Me and My bow

by Windsocks

Chapter Four - Getting Started by Happenstance

Four days had passed since I arrived in this equine populated world, and ever since then, I’ve been studying my ass off. It’s like every day I’ve been stuck doing this same old routine, a rut in the metaphorical road to salvation. And by salvation, I mean breaking this language barrier down to manageable levels.

Nonetheless, my days were quite simple. They would start once I got up, continue forward as I acquired some coffee, and eventually faded to an end after my study session at the library. The only grace in this stress driven day was the sleep I would get once I returned home. If anyone could even consider a hotel a home.

Either way, the laidback nature of the routine made me feel like I was accomplishing nothing. My progress was slow and continued to dwindle as depression set in. It was as if I were falling farther and farther into the void. The more I struggled to get out, the longer my stay would eventually become.

Thankfully for me, the progress I did stated its presence within time. Speaking equinish was now much easier, and writing was no longer a chore. The full on 22-hour study sessions seemed to pay off in that regard.

In all honesty, it actually surprised me a bit when I found myself actually speaking to ponies I came across. Which notably enough, for the most part, were pretty friendly towards me. Their cheery nature, however, helped me little with my depression, as I started to notice how they talked to me, and what words they would use.

For example, I picked up the fact that they all kept calling me a ‘minotaur’ during our conversations, not a ‘human’. I also took heed of the fearful expression they cast on me when I walked by. It wasn’t long till I finally revealed that they didn’t come across a human very often. In fact, I’m pretty sure by the way they talked that they’ve never even seen a human before. Which when I realized, put me into another downward spiral.

It was as if I had nothing to anchor myself onto. With time I started to separate myself from the ponies. They were just so different from a fellow human. The idea that they were just as sentient as I caused my mind to wander further into the darkness that surrounded me. The only thing that seemed to help was a fancy unicorn that offered to make me some clothes. I don’t really know how she did it, but after about three days of not hearing from her, she came back with five different sets. Of course, I paid the generous mare a modest fee for her work. Yet that was the last time I ever saw her.

Just like that bow-tied gray coated mare, she left me with no connections. Not that I really expected them to, she did do me a solid by making me the clothes I now wore. However, that didn’t mean I wouldn’t have appreciated the company. In fact, I was silently begging for me to run across someone I could call a friend.

Today was different, however; I decided to take a break from all the books, studying and overall bad mood to go out and perform again. Not for the money mind you, but for the sole purpose of having fun. Fun… It’s been a long time since I had that… I trailed off in my mind as I continued down the bustling streets. The air here had a nice nip to it and the trees were once again shedding their leaves. Like before the inspiration and notes of songs long lost came back to me.

I just wish that the fashion pony included a scarf in this ensemble, I muttered bitterly to myself as I made my way down the now familiar street. The lone commuting ponies that traveled the same path never made eye contact, and never struck up a conversation. Some things in the big city just never change do they, I commented to myself.

Reaching my new favorite coffee shop -‘The Well Bean’ as it was properly labeled- I placed down my violin case and opened it up. Funny how things work, before this all I was a street performer in front of ‘Beckie’s’ now I’m doing the same thing in front of ‘The Well Bean’. I guess the best places to perform will always be a coffee shop, I said to myself as I pulled my violin out of the case and shouldered it. Getting it into a comfortable position I let my bow softly slide along the first string. Its key was obviously off since after every performance I loosened the strings to release tension.

Fiddling with the tuning peg for a bit, I re-shouldered it and played the note again. Still, off-key, I commented to myself as I twisted the tuning peg again. This time, however, when I slid the bow across the strings it rewarded me with a perfect G, or at least as ‘perfect’ as my ears could hear.

Alright now for the other ones, and like so I continued to tune the three other strings. Once I was satisfied I placed the violin back on my shouldered and recited some basic scales. Having everything sound the way it should be I mulled over the songs I could play. Their notes popping in and out of my head as I perused the selection.

I wasn’t really feeling that optimistic today, in case any of you didn’t know. I had been told on many occasions that humans didn’t exist. Not only that but my homeworld didn’t exist in their various books. It was at this time that I knew what I was going to play.

