The Gala was winding down. As it always was, it had been a glorious evening. The food had been great, the entertainment spectacular, and the music just right. Now however the night was over, Celestia had lowered the sun and Luna had raised the moon, but that had been hours ago. The closing ceremony had concluded and it was time for one last song. Octavia Melody, a gray mare with ink black hair and light purple eyes, was to play this last piece of music. The stage was being readied by a handful of stage hooves, some cleaning, others moving props out of the way, and a brown unicorn colt who carefully brought her Cello to center stage in preparation for her performance. The colt let the Mahogany Cello rest on it's stand with it's bow hanging from a simple hook on the side of the stand. A lonely sight without the mare who so lovingly played it.
Watching all this while a pair of well groomed blue and pink mares fussed with her mane and tail, adjusting her collar and pink bow tie, the other busied herself with brushing out any matted areas along her coat. This was the ending piece of music to close out the gala for the year and Octavia needed to look perfect for this. Just playing at the gala several years in a row as a consistent member of the band playing in the dining hall and ballroom had been a dream come true for the young Cellist, but being the mare to close the whole celebration with one final piece of music. That was far more than she could have possibly hoped for. A true honor for any musician.
A quiet filled the whole hall as the lights began to dim and the single mare trotted out on stage, her mane glimmering in the low lighting. A soft spotlight shifted into place over her. Octavia gave a bow first before taking the Cello's bow in her mouth and rearing up on her hind legs with one fore hoof around the neck of her instrument. Passing the bow to her other leg and beginning the subtle balancing act where her own weight and that of the Cello were to counterbalance each other, allowing her to stand and play. Pulling it close as if in the starting steps of a romantic dance. With the bow cradled in the crook of her leg behind her hoof in a simple, and almost natural animation second nature to her, drew the bow across the strings as her eyes closed. The beginning of a beautiful dance between her and the cello, eyes never opening, there was no need. She knew each string, and each movement needed to bring fourth the wonderful sounds that kept the audience in rapturous silence, some swaying lightly with the slow melodic notes. Tempo slowly rising as the apex of the song was approached.
As suddenly as the tempo rose, it now descended, bringing back the soft deep sounds that filled the hall. And as the final notes rang out over the audience her eyes finally reopened taking in the joyous faces of all before her. All eyes followed her as she stepped down from the dance allowing her instrument to rest against it's stand once more. Replacing the bow on its hook. Dipping her head in a deep bow, her voice soft as the final notes of her song, smiling she said “Thank you all for allowing me to play for you.”
What had until then been a quiet hall erupted in enthusiastic applause. Octavia allowed herself a final bow before the curtain closed, separating her from the crowd. She could still hear the applause as she made her way off stage. This night was the kind of night to make one wonder if there was much more one could do to top such an occasion. An immense accomplishment, shared by a handful of musicians across Equestria, and now shared by her as well. As far as important event performances were concerned this truly seemed to be the highest she dare think of. For now however, this had been the most important performance of her life.
Approaching her dressing room a note could be spotted hanging from the handle of the door. It was a simple note, a record and a few musical notes scattered about its surface. Octavia's smile was small, similar notes would of course be waiting for her after solo performances, though this was the first to have ever just been left hanging from her dressing room door handle. Picking it up as she pushed open the door and entered the room, the open Cello case resting on the table mid room was filled with various notes and gifts. The usual bottle of Wine, a few small boxes of assorted chocolates and candies, and of course flowers. Always there were flowers, this time orchid's arranged nicely in a vase. Of the letters some would of course contain offers for solo performance contracts, participation in bands, and larger orchestras, and even private in house entertainment gigs. The note that had been hanging on the door handle was far simpler, there was only a short message in it.
“Cafe' Symphony, Tomorrow, 3:00pm. I'd like to talk with you.”
Octavia read the note one last time before tucking it away into her saddlebag. Standing outside the mentioned musical themed cafe, she actually was a fan of this particular cafe. It played classical music, the selection of teas was fabulous, and the decor of the whole establishment really made you feel relaxed. Dimmed lighting keeping things cozy, tinted windows to shade patrons from even the brightest of days. Each drink was always delivered at the right temperature, hot, but not scalding. Eager waitresses would even mix in your cream and sugar should you desire.
