Tomorrow would be the night. The night they had been waiting for. The night they had practiced for weeks to be ready. Tomorrow would be the best night ever.
It would be Octavia’s best night ever. She would be playing at the Grand Galloping Gala, again. Not in the ball hall and not as part of a quartet that had been thrown together by somepony with no sense for music or harmony. Sure, it was less prestigious to play in the entry hall while everypony important would be sitting inside, but she would play with her friends and she would play the music they all enjoyed. Plus, every important pony in Canterlot would be there, so there still was a chance that they might get another gig out of it.
It would be Lyra’s best night ever. Well, more like best late afternoon to early evening ever, since they had to be there before everypony else. Which meant getting up early so they would be in Canterlot at noon. Still, she would play at an official event again, with a group of friends who enjoyed the same easy-going and happy melodies like her. And after that, she was invited to the Gala, with Bon Bon. Maybe she could get a dance or two with her special somepony. If not, they could still enjoy some fancy party snacks and a nice night together. Plus, it might be nice to see Princess Celestia again.
It would be Bon Bon’s best night ever. She still couldn’t believe it that she got a ticket for the most hyped party of the year. If Pinkie Pie’s stories were anything to go by, it would be very different from the parties and festivals Bon Bon knew from Ponyville, but with Lyra she was bound to have a blast no matter what. Even if it only meant making fun of some snobbish rich ponies and their show-off outfits. Plus, she would get to hear Octavia, Lyra and Crystal Note play all night long.
It’s going to be a disaster! Crystal Note couldn’t stop worrying for the whole week up to the Gala. What if she missed a note and messed everything up? She’d humiliate her friends in front of Princess Celestia and Luna and every noble pony in Canterlot! What if she ruined her dress by accident? Rarity would never forgive her and all her friends would be angry with her. What if somepony saw her horn and got angry or scared? Aloe and Rarity had promised to meet the four friends early morning to help them get their outfits and manes in shape, so she couldn’t wear her bandana to hide. She had only been walking through Ponyville without it and so far, without any dire consequences, but could she count on being lucky in Canterlot as well? Even that wasn’t the most troubling thing. What if somepony talked to her? Out of everything that could happen, that was the worst possible thing! She almost felt like fainting just thinking about it.
She could see it so clearly, somepony in a fancy suit would walk up to her and ask something and she would turn into a stuttering mess. Suddenly everypony was looking at her and she could feel their glares hit them, full of anger and disapproval. She turned around to her friends for help, but they had ducked into the crowd in shame, so that nopony could associate them with that terrible beast. Already there were angry shouts coming from the crowd and ponies blamed her for messing everything up, for taking all their happiness away. She didn’t belong here, she should have never returned, and now they would make sure she never would again.
From the crowd, some ponies pushed through towards her, ponies with spears and chains, soldiers in black and red armour with helmets that covered all their faces expect for those sickly green eyes. They closed a circle around her, spears ready to strike her down, no way out to flee as Crystal Note crumbled on the floor in tears
Oh no, please don’t! Please not them! Anything but them!
The voices called for her blood and the closest of the soldiers grabbed her mane and jerked her head up, exposed her neck and brought his spear closer towards her and…
“That is enough now. Open your eyes and see, Crystal Note.”
A voice nearby reached her and all the shouting from the crowd immediately stopped. Crystal Note blinked, as everypony seemed to be frozen in time, except her. She scooted backwards, away from the spears King Sombra’s soldiers were pointing at her. Wait, King Sombra’s dark soldiers? In Canterlot?
Finally, she saw the dream for what is was. The images didn’t fade but Crystal Note was not part of the scene any longer, instead she was now watching from the side and another pony stood next to her. She smiled and bowed down deeply
“Princess Luna!”
The deep blue alicorn returned the smile but kept her eyes on the nightmarish scene in front of them
“It’s been a while since you had a dream this frightening, Crystal Note. I wonder what would cause it tonight out of all times.”
Crystal Note sighed deeply and sat down next to the princess as the frozen nightmare faded into a small bubble and their surroundings changed into the moonlit landscape Luna preferred
“Probably it’s because I’m very nervous about tomorrow.”
“You speak of the Gala.”
Crystal Note nodded and her ears flopped down
“I’m not sure if it’s a good idea for me to go there.”
“But you were happy to participate, thrilled even to play for the ponies. What of that?”
