Near the edge of Canterlot, a birthday party for a two-year-old filly was being set up. The party was taken place in the home of Script and Page Everfree, a couple married for four years with their first child. If one didn't know any better, ponies would say that they seemed to be like your average middle-class couple, who were trying to make a living for themselves. Unless ponies don’t know the context of their last name, no one would think anything differently of the Everfree’s, except it, wasn't the case.
For the pegasus filly, Cloud View, her grandpa was quite well known. Not just well known but an adopted member of the royal family, something like how her father was. Although her grandfather wasn't quite a century old, he’s slightly taller than most ponies and looks as if he didn't age beyond his thirties. She and one or sometimes both of her parents had stepped inside the castle from time to time where her aunts lived as well to visit.
But for the moment while her parents were setting up the last few items for the party, little Cloud View was playing with her ball. Watching it bounce off the wall and trying to catch it. When her ball bounced and rolled right passed her, she, along with the family, heard an unusual noise.
It was coming from the front door; it was the sound of a violin playing “Happy Birthday”. Her father went to the door to open it, there in the doorway was her grandpa playing the violin and two other guards standing there.
“I hope I’m not too late for the party?” Prince Harmonic asked, playing the last few notes.
“Dad! You’re actually out of the castle for once!” Cloud’s father happily gave her grandpa a hug.
“Well, I did hear about your daughter turning two, right?” Harmonic replied as he stepped inside, carrying his violin in his aura.
“Hey Harmonic,” Page went up and nuzzled her father-in-law. “We’re just setting up, so you’re actually early.”
“That’s good to hear,” Harmonic nodded, turning to Cloud he said to her: “Hey there Cloudy, happy birthday.”
“Grandpa!” The filly said with a smile. Being two years old, she was been beginning to talk, but she had a somewhat limited vocabulary, such as “Mama,” “Papa,” “Ball,” “Grandpa,” “Sun,” “Moon,” “Cloud,” etc… And although she couldn't form complete sentences, she defiantly seemed to know what those words meant.
“That’s right,” Harmonic nodded. “I have a little present for you.” His horn glowed for a moment before out popped a very decorative box with a key out of thin air. The box looked old with its carved oak and mahogany, its gold leaf and the oval porcelain piece with a painted bird in flight.
“A music box dad?” Script asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Now hold on,” he said as he turned the key. “Just watch.” Harmonic placed the box down in front of his granddaughter and opened it. Inside of the box in the very middle was a cloud made out of white jade. And orbiting around it on a thin piece of medal was a silver figurine of a pegasus whose wings move. The little musical machine plucked out an old haunting melody that was pleasing to the ear.
Cloud seemed intrigued by it. She felt her hooves all over the jade cloud and the silver pegasi. She made the figuring hold still, taking note how when it stopped, so did the music.
“It’s really Pretty,” Page commented. “Where did ya get it?”
“It’s a gift from the Prench ambassador from last year.”
“It’s Prench?”
“Well yes and no,” Harmonic shrugged. “As I was told, the music box is an antique. It belonged to the last Queen of Prance before, you know,” Harmonic lifted a hoof and let it glide across his neck. “The whole revolution broke out.”
“Wait-a-minute!” Page’s jaw dropped to the carpet’s floor, “Are you telling me that this was Antoinette’s music box!”
“Wow, dad,” Script said putting his fore hoof over his forehead. “That’s incredibly generous of you!”
“I didn't need it,” Harmonic replied. “But anyway, that music box is something for her to keep.”
“Grandpa!” Cloud exclaimed. Harmonic smiled as if he understood that she meant “thank you.”
“You’re welcome Cloudy.” The prince looked up; he saw his son’s eyes went wide as cartwheels. “What?”
“What’s gotten into you?” his son asked. “That’s gotta be the first time in years that I've seen you smile at anything.”
“Oh don’t talk about me just yet, what about you two?” he inquired both his son and his wife. “How are things with you?”
“We’re just getting by,” Page answered. “With the new job and a foal, it’s been quite the uphill battle.”
“Well, do you guys need anything?” Harmonic asked. “Do you need money or-”
“No no!” Script shook his head, “Trust us, we’re okay financially. Dad, I've already told you, if we’re doing poorly, we know where to find you.”
“You sure?” Harmonic asked looking around the room. “I mean, if you want to move into someplace nicer I could provide the means to-”
“Dad,” Script interrupted. “Don’t worry about us. We’re fine. But what about you?”
