private Rhapsody in Blue

[lincolnshirepony 527]

(OOC: Very nice!)

 

Blue Note nibbled at her salad. Did she say something wrong? Sterling didn't react to her comment; perhaps he felt awkward as well. "Yes, I will certainly have to remember this place for future reference." The food was delicious. Blue Note loved the house salad dressing. "I could eat this salad forever." She noticed that Sterling was also enjoying his food, in a very messy way. At least he wasn't talking with his mouth open. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

(OOC: Thank you very much! My final score is a 34, with a 12 in Biology as well! Finally getting consistency!)

 

Sterling continued to nibble on his food rather messily, but it improved as the meal progressed. Sterling swallowed his salad, cleaned his mouth with his napkin, and spoke,

 

"Sorry I'm eating this so messily. I've... I've always been terrible at eating food properly. I can never seem to orient myself to the utensils properly. My parents tried to teach my etiquette, but they were always so frustrated at how slow I was, and am... I'm still trying though!" 

 

Sterling then responded to Blue's compliments toward the house salad,

"See what I mean? A lot of ponies say this is the best place to have a good dinner! And the prices are also very affordable!"

[lincolnshirepony 527]

"Slowness is the key though," Blue Note said. "It becomes so much easier if you take your time." Blue Note had learned table manners partially from her mother and partially on her own. She never wanted to give anypony the impression that she was in any way improper. 

 

"That's always a positive, especially on a student budget." She sighed.

[Inactive01 5,299]

"Slowness... My parents always said I was an eager pony... maybe too eager sometimes... I'll try eating slower... But often times, I often feel like enjoying myself in the food because it's so good! But yeah. I'll eat slower for you..."

 

Sterling then practiced eating more slowly, even if it was a struggle for him. All his life he was so eager to get things done quickly so he could enjoy other things, even if they resulted in a... sloppy appearance or product. Eventually, Sterling did finish his meal and spoke with a feeling of satiation,

 

"Well well. That was a great meal wouldn't you say Blue Note? And look! We still have an hour before the show! I guess we can finish up here and get to our seats if you want."

[lincolnshirepony 527]

"That sounds fabulous," Blue Note said. "I'm excited to see what a real Broadhay theater looks like." She had imagined theaters containing elaborate settings and sophisticated architecture. She had seen pictures in books, but had no real life experiences to compare it to. "I hope they are as beautiful as I've imagined."

[Inactive01 5,299]

(OOC: I also have a plot device we can try for Sterling based on his parents and the newspaper company in Manehattan. It's still at work right now, but the magnitude of it will be similar to what we discussed about Blue Note's backstory...)

 

Sterling was also feeling the delight of finally becoming part of the audience for a live broadcast. It was never anything Sterling's parents had time for, especially since his dad, Front Page, was always trying to get the latest scoop on all the sports news. Lately, he had been working overtime to make ends for his family, and things had been more difficult slightly, but it wasn't an issue Sterling wanted to get to, especially not in front of Blue Note. He replied cheerfully, 

 

"I hope so too! It'll be a first experience for me too! We never really had the time to enjoy a Broadhay show as a family, but being able to enjoy it with you's already a great start!"

 

Trix now had come around to collect their meals. She pardoned the two as she collected Sterling's plate and then asked politely to Blue Note, "Are you finished there ma'am? And how was the house salad? We strive to make our food as tasty as possible, especially for first-time customers!"

Edited July 29, 2013 by Sterling Crimson

[lincolnshirepony 527]

"It was delicious. Your customer service is excellent," Blue Note complimented. It had been a very high quality salad. She had to admire how friendly the staff was here. Perhaps the Manehatten clientele were better customers than those found in Canterlot? 

 

"This place was fantastic," she said to Sterling. "I wish the food at UofM was half this good."

[Inactive01 5,299]

Trix replied with a very happy and friendly smile to Blue Note, 

 

"Well I'm very glad you enjoyed your meal ma'am. We hope you come back now and then with Sterling."

 

Trix then approached her ear and whispered with a giggle,

 

"He's a great stallion, even if he has some quirks."  

 

After Trix had left, Sterling replied,

"Yep! So do I! Because seriously, we probably won't have the chance to visit here everyday... and as such we've got to stick with their terrible meals... BLEH!" Sterling then made a disgusted look on his face in hopes of making Blue Note giggle.

