Copper Finish, a beige earth pony stallion with dark brown hair and two small gears and wrench for a cutie mark, was the royal metallic artist and chief mechanical engineer. He was famous for some of his work, especially for the armor the Royal Guard wore. However, he wasn't a Canterlot stallion at heart, even though he lived there. He dreamed that one day, he could get away from high-society and settle down with the mare of his dreams. Unfortunately, to him, no such mare existed. So, he stayed in his workshop making steam powered contraptions, repairing and polishing armor, and making grand metal statues for special events.
One day, Copper Finish was working on one of his contraptions, that had been giving him trouble. It had been a busy day and all the ponies who worked with him had gone home. He was enjoying the peace and quiet.
"I hope this thing works after I get this last pipe secure." he thought as he adjusted the pipe.
He was so busy working, he didn't notice that someone had entered his workshop. After he put the pipe in place and secured it, he pushed and held a valve inside the machine and a soft whistle sounded on the top of the machine. Then another, and another, and another.
"YYEEE HHAAWW!" he exclaimed, "IT WORKS! IT WORKS!" He stopped shouting, let go of the valve, and smiled.
"That is a very impressive and ,not to mention, musical machine." said a kind voice.
"AAAHHH!" shrieked a startled Copper Finish, knocking over a tool box. Tools fell all over the floor and Copper Finish landed on his back.
Copper Finish wasn't hurt, but his workshop was a complete mess.
"Oh my goodness! Are you alright?" said the voice.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just fine." Copper Finish said in an angry tone.
He got to his hooves and turned to face his surprise guest. As soon as he saw who it was, his facial expression changed from angry to stunned and embarrassed. Standing in front of him was Princess Celestia.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," she said, "I noticed that you had not left yet and was wondering, why? Now I know. I'll leave you alone now." She started to leave.
"NO!" Copper Finish said sternly.
Celestia stopped and looked at him.
"I mean... Uh... No, please, stay as long as you like, your highness." he said in a much softer tone, bowing to her.
She smiled and accepted his invitation. She looked around at the mess of tools and spare machine parts.
"I'm truly sorry, again, for frightening you like that," Celestia said, "I should've announce myself earlier."
Copper Finish grinned "Oh, don't worry about it, princess." he said, "Besides, those tools weren't supposed to be there and I should've been paying more attention anyway." He started to pick up his tools and putting them in they're proper places.
"Would you like any help with those?" Celestia asked.
"Nah, it's not as bad as looks. It'll only take a minute." Copper Finish said.
Celestia then looked at the large machine that Copper Finish was working on.
"That would be good for this year's Grand Galloping Gala." She thought "I wonder if he'll be interested in bringing it if he's invited."
Copper Finish put the last of his tools away and saw the princess looking at his machine.
"What is it?" She asked.
Copper Finish walked over to the machine. "Well, I don't have an officially name for it yet." He said, "But, as you saw, it can play music using steam whistles."
He looked at the machine then he looked at the princess. "Would you like to hear it again?" Copper Finish asked.
Princess Celestia smiled, "Yes, please." She said, "That would be nice."
He nodded. "Alright, one moment please."
He went to his workbench to get his special hoof gauntlets.
"I have to were these or else I might get burnt by the heat inside the machine." ,he said.
She understood and patiently waited for the whistles to blow a soft melody. Copper Finish walked back to the machine and pushed on the valve that started the music. Almost instantly, the first whistle blew, making a low tooting sound. Then another made a high peeping echo. With each different whistle making it's on unique sound at a certain time, it made a beautiful melody.
After the music stopped, Copper Finish released the valve and looked at Princess Celestia. He noticed that she had her eyes closed and a small tear rolling down her cheek.
"Princess? Are you alright?" ,he asked, somewhat surprised.
"If... Uh..." he wasn't sure what to say, "I didn't mean..."
"It's perfect." Princess Celestia said softly, interrupting Copper Finish.
"Um... Thank you, your highness." he said, confused.
Silence fell over the room.
"Copper Finish..." Celestia said, still speaking softly.
"Y-Yes, princess?" Copper Finish answered nervously.
"...you are hereby royally invited to this year's Grand Galloping Gala." she said in a firm, but calm voice.
Copper Finish looked at the princess, stunned at what he had heard.
He spoke nervously, "Uh... Um... Th-Thank you. W-Would you like me to bring my machine?"
He waited for an answer.
"Yes," said the princess, "and I think I have a name for this musical machine."
She was looking at him. Copper Finish was nervous as ever now.
"Name it the Calliope." she said.
Copper Finish was relieved and confused. But he wouldn't dare question her about the name.
"Ahm!" clearing his throat, Copper Finish spoke, "As you wish, your highness."
At that moment, Celestia's horn lit up and a gold ticket appeared out of thin air. It levitated over to Copper Finish, hovered in front of his face, and into his hoof.
Princess Celestia turned to the door, "I suggest that you be prepared, the Gala is in three days and I want you looking your best."
She stopped and said softly, "Who knows, maybe what you're looking for is there. I'll see you at the Gala, and thank you."
Before Copper Finish could say anything, she spread her wings and flew to the castle.
He stood outside his workshop and thought,"What did she mean by what I'm looking for?"
He thought for a moment, then went inside to put the finishing touches on the Calliope.