//------------------------------// // Welcome to Ponyville // Story: The Music of Ponyville // by GrassAndClouds2 //------------------------------// "I can't believe we get to attend the Vernal Equinox with Princess Cadance!" Pageturner laughed as she paced about in the private train car, practically vibrating with energy. "I'm so excited!" Octavia made a noncommittal sound as her eyes once again darted to the clock on the far wall of the car. It was crucial, she thought, that she finalize her music for the Equinox Celebration as quickly as possible. Her performance had to be sublime, but in the hubbub of packing, she hadn't had the time to compose anything to her exacting standards. Now the train was getting close to Ponyville and she wanted to wrap up at least the first piece before the train arrived and her concentration was disrupted by the need to get up and find her lodgings. She bit her lip as she noted down another melodic line. "Have you ever been outside the city before?" asked Pageturner. "I'm from Chenneigh," Octavia reminded her. "I spent most of my life far from Canterlot." "I mean, outside of big cities in general. I've never been to a rural area before. Oh, I hope the locals are all friendly. We could try the local food, see what the fashions are... oh! We could listen to folk songs!" Pageturner grinned. "I bet they still have folk songs here! And we can set up a campfire and roast marshmallows and--" "I might not have the time," said Octavia. "Princess Cadance has entrusted me with the logistics for this event, not to mention some of the music." "I thought you were just opening the show. Some local musician is doing the main number." "An opening is even harder. The music must sound sublime, yet also mesh perfectly with whatever this..." Octavia glanced at the notes Cadance's secretary had given her, "'Fluttershy' plans to play. This is one of the biggest holidays of the year, and the Princess is attending. It has to be absolutely perfect." Pageturner grinned. "Okay, there's work, but there's gotta be some vacation in it too. When'll we be back here?" "If I have time," said Octavia. "Then, I assure you, I will sample whatever pleasures the locale has to offer. And, of course, you should feel free to go off on your own--" "Oh, but tourism is much more fun with a friend!" Octavia smiled slightly and returned to her music, but though she worked as quickly as she could, she was still a few measures away from the end when the train rounded a corner and the homes and shops of Ponyville came into view. The conductor entered the private car at about the same time. "Ponyville, three minutes!" he called before leaving again. Pageturner immediately began packing up Octavia's music supplies, though the cellist insisted on holding on to her last incomplete page and some ink. "I need to get this right," she said, forehead creasing slightly. "I represent the Princess, Pageturner. Any error on my part reflects badly on her." Pageturner paused, but before she could say anything, a few words of song drifted by the train: Oh light, the heart That lingers in Ponyville Ponyville, where we will Live in peaceful happiness Octavia began tapping her hoof to the song as she glanced out the window. It was much simpler than the music she usually enjoyed, but it was still nice enough. There seemed to be a large crowd up ahead, outside the station in some sort of town square. A few more ponies -- flower vendors, Octavia saw -- chimed in: So lovely! The original singer was a tan-coated mare with gray hair standing on a raised platform. She raised her forehooves in the air and sang, brightly: Highly recommended Is this sweet little town (Beauty and good friends abound!) "See? I knew this place would be friendly!" said Pageturner. Octavia chuckled. Meanwhile, the tan mare continued: The stars, have smiled, And blessed is Ponyville! Ponyville! You’ll see full Houses, shops, and hearts all ‘round! Such vigour! Take the time to try us! We’ll give out a welcome that’s typically cheerful There’s none like it in all the land Our smiles and greetings, they last – they’re not fleeting -- And they’ll cheer you up where you stand! Another pony, a big stallion, ran up to the little stage and hopped on. He grinned, his voice booming out towards the train: Visitors, guests, I am Filthy Rich-- I won't mind exchanging my goods for your bits! "He must be the souveniers guy!" said Pageturner. Suddenly, the entire crowd began to sing: Oh I feel great when I concentrate On the beauty of Ponyville Verdant, green Ponyville Flourishing to a fault! The sparkling streams, the bracing air The therapeutic salt! I’d have to be carried away – to call a halt! Oh I feel great in this bouncing state! Oh hail to thee, Ponyville! Hearty, hale Ponyville! Any objections? (And a few of the deeper-voiced stallions shouted: Neigh!) Where grass tastes like the finest oats And water like champagne! Get out your get up and go, for