Continuing
/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal
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2392 replies and 25 files omitted.
>>156679
She thinks she can recreate the tune. But she faces a few problems. One, the notes were presumably created on a viol? Second, there seems to have been more than one origin of the notes; i.e., more than one instrument. Though it isn't clear whether a mandolin was or was not among those instruments, to recreate any significant portion of the music would require multiple performers. Finally, and most importantly of all, Amber has never heard that sound out of an actual instrument before. It's the sort of sound that can exist only in dream, in a realm not bound by the dimensions of space and time.
She thinks she can recreate the tune. But she faces a few problems. One, the notes were presumably created on a viol? Second, there seems to have been more than one origin of the notes; i.e., more than one instrument. Though it isn't clear whether a mandolin was or was not among those instruments, to recreate any significant portion of the music would require multiple performers. Finally, and most importantly of all, Amber has never heard that sound out of an actual instrument before. It's the sort of sound that can exist only in dream, in a realm not bound by the dimensions of space and time.
>>156680
Perhaps one day, when she's more familiar with the intricacies of music, she might be able to simulate it in some sort of composition. As for now, she goes out for a morning walk, without any clothes, for some invigoration before she takes on the rest of the day.
Perhaps one day, when she's more familiar with the intricacies of music, she might be able to simulate it in some sort of composition. As for now, she goes out for a morning walk, without any clothes, for some invigoration before she takes on the rest of the day.
>>156681
The sun comes up. There are a surprising number of ponies (and griffins and zebras in smaller numbers) about. It looks like it must be a change of shift in some of the factories. Several of the dreaded batwinged-ponies are walking about. One rough looking bat pony stallion even cat calls her, and refers to Amber as "fine."
The sun comes up. There are a surprising number of ponies (and griffins and zebras in smaller numbers) about. It looks like it must be a change of shift in some of the factories. Several of the dreaded batwinged-ponies are walking about. One rough looking bat pony stallion even cat calls her, and refers to Amber as "fine."
>>156685
Yeesh, bats!
She casts nervous glances around the bat ponies and steers clear of them, especially the cat-caller. However, the morning air, even in the city, is refreshing, and she returns back to her room to shower and get dressed.
Yeesh, bats!
She casts nervous glances around the bat ponies and steers clear of them, especially the cat-caller. However, the morning air, even in the city, is refreshing, and she returns back to her room to shower and get dressed.
>>156687
Celestia’s kindness is as boundless as her wisdom. But precisely why she chose to let the bat ponies continue to live after their treachery, rather than exterminate the lot of them when she had the chance, remains a mystery to Amber.
It is indeed a very fresh feeling. The air outside is chilly, which works just fine for physical exercise. The roads outside aren’t ideal for the purpose, but it works all the same.
The water if the shower is cold, but Amber dries off and gets dressed in a timely manner.
Celestia’s kindness is as boundless as her wisdom. But precisely why she chose to let the bat ponies continue to live after their treachery, rather than exterminate the lot of them when she had the chance, remains a mystery to Amber.
It is indeed a very fresh feeling. The air outside is chilly, which works just fine for physical exercise. The roads outside aren’t ideal for the purpose, but it works all the same.
The water if the shower is cold, but Amber dries off and gets dressed in a timely manner.
>>156688
Sadly breakfast, even a cheap one at a greasy spoon–she reminds herself to buy some oats at least to prepare in her new pot–is outside of her budget, but at least she was well-nourished yesterday.
She heads off to start a day of work.
Sadly breakfast, even a cheap one at a greasy spoon–she reminds herself to buy some oats at least to prepare in her new pot–is outside of her budget, but at least she was well-nourished yesterday.
She heads off to start a day of work.
>>156689
Perhaps Amber wonders if Dahlia would have let her eat breakfast at his house... In any event, it's really Amber's fault for being poor.
Amber gets there are few minutes early, but High Sewn, who is already hard at work in her shop, immediately drafts Amber into doing work. High Sewn has directed Amber to place new price tags on dozens of items. Prices are going up.
While this happens, High Sewn volunteers her own projections for the future. She believes that a few key naval victories in the past week by New Mareland against several Griffonian nations is going to lead to those nations exiting the War. She thinks that from an economic perspective, this will be a good thing, as it would lead to an increase in supply, greater overseas trade, and hopefully, demobilization and the release of Equestrian P.O.W.s. She thinks that this might be a very bad thing. She believes that the Fascists have been willingly giving in to humiliating terms from the Changelings, the Harmonists, and the local Social Democrats, because they could not afford more conflict in Equestria. She thinks that once the war overseas is over, they will send hundreds of thousands of troops to Equestria, and will want to 'renegotiate'. Annoyingly, High Sewn stops working at a few points so she can hear herself talk, while Amber is made to continue replacing price tags.
Perhaps Amber wonders if Dahlia would have let her eat breakfast at his house... In any event, it's really Amber's fault for being poor.
Amber gets there are few minutes early, but High Sewn, who is already hard at work in her shop, immediately drafts Amber into doing work. High Sewn has directed Amber to place new price tags on dozens of items. Prices are going up.
