//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Drama & Delight // Story: the Tale of Tenor Tune // by NinjaMare //------------------------------// Today is Saturday, and is the start of Tenor Tunes week long vacation from guard duty. It was currently 5am in the morning, and Tenor was already waking up from sleep, courtesy of his years of training. As well as being drilled by his father. Once awake, the stallion outstretched his back & forelegs, before shuffling out of his bed and then stretching out the rest of his body. After stretching the stallion made his way to his kitchen, where he began readying the coffee maker, and quickly making a single piece of toast with strawberry & blueberry jam, while also grabbing a bottle water from his fridge. Making his way out of his apartment the stallion munched away at his piece of toast, while washing it down with the bottle of water, and just as he walked out of his apartment complex, the toast was finished, and the bottle was now only half empty. Shaking the last bit of whatever sleep still clinging to him, Tenor began his morning workout, a simply jog around the neighborhood, the shopping district, and finishing his jog back at his apartment. As Tenor slowly galloped along his usual route through the city, he hummed a small tune. Not one of his scribbled down, or more thought out songs that he practices and sing at the Red Oak, it was just a simple little tune that always made the jog around his route shorter. The sun continued to climb slowly into the sky, and with it more and more ponies began to wake and start their day, some of which were other guards on their own days off. Or simple civilians that were about to start their days. Coming to a stop when reaching the main shopping district, Tenor took a small break just long enough to take a few sips from his water while ponies started to pass him by, and before he went back to his jogging, two colts rushed over to Tenor. They were local colts that lived around the area of the shopping district, and whenever he stopped at this specific spot, they always rush over to him and challenge him to a race. They say that it was training for them as they were Hoofball players at their school. Tenor never saw any harm in it, and always accepted their challenge, so now it became so routine that Tenor always gets ready to run when the colts reached him. and the moment the colts reached Tenor, and prepared themselves, the three of them took off and ran as fast as they could through the shopping district, bobbing and weaving between stalls and other scattered objects, and even ponies, as they raced to the end of the district. Of course being well-trained, and being a bit older, Tenor was usually the winner of this little competition, but even then he provides the colts and tips & tricks to improve, before going back on his jog. An hour or so goes by, and Tenor Tune reached the end of his jog, and instead of walking back up to his apartment, Tenor teleported back to his kitchen. Looking over to the counter Tenor could see that the coffee was made. Before indulging in the beverage, the stallion headed to the washroom and begin preparing the shower, the hot water cascading over his body and drawing out a very delightful ‘Ahhhhhh~’. Using his magic the stallion grabbed a brush with a handle, and lathered it with shampoo, before scrubbing the sweat and grime Tenor developed during his jog. Sometime after his shower, Tenor re-entered his kitchen and prepared his coffee, while also making himself a proper breakfast. “Oh yeah. That’s the stuff.” Tenor said after taking a sip of his coffee, and smelling the scrambled eggs in the pan, along with the sliced potatoes with mixed greens in a different pan. “Alright. Once I’ve eaten breakfast, I’ll go out and go get the supplies that I’ve been writing down for the past few days. Then I’ll stop by dads place first, before going to see mom.” Tenor mumbled to himself as he finished plating his breakfast, and began eating it at the table. ~~~~~ Tenor stood just outside a small house in Canterlot’s northern district, where ponies of money, lineage, and high profile lived. But the house before him was owned by his father, ex-captain of the guard, Iron Brigade. Exhaling slowly, Tenor stepped up to the door before giving a few knocks, and after the third knock the door was wrapped in a grey magical aura. Once the aura vanished Tenor opened the door, and made his way to the living room, where his father was. Iron Brigade was a massive pony, nearly being 6ft tall, and was so heavily built—even in his old age—that any pony that looks at him would be intimidated by his mere presence. His coat is a metallic grey color, and was groomed so finely that the shine from it, actually makes ponies believe that his coat is actually made out of steel. His mane, tail, and the beard he was starting to grow were also black in color, like Tenors, and un-like his sons eyes, Iron Brigade had striking silvery eyes. Even in his older age, the stallion manages to stay in excellent shape, showing that even being a retired ex-captain of the royal guard, Iron Brigade continuous his work-out regiment. ‘Still as intimidating as ever.’ Tenor thought as he looked at his father. Whenever it came to his father, Tenor has always felt intimidated by him, even more so when he and his family moved to Canterlot so Iron Brigade could be closer to the castle. “You’re slouching colt, straighten up your poster.” Iron Brigade said sternly as he looked his son over, causing the young stallion to straighten up. “Yes sir!” Tenor said quickly as he stood before his father. Another reason that Tenor was intimidated by his father, was because of hos the stallion carries himself. He was such an imposing figure that nothing scares him, not even when Celestia disappeared during the Summer Sun Celebration a few weeks ago, when Tenor went to go check up on him. “So, what brings my son here today?” Iron asked the young stallion while permitting him to enter the living room, rather than just standing in the entryway. “I came to see how you’re doing, sir. See if your taking care of yourself.” Tenor said to his father. “But I see that you’re still going strong.” “Of course I am colt!” Iron said to his son, his voice deep and strong, just like his towering frame. “I’ve been training to be a royal guard when I was a foal, and I will continue to do so. Even in retirement.” Iron Brigade said as he whipped his tail out, causing an audible ‘crack’ sound. “Speaking of staying in shape, are you sticking to your training. You look to be putting on weight.” “I’ve been sticking to my training schedule father.” Tenor realized to late that he spoke to his father in a non-soldier manner. “You will address me as sir, colt!” Iron Brigade half-shouted, causing Tenor to flinch slightly, before regaining his composure. Iron removed himself from his large couch, and made his way over to Tenor, showing that the young stallion was two feet shorter than his father. “While you are addressing me, you WILL refer to me as Sir! You are a royal guard, and no matter if you are on shift, or not, you will act accordingly as a member of the guard!” Iron Brigade then lowered his head to look his son in the eye, although from an observers stand point, it would actually seem that the older stallion is about to pounce on Tenor. “Do I make myself clear, colt?” the larger unicorn said as he loomed over Tenor, who recoiled under the older stallions gaze. Ears flatten and a slightly un-comfortable look on his face. “…yes, sir.” ~~~~~ Tenor was not in the best of moods at the moment while riding the train to Ponyville, of course this is how he usually feels whenever he visits or goes to check on his father. So despite Tenors good intention, his father somehow always turns everything into something that either involves the guard, or simply making Tenor feel like he isn’t trying his hardest in anything he does. The only time that Iron Brigade seems to be even remotely proud of Tenor, was either he accomplished some kind of mission or task that princess Celestia, or captain Shining Armor assign him. or if Tenor manages to climb in the ranks of the guards. “Now arriving in Ponyville Station, now arriving in Ponyville Station.” The conductor of the train called out, snapping Tenor out of his slightly sour mood. A minute or so after the announcement, the train came to a slow stop, and Tenor along with several other ponies exited the train. Leaving the station behind Tenor took a moment to take a deep inhale, before slowly exhaling the air backout. “It’s been to long Ponyville, how I missed you.” Tenor mumbled to himself as he relishes in the familiar smells of the town. It’s been a year since Tenor has been back in his home town, and as he makes his way through the streets of Ponyville, a smile developed on his muzzle at seeing that nothing has changed since he was a foal. “Tenor?” the stallion stopped in mid-step as somepony called out his name. and when he looked to where the voice came from, a familiar lavender unicorn came trotting up to him with a happy smile. “Tenor Tune, it’s so good to see you again!” “Twilight Sparkle, so this is where you disappeared to, you little bookworm.” Tenor teased as the mare nuzzled him, and he nuzzled back. Tenor and Twilight have known each other during their earlier years, ever since the mare had become princess Celestia’s and Tenor had started his training along side Shining Armor as cadets. “What are you doing here in town today? Aren’t you on shift at the castle?” Twilight asked her old friend of the guard. “Today actually marks my week long vacation, and I’m here to visit my mother.” “Oh I see.” Twilight said. “Well then don’t let me keep you here, have fun visiting your mother Tenor.” The mare said before giving a goodbye wave as she trots off, while still stood in his spot for a bit longer, waving Twilight goodbye before finally moving on. Tenor continued his venture through town, passing by familiar buildings like Sugarcube Corner and Barnyard Bargains, but there were also a few newer buildings that he didn’t recognize. While trotting through the streets, Tenor stopped at a few stalls, to pick up a few things like a bundle of flowers, and some chocolate bonbons. Finally reaching his destination Tenor knocked on the door of the building he was at, a nice quaint little house near the east end of Ponyville, with a nice little flower garden taking much of the front yard. The doorknob was started to move, before