“Such a lovely day, can’t wait for the concerts.”
>You’re making your way to the Manehattan Orchestra Hall, and it’s a beautiful day.
>Oddly enough, you didn’t sleep much last night.
>Only three hours, but you don’t feel tired at all.
>Nor have you been eating much.
>Everything still feels fantastic.
>As you’re approaching the hall, you see a bit of light reflecting off something on the sidewalk.
>Its a bit!
“Well now! Today really is my lucky day.”
>Whatever cosmic force, or Celestia for that matter, did this to you.
>Never let it end.
>You can see some other members are showing up early as expected
>And you join them entering the hall.
>The other members chat amongst themselves and head to the main seating area.
>Along the way, you chat up some of the newer members.
“Hope you’re all excited for today’s rehearsal.”
>They’re still clearly nervous, especially to have you a senior member, talking to them.
>Not surprising, they still expect a hazing.
>The mare from yesterday speaks up.
>”Yeah, it’s going to be good to practice with the others.”
>Though she is anxious, you can tell she is trying to appear more confident.
“Agreed, the more we play together, the better.”
>Good, that seemed to relax them a bit.
>You never were one for hazing the new members.
>It always annoyed you when the seniors did it.
>Especially when you first joined.
>That memory doesn’t upset you as much as it used to though.
>A little reassurance is all they need to succeed.
“Just remember to do your best, that’s what I’ve always done.”
>She smiles and nods.
>”Thank you Ms. Amore.”
>No surprise she tries to be formal, but you won’t have that.
“Please, call me Connie.”
>”Oh okay, Connie. I do appreciate you trying to help us out.”
“You’re welcome, let’s go prepare.”
>All of you head off to your respective sections.
>You take your seat and start to tune your violin.

>Not that you really need to, but it never hurts to be safe.
>Doesn’t take long for the maestro to take her place.
>She clears her throat and awaits the rest of the symphony to get ready.
>Everything starts off beautifully.
>One thing that always caught your eye, was how she used her wing tips as the baton.
>Probably why she is one of the best in all of Equestria.
>The music continues to flow in near perfect harmony.
>Each piece, a true wonder.
>Slowly, the music winds down, and you feel excited.
>At the rate these rehearsals are going, you’d say the concerts will be a success.
>You take the time to talk to the other members.
>If only to give them encouragement.
“That was wonderful, but of course we have another day of rehearsal. Nothing to worry about in the slightest.”
>Some give respective nods, murmurs of agreement, or the occasional eye roll.
>Would be nice if they all shared the kind of energy you have.
>As you start to gather your things, Friedrich approaches you.
>”Connie if you have a moment, could we talk?”
>This should be interesting.
“Of course, what is it Friedrich?”
>He gives a false smile, of course.
>”You’re doing a great job, but don’t you think you should address the individual members?”
>You feel some anger, is he really trying to tell you what to do?
“I have no reason to unless it becomes a problem.”
>A slight twitch in his eye, but he keeps on his mask.
>”Yes, but they should be addressed regardless. We can’t make mistakes.”
>One thing that always annoyed you about Friedrich.
>He always acted like he knew what was best.
>You shoot him a glare and lower your voice.
“As I said, I will deal with it if it’s a problem.”
>He tenses up for a split second, before nodding.
>”Fair enough, just trying to help.”
>Friedrich goes off to tend to his things, while you put on your bags and pickup your case.