While this happens, High Sewn volunteers her own projections for the future. She believes that a few key naval victories in the past week by New Mareland against several Griffonian nations is going to lead to those nations exiting the War. She thinks that from an economic perspective, this will be a good thing, as it would lead to an increase in supply, greater overseas trade, and hopefully, demobilization and the release of Equestrian P.O.W.s. She thinks that this might be a very bad thing. She believes that the Fascists have been willingly giving in to humiliating terms from the Changelings, the Harmonists, and the local Social Democrats, because they could not afford more conflict in Equestria. She thinks that once the war overseas is over, they will send hundreds of thousands of troops to Equestria, and will want to 'renegotiate'. Annoyingly, High Sewn stops working at a few points so she can hear herself talk, while Amber is made to continue replacing price tags.
>>156690
As desperate as Dahlia might be to get her son hitched, Amber has known the family only for a day and it might be rude to mooch off them for every meal.
She marvels at how prices have gone up so quickly and does her best to neatly place the new tags. So many articles of clothing only drift further from her means.
Amber's ears swivel to listen to High Sewn. Without so much of a radio or newspaper, all of her knowledge of world events came from secondhand talk and gossip from local ponies, and now High Sewn fits into that role.
"You might be right on both points. I hope it's much more the former, and less of the latter. Less war is good anyway, at least."
As desperate as Dahlia might be to get her son hitched, Amber has known the family only for a day and it might be rude to mooch off them for every meal.
She marvels at how prices have gone up so quickly and does her best to neatly place the new tags. So many articles of clothing only drift further from her means.
Amber's ears swivel to listen to High Sewn. Without so much of a radio or newspaper, all of her knowledge of world events came from secondhand talk and gossip from local ponies, and now High Sewn fits into that role.
"You might be right on both points. I hope it's much more the former, and less of the latter. Less war is good anyway, at least."
>>156691
>Not wanting to exploit the desperation, sadness, and loneliness of kind strangers
Alright then. Do it your way.
At least the price increases are mostly small, generally no more than 5%, if even that. Still, it must be done.
High Sewn speaks with complete confidence on this subject, as she speaks on all subjects.
"The War has to end. They can't afford it. And I can't imagine they want so many of their stallions away for so long."
>Not wanting to exploit the desperation, sadness, and loneliness of kind strangers
Alright then. Do it your way.
At least the price increases are mostly small, generally no more than 5%, if even that. Still, it must be done.
High Sewn speaks with complete confidence on this subject, as she speaks on all subjects.
"The War has to end. They can't afford it. And I can't imagine they want so many of their stallions away for so long."
>>156692
Like any young mare, her thoughts drift to the stallions coming back. Brave, strapping young stallions.
"Will a lot of stallions from Baltimare be coming back?" she asks.
Immediately she feels guilty. How dare she be thinking about other stallions when she has Mustard! But knowing the market, so to speak, isn't bad in itself.
Like any young mare, her thoughts drift to the stallions coming back. Brave, strapping young stallions.
"Will a lot of stallions from Baltimare be coming back?" she asks.
Immediately she feels guilty. How dare she be thinking about other stallions when she has Mustard! But knowing the market, so to speak, isn't bad in itself.
>>156693
She answers,
"If they actually do release the prisoners this time, then sure. A decent number. I can't really think of how many. A few thousand at least."
Whether Amber is asking because she wants to see about Mustard Trim's brother and or father being released, or because she wants to replace Mustard with a braver, stronger, better stallion... perhaps even his older brother - there is no question that very many of Equestria's best were taken in the war.
She answers,
"If they actually do release the prisoners this time, then sure. A decent number. I can't really think of how many. A few thousand at least."
Whether Amber is asking because she wants to see about Mustard Trim's brother and or father being released, or because she wants to replace Mustard with a braver, stronger, better stallion... perhaps even his older brother - there is no question that very many of Equestria's best were taken in the war.
>>156694
Mustard being cuckolded by his own brother would be a very strange turn of events indeed.
"Isn't it so cruel–not to mention expensive–to keep thousands of soldiers locked up for so long? Why is it still like that?" she complains.
Mustard being cuckolded by his own brother would be a very strange turn of events indeed.
"Isn't it so cruel–not to mention expensive–to keep thousands of soldiers locked up for so long? Why is it still like that?" she complains.
>>156695
Strange. But Amber can make it happen. Unless both brothers end up with prettier mares... Anyways
"Cruel? They don't care. All they will ever tell the world is that conditions are good and typhus is kept to a minimum.
As to why, well the reason they say is that the War did not end with the Princesses' surrender. Hippogriffia, Aquelia, and Skyfall still fight, and they say they need the prisoners as leverage against them. More important, I think, is that they are afraid of the prisoners. When the surrender happened, many of the soldiers chose to continue fighting in the woods and jungles, and many more fled to Hippogriffia and elsewhere to keep fighting. Add in resistance, and I think they have trust problems. But the main reason, I think, is that they need the slave labor. You see, however many stallions went missing in the war here, there are far more stallions drafted over there. They don't have enough stallions to do basic things like build roads, harvest crops, or repair railways. So they have prisoners do it for them. And the few they really trust, they even let join the military.
Anyways, they say they will let the prisoners go when the war ends."
Strange. But Amber can make it happen. Unless both brothers end up with prettier mares... Anyways
"Cruel? They don't care. All they will ever tell the world is that conditions are good and typhus is kept to a minimum.
