Five Stanzas: Chapter III

~Five Stanzas~
[Chapter III]
|Duet|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>The warm summer breeze wafted in from the open window in your room. It's air playing an overture to Autumn
>You had been up all night trying to write at least one line of poetry. So far you've managed to jot down small droplets from your suspended quill.
>An occasional chime of the grandfather clock hugging the edge of the wall reminds you of time's existence and the clock strikes eleven.
>You turn your head back to the window side desk in front of you and block the rays of the sun with your hand. It's rays piercing the spaces between your fingers.
>This was your fourth day at the castle. Time seemed to be passing all too quickly as you can remember everything that's happened like it was only a few hours ago. All of your experiences fresh in your mind.
>But this was the first time you've lost any sleep.
>Maybe you should turn in for a slight nap before braving the day. You wouldn't want to be groggy during your time with the princess.
>Speaking of the princess, you seemed to be growing on her more. After the day in the gallery the two of you have seemed to grow closer and now have a strong bond. One that has become stronger than iron in only a few days. Amazing.
>Her likeness trots through your mind  as you dream of her in your almost silent room.
>The promise you made recently still rang true in your heart
>Making sure her life wasn't so lonely was all you had on your mind. You even forgotten to eat a few times pondering over the subject.
>But concerning yourself with her has taken your focus off the melancholic life you were living before you met her.
>Enough so that you've even forgotten you had a life before the castle.
>Still, even as you sit here, in the lavish castle of towering spires and marble columns, it's still hard to believe whats happened.
>You're practically in a relationship with the princess. How could something like that happen in just a few days? Maybe she was leading you on! Maybe she's just toying!

>Toying? Well, could you really call it that? She seemed sincere in what she said.
>Apparently you'd be doing her a great kindness. One she'd never be able to repay? Talk about a debt.
>But you've always been somewhat pessimistic, so you can't help but have some sort of doubt.
>What time was it again? You crane your neck to the side to observe the quiet clock, slowly ticking away as you ponder.
"Only eleven? Hm."
>You shift your weight backwards, balancing on the chair's hind legs. A habit you picked up while slacking off in between writings.
>Though you'd love to stay in this ever so relaxing scene you had to admit to yourself, that you were getting bored.
>Or maybe love sick.
>Celestia came hand in hand with both emotions.
>When she wasn't around you'd find your self helplessly missing her and bored out of your mind.
>Maybe you could go hang with Dusty, she's been so busy being flattered by Canterlot elite thought that you doubt she'd have any time for you.
>A sudden knock on the door causes you to nearly fall out of your chair. It was still somewhat early so it might be the routine butlers here to deliver you breakfast.
>You lift yourself from your seat and move to open the door and you are greeted by the usual stallions.
"Good morning."
>"And a good morning to you, sir."
>They roll the cart of fresh food into your room and you make your way over to your window side desk.
"You know, you can drop the sir." you say as a plate of pancakes find its way in front of you along with a tall glass of orange juice.
>"Oh that wouldn't be right of me Mr. Anonymous. You're a guest at the castle and you will be treated as such!"
>You sigh a little as you place the first bit of fluffy pancake in your mouth. You don't know how Celestia could stand being treated as everyone's superior. It just doesn't seem to be in her character at all, she's probably just as uneasy about it as you are. Maybe.