Letting my feelings get to me; my mind picked a song that reflected my feelings. Placing the bow on the strings, I let the first G note pierce through the crowds. Three other notes followed in its path as the third one ascended to a high E. The notes repeated themselves two more times in this theme song of Schindler’s List by John Williams.

I couldn’t see if anyone was looking or if I was attracting a crowd. Today was a day I played to show my true feelings. Loneliness, sadness, and hopelessness were portrayed perfectly within the melody of the song. I wanted to tell my story of where I came from, and where I am now. The stress, the pain and all the hard work I put in to live in both realities.

Passing the 13th measure I put my twist into effect, shaping the song into my song. The notes changed subtly as my figures danced across the board. My eyes shut closed listening to the music and the wind, matching the tempo to the atmosphere around.

As the repeat came around I dived once more into the core of the song. Bringing out everything I had, I was open like a book just waiting to be read. I knew that a lot of ponies around wouldn’t get what I was portraying, yet inside me held a little glimpse of hope that one would.

Passing the repeat again I ventured towards the end of the song. The climax was approaching and I was going to make sure that it was one everyone here would remember. Pulling my bow across the strings I fed the song my heart. It had been so long since I had played this passionately, yet it was long overdue.

The last of the eighth-notes faded leading into a long whole note. Placing the well-needed vibrato with it I opened my eyes to see a group of ten ponies around me. Every single one was tearing up except for one mare. Wow, guess I put a little too much passion into that one, I stated to myself. I was so lost in my own music that I forgot what it would do to the ponies around me. Shrugging it off I looked at the one mare that wasn’t tearing up. Her gray coat and pink bow-tie telling me everything I needed to know.

“Hey, it’s you again!” I stated cheerfully as I shoved my current mood far into the recesses of my mind. “I thought I scared you off at the library.” I continued as I removed the violin from my shoulder and walked up to her.

Man, I really wish I translated her name, I stated to myself.

It took the mare a couple of seconds to snap out of her stupor. “Sorry, I spaced out there for a bit. What did you say?” The mare asked again her face adorning the cutest blush. Her embarrassment continuing to leak through as she took a small step back.

“I said, I thought I scared you off at the library four days ago,” I replied.

The mare was quick to respond. “Oh no, you had nothing to do with that.” she waved her hoof dismissively, “I’m so sorry, I had to leave because of a recital I needed to get to.”

“That… that actually makes a lot more sense.” I started back up scratching the back of my head. “So what brings you out here to The Well Bean? Come to get your cup o’ joe?” I asked.

The raven-black haired mare shook her head, “No, I don’t drink coffee. I find it too…” She trailed off placing her hoof to her chin in an effort to think of the right word to say.

“Bitter?” I stated.

“Yes, bitter. I much prefer green or black tea.” She claimed letting a small smile etch its way onto her face. “As to why I’m here, I saw you playing and I wanted to stop by and say hi.” She continued.

I smiled back at the mare, she was already doing wonders to my mood. “You like what you heard? I know it was a bit sad, but I play what my heart wants.” I commented. “and also what the crowd tells me…” I added.

The gray pony giggled, “A bit sad! That must have been the saddest song I’ve heard in years! I never knew you were this good.” The mare complimented.

My smile turned sheepish as my hand once again found the back of my head. “Yeah, I got a bit carried away there. I seem to do that once in awhile when I want to let my feelings out… sorry.” I replied.

“Don’t be sorry, it was magnificent.” She praised.

“Well, when you put it that way, thanks,” I replied as I looked into The Well Bean to see it rather empty at this time. “Are you busy right now? Want to join me for a coffee, or erm… in your case a tea.”

The mare looked at a nearby clock that stood on top of a pole by the door to the coffee shop. “I guess I have a few minutes to spare.” She claimed with a tone that displayed contempt.

With her positive response, I pocketed the bits the ponies tossed and closed the violin case. Picking it up I gestured to the mare to follow me inside. I, of course, being the gentleman I always was, opened the door for her.

Thankfully, inside the coffee shop was a hell of a lot warmer than outside. An event to which I and the gray mare gladly welcomed as we joined in the line.

