirked as he watched the wagon driver’s face whiten at the size of the bags.

He chuckled slightly. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you.”

“I’m mighty appreciative of that, sir,” the wagon driver said, clearly relieved. He made his way over to the bags. “Say, I didn’t catch your names. Mine’s Turnover, pleased to meet you.”

“Seth,” the unicorn responded, levitating a couple of bags over to the wagon. “I’m Seth and this is Octavia.”

Seth watched as Turnover’s face drained of all colour again at the sound of Octavia’s name. “Octavia…?” he breathed. “Grafton and Orchid’s filly?”

“Yes,” said a weak voice coming from Octavia, her first words to the wagon driver. “It’s nice to see you again, Turnover.”

“Well I’ll be! I’m mighty sorry I didn’t recognize you sooner, Miss Octavia. I…” He paused, suddenly very unsure what to say next. “I’m so glad your home. Your papa needs you, Miss. I’m so sorry for everything.”

“Thank you,” Seth covered for Octavia. “That means a lot. But I don’t think we should stay much later.”

“Well, I agree with you, sir. Let’s get those bags lifted up.”

The ride over to Octavia’s childhood home was mercifully short. Seth had little to do other than let the grey musician rest upon him and stare out into the bright and vibrant town. The contrast between their little sphere and the outside world left the unicorn feeling isolated and secluded. Something he was sure Octavia was experiencing as well – he could feel her heart rate refusing to drop down back to normal levels.

“It will be ok,” Seth whispered to her for the thousandth time that day.

Octavia didn’t reply.

The carriage lurched slightly when it pulled up in front of a small, white house on the outskirts of the city. A garden with neatly tended flowers gave the scene a burst of colour and life. A small path led up to the porch, where two rocking chairs looked out onto the foliage. Seth heard Octavia whimper slightly.

“It hasn’t changed in the slightest…”

“Remember, I’m with you.”

“I know.”

As the two ponies stepped down from the carriage, Turnover had already started to unload the bags and ferry them over to the porch. With Seth helping him, it did not take long to have them all stacked up neatly against the house. The yellow earth pony stood around awkwardly for a moment.

“I guess I leave ya here,” he said, rubbing the back of his head with a hoof. “I… Best of luck, I sure hope everythin’ works out ok.”

“Thank you, Turnover,” Seth replied. “You have been most helpful. We appreciate it.”

“Aww, not a problem. If you need me again, send me a letter, kay?”

“Definitely.”

“Well… See you around. It was nice to see you again, Octavia.”

“You too, Turnover,” the mare whispered.

With that, the wagon driver took his leave, soon disappearing around a corner after one final wave goodbye. Seth turned to his marefriend.

“Go ahead. I am right behind you,” he said gently, kissing her lightly.

Octavia nodded and turned towards the door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked three times. Everything was silent for a moment, neither pony daring to breathe, before the door suddenly flung open, a slightly dishevelled black earth pony stallion standing in its place. He looked at the pair in front of him dumbly, blinking several times.

“Oct… Octavia?” he finally whispered.

“Father!” Octavia cried out, throwing herself at the stallion.

“Octavia! It’s really you! You came back!”

“Of course I did, Father. I’m so sorry, I am just so, so sorry.” Octavia started to tear up again, clinging to her father with both forelegs wrapped around his neck.

“None of that now.” He hushed her gently, lowering her back down to all fours, nuzzling her as he did. “I am just so glad your home. Your mother…” he paused and took a deep breath. “She’s in a bit of a rough patch at the moment.”

“W-where is she?” Octavia asked.

“The hospital. We will go and see her as soon as we can. But first, Octavia, I think you have skipped an introduction.” The stallion chuckled weakly, his attention on Seth now.

“Father…” Octavia began, suddenly seeming very nervous. “T-this is Seth. He’s my coltfriend.” Seth fought back a wince as Octavia’s father raised an eyebrow. “He’s the real reason I’m here,” she continued. “Without him, I don’t think… I don’t…”

Her father silenced her with a soft hush, and then turned to Seth, a sad smile now on his lips. “I guess I should thank you then for bringing my Octavia home.”

“It was nothing at all,” Seth said, not at all sure what more he could say.

“Well I certainly appreciate it. I’m just thrilled she’s here. Please come and sit. We can talk over a drink.” He turned and began to leave the entrance hallway before he stopped looking back at Seth. “I just realised I forgot. I’m Grafton.” He reached out with a hoof and Seth shook it.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

Grafton chuckled at that.

Seth followed the two ponies into the dining area. The house was comfortable, Seth decided. Every inch of wall space was covered in bookshelves, paintings or other pieces of furniture. The wooden floorboards were shiny and worn. There was a small upright piano in the corner of the lounge room. On top of the piano sat several trophies, all clearly musical themed. A photograph of a small, grey filly with a dark mane sat in amongst them. Next to the photo, a huge white rose, set inside a frame and preserved behind glass sat in the centre of the display.

Once they were all seated and Grafton and poured them all drinks, Octavia wasted no time in speaking up.

“Father, please, what is the situation with mother?”

Seth watched as the black stallion sighed slightly before answering his daughter, “Nopony’s completely sure, Octavia. All we know is that it is some kind of disease and it’s essentially wasting her away. The doctors have tried all of the conventional types of medicine and nothing is working… and… and her body is fading quickly.” His voice was sad, yet controlled. Seth marvelled at the pony’s strength.

“But… but where does that leave us, father?” Octavia almost pleaded.

Grafton shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “Well, there is one option left that could make her all better,” he said slowly, picking his words carefully. “But nopony is promising that it will work,” he added hastily.

“But what is it?”

“A type of unicorn magic that some doctors in Canterlot are experimenting with for this type of disease. Nopony is sure whether or not it will work yet. So all we can do is hope.”

Octavia nodded her head, trying to stay strong. “W-when can we see her, Father?”

“Soon,” he offered. “She practically kicked me out. Told me I required rest.” He smiled ruefully.

Octavia chuckled. “Oh Mother…”

Grafton took a sip of his drink. “I’m just so glad your home, Octy…”

“Father I’m so-”

Grafton silenced her by raising a hoof. “Again, none of that now. That’s all in the past. I just can’t believe your home. I never thought you would reply or even get my letter. Your mother is going to be thrilled as well. I can’t tell you how good this will be for her.”

“I love you, Father,” Octavia said softly, her eyes misting over again.

“And I love you too.” He smiled at his daughter. “But now,” he continued in a louder voice, looking at Seth. “Tell me about yourself, Seth. I would just love to get to know the stallion who whisked my daughter off her hooves and brought her home.”

Seth took a deep breath as Octavia blushed deeply.

Well, I should’ve guessed this was coming… he thought sullenly. Time for an inspection.

Thankfully, or at least as far as Seth was concerned, the conversation had been brief and relatively painless. Grafton seemed pleased with Seth’s job and complimented the unicorn for his ‘good manners’, causing both Seth and Octavia to blush.

