Fine Feathered Friend

Night of Nights (Part I)

With Octavia’s help, Nimbus auditions for a part in the Trans-Equestrian Orchestra’s Hearth’s Warming Eve concert, against strong opposition from an old rival of Octavia’s. He soon finds himself playing the waiting game, and the pressure and anxiety build and build. As Octavia works with him to develop his skills further and calm him down, Nimbus sees in her efforts a pony who genuinely cares for him. And Nimbus begins to wonder if he feels more for Octavia then he initially let himself believe…

When her doorbell rang, Octavia woke up groggily and rolled to her feet. Across the room, Vinyl Scratch was still snoring, and the grey Earth Pony smiled. Vinyl was probably the loudest- and the latest- sleeper she’d ever known.

She trotted down the stairs. “I’m coming,” she said. Octavia glanced at a wall clock when she reached the first floor. It was 6:00 in the morning… on a Saturday. She groaned to herself. What would drive somepony to get up at this hour on a weekend? She opened her front door and came face-to-face with a Ponyville covered in a fresh layer of new-fallen snow, but no visitor. Octavia was puzzled. The landscape was beautiful, of course, but she’d rather expected to actually see somepony when she opened the-

Poof.

“Good morning, Octavia!”

Octavia was showered by a bucketful of confetti. When she looked up, she saw Nimbus hovering above her head and holding a now empty bucket.

“Nimbus? Why are you awake so early?” she said, squinting.

“Two reasons,” Nimbus said, dropping the rest of the way and spreading his wings to cushion his landing.

“Perfect,” he said, “a four-point landing. But I digress. A- it’s snowing, so that’s a celebration in itself, and B- today’s audition day!”

Octavia’s eyes went wide. “My goodness,” she said, “I almost forgot! Come inside. You need to warm up for your audition!”

Nimbus followed her inside and put his scarf up on one of Octavia’s coat hooks.

“Would you care for some coffee?” Octavia asked, heading into the kitchen, “I was planning on pouring myself a cup.”

“Sure,” Nimbus said, “that sounds great.” He lowered his saxophone case to the ground near the wall and trotted into the kitchen.

“Looking forward to today?” Octavia asked him as he entered.

“Without a doubt,” Nimbus replied, “you know I’ve been waiting for this forever, it seems.”

Octavia laughed. “I know how you feel. This will be your first real… oh, what’s the term jazz musicians use? Oh, that’s right- your first real gig if you get accepted.”

“And the first time I’ve actually been forced to compete with other musicians,” Nimbus added. “Can’t say I’m looking forward to that.”

“You’ll do fine,” Octavia said, setting Nimbus’s coffee down in front of him. Nimbus grabbed some cream and sugar and began mixing up his coffee as Octavia continued.

“What you really need to remember today is to relax and enjoy yourself. At the heart of this all, you’re still playing music, and I know you enjoy that.”

“I certainly do,” Nimbus said, downing his coffee.

“Ready to warm up?” Octavia asked. Nimbus nodded.

“I guess so,” he said, “but won’t that wake up Vinyl Scratch?”

“I doubt it,” Octavia said, shaking her head, “and even if she does, one early morning wouldn’t kill her.”

Nimbus chuckled. “Then let’s get started.”

Nimbus spent about half an hour playing scales and tuning his saxophone while Octavia filled in for Vinyl on the piano. He could barely sit still to play, he was so excited. Vinyl came downstairs after a while, and shot Nimbus and Octavia a withering glance. The two ponies pretended not to notice, but as soon as Vinyl had left the room, they both high-hoofed each other gleefully. Soon, an hour had passed, and then two. Nimbus glanced at the clock and turned to Octavia.

“I think it’s time to head over to auditions.”

“Excellent plan,” Octavia said, “I’ll get my things and accompany you.”

“Sure thing,” Nimbus said, packing up his saxophone and heading for the front door, making sure to put his sheet music back into his case. He wrapped his scarf around his neck just as Octavia appeared with her own scarf and some earmuffs.

“Let’s head out!” Nimbus said enthusiastically, opening the door and walking out into the snow. Octavia shut the door as she exited, and almost instantly slipped on a patch of ice.

“Whoa!” Nimbus said, darting forward with the help of his wings to catch her. He stopped her fall a few inches above the ground.

“Well, it seems the damsel in distress has been rescued,” Octavia said, jokingly. “Thank you, Nimbus.”

“No trouble,” Nimbus said, smiling, “I can’t let my teacher take a tumble at a time like this, now can I?”

“I suppose not,” Octavia said.

Nimbus helped Octavia back onto her hooves, and they set off, with Octavia smiling in a way she hadn’t before. Nimbus wasn’t oblivious, nor did he fail to notice the color of her cheeks.

