/emo/ Unstable Symphony, chp 1


                                            >You wait with abated breath.

                                            >Finally, they stop talking and turn to the three of you.

                                            >”After careful consideration, and much discussion. We have decided to give the first chair to Connie Amore.”

                                            >It’s hard to contain yourself after hearing those words.

                                            >So you internally cheer.

                                            >Each solo, each piece was a challenge.

                                            >You were worried at first, you had been pushing yourself very hard for this.

                                            >It all culminated in this weird burst of energy you have had as of recent.

                                            >Makes you feel like you could do anything, and you did.

                                            >The other two members who auditioned trot away, leaving you with the judges.

                                            >Maestro Quiet Note gives you a soft, but stern, look.

                                            >”Now then, Ms. Amore, I’d like to make it very clear, this is a very important position.”

                                            >You give a large smile, it’s hard to hold back.

                                            “I fully understand Maestro, I look forward to proving I can handle this.”

                                            >She nods slowly with the other judges.

                                            >”I hope so, this is a very stressful position to undertake. You are second to me, and therefore, have to handle pre-concert tuning and determining the bowings of all the violins in the section.”

                                            >She has nothing to worry about, but you have to assure her.

                                            “I wouldn’t have auditioned if I wasn’t sure Maestro.”

                                            >Quiet Note gives you a look, but nods.

                                            >”The next two weeks shall be your probation period. After which, we shall determine if you shall keep this position.”

                                            >You nod, she is too worried about all of this.

                                            >Nothing can go wrong.

                                            >”Now then, let us prepare for rehearsal.”

                                            >The judges start to move from their seats and head to their positions.

                                            >You of course, are so full of energy.

                                            >Can’t wait to tell all of your friends!

                                            >Actually, you should throw a party!

                                            >Later of course, time to smash this rehearsal.

                                            >As your trotting to your new seat, Friedrich Stables approaches you.


                                            >He also auditioned for first chair, but you just barely pulled ahead of him.

                                            >”I suppose a congratulations is in order Connie.”

                                            >Though he smiles, you can see he is a little upset.

                                            >Of course, you know how to handle this.

                                            “Thank you Friedrich. We both gave it our all, I look forward to you being my second.”

                                            >He raises an eyebrow for a brief moment.

                                            “As a matter of fact, I’d like to celebrate later this week. I’m going to invite the other members of course, but I’d like to invite you first.”

                                            >Your words stun him, it’s not that shocking though.

                                            >The time you have spent in this city has proven time and time again to turn the other cheek

                                            >Or at least, show those who cause trouble that you are a great pony to be around.

                                            >Then again, you could just knock their teeth out.

                                            >Focus Connie, he is talking.

                                            >”-just give me the time.”

                                            >Not sure what he said, so you nod instead.

                                            >You take your new seat to the maestro’s left.

                                            >It’s hard not to feel so smug, but you earned this dammit.

                                            >Every other pony takes their places and the new sheets are given out.

                                            >You gloss over them quickly, recognizing some of the pieces.

                                            >Bringing up your violin, you prepare yourself.

                                            >Glancing over to Quiet, you wait for the signal.

                                            >She carefully raises her wings, and begins the rehearsal as she gently moves them.

                                            >You lead the violinists, and the other chairs do the same with their own.

                                            >Each note hit, with near perfection.

                                            >Of course, you can hear that not all of the violinists are completely on point.

                                            >Will have to fix that after this piece.

                                            >Slowly the song ends, and Quiet takes a moment.

                                            >”Again.”

                                            >Translation, somepony messed up their part.

                                            >You lead on again with your section.

                                            >Not a second wasted on thoughts, just following the music.

                                            >This time things are better, but you know what you must do.


                                            >The song ends, and you have to address the issues with your section.

                                            “Somepony in the third seat is playing a C#, when clearly it needs to be a C.”

                                            >You note some nods, not going to pick out anypony.

                                            >At least not now, unless it’s needed.

                                            >Looking back over, you can see the other sections are tending to their own.

                                            >You wait of course for them all to finish up.

                                            >As soon as they do, Quiet begins the next piece.

                                            >This whole process takes time, but is quite normal from your own experience.

                                            >Roughly two and half hours later, it finally ends.

                                            >Not bad, but you know you can push your section to do better.

                                            >Not that you’re better than them.

                                            >They just need a little push to do better.

                                            >You give a few critiques to some of the newer members to help them out.

                                            >As everypony is putting away their things, you decide to talk to some others.

                                            >One of the newest members looks a little frayed, not that you blame her.

                                            >You remember when you first joined, you felt the same way.

                                            “I think you did well, just need to practice of course.”

                                            >She gives you a confused look before realizing what you mean.

