//------------------------------// // 14th Movement // Story: Sketchy Salad Symphony // by Sketchy Sounds //------------------------------// “‘morning, Freezy!” Freeze Pop was greeted by her comrade Nimbus as she swept down to take her post for the day at the doors of the Canterlot Royal Palace. She smiled to the older pegasus in reply. “‘morning, Nimbus sir. What news?” “Nothing of any great merit. Just another day, exactly as I like it.” The armour-clad mare nodded at that as she stretched and then folded her wings, walking over to stand by the side of the palace entrance. “I hear you there. Days like these are definitely the kind to be stood outside in the sunshine.” “By the by... I heard tell you found yourself a new friend of late.” Freeze Pop turned her head and arched an eyebrow at her superior, a slight smirk on her face. “That’s what you heard, is it?” she replied, then let out a small chuckle. “Well it’s true enough, I have been hanging out with a visitor from up north.” She knew, after all, that there was little point in hiding anything such as that from this particular friend of hers. Not that she would have tried, anyway – it didn’t bother her if other ponies knew who she was spending her time with. She didn’t think it their business, necessarily, but neither did she consider it a concern if they were to hear of it. “And?” her fellow guard replied. “And what?” “Oh come now, Freezy. You’re not going to clam up on me, are you?” Nimbus chuckled. “You’ll make me think there’s something to hide.” The younger pony laughed at that, shaking her head. “And what if there was?” she joked. “No, he’s just a friend. I like him though – spent forever hanging out the other day. I dunno, he’s different from most guys I’ve met. Quiet, not full of himself. And somehow he’s able to put up with me blabbering on about whatever.” “Blabbering on? You?” the older pegasus retorted with a chuckle. “It ain’t unheard of.” Freeze replied. “Sure, I don’t waste words most of the time. Doesn’t mean to say I can’t spew a whole load of ‘em when I feel like it.” “And he just lets you?” “Yeah. Can’t tell if he’s just shy or what. I think it’s just his nature.” She shrugged at that, averting her gaze to look towards the palace gates. “But either way, it’s refreshing.” “Good to hear.” her comrade noted. The tone in his voice suggested he was waiting on her saying something more. “...alright, fine. He is kinda cute, too.” she added, casting a sidelong glance at the older guard, a smirk on her face. Nimbus let out a laugh at that, turning his own gaze toward the gates as well. “You remind me a little of Hazy, when she was your age.” “Your wife? How so?” “She was never good at making a secret of her feelings—still isn’t now, actually—but back then, she used to try real hard. It was cute to see.” “Heh. Is she as open as I am nowadays, though? You know what I think about mincing my words.” “‘A bloody waste of time’ I believe was the terminology you used, if I recall that part of your assessment correctly.” Nimbus chuckled. “A good job you were never chosen for diplomacy.” “Damn right!” “But no. That’s where you and her are different, young ‘un. If anything, she’s hesitant to air her views on things. In that respect, I’d wager she’s more in common with your friend.” Freeze pondered that for a moment. “So then, what’d you suggest to pry him out of his shell?” “Well, don’t pry as such. Just, gradually coax. If you want to really get to know a pony like that, you can’t be forceful.” Freeze snorted out a laugh at that. “Maybe I can learn to raise the sun while I’m about it?” “Hey, you asked for my advice. It’s your choice what you do with it.” the older pony replied, a small superior smile on his face. “Point.” the younger pony conceded. “I suppose it can’t hurt to try.” She and her comrade fell silent for some time after that, only breaking the silence to vocalise a greeting when the occasional courtier or fellow guard passed by. It wasn’t until they were temporarily relieved for lunch that Nimbus spoke up again while the two of them sat on a patch of grass, devouring a small picnic sent from the kitchen. “Oh, by the by. I heard something from one of Her Highness’s guard from the other night.” “Ah?” Freeze asked around a mouthful of sandwich. “News of the concert practice?” she smiled. “The very same.” Nimbus replied with a small nod of his head. “It’s going as well as ever – though he reckoned the stress is really getting to the lead composer. Octavia, wasn’t it?” “Hmm. Well that wouldn’t surprise me. It is a bit of a big responsibility, composing music for a show we’ve not had for about a thousand years.” “There is that. But anyway, apparently she almost walked out of there at one point. From what he was saying, she was really on-edge – oh, and her eyes were a bit red too, he said.” “Ouch. Sounds rough... though you know Luna, she’ll give the poor girl a break if she needs it.” Freeze stated, quietly pondering to herself what could have gotten the musician pony so worked up. It’s probably just the strain of it all. The Equinox isn’t getting any further away. She must be getting pre-show jitters something fierce. That