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Where before many mare have gone.jpg
Occupied Equestria - Between Storms
Anonymous
3f5f16c
?
No.129000
In the North, Spark has encountered a new tribe of creatures, who are eager to take him as an emissary between cultures. In the south, Iron sleeps off his wounds, with dreams of a new life for himself and a certain zebra. Silver tries to settle in those he saved from the cultists into their own lives. Fantasy play establishes herself in Baltimare, and she too, has encountered cultures unknown to her before. As they all search for normalcy, it remains to be seen just what dangers await beyond the horizon
1735 replies and 40 files omitted.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129828
129829 129830
>>129826
The brass on the edges of the glass revolving doors gives them a gilded appearance

>>129827
"Heheh, what?"
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.129829
129831
>>129828
Iron blinks once, confused himself before pointing to his back. "You know, carry you on my back if you need it," he utters, starting to blush the slightest bit as he smiled sheepishly "that is not weird to say, right?"
Amber Sunset
6a15b3f
?
No.129830
129831
>>129828
Amber pushes through the doors and steps outside, but not before marveling at the lavish decorations of the station one last time.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129831
129832 129833
>>129829
"Heheh. It's not normal in public. But who can judge when no one is watching?"
At the end of that, she partly tilts her head, and has a strange smile

>>129830
Granite stone exterior with Ionian columns and other patterns of the neo-classical style. Going further down the 14 or so feet of stone steps down to the street level, and looking bad, a stone frieze on the station shows scenes of the industrial revolution in Equestria. Parts are grimy, and parts are chipped
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.129832
129834
>>129831
Iron's sheepish smile is replaced with a small pout, tilting his head opposite of Sands with the respective ear drooped as he stared at her with a blank, puzzled look.
Amber Sunset
6a15b3f
?
No.129833
129834
>>129831
Even despite the visible wear the grandiose building far exceeds mere picture pictures, and it takes Amber's determination not to stay for a minute. There will be plenty of time for that later… Amber turns left and trots down the street, looking at what's around.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129834
129835 129836
>>129832
"... What?" She is also confused

>>129833
Buildings around are a bit less impressive than Union Station, but still bigger than almost anything she's seen before. Mostly they are brick, with some stone. The streets are a bit wide, and have a number of ponies on them while seeming somehow less populated than the three and four story buildings around would suggest. A small, black machine passes down the road at considerable speed, what Amber knows must be an automobile
Amber Sunset
6a15b3f
?
No.129835
129837
>>129834
Amber has seen automobiles a couple of times, but still the odd contraption surprises her. There's no way I can get a job on this street, it's much too fancy… She trots down to the next intersection.
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.129836
129837
>>129834
"What?" Iron repeats, lost in this interaction as his mind races to find a proper save. "I-I mean yes, I totally get what you meant before," he spat out unconvincingly, giving one of the fakest, sheepish smiles she has probably seen in her lifetime.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129837
129838 129839
>>129835
Unfortunately, it's much the same story. Brick facades, mostly clean. Windows are not broken. May as well say "5 years of experience required"

>>129836
She moves her lips about
"Hmmm"

She takes the cup, and drinks the entire cup
"Alright, I suppose I am ready"
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.129838
129840
>>129837
Iron's strained, sheepish look only serves to redden slightly as he heard Sands hum softly before him.
Only after she announces she's ready does his embarrassed demeanor dissipates into a little exhale before quickly puffing out his chest as he poses proudly. "Alright," he states "let us go." His trotting is still a bit stiff over his small blunder but he carries on regardless towards the Watering Hole, ear open to any sort of small talk that may happen.
Amber Sunset
6a15b3f
?
No.129839
129840
>>129837
She looks around for a store that is likely common yet wouldn't need a specific skill set, such as a farrier's, a millinery store, or something otherwise service-based.
Roll spot: [1d20+2 = 10]
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129840
129841 129842
>>129838
"Huh?"
Something about Iron confuses her, but she does not make a big deal about it

She very slowly follows behind him, her feet treading lightly enough to make no sound

>>129839
Looking over, Amber sees a couple sights.

In the fore, is a larger building with yellowish stone and thin windows, with a stone belt under the windows on the first floor. What makes it special is the cloth draped over parts of the building, a couple trucks outside of it, and a few ponies going in and out.

Nearby, on the other side of the street and further down, is a store. It looks like a sort of general store or grocery store on the street corner
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.129841
129843 129847
>>129840
Iron keeps himself at a steady pace, mostly trotting in place for Sands to catch up his younger, more energetic self as they went down the stairs, making sure their room was closed beforehand, and out to the streets of Baltimare and travelling towards the Watering Hole.
Amber Sunset
6a15b3f
?
No.129842
129847
>>129840
Amber is attracted by all the activity going on. If this is a store then it must be quite large and may have an opening. I like this neighborhood too. She trots over, but is careful not to interrupt the workers.
Amber Sunset
6a15b3f
?
No.129843
129844
>>129841
>mostly trotting in place for Sands to catch up his younger, more energetic self
Way to throw shade on your girlfriend. She may act older but that doesn't mean she actually is.
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.129844
129845
>>129843
Well, considering she's currently half-dead from both being suddenly woken up plus having a hangover, she has been quite nerfed in terms of energy.
As for the younger thing, it's more that he's a bit too young,
almost acting foal-like, even.