“I never did get your name.” Started the gray pony.

“I’m Erik, and I never figured out how to properly translate yours,” I claimed moving up in the small line. “Would you mind repeating it for me?” I asked.

“Of course, my name’s Octavia.” She replied.

I was about to respond but Octavia seemed to beat me to the punch. “So where did you learn to play the violin?” She started creating a little bit of small talk. I didn’t really mind though, that is the reason I invited her in with me.

“Place called spokes and strings, weird place sold both bicycle and stringed instruments. Nevertheless, the owner of the shop was one heck of a violinist. Taught me everything I know.” I lectured.

My little story inflicted a small chuckle from Octavia. “Sounds like a nice stallion. I once found a store in Ponyville called sofas and quills, so I think I have you beat there.”

“Wow, all they sold was sofas and quills?” I asked bewildered.

Octavia nodded. “Yeah, I couldn’t believe it either.”

As she finished that statement we both reached the front of the line. The mare from the first time I was here manned the counter. Her smile forced from what I could only guess was from the long hours she worked.

“What can I get you two?” She asked.

“I’ll get a dark roast one milk one sugar.” I recited with ease then looked over to Octavia. I liked tea, but today I felt like I needed a bit more of a kick to my drink to get me through the day.

“I’ll have a black tea.” She simply stated.

The mare nodded to our orders then repeated it. “Alright, one dark roast and one black tea coming up.”

As she went to go make the drinks I placed the required bits onto the counter. This, however, caused Octavia to protest. “You don’t have to pay for me Eri-” Was all she could say before I budded in.

“It’s the least I can do after you helped me get started in the library,” I claimed watching the mare come back and exchange the bits for the drinks. “You sure all you want is tea? They have pretty good pastries here as well?”

“No, I’m quite fine,” Octavia stated as we both left the counter. It didn’t take long to find a seat. The place was practically a ghost town other than the line. It seemed that the ponies only came here to pick up their daily dose. That didn’t bother me, however, in fact, it was that idea alone that got me and Octavia a nice seat by the window.

“So, do you play any instruments other than the cello?” I questioned generally interested in what this pony took as her tool to the arts.

Taking a sip of her tea she replied with a warm smile, “Piano, though I’m way better with the cello then I am with the piano.”

“Cello and Piano I never would have guessed. Who taught you how to play?” I turned her own question around. “Such a talented pony must have an equally talented teacher.”

“My family never had the money for lessons so I was actually self-taught. Ever since I was a foal I played the cello. It made my mom and dad happy to see their little filly grow up to be in the Canterlot Orchestra.” She stated.

I nearly choked on my dark roast as I replayed what she said in my head. Holy shit she’s in the Canterlot Orchestra! Not only that but she’s self-taught. I claimed to myself as the mare in front of me lets out another giggle.

“Sorry… a bit much to take in…” I stated in-between breaths. “You’re one very impressive mare to come so far from so little.” I complimented her.

This, however, just left me with more questions. Why did she choose to come help me four days ago? To her a musical celebrity, I must have looked like an amateur. I bet a rolling tumbleweed would have been more interesting to look at than me at that time.

“You’re too kind,” She blushed again. “most ponies seem to overlook what’s hidden beneath the surface.” Once again more questions started to stir in my mind. Yet, I forced myself to stay within my boundaries.

“So where do you come from? I have yet to see your kind here.” She asked putting both hooves onto her cup of tea before taking a long sip. Her eyes fixated on me as she awaited my response. The sight was so cute, I almost died right then and there from diabetes.

“I don’t think you would believe me if I told you,” I commented the truth. If anything telling this mare my true origins would cause her to high tail it out of here for real this time.

Octavia smirked, “Erik, we’re both musicians. I’m sure I can handle whatever you have to say.” She replied taking another sip.

Well here goes nothing. I stated to myself as I continued, “I was born in Lake Placid but for most of my life I lived in a city called Manhattan in New York.”

“You mean Manehatten.” Octavia corrected placing her cup down.

