> Me and My bow
>  by Windsocks
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter One - Me and My Bow
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


”Music is the universal language of mankind.”~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


I watched patiently as a lonely bolt of lightning cracked across the dark sky. It’s mesmerizing white light flooded my room as it stretched across the overcast skies. In its wake followed a storm, heavy rain and gusting winds could be easily seen from my apartment window. I would have never of known that something so beautiful could come from such a nasty storm.

Letting a sigh escape my lips I continued to look out of the window. A cup of freshly made green tea held tightly within my grasp. “Another rainy day…” I stated in a groggy tone. The day was young and with the storm, on the horizon, it seemed that I would be sitting here for quite a bit longer. “Why does it always have to rain like this when I actually feel like playing?” I mumbled into the steaming mug.

The comforting sounds of the rain tapping rhythmically against the thin window pane were the only replies I got. A sound that I mimicked with one of my figures as it tapped against the counter. I guess there will always be other days to perform, I stated to myself as I placed my mug on the counter and rested my head on my left palm.

Once again like clockwork, another bolt of lightning danced across the sky, and just like before the thunder followed in its path. Yet as I looked on towards the storm, I couldn’t help but smile. There was something about these rainy days that I always seemed to enjoy. Was it the harmony of complete opposites that birthed this feeling?

As I looked on towards the city mulling over those thoughts, a slow knocking came to my attention. Swiveling my little barstool around I left my mug of green tea behind to answer the door.

“Hello?” I asked opening said door. I wasn’t really expecting any visitors today, and it wasn’t like one of my friends to just visit me out of the blue.

“Erik, apartment number 302.” Spoke the female from the other side of the door.

The fact that she stated my apartment number was enough to sour my mood. “Yes, that’s me,” I replied. My tone clearly stating my enthusiasm. Of course, my landlord would visit me today of all days, I stated to myself as I leaned against the door frame.

“This is the fourth week after our warning to pay the rent and we still have yet to receive any payment. As of 12 o'clock today we’ll be required to force you out. That is if you don’t pay the fee of 742 dollars and 82 cents.” The woman claimed in a monotone voice. She made it very clear that there was no le-way room here.

Christ, has it really been a full month already? I stated to myself as I continued the conversation.

“Can you at least give me till tomorrow to come up with the money?” I pleaded, knowing full well that it would be an absolute miracle for me to come up with that amount in one day. “I can’t go out and perform with that storm out there.”

As expected the woman didn’t really seem to care about my situation. “You’ve had four weeks to come up with the money. If you couldn’t come up with it then, how do you expect to come up with it now?” Her question was more of a statement by the way she said it.

“I know, I know it looks bad, but I’m a street performer. I promise I can get you the money tomorrow. All I have to do is go down to Bec…” Was all I could say before the woman cut me off.

“There are no negotiations here Erik. We’ve given you ample time to come up with the money already. If you can’t give it to us by 12 o’clock tonight, we’ll be forced to kick you out. It’s as simple as that.” The lady stated.

Yeah, simple for you to say. I retorted in my mind.

“Alright, I’ll see if I can get you the money tonight,” I said to the landlord. Her expression, however, was stoic. I could see that she couldn’t really care less about my situation and I was pretty sure that she had done this to a lot of other people in the past. How else could you stay so serious when telling someone you’re going to give them the boot.

“For your sake, I hope so.” The woman commented before turning her back towards me and departing.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my door and leaned my back against it. When I’m sure she’s out of hearing range I finally speak my mind. “Man what a bitch,” I stated as I let go of all the air I had let in.

In all honesty, however, she was no doubt just following protocol, but still, a little leeway never hurt anyone. Especially one that was offering to work all day to get the required payment. In the end. Yet what could one do? No matter how you looked at it, her word was the law around here.

Like ‘yin and yang’ the lightning flashed before the thunder, and just like that, I knew what had to be done. With a weary smile on my face, I got off the door and headed towards my room. The periodic flashes of the storm lighting the way through my dark apartment.

It’s really starting to pick up out there, I stated to myself as I arrived at the foot of my bed. It’s dark brown sheets accented the mahogany wood perfectly. The whole scene screamed at me to sleep, but I knew I had work to do if I wanted to stay off the streets. So, with that in mind, my gaze glided over to the corner of my room where my violin lay on its stand. Now, mind you this was no ordinary violin that one would see in concert or play in an orchestra. No, this violin was an electric violin, an instrument so miraculous that it seemed to catch the attention of all the passerby’s. A true street performers instrument if you will.

           While most people when they hear the word 'electric' think that it'll go under the category of rock or metal, this violin could do it all. From emotional pieces that had smooth and flowing melodies with rich harmonies to down and dirty beats inflicting epileptic muscle movements the viewer never knew they had.

It was a nice feeling, knowing that the instrument I’d spent years mastering could do so much. The thought of having so many pieces to play, along with their many varieties suited my particular personality well. After all, why settle for one genre of music when you could have all of them?

Another flash and bang presented themselves jostling me out of my current stupor. Today was going to be a fun day for sure, emphasis on the ‘fun’ part. Those thoughts lingered through my mind as I walked up to the stand and grabbed the violin.

It was lighter than a regular violin, which to me meant that I could play for longer amounts of time. A commodity that was very precious to a lowly street performer such as myself. As I looked down upon my violin I couldn’t help but smile. So many dollars spent on lessons, and even more hours used to figure it out.

Sadness, happiness, confusion and frustration, this violin held all of those emotions and many more. Yet, to me, the most important emotion I wished to embark into my viewers was hope. For I knew that every single person out there has their own story.

That’s all music was essentially, getting your own story across to the people around you. To make them see and feel what you do. Even today, when I’m on the clock for money, I’ll still embed my personality and soul into the music.

I let another smile breach my lips as I placed the violin into its case. There was a lot to get packed up for my performance today. Thankfully, having done it a million times before, it took not but a couple of minutes before I was standing before my apartment door again.

“Might as well get this all over with,” I stated to myself as I fiddled with the strap of the satchel.

The equipment I had on was not light, in fact, it was quite the opposite. In my right hand, I held my violins hard shell case. While my left hand held my music stand. The satchel bag, however, slung over my body. Everything from sheet music to surge protectors was all stuffed into that small bag. Making it weigh in at almost 30 pounds. The last item was my amp, one of which I had strapped to my back like a backpack.

Fidgeting some more with the satchel strap I reached my left hand out and grabbed a large rain poncho from the nearby rack. With all my equipment, ready to go I opened my apartment door and started my walk down to the garage.





The walk to the apartments underground garage was quite uneventful. While the elevator did have a nice relaxing song playing in the background, everything else was the same-old, same-old. Now I’m not saying having a normal walk was a bad thing, it was just that I wished something would have popped up to keep me entertained.

A satisfying ding rang out from the small metal box, successfully bringing me out of my thoughts. Shuffling the equipment around some more, I positioned myself in front of the elevator doors. As elevators tend to do it took its time opening the doors.

Stepping into the dimly lit garage, I started to feel a chill run down the back of my neck. Something about this garage always seemed to give me the heebie-jeebies. Maybe it was the fact that the lights swayed around in the light breeze. Or the fact that every now and then the pressure in the pipes would build up, inflicting them to release a disturbing moan in protest. Either way, this place didn’t really bring the most optimistic moods to the surface.

Keeping my cool, I half-jogged to my car. It wasn’t really much to look at, but for what I use it for it was perfect. After all, it is a long walk to Beckie’s, not to mention on a day like today.  In a storm like this, I would be sure to ruin some of my equipment.

Not one to stand and ponder my thoughts. I quickly fetched my keys from my pocket and opened up the trunk of my car. Within seconds I had placed all of my belongings neatly into the back.  Organization was something I prided myself on.

Checking things over one last time a large creak echoed throughout the garage. Almost jumping out of my skin I turned around to see nothing out of the ordinary. The garage still looked the exact same as when I last saw it. Turning back towards the trunk of my car I heard a tin-can being kicked. Turning towards the source my whole body started to shake.

In an attempt to calm my nerves, I turned back around and closed the trunk of the car. My attempt to calm myself down, however, was shattered as the same tin-can rattling made itself known. Looking down I can see the tin-can tap against my foot.

“Who’s there!?” I yelled out towards the direction of the sound. “I have you know I have a violin and I’m not afraid to use it!” I continued as I moved around towards the driver side door. My only response was my own voice echoing off the concrete walls.

Doing a couple more takes of the empty garage, I turned back to the door, opened it and quickly got inside before shutting it closed. Even though I wasn’t out of the garage I still felt a little safer that I was in a locked car rather than out in the open.

I must be hearing things, I stated to myself as I fumbled to get the car keys into the ignition. Hearing things or not I’m still getting the fuck out of here, I stated mentally turning the key in the switch. The car's engine came to life as the multiple dials started to spin up.

Taking my gaze away from the dash and back to the windshield I come to see a black cat on the hood of my car. “HOLY FUC… oh, it’s just a cat.” I half yelled at the cat as it continued its way across the hood and jumped down.

Not waiting for my statement to be proven false I shifted the car into first then second. It took no time at all for me to exit the garage and drive through the busy streets of New York. The end of which resulted in me slowly backing into a parking spot in front of the local twenty-four-hour coffee shop.

The people here knew me well and on the rare occasion would actually give me free food for my performances. A kindness that I repaid them in marketing. While I got the free food, the coffee shop got more customers.

Many times had I played songs bringing in people that would normally not have come to the shop. It was a give and take kind of exchange and it seemed to benefit us both well. Yet, through this all, I still held true to my music; never giving anything but my best.

What seemed to make this day a bit more bearable was that the coffee shop seemed to have installed an awning out front. That being said I still didn’t want to play during this storm, call it a superstition, but I always thought of it as a bad omen. That at one point, Zeus himself would get annoyed at my constant performing and strike me down.

The image of me playing thunderstruck while getting hit by multiple bolts of lightning passed through my mind. “Heh, that would be pretty ironic.” I pictured to myself as I parked the car and opened the door.

I had immediately regretted that decision as I was instantly slapped in the face by a wall of rain. Its torrent of icy cold pellets seemed to sting like sand in a sandstorm. Sadly, my constant whining didn’t help out the situation, in fact, it looked like it just made it worse.

Should I really be performing in this weather? I asked myself as I quickly got out of the car and shut the door. I mean I do have a good chance getting the required amount if I played all day. I countered walking to the back of the car and opened up the trunk.

“Bah! The show must go on!” I finally started in a determined tone. Well, that and I kind of want their raspberry and cream cheese tart, I confessed as I re-strapped all of the equipment to myself again.

Once all of the equipment was in place I closed the trunk and headed over to the coffee shop. From this distance alone I could already see that not many people were around. Every once-in-awhile a stray person would occasionally walk past and even then, not many of them paid any attention to the store.

An event that I was here to change.

It took a bit of time but I managed to get everything up and running. The surge protector was plugged into an outlet outside. Which in turn powered my amp. Which was connected to my violin.

I didn’t even bother to take out my sheet music in this weather. It would only end horribly, and anyways a street performer that needs sheet music was not worth your time and money. Well at least to me, it shows true dedication to the art for one to memorize each peace. That being said there was no way I was expecting anyone to remember full-on symphonies and millions of songs. Hence the reason why I always carried sheet music and a stand with me.

Taking out my violin from its case I shouldered it and brought the bow to the strings. The warm-up I had in mind was pretty basic. A couple of scales at varying speeds. Once I was done ripping through them I moved onto some simple pieces of music.

The melodies I played mixed in with the harmony of the storm. I wanted to reach out to the people working at a time like this. Of course, by this, I picked a well-suited song, one by the famous and world known Beethoven.

Symphony No 5 – Allegro con brio, it seemed to fit the scene perfectly. Men and woman running around in their daily hustle and bustle as the storm raged on. Hearing my notes, people seemed to gather around me all untied under this awning.

As I looked around to my audience I came to see many of them bobbing their heads and tapping their feet. As the middle of the song came in the storm picked up. The loud notes mixing with the raging thunder as I moved the bow across the strings. My fingers dancing across the board as the song finally crescendo to a halt.

If that wasn’t enough I moved on to bigger and better songs. I hit all the popular names, Bach, Mozart, and Chopin. People around we’re starting to enter the coffee shop only to exit with some snacks as they continued to watch my performance.

Now keep in mind, I was no Antonio Vivaldi, but the fact that people were enjoying my music was enough for me. It even surprised me that this many people would stop and watch a performance during a storm like this. In fact, I was actually making good money if my quick glances to the donations were anything to go by.

I think I found my new favorite weather, I chuckled to myself as my bow grazed over the strings. I was completely engulfed in my music. The sound of the passing cars and blear storm were being drowned out by my performance.

It was then that I started to miss the old days. The days when I was fairly new to the street performing ways. Often I had to switch places as others outshined me, but as time progressed so did my skill. Soon enough all those break dancers and magicians had to avoid me. Which thankfully for them was not much of a hassle as I kept to this one coffee shop.

Still determined to make up the money for the rent I soldiered on. The strong sounds of the amplified notes cut through the dense rain and rolling thunder to untapped ears. Soon more and more people started to huddle around me. I was drawing quite the crowd with the number standing at about fifteen.

As they listened to the stimulating melody of my songs, they tossed in paper bills and coins. My music getting more difficult the more money piled up in the violin case. After all, I didn’t want to just leave them high and dry. I was going to make these songs sing out my story.

With my third song slowly ending I placed a nice fading vibrato at the end to seal the deal. The people around started to smile at the pleasing notes the vibrating strings gave off. When the notes finally stopped coming from the amp, the gathered crowd cheered me on.

“Play us a sad song!” A voice called out from the crowd. “It would make my day seeing as I have to go through all this damned rain.” He continued.

“Yeah! That would be amazing!” Added a female.

“Alright, alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you,” I claimed, inflicting the crowd to give a little chuckle.

Placing the bow on the strings again I was about to play a well-known sad song, but something inside me clicked and new notes started to come out of the violin. A melody that belonged to no song I had ever heard. The notes were popping into my head in rapid succession as I followed their path.

The tempo that I played was spot on, creating a sad emotion that seemed to pull at the people’s hearts. Going deeper and deeper into the song I got more invested into the music that I let my hands play the song all on their own. It was so easy coming up with these new notes that it almost felt like plagiarising.

I could no longer hear the sound of the rain. The only sound I processed was the soothing melody of this new song. I could start to see the people around me change emotions to the song. Every one of them thinking of something else. However, one thing stayed constant throughout all of their thoughts, and that was their emotions.

Why they wanted to hear a sad song baffled me, but then again who was I to argue with a request from a fan.

Letting the music take me, I closed my eyes and pulled all my efforts into the song as I started to pick up the pace. The normal Adagio tempo turned into Presto as the emotions in the song started to peak. If I had to guess, I would say that at least one person in the crowd was tearing up. All I had to do now was wait for the first sob and my job would be done.

That sob however never came as one of the females in the crowd screamed as a screeching sound pierced my music.

“Oh my god! Everybody run!” A male voice yelled out over the loud screeching sound.

Wait this isn’t how I wanted them to react! I frantically commented to myself as I opened up my eyes. What I saw was mass panic as everyone ran away from me. Did I make that sound? I pondered as I turned around to see if it was indeed me that caused the widespread panic. Completing a one-eighty I came to see two bright lights speeding towards me.

At this point, I was so shocked I couldn’t move my feet. Without anything I could do in my current state I watch the car skid off the wet road. My hands seemed to work fine as I covered my face in preparation for the impact. However, the impact never came. Having peaked my interest, I risked a glance and dropped my hands away from my face and slowly opened my eyelids.





With all the might I had left within my body, I held my jaw from hitting the floor. Right in front of me were hundreds if not thousands of colorful equines, all traversing small cobblestone paths. One of which had small shops littering each side of it.

What… the… fuck…? I half asked myself as I rubbed my eyes, however, when I finished rubbing I came to see the exact same sight. Colorful equines were everywhere and they for some reason did not care that I had just appeared out of thin air.

As if this all wasn’t a cluster fuck in on itself, out in the distance I could see the spires and walls of an enormous castle. Oh, and did I forget to mention that all the equines had different variants as well? Because here they were, some were flying around in the sky like Pegasus while others had horns. I’m not kidding some were really unicorns. In all honesty, I really wouldn’t be surprised if I saw one with both a horn and wings.

This entire sight looked so surreal to be reality, well that’s what surreal means, but you catch my drift. Nevertheless, I wasn’t going to go anywhere if I just stood there gawking at this fiasco. Taking the initiative, I took my first step towards a nearby horse.

I had no idea what I was even going to say when I had its attention, but at least I would make some sort of progress. Sadly, my journey was stopped short when I realized that I still had my violin plugged into the amplifier. One of which was so heavy that when I went to go talk to the equine I got pulled back by it.

Having my amp with me only served to confuse me further. Not only am I in a city that seemed to be run entirely by pastel-colored equines, but everything that was touching me got transported here as well.

Is this heaven? I was about to be hit by a speeding car if I do remember correctly, I asked myself only to shake the thought out of my mind. No way this can be heaven. Too many damned horses.

No matter how hard I tried to pin something logical to this event it just seemed to get turned down. By the looks of things, it still seemed like I was on earth. I could breathe, gravity was normal and buildings resembled something from medieval times.

Nonetheless, I had a sneaking suspicion that I was no longer in New York anymore. The castle and multiple horses kinda gave that away. Now more determined than ever to get some answers about this strange new place -along with how I had arrived here- I unplugged my electrical violin and walked up to the nearest equine again.

“Hello?” I asked with a skeptical tone, look you would be skeptical too if you were attempting to talk to a horse. Even if this was just one giant elaborate scheme, I had to admit that it’s pretty impressive. The amount of time the people would have to put into this is unfathomable. Everything just looked so real.

Hearing my greeting the brown stallion turned around with a none-too-pleased looked plastered across his face. ”Yes? What is it?”

For a second there it almost sounded like the horse was replying to me. However, what came out of its muzzle was nothing but complete gibberish. “Sorry, what was that?” I asked the horse to repeat. There was just no way that this thing can be sentient.

”If you’re just going to waste my time with your croaks and moans then I’m just going to leave. So what is it, boy.” This time I was almost one-hundred percent sure that this stallion just replied to me. Sadly, it looked like if he did, he spoke a different language. Which in all honesty was kinda obvious, I was no longer in New York or the U.S.A for that matter. So expecting them to speak the same language was a bit farfetched.

Then again I couldn’t really put a figure on the map where they had talking horses. Trying once again to communicate with the stallion I added gestures to my speech. “Where…” I started pointing all around me, “Can I…” I continued pointing to myself, “Find…” I said putting a hand over my eyes looking around, “A translator?” I finished bringing my hand to my mouth.

”Silver, what is this minotaur going on about?” A mare now joins in on the conversation. Sadly, I was once again left in the dark, not understanding a word they were saying.

”I think he wants to find a place to eat.” The stallion replies to the mare. They were actually communicating with one and another. This just cemented the idea that these horses were indeed sentient. ”One way or another he’s just wasting our time.” The stallion claims once more before they both turn away and trot off.

Did… did he just leave me hanging… Wow, equines are dicks, I commented to myself as I turned back around to find that my amp had mysteriously vanished, along with it my case for my violin. “OH COME ON!” I shouted out earning me the attention of a few horses walking past. “you gotta be kidding me…” I claimed under my breath as I walked over to where my amp once stood.

Doing a one-eighty I came to see that my suspicions were correct. Someone or some horse had stolen my amp. An amp that had cost me two hundred bucks! I yelled out mentally as I moved my bow to my left. With a loud sigh and a now free right hand, I rubbed my forehead. What am I going to do?

I guess first impressions are out the window, I stated to myself as I did the only thing I knew how to do, I started to play the violin. The song I had in mind would surely change the emotions of every equine here. It’ll be a song that portrayed my current predicament and hopefully reach out to some kind hearts out there. The song, of course, was ‘Nearer My God to Thee’ the famous song of the Titanic.

Sadly, due to my current frame of mind, the music that I produced wasn’t of the highest quality it could have been. I let some notes slide, while some parts of the song lost their rhythm completely. Nonetheless, I still thought that I was getting the message across. Music was truly the universal language of this world.

As the songs melody faded into the light breeze I realized that no horses had even stopped to listen. They all just kept moving around doing their own things. I did, however, see one or two mares take questioning glances at me.

Wow talk about a tough crowd, I started deciding that not even my beautiful violin could save me now. With utter defeat settling in, I walked up to a nearby stone wall and sat up against it. I thought that at a time like this I really just needed to calm myself down. Everything around looked so bizarre that it even affect my playing, and that was really saying something.

Okay Erik, let's assess this situation. I Erik, was about to be hit by a car. I covered my eyes out of instincts. After which I opened them back up only to find myself here. A city… filled to the brim with hundreds if not thousands of multicolored horses. Not only that, but they seem to be sentient in their own way. The gears in my mind were turning alright, but nothing useful was being outputted.

Have I finally lost it? Is this what going mad feels like? I questioned myself as I glanced around the area. The colors of the horses started to blur together into a chaotic mess that modern artist would applaud. As the colors mixed into each other my head started to feel really light, almost like it was not there at all.

I tried to keep my eyes open, I tried to continue to assess the situation further, but in the end, I couldn’t take it anymore. My body was shutting down its processes one at a time till I finally slid off the wall and contacted the ground out cold. My violin and bow still held tightly within my grasp.





I sat inside the coffee shop drinking my delicious green tea as I watched the storm continue outside. The owner of the shop didn’t even both to extend the awning outside seeing as the weather was way too violent. I couldn’t blame her, I myself wouldn’t even do it.

“Looks like you’re locked up with me until the weather clears up huh?” The coffee shop lady comments as she took the seat next to me. Together we both watched the storm take place outside.

“Yeah, I don’t think even with the awning I could have played outside,” I replied taking another sip of my green tea.

“You do realize you could just perform inside the coffee shop.” She claimed gesturing to the deserted little stage they had for when people wanted to do announcements.

“Not like it would do any good now…” I retorted looking around the shop. “…no one’s even here.”

“I’m here?” The lady stated, avoiding any eye contact.

I was just about to reply to the kind lady when a bolt of lightning hit the power cable just outside the shop. This, in turn, caused all the lights to go out simultaneously. “Great, perfect timing…” I claimed sarcastically to myself.





”He was just lying there in the middle of the square.” A male voice spoke out causing me to exit my dream-state. Either way, his tone was one of worry and fear. Sadly, the language he spoke was the on of horses. ”It’s clear that he’s insane, I say we should throw him out into the Everfree where he belon-”

”Enough!” A royal sounding voice boomed out echoing across what I could only assume was a very large room. I didn’t want to get up and check, I was too tired. All I wanted to do was go back to sleep. There everything was normal, maybe this was the dream and the other part was real life? All I wanted was to see that coffee girl again, she was nice.

”So what do you plan on doing with him then?” The stallion snapped back. I, however, could hear the fear in his voice crystal clear.

The royal sounding mare sighed. ”Nothing he’s just like anyone else in Canterlot.” The mare spoke out once again, this time however it was calm. I was both thankful for this and worried at the same time.

”You just want me to toss him back out there?” The male voice stated in questioning tone.

There was no response to his question -at least I thought it was a question-. What caught me by surprise was that seconds later I was experiencing the same feeling one would get if they were falling.

With adrenaline kicking in my eyes snapped open to reveal a wall of cobblestone. Bracing myself for the impact I turned my back to the stone and grasped my violin and bow tightly. With a loud thud, my body bounced off the cobblestone path a couple of times before settling down.

Grunting in pain I sat up and slowly but surely regained my bearings. Right in front of me stood a large marble like wall that surrounded the castle I saw when I first got here. Wow looks so much more amazing up close. I relayed in my mind. My gaze faltered however when I remember that I still didn’t know where I was.

Completing another one-eighty I noticed that I had been moved to a completely different spot. In fact, I couldn’t even get my bearings completely straight as the buildings blocked out the view of the sun. Once again I had found myself amazed, I had managed to the impossible. I had lost myself while being lost.

As I got up and off the stone paved road the gears in my mind turned again. Hay! Wait one minute here! If that voice, in fact, came from royalty then that means they just booted me out onto the streets to fend for myself! Wherever I was it seemed that they didn’t really care much about me. Which was surprising, because from what I could see I was the only human around! I would have thought that they would at least question my presence.

This just led to the conclusion that I was not alone, that they must have seen other humans like me before. Well, it was either that or they know of a species that looks fairly similar to my own. Either way, I’m still getting sick and tired of these horses tossing me around! I yelled to myself. The anger inside started to boil up.