However, Grafton could not keep Octavia from visiting her mother for long. She constantly glanced at the clock, anxious for a time that she had never been told when she could finally see her mother.

Finally, Grafton relented and ushered them out of the homely kitchen. It was time to go to the hospital. Seth watched with interest as the black stallion’s voice increased in speed ever so slightly as he spoke, betraying the emotion Seth was sure was raging inside of him.

His façade is good, but not everypony can keep this inside of him forever, Seth thought. At least Octavia’s father’s apparent ease was keeping her calm.

The journey to the hospital was short, barely a five minute walk. The day outside was beautiful, a fact that none of them commented on. In fact, nopony really said anything. Seth smiled at Octavia, however, when he felt her wrap her tail around his as she gently leant up against his body. Seth could swear he saw Grafton smile as well.

Ugh… I hate hospitals. It wasn’t an uncommon sentiment, the unicorn knew, but he couldn’t think of anything else as he stared around at the sanitized plastic benches arranged into rows of chairs bolted together. The waiting room was fairly crowded, with a few ponies sitting anxiously or bored around them. Octavia sat next to Seth, staring at the floor.

“Does… is she angry at me, Father?” Octavia asked softly after a time.

Grafton looked at his daughter for a long time before answering, “No. Neither of us were, Octavia. We were devastated that we had done wrong by you. Honestly, we wanted nothing more than to have you come home to us.”

Octavia stared at him, her mouth opened in horror. Before she could speak though, Grafton continued, “But I’ve said it before, Octy. That’s in the past. We love you and you’re here now. That’s the important thing.” He smiled at her kindly. “And if you don’t believe me, just ask your Mother.”

Octavia and Seth both looked up as a nurse approached, obviously seen by the older stallion.

“You can go in now. Down in room five,” she said gently before moving off.

“After you,” Grafton said to Octavia, gesturing down the correct hallway.

Seth followed the two ponies as they walked down the linoleum floors toward the sick pony in question. He watched as Octavia’s pace varied haphazardly, a clear sign that she was nervous. His stomach turned.

Please, please let this go well, he thought, sending a silent prayer to anypony who wanted to listen.

The unicorn looked up as their small party stopped. The metal number on the closed door informed them that this was their destination. Octavia looked at her father for instructions and he just merely intoned his head toward the door, gesturing she continue.

Slowly, hesitantly, she pushed open the door and entered the small room quietly. A single bed lay in the middle of the room, it and the machines on either side, taking up most of the space. A single window let the afternoon sunlight stream in, illuminating an earth pony lying in amongst the sheets.

“Mother!” Octavia gasped, rushing to her side.

The ash-coloured mare stared at the pony beside her, blinking slowly, unable to comprehend what she was seeing.

“Octavia… can it be? Is… that really you?”

“Yes, Mother! It’s me! I’m here and I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! Please forgive me, I never meant to hurt you! I will never leave again I promise!” Octavia was crying now, unable to keep back the emotion.

Her mother looked at her daughter with an expression that blew Seth away. It was devotion, absolute pure adoration. Smiling, she slowly reached up a hoof to stroke Octavia’s face, quietening her.

“Hush little one. There is nothing to forgive.” Her voice was weak and raspy, and she moved her hoof with obvious difficulty. “You’re back to me. That’s all that matters. Nothing more.”

With great speed, but also care, Octavia wrapped her hooves around her mother’s frail body. “I love you, Mama, I love you so much. I am so, so sorry.”

“I love you too, Octavia. I love you too.” The mare looked beyond her daughter and towards the other two ponies who stood in the room with her. “My, my, Octavia,” she said weakly, attempting to tease. “Who is this dashing young stallion you’ve brought along?”

“That’s Seth, mama. He’s my coltfriend and he brought me home.” Seth’s heart skipped a beat at the love and confidence that Octavia now spoke with.

“It’s lovely to finally meet you. Octavia has told me so much about you.”

“Has she now? I am Orchid, as you probably know.” Orchid coughed, her breath coming in short wheezes. “Well, thank you for bringing her home. It means a lot to us.”

“It was the least I could do.”

“Regardless, thank you,” she offered him a weak smile. “Now my dear,” she said to Octavia. “We keep hearing impressive things about you and your music. Your father and I are so proud…”

Seth watched as Orchid spent as much time as she could talking with her daughter. Octavia put on a brave face, Seth could tell, but every time her mother coughed or lost the strength to hold up her hoof, he watched the grey musician wince in pain.

They talked for over half an hour about anything they could. However, when one of the machines started to beep, a nurse entered and asked that they all leave for the night. The patient needed her rest. Heartbroken, Octavia bid her mother farewell as the older mare held her daughter close.

“I will see you tomorrow, Mama. I promise.”

“I know you will, my dear. Have a good night, and remember, I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Octavia walked back over to stand by Seth, who offered Orchid a tentative smile as the two of them walked out, leaving husband and wife to talk briefly.

“And Seth,” Orchid called out to the pair, “once again, thank you.”

“It was my pleasure,” Seth replied, looking at Octavia as he did, her purple eyes misting over in equal parts joy and sadness.

Seth and Octavia left the hospital, the mare leaning against the unicorn for support, holding back the floodwaters of emotion. He kept her close though, fulfilling a promise to her that he wanted to keep with every fibre of his being.

As the sun slipped below the horizon, the two ponies walked the now-emptying streets together.

Back inside her parents’ home, Octavia finally let the stress and pain of the day get to her. She had stumbled into her old bedroom, and upon finding it almost completely unchanged since the day she had left, burst into tears on the bed.

Thankful that Octavia’s father had given them privacy for the night, Seth held her close, stroking her mane. He felt utterly helpless again. Seeing Octavia in this much pain was torture and there was nothing more he could do to make things right.

She clung to him desperately, letting all the emotion she had built up inside the hospital out.

“I love you,” Seth whispered in her ear.

Octavia didn’t reply, yet tightened her embrace on the unicorn, her body shaking with pain.

Hurting, frustrated and exhausted, Seth held Octavia while she wept as the sun disappeared, heralding the beginning of a long, long night.

Over the following week, they slipped into some sort of a routine. Each day they would go over to the hospital and Octavia and her mother would talk for as long as she could. Occasionally, Orchid would ask Seth questions, and he would answer them with as much detail as he could. She seemed to appreciate that.

She asked him about his job and about what kind of ponies he encountered in Canterlot. She asked him about Octavia and what he thought of her music and her friends. She even briefly enquired about Seth’s own family.

“Pacius?” she had said, her eyebrow raised.

“Yes,” he had replied.

“That’s interesting.”

“How come?”

“You don’t seem like a Pacius,” she answered simply. Seth had looked at her quizzically at that, but she didn’t elaborate any further.

They had begun the experimental treatments, and while her condition wasn’t getting worse, there hadn’t been any noticeable improvement. The fact that there was no change pleased the couple at first, but as the week wore on, Octavia became more and more withdrawn.

Some nights she would cry in Seth’s embrace and others she would simply lie awake, up as close to the unicorn as possible. Either way, she spoke little and while she seemed to live off constant physical contact with him, he was achingly worried about her.

