Silence is Bittersweet, Part 2
In her home, Acoustiana began to prepare for her guests. She felt almost the same level of excitement that she felt when performing a solo on stage. She thought about her guests and planned what to make. Pegasi probably needed lighter foods compared to earth ponies, so she figured on making two different types of food. A lovely fruit salad would work wonderfully. She then contemplated what else she had, and knew how to prepare. She contemplated the food normally placed out during the receptions and other get togethers she was privy to as a musician, and figured on attempting something similar. A grass and flower casserole sounded about right.
Assured that she had all of the ingredients for her dinner ideas, she went into her music room to get a couple of hours more practice in. She wanted to be sure she would sound good for her guests. She did remind herself not to push herself too much with her bass though. There was no need wearing herself out using too much magic on just simple practice.
Acoustiana performed her scales, and then performed a small lullaby she fondly remembered that her mother sang to her as a foal. She used both instruments in the piece. The bass with its low notes gave a backdrop for her violin’s higher, more vibrant notes. The music brought with it the sense of peace and warmth that she had felt as a foal, listening to her mothers singing voice.
Acoustiana felt a warm happy tear fall from her eye. She knew her parents loved her so very much, but once, if only once, she wanted to share with them the voice she heard in her mind as her own. She wanted to utter three little words to them, for all their years of patience and understanding. Acoustiana stopped her train of thought in its tracks. She knew where it would lead and she did not have time to allow herself to travel that bleak and dark road. Not this night, when she had guests coming over.
Looking to her clock, Acoustiana saw that her inner thoughts had yet again allowed time to slip by. In her usual silent grumbling, she set her instruments on their stands and headed into her kitchen to start preparing dinner.
As Acoustiana placed the casserole into the oven, she heard a commotion from down the road. If it was loud enough for her to hear it from inside her house, it must be rather loud. Venturing a peek outside her front window, Acoustiana saw a familiar yellow earthpony coming towards her house, hitched up to her now folded and boxed vendor cart. However, Acoustiana was certain that whatever the commotion was, it certainly wasn’t coming from Cantaloupe.
Acoustiana headed out her front door to assist Cantaloupe with her cart. As she did, Acoustiana heard what the commotion was. It was coming from further down the road, and was of two ponies arguing with one another. She could only make out that one pony was a colt, while the other a mare. Pushing that aside, she turned to Cantaloupe to direct her where to put her cart, and then assist her in getting unhitched. At this point, Acoustiana noticed the worried look on Cantaloupe’s face. After getting Cantaloupe situated and free of her burden, Acoustiana clopped to signal for attention and blinked questioningly.
“I should have said something sooner, but I didn’t know how. But by the look on your face you can see it written on my face,” Cantaloupe said with an exasperated sigh. “Well, I found Ray, and told him your invite. He was pleased as a peach...but...well...” she let out another nervous sigh. “That, uh...painter pony seems to have decided to show up too. And Ray has been too busy arguing with her to point out that only HE was invited over. I am so sorry for this, I really should have tried harder to point that out, but just listen to them,” she pointed off down the road in the direction of the arguing ponies.
Acoustiana gave a silent sigh, and tried to reassure the earthpony that all would be fine by giving her a smile. She then nodded to her door and opened it with her magic so that Cantaloupe knew to enter.
“Well, if you say so. This is your place and you have the right to allow as many ponies in that you want. I just hope they calm down or at least finish before coming in. “ Cantaloupe entered the home and began to look around.
Acoustiana waited a moment outside to look down the road, but she was unable to tell if the two ponies where getting any closer. Shaking her head and the foalishness of the two, she went inside to at least enjoy the company of Cantaloupe.
“Wow, this is a really nice place you have. And whatever it is you have cooking smells just wonderful!” Cantaloupe exclaimed as she trotted towards the kitchen.
Acoustiana pulled out a chair at her dining room table and waved her hoof to signal Cantaloupe to have a seat. She then retrieved her chalk board from its hiding place and floated it to behind her seat at the table. She had prepared it so that she could use her magic to write any thoughts she had to her guests while being able to eat or what ever the occasion ended up being. This aspect of her special talent was one she generally enjoyed, as she never really had to worry about not talking while eating.
Cantaloupe took her seat and watched the chalkboard float over behind another chair. The chalkboard perched on some hooks that would have seemed otherwise out of place.
