/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal


Merry Christmas and Happy Hearth's Warming Everyone and Everypony!

[YouTube] The True Gift of Gifting [Embed]

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Occupied Equestria - Midnight
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155000
155006 155654
Continuing
2292 replies and 25 files omitted.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155611
155612
>>155610
"Well, for the school. I still can't afford it..." She starts to trail off
Sneed Star
8139819
?
No.155612
155613
>>155611
"Don't worry about that. i have it covered. but if you really want to know" He whispers "1000 bits"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155613
155614
>>155612
Her ears pop up
"What.. do I... have to do for you?" She asks
Sneed Star
8139819
?
No.155614
155616
>>155613
"have to do for me? what do you mean?"
He looks confused
Amber Sunset
0790afe
?
No.155615
155616
>>155592
"I don't understand," she replies.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155616
155617 155622
>>155614
"I mean... does that mean I owe you?" she asks anxiously

>>155615
He take a moment

"That's okay.. nevermind... I know what you mean about excitemet.
Sneed Star
8139819
?
No.155617
155618
>>155616
"Owe me? Like Bits? No way."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155618
155619
>>155617
"Are you sure?" She asks nervously
Sneed Star
8139819
?
No.155619
155620
>>155618
"yea i'm sure. it's no big deal."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155620
155621
>>155619
She looks at him, then leans in and hugs him again
"Thank you..." she says. It's a softer hug and thank you than before
Sneed Star
8139819
?
No.155621
155625
>>155620
He Hugs her Back
"It's No problem, You Deserve it."
Amber Sunset
0790afe
?
No.155622
155625
>>155616
"No wait…please tell me what you meant," she asks in a concerned tone of voice.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155623
155624
I have to sleep
Amber Sunset
0790afe
?
No.155624
>>155623
Goodnight!
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155625
155627 155697
>>155621
The zebra bat creature thing is hugged.
When Solar Night hugs her, she presses into him with more strength, and seems to enjoy the contact, as she does not break off until she has to.

Solar Night and Lunar Nadir are not registered for classes, and they have pending tuition payments due soon.
Solar Night needs a class schedule

>>155622
“I mean… have you seen my father? She is legally still married. She has no second income besides my sister’s entry level job, she doesn’t get a pension, abs age can’t remarry. She has to take care of us and the house all by herself. She’s not taking it well.”
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155627
155628
>>155625
How?
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155628
155629
>>155627
It’s another office and paperwork. This is where Solar Night chooses his class schedule. He can decide which classes he wants. Just say what Dark Star wants and we can discuss it
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155629
155630 155673
>>155628
Philosophy 101
Anthropology 101
Equestrian History to 400
Equestrian Legends
Political Organization

Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155630
155631
>>155629
Done. Dark Star can have more of less that set of classes.
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155631
155632
>>155630
Solar Night looks over at Nadir
"Have you thought about what classes you want to take?"
Anonymous
6063266
?
No.155632
155633
>>155631
She pulls herself off of him, and moves away. She looks at him with ears perked straight up, and narrowed slit pupils.

“Uh…. Only a little….”
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155633
155634
>>155632
"What classes did you want to take?"
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155634
155635
>>155633
“Um… I don’t really know. I kind of want to just experiment with things. Most of what I’ve heard is ‘you have to do this for a job’. Work the docks or cut jute or type memos or work in a factory. I don’t want to learn just for a job. I want to know things that don’t make money.”
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155635
155636
>>155634
"I Couldn't Agree More. There's More to life than Slaving away, making somepony else rich."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155636
155637
>>155635
"Yeah, exactly! And look at the rich. They don't spend all of their time working. They read books and go to plays. And who are all of those books and plays for? Not the poor and working class."
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155637
155638
>>155636
"Exactly, Especially the Rich Industrialist. They Don't Care about their Workers. They Just care about making their bit pouches Larger."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155638
155639
>>155637
Her lips are back as she hangs onto Dark Star's every word
"Yes, yes. I shouldn't try to work for a rich industrialist. Not in their factories, not in their offices. They don't care. But I care. I care about more than just pouches."
She nods along
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155639
155640
>>155638
"The Working Class Should Be The Ones Calling the Shots Around Here. What Have the Industrialist Ever Done for us? They Sided with the Princesses against us."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155640
155641
>>155639
"Yes!" She moves her tail in a whipping fashion.

