//------------------------------// // 10th Movement // Story: Sketchy Salad Symphony // by Sketchy Sounds //------------------------------// The setting sun found Sketchy stood in the town square of Canterlot, awaiting the arrival of his cello-playing friend. The days were only just beginning to shorten, with sunset still coming very late in the day. There were still weeks until the date of the cellist’s big performance, but he knew that Octavia and the rest of her fellow performers would be rehearsing regularly for the event itself. Hardly surprising, considering that this was to be the premiere of an event that had gone uncelebrated for many a long year. It was important to get it right first time, therefore. He heard the steady sound of horseshoes hitting the stone paving of the square coming in his direction. Turning his head, he smiled in greeting as he caught sight of the musician herself. She was laden down with both her cello case and an additional bag slung over her shoulders. “Good evening.” she said, sounding slightly haggard. “'evening, Tavy.” he replied, eyeing her load. “Fair amount of stuff you’re carrying there. D’you want a helping hoof?” “Well...” she began, thoughtfully, then smiled and nodded. “Alright. I will admit this load is a little heavy, and I would welcome you alleviating some of it. So long as it is no trouble...” Sketchy chuckled slightly as he carefully pulled the cello case off of his friend’s back. “Are you kidding me?” he said, hoisting it over his own shoulders neatly. “It’s no trouble at all. I could happily carry the whole lot, if I didn’t think you’d then complain that I was doing too much on your behalf.” he grinned. He was rewarded with a slight hint of a blush appearing on Octavia’s cheeks as she averted her gaze to the side. “Well... yes. Quite.” she said slightly awkwardly. “I cannot help that, dear. I do not think it right to load all of one’s burdens onto another unnecessarily.” “I figured. Relax, lass, I’m not gonna insist on carrying it all. This time.” he snickered. “Mmm. Good.” replied the cellist with a smile. It was an expression that both made him happy and stung a little, but he pushed away any upset he felt. For now, he wanted to enjoy being in her company – and so he should as he was going to be privileged with something precious few others had been privy to hearing. As they set off on their way toward the rehearsal venue, Octavia spoke up. “I have just remembered, there is something I must caution you about.” “Ah?” Sketchy blinked, looking round at her. “What kinda thing?” “Well... in truth, it is less of a something and more of a someone.” Octavia replied, turning her violet eyes on him with a serious look. “I feel that I should warn you, it is highly likely that Her Highness Princess Luna will be in attendance tonight.” Sketchy stopped in his tracks for a moment. “Whoa, wait, what!?” he exclaimed, a little louder than he had meant to. He swiftly lowered his voice to its ordinary level once more as he continued. “The Princess will be there? You didn’t mention that before.” “I apologise, Sketchy.” Octavia replied. “It had honestly slipped my mind. But please listen – it is important, as she is likely to be present, that you adhere to protocol.” “...protocol? Oh, as in, like, addressing her properly, showing respect, all that kinda thing?” Octavia nodded in reply. “Precisely. Should you happen to bump into her, she is to be addressed at the very least as ‘Princess Luna’. Anything less would be highly disrespectful, and I am sure I do not need to state how grave a mistake it would be to show disrespect to a Princess.” “Nope, not in the slightest.” Sketchy replied. “I gotcha. But I doubt it’s gonna be a problem. I expect she’ll be more occupied with keeping her eyes on you guys than chin-wagging with me. I mean, I’m just a run-of-the-mill regular guy along to watch; not some big important pony that she needs to talk to.” “Do not be so certain.” Octavia replied, turning her gaze back to the road ahead as they continued on their way. “You are important enough to me for you to be present for this rehearsal. Such a thing is unlikely to escape the attention of our Princess of the Night.” “Yeah... you have a point there.” Sketchy agreed, following after her – and at the same time, smiling a bit to himself at the fact his friend had for once openly admitted to him holding at least some sort of special position in her heart. He couldn’t even tell if she had deliberately let that slip, or if it was simply her tongue getting ahead of her brain – but either way, she had said it. She didn’t seem to have realised it, though, and he didn’t feel like making mention of it for now as they approached the amphitheatre itself. The theatre never ceased to amaze Sketchy with its sheer grandeur, stretching as it did for several feet towards the sky in a very grand fashion. It was fair to say that it was quite possibly the most spectacular structure in Canterlot - save for the royal palace, of course. With that said, when the entire city was already built into the side of a mountain, it was a safe assumption that most of its larger structures would be of a fairly grandiose scale. The amphitheatre was no exception. A very large set of double doors marked the main entrance to the audience stands themselves, though it was toward a door further around that Octavia was headed. As she approached said door, which Sketchy guessed to be the stage entrance, it was opened from inside by a pale blue pegasus. She spotted Octavia and gave her a nod and a smile, holding the door open for both her and her larger companion – the latter of whom she eyed with some interest. Octavia simply mirrored the greeting, passing by her with only a brief “Good evening” as she went. Sketchy simply gave the pegasus a brief smile, following after Octavia swiftly to avoid getting himself lost. “One of the weather ponies, that was.” Octavia intoned quietly as she lead the way along the wood-panelled corridors backstage. “They have been... problematic, here and there.” “...they’re a part of this?” Sketchy asked, raising an eyebrow. “Hmm? Oh, yes indeed. It is to be quite the dramatic performance, dear. There shall be music