Acoustiana wrote down a few questions for Cantaloupe to answer, mostly just idle conversation starter type of things. She wanted to hear about how Cantaloupe’s day had gone, and if she had received anymore patrons after her visit.
“My day has gone better than the past few have gone. And no, I didn’t get any other customers. But don’t worry, with your purchases today, I’ll be able to convince my family that this isn’t a dead end idea.” Cantaloupe smiled warmly at Acoustiana.
Acoustiana smiled back, and cleared her board and wrote another question.
“Uh, well, Ray doesn’t buy much. He means well, but one or two small snack sized fruits doesn’t cut it in the fruit selling business. You gotta sell in bulk, at least enough for a full meal, that type of amount,” Cantaloupe added a hefty nod to add emphasis on her statement.
After a moment of thought, Acoustiana realized that the arguing outside had died down considerably. She cleared board and pointed out the window and then to her ear.
“Hey your right! Maybe they both decided to grow up and come to an agreement. That or Ray got himself a thump on the head for his troubles.” Cantaloupe headed to the front door to investigate along with Acoustiana.
The two ponies headed outside and into the road to see what had become of the two verbal combatants. They where able to see the two, noses high in the air, trotting evenly together. Both seemed to have an air of indignation and hurt pride. Acoustiana wasn't sure how she could tell, but she could. She then took special account of the mare next to Ray. The mare had a rich royal purple coat, with a deep burgundy mane. She wore her mane in a tight braid that hung over her back. Atop her head was the signature horn of a unicorn. Acoustiana could see from this distance that it was aglow with a deep blue glow, signaling that the mare was focusing on some form of magic, but for what, she did not know.
Ray and the other mare strode straight up to Acoustiana and Cantaloupe and stood in front of them, silent and unmoving.
Cantaloupe broke the silence by giving out a tad louder than expected greeting, “Hey there Ray! Who’s your...uh...friend pony type pony?” Trying not to blush, Cantaloupe swallowed audibly as she cringed slightly at the stoic presence of the colt and mare, still unmoving and silent.
At that point Ray and the other mare seemed to shimmer and suddenly appeared rather winded and flustered. Ray’s mane was not as carefully groomed as Acoustiana remembered it being. And the other mare had a few frizzy tufts poking out of her braids. At this, Acoustiana also was able to note the magical glow upon her horn was missing. The two where periodically glaring at each other.
Ray seemed to come to his senses first, and shook his mane. He blinked and noticed the two mares looking puzzled at him and the one next to him. Realizing the predicament, he smoothed out his mane and attempted to apologize.
“I am deeply sorry for the theatrics of myself and my companion Pastel,” pointing an accusatory hoof at the one next to him. “But we were having a heated discussion on the socioeconomic damage a certain painter causes when she throws caution to the wind in order to arrive early to an art exhibit.”
“Oh don’t start with that hoity toity horseapple talk mister!” Pastel snapped at him. “Or should I bring up the implications of denying the city of its wonderful culture and trust in its beloved artist?” Looking to Acoustiana and Cantaloupe, “Though I am certainly not bragging, I was merely quoting what the paper has written about me. I don’t think I’m that great, just a─” she found herself silenced by a hoof to her snout, provided by Ray.
“Perhaps we should go inside? I’m sure Miss Acoustiana would love to hear our formal introductions in there than out here on the road.” Ray removed his hoof and pointedly ignored the dagger like glare coming from Pastel.
Not wanting the pair to continue their near hostile first meeting, Acoustiana clapped her hooves together twice and opened the door, attempting to usher the group in. Ray and Cantaloupe both nodded to her and walked inside. Pastel gave Acoustiana a rather inquisitive look, as she started heading inside.
Upon entering the house, Acoustiana found she was almost snout to snout with Pastel, who stared at her with her deep blue eyes. Pastel realizing her proximity took two steps back and sat on her flank and made some gestures with her hooves.
“Time long since try...think you know, talk this?”
Acoustiana all but fell over. Instead, she fell to her flank with a ‘thud’ and just let her jaw dangle where it had chosen to be after the first few words translated.
Pastel giggled politely at the very strange effect her first attempt at hooflanguage had on another pony after so many years of disuse. She attempted to give Acoustiana a reassuring nudge to get her out of the stupor she seemed to have fallen into.