work or play It’s the best place you could be, even for just one day! The train slowed as it approached the station, and the conductor called that everypony getting off needed to get ready. Octavia noted that Pageturner had already packed most of their things, so she remained where she sat. The music outside, simple though it might be, was inspiring her, sending themes running through her head that seemed to fit perfectly here or there in her incomplete composition. Trusting in Pageturner to let her know if she was about to miss the stop, she looked out the window and continued to listen to the ponies outside: O sad, the soul Who passes by Ponyville Ponyville! No evil Monsters ever cross our eye! Safe and calm! Why not stay forever? Oh so many reasons why! All those in favor say ‘Aye!’ Aye! So sing, our song Let’s hear it for Ponyville! Ponyville! In Ponyville We're all one happy family! Harmony! What a healthy haven! This is a place where your aching flanks relax Your stress and nerves haven’t a chance! From forest to field our bountiful yields Are fighting your tension’s advance! So come to us, and feel the force! Open late for Equinox, of course. A mint green mare trotted up to the stage, strumming on what looked to Octavia like an old-fashioned lyre. She played back the melodies from the different voices, merging the flower-selling mares, the deep stallions by the farm carts, and all the middle voices into one unified, flowing melody. And then she raised a hoof. "More!" she yelled, a big silly grin on her face, before beginning to lead the townsponies: Oh I feel great when I concentrate On the beauty of Ponyville Verdant, green Ponyville Flourishing to a fault! The sparkling streams, the bracing air The therapeutic salt! I’d have to be carried away – to call a halt! Once in a while, Cadance will smile On little, quaint Ponyville! Humble, kind Ponyville Suddenly hits the press! And I report with all the pride and joy that I possess That ponies all over the land, have our address! Our little town will be famed, at the Princess’s behest! There was a pause of a few moments, and then the crowd repeated: Get out your get up and go, for work or play It’s the best place you could be, even for just one day! Octavia felt exhilarated - good music always made her happy. With a grin, she turned to Pageturner. "Cadance did me a large favor. I will enjoy making my debut with these ponies." "Think they'll like it?" Pageturner's grin turned slightly teasing. "Weren't you worried they wouldn't have enough exposure to classical music to appreciate your stuff?" "That will make it all the more rewarding . I'm sure I can make my music accessible enough that even those with no knowledge of classical music will love it... and who knows? I could inspire some of them to pursue it further! Perhaps some foals, who know little of classical music, will hear what I play, love it, decide to pursue music themselves... if I play well enough, anything is possible!" Octavia grinned, and then burst into song: What a scene! What a joy! What a lovely sight! Music will be the big sensation! Watch this town's rustic taste alter overnight. Watch them find new sophistication! Pageturner chuckled and gave her a playful shove. I'll bet they'll just want to see If you're all that you say. Well that's – all right! I’ll be glad to oblige. I will play! Octavia opened her case, pulled out her cello, and began to swiftly mimic the tune she had just heard outside -- but with added harmonies, a bass rhythm, even tapping her foot to add an agogic accent where need be. She smiled, lost in music as the melody soared forth from her instrument. Only when she was done did she continue to sing: Some 'friends' raze with their words, I can raise the room. They relax, while my skill increases! Forget them, show my stuff. I’m the living proof Don’t need them to master my pieces! Yes, I know my ability. But I must prove it -- with a show! Well that's – all right! I’ll play my heart out for them… So let’s go! So let’s go! "Time to get off!" called the conductor, and with a start, Octavia and Pageturner hurriedly finished packing and raced to get off the train. Meanwhile, outside, a few of the ponies had decided to sing one more verse: Oh I feel great when I concentrate On the beauty of Ponyville Verdant, green Ponyville Flourishing to a fault! The sparkling streams, the bracing air The therapeutic salt! I’d have to be carried away – to call a halt! Oh I feel great in this bouncing state! Oh hail to thee, Ponyville! Hearty, hale Ponyville! Any objections? Neigh! Where grass tastes like the finest oats And water like champagne! Get out your get up and go, for work or play It’s the best place you could be, even… for… just… one… day! And with a flourish, the song ended. *** Octavia stretched as she and Pageturner exited the train just in time to see the last of the singers dispersing. "We should drop off this luggage first," she said. "And then