and weather effects, and perhaps even some movement among the stars, courtesy of our dear Princess, if it all comes together well.” “Wow...” Sketchy breathed, and then upon noticing that they were closing in on a door marked “To stage”, he stopped to offload the cello case he was carrying. “Well, you’ll need this I expect.” he said. “Ah? Oh! Indeed, yes. I must not forget her.” Octavia nodded, taking the case onto her back. “Sorry. My mind was on other things. Ah, do be my guest and find yourself anywhere you wish to sit among the stands, the sound will be best from there.” she said with a smile. “Oh, and thank you for carrying this for me.” she added with a brief bow of her head. “No problem, lass.” Sketchy replied, turning back toward the corridor. “Just down there, right?” “Yes, Sketchy. It is clearly marked which way the stands are.” “Alright. I’ll head on round. I’m looking forward to this!” Octavia watched her friend head down the corridor, then took a breath, squared her shoulders, and headed through the door. Her poise was as proper and perfect as would be expected of any particularly aristocratic pony. It wasn’t something she did on purpose in order to show off; rather it was a result of an upbringing that had consisted of many years spent in the company of other ponies that considered themselves somewhat important and of a more noble breed than most. As a result, she had inevitably picked up some of their habits. Her manner of speech was one, along with the way she carried herself most of the time. It became especially prominent, however, when she was about to perform; as she was aware that all eyes would be on her, she subconsciously took greater care to present herself as an embodiment of grace and understated, simple beauty - though this would be only until she was safely positioned on stage and behind her instrument, at which point she would let the music that she played come to the fore and wow the crowds. A good thing, as far as she was concerned - though she had been complimented on her poise and elegance before, keeping up such an act for a long period was somewhat tiresome, and she didn’t really care for the high levels of attention that her reputation brought her. It was a necessary evil to contend with nonetheless, and if it meant that she would be able to share something that brought her joy with so many others, then so be it. Her fellow musicians greeted her with assorted smiles, nods, and brief words, but there was little time spent on camaraderie between them. Those assembled on stage had one thing only upon their minds, which was to practice performing what would no doubt go down in history as one of the greatest musical events of all time. It went without saying that there was an air of nervousness present, mixed with anticipation and excitement. As she saw to setting up her instrument and placing her sheets of music, Octavia briefly cast her eyes to the stands. She could faintly make out two ponies out there, situated in different locations. It was simple to discern between the shape of her friend and the silhouette of the Princess of the Night, and she found it a small relief that the two were nowhere near each other for the time being. She clipped her bow in place upon her specially-made horseshoe and then rose to stand on her hind legs, taking a gentle hold of her cello’s neck and letting it rest against her shoulder. A hush fell upon the amphitheatre, as all eyes turned upon her. She cast a brief glance at her fellow quartet members, gave a nod, and spoke one short sentence. “Shall we begin?” Sketchy sat, transfixed, in his seat as the music began. Whilst there was some shakiness here and there, the amount of practice that had gone into the performance so far was clearly evident. The assembled musicians played in nigh-perfect time, their notes mixing together in one perfectly arranged melody. He couldn’t help closing his eyes to take in the music more freely, focusing on just what he heard without his vision to distract him. The music painted a dramatic picture, telling a story of the changing of seasons and lengthening nights; of loss and also redemption and reconciliation, and of many other things besides. It made for a spectacular soundscape; one which, as the last notes were finally drawn, Sketchy couldn’t help applauding loudly from where he was sat. He smiled to himself as he saw, on stage, Octavia and her fellow musicians rise as one and politely bow to their audience of two. Still smiling, he got to his feet and hurried off, deciding to wait for his friend outside of the theatre. From what he could tell by the discussions going on on the stage, she would probably be occupied for some time. So it was that a little while later, he found himself outside of the amphitheatre breathing the refreshing summer evening air. At this hour, there was less hustle and bustle around Canterlot and this area in particular, so it made for a more relaxed atmosphere as the soft music of small insects singing in the trees echoed quietly around the area. However, as he stood looking up at the night sky, the soft ambience was suddenly broken by a loud and powerful sound, a voice which echoed within itself and had a force that nearly pushed him to his knees. “GOOD EVENING!” it bellowed. Sketchy was so startled by the sudden interruption of the peace that he practically leapt a few feet in the air. His pounding heart wasn’t helped any when he turned to see who in the world had made such a powerful sound, and his gaze met the smiling face of Princess Luna, whose teal-coloured eyes sparkled with mischief. “Oh, do excuse me!” she smiled. “Old habits...” Sketchy’s jaw hung open and his eyes widened in shock as his mind raced to remember the proper manners to use around royalty. “...y... Your Majesty!” he stammered hastily, swiftly bowing to the deep blue coated pony. “Pardon my lack of decorum...” “Come now, think nothing of it.” the princess replied, waving a hoof dismissively. “I snuck up upon you, so you cannot be expected to bow and scrape so.” “Alright, Princess...” he replied, nodding as he straightened back up. As he drew himself back up to his full height, he was hit by a surprising realisation. ...she’s... smaller