“You’re blushing,” he observed.

“Oh, it’s just the weather,” Octavia said, waving Nimbus off. “This cold has never agreed with me.”

Nimbus laughed. “Yeah, that’s pretty much how I feel, too. I’ve always liked warm weather better.”

As the two continued down the road towards the town hall, Nimbus took in the sights around him. Foals were running amok through the streets, hurling snowballs and sledding in the hills surrounding Ponyville. He even noticed a determined group of colts and fillies hard at work on a giant snowmare. He smiled. Despite the cold, it seemed winter brought with it its own kind of warmth. When the snow began to fall, arguments ceased, friendships were made, and all became peaceful. It really was a wonderful time of year.

“Here we are,” Octavia said, stopping at the town hall, “shall we proceed inside?”

“We shall,” Nimbus said, opening the door for his teacher and following her inside. The town hall was well-heated, and Nimbus and Octavia headed over to a table stocked with complimentary hot chocolate for the musicians.

“Not bad,” Nimbus said, sipping his drink. “Just the sort of thing to have after a walk in the snow, you agree?”

Octavia opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say a word, she was cut off by another pony’s voice.

“Octavia!”

Octavia and Nimbus turned to face a white Unicorn with a flowing mane and tail highlighted with mint green streaks approaching. Her Cutie Mark was that of a bass clef, and she carried herself with dignified poise.

“Star Solo!” Octavia said, “I hadn’t expected to see you here.”

Nimbus could sense an edge of strained politeness in Octavia’s voice. Judging by their interaction thus far, he felt that Octavia wasn’t entirely pleased to see this “Star Solo” here.

“Still living in Ponyville, I see,” Star Solo said. “Have you even looked into moving to Canterlot yet?”

“I’m sorry,” Octavia said, “I don’t believe I ever stated that that was my intention.”

“I see,” Solo said, looking somewhat disgusted. “And what brings you here today?”

“My student, Nimbus,” Octavia said, pushing Nimbus towards Solo, “is auditioning for the Trans-Equestrian Orchestra saxophonist spot.”

“Oh,” Star Solo said, turning her eyes down, then bringing them back up again to Nimbus, “I’m so sorry.”

“Sorry for what, ma’am?” Nimbus asked.

“Well, you see, I’m auditioning for the same spot.”

Nimbus blinked. “So?” Octavia said, “they haven’t made their decision already, have they?”

“Well no,” said Solo, “but Octavia, you know how I was back in music school…”

“Wait a moment,” Octavia said, “the musician of choice has to be a resident of Ponyville. You can’t legally try out.”

“Oh, but I can,” Star Solo said, “it all depends on who you know. And I know plenty.”

Octavia narrowed her eyes, staring coldly at Star Solo. The Unicorn flicked her mane through the air once and turned towards the exit. “Well anyway, it was pleasant to see you again. Take care.”

Octavia’s glare didn’t leave Star Solo until she was out the door and on her way down the street.

“Who’s she?” Nimbus asked.

Octavia sighed and rolled her eyes. “Star Solo was in my class when I set off to study music three years ago. She set herself as the center of attention and maintained that position through musical ability and popularity.”

“Sounds like a politician,” Nimbus said, “Mecha would be overjoyed.”

“Oh, you have no idea,” Octavia said. “Star Solo was talented, yes, but she never failed to impress upon the rest of us how inferior she believed we were.  She was an infernal braggart, and drove the rest of us insane with her constant boasting. Unfortunately, the nobles of Canterlot loved her. To this day, I can’t imagine why. Because of this, she grabbed a solo section in almost every song in every concert we had. Over time, she let her skills slide. She became an average student, but she still had her influence. The worst part of it all was that she thought we were friends through the whole ordeal. I finally got the courage to tell her the truth a week before one of my concerts. She, of course, was enraged and pulled the plug on the concert hall during my performance. Lights went out, the microphones died, nothing worked. I played through it, though, and the ponies stayed and listened. To this day, I think she still hates me for defying her.”

Octavia threw her hot chocolate cup in the garbage and sighed. “But that’s not for you to worry about, Nimbus. You just go in there and show them what you can do. Don’t let Star Solo worry you.”

“Roger that,” Nimbus said, snapping Octavia a friendly salute. The grey Earth Pony laughed.

“Nimbus?”

Nimbus turned to see one of the conference rooms in the town hall open, with a purple mare looking out.

“I’ll be right there,” Nimbus said, smiling to the mare. He picked up his saxophone case and turned to Octavia.

“Wish me luck.”

“I don’t need to,” Octavia said, “you’ll amaze them regardless.”

Nimbus turned to go. “But good luck anyway,” Octavia called after him. Nimbus turned, smiled at his tutor, and walked into the audition room, closing the door behind him.