I sighed, this was a common thing these ponies claimed when I told them. “No, ‘Man’ hattan. It actually doesn’t exist in this world.” This got Octavia’s eyebrow to raise. Oh god here we go, she doesn’t believe me already. I stated to myself as I continued. “I come from a planet called Earth. I was somehow dropped here when I was hit by a car.”

Octavia was completely silent for a while before she exploded into laughter. “My, Erik I didn’t take you for a comedian.” She stated in-between laughs. I watched with a gloomy expression, I knew she wouldn’t believe me. A little part of me, however, was so hopeful I had to give it a shot.

Finally, after a couple of minutes, her laughter died down. This gave me more than enough time to hide my disappointment and cover up my expression. “That must have been the hardest I had laughed in a long time. I really needed that thank you.”

“No problem,” I replied.

“But really now where are you from?” She asked again.

“Manehatten, life was pretty easy going over there.” I lied taking the first sip of my coffee. “Don’t really like talking about my past though.”

The gray mare got an understanding look in her eyes. “It’s okay, you don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to.”

If she only knew… I commented to myself as I pushed past it and continued to talk to the mare.

“Thank’s really means a lot to me,” I started downing the last of my coffee.

Once again the mare looked up at the local clock and gasped. “Time seems to just fly when I’m with you.” Octavia complimented as she picked up her tea. “I need to get going again, I have practice with the orchestra in half-an-hour.” I just nodded with a small smile.

“How about we meet up another time then.” I proposed standing up with her. While it was depressing that she didn’t believe me, she did seem to brighten my day just a little bit. At least with her as a friend I have something to look forward to.

Octavia smile widened just a bit, “I would like that. You free tomorrow? I got the whole day off, I can show you around Canterlot if you want.” She stated a bit too eagerly then I was expecting.

“A tour of this beautiful city, with an equally beautiful mare? Do you even have to ask?” I claimed.

The mare did her best impression of a strawberry as she stuttered, “T-thanks, you’re s-such a gentlecolt.” her seemingly good social skill now starting to crumble around her.

“I just state the truth. Noon at the fountain tomorrow sound good?” I asked opening the coffee shop door.

Octavia just nodded, her blush still showing through her gray coat. She gave me a simple wave, and just like that, we went our separate ways. Her, to her practice session with the prestigious musicians, and mine back to my spot in front of the shop.

While I was a flatter, I held no intentions towards the gray mare. We were different species and all so it wouldn’t even work out if I tried. Not to mention I felt no attraction towards her whatsoever, she was just a pony in my eyes. Something that my depression seemed to cement, I was a human and they were ponies.

Getting back to my spot I brought out my violin. With my mood no longer in the dumps, I pulled out my bow and sawed away at the strings. The song had a nice lively tempo which brought to surface joyous emotions. Properly named so the song was called Dawn of Hope by Taylor Davis, a modern violinist.

It was always a pleasure to play songs like these. Even without the base following me along, it still sounded amazing. Not to mention the enjoyment I, myself got just from performing the song. It also looked like I wasn’t the only one having a blast playing this song. Every pony within earshot turned to look at me as I continued to play the song.

Unlike first sad song I played in this spot, I didn’t have to pour all my feelings into it for the song to be a hit. Instead, I smiled pulling the rosined hairs over the strings. I know the song didn’t really fit the environment, it was way too upbeat but to tell the truth, here I was running out of songs I had memorized. A realization that brought a little bit of worry to me as I let the next note slip.

Alright keep it together, we can always go back to the music store and see if they have any pieces that seem interesting, I said to myself getting back into the music. There was a crowd now gathering around me. Which told me I had to at least play two more songs to not disappoint anyone. Not to mention keep my reputation from slipping through the cracks.

Then again this was a different place, with different customs. Would they even care if I were to simply stop playing such an upbeat song? I continued to ponder as my fingers moved on their own accord.

Taking a look, I could see ponies tossing in some coins my way. I showed my gratitude by adding a little flourish to my playing. Notes became more lively and seemed to melt together in a rich flowing melody. It was then that an idea popped into my head, I would mix two songs together from the same artist.