"Yeah, we need to do away with them, and empower the workers. Get rid of them..."
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155641
155642
>>155640
"They Need to be forced to help the people, Because they will never do it on their own. Imagine the Good that could be done, Hospitals that actually work,No Pony in poverty, Roads that don't have so many potholes."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155642
155643
>>155641
"Yeah" She nods, looking intently at Solar Night. She sits in front of him
"Yeah they should..."
She seems at once grave at the message being told, and happy for its messenger
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155643
155644
>>155642
"Well, thats enough philosophizing for now i think. we have to get you set up for classes."
He smiles
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155644
155645
>>155643
"Yeah..." She seems almost dazed by the talk. "We should do something about it. Creatures here seem pretty active pushing for change." She stands back up again

"But uh... let's go get set up for class."
Her mood picks up rapidly after saying this, and she is darting about again.
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155645
155646
>>155644
He Walks to the doors and then He Opens the Door For Her
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155646
155647
>>155645
She stops to look up at him, before scurrying through. It's worth noting that otherwise, she tends to follow just behind him, and usually a little to the right following almost like a dog.

The registration office is actually quite a bit like the admissions office, though a guidance counselor is available for questions about course choices.
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155647
155648
>>155646
He walks over to the guidance counselor
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155648
155649
>>155647
The guidance counselor is a female Pegasus of a very light orange color. She must be over 40, but has preserved her looks very well.

"Well hello" She says with a sanguine tone and smile. A secretary has already pulled Solar Night's file
"Are you just starting, or is this your second semester?"
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155649
155650
>>155648
"I'm Just Starting. and so is my Friend Here."
He Motions to Nadir
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155650
155651
>>155649
She turns to her on a swivel chair. This is in her office, with a window to the hall and the door open

"Hello." She says, smiling awkwardly, both happy and shy

The mare says,
"Well, in the first two years you'll mostly be working on your distribution requirements. Literature, History, a math and a science class, and a humanities and social science. But you'll also want to be working towards a major."

Nadir remains silent, and with a glance of her eyes seems to suggest she wants Solar Night to go first.
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155651
155652
>>155650
He Puts His Hoof to his chin in thought
"Well i think i would like philosophy and HippologyAnthropology im not to sure about the rest."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155652
155653
>>155651
She nods
"Okay, there is a class at this time... and one at this time." She is looking at a paper.

"Hippology counts as a social science. Philosophy is a liberal art. You are also going to need history and literature classes."
She looks over to him
"What are you thinking of majoring in?"
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155653
155655
>>155652
"My Major? I Was Thinking Political Science. as for history? Hmmmm How About Equestrian History or Equestrian Legends?"
Anonymous
a57862c
?
No.155654
155656 155657
>>155000
What is thread? And if it's a fanfic is There a pasta
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155655
155657 155661
>>155653
"Political Science. Okay, that's a fine major. Well, let's see... okay, there is a higher level course in Equestrian Literature that focuses on legends and myths. Huh. Well that's a Literature class. But it won't count for your distribution requirements. You are allowed to take a higher level course though. Not many, maybe one. I would still advise taking either a history class, math, or art.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155656
>>155654
You could call it a pen and paper RPG. Or maybe something like a CYOA.

There is no pasta
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155657
155658
>>155654
Its Based.
>>155655
"I Do Enjoy Art."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155658
155659
>>155657
“Well, there’s Studio Art, Art History, and Architecture, all in the lower levels.”
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155659
155660
>>155658
"What Higher Level Classes do you offer? Art History Sounds Interesting."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155660
155661
>>155659
“Well, in Art it’s like early Equestrian paintings, Religious Sculptures, or Griffonian Romanticism. Higher level classes in all departments are classes that count towards a Major or a Minor in that field, but will not count towards the general distribution requirements.”
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155661
155662
>>155655
>>155660
"I Think I'll Take the Equestrian Literature Class. And maybe the Equestrian Painting class."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155662
155663
>>155661
“Which Equestrian literature class? The basic overview?”
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155663
155664
>>155662
"The one that Focuses on Legends and Myths"
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155664
155665
>>155663
She nods
“But what about Political Science?”
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155665
155666
>>155664
"I Wanted that as my Major."
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155666
155667
>>155665
“So you will take an introductory political science class this semester?” She asks
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155667
155668
>>155666
"Yes? This is my First Year im not Exactly sure how this all Works."
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155668
155669 155671
>>155667
She nods,
“It’s best to take introductory courses to get them out of the way. Now, you will be required to take Equestrian History and Equestrian literature at some point, as well as something like hippology, philosophy, or political science.”
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155669
155670
>>155668
He Nods
"Sounds Good to Me."
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155670
155671
>>155669
“So…. You can take five classes.”
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155671
155672
>>155670
>>155668
"Yea All of these you mentioned Before."
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155672
155673
>>155671
So uh, is the list mentioned before being altered? If so, in what way?
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155673
155674
>>155672
Thats Everything on the List,Isnt it?
>>155629
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155674
155675
>>155673
It sounds like Solar Night does not want to take Equestrian History before 400, but instead, Equestrian Painting?
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155675
155676
>>155674
i thought i said i wanted history?
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155676
155677
>>155675
Uh… what is Dark Star’s schedule now?
Equestrian Myths
Philosophy 101
Hippology
Political Orangization
?

Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155677
155678
>>155676
Plus Equestrian history
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155678
155679
>>155677
And not Equestrian Painting?
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155679
155680
>>155678
Do i Need an Art Class?
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155680
155681
>>155679
Not really
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155681
155682
>>155680
Yea We're Good Then i think.
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155682
155683
>>155681
“Alright. Equestrian History to 400, Political Systems, Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Hippology, and Equestrian Myths abs Legends.”

It is done. Nadir goes next. She picks several classes that Solar Night has picked, but also Chemistry.
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155683
155684
>>155682
He Nods and Listens as Lunar Nadir Picks Her Classes
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155684
155685
>>155683
She decides she will take Philosophy and Hippology with Dark Star, as well as a class in Chemistry and in Literature. She protests against taking Equestrian History, and asks if she can take a different history class instead. After she is told that she must take two classes in Equestrian History to graduate, she decides to take the class with Solar Night.

And she is done.
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155685
155686
>>155684
I Smile and Write Down the Classes i will be taking
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155686
155687
>>155685
Not even necessary. A Secretary types out the classes, the location, the course numbers, the times, and the professors
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155687
155688
>>155686
"Oh Thank You!"
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155688
155689
>>155687
The Secretary smiles

The counselor tells the two,
“Good luck on your respective journeys. What happens here will shape the future. Yours, and the World’s.”
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155689
155690
>>155688
Dark Star Feels a sense of Pride in his Chest
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155690
155691 155695
>>155689
Nadir is overjoyed:

“I can’t believe it’s really happening! I’m actually getting to go to college!”

And Solar Night is now set up.
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155691
155692
>>155690
He Thanks the Counselor and leaves
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155692
155693
>>155691
Solar Night walks out of the administrative building onto the riding concrete pathways of the University campus, into the chilly wind of the Baltimare day.
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155693
155694 155695
>>155692
is Nadir with him?
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155694
>>155693
Like a puppy. Yes.
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155695
155696
>>155693
>>155690
"Im Happy For You. Its Not Every Day you get accepted into college."
He Smiles
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155696
155702
>>155695
“Yes!” Her wings are partly unfolded.

“I don’t know of anyone in my family… not that I have much family, but you know what I mean, who have gone to college. Not many ponies in Del Manantial, or the village, or really even that I know in Baltimare have gone to college. It’s all about going to work at a warehouse or store or something. That’s what I did much of last year. But I wanted to do something more. I didn’t think it could happen because I wasn’t smart enough, I didn’t have good enough grades. My family isn’t established or well respected or anything. But here I am. Here I am.”
She’s actually kind of breathing heavily by the end, probably because she is about to cry.
Amber Sunset
54f74f1
?
No.155697
155698 155703
>>155625
>tfw no hybrid bat-horse gf

"I…oh." It slowly clicks into place. Amber had assumed Mrs. Dahlia was a widow from the shrine and her husband's absence. But if he was a POW, he can be considered to be still alive, and various legal benefits that come with being a widow don't apply.

"I see what you mean. So she's worried about Veneer marrying and her husband tragically disappearing?" she asks, her ears folded back.
Anonymous
8f7f36d
?
No.155698
155699
>>155697
feelsbadpone

“She’s worried about Veneer getting pregnant out of wedlock by a stallion who doesn’t want to care for the foal. Or her.”
Amber Sunset
54f74f1
?
No.155699
155700
>>155698
"Can that happen? I suppose I've heard of it happening before…but do you think it might happen to her?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155700
155701
>>155699
“It can happen, yes. Just get pregnant outside of marriage, and if the stallion doesn’t want to take care of the foal, then good luck forcing him to.

I don’t know, really. I don’t know what Veneer does. I know she goes out with friends. I know she drinks sometimes. She definitely looks like she’s trying to look pretty for someone. But I have never seen her with a stallion. I don’t ask her what she does, and she doesn’t tell me. I think my mother takes what she knows, and assumes the worst.”
Amber Sunset
54f74f1
?
No.155701
155704
>>155700
She thinks about how it can be that a mare can get pregnant without both parents wanting the foal. She'll have to ask Mustard how it works sometime.

