>>143525"Well... a table might be better..."
>>143526A small sigh escapes the petite mare.
"There's a table on the patio."
>>143527And thus, that table is seated.
[1d4 = 2] [1d4 = 1] [1d5 = 2][1d4 = 1] [1d4 = 2] [1d5 = 1][1d4 = 1] [1d4 = 1]
>>143528>>143527Some singles come in, but no tables leave
>>143529A 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.
>>143530And so, all tables are filled again
[1d4 = 2] [1d4 = 4] [1d5 = 4][1d4 = 3] [1d4 = 4] [1d5 = 1][1d4 = 2]
>>143531>>143530One of De Sew's tables opens, as does one of Larkhaven's. Meanwhile, another table of Larkhaven opens
>>143532Larkhaven'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>>143533Pack 'em in like cord wood
>>143535Fortunately they seemed accepting of it, having seen how crowded the restaurant is.
>>143536It's also a young group, perhaps teenagers or young adults
>>143537I 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.
>>143538A 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?
>>143540The 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.
>>143541Although 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.
>>143542More... then more... And then finally, 10:30. The cut off for new patrons, at least outside of the bar
>>143543She 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.
>>143544The restaurant isn't closed yet but it is for new patrons. No more hostess work, but she can't leave yet either.
>>143545Amber 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,
>>143547They'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?"
>>143548A skinny white stallion looks up to Amber
"Uh... sure!"
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."
>>143555Spark 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?"
>>143557waves
>>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>>143548Aww... 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?"