1835 replies and 45 files omitted.
>>130024I don't think it is?"Not really, no. I do not control how many partners anyone has had in past."
>>130024Amber nods along and watches every move by the manager, making sure not to miss a step.
"There are two prices…?" she sheepishly asks.
>>130025-1 piece of fleece. Now 2 pieces left.
>>130025Right. Silent image. and remove one level 1 spell slot.
5 left.
>>130025>>130026She jumps back ever so slightly, then smiles with pleasure at the model.
"I
thought that was what you were buying these items for"
Then she pulls forward, smiling wide again
"If you are willing to
use you powers, I may have something for you to do. You see, many of my items here are rare and hard to find. They are much harder to find when certain suppliers go missing, or when travel lines are shut down. One of my items is manticore nails. There are Manticore in the woods, yes, but there are a few in the Baltimare Zoo, if you could get nail clippings from them. And then there is the shell of a certain clam.... I cannot get that, but there is a dye that concentrates the same or similar chemical, I know is used at certain factories. If you want to get one of those for me, or some other supplies, I may be willing to do favors in return"
>>130029"Oh that's not hard"
She pulls up a coat
"Yes, you see this here?" She points to a red number
"This is the nominal price, and this one here"
She points to one underneath that
"Is the sales price. Go with this one. Also, if they hand you a funny looking paper they say is money, you have to take it. Those are 'East Equestria' bits, and we are legally required to consider them money. Even though it looks like its counterfeit"
>>130028"Hmmm... that's a good way to look at it."
>>130034"I said it
looks like counterfeit money. We are required by law to accept it as if it were bits. Some stores require 'tips' when that money is paid, or will sell a 'rock' along with the purchase for more bits... but we can't always do that here. So just accept the paper"
>>130035Amber purses her lips.
I don't know if ponies copy it or not, the idea of paper money is very queer…hopefully I'm not held responsible if somepony does that.She nods her head slowly.
"I think I understand.
What else do I need to know?" >>130032"So my job to get to snuggle with a kitty is to go and snuggle with a kitty? Sounds likea deal to me," Fantasy says as she winks with one of her eyes.
"Will get those nails for you first, free of charge. Just to prove to you hope serious I'm."
As the Fantasy lowers her hoof back to the floor the cat climbs up on her back and curls up in a ball.
"So I'll get as many as I can but when I'm there but what is minimum?"
>>130037She looks at the magic cat as it moves along
"These are big nails. At
least every nail on a claw. There are trimmers there, though you may borrow a knife from me"
>>130036"Yes, some basics about our clothing stock"
>>130038Amber smiles and follows the mare.
The tough part is behind me now, and I might enjoy this. >>130039"Here, we have Stallion's formal wear. Fortunately, dark greys are in vogue." It's a suit
She goes over to a blue dress
"This is a mare's dress. Mostly for professional and social events, but it will do for special occasions for those with fewer resources. No, there is not a lighter shade of blue. You would be amazed how rare specific dyes can be while similar colors are cheap."
She goes through a set of clothing for foals, stallions, and mares
>>130038"Mmm. Is it a special knife? Because otherwise I think that trimmers or a pair of tongs would be better to cut off nails with."
She lifts up her hoof.
"But I would gladly except your generous offer to borrow your knife."
The cat jumps down on the floor and begins cricle around Fantasy's hooves and stroke against them.
>>130040Amber tries to keep track of all the different types of garments.
I've known that fashion can be quite complicated, but I never realized how getting dressed is such an affair! Cummerbunds, pocket squares, garters…you could spend your whole life learning just this! >>130041"Fair, they probably want a trimmer too"
She pulls out a sheathed knife from under her jacket
"But if you have need of a knife, since you look like you don't carry one..."
The knife has an ornate hilt, and a curved blade
"You can borrow this one. But I will only let you cuddle me or any f my friends if you bring it back"
She places it on Fantasy's Hoof
>>130042While this is happening, she also takes the time to show how they are placed on the racks, so as to not be wrinkled
>>130044This at least seems to be an area where Amber is more familiar.