“Alright,” the mare who had beckoned him inside said, “please assemble your saxophone and proceed to the stand. I have some music I’d like you to play.”

Nimbus nodded and went right to work, assembling his saxophone and heading to the stand in less than a minute.

“You’re pretty fast,” the mare remarked.

“Thanks,” Nimbus said, “but it’s just practice.” He arranged the music on the stand to best suit him and looked through what was in front of him. It appeared to be a collection of scales and phrases. Perfect. He practiced things like this on a daily basis.

“When would you like me to start?” Nimbus asked.

The pony pulled out a metronome and set it on her table, starting it. “Whenever you feel ready.”

After a few seconds of gaining his composure, Nimbus began to play. He played through everything layed out in front of him, and when he finished, the mare looked at him without a trace of emotion.

“Anything else?” Nimbus asked, then wished he could kick himself. The phrase sounded much too informal.

“Well, if you brought along any music of your own, I’d be happy to see you work through a song and improvise.”

“Of course,” Nimbus said, reaching into his saxophone case and pulling out “Mr. EQ,” the first song he’d performed onstage. At the same time, the mare pulled a keyboard out from under her desk. Nimbus handed her the sheet music and she began to play chords. Nimbus joined in and began to weave his favorite jazz melody, cruising through the improv section with ease. He was enjoying himself greatly, and was sorry to finish.

“Alright, then,” the mare said, jotting down some notes on a clipboard. “Thank you for auditioning! You’re free to go.”

Nimbus trotted out into the lobby and gave Octavia a nod.

“How did you do?” Octavia asked.

“Well, I don’t know for sure,” Nimbus said, “but I think I did well.”

“Excellent,” Octavia said. “If you need anything, come by my house. Good luck!”

“Thanks,” Nimbus said. Then he headed out the door and turned for home. Already he felt excited, and just a bit nervous. He didn’t even think he’d be able to keep still for long. As it turned out, he couldn’t be more right.

…

For the second time in a 24 hour period, Octavia woke to the sound of her doorbell. This time, however, it was midnight. Sighing, she got to her hooves and went downstairs to open the door. When she did, she took note of Nimbus, shivering on her doorstep. The Pegasus looked rather tired.

“Nimbus?” Octavia said, “what’s the matter?”

Nimbus drew in a breath. “Well, remember when you said I should stop by if I needed anything? Well, I can’t sleep at all. I’m just too worked up about this whole audition thing. I was hoping you might know a way to relax, given your musical experience.”

Despite her lack of sleep, Octavia smiled at her student. “Come inside and I’ll see what I can do.”

Gratefully, Nimbus followed Octavia inside, where she led him to a couch in her living room. “Why don’t you just rest here for the moment?” she said, grabbing a large blanket from behind the couch and throwing it over Nimbus.

“Thank you,” Nimbus said, grabbing the blanket and covering up. Octavia then headed over to her fireplace and stacked a few logs and pieces of kindling inside.

“That should do,” she said, lighting a match and igniting the kindling, “a perfect winter’s fire.” She turned back to Nimbus. “I’ll bring some cookies and milk out. Just sit tight.”

“Sure thing,” Nimbus said. He felt calmer already.

Octavia returned momentarily with two glasses of milk and a plate of gingerbread cookies, which she set on a small table that she moved next to Nimbus. Then she grabbed her own chair and pulled it up to the table.

“I can understand your anxiety,” Octavia said once the two were biting into their first cookies. “When I had my first audition, I was nervous out of my mind. It’s really quite the mental challenge.”

Nimbus nodded. “I know. I was twitchy all afternoon. I still feel a bit jumpy, in fact, but I’m doing better.”

“That’s good,” Octavia said. “Down a few more cookies, and you’ll be fine, then.”

As Nimbus sipped some of his milk, Octavia turned to the fire and stoked it. “You know,” she said, “I can imagine you’re a bit nervous about going up against Star Solo. Am I correct?”

“Very much so,” Nimbus admitted. “She played alongside you for a time, right?”

Octavia nodded.

“Then competing with her would be like competing with you,” Nimbus said.

“Hardly,” Octavia said. “What you have to remember is that Solo never worked for her fame. She acts like royalty, but her musical skills lack the hard work and dedication that you have. Trust me when I say that she won’t even compare.”

“I sure hope so,” Nimbus said, eating another cookie. He decided to change subjects. “So have you actually met the Trans-Equestrian Orchestra before?”

“I have,” Octavia said, “and one thing you should know about them is that they’re not your typical stars. Backstage, they’re some of the nicest ponies you’ll ever meet. A lot like you, actually.”