Acoustiana came to her senses at the sensation of contact upon her coat and looked utterly bewildered for a moment. “You...you know? But Ray said...” Acoustiana tried to sign out her words while coming to grips with the situation. “I’m sorry for that, but I had never hoped that someone would just outright know hooflanguage” she managed to sign back to Pastel.
“Erm, yes well I will have to admit that I am assuredly lacking in what I once knew. A lovely story if you would hear it. And by the smell of things I do believe I have intruded on a dinner party of sorts. I must officially beg for your pardon, had I known I would have brought something to make up for my inclusion,” Pastel folded her ears back and lowered herself to look up apologetically at Acoustiana.
“Well miss, you where there when I told Ray this was a dinner invitation. You must have been too, uh, involved to have caught what I said,” Cantaloupe tried to help, but her words only appeared to make the artist look even worse.
“Listen, Pastel, you can have my part of the portions in the case there is not enough for the four of us. That way nothing is lost, and only another pony has been gained,” Ray said as he looked on with his caring eyes. “It takes two to have a ‘heated discussion’ like what we shared, and I shan't let you take full burden for this faux-pas that I rightfully owe equal share in.”
Pastel gave a meek smile to Ray, though still had her ears folded back. She then looked to Acoustiana and found that the musician wore a warm smile of her own. Slowly Pastel stood back up and righted her ears. “Thank you for being so welcoming. I shall do my best to help this evening go as splendidly as I can. Oh, and if you think of anything that my talents can help you with, please do not hesitate to ask!” nodding her head with a proud smile.
“I think you may want to expound upon those talents Lady Pastel. All I have informed Miss Acoustiana about you is that you are the towns best painter. I do not believe she is fully aware of your capabilities. However, I do believe that we may wish to discuss that, and perhaps all of our talents over dinner?” Ray gestured to the table, and noticing the lack of a fourth placement did his best to hide his worry.
“Have a seat, I’ll set your place,” Acoustiana let Pastel know for sure that she was welcomed at her table.
Pastel pondered a moment as she attempted to decipher the motions. “Oh dear me, I think I shall have to request a brush up on lessons. I think you offered me a seat, and as I know you didn’t mean ON the table, I know that I assuredly do not wish to risk more signing lest I make a foal of myself. Hrm, I wonder if Marey can show me again” Pastel seemed to trail off in her own thoughts as she rubbed her chin.
Acoustiana was saddened by the notion this pony didn’t remember her language, but only slightly. She stomped twice to get Pastel’s attention, then pointed to Ray. Ray acknowledged the purpose of the hoof in his direction.
“Worry not Pastel, I shall be getting lessons myself from Miss Acoustiana, perchance we both learn then? Though I am slightly perturbed that you never mentioned you knew hooflanguage. You should have known I would have loved to learn what little you know,” Ray said in a slight scolding tone to Pastel.
“Well if I ever thought on it I would have been happy to show what little I remember,” Pastel defensively retorted, “but this isn't something that one normally encounters, nor does anything bring it to mind. As our good hostess can attest too, hooflanguage isn’t something many ponies know, yet alone use. And Ray, we should keep it civil from this point on, keep it lighthearted. I know that’s a slightly an off beat means for you, but I have seen you pull it off.” Pastel fluttered her eyes at Ray and half stuck her tongue out in what she hoped would be an adorable and goofy look.
For his part, Ray did all he could not to burst out laughing. He was not fully successful, letting out small chortles. “Okay okay, cease that silly look and take your seat, or did you plan on standing to eat?”
“Good, the mood is now light and pleasant,” Pastel took her seat and stared over at Cantaloupe. “Now deary, by the looks of what I saw outside, am I to take it you work on an orchard or at the very least for one?”
Cantaloupe had been watching the banter between the other ponies recalling her own family verbal sparing matches that happened when the family got together. She saw an opportunity with that question to do her best boast to possibly drive up her sales. “You betcha! I mean, I work my family orchard on the other side of the hills outside of town. We have only been there for about a year now, this haul I’ve got is some of the first pickings of our harvest. We transplanted a number of fruit trees, vines, and shrubs from our relatives to start us up. The Walker family orchards and farms are more known on the other side of Equestria, true enough, but my dad thought it would be a good idea to drag his little cult out here to try and keep our family name known for our fruits rather than our show pony strut.” Cantaloupe was beaming with pride as she puffed out her chest.
“Wait, THE Walker family? Ive seen that name In a number of competitions for graceful elegance” Ray looked at the little farmer with slight disbelief. “Your to have me believe that your family contains not just hard working farmers, but also, show ponies that travel the highest echelon of society?”