“Me?”
“Yeah,” Page nodded. “This is actually the first time that you came to see us. You've been stuck up in the castle since… you know.”
Harmonic nodded, sighing, he said: “I know. I've been feeling down for a while now and I know it. With Color’s passing and all, I couldn't help but feel – well, lonely again.”
“But didn't you say that you were dating some guard?” his son asked.
Harmonic shook his head, “We broke up a couple of months ago. Turns out we have very little in common. He’s not really the creative type.”
“I’m sorry,” Page said in sympathy, but the Prince waved it off.
“It was for the best I suppose. Better to break it off before any disaster huh?”
“But still, what’s gotten ya into such a good mood?” Script asked.
“Oh, nothing much, it’s just I've been thinking.” The prince mused as one of his hooves pawed at the floor. “Ya know, it’s been awhile since I've played in public. So, perhaps I should join up the royal orchestra once again.”
“It’s a start, I guess,” Script shrugged. “Still, it’s good for you to get out.”
“Well I supposed some fresh air would do somepony good,” Harmonic nodded. “Oh, you guys did say that you have cake right?”
“Well, we already got the cake ready, why?” Page questioned, raising her eyebrow.
“Oh.” The Prince frowned, “then what am I going to do with the two-story marble cake outside?”
“What!?” both parents asked.
“Joking, joking,” Harmonic chuckled. Soon enough, one by one, the other family members came in through the door with warm greetings. Saying things like “Happy Birthday Cloud View,” or “It’s good to see you again Harmonic,” and “That’s not a bad cake.”
Harmonic sat down on the couch, being in the eye of the storm of his relative’s children running everywhere and his sisters’ in-law with their husbands, talking to each other or to his son. His wife sat down next to him with a piece of cake in her hooves.
“Want a slice?” she offered him the small plate with a fork.
“Maybe a little later,” the prince shrugged.
“Alright then… So, have you been in the dating field lately?”
Harmonic raised an eyebrow, “Pardon?”
“Have you been dating lately?” Page clarified.
“No, not really,” he sighed, “I think I need to lay off it for a while.”
Page frowned, “Harmonic, your loneliness has been a national headline for gossip columns; don’t tell me that you don’t need somepony.” Harmonic didn't respond. “Look, I’m sorry for that, but it’s just that we’re concern for you.”
“Why?”
“Well… We know that when you were with your husband, that was the time when you were the happiest. And as a family, we want nothing more but for you to be happy again.”
“I already know that but…” Harmonic trailed off.
“But what?” Page questioned.
The prince sighed and said, “Could I really fall in love again?”
“Of course you can-”
“Wait, just hear me out.” The alicorn interrupted her, “With Color, it was easy since we were about the same age, and that he saw pass the royal titles and that I’m an alicorn. But could I fall in love with ponies that might not be like him? I mean, there’s a reason why I didn't announce ‘I’m looking for a suitor’ since he died. I've seen both of my mother's nearly drowning in oceans of love letters, flowers, songs, invitations to go out on dates and who knows what else. I have seen the stallions and the occasional mares who would try to offer themselves to court them. But I’ll tell you a secret, not a single one that I've seen were really in love with either of them. For most of them, they do it for power or fame and not because of them. That’s what I’m afraid of. Having an endless parade of stallions wanting to have me because I’m a novelty or a tool to get what they want. But even if I do find someone, there’s something else I’m afraid of.”
“And that being?”
“I already had my heart broken when Color died, but could I handle it again from someone who I could have a serious relationship with?”
“That reminds me of a good line from a bad movie.”
“And that was?”
“‘Your heart may get broken, but at least it tells you that you have one.’ But hey, perhaps you rejoining the orchestra might get you to find someone special there. You still want some cake?” Harmonic shook his head.
_*_
The gilded pegasi chariot came to a halt at the Royal Lunar Theater, a place where Harmonic haven’t set hoof in since the day Color died. It was home to the Royal Equestrian Orchestra that, as far as the prince’s knowledge went, has gotten a new conductor as well as a few new members.
Picking up his violin case, he thanked the guards and walked right in, hearing the familiar sound of a tuning orchestra. Though the lobby and the sign that read “Quiet! Orchestra Rehearsals in Progress.” He walked into the familiar red velvet theater where the orchestra was on stage. And as he remembered, some of the orchestras wore either casual clothes or none since they’re not performing yet.