was the reasoning she decided to stick with for the time being, although she made a mental note to herself to have a word with a certain stallion friend of hers when she found some free time. “You’re right, she will.” Nimbus agreed, interrupting any further internal musings on the younger guard’s part. “And I’m sure it’s going to be a brilliant performance in the end, when it all comes together.” “Same here. So long as she doesn’t burn herself out before the event.” Freeze agreed. “Shall we get back to work?” “Aye, I think that’s enough idle chatter for now.” the older pegasus chuckled, rising to his feet. The two of them clanked their way back to their post at the palace’s front door, where they would spend another few hours leading up to sundown. So it was that, some hours later, Freeze Pop made her way out of the gates she had been keeping an eye on for the past several hours. She was pleasantly surprised to find that, as she did so, there was a black-coated pegasus standing around trying to look inconspicuous a short way from the gates. She smiled to herself as she made her way towards him, and tried not to giggle at the fact that her doing so caused him to tense up a little and look furtively from side to side, apparently checking to see it was that this Royal Guard was advancing on. “Good evening, Blackie!” she called cheerfully to him as she drew near. The surprise on the other pegasus’s face was plain to see, though it rapidly gave way to an expression of relief as he realised whom it was approaching him. “Freeze Pop! Hi!” he smiled. “I, uhm... I was, ah, hoping to see you here...” he continued, his voice quietening at the last few words. He shuffled his hooves a bit, averting his gaze to the side slightly. She was once more reminded of one of a good few reasons why she had enjoyed the colt’s company so far upon seeing this, and this in turn brought a smile to her own face. “Well, it looks like your hopes were fulfilled.” she replied, rolling her neck a bit. “Do you fancy taking a spin around the sky again, once I dump this armour? I could really use some exercise, I’ve been on my hooves almost all day.” The black pegasus smiled in reply. “You need to ask?” A few minutes later, the two were airborne in the skies over Canterlot. The sun was still making its lazy descent towards the horizon, painting the royal city in warm orange hues and casting long shadows across the streets below. Around the two pegasi, the clouds were shaded in deep orange and pink hues. It was as though an artist had taken to the skies with a huge brush and painted themselves a delightful image – though, it was true indeed that a certain sort of artist had indeed done so, in a manner of speaking. Although I’m sure the Princess would find the sun being compared to a brush a rather amusing simile. Freeze thought to herself. She and Blacklight were taking a rather leisurely flight through the clouds, the former thoroughly enjoying the cooling air blowing through her coat and feathers. Having spent almost the entire day stood outside in the sunshine, she had ended up with the unpleasant feeling of sweat sticking her hair and plumage together a bit. It was quite the relief, therefore, to be up in the air with the fresh air blowing away the sticky feeling and reinvigorating her. “Uhm... Freeze Pop?” The white-coated mare turned her head at the quiet sound of her companion’s voice calling her name over the gentle breeze ruffling her hair. “Yes, Blackie?” “Could we... could we talk for a bit?” “Sure!” Freeze replied, banking around and down, and plopping down on a good-sized cloud. The smaller black pegasus was quick to follow her. “What’s up?” “I uhm. I have a confession to make.” “A confession?” Freeze repeated, blinking at him curiously. “You remember when we, uhm, when we first met? Properly, I mean.” “Well that was only a week ago at most... what of it?” “I... I almost felt like running away again.” Blacklight replied, looking down at his hooves as he said it. “The thing is... I, well...” “You... what?” the icy-maned pegasus inquired, fixing her keen gaze on him. He shrank back a little at that. “I just... uhm... I’ve always been a little... well... paranoid?” Freeze Pop raised an eyebrow at that remark, a look of mild confusion knitting itself across her face. “Define paranoid?” Blacklight sighed as he attempted to explain. “I, well... I don’t like to be the centre of attention, like I said before. I mean, I don’t like to feel like I’m being, uhm... looked at.” His companion just nodded her head at that, keeping her mouth shut and looking at him expectantly, her expression silently prodding him to go on. “And, the thing is, well. The Guards... their job is to, uhm, to keep an eye on ponies, right?” “Well, that’s not all it’s about, but that’s part of it.” the white coated mare replied. “And I think I see where you’re coming from now. You were already scared to death of talking to me, then you found out I’m a Guard too.” The black coated pegasus just nodded his head. “Heh. Well, you just impressed me a little, I have to admit.” Freeze Pop’s companion blinked at her as though she’d just spoken an entirely