Amber Sunset
6a15b3f
?
No.129845
129846
>>129844
Probably dehydrated too, get her some water. It's funny that Iron is practically her toyboy, though.
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.129846
>>129845
When he figures out that's necessary, then he'll do it. However,
his lack of knowledge of hangovers should highlight his overall inexperience with alcohol.

Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129847
129848 129849
>>129842
I'm assuming this means she goes for the larger of the buildings (There are more buildings, these just appear to be the best candidates within line of sight)

Amber enters, with a few ponies passing by at high speed towards the trucks. They pay no attention to Amber. Inside, there is a reception area with a table and a small mare. A hornless white pony with short cut green mane looks over, and talks to her

"Um, excuse me mam? We have to make sure you have no explosives on you before you go further into the building"
If there are any guards, they must be among the moving ponies, because they aren't there

>>129841
She closes her eyes in reaction to the sunlight
"I hope it's not too far away..."
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.129848
129850
>>129847
"I... do not think it is too far," Iron guesses blindly, never having consciously considered how long it took him to get to the Watering Hole, trotting along with her.
Amber Sunset
6a15b3f
?
No.129849
129850
>>129847
Amber widens her eyes and cranes her neck back. "Explosives? Why in tarnation would I be carrying explosives?" she asks. "I just wanted to ask if there is a position for another hoof to help out."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129850
129851 129853
>>129849
What does Amber have with her?

"Positions? Yes, there are positions... What are you looking for?"

>>129848
She picks up a paper object to block the sunlight, and walks for some time. Eventually, they reach it - the Watering Hole
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.129851
129852
>>129850
Iron attempts to enter the Watering Hole for the second time this day, letting Sands enter first before scanning around for the furry unicorn...
(Well, furrier than usual,) he thinks to himself.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129852
129854
>>129851
She looks around
"We must be hear kind of early"

No immediate signs of life
Amber Sunset
6a15b3f
?
No.129853
129855
>>129850
She is wearing a midnight-blue woolen dress (a variety obviously made for winter that covers the tail) with lighter blue stars and frills, and on top of this she has a black burlap traveling cloak with the hood down. She is however wearing a forest-green headscarf over her auburn mane, though her ears are allowed to stick out. She has two canvas saddlebags that are decently large and definitely have some bulk, though they are not close to being full to bursting. Needless to say that if this was a different season she would be quite overdressed.
"I was hoping that this might be a store where I could be a clerk. I think I can do almost any job though, and I, uh, just arrived in Baltimare. She has a bit of a confident smile.
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.129854
129855
>>129852
Iron nods. "It seems like it," he mutters as he rubs his chin softly, looking at one of the empty table "might as well get ourselvs seated so we can pass the time here."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129855
129856 129857
>>129853
She looks over skeptically at the overdressed mare, as if not entirely convinced she isn't a terrorist. Still, she answers
"We have clerk positions open. Office clerk, not retail clerk. Typist as well."

>>129854
She sits in a chair
"What are you waiting for exactly?"
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.129856
129858
>>129855
He promptly sits on a chair next to Sands. "Either for Khoi to pass by here and give her that job I promised," he explains "or for Cauldron to do the same and maybe ask for a job to beat some of these new criminal ponies that are coming here."
Amber Sunset
6a15b3f
?
No.129857
129858
>>129855
Amber looks up and thinks. "Hmmm, what does becoming an office clerk entail?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129858
129859 129860
>>129856
She blinks
"Does this 'Cauldron' work here?"

>>129857
"Oh, answering phones, filing things, keep records, typing, sending memos and so forth."
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.129859
129861
>>129858
"I am not too sure about that," Iron guesses, poking his chin "as she moves around quite a lot."
Amber Sunset
6a15b3f
?
No.129860
129861
>>129858
Amber thinks to herself for a moment.I could do it but I don't know if I could do it well…working with my hooves is probably better for now.

"I, er, will consider it. Thank you for your help and have a nice day." Amber smiles and turns to leave.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129861
129862 129863
>>129859
"Is she normally at a bar in the morning?" She asks

>>129860
"O.. kay then? Unless you had something else in mind?"
Amber Sunset
6a15b3f
?
No.129862
129864
>>129861
Amber smiles, this time a bit awkwardly. "I'm just keeping my options open, I might take you up on your offer." She is as close to the door as is possible without impeding the movers.
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.129863
130357 130358
>>129861
"I think so," Iron answers unsurely "but I am not too sure if it has been random chance so far either."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129864
129865 129866
Okay... I have to sleep now

>>129862
And so Amber leaves the building, back onto the street
Anonymous
f9e8634
?
No.129865
>>129864
Night.
Amber Sunset
6a15b3f
?
No.129866
>>129864
Goodnight!
Silver "The Floof" Sword
46ec1b5
?
No.129867
129868
mlems
Anonymous
edee569
?
No.129868
129869
9A2CDDD5-C0BA-486F-8043-3BB04F577BDE.png
>>129867
Is mlemmed

Hi pony!
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129869
129870
>>129868
A new mlemming contender appears!

