12/17/2016 >You wander into the living room. The sound of the cello stopped some time ago and you got curious. >It sits on it's stand, the bow propped up beside it. Sheet music is scattered all over the floor and coffee table. >Where is she? You look around the room... >There, on the sofa. Sound asleep, her mane hanging to the floor along with one of her back legs. She forgot to take off her bow tie again. >You watch her sleep for a moment, sipping your scotch. >You pick up a sheet of music. Running your eye's along the notes you can here the cello in your head, the melody dancing across your mind. >You sit down in your easy chair and pick up your guitar. >Softly strumming the strings you make sure it's in tune. >You begin to pick out a harmony. Reading her music and adding your own. >You play softly so you don't awaken sleeping beauty. >Slowly you lose yourself in the tune. https://youtu.be/y0WB29MJJgQ [Embed] >Half way through the piece you realize the cello isn't just in your head. Looking over you see her behind her instrument, eye's closed and a smile on her lips. >Strumming the chords harder you round out the song, finishing with a flourish. She opens her eye's and turns her smile to you. >"That's what it was missing. I couldn't get it right for some reason." she says. "It takes two to play a love song Tavi." you reply. >"What should we call it Anon?" she asks. "I dunno." you say, replacing your guitar on it's stand. "But I can't help falling in love with you" 12/18/2016 >You open the door and duck inside. Shutting out the wind and cold behind you, you brush off the snow. >Setting down your guitar case you remove your coat and boots. >The house is quiet. No movement or music coming to your ears. >You quietly make your way into the living room and look around. >There's sheet music everywhere, that's normal. >Octavia is on the floor, cuddling her cello and sound asleep. >Returning to the foyer you grab your case and take it to the bedroom and put it away. >You get into your PJ's and prepare for bed before returning downstairs for Tavi. >She looks so peaceful you almost want to leave her there but the thought of sleeping alone persuades you. >You gently slip the cello from her grasp and replace it on it's stand. turning back you scoop up your mare and head for the stairs. >She wraps her hooves around your neck reflexively, barely waking up. >"Play me back to sleep Anon." she says in your ear as you lay her on the bed. >Tucking her in you pick up your guitar. Sitting on the bed beside her you start to play. https://youtu.be/aVVVNSNVvMo [Embed] >By the time you finish the short lullaby she is snoring softly. >You set your guitar down and slide into bed next to her, turning off the light. >You wrap your arms around her, kissing her forehead and snuggling into her warmth. "Good night, Tavi. I love you" 12/19/2016 >The sound of hundred's of hooves pounding the wooden floor greet your ears as you strum your last chord. >You set your guitar on the stand and step up next to Octavia. >As you both take your bow's the concert hall is filled with wild cries of 'Encore, Encore'. >Glancing down at Tavi you raise an eyebrow. "What do you want to do?" you ask. >She only say's one word but it brings a smile to your face. >"Swan" >You turn and walk over to the grand piano sitting at the side of the stage. >Don't need music for this one. Taking your seat you lay your fingers on the keys. https://youtu.be/iSmxBNFnvkM [Embed] >You keep your eye's on your mare as she starts to play. The emotion of every note travels across her face as she loses herself in the music. >The crown is dead silent as you finish the song. They all seem to be holding their breath as the last note fade's. >Then the dam breaks. Whistles and load shouting accompanied by thunderous hoof stomping fills the air as you and Tavi take one last bow. >You hug her close and kiss her cheek, guiding her off stage. >Another great performance in the bag, and food on the table for a while. >When the curtain comes down, the applause dies away and you gather your things. "Let's go home beautiful." you say to her as you pick up the interments and head for the door. Your love by your side. 12/20/2016 >You hear the plucking of cello strings. >Setting aside your book you close your eyes and start to listen. >Octavia starts to sing. https://youtu.be/RB4o-zFy1cM [Remove] >She doesn't do this often, Though you wish she would. Her voice is rich and beautiful. Her range is amazing and captivates you with it's versatility. >The song is almost sad, but makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. >As she drags her bow across the strings, letting her voice fade a chill runs down your spine. >Her ability to draw emotions from you never fails. Even when she's just playing around and not really trying. >She goes back to plucking the strings and her voice flows out once more. >You rise from your chair and make your way to her. >Hugging her from behind as she plucks the last notes. >A tear rolls down your cheek into her mane. >Neither of you say a word