As to why, well the reason they say is that the War did not end with the Princesses' surrender. Hippogriffia, Aquelia, and Skyfall still fight, and they say they need the prisoners as leverage against them. More important, I think, is that they are afraid of the prisoners. When the surrender happened, many of the soldiers chose to continue fighting in the woods and jungles, and many more fled to Hippogriffia and elsewhere to keep fighting. Add in resistance, and I think they have trust problems. But the main reason, I think, is that they need the slave labor. You see, however many stallions went missing in the war here, there are far more stallions drafted over there. They don't have enough stallions to do basic things like build roads, harvest crops, or repair railways. So they have prisoners do it for them. And the few they really trust, they even let join the military.
Anyways, they say they will let the prisoners go when the war ends."
>>156696
https://youtu.be/Q4o6X9bOeRg
She looks shocked by those reasons.
"Slave labor? That's horrible! And unheard of in Equestria since…since King Sombra." She shakes her head, as if trying to get the visualization out of her head.
"We can only hope they have enough decency to abide by that promise…."
https://youtu.be/Q4o6X9bOeRg
She looks shocked by those reasons.
"Slave labor? That's horrible! And unheard of in Equestria since…since King Sombra." She shakes her head, as if trying to get the visualization out of her head.
"We can only hope they have enough decency to abide by that promise…."
>>156697
"Oh please." She waves a hoof in the air, and rolls her eyes. Disturbingly, she's talking instead of doing work again.
"Every generation in every society has had it's bottom rung. A class of creatures who do the lowest, most menial of tasks. Serfs, slaves, earth ponies, the proletariat, immigrants... Now, for them, it's prisoners of war. Prisoners of war have always been a favorite source of such labor. In the past, they'd be kept their whole lives as slaves. At least in modern times there is some accountability for the masters, and the prisoners can be released after a time."
"Oh please." She waves a hoof in the air, and rolls her eyes. Disturbingly, she's talking instead of doing work again.
"Every generation in every society has had it's bottom rung. A class of creatures who do the lowest, most menial of tasks. Serfs, slaves, earth ponies, the proletariat, immigrants... Now, for them, it's prisoners of war. Prisoners of war have always been a favorite source of such labor. In the past, they'd be kept their whole lives as slaves. At least in modern times there is some accountability for the masters, and the prisoners can be released after a time."
>>156698
At least Amber is getting paid for the work Sewn doesn't do, or at least she should soon. Paychecks are still an unfamiliar concept to the farmpony.
"It's still against the principles of Harmony," she grumbles. She really did not like earth ponies being lumped in with slaves and immigrants, evidently.
At least Amber is getting paid for the work Sewn doesn't do, or at least she should soon. Paychecks are still an unfamiliar concept to the farmpony.
"It's still against the principles of Harmony," she grumbles. She really did not like earth ponies being lumped in with slaves and immigrants, evidently.
>>156699
The unicorn does not notice or care about Amber's offense. She stands up, and looks at a sheet which Amber knows is a reference sheet for prices. So at least she's doing something herself now.
"Only the Fascists think the Fascists abide by the principles of Harmony."
The unicorn does not notice or care about Amber's offense. She stands up, and looks at a sheet which Amber knows is a reference sheet for prices. So at least she's doing something herself now.
"Only the Fascists think the Fascists abide by the principles of Harmony."
>>156701
She nods.
"Well, you better hope I'm wrong about there being a coming crackdown. They started too early in Manehattan, but be sure that they will do the same everywhere else soon enough."
She nods.
"Well, you better hope I'm wrong about there being a coming crackdown. They started too early in Manehattan, but be sure that they will do the same everywhere else soon enough."
>>156703
"Baltimare has been a quiet sector since they 'Pacified' it some months ago. Maybe it'll stay that way for years. But I don't think it will. I think everyone is just waiting for the right time to strike."
"Baltimare has been a quiet sector since they 'Pacified' it some months ago. Maybe it'll stay that way for years. But I don't think it will. I think everyone is just waiting for the right time to strike."
>>156707
"Well, I'll tell you. I built my business here, and I've kept it here through the War, the revolt, against protection racketeers, the city tax collector, and that one self-proclaimed 'Anarchist'. I'm not going to give it up easily, and I do not expect to close down business, at least not more than a week at a time. If I have to, I'll go to my little loft in Canterlot. I'd rather not. I'd rather avoid some of those ponies, and one stallion in particular, but it isn't like I've nowhere to go. Anyways, I've ridden out a hurricane here before, I've stayed through battle and siege, and I think I'll survive through what comes as well."
"Well, I'll tell you. I built my business here, and I've kept it here through the War, the revolt, against protection racketeers, the city tax collector, and that one self-proclaimed 'Anarchist'. I'm not going to give it up easily, and I do not expect to close down business, at least not more than a week at a time. If I have to, I'll go to my little loft in Canterlot. I'd rather not. I'd rather avoid some of those ponies, and one stallion in particular, but it isn't like I've nowhere to go. Anyways, I've ridden out a hurricane here before, I've stayed through battle and siege, and I think I'll survive through what comes as well."
>>156710
She smiles at her employer's resolve.
"That's a good attitude to have. I'd prefer to stay here as well, and running rarely solves anything."
She smiles at her employer's resolve.
"That's a good attitude to have. I'd prefer to stay here as well, and running rarely solves anything."