>Maybe that was a little harsh, he might be right after all.
>No, you just have to show them better is all.
>You’re one of the best, and can set the best example.
>Taking a moment to look around, you see the mare from earlier.
>Might be the perfect time to make a new friend.
>You approach her with a smile.
“Hello again, how are you fairing?”
>She looks a little more at ease.
>”Pretty good, I think everything went well.”
“I agree, so, how would you like to hang out?”
>She looks surprised, but continues.
>”Um, hang out? As in today?”
>She’s silly, still nervous of course.
“Yes, we could practice together.”
>Her face clears up.
>”Oh, of course, I wouldn’t mind. Though I won’t be able to stay long.”
“Of course. I know this is rude of me, but what is your name?”
>She smiles and is far more relaxed from earlier.
>”It’s alright, my name is Feathered Strings, you can call me Feather.”
>She gets her things together and the two of you head out of the hall.
>So much to do, so much to plan.
>Plenty of time in the world and you will get it all done.
>You talk with her as you hail a taxi.
“How long have you lived here in?”
>”A few months, I moved here from Trottingham.”
“I’ve never been there, my family moved here from Ponyville when I was young.”
>The taxi pulls up, you both climb in and give him the address.
>”Think I’ve heard of it, small town near the Everfree forest?”
>It delights you to hear somepony actually know about it.
“That’s right. You can see Canterlot in the distance on a clear day.”
>”Wow, have you ever been there?”
>The memories come back briefly.
>Such a beautiful place, a part of you misses it.
“I lived there once, though I don’t remember much of it, because I was very little. What I do remember it being quite breath taking.”
>Feather’s eyes widen.
>”Really? If you don’t mind me asking, why did you move?”

“I don’t mind. My father had a contract in Ponyville, and mother didn’t mind because she could work from home.”
>That’s the reason you moved here as well.
>Thankfully your family stopped moving after you got enrolled in the academy.
>”Oh, you move around a lot then?”
“Not too often, we ended up staying here of course.”
>Before the conversation continues, the taxi stops.
>”Here we are ladies.”
>You pay him and head upstairs to your apartment.
>Upon entry she gawks at everything.
>”This is really something else.”
>You beam at her with pride.
“I agree, I was so lucky to get this place. Now then, shall we begin?”
>Feather nods enthusiastically and you both take a seat in your living room.
>It’s not often you get a friend to play alongside.
>Most of the members are busy, not that you blame them.
>You both pull out your violins and prepare.
“How about we play this one, and see where it goes from there?”
>She nods, and you both begin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aO_Zl85u60
>The song ends, and she looks to you expectantly.
“That was fantastic!”
>She looks unsure.
>”Really? I’m not so confident still.”
>This is exactly why you have to bring others up.
“I’m am one hundred percent sure. How about we do some more?”
>Her eyes fill with hope and she nods.
>This goes on for a while, and before long, she has to leave.
>”This was great Connie, we should do it again sometime.”
>You don’t want her to go, but she clearly is busy.
“Agreed, how about tomorrow?”
>”Well, sure. Would probably help to get in as much as I can from somepony like yourself.”
>Hearing this makes you overjoyed.
“Wonderful, see you later Feather.”
>”You too Connie.”
>She leaves and you’re alone now.
>Doesn’t matter, you have so much to do.
“I should plan out that party, but I could practice more. I should visit my parents! Wait, it’s late, I’ll do it tomorrow.”

>You sit down and start to play out a few more songs.
>As you’re playing, the unexpected happens.
>A string breaks.
>To say you’re shocked is an understatement.
>You try to rationalize what happened.
“I have been playing an awful lot, but I should’ve replaced it sooner.”
>Just as you’re getting up to remedy this, you hear a knock on the door.
“Now who could that be?”
>Upon answering it, see it’s your neighbor.
>”Hello Connie, it’s a bit late, so could you keep it down?”
>You’re about to get angry, when you realize he is right.
“Oh, sorry. Won’t happen again.”
>”Thank you.”
>You close the door and head back to tending to your violin.
>Careful examination reveals the string snapped in half.
“Should’ve expected this I suppose. Oh well, I can replace it.”
>Normally you would go to the shop to take care of this.
>But you’ve learned to fix it yourself sometimes.
>The only problem, it’s a pain.
>Needless to say, it takes a while and you will have to fully test it tomorrow.
>Rather not upset your neighbors again.
“I should get something to eat and probably head to bed.
>As you’re eating, you still feel great.
>Rehearsal went well, made a new friend, found a bit.
>Only bad parts were breaking a string and upsetting your neighbor.
>That doesn’t bother you still.
>You shake your head as you head off to sleep.
“Nothing to worry about, just a few small problems today is all.”