Six days after arriving, the two ponies sat on the grass in the middle of Octavia’s backyard. Around them were multitudes of flowers, all different colours and size. Seth had taken her outside to enjoy some sunshine and she was lying on her fore-hooves, her eyes closed, drinking in the sun’s warmth.

“The garden here is magnificent,” Seth said to her, attempting to prompt some conversation.

To his surprise, she smiled. “Yes it is. It’s my mother’s pride and joy. She’s a floral designer, you see.”

“Is that why you loved the gardens back at Locarno Mansion?”

“Yes,” she replied. “Because of my mother, I learned to adore flowers.”

“I can see why.”

“I remember one time when she took me out the meadows outside Trottingham as a filly. She said she needed my help to collect enough daises for an order. Of course, nopony needs daisies for decoration, but I didn’t know that, nor needed to know that. I was spending time with my mother and that’s what was important. We spent hours out there, filling up our baskets with flowers. We would chase butterflies, and lie in the grass, watching the clouds move across the sky.”

She paused, smiling as she remembered the memories. “That’s why it was so important to me to help her look after her roses. Roses have always been her favourite, you see, and for her to help me take care of her pride and joy… it was special.

“One time, we were having a picnic in the Trottingham gardens. I would have been young, probably before I joined the Academy. Being the little filly I was, I wandered off, searching for butterflies. However, I stumbled across this one, lone rose bush, hidden amongst some other plants. On the bush was a gigantic white rose, its petals the cleanest and most gorgeous I had ever seen. I was overjoyed! I could not believe it. So as carefully as I could, I picked the flower and rushed back to my mother to show her my discovery. When she saw it, she told me it was the most beautiful flower she had ever seen and that she would treasure it always. So she had it framed and told me every night before I went to bed that the rose was our love for each other…

“…That was one of the best days of my life,” she finished, a single tear making its way down her face.

Seth reached down and gently kissed the tear away. She opened her eyes, and despite the tears in them, smiled.

“I love you,” she said gently.

“I love you too,” he affirmed, smiling back at her.

Neither of them said another word, the simplicity of the moment sending out ripples of beauty. Even in the depths of despair, they had each other. And that counted for a whole lot.

“Octavia!” Grafton’s voice suddenly rang out over the garden, causing both ponies to jump. “Octavia! Seth! Come quickly, we have to get over to the hospital!”

Before Seth could react, Octavia was already racing across to the house. Not wanting to miss anything, Seth took off after her. Grafton stood on the porch, his posture slumped forward, his eyes pleading.

“W-why?” Octavia demanded, her voice shaking.

“They wouldn’t say,” Grafton replied. Seth felt his stomach turn when he clearly heard the panic within the pony’s voice. Grafton didn’t panic, he had never panicked… unless…

“What do you mean, ‘they wouldn’t say?’” Octavia asked, coming to the same conclusion as Seth. “That sounds like… oh no… Oh Celestia no…”

“I don’t know, I just don’t know,” Grafton whispered. “We have to go, I… we have to find out.”

“Alright then,” Seth said firmly, watching as Octavia started to freeze up, her breaths coming in faster and faster. “Everypony listen, we are going to get over to the hospital, ok? Nopony panic. We do not know what this is yet.” Taking charge felt good. Taking charge meant that he couldn’t panic himself.

His newfound charges nodded numbly as Seth led them to the door.

Please, if there is any justice in the world, show mercy… please.

The hospital staff looked up expectantly when the trio cantered into the reception area. It was quieter today with significantly fewer ponies about. Seth supposed that this was a good thing.

“My… my wife…” Grafton gasped, trying to suck in air.

“Yes. Orchid,” one of the nurses said, reading off a sheet of paper. “Sir, we have something to tell you. If you would please follow us,” the nurse continued, her face devoid of all expression.

“Is… she alright?”

“Sir, that’s a conversation we would rather have someplace private. The doctor is waiting for you in the other room, so if you would please follow us.”

Reluctantly, Grafton followed the nurse, his brow covered in sweat. Octavia started to follow but the nurse turned to her.

“I’m sorry, but we have to tell her husband first.”

“But I’m her daughter!” Octavia cried out in disbelief.

“I’m sorry,” was all the nurse offered in reply before taking Grafton into a room just beyond the reception desk. There was a window facing out into the corridor and so Seth and Octavia rushed over to peer in.

They watched Grafton walk up to what they both assumed to be the doctor, a brown unicorn dressed in a lab coat and wearing a stethoscope. They couldn’t see his face clearly due to the angle he was standing, but they could see Grafton’s, his eyes scared and confused.

“Please…” Seth heard Octavia whisper as they looked on, unable to hear a word.

The doctor began speaking to Grafton, his lips moving too fast to make out words. They watched the black stallion’s eyes grew wide and he began to shake.

“No…” both ponies whispered, horrified. “Oh please no…”

And then, just as the doctor appeared to be finishing, Grafton collapsed heavily to the floor, causing the medical stuff to jump in surprise.

“No!” Octavia screamed, rushing to the door. “PAPA!

Celestia no…

A/N: Another cliff-hanger! I am a terrible person, I know. :D Thank you everyone for reading! We're almost at the end of this little story of ours, and things are pretty exciting.

A big thank you to Dacaz5 for putting up with me and keeping me going, another big thank you to HeWhoErasesMost for the cover image and a huge thank you to Sessalisk for editing! Also, thank you everybody for reading this! It really means a lot! :) Don't forget to leave a comment or a star rating! See you next chapter!

Chapter 11

Octavia and Seth burst into the room, her father’s crumpled form on the floor in front of them. Seth’s heart was stuck in his throat, and Octavia’s face was a picture of terror. Her eyes were wide, and her whole body trembled.

“Papa!” she screamed. “Papa!”

She raced over to her father’s body, holding him upright. The medical staff all opened their mouths to speak, but Seth cut them off.

“What happened?! What did you tell him?!”

The staff, looking confused, began to speak again, only this time they were cut off by the sound of laughter. It was a weak, pitiful sound at first, but grew louder as all of the ponies in the room turned to look at the sound emanating from the black earth pony on the ground.

“Oh Celestia. Oh bless her and Luna both,” he whispered in between chuckles of mirth.

“Papa? What’s going on?” Octavia queried tentatively.

Her father hugged her tightly, tears making their way down his face. “Oh thank the stars. Octavia, she’s going to be ok.”

“WHAT?!” both Octavia and Seth yelled.

“She’s going to be ok. The new treatments, they seem to be working.”

“But… how…” Octavia spluttered, not comprehending.

“Well we can’t say for sure,” the doctor interjected. “But yes, since early last night, her condition has started to rapidly improve. A little later than what preliminary tests indicated should have happened, but regardless, it’s positive indeed. The team at Canterlot will be thrilled.”

“So… she really should be ok?”

“Well, if everything goes according to plan, then yes. We expect her to make a full and speedy recovery.”

Octavia’s mouth dropped slightly, staring up at the doctor. Giving her father one last squeeze, she raced over and threw her legs around the doctor.