foreign language. “Uhm, I did?” “Of course you did. You overcame all that for the sake of making a friend... I’m touched.” The black pegasus smiled at that. “So... we’re friends?” “Of course!” Freeze replied with a hearty laugh. “At least, I’d like to think so. It’s different when I hang out with you. Most of my other pegasus friends are only interested in showing off or learning new tricks and the like – not that that isn’t fun, of course. But with you, there’s a different... hm, flavour to it? I can’t put my hoof on it, but I know I enjoy your company.” “You do? I mean, I sorta thought you did, but well...” The off-duty guard smiled back at her friend. “I do. Listen,” she said, taking a glance around, noting some large clouds gathering on the horizon, “there’s a bit of a storm scheduled for tonight, and it looks like they’re already gathering it together over there. You don’t wanna be outside for that.” “Oh, no, you’re quite right. I should find some shelter...” “You can weather the storm at my place.” “I... really? Is that alright?” “I wouldn’t be makin’ the offer if it wasn’t!” Freeze Pop replied with a chuckle, rising to her feet and flexing her wings. “C’mon, let’s go before we get caught out in the rain.” With that, she sprang off the cloud and spread her wings, diving down towards the city below before arcing up into a gentle glide. She was followed closely by her smaller companion, who seemed rather relieved at the prospect of getting some shelter. Internally, though, Blacklight’s mind was racing a bit. I wasn’t expecting her to invite me over... I’ve never been to a mare’s house just on my own before. he thought to himself. His rational side then chimed in. I’m sure you’ll be fine. She’s just sheltering you from the weather. He nodded to himself on that thought. His fellow pegasus, despite her outward appearance, seemed to have a kind-hearted disposition. It made sense, the more he thought on it. She was, after all, a Royal Guard - a pony responsible for looking out for the safety and well-being of the populace and the Princesses both. As the two alighted on the small rooftop plaza of the apartment block where Freeze made her home, the black pegasus looked over to her with a thankful smile on his face. “Thank you for your hospitality.” he said, politely. “You’re quite welcome, Blackie.” she replied. “I wouldn’t want to see you caught out in the cold and wet, after all.” The two of them descended the stairs, heading down one flight and then making their way along to a fairly plain door. The smaller pegasus was quick to note that the building’s interior was somewhat spacious - the hallway they had just proceeded along was quite wide, and the ceiling was fairly high. His host apparently noticed his peering around as she stopped at her apartment door. “The building was designed by a pegasus architect.” she explained. “Everything’s a bit more roomy. You could fly through here if you really wanted – and there’s enough space for two pegasi to pass each other, even with their wings at full spread.” “Ah! Well that explains it.” Blacklight nodded, watching as his companion pressed her hoof to a small panel next to the door of her apartment. There was a brief glimmer of magic, followed by a soft click as the door unlocked. “That’s pretty fancy...” he remarked. “Back home, we’d just use a normal key – if we even had one.” Freeze nodded at that, pushing the door open. “That would be the case in Canterlot, were it not for the fact this is a big city. Like it or not, there are unsavoury sorts here and there who’d consider breaking into your house if given the opportunity. I should know, I’ve caught a few myself.” With that, she headed inside. Her shorter friend followed her in, uttering a quiet “Pardon the intrusion” as he passed over the threshold. The apartment was not all that big, though it wouldn’t be right to call it small, either. The front door opened to a short entrance hall, which then opened out onto a rather spacious living room. Dominating one wall of the room was a large set of windows, their size being such that the entirety of the wall facing the outside world was almost completely made of glass. It was easy to see why, however: the windows gave a fantastic view of the immediately surrounding area of the city, facing towards the eastern horizon – or at least, it would probably have been fantastic if the sun had not already set. With that said, it was still clear from the light of the street lamps below that, during daylight hours, there was quite the sight. “This place really gets the sun in the mornings.” the white pegasus commented as she made her way into the large room. There was soft carpet underfoot; a pleasant change from the hard cobbles and flagstones that made up the Canterlot streets. The pale pastel blue tone of the carpet coupled with the white painted walls made the room seem all the larger – though the effect was somewhat muted due to the softly glowing lights mounted on the walls, painting the whole room in soft creamy shades. As Blacklight followed his host, he noted a small kitchen through a doorway, with a convenient service window hole in the wall next to