One year ago
A light rain pattered the windows. Normally, this being Canterlot, the rain would have been held off to save everypony the trouble. With not an earth pony farm in sight, and the unicorns rather particular about their well being, they would prefer the rain to dissipate all together. For pegasi, weather is more of an art, having the potential to change your entire surroundings does tend to show a certain beauty to them. Even though it was rain, it was a calming rain, a serene sense to lull even the hardest pony to sleep. At least that is what the gray mare was thinking. Cocooned in the couch, Octavia Philharmonica was nodding off to sleep, only to be awoken by her mail slot opening and shutting with a clink. Still in the half dazed stupor, the earth pony pulled herself onto her hooves, and stumbled to the door. Rooting through the usual junk mail, she set aside a few bills until she came upon a curious looking letter. A tan envelope containing a maroon waxed seal was placed beside her, and was opened after she finished rooting through the rest of the mail’s contents.
Dear Octavia Philharmonica,
We are pleased to inform you of your new position in the Royal Canterlot Orchestra. You shall be playing Principle Player for the Violoncellos due to the expertise shown in your interview. If you have any inquiries you may contact the Concert Hall directly.
Misuer Maestro,
Chief Concertmaster
Conductor for the Royal Canterlot Orchestra
Pupils dilated with every word. The mare stared dumbfounded at the parchment for quite some time. In a small voice she said “I made it. First chair, I made it.” Looking around the room, and then back to the parchment she exclaimed in a louder tone, “I made it!” Collecting her wits, Octavia strapped on her saddlebags, to which she threw in some bits and the letter. Shortly after, a gray earth mare could be seen running through the rainy streets in search of her friend.
Octavia Philharmonica, while rather successful in the music industry, did not have a what ponies may call a large social circle. In fact, Octavia had hardly any acquaintances. The only pony she could really call a friend was an earth mare by the name of Bon-Bon. Octavia quickly made her way towards Bon-Bon's home, like the other times she needed somepony to talk to. It was not because Octavia was shy, but rather she was an introvert, more willing to socialize with instruments and her music rather than pony folk.
Mane a sopping mess, the cellist reached the home of her friend. Knocking on the door, she attempted to fix her hair before any pony saw. The door was enveloped in an unfamiliar mint aura. As the portal opened, a unicorn revealed herself
“Hello, I’m Lyra, how can I help you?”
“Um, is Bon-Bon home?” Octavia asked, a bit inquisitive to why Bon-Bon didn’t open her own door.
“She’s gone at the moment, but she’s due back in about twenty minutes or so. You’re welcome to stay Miss.”
“Octavia”
“Ah, Octavia, please do come in,” Lyra said, holding the door open.
Being a candy maker, Bon-Bon’s home retained the calming scent of her latest creations. Perking spirits, the scent guided the conversation into pleasantries about passing events. “So how do you know Bon-Bon?” The unicorn asked.
“I’m an old friend, we grew up next to each other. We’ve never really strayed that far from each other, even moving to Canterlot at the same time. If you don’t mind me asking, I’d like to repeat the question to you?”
Lyra gave a small chuckle, “I’m her marefriend.”
Octavia reached into her mental bag of responses to such a statement, and kept drawing a blank. Bon-Bon had a marefriend? Unable to formulate a reply, Octavia said “I always thought she was into stallions.”
Invoking a laugh from the unicorn, Lyra replied “Yes, well, she was. That’s actually how we met.”
Interrupted as the door opened. “Octavia! It’s so good to see you!” Exclaimed the cream colored earth pony. Setting her saddlebags off to the side, which smelled suspiciously like chocolate, she gave Octavia a quick hug. Turning to Lyra, “Is there a kettle on by any chance?” Her question was answered by a sharp whistle from the kitchen.
“I’ll get it,” Lyra said, turning to take her repose in the other room. As she walked out, Octavia motioned in Lyra’s direction.
“So, congrats.”
“Thank you,” Bon-Bon said with a smile, “I was going to tell you, but I wanted to make sure things worked out first.”
“and by worked out you mean moved in with?” Octavia grinned.
“Well, yeah, she’s been really helpful around the house while I’m out.”
“That’s not the only reason she let me move in!” Lyra laughed as she walked in with a tray of three steaming teacups.
“Lyra! That’s highly inappropriate.” Bon-Bon gasped, but the cellist joined in the laugh. “It seems I let you in to try and curb your manners.” The confectionist smirked.
“Hey I have great manners.” the unicorn said as she took a cup in one hoof. Muzzle turned up in a haughty expression, which made the process even more difficult, Lyra took a dainty sip of the jasmine. Letting the smooth taste flow across her tongue, she slowly lowered the cup. Setting it on the tray gently, she burped. “See?”
Bon-Bon could only press a hoof against her forehead, not even attempting to reign the mare in. Octavia giggled at the displays of chemistry between the two, and slightly blushed as it turned into physical chemistry. “You lo-ove me.” Lyra chirped, trotting out of the room before Bon-Bon could retaliate. However retaliation never came, she could only shrug helplessly to Octavia.
“What did I do to deserve this?”
“Don’t look at me, you two are perfect together.” the cellist beamed, turning her head as Lyra walked back in. This time with a tray of delicious looking chocolates, her muzzle barely containing incriminating evidence of the sweets. Popping another one into her mouth via magic, she angled the platter to Octavia.
“Want one? Bon-Bon only makes the best.” Lyra said, and with a loud whisper declared, “That’s half the reason I’m here.”
“Well, I’m glad it’s because of my charming personality and alluring graces.” Bon-Bon willed the sarcasm to flow, much like the tendril of magic already wrapping itself around another chocolate.
“I’m going to pretend to understand what you said, and the other half is definitely because of you, namely because of that flank.”
“LYRA!” Bon-Bon nearly shrieked, “We have a guest!”
“Yeah, but she’s like your oldest friend, she doesn’t care, right?” The lyrist directed the last half of the statement to Octavia, but received no answer, for Octavia was overcome with a fit of the giggles.
The room quieted for a moment, only to have Bon-Bon break the silence. “So, what brings you over here Octavia? Surely it isn’t to make merriment of me with my marefriend.” To which Lyra could be heard saying under her breath, "So that’s what they call it these days."
“Actually, it’s because I was offered a new job. I received Principle Player for the Royal Canterlot Orchestra.” Octavia grinned.
A small gasp was heard, and Lyra’s magical hold dropped the chocolate in mid air.