>You finish the rest of your pancakes and hand over your plate to the staff.
>"Oh, before I forget sir. The princess has asked for your presence in the studio this afternoon. Says she has something to show you. Have you ever been?"
"No, can't say I have." you say, standing and brushing down your close.
>"Well you're in for a surprise, I hear it has every instrument to ever be played."
>The butlers places your dishes on the cart and makes his way out.
>"Also, I hear you also play the piano. I'm sure that entails something to do with her surprise."
"Piano? I haven't played in years.."
>He doesn't hear you as he exists, leaving you to the familiar solitude of your bedroom.
>You can't help but think about the near future, possibly involving a piano.
>What exactly was she planning for today? Maybe some sort of performance? What ever it was, you have a feeling that you'd be a key factor in whatever she's cooked up.
>Once again glancing at the clock you see that only about fifteen minutes have passed. It was still eleven. You had time, but for now you should probably get dressed.
>Now getting dressed has been challenging as of late. You find yourself even more self-conscious about what to wear, mainly because of her.
>You couldn't just throw on any old garb now could you? Then again, Celestia hardly wore clothes and it crosses your mind that maybe you should parade around naked. But it soon dissipates as a foolish afterthought to your wardrobe inquiry
>You've already decided what to wear. Though, you'd like to get the familiar second opinion from Dusty.
>By reflex you call her name. And also by reflex she appears behind the massive door leading into the hallway
>"Yes, monsieur?" she enters, a bit groggy and sporting crumbs of food around her muzzle. An unfamiliar sight to you which is all the more to find it laughable
"Woah, what did you do last night?"
>"Nothing. Nothing at all." She stumbles a bit, tripping over the leg of your coat rack. "Yes. Nothing. -hiccup-"

"Nothing huh? ..Wasn't there a some sort of wine party last night? You wouldn't have happened to go did you?" You interrogate her like a detective getting close to solving the case. Though you're nearly going on a hunch. But isn't that what most detectives do?
>"Moi? Indulge in ze Devil's drink? Why I never!" She raises her voice but then immediately snaps her hoof to the side of her head.
>"Okay. I may have indulged a little. Zis glamorous lifestyle may be the death of me. Anyway, what exactly did you call me for monsieur?"
"It's Anon. And I called to get a second opinion on my outfit. But furthermore what were you doing at a wine party? Usually you stayed away from things like that."
>You help her over to your bed, her stumbling all the way.
>Wow, she completely reeks of alcohol and wine. She must have drank the night away.
>"Well, would you believe me if I said I met a stallion?"
"No."
>Your flat answer takes her by surprise and her red cheeks now turn a deeper shade of the hue.
>"What do you mean no? You zink I can't find a lover!?"
>Where the hell was this coming from?
"What? No, its just that I've been trying to get you to go to similar events and you've never accepted. I find it hard to believe that some random guy convinced you to go."
>Her fiery anger simmers down and she buries her head in her hooves, groaning.
>"Oh but Anon, he was so dashing! Like a handsome gentleman from one of your love poems. I met him ze other night, he convinced me zat I should attend. It would have bee rude had I refused."
"You refuse me all the time though.."
>"Zats besides ze point! He was so handsome and mannerable and courteous. Why not once did he imply any vulgarities. And I've never met a stallion like him, he's charmed me like a snake. By far the most beautiful creature I've seen~!"
"Oh."
>"I could go on and on! He's promised to meet me again this afternoon, I'm so excited!" again another twinge of pain shoots through her head

