It was an exciting Friday night at Canterlot's Royal Orchestra Hall. Tonight was the debut of a new, original composition. It was also the first full orchestra piece of the composer, Octavia Melody. Although not the best known musician -- or even cellist -- Octavia's name had gained some recognition. Opinions on her, however, varied. There were those who knew of her and saw her as a great potential, especially as she seemed fully capable of maintaining her composure and play well regardless of distractions or circumstances around her (such as a friendly but overly hyper and enthusiastic mare trying to turn a formal event into something more of a common rabble). Others -- some of the older, more stuck-up ponies -- saw her as a crass and uncouth upstart, who was a threat to true music by willingly try and combine it with horrendous garbage younger -- and less sophisticated -- ponies called "music." There were even rumors that she played (to their horror) Jazz.

There was also much talk about the first orchestra part she had created which was to be performed for the first time tonight: "Requiem For A Nightmare." Supposedly, it was a piece inspired the events of Nightmare Moon. That left a big question for some of the attendees: how will the princesses react to it? Will they enjoy it, will there be mild disapproval, or will it be the first time in remembered history that Princess Celestia actively and audibly condemned a piece of music that somepony had created?

Inside the hall, backstage, Octavia was asking herself that same question. While there had been times when she had lost her composure before, it was normally when the light gray mare was caught up in a rapid paced piece of music, most often while "rocking out" with her friend Vinyl. However, those were moments of unbridled passion, the world vanishing away as she got caught up in her passion and enjoying the music that she was creating. This, however, was slightly different. This was her being slightly anxious and frazzled due to last minute nerves.

Octavia brought a hoof up toward her mane, only to stop and put it back down. She had run her hoof through it so much already, that her luxurious dark gray mane was at risk of becoming slightly unkempt. This was a big night for her, and she had to look absolutely perfect. That included every hair of her mane and tail being in their proper place, and her pink bow tie being properly tied. To that end, she took a hold of the neck wear, once again trying to adjust it so the thing looked completely even.

It was fine. She was fine. Everything was as good as it was going to be. She was just fidgeting. Octavia was fully aware of it. Yet she could not really help herself. No matter how much she told herself to, she just could not cease her nervous behavior.

A knock at the door startled her, her purple eyes going wide as she stared at it.

"Enter," she blurted out.

The door opened to reveal a white unicorn mare, in a dress-shirt, dark blue jacket, and tie. The normally wild two-toned electric blue mane was as much in a properly groomed manner as Octavia had ever seen it. A pair of purple sunglasses hid the mare's eyes, but Octavia was aware that she was being looked at.

"Hello, Vinyl," Octavia said as she turned toward the mirror again.

"Woah," Vinyl Scratch said, lowering her glasses. "You okay?"

"Of course," Octavia replied as she took a hold of her bow tie. "Why would I not be 'okay,' Vinyl? I am just about to perform my first ever orchestra piece that I have composed." She turned to look at Vinyl from the corner of her eye. "One, I might add, that is based on some of the darkest moments in the lives of our princesses. The very princesses who rule our kingdom and will be here for the premiere." The edges of her lips tugged up as she started to chuckle. "So, if anything does not go well, or either Princess Celestia or Princess Luna do not approve, then not only will it bring a quick end to my chance at being a composer, but may very well cause issues for my classical cellist career as well."

With a small sigh, Vinyl stepped into the dressing room, shutting the door behind her. Her horn lit up as she took a hold of Octavia in her magic, turning the other mare around to face her. The magic released Octavia and focused on the bow tie as Vinyl untied and re-tied it properly.

"It's okay, Octavia. I mean you talked to the princesses and asked if it was okay, right?"

"Yes," Octavia said with a nod. "However, there is a difference between being aware of something, and fully comprehending or understanding it." Her eyes narrowed a little. "Need I remind you of that recent lesson in regards to spray paint and foam?"

"No," Vinyl huffed with a roll of her eyes. She let the bow tie go. "But that's different. This is about a personal part of their lives. They wouldn't forget about it like chemistry. They wouldn't have agreed if they weren't willing to give it a chance."

Octavia turned away, looking at herself in the mirror again. She pressed her hooves against the floor more, resisting the urge to adjust her tie again.

"I suppose," she finally said, not able to argue the point.

"You put a lot of work into this," Vinyl continued. "You did your research, you talked to all the ponies its based off of, and you've put a lot of effort into it. They're going to love it."

"I certainly hope so."

Moving closer, Vinyl smirked.

"And hey, if you're right, you could always start your own jazz band."

That got a laugh from Octavia, lightening her mood.