[SATYR] The Little Piper: Chapter 1

"Relax. There's no need to be so tense, Clef."

>The young satyr takes a deep breath and raises the violin above his shoulder, lightly pressing his chin against the rest.

>His hand raises, steadily aligning his bow with the strings, not batting an eyelash.

>You stand up and adjust his arms, correcting his postition.

"Go ahead. And remember," you mutter, sitting back down into your chair. "Have fun with it."

>He slowly slides the bow across the strings, emitting a loud, irratable screech.

>Trying your best not to cover your ears, you merely nod and smile.

>If it meant going deaf to encourage this boy, by God, you will take one for the team!

>Clef stops and removes the violin from his person, a look of disappoint plastered on his face.

>"I'm no good at this, father. I'll never find an instrument that works for me!" he moans, handing you the instrument.

>Shaking your head, you put it back in its case and place a hand on his shoulder.

"So the violin isn't it. Don't give up so easily, son."

>"Your father is right, you know."

>Octavia walks into the living room, carrying a platter containing a pot of tea and three cups on her back.

>Grabbing the platter, you place it on the coffee table and begin pouring the tea as Clef sits down with his mother.

>"It took me quite a while to find mine. I went through endless instruments until I came across the cello. It was an amazing day."

>She lifts her head up towards the ceiling, letting out a comfortable sigh as she closes her eyes.

>"I was on vacation with your grandmother and grandfather in Canterlot when I was just a filly. I walked into the music store and saw it sitting there. It was practially calling me out."

>Opening her eyes, she waves her hooves into the air and smiles.

>"'Octavia! Play me! You are the chosen one!' it said. I grabbed a bow and began to play it."

>The boy leans in, eyes shining with excitement.

>"You were able to play in in your first try?!" he exclaims.

>Octavia gives him a wretched smile and chuckles.

>"Oh, Celestia, no! I was terrible! Your grandfather was forced to buy it from the shopkeeper because I had scratched it."

>You withhold a chuckle as you hand a cup of tea over to Octavia and Clef.

"Give it time, Clef. You'll find your instrument and learn to love it."

>Clef places his cup of tea down and pouts, crossing his arms like the child he is.

>Not only does he have his mother's eyes, he also has her attitude.

>"But I want to find it now! I've been trying instruments left and right and I have yet to find mine. At this rate, I'll grow deaf from all the horrid 'practice' I've done!"

>Taking a small sip of your tea, you set it down on the table and look him right in the eye.

"Listen, with that kind of attitude, you'll never find it. Why don't you go upstairs and pratice your violin a bit more? You might learn to enjoy it!"

>Clef rolls his eyes and grabs the violin case before heading upstairs to his room.

>The door slams shut as you turn to your wife.

"For a twelve year old, that boy sure has a temper on him. Definitely doesn't get it from me."

>Octavia shoots you a glare before returning her attention back to her tea.

>Grabbing your cup, you take a seat next to the mare as the blood curlding whining echos throughout the house.

"I think I should take him to a music store. You know, let him expand his tastes."

>Octavia nods, only humming a faint, "Mhmm," before taking a draw from her cup.

"That reminds me. I haven't touched my instrument in years..."

>The mare leans back against the cushions of the couch and groans.

>"Yes, it's been quite a while since you've played that thing. I could imagine all the dust and dried spit that must have built up on it."

>She looks over at the cello case in the corner of the room and sighs.

>"I must admit that I've been neglecting my friend for quite a while as well."

>Downing the rest of your tea, you place your cup down and slap your hands together.

"It's settled then, we'll take a trip to the music store down the street. Clef!"

>The violin's whining comes to a stop and is quickly replaced by the sound of hooves clip clopping.

>"Yes?" Clef screams from upstairs.

"Grab your things!" You bellow, grabbing the two instrument cases in the corner of the room. "We're going to the music store."

>Clef rushes down the stairs, a smile on his face, reaching from ear to ear.

>Octavia lets out a small chuckle before venturing outside.

>You grab Clef's hand and follow right behind her, letting the cool autumn breeze press against your face.

>It's hard to contain it your excitement; you were actually thrilled to go to this store.

>Not only could your son possibly find an instrument that interests him, but you'd be able to play yours again.

>After a short walk, you enter the shop and place the two carrying cases on the counter.

>The shop keeper, an unicorn, trots over to Octavia, wearing a warm smile.

>"Octavia, my dear! It's been so long since I've seen you in my shop. I thought you had given up your career!"

>She shakes her head in protest.

>"No no no! I'd never! I've just taken some time off to relax a bit is all. My husband and I just came by for a couple of things and we're hoping we can find an instrument for our son."

>The shop keeper looks over at Clef from head to hoof as if he could figure out his instrument with some untold power.

>"I would say he needs a haircut over an instrument, but that's just me." He flips Clefs long hair with his hoof. "I'm sure we can find something for him to enjoy. In the meantime..."

>He opens the cello case on the counter with his magic and looks down at the instrument.

>"Let's take care of these."

>He grabs a set of new strings and replaces the old ones, taking a moment to tune it correctly.

>"This one is good to go. Now for this one," he mutter, grabbing your case with his magical grip.

>He flips it open, revealing a very aged saxophone.

>"Ah, it's been a while since I've seen this bad boy."

"I can say the same," you joke.

>He gives you a deadpan stare before starting his work on it.

>Clef tugs on your sleeve, trying his best to get your attention.

>"Father, what instrument is that?"

>That's right, you hadn't played it since he was an infant.

"That's a saxophone. It's a wind instrument. You put your mouth to the piece on top and blow, pressing the buttons below it to change the tune."

>His eyes widen.

>"Is there anything else like that? I don't like the stringed instruments because they hurt my fingers," he whispers, checking to make sure his mother hasn't heard anything.

"There are plenty more," you say, pointing at the wind section.

>Clef strides into the isle, looking around in wonder.

>He stops for a moment and stares at one instrument in particular.

>"Father, that's the one," he murmurs, point at a flute.

>Grabbing the cylindrical tool, you examine the price tag and wince.

"Are you sure? This is the one you're going to be stuck with from this point on?"

>He nods and grabs it.

>"How do I play it?" he asks as he inspects it.

"Your mouth goes here." You point at the hold at the end of it. "And you hold it up where the keys are."

>Clef takes a deep breath and blows into the flute.

>A high pitched screech echoes throughout the store, causing almost everyone inside to cover their ears in agony.

>Waving you hands, you signal for him to stop.

"You're not supposed to blow so hard!" you tell him, scratching at your ear.

>He looks at it with a smirk, then back to you.

>"This is the one, father. I want this one."

>Patting him on the head, you grab the flute and look down at it.

"Alright, let's go pay for it."