Thankfully I didn’t blow my top, I just kept my violin in my grasp and looked on towards the equines that passed by. Each one looking like the stereotypical high-class smut. It was more of my anger talking now more than anything, but that didn’t mean it was any less right.

It was then at that moment when I saw the horn of a nearby unicorn light up in the crowd. What the fuck? I questioned the strange sight only to see that the unicorn was controlling a bag of goods with the same glow around it. Is that what I think it is? It can’t be! I trailed off as the colors of the horses started to blend in together again. No, not again! I refuse to let this get the best of me! It’s just a trick! Maybe there’s some mirrors around or a fog machine nearby? I reassured myself.

The clatter of the horses started to get louder, so loud that it was the only thing I could hear. Laughter, coughing and yelling was all I could process, the colors once again blending together into one giant cluster-fuck. Finally for the second time in who knows how long my body went limp and I fell towards the cobblestone road.





Sadly, this time there was no dream about earth. My sleep -if you could call it that- was dreamless. At least this time I was not awoken by more gibberish talking or tossing. No, this time I had awoken completely of my own volition. Looking down at my hands I could see I still had my violin and bow.

At least no one had stolen anything from me this time. I stated to myself as I got back up and off the street. The time of day was unmistakably night seeing as it was dark out. The only light was the flickering of the streetlamps that littered the side of the road. The number of horses walking around had severely decreased, there were only two or three late-night walkers that walked up and down the stone paths.

The faint glow that the streetlamps gave accented the city very well, giving it an almost comfortable and relaxing feeling. Despite the amount of light being produced in the city, I could still see the stars dotting the night sky. Alright, I’ll have to admit this is pretty cool, I commented to myself as I started to walk down the cobblestone street. No particular destination in my mind.

I could see this place being amazing for my musician's mind, so much inspiration leaked from every crevice this city had. If I wasn’t currently trying to find a way out of this place, I would have probably enjoyed just sitting down and taking in the view.

I wonder if I’ll ever find a way out? I stated to myself as I gazed at the brightly burning stars above. A smile started to make its way across my face, the first real smile. Not a crazed one nor a sympathetic one, this was the first real smile I had in a very long time. The feeling of this night just amplified my emotions. Heh, I was always a night person, I stated as I tore my stare away from the stars above.

Looks like I’ll just have to find a place to for the night. Can’t be lying in the streets all day now can I, I said to myself. Yet, no matter how much I wanted to find a nice hotel, I didn’t have the strength. I may have been asleep for the better part of it, but with the current events, I could feel my eyelids get heavier again.

At this point, I took notice of a particularly narrow alleyway in-between two houses. The narrow passage looked to be perfect with a little roof to shield me from the elements. Today was one giant mess and even more so on my brain. I just hoped that this third rest would be the last one in this world.

Sadly, no matter how hard I tried to convince myself. Deep down inside I knew that was never going to happen. Whatever had happened today was an anomaly, I didn’t know how it happened, whether I was dead or not. I just knew that this was real.

The cold touch of the stone I now laid upon. The feeling of pain that shot through my back when I was tossed out onto the street. The amount of detail each equine had. There was no dream nor simulation that could amount to such realism. In that short moment, before I succumbed to slumber, I realized that whatever was happening now was real, and that’s what scared me the most.
> Chapter Two - The Revelations of a Silent Festival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The light blinded me as the small stage lit up with a multitude of lights. I really didn’t get why a stage of this size had lights to begin with, but I digress. In my left hand, I held my violin and in my right, lay its brethren the bow. It’s horse hairs pre-rosined and ready to go.

In front of me lay my one-person audience, a nice looking brunette that worked at this very establishment. For some reason, she was very keen on hearing me put the bow to the strings. Then again she really had nothing else to do during the storm. In hindsight, she was just asking me so we both could pass the time quickly.

Would it be wrong for me to secretly wish that she asked me because of another unknown reason? Heh, she’ll never go for a guy like me. She’s way out of my league, I started to myself as I pulled the bow up towards the violin.

The music that I played was slow and steady, a magnificent piece by Vivaldi named largo in the spring, concerto number one. As I played I let my fingers slide up and down the neck of the violin as it danced along with the melody of the song. It wasn’t a long piece by classical standards, but the smile on the coffee girls face seemed to deter any bad thoughts that lingered within my mind.

Continuing to play the piece I dedicated every little twist to this girl that sat on her lone stool. Her eyes seemed to sparkle with delight as the soothing melodies weaved throughout the air and brushed against her perfect ears. Her eyelids closed as she moved her head to the beat, her foot tapping along to the tempo.

“This is amazing…” She cooed, the thunderstorm taking place outside was left unnoticed by us as I continued to move onto other pieces of music.

I didn’t respond, instead, I started to amplify the notes making them shorter and shorter. The mood of the last song stayed the same, but the tempo increased spreading the emotions to all corners of the room. Form the looks of it, the mystery coffee girl was having the time of her life. A true classical lover if I have ever seen one.

As the music got progressively more emotional, the lights on the stage started to get brighter. I knew what this moment meant, this was all just a dream and the reality was setting in. A reality that I wished never existed. The beings there didn’t care for me and the coffee girl didn’t exist.

Sadly, just like before, instead of the void, the bright light shun till I was forced to close my eyes.





It was a weird feeling because as soon as I got up, I desired this reality over the other. It was like whatever place I was in I felt like I belonged. Sure, this reality was a bit harsher, but it had its own little shine to it. Some small quirks that the other place didn’t have.

“Might as well get ready for the day ahead,” I grumbled to myself. My slick black violin and carbon fiber bow still held firmly in my grasp. It amazed me that these horses would steal my amp, but not my thousand-dollar violin or one-hundred-dollar bow. Then again who was I to argue with items of higher value being kept in my possession?

Alright, what to do, what to do? I mulled over in my head. Today was a new day and so I had a fresh chance to start all over again! Well, talking to the equines didn’t work and I am feeling a lot better today then I did yesterday, I commented knowing that any state of mind would be better than the one I had yesterday.

Maybe I can start to earn some money, whatever the currency is here anyways. A couple of good songs by a nice area should warrant me enough money to buy a ticket back to America. That is, of course, assuming I’m still on earth, I pondered to myself as an unwanted chill was sent jolting up my spine.

The adrenaline from yesterday was gone and with it the feeling of the security. No longer did I feel safe around here. Sure the worst I saw was ponies walking around, but the fact that some had the ability to levitate objects burned in the back of my mind.

There was a little nip in the air. Thankfully I was wearing my coat and rain poncho before I got transported here. Who knows what would have happened to me if I was wearing my summer clothes. The clothing I seemed to have on was sufficient enough for this time of year.

Nevertheless, with my violin and bow still in my grasp, I walked towards the end of the alleyway. Knowing full well that nothing was left in the alley to keep me still. Reaching the end, I headed out into the bright and bustling city.

Oh, man is it bright here, I claimed as the brightly colored hues of the city assaulted my eyes. It was like everything had changed from the night before. Instead of the nights soothing, relaxing feeling I got when I did my little night stroll, I got this kind of festival vibe.

The streets I walked into had colorful banners flapping about in the wind, multiple flowers decorating the houses and stands lining the streets. All the while the equines were walking about in full swing. Each one happily chatting to one and another.

In such a happy place I felt the most alone. I didn’t know what anyone was saying let alone doing. The only message that I had received was that this was some sort of event. Which in turn amazed me. These ponies had set all of this up while I was sleeping. Back on earth -If I’m not right now- such a large-scale event would take days if not weeks to set up.

Being intrigued by the sudden change in décor, I stepped onto the street and headed down towards where I thought the center of the city was. After all, I was just following the flow of ponies, nothing bad ever happens when you follow the masses right?

It took about ten minutes before I started to see the center. Many horses crowded around a stage that was set up in the middle of this quint little plaza. As of yet, the stage laid barren, but if I had to take a gander, I would say that any moment now the event would start and the equines would show up on the stage. Immediately after thinking about that thought a large crack was heard echoing across the plaza. Since I was much taller than all these other horses around, I had a clear view of the stage.

With the sound fading, a white unicorn with wings appeared in the center of the stage. She was not alone either as a midnight blue one stood beside her.

Now I know I said I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw one with both a horn and wings, but seeing this blew that statement out of the water. I have never been so wrong in my life, I stated to myself looking out at them in awe.

”Good morning my little ponies!” The white mare stated. Her voice sounding oddly familiar to me. It’s really too bad that I couldn’t understand a word she was saying.

”I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming to the festival of the two sisters!” Like before I couldn’t understand anything she was saying. It was a real pity because all the horses around me started to stomp their hooves in what I could only guess was their form of applause.

I never really thought about it before, but it was actually quite interesting to watch a presentation when I didn’t even know the language they were speaking. It was kind of a guessing game, and if you got it right then the crowd would react the way you’d expect them to.

”As claimed in the news we’ll be starting the festivities right away! And what better way to start off the day, then with the Royal Canterlot Orchestra!” Once again I watched as the crowd erupted in applause again. After which the two mares left the stage only to be replaced by a hundred or so horses. Each one holding a musical instrument of some sort.

Oh now, this is turning into my kind of presentation, I stated eagerly as I watched the musicians take their seat. I had so many questions about how they were going to do this. I saw some of the horses carrying cellos, violins, and basses. How in the whole wide world are they going to play those with just hooves? I pondered as I continued to stare at the assembling orchestra.

A couple seconds were left in silence as the conductor took his stand at the front of the group. It took almost every inch of my might to not laugh at the fact he was wearing a top hat along with a nice black tuxedo. The scene was so bizarre that I almost left right then and there, however, what kept me firmly planted in place was when they started to play.

It wasn’t like anything I had heard before. The music seemed to be portraying a story that got me hooked on the first note. Being a musician myself, I had been to my fair share of theaters and along with them, I had seen many more orchestras in my time. Nevertheless, each one was nothing compared to the one I was now witnessing. It was like all of the orchestra members were one singular being, every stroke, every note was perfectly timed.

No wonder they didn’t like my music when they have heard this! I realized. Looks like I’ll have to step up my game if I want anyone to notice me, I continued as I let my body relax to the nice soothing notes. The harmony and melody seemed to dance together as the song progressed, causing a couple of equines around me to dance. To me, their dancing didn’t really help, as it looked quite ridiculous. After all, they were horses doing it in the end.

Nonetheless, I still kept my full and undivided attention aimed directly at the ensemble in front me. Each note they played, every bow pull they did was carefully observed by my watchful eye. It was then that I realized that it was not only the music that was beautiful but the way they played their varying instruments.

Whatever orchestra this was, I wanted in. It would a pleasure… no an honor to play among them. Sadly, as all good things must do the song ended. I didn’t seem to care that they only played one song, I rather that then listen to three or five mediocre ones.

The conductor turned around and smiled at the audience as they went wild. His bowing only seemed to fuel the applause. The stomping and cheering were so loud that I couldn’t hear anything else. Then again I would be lying if I said I wasn’t clapping along as well. This was truly a magnificent show of skill and dedication.

Once the crowd died down and started to once again mingle with one and another. I decided that now would be the best time to try and make some quick cash. Walking around, I kept an eye out for any eatery that had an outside patio.

I had found that these were usually the best places to get money. Mostly because people would take their dates to these places. After seeing my performance, they would feel compelled to toss in a couple of dollars to show their generosity. Street performing was all about the location.

Continuing my walk for another thirty minutes I came across a pub. Well, I guessed it was a pub, I couldn’t really read any of the signs. Luckily the place looked to be rather well known as multiple horses were lined up to get into it. Seeing this as a perfect opportunity, I walked up next to the line a placed my black rain poncho down on the grown before me.

The equines in the line started to look at me with odd expressions. That didn’t matter though, soon they would all figure out what was going to happen. Straightening out the poncho on the ground I pulled up my violin and placed the bow to the strings.

What song to play, what song to play… I repeated in my head as I perused all of the songs I knew by heart. Lately, I had been doing a lot of classical music, so I decided to switch it up a bit and show these horses something a little new.

With a flourish, I placed the bow back onto the stings and started to play the first notes of the song. As expected the first reaction to the music was confusion as they never heard anything quite like it. The song I played was a famous pop song called “Counting Stars” by the amazing band One Republic.

Of course, this song was meant for more than one person to play, so in turn, I just stuck with the melody. If I had my satchel bag that was with my amp, I could have recorded the harmony. But since those items were stolen, I would have to make due.

To me, this was a nice song to show people that violins weren’t only meant to play classical music. Sure, they were designed for that purpose, but with a bit of TLC you could make this magnificent piece of wood -or in my case metal- do anything.

As I progressed through the tenth measure I could start to see the horses in line take a liking to the song. To be honest, who wouldn’t get into the groove of the song when it had such an intoxicating flow to it. Passing the twenty-second measure I got my first shiny gold coin to land on the black poncho. The mare that tossed it was flashing a wide smile as she started to stomp her hooves to the music.

Well at least I know not everyone here is a dick, I said to myself as I slowly passed by the sixty-fifth measure.

As the rather long song continued passed its ninetieth measure I had collected ten more coins. Not only that, but some of the horses were really taking a liking to my music. Whether I should take this a compliment or not I didn’t care. I was getting somewhere and I wasn’t going to stop the beats from coming forth.

Slowly the melody of the song started to slow down signaling the ending of the particular piece, but I wouldn’t let it end there. No, I had these equines hooked and I needed to play another song to keep the cash coming. So as the song ended I quickly started up with another beautiful song, this one known to many classical lovers back home. “La Campanella.” By Nicolo Paganini.

This to me was the hardest one to learn if this didn’t ‘wow’ the horses I didn’t know what I would do. The notes that were in this piece were just insane, this would show to anyone that I was a true master of the violin.

Not only would I prove it by playing the melody of the piece but also parts of the harmony. A feat that not much violinists could achieve. Many claimed that just the melody alone was enough to show your skill, but that didn’t deter me. No, I was too stubborn and loved my violin way too much to let that challenge slip by.

Taking a large breath of air, I placed the bow to the strings. Alright, Erik here hoes nothing. Let’s WOW them, I said to myself as I took one last look at the horses. Every single one of them that were in the line where looking directly at me. I had them all on the edge, I knew that. However, it was that idea that got me a bit nervous.

This piece was hard, I won’t lie to myself, and even after many months of practice there was still some part that I had trouble with. For example, when the thirty-second notes came in I could see myself slipping behind. However, if done correctly it would show these horses my dedication to my art.

Letting the breath I kept in escape my lips, I pulled the first note off the page I had in my head into existence. The equines that watched looked on with awe as they listened to me play. The longer I went on the more interested they became. Piece by piece the music started getting faster, however, it never faltered from the relaxing mood of the song.

Sweat started to bead down my face as I started to near the ominous thirty-second notes. Time to see if this piece is going to be a hit or miss, I claimed as I entered the first wave of thirty-second notes. My violin produced the desired sound as I continued to read the music in my head. Most of what I read I knew, but I just wanted to make sure that I was completing this piece with as much precision as possible.

Of course, I wasn’t going to play the whole symphony that would just be ridiculous. Instead, I kept to the main parts never veering too far off course. La Campanella was only seven minutes long if played correctly and even then, it was a doozy.

Taking the risk I glanced up towards my audience. The equines that I saw were looking towards me with mouths agape from what they were seeing. I guessed that no one or no horse, in this case, has ever attempted to play this fast with this many complex notes.

When I saw this I couldn’t help but smile. I was finally making progress, and by the looks of it I was bringing in a large amount of coin as well. Tearing my gaze from the horse's I focused back on my music.

The melody slowly stopped, but as I said before I picked up where the orchestra would have filled in for me. Nonetheless, the harmony was just a beautiful as the melody, and if the faces of the equines were anything to go by I would say it was equally as entertaining.

Notes flowed from my violin likes leaves on a calm river as I pulled at the strings. The harmony was quite a bit slower, so I took this time to try and regain my lost breath. I did after all still have to do the ending of the song, which was just as hard if not harder than the piece I just finished. Either way, I was to invested in this piece to give up now. Pulling the bow back hard I transitioned back into the melody once more.

Out of the frying pan… I claimed as I continued down the measures nearing the most feared part of the piece, the ending. …and into the fire, I stated to myself as I moved to the first note.

To anyone other than a skilled musician, it would have sounded like one large note being crescendo to the lowest, but in fact, I played every note with a miniscule vibrato at hand cramping speeds. I had only finished this once before and that was just by luck.

I was focused so hard on the music that I didn’t notice more and more coins being dropped onto my black poncho. With my eagerness and cockiness, I managed to lose my hold on my bow. As this happened time seemed to slow down, I was a couple of notes away from finishing the piece for the first time flawlessly. Sadly, today was not going to be that day.

With a disappointed expression on my face, I watched painfully as the bow slipped off the strings and clatter against the stone road. It bounced once then twice before settling down on the cold cobblestone floor. I was so close! I yelled at myself as time went back to ticking at its normal rate.

Not wanting to face the reaction of the crowd I bent down and picked up my bow. What I didn’t expect however was when I got back up the horses were stopping and cheering for me. Some even tossed in a few extra coins. T-they still liked my performance after I messed up like that? I stated in complete shock.

I was at a complete loss for words -not like if he had any they would matter- as I watched the equines cheer for me. Well might as well take the applause in, I stated to myself as I bowed to the crowd. Once things started to die down I collected all of my belongings and left the scene. A large bag of gold coins tightly in my grasp.





Time seemed to pass by like chaff before the wind, and before I knew it I was back in the same alleyway I was this morning. Nonetheless, I hoped that this would be the last time I would come back here. If this wouldn’t pay for my departure back to America at least I could get a room at a local hotel.

Sitting down against the stone wall I opened up the makeshift bag which was my rain poncho. Once the naught was undone the poncho unraveled and I came to see hundreds of gold coins. At first, when they were throwing them in the pile I thought that they were plated gold, but with further inspection, I came to realize that each and every one of them was pure gold.

“Holy shit I’m rich!” I yelled out, unable to conceal my excitement. Sadly, the more I thought about it the more it confused me. Why would these horses give me so much for just an average performance? I pondered as I looked closer at the coins.

Flipping the coin around I noticed that it had the imprint of the white equine I saw earlier. The other thing I noticed was a large one on the other side. Awh man please tell me this isn’t just their currency and isn’t really worth that much, I commented shuffling through the variety of coins that laid atop the black poncho.

Each one I checked was either the same or was varying between one point five and five. Everything in my mind wanted me to believe that this was a lot, but I myself didn’t believe it. If this was anything like the currency back in New York, then this would be just enough to buy a hotel room.

Either way, I was still happy. This alleyway was no longer going to house me for another night. A nice hot bath would surely help me clear my mind. Funny the things you get excited about when you get transported to another planet, I stated to myself as I placed the coins back into my poncho.

As I was placing the coins back into my poncho I took sight of a small piece of paper at the bottom. From what I could see it wasn’t handwritten, from here it looked like it was typed. What I expected was a fan letter but instead, I got complete gibberish. The only thing I could make out was the picture, which presented a large building in the background and a treble clef in the foreground.

Obviously, it had something to do with music seeing the treble clef, but once again I couldn’t make out what the note was telling me. As a result, I got a bit annoyed, this could be a job offering or an invitation to another concert for all I knew.

That being said if it was another concert, then I would gladly accept it. Seeing the performance they did this morning was beyond anything I had ever seen. Once again I was stuck behind this wall of foreign language.

If only I could read this! I vented as I stood up.

Grabbing my violin, bow, and poncho I turned back to the streets. With only one option left to use, I walked back out into the sun basked streets. The equines were cheerfully chatting with one and another as usual. That didn’t mean it didn’t baffle me, here I was a creature two times their size and they didn’t so much as bat an eye towards me.

This place really is strange, I commented to myself as I walked up to the nearest horse. Knowing that talking would be next to useless at this point I refrained to just using gestures to get my message across.

Tapping the lavender equines back I waited for it to respond. Like the last horse I encountered, she turned around with a none-too-pleased expression etched onto her face.

”What?” She stated in what I could only assume was an annoyed tone. Pulling out the message that was left in my bag I pointed to it then to my violin. I hoped that the mare here would get the message and send me off towards the right direction.

”Can’t talk can you?” The mare responded inflicting me to facepalm. I still couldn’t understand her. ”Well if you want to get there…” the mare claimed pointing to the sheet. Immediately I nodded, is she actually going to point me in the right direction? I asked myself.

”…Just head down this road, you can’t miss it.” She once again stated in a language that I didn’t understand. What I did understand, however, was when she pointed down the road opposite of her direction.

I really wanted to thank the mare -assuming she’s leading me to the right place- but with the language barrier still there I was forced to just smile at the mare. The mare, in turn, smiled back and then continued down the road. I guess I just ran into the wrong equine when I arrived, I started looking towards the direction she pointed off towards.

Nothing really stuck out, but who was I to question her directions. So with a little more skip in my step, I followed the road. Within a couple of minutes of walking, I came across the exact same building that had been displayed in the picture.

Thank you weird purple horse! I said to myself, I sure hope there’s a translator here or something, I claimed entering the building. Something inside me told me that wasn’t going to happen, but I always liked to look on the bright side of things.

From the outside, the building looked to be like some kind of theater, and my thoughts were proven correct when I entered the establishment. The lobby looked exactly like the ones back in New York. In fact, it looked too much like the ones in New York, it even had the long lines that exited the doors to the main area.

Following my instincts, I jumped into the line. I took a gander that the message I had received was meant for me to enter. Either that or the equine that gave it to me just wanted me to stop playing outside and do it here instead. If that’s the case, then I would go back to my first impression of the horse folk.

As all lines tend to do, no matter where you are in the world or universe, they slowly moved at the speed of molasses. Does molasses even have a speed? I pondered to myself as I took a small step forwards. I guess you could count its viscosity as a speed… Shaking that silly thought out of my head I moved up again.

Time passed by slowly and I let out a small sigh. I knew that I would be here a while with this line, but something told me that this was going to be all worth it. That through those main doors held something that would change my life forever. Sadly, with the line moving this slowly, I guessed that the theater would close before I even found out why I was here.

Nevertheless, I was in the line for an hour already so I was too invested to just up and leave. For if I didn’t follow through on this, my curiosity would kill me. That was no joke, with the stress that I was experiencing in this new world one little nudge was all it would take to knock me out for good.

Once again like clockwork, the equines in the line moved up one step, causing me to take two. It was then that I started to hear the faint notes of a trumpet off in the distance. I was in a concert hall, so I knew I wasn’t hearing things. As a result, I started to peak around the lobby doors to see what was going on. Sadly, I wasn’t close enough to give me the full view of the stage, but I didn’t need to. I could hear the performance crystal clear now and quite frankly it sucked.

The notes the horse played were way off key, and the different levels of each note were unnoticeable.Then again should I really be saying these things? They are horses and horses aren’t meant to play the trumpet, I stated to myself as I continued to listen to the ear bleeding noise of the screeching trumpet.

Someone! Anyone! Please for the love of all creation, just end that poor trumpets life! I yelled out in my mind. I had been sitting there for ten minutes listening to this and I didn’t know what would kill me, the line or the off-key notes.

Thankfully someone had heard my pleas and cut the trumpet off. Letting out a sigh of relief, my brain once again started to work on what information was just given to it. The trumpet was told to leave the stage for the next contestant.

Wait I know this setup! I stated to myself as I looked around the seating area of the hall. All the seats were empty except for the second row which had four ponies with clipboards. This is an audition! I exclaimed turning back to the stage in front of me.

My mind started to race, and my heartbeat started to pick up. Flashes of my past started to come to the forefront of my mind. Sweat was now trickling down my skin as I watched a scarlet mare walk onto the stage. She held no instrument which in turn confused me. That, however, was the least of my worries. The thought of going through an audition sent chills up my spine. You can do it, man, it was like what? Eighteen years ago? Come on pull yourself together, I yelled at myself as the line once again moved forwards. My body however stayed put, unwilling to move.

The grumbling and foreign words could be heard behind, I didn’t need to know their language to understand that they wanted me to move forward. Make the decision man! I yelled to myself. Either take a step forward or get out of line, More groans were heard behind as I lifted my leg and took a step to the left. The pony behind me stepped into my spot and I just sank into one of the theater's seats. I couldn’t take another rerun of my past, and I continued to tell myself that this was for the better.

I would be out of this crazy pony world soon, so what difference did it make? Taking my head out of those depressing thoughts I looked out towards the stage where the scarlet pony sat. Is she going to sing? I asked myself as I sat there looking at her.

She slowly approached the microphone, not a word was spoken in the theater as all eyes turned towards her. The mare took a deep breath in and then started to sing. Well I assumed she was singing, I had no idea what she was saying. Nonetheless, I will say that she had an amazing voice.