"It frankly seems mean that she gets treated like that. It's much better to assume the best of everypony, don't you think?"
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155702
155704
>>155696
i finished my bacon
He Gives her a Hug
"You're Plenty Smart Enough Nadir. If Anypony Deserves to go to College its you."
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155703
>>155697
>Tfw has a Hybrid Bat Pony Fren
FeelsGoodPone

Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155704
155705 155706
>>155701
“She is pretty mean a lot of the time. And honestly, I think if she didn’t need Veneer’s help with money, it would be worse than it is.”

He turns his head,
“I don’t know that she’s wrong though. The thing is, if she’s wrong, then she’s been cruel to her own daughter for no real reason. But if she’s right and she doesn’t stop it, her daughter’s life could be ruined, her grandfoal’s lives could be ruined, and she could look like a bad parent for failing to stop it. I don’t know. I don’t like it either.”

>>155702
nom

She puffs her chest up, with glowing happy eyes, and an open mouth. Solar Night can see small fangs.

“D’awwww! Thank you Solar!”
She leans in and hugs him back. It’s a pretty tight hug, and she doesn’t break it quickly.
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155705
155707
>>155704
He Laughs
"Its No Problem at all,nadir."
Amber Sunset
54f74f1
?
No.155706
155707
>>155704
Amber doesn't know what to think, if Mustard can't tell whether his own sister is "rough" or not. Although her own experience with the family has been positive, it has some serious problems.

"What if I made friends with her and kept tabs on what she's doing? Then we could know for sure," she suggests in a hushed whisper.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155707
155708 155709
>>155706
“I’m sure she’d love to go out to clubs like the one we were at last night, or talk to you about….. things I suspect you’d like to talk about, just because you’re a filly. I’m sure you could find out if she got past her envy of you. But I don’t want to know. I am afraid of the answer.”

>>155705
bat creature thing is hugged
“So uh… what now?”
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155708
155710
>>155707
He puts his hoof to his chin in thought
"I have no idea."
He looks at his class schedule to see when they start.
Amber Sunset
54f74f1
?
No.155709
155710
>>155707
Amber pets Mustard's mane, smiling gently at him.

"Remember how suspicious you were of me last night?" she whispers. "I think it's your ma rubbing off on you. I'd like to put your fears to rest."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155710
155711 155712
>>155708
And... Equestrian History is starting basically... Now

>>155709
lanky colt is pet

"True." He says. But then he whispers something into Amber's ear
"But my mom had good reason to be suspicious of me"
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155711
155713
>>155710
He looks over at Nadir.
"We're about to be late for a class."
Amber Sunset
54f74f1
?
No.155712
155713
>>155710
She giggles and whispers back,
"But you're a good colt."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155713
155714 155715
>>155711
"Oh!" Let's go!

The Mistmane building is host to the lecture hall for Equestrian History

>>155712
In a very, very soft voice, he says
"I lied to my mother, and laid with a mare out of wedlock"
Sneed Star
042943b
?
No.155714
155716
>>155713
"Follow me!"
he runs to the building
Amber Sunset
54f74f1
?
No.155715
155716
>>155713
She sighs softly, and answers back,
"I don't like that you lied to your own ma, but…she likes me, and I don't think she would mind it that much."

But she continues,
"If you hadn't met me, would you…would you have laid with another mare?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155716
155717 156163
>>155714
Nadir lingers in a spot for a time, but then lopes after Solar Night. She tends to take on a fast paced gait that almost looks like a series of hops. Like a rabbit almost. Her wings are as likely to be loose as they are properly folded.

They enter the two story story, stone façade building with its blue tile roof, and go down a tile floor until they get to room 113, the lecture hall. The design of the room is what Dark Star will come to know as a conventional design. The entrance to the room is higher than the floor, with a series of seats on a slope down. Solar Night doesn't quite have a good view of everypony in the room, but he is able to get a seat. Nadir sits next to him.

The professor is an Earth Pony with a tan coat and a black vest jacket. His age is maybe somewhere in his forties. He is writing something on the board. On the wall, there is an utterly massive map. It is a map of the continent of Equus with all of the area of the former Principality of Equestria highlighted, as well as a series of land further north and north of the Crystal Empire. It also has the former Equestrian Dominion of New Mareland, the Dominion of Puerto Caballo, and the Dominion of Maregypt in their respective places on the map highlighted. It shows, in short, everywhere that has ever been Equestria.

