Music is considered one of the most malleable art forms in existence. With an instrument or one's voice, a musician can take a sheet of music and add their very own life to it. Each and every performance is different and unique in some way or another. It is the reason music will always be with the Equestrians and almost every other intelligent race. Even griffons have their operas, though it is said one cannot account for taste.

Krysta was a stranger to music as the ponies know it. Music from her village was always rather bland and had little to offer. So as those notes reverberated through the door and into the human's ear she couldn't help but check the handle. It was unlocked.

With steps of a cat she slid through the crack she opened in the door, flinching when she forgot about the click that came with closing it back up again. Fortunately for her the music that was flowing through the room drowned it out enough that Octavia didn't hear. Either that or she was simply showing no signs that she had. For the gray earth pony had her eyes glued to her sheet music, her hooves running up and down the neck of her beast with almost machine precision. Accuracy first, soul later.

Krysta was in total and complete awe of the sight before her. She had always been curious about the ponies themselves, always wondering how they accomplished the tasks they did. She just recently saw a pony writing with a pencil in their mouth and it made her do a double take. The sight was so bizarre that she was caught staring. That moment had nothing on this.

Bare feet silently slid down the aisle, curious eyes never leaving the stage and its occupant. Here stood a pony without magic, playing an instrument twice her size. A stringed instrument at that! The sight alone was enough to send her mind reeling, not to mention the music. A few more steps took her into a row of seats where she could silently slide into one to watch and listen. It was a fair assumption to say Krysta was enthralled.

Octavia for her part had of course noticed the click of the door. The room was made to enhance sound after all. It was rather common however for curious ponies to stick their heads in for a moment before simply leaving and so she paid it no mind. Little did she know that her audience member had not only stayed, but was not even a pony! Luckily for the both of them she was far too engrossed in her practice as any good musician should be.

Deep rumbling tones flew from beneath her bow as she dove into the music, the melody starting its journey at a slow crawl. It was short lived as a long and slow pull of the bow halted all sounds except for one, Octavia's counting voice.

"One and two and three and four and..."

A new life sprung from her strings, the beginning crawl forgotten and replaced with gallant leaps and strides. Melody joined with additional pulls of the bow, accompanying tones filling the empty space that would normally hold other instruments. That was the beauty about string instruments. A skilled musician can use more than one string at a time giving their part a whole new drive and passion. Octavia was just the pony to accomplish the task.

Krysta for her part was positively stunned to the core. Eyes widened and lips parted as shock and awe reigned over her features. As slowly as one can she gently lowered herself onto one of the seat’s armrests, the actual seat not terribly comfortable for humans. As the melodies poured from the vibrating strings Krysta could feel her hair stand on end, her skin speckled with goose bumps as particularly powerful draws sent her shivering.

Octavia was aware of a presence watching her, having heard some of the going-ons in the auditorium along with something that sounded like sniffling. While she wasn’t fond of ponies sticking their heads into a performance hall, inviting yourself in was entirely different indeed! Once she was finished with this page she was going to turn to the intruder and educate them on proper audience etiquette.

It was over sooner than she expected, which suited her purposes just fine. As soon as the last wave of sound died out on the enchanted walls Octavia’s gaze fell upon a sight most unusual. There was someone there, but not a pony. And they were crying like nothing she had ever seen before. Great big tears rolled down the girl’s cheeks while fervent hands tried and failed to hold them back.

While it was somewhat common for ponies to cry at wonderful music performances Octavia has never seen such a reaction. Especially since this was just a practice session! Had she been performing on one of the big stages with one of her longer pieces she pictured this poor thing drowning in tears! The corners of her mouth turned upwards in a smile when they finally looked at each other.

Krysta’s first reaction was to run. Naturally. But she had no energy or desire to spend on such a thing. Her sleeve was soaked from her fruitless battle against her tears and she lightly shook with gentle sniffles. Despite what looked to be a sad affair however, Krysta’s own features copied Octavia’s and the smile was returned.

Curious about how her music effected the girl so much, Octavia slid her bow into its music stand sheath, while at the same time gingerly leaning her bass backwards into a strategically placed instrument stand. “Good evening. Come up here please? I would like to make introductions.” Ever the one for manners Octavia was curious to see this audience member up close. What land was she from? Why was she here? When in doubt, make a good impression! While she didn’t exactly look the part there was always a chance Krysta could be some sort of dignitary! Safe than sorry.

Krysta however failed to understand the soft spoken pony, giving her a pointed look of confusion in hopes that this pony could figure out her trouble. She was not disappointed as Octavia waved for her to come forward, giving her a very clear message indeed. A timid nod was all Krysta could reply with before slowly making her way towards the stage, shoes forgotten in the row of seats.

Drying tears had reddened her cheeks and eyes, a slow recovery from such wonderful music. While it held no candle to a full blown concert, Krysta’s only comparison was that of her village. The contrast was as stark as it could be. It was only when she got closer to the stage, a mere handful of feet from Octavia, she seemed to get herself together. Sniffles still followed but her smile was ever present, eyes locked on the performer up on the stage.

