Continuing
/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal
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2392 replies and 24 files omitted.
>>155308
Amber lets loose a low moan as he pulls himself out of her fully and she sinks to her knees with heavy breaths. Her face has an expression best described as a mixture of rapture and bewilderment, and it takes a second for her to register his question.
"Huh? Do you think I need it?" she asks quizzically, staggering to her hooves and moving to face the shower. Her labia, which haven't yet pulled themselves shut but are hanging like tired drapes, are leaking secretions and semen.
Amber lets loose a low moan as he pulls himself out of her fully and she sinks to her knees with heavy breaths. Her face has an expression best described as a mixture of rapture and bewilderment, and it takes a second for her to register his question.
"Huh? Do you think I need it?" she asks quizzically, staggering to her hooves and moving to face the shower. Her labia, which haven't yet pulled themselves shut but are hanging like tired drapes, are leaking secretions and semen.
>>155309
The carpet has become the latest victim of Amber’s crush on her coworker.
“Yeah. You should get ready and get dressed. We’re going to need to leave soon.”
The carpet has become the latest victim of Amber’s crush on her coworker.
“Yeah. You should get ready and get dressed. We’re going to need to leave soon.”
>>155310
Though neither of them can see or feel it, deep inside Amber Mustard's motile sperm are making the epic trek up her fallopian tubes. It is a headlong race, as only the most of them will sire the next generation and establish a mark on the world. The lead cell finally makes it to its generation, only to be met by a makeshift sign:
"Eggs on vacation. Cum back in spring."
Amber realizes the urgency in getting ready and quickly washes herself with the shower's cold water. Her upper body has fortunately remained mostly clean, but it's a difficult exercise-particularly with her soreness- to clean the bodily secretions off her tail, rump, hind legs and outer vagina. But eventually she manages to make it so a casual observer couldn't easily tell what activity she has been up to, and steps out of the shower. She swiftly brushes her teeth and gets out, letting Mustard have his turn.
Though neither of them can see or feel it, deep inside Amber Mustard's motile sperm are making the epic trek up her fallopian tubes. It is a headlong race, as only the most of them will sire the next generation and establish a mark on the world. The lead cell finally makes it to its generation, only to be met by a makeshift sign:
"Eggs on vacation. Cum back in spring."
Amber realizes the urgency in getting ready and quickly washes herself with the shower's cold water. Her upper body has fortunately remained mostly clean, but it's a difficult exercise-particularly with her soreness- to clean the bodily secretions off her tail, rump, hind legs and outer vagina. But eventually she manages to make it so a casual observer couldn't easily tell what activity she has been up to, and steps out of the shower. She swiftly brushes her teeth and gets out, letting Mustard have his turn.
>>155311
Perhaps Amber is fortunate that her body is not conspiring against her, sending her into an early cycle after after arrival in the city. Or perhaps she is unlucky, as such a circumstance would have been the easiest way to check "get a husband" off the list. The poor sperm have at least gotten further than so many that have come before out of Mustard Trim.
Mustard is only barely returning to the room when Amber comes out. "I had to go make a phone call" is his explanation as he walks past, into the bathroom. He spends some seconds checking his mane and tail for any unwanted spills, and gets in the shower. There is a startled "Ah!" at the cold water. Again, he spends much less time in the shower than Amber did, and seems to have only washed the parts of his coat that were dirtied.
Perhaps Amber is fortunate that her body is not conspiring against her, sending her into an early cycle after after arrival in the city. Or perhaps she is unlucky, as such a circumstance would have been the easiest way to check "get a husband" off the list. The poor sperm have at least gotten further than so many that have come before out of Mustard Trim.
Mustard is only barely returning to the room when Amber comes out. "I had to go make a phone call" is his explanation as he walks past, into the bathroom. He spends some seconds checking his mane and tail for any unwanted spills, and gets in the shower. There is a startled "Ah!" at the cold water. Again, he spends much less time in the shower than Amber did, and seems to have only washed the parts of his coat that were dirtied.
>>155312
Whatever one's interpretation, a pregnancy would be a ticking time bomb for her to lay to rest dreams of adventure. She can still place herself in situations without worrying about endangering anypony but herself. But it's only a matter of time before her nubile body will push her to create a foal, and will she be wiser by then?
When he comes out he can see Amber hurriedly brush her mane and tail as she leans against a less messy part of the bed. It's fortunate that she has such a plain style, as a few long strokes are enough to make them presentable. He can see her looking at him with a bit of uncertainty.
"Did you clean your...you know?"
Whatever one's interpretation, a pregnancy would be a ticking time bomb for her to lay to rest dreams of adventure. She can still place herself in situations without worrying about endangering anypony but herself. But it's only a matter of time before her nubile body will push her to create a foal, and will she be wiser by then?
When he comes out he can see Amber hurriedly brush her mane and tail as she leans against a less messy part of the bed. It's fortunate that she has such a plain style, as a few long strokes are enough to make them presentable. He can see her looking at him with a bit of uncertainty.
"Did you clean your...you know?"
>>155314
She's glad she took the time to clean his jacket last night. At least it doesn't look like he was romping around all night. Amber puts on her beloved winter dress, which fortunately doesn't appear to be stained or torn. Once she does, she tries to brush out Mustard's mane and tail a little bit.
"Here you go. We're not forgetting anything, are we?"
She's glad she took the time to clean his jacket last night. At least it doesn't look like he was romping around all night. Amber puts on her beloved winter dress, which fortunately doesn't appear to be stained or torn. Once she does, she tries to brush out Mustard's mane and tail a little bit.
"Here you go. We're not forgetting anything, are we?"
>>155315
He scrunches at the brushing. Though he allows her to do it, he seems eager to leave.
"No? I don't know. We need to go to my house now. I think my mom will want me to dress up."
He scrunches at the brushing. Though he allows her to do it, he seems eager to leave.
"No? I don't know. We need to go to my house now. I think my mom will want me to dress up."
>>155316
"Of course." She gives him a quick peck on the cheek. "Let's make your family proud."
She puts on her headscarf quickly, then gathers her money, canteen, and keys before leaving. She locks the door behind them.
"Of course." She gives him a quick peck on the cheek. "Let's make your family proud."
She puts on her headscarf quickly, then gathers her money, canteen, and keys before leaving. She locks the door behind them.
>>155317
He smiles, but proceeds along ahead of her. The two go down the stairs into the common area, then out the front door. Presumably, they hail a taxi, and ride to Summervale Street.
Mustard Trim explains
"She knows that I left with you yesterday, and that you will be here today. I told her you agreed to be my girlfriend. She doesn't know and cannot know that I stayed at your apartment. She thinks I stayed at a friend's house last night, and then went by to pick you up. My sister will be there as well."