“That was before I realized how many things could go wrong.”
Princess Luna didn’t say anything, she had seen the nightmare unfold after all. Instead, she looked at Crystal Note, realizing how much the troubled mare had changed. Her mane was made up in a different style and her coat shined healthy. Unlike before, she had not tried to cover up her horn with her mane or the bandana she had seen on the mare on earlier occasions.
Princess Luna knew, better than anypony else, that the dream self always reflected the image of what a pony wished to be seen as. Crystal Note had embraced this new version of herself, a pony would did not have to hide but could be proud of who she was. As much as Princess Luna approved this development, she was aware that Crystal Note still had some way ahead of her, starting with her crumbling self-confidence.
“You are aware that you will not be alone at the Gala. Your friends will be at your side.”
“I know, but what if…”
“Twilight Sparkle and her friends will be around as well. Applejack and Apple Bloom with be with them. Are they not like sisters to you?”
Crystal Note blushed and nodded
“Sure, but…”
“And if everything fails, I will be present still, together with Celestia. Do you think sister or I would let anything happen to you under our eyes?”
At this, Crystal Note simply sighed defeated and slumped forward
“Of course not, Princess. You are right with everything, and I’m being paranoid, as always.”
Princess Luna simply giggled and spread out her wing over the smaller mare
“Don’t be too hard on yourself. We all get nervous every now and then. But it’s important we not let ourselves be consumed by our anxiety.”
Crystal Note nodded softly and took a deep breath in, just like she had learned when she first met Princess Luna. As she exhaled slowly, the bubble with the nightmare was blown away like a small cloud of dust, and Crystal Note smiled again
“Thank you, Princess Luna.”
“I barely did anything tonight. All you needed was a quick reminder.”
Luna got up on her hooves again and Crystal Note followed
“Our time runs short, I have more tasks ahead before the sun rises. I’m looking forward to see you at the Gala, my little pony, and finally hear you play.”
Luna's horn glowed and Crystal Note suddenly found herself somewhere in the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres, one of her favourite spots in Ponyville
"Farewell, Crystal Note. I've made sure that the rest of the night will be untroubled for you."
Crystal Note turned around to thank her, but Princess Luna had already faded away. She sat down in the soft grass and let the scent of apple blossoms and the soft rustling of the leaves lull her back into a deep sleep.
Lyra and Crystal Note walked behind Octavia towards the grand castle of Canterlot. Both musicians had been here before, but still they couldn't help feel impressed by the size and beauty of the castle that was nestled into the flank of the mountain.
As they got closer though, the beautiful impression was drowned out by an aura of rush and activity. Preparations for the Gala were in full swing and ponies ran around with various last minute tasks or deliveries. As they approached the entrance, a pony of the royal guard stepped into their path. It was easy to identify them as musicians, since each of them carried an instrument case
"The entry hall is closed for preparations, you have to use the side entrance. Follow me."
Octavia nodded and thanked the guard. She had taken the lead as soon as they had left the train, which was just fine for Crystal Note. Of the three, Octavia was the one with the most stage experience and the only one who had been at the Gala before.
Since Octavia took the lead, Lyra could make sure Crystal Note was alright. She had confessed to her friends that she felt very nervous. Of course they could all relate and as she had hoped, each of them had some good advice for her. While Rarity helped them into their outfits, she shared some tips she had picked up during fashion shows. Aloe's gentle affirmations while she styled up her made had visibly soothed Crystal Note just as much.
Lyra told many stories from her time at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns on the train ride to keep Crystal Note from worrying. Now, Octavia had taken the lead of their little ensemble. As strange as it seemed to Lyra, Crystal Note got calmer as they approached the palace and by the time they followed the guard through some outer gardens to the side entrance, Crystal Note just looked around curiously. The Royal Palace of Canterlot was a beautiful sight and Lyra knew from experience that ponies could spend days in there without having seen all of it.
Today, they didn't have time for any sightseeing. As soon as the guard let them in, a pony with a bright red hat approached them, wearing the uniform of the royal staff
"Ah, Miss Octavia. Ten minutes earlier as usual, I see."
While Octavia and the stallion shared some pleasantries, Crystal Note took in her surroundings. She had been in the CrystalPalace before, but the Canterlot Palace was barely comparable. Everywhere she looked, she saw marble, gold and stained glass. Red carpets decorated the floors and many statues and figurines filled the alcoves at the sides of the hallway. The ceiling was high and the big windows made sure plenty of light filtered in, giving everything an airy feel.