because you don't have to. 12/21/2016 >Date night. You and Octavia are snuggled in a luxury box in the Royal Canterlot Theater. >The Royal Fillyharmonic Orchestra is playing and the Princesses are here. >You can see them across the way in their own box. >You got an invitation because they are playing one of your compositions. https://youtu.be/MG6bgdQn684 [Embed] >Well not really *yours* but it's a song from your world anyway. They don't know the difference. >A scotch in your left hand and your right arm around your mare you couldn't be happier. >As the song nears it's crescendo, a griffon steps from the stage wings with an electric guitar slung over her shoulder. >She proceeds to melt all the ponies faces with her awesome solo. >Octavia giggles beside you pointing out the Princesses peeking over the backs of their chairs. >"Prank successful Anon." she whispers, kissing you on the cheek. >As the last note fades you stand and lean out of the box. >Raising your glass toward the stage you shout. "Rock on Gilda!" >You nod in pride at your student. She did well. >As you settle back into your seat the audience below you erupts in thunderous applause and shouting. >You put your arm back around Octavia and finish off your glass. 12/22/2016 >A knock on your studio door. >Octavia walks over and opens it, nearly getting knocked off her feet as three fillies come rolling in at full speed. >"Hiya Mr. Anon! We're here to cut our first single, become stars and git our cutie marks!" Apple Bloom holler's as she skids to a stop at your feet. Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo slide to a stop beside her. "Ok girl's. Have you picked a song yet?" you ask >"Sure did!" says Sweetie bell. "But we're going to need your help, and Miss Octavia's." >She hand's you some music and they head for their interments. >Scootaloo takes the drums as Apple bloom picks up her bass. >Sweetie Bell heads for the mic. >Octavia walks over and looks at the music while you grab your guitar. >"What do you want me to play?" she ask's the girls. "This doesn't look like a cello song" >"Um...here you go Miss Octavia." Scootaloo holds out a tambourine. "Just follow me!" she grins, spinning her drumsticks. How...? never mind. >Octavia cocks an eyebrow at you, holding up her new instrument. You just smile and wink back at her. "Alright girl's. Are you ready?" you ask. >"Yeah, lets go!" they all say at once. You nod to Vinyl in the sound booth to start recording as Scootaloo counts off. 1..2..3..4.. >As you start to play you look to your mare who is beaming with pride. https://youtu.be/MWCeAoLjKQM >It's a good day. 12/23/2016 >You and Octavia are camping in the Everfree Forest (sorry SirGreensAlot) >It's a chilly night so you sit huddled around the camp fire as the moon rises. >You softly strum your guitar. Playing some tunes for your mare. https://youtu.be/PBBbKt9-sYw >You hear twigs snapping and brush rustling as you finish playing. Something big is making it's way to your fire. >Octavia ducks behind you as you stand and turn to face the noise. >Most things you have run across out here are intimidated by you if you yell and make a lot of noise. >You hold still, watching for whatever steps into the light. >What peek's out of the shadows surprises you...never seen this before. >It's the head of a massive bear, Big blue eyes and a pink streak of fur on the top of it's massive yellow head. It's almost cute, if not for the huge teeth in it's muzzle. >You hold your arms out to the side and say firmly: "Hey bear!" >The massive creature squeaks and dives behind a tree. Hiding it's face but not the rest of it's shaggy yellow body. >"Wait Anon." Octavia stops you. "It's just a flutterbear...they're harmless." >She walks around you and approaches the creature, holding out a hoof. >"It's ok, we won't hurt you." she glances back at you. "It must have been attracted to your music honey. play it something else." >You pick up your guitar again. https://youtu.be/iyII23Tsoik >The flutterbear peeks out at the sound of your guitar, sniffing at Octavia. >"That's it....come on." she says as the beast creeps towards the fire and the music. >"She just wants to snuggle...see...harmless." The flutterbear plops down by the fire and Octavia promptly cuddles up against it. >Oh well. sure wont be cold tonight. 