1885 replies and 46 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.