They arrive in front of the red brick townhouse, with its two floors, tiny front yard, and the bay windows that protrude from the left side of both the first and second floors
He smiles, but proceeds along ahead of her. The two go down the stairs into the common area, then out the front door. Presumably, they hail a taxi, and ride to Summervale Street.
Mustard Trim explains
"She knows that I left with you yesterday, and that you will be here today. I told her you agreed to be my girlfriend. She doesn't know and cannot know that I stayed at your apartment. She thinks I stayed at a friend's house last night, and then went by to pick you up. My sister will be there as well."
They arrive in front of the red brick townhouse, with its two floors, tiny front yard, and the bay windows that protrude from the left side of both the first and second floors
>>155318
"Our love must be kept a secret, just like in those stories. You can count on me!"
Compared to Amber's tenement and her family's tiny cottage in the countryside, his townhouse looks almost luxurious in comparison.
"Our love must be kept a secret, just like in those stories. You can count on me!"
Compared to Amber's tenement and her family's tiny cottage in the countryside, his townhouse looks almost luxurious in comparison.
>>155319
He takes his hoof, an ruffles her mane, causing hairs to fall in front of her eyes.
"Not our love. Just uh... uh, the thing"
The townhouse kind of is nicer than is necessary, all things considered. No pony comes up to the door as Mustard and Amber approach. But he knocks on the door, and the door is opened by an orange coated filly a little older than Mustard Trim and Amber with a blood red mane that is tied back in a pony tail, and make up and mascara on her eyes.
"You're back" she says, opening the door for him
"Mom is inside." She looks over towards Amber
He walks through, looks back through the threshold at Amber, and says
"You can come in"
He takes his hoof, an ruffles her mane, causing hairs to fall in front of her eyes.
"Not our love. Just uh... uh, the thing"
The townhouse kind of is nicer than is necessary, all things considered. No pony comes up to the door as Mustard and Amber approach. But he knocks on the door, and the door is opened by an orange coated filly a little older than Mustard Trim and Amber with a blood red mane that is tied back in a pony tail, and make up and mascara on her eyes.
"You're back" she says, opening the door for him
"Mom is inside." She looks over towards Amber
He walks through, looks back through the threshold at Amber, and says
"You can come in"
>>155320
Amber still quite can't get over how similar Mustard and his sister are in coloration to herself. It's not quite identical, and their proportions are different, but a complete stranger would generally assume Amber to be Mustard's youngest sister. Fortunately that's not at all the case, considering what they did last night.
She is surprised to see the mare wearing makeup. It's not the first time seeing a pony wear makeup of course; she had seen highfalutin wealthy ponies prance around with it on, and her own mother wore it for special occasions like the Summer Sun Celebration, but to see an ordinary pony wear it on an ordinary Sunday strikes her as odd.
"Thank you!" She looks over to the young mare and asks, "You must be Mustard's sister?"
Amber still quite can't get over how similar Mustard and his sister are in coloration to herself. It's not quite identical, and their proportions are different, but a complete stranger would generally assume Amber to be Mustard's youngest sister. Fortunately that's not at all the case, considering what they did last night.
She is surprised to see the mare wearing makeup. It's not the first time seeing a pony wear makeup of course; she had seen highfalutin wealthy ponies prance around with it on, and her own mother wore it for special occasions like the Summer Sun Celebration, but to see an ordinary pony wear it on an ordinary Sunday strikes her as odd.
"Thank you!" She looks over to the young mare and asks, "You must be Mustard's sister?"
>>155321
Unless there is something Amber and Mustard don't know about. Mustard Trim walks right past, into the house.
The mare stands just behind the threshold, with her right hoof on the wall. She is indeed dressed up in make up and is wearing a green dress with floral patterned lace. She is and has been staring directly at Amber. The look on her face makes it abundantly obvious that she has heard of Amber before.
"Yes." She says
"You must be Amber."
Unless there is something Amber and Mustard don't know about. Mustard Trim walks right past, into the house.
The mare stands just behind the threshold, with her right hoof on the wall. She is indeed dressed up in make up and is wearing a green dress with floral patterned lace. She is and has been staring directly at Amber. The look on her face makes it abundantly obvious that she has heard of Amber before.
"Yes." She says
"You must be Amber."
>>155322
Amber gives a demure smile. His family doesn't have to like her, just not think she's a worthless hussy. Plus, she's on their ground now as a guest, so she must watch herself.
For her part, Amber is dressed in a very modest, dark blue dress and has a forest green headscarf tied underneath her chin, so it's quite difficult to look less like a worthless hussy.
"That's right, my name is Amber Sunset," she replies politely. "I met Mustard at the restaurant he works at and yesterday afternoon he invited me out. This morning he was kind enough to stop by and invite me to meet y'all and go to church together."
Amber gives a demure smile. His family doesn't have to like her, just not think she's a worthless hussy. Plus, she's on their ground now as a guest, so she must watch herself.
For her part, Amber is dressed in a very modest, dark blue dress and has a forest green headscarf tied underneath her chin, so it's quite difficult to look less like a worthless hussy.
"That's right, my name is Amber Sunset," she replies politely. "I met Mustard at the restaurant he works at and yesterday afternoon he invited me out. This morning he was kind enough to stop by and invite me to meet y'all and go to church together."
>>155323
"Uh Huh" She continues looking at Amber. Her mouth is partly open, and she presses her tongue into her teeth.
"Uh Huh" She continues looking at Amber. Her mouth is partly open, and she presses her tongue into her teeth.
>>155324
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Mustard must have a wonderful family for him to turn out so nice." She hopes her nervousness isn't too readable on her face.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Mustard must have a wonderful family for him to turn out so nice." She hopes her nervousness isn't too readable on her face.
>>155325
“Wonderful indeed.”
Behind the filly is wall on which several photographs hang of stallions, and presumably, the family.
She turns her head to her left, looking deeper into the house. Then she looks back to Amber.
“What made him want to stay?”
“Wonderful indeed.”
Behind the filly is wall on which several photographs hang of stallions, and presumably, the family.
She turns her head to her left, looking deeper into the house. Then she looks back to Amber.
“What made him want to stay?”
>>155326
Uh oh, the gig is up. Well, when it comes to this filly anyway, and she was always most likely to know. But it still is painful to admit it, and Amber bows her head with a slight blush.
"I asked him," she admits in a whisper.
Uh oh, the gig is up. Well, when it comes to this filly anyway, and she was always most likely to know. But it still is painful to admit it, and Amber bows her head with a slight blush.
"I asked him," she admits in a whisper.
>>155327
From a room deeper in the house, yelling makes its way through.
She turns and looks inside the house again, then looks back to Amber, with a smug smile.
From a room deeper in the house, yelling makes its way through.
She turns and looks inside the house again, then looks back to Amber, with a smug smile.
>>155328
Amber looks disheartened. She didn't think Mustard's manufactured version was particularly believable, but didn't expect it to be seen through right out of the gate.
