/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.156680
156681
>>156679
She thinks she can recreate the tune. But she faces a few problems. One, the notes were presumably created on a viol? Second, there seems to have been more than one origin of the notes; i.e., more than one instrument. Though it isn't clear whether a mandolin was or was not among those instruments, to recreate any significant portion of the music would require multiple performers. Finally, and most importantly of all, Amber has never heard that sound out of an actual instrument before. It's the sort of sound that can exist only in dream, in a realm not bound by the dimensions of space and time.
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156681
156685
>>156680
Perhaps one day, when she's more familiar with the intricacies of music, she might be able to simulate it in some sort of composition. As for now, she goes out for a morning walk, without any clothes, for some invigoration before she takes on the rest of the day.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156685
156687
>>156681
The sun comes up. There are a surprising number of ponies (and griffins and zebras in smaller numbers) about. It looks like it must be a change of shift in some of the factories. Several of the dreaded batwinged-ponies are walking about. One rough looking bat pony stallion even cat calls her, and refers to Amber as "fine."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156687
156688
>>156685
Yeesh, bats!

She casts nervous glances around the bat ponies and steers clear of them, especially the cat-caller. However, the morning air, even in the city, is refreshing, and she returns back to her room to shower and get dressed.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156688
156689
>>156687
Celestia’s kindness is as boundless as her wisdom. But precisely why she chose to let the bat ponies continue to live after their treachery, rather than exterminate the lot of them when she had the chance, remains a mystery to Amber.

It is indeed a very fresh feeling. The air outside is chilly, which works just fine for physical exercise. The roads outside aren’t ideal for the purpose, but it works all the same.

The water if the shower is cold, but Amber dries off and gets dressed in a timely manner.
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156689
156690
>>156688
Sadly breakfast, even a cheap one at a greasy spoon–she reminds herself to buy some oats at least to prepare in her new pot–is outside of her budget, but at least she was well-nourished yesterday.

She heads off to start a day of work.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156690
156691
>>156689
Perhaps Amber wonders if Dahlia would have let her eat breakfast at his house... In any event, it's really Amber's fault for being poor.

Amber gets there are few minutes early, but High Sewn, who is already hard at work in her shop, immediately drafts Amber into doing work. High Sewn has directed Amber to place new price tags on dozens of items. Prices are going up.

While this happens, High Sewn volunteers her own projections for the future. She believes that a few key naval victories in the past week by New Mareland against several Griffonian nations is going to lead to those nations exiting the War. She thinks that from an economic perspective, this will be a good thing, as it would lead to an increase in supply, greater overseas trade, and hopefully, demobilization and the release of Equestrian P.O.W.s. She thinks that this might be a very bad thing. She believes that the Fascists have been willingly giving in to humiliating terms from the Changelings, the Harmonists, and the local Social Democrats, because they could not afford more conflict in Equestria. She thinks that once the war overseas is over, they will send hundreds of thousands of troops to Equestria, and will want to 'renegotiate'. Annoyingly, High Sewn stops working at a few points so she can hear herself talk, while Amber is made to continue replacing price tags.
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156691
156692
>>156690
As desperate as Dahlia might be to get her son hitched, Amber has known the family only for a day and it might be rude to mooch off them for every meal.

She marvels at how prices have gone up so quickly and does her best to neatly place the new tags. So many articles of clothing only drift further from her means.

Amber's ears swivel to listen to High Sewn. Without so much of a radio or newspaper, all of her knowledge of world events came from secondhand talk and gossip from local ponies, and now High Sewn fits into that role.

"You might be right on both points. I hope it's much more the former, and less of the latter. Less war is good anyway, at least."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156692
156693
>>156691
>Not wanting to exploit the desperation, sadness, and loneliness of kind strangers
Alright then. Do it your way.

At least the price increases are mostly small, generally no more than 5%, if even that. Still, it must be done.

High Sewn speaks with complete confidence on this subject, as she speaks on all subjects.

"The War has to end. They can't afford it. And I can't imagine they want so many of their stallions away for so long."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156693
156694
>>156692
Like any young mare, her thoughts drift to the stallions coming back. Brave, strapping young stallions.

"Will a lot of stallions from Baltimare be coming back?" she asks.