They followed the stallion through some rooms while around them everypony seemed to be in chaos. More than once, Crystal Note had to duck as pegasi flew narrowly over them
"Is it always this busy before the Gala?"
The stallion just laughed
"It's going to get worse before it gets better, I'm afraid. We're expecting more guest than ever before tonight and all members of royalty will be present at once. It's definitely a challenge, but luckily we have a secret weapon at our disposal."
The three musicians shared a glance but before any explanation could follow, they saw who the stallion meant with 'secret weapon'.
As the entered the entrance hall, they saw Princess Twilight Sparkle floating in the centre of the huge room with the help of her wings. In her magic, she had no less than ten different checklists circling around her as she called into different directions
"These statues are for the ballroom, please get them there so they're out of the way. Oh, these crates need to get to the kitchen fast, somepony please take care of that! Nonono, the flowers are for later! First, we set up all the other decorations and then we add flowers as last!"
Lyra couldn't help but giggle as Twilight efficiently directed everpony through their tasks. Somehow, she never had to yell and she stayed friendly and polite all the time, but still managed to keep everypony at pace.
When she heard the giggle, the princess looked down to see Lyra and Crystal Note wave up to her
"Hey guys! I'm so glad you're here."
Without much decorum, Twilight alighted right in front of them and smiled brightly
"You all look great!"
Octavia bowed her head in a formal greeting and smiled right back
"Indeed, Rarity has really outdone herself this time. These gowns are magnificent."
"Oh, your dresses are nice too!"
They shared a friendly giggle and Lyra teased her old school friend a little
"So, how is your new job as Princess of Checklists?"
Twilight took it with stride and just giggled along
"We're perfectly on schedule. In fact, we're even a little ahead. If you want, you can get some lunch before we start, we've set up a snack table for everypony who's working so hard!"
Octavia and Lyra looked at Crystal Note who just smiled, more excited that they had seen her all week
"Maybe later, Princess Twilight. If you don't mind, we'd like to get attuned to our surroundings first."
"Of course! Over here."
Twilight led them to a little stage at the side of the room, between the entrance and the large stairway where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna would later greet every guest personally before they reached the ballroom
"There you are. If you need anything, just give a call. I'm sorry I can't stay much longer, I need to make sure everything is right in the kitchen now."
"Sure thing, Twilight. We'll catch you later inside."
Lyra waved as Princess Twilight flew through one of the doors before she helped Octavia set up her cello. Crystal Note stood in the middle of the stage and just closed her eyes. For a brief moment, she just let all the noise and all the other ponies around her fade away as she took a deep breath. When she exhaled and opened her eyes again, they seemed to shine from within and she had a calm and serene smile on her face
"Hey Crissy!"
She turned her head and saw Lyra grin at her with her lyre floating next to her in her golden magic
"We're doing this or what?"
"On it!"
Octavia let out an exaggerated sigh at their antics only to smile along as she took her place by her cello
"Ready when you are. Your count, Love."
Crystal Note nodded with her violin in position as well. Lyra tapped her hoof on the floor four times, then Octavia started to play, with Crystal Note joining in a few beats later, followed by Lyra.
They played their usual song, the one they played at the start of all their practice sessions to get in tune with each other. The song was not overly complex, but there was a little swing to the melody, especially when Lyra added flourishes as usual.
The three friends and musicians quickly attuned and Octavia smiled pleased. The acoustics of the entrance hall were not optimal, but Princess Twilight had chosen a good spot from which their music could spread out and fill the entire hall.
The ponies around them stopped for a few minutes to listen, just to return to their tasks with new vigour. Crystal Note barely noticed any of this, it had only taken her moments to get 'in the zone' as Lyra had called it. When the first song finished, she immediately bridged into another one and was quickly backed up by Octavia and Lyra.
Crystal Note kept her eyes closed while she played as usual, but Lyra and Octavia shared a pleased smile. Crystal Note's nervousness was completely gone and so she could easily keep up with them, even though they had more experience on events like this.
They played another few songs before Lyra set down her instrument
"Good job, girls. Safe something for later Crissy, we still have the whole night ahead of us."
