/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal

>>143525
"Well... a table might be better..."

>>143526
A small sigh escapes the petite mare. "There's a table on the patio."

>>143527
And thus, that table is seated.

[1d4 = 2] [1d4 = 1] [1d5 = 2]
[1d4 = 1] [1d4 = 2] [1d5 = 1]

[1d4 = 1] [1d4 = 1]

>>143528
>>143527
Some singles come in, but no tables leave

>>143529
A single who intends to dine is given the high table with one chair, the others are informed they'll have to enjoy themselves at the bar.

>>143530
And so, all tables are filled again

[1d4 = 2] [1d4 = 4] [1d5 = 4]
[1d4 = 3] [1d4 = 4] [1d5 = 1]

[1d4 = 2]

>>143531
>>143530
One of De Sew's tables opens, as does one of Larkhaven's. Meanwhile, another table of Larkhaven opens

>>143532
Larkhaven's patrons must be in a hurry.... She tries to see if the large group can be squeezed together at De Sew's table.

>>143534
>>143533
Pack 'em in like cord wood

>>143535
Fortunately they seemed accepting of it, having seen how crowded the restaurant is.

>>143536
It's also a young group, perhaps teenagers or young adults

>>143537
I wish I had a group of friends like that I could do things with, she thinks wistfully to herself. Maybe when I get settled down more.

>>143538
A pony can dream though. A pony can dream

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SaH_JdyQ8M

The real question is, how many more cycles of tables do you want to go through?

>>143540
The patrons come in waves, and as Amber stands strong, the wave crests and breaks. More enter, but from this point onwards, the number entering is fewer than those leaving. Amber catches a break, and nears the end of her shift.

>>143541
Although it's less stressful for Amber she still must focus on her job. The strain of standing relatively still for a long period of time and her hunger makes it difficult for her, but she continues to put on a cheerful demeanor for newcomers while wishing those who leave a good night.

>>143542
More... then more... And then finally, 10:30. The cut off for new patrons, at least outside of the bar

>>143543
She sits down on the floor by the entrance and rubs at her eyes with a fetlock, yawning. It takes her a moment to consider whether she's actually free at this time.

>>143544
The restaurant isn't closed yet but it is for new patrons. No more hostess work, but she can't leave yet either.

>>143545
Amber goes into the restaurant and tries not to get in anypony's way. She looks around to see how the waiters have managed and if they're as tired as she is.

Melon has become more lax, talking to a table. Larkhaven, slightly displeased, stands near the kitchen. De Sew is still moving. Cream Pop isn't visible at the moment. Mustard Trim is still running around. Their jobs are not done yet,

>>143547
They're doing pretty well for themselves, I hope I can get myself to keep such a brisk pace even on busy days. Seeing what Melon is doing, an idea forms in her mind. She goes to a nearby table and politely asks the occupants, "Hello all, have you been having a good time?"

>>143548
A skinny white stallion looks up to Amber
"Uh... sure!"

>>143549
"We've, um, had a lot of customers tonight. It's a nice day to eat out, isn't it?" she asks cheerfully.

But now I have to go to sleep

>>143550
"Well, yeah. It's fun to go out with friends."

>>143498
"That's quite some time. Did he write at all?"

>>143554
"Oh yes. We sent him letters, and we got a few from him. One at the beginning of the War, one when he was sent in for training, and one just after its end. But we hadn't heard from him in months. We were worried about him."

>>143555
Spark takes a look around the room.
"The changelings haven't made it particularly easy for the mail to be sent to and from a forest. But, hopefully that will start to change in the coming months."

>>143556
"No. No, they haven't."
And after a pause, he adds
"Why is that?"

>>143557
waves

>>143559
"Just a feeling and a hope that things will be right again."

>>143560
"A hope... yes..."

At this point, Petal has provided tea, as well as some sort of pastry

>>143561
"Have you given up, or do you see hope left out there?"

>>143562
"Well..." This question causes him pause, and Petal starts talking to either the Doctor or Makade - hard to tell.

"Things could be a whole lot worse. I have my health, my lovely Petal Dew, a nice house, and our Lyka is back. Things could really be a whole lot worse."

>>143552
"Well, um, I don't want to bother you any longer.
Enjoy the rest of these fixin's and have a good evening!" She goes into the kitchen for the unenviable prospect of begging for daily bread.

>>143564
>>143548
Aww... I'll have the stallion make his response to the original question

The stallion is slightly awkward, but he answers
"Well, we here know each other from school. But you can also get to know ponies at the public swimming pool at the Williams Society."

>>143566
"Well, they have a few places all around, but uh, yeah, there's one up north a couple miles, and one over in Westtown."

>>143568
"Well, if you are looking to swim, then swimming outfits. Same for any sports."

>>143569
"You have to wear clothes to go swimming?" She seems surprised by this.

