In previous Galas, Celestia was the center of attention, having to spend the entire night greeting the guests with a hoofshake and that trademark smile.
While she was far from ignored, as ponies would come seeking words of wisdom, Celestia wasn't a permanent fixture guarding the main entrance. She wandered through her old castle, seeing for the first time what the party was like inside. It was disappointingly political.
With some clever maneuvering, Celestia pushed her way towards the ballroom. She found herself intercepted by Pinkie Pie at the doorway.
"Hey, Celly, did ya make these snacks?" Laughter held out a hors d'oeuvre.
"As a matter of fact, I did." Celestia tilted her head. "Why do you ask?"
"They're a real smash." Pinkie nodded at the buffet table. "Hey, you should help us every year."
"No, no, I don't think you want me to." Celestia drew Pinkie close with her wing. “The nobles would eat marinated dog food on a cracker.”
“Don’t be so modest.” Pinkie tossed the appetizer in her mouth.
“No no no, what you heard was, 'I threw some random ingredients together and made it up as I went along.' I ran out of ingredients, it’s what I had to use.” Celestia explained. “Is that enough seasoning?”
Pinkie blinked. "It's just perfect..."
The pink mare bounced away, and Celestia sighed. Her attention quickly shifted back to getting into the ballroom. She could make out Andante conducting, and Schuberry at the piano; perks of being tall. After a short detour to load up on food, Celestia put herself next to the stage and looked up.
Schuberry was wearing a full on tuxedo, and her coat was cut like a colt around the hoof. Her expression was flat and muted, reflecting no warmth or even emotion. It was like the life was drained from the filly. Schuberry played the duet with Octavia begrudgingly, hitting the right notes but not going out of her way to perform.
"Is the music to your liking, Celestia?" Seville suddenly asked.
The alicorn nodded. "Oh, yes, I suppose."
"Interesting song. It starts off with the piano leading, and slowly, the cello takes over." Seville commented. "Still, it was a rushed operation. I just hope the rest of the night goes smoothly."
"I'm sure it will, sir." Celestia politely encouraged.
Schuberry finished playing and put her hooves in her lap, waiting for Octavia to finish as well. She suddenly froze when she caught Celestia in her peripherals. "Oh, you came."
"Of course I came." Celestia shrugged. "I wouldn't miss your first real live performance."
The filly fidgeted. "You shouldn't have. Andante's going to get mad now."
"I can't say I'm pleased, but if you want to listen, feel free." Andante raised his baton.
"Wait." Turca joined the small gathering. "Why don't you play that violin etude?"
"What violin etude?" Andante tilted his head.
"Come on, you know the one. You played it in the dress rehearsal." Turca wiggled his hoof in circles. "I quite like it."
"Very well, sir." Andante waved at Twiddly Twang for a violin. He stepped around the piano, and as he passed Schuberry, he whispered something into her ear. "Let us begin."
"Is that another virus?" Celestia grinned.
"Sorry, what?" Turca frowned.
"Wasn't there a song called Andante Virus?" Celestia looked over.
"Oh, it's a violin etude named as a tribute to the Ambletivirus violin maker." Seville explained. "Though, we could redefine a whole new genre of music as Virus, the ultimate tribute..."
"Then this song ought to be called Schuberry Virus." Celestia suggested. "That little filly wrote it, after all."
"Wait, what?" Turca and Seville said together.
"Oh, yes. You're staring at a musical prodigy, but not our stallion Andante." Celestia smugly stared into the violinist's eyes. "None of the music he claimed he wrote is his."
"Interesting." Turca stroked his chin.
Schuberry was listening in. Her eyes widened slightly, and she whispered, "We're doing it my way." She picked up the pace. Somehow, her playing was the accompaniment, but Schuberry forced her father to play faster than he intended. The duet became a duel, just like their duet over the Ursa Major Concerto. Her life was back, and somehow, she forced Andante to her whims as well. Perhaps he wanted to be lead.
The ponies dancing in the ballroom below slowly stopped twirling. As quickly as they stopped, they swung into a much quicker dance, laughing excitedly in a flurry of dresses and sharp tuxedos.
Seville waited for the exciting song to come to a close. "Andante, we need to have a talk, now."
"I've heard what you were saying, sir." Andante placed the violin off to the side and reached into his jacket.
Celestia felt woozy, and before she hit the ground, she heard screaming coming from outside.