“Uh, yeah. Is it that hard to believe? Oooh, you probably don’t know do you? I’ll forgive you this time for doubting me Ray, only cause your nice” Cantaloupe gave Ray an impish wink. “All of the Walker family originally came from Tenneighssee, where we all started as farmers. I don’t know the details yet, I won’t get told the juicy secrets for another couple years, but the family picked up a really neat trick that only the most dedicated ponies can even attempt to learn. It’s like a, slow canter. We can do it for hours without breaking a sweat. Helped the family out a lot with hauling and traveling long distances.”
“You speak of the Ambling that earth ponies have learned to assist in their, how should I put it, duties? Yes I think that would be appropriate,” Ray seemed to trail off in thought.
“I think Ray here is trying to say he is aware of the unique style of gait you are attempting to describe,” Pastel interjected on the part of Ray who was still lost in his own thoughts. “I, myself, have been privy to a few displays of Ambling. It is quite exotic honestly. I can also admit that I attempted to mimic some of the more graceful ones I have seen, but let us just say, it is certainly a trait that an earth pony is more suited to. I would like to hear why does your father seem to want fruit to be more known for your family other than the show ponies? Being known as a graceful and sophisticated family would certainly help your sales would it not?” Pastel gave Cantaloupe a questioning tilt of her head.
“Pony said what? Look, I don’t know exactly what your trying to get at, but its like this: We get along well enough, but those of the family choosing to be all fancy is great. But the family got there by being farmers. Personally I don’t mind the fancy part, I actually would love to be a part of it to tell you the truth. Yet I also agree that growing food is something we should all still do. What kind of pony takes a gift from her Great umpteenth grandparents and just ignores the reason behind it?” Cantaloupe seemed to go from annoyed, to wistful, to upset with the ease of a flowing river. Her mood seemed to settle on cheery however when she looked to Pastel for an answer to her question.
“Well, I can’t say I would know honestly. Not all families have such deep history as yours apparently does. Mine, for example, isn’t much worth noting. We all have our place in Equestria, sure enough, but nothing so extravagant to be considered a family legacy.” Pastel paused as a number of objects slowly moved in front of her, surrounded by a soft orange glow. “Why thank you so much dear. As I was saying, uh,” Pastel’s face dropped as though something was terribly wrong. Attempting to be as polite as she could, she channeled her magic as discreetly as she could muster. When Ray gave a yelp, she knew that it at least had the effect, if not the stealth she desired.
“What in Celestia was that?” Ray looked down to his offended body part.
“Ray, darling,” Pastel said trying her best not to drip venom, but missing a few droplets. “I think we have forgotten etiquette one oh’ one. In-tro-duc-tions,” the last word spoken through clenched teeth as she attempted to still the anger and embarrassment now attempting to flood her face.
“Oops,” Ray took on the look of someone that might as well have forgotten to put out a fire. He tried to recover by clearing his throat and attempt proper introductions, “well, quite right. Pastel, I would like to introduce Cantaloupe...Walker. She sells many types of fruits, but is especially proud of her melons. Our wonderful hostess bringing our lovely dinner to the table right now is the lovely Miss Acoustiana. She is mute and, well, I am not yet aware of what she does.” He looked to Acoustiana, “Please forgive me for not being able to get your profession before I had to leave earlier this day.”
Acoustiana attempted to think of how to respond. She had given Ray her business card, which had the details on it. She settled on assuming that Ray must have been too busy with Pastel to have given it a proper look. She gave a silent sigh and clopped her hooves to get the attention of the three and pointed to Cantaloupe, then to Ray. She gave Cantaloupe a smile and a slow nod.
“Way to go fancy pants. Acoustiana is a musician, just take a look at her cutie mark. Its of two musical bows. Not fishing poles or hunter bows like I guessed at first,” Cantaloupe said with a matter of fact tone and nod.
“I do try not to look upon a lady’s flank unless invited to Cantaloupe. That is for, unpleasant types, that care little for decorum and polite company.” Ray gave an indignant huff, before smiling to Acoustiana. “As I was, Miss Acoustiana is a lovely musician. This here is Lady Pastel, a true artistè. She practices many mediums, even those one would never think of. I am Ray Cloudburst, master cloud carver, allowing the optimum levels of sunlight through in this dreadfully cloud drenched city.”