Looking at the line I could see that multiple of the horses watched in awe as she sang. It seemed that she was fairly good at what she did because a couple of the horses dropped out of the line just like I had.

The song, however, went on for a couple more minutes and by the end of it, she had all the mares and stallions stomping their hooves in applauds. Dame she really set the bar high for all the others, I stated as I continued to watch the line wither its way down.

Trial after trial, I watched in pain and awe. Some performances were spectacular while others were just glad they participated. The coolest thing I will admit was the one stallion that got on stage with bagpipes. He probably didn’t make it but man was that awesome to see.

As I continued to watch the auditions, I got a small pain in the pit of my stomach. If I were to be stuck here, I may have just missed my one chance to get my foot in the door. The music industry was funny like that, you play to get noticed and then practice till you get paid. A tedious cycle that caused me to stray away from that branch of the music industry.

Sadly, the day was coming to a close and with it, the auditions finally ran dry. The last pony to perform was decent but didn’t really speak volume about her personality and play style. Hell, even I can be a judge, I snickered to myself as I headed out of the theater.

The chilling fall air nipped at my face as I looked towards the setting sun. “Guess I’ll have to find a hotel to stay at now.” I sighed contently under my breath. Unlike yesterday, today actually held a bit of joy to it. I got to perform in front of the horses at the pub, as well as take up the offer a kind equine presented me.

Even though I didn’t present in the auditions I still enjoyed watching the other ponies go at it. With the positive vibes flowing through me, I walked down a random street hoping to further map this place out.

That of course was just a pipe dream, seeing as this city was huge. I was going to have to spend many days exploring and many more remembering just to get half of it down pat. That being said I continued to walk the streets looking for anything that resembled a hotel.

As I walked I glanced over to the other equines traveling the same path as me. Most of them were chatting contently with their companions. Maybe I just need to give this place a second chance, I pondered to myself.

From what I could see, I was the only one in this city that was in any sort of crises. In fact, I didn’t even see one equine that was homeless yet. Which for such a large city was very impressive.

About thirty minutes of just walking around I finally found a building that looked somewhat promising. The employees that worked there wore red uniforms with a nice clean cut gold trim. In lamest terms, it was the universal sign of a bellhop.

Setting my sights on the hotel in front of me, I placed one foot in front of the other and wandered over to the entrance of the building. It wasn’t till I entered the establishment that I realized just how well built this hotel really was.

Clear cut mason stone walls rose twice the high as me with the polished cedar floor accenting it quite nicely. Scattered along the walls were various pictures displaying different horses. Probably the hotel's past owners if I had to guess. I continued to walk down the red carpet, taking in more as I did so.

Not only was the general building material picked perfectly, it was cut and placed in its most natural form. What took the cake though was the lighting. Whoever did the architecture for this building was a true artist, the light seemed to be perfectly placed to engulf the entirety of the room in its warm soft glow.

Being distracted by the lovely architecture, I soon found myself bumping into the front desk by accident. Returning my gaze back in front of me, I came to see a blond coated equine with a smile adorning her muzzle.

“Taking a liking in the hotel I see.” She started bringing me out of my thoughts. Sadly, her words only served to dampen my mood. Once again I didn’t understand anything she said.

As the time passed by while I thought about how to get my message across the mare spoke up again. ”You want a room?” She said pointing to the staircases of the hotel.

Thinking about her gestures I finally got what she was saying and nodded my head. During this exchange, I pulled out my poncho pouch full of gold coins and placed it on the counter.

”Not much of a talker? Huh?” The mare stated as she took the required amount of coins out of the makeshift bag. Which I carefully noted was twenty of them ”Alright one room for the night.” The equine assumed as she walked over to the wall behind her before taking a key off the wall.

Without even knowing it my right eye let out a visible twitch as the key floated over to the counter. When I get the hang of their language, this is definitely going to be my first question, I commented to myself as I plucked the floating key out of the air.

Still somewhat surprised that I got through that transaction without saying a word I pondered the subject in my mind. I guess the staff has to be trained for foreign visitors.

“Thanks.” I started getting a tilted head and a confused expression as his response. I knew that this was going to be her reaction, but I just wouldn’t feel satisfied with myself if he were to just leave.

Using deduction from the mare’s gestures, I wandered towards the stairs. Looking down at the keys I took notice of the three symbols etched into a card next to the key. “How the hell am I going to find my room?” I muttered under my breath as I climbed the stairs to the first floor.

Analyzing the first floors door I came to see a different symbol upon it. Not this floor, I commented as I walked up to the second floor. This time, however, the door bore the same symbol as the first symbol on the card. Alright making some progress! I stated with relief entering my tone.

Pushing the door open I walked through. The hallway that I now found myself in was pretty swanky. The plush red carpet rolling the span of the corridor looked to be worth thousands, not only that but there were paintings adorning the spaces between each room.

Now to find these other two symbols, I said to myself as I walked down the hallway. Each time I passed a door I made sure he read the symbols. The task itself was quite easy, but the repetitiveness nature of it irritated me to no end.

Nope… nu ah… negative… I said mentally as I checked the doors. After two minutes, I had finally come across the same second symbol. Getting close should be one of these next few rooms. I pondered as I continued my search. The reward of a nice warm bed was my only motivation at the moment. Well, that and a nice shower in the morning.

Having the second symbol matched up, it took me less than a minute to find the correct room. Well, I assumed this was the right room seeing as it had the same symbol on it. Never really going to know without trying. I commented to myself as I inserted the key into the keyhole. A swift twist of the keys rewarded me for my hard work. A clearly noticeable click later and the lock slid into the door.

Once I was sure the door was unlocked I took the key out of the doorknob and pushed open the door. What was on the other side made my jaw drop for the second time since coming to this equine infested world.

The room was utterly luxurious, I noted as I continued into the room closing the door behind me. “This is better than my own house back in New York!” I started with a smile working its way onto my face. “Suck on this landlord! You can keep your shitty apartment!” I yelled with joy.

Without even thinking I placed my possessions by the door and ventured further into my new temporary home. The walls were painted a solid light brown and the floor was made out of a dark wood. The lights along the walls of the room illuminated everything perfectly.

The hotel room I was in would mimic a sweet back in America. There was a large window at the end of the room that displayed the city I found myself in, a fireplace by some arranged cushions, a separate kitchen and lastly a bedroom with a bathroom attached to it. “These horses have it good if this only cost me twenty golden coins a night,” I stated to no one in particular.

Nonetheless now was not the time to take in the room, now was the time to get some nice relaxing rest. With a cozy bed in mind I wandered over to the bedroom, a large king sized bed instantly greeted me as I passed the doorway. It’s thick pure white covers beaconing me to enter them.

Not one thought in my mind dared go against that feeling as I walked over to the bed and collapsed on it. Holy shit are these sheets made out of polyester! I claimed crawling further onto the bed, the soft brushing of the sheets cemented my suspicions. If this is what the hotels are like I wonder what the houses are like here, I started pulling the blankets over myself.

Now all I have to do is close my eyes and sleep… I commanded myself with the easy task, or at least I thought it was going to be an easy task. The thoughts of my current situation kept popping up into my mind. Great when I want to fall asleep I can’t, I stated slightly annoyed at myself.

The bazaar world was starting to catch up to me. I was talking to horses! Horses that were sentient! Something that a madman would talk about. Was I mad? Was this the dream or was it reality?

More questions arouse the longer I thought about what I went through. I wanted the answers, but I also wanted to go home. If I were to suddenly vanish from this world and placed back into my own I would have cast it off as such, a dream.

However, now that this was lasting multiple days and the encounters felt so real, I doubted I would ever be the same again. My mind was now open to new possibilities. I was able to keep sane this whole time, thinking this was all just a hallucinations. Now that I was leaving the second day behind and moving to the third I finally took in the full extent what happened and what I had lost… and it hurt… it hurt more than anything I had ever experienced in my entire life.
> Chapter Three - The Mare with the Raven-Black Hair
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

My eyes fluttered open as a soft ray of light landed on them. The sheets that surrounded me were damp near my face. I had been crying I won’t deny that the sudden sucker punch reality threw at me hurt more than I thought it would. Things here were just so different, yet similar at the same time. I really didn’t know how much longer I could take of this.

The constant language barrier was the biggest problem I had on my plate. Without knowing their language, I was essentially stuck with using gestures that could easily backfire on me. Someone misinterprets one of my gestures and I could be sent walking off a cliff. I’m just glad that the few equines I talked to actually understood what I was trying to say to them.

Laying there in my bed I looked out at the ceiling. Its polished marble surface shimmered in the early morning sun. Getting up, I turned myself so I sat on the edge of the bed. I had no idea where to start. How could I learn their language when I have nothing to teach me it? Sure, I could try and find a library here, but I somehow doubt they're going to have an English to Equinish book just laying around.

The easiest way would be to get one of the locals to teach me, but the problem there was that I didn’t know anyone here. Letting out a frustrated sigh I rubbed my eyes clean of their sleep and moseyed towards the bathroom. A nice hot shower should do wonders for my frame of mind, maybe even spark inspiration on where to go next.

Having that in mind I opened the bathroom door and stepped in. Like the rest of this hotel, the bathroom wasn’t anything short of amazing. A large bowl-shaped tub sat at one end of the room completely taking up the whole side. Whereas the sink, toilet, and other bathroom related stuff sat on the other side.

Of course, this all was cleaned and polished to a fine shine. It’s perfect white material showing nothing but elegance and class. The little details and trim were a nice gold color that seemed to reflect the light in such a beautiful way.

It looked so spectacular that I felt just standing in here tainted its purity. Nevertheless, this was a bathroom, and I did pay for it. So, in a matter of seconds, I had already started the filling the tub. While it was filling, I moved over to the sink and examined the contents displayed.

In a vacuum-packed bag was left there containing a little brush attached to a string. A couple seconds of deduction told me that this was their form of a toothbrush. Besides that, there was a familiar looking tube next to it. Unscrewing the cap off and taking a whiff of it I came to smell it's nice minty scent. Which of course meant this was the toothpaste.

Looking back over to the tub, I took notice that it was starting to reach the desired level. Walking back towards it, I stuck my hand in and sampled the water. It wasn’t perfect by my standards, but that’s mostly because I was the one that was at the controls. I’m sure if they had a predetermined setting they would fall to perfection just like the rest of the place here.

Not wanting to waste any more time I climbed into the surprisingly spacious tub. These equines that lived here were half the size of me, yet I could easily stretch all my limbs out and have room to spare. Four of those ponies could easily fit in this tub which got me thinking why would they make such a big tub.

Shaking that line of thought out of my head I laid back and let the water take me. I would wash later, but for now, I just wanted to take this little time for myself. Use it to calm my nerves and clear my mind of any problems.





Exiting the bathroom, I felt a hundred times better. I no longer felt like a walking grease trap, but instead like a musician. Of course, I was a musician either way, but now I felt proper. If I was going to play perfection, I would have to be perfection.

Not only did I feel way better but my goals and thoughts were much clearer. I knew that I had enough gold coins to play for two more days here, so I didn’t necessarily have to do any performing today.

In fact, that’s what I was going to do. I was going to go out have a quick meal at some local shop and then find the nearest library. Once there I would then proceed to try and break down this language barrier a bit. It was going to be hard I knew that, but it was a step in the right direction. Once this barrier was down I could then figure out where I was.

Thinking a bit in the future I walked over to the bedside table and took the blank parchment they left there. It was refreshing to know not only hotels on earth left a couple of papers lying around. Taking the quill that was left beside it, I started to draw on the parchment. While I was no artist, I assumed that this would give any horse the idea that I didn’t know their language.

Satisfied with my little drawing I rolled up the parchment and placed it in my pocket. Looking around my room I came to see my violin laying against the base of the bed. Should I take it? I asked myself.

Remembering the amp incident, I grabbed the violin and bow without hesitation. After which I wandered out of the hotel room and down to the main lobby.

Reaching the main lobby, I walked over to the main desk and place my keys to the room and 20 more bits down. The mare was different this time, but nevertheless got what I was trying to say as she took the bits and left the keys on the table.

With a satisfied nod, I took the keys again and made my way out into the chilling fall air. The festive vibe I got yesterday was no longer present. The flowers from the houses had disappeared and the banners seemed to have been taken down. Man, these ponies are fast, I claimed to myself as I wandered down the cobblestone street.

Once again I had no idea where I was going, but unlike the other times, I actually started to memorize where I was headed. This, of course, was so at the end of the day I could find my way back to the hotel.

Time seemed to fly by as I looked at all the small shops lining the streets. I had seen some food places, but they all looked like restaurants. I just wanted this worlds equivalent to Starbucks. At least then I could get my cup of joe and maybe a little danish if they even existed here. The thought of a nice cheese danish made my mouth water a bit. It truly was the little things in life that make a day that much brighter.

Nevertheless, after a bit more looking around I found myself at a very cozy looking coffee shop. It had large spread windows that took up the entire corner of the store. I could see the entire store without having to enter. Little cushions and tables laid scattered throughout its floor. At the far end, I could see the ponies of all shapes and sizes take their orders.

Finally salvation, I claimed to myself as I entered the building and joined the small line. Just the smell of the shop alone brought me back to the good old times. The times that equines were just animals and didn’t run an entire city. Continued to be lost in my own thoughts; I was brought out of my stupor as the mare behind the counter spoke up.

”I can help you over here Sir?” She asked as I walked up to her.

Not wanting to waste any time I placed my parchment I made this morning onto the table. The mare gave me a confused look before picking up the parchment and looking over it. A look of understanding etched its way onto her face as she placed the parchment back on the counter.

No words needed to be said as I pointed at the coffee machine in the back. It amazed me slightly that they would have that, and yet still be in the medieval era. Once again this place is weird, I stated to myself as the mare brought back a nice cup of coffee. Not finished yet I looked over at the display sitting out front.

Sadly, there were no danishes waiting to be devoured. So I just settled on what looked to be an oatmeal cookie. The mare at the counter happily obliged and fetched the cookie from the display. Once both items were on the counter I opened my make-shift coin bag.

Seeing my actions the mare tapped her hoof twice on the counter. I, in turn, gave a confused look towards her. My action didn’t seem to deter her as she once again tapped twice on the counter and gestured to my coin pouch.

Oh, two taps, two coins. I get it now, I commented to myself as I reached into my bag and brought out the coins. Giving me a little smile the mare took the two bits and gestured me to take the two items.

All right, that went better than expected, I stated cheerfully to myself as I made my way out of the store and down the street. I happily munched on said cookie while taking little sips of the dark roast. I never really was a fan of coffee, I was more of a tea kind of guy, but then again it was about ten times easier to point out the coffee machine in the back then it was to describe green tea.

Taking another sip of the bitter black liquid I continued to look at the shops around. Nothing really screamed library, but then again nothing really spoke out to me at all here. It was all foreign, like an American going to France without knowing French. Then again it would be a lot easier to learn French on earth then it is learning this equine stuff.

Time once again flowed by, and with it both my coffee and my cookie. Not a really good breakfast, but then again I wasn’t hungry either. As my thoughts drifted away I finally found myself at what looked to be a library. Well, it didn’t really look like one but the sign out front with a book on it told me otherwise.

Having a lead to go by I entered the establishment, what I was not expecting was for this place to be massive inside. From the outside, it looked just like the coffee shop. A large window out front portraying the rows of literature. Yet now inside the library, I come to see that there were three floors. One that was below and one that was above.

The horse that sat at the desk didn’t even greet me once you walk in. Then again this was a library, so being quite was the number one rule. Nonetheless, I walked up to the equine and placed my parchment once again on the table. Hoping that he might get the gist of why I’m here.

Hearing me place the parchment down he leaned up off the wall and looked at the parchment. Just like the coffee mare before, I could see his expression changing. Sliding the paper back to me he got up and ushered me to follow him.

Wow, this is way easier than I thought it would be. I didn’t even have to gesture anything, I stated to myself as I walked behind the pony. As we passed by all the tomes, scrolls and hard covered books we finally stopped. I knew exactly where this guy leads me and it made me feel like he was taking a shot at my intelligence.

Around me, I could see various toys. The brightly colored shelves and thin books brought me to the conclusion that he dragged me to the children’s section. Wow way to make me feel like a kid again, I commented mentally as I gave the stallion an unamused face. In return, he just shrugged to me and made his way back to the front.

Well, I guess these books are the only ones that I have a chance at actually understanding, I claimed to myself as I started to go through the multitude of books, pulling ones out that appeal to my situation.

One of the first books I pulled out seemed to go through the entire alphabet. While it was a proverbial gold mine for me, the cute pony pictures on the cover and inside made me embarrassed just looking at it. The other books I pulled out varied from little stories that would help me practice, to full-on lesson books that would teach me the basics.

At least I thought that’s what it was seeing as on the cover of one of the book had a pony in a graduation cap. While the other one had a picture of a pony in golden armor facing down a dragon. Might as well get this over with, I stated to myself as I wandered around the library until I found myself at a small table.

Not only that but it also had a couple of blank scrolls with a neatly placed quill in an inkwell. My inner self thanked the equines here for literally having blank sheets and quills everywhere. It sure was convenient for a person trying to learn a new language.

Placing my violin and bow against the table, I sat down on one of the cushions cross-legged. The first book I started off with was the alphabet one. I was pleading to the gods of this world that it was at least a little bit similar to the English language.





It was not… in fact, it seemed to be the furthest thing from the English language. The symbols that their letters were made out of made it hard for me to even grasp their basic concepts. Yet thankfully, as the time went on I soon found myself piecing this polyglot puzzle together. It seemed to take forever, but after hours of tedious work, I found myself able to write basic sentences.

Opening the lesson book, I let out a large grown. Everything in here looked so complicated, yet was meant for a foal to do it. With an audible *thunk* my head hit the table. “Stupid horses, stupid language, why can’t it be like music where you can just put your feelings into it,” I claimed to myself as I closed my eyes to take a little break. All these runes, rules and words were getting to me.

”Excuse me Sir, but I just had to ask. What is that instrument you have there?” A feminine voice spoke up. Too bad I still couldn’t understand any of it. With a grunt, I lifted my parchment up into the air. I didn’t even bother to look at who was talking to me, I was just so fed up with having to do everything myself.

Within seconds the note was taken from my hand and I let it fall to the table limply. There was a long silence in-between leading me to believe that whoever was there had just gone and left me taking my parchment with them. This idea, however, was thrown into the wind as I felt something nudging my head.

Well looks like break times over. I commented to myself as I looked up from the table.

Sitting across from me was a gray coated mare with a raven-black mane. Her eyes shun a vivid violet so strong that it was mesmerizing to look at. The one thing that pulled her apart from all the other equines was a simple pink bow tie around her neck.

I gave her a confused look, not just from the bow tie but from the fact that no one has ever come up to me since I came here. It was always me coming up to them, so this all was quite surprising to me.

Thankfully she didn’t see my surprised expression as she wrote something down on a blank scroll. When she finished, she looked up at me with a small smile before passing me the scroll. Since I was still very much new to the concept of equine writing, I had to translate each word to the English counterpart, then from there, I had to rewrite it so it made sense.

After about ten minutes later I had every word translated except for one. No matter how much I tried to decipher it I kept getting musical terms. None of them really made any sense since after reading the note over a couple hundred times I came to realize it must be her name. Deciding that I could always figure this out later I re-read the note to myself.

“Aren’t you a little bit too old to be reading books meant for foals. I’m [insert untranslatable word here] by the way.”

After reading the note I looked up at the mare with a ‘you fucking kidding me’ look. I was already embarrassed enough just reading these goddamn things, now this mare had to go and make it worse. This interaction, of course, cemented my statement that these horses were in fact sentient. Nevertheless, I pushed on and translated my own little message.

“You try learn new language.” Was all I could really write. I didn’t know some of their rules of writing went so I just left out the bits I didn’t feel confident about. Which in turn probably made me sound like a caveman.

After reading my little note the mare let out a little giggle. It took not but seconds before she produced another message to me. This, in turn, took another five minutes to decipher. The awkward silence the quill scratching produced made me feel rather uncomfortable.

Having translated yet another note I read it. “Would you like some help?”

I had to read the note again to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. Was this mare really serious about helping me learn their language? I looked up to see if she was, and sure enough, she nodded to me with a smile. I mean it would make learning so much easier, but then again I was using this mares time. Time I’m sure she would rather be using somewhere else.

Quickly writing a reply I handed it back to her, the content of the note read: “do not know me but willing help me?” Man, how was this mare putting up with my spelling? Nevertheless, I was thankful that she was pretty laid back, and even more thankful she could actually read it.

Like clockwork, she produced another note. Since we had been doing this for a while now I was starting to get the hang of it. I started to just look back at the old notes and copy their runes. This one only took a merely three minutes to translate. Looking at the note I come to see what she wrote.

“I’m always willing to help a fellow musician.” The last part spiked my interest as I scribbled down another note and handed it to her.

“You’re a musician?” It claimed I was actually quite pleased with that note. I had used a contraction, not only that but it was an actual full question. No missing words or anything. Hell, I could just talk to this mare and it will teach me faster than before.

“Yes, I play the cello. I assume that instrument you have with you is a violin of some sort.” She wrote down. This time, however, I noticed that she was looking at my translation notes for each message I decoding. Thinking nothing of it, I wrote my next response.

“It’s called an eclectic violin and yes it’s an instrument.” I didn’t explain how or why it was electric for that would’ve taken up too much time.

“When did you start playing?” She wrote back. What really caught me off guard was that half of the question was written in English while the other half was Equinish. Is this mare learning English? I stated to myself in shock. I got that she wanted to help me out, but for her to learn my language as well... she really goes that extra mile.

“19 years ago,” I claimed in another note. I kept it short and sweet, no need to put in a backstory or anything. As like before her delicate violet irises danced across the parchment as she wrote another message.

“Is playing the violin your job?” it stated once I received it. I didn’t even have to translate it, it was all English. Dam this mare learns fast! I claimed to myself as I scratched the response onto the same parchment.

“I guess you can still call it my job. I’m a street performer.” I wrote before sliding the paper over. While this was all quite tedious to do, it did wonders for teaching me how to write in their language.

“Street performer?” Was her reply. It then hit me, it hit me harder than a freight train transporting lead down a mountain. How could I have not noticed this before! I yelled to myself as I looked at the writing again.

Their language seemed to be a root dialect of the Icelandic language. A language that I remember studying back in high school for a history project. I wasn’t perfect at it; in fact, I was far from it. Yet I remember delving pretty deep into it, learning how it was structured and used in their society. Having nothing to lose I placed my quill back into the inkwell and spoke my first words to the equine race.

“Yes, I…” Nice, I stated to myself as I tried to think of the word. Looking down at the parchment I took a look at how it was spelled. Once I had it nailed down I continued, “…perform music on the streets.” A smile etched its way onto my face. Never in a million years would I of thought that their language was somehow connected to the ones back on earth.

It was now my time to look at the mare as she held a surprised yet impressed expression. She then placed her own quill down in the same inkwell and replied. “you seem to be getting the hang of learning the equestrian language.”

Obviously half of what she said I had to write down in order to get it, but when I did, I wrote my own reply down. Not wanting to go back to passing notes around like school kids I once again stated out loud what I had written. “I’m just as shocked as you are. I’m just glad I figured out a similar language.” I claimed.

At that, the gray colored mare smiled and looked off towards the clock hanging on the wall. As soon as her eyes glazed over it her expression dropped. “I’m really sorry, but I really must be going. I’m going to be late for one of my recitals!” She claimed at a fast pace. So fast that I only got half of what she said. Before I could even ask her to repeat what she said, she was already out the library door.

Did I say something wrong? I claimed to myself. I had only gotten through translating half of her sentence before she left. Well now I’ll never know, I claimed as I put the quill back in the Inkwell.

With an exaggerated sigh, I looked back down towards the children books in front of me particularly the lesson book. You and me book, we’re going to get along, I claimed with a determined tone as I picked up the ink tipped quill.





About four hours later I had the entire book completed. Which to anyone without context would seem like a lot. Sadly, it being a children’s book in all, only had a hand full of pages. Pages that I kept empty, as the parchment beside it held all the answers. After all, this was a library book, no need to mark up the pages.

Gathering up all of the scrolls I had worked on, I placed them into my makeshift poncho bag. After which I stacked all the remaining scrolls neatly where I found them. Only having to put back the children books I borrowed I got up off the cushions and immediately regretted my decision.

All of that time spent cross-legged really did a number on my legs. As soon as I got up the sore feelings came rushing through. There was not a single part of my thighs that didn’t hurt. Even as I attempted to loosen them up with some stretches, they still felt like they were on fire when I walked over to the children section.