than I expected... he thought to himself, and then immediately afterward found himself desperately hoping that the Princess of the Moon was not psychic. “I heard tell that Octavia invited you along to listen to tonight’s performance.” she continued. “She is rather magnificent, is she not? I shall admit I was a little uncertain about picking her for the compositions, but she has yet to disappoint me in her work.” “She is quite something, yes...” Sketchy replied, starting to calm down a little. He managed a slightly shaky smile as he continued. “I rather enjoyed the practice. It was quite astounding – if this is what it is so far, the final production is going to be nothing short of stupendous.” He couldn’t help but notice that Luna had a somewhat greater air of subtlety about her than her elder sister – had it been Celestia standing there, he would have expected a complement of Royal Guards and a fanfare of trumpets to herald her arrival. By contrast, the Moon Princess hadn’t even given away any sign of her presence until she had blasted his ears with her Royal Canterlot Voice. Her subtlety in that regard was instantly both refreshing and somewhat terrifying, although he’d heard rumours about the younger alicorn’s enjoyment of the odd practical joke here and there. Luna nodded her head in agreement at his previous remark. “I quite agree. I am looking forward to it.” she said, then she tilted her head slightly as she regarded her subject. “I have also heard tell from her that you and she are acquainted – friends, even.” she said, a tone in her voice that was laced with curiosity – and perhaps even the slightest tinge of... envy? “Yep, that’s right.” he nodded. “We just, I dunno, seem to’ve hit it off. I’m glad, I’ve, ah... wanted to know her for some time.” “Mmm, indeed?” the Princess smiled. “You are rather lucky, then. She is, in my experience, usually far more reclusive. Even one such as myself has difficulty coaxing her out of her shell.” “Really?” “Really.” Luna nodded, and then added quietly “And it is not for want of trying.” Before Sketchy could question that last remark further, however, they were interrupted by the sound of the amphitheatre’s main doors opening to let out a small flood of performers. “Ah, they are done discussing matters. That would mean your date is free.” Luna smiled, a glimmer of laughter in her eyes. “I shall leave you two to it.” she stated, suddenly unfurling her wings and taking to the air with a graceful leap. Sketchy gasped and stepped back slightly as she did so, able only to watch with a silent awe as the slender alicorn disappeared into the summer night sky. Only after she’d gotten several metres away did his brain catch up to her last remarks. It’s not a date! he mentally called after her, fully aware that she most likely didn’t hear his silent protest. A short distance away, Octavia stepped out of the amphitheatre doors to see the Princess of the Moon talking to her large earth pony friend. She stopped in her tracks, a small wave of panic gripping her. Was the Princess upset with the performance? Was she complaining about it to Sketchy, to avoid hurting her feelings? She decided that she had to know, and right away! Her galloping limbs brought her to a halt close to Sketchy just in time to see the deep blue alicorn disappearing overhead. “Oh goodness! She... was she saying anything bad? Did she mention the violist? Oh my goodness, he... rrrrgh!” she growled, her face contorted in an expression of both panic and frustration as her brow furrowed and she practically ground her teeth. Sketchy raised an eyebrow at the normally calm and demure musician’s reaction, but he soon let out a hearty laugh as the comedy of her overreaction got the better of him. “This is no laughing matter!” she growled, but she was silenced as she felt a comforting hoof placed gently atop her head, and she saw her friend looking down at her with a kindly expression. “It was nothing at all like that, Tavy, you silly thing. Come now, settle down – don’t you think if she had any issues to raise with you, she’d do so directly?” “...ah... well... yes, there is that...” she admitted, the brief fire of frustrated anger she’d felt already starting to fizzle under the cool words of comfort she heard. “She was just being friendly and saying hello.” Sketchy went on. “Oh, and taking the opportunity to compliment you behind your back.” he added with a smile. “Oh... Oh!” Octavia replied, looking up at him fully and blinking her violet eyes. “Ah, well... then, that is different.” she smiled, her ordinary demeanour returning to the fore. “You know, despite her station, she is a very pleasant pony once you get to know her. I admit I was initially apprehensive of talking to her, due to that... but, once you get past that, she is a wonderful pony to know.” “Yeah... I got that feeling from our little chat.” he nodded. “So, you ready to go?” “Mm. I believe I have everything.” Octavia replied, wiggling slightly to make the saddlebags she carried jingle. “Cello included?” Sketchy questioned, noting the absence of said instrument’s case from his smaller companion’s back. “You were that worked up earlier that you almost left her with me.” “Hm? Oh, she has a home here at the theatre whilst we are playing on a regular basis.” Octavia smiled. “And we will be stepping up our rehearsal schedule very soon. Keeping her here will be more efficient.” She winced as she rolled her shoulders and head around a little, easing them out of the fixed position they’d been in for the past few hours of practice. “You... ah, do you have to go now? Straight away, I mean?” she asked, hesitantly. Her question was met with an impish grin from her friend. “I have all night, lass. I live in this city after all, and the only plans I had for tomorrow were meeting with you. Remember?” “Ah, of course.” she smiled, then lowered her voice to a soft whisper as though talking about something very private. “Can I take you somewhere not many have seen?” The larger pony nodded, his mischievous expression softening into a warm smile. “You can take me anywhere, lass. On one small condition.” Octavia tilted her head quizzically, her long mane slipping off her