“Very nicely done, albeit exceedingly late in the conversation,” Pastel gave Ray a playful giggle and a nudge to his shoulder.
Letting out a resigned sigh, Ray nodded and let a smile sneak through his embarrassment.
“Now, that all of the official stuff is out of the way, I was going to say to Cantaloupe here,” Pastel nodded to said pony, ”many ponies in the world are not so fortunate to have such a lovely family history that carries with it a legacy. Having the option to choose between a new means of using ones legacy shouldn’t be frowned upon, in my opinion of course, but should be rejoiced. After all, in hindsight, that means your entire family has a special talent before ever gaining their cutie mark, making you essentially twice as talented as the average pony. ”
Cantaloupe light up at the thought of this new revelation. “I never thought of it like that. And hey, you’re right! Wow, I bet if I told dad that our strut wasn’t getting abused by our fancy family, then he might not be as put off by me trying out for one of those competitions. Well eventually; I still got a lot to learn about the orchard, and I like my melons more than being fancy.”
“Marvelous! Now, if I may inquire Miss Acou─” Ray found himself cut off by a floating bowl filled with sweet smelling fruit pieces and lush greenery. It was quickly followed by a steaming pan of something. He was unsure of what ingredients were used, but it smelled utterly delectable. “I must say, if I would have known this to be a formal dinner event, I would been a far better guest. Please, once more accept my apolo─” Ray once more was cut off, but this time it was the look of fright on Acoustiana and her light clopping.
“What is it dear? I will do my best to translate if that is easier, but your chalk board may be preferred if it is complex,” Pastel tried to calm her hostess.
Acoustiana swallowed and used her magic to write her words down, knowing that a misinterpretation would just make things worse. “Please forgive me Ray. I wasn’t sure what anypony would like so I made two dishes so that if you liked a lighter food there is a fruit salad, and if you prefer a warm meal, a grass and flower casserole.” She finished and looked hopefully to Ray for her forgiveness.
Ray smiled warmly at Acoustiana. “You have nothing to be forgiven for. Your kind thoughts alone show that you truly care for your guests, and as such, my misinterpretation is still my fault. Worry not, everything here is simply grand, and allowing each of us our choice in a meal is a testament to your depth of heart. Now please join us at your table, so that we might all enjoy this wonderfully prepared meal together.”
The three ponies at the table all gave Acoustiana a warm smile and waited in silence as she went to her seat and got settled in.
“Now while it is customary for the host to serve the meal, if you would allow the deviance, might I take the honors?” Ray asked Acoustiana with a slight bow.
Acoustinga turned her head slightly, rubbing her chin in thought, and then gave Ray a sidelong gaze of examination.This caused Ray to lose his smile and squirm in his seat. Her plan being a success, she let out the large smile she was holding back and burst into silent giggles. Prompting Pastel to let out a rather lady like guffaw that she tried to hide with her hoof. Which caused Cantaloupe to let out a chortle that evolved into a full on hearty laugh. Ray then followed suit, realizing that he was at the tail end of a prank; and that it was indeed a well played one.
“Well played my lady, well played” Ray managed to say after the group settled out of there laughing fits. “Now I think it is time to enjoy our meal. Acoustiana, what shall you be having?”
Ray went and gave portions out to all the ponies, serving himself last. He had wanted to do the serving so as that he could ensure everypony got a hearty portion of the food. This ensured that if there wasn’t much left, he wouldn’t feel bad for the last pony, being as it would be himself. However, he was pleasantly surprised to find that even with the portions he gave out, there was more than enough for him to not only choose his meal, but give himself the same sized portions. He had decided to try both items. He did love salads, but the casserole smelled all too delicious.
The group enjoyed their meal, all giving their thanks and approval by the happy sounds they made while eating. Pastel and Ray made ample use of their napkins, while Acoustiana found little need with her rather neat eating habits. Cantaloupe quickly caught onto the rather neat methods the others were enjoying their meal and opted to be like them in her style.
Cantaloupe let out a boistrous belch, causing the other ponies to cringe at the sound. “Oh that was some good food you can cook Tiana. My family is gonna be jealous when I tell them,” Cantaloupe looked smug until she noticed the glare from Ray. “Oh right, excuse me!” giggling while covering her muzzle.