Oh god, I forgot how painful sitting cross-legged could become, I whined placing the books back where I found them. Thankfully, a task that didn’t take as long with my new knowledge of the equine language. It was a nice feeling knowing that all these runes didn’t look completely foreign anymore.

With a bit more prep in my step, I arrived back at my table in no time. My bag, bow, and violin sat there leaning against one of the legs of the table. Oh, shit should've brought those with me, I claimed to myself as I remembered the amp incident. Never again would I trust my belongings alone in this horse world.

Thankful that my possessions had yet to be stolen, I quickly and lively picked them up and wandered back into the chilly fall air. The iconic cobblestone streets laid in front of me as I once again took in the beauty of the city.

While it held no more festive vibe, the fall atmosphere seemed to fit the architecture perfectly. The trees that sprouted periodically by the houses surrendered their amber leaves to the wind. The clouds above the city parted just enough to allow small god rays to make their way down and tint the city their marmalade glow.

Inspiration seemed to come to me as my grip on my violin tightened. My body was screaming to let its inner voice speak. I couldn’t hold it back even if I wanted it to. Within seconds I found myself by one of the cities fountains, my bow already on the strings of my violin.

Equines off all kinds were passing me by as I started my mental countdown to the song I had in mind. One that seemed to fit this particular scene perfectly. Letting the first note ring out, most of the ponies that were walking by instantly turned their gaze towards me. Some of which stopped entirely and continued to listen to my music as it poured out of my violin.

Each note was perfect, holding just the right amount of vigor to give off a nice autumn vibe. The song I played was Autumn Leaves by Joseph Kosma, a jazz song that I particularly loved to play. It’s enticing tempo and melody seemed to make me want to dance.

I found that such a relaxing song was needed after the stressful two days I had spent here. It seemed like I was not the only one to think this as I risked a glance at my now growing audience. I could see my music getting to them as some swayed to the rhythm. I in all honestly didn’t care, I was doing this more for myself than anything else.

As the music continued more and more horses came to see my performance. Some joining in with the swaying while others seemed to get right into the groove and pull their partner in for a little swing dancing. A type of dancing I hadn’t seen a very long time.

Nevertheless, who was I to stop their fun? I just continued on with the song, adding my own little twists here and there. The ponies around didn’t seem to mind my own little accent on it as they continued to dance along. My smile that I sported in the library while talking to that bow-tied mare came back to me as I finished off the song with a nice long vibrated E.

Tapering off the song I was once again greeted by a round of applause as the equines around me stomped their hooves. I felt as if I should continue, but went against the idea as I took note of the descending sun. It’s position right above the towering buildings told me all I needed to know. The day was ending, bringing with it a loud grumble from my stomach.

The crowd of ponies seemed to have thought that was funny as they let out a chuckle. I, on the other hand, was surprised to no end when they once again tossed the gold coins my way. I knew that I was going to get some cash for the performance, but for every pony present to toss in a coin or two left me speechless.

Of course, I was not the one to leave cold hard cash laying around. As they started to leave the scene I went up and collected the coins that had been tossed my way. I counted each coin I placed in my poncho bag, leading me all the way up to one hundred coins.

Looking back in my poncho bag I couldn’t believe how much I earned. This would leave me almost enough for one week at the fancy hotel. With that thought in mind, I made a decision that I would treat myself today. I had gone through a lot of emotional work not to mention all of the learning I did today in the library.

A contempt smile breached my lips as I brought my bow down. My smile, however, didn’t last long as a nagging feeling came to the back of my head. I’m forgetting something, but what is it, I stated as I looked down to the rosin-coated strings of my violin.

rosin… “ROSIN!” I yelled out loud causing a couple of stallions and mares to look at me. The idea of food lost as the sudden realization came to me. Fuck how could I have forgotten to get rosin! I claimed to myself as I set off to find any form of music store. If I were to run out of rosin, then I would find myself running out of these gold coins as well. The violin after all functions solely because of the stuff.





After about two more hours I found what I was searching for. A wooden sign embroidered with a treble clef swinging in the autumn breeze. Walking in seemed to solidify my thoughts. A multitude of music instruments lined the walls of the shop. While in the middle, stood rack upon racks of pieces of vinyl. Having one thing in mind I walked up to the mare manning the counter. Her muzzle deep inside what looked to be the local paper.

Having my intentions of grabbing this mare’s attention, I tapped on the counter with my hand. Can I help you, sir? The mare claimed in a deadpanned tone. She didn’t even take her gaze away from the magazine.

I almost facepalmed when I realized I didn’t have my parchment and quill out. While I could wing it, I wouldn’t want to have a rerun of the gray equine again. It still confused me as to why she left in such a hurry.

This, however, just left me standing there in front of the mare in an awkward silence. When she didn’t hear any response, she looked up from the newspaper an unamused look on her face.

”You gonna keep staring at me or you gonna buy somethin’” The mare stated, raising an eyebrow in the process.

Acting fast I quickly gestured how one would rosin a bow with my own. The mare seemed to catch the drift at what I was hinting at as she pointed a hoof over to a section of the store. Nodding my thanks, I walked over to the place she directed me to.

As expected a multitude of different rosins met my eye. The labels on them were all obviously in Equnish. Great time to get out my notes. I stated sarcastically to myself. Pulling my poncho bag down I rummaged through all the coins and pulled out the sheets I had been working on in the library. With no quill, it took me an extra five minutes to decipher what each rosin label stated.

“Hoofsine light violin rosin.” I wanted a dark rosin for the coming winter so I left this one and went to the next one in line.

“Melos dark violin rosin.” I was immediately satisfied that it was not only a dark rosin but it also looked like a good brand. It’s golden letters and the black box seemed to state that much. The price tag, however, seemed a bit high. Seeing as my hotel was 20 coins per night, a 5 coin rosin seemed to be pretty expensive.

Who says I don’t take care of you, I claimed looking at the violin. Might as well buy some other things for you while I’m still here, I commented to the violin in my hands as I wandered over to where the cases were.

trumpet, clarinet, bass clarinet, flute… aha, violin! I stated mentally as I reached out for the hard shell violin case. It was pretty heavy duty compared to the others on the shelf, but this was my metaphorical baby. Ah to hell with it how much does it cost any… 50 fucking bits! Holy shit! I yelled out mentally. At least I had learned the name of their currency in the process.

Knowing that I’d have to bite the bullet someday I placed both the case and the rosin on the counter. I would have bought some extra strings as well, but I had just replaced them a couple days before coming here. Buying another set would have just been redundant not to mention I have to save some money up for food and the hotel.

Forking over the required amount of the mare behind the counter quickly counted them out and took them. ”Thanks for coming to quartertone’s.” She said before plunging right back into the newspaper.

I really need to start learning basic phrases by memory, I commented to myself as I waved to the mare. Not like it really mattered she still had her muzzle in the newspaper. Realizing that there was nothing left for me here, I exited the store with my brand-new violin case in one hand, and my bag of bits in the other.

Following my way back to the hotel, I stopped once again at the coffee shop. At this time my stomach had restated what it said before about a million times before I got to the counter. As expected there was a different pony at the front, the only thing that was similar to the mare before was the olive green apron.

”Welcome to Well Bean can I get your order.” The stallion at the counter asked.

Knowing what needs to be done I gave him the parchment that displayed my current predicament. A small nod later I pointed to my desired item on the list above. Seeing my order the stallion went back and got it prepared. While he did that, I pulled out my bag of bits and placed the required amount down.

I knew that having coffee shop breakfast and dinner was not healthy. Yet, in all honesty, I wasn’t really in the mood to continue looking around for a real place to eat either. So, I just opted to take a bagel and a cup of green tea. At least being able to read Equinish is helpful for something, I said to myself as the stallion came back.

With no time at all our little exchange was complete and I was on my way back to my hotel. Today was a good day, I had gone from moping around my hotel to learning how to translate. With a satisfied smirk on my face, I tossed the violin case over my shoulder and made my way down the cobblestone street.
> 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.
> Chapter Five - The Devil Deals the Cards
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A little ray of sunshine broke through the overcast skies as leaves danced upon the autumn breeze. Notes of a song both soothing and rich weaved itself into the atmosphere, creating color as well as catching the curious glimpses of passing ponies. They were like the first sips of tea one would have as they gazed out of their window all bundled up.

It was a piece by Mozart no doubt. Who else could instill so much raw emotion into a song? Nevertheless, whether people agreed with me or not, I continued to slide my rosin coated bow across the metallic strings. The notes it produced followed the melody of his Violin Concerto No. 5 in A. Today I decided to skip the first and dive right into the second movement.

I wanted to let Mozart into this world for the first time to inspire others to rise up above the rest. I wanted these ponies to turn their attention to me and feel the music I put forth. Just like the sad song I played yesterday, I found my passion for the art seep into every crevice of the song. Molding and shaping it into something new, something that was mine to own.

Whether it was the city, the ponies or the atmosphere bringing my musical mind to life I had no idea; and quite frankly I didn’t care. I was having fun while the ponies all around me enjoyed my performance. But enough of the honeyed words, back to the music at hand.

In order to make this piece shine, one would have to be skilled with the placements of the vibratos. In fact, it was the numerous vibratos that kept the piece together. Both giving it support while at the same time enriching the flow and injecting emotion.

Well... that's at least my opinion on the song. I’m sure many folks back home would have different reasons for liking the piece. In fact, I’m sure they would even have their own preferences on what would be ideal to play at this time. That was the curse of the arts you see, for the fans may have your back, but the critics' words cut deeper than any blade.

To be loved by many requires the hatred of the few. For there will always be those who are jealous of your fame and others who have different tastes. To completely be loved by all is an impossible feat all artist must strive to achieve. A true internal war that's end will be met when but only one remains.

Rocking my index finger on the string I slowly put an end to the magnificent piece, leaving behind a small hint of nostalgia in the air. Sadly, unlike the days prior, when I looked out to the ponies not many were watching. Like every other profession, you had your fast days and your slow days. Since not many ponies were out and about, that meant the coinage was scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Nonetheless, the ponies that were watching let a little cheer escape their hooves as I gave a gracious bow. Getting back up I looked back towards the clock on top of the pole just outside the coffee shop. It’s time read 11:45 which meant that I have another fifteen minutes left till I’m scheduled to meet Octavia for our personal tour of Canterlot.

Deciding that was enough performing for one day, I packed up my things, thanked the small crowd again and made my way into The Well Bean. With the change I had conjured up from my performance, I walked up to the counter and made a small purchase of one large green tea. Of course, adding two sugars and two milks into it when I was finished and sitting in my usual spot.

Cupping my hands around the warm cup of tea, I bent down and took a long sniff of the beverage. Just from the smell alone, I could feel the caffeine doing its work. With nothing holding my addiction back I picked up the cup, closed my eyes and took a long sip of the tea.

“I knew tea was good, but not that good,” came the familiar voice of Octavia that did everything but make the drink go down my throat. In fact, her sudden appearance made me choke on said concoction and shoot open my eyelids.

Just as I had foretold, Octavia was sitting across the table from me. A warm smile etched onto her muzzle as she tried to cover up her chuckles from escaping their prison by burying her muzzle into her lavender scarf.

Downing, what was left in my mouth I gave her a piercing glare, “Will I ever be able to drink normally when you’re around?” I question taking another sip of my tea, albeit more cautiously this time.

Octavia chuckled at my response, “It’s not my fault you make it so easy! Whats a mare to do when the opportunity presents itself so clearly?” As she stated her mind, her eyes wandered over to my violin case, “did you perform today?”

Placing the cup down I nodded, “Yeah, though I didn’t really get much. Not many ponies are out and about today.”

“I would assume so,” Octavia added on, “with the festival of the two sisters over, ponies all around are spending time with their families.” The way she said the last part was like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Which of course sparked a whole boatload of questions for me.

The most important of which I asked first, “So why aren't you spending time with your family?”

“I’m an only child and my father is working today. Since it would only be me and my mom, she decided to just be fine with dinner. To be honest I thought I was going to be sitting in my room all day today until yesterday. Funny how things work out in the end.” Octavia commented.

“I don’t know how much more entertaining I’ll be then your room, but I’ll try my best.” I joked causing Octavia to let out another little chuckle. She had this way of making everything she did cute. Like now how she put her hoof in front of her muzzle when she laughed.

Placing her hoof back down onto the table, she replied, “I don’t know? My room is pretty entertaining what with my cello and all. You have a lot to live up to, not anyone can just take time away from me and my instruments.”

Rolling my eyes I got up from the table, “Say what you will, but if I remember correctly you’re the one that is showing me around today.”

It was now Octavia's turn to roll her eyes at me, “my job is to show you around, not keep you entertained.” I could tell from the way she was joking around that there laid more than just a timid mare under all that fur. In fact, I saw quite the opposite, a stoic mare that when determined could do anything short of resurrecting the dead.

Either way, as I moved to leave, Octavia followed in tow, “So what's first on the agenda today?” I ask stopping on the side of the street. Willow carved wagons and carts rolled by on the road. Each one being pulled by ponies escorting other ponies or goods to stores. Once again I was hit with the realization of just how different -yet similar- our two worlds are.

“The auditorium’s first as it's on the way to the castle. If you’re telling the truth of not knowing anything about Canterlot then the castle is the must-see attraction.” Octavia lectured like a professional tourist guide.

Nodding in response to a well thought out plan and without any further dilly-dallying the two of us made our way towards the Canterlot auditorium or the more professional Canterlot Theater for the Performing Arts.

It was humbling to see that not only humans treasured the musical arts. Yet, for some odd reason, it was even more so that my feet and her hooves were walking side-by-side on the cobblestone road.





Like chaff before the wind, we soon found ourselves getting closer to the auditorium. To be honest the excitement of seeing their version of a theater made me feel like a kid again. I’m also pretty sure Octavia took note of that too as she kept detailing the place we were headed to. Never in all my life would I think a mare would be able to tease me so.

On the other hand, other than the constant butterflies in my stomach, the walk to the auditorium was beautiful. After we went off the beaten path of the cobblestone street we walked through a very well maintained park. Flora that should not be in bloom in the crisp air were. Some kind of magic I'm sure, but that didn’t help the fact that I was awestruck by the beauty of it all.

Yet through this all we both were silent. Not an awkward silence mind you, but a nice relaxing one as we kept to ourselves. Coming to the mutual agreement that the atmosphere was more than enough for the both of us.

This all changed however when I took my first steps into the auditorium, or at least I thought they were my first steps. “I’ve been here before,” I commented taking in the Hollywoodesk theater design.

Hearing my statement, Octavia looked over to me with a curious expression, “Really? What was the reason for your last visit?”

“Some mare tossed in a flyer for an audition to some event when I was performing on my second day here. It took me a better part of two hours to find a mare to point me in the right direction.” I relayed mulling over the past as we continued into the theater.

Sure enough, as we passed the large double doors, the same stage with the same red velvet seats came into view. The warm amber glow all theaters seemed to have washed over the seating and stage. This was the reason I loved theaters so much, no matter if it's the Sydney Opera House or a local theater, they all hold that special feeling to me. Like my gut was about to burst from the inspiration and excitement.

“Oh, the public tryouts for the Hearts Warming eve show.” Octavia deduced as we continued down the aisle of the empty theater, “You must’ve impressed somepony in order for them to think you could make it.  While it's not the Canterlot Orchestra, it's a large step up in the music industry here to be picked for the Hearth's Warming eve show.”

I playfully nudged Octavia in the side, “You saying I don’t have what it takes to play at the Hearth’s Warming eve show?” I questioned unclipping my violin case and taking the instrument by the neck before heading onto the stage.

Giving me a curious look Octavia replied, “That's exactly what I'm saying. What are you going to do about it?”

“I’m going to do what I always do... perform!” I comment taking out my bow and sliding it across the first string, rocking my hips to the music a bit. This, of course, caused Octavia’s chuckle to turn into full-on laughter as I continued to dance to my little fiddle song, “Come join me!” I offered doing a little spin with my violin.

Waving her hoof at me she let out another chuckle before saying, “No I’m quite alright here. I’m not much of dancer.”

Sadly, for her, I had a song just for this moment. Well… that and she was positioned next to the stage when she declined. It was just so perfect that I had to do it. Moving my bow to my other hand I reached down and pulled her up onto the stage. As quickly as I could I started up the next song, ‘minor swing’ by Django Reinhardt a recent favorite of mine that I never really got to do a cover on. I guess we’ll find out today if I could play off improv.

I knew she would try and find a way off the stage so I immediately spun to the side of her that lead to the stage's exit. Letting the first notes enter the air around us, I could see Octavia nervousness start to fade into a questioning stare. To be completely honest here I had no idea why I was doing any of this, was it to impress her? Was it for fun? Or was it the fact that I really liked her smile?

Nevertheless, I wasn’t going to just leave the notes to do the talking as I bumped Octavia with my hip as I danced by her. If Octavia was confused before she was completely lost now as I continued on with the song. The upbeat tune and swing nature of the song practically forced people or pony, in this case, to dance along.

“H-hay!” Octavia protested as soon as she realized she was swaying to the beat. Falling perfectly for my plan. At this point, she was completely flustered and at a complete loss of words. I mean I would be to if someone just randomly started playing a song before dancing to it.

Yet, in the end, my actions would all be for nothing if I didn’t get her to loosen up a little bit on stage. So I pulled out the big guns as I gave her a little spin and nudged her with my leg once more. Just as I planned it started to work as her smile grew and she started to sway to the beat even more.

Before long I got her to dance a little with me as I finished up the song. Now mind you, the music wasn’t that great because I had no track following me, nor did I have my amp or various other equipment. The dancing?... well the dancing lead a lot to be desired but, in the end, I think I made her day the same way she made mine when she offered to help me in the library.

A little thank you dance to settle the scores.

Sitting down on the edge of the stage with Octavia I placed the violin back into the case, “Bet you didn’t see that one coming in your plan?”

“Indeed I didn’t plan to see your horrible moves today,” Octavia joked as she nudged me back in the arm.

“Oi! You of all ponies shouldn’t be making fun of my moves. What was that move you did at the end again?” I questioned.

As soon as I said it her face flushed beet red, “You tell anyone about that and I’ll punch you for real!”

“Looked like some kind of possessed squirrel- OW! that hurt,” I trailed off rubbing my right shoulder.

“And there are many more where that came from if you tell anypony else.” Octavia huffed as she jumped off the stage.

Snapping shut my case I lugged it over my shoulder and walked up beside her, “Alright, I get the point. Don’t tell anyone about your dancing and I get to continue living an unbruised man.”

Nodding her head we both made our way outside the auditorium. I was actually quite shocked that it was completely empty today. Usually, those places are booked tight for practices. I guess since Octavia has a day off the rest of the orchestra has it off as well. That just leaves the question of how many other orchestras does Canterlot have?

“I couldn’t help but notice from the first song that you can fiddle as well. Do you know any more or do you just dabble in it?” Octavia spoke up as we continued down the road towards the castle in the distance.

Moving the case to a better position I nod my head, “It’s fun playing serious pieces and all, but once in a while you just have to play fast. I find fiddling helps me become a better violinist by exercising my mind and fingers. Sadly, it doesn't sound as good on an electric then it does on an acoustic. Not to mention someone stole my amp.”

“Somepony stole your what?” Octavia questioned.

“My amplifier, without it the electric violin kinda sounds lame. I would be way better off if I had an acoustic one. It’s funny really, I miss the feel and sound of the acoustic. It’s been so long since I’ve played one.” I commented with a longing look in my eyes.

It was then that Octavia stopped in her tracks as, “wait, so all this time you were hooftycapped?”

“Sort of… yeah. The notes aren't as sharp and the volume is way lower on an electric. But what can I do? It’s all I got on me at the moment, and I highly doubt there’s a decent violin for 100 bits.” The more I talked about how shit my violin was without the peripherals the more it depressed me. Would I be better off ditching the electric altogether here and pick up the traditional one? I knew I could never just up and leave my electric forever, but for the start, it would be best to go back to the wood and varnish.

Stopping myself I looked over to Octavia who was now behind me. It seemed like she was on the fence about something as she slowly chewed on her idea a little bit longer. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long as she decided to hell with it and spat it out, “Would you want to come over to my place?”

Caught completely off guard by her proposition, I raised an eyebrow and brought my violin case to my side. Before I could say anything, She quickly corrected herself, “I-I mean to play an acoustic violin. My mother used to be a fiddler and she never uses it anymore. I just thought since you were talking about it and all that you would like to try it?”

The more she talked the more her face turned red. It was quite charming to see a pony stutter and stumble over something so trivial. Either way, it kinda felt wrong to take her up on the offer. I mean it’s her mother's violin.

“You sure it’s okay with me trying out you’re mothers violin?” I questioned as we finally came up upon the giant marble wall. My mind making sure I remembered my last experience here.

Once again Octavia chewed on the question, weighing the pros and cons. Like before, she seemed to just say ‘to hell with it’ and reply, “I’m sure she’ll be fine with you playing a song or two on it. Her violin has been doing nothing but catching dust these past few years, it’s about time that somepony dusted it off.”

“Well, in that case, I look forward to meeting your mother,” I respectfully stated as we both stopped at the gate. “So, back to the tour. What's so special about this place?” I questioned.

Following my change in topic, Octavia looked back over to the castle. “This is the Canterlot Castle built in the five-hundreds. It’s the only castle on Equis that has never seen a battle. It is known outside of Equestria as the Peacetime Gift. As not only ponies but griffons built it.”

I could see she was getting into the little lesson. To be honest I was enjoying the lecture as well. It was interesting seeing a whole new culture that had its own history.

“It is rumored that the castle is not only held up by the foundation but magic as well. Thankfully, the ground level of the castle is open to the public at all hours. Plus, there's a gorgeous restaurant that serves salad to die for. Too bad it costs an arm and a leg to even get in. I’ve only seen it because I performed there once.”

I nodded as she ended her speech, “Well then, let's go in and take a look around.”

I didn’t have to say it twice as Octavia practically dragged me in. She barely gave me enough time to look around the exquisite garden. To think that I thought the theaters garden was amazing, this one had it beat ten times over. Not only that but as we entered through the main archway, I got to see the master craftsmanship that went into building this place.

The floor was made out of polished marble, each wall adorned decorations that left the cobblestone behind it hidden. Every window we passed had a mural of a specific event that shattered the light coming through it. This, in turn, decorated the entire inside in a multitude of lights. Even the guards wore what I assumed was decorative armor as it gleamed in the sunlight. It took all my willpower to keep my jaw from hitting the floor.

I must have looked like a tourist to Octavia as I stopped by each painting, admiring each stroke the artists had done. All the paintings were framed in an ornament gold frame that had small stories of their own etched into them. Looking back over to Octavia, I come to see her quite a bit ahead of me looking into a room.

Walking up to her, I too looked into the room as well. Ponies of what I could assume were high-class were seated around multiple tables enjoying classical music as they happily consumed the meals in front of them.

“What I would do to get in there,” Octavia stated.

This, in turn, confused me, she was practically a celebrity being in the Canterlot Orchestra. So why was she ‘dreaming’ of going to a place that was practically built for ponies like her? “I’m surprised you don’t eat here every day with you being the orchestra.”

Octavia looked at me and let out a small chuckle, “If only, this place is reserved for nobles and the princesses. You either have to be on good terms with Celestia or Luna before they would even consider letting you in.”

“Who’s Celestia and Luna?” I questioned.

Now I know I said something wrong as Octavia turned her complete undivided attention to me. “I know you live all the way out in Manehattan but to not know of Celestia and Luna you must have been living under a rock.”

“I’m guessing their big here in Equestria?” I questioned.

“Try the rulers of Equestria,” Octavia rolled her eyes. “That celebration a couple days ago was honoring them.”

I probably looked like a complete idiot in her eyes not knowing that, but to be fair I am an alien here. Too bad she didn’t believe me when I said so back at The Well Bean. Then right there out of the blue Octavia’s eyes widened as she bowed before me.

Being taken completely off guard, I turned around to see a large white pony with a mane that seemed to defy gravity. Her horn and wings tugging at my mind as my eyes stared directly into hers for a couple of seconds before she spoke up.

“Hello,” She stated in an all to familiar voice. “Sorry but you seem to be in the way.” She continued gesturing towards the doorway we were currently blocking.

Squinting my eyes I questioned, “I’ve heard your voice before, do I know you?” Glancing down at Octavia to see her eyes widen at my question.

The mare raised an eyebrow seemingly surprised, before she pondered my question, “Oh, you were the one my noble brought out of the streets.”

Now it was my time for my eyes to widen. The gears in my head started to turn as I came to the conclusion that this was Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria. Moments after my surprise died down my eyes narrowed, “You should be more careful dealing with your subjects. I almost threw my back out the way I was tossed out of your castle.”