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note couldn't help but giggle at Sterling's ridiculous facial expression. "That is truly the face of somepony eating in the main dining hall. I seriously wonder how they can screw up salad." Surely finding fresh lettuce wasn't that difficult, especially with how much money the university charged to buy a meal plan. Blue Note probably could have bought her own food for less and eaten better. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

"I know right? They even screwed up my cabbage salad this week and nearly traumatized my love for it! The bill's here, so we can just pay up and we'll be walking over to Broadhay!"

 

Sterling then placed the bits on the table for Trix to collect. He stood up and walked away from the Prancing Unicorn and walked towards Broadhay. Deep inside, Sterling hoped that it would be an amazing night, an unforgettable night, and especially a very musical one as he trotted.

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note tossed a few more bits on the table, just for good measure. She was in the habit of being a very generous tipper, poor college student or not. 

She trotted along next to Sterling, admiring how Manehatten looked in the evening. She could spend hours wandering around the majestic buildings, admiring the architecture. 

The ponies were equally interesting. They were diverse; everypony heading off to take care of their own life. Blue Note could only imagine the stories each pony could tell. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

They had finally arrived at Broadhay. A group of ponies were already lining up and chattering about how awesome "Phantom of the Opera" would be. It was to be a very momentous night for all the spectators. Sterling now walked into the center. He could see the stage as large as the width of the auditorium. He could see the conductor's pit where the orchestra would play. He could even see the setting behind the nearly transparent curtain. He sat down excitedly at the back seats where they were to sit. He motioned for Blue Note to sit beside him as the show's start time was nearing. He could only imagine how epic watching a live musical production would be as he could now hear the orchestra warming up and tuning their instruments...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note enjoyed the view of the orchestra pit. The shiny brass instruments were eye catching, and she couldn't help but admire the clarinets. The theater was beautiful, just liked she hoped. Her excitement grew as the lights dim.

 

The setting on the stage was eerie. Blue Note was amazed at how  An auctioneer was selling items from an old theater. Of particular interest was Lot 666, a chandelier. The intensity of show was revealed as time rewound and the chandelier ascended, as the orchestra played the iconic overture...

 

[Inactive01 5,299]

The musical was now beginning. Sterling could now hear the iconic organ overture of the famed "The Phantom of the Opera". Sterling's first thoughts were of intrigue and wonder, especially since the piece was deemed "a most romantic of the musicals" and "the most tragic." Sterling's first impressions was that of fear. Maybe fear did play a role for the musical Sterling thought, but nonetheless, he was slightly confused as to why such a tense overture was introduced as the curtain now rose to introduce the musical...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note enjoyed the overture. She had listened to it before, but there was something more exciting about hearing it performed live. When Act 1 started, her surroundings began to fade away, and she became engrossed in the story. It was easy to get wrapped up in the drama of the opera. She couldn't help but admire the beautiful soprano of the pony playing Christine Daaé.

[Inactive01 5,299]

The curtain had finally sprung forth. It was time to begin. Sterling sat wondering what the musical had to offer as it was his first watch... He could see a mare apparently named Carlotta trying to rehearse for her next performance at the opera... 'Hmm maybe it'll be like the damsel in distress! Yeah that's it! We'll just have to see!' 

 

All of a sudden, the backdrop collapsed on itself! Carlotte was screaming about a Phantom! Sterling jumped for a moment at the crashing of the backdrop! With a slight pant, Sterling then calmed himself after the crash. Carlotta had just run off... and the musical introduced another mare... 

 

When the scene shifted, Sterling could see this mare they spoke of...  Christine Daaé... She looked simply stunning. Sterling opened his eyes wide after the initial shock wondering what a pretty mare could possibly be doing in what appeared to a tragic and horrific musical... 'Maybe... maybe it's her I have to focus on for the musical... we'll just have to see... I'm already beginning to feel terrified by this musical... Maybe I should have picked "South Pacific"...' thought a tense Sterling as he continued to sit and watch from the back seat, beside the comfort of Blue Note...