“Thank you! Oh thank you so much!”

“It’s… nothing,” the doctor wheezed out under Octavia’s crushing embrace.

Seth stood there, relief washing over his body in waves. He could not believe the good news. He smiled at Octavia, who looked to him over the doctor’s shoulder. Suddenly desperate, she released him and ran over to Seth, throwing herself into his embrace, letting him take the full weight of her body as she wrapped both of her front legs around his neck. Reaching with one hoof around to hold her close, Seth nuzzled her gently. As he did, Octavia began to cry, laughing as she did.

“It’s going to be ok,” she whispered. “It’s going to be ok.”

“Yes it is, darling,” he replied. “Yes it is.”

The three ponies entered room five with baited breath, not daring to get their hopes up despite what the doctor had told them. Greeting them, however, was a smiling Orchid, now sitting up against her pillows. Shadows still rested under her eyes, and her mane was still dishevelled, but she raised a hoof in welcome when her family entered, and this time, it didn’t shake.

“Mother!” Octavia cried out, her relief filling up the room.

“Hello, Octavia,” her mother replied, smiling. “I see you have heard the good news.”

Octavia nodded her head, her eyes beginning to mist over again.

“Hello dear,” Grafton said softly, his smile large and overjoyed.

“It’s nice to see you, Grafton,” she replied simply, her expression obviously communicating something profound that only he was meant to understand.

Seth stood nearby, not at all sure what to do or say. He was happy, but this felt private, something for the three of them only. However, he didn’t want to leave Octavia without an explanation. Fortunately, Orchid saved him.

“It’s a pleasure to see you too, Seth,” she said.

“I am so happy to hear about your good news. It’s brilliant.”

“Thank you. It means a lot to me.” She stopped and looked back at Octavia, whose eyes had not yet cleared. Gently, she raised a hoof to stroke her daughters face. “Grafton, would you two please give us a moment?” she asked gently, smiling apologetically at the two stallions.

“Of course,” both Seth and Grafton said simultaneously, leaving the room. They closed the door behind them in an effort to give them some well-deserved privacy.

Out in the corridor, Seth heard the older pony give a sigh of relief. He was surprised by how little he had said to his wife. If it had been Octavia in there, he would have settled for nothing less than hours of conversation.

There were small plastic chairs in the hallway, and Grafton planted himself heavily on one. His eyes were closed, and there was a small smile on his face. Seth began to pace, feeling anxious from being away from Octavia. Her tears still lingered on his shoulder, slowly evaporating into the dry hospital air.

“You can relax, you know,” Grafton’s voice drifted over to Seth. He hadn’t opened his eyes. “Octavia will be fine now.”

“But…”

“I know it’s hard, but she needs this.” He opened his eyes, now smiling at Seth. “And trust me, thanks to you, she will be fine now.”

“I didn’t do much…” Seth muttered, not holding the older pony’s gaze.

Grafton chuckled softly. “Yes you did. Don’t sell yourself short. I’ve seen Octavia look at you, how she acts around you. She would do anything for you, and if she says that you got her to come here, then I’d believe it.”

“It… it was the least I could do,” Seth offered half-heartedly.

“Perhaps in your eyes.” He paused, thinking. “But I suppose I should be thankful for that.”

“What do you mean?” Seth inquired.

“It makes me think that you truly did it for her, and not for whatever you could have gained from it. Maybe it’s foolish to think like that, but I am her father, after all.” The black stallion smiled sadly as he spoke.

“Well… if it helps you in any way, then know this - I wanted nothing else but for her to be happy, for her to be happy knowing her family still loved her.” Seth spoke carefully, trying to best explain his feelings to his love’s father without giving away an embarrassing amount of detail. He wasn’t sure he was succeeding.

Grafton nodded slowly, contemplating the unicorn’s words. “I’m glad to hear that. That’s frankly quite mature of you.”

“It’s the truth,” Seth admitted.

Grafton nodded again, seemingly satisfied. A brief silence fell over the pair.

“Seth.” The earth pony's voice indicated a sudden shift in the focus of their conversation. “I have a favour to ask.”

“Of course,” Seth said, confused.

“Look after my daughter, please. She’s come back to me now, but I’m not sure what more I can do. The way she reacted back in the waiting room, it’s clear to me that she relies on you emotionally. So please, don’t let her down. Look after her, keep her happy. For her… for me.”

If it had been anypony else, Seth would have laughed at the absurdity of such a claim. The very thought of treating Octavia badly was as much a fantasy as zombies were. There wasn’t a shadow of doubt within the pony’s mind about what constituted happiness for him, and that was her happiness. Despite this, however, Seth hesitated now. This was different. He was well aware of the gravity of the request coming from her father, and while his answer would not change, he still felt a little daunted by the task the older pony had just set in front of him.

“I promise,” he said, looking Grafton straight in the eyes. “Nothing would make me happier.”

Grafton nodded, seemingly satisfied with his response. Sighing gently, the stallion closed his eyes and rested the back of his head against the wall. Seth breathed a gentle sigh of relief.

Grafton cracked open an eye and smiled mischievously at the relieved pony.

“Don’t worry, you passed,” he said, winking.

Seth laughed and sat down next to the earth pony. He closed his eyes, suddenly realising how tired the last week had left him. He was just falling off to a light sleep when he heard Grafton’s voice drift over to him lazily, “I don’t know about you, but I could use a drink.”

Seth snorted with laughter. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Octavia stood next to her mother’s bedside, basking in her presence. It felt good to be simply near her mother again. It felt even better knowing that she would be ok.

Her mother looked at her kindly. It was a look that made the musician feel terrible, washing away most of the happiness that had grown in the news that she would make a full recovery. She didn’t deserve kindness, not after what she had done. Suddenly fighting back tears again, she looked away.

“You blame yourself so much…” her mother said softly.

“How can I not?” Octavia replied. “Look at what I did to my family. How can anypony be forgiven for that?”

“Because,” her mother began more firmly, “the blame does not lie squarely with yourself.”

“Of course it does!” Octavia exclaimed. “I ran away from you, from Father, from everything you had done for me. And for what? Because I was upset with school? That was selfish and foalish and I know it.”

Orchid didn’t reply at first, and instead propped herself up a little higher on her pillows. It was a slow movement, but Octavia could sense the satisfaction her mother gained from being able to move at all. Slowly, she looked back toward the older mare.

“But you were young, Octavia-”

“How does that excuse anything?” Octavia interrupted. She fell silent when her mother raised a hoof.

“You were young and you were our responsibility. And in that sense, we failed you.”

“No…” Octavia said, horrified by what her mother was implying.

“It’s true, Octavia. And as parents, that’s the way both your Father and I see it. For that, we are both so, so sorry.”

Octavia leaned up against the bed and hugged her mother close, definitely crying now. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”

“But that is in the past,” Orchid whispered to her daughter.

Octavia loosened her grip and moved back to look at her mother. “All I care about is that you are home. You are safe, and you are happy. And that makes me happy. Just to see you again, just to lay eyes on your beautiful face makes me the happiest I’ve been in years.”