Immediately she feels guilty. How dare she be thinking about other stallions when she has Mustard! But knowing the market, so to speak, isn't bad in itself.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156694
156695
>>156693
She answers,

"If they actually do release the prisoners this time, then sure. A decent number. I can't really think of how many. A few thousand at least."

Whether Amber is asking because she wants to see about Mustard Trim's brother and or father being released, or because she wants to replace Mustard with a braver, stronger, better stallion... perhaps even his older brother - there is no question that very many of Equestria's best were taken in the war.
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156695
156696
>>156694
Mustard being cuckolded by his own brother would be a very strange turn of events indeed.

"Isn't it so cruel–not to mention expensive–to keep thousands of soldiers locked up for so long? Why is it still like that?" she complains.
Anonymous
b84260f
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No.156696
156697
>>156695
Strange. But Amber can make it happen. Unless both brothers end up with prettier mares... Anyways

"Cruel? They don't care. All they will ever tell the world is that conditions are good and typhus is kept to a minimum.

As to why, well the reason they say is that the War did not end with the Princesses' surrender. Hippogriffia, Aquelia, and Skyfall still fight, and they say they need the prisoners as leverage against them. More important, I think, is that they are afraid of the prisoners. When the surrender happened, many of the soldiers chose to continue fighting in the woods and jungles, and many more fled to Hippogriffia and elsewhere to keep fighting. Add in resistance, and I think they have trust problems. But the main reason, I think, is that they need the slave labor. You see, however many stallions went missing in the war here, there are far more stallions drafted over there. They don't have enough stallions to do basic things like build roads, harvest crops, or repair railways. So they have prisoners do it for them. And the few they really trust, they even let join the military.

Anyways, they say they will let the prisoners go when the war ends."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156697
156698
>>156696
https://youtu.be/Q4o6X9bOeRg

She looks shocked by those reasons.

"Slave labor? That's horrible! And unheard of in Equestria since…since King Sombra." She shakes her head, as if trying to get the visualization out of her head.

"We can only hope they have enough decency to abide by that promise…."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156698
156699
>>156697
"Oh please." She waves a hoof in the air, and rolls her eyes. Disturbingly, she's talking instead of doing work again.

"Every generation in every society has had it's bottom rung. A class of creatures who do the lowest, most menial of tasks. Serfs, slaves, earth ponies, the proletariat, immigrants... Now, for them, it's prisoners of war. Prisoners of war have always been a favorite source of such labor. In the past, they'd be kept their whole lives as slaves. At least in modern times there is some accountability for the masters, and the prisoners can be released after a time."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156699
156700
>>156698
At least Amber is getting paid for the work Sewn doesn't do, or at least she should soon. Paychecks are still an unfamiliar concept to the farmpony.

"It's still against the principles of Harmony," she grumbles. She really did not like earth ponies being lumped in with slaves and immigrants, evidently.
Anonymous
b84260f
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No.156700
156701
>>156699
The unicorn does not notice or care about Amber's offense. She stands up, and looks at a sheet which Amber knows is a reference sheet for prices. So at least she's doing something herself now.

"Only the Fascists think the Fascists abide by the principles of Harmony."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156701
156702
>>156700
And so on she works.

"I can't say you're wrong."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156702
156703
>>156701
She nods.

"Well, you better hope I'm wrong about there being a coming crackdown. They started too early in Manehattan, but be sure that they will do the same everywhere else soon enough."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156703
156704
>>156702
Amber can't help but shudder. Baltimare never was that safe, but the thought is terrifying.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156704
156705
>>156703
"Baltimare has been a quiet sector since they 'Pacified' it some months ago. Maybe it'll stay that way for years. But I don't think it will. I think everyone is just waiting for the right time to strike."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156705
156706
>>156704
"Don't you think it's a good idea to leave, then?" she asks with uncertainty.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156706
156707
>>156705
"To where?" She asks
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156707
156710
>>156706
The question gives her pause. "I don't know," she says flatly.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156710
156711
>>156707
"Well, I'll tell you. I built my business here, and I've kept it here through the War, the revolt, against protection racketeers, the city tax collector, and that one self-proclaimed 'Anarchist'. I'm not going to give it up easily, and I do not expect to close down business, at least not more than a week at a time. If I have to, I'll go to my little loft in Canterlot. I'd rather not. I'd rather avoid some of those ponies, and one stallion in particular, but it isn't like I've nowhere to go. Anyways, I've ridden out a hurricane here before, I've stayed through battle and siege, and I think I'll survive through what comes as well."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156711
156712
>>156710
She smiles at her employer's resolve.