The stallion is talking about some of the overview details of the class. There is one textbook that is at the center of the class and most assignments will come out of that. There will be two papers and two tests, and that is the totality of grades in the class. He says he will not take attendance, and he has some derisive remarks about students who come to college just to have fun at their parents' expense, and then not do anything. "The university already got your money. It's up to you to get your worth out of it."

He then starts his shortened lecture

>>155715
"What do you mean she wouldn't mind it?"

And
"Would you have laid with another stallion?"
Anonymous
54f74f1
?
No.155717
155718
>>155716
"She really wants us to be together. I was worried, but she does think of me as a good fillyfriend for you. And no, you are special to me and always will be." Her eyes shimmer with hurt disappointment at his rejoinder.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155718
155719
>>155717
He frowns
"What's wrong?"
He doesn't wait long for an answer, as if he doesn't expect one

"She does like you, yes. I think you are so far what she wants."
Amber Sunset
54f74f1
?
No.155719
155720
>>155718
"You know I wouldn't lie with another stallion," she whispers after he finishes. "But you said your ma had reason to be distrustful. If Ms. Salt Lick, or Asper Spring, or any other pretty pony you know would have thrown herself before you…would you? You can be honest, I won't judge you if you say yes." She evaluates his features keenly.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155720
155721
>>155719
"That's not what I meant. No..."
His voice is at first slightly angry, but it very quickly tapers off. His ears fall down, and his are wide and watery.
Amber Sunset
54f74f1
?
No.155721
155722
>>155720
She backs off and looks to the side, a little ashamed for pushing the question. "I'm sorry, I hope you can forgive me for asking such a stupid question…." She looks back at him. "But what did you mean?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155722
155723
>>155721
Softly whispering,
"I mean, I violated her trust"
Amber Sunset
54f74f1
?
No.155723
155724
>>155722
"By lyin' you did, but the other thing…you're a grown stallion and we're a couple now. Is it really that bad?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155724
155725
>>155723
He shakes his head and his ears fall to a halfway position. "If you don't understand, you're not going to. I thought you would."
Amber Sunset
54f74f1
?
No.155725
155726
>>155724
"Nopony sat me down and explained all this to me. Now isn't really the time, but maybe you could later?" she asks, still puzzled.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155726
155727
>>155725
"I will" He says

And from downstairs,
"Lunch is ready!"
Amber Sunset
54f74f1
?
No.155727
155730
>>155726
Before they leave, Amber leans her face forward close to his. "Mustard, I love you and that means I'll also help your family any way I can, both your sis and your ma." She closes her eyes and gives him a gentle kiss on the lips.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155730
155732
>>155727
Mustard Trim returns the kiss, leaning in. But he doesn't return the kiss gently. Rather, Amber can be confident that if Dahlia were not in the house expecting them downstairs, Mustard would have taken her to his bed. Mustard breaks it off himself, rather quickly, and has first a look of embarrassment, then guilt, and says to Amber
"Thank you. That means a lot to me."
Amber Sunset
12fabb2
?
No.155732
155733
>>155730
Such energy! she thinks to herself, blushing and blinking in surprise.

She smiles back at him. "Let's go have some lunch," she says, moving to go.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155733
155734
>>155732
Mustard does not smile back. If anything, he looks ashamed. But he makes an awkward smile, and follows Amber down the stairs.

The table is in a small corner in the back designated as a dining area with wooden floors. The table is not very big, and while it could probably seat six with difficulty, it comfortably seats four. Dahlia sits in one spot, and presumably Amber and Mustard Trim on the other side. Amber is allowed by Mustard to sit down first, and so she has the pick of sitting across from Dahlia or Veneer. Veneer comes down with a kind of disinterested expression shortly after Mustard and Amber.

The food is corn on the cob, boiled carrots, and boiled cauliflower. There is salt, pepper, and an entire stick of butter.
Amber Sunset
12fabb2
?
No.155734
155735
>>155733
Amber chooses to sit across from Veneer. When she sees the food laid out, there's a look of amazement on her face.
"You've laid out such a nice and plentiful meal!"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155735
155736
>>155734
The orange filly looks up at Amber with eyes that were evidently not expecting Amber's energy.

