//------------------------------// // Music Practice // Story: Melody of a Changeling // by DJ_Scr4tch //------------------------------// “Okay everypony, measure 8, page 2.” She said. We all found the spot and she began to count the beat. The simple four four tempo was easy to me. I watched the young fillies and colts practice that. My page was covered in rests. I guess this part was for the sweet cords of the piano and harp working in harmony because brass too was resting. Her lips out of the silver mouthpiece. After a few measures she raised it to meet her lips and she began to blow. Gently filling the room with a deep powerful noise. I quickly panicked as I saw notes coming up. Without warning the three stopped. All staring at me. I kinda retreated behind my mane. What little I could… “Octavia.” Treble spoke. “Are you okay?” “You look a little green. Do you need to lie down? Bass added. “Yeah. A bit…” I had to admit it. When they approached my stomach had started to turn into a knot. I would’ve been busted in an instant. They’re only delaying my inevitable discovery. “I must’ve had a bad dinner.” “Oh… Sorry to hear that Octavia. How about to go to the hospital and talk with the nurse. You have your part down better than any of us.” Brass’s voice was smoother. When she oiled her valves it’s like she oiled her throat. “Yeah. I’ll go see the doctor.” I quickly packed up and took the music sheets with me. I had to practice. I quickly scooted out of the building and down the street where they wouldn’t look. I went down the street and came across a music store. Awesome! I could get a book teaching me the notes! I love reading and reading music would only be even better! I’ll be able to actually play and rebuild my safety walls. I walked in and checked out the cello book for starters. “Octavia? Octavia Melody?! Is that you!?” A light gentle voice came from the counter. I turned with the starters book in my mouth. The yellow coated mare was standing at the glass case holding mouthpieces and reeds. Her black mane ran down her shoulders and her tail dropped to the floor. Her face was buried in a book open on the counter now looks at me. Her blue eyes focused on me. “What are you doing here? And with that book? You’re the best cello player in Canterlot!” “Oh… Yes I am.” I set the book on the counter. “I’m just buying it for a little filly. My friend’s daughter wishes to learn and, well, where else to start but with the basics?” She laughed a bit. The unicorn’s horn glowed a gentle blue and she checked the book out. Putting it in the bag with a receipt. “That’ll be 5 bits Tavi.” I reached into my case and pulled out the stash. “Oh my… I seem to only have 4 on me.” Crap… I would have to give up a night in a bed for this stupid book. I didn’t want this! “Don’t worry about it Octavia. I’ll cover for you.” She pulled a bit from her purse and combined it with mine. She handed me the bag. I have to admit. I didn’t like this. Being a charity case. But I had to. I don’t want somepony hurt by Octavia’s less than unfortunate death. I paid for the book and grabbed it. Walking out I went back to my alley way and begun to study the notes and every bit on the staff. Treble and bass clef. To four over four, as well as the most difficult of time signatures. I finally felt comfortable enough to try and play. In the back was the final song. The Entertainer. The familiar song was most common with ice cream carts. It wouldn’t sound as well being bass but it will be an amazing challenge. I stood up at the corner. My case open and my bow resting on the strings. I began to play. My hoof was trembling as I read the notes. Each one flowing through my eyes and down to my instrument. It felt amazing! I never thought I would do this. And it felt natural. Like just being Octavia was enough to make me be able to play the cello. The song came to an end. I gathered a fair crowd of ponies and foals. Fillies and colts bummed out that I wasn’t indeed an ice cream mare. But the older ponies that like it stomped and cheered. A few tossed in some bits. 8 in total. I could get a night in a hotel and some food if I kept this up. Feeling confident I reached into the case and pulled out the song for the wedding. I played the basic “Here Comes the Bride” and then for the reception song. It wasn’t the main part. Some DJ was supposed to do the after party. I took my bow again and began to play the gentle tune. A few married couples made some jokes. The stallions stood next to me while the mares walked straight at me and donated a bit or two. They laughed and had fun but I repeated the song. After about the 9th couple I swapped to the other song. My bow began to dance again. It skimmed across the strings filling the air inside with the harmonic vibrations. It was amazing, I played it perfectly. Kept the beat. Followed the repeats. And even had the pitch correct. As my bow fell for the last time I looked up. My band members were standing watching. “Well well. Looks like Octavia is all better.” Brass said in her snotty harsh voice. “So Octavia. How was the doctors?” “It was nice.” I emptied my case filling the compartment again. There were so many bits I had to put some in the main area. “Just a bit of food poisoning.” “See guys, Octavia is the hardest worker of us all. It’s not right for us to keep criticizing her skipping out on practice.” Bass defended me again. They seem to dislike Octavia. Or was it me? “Look I know the wedding is Friday. I can’t not practice the song.” “Yeah you’re right.” Treble let out a warming chuckle. “You would play through anything. Even a changeling invasion!” I let out a nervous giggle. Did he know? “Yeah you’re right. I might not even notice it.” The members laughed and all left together. Whew that was close… I decided to invest my extra bits into a saddle bag. It would make carrying them around easier. I packed up the large instrument and strapped it to my chest. After a few moments I found a tailors. I walked in and asked the seamstress if I could get one. Turns out Octavia thought the same thing. Within minutes I had a prepaid saddlebag strapped to me. I tipped her and left. The bag was perfect. The strap held me firmly and moved with my body. The large cloth bags were gray like my coat with my cutie mark on the outsides. The tops were easy to open. A simple button held them shut. I returned to my alley way and filled the two packs full of the bits from the day. I looked up to a nearby clock. It was late. I had enough time to located a hotel and find a room for the night. I walked around and found a nice bed and breakfast. I bought a room and that was the end of it. I went into my room on the second floor and set my case down. Unstrapped my saddlebags and checked my bit count. 23. I could buy a great breakfast tomorrow and live here! It would be perfect! I laid down on the soft bed. The feather pillow let my head soak into it as I laid on my back. Pulling the blanket it and over my chest I went deeper into the bed. My eyes shut and I fell asleep with a smile. I was a changeling. But now, I’m Octavia Melody, cello player.