I could hear Octavia take a large breath of air. Almost like she was waiting to be incinerated or something.

Celestia furrowed her brow at my response, “I have no evidence of this, you were taken out by one of my guards. Do you have any proof to this claim?”

“Other than my sore back,” I answered.

Letting out a small sigh she let her head drop, “without evidence I cannot act on this. However, you have my sincere apologies. Now I would like to continue our talk but I have an urgent matter to attend to.”

Stepping out of the way, Celestia walked into the restaurant before being seated by another dark blue pony. The blue pony looked at Celestia then to me. I looked right back giving her the stink eye. It was quite humorous as I watched the blue pony scoff and then furrowed her brow at me.

Looking down I come to see Octavia recovering from a small heart attack. After recomposing herself she looked back up to me with a look I could only describe as ‘What the fuck?’.

“Hay she threw me out of the castle, it’s only fair that I let her know I was not happy about it,” I state following her away from the restaurant.

“She’s our ruler, shouldn’t you show just a little respect?” She questioned.

This time it was my head that fell, “You’re right, I should have at least showed a little respect by bowing. I was too caught up in the moment to really think, so I just let my mind speak.”

Letting out a sigh, Octavia replied, “that will be your downfall.”

“I always thought my good looks would be my downfall?” I joked trying to lighten the mood.

It worked, as Octavia bumped my hip with her side, “You keep thinking that, now let's finish up the rest of the tour. I’m starting to get hungry and I just know that my mother is gonna bake her world renown cherry pie for dessert.”

“Ah, a fellow sweets connoisseur,” I replied in a posh tone.

“Indeed, for life without sweets is a life not worth living at all.” She joked back in her own posh tone.

Looking at her with one of my eyebrows raised we both let out a couple of laughs before getting back into the tour.





The rest of the tour seemed to fly on by as me and Octavia started to get comfortable with one and another. We each swapped stories about our lives while occasionally admiring the lovely decor that castle had to offer. Time went by so fast that before we knew it, we both were standing in front of what I assumed was Octavia's home.

It wasn’t as big as all the other houses, but what it lost in size it made up for in character. Looking at their own little garden, I let a small smile grace my lips. Even here on a completely different planet they still had hydrangeas. It reminded me of my own families home back on earth, as my mother used to love hydrangeas. The entire garden was practically filled with them.

Stopping at the door, Octavia looked back over towards me. She had that same unsure look on her face as she said, “now my mothers quite the character as you’ll find out. Just be yourself and before you’ll know it you’ll have that violin in your hooves.”

Nodding Octavia opened the door before calling out, “I’m back, I brou-” was all she could say before her mother -a tan-coated mare with a blond mane- came rushing into the hallway. She was busy looking down at her bowl as she mixed some dough with her mouth while she held the bowl in her left forehoof. She had flower patches all over her face as she spoke.

“Good, you can help me make the rest of the pie. Celestia knows doing it by yourself is a hassle. How was your dat-” Was all she said before she looked up towards us, causing her to promptly drop the mixing spoon out of her mouth.

“You brought him home already?!” She practically shouted rushing back into the kitchen before coming back out moments later. Her mane straightened and muzzle clear of flower. Giving Octavia the same stink eye I gave the blue pony at the castle, she came up to me with a smile.

“My I haven't seen anything like you around. You must be foreign. Anyways I’m Harmony, Octavia’s mother.” She stated holding out her hoof.

Taking her hoof in my hand I replied, “You could say I'm foreign. Name’s Erik, Octavia here was telling me that you play the violin as well.”

“Really?” She questioned looked back over to Octavia, one of which was fiddling with her hoof. “I’m a bit rusty, it’s been a few years since I last played, but one never truly forgets how to play.”  She continued looking back over to me.

I could already see it in her eyes, she was itching to play again but she couldn’t without a good reason. I would know because I must have had that exact same look in my eyes. At that moment we both clicked like two pieces of the same puzzle. With a small smirk, I placed a little wager.

“Let me tell you what: I bet you didn’t know it but I’m fiddle player too. And if you’d care to take a dare, I’ll make a bet with you.”

This caught Harmony's attention as she looked over to me with a smirk. She knew where this was going as she continued to hear my bet though. On the other hand, Octavia was looking at me like I had grown a second head as I continued.

“Now I bet you play a pretty good fiddle, but give me my due. I bet a couple of gold against your own, ‘cos I think I’m better than you.”

Harmony looked at me with fire in her eyes as she turned around and left the hallway. Looking over to Octavia I come to see her facehoofing.

“Look what you did now Erik, my mother thinks my first friend is a w-” was all she could say before her mother came back with a pristine acoustic violin. If I didn’t know any better I would say it was a Stradivarius design making it worth millions. The moment my eyes fell on the masterpiece in her grasp I gulped. I might have bitten off more than I could chew.

“Now if my names Harmony and it might be a sin, but I’ll take your bet, your gonna regret ‘cos I’m the best that’s ever been!”

I didn’t know whether to be impressed that she knew what to say or the fact that she was actually taking me up on this bet. Either way, I smiled back as I opened up my case before saying, “I’ll start this show.” The only thing missing was fire flying out of my fingertips as I rosined up my bow.

Once again witnessing Octavia facehoof I shouldered my sleek black metallic violin and pulled the bow across the strings making a screeching sound. Octavia covered her ears as I turned a knob on the bottom of my violin.

Using short pulls, I mimicked the beginning of the song. Then out of nowhere, I started to get faster and faster until I placed myself back into the song. Even though it was the beginning, I played so fast that I was beginning to sweat. A quick look up rewarded me with an impressed look on Harmonies part as Octavia brought her hooves down from her ears.

The notes continued to get higher and higher before quickly making my way back down. Each note perfectly played, every vibrato expertly rung out. She stood no chance, as I learned from others I was a god at playing fast. Letting the last note ring out I placed the bow to my side and motioned towards Harmony.

Picking up her own violin she smirked again, “Well you’re pretty good ol’ son, but if you’ll sit down in that chair, right there, and let me show you how it's done.”

Opting to stand, I watched as she put the bow to the stings. What came out shredded what I had just played to pieces. I would have to go back to Sharp Note and tell him he was a big fat liar. This mare played faster than I have ever heard anyone play and that's saying something coming from an avid player myself.

I continued to watch in awe as she held up the pace before letting go of the last note. I couldn’t help but bow my head. She was obviously the superior fiddler, speechless I took out my coin pouch and took out ten bits.

Smiling an innocent smile, Harmony said “come on back if you ever want to try again. I told you once, you son of a bitch, I’m the best that’s ever been!”

“Mother!” Octavia gasped at her mother's language.

It was so out of the left field that I couldn’t help but laugh as Harmony walked away continuing to play the song.

After my laughter died down, I looked over to Octavia, “You’re families awesome. I wish my mom was a cool as yours.”

Octavia just shook her head as her mother came back into the hallway. “It’s been ages since I’ve had a real competition, but it looks like I still got it.” She boasted tossing the bits I gave her around in her hoof. “Just remember, if you want these bits back you’ll have to beat me.” She continued with a wink.

“I’ll get them one day, mark my words,” I replied as she ushered us into the living room.

Walking in I was once again speechless. The entire room was decorated with music related stuff. They had an old gramophone in the corner, violins hanging up on the walls and even pictures of Harmony and Octavia winning a multitude of awards.

“If I came in here before meeting you, I would have never challenged you,” I said admiring the number of trophies and ribbons.

Harmony batted her hoof in my direction, “I bet you have tons of ribbons yourself. What with your playing you must be the second best fiddler in Canterlot.” Once again she winked at the end of her statement.

“Actually I’ve never won any awards. I’ve only ever entered one competition but never made it past the trials. I guess competition was never in my blood. I preferred to play in public and brighten other peoples days.” I casually stated as I sat down on a cushion by the table.

I watched as Harmony walked back over towards the hallway, “I wish more musicians think like you. Not too many are willing to risk bits for art.” as she said this she exited the room, “Dinner will be ready in a few, so stay a while. Why not try an actual violin out while you're at it.”

“Oi don't diss my violin!” I hollered back inflicting a chuckle from Octavia who was seated beside me.

Turning my attention back towards her, Octavia smile, “I never would have guessed my mother would have gotten along with you that well.”

“Truth be told, when your mother gets serious she's scary,” I commented causing the both of us to chuckle. “So now that I got your mother's go ahead, you want to play a duet?”

Octavia was taken back from my request, “You have a piece for the cello and violin?” she questioned.

“Loads,” I said as I opened my case. Inside was a mess of sheet music I haphazardly threw in there. You know, just in case I forgot my satchel bag, but truthfully because I was too lazy to open said satchel bag.

Eyes widening in joy as she nodded her head, “Sure, just let me get it.”
> Chapter Six - Partners in Crime
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

To say I waited patiently would be a lie. Here I was a lowly street performer that played just well enough to scrape by with rent, waiting on a pony named Octavia. Even though here in this exhilarating new world, that leaked inspiration from every chip, crack and crevice I was nothing compared to the talented ponies that played during the festival.

So no, I was not waiting patiently as Octavia a pony that played for said festival got her cello ready to play a duet with me. Oh, the butterflies in my stomach just wouldn't settle down, even if I brought the bug spray. Instead, my mind started to wander over to what song to play. I had a couple in mind, but for the first duet, I wanted it to be something a bit more memorable.

Churning through my violin case, I come across a sheet of music that made me smile. A simple two-minute and twenty-second long song that I personally always wanted to play. The name of the piece was Before Time by Thomas Bergersen. An excellent composer of emotional music, one of which I had the pleasure of playing.

I knew that there was way more to the song than just the cello and a violin, but I deduced by the sheet music that it would sound just as great with the two of us. If anything it might add a new feeling to the song altogether.

“Did you find what you’re looking for?” Questioned Octavia as she came downstairs lugging a large black case on her back. I was quite surprised -what with a cello being so big- that she was able to comfortably balance it.

Nodding in response, I placed the sheet music on the table. “I think this will do. It’s short, not to complex as to be impossible to learn and lastly, to top it all off, it sounds amazing.” I commented snapping shut my case before looking back over to Octavia.

“Amazing? I’ll be the judge of that.” Octavia playfully stated as she trotted over to the table and looked over the sheet. “You’re right with the simplicity of it. Give me a couple more minutes to look it over and it shouldn't be too hard to follow along.”

I let a small smile escape my lips, “A piece is only as-”

“Simple as you make it. I know.” Octavia finished my sentence. Her eyes continuing to scan over the piece, no doubt looking at parts where she could add her own little flair. As would I, except when it comes to adding in my own two cents, I usually go off improve rather than plan it out. I find it's more exciting playing that way.

“Alright, let's give it a go,” She said opening her case.

I watched in amazement as Octavia -a pony- took her cello out, leaned it against her shoulder, rosened up her bow all before standing up on her back hooves. Back on Earth if she did this people would be either screaming or taking pictures with their smartphones. The only question is, which one of them would I be?

“Ehem Erik?” She questioned breaking me out of my thoughts, “are you going to get ready?”

Shaking my head I nodded, “Yup, ready when you are,” I quickly replied recomposing myself.

Octavia nodded as she looked back at the sheet music. One of which was now placed on a stand in front of her. Taking a deep breath she placed her bow to the strings and pulled the first note into the air. Their it lingered, like fog on the early morning water. My eyes glazing over as I relaxed myself to her music.

Hearing my part come up I cradled the violin in the nook of my neck as I placed my own bow against the strings. Unlike her long and gentle notes, mine came out sharp and short, mimicking the tick-tock of a clock.

The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as she came in right alongside me. A large base heavy note that ascends in pitch. At this point I let my fingers play the harmony off memory as I continued to listen to Octavia play the melody.

Chancing a glance, I looked over to her. Her beautiful violet eyes were half-lidded as she carefully read the music in front of her. The black strands of her neatly kept mane brushed up against her cello as she pulled another deep and powerful note into existence. I was mesmerized as I continued to follow along.  

She was playing it perfectly, I could feel the emotions she put forth into each note. To my ears, the sound was so smooth and relaxing it reminded me of my bed back home. It reminded me of the rainy days I spent just for myself to sit back and relax.

Deeper notes came, longer pulls, and riveting vibratos flue around the room creating a nostalgic feeling I had trouble putting into words.

I played this song a lot by myself in my apartment. I always used to practice the part where the violin came in. How overpowering it was to the main cello. Yet, now as we neared just that part, I didn’t want to drown it out. Instead, I wanted to keep listening to her play the melody.

So instead, I pushed these happy emotions into my part as it came. I listened as her notes got deeper, the flow of the song changing as I started to put in some more notes with my violin. Then in a clash of music our notes rang out in harmony as we both brought up the volume. My violin ringing out the high notes as she backed me up. A dance unseen by anyone else was taking place as we played together.

As the song started to near its end our roles switched for a couple of seconds before I dipped back down to the harmony. As the song faded with her last pull, we both sat in silence. I with a goofy grin on my face and Octavia’s relaxed one as she leaned against her cello.

“You two go well together,” Came the familiar voice of Harmony.

I didn’t notice that she was even watching. I wondered how long she was there, but judging by that smile on her muzzle it was probably from the very beginning. Leaning off the arch of the hallway, she laughed as she batted a hoof towards Octavia, “Not like that my dear, I was just commenting on how well you two played together.”

Looking over to Octavia I come to see her face beet red. I myself would have found this amusing if I was not involved with this matter as well. Sighing I shook my head at Harmony before laying down the line, “Don’t have to worry about me and your daughter. My people find it taboo to date out of our own species.”

“Really?” Harmony questioned giving me a curious glance, “Well, even if you did I wouldn’t be so much as worried then I would be excited.”

“Excited?” I questioned.

Harmony chuckled at my naivety, “Oh but of course you don't know.” She gave Octavia a wink before saying, “Octavia has ne-”

“MOM!” Octavia shouted.

Looking over at her I was surprised to see her face so red it was almost glowing. “You know I'm right here!” Harmony chuckled again as she left the room. Saying something about how she needed to check on the pie.

As she left Octavia looked over at me with a sheepish smile, “Sorry about that, as you can see my mom likes to speak her mind without thinking.” Her words left a different impression on me then her appearance did. It almost sounded as if she was disappointed or depressed about something.

Shaking it out of my head, I smiled back. “No problem, my mom is probably worse at that than yours. Hell, she’ll pull out the family scrapbook right then and there and start showing you pictures of me in my diapers.”

My plan seemed to have worked as her chipper tone came back, “I’ll have to come to visit your home sometime then.” She replied with a small chuckle.

“Yeah, sometime...” I trailed off. My mind wandering back to my family. What were they doing right now? With all that time gone, I wonder if they started searching for me yet. If so how long would they keep up the search before giving up? Knowing my mom she wouldn’t stop, even long after they stopped. At that moment it felt as if someone was squeezing my heart. It didn’t take long for me to realize what was happening.

“You got a bathroom? I gotta take a leak.” I question my voice shaken.

Octavia looked at me curiously before nodding, “Yeah, it’s just down the hall. First door on the right.”

Giving her a smile for thanks, I walked out of the living room and into the hall before quickly entering the bathroom. Locking the door, I turned around and faced the sink. Bending down I looked into the mirror. I was the same man I was back on Earth. A short beard had grown from my lack of a razor. My messy brown hair and lastly my blue eyes surrounded by red from holding back what I felt in the living room.

I knew this feeling all too well. Moving out of my mother's house to New York brought the same feeling. The feeling back in the hotel I had on my second day here. It was painfully obvious that I was homesick. Yet, this was much worse than when I moved to New York. Because at least there I could hop on a train or drive down to see my family. Now I was completely cut off, never to see them again.

“Fuck, I thought I already went through all this,” I mumbled to myself in the mirror. “Was the crying I did at the hotel, not enough?“ I commented under my breath as I felt the hand squeeze tighter. I couldn’t help but feel depressed, I was lost, with no one to help nor believe me.

It just so happened that the atmosphere was perfect for this kind of a revelation. The emotional duet with Octavia and her questioning about my family all led up to this build up of emotion that I was now slowly letting out.

Gripping the sink tighter, I looked back into the mirror. “Get a hold of yourself, Erik and man up! This is no time to be sulking in the past. Now is time to push forward and make new friends.” I reassured myself as I turned the sink water on.

Cupping my hands under the stream, I splashed the cold water on my face. It was nice and chilling effectively snapping me out of it. I gave myself a small smile in the mirror before heading back into the hallway.

As soon as I stepped out, I heard Harmony call from the kitchen, “Dinners ready, come and get it while it's hot.”

Haven’t eaten anything solid since my arrival here the thought of eating something home cooked made my mouth water. With the negative thoughts washing away with the promise of food I walked into the kitchen to see Octavia placing the food on the table. While Harmony was fiddling with the stove.

“God damned thing never shuts off when I tell it too.” Harmony huffed angrily as she hit the knob on the stove with her hoof effectively shutting it off. Now smiling triumphantly she turned back to the table.

“Smells good,” I comment looking over the pasta prepared with broccoli and green peppers. Beside it was two large bowls one filled with white rice while the other was holding a nice garden salad. Each of the plates was accompanied by a glass of what looked to be lemonade. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I had a proper meal like this. Even back on Earth, it was rare that I ever ate this well.

“I would hope so, otherwise I just cooked two hours for nothing.” Harmony joked as she took a seat on one of the cushions. “Take a seat and grab a plate.”

Not needing to be asked twice I following her orders while sending another jest back her way, “I might be taking more than one plate.”

“Eat as much as you like, without my husband here there'll be a lot of leftovers.” She started taking her own plate and filling it with pasta and rice. Octavia reaching in and doing so herself before passing me the bowl of pasta. Taking it from her hooves I scoop a more than generous chunk onto my plate before doing the same with the rice.

Placing the rice bowl down, I looked down at the table with confusion. There were no forks or knives around, just the plate and cup. Looking up towards the two I noticed them eating with just their muzzles. Shrugging I take the plate in my hands and proceed to do the same. I was so hungry I didn’t mind eating this way. In fact, it helped me clean the plate faster than with cutlery. If this was the normal way ponies ate, then I might actually start to like it here.

Putting the plate down, I wiped my mouth with a serviette and pick up the glass. “So is this lemonade?” I question the contents of the glass.

“Why don’t you try and find out.” I was surprised to hear Octavia say.

“I guess it won't hurt,” I comment taking a small sip. The flavors danced on my tongue until I eventually swallowed. It had a nice fruity taste to it, but to be honest it was a bit watery. Nevertheless, with my current thirst, I shrugged before saying, “bottoms up.”

“Erik no!” Octavia shouted as I downed the last bits of the drink.

“Oh, my,” Harmony commented with a hoof to her muzzle.

“What?” I questioned bringing the empty glass down. “Was I not supposed to drink that? You all said I should try it myself.”

“Not all of it at once,” Octavia groaned as she rubbed her forehead with her forehoof. “That's cider from the local brewery. It’s got enough alcohol in a glass to knock you off your hooves.”

“Huh?” I question, “So I guess it just hasn’t hit me yet?”

“I guess so,” Harmony stated as she took another bite of her meal, “guess we’ll find out if we have to lug you back home in a couple of minutes.”

“You could just toss me on the streets, no need to lug me all the way back.” I joked causing both mares to chuckle as they both took a sip of their own drinks. Octavia wincing at the bitter taste and Harmony taking her time tasting it. “I guess you get the good stuff when it comes to alcohol?” I continue the conversation.

Octavia nods immediately, “I usually drink wine exclusively, but my mom likes cider so I drink it from time to time with her.”

“Interesting,” I continue.





Dinner went by rather quickly after that. Octavia and Harmony were both surprised that by the end of the meal I was still standing. I kept telling them that I was okay, but it seemed that their own drinks got to their heads. Their constant worry was quite humorous as their impaired thoughts leaked out of their mouths every now and again.

To be honest, I didn’t feel any different then I did from the start. But after these two drank their own I came to realize that it may be due to the size difference they couldn’t drink as much as I could. An interesting conclusion to which I had the pleasure of witnessing as I walked to the front of the house.

“It was a pleasure having you here,” Harmony stated keeping her composure.

Octavia, on the other hand, was like a cat with how ‘touchy’ she seemed to get with the added bit of confidence juice. She was right beside me as I put back on my shoes and opened the door. A nice cool fall breeze pushed passed me as I looked back to the two.

“Pleasure was all mine, I got to play a duet with Octavia here, I got to eat your wonderful cooking and you even gave me the leftovers of the pie to boot.” I complimented both as I raised the box to emphasize my point.

“Oh hush you, just remember to come back and visit again. I’m sure Sharp will love to meet you.” Harmony said staying her husband's name for the first time.

Noting it down for a later date, I looked down to Octavia. “If I don’t come to see you first, swing by The Well Bean at noon if you ever want to talk.”

Octavia, on the other hand, was not going to let me go without a hug. So, I complied kneeling down to her level and opening up my arms. Within seconds she was pressed up against me hugging me ever so tightly.

“I’ll come by every day,” She stated.

Letting go, I smiled down at her, “I’ll take your word on that.” Getting back up I looked towards Harmony and nodded to her. She did the same as I turned and walked back out into the cobblestone streets. Late night ponies were still out and about doing whatever ponies do at this time.

From the corner of my eye, I could see the two enter their home and close their door. Knowing that the two were safe and sound I walked down the street. My eyes darting off to random stores that lined the road. Everything one would need was literally right at their doorstep. It reminded me a lot of New York. A city that never sleeps.

Deciding to take it easy on my walk back, I looked up towards the stars above. Like before, I could see millions of them twinkle as I continued down the road. Tossing my violin case over my shoulder I looked towards the box in my right hand.

“It sure was nice of them to give me the leftovers of the pie. I’ll have to come back with a gift to repay them for their generosity.” I commented under my breath. One of which came out in a puff of white smoke.

This only served to remind me that the easy days of performing were coming to an end. With winter settling in, I would have to save up and buy a jacket, mits, and a hat. Not to mention how annoying it would be to perform in the snow.

Yet, despite all its downfalls, I couldn’t help but admire the season. Something about it just seemed to get to me. With a smile on my face, I turned onto the main street. With not as many ponies around I took in the grandeur of the place. A large cobblestone street Stretched all the way to the castle. Many major shops were closed, leaving only the pubs open at this late hour.

“Time truly changes everything,” I commented to myself as I turned once again down a side street, leading me back to the hotel.

Pushing past the doors, I nodded to the mare behind the counter before heading back up to my room. As I walked in and shut the door I placed my violin against the bedpost and left the leftovers on the nightstand. With a large sigh, I promptly fell face first into the fluffy sheets of my bed before turning in for the day.





Unlike all the other nights here in Canterlot tonight held no dream. One moment I was laying down to go to bed, the next I was getting up as the sun breached the horizon off in the distance. Wiping the sleep from my eyes, I tiredly got up and walked over to get my morning rituals over and done with. A task that took naught but twenty minutes to complete.

Exiting the bathroom with a lowly towel around my waist I walked over to the leftover pie. My brain told me that breakfast was the most important meal of the day, but my body begged to differ as it involuntarily grabbed the box and opened it up. With Pandora's box now open, I couldn’t help but eat the last two slices. The taste still just as potent as the day it was cooked.

Placing the now emptied box into a nearby bin, I changed, grabbed my violin case and my satchel bag before walking out of the room. The plush red carpet and decorated walls doing wonders to my mood as I walked down the hall, descended the stairs, left the lobby and into the extremely foggy streets of Canterlot.

To say I was surprised witnessing the near-zero visibility was an understatement as I watched in confusion as not one single pony seemed to care about the weather. Then almost immediately it dawned on me that the city I was in resided on the side of a mountain. One of which was definitely high enough to be within the clouds.

I felt myself become giddy at the thought that I was now inside a cloud. I knew that fog normally was just that, clouds, but to be inside them when they were up in the sky held a different feeling. Almost as if I was flying.

Either way, with my internal breakdown over and done with I too stepped into the streets with the ponies. Making my way over to my usual spot in front of The Well Bean. Grabbing my cup-o-joe I made my way back outside and unclasped the clamps keeping my violin safely secured. Grabbing the neck I felt a song coming on, the notes and tempo almost coming on their own as I immediately brought the bow to the stings.

Like yesterday, I played a song by the amazing artist Thomas Bergersen, not only that but it was from the same album ‘sun’. As he intended my first notes came out long and low, gently speeding up as I added more depth to them. Ponies all around turned their heads towards me as I continued to raise the pitch until the song really started to get going.