"Don't tell me everypony knows?" she whispers to the filly, dismayed.
Amber looks disheartened. She didn't think Mustard's manufactured version was particularly believable, but didn't expect it to be seen through right out of the gate.
"Don't tell me everypony knows?" she whispers to the filly, dismayed.
>>155330
"Please...please don't tell anypony," she entreats. "I...we...got carried away, but our feelings are true. I'll remain faithful."
"Please...please don't tell anypony," she entreats. "I...we...got carried away, but our feelings are true. I'll remain faithful."
>>155332
"Nothing bad or hurtful." She still doesn't elucidate on what exactly happened. "I have only the highest respect for your brother. He's a true gentlepony."
"Nothing bad or hurtful." She still doesn't elucidate on what exactly happened. "I have only the highest respect for your brother. He's a true gentlepony."
>>155334
"I know it sounds very foalish, and I was, but I thought he was a...a changeling. But he isn't, and I promised to make it up to him...." she says as she paws the ground and bites her lip in heavy awkwardness. Maybe it was a mistake to come with him here, but there's no backing out of it now.
"I know it sounds very foalish, and I was, but I thought he was a...a changeling. But he isn't, and I promised to make it up to him...." she says as she paws the ground and bites her lip in heavy awkwardness. Maybe it was a mistake to come with him here, but there's no backing out of it now.
>>155335
The conversation is interrupted by a sound coming from deeper inside the house.
Behind the mare is a small bay with something like a couch, then against the far wall just a little to the right is a stand with candles, flowers, a framed letter, and a small photo of an evidently dark red filly under a large framed black and white photo of a light colored stallion, and a large framed photo of a mid-reddish colt. To the right of that is couch with a framed photo of a family of six, and to the right of that is a radio in a wooden box. Near the end of the house is a small table with a window behind it, and an entry to what must be the kitchen, which is behind the stairway.
Amber sees a maroon colored mare walk out of the kitchen, wearing a long black dress, and a black bonnet with a yellow flower in it. It's the same mare she saw the day before. Her eyes look very tired, and she wears a forced smile. Mustard Trim walks out behind her, with that kicked-dog expression and a low hanging head and tail.
The maroon mare approaches, and has a sort of jovial tone
"Hello! You must be Mustard's new girlfriend."
The conversation is interrupted by a sound coming from deeper inside the house.
Behind the mare is a small bay with something like a couch, then against the far wall just a little to the right is a stand with candles, flowers, a framed letter, and a small photo of an evidently dark red filly under a large framed black and white photo of a light colored stallion, and a large framed photo of a mid-reddish colt. To the right of that is couch with a framed photo of a family of six, and to the right of that is a radio in a wooden box. Near the end of the house is a small table with a window behind it, and an entry to what must be the kitchen, which is behind the stairway.
Amber sees a maroon colored mare walk out of the kitchen, wearing a long black dress, and a black bonnet with a yellow flower in it. It's the same mare she saw the day before. Her eyes look very tired, and she wears a forced smile. Mustard Trim walks out behind her, with that kicked-dog expression and a low hanging head and tail.
The maroon mare approaches, and has a sort of jovial tone
"Hello! You must be Mustard's new girlfriend."
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>>155336
Amber forgets her own predicament momentarily as she instantly recognizes the shrine, and her heart aches for this poor family. Poor in that regard, though, because their standard of living is comfortably middle-class.
She doesn't have long to reflect either on the War or on their economic status as she must focus on a crucial first impression.
Amber responds with a less-forced smile, though it becomes just that as she notices Mustard's condition. The poor colt must be harangued pretty constantly.
"Good morning, ma'am!" she replies, as it occurs to her she either never asked his mother's name, or had forgotten. "My name is Amber Sunset, and it's a pleasure to meet you this fine day," she continues with some natural cheer.
Amber forgets her own predicament momentarily as she instantly recognizes the shrine, and her heart aches for this poor family. Poor in that regard, though, because their standard of living is comfortably middle-class.
She doesn't have long to reflect either on the War or on their economic status as she must focus on a crucial first impression.
Amber responds with a less-forced smile, though it becomes just that as she notices Mustard's condition. The poor colt must be harangued pretty constantly.
"Good morning, ma'am!" she replies, as it occurs to her she either never asked his mother's name, or had forgotten. "My name is Amber Sunset, and it's a pleasure to meet you this fine day," she continues with some natural cheer.
>>155337
The mare's eyes are slightly blackened and she may have been crying some hours before, but there is something genuine in her happiness in seeing Amber
"We met yesterday when you came by to pick up my son"
"D'awww. Look at you! You look so sweet!"
She looks over to Mustard Trim, who has caught up to her, and is standing next to her. She places her hoof on his cheek
"My little mustard seed finally has his first girlfriend"
Mustard Trim gives a smile (an improvement from his previous state), even if it's of embarrassment.
The mare's eyes are slightly blackened and she may have been crying some hours before, but there is something genuine in her happiness in seeing Amber
"We met yesterday when you came by to pick up my son"
"D'awww. Look at you! You look so sweet!"
She looks over to Mustard Trim, who has caught up to her, and is standing next to her. She places her hoof on his cheek
"My little mustard seed finally has his first girlfriend"
Mustard Trim gives a smile (an improvement from his previous state), even if it's of embarrassment.
>>155338
Amber beams back. "Thank you, ma'am. Your son is a real gentlecolt, you, uh, raised him very well!" she replies.
Amber beams back. "Thank you, ma'am. Your son is a real gentlecolt, you, uh, raised him very well!" she replies.
>>155340
Amber relaxes a little but remains polite. "Mustard wanted me to go to church with y'all. I would be honored."
Amber relaxes a little but remains polite. "Mustard wanted me to go to church with y'all. I would be honored."
>>155341
"Yes! Do you want to go to the local church or the parish cathedral?" She asks. This question, despite its nature, is clearly directed at Amber
"Yes! Do you want to go to the local church or the parish cathedral?" She asks. This question, despite its nature, is clearly directed at Amber
>>155342
"When I arrived in Baltimare I stopped by the cathedral. It's so magnificent! Could we go there?" she asks, excited.
"When I arrived in Baltimare I stopped by the cathedral. It's so magnificent! Could we go there?" she asks, excited.
>>155343
"Yes we can!" She says. She starts to walk outside, followed by Mustard Trim. As she walks by the sister, she says to her in a lower voice and with focused eyes
"He'll be married before you. Why are you having such difficulty?"
Her tone is the opposite of how she speaks to Amber, like there is something spiteful in it. The sister stands there in exactly the same pose as when she was speaking to Amber. The mother says as she walks out in that happy tone,
"The cathedral is lovely, really"
"Yes we can!" She says. She starts to walk outside, followed by Mustard Trim. As she walks by the sister, she says to her in a lower voice and with focused eyes
"He'll be married before you. Why are you having such difficulty?"