“I’m so sorry, Mother,” Octavia repeated. “I love you. So much.”

“I know,” Orchid said. “I love you too.”

“Always?”

“Always,” her mother replied, kissing her forehead gently.

They fell into a comfortable silence. There was an impasse of blame, hurt and frustration, and while Octavia knew it would linger, it would certainly only get better from here. She smiled, taking a deep breath, letting the air fill her lungs.

“You know, I always kept that white rose,” Orchid said after a while.

“You did?” Octavia replied. She had seen the rose, but to hear her mother acknowledge it made her heart skip a beat.

“I did,” she affirmed, a smile on her face. “It still is the most beautiful flower I have seen in my life. And it always will be. After all, it’s yours.”

Octavia hugged her mother tightly, not trusting herself to speak. Yes, things would definitely get better.

Over the course of the following week, and true to the doctor's words, Orchid's health improved rapidly. Three days after the good news, she could walk again, albeit only within her own room. Regardless, Seth was stunned; the incredible healing powers that the unicorns had used were almost frightening in the speed of their effectiveness.

After five days, Orchid could walk down the hospital corridors, her strength swiftly returning. She would wander down into the hospital gardens and sit in the courtyard. There weren’t many flowers in the garden, but for Orchid, even the simple daises were enough, as she sat and drank in the suns light.

After eight days, she was finally allowed to go home under strict orders to get plenty of rest with a check up every day. She couldn’t have been happier.

That day, Seth, Octavia, Orchid and Grafton all sat on the back porch, looking out over the small but brightly-coloured garden, celebrating the older mare’s return. Of course, Orchid wanted nothing other than to ask Octavia questions.

“My dear, when can I expect to hear you perform? Everything I have read speaks very highly of your talent.”

Octavia blushed, smiling from ear to ear. “Hopefully soon. I have been in contact with the rest of the band, and apparently they have been able to do some good work with the set. They just need me to help finalise things.”

“I cannot wait! Your bandmates, are they good friends of yours?”

“The best,” Octavia replied simply. “They have been so very good to me. I do not want to think what I would do without them.” She smiled softly into her glass of iced water.

“Good. I am so very glad to hear that.” Her mother smiled at her. “Good friends make life worth living, don’t they Grafton?”

“Yes dear,” the black stallion replied, his eyes lost in space as he relaxed.

Orchid winked at Octavia, and she stifled a giggle. Smiling knowingly, the older mare addressed Seth now.

“Now Seth, we haven’t really had a good opportunity to talk. You mentioned you were an advisor to the Princesses. What does that actually mean?”

Seth thought for a moment before replying, “To me it means judging the best way to help other ponies in their lives and working to make sure that it happens. The Princesses, especially Celestia, like to leave as much responsibility on ponies themselves to rule as they can. As a result, we have to work hard to make sure that everypony gets heard and everypony can be helped. I guess to make the world a better place,” he finished lamely, shrugging as he did.

Orchid nodded slowly, smiling at the unicorn. “Sounds like quite the role.”

“It’s hard work,” Seth admitted, “but it’s satisfying.” He smiled. “I like to know I’ve made a difference.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Orchid replied. “Celestia knows it’s satisfying when we find that special talent and embrace it.”

“Yeah…” Seth answered, not quite looking at her, a knot now suddenly in his stomach.

“Tell me, what are you working on now?”

Seth paused. He… he wasn’t quite sure. “Nothing in particular at the moment… well, apart from some advisement for some colleagues.”

“How come?” Orchid replied, her expression concerned.

“I’ve… been busy, I guess. Taking a bit of a vacation,” Seth replied with a half-hearted laugh.

Orchid smiled. However, there was still a quizzical look still in her eyes. “Looking forward to returning then?”

Seth paused for half a second before replying. Octavia looked at him concernedly. “Yes, of course.”

“That’s good to hear,” Orchid said, smiling. “I am actually so happy for the both of you. It sounds like things are all going really well. Bright futures indeed,” she added.

Orchid sighed, content with what she had learned. A silence fell upon the group of ponies. They stared out over the garden, the multitudes of neatly ordered flowers flowing gently in the breeze. In the sky above them, small, fluffy clouds meandered their way through the sky leaving wispy tails behind them.

“I cannot begin to describe how much I have missed the sun,” Orchid said with a sigh.

“Welcome home, darling,” Grafton replied softly.

Octavia and Seth smiled, got up, and went inside. They knew better than to linger.

Late that night, Seth awoke. His eyes flickered open as he listened out for Octavia’s easy breathing next to him. Upon finding it, a smile slid across his face. He sighed contently. Things… were ok, better than ok, actually. Finally, after everything, there was a light on the horizon.

Almost.

Getting up, the unicorn padded as quietly as he could over toward the mirror on top of the dresser. On it were several keepsakes of Octavia’s youth. A music box, a ticket to some orchestra and a feather all sat on the old wooden furniture, each a memory onto itself, unknown to him.

Seth stared at himself in the mirror, his eyes probing, yet unassuming. His silver coat appeared dull in the darkness. The object of his attention, however, was a colourless outline, its detail lost in the night: his cutie mark.

The unicorn sighed and forced his eyes elsewhere. There was a photo taped to the edge of the mirror. It was Octavia and her parents. She was clearly young; her bright, wide eyes stared at him in joy, and a cello rested in her grip. She was positioned to show-off a cutie mark that Seth could only assume was brand new. There was still a bright red bow on the instrument, and behind the ponies Seth could see birthday decorations. Her parents stood beaming next to her, obviously very proud of their daughter and filled with love. The unicorn smiled. With her parents, she was happy, and a part of him felt good for his role. She was happy. He was happy…

Behind him, Octavia continued to breathe easily, sleeping serenely.

Or so he thought.

“Seth?” a quiet voiced asked.

“I’m right here, Octavia,” he replied.

“Are you ok?”

He smiled. “Actually, I’m better than ok.”

“Good… good. Come back to bed,” was the sleepy reply. “It’s cold.”

“Of course,” Seth whispered. He gave one last look at his cutie mark, smiled, and went back to bed.

With a hiss, the train pulled into Trottingham station. It was awaited by four ponies with mixed emotions, all standing in the sun in silence. It was time to go home and nopony wanted to say goodbye just yet. Seth directed the train staff with the bags while Octavia faced her parents.

“Mother, Father… I just wanted to say…” she began, her eyes shifting back and forward from the ground to her parents.

Orchid interrupted her gently, “Hush now.” She smiled. “Just know that we love you, and we shall be over to see you very soon, ok?”

Octavia nodded, a smile creeping across her face. Her mother reached out and Octavia nuzzled her affectionately as Orchid wrapped a leg around, holding her close. Seth watched her whisper something in her ear but he couldn’t make out the words. Octavia nodded, blushing slightly. She smiled and stepped back from her mother.

Slowly, Grafton stepped up, a smile on his face despite the sadness in his eyes. “Stay safe, you hear me?” he said softly.