Octavia nodded and with a soft sigh, Crystal Note set down her violin as well
"I guess you're right."
When Crystal Note opened her eyes again, she looked surprised over the completely different entrance hall. While they had been playing, the others had finished their job of decorating. Everything looked very festive and grand and only a pair of pegasi flew around to add some more white and blue flowers.
The stallion from earlier returned and told them that they had about an hour before the doors would open, so this time the three friends took the chance to get a bite before the Gala started.
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were the last ones to arrive in the entrance hall. They took their spot on top of the small set of stairs and Princess Celestia took the time to thank everypony for their hard work. When everypony was in position, she turned towards the three musicians from Ponyville with a smile and a nod. Octavia and Crystal Note bowed their heads appropriately with Lyra following close behind.
Once more, Lyra counted with her hoof and as they began to play, the grand doors opened and the first ponies streamed inside. The Grand Galloping Gala had officially started.
The first song they had chosen was one of the classical Canterlot repertoire, since the first ones to arrive were the noble families of the capital city. Crystal Note kept peeking as the ponies passed by, but as Lyra had expected, nopony even looked their way as all their attention was on the royal sisters.
Then the initial rush settled in and ponies quickly filled the hall as they waited for their turn to be greeted by the princesses. They chatted quietly mostly, even if a few ponies clearly were very excited. This time, Crystal Note saw some ponies look their direction. Most of them had a pleased expression as the music offered some distraction while they waited in line, just as intended.
After the first hour, the crowd changed from mostly nobles to a mix of all kind of ponies, and the excited whispers increased noticeably. Octavia nodded to Lyra and Crystal Note. As planned, the switched from the slow and dragged pieces of the classic Canterlot style to more lively, upbeat and flowing melodies. The reaction from the crowd was very positive, so they tried some of the songs they had written together next. Lyra couldn’t hold back a smirk when she noticed that even Princess Luna was tapping her hoof in time with their tune.
Overall, nothing exciting happened in the entrance hall. A few ponies watched their performance with some interest, but mostly they went by unnoticed. Crystal Note took this with a lot of relief. No negative reaction was a good thing in the end and as they changed to their own songs, she was back in her zone and blissfully unaware of anything but the music.
They took a short break after a few hours, when the stream of guests thinned down. To their surprise and Lyra’s pleasure, Bon Bon had already been waiting for this and quickly approached her friends with drinks and snacks from the ball. Lyra and Bon Bon quickly brought each other up to date and Bon Bon admitted that inside, it was more boring than she had expected, especially without her friends.
They chatted for a while until Octavia suddenly tensed up and stared at something behind Crystal Note. She quickly jumped back on her hooves and bowed her head, next to her Lyra and Bon Bon did the same.
“Your Highness.”
Crystal Note, who couldn’t see who had approached them, got up and turned around. She had expected Princess Twilight or maybe Princess Luna, judging from Octavia’s reaction. However, when she turned around, she froze for a moment. Behind her, her friends gasped under their breaths when Crystal Note lost most of her natural sparkles and she bowed so deeply that her forehead touched the marble floor
“P-Princess Cadance…”
The Princess of the Crystal Empire wore a gorgeous gown that accentuated her natural grace and elegance. Her mane had gemstones woven in and was styled in a way traditional to her Empire in the north. The other three saw a benevolent and kind smile on her face, but Crystal Note couldn’t see it with her eyes clenched shut.
Princess Cadance stepped closer and gently touched Crystal Note’s shoulder, at which the crystal unicorn sat back up but kept her eyes glued to the floor. The princess gave her a moment to compose herself and shared a smile with the other three friends. Her face brightened up visibly when she noticed Lyra’s and Bon Bon’s matching dresses and she shot a wink towards them.
Crystal Note kept her eyes on the floor and barely even dared to breathe. Although she was living in Ponyville, she was still a crystal pony and therefore at least somewhat part of the Crystal Empire. Which meant that she Princess Cadance’ subject more than of any other princesses, even Princess Celestia.
The last time she had met her Princess was already some months ago, back in the Crystal Empire. After she had painfully regained her lost memories, Princess Cadance had sent her back to Ponyville so she could recover from the shock, but Crystal Note knew that wasn’t the only reason. Sending her away also meant that the other crystal ponies wouldn’t have to fear the presence of a crystal unicorn among them.