Suddenly out of nowhere, my playing style jumped from one Taylor Davis’s songs to another. It was a particularly slow one compared to the other. It was called soulbound, and I seemed to make it work by playing some of the later parts of the song where it held more emotional.

My mind was starting to hurt mixing in two songs together. Especially when I had to cut up and jumble parts into a new song. I soon found myself playing both songs in my head simultaneously as I shut my eyes closed.

Never in all my life had I attempted something as risky as this. I just hoped that the ponies around me liked the little mashup I created. I know that a couple of people back on earth would sure be amused by my sudden change of pace.

Dragging out the last note, I slowly crescendoed to a halt. Risking a glance up at the audience, I came to see only two ponies left watching. As I figured, you can’t win them all, I commented to myself. Looking down at the six bits that were tossed in made me smile. Even though they didn’t like the mashup, they were still nice enough to give me some money for my troubles.

Lesson learned, stick to one piece at a time, I said mentally as I picked up the gold coins. At least I had some fun with that song. If anything I grew taking on that challenge.

On the bright side of things, I didn’t have to play another song or two to pack up. I guess that's the one good thing with a bad performance. No one will argue when you leave. Smiling at my thoughts I packed up my violin in its new case and flung it over my shoulder as I picked up the coins with my other hand.

“Even though it wasn’t the best pieces of music I’ve heard. I still find myself at a loss for words at how you were able to play so fast.” I heard a male voice speak up. “How do you do it?”

Getting up off the floor with all the coins in my grip, I looked over at the stallion that was talking to me. He had dark blue coat, brown eyes and a lighter blue mane. At first glance, I didn’t think much of him. Another pony that came to watch my performance for free entertainment. However, when I got myself reorientated I glanced at him again. He was carrying a satchel bag one of which reminded me of my own; not only that but his eyes scanned my violin carefully. Could it be that I bumped into another musician?

“Play fast?” I questioned his question.

“Yes, you can hit notes that some ponies spend their entire lives trying to master. The music this opens up to you is unfathomable!” He exclaimed, “Do you just perform on the streets?”

A bit skeptical I answered, “Yeah, I’ve been a street performer ever since I could remember. As for the speed, I have these babies to thank for that,” I trailed off showing him my fingers, “You’re not the only one that's impressed. I find it amazing that ponies can even play stringed instruments with their hooves.”

Just then, after I said that, his expression did a complete one-eighty. It was almost as if I slapped his face and called his mother a whore from the expression he gave me, “The nerve! Just because us ponies don't have… have... those” he pointed to my hands, “doesn't mean we can’t be just as good or even better than you!”

Raising both of my hands in surrender I took a step back, “Now I never said that. In fact, the Canterlot Orchestra is probably one of the best orchestras I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. All I was trying to say is that I never thought it possible for anything but hands to play stringed instruments.”

The stallion calmed down once I explained myself. Shuffling his hoof against the cobblestone street he replied, “Sorry for jumping to the sword there. It’s just that a lot of foreigners like to pick fun at us earth ponies for trying to play an instrument. Even some of the unicorns and pegasus do the same! I guess you can tell by the way I kinda blew up there that I’m very sensitive on that topic.”

Carving a warm smile on my face I replied, “No problem. No harm was done, I’m Erik by the way you are?”

“Blue Rhyme, but all my friends call me Blue,” The stallion replied holding out his hoof. Taking it in my hand we shook the problem under the rug.

It was kind of weird shaking a ponies hoof, it was hard and soft at the same time. The fur was like silk yet what lay beneath seemed to be made out of something solid. Maybe it was just the hoof part that's like that? Either way, I would really hate to be on the receiving end of one of those if I ever gotten into a fight with him.

“So I take it you’re a musician as well?” I deduce from both his name and the satchel he's holding around his neck.

Chuckling the stallion waved his hoof, “not at all, I’m actually a composer. Not a famous one sadly, but one that is working their way up.”

A composer huh? Can anyone say, Mary Sue? Shaking my head I continued my train of thought, I’m looking for some nice pieces of music to play out on the streets. Maybe I could make him an offer that benefits the both of us?

