In Heaven a spirit doth dwell

"Whose heart-strings are a lute";

None sing so wildly well

As the angel Israfel,

And the giddy stars (so legends tell)

Ceasing their hymns, attend the spell

Of his voice, all mute...

If I could dwell

Where Israfel

Hath dwelt, and he where I,

He might not sing so wildly well

A mortal melody,

While a bolder note than this might swell

From my lyre within the sky.

- Edgar Allan Poe, "Israfel"

Octavia Melody has performed for hundreds of audiences across Equestria, and left every one breathless. She has come so far, become one of the most celebrated musicians in the kingdom, and this concert will be her crowning achievement. Tonight, she will play before the Princesses themselves.

This is not her story.

Cover art by the amazing TheAuthorGl1m0.

Thanks to Belligerent Sock for their critique.

Featured by Equestria Daily on February 24th, 2014.

Featured by The Royal Guard on March 20th, 2014.