“Of course, Papa,” Octavia replied just as quietly, and then he too, embraced his daughter.

“I love you,” she whispered.

Grafton held her tightly before releasing her, his eyes misty. “I love you too.”

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Seth,” Orchid said, smiling at the unicorn.

“And you too, Orchid,” Seth replied. “You as well, Grafton. Thank you for your hospitality.”

“It was nothing,” Grafton said. “But… just remember what I asked, ok?”

“Of course I will.”

“Good. Thank you.” Grafton nodded his head in appreciation.

A sharp whistle caused Seth and Octavia to move. Around them, other ponies finished their goodbyes, all smiling and laughing. Inside their cabin, both Seth and Octavia waved out of one of the open windows. Octavia’s parents smiled at the pair, the older mare leaning against the earth pony stallion for support.

“We will see you soon, ok?” Orchid cried out.

“I look forward to it,” Octavia called back as the train began to move.

“Stay safe and we love you!” Orchid’s voice carried over to them as the train began to pick up speed, soon disappearing around a corner.

Smiling, both ponies retreated into the cabin. Octavia nuzzled up against the unicorn, exhaling deeply.

“I love you,” she said simply.

“I love you too,” Seth replied, returning the gesture. He let a moment of silence pass comfortably before speaking up again, “So, what are we going to do? It’s an overnight trip back to Canterlot from here.”

Octavia smiled at him, walking over to one of the sofas. “I’m sure we will think of something,” she said, her large purple eyes looking up at him mischievously.

Oh Celestia… He blushed as Octavia burst into peals of laughter, a sound Seth hadn’t heard since before arriving at Trottingham.

It was a peaceful slumber that Seth woke from in the early hours of the morning. Outside, the world rushed past, a blur of ill-defined shadows. On the horizon, a faint glow was beginning to appear. Dawn was approaching.

The unicorn stretched, feeling well rested. Next to him, Octavia shifted slightly, her body rising and falling with each easy breath. Gently, he kissed her forehead, brushing aside her mane with a hoof. It felt good, lying next to her, and it felt good going home. A sentiment Seth was surprised he felt, but now, going home felt right. He had matters he had to attend to.

A small yawn broke the unicorn from his thoughts. Looking across at the mare beside him, he watched as she blinked sleepily, her purple eyes unfocused. Reaching out, Seth wrapped her body within his legs, holding her close.

“Good morning,” he whispered into her ear.

“G-good morning,” Octavia replied, yawning again as she moved deeper into Seth’s embrace.

“Sleep well?”

“Mmhm”

“Good.” Seth fell silent again, focusing on holding her close.

It was yet to grow old, moments like these, for the unicorn. The mere act of holding her fanned the flames that now constantly flickered inside his chest. He listened out for her heartbeat, its gentle rhythm forming the bass-line for a song that Seth enjoyed every moment of the day. He smiled as he kissed the top of her head; her mane was soft and sweet. The unicorn closed his eyes, feeling sleep gradually overtake his body again.

“Seth?” came a soft voice, easing him back into reality.

“Yes?”

“I… never got a chance to thank you.”

“For what?”

“For… everything you have done for me. You took me to your parents, despite your own animosity with your father. You took me to your own home, despite all of your problems there. And then, you stayed with me. When everything came crashing down around me, you never left my side. You gave me support, somepony to cry on, even in my darkest hours. And for that… I… Thank you.”

“If it makes you feel better, then you’re welcome,” Seth replied gently, “but… it’s nothing at all really. I did everything gladly… I wanted to help, I wanted to see you happy.”

“But why?” came the whispered reply, suddenly fearful.

Seth squeezed her gently, and whispered into her ear, “Because I love you, Octavia. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. I love you and would give up anything, do anything, for you. Just to see you smile.”

“I… thank you,” Octavia said, overwhelmed by his response.

“You’re welcome,” Seth said, kissing her head again. “It’s funny,” he continued. “But I think I’m ready to return to work.”

“Really?” Octavia said, her voice picking up in excitement. “How come?”

“Because I realised something quite important,” Seth replied, smiling as he did.

“What is it?”

“Helping ponies, that’s my special talent,” Seth began. “To work towards achieving peace and harmony for all ponies. But I realised that I was looking in the wrong places before. I realised that I was blind to everything else other than what I had been taught that my cutie mark meant. It doesn’t just mean from a career pathway. It can also mean on a personal level too. And that’s what you helped me realise, Octavia. I finally found somepony who I wanted nothing more than to see them happy. So much so that I would do anything to make that happen.

“That’s why I can return to work. Because I realised that with you, my priorities will always be… me. I will always be myself and do what I am good at. With you beside me, I know that greed and power are ignorable vices. I know that I can be a good pony.” Seth finished with a thoughtful look on his face. What he had just said had been floating around his head for days. To finally say it out loud felt good. Almost as if the very act of vocalising his thoughts made them real.

Octavia shifted around to face Seth, still in his embrace, their muzzles almost touching.

“I love you, you know,” she said simply, staring into his eyes.

“I love you too. More than anything,” he replied.

Slowly, gently, and with as much affection as Seth could muster, he reached forward and kissed her softly, feeling her lips mould themselves to his. She moved in a little closer and intertwined their tails, returning the sentiment.

Breaking the kiss, Octavia moved back to look at him again. She smiled, as he gazed at her, her purple eyes twinkling slightly despite the dim light.

“Stay with me?” she whispered, her eyes filled with hope.

“Forever and always,” Seth whispered in reply, “forever and always.”

Outside, the sun suddenly burst forward from the horizon, its golden glow sweeping over the land, illuminating everything in a warm light. The hills became awash with their rich colours now revealed by the sunlight. Still kissing the mare of his dreams, illuminated by the soft glow of the sun, Seth couldn’t help but smile.

Life is beautiful, he thought with a smile. Life is beautiful.

A/N: Goodness, only one chapter left now! I really hoped everyone enjoyed this chapter, as it was a lot of fun to write. Everything is being wrapped up now... just one last big loose end. :D

Bonus Chapter/Epilogue

Seth’s hoofsteps echoed loudly inside the long hallways of Canterlot Castle, and his heart was racing. He was utterly alone in the dark-blue corridor. The tall windows stared down at him, flanked by small hanging flowers. He had walked these halls literally hundreds of times before, but today was different. Today he was nervous.

A little over a month had passed since the pair had returned from Trottingham, and Seth was vibrant. He had moved into Octavia’s apartment with her, and she had just returned from a tour of Equestria with her band. Personally, Octavia was everything he had ever wanted and more. Every moment with her was a blessing and one that he was not likely to forget. While he had yet to see his parents again, life was essentially back to normal for the unicorn. Well… almost.

“Now relax,” she had said earlier that morning, smiling at him comfortingly. “It’s just a job interview. Something you have done hundreds of times before, I’m sure.”

“But this… but this is special,” he had countered, the butterflies in his stomach twirling. “I mean, organising the entire Summer Sun festival? That’s huge!”