>>156712
"It's a place of adventure, intrigue, and opportunity, there are so many things to learn about it!" she replies cheerfully. "Though older mares tend to scoff at that…."
"It's a place of adventure, intrigue, and opportunity, there are so many things to learn about it!" she replies cheerfully. "Though older mares tend to scoff at that…."
>>156713
She shakes her head
“Oh you poor young thing… Tell you what. Go out there and get yourself some adventure and opportunity. Just don’t sign any contracts, give away the last of your money, and don’t walk away with a strange stallion without condoms and a gun, okay?
She shakes her head
“Oh you poor young thing… Tell you what. Go out there and get yourself some adventure and opportunity. Just don’t sign any contracts, give away the last of your money, and don’t walk away with a strange stallion without condoms and a gun, okay?
>>156714
"Oh, you needn't worry about that ma'am," she replies. "I'm very careful about contracts and money. And although I haven't got a gun, I already have a decent coltfriend."
"Oh, you needn't worry about that ma'am," she replies. "I'm very careful about contracts and money. And although I haven't got a gun, I already have a decent coltfriend."
>>156716
"Yes! He's the sweetest," she replies with a grin. "He's learning carpentry, and although he's of simple means he is of trustworthy stock."
"Yes! He's the sweetest," she replies with a grin. "He's learning carpentry, and although he's of simple means he is of trustworthy stock."
>>156717
High Sewn has a general tendency to speak to ponies (and the griffin) without looking at them. This time, however, she looks directly at Amber, with her mouth open, and her right cheek muscle raised, partly closing her eye.
"Uh huh. Celestia, it's like the universe is trying to shame me for being single." The next lines are more directly aimed at Amber
"Okay, so is he back home?"
High Sewn has a general tendency to speak to ponies (and the griffin) without looking at them. This time, however, she looks directly at Amber, with her mouth open, and her right cheek muscle raised, partly closing her eye.
"Uh huh. Celestia, it's like the universe is trying to shame me for being single." The next lines are more directly aimed at Amber
"Okay, so is he back home?"
>>156720
"Yes, I know. Ain't I lucky?" she replies happily. "He works at the same restaurant that I do, that's how I met him."
"Yes, I know. Ain't I lucky?" she replies happily. "He works at the same restaurant that I do, that's how I met him."
>>156723
"Oh." She actually looks relived for some reason
"Well, one week wouldn't be a record... Good luck. May you fare better than those who have come before."
"Oh." She actually looks relived for some reason
"Well, one week wouldn't be a record... Good luck. May you fare better than those who have come before."
>>156724
"Thank you!" One thing Sewn says puzzles her. "What do you mean, 'those who have come before'?"
"Thank you!" One thing Sewn says puzzles her. "What do you mean, 'those who have come before'?"
>>156725
"Do you think you're the first little filly to get a colt-friend? Well let me give you some advice. Don't let love blind you. Don't think that even a promise of marriage means he's serious. Don't think you ever really know a pony, even after years. Be very careful about getting tied down by even something like buying a home together, never mind a pregnancy or marriage. And I wouldn't recommend dating coworkers. It makes you hard to be impartial when things are good, and hard to be civil when things go catastrophically wrong. Also, new store policy: no dating coworkers. Remind me to tell Guy when he gets here in the afternoon."
"Do you think you're the first little filly to get a colt-friend? Well let me give you some advice. Don't let love blind you. Don't think that even a promise of marriage means he's serious. Don't think you ever really know a pony, even after years. Be very careful about getting tied down by even something like buying a home together, never mind a pregnancy or marriage. And I wouldn't recommend dating coworkers. It makes you hard to be impartial when things are good, and hard to be civil when things go catastrophically wrong. Also, new store policy: no dating coworkers. Remind me to tell Guy when he gets here in the afternoon."
>>156726
Amber thinks carefully about these words. Slowly, she replies, "Well, he seems really serious…but I'll keep it in mind. Thank you."
She continues, "Who would Guy be dating here? I'd never date him in a million years." She looks disgusted by the thought of either a pony dating a griffon or the insinuation that she would be the one to do it, considering she doesn't know any other workers than her and Guy.
Amber thinks carefully about these words. Slowly, she replies, "Well, he seems really serious…but I'll keep it in mind. Thank you."
She continues, "Who would Guy be dating here? I'd never date him in a million years." She looks disgusted by the thought of either a pony dating a griffon or the insinuation that she would be the one to do it, considering she doesn't know any other workers than her and Guy.
>>156727
"Oh, they do that well. The seeming.
And don't disrespect Guy. He dresses well, he takes care of himself, works hard, tries to learn all of the clothing terms and brands, and puts up with insufferable customers, all while going to school. I wouldn't date him either, because I'm not too keen for griffin flesh. But I'd act like I was flattered, and respectfully decline. Actually, just in general don't insult stallions when you reject them. They'll make it their life's mission to get back at you."
"Oh, they do that well. The seeming.
And don't disrespect Guy. He dresses well, he takes care of himself, works hard, tries to learn all of the clothing terms and brands, and puts up with insufferable customers, all while going to school. I wouldn't date him either, because I'm not too keen for griffin flesh. But I'd act like I was flattered, and respectfully decline. Actually, just in general don't insult stallions when you reject them. They'll make it their life's mission to get back at you."
