Disclaimer: We don't own Trolls. Harmony belongs to Shadgirl2, Baroque belongs to Midna Azusa.
Edit: Caught my sister's typo too late; Chenille is no longer learning to play 2 instruments at the same time.
In Symphonyville, the twins' tour ended when Harmony brought them to a heavenly-looking stream that flowed into a pond. Classical Trolls used the pond for swimming in much the same way the trolls in Troll Village used the lagoon, and there were many swimming and playing in the water when the small tour group arrived. An S-turn water slide let trolls ride down into the water, and there were many elegant fountains shaped like Classical Trolls. The fountains all had a troll either standing on one leg spewing water from their mouths or pouring the supposed contents of a pot into the pond. In the center of the pond, there was a large sprinkler system shooting water straight into the air, like a geyser. On the shore behind the pond rested a harp and a piano, both of which Classical Trolls could play if they wanted.
"Welcome to Fantasy Springs!" Harmony said cheerfully as she turned around and threw her arms out to the sides. She then cupped her hands together again and continued, "Where everyone gathers on those hot summer days to relax and enjoy the cool water! It's a lot of fun for the little ones with its famous S-slide and geyser fountain, too!" She flitted toward the attractions in question when she mentioned them.
Satin and Chenille oohed, Satin cupping her hands to her face.
"Oh, that's so beautiful!" Satin said.
"I must say, this is so chic!" Chenille agreed.
Harmony laughed happily as she turned to face them. "Why, thank you. I'm glad that you like it here so much." She turned toward the spring again, looking even happier than usual with a sparkle in her eye. "This is one of my favorite parts of town since it's so relaxing and all. And speaking of," she turned bright eyes back to the twins, gesturing at the springs as she asked, "Would you two lovely ladies care to join me? I can go find some swimsuits for you if you'd like," she offered with a gentle smile as she cupped her hands in front of her again.
The twins agreed excitedly, their words blurring together so badly that it was impossible to make out what they said. The only thing that told Harmony they wanted to swim was the looks on their faces.
"Alright! Wait here, then. I'll be right back," the Classical Troll said, turning slightly and holding up a single finger, before flying off to arrange something for their guests.
Harmony was really starting to like the twins during this tour. They seemed to genuinely love the Classical Trolls' way of life, even if they didn't like their music that much. At least they hadn't tried to turn anyone into Pop Trolls. Maybe it wasn't so bad having their aid, after all. Everyone could use some good friends and allies with a bunch of trouble-makers like the Party Crashers in the area.
That's when Satin looked over to the other side of the pond and saw the baby grand piano and the harp. The sight of these two instruments gave her an idea, and she pointed at them, saying, "Chenille, look! Maybe we should try our hand at classical music?"
"Other than 'Ode to Pop Hate,' I don't know any classical songs, Satin!" Chenille protested, pumping her hands onto her hips.
"Well, if it sounds similar, at least they'll see we're making an effort?" Satin tried. "Then maybe someone can come help us out!"
Chenille thought about this for a moment. If these trolls thought they were here to eliminate classical music and turn the Classical Trolls into Pop Trolls, then showing an appreciation for their music outside of that mandatory practice would certainly be a good gesture to make. "I suppose we can try it," she conceded.
And so, with no sheet music and no knowledge of classical music, the twins approached the instruments and started playing. Unfortunately, uncoordinated as they were, it sounded to the Classical Trolls in the area like some remixed and ear-wrenching combination of Moonlight Sonata, Waltz of the Flowers, Ode to Joy, and Freedom from Pop. They covered their ears, crying out in protest as the twins played horribly.
"Argh! What is that!?" one of the trolls asked, eyes slammed shut against the agonizing noise.
"I don't know! It sounds like the orchestra can't decide what song they're playing!" another answered as she covered her ears and cringed.
A male troll with blue hair looked toward the source of the sound and said, eyes wide, "It's the Pop Trolls! They... I don't know how they're playing four songs at once, but they need to stop!" He headed over to address the situation.