shoulders and falling to the side. “Which is...?” she questioned quietly, unsure of his motives. Sketchy proceeded to bend his knees slightly, lowering his his back a bit towards the ground, and offered her a small smile. “On condition you take that weight off your back and put it on mine. I can practically hear your muscles complaining.” He was somewhat delighted to see the black-maned pony blush rather deeply at his chivalrous offer, going so far as to even hide her face for just a moment with a hoof. “Ah, are you sure? I mean, they are somewhat... I mean... well...” she faltered, and then sighed a little, giving in with a smile. “Well, okay.” she said quietly, grasping the strap of her bags in her teeth and transferring the weight off her back and onto the broader body of her friend. He is being so very sweet... she thought to herself as she let the bags fall either side of him. Before he had the chance to stand back up, she surreptitiously swept her head round toward his own and planted a brief, soft kiss on his cheek. “Thank you.” she added, drawing her head back as he rose to his normal height once more. He wore a proud smile as he did so, the additional weight quite clearly not fazing him in the slightest. “No problem at all, Tavy. Where are we going, then?” “This way, it is not too far.” she replied, her voice still the whisper of one about to share a closely guarded secret as she trotted off at a healthy gait. She led the way up a coolly lit path along the side of the theatre towards a set of gates woven with ivy. A pair of Royal Guards stationed either side of the gates glanced up at the pair’s approach, and then one of them moved to open one of the gates. Octavia trotted through with a brief nod of thanks to the Guard, with Sketchy copying the gesture as he passed through. The Guard remained as silent as they ever did, closing the gate behind them. “Normally I could not come in here, but at the moment it is permitted.” Octavia explained as she continued on past the gates. It didn’t take long for Sketchy to realise that they now stood within the Royal Gardens, their lit pathways kept in perfect condition with decoratively trimmed foliage trimmed in smooth shapes and curves all around. Fireflies dotted the bushes and trees, flitting to and fro like dozens of tiny stars in the evening sky. Octavia’s pace slowed to a walk as she took in a deep breath, savouring the soft floral scents wafting through the air; a scent mingled with the smell of the grass underfoot as though it had recently been trimmed and watered. “This is the most beautiful and inspiring place I have ever been, in all of Canterlot.” she said, her words no longer a whisper so much as a buoyant proclamation of happiness. “...it’s... wow, it’s simply incredible...” Sketchy agreed, slowing to take in the sights, sounds and smells around him. His attention was caught once more by Octavia’s voice however, as she turned to face him as she continued walking backwards along the path. “Come! There is so much to see!” she said, her excitement now plainly obvious as her hooves clicked briefly together. She was on the verge of behaving like a filly, practically bouncing as she continued onward. Her excitement wasn’t lost on Sketchy, who in turn smiled and chuckled slightly at her behaviour. “Alright, I’m coming. Lead on.” A happy smile spread across Octavia’s face - or rather, further than it had already as she turned back around and trotted on once more at a faster pace. Her mane and tail flowed out behind her, and Sketchy found himself having to pick up the pace a bit in order to keep up. As they rounded a corner, the path opened into a small circular clearing. At its centre stood a beautifully sculpted fountain, adorned on top with the unmistakable figure of Princess Luna. Her sculpted likeness wore a warm smile and, poised as she was in this rendering of her, it was easy to see her older sister’s influence in her expression. The water flowing decoratively from below her had a soft glow to it, no doubt lit by magic, and had such a clarity to it that it looked almost like flowing glass under the soft light of the moon. Octavia parked herself on the grass, settling down to sit, and gazed up at the fountain. She was soon joined by Sketchy, who plonked himself down next to her and took a look up at it as well. “Mmm. That looks rather familiar.” he smiled, noting the figure decorating the top of the fountain. “Indeed... until a few months back, I had wondered what it was that had happened to the Princess to cause her to look as she did.” Octavia replied, her voice almost a whisper once more. “It seems that this fountain was sculpted long ago, prior to her absence. I am told that, when first she was released from her darkness, that she did not take on this form as she was lacking the energy to effect it.” “I can understand that. Being locked away for so long would take it out of anyone.” Sketchy nodded. A short silence ensued thereafter, broken only by the soft babbling of the water in the fountain as it flowed down over the stonework. “...it... has been a good evening, has it not?” Octavia enquired at length. She turned to look over at her companion, who in turn looked round at her. His face cracked into a smile as his gaze met her own. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” he replied. Even as he said it, though, he had to push back the twinges of longing that crept into his heart as he locked eyes with the mare across from him. You know it’s not to be. he reminded himself – though it hurt to do so. He decided to gloss over it as he continued on. “You, on the other hand, have been stressing the heck out.” Octavia nodded slightly, her eyelids sliding down over her eyes slightly. “I have... but, I feel somewhat better now.” she replied. She turned her gaze away and then leaned up against him slightly. The gesture was unexpected, but it certainly wasn’t unwelcome. “Well... I think I could improve on that, Tavy.” he replied. “Lie yourself down for me. I can give you a bit more of what I did last time.” She glanced back up at him at that, and then upon realising what he was getting at, smiled and lay down on the grass. “I shall admit I am in no mood