Amber Sunset leaves the building and is now back on the sidewalk. What is the weather like?
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129870
129871
>>129869
Dun, dee dun dun!
Wind blows to the west. A few clouds are darker, but the sky is more clear than not
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129871
129872 129873
>>129870
It's a little bleak out. I hope it snows sometime soon!
If it's safe to cross the street, Amber heads for the grocery store.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129872
129873 129874
a690d010749d25035bac48af811465e3.jpg
>>129871
Amber enters the store to see that it is indeed a grocery store, with fruits like apples and cantelopes, oats, potatos, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes , canned beans and corn, a few cans of overpriced robusta coffee, and a satisfactory selection of cigarrettes. No bread or pastry products though; there is no attached bakery. Austerity has reduced the variety of available fruits and cheeses, and greatly driven up the price of some items, coffee being the severest example, but it hasn't driven most products off the market.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129873
129874
RM10454C7.jpg
>>129872
>>129871
In a way, it's actually kind of comparable to with the stores that Amber is familiar with. It's a small square floor plan on the first floor, some some shelves in the center and much product placed on the sides, although a few shelves are empty, presumably the victims of austerity. There's a staircase on the far left upon entering from the street that may or may not be a part of the unit at all, and in any case is not accessible to outside customers, at least at this time
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129874
129875
>>129872
>>129873
She smiles and looks around at the homely store. So many different types of foods! This variety is impressive. She approaches whoever is operating the cashier.
"Um…hello." Amber shyly rubs her knee with her other foreleg. "I just arrived in Baltimare and…I'm wondering if you need some help around here?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129875
129876
>>129874
He's almost hard to see when mber first enters, standing in front of empty shelves, cans and cartons of cigarettes, but there is a kind of small grey stallion, evidently an earth pony. He looks old, old enough, certainly to be a grandfather, and he wears black glasses with a small strap hanging down

"Why hello there young fillie" He says to her
"I suppose it's been a while since I've had help"
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129876
129877
>>129875
"I'm looking to work in the city and I noticed your store. It's very nice," Amber adds demurely.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129877
129878
>>129876
He smiles, weakly from under the wrinkles
"Well, thank you. I've had this space for seven years now. Since I moved to the Westside. My name is Plump Stock." He offers a hoof
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129878
129879
>>129877
She shakes his hoof, this time more gently than with Tone Beet. "I'm Amber Sunset, it's nice to meet you. You moved here only seven years ago? This store looks like it's been around quite a lot longer–in a good way, I mean. It reminds me of home."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129879
129880
>>129878
"Well, I only moved too the West side seven years ago. I was in the east before then. Too many zebra there. I rented this spot after the last owner retired. I carried on his business. Where is home for you, young filly?"
Anonymous
c7c1156
?
No.129880
129881
>>129879
"My family's farm is about a hundred and fifty miles west of here. The closest town has a store a bit bigger than this one, but it has more imperishable supplies and not so many different types of food."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129881
129882
>>129880
"Oh, so you're out in the country then. We have a nice set here, since they started distributing the fall harvest a few months ago. We got very low on food at points in the War, but it's closer to normal now. Still have rationed supplies of coffee though, and prices are much higher than they were before the War.It's not farm fresh, no, but we get shipments regularly enough. Those bats love their tropical fruit, but most of those are in short supply on account of the blight and rationing. Just as well. I'd rather not sell to the bats if I could."
Anonymous
c7c1156
?
No.129882
129883
>>129881
Her eyes widen and her ears swivel back. "There are bats here?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129883
129884
>>129882
He shakes his head
"Oh yes. Bat ponies. They come in from both north and South, from their little caves and enclaves. Mostly they work in the night shifts in the factories and dockyards. You'd best pay attention when walking around at night here, young filly."
Anonymous
c7c1156
?
No.129884
129885
>>129883
Amber nods, concerned. "I will. I've read terrible stories about what they often do. In the books it's usually misbehaving foals who fall victim, but I think it can happen to anypony."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129885
129886
>>129884
"Uck" He shakes his head again "You better believe it could be anyone. And you better believe those books too. Be extra careful in public places if you dress suggestively. They prefer young mares, and them do zebra too."
Anonymous
c7c1156
?
No.129886
129887
>>129885
>dress suggestively
Aren't most ponies nude?

She looks a bit perplexed by this but doesn't press the issue.
"Um…alright. Are you all alone in running the store?
It seems like a lot for one pony to do."

Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129887
>>129886
Just keep dressing like she is and she's good
"Oh, I had help from Wheat Whinny...." He turns his head down
"Course', it's been 19 months since I've seen him. Couldn't really afford anyone after that. I suppose there's a little more money now... I'm certainly not getting any younger..."
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129888
129889
The mare laden with all her possessions frowns lightly. "Did he disappear? If you want I could take his place.
I don't need much, just a place to stay and enough to help support my parents."

Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129889
129890
>>129888
"No, he was called to service... I suppose I may have an extra room available."
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129890
129891 129892
>>129889
Amber pulls her lips together and looks away, nodding. After a few moments she turns back. "I think I would like to work here."

That was too easy
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129891
>>129890
Reee
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129892
129893
>>129890
He smiles
"I can't pay much..."
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129893
129894
>>129892
Amber thinks to herself for a minute. "Do you think it would be possible for me to work two jobs? Is this store busy all day?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129894
>>129893
"I don't know what you can arrange with other employers, but my busiest time is in the afternoon, and the morning for stocking. I'd rather not run at night."
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129895
129896
Amber nods, maintaining a neutral expression. "Mr. Stock, you don't mind if I ask around? Do you know of any places you could recommend to me?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129896
129897
>>129895
"Well uh,,, Sure. I don't know where though."
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129897
129898
>>129896
She smiles reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll come back later today and let you know." She starts to leave the shop.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129898
129899
>>129897
He waves to her
"Oh well okay now. Come back now you hear. Be safe..."
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129899
129900
>>129898
Amber must still be at the intersection. What does it look like down each street?
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129900
129901
>>129899
More buildings. Looking down one way is smaller buildings. Down another is a plaza, and larger buildings
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129901
129902
>>129900
Amber heads for the plaza.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129902
129903
>>129901
A few larger buildings with domes and vaulted ceilings
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129903
129904
>>129902
Are there any malls or front-window shops visible?
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129904
129905
>>129903
No modern style malls. This plaza is mostly what appears to be government buildings, but there is at least one cafe. Small shops are more common elsewhere
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129905
129906
>>129904
Amber frowns and goes to that street with the smaller buildings. If it's safe to canter she does so.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129906
129908
>>129905
It looks more or less safe. There are a couple shops
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129907
129909
What are her options?
[1d20+2 = 8]
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129908
>>129906
No need to reply now, let's continue tomorrow.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129909
129910
>>129907
Not many.

Unfortunately I have to end here for the night
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129910
129911
>>129909
Amber will continue down the street.
Anonymous
edee569
?
No.129911
129912
>>129910
Many shops and businesses exist, but two seem promising: a larger clothing store, and a soda shop. Despite tales of economic malaise in Baltimore, it looks like there are many unfilled job openings for creatures between the ages of 18 and 25 without a college degree.
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129912
129913
>>129911
Amber smiles to herself. Selling clothing would be quite nice! She crosses the street if need be and trots up to the entrance.
Anonymous
edee569
?
No.129913
129914
D1F2933C-4144-46B8-BF54-35392865B1A4.jpeg
>>129912
Through a revolving door, Amber enters. It’s larger than the grocer, and generally more spread out. Most of the clothing is coats and formal wear, both male and female attire. Colors are fairly dull mostly, greys, blacks and whites.
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129914
129915
>>129913
Amber is practically beaming as she trots down. I've never seen so many different clothes…they can't all be hoofmade. Amber looks around for a customer representative or manager.
[1d20+2 = 7]
Anonymous
edee569
?
No.129915
129916
>>129914
Amber sees a stallion holding some clothing
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129916
129917
>>129915
She walks over to him. "Um…sir, may I ask you some questions?"
Anonymous
edee569
?
No.129917
129918
>>129916
The stallion’s eyes are wide, and he raises his left leg
“Uh, yes?”
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129918
129919
>>129917
Amber looks to the left briefly before looking at the stallion, smiling awkwardly. "I'm a pony who's just arrived in Baltimare and I was hoping that maybe you might have a position open for me?" She widens her eyes hopefully. "I can do anything you need to be done around here, I can even sew a little! Please tell me it's possible." She gives a pleading look.
Anonymous
edee569
?
No.129919
129920
>>129918
His eyes are very wide
“I don’t work here...”
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129920
129921 129922
>>129919
Amber bites her lip and takes a step back, blushing furiously. "I'm so sorry. Er–have a nice day," she stammers out as she trots away.
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129921
>>129920
Any visible cashiers?
Anonymous
edee569
?
No.129922
129923
>>129920
Well.... surely there has to be somepony working here
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129923
129924 129925
>>129922
Then Amber wanders deeper into the clothing store until she finds a pony wearing uniform, manning (is that the right word to use?) a register, or perhaps a tailor with a tape measure around the neck.
edee569
?
No.129924
[1d2 = 1]
>>129923
Anonymous
edee569
?
No.129925
129926
>>129923
Walking in, Amber comes across another pony looking at a cost, and there is something different in her demeanor. She is a fairly tall green unicorn, just past middle age, wearing a black colored dress. She looks at the coat as if she is studying if.
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129926
129927
>>129925
Amber approaches this mare a bit less eagerly. "Hello, ma'am? Do you have a moment to spare?"
Anonymous
edee569
?
No.129927
129928
>>129926
She moves the coat to the side with a pinkish glowing aura. She looks at Amber with an almost bored expression, and says
“Yes?”
Amber Sunset
c7c1156
?
No.129928
129929
>>129927
"I just arrived here and…and I want to know if you would like some help in the store. I think I can do a good job here." Amber gives a shy smile and she has been tapping the tip of her left front hoof on the floor.
Anonymous
edee569
?
No.129929
129930
>>129928
She looks at her and squints her eyes slightly, Noe looking at amber with the same, inspecting look that she gave the coat
“And what kind of job can you do?”
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.129930
129931
>>129929
"I…uh…can restock, I'm good with 'rithmetic, and I can even sew a little. My ma made this dress," she adds, blushing.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129931
129932
>>129930
“Mhmm”
She now moves closer, circling around, looking at the free. At one point, she grabs a portion with pink aura, examining it
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.129932
129933 129934
>>129931
free what?
The dress is of a coarse but soft common wool died a midnight blue. Details like four-sided stars are of a lighter blue and are evidently stitched in by hoof; the work is not terribly complex but is quite decent for an earth pony without a sewing machine. A faint lingering musty odor as well as its decades-old style in terms of length and frills at various locations including the cannons indicate that the dress is quite possibly older than the mare wearing it.
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.129933
129934
TwilightDressForTheMemories.png
>>129932
Something like >pic related, except of higher and sturdier quality, the stars being embroidered rather than shiny, and of the aforementioned winter style
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129934
129935
>>129932
>>129933
Reee, it's supposed to be "dress"