"That's a good attitude to have. I'd prefer to stay here as well, and running rarely solves anything."
Anonymous
b84260f
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No.156712
156713
>>156711
“You’ve barely been in the town. Why would you stay?” She asks Amber
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156713
156714
>>156712
"It's a place of adventure, intrigue, and opportunity, there are so many things to learn about it!" she replies cheerfully. "Though older mares tend to scoff at that…."
Anonymous
b84260f
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No.156714
156715
>>156713
She shakes her head
“Oh you poor young thing… Tell you what. Go out there and get yourself some adventure and opportunity. Just don’t sign any contracts, give away the last of your money, and don’t walk away with a strange stallion without condoms and a gun, okay?
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156715
156716
>>156714
"Oh, you needn't worry about that ma'am," she replies. "I'm very careful about contracts and money. And although I haven't got a gun, I already have a decent coltfriend."
Anonymous
b84260f
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No.156716
156717
>>156715
She blinks
"What"
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156717
156718
>>156716
"Yes! He's the sweetest," she replies with a grin. "He's learning carpentry, and although he's of simple means he is of trustworthy stock."
Anonymous
b84260f
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No.156718
156719
>>156717
High Sewn has a general tendency to speak to ponies (and the griffin) without looking at them. This time, however, she looks directly at Amber, with her mouth open, and her right cheek muscle raised, partly closing her eye.

"Uh huh. Celestia, it's like the universe is trying to shame me for being single." The next lines are more directly aimed at Amber
"Okay, so is he back home?"
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156719
156720
>>156718
"No ma'am, he lives here in Baltimare, on the south side by the river," she replies.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156720
156721
>>156719
She looks at her with wide eyes
"You've been here a week"
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156721
156722
>>156720
"Yes, I know. Ain't I lucky?" she replies happily. "He works at the same restaurant that I do, that's how I met him."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156722
156723
>>156721
"Oh..." She says. "How old is he?" She blinks one, two, three times
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156723
156724
>>156722
"He's my age. He…um, never has had a marefriend before."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156724
156725
>>156723
"Oh." She actually looks relived for some reason

"Well, one week wouldn't be a record... Good luck. May you fare better than those who have come before."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156725
156726
>>156724
"Thank you!" One thing Sewn says puzzles her. "What do you mean, 'those who have come before'?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156726
156727
>>156725
"Do you think you're the first little filly to get a colt-friend? Well let me give you some advice. Don't let love blind you. Don't think that even a promise of marriage means he's serious. Don't think you ever really know a pony, even after years. Be very careful about getting tied down by even something like buying a home together, never mind a pregnancy or marriage. And I wouldn't recommend dating coworkers. It makes you hard to be impartial when things are good, and hard to be civil when things go catastrophically wrong. Also, new store policy: no dating coworkers. Remind me to tell Guy when he gets here in the afternoon."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156727
156728
>>156726
Amber thinks carefully about these words. Slowly, she replies, "Well, he seems really serious…but I'll keep it in mind. Thank you."

She continues, "Who would Guy be dating here? I'd never date him in a million years." She looks disgusted by the thought of either a pony dating a griffon or the insinuation that she would be the one to do it, considering she doesn't know any other workers than her and Guy.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156728
156729
>>156727
"Oh, they do that well. The seeming.

And don't disrespect Guy. He dresses well, he takes care of himself, works hard, tries to learn all of the clothing terms and brands, and puts up with insufferable customers, all while going to school. I wouldn't date him either, because I'm not too keen for griffin flesh. But I'd act like I was flattered, and respectfully decline. Actually, just in general don't insult stallions when you reject them. They'll make it their life's mission to get back at you."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156729
156730
>>156728
"Well, Guy ain't that bad–for a griffon–though he is distant. But what do you do if a stallion feels insulted really easily, and takes a reasonable rejection too personally?" Amber realizes that her boss is an odd source of advice, but one of the only ones available to her.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156730
156731
>>156729
"That's what you need to be tough for. Give all due respect, be reasonable in your dealings, act with all warranted politesse, and you will find out who is worth your time. It won't be your fault if they take it badly.