Octavia returned the smile before speaking once more, slowly just in case. “Hello. I am Octavia. Do you speak Equestrian?” Sitting upon the stage with her calm and pleasant demeanor ever present the earth pony waited patiently, looking upon the obvious struggle it was for Krysta.

“Little bit.” Krysta knew that one! One of the few full phrases she actually had down pat. ‘Do you speak Equestrian?’ ‘Where is the bathroom?’ ‘I would like a milkshake please.’ All the important ones! Her answer caused Octavia’s smile to widen which prompted her to keep going. With slow and steady reasoning she sounded out her words and put them together before eventually speaking. “I am Krysta.”

“Krysta. It is very nice to meet you. Come up here if you would please.” She immediately regretted asking her that as all she received was another expression of confusion. She instead pointed to her and then tapped a hoof upon the stage. Once more she was met with uncertainty. Luckily her patience was practically world renowned. With another series of gestures she did eventually get it across to the girl that she wanted to see her on the stage.

Once she finally understood the girl offered up only a nod before going around to the stairs, soundlessly walking upon the stage with bare feet. That was the first thing of interest Octavia noted in her head. No hooves. She didn’t allow her thoughts to reside there however as soon Krysta stood before her, still rubbing at her eyes and cheeks. A sympathetic smile played over Octavia’s lips before she reached into her instrument case and pulled a soft cloth from it. Usually used for wiping down her instrument and bow before they are put away this one was clean and wouldn’t be harmed if it managed to get a little wet. She carried extras anyways.

Krysta accepted it with a small nod of thanks. Octavia’s patience once again came in handy as she waited for the girl to situate herself. Once that business was out of the way she accepted her cloth back and slowly spoke. It was fairly obvious Krysta had at very least learned some of the language, there was just no way to tell how much.

“You were crying.” Octavia added motions with her words to better help Krysta understand. “You like music?” She kept her words simple, knowing there was a time and place for every vocabulary. This was not the time to show hers off.

The human girl nodded, pointing to the instrument and then to Octavia herself. “Magic.” She stated somewhat matter of factly. This caused the musician’s smile to widen even further. While there was a plethora of ponies who adored her playing none of them have ever been so honest and raw with her like this before. The girl was obviously an emotional one but there was more to it than that. There was a true wonderment in Krysta that the gray pony couldn’t help but notice.

“Thank you. Please sit. I will play more if you like.” She motioned to the floor next to her before retrieving her bow, her intentions clear to her audience. Krysta felt a renewed energy as she sat down, her excitement clear as a bell. Crossing her legs in front of her she sat patiently, never letting her eyes wander.

With such a rapt audience Octavia wasted no time in getting to work, flipping the page before resting her bow upon the strings. With another count to get started the bow once more brought forth the music that touched at Krysta’s very heart, leading towards what would certainly be one of her most favorite evenings in her life.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hours later the two eventually left the auditorium, Kyrsta holding onto the cleaning cloth Octavia had let her use as if her life depended on it. Octavia herself looked pleased as punch as she escorted the young girl. While most of it had been music there were chances to talk and there was quite a bit exchanged though language was still a problem.

“Just a moment Krysta, somepony is meeting me here. You should meet her as well.” With the addition of some well performed motions alongside the words the girl already understood Octavia found it quite easy to communicate what she meant. While of course it wasn’t exact it suited her purposes just fine.

“Octaviaaaaaa~” A sing song voice traveled from the other end of this smaller hallway, a white unicorn wearing some rather obnoxious sunglasses grinning towards the two. She quickly trotted towards the pair, her smile vanishing as she got closer and could see Octavia’s current companion.

“Um, new friend?” She asked curiously, slowly pulling her glasses down to get a good look at Krysta. The girl in question suddenly felt somewhat nervous under such a gaze, her hands beginning to wring the tear stained cloth. Octavia noticed right away and cleared her throat.

“My biggest groupie actually.” Not one to usually use such terms, Vinyl adjusted her glasses back in surprise before finding her once lost grin. “She snuck in while I was playing. Her name is Krysta. Krysta, this is Vinyl Scratch. She doesn’t speak Equestrian perfectly yet but she is learning.” Krysta silently formed the words with her lips, a method taught to her by Twilight when she wanted to pronounce new things. “Vinyl Scritch?” This caused the DJ in question to chortle, a foreleg covering her grinning face. “Close enough Krissy. So! Octavia’s new biggest fan huh? That is a pretty big saddle to fi-“

“Krysta!” Twilight’s voice cut off Vinyl’s sentence, annoyance apparent in her tone. “Where in Equestria have you been? Look at the time!” Ignoring the other two ponies there for the moment she began to trot towards them, Krysta growing more and more sheepish as she drew near.

Vinyl, never a pony for subtlety, looked upon the approaching Twilight with sudden awe. “That is the savior of Equestria isn’t it? Fuck.” As soon as the word left her mouth she felt a sudden dread. For right behind Twilight came Celestia around the corner, a frown played out on her face. “OH FUCK. I mean shit!! I mean, oh man. Princess, I am so sorry.” Everything in the hallways stopped dead, the only one not looking either horrified or grumpy being Krysta.