“That’s good, are we ready for our first day of rehearsals?” a gray-coated, chocolate mane unicorn asked. Harmonic quickly assumed that this must be the new conductor.
The violinist cleared his throat, “Excuse me?” he asked getting the attention of the conductor along with the orchestra. “I hope I’m not too late for auditions am I?”
The conductor shook his head, blinking, “Prince Harmonic?!” he along with a good chunk of the orchestra bowed. “What are you doing here your majesty?”
“I told you,” he said, putting down his case and opening it. “I want to audition for the orchestra again. That is if you don’t have enough violinists as it is.”
“Well Sire, this is quite unexpected. I didn't expect you wanted to join us.”
“My apologies conductor…?” Harmonic asked, putting rosin on his bow.
“Pitch sire, Pitch Perfect,” the conductor answered.
“Well Mister Perfect,” Harmonic chuckled at his private pun while taking the violin under his chin. “With your permission, I’d like to audition for you and the orchestra to see if you guys would let me in again.”
“By all means,” Pitch smiled. “Everypony knows you play a real Trotivarius, so please, play for us. I’m sure we’re all eager to hear it.”
Harmonic took in a deep breath and closed his eyes. For a moment, he stood there in a meditative-like state before he let his bow touch the strings. With the first note on the open string, his mind went back to the day he got married. His improvised melody waltzed around his memory of him dancing in the arms of his beloved. It was a happy recollection with a peaceful sound that his violin hummed. He was so caught up in it that he didn't even noticed that he was dancing in the allies until he bumped into one of the seats. In which, he stopped.
“Oh, he-he, sorry,” the prince apologized, “just got caught up in the moment there.”
“No no, that was rather delightful,” Pitch turned to the orchestra. “All those in favor in letting the prince joined our orchestra say ‘aye’.”
“Aye!” the theater rang out. Harmonic smiled, he flew up to take a seat in the violin section.
“Psst!” the violinist turned around to see an old mare sitting behind him. “It’s good to have you back Harm.”
Harmonic thanked her, adding: “It’s been too long.”
“Now then,” Pitch Perfect said, getting the orchestra’s attention. “If there are no more interruptions, let us begin, shall we?” There were nods in agreement. “Now first, we’re going to practice the first movement of Heydn’s fifty-sixth symphony, and then…”
Harmonic rolled his eyes, not only has he played some of these before, but he knew a few by memory – this one being one of them. The conductor raised his baton in the air and the violins and violas soon followed. As they played, Harmonic’s eyes scanned through the stage at the other members, the stallions, and try to deduce who he could start talking to.
‘Not that one, he has a ring on his horn; and so does he… Hmm… What about him?’ He spotted a green earth stallion with a white mane at a cello that was looking nowhere but the score. ‘Then again, maybe he’s seeing somepony else. Probably he’s into mares more like-‘
“Stop,” Pitch Perfect called out, having the instruments quickly died out. “Something isn't right, Violas, could you repeat bar twenty-one again?” They did, Pitch shook his head, “No it’s not coming from you… Clarinets, same thing?” The clarinets did, “Well there’s your problem, you’re a bit flat. Could you guys play it again but get that D flat to a D natural?” the clarinets repeated the bar, hitting the right notes this time. “There you go,” Pitch nodded. “Let’s start this at… bar fifteen if you please.”
The orchestra started playing again, Pitch didn't say anything after they passed bar twenty-one. For a few minutes, the prince let his mind wander again, ‘Then again, is this really a good idea, to begin with? I mean, with Color, we met by matchmakers. Plus, I don’t even know most of these strangers-‘
“Stop,” Pitch called out again. “Cellos, you guys were off beat.”
“Sorry sir,” a white mare in a curly blue mane said.
“Orchestra, rest for a moment,” Everyone except for those at the cello did. As the conductor went up to talk with them, it was clear to Harmonic that he doesn't like this conductor, ‘I don’t know what he’s going on about, but it sounded fine to me. That guy is a bigger control freak then a noble on a good day.’ “.... Let me count time here; start at bar fifty-seven. Ready?” The cellists raised their bows, Pitch tapped a hoof to count time until he heard one of the cellist were out of sync.
As it turned out, the one who was off was a green stallion with the white mane. He gulped. “Look, what’s your name again?” Pitch asked the Cellist.