12/24/2016 >It's Hearth's Warming eve. You and Octavia are at Lyra and Bonbon's party. >After plenty of the warm apple cider you both have a cozy little buzz going. >Someone ask's you to play a holiday song from your world. These ponies can't seem to get enough of the music you brought with you when you came here. >You pull Tavi aside and persuade her to help out, along with Lyra and a couple of other musical ponies. >The song is not that hard to play and they have an uncanny ability to just jump in and follow along. >You all gather in front of the fireplace as the room gets quiet. You strum your guitar. https://youtu.be/3KK6sMo8NBY [Remove] >A little tipsy you let The King come out in your voice. The twang is real. >When Octavia starts to sing everypony is shocked and you can't get the grin off your face. >When the song finishes there is applause as Octavia kisses you on the cheek. Happy Hearth's Warming eve everyone. Hope your having a good one![spoiler/] 12/26/2016 >Hearth's Warming at Canterlot Castle. You have successfully introduced Big Band music to Equestria over the last few years. >These ponies went wild for it just like Americans in the 30's. >You have a nice little orchestra put together for tonight. Swinging out the best Christmas hits from your world. >Celestia and Luna are in attendance, and a bunch of other ponies are on the dance floor. >You keep the party going with hits like: https://youtu.be/9AmYQ00qndA [Embed] >and https://youtu.be/6WDw3rapTc8 [Embed] >The princesses are even getting into it. Dancing around mostly with each other. >Being a band leader is the best. You love the smiles on everyponies face, especially the grey mare in the first chair, string section. >The two of you have a surprise for the end of the show. >As you prepare for the last song you address the crowd. "Thank you everypony for coming out. We've enjoyed playing for you on this beautiful night. Before we go we have one more song for you. so grab that special somepony and let's slow it down a little. Please welcome, for her vocal debut, Octavia Melody!" >You strike up the band, and join your mare in the final song, watching as ponies pair off to dance the last song. https://youtu.be/w_8B_ZwdF2Q [Embed] >The song ends to thunderous hoof stomping and shouts. >Octavia has successfully won them over with her voice as well as her playing now. "I told you so" you whisper in her ear. 12/26/2016 >Date night again. >You and Octavia are in some little out of the way 'concert hall'. more like a bar with a dance floor and a band stand. >Duke Guildington is playing as ponies do their version of the Lindy hop and foxtrot on the smoke hazed dance floor. >You and Octavia are at a table right by the stage. Simply enjoying the horn's blasting in your ears and having very little conversation. >Most of the ponies playing are either student's of yours or talent you've scouted. >As the band swings into one of Tavi's favorite songs, she drags you onto the dance floor. https://youtu.be/D6mFGy4g_n8 [Embed] >Ponies make way as you swing Octavia all over the stage. Good thing she doesn't weigh much. >The song gives way to a melancholy jazz ballad you recognize immediately. >This is a risky play. You need a hell of a vocalist to pull this one off. >You look toward the mic and see a dark coated young mare step up and start to sing. https://youtu.be/KUCyjDOlnPU [Embed] >"Wow." you hear from Octavia. "Who is she?" "I dunno." you reply as you join in the slow dance together. "But I'm gunna find out." 12/27/2016 >Twilight's castle. Pinkie Pie is throwing some party for all of Ponyville. >Some great evil has been defeated by the power of friendship or something. You don't really care. >This is just another chance to preform for your fan's, and spend time with your Octavia. >Pinkie invited you to play her music...literally. She is the element of laughter...and because of that she is the embodiment of the blues, and you love to play the blues. https://youtu.be/X70VMrH3yBg >You start them off light. Watching Octavia dance around and have a good time with all the others. >Working your way through your set you hit on some B.B King. https://youtu.be/HJrZ1LAOLYQ >Some Thorogood https://youtu.be/97ECZMvbLxg >And even a little Clapton https://youtu.be/Q_L-0Ryhmic >When the night starts to wind down, Octavia comes to the stage. You like to give her the last song, or song's, get the crowd warmed up. "This is a love story from my world, about and old american folk hero. I'm going to let the beautiful Octavia tell it to you." >You finish addressing the crowd and settle at the piano. https://youtu.be/EAVnz8Lj0vg >What a night. 12/28/2016 >You are sick. Damn hay fever. Head stopped up, running a temperature, feels like you're coughing up a lung. >Octavia has been by your side all day, keeping your humidifier filled and rubbing menthol on your chest. >She made you drink some nasty smelling stuff she got from Zecora that tasted like pure grain alcohol. >It killed your cough and the spices in it opened up your sinuses, now you are having trouble keeping your eyes open. >"Close your eye's dear and get some rest. You'll feel better in the morning. Let me sing you the words I came up with for that song we did the other day." >You shift around and get comfortable as Octavia starts to sing. https://youtu.be/egEWxf09YnQ [Embed] 12/29/2016 >Apple Family Reunion. There's a crowd and plenty of cider, that's all it takes to get you here. >You hate playing Bluegrass. There's no soul in this music, no swing. >But you will do just about anything for Applejack's cider. >You and Octavia spent a few days converting some rock songs from your world into bluegrass, to make it a little more bearable. https://youtu.be/forqmom3YuY >They really like this one for some reason. https://youtu.be/MlsevSpfpYI >You even get Tavi to sing near the end of your set. https://youtu.be/EvKtxTsVoMo >Something a little more traditional. >You end your set with a tearjerker...cause their country ponies. Must have tears. https://youtu.be/3DhbEfgpA1Q >Not a dry eye in sight, you bow and leave the stage. Now where is that cider... Disclaimer: [spoiler]I actually like Bluegrass. Don't hate me. P.S. Jamey Johnson is the only singer left that's really country.