the door opened up, and reveled Tenor’s mother, Jewel Feather. Jewel Feather was taller than the average mare, especially for a pegasus, with a coat, mane & tail of pure white. Like freshly fallen snow, with light shining off it. Jewel’s mane & tail were so long that they dragged across the ground, but they never showed signs of getting dirty, or even getting messed up from being dragged. The older mare was wearing a pair of light blue glasses, which were nestled on the bridge of her nose, framing her pale blue eyes. “Hello? Is somepony there?” the mare said as she looked around her front porch. “Hey there mom.” Tenor said to the mare, who developed a smile as she heard the stallions voice, and looked directly at him. “Tenor!” the mare said joyfully as she outstretched her left foreleg, waving it in the air for a bit. Tenor took his mothers hoof in his right hoof, and brough her closer to him. the mare then wrapped her foreleg and wings around the stallion. “It’s good to finally see you son.” “I’m sorry I haven’t been coming by as often as I would like.” Tenor said before removing himself from his mothers hug, and levitating the items he bought in front of his mother. “I got you something to hopefully make up for it.” The mare’s nose twitched as she smelled the aroma of the items, and the smile she had grew in size. “Chocolate bonbons from Bonbon’s Sweet Shop, and fresh roses! Oh Tenor, you sweet colt you.” Jewel teased as she used a wing to tickle Tenor’s nose, causing him to chuckle and gentle pat the wing away. The two ponies headed in side of Jewel’s home, which looked pretty normal. However the living room was a different story entirely. The living room was basically a wide-open floor space, with the couch and single recliner chair far off in the left corner, with two bookshelves lining the walls leading to the hallway, while on the right side of the room sat a table with various gems on it, and in a bin next to it, with a nice size fireplace at the far end of the room. The table also had a few tools on it, as well as something that looked like a pendent, with some kind of heart made from various cool colored gem fragments. “It’s good to see that you’re still making your gem crafts.” Tenor said as his mother places the flowers, and box of bonbons on the small table between the couch & recliner chair. “It helps to keep me busy, but you’ll be happy to know that I’ve actually started working for, Gemillion.” “Really!?” Tenor said astonish. Gemillion is one of the top brasses of Equestria’s gem work, from harvesting and purchasing gems, to crafting them into various objects and trinkets, or being commissioned to create works of art by high end ponies. “Mhhh.” Jewel said proudly as she sits on the couch, her long mane & tail blanketing the remainder, and just barely seeping over the edge. “I’ve been working with them for about a year & a half now.” Jewel then looked over to her son, her smile faltering a bit. “…and what about you Tenor…are you finally doing what you want to do?” Tenor just stood there, not saying anything. “I see. Your still bound to your fathers shadow.” “…” Tenor didn’t say anything again, only turning to face his mother before nodding, with a slight displeased look on his face. “I want to do what I want, what let me earned my Cutie Mark…but…I still want to make dad proud of me.” “…your such a sweet colt Tenor.” Jewel simply said as she ushered her son to her. Tenor made his way over to his mother, taking the recliner across from her. “Tenor, could you sing me something. It’s been years since I’ve heard you sing something.” Tenor obliged his mother’s request, and like the times he sings at the Red Oak Bar, the sound of background music starts filling the living room of Jewel’s house. It was low and foreboding sounding, matching the mood that Tenor has been feeling since his visit with his father, and the fact that he couldn’t be like his mother. Pursuing what he wanted to do. Music: Sound the Bugle – by: Bryan Adams. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZIF6XnlRGI. As Tenor sang, head slowly weaving left to right, Jewel laid on the couch. Eyes closed and listening to her sons voice. She loved hearing her little colt sing, it not only brought a smile to her muzzle, but a warm sensation in her chest. Even though this song, which sounded sad, was still incredibly amazing to listen to. “Tenor…I know you want to make your father proud of you. Make him happy that his son is just like him…” Jewel said, not to loudly to disturb the music, or her song’s concentration. “But you shouldn’t let him control you, or be the thing that holds you back from what you want to do.” Tenor seemed to acknowledge his mothers words, knowing them to be true. “Someday I know you’ll not only be able to do what you want, but also still make you’re father proud. Even if it isn’t the way he wants it.” Jewel said as she gives a loving smile to her son, who only smiled back, and was feeling a little more embolden. “But whatever you choose to do in life, know that I will always be proud of you, my sweet little colt.” Tenor reached the end of his song, feeling so much better thanks to his mothers words. She always knows how to cheer him up, even when he’s unsure about his direction in life.