to argue, if you are going to insist on being so kind.” she stated, settling herself there. Shaking her mane to one side, she stretched out her neck a bit with a small wince as she was once again reminded of how long she had spent playing. Without any further discussion, Sketchy carefully set down the bags he’d had on still and shifted round to sit behind his smaller friend. He carefully laid his sizeable hooves on her back, unsurprised but a little concerned to find a fair amount of tension knotting the musician’s muscles. “Alright, let’s see...” he said quietly, frowning in concentration as he began to gently yet firmly knead the masses of tension he found. Octavia let out a strangled groan, wincing a bit from the treatment but at the same time finding relief from the stress that had been knotting her shoulders and back. “Mmff...” she muttered, her back shuddering and rippling a little under the larger pony’s firm care. Her long tail flicked to the side, brushing against him briefly. “Oh! Pardon me...” she said, chuckling slightly. Sketchy couldn’t help laughing a little at that himself. “It’s fine, lass. Just shows I’m doing my job well. Don’t let it worry you, just focus on relaxing.” He took a glance up and around again, at the quiet and almost magical surroundings. “Shouldn’t really be too hard, considering where we are.” The smaller pony nodded at that, her ears folding back a little as she tilted her head back to gaze skyward. Thank you for such a beautiful evening, Princess. she thought to herself. Her tail once again moved of its own accord, the tension being worked out of her back causing her to relax somewhat. She blushed a bit in spite of herself, however. “Yeah, there you go.” her friend chuckled once more. “You really shouldn’t go so hard on yourself, you know... you’re getting very wound up. I know it’s important that you do your best and all, but...” he added, frowning in concentration as he found a rather tense knot, “...true perfection... can only come from... a place of serenity, after all...!” he continued, speaking between a few grunts of effort as he worked on loosening the stubborn muscle. Beneath his hooves, Octavia stretched out her forelegs a bit, letting him get at the muscle better, and arched her back slightly. “It can be difficult, at times... when everypony has their—nngh!—eyes on you...” she said, wincing as he worked on soothing the knot out of her muscles. “Sometimes I have to—nnh!—come to places like here... to be alone, to be at peace.” She winced a little more as she continued. “It is nice to share it with—nngh!—with... with you... ahhhh.” she sighed happily, feeling the last of the tension melt out of the knot her companion had been working so hard on. Sketchy smiled at her upon hearing that. “I agree. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to share such things as these with your friends.” The thought struck him, as he said those words, what he now had. Despite the unpleasant experience from a few days ago, he and Octavia were still nevertheless friends – in fact, it was perhaps fair to say that the experience had brought them closer together, as they had been honest with each other about something difficult for the first time in their relationship as friends. If someone had told him a few months ago that in a few months’ time he’d be regularly hanging out with one of Canterlot’s premier musicians – and not just any musician, but one he really admired, no less, he’d have told them they were mad. But now here he was, enjoying a relaxing evening with someone he’d never expected to get this close to. Octavia rolled over onto her back, and he raised his hooves away from her as she did so. She lay there lazily on the grass, giving him a warm and relaxed smile. “It is a wonderful thing indeed... to have a friend to share with.” she said. She rolled her gaze up toward the stars, simultaneously gesturing for him to lie down alongside her. “Have you... ever wondered what it is like up there?” He got to his feet and stretched a bit, then carefully plonked himself down on the grass next to her, rolling over in turn to be able to look up at the sky with its myriad of twinkling lights. “Among the stars, you mean? Sometimes I do wonder, yes... although at the same time, I think it’s a good thing I’ll never know for sure.” His companion was silent for a bit as she rolled the thought around in her head. “They are so pretty, and Luna asks them to do such amazing things. Her sister has only the sun, but Luna... she has a whole sky of these lights. I have always loved it.” She paused, and then laughed slightly. “Listen to me ramble on.” With that, she turned over a little, and Sketchy felt her come to rest up against his side, shortly before a stone grey foreleg was lain gently over his chest. He turned his head to the side, only for his gaze to be met with Octavia’s smiling face. In all the time he’d been around her so far, this was definitely the most open she had been – and perhaps the most relaxed he’d seen her, as her warm smile and slightly closed eyes spoke of her happiness. “You are a pleasure to be around, Sketchy. Have I told you this?” she asked. He couldn’t help smiling at that question. “Not always in a direct fashion, or with words... but yes, you have.” Her smile grew at that, but then shrank down once more as she began to speak in a whisper. “I... wanted to tell you...” she said slowly, a tinge of pain in her voice, “and I was hoping that tonight has helped... but I wanted to say that I was sorry for the other day... when... when I...” Sketchy felt his own smile fade a bit at that, as her words brought back a number of feelings that stung to recall. He closed his eyes against the pain that stung at him, and willed himself to speak. “...when you hurt my feelings?” he said. “Listen... I forgave you the very moment that I learned why you turned me down, Octavia.” he replied. “So... don’t keep feeling bad about it.” He heard a soft sniff come from his companion, and he opened his eyes. What he saw almost overwhelmed him, as Octavia’s eyes were now moist and slightly reddened. “I am so very sorry, Sketchy.” she said, and he felt her grasp on him tighten up. The thought that