Ma being so particular when putting away the laundry really is paying off. >>130045It sort of does. As best as Amber can gather, this is not a high end boutique, but it tries to recreate the same feel for ponies with less money to spend, while still functioning as a normal clothing store
>>130046I am intimately familiar with such placesHas polyester been invented yet?
https://quatr.us/modern-europe/where-did-polyester-come-from.htmIf there are any clothes with this fabric Amber would probably think they are silk.
>>130047Polyester was not made for commercial consumption until 1951, and thus is not present here. Silk is used in Parachutes, and thus will be austeritied and unavailable for civilian purposes
>>130048Amber asks the manager,
"Ma'am, am I right to assume that more wool clothes are being sold now in the winter and in the summer we'll restock with cotton clothes? What other things should I keep track of?"Also, is it visible that the store keeps stock of uniforms for military or paramilitary personnel?
>>130049There are no uniforms for sale, save maybe for school uniforms. At least none are visible in the store.
>>130049"Three years ago, you'd be half right. Ponies do like wool in the winter, but the weather in Baltimare doesn't drop below freezing for more than maybe a few weeks most years. And wool... well, half the supply is imported across troubled waters, and it's another 'austerity' item... We still sell a few wool items. Stallion's formal attire, some coats, a few hats and mittens... most of these are for ponies who will be working in the mountains, leaving to go further north, or who can pay a mark up for their preferred item. Mostly we sell cotton, even in winter. That may change next winter, but not today. As for other things to keep track of, I may have to wait until they come up."
>>130050Although it does not snow often in her native place, its relatively inland position permits occasional snowfalls that last at least a few days. Amber looks disappointed that she won't get even that here.
"Well, cotton is versatile so customers oughta like it. I do have a few questions." She swallows and wishes she had her canteen out.
"First, what are the store hours and when do you want me to start? Tomorrow is okay for me. Should I wear anything special? And–um–how much is the wage again?" Amber nervously smiles, worrying that she's already been told this and has forgotten.
Is the store heated? If so it may already be unpleasantly warm for Amber who is dressed to not feel much of the outside temperature at all, and who is saddled with a medium load.
[1d2 = 2]>>130051The store is indeed heated, though the store is set at a slightly lower than normal temperature, presumably to make the wearing of heavy clothing more palatable, or to save money on heating.
"The going rate is 5 bits an hour. You must look nice, as you are now if possible. Be here at 7 AM."
>>130053"Subject to change, of course. My name is High Sewn"
>>130055She looks down towards the ground (pinkish carpet floor), and speaks
“Yes... indeed I have been... I was younger than you... I watched the rise of gods... I’m still here, I suppose.”
*mlems all the cute ponies*
>>130063"Okay...I do not want to hurt you..."
He looks down, ears folded to the sides of his head.
>>130064"Why do you think you hurt me?" She asks
>>130065"I do not know if I did. It is why I asked..."
He looks back up at Jubilosa.
"I am not so good with people."
>>130066"You have been pretty good so far. At least since I've known you"
>>130067"I suppose I have been lucky. But I am not so good with words, or getting right how others feel. I feel as if I am always one errant sentence away from losing someone, especially now."
>>130069"It is how I am with words. I am some things, but I am not charismatic."
He gets a little smile.
"As you have already seen, and felt...I make up for it in other ways."
>>130070"Heh" she smiles
"You project plenty enough power"
>>130071"I suppose. I consider myself lucky someone as wonderful as you decided to give me chance."
>>130072Her smile becomes wider, and beak hangs partly open, as she lowers her head
"Uh, D'aww..."
>>130073He continues to look at the griffon, smiling like the lucky bastard he is.
"I have things I must do today, but...would you care to spend some more time together before then?"
>>130074She smiles back to him in a less embarrassed, warmer way
"Maybe these chairs keep us a little too far apart... I don't have anything else to do today. If you don't mind letting me stay here, that is"
>>130075Silver stands up, smiling even wider.
"Every moment you are here is another moment I get to spend in bliss. There is nothing I would mind less than letting you stay."
>>130076Now, she moves her head even lower, and moves her right wing out in front of her face
"That's... so sweet of you"
>>130077He chuckles at her reation.