To be rejected, or worse, broken up with, is a very personal thing. Especially when it comes to romance, but honestly even when it comes to business contracts or employment, or buying a house. They are rejecting you. There is something humiliating in that. If you are strong, and they are strong, you can simply explain that it isn't going to work out, and they are not going to like it, but they can understand, and be on their way. If they are weak, they are going to know that the rejection is a confirmation of their weakness, and they will be angry no matter what you do, because they need someone else to blame for their own faults.

But no one likes insult on top of injury. So please, be nice, so you don't hurt someone who didn't deserve it. Well, hurt them more than you needed to. And frankly, if you think they are going to overreact to your rejection, do you really think they are going to underreact to your insults?"

She looks away for a moment, and back
"Guy is 'distant'? You sound like you are already dating him. Just try to open up conversation with him to get to know him better."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156731
156732 156733
>>156730
"Alright, but it's like Guy is always looking down on me. Thank you for the advice, by the way."

Indeed, she was not expecting Sewn's advice to be so detailed, and she keeps it in mind so she can closely evaluate her relationship with Mustard. For now though, she must work.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156732
156733 156734
>>156731
High Sewn opens the store for customers, and Amber is working once again.

There aren't that many ponies coming in, at least not yet. But it's more than none. A mare is shopping for her filly's cutesinera, and a couple for basic winter clothing. High Sewn helps with the Cutesinera, while Amber is placed on the register. This is a new experience, and Amber may have wished she learned a bit more 'rithmetic
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156733
156734
>>156731
>>156732
[1d2 = 2]
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156734
156735
>>156732
>>156733
Amber at least learned arithmetic, though it's not her strong suit, and she'll need to practice a bit more. She thinks she can do the job, she's just a little slow at it.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156735
156736
>>156734
A zebra comes in trying to get clothing for her foals. More than one mare comes in looking for heavy jackets that do not make sense in Baltimare weather. A stallion comes in looking for a birthday present.

During down time, High Sewn tries to explain the different kinds of thread used in the various articles of clothing sold at the store.
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156736
156737
>>156735
Odd, are they going north or into the mountains like that one mare and her foals?

"Is it thread used to make the whole piece or just to stitch parts together?" she asks High Sewn.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156737
156738
>>156736
“I’m referring to the threads the fabric is made out of.” She answers. “Not all fabric is the same. Some is more or less fine.”
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156738
156739
>>156737
"Oh, I know that for sure. My burlap cloak is rough and coarse, while my summer dress is of a much thinner weave."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156739
156740
>>156738
She presses her lips together at the mention of a “burlap coat.”

“Yes, like that, Ms. Sunset.”

Several more customers come in
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156740
156741
>>156739
Amber does her best to help these new customers, either in finding what they want or being at the register.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156741
156742
>>156740
Amber is trusted to answer some questions, but High Sewn is quick to insert herself where Amber’s answers are inadequate. The same with the register. It’s a mostly uneventful morning. Lunch time hits eventually.
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156742
156743
>>156741
Thirteen bits, which is what Amber has, would be enough for at least a morsel, but she has resolved to save ten of those to send back to her family at the earliest opportunity. Thus, for now she must go hungry.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156743
156744
>>156742
Poor little filly…

High Sewn remains in her store, and eats a packed sandwich, while she goes over a balance sheet.
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156744
156745
>>156743
Won't be too much longer that she will be skipping meals…hopefully.

She approaches and asks a question. "How often do prices have to get raised?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156745
156746
>>156744
“When they need to be. This didn’t really happen very often at all before the War. Then during the war, s couple of times. After the ceasefire, it happens regularly.”
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156746
156747
>>156745
"Why does it keep getting worse? And is food affected too?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156747
156748
>>156746
"Everything is affected, but the items most affected are those most affected by war and mobilization, whether in supply or in demand. How well do you know economics, little filly? Well..."
She looks around awkwardly, like she's giving Amber the talk on where foals come from.