Her tone is the opposite of how she speaks to Amber, like there is something spiteful in it. The sister stands there in exactly the same pose as when she was speaking to Amber. The mother says as she walks out in that happy tone,
"The cathedral is lovely, really"
>>155344
Amber is taken aback by her tone to her own daughter. There's encouragement to have grandkids, and then there's being that spiteful. Just what did Amber rope herself into?
"Uh huh, it sure is..." she answers uncomfortably.
Amber is taken aback by her tone to her own daughter. There's encouragement to have grandkids, and then there's being that spiteful. Just what did Amber rope herself into?
"Uh huh, it sure is..." she answers uncomfortably.
>>155345
Maybe not spiteful. More like, disappointed. Angrily disappointed.
Mustard Trim walks out, snd Amber remains there in the threshold across from the sister.
Maybe not spiteful. More like, disappointed. Angrily disappointed.
Mustard Trim walks out, snd Amber remains there in the threshold across from the sister.
>>155346
How do you get a pony envious of you not because of moral character, but because of external pressure to not hate you? Amber gives his sister a look of sympathy, as if to say, "I'm sorry you're being treated this way, but I have nothing to do with it." Amber starts to follow Mustard outside.
How do you get a pony envious of you not because of moral character, but because of external pressure to not hate you? Amber gives his sister a look of sympathy, as if to say, "I'm sorry you're being treated this way, but I have nothing to do with it." Amber starts to follow Mustard outside.
>>155347
Mustard walks up close to his mother. He looks back to Amber, but then looks forward, like he doesn’t expect her to walk next to him. Amber loses line of sight with the sister, who does not reply.
It’s Mustard Trim’s mother who speaks. She turns to look back
“I’m Daylight Dahlia, by the way. It’s so nice of you to join us.”
Mustard walks up close to his mother. He looks back to Amber, but then looks forward, like he doesn’t expect her to walk next to him. Amber loses line of sight with the sister, who does not reply.
It’s Mustard Trim’s mother who speaks. She turns to look back
“I’m Daylight Dahlia, by the way. It’s so nice of you to join us.”
>>155348
"Oh, it's MY pleasure, Mrs. Dahlia," she replies back. "Mustard is such a nice col-I mean stallion, that I just had to meet his family. Your home is very beautiful, too." Amber makes a mental note to use "stallion" whenever to refer to Mustard around his mother, as if to counter her attempt to infantilize him.
"Oh, it's MY pleasure, Mrs. Dahlia," she replies back. "Mustard is such a nice col-I mean stallion, that I just had to meet his family. Your home is very beautiful, too." Amber makes a mental note to use "stallion" whenever to refer to Mustard around his mother, as if to counter her attempt to infantilize him.
>>155349
"Why thank you. I'm so glad you think so. He's grown so well"
She is happy to hear her statements about her son.
"Oh. Thank you..." For some reason, the compliment about the house is met less warmly
"Why thank you. I'm so glad you think so. He's grown so well"
She is happy to hear her statements about her son.
"Oh. Thank you..." For some reason, the compliment about the house is met less warmly
>>155350
Amber is feeling a little more comfortable now. "I arrived in Baltimare just this last week. I've been a farmpony my whole life, but I had to come here because, well, bad harvests...." She pauses and frowns for a moment. "I met your son because we work at the same restaurant. He does the most work of any employee there and really well. And on top of school to boot, that's impressive!"
Amber is feeling a little more comfortable now. "I arrived in Baltimare just this last week. I've been a farmpony my whole life, but I had to come here because, well, bad harvests...." She pauses and frowns for a moment. "I met your son because we work at the same restaurant. He does the most work of any employee there and really well. And on top of school to boot, that's impressive!"
>>155351
"Oh, that's really nice! Not the harvests I mean. I'm sorry to hear that. But we come from a small town too. A forestry town. We're pretty new to this town too."
And to the second remark
"D'awww, that's so sweet. I'm proud of my little mustard seed."
"Oh, that's really nice! Not the harvests I mean. I'm sorry to hear that. But we come from a small town too. A forestry town. We're pretty new to this town too."
And to the second remark
"D'awww, that's so sweet. I'm proud of my little mustard seed."
>>155352
"Well, from what I've seen, Baltimare ain't-isn't-too bad. Definitely not what I'm used to, but you can find just about anything here." She reminds herself to use proper ponish.
"Well, from what I've seen, Baltimare ain't-isn't-too bad. Definitely not what I'm used to, but you can find just about anything here." She reminds herself to use proper ponish.
>>155354
"I have...mixed feelings about it. But, I like adventure, and there seems to be no shortage of it here," she says cheerfully.
"I have...mixed feelings about it. But, I like adventure, and there seems to be no shortage of it here," she says cheerfully.
>>155355
“Adventure?!” she twists her head, evidently offended by this remark. But she recovers quickly, abs pretends like she didn’t just react that way.
“Oh yes, there’s definitely a lot more going on here. A lot more to do, yes. It’s very different from back home. Very different. How do you like your job?” She asks
“Adventure?!” she twists her head, evidently offended by this remark. But she recovers quickly, abs pretends like she didn’t just react that way.
“Oh yes, there’s definitely a lot more going on here. A lot more to do, yes. It’s very different from back home. Very different. How do you like your job?” She asks
>>155356
"It's good honest work ma'am, and that's all I can ask for. I'm the hostess, so I get to greet ponies and give them seats, and that's pretty enjoyable for me."
"It's good honest work ma'am, and that's all I can ask for. I'm the hostess, so I get to greet ponies and give them seats, and that's pretty enjoyable for me."
>>155358
"Oh, I do! Though, there aren't always ponies. Seems like a lot of griffons and zebras live in Baltimare, too."
"Oh, I do! Though, there aren't always ponies. Seems like a lot of griffons and zebras live in Baltimare, too."
>>155361
“I… well, I haven’t really been able to have much fun. You know, working, taking care of my lovely foals Mustard and Veneer.”
“I… well, I haven’t really been able to have much fun. You know, working, taking care of my lovely foals Mustard and Veneer.”
>>155363
“Yes, she’s a lovely little flower in bloom. She’s graduated school and is living with us, working as a telephone operator. She likes the adventure and having fun, too.”
“Yes, she’s a lovely little flower in bloom. She’s graduated school and is living with us, working as a telephone operator. She likes the adventure and having fun, too.”
>>155364
"She has a diploma? You must be very proud of her!"
Used to be that having a high school diploma was a mark of achievement for your community. I recall watching a silent film where this guy with his own car was the talk of the town because "he has a diploma!"
"She has a diploma? You must be very proud of her!"
Used to be that having a high school diploma was a mark of achievement for your community. I recall watching a silent film where this guy with his own car was the talk of the town because "he has a diploma!"