we should begin taking care of the logistics. Hopefully, we can get everything taken care of in relatively short order, and--" "Hi!" said Pageturner, waving to somepony behind Octavia. Octavia turned to see a bright-pink pony bouncing towards them. "Hi!" the pink pony chirped. "I don't recognize you! You must be new!" Octavia bowed slightly. "Yes. I am Octavia Philharmonica, personal student of Princess Cadance. This is my personal assistant, Pageturner." "Wow! I'm super-duper glad to meet you!" said the pony. "I'm Pinkie Pie, and boy oh boy are we gonna have fun later!" "Actually, I--" began Octavia, but she had glanced briefly at Pageturner, and when she turned back, the pink pony had vanished. "... did you see where she went?" "Nope. Did you?" "No." The two were silent for a moment. "That was strange," said Octavia. *** "Please," said Mayor Mare. "Let me know if there is anything at all we can do to help. The resources of Ponyville are at your disposal!" Octavia and Pageturner had gone from the town square directly to their lodgings, a spare room at city hall that was reserved for important visitors or functionaries. The room, though not big or elaborately furnished, was soundproofed, which would allow Octavia to practice and so satisfied the cellist. That done, she turned to the first item on her list -- meeting with the Mayor. "I am glad to hear it," said Octavia. "Do you have a list of such resources?" Mayor Mare produced a few papers from her desk. "I asked the shops in town that I thought most suitable for this kind of celebration to furnish me a list. Here are the shops, the items, the prices..." They talked for twenty minutes. Octavia had made the time to visit an event planner before leaving Canterlot and had received estimates of how many supplies would be needed for various numbers of ponies. With Mayor Mare helping her refine her estimate of the crowd size, Octavia was able to work out the quantities of goods she would need. From tables to balloons, the items were slowly allocated and budgeted for. "I must say," said Mayor Mare, when it was done, "I had thought at first you were just musical entertainment, but you seem to have a firm hoof in all the logistics as well. I suppose you represent the princess?" "Of course I represent her," said Octavia, a bit confused by the question. "I am her student, after all, and my behavior reflects on her." Mayor Mare smiled. "Then let me just reiterate -- anything you need, you need only ask." She removed a map from her desk and passed it to Octavia. "I imagine you will want to coordinate with some of the vendors and other ponies on your own?" "Yes. The primary food vendor, the weather patrol, the chief decorator, and also the other musician." Octavia took the map. "Thank you." "Speak with anypony you wish -- and if anypony objects, send them to me. The town is entirely at your disposal, Octavia." The cellist smiled. "Your assistance is most appreciated." *** "Sweet Apple Acres should be...," said Octavia, looking at the map Mayor Mare had given her. "Just around this hill." "Think they have free samples?" chirped Pageturner. "I doubt it, but if you are hungry I would not be averse to stopping for lunch." Octavia smiled slightly. "I disliked the train fare." "It wasn't that bad," teased Pageturner. "Maybe it's not as fancy as all the frou-frou stuff you ate back in Chenneigh..." "What I ate in Chenneigh was my mother's cooking. Which, incidentally, is still superior to anything I have tasted in Canterlot," said Octavia, smiling. "You have not tasted a real potato curry unless you have tasted my mother's." Pageturner smiled slightly. "Do you miss her?" "Now and then. But I must--" A loud blatting sound, like somepony had violently coughed into a tuba, ripped through the air. Octavia winced, covering her ears. "What was that?!" "Got me," said Pageturner. "Let's find out!" And she took off ahead, Octavia hurrying to catch up. Around the hill was a large house with an attached barn surrounded by apple groves stretching out to the left and right. In front of the house were three ponies -- an orange-coated, yellow-maned, wiry mare that was probably the Sweet Apple Acres proprietor Applejack, a younger foal that looked to be her sister, and a blue pony with a brown mane who was wearing a tuba. "Oh!" said Octavia, pausing. "I know that pony." "The tuba player?" "Yes." Octavia frowned. "Yes, we have met. Her name is Bluenote." Images of Canterlot orchestra rehearsals flashed through her head. "Who is she?" asked Pageturner. Octavia frowned and lowered her voice. "She played in some of the classical groups in Canterlot. She was decent, but not at professional level... the conductors I worked with mentioned that she has a lot of talent but didn't have the discipline to practice and take it to the next level. When I stopped seeing her, I thought that she had either given up, or gone into isolation to focus and improve her skill. I had no