"Well, when there is less of an item available, and the same number of ponies want it, then the price of that item goes up. So now in wartime, there are fewer of most goods being made, and for those goods where the same amount or more is made, there is even more demand for it because of the war. Usually, ponies would just buy fewer goods, But they are getting money from payments for war goods and soldier's wages and so forth. And that money comes from the Fascists - not that the old government didn't do this - who get it from fortunes that are seized and spent, or from forced loans from people who would not have loaned, or most of all, from issuing paper bank notes. So they are adding new money into the economy, without really taking that money out. And that money goes to buy fewer goods, and the prices go up."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156748
156749
>>156747
It takes the little filly a minute to wrap her head around it. "So if everypony used oats to pay for things like dresses…," she goes on, food evidently on her mind, "and there were a lot more oats but fewer dresses, it would take more oats to buy every dress?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156749
156750
>>156748
"Yes" She answers. "Because if you really wanted a dress, and had more oats to pay for it, you'd have to, and you'd be willing to, pay a higher amount of oats to get one of the few dresses, than if there were more dresses to buy, and fewer oats to but it with."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156750
156751
>>156749
"I think I get it now. How long do you think it will go on like that?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156751
156752
>>156750
"The shortages will continue so long as stallions aren't in the work force, factories make things no one buys, and the shipping lanes are closed. Basically, so long as the war continues. The real problem, I think, is the paper money. That is going to continue either until ponies no longer accept it and the system collapses, or until the occupation government gets bold enough to start collecting taxes. Lots of taxes."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156752
156753
>>156751
She frowns and her ears dip low. There is no easy solution, then. '"I guess we just have to make do for the time being…"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156753
156754
>>156752
She pauses for a moment.
"The clothing I sell is made out of the same materials, and with a lot of the same machines, used to make uniforms, tents, sleeping bags, flags, tourniquets, and parachutes. You can even use the same shops and factories, with a little modification. Same workers, too. That's the stuff that isn't imported, which has mostly stopped during the war. Of course high end clothing is a bit of a luxury now, so many ponies do without. No. It has not been easy. But I make do."
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156754
156755
>>156753
"Not too different from the country, then. There aren't enough pegasi around to handle weather management, at least in more remote farmland, so weather can be a lot more variable. It's hard to adjust to that when farming," she says melancholically.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156755
156756
>>156754
She nods gravely
“Just remember, this too shall pass.”
Amber Sunset
54615d3
?
No.156756
156759
>>156755
"Hopefully soon."

Going to sleep now
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156759
156761
>>156756
She again looks away, and sits down in the chair at the main counter.

"My grandfather told me that. When my father told me that as a reminder, he meant it about the good times. Not to get too complacent." She looks for a moment like she wants to add something, but instead takes a bite out of her sandwich.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156761
156762
>>156759
"True, I suppose we were complacent for too long a time, though I wasn't around for those good times that much," she replies melancholically.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156762
156763
>>156761
"I'm not letting myself be complacent now, that's for sure." She remarks, not looking at Amber.

(Amber of course has some time to do things before the afternoon shift)
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156763
156764
>>156762
What is there to do, except tidy herself up a bit? Lunch break has come to be something of a dull time for Amber.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156764
156765
>>156763
Make conversation with High Sewn, go to the post office, ask about paychecks, walk around the city... I don't know, that's why I ask. Anyways, we can just move to Guy arriving, and then the afternoon shift.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156765
156766
>>156764
Well, Amber was planning on going to the post office between jobs, but it occurs to her that she doesn't know its hours and it might be closed when she gets off. So she heads there to pick up an envelope, some paper and some stamps.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156766
156767
>>156765
Amber finds a building in the town center that must not be a simple post office, but likely the lead post office of Baltimare, being a square building with stone facade, decorative roofing, and two floors. Inside, the floors are brown marble, the ceilings are high and arched, and there are numerous P.O. Boxes. There’s a break off section to buy stamps, envelops, and the like, as well as obviously send letters and packages.

.35 bits for two sets. Some of the stamps are pretty.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156767
156768
>>156766
This is a fancy building, she thinks to herself.