>>155365
"Yes, she does. Graduated last year. And she did so after moving schools, too. Got a nice job. Now she just needs an engagement and a new house." She cannot stop herself from looking back even further, towards the orange filly, with a scolding look.
"My little Mustard seed is on his way to graduate soon as well."
Neat
"Yes, she does. Graduated last year. And she did so after moving schools, too. Got a nice job. Now she just needs an engagement and a new house." She cannot stop herself from looking back even further, towards the orange filly, with a scolding look.
"My little Mustard seed is on his way to graduate soon as well."
Neat
>>155366
"Well, it's important to marry young, but it might take some time, there just ain't-aren't-as many stallions around. And houses...that can be difficult too, I can't imagine there being much construction these days." She gives a cautious smile.
"I'm sure they'll both make you proud."
"Well, it's important to marry young, but it might take some time, there just ain't-aren't-as many stallions around. And houses...that can be difficult too, I can't imagine there being much construction these days." She gives a cautious smile.
"I'm sure they'll both make you proud."
>>155367
"Oh, she's around stallions. Aren't you, Veneer?" She looks back to her daughter, and her smile slips. Then she looks back to Amber
"Well...." Now she looks forward "No, houses are not easy. They are not easy at all. Rent has gone up just like everything else... But it would be good for her to move out, I think, if she had somewhere good to move to."
She doesn't respond to the "proud" remark, as she looks forward
"Oh, she's around stallions. Aren't you, Veneer?" She looks back to her daughter, and her smile slips. Then she looks back to Amber
"Well...." Now she looks forward "No, houses are not easy. They are not easy at all. Rent has gone up just like everything else... But it would be good for her to move out, I think, if she had somewhere good to move to."
She doesn't respond to the "proud" remark, as she looks forward
>>155368
"Well, it's hard finding the right stallion. Luna knows I'm so lucky to have found Mustard before another filly did...and there's nothing wrong with living with family and supportin' each other, especially in tough times." She realizes she's debating Mustard's mother, which is probably a bad idea, but these sort of expectations just aren't fair.
"Well, it's hard finding the right stallion. Luna knows I'm so lucky to have found Mustard before another filly did...and there's nothing wrong with living with family and supportin' each other, especially in tough times." She realizes she's debating Mustard's mother, which is probably a bad idea, but these sort of expectations just aren't fair.
>>155369
"If only every filly were as lucky as you" She says, looking back again to Veneer
"Yes, there is nothing wrong at all with supporting the family you live with. Nothing wrong at all."
This time, her gaze is directed towards Mustard Trim, who looks away
"If only every filly were as lucky as you" She says, looking back again to Veneer
"Yes, there is nothing wrong at all with supporting the family you live with. Nothing wrong at all."
This time, her gaze is directed towards Mustard Trim, who looks away
>>155374
wdym?
Also I've been playing HOI4 with the new DLC, all vanilla, and even with default nation paths you get wacky results. Playing as regular USA and in 1940 I'm at war with Catholic Mexico and Europe has WW1 pt. 2 with Germans fighting Poles/Imperial Russians to the east and Benelux/France to the west. Fun
wdym?
Also I've been playing HOI4 with the new DLC, all vanilla, and even with default nation paths you get wacky results. Playing as regular USA and in 1940 I'm at war with Catholic Mexico and Europe has WW1 pt. 2 with Germans fighting Poles/Imperial Russians to the east and Benelux/France to the west. Fun
>>155375
I really like having the Daylight Dahlia character as a minor villain for Amber to have to deal with. She's doing something as basic and mundane as going to church with her boyfriend, and she has to be adversarial and protect her boyfriend and a different also-antagonistic character from this struggling single mother - I love it. I overdid the derisive comments though, as it's a little too much. I know that in something like a movie or a TV show the actions would also be exaggerated like this in order to get the point across in a short amount of time, but still, I lament the loss of nuance
Honestly, I've never played the vanilla version of HOI4, although I'll admit that having an alternate history with a successful Christeros rebellion and Tsar Mikhail Romanov sounds pretty awesome
I really like having the Daylight Dahlia character as a minor villain for Amber to have to deal with. She's doing something as basic and mundane as going to church with her boyfriend, and she has to be adversarial and protect her boyfriend and a different also-antagonistic character from this struggling single mother - I love it. I overdid the derisive comments though, as it's a little too much. I know that in something like a movie or a TV show the actions would also be exaggerated like this in order to get the point across in a short amount of time, but still, I lament the loss of nuance
Honestly, I've never played the vanilla version of HOI4, although I'll admit that having an alternate history with a successful Christeros rebellion and Tsar Mikhail Romanov sounds pretty awesome
>>155376
Russia has Vladimir III, but it's still cool
As much as fighting ghasts and shooting gangsters is fun, personally I find these character dynamics highly engaging as well. Good job with it, even if it is a little "forced."
Russia has Vladimir III, but it's still cool
As much as fighting ghasts and shooting gangsters is fun, personally I find these character dynamics highly engaging as well. Good job with it, even if it is a little "forced."
>>155379
After walking, they arrive at what is presumably the cathedral, near a park by the river. It's a massive rectangular building in the neoclassical style with a dome and doric columns. It looks more like a pagan temple than a conventional cathedral.
After walking, they arrive at what is presumably the cathedral, near a park by the river. It's a massive rectangular building in the neoclassical style with a dome and doric columns. It looks more like a pagan temple than a conventional cathedral.
>>155381
Silence from Daylight. Silence from Mustard Trim. But Veneer:
“Bonnet La True. She designed many other government buildings in Fillydelphia and Canterlot as well.”
Silence from Daylight. Silence from Mustard Trim. But Veneer:
“Bonnet La True. She designed many other government buildings in Fillydelphia and Canterlot as well.”
>>155063
"Well, it is busy day. I am not sure we have time for anything else, unless there is something quick you can think of."
"Well, it is busy day. I am not sure we have time for anything else, unless there is something quick you can think of."
>>155383
Forgot I put ranks into architecture
Amber tries to remember the significance of Bonnet La True.
[1d20+2 = (2+2) = 4]
Forgot I put ranks into architecture
Amber tries to remember the significance of Bonnet La True.
[1d20+2 = (2+2) = 4]
>>155386
Bonnet La True is… probably not a pirate? Amber doesn’t recall, or at least not off the top of her head
Bonnet La True is… probably not a pirate? Amber doesn’t recall, or at least not off the top of her head
>>155388
Veneer:
"That's alright"
The family reaches the large wooden door, and Mustard Trim stays to keep it open for the females.
Going inside, there are a large number of ponies, but also a large number of empty seats. The ceiling is incredibly high and vaulted. A bit lower, but maybe longer, than what Amber recalls from Saint Eligius. It seems that services have already started
Veneer:
"That's alright"
The family reaches the large wooden door, and Mustard Trim stays to keep it open for the females.