At the same time, Harmony returned with a pink swimsuit and a blue one. She was as bright-eyed as ever and eager to get in that cool, refreshing water. "Here you are, ladies!" she started cheerfully as she held up the swimsuits. "Two—Oh, heavens!" She cut herself off as she heard the sound, tossed the swimsuits into the air, and flew over to calm them. Her hands were pressed to her cheeks now. "Ladies, ladies, please!" She clasped her hands together in a pleading gesture, hoping to stave off any future trouble with the Pop Trolls. The threat they'd received from the Country Trolls two years prior had been more than enough. "I know you're not too happy to be here, but—"
The twins stopped playing (or, rather, maiming the Classical Trolls' music) and looked at Harmony in confusion.
"What are you talking about?" Chenille asked, an eyebrow raised. "We're not mad!"
Harmony stopped, staring at the two with wide eyes filled with hopeful confusion. "You're not?"
That certainly sounded like a sonnet inspired by rage and fury, but it would be nice if it wasn't.
The blue-haired troll reached them then, saying, "Pardon me, you ladies don't need to be so upset! We're not going to hurt you or anything!" He looked worried but tried to keep his tone soothing.
"But we're not upset!" Satin said, wondering why everyone kept thinking they were. "We were just trying to play something different, that's all."
Chenille stepped away from the piano slightly, realizing what was going on. Now she was embarrassed. "I guess we're doing a terrible job."
Concerned, Harmony looked to the other Classical Troll. He returned her look before turning back to the twins and cautiously saying, "Ah... Well... Perhaps you would do better if you had some sheet music?"
At these words, Harmony bounced around excitedly, clapping her hands together eagerly. These Pop Trolls choosing to learn classical music was great news—it meant they weren't like their ancestors.
Smiling, she flew closer to Chenille and gestured at the piano. "You see, ladies, our kind of music is very organized and detailed, and we often use it to express our feelings, too." She moved so she was between the twins instead, looking slightly amused at their efforts. "So it's not so easy to pick up on just by—" She cut herself off, tapping a finger to her chin as she sought the right word. "How do you say—'winging it' or...something?" She stared off into space, wondering if that was the right word. She wasn't big on slang—too childish for her tastes, but she figured she could try new things if their Pop guests were even willing to.
"Oh," Satin put the harp down, feeling sheepish. "Sorry."
Chenille moved farther from the piano.
"Oh, no. That's quite alright," Harmony assured them with a reassuring smile as she waved her arms in front of her. "But Baroque here is right, really," she added, gesturing to the blue-haired troll. "For a couple of beginners such as yourselves, a little sheet music can go a long way!"
"Really?" Satin asked.
Baroque smiled, looking quite excited. "Yes! It tells you what notes to play so you're not just, as you say, winging it! Maybe later we can pick out a song or two and practice!"
"Yes, absolutely!" Chenille answered excitedly as both she and Satin leaned forward slightly.
"Why wait til later!?" Harmony asked as she threw her arms out to the sides, infected by the twins' excitement. She lowered her arms a bit, still smiling. "There's still time before rehearsals start up! If you'd like, I could run and get you some sheet music right now!"
The thought of teaching Pop Trolls to love classical music was exciting, and Harmony eagerly cupped her hands in front of her. Satin and Chenille had complained about one of the Classical Trolls' most beloved songs, "Freedom From Pop," just the day before. To Harmony's eyes, it seemed they were over that. Maybe Pop Trolls and Classical Trolls would be able to get along, like Classical Trolls did with Prince D and the rest of the Funky family! Could this be a sign the trolls could all live together in harmony again? One could only dream.
"Oh, but you already had to get swimsuits for us! Are you sure you don't mind?" Satin asked.
Dreaming fondly of everyone getting along after so many years divided, Harmony closed her eyes, more than willing to help reach that ideal of hers. This was a milestone in troll history, and she wanted it to be perfect.
"Oh, no. It's no trouble at all. I'm happy to be of service!" She bowed her head a bit, eager, then opened her eyes and turned to fly off again, a single finger in the air once more. "Wait right here, and I'll bring you some of our easier ones so you can," she tapped her chin again, then asked, "how do you say?" She threw her arms out to her sides, smiling. "'Learn the ropes!'" She took off then to find the promised sheet music, calling back over her shoulder, "Baroque!? Why don't you give the ladies a demonstration while we're at it!? I'm sure they'd love to hear one!"
"Alright!" Baroque answered, and he took a seat at the piano and began to play. His song was upbeat and cheery, yet also gentle and relaxing at times. It was a perfect harmony of the two moods.