>It's a bit laughable to see her like this. In the time you've known her, she's always been somewhat reserved when it came to things involving the real romantic aspect of her life. Always preferring her romantic novels of dashing knights and helpless damsels
>You laugh to yourself, much to Dusty's dismay.
>"Are you laughing at me? Stop it! It's not funny!"
>Her slow, groggy hoof tries to make contact with your arm in the form of a punch, but you move in lightning speed compared to her drunken movements.
"No! No, I'm not laughing at you. I'm actually kinda happy."
>"Happy? About what?" she peeks out from behind her frizzled mane, genuinely curious.
"This trip. Seems it's doing us both wonders. I mean, I'm basically the princess' boyfriend or whatever, and you've already found someone to take your mind off of those books."
>Dusty opts to just retain a smile. Coming to the same conclusion you do.
>"I'll have to agree. Speaking of the princess, are you meeting with her today? Your stories have been amazing so far, I can't wait to hear about it."
"Oh yeah, I'm supposed to be meeting her this afternoon in the studio? Though I have reason to believe that she'd want me to play the piano. I don't even know how she know's that!"
>"The piano? I had no idea you were so skilled." she places a hoof to her mouth in surprise. Though you can tell that her heart isn't entirely in it.
"I'm not. Haven't played in years. Don't even know if I can anymore."
>"Well, I suppose you'll find out."
>She stands from your bead, seeming somewhat more steady now and makes for the door.
>"I hope your meeting goes well, wish me luck as well~"
>You smile at your friend, who blushes like a schoolfilly at the thought of her crush.
"Yeah. Good luck." you wave her goodbye as she closes the door and makes her way back to her room.
>From the window, you can see the sun has risen higher. It was hardly after noon, but you figure you'd go early. You had no problem about waiting for her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>Took you nearly thirty minutes to even find your way to the correct corridor. At this rate, you'd be on time. So much for being early.
>Walking down the grand halls of Canterlot you can't help but feel dwarfed by it's towering columns and massive banners that hang from the ceilings. A structure that Giovannino de Dolci himself would marvel at.
>Even the paintings that told stories along the ceilings of the halls could draw jealous glances from Michelangelo.
>But your observation of the castle is halted by the sound of clanging and crashing sounds.
>"Please do be careful. I don't want it damaged in the slightest."
>"Y-yes your highness."
>An archway to your right leads into the studio and you peer your head inside.
>Celestia stands, overlooking a squad of ponies managing what seems to be a very gigantic piano. Most of the other instruments are knocked out of place as they try to place the behemoth in the center of the room.
>Finally, they come to a stop, tired and doused in sweat. A hard day's work.
>"Thank you. Now if one of you could fetch Anonymous from his room, it'd be a great-"
>She stops mid-sentence as she notices you craning your head from around the corner.
>"Oh, you're early." She nods to the other stallions in the room and they take there leave, leaving the both of you alone.
"Somewhat. I heard something about a piano. Guess it was right." you chuckle as you enter the room completely
>"Ah yes. It was supposed to be a surprise. But I guess now is as good as a time as ever. Come, sit with me Anon."
>She leads you over to the shinning black bench that accompanies the piano. It's big enough to both sit you and Celestia, hardly so. Causing her to sit extremely close to you. Reminding you of that time in the park.
"So, how did you find out I could play the piano? I haven't played in years and I don't think I've ever told anyone."
>She's silent for a moment before speaking up.

>"You once dreamed of being the best pianist in the world, yes? Unmatched in skill and becoming more famous than the most famous composers of your world?"
>What? How could she possible have known that? It was even more weird how you haven't had this ambition ever since you were a kid.
"How, exactly do you know that?"
>She ignores and continues.
>"I once had an similar ambition. Years ago, I entertained the idea of preforming with the violin. But I never found the time for it and was always so busy. However, now that my sister has returned I have more time to indulge in my old hobbies. One of them being the violin."
>You turn your head to the solemn violin, sitting upon a rack off to the side. It looks almost like it's been revived after a long slumber. Just like someone else you know.
"I didn't know you could play. Can you play me something?"
>She giggles, as she rises from her seat. The warmth by your side being replaced with an alien cold.
>"Only if you accompany me on the piano."
"What? Oh, Celestia, I don't know anything about the piano anymore. What you said about being the best in the world, that was just a childish dream. I hardly remember anything!"
>Once again she giggles, possibly laughing at your readiness to refuse.
>"Nonsense, I'm sure you can recall the skill!"
>She prods you with her horn to center you on the bench and grabbing her violin in her golden aura
"That's not how that works!"
>"I've already provided you with sheet music."
"Excuse me? Celestia no."
>"I suggest you make ready."
>You stare her deep in the eye. And she stares back, tucking the violin under her chin and balancing it on her shoulder. A strange sight, one both beautiful and foreign.
>"I trust you're ready?"
>Finally, you relent and turn to the sheet music in front of you. It looked simple enough. A slow melody. You still knew the basics, so maybe you could pull this off.
>You sigh before signaling her, and you start.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4scVh2RG88