it. Over on the other wall, there were a few more doorways – ones which, he imagined, led to the larger pegasus’s bathroom and bedroom respectively. As for Freeze Pop herself, she had flopped down on a rather spacious and comfortable looking sofa, situated almost square in the middle of the room, and pointed towards the large windows. It was easy to see why she would have placed it there, as it was sat in such a way that it would definitely get the sun’s warmth in the mornings. She turned her head to her guest, patting the space next to her invitingly. “Make yourself comfortable!” she offered, shifting along slightly to ensure there was adequate room for him. Her guest was sightly apprehensive, but he nodded as he approached and cautiously parked himself on the other end of the sofa. “This... is quite comfortable.” he noted. “Nice place you have.” “I do alright, for a guard.” Freeze agreed, gazing out the window. The sky outside was a very deep, dark blue, the clouds continuing to gather serving to further darken its shade. After a brief moment’s silence, she blinked and looked round at her guest, getting to her feet. “Sorry, I seem to have chucked my manners out the window. Can I get you anything?” “Ah? Oh, well, uhm... if it isn’t too much bother...” “It’s cool. What’d you like? I’ve plenty kicking about to eat and drink, ‘long as you’re not wanting anything too fancy.” “Uhm...” “I’ve got tea, coffee, fruit juice... and one or two alcoholic things too.” the tall white pegasus offered from the kitchen as she rummaged through the cupboards, getting herself something. “Just some tea would be nice.” “Gotcha!” Freeze replied over her rummaging. “Apologies, I’ve only got the one kind. I don’t drink the stuff too often.” A few minutes passed, marked only by the assorted sounds of the large pegasus’s clattering around her kitchen as she saw to preparing refreshments for both herself and her guest. A distant peal of thunder sounded from outside, catching Blacklight’s attention. “Sounds like the storm’s starting.” he noted. “Yep, sounds like! None too soon either, I think the plants were getting a bit thirsty out there.” his host's reply came from the kitchen. There was some more clattering about, followed shortly thereafter by the reappearance of Freeze Pop. She was carefully carrying a tray, balanced across her wings. Set upon it were two large mugs of steaming beverage; the scents of tea and coffee mingling with each other as she drew closer to the couch. “Could you drag that table round for me?” she asked of Blacklight, who had up until that point just watched her approach, impressed with her balancing act. “Oh! Uhm, sure.” he replied, hopping up and dragging the little coffee table his host had indicated over to rest in front of the couch. Freeze Pop carefully set the tray down, looking somewhat relieved as she did so, and he now also noticed a selection of small snacks laid out on it in a slightly haphazard fashion. “Help yourself, Blackie.” she told him with a smile, sauntering over to one corner of the room. “Thank you.” he replied, re-seating himself and taking a glance over the selection of tasty looking treats spread about the tray. He perked an ear and glanced over in his host’s direction, however, when he heard the distinctive pop and quiet crackle of a vinyl record beginning to play. “I hope you don’t mind a little music?” she queried, trotting back over and plonking herself down alongside him – though she was careful to keep a bit of space between them. “No, not at all.” The air was filled with the quiet, subtle notes of a classical piece, one that sounded vaguely familiar to the black pony, but not one he could have named if asked. The music was then accompanied by an operatic voice, singing a language he didn’t recognise. “What song is this?” he asked, as the music wafted gently through the air. “It’s Sous le dôme épais, or The Flower Duet if you prefer.” Freeze Pop replied, blowing some steam away from her mug before taking a sip. “Beautiful, isn’t it? It was written a century or so ago, but it hasn’t aged.” “It’s certainly rather peaceful.” The soft pattering of rain against the windows joined the background hiss of the record’s playing, making for a pleasant accompaniment to the music as it continued to play. The two of them sat in relative silence, the atmosphere undisturbed by their occasional movement to sip a drink or grab a snack. Presently, the music faded slowly out. A few moments of silence persisted, before the soft notes of a piano echoed from the record player’s speakers. “Ah, another favourite.” Freeze sighed out happily, leaning back into her seat. “Oh? Which one is this?” “Ave Selena. I don’t think there’s a decent modern day translation of that. This one is even older... it was originally written as a poem praising Princess Luna’s grace, beauty, and her protection of her subjects.” The record continued to play, a soft feminine voice singing the words of the ancient hymn. “It’s... very soothing.” “Isn’t it, though? Fitting, considering it’s in praise of Luna, though.” “True enough.” Sat there as he was, Blacklight found himself starting to relax somewhat. The