It was Nimbus’s turn to blush. “Now I’m not sure that’s exactly a good compari-“

“Oh don’t be silly,” Octavia said, “you know as well as I do that you’re one of the most humble ponies I’ve ever met. You just won’t admit it.”

“Correct,” Nimbus said. He reached down to grab a cookie when he noticed that there was only one left.

“Yours,” he said, pushing the plate towards Octavia. Octavia shook her head. “Nonsense. You need it more than I do.”

“Then we’ll split it,” Nimbus said, dividing the cookie between them. He washed the sweet cookie down with the rest of his milk and reclined, listening to the gentle crackling of the fire. Slowly, his eyes closed.

“Good night, Nimbus,” Octavia said. “Sleep well.”

Then she, too, passed out.

When Vinyl Scratch came downstairs the following morning, she saw Nimbus asleep on the couch, her roommate asleep on a chair not far away, and a dying fire in the fireplace. Vinyl shrugged.

“Weird. Usually I’m the one who brings home the occasional stallion only to wake up with him passed out on the couch. What a strange twist of fate this is.”

…

Two days later, Nimbus was suiting up into his EAF gear when Octavia came to his door.

“The audition results are out!” she said, “they posted them at the town hall!”

Nimbus dropped his helmet. “What? Already?”

Octavia nodded enthusiastically. “Do you have time to come take a look?”

“I was heading in the direction of Ponyville anyway,” Nimbus said, zipping up his flight suit. “I’ve got a routine patrol to fly today, but I can delay that a bit.”

“Excellent,” Octavia said as Nimbus walked out his door. The two started trotting to Ponyville, but it wasn’t long before the trot turned into a gallop. When the town hall came into view, both skidded to a halt, looking at the paper pasted to the town hall’s door. Or at least Octavia was. Nimbus was staring down into the snow.

“Nimbus?” Octavia said.

“I can’t look,” Nimbus said, “it’s just too much.”

“Nimbus…”

“No.”

“Nimbus!” Octavia said, shoving Nimbus almost headlong into the door. Nimbus found his muzzle only a few feet away from the results sheet. Nimbus began to read aloud; he had no choice.

“After outstanding performances from all musicians and careful consideration from our judges, the Trans-Equestrian Orchestra has declared that Ponyville’s representative, playing the tenor saxophone in their Hearth’s Warming Eve concert in Manehatten at the Grand Shoreline Recital Hall is… Nimbus!”

Nimbus went slack-jawed. He couldn’t say anything.

“Well?” Octavia said finally.

“This… is… the best day of my life!” Nimbus said, jumping up and hugging Octavia, lifting her into the air, spinning around, and landing in the soft snow.

Octavia laughed. “That’s probably the best response I’ve ever received from one of my students.”

“I’m so excited!” Nimbus whooped. “Wait’ll I tell my friends about this.”

“Well I hope you’re happy,” a familiar voice snarled.

Octavia and Nimbus turned to see Star Solo walking up the road towards them.

“You should never have stuck your muzzle where it didn’t belong, Mud Pony,” Solo hissed at Octavia.

“And you!” she said, sneering at Nimbus, “Octavia’s little Horsefly pet… you would do well to avoid me for the rest of your life if you know what’s good for you!”

“Does she even see the flight suit?” Nimbus whispered to Octavia, who chuckled.

“Look,” Nimbus said, stepping forward, “I want to thank you for coming to the auditions. I’m sure you played well. If you really wanted to meet the Trans-Equestrian Orchestra, I’d be happy to ask them for a backstage pass for you.”

“Why you little-“ Star Solo cut herself off there, however. Suddenly a plan began to take shape in her mind. “A backstage pass?” she said, her voice sickeningly sweet, “how thoughtful of you… I would be delighted. That is, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble…”

“None at all, I’m sure.”

“What are you doing?” Octavia hissed at Nimbus.

“Just showing some holiday cheer,” Nimbus said, “and Star Solo, I’d expect you to do the same from here on out.”

Star Solo let out a “humph,” then spoke. “Don’t confuse my acceptance of your offer with the possibility of friendship, little Horsefly,” she said to Nimbus. “I’m only going to watch you bring shame upon the Trans-Equestrian Orchestra onstage.” With that, Star Solo turned and walked away, holding her head high.

“You realize she’s going to try to sabotage the concert, right?” Octavia said, nudging Nimbus, “it’s her way. That mare’s about as subtle as a sharp clarinet.”

“Oh I know,” Nimbus said, “and that’s why I have just the pony to send a complimentary invite to.”

“Oh?” Octavia said, “who?”

“An old friend of yours, and a new friend of mine,” Nimbus replied. “Someone who knows just how to prank the prankster.”

Octavia smiled. “I think I know just who you mean…”

To be Continued…