                                            >”Oh, well thank you.”

                                            “It’s fine, I was the same way when I first joined.”

                                            >She relaxes, and smiles.

                                            >”Yeah, it is a bit much.”

                                            >You give a smile in return.

                                            “It will pass over soon enough, especially when we play together more. You’ll fall right in tune like the rest of us.”

                                            >She nods, and you head off to talk some more before preparing to leave.

                                            >Most of the other members are happy to chat.

                                            >Though some are annoyed by how energetic you can be.

                                            >In truth, it’s only recent that you’ve had this kinda energy.

                                            >Part of you wonders if you should be concerned.

                                            >Doesn’t matter, these changes have only helped you.

                                            >You grab your case and saddle bags before leaving.

                                            >Manehattan never looked so beautiful!

                                            >Well, not since you first moved here.


                                            >While you wouldn’t mind enjoying a nice trot to home.

                                            >You have a party to plan out, letters to write, things to do!

                                            >So you hail a taxi.

                                            >A stallion pulls up with a taxi cart and waits for you.

                                            >”Where to miss?”

                                            >You climb in and give him your address.

                                            >He takes off and while you’re riding with him, you figure you could chat.

                                            “So, how is work?”

                                            >He tilts his head a moment, realizing you’re talking to him.

                                            >”Um, fine, I guess?”

                                            “That’s good to hear, I just got first chair on the orchestra.”

                                            >He is still moving along at a decent pace, but keeps talking.

                                            >”Not sure what that is, but it sounds good.”

                                            >You giggle, of course he doesn’t know.

                                            >Not everypony knows the ins and outs of a orchestra.

                                            “It’s a very important position, it means I’m charge of my section and can be the solo if needed.”

                                            >He nods his head.

                                            >”Oh, well then, that’s very nice.”

                                            >Before you can continue, he stops in front of your apartment building.

                                            >”Here’s your stop miss, that’ll be 10 bits.”

                                            >You hoof over the bits, and a tip.

                                            “Thank you for the ride. Have a wonderful day.”

                                            >”You as well ma'am.”

                                            >You step off the cart and start to move to the front door when he takes off.

                                            >Part of you is certain he was hurrying along to avoid talking.

                                            >He must be busy.

                                            >You get your mail on the way up, no bills, nothing important.

                                            >Well a few letters from friends of course.

                                            >Making your way to your apartment and bounce in your step.

                                            >You’re overjoyed to finally have earned this seat.

                                            >Heading inside and set your things down.

                                            >Such a wonderful apartment, and affordable to boot.

                                            >You should celebrate, you can party with your friends later.

                                            >There is always plenty of time, no worries.

                                            >Opening up the hallway closet, you grab a bottle of wine and pop the cork.

                                            “Ah, such a nice sound.”

                                            >You take a sip, and feel great.

                                            >Almost never drink, except on special occasions.


                                            >Even then, it’s just wine.

                                            >Of course, you need to do so much and soon.

                                            >You set down your glass and start writing letters.

                                            >First one is to your friend Eri.

                                            >Need to tell her about how your success, and of course, see what she is up to.

                                            >It takes no time, unlike usual.

                                            “And, done! That was easy, hope to hear from her soon.”

                                            >Few more letters to other friends and your done.

                                            >Don’t really feel like eating either.

                                            >So instead you decide to practice the pieces for this weeks concert.

                                            >Not quite the same as playing with others, but you have to sharpen your skills.

                                            >Despite what others tell you, it’s still not good enough.

                                            >You should be able to play perfectly.

                                            >Just have to keep at it.

                                            >You sort out the sheets, and prepare to play.

                                            “Hmm...How about this waltz? This should be a good warm up.”

                                            >The song echo throughout your apartment.

                                            >The neighbors never complain about it.

                                            >If anything, you have received many compliments.

                                            >You put in about six hours of practice each day now.

                                            >Every since you started trying out for the first chair, you pushed yourself that much harder.

                                            >Best of all, you have had no ill effects.

                                            >Taking a moment to grab a bite, you set down your violin.

                                            “Not all that hungry, but I should eat anyways.”

                                            >You take a quick look around the kitchen, throwing together some pasta.

                                            >After you finish cooking, you refill your glass of wine.

                                            “Wouldn’t have it any other way, though I should start to plan out the party of course.”

                                            >You’ll have time for that later, so much more to do.

                                            “I’ll just practice more, oh! I should write my teachers and thank them for helping this far.”

                                            >You clop your hooves and let out a little cheer.

                                            >Finishing up, you note it’s getting late.

                                            “Well, I can squeeze in a few more things. Not like it’s going to be a problem or anything. I’m certain tomorrow will go just as well as today.”