My fingers danced along the ebony board as I made the song come alive. Weaving in my own tale as the song cut through the dense fog towards the ears of the ponies. Kicking in a nice sharp vibrato, I smiled as I took a glance at the growing crowd.

I got so into the music, I could have sworn I heard a flute join in. Nevertheless, I pressed on as my own music brought goosebumps to my skin. Pulling the notes longer than written I started to make the song my own as I once again heard the flute take off. It was at this part where it would have done its own little solo.

Stopping to the sound, I looked next to me to see a light blue mare with a blond mane playing her flute to the song. Her solo was done perfectly as I looked on with awe that she was able to play along with me. Her notes came out soothing just like it did in the original. A calming feeling soon emanated from her as she came to an end causing me to solder my own violin and continue where she left off.

As the song continued, I was happy to hear that the mare continued as well. Diving in and out of the song with emotional high notes meant to steer the feelings of the audience. To say it was working was an understatement as I glanced back to the growing crowd as they started to toss in coins.

However, with the solo done with, it was only a matter of time before the end of the song came around. Smiling at the pleasant sound of the song, I ended it off with a nice fading vibrato following the soothing notes of the mare. The only thing missing from making this a real show was a drummer.

With the song now ended, I watched as all the ponies gathered around cheered and stomped their hooves. Giving a small bow I looked over to the other pony before gesturing for her to take one too. As she did so I wandered over to her with a curious look stretched across my face.

“I would complement your playing first, but my curiosity has me beat. How did you know how to play that song?” I questioned generally interested in the answer.

The mare just shrugged, “I just felt the music and played along. The notes just kinda popped into my head.” She stated before continuing, “It was a very lovely song, whats its name if you mind me asking?”

“New Life. I didn’t make it if you’re wondering. A talented artist by the name of Thomas Bergersen made it.” I commented making sure to give credit where it's due.

“Never heard of him, but if he can make music like that then I’m sure I’ll like his other pieces.” She replied.

Shaking my head I quickly fixed my approach to the mare, “I’m sorry, but I haven't even introduced myself. I’m Erik, you are?”

“Dolce Halfstep, I play for the Manehattan Orchestra. We’re here to play a couple pieces with the Canterlot Orchestra.” She stated, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for the event.

“Well Dolce, I would hate to ask you to play again, but it looks like the crowd wants another song.” I playfully started as I got another cheer from a couple of the ponies listening in on the conversation.

Dolce looked at me with a sheepish smile, “I don’t know if I could just follow you again. These things just spring up and I can't help but join in.”

“You don’t have to worry about following me.” I commented with my own smile, “I got the sheet music right here.” I continued taking out my satchel bag before shuffling through it. After a couple of minutes, I finally found the piece I was looking for.

Handing it over to her she looked over the piece, “Well if that's the case, I don’t see why not.”

The crowd cheered once again as I made my way back over to my violin case. Looking in I could see a generous amount of coins had been thrown in. Stepping back I looked over to Dolce to see her going over the song with her hooves. Deciding to give her a bit more time to go over the piece I looked back over to the crowd to stall a bit.

“Beautiful day to be working am I right?” I questioned causing a couple of the ponies to snigger.

One of the ponies even replied, “Not the best, but hearing your music is already changing that.”

I felt pride well up in me as a couple other ponies nodded in agreement. It was nice to hear that my music was well received by pony kind. Hearing Dolce clear her throat I took that as a sign and brought my violin up.

Nodding at my partner in crime we got to work. Right off the bat the both of us intertwined our notes, mixing and matching. Unlike the other song, this one held a very lively tempo. Rather than build its foundations on a serious mood this one was much more carefree. Here I and Dolce could have fun, which we did.

Prolonging the short song, me and Dolce placed in repeats and new notes making the relatively old song turn new. Her flute once again cut through the fog as we danced with each other. Harmony and melody intertwining until it was united as one. I threw in a curveball as I switched to playing her part as she to mine.

It was almost liberating playing with another instrument that seemed to compliment mine perfectly. While Octavia’s cello was a masterpiece in itself, the differences in tone only suited a select few songs. Here with her flute opened up a completely new direction I could take my street performing.

Looking over at her I smirked. I was having way to much fun with this song as I poured more of my emotion into the song. Soon the notes got shorter and shorter as I hacked away at the strings. Glancing at Dolce showed me she was struggling to keep up with the notes, enticing me to slow down a bit to get her back on her hooves.

Sadly, like the first song, this one too came to an end. As we finished off the song with our last notes, we once again gave a little bow. Like before the crowd cheered and threw in more bits into the violin case.

Looking back over to Dolce I come to find her right next to me with a smile plastered on her face. “That was just as fun as the last one, where do you get all these pieces?” She asks.

“A street performer never tells his secrets,” I lied with my own sheepish smile, “Either way we played pretty good together,” I comment gesturing towards the violin case.

Dolce nodded, “I would say so. Do you always play out here in front of The Well Bean?” She pondered.

“Yup, I find it’s the best place right now to make money. Well, see in the winter if that changes.” I replied, “You know if you want to make some extra bits, or just feel like playing along with me you can come by any day at noon and I should be here.”

“Seems like a tempting offer, but after today I’m heading back to Manehattan with the rest of the band.” She relayed a bit downtrodden.

“Chin up, I’m sure we’ll run into each other again. I have a friend that plays for the Canterlot Orchestra. With the two bands playing together today, I would assume they would do so again later. Maybe next time we cross paths will be in Manehattan.”

Dolce seemed to cheer up at my words, “I hope so, either way, thanks for letting me play with you.”

“No problem,” I replied bending over and counting the coins. Grabbing around half in my hands I walked back over to the mare. “Here, since I wouldn't have made nearly as much without you,” I commented giving her the bits.

She looked at the bits then back to me, “are you sure, this is your job. I always have the Orchestra to back me up.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I smiled.

“Well thanks once again for letting me play with you. I’ll see you around!” She stated before turning around and trotting down the cobblestone streets.

“What a nice mare,” I said to myself as I packed up the rest of my stuff.

With nothing planned for the rest of my day, I looked over at the clock which read 3 pm. Taking that Octavia had other things to do today, I headed on over to the library once more. While I had become quite proficient with the equine language I still wanted to get better. Some words still eluded me when I was in a conversation.

Tossing my case over my left shoulder I made my way down the road until I came across the wooden sign with a book engraved on it. Stepping on in brought with it the bell chime. Looking up from his desk the librarian nodded to my arrival as he went back to reading his own novel.

Walking further into the store and through the aisles, I came across a section that was dedicated to musical theory. Interested on these ponies take on music, I stopped by the section and started to peruse the selection.

Everything from rhythm to pitch systems to counterpoints were all here. Taking the nearest book off the shelf I skimmed through it. I was pleased to read that these ponies take a lot of pride in their music and instruments. Even reading ponies talk about music was inspirational. They spoke as if their instruments were alive and needed to be treated almost the same as other ponies.

The current book I was skimming through was titled ‘From Mind to Paper’ an interesting take on how one could take what they saw, felt and or heard and put it into notes. The author going by the name Chorale Concerto claimed that he, himself is rather well-known composer of music here in Equestria. In such he expects the reader to take what he wrote to heart and to know of his works. Sadly with me not knowing his any of his songs, I found myself often lost in his words.

Nonetheless, I found myself compelled to create something of my own after reading a part of his book. Which was new to me because I always felt content with just playing. Placing the book back to its original position. I made my way back over to the language section before picking out a couple more practice books.

Arriving at my normal study table I thought back to the book ‘From Mind to Paper’ and found myself picking up a blank parchment and quill before I started to write down some notes onto the paper. My mind rewound to the first day I came here to meeting Octavia and her family all the way to now when I played with Dolce.

Like Chorale Concerto stated, if you focus on what you want your song to be, the notes will come to you. Yet, as I continued to scribble down the notes as they came to me I found myself ending up with an unfinished piece. In all honesty, it was far from even being started.

Placing the quill down next to the piece of paper I smiled with contempt at getting a foothold up for a later date. Looking back up at the top of the sheet I mulled over a name to give it. After ten minutes of nothing, I opted to name it when one came to me.

Taking the sheet of music, I placed it into my satchel bag as I got back to the language books in front of me.

These ones were far more advanced than the ones I started off with. Which thankfully meant that I was no longer looking at children's picture books, but rather textbooks meant for what I assumed were late high school to early college ponies. It was all really ironic as I wanted to get away from the children books, but as I started reading the textbooks all I wanted was to go back to the children ones.

“Such is life,” I stated to no one in particular as I continued to read on. The advanced lessons on grammar was a difficult one that I had trouble following, but with the pre-built lessons, they had in every chapter really helped me get over the bump. Which is another thing I’ve come to admire about the ponies? Everything I’ve read here was filled with so much emotion for whatever they were writing about.

For example, here reading this language textbook I would be bored out of my mind back on Earth with how dry it was. But here in Equestria, they seemed to inject humor and even some small stories into the literature to make it much more enjoyable.

Continuing to read throughout the night, I found myself pulling much more books off the shelves. Before I knew it I was no longer reading about how to better my understanding of the equinish language but the history behind Chorale Concerto and how he revolutionized the music industry by delving into less popular genres.

By the time I had finished my study session, it was well past 9 pm. Stepping out into the moonlit streets rewarded me once again with a cool fall breeze. Letting out a breath, I once again could see the white cloud form.

As I continued down the cobblestone streets towards the hotel I wondered when winter would come to Equestria and when it did would it be any different than back on Earth?
> Chapter Seven - Invintations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A couple weeks passed by as fall made way for winter. Trees shedding their leaves, ponies adorned their scarves, all the while the festive spirit was spreading like a wildfire. As for the city; it now sported a completely different atmosphere. A soft white blanket of snow now coated the many streets, lamps, and branches as it slowly cascaded down from the clouds above.

Taking in the beautiful yet chilling weather, I smiled to myself. Reminiscing over the past week and recalling all of the important events that had taken place.

Octavia mostly kept to her promise. Every time she had an opening in her schedule; she would drop by The Well Bean to see me perform. On the more dire side of things, I seemed to have struck the proverbial gold mine meeting a stallion named Fine Spool. One of which introduced me to another stallion whom’s name I have regrettably forgotten.

Either way, he just so happened to be a pony that worked off of custom orders. Since I was of alien origin, -unbeknown to the pony populist- a custom-made ensemble was a must.

With a heavy heart and a couple hundred bits down the drain, I was able to get myself a nice pair of wool mittens, fake fur ushanka, and a nice warm jacket. The only thing missing now would be a scarf, but that could always wait. For as of right now I was on the hunt for a house.

That's right, after living in a hotel room for well over a month, I’ve come to the conclusion that I could probably afford to rent a place out. Seeing as getting out of this place was turning out to be bleak at best. 

Nevertheless, I kept my hopes and chin held high as the third day of house hunting dawned. Funnily enough, money wasn't the one stopping me -for once in my life- from getting a place. In fact, it was all due to the idea that I was not a citizen here and held no identification. Not only that but when the honest mares and stallions asked me for a credit check, I had nothing to show them. Which if you ever rented a place where two very important things to have. Especially if you intended to live in the city. Which for me was a must if I ever wanted to continue my job as a street performer.

So here I am, walking down the streets looking for any bulletins or signs posted on the windows and/or doors of shops and houses. The snow that lazily floated down from above was my only constant companion as I made my way from house to house.

Third time's the charm, as the saying goes. Reaching the next building on the street my eyes immediately snapped to the sign hanging on the window.

“Room for rent, the first pony with the bits gets it.” It read.

To me, this was just what I was looking for. Not because he was renting a room out -I had been to many places renting out their rooms- but because he seemed to be in a hurry to get the bits in his hooves. If I played my cards right, acted as normal as an alien could act, then maybe I had a chance at getting a room here with no background check.

Entering the building a solitary door chime rang out as I made my way to the stallion behind the bar. His mane was messy as his tired eyes looked at me with warmth. Since I didn’t even look at what kind of building I was entering; I was pleasantly surprised to see a small almost cafe-like restaurant.

Just like The Well Bean, this place had a large window out front with multiple tables against it. However, that's where the similarities ended. While The Well Bean held a more modern look to it, this place had a more rustic and cozy vibe to it. Potted plants were in every corner, the walls and floor were made out of wood, an old fashion stove was burning in the back as the trusses holding the roof up were visible. The entire place was lit by candles casting a warm amber glow across the room.

“What can I get for you today sir?” The old worn out pony asked. He continued to smile as he polished off a wine glass with a rag.

“A room sir,” I stated back.

The old pony smiled at my antics as he walked around the table, “Ah, so you’ve come to check out the room?” He questioned again only to continue, “It’s pretty small, but the rent is cheap.”

“As long as I can fit a bed in there and there’s a shower somewhere that's all I need,” I replied following the stallion towards the back of the restaurant.

The old pony chuckled at my words, “Well it's got a bit more than that as you can see.”

Pushing past the back door lead me to an equally cozy room. It was empty mind you, but it held the same exact same architecture as the restaurant. The room was easily big enough for not only a bed but a couch as well. On the far end of the room was a loft where a large glass sliding door revealed the city park. Above the loft was a bit small for my tastes but I could see myself putting my bed up there just to sleep. As for the bathroom, it was through a door at the back of the loft.

Like the pony said the whole place was pretty small. Smaller than my apartment back on Earth. But, seeing as I would be the only one living here, and I would only use it to sleep and shower, it was perfect. Not to mention the added bonus that I could put a couch in the loft to chill and the park right in my backyard.

“I can see you’re taking a liking to the place.” The pony commented.

Nodding my head, I walked over towards the loft to get a better look at the bathroom, “This place is amazing, I’m surprised you haven't rented it out already.”

“Yup, it’s a pretty cozy place. Most ponies don’t like the fact that it’s attached to my restaurant. If you don't mind the noise coming from next door, then it’s just like any other room for rent in Canterlot.” He started walking with me throughout the room.

Looking back over to the stallion I just realized I haven't even introduced myself, “I’m sorry, but I forgot to introduce myself, I’m Erik.”

Smiling back at me the pony shook my hand, “Nice to meet you, Erik, I’m Second Cup.”

Internally I was laughing at the reference to the cafe back on Earth, but my mind also noted how well the name fit him. “Nice to meet you Second Cup, so how much is it gonna cost me to take this room off your hooves?”

“150 bits a month, of course, to take it right now its 300 for first and last, utilities are all included. As soon as I have the bits in my hooves then-” He didn’t even get to finish that sentence as I placed my bit pouch in his outstretched hoof, “Already got the bits, I think I’m gonna like having you as a tenant.”

“As long as the money keeps coming, I’m sure we'll get along fine,” I joked nudging him.

Chuckling at my joke he replied, “Indeed, let me just count out the coin and I’ll let you sign the agreement before I give you the keys.”

Just like that, he walked out of the room before coming back a couple seconds later with a piece of paper and a key on his back. How he managed to balance such light objects on his back without them flying away, I’ll never know.

“Alright here's the rent agreement. It just states that if you break any of my walls or other that you’ll pay for it. Mostly a formality so I can cover my flank in case you try to pull a fast one on me. Not like you will seeing as you’re a musician of sorts.” He pointed out the violin case that was strapped against my back.

Placing the parchment down I got to read it over. Just like he said, it was a formality covering his and my liability when it comes to damage. It was actually pretty normal if I broke something I would pay for it, if something broke by itself, he would fix it. Last on the rent agreement form was the ability to evict me with a month's notice should the need arise. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, or any fine print I signed the agreement.

“You my friend are now no longer homeless,” He chuckled taking the form back.

If only he knew how accurate his statement really was, “I can move in right away right?” I questioned just to be sure.

“Yup, here’s the key,” he commented tossing me the key, “here’s the rest of the bits,” He continued tossing me my much lighter bit pouch, “just use the back entrance instead of the front one. I like to keep my restaurant separate from my tenants.”

“No problem, they won't even know I’m here,” I said placing the key in my pocket. Reaching out my hand once again, I shook Second Cups hoof, “So does that mean I get a discount at your restaurant?” I state in a joking manner.

“In your dreams. I may be a kind old stallion, but I got to make a living somehow.” With that he made his way over to the front entrance, “I’ll come back here once a month to check up on the place and collect rent. Other than that she’s all yours.” And just like that, he left the building in my care.

I did it, I DID IT! I exclaimed in my mind looking at my new place. Not only did he fail to ask for any ID or credit checks, but the place he gave me was top notch compared to what I was expecting to get without said items. Looking back over the place I found another smile breach my lips.

Walking to the back entrance I opened the door and walked out. Closing the door behind me and locking it, I took in the park that bordered my new house. It wasn’t much to look at now with winter here but come spring I bet the place would look ten times better with all the flowers and trees in bloom.

“Well, time to start moving,” I commented to no one in particular as I made my way back to the main street.

I didn’t have much in the way of moving. To be honest, all I had left at the hotel was my clothes and satchel bag. Both of which would only require one trip back and forth. What got me worried was the number of bits I put down two days ago.

Seeing as the house hunting was going poorly when I first started. I opted to give myself another week by paying the hotel up front. The only question now is: can I get my bits back? Which if we were back on Earth would be an easy no. Seeing as most hotels -at least the fancy kind like I was staying at- book out their rooms far in advance. Simply leaving early does not mean you get the money back. Instead, it pays for the inconvenience of an empty room which otherwise would have been booked.

With that fresh in mind, I felt my mood waver as I stopped in front of The Well Bean. Like every other day, ponies walked by the shop on their ways to their duties.

Feeling the crisp winter wind roll on by as it pushed the snowflakes flakes around made my mind ignite with creativity. Inspiration from the near-perfect winter city made my right shoulder slump as the case to my violin spun around to the front.

Unclipping the clasps holding my violin at bay, I reached in and brought it to light. Ponies glanced at my actions, but most just continued on. Others knew me from previous days and stayed in wonder of what music I would bring to the table today.

Of course on a perfect winter day, I let my bow slid with the wind as the first notes of Winter from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi vibrate to life.

Never in all my life have I imagined a day where my music would fit the atmosphere so perfectly. Sure, I try to make my music match every time I play, but this was on a whole new level. It was almost as if this song was made for this day, or probably more accurately, the song was made from a day like this.

Closing my eyes, I slowly let myself melt into the music. Since this was a Vivaldi piece, I wanted nothing but perfection to exit my violin. Anything less was a disgrace to this masterpiece and to the composer as well.

Sharp, yet smoothly connected notes cut through the crowd as the pace increased. Ponies were now getting invested into the song as they tossed their bits into my case. Lucky for them their investment was not for nothing as I was going to play the whole piece clocking in at nine minutes and thirty seconds.

As the song neared the middle, I quickly albeit carefully transitioned to the second part. This part was much smoother than the rapid notes of the first section. Rather than show the harshness of the snowy months, this part reminded us of the beauty of it all.

My mind went to a warm place by the hearth, as I looked out into the still winter wonderland. A nice cup of tea held in my grip as the steam wafted the heavenly sent towards me. Outside the snow fell gently onto the already covered ground as the moonlight cast its glow over the area.

It had been a long time that I played a piece that brought my soul to another place. Yet, that is what music tends to do. Smiling at how much time and emotion was put into this song, I continued onto the third and last piece of Winter.

Like the second it started off smooth and flowing, but as it continued so did the tempo. It was a clash of the two parts: beauty and ferocity. At least when I listen to it that's what I hear. I’m sure when these ponies hear it they’ll have their own ideas. Ideas that I would never hear about as I slowly brought the whole piece to an end.

Expecting a similar response to my playing like all my other performances. I was delighted to hear them stomp their hooves hard and call out for another piece.

Smiling at my audience's approval, I did what they commanded as I started up another song. Instead of another winter song, I opted to play an Edvin Marton song. I was always a fan of his work, and this one just so happened to pop up as I placed my bow to the strings.

With his signature slow start. I lead the audience down a mysterious path of rich melodies as I prepared to show them what really made this song shine. With the sharp notes coming in, the pace really started to increase. Just from a glance I could see the ponies around me once again invest themselves into the song.

Continuing with the quick sharp notes, I effortlessly let them build up the stage for the long soothing notes. As they came around I let myself get into the song as well. Adding in my own flair, instead of continuing with the same octave I jumped up one adding to the grandeur of the song.

Increasing the pitch of the notes not only added in the oh-so-needed epicness the song lacked but set up for a butter-like smooth transition into the sharp notes.

Now don’t get me wrong, the piece as it was is amazing. I also strongly believe that the composer knows his work the best. For me to change it as I have done to many other songs could be viewed as an insult, but personally, I like to think it as an homage to the old bringing in a new twist.

Drumming up the notes, I eventually ended the song with a bang. Ponies all around once again cheered as they tossed in their bits. Bowing to their generosity I moved to pack up, that is until I saw a pair of gray hooves at the foot of my case.

Looking up at the mare, I smiled.

“Sorry miss, but the show's over,” I apologize.

Octavia took a step back, bringing her hoof to her muzzle, “The nerve, you’ll never get my bits that way.”

I just looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh come on! Get your mind out of the gutter Erik!” Octavia blushed, giving me a playful shove, “just for that I’m not going to tip you.”

“How about I one-up you on that offer and instead grab you a cup of tea?” I questioned bagging up the remaining coin. Nodding at the invitation, I packed up my violin and strapped it to my back, “Alright, green I presume?”

“Is there any other kind?”

“Well, there's black, white, yerba, herbal, r-”

And just like before I got another playful nudge, “You seem very lively today. Something good happened I presume?” Octavia pondered.

“Yeah, I just got a new place.”

“Really?” She replied stopping for a minute before giving me a questioning look, “Don’t you live in Manehatten though? I always thought you were in that hotel because you were going to go back. I mean don’t get me wrong I’m ecstatic that my favorite pony is staying in Canterlot.”

“Not a pony but thanks!” I say with a genuine smile, “due to unforeseen circumstances, I find myself unable to return for a while. So I decided it would be cheaper just to rent a place out.”

Nodding at my logic, both I and Octavia walked into The Well Bean, “so what are these unforeseen circumstances?” She continued air quoting the last part.

“Want the honest answer or the joke one?” I ask.

“Honest, then the joke one. I need a good laugh after all the stress I’ve been in today.” Octavia commented.

“My house is in another dimension or millions of miles away and I require some insane magic to get me back.” I state the honest one, “the coins better here.” I continue with the honest joke.

“I thought I said the honest was supposed to be first.”

Sighing sadly I nod, “I just wanted to catch you off guard. Guess it didn’t really work.”

“No, not really, but the joke was pretty bad as well.”

“Yeah, yeah, just order up,” I say bringing her attention towards the patiently waiting barista.

Giving me the evil eye, she turned back to the barista, “One green tea please, and one of those fruit muffins as well.”

Nodding to her order he looked towards me, “Make that two green tea’s and I’ll have the cheese danish.”

Grabbing our orders, me and Octavia made our way back to our now dubbed ‘spot’. Yet, before I could even take a sip of my drink, Octavia placed a ticket onto the table in front of me.

“Hmm, what’s this?” I question picking up the ticket.

Octavia burrowed her muzzle into her scarf as she said, “a ticket to the Canterlot Winter Concert.”

Looking over said ticket, I come to see just that written on it. ‘Canterlot Winter Concert’ was in a cursive font with a violin on one side of the ticket and a treble clef on the other. Under the large font, I caught a glimpse of who was performing.

“I get to watch not only the Canterlot Orchestra play but you as well? Now I understand your statement from earlier.”

This got not only her blush to deepen, but her muzzle to break away from her purple silk scarf, “So does that mean you’ll come?” She asked with a hopeful tone.

“Is there even a question here? Of course I’ll come! This is such a treat, first my new place and now this. Could this day get any better?” I question her back.

Perking up at the mention of my new place, Octavia got right back to the previous topic, “oh right, you got a place. Where was it again?”

“If you don’t have anything to do today; I’ll show it to you. How does that sound?” I counter with my own question as I finished the last drops of tea.

Mulling over her plans for the day, Octavia nodded, “I should be free up until seven. The orchestra is pulling double sessions now to get ready for the performance.”

“No problem, that gives us about…” I trailed off looking towards the clock outside the shop, “…five hours. It seems we can take our time getting there as well.” I joke.

“I’m sure that we’ll find a way to get distracted on the way over,” Octavia replied as she got up from her spot -as did I- and lead the way out of the cafe. Opening the door rewarded us both with a wave of cold winter air. One of which hit me like a freight train as we continued out into the city.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how much did you pay for the place?” She questioned, generating just the right amount of small talk to get us to the hotel.

Obligated to follow her conversation I answered, “300 bits for the first and last, 150 each month, utilities included. You interested in getting your own place?”