“Well, I’m actually running out of pieces to play. Only so much can fit in my head at once,” I joke moving the violin case to a more comfortable position on my back, “If you want I can play some of your pieces out on the streets. Not only does it give me a job but you can also get some free advertising out of it.”

Mulling over the proposition I made, Blue tapped his hoof against the stone path. Letting out a sigh he shook his head, “I’ve just met you today, I can’t trust someone with my work that easily. For all I know, you’ll take my work and claim it for yourself.”

He did have a point here, we did just meet and this is his metaphorical baby were talking about. Nonetheless, if I had learned anything from being a street performer it's to keep your ties and network as much as you can.

“I completely agree, it was out of taste for me to propose an offer like that. On the other hand, you seem like a nice stallion so I hope we’ll be seeing each other around?” I ask causing Blue to nod. Yey, before he could respond I quickly added with a sheepish smile, “and if you don’t mind, do you know any place that sells sheet music?”

My question got Blue thinking, “Closest one is Quartertones but they won't have much. You’re better off going to Musical Escape. They have a way wider variety, though it’s across town. Might be able to make it before they close if you hurry.”

“And whereabouts is this place?” I question.

“You really are a foreigner aren't you? If you follow that road over there,” Blue lectured pointing towards one of the streets, “it’ll take you to the main road. Turn north and keep going till you run across Sunvale Street, it’ll be on your left. Continue down Sunnyvale till you see the sign for Musical Escape on the left hoof side, you can't miss it.”

Trying to remember all of that I nodded to the stallion, “Thanks, hope to see you around. I’ll try and see if I can get to Escape before closing!”

“No problem, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of each other in our careers,” Blue claimed as he waved farewell to me.

---

Surprisingly, finding the store was way easier than I had thought. Which means a lot coming from me seeing as I always used to get lost roaming around the streets of Manhattan. In Manhattan, one wrong turn can end you up on the completely opposite side of the city. I would know seeing as I was once trying to get to east upper and ended up in west upper.

Thankfully no matter how bad I was at following directions; the streets of this city seemed to be fairly easy to navigate. As I soon found myself walking down Sunnyvale Street with a multitude of other ponies. Lastly, Blue wasn’t lying when he said it was hard to miss. The store had a huge sign poking out into the street. Oddly enough it wasn’t the large sign that caught my attention but what lay behind the sign that peaked my interest.

“Is that a cloud?” I mumbled to myself as I took notice of it coming over a railing at the end of the street. Since I was a fairly curious man, I passed the store and walked over to the railing. What greeted me made my jaw drop.

“I’m on a fucking mountain!” I yelled unaware of the ponies now looking at me. “A city, on the side of a mountain?” I started to feel my head get lighter, which now kinda made sense. I was never the one to just pass out, but seeing at what altitude I’m at things started to click in my head.

Getting ahold of myself, I forced myself away from the magnificent yet terrifying view. Hold yourself together man, let's just get our music and go. I repeated to myself as I slowly turned around and made my way back to the store slowly.

I had millions of questions I wanted to ask the ponies here. Yet I knew that I had to take things slow, lest I reenact my previous attempts. Just thinking about passing out again almost threw me over the edge. Thankfully, the store was just a couple feet away and within its walls held the only distraction that could derail my thoughts.

Pushing open the wooden door, a small bell chimed. “Welcome, to Musical Escape let me know if you need anything,” a brown coated stallion behind the counter welcomed.

Happy that they were still open I gave him a small nod. Nodding back towards me he got back to fixing the strings on a violin, or in this case trying to fix the strings. Smiling at his antics I walked over to the counter, “need some help with that?” I questioned.

The stallion looked up at me with a scowl, “no I can handle this on my own.”

Jeeze alright, I was just asking, I recoiled in my mind as I turned around and wandered towards a random display case. One of which had hundreds of scrolls sticking out of it. Picking one up at random I read over the music printed in my head.

It was a slow song meant for the piano. The notes seemed fairly simplistic, so maybe a beginners version of a more complex song. Pulling out a couple more songs I noticed something strange. Almost all the songs I pulled seemed to have a slow tempo. In fact, I don't think I had seen one that was above allegro.