"Hmmm..." She continues looking at the dress, and starts to talk to Amber without eye contact
"It's harder and harder to find that shade of dye anymore. Certainly not for country earthponies. Not any more."
Now she makes eye contact
"Tell me, what is it you imagine an a salespony does? Add up sales in the cash register? Is that why you mentioned 'arithmetic'?"
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.129935
129936
>>129934
Amber rubs her pastern against her chin in a thinking pose for a few moments. "I think…a salespony's job is to convince customers that getting clothes here is a really good idea, answer their questions, take inventory, and of course count items sold." She smiles nervously.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129936
129937
>>129935
She raises both eyebrows towards Amber
"I suppose if you abstract from the process, that is what a salespony does, yes. But business is never conducted in the abstract, always in the particular. And it's these particulars that make or break a business, and that anypony must know to be even passable at that business. Before I continue, I should add that I do indeed expect every salespony to 'know arithmetic.' How else could I trust them with a cash register and money? But I will continue by rephrasing my same question: why is it, you believe, ponies buy clothing?"
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.129937
129938
>>129936
Amber widens her eyes in surprise at this new question. She opens her mouth to speak, reconsiders, and then hesitantly starts talking. "I would say, well, it's not always about getting use out of clothing, but, mmm, more to do with how it reflects oneself? How a piece of clothing fits or matches a particular pony can change how she views herself and what others think of her at that particular moment. Maybe some ponies like to look pretty in front of others, too." She anxiously watches for the older mare's reaction.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129938
129939
>>129937
She nods
"I suppose that's better than I expected from a countryside earth pony. Clothing is a representation of oneself to others. Who they think they are, who they want to be, and who they want other ponies to think they are. Sometimes, it serves as a visual expression of those aspects of a pony that makes her unique and standout. More often, ponies simply want to blend in and be a part of the herd, with the qualification that the herd to which they wish to belong is 'professional,' or 'high class,' or a part of the accepted in-group of the place and time. And sometimes, just sometimes, a stallion wants a coat because he is cold in the winter.