Against her better judgment, she had decided she would indeed meet the pony who left the small note behind for her. Meeting such a stranger on a whim like this was a bad idea, at least that was her first thought as she read the note the previous night. However Cafe Symphony was a favored place of hers, and it was not unlikely that she would have stopped in anyway, that at least was what she told herself while adjusting her mane before stepping in through the threshold out of the mid afternoon sun, and into the soft lighting of the cafe's interior.
A young cream colored unicorn mare, a cup and saucer adorning her flank, greeted her as she entered. The tag on her chest read 'Caramel Cream,' she was smiling enthusiastically, clearly happy to see the cellist. Caramel toned down the smile as she spoke “Just yourself, or are we expecting company?”
“I'm expecting someone.” Octavia looked around the cafe briefly surveying the ponies already occupying the place. Making sure no one was going to get up and wave her over. "They should arrive soon."
“Alright, please come with m and we'll find you a nice place for you and your date.” The almost bubbly mare chirped as she lead the way.
After being seated and giving her order of a simple citrus spiced tea, and raspberry tart Octavia relaxed a bit, listening to the quiet music. Waiting for her drink, one she was ready to enjoy, and waiting for the pony who requested to meet with her. Something she was less enthusiastic of, but none the less, curious about.
The young cream colored waitress named Caramel returned, a medium sized round tray with a teacup on a saucer next to a small plate with raspberry tart, as well as a coffee cup and plate with a small piece of crumb cake. Raising a brow Octavia would have said something had the waitress not spoke first. “Sorry for the wait, your company caught me, before I knew it I had a little more on the order. Nice filly, paid for everything then stepped out for a tic. Said she would be right in-”
As she was placing down the drinks and snacks for each of them, the second party arrived. A pure white coat of fur covered this new mare, and a striking two toned blue mane and tail made her stand out vibrantly even in the dim light of the cafe. Resting on the bridge of her nose with a unicorn's horn above it was a pair of large purple lensed sunglasses, that were equally out of place in the surrounding area. This mare had a simple bared pair of notes on her flank that Octavia spied briefly before she took a seat across from her. The sheer difference in appearances from what she would have expected, and what was clearly now sitting right in front of her was enough to throw her off her guard.
Smiling broadly, the white mare was the fist to break the silence after the waitress had left. “So, you actually came. I didn't think you'd actually show up to meet a total stranger like this. Great!” the unicorn's voice was a bit on the brash side, but full of playful and friendly tones. “So let's get down to business shall we?” she said before taking a long drink from the coffee mug before her. “I'm sure your a busy mare with lots of things to do. So I don't want to take up too much of your time just yet.”
“I erm...” Octavia stammered a bit before clearing her throat and taking a sip of her tea. Enough to calm her and let her take time to assess the situation. Recomposing herself from the shock, this was nothing as she would have expected, and nothing like what she would have believed a pony who wanted to speak to a concert Cellist would appear to be. “So... your the one who was looking to meet me?” It was more of a statement than a question, though it came out as such.
Leaning back and taking a drink of tea she took in the mare before her. Gauging what it was that while so out of place before her seemed familiar. She didn't quite understand but something told her that this pony before her was more than she seemed. Something recognizable lay hidden among the rest of things, but the Cellist could not for the life of her pick out exactly what it was. Surely she didn't know this pony, and there was no way she would have been at any of the functions she previously played at was there? Besides, with a mane like that she would have remembered such a thing.
“The name's Vinyl Scratch, I happened to see your performance at the end of this years 'Triple G', very nice, and a fine sight better than last years performance with that band. The 'Pony Pokey' was it?” Smirking as she said the title of the song, almost tauntingly.
Flushed cheeks and a sudden decision to give the raspberry tart before her some extra attention rather than give the previous years fiasco any validation with words. “Ms. Scratch, can I ask you what this is all about? I doubt to think you just wanted to talk over drinks about petty things.”
“Ooo touchy touchy... Sorry didn't mean to hit a sour note with you.” Vinyl said apologetically and took another drink of coffee, this time chasing it down with a bite from the crumb cake, giving little time before the bite and speaking, she still was chewing. “Ok, so I've been looking for a spark of inspiration for a while now, and I have no Idea why, but that performance of yours last night, the way it captured the crowd struck me with an idea. With the inspiration I needed.” She let a wide almost devious smile spread across her lips as she finished the statement.