Going inside, there are a large number of ponies, but also a large number of empty seats. The ceiling is incredibly high and vaulted. A bit lower, but maybe longer, than what Amber recalls from Saint Eligius. It seems that services have already started
>>155389
"Thank you," she says to Mustard with a warm smile.
Amber personally prefers St. Eligius, and was thinking that was where they were headed despite the difference, but this is still incredibly grand. She follows Dahlia a bit hurriedly. We're late! she realizes with horror.
"Thank you," she says to Mustard with a warm smile.
Amber personally prefers St. Eligius, and was thinking that was where they were headed despite the difference, but this is still incredibly grand. She follows Dahlia a bit hurriedly. We're late! she realizes with horror.
>>155390
Saint Eligius is further North
Since arriving at his house, Mustard Trim has been almost like a stranger, having almost no interaction with Amber, and certainly less than his mother has had with either he or Amber. But the smile he returns to Amber makes it clear he doesn't really want to be a stranger. He wears a black vest that he must have put on while inside.
Daylight Dahlia trots quickly, ahead of the group. She clearly understands that they are indeed late. Evidently she doesn't have a preferred spot, at least not one that is still available, because she stops, looks around, and finds a row. Asking an older couple to stand in order to get into the row, she goes in, then Veneer, then Mustard Trim, and then Amber at the very end.
There is music, including flute playing. It's an old tune from earlier Equestria that Amber is certainly familiar with.
Saint Eligius is further North
Since arriving at his house, Mustard Trim has been almost like a stranger, having almost no interaction with Amber, and certainly less than his mother has had with either he or Amber. But the smile he returns to Amber makes it clear he doesn't really want to be a stranger. He wears a black vest that he must have put on while inside.
Daylight Dahlia trots quickly, ahead of the group. She clearly understands that they are indeed late. Evidently she doesn't have a preferred spot, at least not one that is still available, because she stops, looks around, and finds a row. Asking an older couple to stand in order to get into the row, she goes in, then Veneer, then Mustard Trim, and then Amber at the very end.
There is music, including flute playing. It's an old tune from earlier Equestria that Amber is certainly familiar with.
>>155391
Amber nods in appreciation to the older couple. Her ears perk up when she hears the tune as do her spirits. What is better to illustrate the beauty of Harmony than music, which by its nature incorporates harmony?
Amber nods in appreciation to the older couple. Her ears perk up when she hears the tune as do her spirits. What is better to illustrate the beauty of Harmony than music, which by its nature incorporates harmony?
>>155392
More music. Amber knows these songs. It’s not quite the same as home, but it’s the sand basic songs. This is maybe the strongest continuity Amber has experienced with her home thus far in her time in Baltimare. No, there is no mandolin, but a young filly sings, there is a violin, and a flute.
>>155393
“I hope so.” He says, following Silver out
[1d2 = 2]
More music. Amber knows these songs. It’s not quite the same as home, but it’s the sand basic songs. This is maybe the strongest continuity Amber has experienced with her home thus far in her time in Baltimare. No, there is no mandolin, but a young filly sings, there is a violin, and a flute.
>>155393
“I hope so.” He says, following Silver out
[1d2 = 2]
>>155394
Absolutely lovely, she thinks. The wonderful thing about faith is that no matter where in the world you go, it will stay the same with you. Her thoughts drift. Will this be the church she'll marry Mustard Trim in? Perhaps it will be St. Eligius instead, or–she would have no objection–a simpler venue.
Absolutely lovely, she thinks. The wonderful thing about faith is that no matter where in the world you go, it will stay the same with you. Her thoughts drift. Will this be the church she'll marry Mustard Trim in? Perhaps it will be St. Eligius instead, or–she would have no objection–a simpler venue.
>>155395
Does Amber have enough family and friends to fill up the cathedral? Does Mustard have enough money to pay for the reception? Perhaps it is best that Amber not think of such things too deeply.
Mustard Trim sits next to her, though he keeps a little distance and does not try to touch her.
The little filly continues trying to sing. None of the songs are contemporary.
Does Amber have enough family and friends to fill up the cathedral? Does Mustard have enough money to pay for the reception? Perhaps it is best that Amber not think of such things too deeply.
Mustard Trim sits next to her, though he keeps a little distance and does not try to touch her.
The little filly continues trying to sing. None of the songs are contemporary.
>>155394
Silver leaves the restaurant after saying thanks to his veteran friend, and starts for the orphanage.
"I know so. Nothing would keep me from coming back to see you."
Silver leaves the restaurant after saying thanks to his veteran friend, and starts for the orphanage.
"I know so. Nothing would keep me from coming back to see you."
>>155396
She forgets about all the difficulties with her to-be in-laws. This music is true joy right here.
That filly can sing much better than me.
She forgets about all the difficulties with her to-be in-laws. This music is true joy right here.
That filly can sing much better than me.
>>155398
Sadly, her cutie mark is not in singing... it kind of shows
A beige mare with an orange coat rises up to tell the lesson.
She starts off wishing well to all, and tells a story of a town in the Unicorn mountains that was cut off from the outside world by a winter storm and a series of avalanches that closed the passes. This was maybe twenty years ago, in the before times, but after certain things were expected, like lamp oil or medicine. Though there stocks of many things, like most foods, but not everything.
For the first week or so, most ponies went along like normal, because they did not expect any real meaningful disruption. Some thought that because the town was closed off, it was cause to abdicate their responsibilities, like foals not going to school, or ponies not going to work. Then after a week, the first message came through tied to the leg of a bird: efforts at clearing the pass had failed spectacularly. There would be no clearing of the pass until spring. There would be no other messages, no going in and out, and no new shipments of supplies.
The town was devastated by the news. The town called a meeting at the hall. The ponies in the lead made suggestions of how to proceed, saying that goods should be rationed and certain services should be closed. Many, however, protested, because of how it would affect their business, or because they were afraid they wouldn't get enough, or would have to share. There was more. Some ponies were not even from the town, they were just passing through and were stuck there. Some ponies who lived in the town were stuck outside of it. And many ponies had loved ones outside of the town who they could not speak to. The inn keeper was left with visitors he had to keep, while he could not make money off of new visitors, and the same to the owner of a restaurant on the mountain.
Panic and ennui began to set in. A shop keeper secreted away all of her supplies of salt, a few stores were broken into, and even the police deputies sometimes didn't show up to work, wondering what exactly they were doing when pay could no be guaranteed. Foals did not go to school, nor were they expected to. Even the mayor was found to be hoarding biscuits.
After about a month, there was a change. Ponies started to realize that the scarce resources of the town could only be managed cooperatively. Hoards of resources secreted away were offered in common, and budgeted, while ponies made an effort to discourage secreting goods away. One of the town's few farmers, with a load of apricots that could not be taken off to market and sold, instead offered to provide his crop, and it was eaten as food in group gatherings.