But really, the question I asked you is a question that must not be considered 'answered,' but must be asked anew in each individual case. Why is this mare buying an article of clothing, and for whom? What do they seek to accomplish with their purchase? Moreover, what are they able and willing to spend? Answering these questions with any great success requires both an innate talent for understanding others, and wisdom that can only be built with experience."
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.129939
129940
Spoilered
>>129938
Amber adopts a shy pose. "I–I guess that makes sense. I don't know how capable I am of understanding so many different ponies, I've never seen so many before I left home."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129940
129941
>>129939
"And such is the limitation of a limited range of life experience."
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.129941
129942
>>129940
"Can I work here? Please?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129942
129943
>>129941
"I suppose I can't expect much better at market wages... Perhaps on a trial basis. So long as you don't cause me to lose customers..."
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.129943
129944
>>129942
"I promise I won't! I think I can do a swell job!" Amber grins hopefully.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129944
129945
>>129943
"And why is that, young mare?"
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.129945
129946
>>129944
"Ponies I've met tend to like me. At the risk of sounding a little vain, I'm friendly and I try to think of what others might like. When I read a storybook I always want to understand a character's motivations."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129946
129947
>>129945
I think it's time for another cuteness roll
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.129947
129948
>>129946
[1d20+3 = 21]
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129948
129950 129999
>>129947
She places a hoof to her chin looking at Amber
"We all have to start somewhere, I suppose. And you can start here if you can demonstrate how to use a cash register and how to hang up product."
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.129949
Amber vigorously nods. "I can do that."
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.129950
>>129948
Want to continue tomorrow?
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129951
129952
The old unicorn slowly wakes up as morning arrives...
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129952
129953
>>129951
Light makes its way into the room from the large glass doors and the windows to the right, though the morning sun shines through neither. Silver finds himself in a big, fluffy bed with a griffin sleeping next to him
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129953
129954
>>129952
He smiles, feeling wonderful from last night and from getting to wake up next to this wonderful sight. He cuddles up with her while trying to keep from waking her.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129954
129955
>>129953
Her body and head face away from him and she at least seems to be asleep. Silver has unimpeded access to her back fur, the feathers, and her right wing. Her chest rises and falls slowly and softly as she sleeps, with more or less silent breathing.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129955
129956
>>129954
He spoons the griffon and buries his snout in her soft neck feathers. He is content to stay like that for as long as she remains asleep.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129956
129957
>>129955
She lays there, evidently sleeping, for some minutes more. There's no need to keep track of the passage of time, and Silver may even fall back into sleep before waking again. After some time, the breathing skips a beat, and Jubilosa's head moves slightly, followed by her whole body which starts to pull away until it comes in tension with Silver's legs and stops. She tilts her head back to look over to Silver.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129957
129958
>>129956
Silver opens an eye to peak at the griffin. He's currently got his warm smile on as he sees her stir.

"Good morning Jubilosa. Sleep well?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129958
129959
>>129957
"Huh?"
Jubilosa places a foreleg down to prop part of her forebody up, and allow her head to look around the room. For just a moment, she looks almost confused
"... Yes"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129959
129960
>>129958
Silver lets his griffon go to bring his head up as well.

"Something wrong?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129960
129961
>>129959
She is silent for a moment. Then for another moment, and Silver may think she is ignoring his question. Then she answers

"I am just sober, that is all"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129961
129962
>>129960
The unicorn is silent in response, unsure precisely how to take that. His ears droop slightly.

"Ah...alright."

He scoots over to the edge of the bed, then off of it to stretch his limbs out and take a look outside out on the balcony.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129962
129963
>>129961
There's a glass swinging door. It's locked, but it's locked from Silver's side. Beyond this, Silver can see that the deck is wooden, with a wooden railing, and has a small table and a couple chairs. Jubilosa sits up silently
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129963
129964
>>129962
Silver unlocks it, and sits down in one of the chairs.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129964
129965
>>129963
Exiting to the outside, Silver can see the sun rising over the bay entrance, and a few boats, mostly fishing boats, moving along the bay. A thick plank of wood protrudes from the balcony, with a part of the railing in front of it on hinges, evidently a door
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129965
129966
>>129964
"Must be for fliers."

Silver sits down and watches the sunrise. He realizes that it might be a good idea to buy an ashtray for the balcony so he can smoke on it.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129966
129967
>>129965
At least there is a small gap in the balcony that would allow water or cigarette ash through, though it would fall onto the lower porch.

After some time, Jubilosa slowly walks out, sitting in the chair next to Silver
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129967
129968
>>129966
Silver looks over to her.

"I am glad to hear you slept well."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129968
129969
>>129967
“No bad dreams this time.” She says plainly. She does not look over to Silver, but instead to the water
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129969
129970
>>129968
Silver waits a few moments before asking his next question, dreading the answer.

"You were not so fond of last night, huh?"
Anonymous
edee569
?
No.129970
129971
>>129969
“It’s not that.....”
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129971
129972
>>129970
"Please, tell me."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129972
129973
>>129971
"In the hallway. Did I kill that griffin? There were many hallways and many griffins, I know. The one with the colt I mean. Where I was stabbed."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129973
129974
>>129972
"Hmm...I cannot recall if that was one of those we healed or not."

After looking down while thinking, Silver looks back at her.

"So that is what has your mind preoccupied...would you like to talk about it?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129974
129975
>>129973
She is silent for a moment, then blinks

"I didn't join the militia to be with Corazón, or when my country was attacked. I was fine flying milk around. I didn't want to fight for that... but when you all showed up... I wanted to show what griffins were. So I fought and got stabbed. I helped to save a pony against griffins... damned Imperials, but they weren't threatening my country, my town, my love. I just wanted to show I wasn't an Imperial, that not all griffins are Imperials. To show how wrong you all are about us. I mean... some of us... But I couldn't be like this when it mattered..."
She hangs her head down
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129975
129976
>>129974
Silver leans over and takes her claw in his hoof. He looks at her with an old pain in his eyes.

"I understand this, Jubilosa. Do not blame yourself. You are too good of person to do so."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129976
129977
>>129975
Silver takes her claw, and she neither pulls away or grips back. She turns her head further away from Silver

"Do you.... Do you know how much power you all have over me, how much you have over me? I mean... I just bowed out of fighting for Corazón, but my fear of what you all would think got me to fight for you. Even what you were saying about last night... I'e had sex with you three times, that's as many as I ever had with the love of my life......"
She started to cry somewhere around "I mean"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129977
129978
>>129976
"Oh Jubilosa..."