Edited July 30, 2013 by Sterling Crimson

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Notefound herself more and more engrossed in the musical as it went on. The compositions were wonderful and the pit orchestra did them justice. The story itself was intriguing. She found herself charmed by Raoul, the pony that seemed to be Christine's love interest. Though she was very curious about the Phantom, who had yet to make an appearance.

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

(OOC: Would you like me to get to "All I Ask of You" or will you do that?)

 

While Blue Note was engrossed in the music, Sterling was still busy trying to compose himself. For some reason, the chair he was sitting on wasn't very comfortable. He tried his best to keep quiet, but it was becoming increasingly difficult with the music only appearing once in a while. He could see the other ponies looking at him, telling him to shush. He tried his best to keep quiet, but it really wasn't working at the moment...

 

To make matters worse, Sterling was still confused as to what was going on. The self-proclaimed "Phantom" was yet to arrive, and all he could see was what looked like Christine's lover, apparently named Raoul. The songs sounded nice to him, but they weren't spectacular in his opinion. Still, he WAS fidgeting on his very uncomfortable red, reclining seat...

Edited August 1, 2013 by Sterling Crimson

[lincolnshirepony 527]

(OOC: You can do it, since my posting is still slow going. :

 

Blue Note was fascinated by Angel of Music. The voice behind the mirror was obviously the Phantom. His voice could justify the title that his actions seemed to negate. The character was interesting to her in a morbid way, as she watched him reveal himself to Christine and take her underground. He was a tragic figure, a distorted pony. He was terrifying, but interesting. She could almost see why Christine would let herself be carried away...

[Inactive01 5,299]

(OOC: Will do!)

 

The Phantom of the Opera had finally arrived. He showed himself at his underground realm... By this time, Sterling was finally able to get cozy on his seat and enjoy the musical. Just in time for the title piece too! When Sterling noticed the misty effect from the sides, he was impressed by how creepy and scary the stage looked. His eyes opened wide as the organ bellowed through the concert hall to everypony's ears, leaving him even more awestruck. When Christine sneaked up on the Phantom and revealed his face, Sterling gasped. His face... it was burnt... 'So THAT's why he wore a mask throughout this musical! Oh wow...' thought a Sterling who had just experienced an epiphany... 

 

Sterling didn't have much time to feel emphatic towards the Phantom from his own experiences because the scene quickly changed to the glamour and posh of the opera house. The Phantom wrote a threat that the opera producers inexplicably ignored... and then... as the opera began... disaster. Not only did Carlotta lose her voice, the backdrop became filled with menacing shadows and figures that haunted the house. To top it off, Duquet, the opera producer who ignored the Phantom's threats, hung above as a mannequin... a corpse...

 

Needless to say, Sterling jumped at all that had just happened. The music merely compounded his fears and nearly made him jump a seat or two. Luckily, Sterling kept himself on his seat after the scene out of fear that he was already disturbing the ponies behind him...

 

Sterling was still frightened by the ruckus, but then... he could hear the soothing violins that resonated in F major and beautifully transitioned to D flat... Sterling could feel his heart race, and yet... he felt relaxed. Comforted. When Christine and Raoul began to sing the world famous tune, Sterling could feel himself descending into his dreams... He looked at Blue Note who was just sitting there looking emotionless... How could she just sit there while this heavenly music was playing... Oh if only he could sing this to a mare someday... If only...

 

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Sterling was at the roof... with... Blue Note... The moonlight was shining beautifully outside, away from the chaos and discord that ruled the University of Manehattan... They both ran away from all the anger and vitriol... The voices continued to bellow from below, but the orchestra began to envelop those voices... they all faded away as Sterling looked deep into Blue Note's eyes... He approached her slowly... and they both sang together in surprising unison...

 

No more talk of darkness...

Forget those wide-eyed fears...

I'm here... nothing can harm you... 

Share each day with me... each night... each morning... 

 

 

 

(@lincolnshirepony This is a working picture @Zhooves made just for this scene. He's working on perfecting it and getting the colours too! This is what Sterling's imagining in his cutsie little daydream...)

 

 

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Sterling could feel himself hugging Blue Note warmly in his daydream as the orchestra interlude reached its climax... He curled his front hooves closely to him to show he was hugging something, albeit imaginary... Why it was Blue Note, he couldn't understand, but still.. he felt comfort with her... And he wanted to give some back... maybe he would be given the chance someday. For now, Sterling sat peacefully in his seat as his imagination soared in the romantic music of the night...

