It never ceased to amaze Octavia how calm Vinyl seemed to be when everything around her seemed to be on the verge of collapse. She just seemed to take in stride all the little details about arranging a concert, meeting her fans afterwards and then heading out for a meal with a group of ponies she had never really met before that night. If she had been in Vinyl’s horseshoes, she (almost) legendary poise would have been frayed to nothingness.
But there was Vinyl, in the middle of a throng of eager young foals all begging for her attention after her afternoon concert. She seemed completely at ease, and gave each and every one of the young fillies and colts a bit of her attention. As Octavia watched from underneath a nearby tree, she marveled at just how comfortable the white unicorn seemed to be around all of the attention. In fact, she couldn’t help but feel a bit envious.
It wasn’t as though the musician had never been complemented on her music before. Celestia only knew how many admirers the grey mare had, of both her talent and her appearance. But young foals didn’t traditionally fall under the category of enjoying the type of music Octavia excelled at. As a result, she had absolutely no idea of how to act around them, to the point where she would freeze up and come off as somewhat cold and aloof.
“And on top of this I have to share a meal with complete strangers who I have no knowledge about or anything in common with…” sighed Octavia. “The things you drag me into Vinyl…” The mare was so lost in thought she never noticed that not that far away under a tree of his own was a lone Earth colt, his coat a similar shade of grey watching the mass of young ponies swarming the disc jockey.
All that sounded like…was a bunch or…random sounds. How could…anypony call…that music? Peppermill had decided he had to see and hear for himself what supposedly made this Vinyl Scratch so great in the eyes of his friends. To say he was underwhelmed would have been an understatement.
But she sure doesn’t…seem to be like…a diva. Indeed, the colt’s dislike of the music he had heard was tempered by just how happy the musician seemed to be talking and laughing with all the fillies and colts around her.
Maybe…this won’t be so…bad. But then again…I don’t see anypony that…looks like an ‘Octavia’ around…
***
“That was the coolest concert ever!” crowed Rumble.
“That was so awesome!” agreed Snips, clutching his recently autographed picture to his chest.
“Heh, thanks guys. I’m glad you all liked it.” chuckled Vinyl. The white unicorn grinned down at the young ponies, pleased that the concert had been received so well. She was also glad that putting on such a major show built up a tremendous appetite. There were more than a few times as she performed that images of whatever goodies she could look forward to at Sweet Apple Acres floated into her vision. She found herself reluctantly wanting to excuse herself before her stomach let loose a timberwolf-like growl when a somewhat familiar drawl caught her attention.
“Ah reckon that wuz one of the most amazin’ concert ahv heard in along tahm!” Vinyl peered down at the bright yellow filly with the bright red mane beaming up at her. Vinyl made a habit of being able to recognize as many of her young fans as she could, but she didn’t need any reminders about this one. Applebloom had become the mare’s self-appointed chaperone to lead her and Octavia to Sweet Apple Acres immediately after the concert.
“Hey, when you got some serious motivation like I did today you can lay out some serious jams. I can’t wait to see what Dash and your family has in store tonight for me and my pal.”
“Ah reckon you’ll be mighty pleased. My brother has got a huge feast ready and cookin’ as we speak!”
Brother…? Cool… The image of a big, buff red workhouse popped into Vinyl’s mind, not without a certain measure of approval. A good meal and something nice to look at, assuming Octy doesn’t rag on me…heh.
“Ah reckon we best get movin’. Ah was told the food would be ready right after the concert finished.”
“Cool. Hey Octy, we gotta bounce!” shouted the mare to the grey mare under the tree. The shout alerted both Octavia and Peppermill, sending the mare over to her friend and the colt to scurry away towards the farm.
“Honestly Vinyl, couldn’t you use a better phrase than ‘gotta bounce’? It’s so…undignified.”
“I know you love it Octy.” teased the unicorn.
“Ah reckon ya don’t have ta worry none Miss Octavia. You’ll get plenty o’ dignity when we get ta Sweet Apple Acres. Ya won’t get much politer than my brother.”
“Your brother…” Octavia allowed herself to relax a moment at this, remembering a brief glimpse of a certain red stallion from the wedding reception. Perhaps this might be a bit more enjoyable than I thought…