Dahlia replies
"Why thank you!" in a tone of joy that betrays an underlying desperation. She pushes forth a set of biscuits and sits down, while Mustard immediately moves for the biscuits
Amber Sunset
12fabb2
?
No.155736
155737
>>155735
She elbows Mustard, firmly but not enough to hurt. "We should be thankful for this bounty. I wish we ate this well in the country. We used to, but not anymore," she says with a tinge of sadness.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155737
155738
>>155736
Mustard turns to Amber, looking saddened. But Dahlia asks Amber,

“Would you like to lead the prayer?”
Amber Sunset
12fabb2
?
No.155738
155739
>>155737
should have picked cleric for this
"I would be honored," she responds. She clasps her hooves, bows her head and leads.

"Princesses, I am thankful to know such a wonderful family who invited me to this meal, and especially for knowing Mustard Trim, who has been especially kind. Thank you for this delicious food laid out before us on this beautiful day."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155739
155740
>>155738
"Amen" Dahlia adds

"Amen" from Mustard Trim

After a delay, there is an "Amen" from Veneer

... And Mustard Trim already has a biscuit in hoof
Amber Sunset
12fabb2
?
No.155740
155741
>>155739
Amber starts on the vegetable medley. How is it?
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155741
155742
>>155740
Boiler carrots… not too bad. They are closer to being overcooked than undercooked, being more or less okay. There is pepper, salt, and butter to help with flavor.

Mustard Trim places butter on the biscuit with a knife, while Veneer cuts the cauliflower with a knife abs eats it with a fork
Amber Sunset
12fabb2
?
No.155742
155743
>>155741
Amber adds some of the seasonings and butter that were so graciously provided. She also reaches for a biscuit to butter.

"I'm still at something of a loss for what to expect from the city, where to buy groceries and how to get around without always taking a cab. It ai–it isn't easy adjusting."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155743
155744
>>155742
If Amber was hoping for a sweet accidental hoof touch with Mustard, she is too late. He already has his biscuit.

It's hard to tell if the butter is real or margarine.

Dahlia:
"Yes, it was hard for us to adjust as well"

Veneer actually volunteers an answer:
"You get used to it, especially cabs. Just keep some coins on you. And you can walk most places, too."
Amber Sunset
12fabb2
?
No.155744
155745
>>155743
Nothing like a buttered biscuit to make you feel at home in a country house.

She asks Veneer in between bites (properly chewed and swallowed, of course), "I live east of the center of town. Do you know of any good places to walk to?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155745
155746
>>155744
Veneer:
"That's near where I work. There are quite a few fun bars, clubs, and restaurants in that area. Within about a mile or so, I mean."
Amber Sunset
12fabb2
?
No.155746
155747
>>155745
"Oh," she responds with a smile. She doesn't explicitly ask Veneer if she might show her those sometime, because Dahlia would obviously disapprove, but she hopes she got the message across. "I suppose every place has a bright side to it." She enjoys the cauliflower, at least as much as cauliflower can be enjoyed.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155747
155748
>>155746
“Yeah. There’s more stuff to do here.” Veneer says

Mustard Trim makes a remark that he must assume no one will hear:
“I think if a mayoral candidate proses to tear down a quarter of the old buildings to put in street cars, he’d win in a landslide.”

Sadly, there is no changing the fact that cauliflower tastes like cauliflower. Pepper does help, though.
Amber Sunset
12fabb2
?
No.155748
155749
>>155747
Amber replies to Mustard, though this might well trigger a political debate. "The old buildings might not be perfect, but they still have charm. And where will ponies live then?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155749
155750
>>155748
He looks over to her, looking her in the eyes with a surprised expression, like he wasn’t expecting that.

“The buildings are old and weren’t very nice when they were made. They’ve only gotten worse since then. So many of them have been shelled abs not fixed. As for the creatures, half of them can go home.”
Amber Sunset
12fabb2
?
No.155750
155751
>>155749
Her ears fold down. "But they could be fixed up when things get better. And what if their inhabitants can't go home, or don't want to?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155751
155752
>>155750
His ears fold back, and he presses his lips together. He says,

"Good point"

And immediately turns away from her, picking up his corn cob, and taking a huge bite out of it.
Amber Sunset
12fabb2
?
No.155752
155753
>>155751
Amber likewise appreciates the simple pleasure of the corn she helped boil, after having buttered it of course.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155753
155756
>>155752
Amber is left in silence for a few seconds to contemplate the fact that she lost her virginity to a colt who is too submissive to properly argue against her, and who has unsavory politics to boot. No take backs.

She has the fortune of having her revelation interrupted by Dahlia, who asks her,
"So have you been cooking since you got here?"
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155756
155757
>>155753
Could be worse, and he has room yet to grow a spine.