Deciding that it was something to do with the piano I took a step back from the display case and started to read the signs. As expected, I was in the beginner section for pianos. Moving over to the intermediate and expert sections I sifted through the scrolls till I came across ones that were written for the violin.

Once again, it struck me as odd how they were all slow paced songs. It’s not like I had anything against slow songs, but it just wasn’t the way a street performer made money. I had to change my music to the mood of each day. That way people -or ponies in this case- would feel compelled to donate. Without upbeat songs with fast tempos, performing on lively days would become a struggle.

After picking up the tenth scroll, I decided to get someone's help that was more accustomed to the music industry here. Taking one of the scrolls as an example I once again walked over to the stallion fixing the strings on the violin.

“Find what you’re looking for?” He grunted out as he fiddled with his hoof to get the string through the tuning peg.

“Actually I have a question about the music here,” I comment causing the stallion to stop his attempts and look towards the piece of music I placed on the counter. Before he could question me I spoke up, “why are all the songs played at such a slow pace? Do you have anything with a higher tempo? Like vivace, presto or prestissimo?”

“Prestissimo? Never heard of that one before. We don’t carry vivace or presto pieces, not enough ponies can play them to make them profitable. You’ll have to go to a specialty store for those. Even then they’ll only have one or two of them.” He commented feeding the string through the peg with a triumphant smile.

Ponies can’t play fast pieces? Even Blue said the same thing, and I was playing a pretty normal song. Well more like two pretty normal songs combining into one hard one. I thought to myself as I gave him a nod and went back to perusing the selection of sheet music, I’ll have to see what Octavia thinks of this all tomorrow.

Pulling out a couple more sheets, I came across two that I really enjoyed the flow of. One called ‘Moonlight Dew’ and the second one named ‘Hearths are Warming’. A fitting last song seeing as the winter would soon be upon Canterlot. Nothing says ‘cash flow’ like the holiday atmosphere. In all honesty, I was quite surprised to learn that they have their own little Christmas holiday.

Taking the two sheets with me to the counter I cleared my throat, “just these two today.” I commented as the stallion finished off repairing the second string. It was quite painful, to be honest watching him take so long to fix one set of strings. Nevertheless, if he didn’t want my help then I wouldn’t force him.

Looking over the pieces he smiled for the first time, “Hearths are Warming, getting ready for the holidays I see. A bit surprised with the moonlight dew, pretty but a bit tricky that piece is.” When he wasn't looking I rolled my eyes. I didn’t need a complete summary of the two songs I picked out. Nonetheless, it was nice seeing him acting a bit more chipper than before.

“That’ll be seven bits,” He said as I passed the required amount to him, “Thanks for shopping at Musical Escape.”

Even with his sour mood from before, I still reached out to him, “Names Erik, I have a feeling I’ll be coming here often. You are?”

“Sharp Note, I just work here part-time. You’ll most likely be seeing my boss Harmonic Song.” Noting her name for a later date I gave Sharp a quick hand-to-hoof shake before walking out the door and heading home.

Author's Note:

Here is the link to the songs played

Theme for Schindler's List
Dawn of Hope
Soulbound

The two songs he picked out are fictional

Comments

[Windsocks]

8558581
Agreed. I find it unrealistic for people to fall in love minutes after meeting. Something that will be shown in this novel as the Erik and Octavia go through the motions.

8558394
I greatly approve of your comment ;)

8557696
Your correction has been noted and placed into my 'fix it' text document. It will be fixed along with the green text when I have the time.

[AnormalUnicornPony]

You have done a good job with the story and the writing isn't so bad. However sometimes you use words that are close in spelling like below:

She claimed with a tone that displayed contempt.

With her positive response, I

I think you meant contentment. To display contempt would be her showing she thought it was beneath her. Unless it was meant sarcastically that is.

[Avid_Reader]

You have a solid story going, hope to see the rest

[Cozybro]

Great save there Erik. If they don't believe you come from Earth you best well shut up about it and come up with a cover story.

[Soderin]

Please continue this story, it has so much potential and I’d love to see another chapter more than anything

[GoldenBoomers]

Well it was good while it lasted.