//------------------------------// // Prologue: After the Gala // Story: Symphony Shattered // by SteampunkBrony //------------------------------// Symphony Shattered Prologue: After the Gala "Thank you again for playing at this years Gala Miss Philharmonica, and I do apologize for the... excitement of tonight." Celestia said as she trotted through the wrecked ballroom over to where I was packing up my cello. "My student's friends often tend to bring excitement wherever they go, but who can blame them." She said with a chuckle. "Well, I'll admit that it was a refreshing change to play something aside from the constant classics that the nobles request from me, although I don't think I will be pursuing a career playing the pony polky." I replied with a chuckle as well. "After all, one does tend to grow tired of those songs after a while don't you think princess?" "That is probably a wise decision and I do agree with you. How is Vinyl by the way? I haven't heard anything regarding her for quite some time." She said as she levitated over two glasses of champagne that were miraculously untouched and passed one to me as we watched some of the castle's staff herd a few squirrels out the door. "She's been stuck in a bit of a creative rut, I'll admit. She's been concerned with creating a new sound with those synthesizers of hers, last I saw she had about twenty different effects wired into a recording of me playing the cello. I don't even want to try to fathom what she's trying to create." I said with a chuckle as I grasped the champagne flute in my fetlock. My roommate was said to be eccentric with electronic music when ponies wanted to be polite about it. "Well, it's nice to hear that she is still working hard." Celestia said with a smile. "Luna has been looking forward to her next album. While I don't quite understand the allure of electronic music, I'm not one to question it." "I can sympathize your highness." I said as I took a sip of the bubbly beverage. Celestia took a sip from her flute. "Miss Philharmonica, I must admit it is nice to speak with somepony high class and not have to mind every word I say, I swear if I say one thing wrong in court and the nobles think less of me for weeks on end. It's all a game of politics after all." She said with a sigh. "And don't get me started on the press and the tabloids..." "I can't even begin to imagine." I said as I visibly flinched. I had had some experience with them of late as well. It seems an earth pony who can play a cello is big news these days and that the tabloids like to target those who are unusual. "In any case I must say farewell, I know my student and her friends headed off to Pony Joe's and I think I'll give the tabloids something to talk about, and give Joe some more business." She said as she finished her Champagne. "Besides, it's been ages since I've had a good doughnut." "May I suggest the blueberry jelly filled powdered ones." I said as I finished my glass as well. "They are delectable." "Really? I didn't expect you to know much of them." Celestia said with a smirk. "Princess, I live with Manehattan's premiere dj. I probably know more about how to save money and still have a good meal than most of Canterlot's upper crust. That and I don't see myself above some indulgence in the less expensive pleasures in this world every now and then." I said as I set down the champagne flute and swung my cello case over my back. "In any case, Ciao, and have a good evening Your Highness." "Likewise Miss Philharmonica, and please, call me Celestia." She said with a smile. "In that case, call me Octavia." I said with a chuckle. "Very well then Octavia, have a good night." She said as we went our separate ways. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=- I stepped out of the castle's gates and started to head to my hotel, enjoying the sights of Canterlot's nightlife. Most of the city was steeped in bright lights and glamor, the nobleponies seeing to that. As I rounded the corner to where my hotel was, I saw a unicorn beckoning to me from a carriage. Thinking nothing of it I trotted over. "Yes?" "Miss Octavia Philharmonica correct?" The stallion inside said, his voice sounding a little too eager. "Yes, I am. To whom may I owe the pleasure." I replied. "Oh, nopony in particular. It's just, after the gift of your performance tonight, I felt you deserved something better than some bits." He said, nodding to somepony behind me. I didn't even see who it was that hit me as I saw stars, promptly blacking out as I was dragged into the wagon, my cello discarded on the street.