she had hurt someone, when that was one thing she tried to avoid above all else, was something that upset her deeply. Almost instinctively, he reached around and pulled her close to him, hugging her tightly against himself. For the moment, it didn’t matter to him that there were unrequited feelings on his side. What mattered more was that here beside him was someone who he cared about that needed comforting, and it upset him to see her this way. When he spoke, his voice came in the shaky tones of one trying to avoid being overcome by their own emotions. “Hush, Tavy... it’s OK. Just... just let it out.” he told her as comfortingly as he could. He felt her hold tightly to him, and felt her shudder slightly as her emotions tolled silently on her. He remained silent himself, simply letting her take her time. At length, he heard her whisper softly in a more calm and thankful tone. “Thank you for not just walking away, as I almost did.” A sigh of relief escaped his throat at that, as he relaxed somewhat. Knowing that she was starting to feel better was an aid to calming him too. “Meeting you was a once in a lifetime chance, I’d say. I wasn’t about to throw that away over a single disappointment. A friendship is worth more than that.” Octavia found herself glad of the fact her face was hidden from sight for the moment, as her muzzle was flushed pink afresh. She raised her head from where she had buried it against him, smiling a little as she spoke. “I would hate to sound like my reputation, but you are closer to me than any other pony has been for a very long time.” She paused, realising that her social standing and her status in general were probably still somewhat overwhelming to the average pony – even if she didn’t always understand why that would be so. She dismissed the thought for the time being, and then simplified what she wanted to say. “I am glad you are here.” Sketchy turned his head slightly to look at her, his expression a warm smile of honest content. “Right back at you, Tavy.” Her expression softened somewhat at that, and then, with some slight hesitation, she lowered her head back down, laying it across the larger pony’s chest. She angled her gaze toward the stars once more, gripping her friend’s body in a more gentle embrace than before. She heard him sigh in a contented fashion as he too returned his gaze to the heavens. Presently, he spoke up once more. “...anyway... about what you were saying before, about the stars. I think it’s better that we don’t know what it’s like, up there – mysteries are an inspiration to artists like us; something to wonder about, something to explore, something to draw out the depths of. But never something to be fully understood or completely unravelled.” Octavia smiled to herself at that. “I think that is possibly the best reasoning I have heard. I often try to imagine what they see from up there, and if they are watching what transpires below. I am tempted sometimes to ask the Princess when I see her, but I do not believe she should be bothered by my trifling curiosities.” With that said, she sat up, propping herself up on her forelegs. “You, sir, are very insightful.” she stated, casting a glance down into the face of her companion. She leaned down and pecked him briefly on the nose, chuckling a little as he raised an eyebrow at her doing so. He smiled up at her in return. “Why thank you, my lady. You’re very sweet.” he replied, returning the unexpected gesture of affection. The two of them remained peering into each others’ eyes for a few moments, until the assorted thoughts that had been whirling in Sketchy’s head finally found a rather important one to settle on. “...uh. Any idea what time it is?” Octavia’s eyes widened at that, as she suddenly realised that they must have been here for well over an hour. She furtively glanced up to read the clock face on the royal house through the tree branches, and was aghast to see it was well after midnight. “Oh my goodness!” she exclaimed. “It is past midnight!” She sat up quickly, a little shaken over how the time had escaped her so fast. “I... do you... did I keep you out too late?” Sketchy chuckled happily at that. “No, Tavy, you didn’t. I’ve nothing I was needed for tomorrow, barring meeting up with you. I think we could happily call that off or postpone it to a later time, don’t you? I’m more worried about you than I am about me.” She relaxed at that, stretching slightly and shaking off the mild laziness that had crept into her muscles from lounging there. “Right, yes. Well... my home is not far from here. Maybe you could walk with me?” “‘twould be a pleasure to escort thee once more, my lady!” Sketchy replied in his best overblown Canterlot accent, a silly grin plastered on his face. That raised a giggle from his companion, who backed up a little to allow him room to stand. “As you may, sir!” she replied in as regal a tone as she could manage. Her friend pulled himself up onto his hooves, loading himself back up with her baggage as he did so. He felt a brief bump against the mark on his flank, as Octavia nudged it gently with her nose. “A perfectly fitting mark you have there. Have you any idea how much bother I get over mine?” she asked with a soft laugh as she turned and trotted toward a different path leading down towards the main gates of the Royal house entryway. “A lot I expect, what with your reputation and all.” Octavia turned her head to talk over her shoulder, swishing her tail a bit to show off the mark in question. “It is about music! It is not to be taken literally! I try to explain that to so many, but noooo~~” she said in a mocking tone. Sketchy gave a small laugh at that, pleased to see her speaking so openly as this. They reached the main gates, and one of the ever-present Guards swung open the gate to allow them through. “Thank you, sirs.” Octavia said in a gracious tone as she passed by, followed by Sketchy. “Well, I can understand the confusion, though.” he said, as they headed out and down the street. “I have just about the opposite problem, actually. Most folk take one look at this mark and say stuff like ‘what the heck is that?’