Unbeknownst to Satin and Chenille, Baroque intentionally picked one of the shorter songs classical music had to offer—he didn't figure Pop Trolls had very long attention spans. In fact, most Classical Trolls were of the opinion that Pop Trolls all had some kind of problem since they never could sit still or pay attention for long.
The twins listened, both amazed and impressed.
Chenille leaned over and quietly asked Satin, "How is he doing that?"
"I don't know, but I'm jealous!" Satin answered equally as quiet.
As Baroque continued playing, his music washed the twins' cares away, especially coupled with the serene environment around them. They sighed, relaxing. Symphonyville was actually a very nice place.
"You know, Chenille, Symphonyville isn't so bad, even if we didn't plan to stay," Satin admitted.
"You're telling me, sis," Chenille responded with a smile. "Besides the hostile greeting, this place is heavenly! I could stay here forever!" She paused a moment, remembering something, then added, "If they didn't hate our music so much."
Satin nodded in agreement and said, "But a little longer wouldn't hurt, would it?"
Chenille nodded, agreeing to that. "And, if we can convince them that we're not here to change them, maybe the conductor won't hate Pop Trolls as much. Then we can come back any time we want!"
Baroque finished his performance them, smiling at his audience. "So? What did you think, ladies?" he asked, proud of himself.
Satin cupped her hands in front of her, her eyes lighting up, and answered, "That was amazing!"
"I loved everything about it!" Chenille agreed.
"Oh, well, thank you!"
Harmony returned then, two sets of sheet music in her hands, and said, "Alright, ladies! Here you go!" She held the music out to the twins, cheerful as usual.
The music she had brought wasn't entirely classical songs, but it did contain some easy ones to learn. For now, however, she thought they should try some simple children's songs—no need to overwhelm the Pop Trolls with anything too complicated at the start.
Satin and Chenille took the music from her and looked at it. Most of the music was for children's songs, like "Three Blind Mice," but some were short classical songs or pieces of classical songs.
Harmony clapped her hands together and said, "Well, then! Are you both ready to get started?" At the twins' nod, she continued, "Alright! Then let's begin. Baroque? Would you be so kind as to help Chenille learn the piano while I assist Satin on the harp?"
"Absolutely, Harmony!" Baroque answered, sliding over on the bench to make room for his student.
Satin picked the harp up again, and Chenille took a seat at the piano. Both were actually rather eager for these lessons on classical music.
"Alright," Harmony began, holding up a finger in lieu of a conductor's baton. "So why don't we start with the scales. I assume you've never played these two instruments before?" She quickly glanced over at Chenille, still smiling.
"No," Satin answered. She was more of a guitarist, not a harpist.
"You mean the 'do re mi' thing?" Chenille asked, unsure whether she should be offended. It wasn't like she had no musical experience. She was a troll, for hair's sake!
"Yes, those are the scales," Baroque answered patiently, as if he actually thought they didn't know that. "You need to learn your scales before you can play well, ladies."
The twins nodded, accepting these instructions from their new teachers.
"So, let's begin," Baroque said, and he got to work teaching Chenille how to play the scales on a baby grand piano while Harmony helped Satin do the same with the harp.
Thus the twins' first voluntary lesson on classical music began.
Meanwhile, Fuzzbert and Aspen woke up much sooner than any of their "hosts." Near noon, Aspen took a look around their guest room, then cautiously poked his head out the door to see if they could make a break for it. "Looks like everyone's still sleeping," he said, seeing nobody in the hall. "Now's our chance! Come on!" He waved for Fuzzbert.
As the two made their way through the halls, trying to stay quiet, they ran into the last troll they really wanted to see—Princess Barb. "Hey! You're up!" she said.
From the looks of her, she'd just woken up herself. She was wearing an oversized T-shirt that was clearly used as a nightshirt. It had several tears in it and the words "Rock on!" printed across the front.
"Sleep well?" the princess asked.
Fuzzbert and Aspen both gave a start, their eyes widening nervously. Of course she'd be up already. Why wouldn't she?