“Not really, as long as I’m not a nuisance to my mother and father I get free rent and food,” She stated as she gave me a small smirk, “It comes with utilities as well.”

Rolling my eyes at her antics, I made my own retort, “sooner or later you’ll have to move out. Can’t live at home forever, as nice as it may be.”

“When that time comes I’ll be glad that you're my friend,” She beamed, only further pushing her statement as she brushed up against my left leg. All the while looking up with a warm smile.

Knowing what she was implying, I countered, “Now what makes you think I would let you freeload at my place?”

“Oh come now, Erik. From the time I’ve spent with you, I know that you wouldn’t leave a pony out on the street to fend for themselves.”

“You Equestrian's did it to me, so I think I actually could do it.” This caught both me and Octavia off guard. Me for accidentally hinting up the fact that I’m an alien. Her because what I said must have made no sense.

Just like I had thought, Octavia scrunched up her nose, “What do you mean: ‘you Equestrian’s did it to me’?”

Racking my brain, I came up with the universal, “It’s a long story, perhaps I’ll tell you about it later.” Yet, as I expected; Octavia didn’t take too kindly to me simply pushing it off for a later date.

“Well if you have the right to generalize all ponies then I think I have the right of knowing ‘this story’.” Octavia was getting really heated over this little slip-up. I guess I could try again to convince her that I’m not of this world.

Even thinking of trying again brought a pain to my heart. I don’t know if I could witness Octavia blowing it all off as some ‘joke’ or a ‘blatant lie’. To be honest, I had no idea how she would react if she actually believed me. That was the scariest part, the fact that I could lose my only friend in this equine world.

Attempting one more time to sweep it under the rug and continue my day I replied, “Even if I tell you, you’re not going to believe me.”

“I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt,” Octavia stated, “That's the least I could do.”

Sighing, I pulled Octavia to the side of the street. Hoping that I could at least keep this between me and her. “Alright, remember where I said I was from?”

“Manehatten,”

“Manhattan,” I corrected, “I’m from ‘Man’ ‘hatten’ a place that does not exist here in Equis. In fact, I don’t even know where it is in relation to this world. It could be in another dimension, hell it could be a couple light years away.” Seeing Octavia take a step away from me got my hopes to drop, but I continued because she wanted to know. “I’m an alien Octavia, I come from the planet Earth. I don’t know why or how, but after I was hit by a car I was transported here.”

Octavia just stood there trying to take it all in, or more likely, trying to believe what she is hearing.

“I was in that hotel because it was the only place for me to get shelter, relatively inexpensive without any background checks. I don’t even hold any identification, I simply don't exist on paper here because I’m not from here.”

“I-I” Octavia stuttered as she tried to focus on me, “I” and just like that she let out a sigh of defeat, “I can’t accept that reason. It’s a lie clear as day. If you’re an alien I would need more proof then your words.”

Now it was my turn to get angry, “You already have all the proof you need! You’re a smart mare, put all the pieces together! My music, have you ever heard anything like it? Have you ever heard of the composers I list at the end of my performances? What about the language I spoke when we first met each other?”

I could see the confusion in her eyes. Trying to hit the last nail into the coffin I continued, “My violin, have you ever seen one with no acoustic chamber? What about my bow?” I question taking the bow out of the case and held it out to her, “It’s made of carbon fiber, a material I have yet to see in this world.”

Octavia picked up the bow with her hooves, her eyes widening at the weight of it. She looked at me then to the bow her eyes dilating and contracting. I was getting through to her, but I could also see I was pushing her a bit too far.

“Why?” was her simple question, “Why hide it?”

“Did I finally get through?” I thought to myself.

Dropping my anger I smiled at this opportunity as I shook my head, “I never hid it from you. In fact, I had hoped that you would realize it soon by yourself. How my language didn’t match Manehatten. During our first time at The Well Bean, I told you I was from Manhatten, not Manehatten and once again today I told you the truth when I said my home was far away.”

“But, I…” was all that was able to come out of her mouth as she took another two steps back. She looked around almost as if she was confused as to where she was. By now she was practically on the streets. Giving me one last questioning glance she turned tail and ran.

I let my head sag down with yet another failed attempt, another reminder of the life I had lost. It was one thing to be misplaced, but it was another to not be trusted. In the end, it was the fact that Octavia still didn’t believe me that hurt more than being away from my home.  

Walking back into the streets, I continued my way to the hotel. I didn’t even bother asking for my bits back as I walked in and walked out with the rest of my stuff. 

It was incredible how such an amazing day can turn sour so fast. My once happy and excited mood turned to sad and depressed. Having my memory take me back to my new house I sat up against one of the walls as I placed my violin and satchel next to me.

The part that really gets me is that during the whole exchange she never raised her voice. It wasn’t that she was angry, it was that she didn’t want to believe that I was an alien. I truly had no idea what I was going to do now.

I was too emotionally unstable to continue playing for bits. My depression nagged at me to stay at home and mope. Since nothing was here other than me, my instrument and my satchel I opened up my satchel in hopes that there would be something within that would distract me.

Thankfully I found just such an escape as I came across the unfinished song I was writing. Pulling out the sheet I looked upon the notes. The melody was a bit too cheery for me at the moment, so I decided to add in a more soothing harmony to go along with it. One that would better reflect the situation one would face venturing out into reality.

Having a song that a lot of people can relate to could be the key that makes you millions. Funnily enough, it was not the money that brought my pencil down to the sheet but the desperation of having someone to listen to me. I was once again reminded of just how lonely it was to live in a world devoid of your own kind.

Scribbling some more notes down onto the paper, I played it over in my head. The melody was a bit off, but the harmony was coming along nicely. Opting to continue with this bout of inspiration, I continued on with the harmony until I felt I had said enough.

By the time I placed the paper back into the case, the beginning was complete. Well, the beginning for the harmony. Another session like this but focused more on the melody would complete the first part.

Yet, even though I had at least accomplished something with my time moping about, I didn’t feel any different. Which in turned confused me. This was the first time that I had distracted myself from a problem and had come out feeling the same way I did before. Thinking about it now actually kind of frightened me. This new feeling I got when Octavia turned a blind eye to what was clearly the truth.

Walking over to the loft I laid down and used my satchel bag as a pillow. Not really the most comfortable bed I had, but better than the alleyway.

“Maybe if I took a small nap everything would become clearer,” I stated to myself as I let my eyelids close.





I was back on earth, the rain was coming down hard and sitting next to me in my honda civic was the coffee girl from the cafe. Her hair wet from the sprint we did to get to the car. Since she missed the last bus to her apartment, I offered to drive her home. To which as you can already see she accepted.

“I never knew you had a car?” She stated more than asked as we left the parking lot.

I glanced over her way and raised a brow, “And what makes you think I wouldn’t have one?”

“Well you live in the city, I thought that everyone in the city just uses the transit system,” She said with a small blush coming to her face, “Do you need it to get out of the city? Do you have someone that you visit often?”

“If you’re asking me if I have a girlfriend the answers no,” I chuckled, “what with me performing all the time I don't think I could fit in a relationship. The reason for the car is to carry all my equipment. It would be very cumbersome if I had to take the transit with all my gear on.” I lectured as we stopped at the red light.

Looking over to her again I could see her blush deepen, “I mean if you already see the person where you work you don't need to make any more room.” It was quite obvious what she was getting at, but by the time I felt the need to reply we were already idling out front of her apartment.

Opening her door she passed me a small brown paper bag, “it’s a danish, I know how much you love them so I snagged one before we left.” And just like that, before I could say anything she closed the door and ran through the rain towards her apartment.

Smiling at her antics, I reached in the bag and took out the danish. Just like always, the danish was amazing. A bit too amazing that I got some of it smeared across my mouth. Reaching in again I pulled out the napkin only to see a note was written on it.

Turning on the light I read, “Will you go out with me?” With her phone number at the bottom.

I had to admit, it was really cute. Not only that but it was the first time I ever had a girl ask me out. Usually, it was the other way around. Smiling once again at how innocent and sweet she was I placed the napkin into the cup holder as I merged back into traffic.

My eyes seemed to focus on the lights of the oncoming cars. Everyone that past blurred the lights together until all I could see was white. Knowing what was to happen I closed my eyes.





Just like the coffee girls feelings, the question to which reality was real was starting to get quite obvious. Here in Equis, I could feel more, the days were longer and not everything was perfect like that cheese danish she gave me. But was it so wrong of me to wish it was the other way around? That I really had a chance at a normal relationship in a normal world?

Letting my eyelids slowly open, I took notice of the concert ticket laying on the floor in front of me. Taking it in my hands I rolled over so I faced the roof and held the ticket up. I was still going to go, no doubt about it. What I was really thinking about when I held that ticket up was how I affected Octavia. If she would be emotionally stable performing with the information bomb I just dropped on her.

Knowing what needs to be done, I got up and took a look out of the sliding glass door. The sun had already set bringing the night to life. Little dots of light could be seen off in the distance from the candle fire shining through the windows of houses. Together with the snow really made me want to stay home and bundle up.

Sadly, with the performance coming up and Octavia in her current frame of mind, that was an impossible dream. Leaving my satchel and violin in the house, I picked up my key as I wandered back into the streets of Canterlot.

Unlike the daytime where the afternoon sun would warm me up, I was left purely at the mercy of the wind. It’s sharp gusts cutting through my jacket with ease, as I made my way down the main street. My destination just a couple more minutes down the road.

As my journey continued my mind started to think over how this conversation was going to go. Was I going to blow this all over with a simple ‘it was a joke, one of bad taste’? Or would I go the more serious route and tell her it was all true and attempt to get her to accept it before she would perform.

The second option was tempting on my part, but my thoughts once again went back to how it would effect Octavia. Even a day or two being out of it could be detrimental to her performance, I would know seeing as to what happened when my own landlord threatened me. In the end, it would be best to clear all of her worries away in one sweep. This would ensure that her personal life would not seep into her professional one.

Lowering my gaze to the snow-covered sidewalk I took in the sounds of winter as I thought. The crunch of snow beneath my feet, the howling of the wind and the light chatter of other late night owls walking around at this time. It was taking me longer than I thought to think this over, that by the time I was starting to formulate a solution I was walking into the theaters' lobby.

Unlike before, there were no lines and two ponies wearing tuxedos stood in front of the doors to the auditorium. Their intentions were quite obvious, but that didn’t matter. I wasn’t planning on barging in, rather I was planning on catching her coming out.

Walking over to one of the benches, I sat down and once again went over my plan. I was going to tell her the truth once more. I knew that it was a bit selfish on my part, but I really needed to get this through to her. If she didn’t take it today, after all I’ve done to bring it out, then there was no chance she's ever going to warm up to the idea.

That being said, I was not going to be aggressive with my confrontation. Instead, I hoped to accomplish the exact opposite. After going to her house and meeting her mother, it was quite clear that Octavia didn’t have many friends if any. If I had to wager a guess I would say she’s more scared of losing a friend then me being an alien.

As I continued to sit there on the plush velvet bench; I was approached by what looked like the janitor. Unlike most janitors, this one was well kept. His mane and tail were kept clean and groomed while his uniform -the only clue to his occupation- had nice crisp creases on them.

“Sorry, but the theater is closed sir,” he commented.

“I’m just waiting for a friend, she’s practicing in there,” I pointed a finger towards one of the doors.

Looking to the door then back to me, the janitor raised a brow, “the Canterlot orchestra finished a couple minutes ago. Plus they use the back entrance, not the front.”

My smile immediately fell as I got off the seat, “where's the back entrance?”

“Uh, at the back of the building,” the janitor stated, causing me to roll my eyes.

“I know that but where at the back? This place isn’t small and I bet there's more than one back door.” I quipped zipping up my jacket.

“Furthest door on the eastern side, better hurry, those musicians never stay too long after their meets. Especially now since their working double time for the upcoming performance.” and with that bout of knowledge I was out the door and racing to the back.

I didn’t have to run far, for as soon as I rounded the first corner I came face to face with the very mare I was looking to find.

“Sweet Celestia!” Octavia cried out as she backed up a couple of steps before she promptly fell on her flank. Her cello laying in the snow beside her.

She was not the only one to be caught off guard as I jerked to a halt before slipping on the snow and face planting into a nearby snowbank.

“We gotta stop meeting up like this,” I mumbled more for my sake than hers.

“E-Erik is that you?” Octavia stuttered as she got up from her spot. I could tell already that she was uncomfortable just looking at me even when I was face down in the snowbank.

Pulling myself back up, I brushed the snow off of my coat, “Unless there’s another hairless bipedal that wears clothes then no I’m not Erik.”

Glancing up from my coat I could see her shuffle in her spot, kicking a bit of the snow on the ground with her hoof. Taking her own chance she glances up at me, “About earlier-”

Before she could say anything further I shook my head, “I’m the one that needs to make amends here. I put too much on your plate when you already had a full one. I understand that you may be still skeptical about what I said, but that's not why I came here. I came to let you know that no matter what happens I’ll be in the audience cheering you on because your my best friend.”

I wasn’t ready for what I was about to witness. Cracking a small smile Octavia’s eyes quivered before she pushed herself against my stomach. I would have fallen back again if it were not for the fact that I had a snowbank giving me support.

No words were spoken as we stood there. Snow falling gently down as we embraced bellow a lonely street lamp. It was as if time itself stopped as we stood there. To be honest, I didn’t want this moment to end. It felt too good having her in my arms. Not to mention the weight that was lifted knowing that I straighten things out with her.

“Warn me before you say something as cheesy as that,” Octavia joked under her shaken breath.

I let out a small chuckle as I wrapped my arms tighter around her. “I’m sorry Octavia, but you know that's a promise I just can’t make.

Her only response was to hug me tighter as she pushed her muzzle deeper into my stomach.
> Chapter Eight - Everlasting Memories of Notes Yearning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I always wondered if anyone else made weird faces to themselves in the mirror. I guess one could say I did it to vent, but realistically I did it simply because I could. No one was around, it was early in the morning, and my mind just said ‘hey, why not distort your face for a quick laugh?’.

My answer? Well, it was as mundane as you would expect: ‘eh sure, why the hell not?’ Because no matter what anyone else tells you, the best way to start off the day is with a smile. No joke, scientists have proven it, and scientists have never been wrong before right?

In truth, I was just overly excited for the performance I would be viewing -or more appropriately, hearing- tonight. The ticket to said event was stuck to the edge of the mirror as I brushed my teeth. I kept reading the words Canterlot Orchestra over and over again in my mind, choosing to ignore the 8 pm starting time.

I had a lot that needed to be done today. With what they seem to be calling hearth's warming -aka Christmas- coming up, I had three gifts to get. One for Octavia and one for each of her parents. Her father would be the hardest one to shop for, I would have to do some extensive research today at the theater. For I held no doubt that she would have invited both of them as well.

Gargling the water in my mouth, I spat out the toothpaste and made my way out of the bathroom. Straightening the same white dress shirt I wore when I had awoken here, I passed my violin and satchel opting to only pick up my coin pouch.

As I foresaw, renting out a room was much cheaper than staying at a hotel. So much so that the coin pouch I picked up was getting quite hefty. Sadly with the shopping, I was about to do that would all change in an instant.

As far as the gifts go, I had it in my mind that I would give Octavia something -as some people would say- otherworldly. Quite easy when I was in fact from another world. It was so easy that I already planned to give her a couple copies of my favorite cello pieces from Earth. However, I wanted to give her something a bit more, something that showed I appreciated her and not just her music.

So here I was, jacket tightly done up with my mittens on as I perused the shops along the main street. Most of the stores I simply passed by, I was going for something unique rather than some cliche candles and body wash. Yet the moment I passed by a jewelry store I metaphorically ran back to pick up the ‘cliche’ I had just recently thrown away.

Back home there was a song and saying that ‘Diamonds are a girl's best friend’. So stopping by here was worth a look, if only to have a backup plan should nothing else spark my fancy. Entering the store, I was immediately targeted by three mares.

Without any flares to dump, the three little missiles landed on their target, “Welcome, what brings you here today?” the first pony claimed with a blond mane and beige coat. She looked at me with a smile but out of the corner of my eyes, I could see her glaring daggers at the second mare that spoke up.

“Looking for a little something for that special somepony? If you would follow me I can show you our selection of gifts that would make any mare melt in your hooves!” This one had a blond mane and a light pink coat.

Like the other two before, the third pony sporting a silver mane and cream colored coat all but slammed into the second pony before happily saying, “what you really need is a mare that has some experience in the field of ‘special someponies’.”

It was almost as if the other two ponies were shoved simultaneously as they both took a step back. The third mare smiled triumphantly as she looked back up towards me. The word ‘commission’ playing over and over in my head as I gave her a forced smile.

“Actually, I’m just here to look around a bit. I thought that if all else fails in my attempts to find a gift I would just buy her some accessory.”

“My, my, so it is a mare we’re talking about here.”

I gave her the best deadpan stare I could muster as I started to turn around. This was a mistake, maybe I would find a better plan B somewhere else. 

Sadly, as most of my plans tend to do, my retreat was effectively halted when she rushed to the other side of me and started to push me towards a display case filled with rings.

“Now, now, no need to be shy. I’m sure your mare would love one of our finest rings here. You have my guarantee or your bits back.” She quickly stated opening the case and gesturing me to take a closer look.

Taking one of the rings, I looked it over. To be honest they were very well made. Small engravings with socketed jewels would make this ring shine day and night. Yet, one thing left me confused, “so where would this ring go?”

“On the horn of course!”

“She’s an earth pony, not a unicorn,” I committed placing the ring back where I found it.

A small blush slowly spread across her cheeks as she trotted over to another display case. This one was filled with ribbons and hairpins. Like the rings, this made me confused. How were ribbons considered jewelry?

A delicate chime from the door brought my attention away from the case. Entering the store was a brown coated stallion with a grey mane. He looked around the store, before settling on me. He was unable to do anything as seconds later he was swarmed by the other two ponies from the store.

I was brought back to the case as the store clerk spoke up, “for our earth pony mares we got a wonderful assortment of silk ribbons that will bring out even the dullest of manes. Of course, if you’re here, I can safely assume your mares mane must be magnificent to which these ribbons will accent perfectly.” Moving her hoof over to the pins she continued, “If ribbons aren’t what you're looking for, our selection of mane clips will have that special somepony melting in your… claws?”

“Hands, but close enough.” Moving over to the hairpins I skimmed them over. Most of them were fairly simple in design, but one of them popped out. A simple silver pin with a purple amethyst socketed along it. A small engraving on the side read ‘A Melody To Which My Heart Yearns’ in gold.

Being the mare she was, the pony helping me out looked over and smiled, “Ah, an excellent clip if I do say so myself. It was crafted by a world renown griffon in the shiver beak mountains. His wife was a musician, to which this clip was inspired from.”

“Do all of your jewelry here have backstories?”

The mare scoffed as if I just insulted her, “Of course! That’s why you buy them! It's not as if jewels are hard to come by here in Equestria.”

“I see. Well, if I don’t find anything else before Christmas comes around then I’ll take this one off your hooves.” I stated.

“Christmas?” the mare questioned.

“Oh sorry, got my names mixed up. I meant hearth's warming,” I corrected myself.

The mare smiled as she closed the case, “Let's just hope that it won't be taken by then.”

“I’m sure even if it is, you’ll find me something just as nice,” Leaving the mare on good terms I once again wandered out into the streets of Canterlot. Ponies were out and about doing their own hearth warming shopping as they pursued all the different types of shops.

Continuing my walk, I found myself turning down a couple of side streets, leading me to come upon a deserted antique shop. Where the store lacked in customers it easily made up for in merchandise as the shop was filled to the brim with cool little nick nacks. Seeing this through the store window, I entered the front door.

As the doorbell went off a soft voice spoke out from the back of the shop, “Welcome, let me know if you need any help.”

Noting her statement, I walked up to the nearest shelf. The store held a very wholesome atmosphere, and the merchandise reflected this. The shelf I was currently looking at held a multitude of ceramic mugs with different phrases and or images painted on them.

The more I looked at the different mugs the more my mind started to tick. Then suddenly it hit me, a gift that would be perfect for the tea-loving mare. Walking throughout the store with a single item in mind I came to find out that they did not carry it. At least I did not see any on their shelves.

Walking to the back of the shop, I stopped in front of the counter looking around for where the mare that called out to me when I entered was. Shrugging I tapped the bell and within seconds the mare popped her head up from under the counter.

“Hey!”

“HOLY SWEE-” I cut myself off as I come to see the mare with a smile on her face leaning her head against her hooves. “You always scare the living daylights out of your customers?” I question taking in a well-needed breath to calm myself down.

“No, your just the lucky one!” She continued with her warm smile, “so what can I do for you? Find something you like?”

“I was wondering if you carried any thermoses?”

“Thermo what now?”

“Thermoses, you know a bottle that keeps your drink warm.” I continued trying my best to describe it.

“How would that even work?” She questioned, “you would need some strong magic to keep the heat in. Not only that but it would cost way too much for the enchant. On top of that, you would have to get the enchantment recharged every month. It would be way easier and much cheaper to just go out to the nearest coffee shop.”

“Huh, so thermoses don't exist here?” I questioned more for myself then for the mare.

Nevertheless, the mare replied, “Not here in Canterlot at least.”

“Interesting, do you know anyone that specializes in steel molding?” I asked the mare. It was a long shot, but maybe just maybe I could develop Equestria's first thermos.

“Hmm,” The mare thought, “there’s Dusty out in the industrial district a couple blocks down. He dabbles more in glass blowing but I heard he was once a blacksmith back when the Canterlot market was first founded. He’s your best bet, I assume you’re going to try and bring that thermos here to Equestria right?”

“Hit the nail on the head there. I think I got a way around using magic that needs to be recharged. you know if he's open today?”

“Don’t think so, he’s usually works in the morning. I doubt he would be at the forge this late in the afternoon.”

This piqued my curiosity, “this late? Isn’t it like 3 pm?”

“Try more like 6 pm, have you looked outside? The suns already setting.”

Turning around, I looked back out of the window to see the light slowly fading. I must have been pursuing the stores longer than I thought. With the sinking feeling in my chest, I immediately bolted towards the door. I still had to catch a quick shower and clean myself up before I made my way to the concert hall. On top of that, I wanted to be an hour early to see if I could find Octavia's parents and give a good first impression to her father.

“Thanks for the info,” I shouted back opening the door.

“And thank you for stopping by! Come back soon, I want to hear more about that thermos thingy.” The mare happily called out.

“Will do,” I said as the door closed and I made my way back to my house.

The winter air helped cool me down as I rushed down the streets. Ponies that were happily chatting to themselves and looking at the wears through the windows of shops, turned their gaze towards me as I ran as fast as I could down the streets. My eyes darting from clock to clock as I neared my home.

Even with me being pressed for time I couldn’t help but smile. It had been so long since I was in a rush to get somewhere on time. Not only that, but that somewhere was a concert hall to where I would witness Octavia’s performance.

By the time I entered my house, it was half past six. Tossing my clothes into the corner of the room I quickly entered the bathroom and took a hasty five-minute shower before shaving and brushing my teeth once again.

Brushing back my hair, I walked out and opened up my satchel. Picking out the nicest pair of clothes I had I placed them on. Since I had no time to put things away I tossed the brush over my shoulder and adored my jacket once again.

Locking the door behind me, I made my way to the main street for the third time today. Looking up and down the street, my brain seemed to stop working in all the chaos as I completely forgot what way the theater was in.

“Come on brain! Now's not the time to forget!” I muttered to myself as I took a look down the street. With luck, my mind was jolted back into gear, when my eyes landed upon The Well Bean. Having my bearings now sorted out, I made my way towards the theater.   

With the theater now in sight, I took notice of all the other ponies walking the same way I was. Many stallions in tuxedos, with their just as lavish mares accompanying them. To be honest, I felt underdressed even with my white button up and black bowtie. Then again, ponies don’t really wear clothes to begin with, so I must be at least one step above the average Joe.

Like most performances, when I reached the front foyer it was packed. I barely had enough room to walk as I tried to make my way over to the theater entrance. Luckily, with my hight, it was easy to spot the doors, not only that but my height allowed a familiar pony to call me out.

“Erik over here!” Harmony called out from the bottom of one of the two stare cases. She wore a simple white dress that had an expertly place cut to show off her flank and rear leg.

Smiling at a familiar face I made my way over to her, “And here I was thinking I was going to watch the entire performance alone.” I joked bending down to give Harmony a small hug, “How’ve you been?”

“Excellent with my daughter’s performance just minutes away, but a bit miffed that Sharp here keeps putting off the repairs for the stove.” Harmony joked back as she nudged the stallion beside her.