idea she would come all the way out here..." "Guess she found an audience that likes her!" said Pageturner, gesturing at the foal, who was laughing uproariously on the ground. Octavia wondered dryly if foals were the only audience who would appreciate Bluenote. Still, she thought, it was important to teach foals the importance of music. Even if Bluenote hadn't been able to play in the best professional orchestras, if she could teach foals the dignity and glory of their craft-- Bluenote blatted another note, causing the foal to laugh again. "Sorry!" joked Bluenote to Applejack -- who, Octavia noted, was also snickering. "But when Apple Bloom said she didn't like this instrument, it got all sad. Now I can't make it play any happy music at all." "What if ya try real real hard?" asked Apple Bloom, her eyes bright and shining and her mouth curved upwards in a big smile. "Ah'd hate it if the instrument was sad forever." Octavia stared at Pageturner. "Please tell me this isn't happening." "I think it's cute!" said Pageturner. "I'll try!" announced Bluenote. "Now, let's see..." And she began to play again. This time, though, the tune was actual music, a bouncy and spritely deep tune that issued forth from the tuba in a rapid dance pattern. "Yay!" cheered Apple Bloom, beginning to dance. "Alright, alright," said Applejack, though she was still smiling brightly. "Ah appreciate ya tryin', Bluenote, but Ah don't think Apple Bloom wants ta play the tuba. An' Ah have ta admit Ah'm a bit worried she'd fall in an' get stuck." Bluenote nodded. "A frequent problem. The pony-eating tuba is one of the most feared monsters in Caneighda." Applejack laughed. "Anyway, maybe we could try somethin' else? That is, Apple Bloom, if ya'r still interested in music?" Apple Bloom nodded. "Bluenote makes it sound so much fun! But... maybe somethin' simpler? At least ta start?" "I'll come back tomorrow with a recorder," said Bluenote. She smiled, seemingly unphased by Apple Bloom's rejection of her instrument. "A lot of foals start on that." "Yay!" said Apple Bloom. "An -- oh! Hey! Applejack, we got visitors!" Octavia stepped forwards, bowing her head slightly as the ponies turned to see her. "Good morning," she said. "My name is Octavia Philharmonica, and--" "Oh, Octy!" Bluenote grinned. "AJ, this is one of Princess Cadance's musician trainees!" "Ya know her?" asked Apple Bloom. "She sat in on our rehearsals a lot," said Bluenote brightly. "Good to see you again, Octy!" "Octavia. Please," said the cellist, smiling politely. "I didn't know you had moved out this way, Bluenote." "Big city was a bit too big for me," said Bluenote. "Way too many distractions. So I teach foals all over this part of the country now. Gotta say, I kind of find them to be a more fun audience." Bluenote turned to Apple Bloom and winked. The foal giggled again. "... right." Octavia decided not to argue. "Anyway--" "Are you in town for a concert?" asked Bluenote. "I promise to stop by!" She turned to the Apple sisters. "Octavia's great, really. Princess Cadance's best student." "I am performing at the Equinox Celebration," said Octavia. "Great!" said Apple Bloom, with a smile that warmed Octavia’s heart. She turned to her sister. "Ah can go, right?" "Course ya can. Ya can even help ma sell some apples." Applejack grinned and helped Apple Bloom clamber onto her back. "Pleased ta meet'cha, Octavia. Are ya the mare we're coordinatin' the apple selin' with?" "Yes." Octavia bowed her head. "I am assisting with the logistics. If you have some time, we should discuss the quantity and cost of provisions." "Sure thing. Right this way. See ya tomorrow, Bluenote." "No problem," chirped the tuba player. "Good seeing ya, Octavia! Let's talk again before you leave town!" Apple Bloom, still on her sister's back, turned to face Octavia. "Ah can't wait ta hear yar show, Miss Philharmonica!" "Thank you," said Octavia. "Why, Ah bet ya might even be as good as Bluenote!" Octavia froze, face suddenly burning. She opened her mouth, ready to protest against being compared with a pony who had washed out of the Canterlot orchestras... But Apple Bloom was a foal, and clearly didn't know any better. So Octavia just said, "I think you will like what you hear." She walked into the barn, following Applejack dutifully, but her thoughts were elsewhere. This town, she thought, knew even less music than she had guessed if they believed that Bluenote was the height of ability. They knew nothing of the greats, of the truly sublime musicians that populated Canterlot, Chenneigh, and other Equestrian cities. None had come to this town... Except that one had. Her. She was still a student, yes, but her ability had been praised by the Princess herself. She could perform something spectacular, some amazing music to show the town what it was missing. She could do it. She was Octavia Philharmonica, student of Princess Cadance, and she would show this village the true glory of music.