“Uh… W-Whole Note, sir.” He answered nervously.
“Mister Note, look, I know that this is your first time with this orchestra,” Pitch began. “And I thought that you were one of the best in Ponyville right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“So what’s the problem?”
“I-I’m sorry sir,” Note uttered. “It’s just, uh, there’s a lot on my mind today.”
“Over what?” Harmonic saw Note took a quick glance at him before answering to the conductor.
“It’s nothing, sir.”
“Well, surely you can keep time with everyone else can’t you?”
He nodded.
“Once again everypony,” Pitch trotted up to the conductor’s stand. “Start off from bar fifty-five.”
‘This is going to be one long rehearsal,’ Harmonic thought.
_*_
The clock on the mantel rang out eight o’clock. For the Prince of Inspiration, nine in the morning and eight o’clock in the evening is when he sits down with his assistant and adviser concerning everything and anything that’s related to art. Asides from occasionally holding court and mechanically signing his name to mountains of paperwork, he always sets aside some time for his adviser and assistant.
Harmonic liked to think it was a kind of ritual. In the mornings they would eat a bit of breakfast and discuss a little about art, theater, movies, music, and books. Then in the evening, they would do the same thing, usually to drink something while deciding on what should get green lighted, and give advice on how to improve or change things. In reality, though, it was more like a tiny private gossip club between three ponies over what is acceptable or not.
Since it was late winter, the drink of choice was hot chocolate in courtesy of The Copper Pot Café. A couple of pots of the hot coco along with three cups were already set up with the Prince at his usual seat. And like clockwork, a guard would knock on the door, the Prince would tell them to come in, and the double doors would open up to two ponies taking a bow.
“Good evening Mrs. Meadowlark.” He nodded to his adviser, she was an orange pegasus with a tied up purple mane. Harmonic turned to the other pony, a pony that was made out of blue crystal. “And you must be the new assistant are you?”
He nodded, “I am your Highness. I’m Quill, Quill Feathers.”
“Then come in, the hot chocolate won’t keep warm forever,” Harmonic gestured the two of them to enter. The two of them took a seat from one of the red pillows near the low table. “So Quill, I understand you’re from the Crystal Empire originally, right?”
“I am Sire.”
“Harmonic,” he corrected him. “You gotta call me Harmonic, or Harm for short.”
“I apologize Prin- Harmonic. I’m kinda trained to be formal for this kind of job.”
“In public yes – but in private, I don’t want you to be intimidated by me. Just think of me as your friend, as well as your boss, but mostly a friend overall.”
“I’ll try.”
“Good,” Harmonic smiled. “And you’re aware of what kind of job you have now right?”
“I think so, may I?” he reached for the pot and offered to pour for everypony. As he poured, he continued: “It’s more like reporting if I understand it right. Go through newspapers, letters of requests and some field work to see what’s new in the arts and come back here to inform you guys of what I've found.”
“And to discuss your findings with us,” Meadowlark added. “And speaking of findings, I hope you already did your research I trust?”
“I have,” Quill poured his cup and reached down to pick up a binder. “Let’s see… in art, there’s a request for a statue to be put on display. It’s a statue of Celestia as a foal in casted bronze, they sent us a picture of it and I must say, I think it’s adorable.” He pulled out the picture and handed it over for the others to see.
“Oh, so that’s what she looked like.” Harmonic thought out loud.
Meadowlark frowned, “Has Princess Celestia seen this beforehoof? I mean, it’s supposed to be her right?”
“I’ll send this to mom,” Harmonic lit up his horn and took the picture and the request paper out of Quill’s binder. “That is if there are any objections?” They shook their heads so he put the paper and the photo next to him.
“In theater,” Quill went on, “there’s a casting call right here in Canterlot for a new play. And this one I think you might find interesting Your High- pardon, Harmonic.”
“Why’s that?” Harmonic asked before taking a sip from his cup.
“It’s about you.”
The Prince nearly spat out his drink before saying: “Sorry, I don’t think I've heard that right. Did you just say that there’s a play about me?”
“Did you find out what it’s about? Specifically what the story is?” Meadowlark questioned.
“Only bits and pieces Ma'am,” Quill looked through his binder. “As far as I could make out, I think it’s about the Prince when he was a foal and it follows up until the wedding of his late husband.”
“What kind of play is it?” the adviser asked, “Is it a drama, a comedy, a satire or what?”
“A musical.”