“I should say that was a mighty compliment none the less. Now Ray you can cease your death glare at the poor filly. She is simple, not all caught up in your moor’s to think decorum first. I mean really, stop that before I poke one of them out,” Pastel brandished her horn while giving Acoustiana a wink to confirm it was merely a joke and not an honest threat.
Ray averted his gaze from Cantaloupe and rested in on Pastel.” And threats to our hostess’ guests are just as rude, jokingly or not.”
Acoustiana figured it would be best at this point to clear the table, and swiftly pulled all the sharp utensils from the table. She levitated them to the counter to be washed later.
“Ray, we said we would keep this civil remember?” Pastel gave Ray a gentle poke to his shoulder.
“Quite right,” Ray blushed slightly, accepting his own failings yet again.
“Hey Tiana, maybe its about time you played us some music? I bet it’ll get us all back into the good happy spirit yet again” Cantaloupe tried to divert the mood in the room back to the pleasant one they shared not long ago.
“Oh, you had planned to perform for us? That sounds exquisite!” Pastel exclaimed. “I simply cannot wait to hear the beauty you assuredly can espouse with your talent, uh,” Pastel looked to think for a moment,”Custi? Do you mind if I call you that?”
Acoustiana had just started lifting the remains of her casserole when the hated name was spoken. She dropped it as her eye twitched at the grating butchering of her name.
“I shall take that as a no,” Pastel tried to shrink back into her chair as though trying to hide from a beast of the Everfree forest.
Acoustiana managed to relax enough to concentrate on her chalkboard to inform her guests of an important rule if there was to be any hope of friendship. “NEVER call me that. I understand that my name is unusual, but that gives nopony the right to butcher it,” the chalk lightly screeched. “Custi was one of the first taunts of my name I had to grow up with. So please, respect my name. Use it in full, or you may use what Cantaloupe came up with. It has never been used against me, and as such I have not come to despise it.” Acoustiana was calmer by the end, having stopped the screeching of the chalk.
Pastel looked fully mortified. Her eyes began to shimmer as the moisture in them began to build.
Ray noticed the effect of this grievous mistake, one that he could have made himself. Yet he could not blame Acoustiana for her reaction either. He tried to think of a way to smooth the situation.
“That’s just plain awful, I know foals poke fun at blank flanks. I was almost the last in my class growing up before I got mine, but to make fun of a pony for their name? Its not like you had a choice in the matter, or that you could have done anything about it. I will have to say in defence of Pastel over there, that she honestly meant nothing by it, she was just trying to be friendly and have a name to call you that isn’t all formal as your full name. Can you forgive her before she starts crying Acoustiana?” Cantaloupe pointed a hoof at the mare with water quickly filling her eyes.
Acoustiana still feeling indignant, sat hard on her flank and made gestures to Pastel. “Promise me you’re sorry,” thinking to herself that she may be overreacting to this incident, but also told herself she would not like a pony that did what countless others did out of malice or an unconcerned whim.
“I promise more promise big,” Pastel signed back shakily, doing her best to hold back the tears.
Acoustiana could see there was more effecting the other unicorn at this point. All negative feelings she had, fell from her like a wet towel as she trotted over to Pastel and attempted to giver her a reassuring nuzzle. Pastel watched Acoustiana approach, and tensed up as she felt the touch. Yet she felt the warmth and saw the kindness in the eyes that just moments ago held contempt and hate.
Acoustiana knew how to make everypony in her house feel better, and it was just what Cantaloupe requested. Acoustiana gave Cantaloupe a warm smile and pointed out the dining room towards a door.
“Come on ponies, seems it’s time to get this show on the road,” Cantaloupe said with far less enthusiasm and energy.
“Yes, come Pastel, you have been forgiven. Let us enjoy some soothing music,” Ray tried to sooth Pastel, as he tucked an errant hair that escaped her braid behind her ear.
Pastel gave Acoustiana one last look to see if all was truly forgiven, and saw only warmth and caring from the face of the other mare. “Thank you,” was all she managed to let out in a quiet voice.
Acoustiana shooed the three ponies to the room, as she dragged her chalkboard and an extra seat to her music room. She situated the chairs to accommodate the extra pony and motioned for the three of them to take their seats.
“Wow, look at this room!” Cantaloupe gasped as she gazed over the room that held a number of odds and ends along with stacks of paper, books on music theory, spools of different sized metal strands, and jars of some kind of dark something or other in them.