Likewise, ponies began to realize that their daily activities had as much meaning when done only with the presence of the townsfolk, as when they were part of a larger nation. Not that they necessarily always received money for it, but money didn't have as much value now anyways. The sheriff's deputies realized they were needed for order, the restaurant on the mountain gave out apricot-based meals with its scenic view. The foals and teachers returned to their lessons, at least once a ration of heating oil was figured out. Those who were trapped in the town accepted their situation, and tried to help out, and enjoy the town. Those with loved ones outside of the town they could not talk to simply understood that they still cared for them, and hoped they were cared for in kind. When the snow in the pass finally melted months later, there was relief in the town, but the outside world found a town very much together and in high spirits.
Sadly, her cutie mark is not in singing... it kind of shows
A beige mare with an orange coat rises up to tell the lesson.
She starts off wishing well to all, and tells a story of a town in the Unicorn mountains that was cut off from the outside world by a winter storm and a series of avalanches that closed the passes. This was maybe twenty years ago, in the before times, but after certain things were expected, like lamp oil or medicine. Though there stocks of many things, like most foods, but not everything.
For the first week or so, most ponies went along like normal, because they did not expect any real meaningful disruption. Some thought that because the town was closed off, it was cause to abdicate their responsibilities, like foals not going to school, or ponies not going to work. Then after a week, the first message came through tied to the leg of a bird: efforts at clearing the pass had failed spectacularly. There would be no clearing of the pass until spring. There would be no other messages, no going in and out, and no new shipments of supplies.
The town was devastated by the news. The town called a meeting at the hall. The ponies in the lead made suggestions of how to proceed, saying that goods should be rationed and certain services should be closed. Many, however, protested, because of how it would affect their business, or because they were afraid they wouldn't get enough, or would have to share. There was more. Some ponies were not even from the town, they were just passing through and were stuck there. Some ponies who lived in the town were stuck outside of it. And many ponies had loved ones outside of the town who they could not speak to. The inn keeper was left with visitors he had to keep, while he could not make money off of new visitors, and the same to the owner of a restaurant on the mountain.
Panic and ennui began to set in. A shop keeper secreted away all of her supplies of salt, a few stores were broken into, and even the police deputies sometimes didn't show up to work, wondering what exactly they were doing when pay could no be guaranteed. Foals did not go to school, nor were they expected to. Even the mayor was found to be hoarding biscuits.
After about a month, there was a change. Ponies started to realize that the scarce resources of the town could only be managed cooperatively. Hoards of resources secreted away were offered in common, and budgeted, while ponies made an effort to discourage secreting goods away. One of the town's few farmers, with a load of apricots that could not be taken off to market and sold, instead offered to provide his crop, and it was eaten as food in group gatherings.
Likewise, ponies began to realize that their daily activities had as much meaning when done only with the presence of the townsfolk, as when they were part of a larger nation. Not that they necessarily always received money for it, but money didn't have as much value now anyways. The sheriff's deputies realized they were needed for order, the restaurant on the mountain gave out apricot-based meals with its scenic view. The foals and teachers returned to their lessons, at least once a ration of heating oil was figured out. Those who were trapped in the town accepted their situation, and tried to help out, and enjoy the town. Those with loved ones outside of the town they could not talk to simply understood that they still cared for them, and hoped they were cared for in kind. When the snow in the pass finally melted months later, there was relief in the town, but the outside world found a town very much together and in high spirits.
>>155399
Yay, lore!
Amber's expression changes as she listens to the story. She looks slightly worried when hearing how they were completely cut off. When something bad happens and you're unable to get outside help, that's a real test of strength, but perhaps that's why this is being told.
Then when order starts to break down, she starts to grow more nervous. When ponies need each other, and they start acting more and more selfishly, then it's not just the case of a few bad apples spoiling the bunch, but a complete lack of trust that can only end badly.
But, fortunately, they changed their ways in time and struggled through it together. Isn't this what Harmony is about? she wonders. No matter if you're in a big community or a small one, doing what's right and using the talent of your cutie mark to work together will get you through any difficulty. It's a nice message.
But… she realizes, the Unicorn Mountains are in Changeling territory now. Are those poor ponies alright? Maybe it would have been better for them to stay sealed off…. The filly is left with a cold feeling. She looks around to see if other ponies have realized the same thing.
Yay, lore!
Amber's expression changes as she listens to the story. She looks slightly worried when hearing how they were completely cut off. When something bad happens and you're unable to get outside help, that's a real test of strength, but perhaps that's why this is being told.
Then when order starts to break down, she starts to grow more nervous. When ponies need each other, and they start acting more and more selfishly, then it's not just the case of a few bad apples spoiling the bunch, but a complete lack of trust that can only end badly.
But, fortunately, they changed their ways in time and struggled through it together. Isn't this what Harmony is about? she wonders. No matter if you're in a big community or a small one, doing what's right and using the talent of your cutie mark to work together will get you through any difficulty. It's a nice message.
But… she realizes, the Unicorn Mountains are in Changeling territory now. Are those poor ponies alright? Maybe it would have been better for them to stay sealed off…. The filly is left with a cold feeling. She looks around to see if other ponies have realized the same thing.
>>155398
>>155399
The beige mare concludes her story, and then starts talking about the modern world.
While the horrors in Manehattan were the focus of most of the past month, the last week or so has brought horrors much closer to home. A skirmish and fire on the waterfront killed twenty, and there were efforts to bring in arms that would have killed many more. A member of the trusted city government was found to have committed crimes to terrible to describe. A cult, or at least, something like it, seems to have existed right there in Baltimare, killing many.
But these horrors, terrible as they are, are but a continuation of an even greater series of horrors that have afflicted the Equestrian nation and the world over the past few years. The War killed many and severed the nation in half, and led to the loss of our Princesses, or Elements, and our Principality of a thousand years. The peace that has followed has not been a peace at all. Those on the eastern half have suffered an occupation, a low-grade civil war, the privations of war, and inflation. Those in the west have suffered even greater. For many, the war has not ended at all. Over a million of Equestria's sons remain in captivity. Few, if any payouts of pensions have been made to veterans and the families of veterans.
Daylight Dahliah, Veneer, and Mustard Trim all stand up during the discussion of POWs, as do several other families in the church.
The beige mare continues expressing great sympathy for those suffering, and mentions help the church gives. But with delicacy, she makes her next point. Equestria has been in continuing crisis since at least the return of Nightmare Moon, with the first Changeling invasion, the Storm King, Tirek and so forth. Much of the remainder of the world has been in crisis even longer. And Equestria has experienced crises in the past. The sufferings of the present - very real and perhaps greater in degree than any before - are not unique, nor are they of unprecedented quality. Many, like those in the town, have suffered before.