Harmonic tilt his head to the side, “Okay, now I’m curious. How are they going to pull that off?”
“I can’t say,” Quill shrugged. “All I know is that there’s a casting call and that is about it. It looks like they’re trying to keep things under wraps until opening night.”
“I think Harmonic should see the dress rehearsal,” Meadowlark suggested, “After all, if they’re doing a play about you, sir, then maybe you could step in to see how well it really holds up.”
“Yeah, I want to see this out of curiosity,” Harmonic agreed, “I might go for the dress rehearsal, but how about I surprise them and not tell them that I’m there?”
“What’s the point of that?” Quill questioned.
“So I won’t give the actors on stage heart attacks over the fact that I’m watching.”
“But wh… Oh,” Quill quickly realized. Harmonic nodded, telling him that he got the idea.
“Moving on, I haven’t gotten anything from Applewood regarding movies as of yet. In Music, other than you rejoining the orchestra obviously, the rock band, Scorched Saddles, has released a new album. And uh…” Quill trailed off.
“What?” the prince and the adviser asked in unison.
“Well… the lyrics… well,” he took out a copy of the lyrics out of his binder. “Just, take a look.” They did, it took a moment to read through the lyrics, but Quill did see their reactions. Meadowlark eyes went wide while Harmonic’s jaw dropped.
“Are they serious?” they both asked. “That’s absolutely disgusting!” Meadowlark said turning a shade of green.
“Why would you put that into a song?” Harmonic questioned. He handed the lyrics back to Quill. “Give the band a letter to give them a chance to explain this. I don’t know how they’ll try to defend this but… Eck!”
“I understand,” Quill took the lyrics in his own hoof while the other he took a sip from his cup. Putting the piece of paper back in, he continued on through books, in which there was plenty that they discussed through. In the end, the clock on the mantel told them that it was a bit too early to end their little meeting.
“So Quill, did you just came directly from the Empire?”
“Yeah.”
“How’s Shining?”
Here, Quill took on a grim look. “Not good. His Highness would be alright, but everypony in the Empire knows that it’s only a matter of time.”
“Poor Cadence too,” Meadowlark commented. “I can’t imagine what she’s going through.”
“I can,” the Prince said taking a sip. Shaking his head, he added, “She and Skyla, they deserve so much better – not this.”
They nodded in agreement.
“Sir- Harmonic,” Quill quickly corrected himself. “Can I ask you a personal question?”
The prince raised an eyebrow, “How personal is personal?”
“I’m not too sure, but it has to do with relationships.” Harmonic told him to ask away, “Are you seeing anypony as of late? I've heard that you want to move on do you?”
“Well, yeah I’m trying to. But I haven’t found anypony that I've taken interest in. Why do ya ask?”
“Um… Idle curiosity, I suppose.” Quill answered, avoiding all eye contact. Harmonic wasn't too sure, but he thought that he saw a tint of red on the crystal pony’s muzzle.
_*_
“Is something on your mind Harmonic?” Luna asked the very question that was also on Celestia’s mind. Two weeks after he took up his violin and rejoined the old orchestra, the two Princesses noticed that their son’s mood was slowly improving. One big give away was that Harmonic was smiling a little more often than he had in years. But Luna finally asked the question because he was doing something very unusual, he was humming.
“Huh?” the Prince looked up. “Oh, yeah, something is, actually. I’m going on a date tomorrow.”
“Why son,” Celestia smiled. “That is indeed wonderful news. Who is it?”
“Pitch Perfect,” their son smiled. “He asked me to go to dinner with him yesterday.”
“Tell us, what is he like?” Luna inquired.
“He’s our conductor,” Harmonic explained, taking a bite out from his pasta. “In rehearsals, he’s kinda strict, but outside he seems to be a nice guy. He told me that he had a bad breakup awhile back and said that he’s hoping to find somepony to move on. I told him that I was looking for somepony special as well so he offered to go out to dinner with him.”
“How long have you known him?” Celestia questioned.
Harmonic rolled his eyes, “I know what you’re gonna say, ‘Two weeks is a very short amount of time to get to know somepony’, but I guess I have to start somewhere though.” He took another bite, “Besides, who knows, maybe this date might bring something good.”