"No ma'am, I wish I could but I hadn't the funds to buy cookware, let alone groceries. I can at least start fixing meals on my own now."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155757
155758
>>155756
“How are you eating?” She asks
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155758
155760
>>155757
"Not very well the first couple of days, I'm afraid," she said, frowning. "I had to wait until my hostess job was over until I finally received my supper from the restaurant, close to midnight. But since I got a little money I've been able to eat at some diners."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155760
155761
>>155758
“Awwww…” Dahlia looks sad for Amber’s condition

“Well, I’m happy to have you over today” she says

“And you can come with us any time.” She adds with a little smile
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155761
155762
>>155760
"I'm very thankful, Mrs. Dahlia," she replies with genuine appreciation. "There's nothing finer than receiving hospitality in a strange city. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you folks."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155762
155763
>>155761
“I’ll keep it in mind” she says, closing her eyes as she says this
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155763
155764
>>155762
Amber continues to dig in hungrily. She hadn't eaten since the cliffside restaurant, and her activity since has given her a hearty appetite.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155764
155765
>>155763
There isn’t all that much food prepared. Several carrots, two cauliflower ears, one corn cob, abs a basket of biscuits leaving maybe two whole biscuits for each pony. Mustard Trim takes the most interest in eating, while Veneer takes the least. Mustard asks for several carrots from Veneer, who simply moves them over and he gobbles them down.
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155765
155766
>>155764
Amber doesn't blame Mustard for being so hungry, but she elects to show restraint so as to neither rob any family member of her food or to give the impression that it's insufficient. It's a sad state of affairs, though, that even a special meal to honor a potential new family member is scarce even in terms of bare staples. One which she knows only too well, leaving her quite sympathetic.

She also wonders how Veneer is able to go to these fancy places at night when their own pantry is so pitiful. Hopefully she can find out firsthand.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155766
155767
>>155765
It wouldn't be fair to call the meal "insufficient," but it isn't going to suffice as the sole meal of the day. nor would it be enough for soldiers on the march. Veneer does not eat all of her food, which Mustard happily takes. Eventually, all of the food is eaten.
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155767
155768
>>155766
Amber wipes her mouth and grins broadly at her hostess. "Thank you again, Mrs. Dahlia, for this fine meal. You sure feed your foals well."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155768
155769
>>155767
"You're welcome" She says, smiling happily. She picks up her plate, and there's a little back and forth over doing the dishes. Normally it seems that Mustard would do the dishes, or at least it is his turn, but with Amber there Dahlia suggests Veneer does it. Veneer does not want to do it (probably because she wants to leave), and there's a sort of conclusion the dishes can be done later.
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155769
155770
>>155768
"No no no, I can clean up," Amber asserts. "I was treated to such a terrific meal, it's only fair that I do the dishes."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155770
155771
>>155769
“Oh, it’s okay,” Dahlia says
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155771
155772
>>155770
"Then I'll do it."

She picks up her plate with her mouth and carries it to the kitchen.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155772
155773
>>155771
Mustard Trim is drafted in to help, and the two are washing dishes together in the kitchen.
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155773
155774
>>155772
Nothing makes her happier to have Mustard work beside her. "It's much faster with two, ain't it?" she says with a wide smile.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155774
155775
>>155773
"Yeah, it is" He says running a plate under the water, and scrubbing it.

"It doesn't really take that long though, usually. It's just the three of us. And she gets Veneer to do it sometimes."
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155775
155776
>>155774
"Veneer seemed to be in a hurry to go somewhere. I was hopin' to get to talk to her," she says, picking up a freshly cleaned plate and drying it.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155776
155777
>>155775
"Well, then go talk to her" Mustard says
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155777
155778
>>155776
"Alright, I'll be right back." She quickly dries off her hooves and heads for the entrance, hoping to catch Veneer before she leaves.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155778
155779
>>155777
Veneer has actually gone to her room, and has grabbed a jacket. She sees her as she walks down the stairs.
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155779
155780
>>155778
"Hello Veneer, could we have a word?" she calls out with a friendly smile.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155780
155781
>>155779
She looks over at Amber with a fairly serious expression. She moves much closer to Amber, closing the distance.
"Yes?"
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155781
155782
>>155780
Amber wears a slightly nervous smile and rubs her hoof against the carpet. "After you, uh, told me about fun places around where I live I was hoping, maybe…maybe you could show me around them sometime? I want to pick up on city ways and not be so much of a bumpkin. If the location isn't too far away for you, I mean."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155782
155783
>>155781
She is silent for a moment. But only for a moment.