>>156728
"Well, Guy ain't that bad–for a griffon–though he is distant. But what do you do if a stallion feels insulted really easily, and takes a reasonable rejection too personally?" Amber realizes that her boss is an odd source of advice, but one of the only ones available to her.
"Well, Guy ain't that bad–for a griffon–though he is distant. But what do you do if a stallion feels insulted really easily, and takes a reasonable rejection too personally?" Amber realizes that her boss is an odd source of advice, but one of the only ones available to her.
>>156729
"That's what you need to be tough for. Give all due respect, be reasonable in your dealings, act with all warranted politesse, and you will find out who is worth your time. It won't be your fault if they take it badly.
To be rejected, or worse, broken up with, is a very personal thing. Especially when it comes to romance, but honestly even when it comes to business contracts or employment, or buying a house. They are rejecting you. There is something humiliating in that. If you are strong, and they are strong, you can simply explain that it isn't going to work out, and they are not going to like it, but they can understand, and be on their way. If they are weak, they are going to know that the rejection is a confirmation of their weakness, and they will be angry no matter what you do, because they need someone else to blame for their own faults.
But no one likes insult on top of injury. So please, be nice, so you don't hurt someone who didn't deserve it. Well, hurt them more than you needed to. And frankly, if you think they are going to overreact to your rejection, do you really think they are going to underreact to your insults?"
She looks away for a moment, and back
"Guy is 'distant'? You sound like you are already dating him. Just try to open up conversation with him to get to know him better."
"That's what you need to be tough for. Give all due respect, be reasonable in your dealings, act with all warranted politesse, and you will find out who is worth your time. It won't be your fault if they take it badly.
To be rejected, or worse, broken up with, is a very personal thing. Especially when it comes to romance, but honestly even when it comes to business contracts or employment, or buying a house. They are rejecting you. There is something humiliating in that. If you are strong, and they are strong, you can simply explain that it isn't going to work out, and they are not going to like it, but they can understand, and be on their way. If they are weak, they are going to know that the rejection is a confirmation of their weakness, and they will be angry no matter what you do, because they need someone else to blame for their own faults.
But no one likes insult on top of injury. So please, be nice, so you don't hurt someone who didn't deserve it. Well, hurt them more than you needed to. And frankly, if you think they are going to overreact to your rejection, do you really think they are going to underreact to your insults?"
She looks away for a moment, and back
"Guy is 'distant'? You sound like you are already dating him. Just try to open up conversation with him to get to know him better."
>>156730
"Alright, but it's like Guy is always looking down on me. Thank you for the advice, by the way."
Indeed, she was not expecting Sewn's advice to be so detailed, and she keeps it in mind so she can closely evaluate her relationship with Mustard. For now though, she must work.
"Alright, but it's like Guy is always looking down on me. Thank you for the advice, by the way."
Indeed, she was not expecting Sewn's advice to be so detailed, and she keeps it in mind so she can closely evaluate her relationship with Mustard. For now though, she must work.
>>156731
High Sewn opens the store for customers, and Amber is working once again.
There aren't that many ponies coming in, at least not yet. But it's more than none. A mare is shopping for her filly's cutesinera, and a couple for basic winter clothing. High Sewn helps with the Cutesinera, while Amber is placed on the register. This is a new experience, and Amber may have wished she learned a bit more 'rithmetic
High Sewn opens the store for customers, and Amber is working once again.
There aren't that many ponies coming in, at least not yet. But it's more than none. A mare is shopping for her filly's cutesinera, and a couple for basic winter clothing. High Sewn helps with the Cutesinera, while Amber is placed on the register. This is a new experience, and Amber may have wished she learned a bit more 'rithmetic
>>156734
A zebra comes in trying to get clothing for her foals. More than one mare comes in looking for heavy jackets that do not make sense in Baltimare weather. A stallion comes in looking for a birthday present.
During down time, High Sewn tries to explain the different kinds of thread used in the various articles of clothing sold at the store.
A zebra comes in trying to get clothing for her foals. More than one mare comes in looking for heavy jackets that do not make sense in Baltimare weather. A stallion comes in looking for a birthday present.
During down time, High Sewn tries to explain the different kinds of thread used in the various articles of clothing sold at the store.
>>156735
Odd, are they going north or into the mountains like that one mare and her foals?
"Is it thread used to make the whole piece or just to stitch parts together?" she asks High Sewn.
Odd, are they going north or into the mountains like that one mare and her foals?
"Is it thread used to make the whole piece or just to stitch parts together?" she asks High Sewn.
>>156736
“I’m referring to the threads the fabric is made out of.” She answers. “Not all fabric is the same. Some is more or less fine.”
“I’m referring to the threads the fabric is made out of.” She answers. “Not all fabric is the same. Some is more or less fine.”
>>156737
"Oh, I know that for sure. My burlap cloak is rough and coarse, while my summer dress is of a much thinner weave."
"Oh, I know that for sure. My burlap cloak is rough and coarse, while my summer dress is of a much thinner weave."
>>156738
She presses her lips together at the mention of a “burlap coat.”
“Yes, like that, Ms. Sunset.”
Several more customers come in
She presses her lips together at the mention of a “burlap coat.”
“Yes, like that, Ms. Sunset.”
Several more customers come in
>>156739
Amber does her best to help these new customers, either in finding what they want or being at the register.
Amber does her best to help these new customers, either in finding what they want or being at the register.