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 6, 2013 by Sterling Crimson

[lincolnshirepony 527]

(OOC: There was so much cuteness in that post.  )

 

Blue Note liked listening to Christine and Raoul sing. It was a good song, yet her skepticism prevented her from becoming completely absorbed in the romance. Surely it was a beautiful expression of love, but wasn't the Phantom still terrifying them? Could Raoul really keep her safe? "Love can't be that strong." She did have to admit that their romance was lovely, though. She glanced over at Sterling; he was certainly enjoying the song. All I Ask of You was a really lovely song, but it didn't surprise her when the Phantom started singing as well. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

(OOC: I strive for cuteness. He's a hopeless romantic for crying out loud!)

 

Sterling was so absorbed into the music that he didn't notice Blue Note glancing over to him. He also didn't notice the Phantom singing soon after the musical number. He was still deep in the romance. He continued to hug himself as if he were hugging the fluffiest, cutest things he could ever find. And deep within his brain, that lovely thing was Blue Note... The song was a chance to remove his inhibitions and fears. He didn't care what the other ponies were thinking; he just wanted a venue of expression, and that was music and Blue Note. He was ever so grateful that his parents introduced him to the beautiful world that was the musical.

 

However, the musical took a turn for the worse. Soon after the Phantom had finished singing, the organ blared loudly. The music continued to build tension before the chandelier fell with a crashing thud. The glass began to fly across the stage, nearly reaching the orchestra pit as well. The screams and shouts of fear ended the charade that was Act I of "The Phantom of the Opera".

 

The crashing thud made Sterling jump from his daydream! It was so shocking that he jumped from his seat like a rocket and ended up in Blue Note's lap! After his jump, the other ponies looked at him with a glare before clapping at the end of Act I to signal the intermission... Sterling stayed on Blue Note's lap frozen. He was so shocked from the end of Act I that he remained frozen on Blue Note's lap for what seemed like an eternity. A bright red blush accumulated on his cheeks and a sheepish grin and chuckle were soon heard from the shocked stallion... 

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

Blue Note was startled by the crashing chandelier. She slightly jumped in her seat, but found herself being quickly being brought down by a weight. She was very confused as the audience applauded around her and the lights went on. Sterling had also been startled by the crash, a bit more than her. So much that he had somehow jumped into her lap. With this realization, Blue Note froze. What was one to do in a situation like this?

 

Sterling started laughing with a cute smile to accompany it. Blue Note couldn't help giggling too. "You know, you're a little heavy."

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

 

Sterling could hear Blue Note giggling at him. Sterling was also flustered by the sight of the other ponies. Inwardly, they giggled as the lights lit for the intermission, while conveying a sense of annoyance towards him for the disturbance he caused. Sterling shook his head, composed himself, and then promptly got off Blue Note's lap. He sheepishly chuckled again and then replied nervously,

 

"S-sorry about that Blue Note. I... I was immersed in the music! It was just... so romantic is all. How did you find the musical so far? Well.. other than my leap of faith." 

 

Sterling chuckled again after he finished speaking. He would never have expected to see the chandelier drop with such power and horror after such a beautiful number. Then again, he didn't notice the Phantom lurking on Raoul and Christine as they finished their musical number. Inwardly, he scolded himself for imagining a world with Blue Note by his side as he replied to her.

 

'See what happened there Sterling? Once you start daydreaming, you forget about the world around you! Now look! See how vexed the others are? And don't get me started on Blue Note! I'll bet she inwardly would be really annoyed by what you did just now! I'll bet she was still enjoying her music!'

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

"I have to say I'm a bit impressed. That was quite the leap." Blue Note smiled at Sterling. "So far, I'm really enjoying the musical. The composer certainly knows a thing or two, and the actors have gorgeous voices," she gushed. Musical theater was wonderful; it was too bad she was unable to attend a performance like this sooner. "Broadhay certainly lives up to its reputation." 

 

Blue Note wanted to know what would happen next. This story seemed obviously tragic, but who would the tragedy be for? "The story of this musical is quite wonderful as well."