>Your fingers press down, producing sound. A sound you haven't made since your childhood. It's somber. Even more so when Celestia begins to play.
>A melancholic melody of centuries of solitude. Years of being alone and never having one beside you.
>Was this her heart? Was Celestia's true self becoming known to you? Maybe so. You continue to play along with her. Never once breaking the flow.
>You risk a glance at her. She stands tall, even taller on her hind legs. A shining pillar of light. Her eyes are closed, a sad smile spread across her face.
>The way her bow lightly kissed the strings of her violin enchanted you. Now you find yourself staring at her. Your fingers acting independently.
>The room was being filled with her soul, and maybe just a fragment of yours as you began to yearn for her. And by some outside feeling, you began to feel her heart yearn for yours.
>Was it your imagination? Would you dare delude yourself? Of course you would.
>Her eyes now cracked open and she met your gaze. You stare back as she gazes at you, almost like she's in a trance.
>A silent conversation between your hearts.
//What do you think of this piece Anon?\\
>Is that what she's saying?
>If so, you can't give an answer. You don't know what to think. You can only feel the emotion as it pours into you along with the melody.
>You can't look away. Even as you feel tears threatening to break away from your control
//This is my heart Anon. My heart's song. Please listen.\\
>You continue to finger the keys as her bow dances along the strings.
>The both of you melding into one entity as you do your best to bring her heart's song to life. But why do you feel like this is all you can do for her?
>As if this song is both asking for comfort but also casting you away. Was she afraid? Afraid of letting anyone pass the gates to her heart? Is she pushing you away?
>No.

>You won't let her deny you. You'll show her that you care. Even if you have to drag your heart out and present it to her on a silver platter. You'll make your emotions reach her. And maybe then she'll see. That she isn't cursed to be alone.
>Though you weren't immortal, or a god, or anyone in particular in the grand-scheme of things. You sure as hell will do everything in your power to make her eternal life a little more bearable.
>This is the promise you will make to her. A promise carried on the notes of your piano.
//Celestia. You're not alone. Please allow me to stay her with you. Let me in. Let me into your heart. You have shown me the beauty of the world, and so I wish to give you mine. Listen to my piano. Let it resonate within your being. Embrace it, acknowledge it. Right now, this piano is my soul. Let it sing to you.\\
>Her half lidded eyes now shoot open. Her gaze becoming more intense.
>Did she hear you?
>Is she answering your plea?
>The song was coming to an end. Her violin now slowed and your fingers now took long and measured strokes on the keys.
>This song, her song. Had become a shared aria of your souls. Now possibly intertwined.
>Now the music dies into silence. Content and satisfied with your performances.
>You both hardly say a word as you slightly pant. It's hard to count how many beats your heart makes in a second. And you can practically hear her's through her chest.
>"Anon...." she is the first to speak. Sweat is now rolling off your brow and you mouth has suddenly dried like the desert.
>"Thank you."

>You nod. Unable to say a word, you're convinced your lips are glued together.
>Again she thanks you. And again you nod.
>Standing from your seat, you wobble a bit. Unable to see where you place your feet due to your dead-locked stare into Celestia's giant whirlpool-like eyes.
>What will she do? Will she finally open herself to you completely? Or shy away once more?
>The two of you still stand. Motionless, hoping that either of you would make the first move. It's hard, but you take a step. Growing impatient.
>Celestia is taken by surprise by your sudden advancement and you close the space between you two drastically quick.
>You spread apart your arms and slowly bring her into a firm hug. Her magical grip is nullified and her instrument falls clattering to the hard marble floor. You tuck your head into the base of her neck and wrap your arms around her.
>You can hear her heart as it races as fast as yours. Almost in unison with yours
>Finally, a leg finds it's way on your waist and she rests her head atop yours
>"Thank you. I know it would be incredibly selfish of me to ask, but would you like to stay here? In the castle, I mean? I would love for you to be by my side Anon. I now understand my feelings, though I doubt I'm ready to openly admit them to you. But I feel that if you stay here with me, I'll obtain the courage to confess to you."
>This is just what you wanted. To be in the arms of the only mare you have ever loved. You didn't have to think too hard about her offer.
"I'm not going anywhere. I can't go back to Manehattan, there's hardly anything there for me now. I'll stay here for as long as you need."
>Your heart begins to calm itself and you glance up to find her looking down at you. And by your surprise. As if time had stopped like that fateful day in summer, the both of you shared a kiss. A kiss that would resonate throughout your soul.
>The two of you now shared an unspoken love for one another. A silent affinity, together.