And then she gets to her point. The world, as a whole, is like that town, as our world is cut off from all others. Like the town, our world has scarce resources we are sometimes impelled to greedily horde, or fight over. Like the town, we are cut off from all contact with many of our loved ones. While this is most obvious in the case of family and friends of POWs and those who are cut off in foreign nations, it can apply to our loved ones who have passed on. Like the town, we have to wonder if what we do every day will receive any validation from any word other than our own, to justify that it was right and meaningful.
But, the mare explains, our world will find harmony in the same solutions. We must, like the town, realize that we will do no good with greed and war, but must share if we wish to preserve what we value. We must, like the town, accept that we are trapped on this world, and must find meaning and connections here. We must, like the town, come to terms with the fact that we may not soon speak again, or see again, those we love. We must instead take solace in the fact that we love and miss them, and that they love and miss them in kind. We must hold out hope we will meet again when we leave this world. And we must, like the town, accept that what we do might not immediately receive validation outside of this world, but instead realize that what we do matters to us, and it matters to those around us, so make sure we spend our time in productive and moral ways.
And so we learn that however bad things may be, we are all trapped here together. We may as well learn to live in Harmony.
She nods
>>155399
The beige mare concludes her story, and then starts talking about the modern world.
While the horrors in Manehattan were the focus of most of the past month, the last week or so has brought horrors much closer to home. A skirmish and fire on the waterfront killed twenty, and there were efforts to bring in arms that would have killed many more. A member of the trusted city government was found to have committed crimes to terrible to describe. A cult, or at least, something like it, seems to have existed right there in Baltimare, killing many.
But these horrors, terrible as they are, are but a continuation of an even greater series of horrors that have afflicted the Equestrian nation and the world over the past few years. The War killed many and severed the nation in half, and led to the loss of our Princesses, or Elements, and our Principality of a thousand years. The peace that has followed has not been a peace at all. Those on the eastern half have suffered an occupation, a low-grade civil war, the privations of war, and inflation. Those in the west have suffered even greater. For many, the war has not ended at all. Over a million of Equestria's sons remain in captivity. Few, if any payouts of pensions have been made to veterans and the families of veterans.
Daylight Dahliah, Veneer, and Mustard Trim all stand up during the discussion of POWs, as do several other families in the church.
The beige mare continues expressing great sympathy for those suffering, and mentions help the church gives. But with delicacy, she makes her next point. Equestria has been in continuing crisis since at least the return of Nightmare Moon, with the first Changeling invasion, the Storm King, Tirek and so forth. Much of the remainder of the world has been in crisis even longer. And Equestria has experienced crises in the past. The sufferings of the present - very real and perhaps greater in degree than any before - are not unique, nor are they of unprecedented quality. Many, like those in the town, have suffered before.
And then she gets to her point. The world, as a whole, is like that town, as our world is cut off from all others. Like the town, our world has scarce resources we are sometimes impelled to greedily horde, or fight over. Like the town, we are cut off from all contact with many of our loved ones. While this is most obvious in the case of family and friends of POWs and those who are cut off in foreign nations, it can apply to our loved ones who have passed on. Like the town, we have to wonder if what we do every day will receive any validation from any word other than our own, to justify that it was right and meaningful.
But, the mare explains, our world will find harmony in the same solutions. We must, like the town, realize that we will do no good with greed and war, but must share if we wish to preserve what we value. We must, like the town, accept that we are trapped on this world, and must find meaning and connections here. We must, like the town, come to terms with the fact that we may not soon speak again, or see again, those we love. We must instead take solace in the fact that we love and miss them, and that they love and miss them in kind. We must hold out hope we will meet again when we leave this world. And we must, like the town, accept that what we do might not immediately receive validation outside of this world, but instead realize that what we do matters to us, and it matters to those around us, so make sure we spend our time in productive and moral ways.
And so we learn that however bad things may be, we are all trapped here together. We may as well learn to live in Harmony.
She nods
>>155401
Amber, in a way, is glad that she does not shy away from the terrible things that have come to Equestria. While Baltimare has seemed to Amber to be a place with riches, fun and adventure, she is reminded that there is darkness, violence, and corruption lurking just under the surface, and she should quit being too naïve.
Her ears fold down and her heart aches when she sees Mustard and his family stand during the talk about POWs. Although her own family hasn't been spared by the war, mercifully she doesn't know of any members captured by the changeling menace. In her mind it is far better to die than to be captured by the changelings, for although what changelings do exactly with their victims is still largely a mystery, urban legend and rumor have made it to be too horrendous to even think about. That this family must bear with the knowledge that such things could be happening to their loved ones even at this moment makes her want to weep, and a tear does grace her cheek.
Still, the point the church-mare makes is not lost on her. She, like everypony, must struggle on and care for those around her, not withdraw in nihilism and egoism. Things will get better. They must.
Amber, in a way, is glad that she does not shy away from the terrible things that have come to Equestria. While Baltimare has seemed to Amber to be a place with riches, fun and adventure, she is reminded that there is darkness, violence, and corruption lurking just under the surface, and she should quit being too naïve.
Her ears fold down and her heart aches when she sees Mustard and his family stand during the talk about POWs. Although her own family hasn't been spared by the war, mercifully she doesn't know of any members captured by the changeling menace. In her mind it is far better to die than to be captured by the changelings, for although what changelings do exactly with their victims is still largely a mystery, urban legend and rumor have made it to be too horrendous to even think about. That this family must bear with the knowledge that such things could be happening to their loved ones even at this moment makes her want to weep, and a tear does grace her cheek.
Still, the point the church-mare makes is not lost on her. She, like everypony, must struggle on and care for those around her, not withdraw in nihilism and egoism. Things will get better. They must.
>>155403
She sings along heartedly with the song, happy that she has been able to go to church with other ponies she can learn to care for.
She sings along heartedly with the song, happy that she has been able to go to church with other ponies she can learn to care for.
>>155404
And the service is over. Mustard Trim looks over to Amber. Daylight Dahliah seems to have started crying at some point, but composes herself, and wipes her face with a handkerchief. She is the first to stand. Veneer sits there kind of awkwardly.
And the service is over. Mustard Trim looks over to Amber. Daylight Dahliah seems to have started crying at some point, but composes herself, and wipes her face with a handkerchief. She is the first to stand. Veneer sits there kind of awkwardly.
>>155405
She puts a foreleg around Mustard to give him a gentle side-hug. It's not as intimate or close as a hug they've had before–this is a church, after all–but it's a gesture of warmth and reassurance. She has a small smile though her eyes betray sadness.
She puts a foreleg around Mustard to give him a gentle side-hug. It's not as intimate or close as a hug they've had before–this is a church, after all–but it's a gesture of warmth and reassurance. She has a small smile though her eyes betray sadness.
>>155406
Mustard himself has a sad look, but tries to smile to Amber. Dahliah tries to walk to the front.
Mustard himself has a sad look, but tries to smile to Amber. Dahliah tries to walk to the front.
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