>>156740
Amber is trusted to answer some questions, but High Sewn is quick to insert herself where Amber’s answers are inadequate. The same with the register. It’s a mostly uneventful morning. Lunch time hits eventually.
Amber is trusted to answer some questions, but High Sewn is quick to insert herself where Amber’s answers are inadequate. The same with the register. It’s a mostly uneventful morning. Lunch time hits eventually.
>>156741
Thirteen bits, which is what Amber has, would be enough for at least a morsel, but she has resolved to save ten of those to send back to her family at the earliest opportunity. Thus, for now she must go hungry.
Thirteen bits, which is what Amber has, would be enough for at least a morsel, but she has resolved to save ten of those to send back to her family at the earliest opportunity. Thus, for now she must go hungry.
>>156742
Poor little filly…
High Sewn remains in her store, and eats a packed sandwich, while she goes over a balance sheet.
Poor little filly…
High Sewn remains in her store, and eats a packed sandwich, while she goes over a balance sheet.
>>156743
Won't be too much longer that she will be skipping meals…hopefully.
She approaches and asks a question. "How often do prices have to get raised?"
Won't be too much longer that she will be skipping meals…hopefully.
She approaches and asks a question. "How often do prices have to get raised?"
>>156744
“When they need to be. This didn’t really happen very often at all before the War. Then during the war, s couple of times. After the ceasefire, it happens regularly.”
“When they need to be. This didn’t really happen very often at all before the War. Then during the war, s couple of times. After the ceasefire, it happens regularly.”
>>156746
"Everything is affected, but the items most affected are those most affected by war and mobilization, whether in supply or in demand. How well do you know economics, little filly? Well..."
She looks around awkwardly, like she's giving Amber the talk on where foals come from.
"Well, when there is less of an item available, and the same number of ponies want it, then the price of that item goes up. So now in wartime, there are fewer of most goods being made, and for those goods where the same amount or more is made, there is even more demand for it because of the war. Usually, ponies would just buy fewer goods, But they are getting money from payments for war goods and soldier's wages and so forth. And that money comes from the Fascists - not that the old government didn't do this - who get it from fortunes that are seized and spent, or from forced loans from people who would not have loaned, or most of all, from issuing paper bank notes. So they are adding new money into the economy, without really taking that money out. And that money goes to buy fewer goods, and the prices go up."
"Everything is affected, but the items most affected are those most affected by war and mobilization, whether in supply or in demand. How well do you know economics, little filly? Well..."
She looks around awkwardly, like she's giving Amber the talk on where foals come from.
"Well, when there is less of an item available, and the same number of ponies want it, then the price of that item goes up. So now in wartime, there are fewer of most goods being made, and for those goods where the same amount or more is made, there is even more demand for it because of the war. Usually, ponies would just buy fewer goods, But they are getting money from payments for war goods and soldier's wages and so forth. And that money comes from the Fascists - not that the old government didn't do this - who get it from fortunes that are seized and spent, or from forced loans from people who would not have loaned, or most of all, from issuing paper bank notes. So they are adding new money into the economy, without really taking that money out. And that money goes to buy fewer goods, and the prices go up."
>>156747
It takes the little filly a minute to wrap her head around it. "So if everypony used oats to pay for things like dresses…," she goes on, food evidently on her mind, "and there were a lot more oats but fewer dresses, it would take more oats to buy every dress?"
It takes the little filly a minute to wrap her head around it. "So if everypony used oats to pay for things like dresses…," she goes on, food evidently on her mind, "and there were a lot more oats but fewer dresses, it would take more oats to buy every dress?"
>>156748
"Yes" She answers. "Because if you really wanted a dress, and had more oats to pay for it, you'd have to, and you'd be willing to, pay a higher amount of oats to get one of the few dresses, than if there were more dresses to buy, and fewer oats to but it with."
"Yes" She answers. "Because if you really wanted a dress, and had more oats to pay for it, you'd have to, and you'd be willing to, pay a higher amount of oats to get one of the few dresses, than if there were more dresses to buy, and fewer oats to but it with."
>>156750
"The shortages will continue so long as stallions aren't in the work force, factories make things no one buys, and the shipping lanes are closed. Basically, so long as the war continues. The real problem, I think, is the paper money. That is going to continue either until ponies no longer accept it and the system collapses, or until the occupation government gets bold enough to start collecting taxes. Lots of taxes."
"The shortages will continue so long as stallions aren't in the work force, factories make things no one buys, and the shipping lanes are closed. Basically, so long as the war continues. The real problem, I think, is the paper money. That is going to continue either until ponies no longer accept it and the system collapses, or until the occupation government gets bold enough to start collecting taxes. Lots of taxes."
>>156751
She frowns and her ears dip low. There is no easy solution, then. '"I guess we just have to make do for the time being…"
She frowns and her ears dip low. There is no easy solution, then. '"I guess we just have to make do for the time being…"
>>156752
She pauses for a moment.
"The clothing I sell is made out of the same materials, and with a lot of the same machines, used to make uniforms, tents, sleeping bags, flags, tourniquets, and parachutes. You can even use the same shops and factories, with a little modification. Same workers, too. That's the stuff that isn't imported, which has mostly stopped during the war. Of course high end clothing is a bit of a luxury now, so many ponies do without. No. It has not been easy. But I make do."