“I know, darling, but do try to relax. You are easily the best applicant for the job. You will be fine.”

“It’s not even like that’s my normal field of work too…”

“Just think of Luna’s Night court. That was all the skills you need and extra. Have some faith in your ability!”

Seth had smiled up at her half-heartedly at that, not sure how to continue. She smiled back and kissed him gently. “You are too talented not to get the job. Now please, go and make me… make yourself proud.”

Seth smiled as he continued to walk down the long hallway. He loved that mare with every fibre of his being. Picking up the pace, Seth reached a door on the right at the end of the corridor. He opened it with magic and made his way through into a smaller corridor with rooms leading off in both directions. Halfway down this hall was a small wooden bench, hardly big enough for three ponies to sit on it at the same time. Seth made his way towards it, surprised there weren’t other applicants here yet.

Reaching the seat, Seth’s ears pricked up when he heard voices coming from the room opposite him. He couldn’t make them out at first but then they began to grow louder, almost as if they were arguing. Curious, Seth slowly creaked the door open a fraction as the louder of the two voices spoke… or yelled as it was at this point.

“I don’t care about ‘due process’, Tenure! Due process is irrelevant in the face of what is an excellent candidate!”

Seth froze in horror as he realised who the voice belonged to. No! he thought, his jaw dropping. He wouldn’t!

“Versaille,” the other voice replied, “please listen-”

“There is nothing left to listen to! My son is the most talented pony at his job and you would be an absolute fool not to hire him!”

“I-”

“He is organised, efficient, fast and hard-working. Not to mention just a better pony in general than those rank-and-file, power-hungry snobs who currently pollute the better part of our government. Not picking him would not only be an absolute loss for you and the Summer Sun festival, but also a victory for the power-vultures who are just waiting for this. And Tenure, you and I both know how much you would hate to give them a victory for anything.”

“Versaille!” the other pony yelled just as his father was finishing. “Oh, um…” He coughed, clearing his throat. “Please relax. We were ecstatic when Seth applied for the position, we could not picture anypony else in the role. After his work for the Princess’ night court, we would be stupid not to pick him. Besides, you are right, I would never give it to one of the ‘Top Hats’ of this castle. Not in a thousand years,” he finished bitterly.

Now it was Versaille’s time to stutter, “I…”

“So please my dear friend, relax. This is just a formality. Your son is an excellent candidate. You should be proud of him.”

Seth’s heart froze as he strained closer to the door, desperately trying to hear his father’s response.

“I am,” came the reply, his voice suddenly a lot softer. “I really am.”

Seth almost yelled in joy and surprise. His father was proud… of him? It was almost too good to be true. Trying to stay quiet, he settled for a small jump in the air to express his happiness. However, the unicorn realised that he had pushed forward too much in his eagerness to eavesdrop and found himself crashing through the partly opened door, ending up in a heap on the floor, stared at by two confused ponies.

“Uh, I!” Seth began, rapidly picking himself up from the ground. “Um, good afternoon, Tenure, Father.”

“Good afternoon, young Mr. Locarno,” the unicorn called Tenure replied, smiling hugely. “So glad you could join us. Right on time, too. Excellent work.”

“I’m terribly sorry for barging in like that,” Seth muttered, trying to hold Tenure’s gaze.

“Think nothing of it. Besides, your father and I were just wrapping up, weren’t we, Versaille?”

“Um… I… yes! Of course! Thank you for the chat, Tenure. Have a good day.” He paused, suddenly unsure of how to continue. “And… you too, Seth.”

“I…” Seth said. His mind was still reeling from his father’s words. Could it be true? Did he dare believe it?

Well… only one way to find out, he thought. “Father… would you like to get a drink after I am finished here?”

Seth watched as Versaille began to smile widely, his posture picking up a fraction. “I would love that.”

“Excellent,” Seth replied, nodding his head. “I shall find you in your office after then?”

“Certainly. Good afternoon, Tenure,” he said, still smiling.

“You too, Versaille,” Tenure replied as the older unicorn left the room.

Seth allowed himself a small smile. This was definitely a great opportunity. A chance to say sorry, build some bridges. And there was no way Seth was going to let it slip through his hooves. A small cough brought his attention back to the present.

“So, Mr. Locarno, shall we proceed through the formalities?” Tenure said with a wink.

“Uh…” Seth chuckled nervously. “Yes. That sounds wonderful.”

Alright, breathe, Seth thought as he slowly inhaled and exhaled deeply trying to slow the butterflies currently waging war inside his stomach. That’s it… breathe.

Seth was standing on a balcony overlooking the dais where the Summer Sun celebration would take place. Beside it were huge banners featuring the Princess’ sun cutie-mark, fluttering gently in the breeze. In front of the stage, illuminated dimly by two rows of street-lamps, a crowd of ponies were gathering with more approaching by the minute. It was almost dawn, after all.

The unicorn was alone on the balcony, Octavia having excused herself a moment before. He stood wearing a smart, black vest with Celestia’s sun stitched on the left breast-pocket. Inside the pocket was the object of his nerves, or at least a symbol for their origins. After weeks of agonizing and doubt, he had decided to finally go for it, and now he was trying desperately to stay in control of his body.

It had taken almost two months of planning, but in front of him Seth’s diligence and hard work was finally paying off. So far everything was going on without a hitch and Seth was secretly thrilled for that. Still, the highlight was yet to come, and in more ways than one. He sent a silent prayer up to the Princesses that somepony would ensure that everything went smoothly and forced himself to take another deep breath.

The soft sound of hoof-steps informed the unicorn that Octavia had returned.

“It’s so peaceful,” Octavia said, moving over to stand by Seth.

“It is,” Seth agreed as Octavia nuzzled him gently.

“Well done on all of this,” the mare said softly. “You should be proud. Everything looks fantastic.”

“Thank you, but you should wait till it’s all over. Celestia knows there’s probably going to be something that goes wrong.”

“Hush now. Don’t talk like that. I saw the effort you put into this, I am not going to believe anything bad will happen.”

“I hope you are right,” Seth said, more to himself than Octavia.

The musician was silent for a moment before speaking up again, “Are we still meeting your parents afterwards for breakfast?”

“Yes we are. I finalised arrangements last night with Father when we were out for drinks. Mother sounds thrilled to see you again.”

“Excellent! I can’t wait!” A soft tinkling bell coming from the courtyard beneath them caused Octavia to perk up a little. “Ooh!” she exclaimed. “It’s almost time!”

Sure enough, the stream of ponies leading to the courtyard was intensifying as ponies of all ages jostled to get optimum positions by the stage to watch the mystical raising of the sun.

They watched, smiling, as they saw parents take their children onto their backs in an attempt to let them see. The couple noticed the foals who were literally bouncing with excitement.

“Do you see what your hard work does? They are so happy,” Octavia murmured softly.

“That’s not my credit to take,” Seth replied before allowing himself a smile. “Still, it’s nice to see. It is what I enjoy.”

“See? Look at you. I am so happy for you, Seth.” She smiled at him warmly. Seth simply kissed her back in reply.