. But, I guess if they’ve never lain eyes on sheet music, I can’t blame ‘em.” Octavia laughed, nodding her head slightly in agreement. She’d slowed to walk just ahead and to the side of her companion. “Such as when I initially mistook it for a tenor?” she smiled, with a brief wink. “Something like that.” The two of them headed further away from the palace, down a less populated path and finally toward a house nestled in among a group of bushy trees. It was a modest looking home decorated with wooden accents; the doors, window frames and overhangs were all of a natural wood finish. Off to one side of the front door, on a small patio, sat a tiny metal bistro table which looked to be well looked after and in good condition in spite of any exposure to the elements it may have experienced. “This is my home. It is not much, but it is what you make of it.” she said with a small smile of pride, the words reminding her of her hard work to obtain it. Sketchy halted where they now stood, looking over the house before them. “It’s very nice. Almost exactly what I’d have expected of you, actually – at least, what I would have now that I actually know you a bit better.” Beforehand, he thought, I’d have just about expected a colossal mansion or country house, or something equally grandiose. “Would you come in with me? I have yet another thing I would like to show you.” Octavia replied, a smile on her face and just the slightest hint of childish mischief in her tone. It was the voice of someone who had some sort of surprise in store for their subject, but didn’t want them to know. Sketchy carefully thought it over for a few seconds. On the one hoof, he didn’t want to intrude at such a late hour. On the other, now that she was asking if he would like to come in, and especially in that kind of voice... “Sure!” he replied. The smaller pony led the way along the stone path towards the front door, which she then pushed open. It made a slight creak as it did so. “Ugh. I asked that little burro to fix my door, but she seems so busy these days...” she muttered to herself. The dimmed lighting in the house came alive as she stepped through the door. As soon as he stepped over the threshold, Sketchy caught sight of something he recognised. Hanging from the wall in a simple wooden frame and lit from some place unseen was a pencil drawing of Octavia. The image was of her in full flow of a performance, her eyes closed in concentration and her bow sliding across the strings of her cello. The artist had taken some liberties with their portrayal, as the musician’s mane flared out a little around her, and music notes swirled in the air around her. It was quite the picture of the musician – and one he knew well, as he had spent several hours drawing it a short time ago. He smiled upon seeing that. “I’m glad you liked my drawing.” “I thought it a wonderful portrayal, Sketchy. It will always have pride of place here on my wall.” she smiled, taking a few moments to admire it herself. She continued on into her house, swaying a little in a tired fashion. The floorboards under her creaked slightly in protest from her pressing on them.. She looked round at him again with a slightly bleary-eyed expression, mixed with indecision in her eyes. “What are your plans for the night...?” she queried, hesitance present in her tone. Sketchy froze where he stood, feeling his mind suddenly slam to a halt. “Uhm...” he said with most fantastic eloquence. “Uhm?” Octavia repeated with a quizzical tilt of her head. She trotted back over to him and retrieved her baggage from his back with her teeth, setting it down on a small table in the entryway. “Was it a difficult question?” she queried of him. Sketchy didn’t respond straight away, nor did he look at her for the moment as his mind was suddenly racing after its brief halt. Wait a minute what’s going on why did she say that why is she asking me I thought she only liked mares what’s happening what do I do am I hallucinating where is this going what should I say what should I do!? his mind screamed all at once. He shook his head briefly in an attempt to order the pile-up of thoughts, and said the most logical thing that came out of it. “...uh... well. I... I was planning on sleeping, primarily.” “Ah? Well... you could... I mean, you can sleep here, if you would like. I mean... it is rather late, and dark outside...” Octavia offered with a smile. “...it is kinda late, right enough...” he nodded, finding himself now rather unsure of what was going on. What if something happens? he thought. Stop being silly. Nothing’s going to happen. She likes mares, remember? his rational side told him. Yeah, but what if something happens!? As his mind continued to wrestle with the situation, Octavia walked around the corner, motioning for him to follow. He was led into the open-plan house, the living area adorned with assorted awards and plaques on its walls proclaiming her musical prowess and accomplishments. In one corner sat a music stand with pages upon pages sitting on it, and close by to that sat an instrument rack holding another of the musician’s favourite instruments – a violin. As for Octavia herself, she continued on through and round a corner, disappearing into what he assumed was her bedroom. Her voice echoed back through as he heard her clattering about a bit. “Make yourself at home, Sketchy. If you have need of anything, let me know. I must clean my teeth and make ready for bed.” “OK!” he managed to call back, quickly scanning the area for somewhere to sleep – other than the one obvious place that a part of him was suggesting. There was a large sofa present in the living room, which looked like it might manage to accommodate him... Before he had the chance to attempt to make a bed of the sofa, however, his host returned from her preparations, peeking her head around the corner. He could just make out some kind of silken nightgown round her neck, in place of her ordinary collar and bow tie. “That sofa, while somewhat comfortable, will play havoc with your neck come the morning. This way, dear.” she said, disappearing back round the corner. Oh! She must have a guest bedroom, of course. How silly of me! he thought to himself, relaxing a little as he followed her around the corner. Her nightwear suited her: it