Thrust headlong into a strange new world, Solaire of Astora must make amends before he can continue with his mission. Unbeknownst to them all, a shadow from his past approaches.

Octavia Philharmonica would like nothing more than to practice her cello and to compose beautiful music all by herself. Unfortunately, her teacher Princess Cadance has other plans! Sent to Ponyville to assist with logistics for the Vernal Equinox Festival, Octavia wants only to get through the ceremony with as little interaction with the local populace as possible, but her plans are derailed by the return of two ancient evils. When the ancient tyrants Burning Sun and Nightmare Moon break free from their prisons and initiate a new era of war and devastation, Octavia finds herself and five other musicians -- Vinyl Scratch, Fluttershy, Lyra Heartstrings, Bluenote, and Medley -- caught up in a desperate race to find the Elements of Harmony and stop the alicorns. It will be a difficult journey, but it just might be possible, if Octavia can manage to befriend the other ponies... and if she can learn to truly listen to the music of Ponyville.

First story in the Cadanceverse!

Cover art generously provided by Mimicry.

Special thanks to my betas Blackbelt, Lev the Lurker, and RK_Striker_JK_5

Something is troubling Princess Luna. With ancient burdens weighing her down even as she attempts to reconnect with an estranged populace, she turns to an old friend for comfort and advice.

In this tribute to the horror stories of the late, great HP Lovecraft, we are taken to a small, dank street in Canterlot. A young unicorn, studying magic in the royal city, hears strange music from the apartment above his own: Melodies and notes unlike anything he has ever heard. Ivestigating, he discovers a cello-playing mare in the room above his own. A quiet young mare known as Octavia.

Cover art by Sbshouseofpancakes.