_*_
“Worst. Date. Ever.” Harmonic angrily muttered through his teeth. With the addition of him clearly frustrated beyond comprehension along with a couple of the Lunar Guards following him back to the palace from the restaurant; everypony within sight had the good sense to stay out of his way. Ignoring the cold, wet snow he’s been marching through for the past three minutes since what happened at the Neighponies restaurant.
Through breaking the ice and crunching snow, though the lamp posts were decorated in the colors of Hearts and Hooves day, his mind kept revisiting what happened.
“Right on time, your majesty,” Pitch got out of his chair and bowed to him.
“There’s no need for that,” Harmonic told him. “For now, just call me Harmonic.”
Pitch smiled, “Alright then.” He and the only alicorn in the whole restaurant sat down at their table. After narrowing down their choices from their menus, the Prince settled on soup while his date went for the chief’s salad and a glass of wine. Their waiter came with a pitcher of water and went with their orders, leaving them with each other for the moment.
“So, Harmonic,” Pitch started. “How are you this evening?”
“Fine, I guess,” Harmonic shrugged, “You?”
“Oh, I’m good… You ever come here often?”
“No,” he shook his head. “This is my first time here actually.”
“I've been here before, and I must say cutie, the food is quite good here.”
“Sorry?”
“What?”
“Did you just call me, ‘cutie’?”
“Well, yeah. Don’t you think that you’re cute?”
Harmonic lit up his horn to pick up the pitcher to look at his reflection. “No, I don’t see it,” the Prince shook his head as he put the pitcher back on the table.
Pitch Perfect chuckled, “What? Don’t you think you’re attractive?”
“No,” the Prince shook his head. “I don’t think so.”
“Oh come on babe, don’t get yourself down.”
“I’m forty-three,” Harmonic deadpanned. “I’m not a foal.”
“Pitch?” the two turned towards this new voice. It came from a mare with a look of confusion in her eyes. “What’re you doing here?”
“Sorry, who are you?” Harmonic asked.
“She’s no one,” Pitch quickly answered, starting to sweat.
“Excuse me?” the mare went up to the conductor. “No one? You call your marefriend no one?”
“Marefriend?” Harmonic asked. “You mean… I thought you had a breakup?”
“What are ya talking about?” the mare asked before her eyes widen in realization. “Are you cheating on me?!”
“Uh…” Pitch’s eyes shifted back and forth.
It was at this moment that Harmonic felt something sharp being stabbed into the heart. He got up, “You lied to me didn't you?” he accused, his eyes narrowing.
“But Sire, it’s not what it looks like,” Pitch said, now knowing he’s been caught.
“You don’t really care about me, do you?” Harmonic questioned.
“That’s not true! I-I-I think you're sexy and-”
That did it. Harmonic’s horn glowed and levitated the pitcher of water over his head, in which he dumped it. He stepped aside, pulling his seat for the mare, “He’s all yours.”
“What?” Pitch asked. “You dumped ice water on my head and then you pull a seat up to her?”
“This is why I don’t want us to see each other again,” the prince said. “I’m a gentlecolt, not a whore.” He turned to the mare, “Happy arguing.” And with that, he turned to the door and left. In which the Night Guards that have been waiting quickly followed him out.
“I can’t believe he would just use me like that!” Harmonic vented, “And on Hearts and Hooves day of all days!” As he and the Lunar Guards marched through the streets and couples got out of their way, Harmonic felt something that he hasn’t felt in a very long time, jealousy. On the day that celebrated couples, his eyes went from couple to couple, getting more upset with each passing one. That here was he, on this day of love that he was once again alone.
But as he marched passed an ice cream shop and his envious eyes scanned the shop, he noticed something very odd. So odd that he stopped in his tracks to take a second look. Through the window, sitting on a stool by the open counter was a stallion who was sitting all by himself. He would shrug this off except for knowing three things. First, it’s Hearts and Hooves; a day where couples would be everywhere in places like this. Second, he has seen this stallion before; it was the green Earth Pony with the white mane that played the cello. And third, by the look on his face, Harmonic saw that he was alone, his eyes looking downward towards his glass of ice cream. There was no hint of happiness in his face.
Part of Harmonic wanted to keep walking, to go back home to vent out his frustrations on his violin. Yet, a bigger part wanted to step inside just to say “Hello.” Even with his date gone to shambles, in a time like this, he needed someone to talk to. It took him a few moments, but in the end, he decided to walk through the glass door. For some who saw him come in, they bowed in respect, but the Prince paid no attention except for the green pony. He tapped one of his wings on his shoulder.