was classy-looking and modest, and, he imagined, quite comfortable. As they continued on down the short passageway, though, he began to slow his pace a little. ...wait a minute. I don’t see any other doors here. Where... no, surely not...! he thought to himself. His apprehension was soon given validation however, as the two of them walked into what was very obviously the cellist’s bedroom. The centre of the room was dominated by a huge bed, which the small pony saw to pulling the fluffy down comforter from. The end of the bed curled down in a sleigh-like fashion; the bed itself was crafted of a dark mahogany and adorned at the head with elegant shapes of musician ponies and musical measures. Almost every piece of furniture in the room was of the same style; much like the training she had, her furniture too was classical – a fact he noted as he glanced all around the room, making a quick check to see if there was a guest bed in here or not, or whether she was doing what he thought she was doing. There was no room left for confusion though once two things occurred. One was that he saw no other bed, and two was that his host glanced from the bed she was tending to her companion, and then spoke. “Interesting... and I always used to say that this bed was too big.” Sketchy’s jaw hung open in abject shock for a few seconds, before he finally managed to close it back up again and convince it to work well enough to speak. “Uh... yeah. Uhm... I mean... you’re, uh, OK with me... sleeping here? In, uhm. In your bed?” With you in it at the same time!? he mentally added. Octavia raised an eyebrow at him in a confused manner. “Are you alright, dear?” she asked as she climbed into the bed herself. “It is far past my bedtime, I apologise for not being more attentive. Do you need anything?” He shook his head vigorously, again trying to clear another mass pile-up of conflicting thoughts. “No, nothing at all, thank you. I’m fine.” About all I need is a cold shower. he thought, hesitantly moving around to the other side of the bed and climbing in, careful not to step on his host - though as she’d stated, the bed was rather large. There was plenty of room, even for his large frame. “Uhm... thanks for your hospitality...” he added, feeling blood rushing to his face as he settled down. Octavia saw to pulling the blankets over the two of them, then picked up one of the many pillows she had lying atop the bed and playfully smacked her friend round the head with it, a childlike smile on her face as she dropped it. “Relax, it has been a delightful evening, and now you can have a good rest.” she stated, scooting over next to him. She leaned her head to his shoulder, making herself comfortable under the blankets. “I like you a lot, you know that, right?” she said in a tired whisper. Sketchy found himself able to relax a bit at that. OK, good... she just wanted my company while she slept. Nothing is going to happen. “Let’s see... you spend time with me exclusively several times in a row, you invite me along to see you practice for a concert where the only other pony permitted to watch was one of the Royals, you’re openly affectionate toward me and pay me compliments here and there, and you’re letting me see you at your most candid.” he said, listing off all the points he could think of that were an indicator of her feelings. A broad smile crossed his face as he continued. “If I wasn’t aware of it by now, I think you’ve removed any lingering doubt!” he chuckled. He heard a giggle come from the vicinity of his shoulder as Octavia smiled at her own silliness. “I seem to have a talent for stating the obvious, at times.” she said, before her expression became thoughtful and her gaze moved to the side as she thought out loud. “So, what is in a night sleeping together? Is that... too much?” Sketchy’s formerly relaxed expression gave way to one of wide-eyed panic, and he whipped his head round to look at her. As he caught sight of her expression, however, and he noted her tone, realisation rapidly dawned on him. She... didn’t know!? he thought. “Ah. Well... it, uhm, it depends on who you are, and your definition. But, uhm... well. In common vernacular, it usually entails, uhm...” he trailed off, muttering something to himself too quietly for the smaller pony to pick up as he averted his gaze. Octavia tilted her head slightly, trying to make sense of what was going on. “Oh...? ...Oh... OH!” she exclaimed, as realisation in turn rapidly dawned on her. “Oh. Oh my goodness, I am so sorry! I did not mean to...!” she blurted out, her flustered tone matched by her grey muzzle flushing a deep red. Sketchy turned his gaze back to her, and flashed a reassuring grin. “It’s fine... don’t worry about it.” he laughed slightly. “You didn’t know, lass. You can’t be blamed for it. And besides!” he added, putting on a more noble tone, “I consider myself a gentlecolt. I would never dream of treating a mare disgracefully. Of that you can be sure.” Octavia relaxed once more at that, making herself comfortable against her friend’s side and settling her head to his shoulder again. “I know, dear, otherwise I would not have extended such an invitation.” she whispered quietly. She shuffled around slightly and brought her foreleg across his chest once more, squeezing him in a gentle hug. “Thank you for being you.” she added in the same quiet tones. The lights in her home began to dim once more. Sketchy felt himself finally beginning to relax, and with it came a feeling of drowsiness washing over him as the whole day caught up to him. His head sank into the pillow it rested on. “Ditto, Octavia.” he replied in a sleepy whisper. As his eyes closed, he let out a sigh of contentment. Even if there was no meaning to be found here other than that of close companionship, it was still exceptionally comforting. He felt his companion cuddle into him a little more, and heard her voice ever so faintly. “...mmm... besides... even so... it would have been my...” he thought he heard her say. He half-opened one eye, but her relaxed breathing and closed eyes told him she had already dozed off. He thought no more of it himself, closing his eye again and smiling a little as sleep soon overtook his body.