Flicking her ear, Octavia was admittedly curious though this 'Vinyl's' smile bothered her, it was as if she was thinking of something so very wrong, and it was showing all over her face with that smile. The untamed type of emotion she could see spilling out with no reservations, putting her on edge. Not to mention those overlarge sunglasses hiding most of the mares face from view. Rather than respond, she allowed silence to speak for her, along with her eyes. Asking with no words for her to continue, and explain further.
Vinyl was confident always, but she was also used to those she spoke to being more enthused about the situation. This didn't sop her though, just a new breed she was working with was all. Without losing any of her own enthusiasm fall she continued. “In so many words, I want to hire you.” Again she smiled, though this time with a touch of reservation.
“Hire me? If that is what this was about, you would have been able to just call my agent like everypony else. He handles the scheduling of events and performances. You're little more than wasting both our time here.”
“Wait- Hear me out here. I came to you directly for a reason!” Vinyl cut her off. “Calling your agent would work if I just wanted you to perform for a night somewhere, but for this that would have just been a waste of my time!” taking a drink and adjusting her shades, she tried again. “At least hear me out, you showed up, despite that you showed up to meet a pony who's only act to get a hold of you was to hang a note on your dressing room door. You've got to be curious enough to at least give me that much.”
“Fine, I'll give that much to you, but this is highly unorthodox and remember, I have many obligations before this.” Her words came out in an even tone, but not without a small touch of annoyance.
“Great! Ok, so listen to this!” Back in her element, Vinyl was ready to pitch her idea. “:I own Scratched Records.” Her voice full of pride as she announced this.
Octavia simply raised a brow. “Wait, what is so good about a damaged record collection?”
“Huh?” The comment gave Vinyl pause. “Oh! No, no 'Scratched Records' is the name of my Record Label!” She laughed as she explained, having forgotten the musical differences between herself and the pony before her.
“Oh... well... Carry on.” She could feel the heat in her face as the blood rushed to her cheeks tinging them red ever so slightly. Though perhaps this record label was the reason she faintly recognized this pony.
“Right, as I was saying, I want to hire you!” The white mare again flashed a bright smile. “I write and produce a lot of my own music as well, and your performance last night was like a hoof to the face full of inspiration!”
This was a new experience for Octavia, much like her early musical career, gathering the members together for her ensemble that she still played with regularly to this day. That same ensemble being scouted out from their small performances back in Manehatten to do bigger and better things, such as their regular scheduling as musicians for the Gala. It had been a long journey from then till now. She was used to playing in cafes, restaurants, and many different functions and parties. And with this last one she was really going to be making a name for herself, and if she could bring her whole ensemble into it. This Vinyl was possibly another good opportunity to follow, but it was a request to hire her, not an offer for a recording contract. She wasn't exactly sure about what this was all going to entail exactly.
“If... And I do mean if, I say yes, what exactly are we expecting to have me do for you? I'll assume you want me to play? But for what or who?” A soft smile accompanied this question.
“That's an easy one! I mix tracks and I need musicians such as yourself from time to time to play for me. I record what they play as material for my works. I considered looking for a different artist, but I want only the best so I wanted to try and get a hold of you first. Had my little note on the dressing room door trick not worked I would have likely found a way to just show up on your doorstep. And to pull this concept of mine off, I really do need the best." Vinyl drained the last of her mug letting out a satisfied sigh. “So I came after you, think of last night's gig as an audition you didn’t even know you were having, an' I didn’t know I was giving, an' you got the job!”
Nodding in understanding Octavia gave this a moment of thought, performing for a crowd was her passion. It was a situation she was comfortable with, and drew great energy and inspiration from. It was her passion. “I am going to consider it.” Her simple response was just that, she didn't want to answer right away. Consider her options and go from there. It was her turn now to finish her tea, followed by dabbing a small napkin over her lips to dry them.
“Aww-Yea!” Vinyl almost knocked over her chair as she rose to her hooves, her forehooves on the table. What light amount of chatter there had been going on around them died off almost immediately with her outburst. For a moment all eyes were on them.