His heart breaks seeing her like this.

"I...I did not know you were suffering like this..."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129978
129979
>>129977
"That's why I like the wine so much. And... Well, and you... It helps to keep my mind off things. But even the wine is a reminder..."

Now, she grips his hoof
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129979
129980
>>129978
Silver holds her claw as best as best as he can with his hoof.

"Whatever you decide to do, whatever you need, I will be there for you."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129980
129981
>>129979
"I don't... I don't, I don't mean to be ungrateful...You and Khoi have been so nice... So supportive"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129981
129982
>>129980
"No no, it is fine, Jubilosa. I am just sorry that we...that I, have made you feel that way. I do not want to have power over you, or to make you unhappy."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129982
129983
>>129981
"You are nice to me... very nice... Nice in a way I am not sure any creature has ever been..."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129983
129984
>>129982
"I have come to care about you, Jubilosa, in the time we have known each other. I want to see you happy."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129984
129985
>>129983
"Can you tell me why?"
She turns slowly to him, looking at Silver with her big, yellow eyes
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129985
129986 129987
>>129984
"You are kind, you are funny, smart. You have been through much in your life, have experienced so much hardship in small timespan and you still go on. You are not just good griffon but good person with kind heart. And I will not even get into how your exquisit external beauty matches what you have in your heart. You are just so..."

He looks into her eyes.

"...amazing!"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129986
129987 129988
>>129985
Her teary eyes gleam at Silver, as her lips slowly form up into a smile

"Thanks.... It means a lot to me."

She opens her wings
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129987
>>129985
>>129986
"Just... you don't think I'm a slut, do you? Not that there would be anything wrong with that, but I'm not... you're not..."
Either she doesn't know where she was going with that, she doesn't want to say it, or she doesn't know how to say it
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129988
129989
>>129986
He smiles back, gripping and shaking her claw slightly with his hoof.

"Thank you for being here with me. You matter to me Jubilosa."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129989
129990
>>129988
She looks down at the shaking action, opening her mouth. The action seems to leave her speechless
"oh..."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129990
129991
>>129989
His expression quickly turns into that of worry.

"Is something wrong? Did I say something?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129991
129992
>>129990
"Just... It's not... It's not like a business transaction, is it? Is it?"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129992
129993
>>129991
"What...

His look turns to confusion, then to mortification.

"Oh no, no! Nothing like that, no! I did not...I am so sorry, I was just trying to make my appreciation of you known."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129993
129994
>>129992
"It's okay... I appreciate you too"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129994
129995
>>129993
He takes a deep breath, calming his expression down and smiling at Jubilosa once again.

"Thank you. It means lot."

He returns to looking out at the bay, while still holding her claw.

"Do you think Khoi knows about us, now?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129995
129996
>>129994
She gives him a sly look, tilting her head
"What do you mean by 'us'?"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129996
129997
>>129995
He looks back.

"Well, you and I, now that we are performing some of that 'special pony friendship'."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.129997
129998
>>129996
She tilts her head back in a small action upon receiving this
"I may have told her a few things while you were gone yesterday..."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.129998
130002
>>129997
"I suppose that would explain why she was so giggly."

He raises an eyebrow in curiosity and amusment.

"So...how much did you tell her? Go into detail at all?"
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.129999
130002
So much emotion!

>>129948
"What would you like me to do?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130000
Best Pony.jpg
*Best Pony Intensifies*
Anonymous
57308ea
?
No.130001
130003
>>129018
Fantasy Play starts jumping up and down on the spot. It is all very endearing and cute.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130002
130004 130007
>>129998
"Well, I may have given her a few details... At first she acted like she was disgusted, then she wanted more information, had more questions, then she wanted more detail. She was curious about how it was done. I really don't think anyone had ever talked to her before about sex, or that she had ever seen any kind of illustration about how it's done."

>>129999
"The tasks of a junior-most associate. Mare the cash register, place coats on the store racks delicately, and tell mares that yes, their daughter would look lovely at the spring dance in that outfit."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130003
130006
>>130001
D'awww!

It's a strange set of items, but not at all strange to the black cat, who wraps them in thin paper, and hands them over to Fantasy Play

"And there you have your items, little sorceress"
She smiles at her with a white, toothy smile
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130004
130005 130007
>>130002
Silver's eyebrows raise.

"She is virgin?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130005
130008
>>130004
She lifts a claw up to wave at Silver
"Oh, beyond any doubt. A bit of a prude too. A curious prude, but they all are."
Anonymous
57308ea
?
No.130006
130009
>>130003
"Thank you," she says with a chirp.

She packs the things down her saddlebag.

She walks towards the door but stops. She turns around.

"Say," she says as looks away. "Is there anything I can get you?"
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.130007
130009
>>130004
Cum'on Silver, making lewd jokes is past me now. Don't tempt me like this.