"You still owe me for that stunt you pulled last night."
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155783
155784
>>155782
"Erm, alright, let me know what you need." It feels like her forehead's starting to sweat, she hopes it isn't visible.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155784
155785
>>155783
"I'll decide later. And what do you want? You want me to name clubs? You want me to take you?"
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155785
155786
>>155784
"Just…take me along, I won't be choosy."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155786
155787
>>155785
"To a club?" She raises an eyebrow
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155787
155788
>>155786
"Mhm, wherever you usually…I mean, where you think is best." Still, that nervous smile.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155788
155789
>>155787
"I suppose I could take you. If only so you can pay for everything."
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155789
155790
>>155788
Her smile disappears, her ears hung low. "I don't have much in the way of money, only enough for food until my next paycheck," she replies.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155790
155791
>>155789
"Then you're lucky I didn't have to pay for a cab" She says
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155791
155792
>>155790
The filly stays quiet, unsure of what to say. Was Veneer upset because of how Mustard's fillyfriend hurt him, or because the incident was a nuisance to her?
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155792
155793
>>155791
"Look. Okay. I get it. I'll think of maybe taking you along with my coworkers and friends one night, okay?"
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155793
155794
>>155792
She adopts a small smile. This is all she wanted. "Thank you."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155794
155795
>>155793
“Careful though, or you won’t be her golden filly anymore.”
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155795
155796
>>155794
"What do you mean?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155796
155797
>>155795
"My mother. Don't you see how she likes you more than her own foals?"
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155797
155798
>>155796
She looks off to the side. "Yes…I'm surprised she actually likes me, I thought her impression would be…different."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155798
155799
>>155797
She blinks, moves her head back, and smiles
"And what did you think it would be?"
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155799
155800
>>155798
"I thought she would treat me like she does Mustard, bein'…," she looks around to make sure she isn't overheard before whispering, "Awful demanding and suspicious."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155800
155801
>>155799
"Mustard is stuck with her. You can leave. She has to be nice to you, or else you'll go away." She pauses, but gives a sly smile

"She wants Mustard to have a fillyfriend. He hasn't taken the move, or the loss of his father and brother very well. And we thought he'd never get a filly friend. So when you come along, all adorable, a sweet and innocent little farm pony from the country, she's not going to scare you away. Or at least she'll try not to."
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155801
155802
>>155800
The gears start turning. "If we get hitched, do you think her attitude toward me would change?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155802
155803
>>155801
"Will you hit my brother again?" She asks
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155803
155804
>>155802
Amber widens her eyes in horror. "No, never. Even if he hit me. I still feel horrible for hurting him at all, but honest-to-Celestia I never meant to do so."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155804
155805
>>155803
"Uh huh. But you did it anyways." She rolls her eyes

"I don't know what she'd think of you after you got married. Mostly I think that's her goal. To get us both married, moved out of the house, and with grandchildren."
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155805
155806
>>155804
"I think so, that's all she seems to imply, but…what's your goal?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155806
155807
>>155805
"Well now I have to support her here, with this expensive house. And yes, I want to have fun, if that was your question."
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155807
155808
>>155806
"I also want to have fun, on top of…life stuff."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155808
155809
>>155807
She nods
"Yeah. Life stuff."
She looks away, and then back to Amber
"What... kind of fun?"
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155809
155810
>>155808
She has a hopeful look about her. "Whatever the city has to offer, I'm open to it."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155810
155811
>>155809
She has a malign grin
"Whatever it has to offer, you are open to?"
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155811
155812
>>155810
She grins back. "I love adventure and challenging my expectations."

Inwardly she is wondering, What am I getting myself into?
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155812
155813
>>155811
A wide smile comes across her face
“What kind of adventure?”
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155813
155814
>>155812
"All kinds. The wilder the better," she says with a confident smile.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155814
155815
>>155813
She nods, almost concerned
"Sounds like you don't much care to be Dahlia's golden filly"
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155815
155816
>>155814
"Like I said, I was surprised she thought of me as that at all. But I can't expect to stay like that forever. I've got to enjoy my youth."

But she ponders to herself, How deep in over my head am I?
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.155816
155817
>>155815
“Heh heh, yeah”
She moves forward, and to the side of Amber, then partly around her. She stands between Amber and the first floor now, with her tail tied into a… well, s pony tail.

“Life is short, after all.”
Amber Sunset
4967ebf
?
No.155817
155818
>>155816
If Amber wanted anything less than absolute rock-solid surety to bring back to Mustard, she would have backed down by now. But there is no backing down, at least not yet. "It sure is, and I've hardly seen anything there is out there."