Harmony’s husband Sharp, as he was named straighten up as he looked me over. His eyes were just as his name would lead one to believe. They were cold and ruthless as they sized me up. I swear I could feel the damage run down my spine as he walked forward with his hoof outstretched.

Reaching out my own hand I shook his. Like his eyes, his grip was strong all the way through. I did my best to meet his own strength, in our little game.

“So this is my little Octavia’s new friend. You got a good grip on you.” Sharp stated as he went back to his wives side, “I’ve heard a lot about you not only from Octavia but Harmony here too. It’s quite rare that she speaks highly of anypony.”

This got Harmony to hoof him in the foreleg, “I speak highly of everypony, plus I think Erik here is a little more than a friend to our dear Octavia.”

Sharps eyes immediately shot to me, the cold of the past stares replaced with a burning heat. I took a tentative step back, bumping into a pony in the process. Harmony put a hoove to her mouth as Sharp snickered. This, of course, rewarded him with another hoof to the foreleg from Harmony.

I was confused at the moment whether to like or dislike her for her current actions. Either way, I turned around to apologize.

“Sorry about that ma’” was all I could say as I found myself standing right before Celestia.

“It’s quite alright Erik,” This caught my attention. Since when did the Princess remember commoners names? Even more so, why do I find myself bumping into her recently?

Giving her a curious gaze I decided to prod a little bit deeper, “I’m surprised you know my name, I’m honored.” I continued attempting to keep the respect, hoping that it would ease her into answering my question between the lines.

“I hear you’re making quite the name for yourself here in Canterlot. What ponies have come to call ‘the performer’. Where do you get your pieces? Surely you do not create them all yourself.” She questioned.

I could see that I was not the only one trying to get information out of this conversation. Since she answered mine, I replied in kind, “I always give out the name of the composers to those who ask. Which piece do you wish to know?”

Hook, line and sinker, I caught the all-knowing princess out in the open. She had heard of my music, but she had yet to witness any of my performances. Ones of which if she had, she would have at least noted one of the names of the songs.

Sadly, that was the end of the conversation as her sister -the goddess of the moon- Luna interrupted us, “The show will start soon, we should take our seats.” Nodding to her sister, Celestia politely ended our conversation.

Turning back towards Harmony and Sharp I come to see two very different reactions. Harmony’s being impressed as she gave Sharp a smug smile. Sharp, on the other hand, was shocked. His once stoic stare was shattered before him as he shook his head.

“Praise from the princess herself. I seemed to have misjudged you, Erik.” He commented taking the moment to straighten himself.

Walking up to them I smiled, “Oh no, you were right the first time. I’m definitely a crazy street performer living off the scraps ponies throw at me.”

This got Harmony to laugh, while Sharp adorned a confused expression. Nevertheless, Harmony stepped in before things could get awkward as she lead us up the stairs and down a decorated hallway. Pictures of the princesses adorned the walls, plush rugs lay atop the marble flooring while chandeliers made of gold and ivory hung from the ceiling.

Unlike most places, these chandeliers were entirely electric. The glass keeping the argon gas at bay was made in such a way that it shattered the light into a multitude of colors upon the floor. I was quite surprised that such a simple item was taking ahold of my thoughts.

Shaking my head I looked back towards Harmony and Sharp in front of me. My mind switching tracks to a more acceptable topic: what was I going to get them for hearth’s warming? I was thinking of giving Harmony a record, one of which I would have to go out and listen to before I buy.

What was the hard part was Sharp. I couldn’t for the life of me come up with a gift that would suit him. I know he likes music like the rest of his family, but to what extent? I could go the classic route and get him some whiskey, maybe a cigar to go along with it if I find out he smokes.

My mind kept buzzing away before I knew it the three of us were inside the theater taking our seats. It was at that moment, coming out of my thoughts that I took in the seats we had. The theater was in a classic proscenium style, and the three of us sat in a side booth with an excellent view of the stage.

Since there was no actual play going on, the pit was left bare as the musicians undoubtedly got ready behind the red curtain. If it wasn’t for Harmony speaking up, I probably would have just sat there in awe of the view.

“Is this your first time coming to a performance?” She asked.

Chuckling I shook my head, “Not even close, you could say I’m a fanatic when it comes to this type of stuff. I don’t know how to put it in words, but the theater just gives off this… this-”

“Relaxing?”

“-yes! Relaxing atmosphere. I feel at home sitting in these seats.” I finished, getting into a better position in the chair. “So is it normal for guests of the performers to get such great seats?” I questioned noticing that not many other ponies were seated in the booths. In fact, the only others were Celestia and Luna stationed across from us.

Harmony smile never faltered, “I would expect no less from you. As for the booths, Octavia is one of the main parts of the orchestra. She has a unique position, and for what she does she’s really good at it. So much so that sometimes, if you’re lucky she gets a lead role.” The wink she gave me left a lot to be questioned.

“She sometimes gets the lead role?” I almost yelled out. I knew Octavia was good, but I never imagined her to be ‘that’ good. It was almost kind of frightening to hear. I was acting all chummy with a mare that could well be the best cellist in Equestria.

Noticing my shock, Harmony made sure to calm me down, “While she’s good at what she does, she’s still a mare.” With that, she gave me a second wink as the lights in the theater dimmed and a pony in a tux came onto the stage.

As the noise settled down, the stallion spoke out “Welcome all to the 52ed annual Canterlot Winter Concert! As you all know there will be three performances an intermission then another three to close off the night. So without further adieu, I present to you the Canterlot Orchestra.”

I got chills just from the entrance alone as the curtains slowly raised to show the entire orchestra sitting in their positions. Way in the back with all the other basses, Octavia stood leaning up against her cello in a simple black dress. Her pink bowtie was the dead give away, that it was, in fact, her standing up there.

Almost as if she knew she was being watched, Octavia looked up towards our booth before her eyes settled on me. I would have died right then and there as Octavia’s smile pierced my anti-pony-human relationship shield; if it weren't for the fact that Sharp whispered, “Don’t get any funny ideas.” in the background. Giving her a smile back, I sat back and prepared myself for the first notes to hit my ears.

And hit my ears they did. Soothing notes erupted from the piano in the back as they twisted within the air. I could already feel the Hearth's Warming rhythm pick up as the chimes came in. Almost immediately the violins came in with a very subtle crescendo. What I was not expecting was the punch the rest of the orchestra gave when they joined into the song.

As the tempo increased so did my smile. Just like before, every note, every rest was played precisely. The piano melting in with the rest of the instruments like they were all one put this orchestra far above the rest. Nothing was overpowering, they all took their time in the light equally. It was as if silk was being poured out of their instruments and into my ears.

I could see how much emotion each pony was putting into the music. Pure unadulterated passion was being displayed here as they continued on. The supporting instruments dropped off with the beat of the drum, leaving the piano to do its job. With a little help from the violas, it made for a really nice low point in the song. A place to which one could reflect.

With the chimes ringing out again, the rest joined in as the music filled the auditorium. Just like the music, I played; I could visualize the festive spirit within their notes. Sitting back I closed my eyes as I allowed myself to get immersed in the music. A dumb smile probably plastered across my face as I nodded to the beat.

Time was left at the door as I completely lost myself in the music. The orchestra didn’t disappoint as they continued to repeat the main part a couple more times bore diving into the ending. To be honest it sounded a lot like David Eman and Trevor DeMaere Heart of Christmas piece. Although this piece was much longer than three minutes.

I didn’t even notice the change in song as they seamlessly transitioned into the second song. How they managed to transition into a higher tempo song was a mystery my ears were happy they witnessed.

Like the falling of snow, the violins sawed away at the notes ever so slightly getting louder. Until the flute came in with its little accent. Drums and the bass instruments followed in tow, building up the foundations of the piece.

Before anyone knew it, the song was in full swing. The brass was added in to add that extra punch as the flutes kept the overall atmosphere tied down. It felt as if I was stepping into a world of untapped beauty as I sat their eyes still closed.

It wasn’t till the song brought out the heavy bass that my body decided to shoot another chill up my spine. If I were to make another comparison I would have to say the closest thing to this was Dos Brains Elements. The two held the same tone and feel, but the twist the orchestra here put on it made me wanting more as the song started towards its end.

Like most songs in this category, it ended off with its built up climax. I for sure was not the only one experiencing chills as they brought the masterpiece to a close. Leaving a lone flute to dance along the air.

The long pause, caused my eyelids to open as I looked out towards the stage. Ponies were switching out their sheet music as the unicorn conductor tapped his baton against the music stand bringing the entire orchestra to attention.

With a sharp dive, the last piece before the intermission came alive. To say I was shocked as the familiar notes of Gustav Holst Jupiter rang out from the stage would be an understatement. It was note for note, this surely was too perfect to be a coincidence. How could a song like this exist in a different world? Hell, I’m pretty sure Jupiter doesn't even exist here to which the song was inspired off of.

Either way, I was not disappointed, in fact, it was quite the opposite. I had yet to hear this one performed in person and what better orchestra to perform it than this one.

Once again I sat back listening to the music. It was just like I remembered, the cheerful notes and rapid tempo made you want to go out and enjoy the winter weather. The way the piece utilized every single part of the orchestra made it one of my favorites back at home. Sadly, in order to play such a song correctly, it required an ensemble like this. To which a lowly street performer did not have the pleasure of partaking in.

I felt my body loosen as the soothing notes came into play. A dance between the strings and brass brought a new light into this theater. I never saw this song as a winter song, but the longer they played, the more I warmed up to the idea. Especially in the end as the pitch dipped down before shooting back up with the chimes.

Trumpets blared out their highly-emotional notes as the trombones, baritones and french horns battled against them with their own low tones. This was all mixed together in the final measures as the flutes and chimes brought the rest of the orchestra together under the banner of the trumpets as they hammered down their last note.

I was motionless as silence fell over the auditorium. It had been a while since I had been taken by this type of music. It truly brought a tear to my eye as I stood up and clapped. This, in turn, brought everyone else out of their stupor as they too joined in and started to stomp on the ground in applause.

Turning around the conductor raised his right hoof to the musicians. Doing this the musicians stood up and they all bowed before the curtains closed. A part of me was still in shock as I continued to look out towards the stage.

Seconds later, the stallion at the beginning came out once again announcing that the intermission will be a half an hour long. Hearing those words I looked over to Harmony and Sharp who were talking to one and another about the performance.

Not wanting to bud in, I made my way back out into the hall to collect myself. After a quick once over, I made my way down to the main lobby in hopes of getting some refreshments. A little bit of scotch would make this probably one of the best theater experiences I’ve had in a long time. Because nothing beats listening to live music with a brandy in hand.

Thankfully, as I walked down to the lobby I spotted the bar almost instantly. Walking up lazily, I tapped the bar and placed six bits down on the table, four for the drink two for the tip.

“Scotch on the rocks,” I commented causing the bartender to give me a confused look.

Remembering that I’m not on Earth anymore, I rolled my eyes and corrected myself. “What do you got that's strong?” I question recalling the time I last drank at Octavias.

Bringing out two bottles I noticed one of them right off the batt, Applejack Daniels. Pointing to it the bartender filled up a small glass with tree ice cubes in it. Picking up my bits he placed one more shot into the glass, “A little extra for the inconvenience.”

Smiling at my new favorite bartender, I picked up the glass and raised it to him, “To inconveniences then,”

Chuckling back the bartender raised his hoof, “To inconveniences.”

Taking a small sip as to save most of it for the show I turned around almost bumping into yet another familiar face.

“Dolce! I thought you went back to manehattan?” I questioned her as I moved back over to the bar. Tapping the table I pointed towards Dolce. Nodding at my signal the bartender finished up washing a wine glass and arrived before us.

Dolce hoofed me in the shoulder, “A mare can’t enjoy some fine music on this winter's day?”

“My mind was pointing towards the fact that you're in an orchestra as well. Didn’t they plan anything for the winter in manehattan?” I countered.

Waiting for the right time to enter the conversation the bartender stood there with a warm smile. “Of course, but I took today off. I rather spend my holidays without stress.”

“Of course,” I replied, “So what are you getting?” I questioned gesturing to the bartender.

“Oh I’m fin-” was all she could say before I budded in.

“Don’t worry I’m paying,”

Dolce gave me a scowl before a sly smirk adorned her muzzle, “then I’ll take your finest wine.”

Snickering at my deadpan stare, the bartender got her a glass and poured the wine. Just from the gold trim bottle, I could see my money pouch disappearing.

Regrettably, I asked, “How much is it gonna be?”

“28 bits,” he stated causing Dolce to almost spit out her first sip.

Sighing I placed down 30 bits. I could see Dolce taking her time drinking her wine. She had a satisfied smile on her face.

Surprisingly, the bartender spoke up, “as you say for the inconveniences.”

I just gave him a ‘really’ look as I scratched him off my favorite bartender's list. This, of course, made Dolce laugh so hard that she was forced to place her wine glass down in fear of spilling it all over the place.

“Laugh it up, I’ll be going back to my seat to enjoy the rest of the show. You can talk to the wine if the bartender doesn't feel like chatting.”

Unable to reply due to her laughing fit, I left Dolce behind as I ascended the stairs towards the seats. Sure it was a bit rude to just leave her there, but it was also rude to order the most expensive wine. Plus it didn’t help that I wanted to get back as fast as I could as to not miss anything happening on stage.

Entering the booth, Harmony and Sharp had booth stopped their conversations as they booth looked out towards the stage. Hearing my entrance Harmony looked over to me with a warm smile.

“Getting comfortable are we?” She questioned as I sat down next to her taking another sip of my whiskey.

“Is there any other way to enjoy the music here tonight?” I answered her with my own question.

Shaking her head at my antics she went back to chatting with her husband. I, on the other hand, continued to sip my drink as I sat back and admired the theater. Everything from the lighting to the seating was expertly thought out. I was impressed that even though the architecture was nothing special like some of the ones back home it still left an imprint on my mind.

A soft amber glow bathing the auditorium, the acoustics of the chatting ponies bellow and the aroma of rosin tipped bows. People back home seem to forget that sometimes. That it's not all about the fancy decor and caviar meals. It’s about the dedication, pride, and passion the ponies here labored for months over to get the notes perfect. It was about the feel of the warn seats, the dusty lights hanging above and the tattered seems of the curtain.

This place held a history that could not be replaced. It harbored hundreds of stories in every crack in the furnishing. Just like the music that was played here, this building had its own song to sing. One of laughter and sorrow, anger and surprise. It brought a smile to my face as I took another small sip. The bitter taste of alcohol washing away my worries to make room for everlasting memories.

Alas, it wouldn’t be a theater without the performance. Ponies began to settle down as the curtain shuffled and the stallion from before stepped out onto the stage. Like before he introduced himself before continuing on with the schedule.

“Hope you all are comfortable because these next three songs will be some of the most unique pieces the Canterlot Orchestra have ever done.” And with that said the stallion exited the stage as the curtains parted to reveal Octavia in the middle of the stage with a lowly piano. I guess the stallion was right. We were in for something unique.

While duets weren’t really all that rare, the interesting part was seeing them put one in instead of a full piece with all the other members. Nevertheless, I was not arguing as the two pulled their first notes out into the air. The melody from the cello skirted the auditorium as the piano filled in the rest.

Was it wrong for me to be a bit jealous that the two sounded amazing together? Yet, no matter how much I wanted one to outshine the other it never happened. Octavia, as I’ve come to realize was perfection. She would settle for nothing short, and looking out towards the stage was a testament to that.

She cared little for the reactions of the audience as she closed her eyes and let her hooves pull at the strings. Her raven-black hair brushing up against the neck of the cello as her back hoof wrapped around the front of it to keep it from sliding as she leaned against it.

As for the song, it sounded similar to a famous one back home called Langsam by Schumann. Just to be compared to his work is an honor, and here she was playing a song that sounded just like it.

Once again I let my body relax as I sat back and took a sip of my brandy. The flavor of the oak casket it was fermented in stated its presence as I savored the drink. This was it, if I died right now I would die a happy man. In fact, I was now contemplating if that car that hit me actually did kill me, and I was now in heaven.

Either way, I made the most of it as the notes dance around me. The hard work of a lonely mare reaching the ears of thousands of ponies. It was ironic really, the fact that someone so famous would have difficulty making friends.

As the song faded to an end, I opened my eyelids once again to see Octavia give a slight bow before the rest of the orchestra made their way onto the stage. My eyes followed the grey mare all the way to the back to where she looked up at me once again with that same smile.

I gave her a little eye wipe, causing her to put a hoof to her muzzle sealing away her little chuckle. Turning my gaze to her parents I come to see Sharp staring me down while Harmony was looking at me with soft eyes.

It now occurred to me why Octavia found my little fake eye wipe so amusing. Smiling sheepishly to Sharp I leaned back in my seat and started to drown myself in some more brandy. Maybe if I crawled far enough into the bottle he wouldn’t find me, or more likely maybe I wouldn’t remember what he would do.

All my thoughts were shattered as the next song started up. I would have to hound myself later for missing a chance to fully immerse myself in the song right from the start. Yet, right now I don’t think it really mattered seeing as my smile once again came back.

The chills from the flutes came as they slowly brought the music to life. It felt otherworldly to how they were able to play such pieces with their hooves. Which now that I think about it was to be expected, seeing as they ‘were’ from another world.

Nonetheless, the main part of the song came in full swing as the piano rang out. This was followed by the delicate chimes and soft guitar notes. Things were really starting to interesting as I continued to listen on. Like thunder the drums made goosebumps appear on the surface of my skin. It’s intoxicating beat begging my foot to tap along.

Each note brought the volume higher till at the climax it slowly faded away like the morning mist. Leaving the beautiful dew drops behind to be kissed by the sun. With only the guitar picking away at their stings the song came to an end.

Like before the conductor planned for another seamless transition into the last song. It started off as a nice slow crescendo until the bass came in to support it. Soon the guitar made its entrance taking ahold of the melody as the rest of the ensemble supported it.

What left me smiling was that they had the courage to play new things. Mixing in the old with the new, keeping both sides of the same coin happy. Something to which I deeply appreciated, as it was that same philosophy that I followed.

Sinking my teeth into the music; I let my body follow the music. My foot now freely tapping away as my head swayed back and forth. Maybe I should follow in Octavia's path, travel along with other musicians and grow bigger. Was street performing really my end goal? Did it really make me happy?

These questions lingered in my head for a while as the music continued. In this state, I couldn’t really lie to myself. The answers to those questions were simple. Yeah, I did feel happy performing on the streets. It was where I found my love for music, it’s where I grew up playing. It truly was my end goal to which I can personally change the amount of income it produced.

The only thing that was nagging me in the back of my mind was if I missed an opportunity back home and when I first arrived here. What would have happened to me if I accepted the trials? As the music reached its peak I shook my head. Those were all ‘what if’s’ and right now I was euphoric listening to great music and watching even greater ponies perform it.

Slowly the music faded away as I felt a tear stream down my face. It caught me completely off guard. I was not sad nor in pain, yet here it was sneaking out of my eye and down my face. Quickly swiping it away I got up and joined the rest of the audience in their applause.

Like they did during the intermission, the orchestra got up and bowed with the conductor. I kept clapping away trying to get over the fact that it was all over now. My body was yelling for more, but my mind new that for now it was done.

“You really seemed to enjoy yourself,” Harmony commented over the crowd.

I nodded, wondering if my eyes were red from the tear earlier, “One of the best performances I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing.” I stated honestly, “did you know that Octavia was going to have her time under the spotlight?” I questioned.

Harmony didn’t answer, instead, she looked back out towards the stage. Her eyes landing on Octavia as she took another bow with the rest of the musicians, “To tell you the truth, I think Octavia didn’t care about being under the spotlight. I think the reason she’s smiling right now is because she had a friend that came to watch her.”

Hearing her words my eyes went back over to Octavia on the stage. Did I really mean that much to her? Or was this just her mom loosely throwing her thoughts around? Either way when Octavia once again looked up to us and waved a hoof with that perfect smile of hers it solidified a thought I had been recently thinking about.

I was in love with this mare.

Harmony seemed to notice something was up as she nudged me, “Let's go down and congratulate her.”

Sharp nodded as the two of them walked back into the hallway with me in tow. My mind was blank as I aimlessly followed the two ponies in front of me. Why did such a realization have to of happened now of all times?

It didn’t take long for the three of us to make our way downstairs. What took us the better part of half-an-hour was getting backstage. Since all the back doors were blocked off by security, we had to make our way through the crowd that was in the auditorium. Which would have been easy if it weren’t for the fact that hundreds of other ponies were trying to do the same thing as well?

Thankfully by the time we made it through, Octavia had already gotten packed up. With her case on her back and that simple black dress still on, I was left speechless as her parents went forth and embraced her. Octavia obviously returned the gesture with a warm smile.

Deciding to leave their family moment to themselves I waited patiently. Which oddly enough wasn’t long at all as Sharp of all ponies pulled me into the conversation.

“This young stallion here even shredded a tear at how good you were!”

“It caught me off guard,” I quickly retorted with a sheepish smile.

Harmony rolled her eyes at her laughing husband as she took him by the tie, “You two go on ahead, I have to teach this stallion some manners.”

I really wanted to reply ‘your the one to talk’, but opted not to as she gave me and Octavia some time to ourselves.

“As if being in the Orchestra wasn’t enough, you had your own duet.” I joked as I gave her my own little hug, “You did amazing,” I softly spoke as I broke the hug.

“My mother didn’t tell you before hoof did she?” Octavia questioned.

I simply shook my head, “no, I was pleasantly surprised when the curtains came up to reveal you and the pianist alone.”

“Good,” Octavia said moving a strand of her mane back behind her ear, “I wanted it to be a surprise for you.” Shuffling her hooves around she continued, “I’m really glad you came, it made this performance a bit different from all my other ones.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” I commented as Octavia let out a cute little yawn, “Either way you must be extremely tired. I mean 6 performances with only a thirty-minute pause. I know my fingers would be screaming at me.” I jested showing her my digits. “Is there stuff you still have to do here?”

Octavia shook her head, “not that I’m aware of. Plus it would be nice to leave early before some of the fanatic ponies get through the security.”

“Shall I walk you back home then?” I questioned.

“Like you have to ask,” Octavia chuckled.

That was all the confirmation I needed as I and Octavia made our way out of the theater. The clouds from before were all gone now leaving the beautiful starry night sky out in the open. Equestria truly was a beautiful place.

“So, what did you do today?” Octavia questioned; taking me from my thoughts.

Looking down I couldn’t help but smile. She was so adorable the way she hid behind her lavender scarf, “I went out shopping.”

I didn’t even get the time to explain myself as Octavia let a chuckle escape her lips, “You, shopping?”

“Yes, I was shopping for hearth's warming if you must know,” I claimed.

This got her to stop chuckling, “You getting somepony a gift?”

“Not just one pony, but three ponies,” I corrected, “which reminds me I got to figure out a gift to get your father. Do you know have any ideas?”

“You don’t have to buy us anything, especially my dad who you just met,” Octavia lectured.

I turned my gaze back towards the road ahead of me. My breath freezing in front of me as I continued the journey, “I know, but they were so accepting of who I was. It feels like a waste to not give them something. As for you, I’m definitely giving you a gift, nothing can change my mind on that.”

This got her smile to widen, “Then I’ll be waiting patiently for the time to come. As for now let's take the next turn, there’s a shortcut through the park.”

Having nothing against it, I turned at the next intersection. Just like she said, there in front of us stood a small park. It had a lowly tree stripped of its leaves sitting in the middle with a rope swing attached to it. Getting closer Octavia to my surprise immediately trotted over to it.

“Ah I see the real reason behind this detour,” I commented as she placed her cello against the tree. It was heartwarming to see that Octavia still had a little kid inside her wanting to play around. To be honest, if I could get away with going on a swing without looking creepy I totally would.

“This way is faster! I just thought it would be a waste to not give it a few swings.” And just like that, she brushed the snow off of it and sat down on the old wooden seat. Her dangling hooves slowly swinging.

I myself stood in front of the swing, “do I get a turn?” I asked jokingly.

“No, but you can push me,” Rolling my eyes I decided to give her a little shove from the front. The arc she took back down towards me was mesmerizing. Her black dress fluttering in the wind, her amethyst eyes piercing through the dark as her hair flapped with her dress.

This continued on for a couple more swings. Me pushing her as she arched back and forth with that lovely smile of hers. Almost as if something snapped in my mind my body started to work on its own. My left arm reaching out towards the rope. As she came closer I grabbed onto it bringing her closer to me. We were now face to face as I slowly went in.

Before I knew it our lips were against each other.

Her eyes shooting open before slowly closing. Her front hoofs wrapping around my neck as we continued in the middle of the park, underneath the winter stars.