She pauses for a moment.
"The clothing I sell is made out of the same materials, and with a lot of the same machines, used to make uniforms, tents, sleeping bags, flags, tourniquets, and parachutes. You can even use the same shops and factories, with a little modification. Same workers, too. That's the stuff that isn't imported, which has mostly stopped during the war. Of course high end clothing is a bit of a luxury now, so many ponies do without. No. It has not been easy. But I make do."
>>156753
"Not too different from the country, then. There aren't enough pegasi around to handle weather management, at least in more remote farmland, so weather can be a lot more variable. It's hard to adjust to that when farming," she says melancholically.
"Not too different from the country, then. There aren't enough pegasi around to handle weather management, at least in more remote farmland, so weather can be a lot more variable. It's hard to adjust to that when farming," she says melancholically.
>>156756
She again looks away, and sits down in the chair at the main counter.
"My grandfather told me that. When my father told me that as a reminder, he meant it about the good times. Not to get too complacent." She looks for a moment like she wants to add something, but instead takes a bite out of her sandwich.
She again looks away, and sits down in the chair at the main counter.
"My grandfather told me that. When my father told me that as a reminder, he meant it about the good times. Not to get too complacent." She looks for a moment like she wants to add something, but instead takes a bite out of her sandwich.
>>156759
"True, I suppose we were complacent for too long a time, though I wasn't around for those good times that much," she replies melancholically.
"True, I suppose we were complacent for too long a time, though I wasn't around for those good times that much," she replies melancholically.
>>156761
"I'm not letting myself be complacent now, that's for sure." She remarks, not looking at Amber.
(Amber of course has some time to do things before the afternoon shift)
"I'm not letting myself be complacent now, that's for sure." She remarks, not looking at Amber.
(Amber of course has some time to do things before the afternoon shift)
>>156762
What is there to do, except tidy herself up a bit? Lunch break has come to be something of a dull time for Amber.
What is there to do, except tidy herself up a bit? Lunch break has come to be something of a dull time for Amber.
>>156763
Make conversation with High Sewn, go to the post office, ask about paychecks, walk around the city... I don't know, that's why I ask. Anyways, we can just move to Guy arriving, and then the afternoon shift.
Make conversation with High Sewn, go to the post office, ask about paychecks, walk around the city... I don't know, that's why I ask. Anyways, we can just move to Guy arriving, and then the afternoon shift.
>>156764
Well, Amber was planning on going to the post office between jobs, but it occurs to her that she doesn't know its hours and it might be closed when she gets off. So she heads there to pick up an envelope, some paper and some stamps.
Well, Amber was planning on going to the post office between jobs, but it occurs to her that she doesn't know its hours and it might be closed when she gets off. So she heads there to pick up an envelope, some paper and some stamps.
>>156765
Amber finds a building in the town center that must not be a simple post office, but likely the lead post office of Baltimare, being a square building with stone facade, decorative roofing, and two floors. Inside, the floors are brown marble, the ceilings are high and arched, and there are numerous P.O. Boxes. There’s a break off section to buy stamps, envelops, and the like, as well as obviously send letters and packages.
.35 bits for two sets. Some of the stamps are pretty.
Amber finds a building in the town center that must not be a simple post office, but likely the lead post office of Baltimare, being a square building with stone facade, decorative roofing, and two floors. Inside, the floors are brown marble, the ceilings are high and arched, and there are numerous P.O. Boxes. There’s a break off section to buy stamps, envelops, and the like, as well as obviously send letters and packages.
.35 bits for two sets. Some of the stamps are pretty.
>>156767
.10 bits, though frankly, these are probably intended for sending mail to places not in the local area and are probably overkill, unless Amber is writing to somepony in Canterlot.
.10 bits, though frankly, these are probably intended for sending mail to places not in the local area and are probably overkill, unless Amber is writing to somepony in Canterlot.
>>156768
Just realized Sewn never expounded on why she banned coworkers dating in her store, despite it not being a foreseeable issue at all
She admires the design for a little before settling for two standard sets. How are subdivisions of bits handled?
Just realized Sewn never expounded on why she banned coworkers dating in her store, despite it not being a foreseeable issue at all
She admires the design for a little before settling for two standard sets. How are subdivisions of bits handled?
>>156769
By means of coins. The currency situation is complicated, naturally, but the Post Office accepts and pays in change Occupation Bits.
By means of coins. The currency situation is complicated, naturally, but the Post Office accepts and pays in change Occupation Bits.
>>156771
It's an older stallion, this time, in a blue uniform. All the same, Amber should have two sets each of paper, envelopes, and stamps.
It's an older stallion, this time, in a blue uniform. All the same, Amber should have two sets each of paper, envelopes, and stamps.
>>156772
She'll be able to write back home, finally, and it didn't break the bank. Perhaps stamps are one of the few things relatively unaffected by inflation.
She'll be able to write back home, finally, and it didn't break the bank. Perhaps stamps are one of the few things relatively unaffected by inflation.
>>156773
Though the system is subsidized by the government, Amber could have sworn they were cheaper. In any case, Amber may have time to write at least part of her letter to back home.
Though the system is subsidized by the government, Amber could have sworn they were cheaper. In any case, Amber may have time to write at least part of her letter to back home.
>>156774
Once she's back at the shop, she sets down to writing with her mouth. She isn't too bad at it.