Fuzzbert squeaked out an awkward answer along the lines of, "Oh yeah! We slept great! B-but we really should be going now!" He abruptly turned, one foot in the air, intent to hightail it out of there. "Got things to—"
At the same time, Aspen stuttered, "Uh, y-yeah! T-totally! B-but we really should g-get going soon s-so our queen d-don't start to—" Sweating and wearing an uneasy smile, he held his hands up and started backing away slowly—one should never turn one's back on a possible threat.
Barb cut them both off, saying, "Oh, but you can't leave yet! You brought us a gift, so I just have to send something back with you! Besides, you haven't met the king yet!"
The Pop Trolls sighed, giving up. Aspen's shoulders slumped and Fuzzbert slumped forward. Clearly the princess was still enjoying having hostage visitors—they wouldn't be getting out of here with her hovering over them.
Aspen seriously hoped Branch got their letter and would get to Volcano Rock soon. They clearly couldn't get out of this without his help. Fuzzbert was hoping the same thing but was also mildly worried about what Princess Barb had said the day before. Could the Country Trolls possibly be worse than the Rock Trolls? What if Poppy and Branch needed help, too. And, if they did, how could he, Fuzzbert, help them? This was a disaster! Would any of them ever make it home?
Less than enthused, Fuzzbert turned around and asked when they could meet her dad.
"Yeah," Aspen said. "And, while we're at it, what kind of gift did you have in mind?" Silently he pleaded, Please don't say "rocked out condo so you boys can move in!" Where's Branch when ya need him, seriously?
Barb wrapped her arms around the two Pop Trolls and started dragging them off as she answered Fuzzbert, "Well, why don't we go join him? He should be eating breakfast right now! As for the gift, don't worry about it! Riff's getting it all sorted out!"
With awkward grins plastered to their faces, Aspen and Fuzzbert both answered at the same time. Aspen said, "Oh, yeah! T-that s-sounds real rad!" while Fuzzbert said, "S-sounds like fun! C-can't wait to meet h-him!"
"Yeah, you know it!" Barb said excitedly. "You're gonna love my dad!"
Sid came running then, looking either excited or bored. (Fuzzbert couldn't really tell with that guy.) "Hey, Princess Barb? I got the site all set up for this afternoon's rave."
"Great!" Barb answered, clapping her hands together. "I'll come check it out soon as I get some food in me and get dressed." She held up a single finger, looking as though something had just occurred to her, and continued, "Which reminds me, Sid? Only Carol is supposed to be charging through my home at this hour. We've been over this."
"Oh...right... My bad..." he answered lazily before walking off.
Aspen and Fuzzbert looked at each other, sweating buckets. Aspen's eyes widened in panic, and he clenched his teeth. Both were now wondering if they were allowed to see the Rock princess in her pajamas. If not, they might be in real trouble. Why hadn't Branch shown up to save them yet!?
"Uh... S-should we head back to our room, too, u-until ya've had a chance to change and—" Aspen started, once again holding his hands out in front of him and backing away—this time, toward his and Fuzzbert's room.
Fuzzbert did the same beside him, hoping that whatever trouble Poppy and Branch were in wasn't as bad as this. He figured they might be in for a beating soon, the way Barb acted. Now he was wondering where Smidge was when you needed her. She hadn't gone to a different tribe, so she might be able to help...assuming he could find a way to slip a letter out to her. He'd lucked out with Branch—the guy was with their queen, which made it reasonable that Fuzzbert wanted to contact her. But what would his excuse be for contacting a friend who wasn't in charge?
Barb smiled again, trying to be reassuring as she wrapped her arms around them once more and dragged them along. "Don't be ridiculous! You're my guests! Sid's the hired help."
She wanted them to learn to appreciate rock music, not fear the Rock Trolls. How else would she get them to realize that rock ruled?
The two Pop Trolls both acknowledged this in their own way, still feeling rather nervous. This girl was intimidating. Aspen grinned nervously but let his arms fall to his sides, calming down some. Fuzzbert nodded in agreement, no longer sweating.
Smidge might not have been the best at sneaking around, but what choice did they have if Branch was also in trouble? Fuzzbert figured he'd have to find a way to get the message across to his small friend that force wasn't a good idea with the Rock Trolls. Now, if he could only figure out a way to get a letter out to her... It wasn't like Barb had actually read the letter he'd sent to Poppy (intended for Branch), but there was always a chance.