“This looks like your studio in between your projects, wouldn't you say Pastel?” Ray said trying to cheer up his friend. Pastel looked far better upon seeing the room and all of its contents. She looked to Ray and gave him a smile as she nodded in response to his question.
Acoustiana, feeling better that Pastel’s mood had already lightened, set her chalkboard on her writing desk. She then picked up her violin and concentrated her magic on her double bass. She knew the exact song to play to fix the mood. It was a piece she was working on that she hoped a great singer would perform to one day.
With her mind set on the notes, her breathing controlled, and her heart feeling the beat of the song, she started. The double bass started with a light and low fast paced rhythm. With quick fluid strokes of her bow, she added in her violin, blending the two. The bass provided the backdrop of the song, while she played the forefront movements with her violin. The tempo was decently paced though it slowed at points when the music became low in tone, and sped up as the violin worked its magic. At a few points in the song, she plucked at her violin string to give a sharp sound as she went back to the smoother strokes with the bow. As she ended her song she drew out the last note from her bass so that the sound filled the house.
Unlike most of her songs, this one was short. It lasted only a few minutes, but none the less, Acoustiana showed the strain of using her magic as small beads of sweat appeared through her coat on her forehead. As she took in a deep breath, she took account of the three members of her audience.
Cantaloupe had the look of pure awe, her green eye’s stared off into some distant land. After a moment, she seemed to realize the song had ended and began breathing again. In her astonishment, she had forgotten to keep breathing.
Ray had the look of warmth and something Acoustiana couldn’t place. His golden eye’s seemed to be following something off in the distance as he smiled broadly. Acoustiana also noted that his wings had tensed up and started to unfurl slightly. As he too realized the song was over, he shook his mane and seemed to get uncomfortable as he repositioned his wings, hiding his blush by preening them.
Pastel’s face held the most in it. Her jaw was dangling, and to Acoustiana’s fear, a single tear rolled down Pastel’s face. However, it came clear that this tear was not born of sadness, but of happiness. Pastel came to her senses and wore a broad smile and looked to Acoustiana with complete adoration.
“If I may, I wish to show you something Acoustiana. I want to show you what your music just showed us. Well, at least myself.” Pastel channeled her magic and looked to Acoustiana for approval.
“Yes, please do” Acoustiana never had anypony describe their feelings that her music provoked, and indeed had always wanted to know.
Pastel concentrated on her illusion spell. This type of thing wasn’t her strongest magic, but was none the less powerful. As the images formed, she grabbed the song from her memory and played in the background, almost at a whisper.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The scene was grey and foggy. The silhouette of a colt walked to a building. He hung his head as though sad. Then, through the fog, a soft light was shown out of a window.
The colt looked up to the light and saw that the light radiated from a mare. Her light pierced the fog and illuminated the face of the colt just enough to make out the tears that flowed from his eyes, and the smile upon his face.
The mare tossed the colt a flower. The flower seemed to glow just enough so that it’s colors were shown through the fog. The soft light red flower upon its dark green stem with two leaf peddles was caught by the colt. He brought the flower to his muzzle to smell it.
The illusion then zoomed in on the flower and colt as he went to smell it. When he did, sparks were shown. The sparks then appeared to transform into small jumping mares, the same as the one in the window.
The illusion paned back out to show the colt staring back up at the mare in the window. The flower in his hoof seemed to stir and appeared to bloom. As it did, its glow intensified until the fog was overpowered by the flowers glow. The two ponies, now mere silhouette’s, appeared to float to one another with the flower in between them. They kissed one another and then wraped their hooves together in a warm embrace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the music room came back into focus for the amazed ponies, they all blinked and rubbed their eyes at the shift of light their minds had lead them to believe they just endured.
“I shall have to admit that your rendition of Lady Acoustiana’s music was frighteningly close to being exactly what I had envisioned and felt. A testament to both of your artistic talents if I do say so myself.” Ray looked to the two artists, no longer bothering to try and hide his slightly flushed face.
“Not exactly what I had in mind, but that was none the less to the point methinks,” Cantaloupe chimed in.
Acoustiana simply nodded to Pastel and gave her a reassuring smile. She then clopped her hooves and pointed to her chalkboard. “Feeling better?” she wrote as she pointed to Pastel.
“Yes, much better. Thank you again” Pastel said as she walked over to Acoustiana and hugged her.
Acoustiana was shocked at first, giving a small yelp in her mind, but quickly returned the hug.