"Apologies if it is overdoing it, but it is true."
He holds out a hoof for her to get out of her chair with.
>>130078She extends a claw to Silver's hoof
>>130078>>130079And gets out of the chair
>>130079Silver helps her out of the chair.
"Perhaps you would care to join me for bath, or shower? Our 'friendship' from last night could use washing up."
>>130082He leads her back to the bathroom.
"I got plenty of shampoos for us to use."
>>130083She laughs at this, with a full "haha." She walks out in front of him, through the door, past the bed, past the weird stuffed dog-thing, opening the bathroom door and entering
>>130084Silver goes to get out the wide selection of shampoos he got.
"So...what is your preference?"
>>130086"Hmm..."
Silver looks through them for something citrusy.
>>130087An orange smelling shampoo is among the many shampoos
>>130088"This one!"
He picks it out, and smiles at Jubilosa.
>>130089She smiles back sort of awkwardly
"So.... how does this work?"
>>130090"How does what work?"
The unicorn gives her a confused look.
>>130091"The... the shower, thing. The shower together thing. The thing you had in mind"
>>130092"Oh. Hmm...it might be better for us to bathe together, maybe."
>>130093"Uh... Sure"
Silver sees he has two options, the bathtub and the shower. Neither is really
massive and would be a tight fit for two creatures, especially with Jubilosa being a little larger than a pony mare. Maybe if they are tacked one on top of the other....
>>130094Silver goes for the bath, preparing it and, once it's nice and ready, getting in first, motioning for Jubilosa to get in on top.
>>130095Turn on the water. Get the temperature
just right. Add bubble bath soaps as desired. Maybe just a little warmer... Jubilosa steps a claw in, then another, then comes in to try to rest besides Silver.... Well, that won't work, at least not without Silver really squeezing over. Maybe on top of Silver...
>>130096I think so, but I also never looked for it until this yearGriffins are still the enemy. Do not lose sight of thisUh... should High Sewn respond to Amber? >>130095>>130097She slowly eases herself down, on top of Silver, looking around as she does so
"Heheh..."
>>130098Silver sinks into the water, bringing the soft griffon in with him. He lets out a sigh of contentment and closes his eyes.
"This feels nice..."
>>130096Jubilosa is still a cute, tho. >>130057"You could say that, I suppose.... I was just a fillie, helping my uncle in his store over the summer. I was helping stock when I went over help a mare find a dress for her daughter. Funny enough, it was for a cutesineita. That's when I found my destiny. But it wasn't until years later that I walked into the Carousel Boutique of Canterlot... It was indeed a magical time. A very different time, when gods walked among ponies..."
She looks past Amber
>>130100"Heh"
She smiles awkwardly at him
"Pretty close here"
>>130101"Maybe little."
He smiles back at her.
"But I like being close to you."
>>130102"Heh"
She smiles kind of awkwardly, and grabbing her shoulder
>>130103He uses his magic to levitate the bottle of shampoo over.
"I suppose we should actually clean ourselves, hmm?"
>>130104"Yes."
She takes a squirt of the shampoo, and places it on herself, on her lion-like fur
>>130101Amber is practically squeeing at the story.
"How lucky is that! I've been to Canterlot only once as a filly when my parents went on a pilgrimage there. It was such a gorgeous city!" >>130105"Here, allow me."
She can feel a slight tingle as his magic envelops the shampoo and works it into suds in her fur.
>>130106"Oh yes. Yes it was. Glittering long spires that pierce the heavens like spears. Stallions and mares who carry the grace of a thousand years of fine breeding in every footstep. And the clothing.... Well, it was only a week after opening day. I made sure to go in to see the latest of the line of clothing... I could see every stitch counted. Gems you would only ever see on rings or jewelry down here... And the colors, well.... All I can say is, they don't make them like that anymore."
>>130107She smiles a little more playfully
"Hehe"
She takes her claw, and starts to rub into Silver's chest floof with the shampoo
>>130108"Oh! Why thank you!"
There is quite a big of floof to his chest, and it is very soft. He smiles back, taking the opportunity as he washes her to appreciate her form.