rain continued to patter against the windows, drops of it leaving long, meandering trails down the glass. The occasional distant rumble of thunder echoed outside now and again, accompanied by distant flashes of lightning. It was almost a comfort to him, being as storms were a slightly more frequent occurrence in the little coastal town of Cape Sunrise. “Hmmm. I don’t think it’s letting up any time soon.” Freeze Pop’s cool tones interrupted her guest’s thoughts, and he glanced round at her as he swallowed a gulp of tea. “I’ll have to figure out some sleeping arrangements.” “Oh. Uhm... I, well...” “Relax, Blackie.” the larger pegasus replied with a reassuring smile. “It’s not a problem. I may not have guests often, but I’m not unprepared.” She downed the last of her drink and rose to her feet. “First things first, though, I’d better get some real food going. Well, I say real food... I’m not a fantastic cook, I’m afraid. You’re not allergic to beans and or toast, are you?” she asked over her shoulder as she strode into the kitchen. “I don’t think so...” “Perfect!” Some time later, the two pegasi were sat lounging on the sofa in a somewhat lazy fashion. The coffee table before them now held a mostly empty tray, and two empty dinner plates. Blacklight found himself not wanting to move too much, as his friend had rather overestimated his appetite - or perhaps, he reasoned, simply considered that she was feeding two mouths as opposed to one, and made enough to feed herself twice over. Nevertheless, he’d eaten the entire helping as he hadn’t wanted to seem rude; hence he now sat with a somewhat full belly, his stomach making the occasional gurgle. Despite that minor discomfort, though, he felt somewhat content. He was in good company, with a sated appetite and pleasant surroundings. All of that put together, in addition to the time of day, was starting to make him feel a little sleepy. Freeze Pop rose to her feet slowly, causing the black pegasus to look up and round at her in a bleary-eyed fashion. “I think it’s about time for bed.” she stated matter-of-factly, her own tiredness apparent in her voice. “I’m just gonna shift the table over out of the way. Will you be comfortable enough on the couch there?” “Uhm. I think so...” Blacklight replied, stifling a yawn as he watched his host moving the furniture. “I’m already falling asleep here.” That was enough to elicit a small giggle from the tall mare, as she turned toward one of the doors off the living room. “Alright then. Just make yourself comfortable, I have a spare pillow or two and a blanket in one of my cupboards.” With that, she trotted off out of the room, leaving her guest to yawn once more and shuffle around on the couch, spreading himself out a bit more. He became dimly aware of her return when he heard her poking around behind the couch. He was slightly startled when the back of the couch folded down and backwards with a clacking sound, and he raised his head to see what had happened. His gaze was met with the smiling face of his host. Her smile broadened as she looked back at him. “I suppose I shoulda told you it was a sofa-bed, huh? Sorry ‘bout that.” she chuckled. “Keep your head up a sec for me.” Blacklight blinked for a moment in confusion as his friend’s head disappeared below the now-lowered couch back, but he soon was reminded of why she’d left the room to begin with when her head popped back up with a pillow gripped in her teeth. She promptly deposited it on the couch by his head. “There we go. And blanket...” she continued, lowering her head a second time. She popped back up once more and, with a deft flick of her head, spread a dark blue blanket over him. He yawned once more, lowering his head to the pillow before him. “Thanks...” he managed to say, sleepily. “You’re welcome, Blackie.” he heard her say from somewhere across the room. There came a soft click and the room was plunged into darkness, save for the ambient glow of the streetlamps from outside shining through the windows. He twitched an ear slightly, hearing the muted footfalls of his host as she made her way over to the windows. He shifted his head slightly, struggling to focus his tired eyes in her direction. All he could make out was the silhouetted shape of the large pegasus as she saw to drawing the curtains across the window, slowly blotting out all the remaining light. The sound of the rain against the glass became more muted too, as the thick material of the curtains absorbed the soft pattering. He heard her hooves moving across the floor again, and then heard her voice from closer by. “Is there anything you need at all, before I turn in?” “Nothing I can think of.” he replied. Right now, it feels like everything I could ask for is right here. He heard a quiet chuckle, followed by the sound of her hooves moving away again, and then a quiet creak as one of the nearby doors swung open. “Goodnight then, Blackie dear. Sleep well, and sweet dreams.” The door creaked again slightly as it was shut, although Blacklight was only vaguely aware of the sound as his eyelids finally gave up the doomed battle against gravity, and he drifted off into a contented sleep.