>>130002
Amber nods excitedly. "I can do that, ma'am."
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130008
130012
>>130005
"Huh. I figured her culture was not very fond of extramartial relations, but I am honestly surprised she did not catch any kirin's eye. She is very nice mare, if that is applicable term for kirin females. Very pretty."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130009
130010 130011
>>130006
Her mouth opens up slightly to reveal a rough tongue behind the rows of white teeth

"Anything you can get me?"

>>130007
"Splendid." She says, refraining from further speech
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.130010
130012
>>130009
"So when do I start?" Amber asks. "I just need to find a place to stay. Are there any apartments nearby?" She opens her mouth, presumably to ask more questions, but sheepishly closes it. Don't get ahead of myself, I need to give a good impression…
Anonymous
57308ea
?
No.130011
130012
>>130009
She nods with the force of one of those dolls with spring necks while reciveing a flick to the head.

"Yes. Is there anything I could get you for a night with you," she says but lifts up a hoof to stop any incoming comment. "I'm not talking about sexual favours. I just wanna snuggle and hug a nice and cosy catlady such as yourself. It would be like a dream come true."

Her eyes sparkle when she says the last words.
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130012
130013 130019 130025
>>130008
"I know, it seems strange to me. But she is younger than me, and her country has a dearth of males in her age group. That's part of why she wanted to emigrate, to look for husbands elsewhere. She had a chance when she was a nurse or something to catch a male in the army but she was too shy. That's what I could read from her, anyway."

>>130010
"Oh, there are many apartments, even if there are far fewer openings than there used to be. But I'm not a real estate agent. As for you timing, after you've had basic training on our product, stocking, and the cash register."

>>130011
Her eyes almost glow, big and focused on her. She bares her teeth wider in an awkward smile.
"Well, I am a business kitty. And there are some items that are, shall we say, hard to come by. Tell me, are you an illusionist?"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130013
130014
>>130012
"Yes, I remember her saying that was part of reason for coming here. I hope she finds someone she likes and that she learns more about sex before then. It can be embarrassing, being inexperienced with a more experienced partner."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130014
130015
>>130013
She turns her head while looking at Silver, giving him an inquisitive smile
"Well that's an odd thing of you to say"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130015
130016
>>130014
He scrunches his snout and blushes.

"Well...it is not as if I started out being able to rut like I do now..."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130016
130017
>>130015
"Is there some experience in particular you were thinking of?"
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130017
130018
>>130016
"Just when I first had 'special friendship' with my wife, Storm Warning. She had to guide us since I had no real experience with sex, while she had multiple sexual partners before we met."
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130018
130020
>>130017
"Interesting...."
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.130019
130021
>>130012
Amber breathes a sigh of relief. "I'm glad that I'll get some training. You see, I've never used a cash register before…" She looks a bit nervous in waiting for the older mare's response.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130020
130021
>>130018
Silver gives Jubilosa a concerned look.

"Is something wrong?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130021
130022 130023
>>130019
"Well it isn't too complicated to use, so long as you can count. Come this way"

>>130020
"No, nothing is wrong." She turns and looks away
Amber Sunset
d4da9ba
?
No.130022
130024
>>130021
Amber trots after the manager. Their difference in age and dress must appeal peculiar to any onlookers.
Silver "The Floof" Sword
65eae7d
?
No.130023
130024
>>130021
"Are you sure...?"
Anonymous
673a4c2
?
No.130024
130028 130029
MtxZV-mIee61sMRf99v78g.jpg
Wonders where Fantasy went off to

>>130022
She walks up to the counter, which at the moment has no pony behind it
"Alright, make sure it is unlocked, do not
lose the key, make sure there is paper in the feeder. You'll find it in the till. Type in the amount of the sale here... now, you must understand that there are usually two prices, the nominal sales price, and the real one. Go with the lower number. We do that to make them think they are getting a deal. Sometimes there is a sale, but no number stated. That is where you will have to do math. Take that number, type it in here... take the money, put it in the drawer..."
She continues describing the details of the cash register operation

>>130023
This seems sort of like a retcon
"Did you feel hurt that she had partners before you?" She asks
Anonymous
57308ea
?
No.130025
130026 130027 130030 130031 130032
>>130012
"Yes, I am. A rogue one," she says with smile.

One of the three pieces of fleece fly up to the tip of Fantasy's horn. Pink energies emerges from her horn and envelopes the piece.

With a cocky grin, Fantasy brings up a her right hoof to the tip of her horn. Then in a quick smooth motions, she sweeps her hoof and draws a pink loop in the air before he hoof ends up extened to the side of her body.

Pop! Suddenly the piece of fleece and the pink arcane energies are gone and replaced by black cat with white spots standing on her extened hoof.

It likes its paw for a moment before it lays down sprawled out on the hoof.

"This is how may cat Slogo looks."
Anonymous
57308ea
?
No.130026
130032
>>130025
*It likes*
It licks its paws
Anonymous
57308ea
?
No.130027
>>130025
>may
my