Dear Mama & Papa,
I arrived safe and sound in Baltimare and it's such a beautiful city! I'm not sure if you would like it though, it has such hustle and bustle and creatures from all over. I've never seen so many ponies around and about since we visited Canterlot together. It's also a very old city, with grand old houses, historical buildings and factories of all sorts. Different parts of the city are their own locales, with parts by the ocean, by the river, and deep inland. You can usually know where you are just from the types of structures and creatures around you. I am renting a small apartment on the East side and it's comfortable enough.
Fortunately I managed to find two jobs right away. One involves helping a nice, older mare named High Sewn at her clothing shop, which has such a grand variety of sweaters, dresses and other clothing. Ponies of all sorts come here and it's rarely dull. My second job is at a fancy restaurant where I'm a hostess. It's big and busy enough to have four different waiters, as well as a friendly manager named Salt Trim, so I'm needed to help direct customers to tables that one of them serves. It's a terrific job and I love it, but it has me working until late hours and it's not what I'm used to.
However, she runs out of time and resolves to complete it later today.
Once she's back at the shop, she sets down to writing with her mouth. She isn't too bad at it.
Dear Mama & Papa,
I arrived safe and sound in Baltimare and it's such a beautiful city! I'm not sure if you would like it though, it has such hustle and bustle and creatures from all over. I've never seen so many ponies around and about since we visited Canterlot together. It's also a very old city, with grand old houses, historical buildings and factories of all sorts. Different parts of the city are their own locales, with parts by the ocean, by the river, and deep inland. You can usually know where you are just from the types of structures and creatures around you. I am renting a small apartment on the East side and it's comfortable enough.
Fortunately I managed to find two jobs right away. One involves helping a nice, older mare named High Sewn at her clothing shop, which has such a grand variety of sweaters, dresses and other clothing. Ponies of all sorts come here and it's rarely dull. My second job is at a fancy restaurant where I'm a hostess. It's big and busy enough to have four different waiters, as well as a friendly manager named Salt Trim, so I'm needed to help direct customers to tables that one of them serves. It's a terrific job and I love it, but it has me working until late hours and it's not what I'm used to.
However, she runs out of time and resolves to complete it later today.
>>156775
D'awww
Cutie. Little. Patootie.
Amber's letter mixes up the names of the bartender/manager and the new waiter that's around Amber's age, and it also understates the number of waiters employed by one. But her parents won't know the difference, and if she deliberately withheld information about her coworkers to them, they wouldn't know.
Amber arrived in Baltimare six or maybe seven days ago (I haven't entirely kept count; maybe it's only been five) with little money on her, and in that time has acquired an apartment, two jobs, and furniture and other furnishings for her apartment, while acquiring no debt. It has, however, cost her a significant portion of her innocence, though admittedly much less than it could have under the circumstances.
Guy arrives perhaps ten minutes before the start of the afternoon shift.
D'awww
Cutie. Little. Patootie.
Amber's letter mixes up the names of the bartender/manager and the new waiter that's around Amber's age, and it also understates the number of waiters employed by one. But her parents won't know the difference, and if she deliberately withheld information about her coworkers to them, they wouldn't know.
Amber arrived in Baltimare six or maybe seven days ago (I haven't entirely kept count; maybe it's only been five) with little money on her, and in that time has acquired an apartment, two jobs, and furniture and other furnishings for her apartment, while acquiring no debt. It has, however, cost her a significant portion of her innocence, though admittedly much less than it could have under the circumstances.
Guy arrives perhaps ten minutes before the start of the afternoon shift.
>>156776
Salt Mixer, sorry. It would help if she wasn't always a background character.
Innocence is a commodity like any other in the city of Baltimare, and some may say Amber has used hers shrewdly.
She seeks to strike up a conversation with her coworker. "Hello Guy, how was your weekend?" she asks with a smile.
Salt Mixer, sorry. It would help if she wasn't always a background character.
Innocence is a commodity like any other in the city of Baltimare, and some may say Amber has used hers shrewdly.
She seeks to strike up a conversation with her coworker. "Hello Guy, how was your weekend?" she asks with a smile.
[1d2 = 2]
>>156777
I had to look up the name too, because I forgot it.
Amber's innocence gave her about 400 bits and a special connection to her coworker. She can probably get more mileage out of it.
Guy turns and looks to Amber, as if surprised she is talking to him. After some hesitation, he replies
"Good, I would say. Mostly uneventful."
>>156777
I had to look up the name too, because I forgot it.
Amber's innocence gave her about 400 bits and a special connection to her coworker. She can probably get more mileage out of it.
Guy turns and looks to Amber, as if surprised she is talking to him. After some hesitation, he replies
"Good, I would say. Mostly uneventful."
>>156778
"Oh, well that's nice. The cliffs just to the south of the city are beautiful, even this time of year."
"Oh, well that's nice. The cliffs just to the south of the city are beautiful, even this time of year."
>>156780
She looks away a bit, and back again. "Well, Baltimare is a lovely city, but leaving it now and again is a nice way to enjoy fresh air. I was lucky enough to have that chance on Saturday."
She looks away a bit, and back again. "Well, Baltimare is a lovely city, but leaving it now and again is a nice way to enjoy fresh air. I was lucky enough to have that chance on Saturday."
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