Since then, Crystal Note had had no contact with her former home or its princess, not even a letter. Guilt and shame, but mostly fear had prevented her to make the trip to the north again.
Princess Cadance had every authority to take her back to the Crystal Empire. Most likely, Rose Quartz had told her everything there was to know about her past. Princess Luna would fill any gaps if Princess Cadance had asked her aunt.
So right now, all she could do was wait for Princess Cadance' judgement and hope it would be merciful.
“You’re looking well, Crystal Note.”
Cadence’ voice was gentle and there was a smile when Crystal Note finally dared to look up at the princess
“Many thanks, Your Highness.”
Lyra, Octavia and Bon Bon shared a concerned look at Crystal Note’s sudden demure behaviour, until the noticed the almost-pout from Princess Cadance
“Do I need to lecture you again, Crystal Note?”
Crystal Note blushed and quickly shook her head
“Apologies, Your High-… I mean, no Princess. I’ll behave.”
Cadance chuckled and any tension just faded away
“I hear that life in Ponyville treats you well and that you made some new friends, but it’s good to see it with my own eyes.”
Crystal Note nodded but didn’t say anything. Cadance looked into her eyes for a minute, before she addressed the three friends
“Would it be okay if I borrowed Crystal Note? It will only take a few minutes.”
The three shared another glance and nodded
“Of course, Princess Cadance. We’ll be waiting here.”
Princess Cadance turned around and walked to a nearby door at the other side of the hall, away from the noisy ballroom and the line of party guests. She turned her head back and Crystal Note followed, after a moment of hesitation.
She didn't know where Princess Cadance was leading her, but the taller alicorn slowed down for Crystal Note to catch up so they would walk next to each other. Crystal Note remained silent and waited for her princess to say something first
"Your sister misses you dearly. She keeps asking me for news about you."
Crystal Note blushed and her ears flopped down in shame
"I'm sorry. I meant to write her, but whenever I start I can't find the right words."
"I understand."
Princess Cadance did not scold her, but she didn't sound very happy either. They fell silent again, before the princess started another attempt
"I was hoping to see you at the end of winter. I thought you would come to visit your parents' graves at least. Rose Quartz was waiting for you."
Crystal Note closed her eyes and shook her head
"So many ponies have lost families and friends. I would have only disturbed them, so I stayed and found my own way to mourn, by myself."
"Without anypony to share your pain? Without anypony to comfort you? That's not what I wanted for you when I sent you to Ponyville, Crystal Note."
Crystal Note bit her lip, fighting for her voice not to break
"Applejack and Apple Bloom were with me. They call me their sister."
"But you distance yourself from them. Why, Crystal Note?"
Crystal Note looked up, surprised and confused
"How do you know?"
"I've asked Twilight to look after you and she told me. Now please answer my question, Crystal Note."
This time, there was a sob in Crystal Note's voice as she answered
"I've already abandoned a sister once. I could not bear if it happened again."
"Crystal Note, look at me."
Crystal Note flinched at the tone of Cadance' voice, but obeyed. When she met Princess Cadance eyes, she almost looked away again right away at their intensity, but a firm hoof on her chin kept her head in place
"You will only abandon Rose Quartz if you never come back to her and therefore break your promise. And it is heartless and selfish to push those away who care about you. They chose to stand by you, so you don't get to say they can't."
Crystal Note kept staring up at Princess Cadance and nodded as her words slowly sunk in. Cadance released her and her voice returned to its normal gentleness
"Did you tell your friends about this already?"
Crystal Note sat down next to the princess and shook her head
"Not everything, but I'm sure Bon Bon already guessed a lot of it."
"Then she's a wise mare and you should listen to her more often."
Crystal Note just chuckled and agreed.
Princess Cadance looked at her for a little while, then smiled
"I meant what I said earlier. You look well, and it's not just your new manestyle. You're more confident and also more at ease. I think it's high time made use of it."
"What do you mean?"
“I mean something like this. Playing your violin for other ponies, maybe even making a living out of it. Wouldn’t that be something you like to do?”
Crystal Note only thought for a moment before she nodded
“I would like that a lot, Princess.”
“Then now is the time, Crystal Note. And if you need any kind of help, I expect you to tell me about it.”
Crystal Note looked up again when Princess Cadance put her hoof on her shoulder
“Even if you’re living in Ponyville, I care about you, too. So you don’t get to push me away either.”