Octavia’s fur bristled as she watched the exchange, eyes wide with terror. “Well, that was the most horrifying thing ever.” She put as calmly as possible, as if she was indifferent to the fact. “Princess Celestia, Lady Twilight, we will now be on our way and probably never come back.” At that moment she looked very much like Twilight when she felt she was going to be late. Vinyl had no objection and turned to leave an obviously displeased ruler of Equestria when something happened that made the both of them wish they had stayed in that day.

“Fuck?” Krysta’s voice was confused and concerned, not liking the sudden change in mood. She wished she had just kept her mouth shut as suddenly everypony’s attention was now on her.

“Krysta!” Celestia’s voice boomed out into the hallway, everyone there but Twilight now shaking where they stood. ~We do NOT use those words!~ The monarch spoke in Krysta’s language so there could be no misunderstanding. This was not a request or a preference. As far as Krysta was concerned a new law punishable by death had just been put into place and it showed. It was in the moment of silence after that Octavia realized what just happened. Vinyl just taught Krysta her first profanity. One that had just been said three times in front of the princess.

Octavia’s voice was the next thing to sound off. “I was wrong. That was the most horrifying thing ever.” Her eyes traveled from one member of their little group to the next. Kyrsta had her hands firmly planted on her mouth. Twilight was sending a glare of death towards Vinyl and Celestia was still looking upon the suddenly extremely well-mannered Krysta. “Vinyl I have just decided, it is time we took that vacation. Far from here. Forever. Excuse us.” The DJ was already turned around, ready to leave as soon as she was sure she wasn’t about to get zapped.

Celestia could only nod towards the now two retreating ponies, wishing for the frustration of the moment to vanish so she could speak with the young human unimpeded. Twilight couldn’t bring herself to say anything at all, the horror and anger clashing so fiercely she was denied words. They both waited patiently as the other two began their retreat, the only one not happy they were leaving being Krysta.

The girl looked between the two pairs of ponies, a sudden anxiety hitting her. “Octavia!” She dared not move from her spot but she could not simply watch as the musician vanished. Who knew if she would ever see her again? ~Please don’t make them go away Princess! I am sorry! I won’t do it again!~ She fidgeted and wrung that rag until it was ready to tear, yet still she remained in place.

“Hold you two.” The commanding voice of the Princess had toned down quite a bit but it still held that air of finality. Octavia and Vinyl of course stopped dead and turned about, each offering a nervous smile but not saying a thing.

~Krysta, if you can say what you want in Equestrian, I will allow them to stay.~ Ever the teacher and motivator, Celestia got comfortable and sat in wait while she watched Krysta handle this little puzzle. Of course she was still quite angry at what had happened, but mistakes are made by all. Especially by those ignorant of it. Granted she may have been harsher than she needed to be but it wasn’t exactly something that happened often. She made a note to herself to apologize to Krysta afterwards.

Krysta’s once terrified grimace turned back into her usual smile almost instantly, giving this little project her entire effort. “I am… sorry. Octavia no leave.” Celestia raised a brow at that, not convinced of her effort. The girl re-evaluated it, starting again. “I am sorry. Please, can Octavia stay? She has nice magic.” It was far too soon into the lessons for her to do much better, and the strain was apparent. ~And?~ Krysta felt the pressure build as she worked her brain over for the right words. “Never again?” Spoken as a question out of sheer uncertainty Krysta hoped against hope that she got it right.

Celestia maintained a neutral expression towards Krysta, staying silent to build suspense. Finally, after what seemed like a stint on the moon, she smiled. “Octavia, Vinyl scratch.” She stood up and waved an inviting arm towards them. “You are to drop off your instrument with one of the palace workers and remove your sunglasses. You will be joining the three of us for tea this afternoon. Krysta seems to like you.”

The two musical ponies who had been listening to the exchange were quite baffled at the sudden change. They could only nod and comply, though smiles were creeping up onto their lips in earnest. After all it was very unlikely now that they were to be sent to the dungeons or some other such thing.

Twilight for her part was also quite surprised. But ever the faithful student she made no remarks. Besides, she couldn’t help but notice Celestia’s own smile. ‘I wonder how long it has been since the princess has taught anyone besides myself. Since I left?’ Her thought remained just that as the group slowly came together, ready to make an exit.

Krysta was a smiling bundle of joy as Octavia and Vinyl Scratch rejoined them, the girl edging her way over to the gray bassist as they walked. To the side of them Vinyl was quietly snickering to herself, her glasses above her horn now. “What are you laughing at?” Octavia queried, raised brow making it a complete package of curiosity.

“We aren’t dead.” Another series of snickers escaped her before Octavia allowed herself a few as well. Krysta only smiled at the two, tugging on Octavia as Twilight and Celestia began their journey towards the royal dining room. As they followed Krysta allowed herself a deep breath. It had already been quite a day. The girl wondered what the rest of this evening would look like.

Author's Note

BOO!

It's the writing ghost! Come back to haunt you alllll!!! WooOooooOOoooOooOoOOoOoo!

Also, I need an editor.