“Aww phooy. This was going so well, but judging by that clock there, I gotta hit the road.” Cantaloupe glared at the offending timepiece with utter disdain. “Its a long trek back to the orchard and I can’t be out too late. This was a blast! We should totally do this more, and often!” Cantaloupe seemed to bounce at the end of each sentence with joy.
“Well we shall not keep you then, Cantaloupe. Let us help you with your cart so that you can be on your way. The sooner your home, the sooner you can return eh?” Ray said with a raised eyebrow and a dashing smirk.
The four ponies stepped outside and all helped get Cantaloupe hitched to her cart and positioned in the road.
“So I know I’ll be seeing you in town tomorrow Ray, but when shall I see the rest of you? Pastel, I don’t know where you live so maybe we can have lunch or something at your place?” Cantaloupe said and she looked at the other ponies.
“That...may not be the best of ideas at the moment. Pastel’s home can be, shall we say, ‘engrossed’ in her work as much as she herself gets.” Ray attempted to cover for Pastel as they both cringed at the idea of having food at the artists’ house.
“Yes, Ray is correct in this. My home is currently not company friendly. But it would be a wonderful idea to get together for lunch. What say you darling?” Pastel looked expectantly at Acoustiana.
Acoustiana held up a hoof and dashed into her home and quickly came back out with the letter she had received earlier in the morning. She showed it to Pastel, so as to answer all her questions.
“Oh I see. I am not familiar with the process, however, so I think the question is, do you know if you will be available during the normal lunch hours?” Pastel looked past the letter to Acoustiana.
Acoustiana shook her head and then looked rather saddened by the thought of missing out on more time with these ponies she had enjoyed her evening with. Well, mostly, as she reminded herself.
“Oh here is an idea!” Cantaloupe nearly jumped out of her harness. “Why don’t you come to my cart when you’re off for lunch. Ray should be easy enough to find, if he’s not right there. In that case, he can go get Pastel here so she knows its time to get together for lunch.” Cantaloupe looked on with hopeful eyes.
“I cannot say I’ll be quick to leave, but yes, that does sound like a grand alternative to a simply fantastic idea,” Pastel nodded approval.
“Very well then, we shall all meet on the morrow for lunch,” Ray said with an authoritative tone.
“Schweeet. See ya all tomorrow!” Cantaloupe half yelled. She then appeared to tense up and look as though she was about bolt off, but instead set off in a strange manner. She seemed to glide down the road looking to be trotting, yet moved at almost a full canter.
“That would in fact be the Walker Amble. I would not have believed it if I had not seen it with my own eyes. I shall have to make it up to her for not believing her story,” Ray shook his head in disbelief.
“In any case perhaps we should part as well Ray. Unless you would like help with cleaning Acoustiana? I do need to make up for my earlier transgression and see no need not to start with this minor task.” Patel looked to Acoustiana apologetically.
Acoustiana could tell that the unicorn needed to do something to feel better so simply nodded in agreement instead of trying to argue the matter. She then noted that now would be a good time to ask a question that has been nagging at the back of her mind since she heard the two arguing.
Ray opened the door for the two mares. Pastel went straight for the kitchen as Acoustiana headed to her music room to fetch her chalkboard. Ray headed to the kitchen himself to assist in the cleaning so as not to appear ungentlemanly.
Acoustiana came back with her chalkboard and her question written upon it. She clopped her hooves at the two ponies that where cleaning up the dinner dishes. They turned and read the question: “How and why are you two friends? You seem to argue so much, yet has some deep connection. If it is not rude of me to ask that is.”
Ray and Pastel both grimaced at the question, giving each other sidelong glances. Ray swallowed hard and let out a sigh, “It is actually a very fair question to ask. Yet it is a complicated one to answer.”
“Let me,” Pastel laid a hoof upon his shoulder. “I cannot give you details as there is a pony that asked me to swear not to. Yet what I can say is that Ray and myself first met as a result of mutual difficulties in our lives. Since then we have been good friends as we both know that we can depend on the other in our times of need.” Pastel gave Ray a reassuring nod.
“And yet another of your traits that make you a wonderful friend. You need not obfuscate the truth. I was the one to ask she swear not to say anything on this matter. Pastel is one to keep her word, no matter WHO gets in the way of it.” Ray chuckled at some personal joke. Which provoked a jab from Pastel’s hoof.
End Part 2