>>143570
"Heh heh, no. Just if you want to keep your mane, coat and tail in order. Or if you want to be as sleek in the water as possible, for speed."

>>143572
"Some. I've lived here all my life." He answers

>>143574
"What do you mean? Like a class in secondary school, or special training?"

>>143576
"Oh. Well find you a band or a musician playing around at a bar or nightclub. They might give you some help."

>>143577
She smiles. "I think something like that might happen soon. Thank you, mister."

>>143578
"Uh, you're welcome." He says, smiling

>>143579
Now it's time for >>143564

>>143564
The same zebra cook is there, as is a griffin male. Off to the side, in the back, is an unguarded loaf of bread, with dark crust.

>>143581
Best not to be impolite....
She approaches the zebra cook. "Hello there, Mister...I don't think I got your name, sorry."

>>143582
"Udo" He answers

>>143583
"Mister Udo." She pauses to collect her thoughts before continuing. "I hate to trouble you like this, but I'm downright famished and haven't had a bite all day. May I...may I please have some soup and bread?" She smiles sweetly at him.

>>143584
He turns around towards Amber, and places a fore-knee against a counter, smiling

"Well I don't know miss. Can you?"

>>143586
"Ma'am. I'm sure the owner doesn't mind if you take some left-over or sent back soup or bread" he answers

>>143587
"Thank you kindly." Without another word she finds a bowl of soup that isn't marked to be sent out-or, if there isn't one, she grabs a bowl and fills it from a pot of soup. She also takes part of the loaf and finds a place to sit down to eat.

>>143588
There is a bowl of an orange substance an the dark brown loaf. A booth in Cream Pop's section has opened.

>>143589
Silently and without getting in anypony's way Amber walks over on three hooves. Sliding into the booth she thanks the princesses-wherever they may be-for letting her have a meal on this day. "Bless this bounty with your radiance and majesty, and thank you for the sunlight and kindness it took to bring these gifts to this humble abode..."

She digs in rather quickly, not having any conversation to spend time in. She would rather savor the flavor of the food but given limited time eating hurriedly is the best option.

>>143590
The soup has a medium thickness to it, and a dark-orange red color, with leek, potato, a bit of alfalfa, carrot, and celery. And paprika. Lots of paprika. Perhaps more paprika than Amber would have preferred. The bread has a slightly tougher outer layer, and both the bread and the soup are cold, much colder than Amber could expect they were intended to be served.

>>143591
She's grateful that it's a healthy meal at least and although the heavy spices make it hard to get down quickly, it does taste...interesting. She sops up the soup with the bread to soften it and make both easier to eat. Maybe it'd taste better if it was warmer. As she's eating she keeps an eye on how the waiters are doing.

>>143592
Cream Pop takes note of Amber's presence, given that she is in his section. Salt Mixer is still busy at the bar. Larkhaven is a bit lazy in his movements, and Mustard Trim runs frantically back and forth the few times he leaves the patio. De Sew and Melon Mangrove are not visible here.

The bread goes pretty well with the soup.

>>143593
Amber looks at Mustard with a hint of regret. He's burning the wind moving so fast, he's going to wear himself out. I wanted to talk with him a bit, I guess that'll have to wait. I don't think I can even help without getting in the way... She checks the time and with a sense of urgency finishes the meal, trying to get the last crumbs and bit of soup. Once she does so she carries the bowl back to the kitchen sink.

She asks somepony, perhaps the griffon, "Excuse me, do you happen to have a pen or pencil?"

>>143594
The griffin narrows his eyes and looks at her oddly
"Did you lose the one at the hostess stand?"

He has a hint of an accent, and it's a bit different from what she's heard before.

>>143595
She shakes her head. "Nope, don't worry. I, erm, just wanted to write a note." She bashfully backs away and heads back out of the kitchen, making sure to grab a paper napkin or towel on the way. Is the pen at the hostess stand still there?

>>143598
The pen is there, on the side of the stand, next to a piece of paper

Amber puts the pen in her mouth and writes the following message on the napkin:
Mustard,
I have to go now to meet a pony named Dark Descent. I'm told he's the owner of the Club Maurice on Falabella and I was asked to go see him before midnight. Not sure what it is or why tonight but it must be important.
Sorry I don't have time to chat tonight. See you tomorrow.
-Amber
The mouthwriting is surprisingly decent though the pattern on the paper breaks up the letters a bit.

Once Amber is finished she folds up the napkin, puts the pen back on the stand and goes to Salt Mixer. "When Mustard is finished could you hoof this to him?" She slides the snapkin over the bar (obviously in a dry area).

>>143600
"Hmmm?" It takes her a moment to notice that Amber is talking to her

"Yeah, sure."