Barb dragged them into the dining hall, which was decorated like pretty much the whole town. The walls were black stone with skulls and crossbones, flames, and various other intense designs seemingly graffitied onto the walls. There was a long table in this room, draped in a tattered red tablecloth, and a single troll sitting there, eating what appeared to be a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with turkey on it...
Odd taste, Fuzzbert couldn't help but think briefly before going back to trying to figure out how to contact Smidge without disaster striking. Maybe he should wait and see if Branch showed up first. It didn't seem there was a way to get a letter to Smidge without Princess Barb knowing or Smidge going for a frontal assault.
"Morning, Dad!" Barb greeted the stranger with the strange sandwich.
The troll looked up from his breakfast and smiled. "Morning, Barbara! Oh!" He looked at the Pop Trolls, a hint of excitement in his eyes. "Are those our special Pop guests that everyone's talking about?" He took a bite of his sandwich, wondering why no one had bothered introducing him to them sooner. He was the king, for crying out loud!
"Yep! This is Aspen, and the furball is Fuzzbert! Guys, meet the king of Hard Rock, Thrash!"
Fuzzbert and Aspen both cried out polite greetings, one opting for a simple "hi" while the other asked, "Whassup!?"
"Aw, not much," King Thrash answered. He pointed up, adding, "The ceiling, for one thing. Hey..." He looked at the ceiling in apparent confusion. "When did it turn black?"
"Dad, it's always been black," Barb answered with slight exasperation.
"Oh. That's right. What was I thinking?" He laughed a bit, waving a hand dismissively.
But he could've sworn they'd painted it red with flames awhile back. Or was that when he'd been dreaming of dancing with that rattlesnake at Elvis Trollsly's house? King Thrash was starting to think he should see someone about his mental state—he seemed to be having this problem more often these days. Was he losing his mind from partying too hard? Or just thinking he was?
While the king got lost in thought as to whether he was sane or not (a topic that didn't really worry him), Barb rolled her eyes. She really didn't get what her dad was playing at. "Anyway..." She pushed her guests into their seats and asked, "What do you guys want to eat?"
Fuzzbert asked if they had any waffles and maybe blueberry syrup to go with them. Sure, it looked like lunch was in session, but he hadn't had breakfast, the most important meal of the day, yet.
"Uh, that depends, dudette. This for breakfast or lunch?" Aspen asked awkwardly. It looks like lunchtime, but... He let that thought trail off as he looked at the princess, still wearing her pajamas.
"Either one!" she answered, throwing her hands out to the sides.
"Oh... Uh, well, in that case, how's a club sandwich with salami, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and onions sound?" He grinned coolly. (Personally, he felt awkward ordering breakfast this late in the day, so he'd just skip it for today.)
"Cool!" Barb turned to a Rock Troll standing in the doorway to what the two Pop Trolls assumed was the kitchen. "Hey! You heard 'em! And you know what I want! Make it happen!" The troll hurried off to do that, and Barb turned back to her guests as she took a seat herself. "So, you going to the rave today? It's gonna be epic!"
Aspen grinned nervously. "Epic, ya say?"
Even though he knew they didn't really have a choice—Barb would drag them along, like it or not—Fuzzbert asked for more information.
"Yeah! Unlike the parties you Pop Trolls throw, we Rock Trolls throw insane blow-outs that'll leave you begging for more!" Barb answered enthusiastically. "Flashing lights, pyrotechnics to put your guys to shame, rocking music... Once you get there, you'll never want to leave!"
Aspen faked a smile, trying to seem excited. "Really!? That sounds so rad! Right, dude!?" He looked at Fuzzbert.
The fuzzling also pretended to be excited and chirped before leaping cheerily into the air.
Barb was thrilled. Her guests were excited about going to a Rock Troll party. This was amazing!
"Great! Then I guess I'll see you guys there!"
"Here, Princess Barb," a Rock Troll said as he came over with three plates. "I've got everyone's food." He started placing the food on the table.
"Thanks, Slam," Barb said casually. She smiled at her guests and said, "Enjoy, you two! It's gonna be another wild day!" And she dug into a stack of chocolate pancakes.
Fuzzbert and Aspen looked at each other nervously. Would this girl ever let them go home?