[/spoiler] 12/30/2016 >Your playing Vinyl's club tonight. https://youtu.be/n6jCJZEFIto >Octavia is in the DJ booth. You have a few ponies helping you out with the band part. You and Tavi are taking turns entertaining the crowd. >Octavia drops a beat when your song finishes. https://youtu.be/0V7aUT13qtM >Following her lead you start the next song. https://youtu.be/aNQvLECht08 >As the last note fade the lights go out. An image appears on the huge projector screen behind you as a video clip starts to play. https://youtu.be/9POYDoHXUX0 >As the last words spoken fade into the silence you whisper into your mic: "Lets Rock" [spoiler]headphones and high volume encouraged[\spoiler] https://youtu.be/7ZbUnu8WBn0 >Now this is a party. 12/31/2016 >New years eve, or whatever the pony equivalent is, you're not really sure. >Time's Square, Manehattan. There are thousand's of ponies here. >This is the biggest block party you have ever seen, and of course, you are seeing it from the stage. https://youtu.be/8SbUC-UaAxE [Embed] >You play some good classics from your world. >Octavia is handling the string section, looking beautiful in her original Rarity. Crafted especially for tonight's performance. >You play several more songs. >Octavia swap's to the bass for this one. https://youtu.be/-0kcet4aPpQ [Embed] >The rich, high class ponies eat this up. You don't think they have a clue what the song is about. >After a good set it starts to get midnight. They begin to count down as a giant ball of cotton candy with what looks like stars in it starts to drop...Pinkie. >As the clock strikes 12, fireworks go off. Lights flash and everypony cheers. >You shout into the microphone: "I hate to disappoint you ponies, but I hate Auld Lang Syne! I refuse to bring in the new year with anything other than 'FREE BIIIRD!!' https://youtu.be/np0solnL1XY [Embed] 01/01/2017 >It's premier night in Canterlot. They don't have video games here in Equestria. >But they take their table top gaming very seriously. >Tonight is the release party for 'Foal of Light'. They have a big shindig and reveal complete with cosplay and a full orchestra playing scores from the soundtrack. >Yes. They record soundtracks for board games. >Luckily, you and Octavia like games. When they asked you to compose for this one you jumped at the chance. >They gave you a early version of the game and you and Tavi played it for months while you wrote the music. Best job ever! https://youtu.be/nL3YMZ-Br0o [Embed] >Your small orchestra from the music school plays through most of the soundtrack. https://youtu.be/Byz6960tWxQ [Embed] https://youtu.be/Wew8kC4tvNQ [Embed] >For the main unveiling you play one of the epic boss fight songs. https://youtu.be/NDPftQZfh58 [Embed] >After the creators do their thing and show of the game for the huge crowd, you prepare for the last performance. >This wasn't a song written for the game, but Octavia thought it would fit. >She comes out dressed as the main character with a violin and starts to dance across the stage as she play's https://youtu.be/oEBNIzOIbVs [Embed] >Her dexterity is mind-blowing. 01/02/2017 >You slip quietly in the back of the class room. On days like today, when you finish early, you like to sit in on Tavi's classes. >They are always entertaining. >She has just finished roll call. Putting her book down she addresses the class. >"Today, let's have some fun. Pancake Batter, come up here please. >A cream colored earth pony filly with a butter yellow mane walks to the front of the class. >Octavia directs her to a cello and picks up her own. >"Just follow along with me and try to keep up." she instructs the student as she starts to play. https://youtu.be/x8yymm3DtVA >Surprisingly the little filly keeps up. The song ends and Octavia calls another forward. >"Come on Red Mud." A burnt red unicorn steps up and grasps the cello in his magic. https://youtu.be/uT3SBzmDxGk >Poor little Red Mud almost doesn't make it. He's out of breath and sweating at the end of the song. Octavia is completely composed, not even a hair out of place in the mane she was swinging around wildly a minute ago. >"OK kid's, any request?" some filly calls out 'Hall of the Mountain King'. >You call out in a squeaky voice, trying not to draw attention to yourself: "Apocalyptica" >Octavia shoots you a glare. You can hear her words inside your head. (see pic related) >I'm going to need everyponies help on this one so grab your instruments and get ready. https://youtu.be/zf2aIVKp1OY >Two hours later you are done cleaning up the broken glass and repairing the windows that got blown out. >Octavia walks up and leans against your leg. "Why must you