Crystal Note smiled softly when Princess Cadance looked at her as her friends always did, with true care and assurance
“Thank you, Princess Cadance.”
Cadance pulled her in for a quick embrace.
“I’ll expect to see some mail from you soon, Crystal Note.”
“Yes Princess, I’ll write you as often as I can.”
“Don’t write to me, write to Rose Quartz instead. It would mean the world to your sister.”
“I will.”
They quietly made the way back towards the entrance hall, but before they reached it, Crystal Note addressed her princess
“Princess Cadance? I still care about the Crystal Empire a lot, so if there is anything I can do...?”
Cadance winked and smiled
“I understand. We’ll find something for you. For now, you should focus on yourself and what you want.”
The princess searched and found Crystal Note's eyes again
"No matter how far your travel, you will always have a home in the Crystal Empire. And when you come back, even just for a visit, ponies will be happy to see you return."
"I somehow find that hard to believe, Princess. Maybe Rose Quartz would want to see me, but who else?"
"Me, of course."
The princess giggled when Crystal Note blushed
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"I think you'd be pleasantly surprised if you visited, Crystal Note. Sometimes in life you have to take a risk. And you have good friends who truly care about you, should anything happen. You should always remember that."
"I'll try, Princess Cadance."
"Good. That's all I ask."
By then, they had reached the entrance hall again and Crystal Note quickly walked towards her friends. They had gotten a little worried, but when they noticed the sparkles on Crystal Note’s mane, they knew they didn’t have to be.
Princess Cadance smiled as Crystal Note took her place among her friends again
“You have certainly made an impression with your work today. I heard many ponies inside compliment your music. Does your group have a name already?”
Octavia and Lyra bowed their heads and thanked the princess while Crystal Note was too busy blushing from all the praise. Lyra and Bon Bon giggled and Octavia took it to answer to Princess Cadance
“We are the Ponyville Music Ensemble, Your Highness.”
Princess Cadance nodded and hummed in approval
“I will definitely remember that. And I hope I will get a chance to speak with each of you, once you join the party.”
Octavia, Bon Bon and Lyra returned the smile of the princess wholeheartedly
“It would be our pleasure, Princess.”
Cadance smiled and turned around, back towards the party. However, after a few steps she looked back over her shoulder with a sheepish smile
“I don’t suppose you’re taking any requests, do you?”
That definitely got the attention of the ponies in the waiting line as well, so Octavia and the others shared a glance
“Do you have something in mind, Princess Cadance?”
Crystal Note didn’t expect for her Princess to catch her gaze again with that knowing smile and a nod
“Perhaps you could play something from back home?”
Octavia and Lyra glanced at Crystal Note, but the crystal unicorn already had her violin in position and her eyes closed. She knew exactly what she wanted to play.
Without any hesitation, she played her favourite song, the song her mother had taught her and the song that had helped her get her cutie mark. Just like back then and especially after her talk with her Princess, her love for her sister filled her mind and poured into her song. Lost in her music, she didn’t notice how the mumbled conversations died down around her. She did however notice Octavia and Lyra joining in with their instruments and doing their best to match up with the passion she played.
This time, Crystal Note could feel it clearly. She felt a tingle run down her body as the change happened. With her friends at her side and her music filling her soul, she also knew exactly what kind of change it would be. Thanks to Princess Cadance and her words of encouragement and approval, but to no small parts thanks to her growing self-confidence, this time she embraced the change as it took place.
She did not crystalize as she had in the presence of the crystal heart, but for a brief moment, the ponies who looked at her could see that she was almost glowing with a light from inside her. While there had been subtle sparkles before, her silver-white coat now glittered and shimmered as she moved. Her mane took the colour of golden citrine and her horn looked like it was made of purest silver.
Octavia stared openly while Bon Bon and Lyra shared a proud smile. Princess Cadance met their eyes and nodded knowingly, before she returned to the ballroom.
The song ended and the moment passed. Crystal Note opened her eyes again and smiled at the gaping ponies in her normal appearance. She took a short bow, which seemed to snap most of the crowd out of their stupor.
She turned her head to look at Lyra who just winked and played another song as if nothing had happened. Octavia and Crystal Note joined in without missing a beat. The line was considerably shorter now and Bon Bon stayed with them as they played until the last guest had been greeted to the Gala.