“Excuse me,” Harmonic asked. The cellist turned, his eyes widen in surprise at that was right next to him. “Is this seat taken?”
“Uh… n-no,” he stuttered as he watched the prince take the stool right next to him.
“Thanks,” as soon as the alicorn sat down, a server came right up to him asking what he would have. “A small chocolate malt is fine,” he answered before turning to the stallion. “So, what’s your name again?”
“Whole N-Note, Y-Your Highness,” Note looked down at his desert, trying to avoid eye contact. “If, um… If I may ask, what a-are you doing here?”
“I was about to ask you the same thing unless you want me to start.” Note nodded. “I just got out of a date that just ended in disaster. You?”
“No rea-reason really,” he shrugged. “It’s just that I don’t have anything better to do.”
“On Hearts and Hooves day and eating all by yourself?” Harmonic raised an eyebrow. “I doubt it.”
“What makes you say that?”
“You seemed lonely to me.”
Note looked up, having a raised eyebrow. “Me? Lonely?” he inquired.
“Trust me, I know that look anywhere. Thanks,” that last word as towards the server who gave him his chocolate malt, telling him that it’s on the house. “Look, I just had a bad night and I want somepony to talk to. You looked familiar and by yourself so I thought I’d just pop by to say hello.”
“Say hello to me?”
“Well, yeah. You don’t say very much during rehearsals, so maybe it’s the best time to get to know each other. No?”
“Well… I sup-p-pose.”
“Alright, have about you start.”
“With what?”
“I don’t know. Something, like uh…” Harmonic searched through his mind to figure out a talking point. “Why do you play the cello?”
“The cello? Well, I guess I’m following in the hoofsteps of my idol, Octavia.”
“I had her as my teacher once.”
“You?!”
The Prince nodded, “Uh-huh. Before she passed away, she was once my music teacher. Of course, I had an idea of how to play the violin but, she was the one who really helps me understand how to play it.”
“Really? I didn't k-know that.”
“It’s true, she and her wife, they were a lot of fun to talk to,” Harmonic smiled in nostalgia. “Her wife was funny though, let me tell you. She was very outgoing and just loved life, as well as her job.”
“I wish I could have met them.”
“I guess. So what is it about Octavia that you’d like?”
“W-Well… She proved that Earth Ponies can be good at the cello and the violin without using unicorn m-magic. Uh, n-no offense to you Sire.”
“Ha. None taken. I didn't use magic at all when I started playing.”
“Yeah, I just hope I could make a name for myself as she did with her playing.”
“I’m sure you would, you’re good at the cello.”
Note blushed, “Well, sure. But not fantastic, I do tend to hit some wrong notes.”
“So what? Every musician tends to hit some wrong notes. Even I do so when I play.”
“I disagree,” Note muttered.
“Pardon?” Whole Note flinched.
“Uh… N-Nothing Sire.”
“Please, call me Harmonic. Oh, and thanks for the compliment by-the-way.”
Embarrassed, Note turned away from the prince, but Harmonic chuckled. “Come on now, I appreciate the comment. So what’s wrong?”
Note took in a deep breath, “Nothing.” He answered. There was a moment of awkwardness between them.
Harmonic decided to switch gears to keep the conversation going. “What about family? Do you know any in Canterlot?”
“Not really, they’re in Ponyville, I’m here because of the orch-ord-orchestra.”
“Any parents, siblings, or what?”
“I’m an only child. And yes I do have parents. Mom is one of the librarians for Princess Twilight while dad is a gardener. And I’m the one who plays the cello.”
“Is everything alright with you?” the server asked.
They both told her that yes, the ice cream is good, but before the server went away, Harmonic told her, “I’ll pay for his bill,” much to Note’s surprise.
“What?! You’re paying for me?”
“Why not?” the Prince shrugged, “You were nice to talk with, and you made this Prince’s bad night a whole lot better. It’s my little way of saying thanks.”
“Wow, thank you my Pr-… Um, Harmonic, thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Harmonic was given Note’s check in which he wrote a little note in it before giving it to the server. “You’re a good stallion, maybe we should talk a little more often don’t ya think?”
Note nodded and Harmonic smiled, “Splendid. Have a good night.”
“You too,” Note said, watching the prince get off of his seat, taking the rest of his malt with him out the door. For a moment, Note just sat there having only one question running through his head: ‘What just happened?’