provoke me like that dear?" she asks, a smile on her face. "You know why. Sometimes you need an excuse to show off." >You smile back at her, scratching behind her ears. 01/03/2017 >"My name is Octavia Melody, and I'm here today to share with you some stories. Stories that I have gathered over the last few week's traveling in the Macintosh Mountains. >The Ponies who live there live hard. They mine coal from deep in the ground. They have developed a way of life that is totally alien to us, and a style of music that is completely unique. >When I say share stories I'm talking about songs I learned. The 'unique' part about their music is it all tells a story. Stories of pain and heartache, struggle and hard work, joy and love. >From their music we get a glimpse into their lives. So without further ado I present to you, Mountain Music." https://youtu.be/MtnKT2ipRgs >"I wasn't always welcome with these ponies. Some of them turned me away as soon as they saw me. They can tell immediately that you don't belong, and they don't like outsiders. >But a few were nice. They invited me in to their 'hollers', little pocket communities tucked against the mountains. They would feed me, give me drink, and set me on the porch for a song." https://youtu.be/Dh3J8MDzSYY >"In a dusty old barn, I sat around with a family sharing home brewed whiskey. Here is where I heard one of the saddest things of my life." https://youtu.be/ZNOQX1UbAbg >"Even just simple music, with no lyrics, can fill your heart with joy. This one is from the same dusty barn, after a little more whiskey." https://youtu.be/FcIEivZ2wsk >"Thank you for listening and I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into a strange and beautiful culture. We want to leave you with one last story. Guess you could call it our 'last' story. >Thank yo again, and goodnight everypony!" https://youtu.be/If1yxmaJ14M 01/04/2017 >Graduation day at Octavia's school for Gifted Musicians. >All of the parent's and family of the student's, as well as the entire population of Ponyville, and half of Canterlot, are packed onto the school grounds. >This is one of the biggest concerts of the year. That's one of the best things about these ponies. They take a lot of pride in their children. >There are stages set up everywhere. Any type of music you can think of is being played on one or another. From classic to jazz-fusion, from polka to rock and roll. There is even a stage playing some of the Mountain Music Tavi learned on her trip, and another with some weird zebra music. >This is your favorite part of the year. You soak in everything as you wander from stage to stage. You spot the CMC's gearing up and you wander over. They're wearing some strange costumes...when the start to play you understand why. https://youtu.be/r3ThppM3IhA >Huh...now where did they learn that. "Good job girls!" you wave as you wander off to the next stage. >On another stage is Snips and Snails...with...is that a jeep? This should be interesting. https://youtu.be/LFybwg4wadI >You give them two thumbs up as you head for the next stage. You pass through a magical sound barrier on the way, blocking out the noise from around you so all you hear is the stage. https://youtu.be/usADINi17cI >Nice. >One more before you have to go find Tavi for the closing ceremony. >This is one of your classes. You always let them pick their songs and encourage them to work on their own, offering help when needed. They always succeed. https://youtu.be/KXkkS4HBJ6o >You cheer and clap with the rest of the crowd. Pride for your student's fills your heart almost as much as Octavia does...almost. 01/09/2017 >You are Anon. Laying on the floor in front of the fireplace, propped up against the sofa. A light blanket covers your legs as you stare into the fire. >Frank Sinatra plays quietly on the stereo. https://youtu.be/h9ZGKALMMuc >Octavia appears beside you, setting down a tray with two glasses and a bottle of scotch. >You grab the bottle and pour her a glass as she settles down beside you. Handing it to her when she is comfortably pressed against your side. >You pour yourself a glass and set the bottle aside, putting your arm around the grey mare, >She sighs contentedly, taking a sip of her drink. "So, how was your day?" >"Same ol' stuff." Tavi answers. "I got a letter from Constance today. She wants to talk to us about doing a fundraiser or something for the orphanage in Canterlot. Apparently they have more foal's than is normal for some reason and they are getting strapped for bits." >You take a sip of your scotch, savoring the taste as a new song starts to play. https://youtu.be/mQR0bXO_yI8 "What could possibly cause an increase in orphaned foals in this kingdom?" you ask. >"I have no idea, but I'd like to help." Octavia looks up at you, as if to ask 'don't you?' >You scratch behind her ears, causing her to sigh again. "Of coarse we will help. Whatever they need, I'm there." >She lays her head down against your chest and closes her eyes. "I know you will, that's why I love you so much." >You smile as you take another drink.