"You are very fit and lithe. Graceful. Kind of like cat."
>>130109"I was fitter when I was flying milk... But yes, griffins are like cats... And thank you..."
She doesn't stop scratching at the fluff. Her talons are
not delicate, but she is at least making it down to the skin underneath. She looks at the fluff with an almost-fascination. Then she looks back to him.
"You had never seen a griffin so close, had you?"
>>130108Amber widens her eyes.
"You met the cream of the crop in Canterlot? I remember the carnivals, the street markets, grand museums, libraries, and the Royal Palace itself in the distance…then, at the Summer Sun Celebration, I saw Celestia Herself by standing on mah pa's head." She closes her eyes in bliss as she remembers such happy times.
"I reckon that you got exclusive access, though." >>130111"No.... Not that. But I met Hoity Toity, Sassie Saddles... Shook their hooves. Coming in as an adult..."
>>130110He looks away, blushing.
"Perhaps not in this fashion, no..."
He looks back to her.
"But I must say, I do like what I see."
>>130113"Heh heh"
She looks down, and resumes rubbing the floof
>>130112Amber looks like she is going to fangirl again but catches herself.
Wait…have I heard of those folks before?Knowledge check:
[1d20 = 1] Do they count as royalty/nobility? If so, add +2Before the conversation stalls, she adds,
"Why did you leave Canterlot?" >>130114It's quite easy to manipulate and twirl in her claws, with barely any tangles in the mass. As she plays with it, she notices that the properties that let it keep heat into also make it quite absorbant.
"So, what about you? Ever been this close to pony?"
>>130115Yes, definitely. Hoity Toity is a famous but very old governor who, among other things, forcibly rounded up and deported several villages of diamond dogs somewhere in the west. Sassie Saddles is the wife of a former foreign secretary who infamously shot her husband, was put on trial and acquitted under a sketchy claim of insanity
>>130116"N-no.... I wasn't.... particularly eager, either"
>>130118"Oh no, though I would have loved to have shown him one... I was afraid of what he would have thought. I did talk to him though. Ask him some questions on trends..."
>>130117"That is understandable, given your situation."
He smiles again at her.
"I hope I have not been disappointment."
"Ah." Amber hopes that she hasn't been annoying Sewn with all this inquiry.
Sense motive: [1d20 = 13] (is there a modifier?)
>>130122"No..."
She runs her talons through even more of Silver's fluff
"I'm glad you like what you see...."
>>130123The way she looks past suggests that she is remembering a lost time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABokQpjvELU >>130124>[YouTube] Scarborough Fair - Dan Avidan & Super Guitar Bros.Thanks, this is really good."Please tell me more about Canterlot in that magical time." The movement of her dress indicates a bit of a tail wag that is obstructed. She does look like a foal enchanted by an elder's tales of a time long past.
>>130124He smiles, and holds onto Jubilosa. The rest of his fluff is very similar, even if the individual areas do not have volume of floof his chest does.
>>130123I forgot to mention, it's however many ranks Amber has in sense motive plus wisdom modifier>>130125Though she talks to Amber, she cannot be made to look or focus at Amber. In a way, it's like there's a projector showing still images onto an invisible wall somewhere in the middle of the carpet pathway somewhere to the left of the door and in front of the mannequin display case for the blue dress.
"The ponies there gave the definite impression that they knew they ruled the world, or at least all of the parts they cared for. Very refined. Confident. Cultured. Almost every one in a suit, like the city was one big social event. The main city was sectioned off and closed to through-traffic. The buildings were only the most elegant of past generations. The air was clean, cleaner than in any of the bigger port cities. But what really made it different, at least from these days, was the absence of any real fear, or dread. There was optimism in those days. Optimism about what the new may bring."
>>130126She goes up and down on parts of his body, fluffing it up with the shampoo
>>130127Amber eagerly imbibes these words.
I could not properly appreciate it when I visited it but it's truly a city of, as they say, "giants among ponies." There must be something specially magical about Canterlot that bred so many great leaders and noble heroes. I wish I had another chance to visit…