>>143602
"Club Maurice? That's over on east side, a bit south of here. Follow 13th.... uh, take a right to get to thirteenth from here, but follow13th until you get to Fallabella, then go south about... oh, I don't know how long. Some blocks. But you'll see the sign."

>>143603
"How long would it take to get there at a brisk trot?
If it's alright with you, I'd like to be excused now and make it within an hour, hopefully having time to stop at my apartment on the way." She asks this nervously, but not in a shameful sort of way, more like a filly asking for permission to go somewhere.

>>143604
She looks up at the clock

Amber is basically asking to leave before the nominal end of her shift/get out of cleaning up. Roll diplomacy

>>143606
"Well... Okay, but you're going to have to stay longer to clean up next time." She answers

>>143607
"I don't mind. Oh, thank you!" She pauses, then asks, "How long does it take to get there again?"

>>143608
"It can depend, but maybe 20 minutes"

>>143609
"Alright. Thank you again and goodnight." Amber fastens her head scarf and cloak and heads out at a canter's pace. However, the direction she's going is that of her apartment.

>>143610
It's a bit chilly, and the sidewalk is wet. There are numerous lights, and a few ponies, carts, and automobiles.

>>143611
Amber avoids any visible puddles in her way. The combination of her clothing, leaving a heated building and exertion helps stave off the cold.

>>143612
With all the clothing that she wears, she'll be hot, if anything.

It takes her some time, but she arrives back at her apartment

>>143613
Amber takes the time to wipe off her hooves before going inside, but otherwise is in a hurry. She takes off her clothing, relieves herself in the bathroom, and takes a 2-minute shower. After shaking off most-but not all-of the excess water she straightens her hair with a brush and puts her dress back on, making sure it's straight. All in all, much faster than the average city mare could realistically achieve. Once her cloak and headscarf's back on she heads out again, this time at a trot heading south to the 13th or Falabella, whichever one she reaches first on the way.

Glad I took the time to look presentable. I hope the chill doesn't get to me but I shouldn't be out long.

>>143614
I'm skeptical of her ability to dry herself, but otherwise this is as described. Fallabella runs north to south, and Amber goes first west to Fallabella, and then south along it

>>143615
If she knows the address number of the club she should know what side of the road it's on. Unfortunately, she is not completely dry but this state of affairs could be chalked up to the weather, and her woolen dress ought to help keep her warm.

>>143616
Amber goes down the street until she comes to the location indicated. To her left is a rather long building mostly unassuming on the outside with white colored walls and at least two floors in height. There is a revolving door, and above that, neon illuminated lights saying "Club Maurice." If there are any kinds of special decorations or themes, they are not illuminated; not tonight.

>>143617
Amber's heart beats faster as she comes to this unfamiliar place. She looks side to side before venturing inside.

>>143618
The streets are hardly empty, with ponies passing. As soon as Amber enters, there is a Diamond Dog standing to her left. He is giant, and buff. Though he stares her down, he says nothing, and leaves Amber to herself. Shortly through the entrance Amber can see the interior with red carpet floors, and a hall with tables, an open dancing area, and a second floor railing above, with booths underneath. A few dim lights move. There is music as well; perhaps not the jazz or swing style she may have been expecting, but something a bit more classical in style. A viol plays wildly, with an intoxicated enthusiasm that varies between rapture and frantic escape. There are a number of ponies inside at various tables and booths, mostly couples and single individuals.

>>143619
Amber is taken aback by the beautiful interior, which is a pleasant surprise to say the least. The interior is nothing short of palatial for the humble farm pony, with the music only reinforcing this display of class. She's so transfixed by a place totally out of her league that she forgets to move. Without having taken off her burlap cloak she certainly looks out of place.

>>143620
At least for the moment, this is okay. The door's silent guardian stares at Amber, but thus far, he is alone in noticing her. On the dance floor, a couple - they look intoxicated - try and fail to match the pace of the viol. At a table a pair converse, and in a booth on the far side, if Amber squints at the shadowed booth, a couple makes out. At the railing on the second floor, a pony stands, looking to the left. From the way he moves his foreleg, he must be talking to a second pony just out of view, hidden by the ceiling of the floor above Amber.

Amber blushes and looks away from the far booth once she sees their activity. She turns to the diamond dog guardian and nervously tries to speak up, but her voice sounds a little squeaky. "Um, excuse me, mister, but a "Dark Denizen" asked me to see him. Do you know where I can find him?"

>>143622
He asks,
"Who sent you?"
It almost sounds as if he whistles these words, not because his voice occasionally breaks, but because there is an almost harmonic quality in his high pitched voice.

>>143624
"Yes"
He almost lingers on the "y" sound, for a "Yyyyes"

He turns his head a bit to his left, and to Amber's right. He nods
"In an office in the back there. Your right."

>>143625
"Um, okay, thank you." She follows this direction.