A sudden hush fell over the crowd like a wave. Seth and Octavia looked down to see that the stage had gone dark. It was time.

Everypony assembled watched with baited breath as nothing happened for at least ten seconds. Then suddenly, thin tendrils of light began snaking their way magically through the air toward a central point in the heart of the stage. More and more of these twisting and curling strands of brightness met at the middle and began to shine brighter and brighter as each new stem joined. Over the peaks framing the city, a soft glow began to grow on the horizon, the clouds over the mountains now faintly illuminated by an orange light.

As everypony oohed and ahhed at the spectacle of these vines of light, a vibrating hum began, slowly becoming louder and louder, shaking the ground as it did. As the sound became more prominent with each passing second, the light became brighter and brighter, forming into a great ball as the horizon became more and more awash with sunlight. Then suddenly, with a blinding flash and small shockwave of air, the most royal Princess Celestia materialised onstage, eclipsing the golden ball of light behind her. The Princess’ mighty wings were outstretched, her head lowered in offering, her horn glowing magnificently. Behind her, with another great flash, the sun burst forward from behind the ridge, bathing the land with its warm glow.

Seth could only smile as everypony assembled began to cheer enthusiastically, stamping their hooves upon the ground repeatedly or clapping them together. Slowly, the ball of light behind the Princess began to evaporate, causing the stems of brightness to disappear as well. The Princess bowed her head again and smiled as everypony applauded.

Seth, however, waited patiently for what was about to come next, a small and very, very nervous smile upon his face.

This is it… he thought, his moment drawing closer and closer.

Seth’s musings were rewarded by a sudden roar. The crowd gasped as six trails of smoke raced overhead, looping as they passed the courtyard.

“The Wonderbolts!” somepony screamed as the applause instantly increased in fervour.

The physics-defying show-ponies proceeded to pull off all manner of tricks and stunts, each more incredible than the last. Seth watched on, trying to keep his knees from shaking, a small line of sweat travelling down his forehead.

Any second now…

The Wonderbolts had now broken into two teams of two and were darting backwards and forwards, creating images within their smoke trails.

Seth gulped. This is it… this is it!

The crowd roared appreciatively as the famous sports ponies contorted their bodies in the air, twisting themselves to create an image of the sun as the second team flew straight through the middle, arching off into three different directions.

Now!

The team that had just flown through the sun rearranged themselves and began to create a vague S shape, their trails lingering in the air. A sudden twist by an orange-maned Wonderbolt cut a smoke line straight through the S, finishing the move with a small kick at the end. The end result was simple, just as Seth had planned: it was a treble clef.

Seth heard Octavia gasp next to him as she realised what the image was.

“Did… you… was that…” she breathed, unable to speak properly.

“I was actually surprised how quickly Spitfire said yes,” Seth replied softly, not quite looking at the mare.

“You did that… for me…?” Octavia said, dumbfounded.

Finally, with a deep breath, Seth turned to face her. It was now or never.

“Yes, that was for you.”

“But why?” she asked, overwhelmed.

Seth took a moment to reply. Down in the courtyard, the Wonderbolt’s show had finished and the Princess had taken to the stage to speak, “My dearest subjects…”

“Because…” Seth began, drowning out the Princess’ words. “Because we have been together for months now Octavia and I love you. I love you with every fibre of my being. We have been through so much. Through good times and bad, and yet I love you all the more because of it. You have been there for me whenever I have needed it, supporting me and helping me. For that I am so very, very lucky.

“And so I realised that there was something that I wanted to do with all my heart, Octavia, to show you just how much I love you.” As Seth spoke, he gently opened his vest pocket and levitated a small black box out of it. He watched as Octavia’s eyes grew wide at the sight and she raised a hoof to her mouth in shock.

“Octavia,” he said, opening the box, revealing a single diamond encrusted bracelet, the jewels shining in the sunlight. “I love you more than anything in this world. You are the most beautiful, kind and perfect individual I have ever met. And nothing, absolutely nothing, would make me happier than making you mine for the rest of our lives. Octavia, I love you. Will you marry me?”

Seth watched as Octavia’s eyes seemed to double in size, her mouth opened in an adorable ‘o’. She opened and closed her mouth several times yet no words came out. Seth stood awkwardly, the strength rushing out of his legs as the adrenalin started to leave.

“Seth…” she finally managed to say, looking at him in shock. “I… Of course I will! It is about time you asked!” And with that, she threw herself at the unicorn, wrapping both of her forelegs around his neck as she kissed him deeply and passionately.

Seth smiled as he returned the kiss, lifted upon waves of joy. Their lips moved together fiercely, locked in a moment of passion that left Seth feeling happier than he had ever felt in his entire life.

Down in the courtyard, the Princess was finishing her speech, “…And so go in harmony, my dearest subjects, for our futures are bright indeed.”

“I love you,” Seth whispered into Octavia’s ear after breaking the kiss. She stared at him, smiling, with her large, purple eyes. Her expression of utter bliss left Seth’s heart fluttering.

“I love you too.”

“Forever,” he said.

“And ever,” she replied.

Seth smiled and kissed her again, and Octavia melted into his embrace, the couple illuminated by the newly raised sun.

-The End.

Authors notes/After word:

Wow. There it is. After a month and a half of solid writing in amongst Christmas, new year/my birthday and a two week holiday, comes the culmination of about 50k words and over 120 pages. This was my first long or multi-chaptered story and my third narrative piece ever. Overall, I think I can safely say I have learned a lot throughout this entire experience! Looking back there are things that I would do differently, and some things that I wouldn’t change for the world, but I have to say, this was a lot of fun.

But there are some thanks that must be delivered, for without these people, this story might never have come about.

First, a big thank you to my best friend in the whole world, Dacaz5, for always reading through first drafts and keeping me motivated. It’s so much more fun to be a brony and be a part of this fantastic community when you have good friends to do it with.

Next, a thank you to HeWhoErasesMost for generously allowing me to use of his artwork for my cover art. Be sure to check out his DA profile, some of his comics are amazing!

And finally, a HUGE thank you to my editor and friend, Sessalisk. Without her help, I would still be writing crap with punctuation lying outside of quotation marks. Yes, that’s how bad I was grammatically before she started setting me straight. Her help is slowly turning me into a semi-respectable author! I am forever in her debt because of it. Be sure to check out her story Darkest Before Dawn on fimfiction or on EqD.

As for the future, I am already hard at work on another fic. While it’s not romance, I am very, very excited for this one and it’s looking pretty epic. (Rest assured, as soon as I’m done with that I have an idea or two for some more shipping!) In short, I am very excited for my future works!

And then, finally, a massive thank you to everyone who took the time to read this little story of mine, comment or rate it. Your support made it all worth while and helped keep me properly obsessed! I cannot begin to describe just how much every view, comment or rating meant to me. It literally makes my day. (Just ask Dacaz5 how excited I get!)

So again, thank you, thank you all so much and I sincerely hope you enjoyed A Chance Encounter.

Till next time!

-Mystic