How much do the pretty stamps cost?
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156768
156769
>>156767
.10 bits, though frankly, these are probably intended for sending mail to places not in the local area and are probably overkill, unless Amber is writing to somepony in Canterlot.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156769
156770
>>156768
Just realized Sewn never expounded on why she banned coworkers dating in her store, despite it not being a foreseeable issue at all

She admires the design for a little before settling for two standard sets. How are subdivisions of bits handled?
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156770
156771
>>156769
By means of coins. The currency situation is complicated, naturally, but the Post Office accepts and pays in change Occupation Bits.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156771
156772
>>156770
Well, that works. She thanks the clerk and returns back to her workplace.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156772
156773
>>156771
It's an older stallion, this time, in a blue uniform. All the same, Amber should have two sets each of paper, envelopes, and stamps.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156773
156774
>>156772
She'll be able to write back home, finally, and it didn't break the bank. Perhaps stamps are one of the few things relatively unaffected by inflation.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156774
156775
>>156773
Though the system is subsidized by the government, Amber could have sworn they were cheaper. In any case, Amber may have time to write at least part of her letter to back home.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156775
156776
>>156774
Once she's back at the shop, she sets down to writing with her mouth. She isn't too bad at it.

Dear Mama & Papa,

I arrived safe and sound in Baltimare and it's such a beautiful city! I'm not sure if you would like it though, it has such hustle and bustle and creatures from all over. I've never seen so many ponies around and about since we visited Canterlot together. It's also a very old city, with grand old houses, historical buildings and factories of all sorts. Different parts of the city are their own locales, with parts by the ocean, by the river, and deep inland. You can usually know where you are just from the types of structures and creatures around you. I am renting a small apartment on the East side and it's comfortable enough.

Fortunately I managed to find two jobs right away. One involves helping a nice, older mare named High Sewn at her clothing shop, which has such a grand variety of sweaters, dresses and other clothing. Ponies of all sorts come here and it's rarely dull. My second job is at a fancy restaurant where I'm a hostess. It's big and busy enough to have four different waiters, as well as a friendly manager named Salt Trim, so I'm needed to help direct customers to tables that one of them serves. It's a terrific job and I love it, but it has me working until late hours and it's not what I'm used to.


However, she runs out of time and resolves to complete it later today.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156776
156777
>>156775
D'awww
Cutie. Little. Patootie.

Amber's letter mixes up the names of the bartender/manager and the new waiter that's around Amber's age, and it also understates the number of waiters employed by one. But her parents won't know the difference, and if she deliberately withheld information about her coworkers to them, they wouldn't know.

Amber arrived in Baltimare six or maybe seven days ago (I haven't entirely kept count; maybe it's only been five) with little money on her, and in that time has acquired an apartment, two jobs, and furniture and other furnishings for her apartment, while acquiring no debt. It has, however, cost her a significant portion of her innocence, though admittedly much less than it could have under the circumstances.

Guy arrives perhaps ten minutes before the start of the afternoon shift.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156777
156778
>>156776
Salt Mixer, sorry. It would help if she wasn't always a background character.

Innocence is a commodity like any other in the city of Baltimare, and some may say Amber has used hers shrewdly.

She seeks to strike up a conversation with her coworker. "Hello Guy, how was your weekend?" she asks with a smile.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156778
156779
[1d2 = 2]
>>156777
I had to look up the name too, because I forgot it.

Amber's innocence gave her about 400 bits and a special connection to her coworker. She can probably get more mileage out of it.

Guy turns and looks to Amber, as if surprised she is talking to him. After some hesitation, he replies
"Good, I would say. Mostly uneventful."
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156779
156780
>>156778
"Oh, well that's nice. The cliffs just to the south of the city are beautiful, even this time of year."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156780
156781
>>156779
He turns to her, and asks
“What?”
Evidently surprised by this response
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156781
156782
>>156780
She looks away a bit, and back again. "Well, Baltimare is a lovely city, but leaving it now and again is a nice way to enjoy fresh air. I was lucky enough to have that chance on Saturday."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156782
156783
>>156781
“What did you do?” He asks
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156783
156784
>>156782
"Just, um, had a run around, and did some stargazing. Hehe." Her laugh sounds forced.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156784
156785
>>156783
He nods his head
"Uh huh. What else?"
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156785
156786
>>156784
"And I went and visited a friend. That was nice." Her smile at least seems genuine now.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156786
156787
>>156785
"Well then, you had a good weekend," He says.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156787
156788
>>156786
"Oh, one of the best I've had! I hope this week will be alright."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156788
156789
>>156787
He looks at her strangely
"Does this have something to do with the mare that talked to you on Friday?" He asks
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156789
156790
>>156788
"Only indirectly. She asked me to come to a club, but it wasn't really to my liking. Well, the music was phenomenal," she confesses.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156790
156791
>>156789
"The music?" He asks, raising an eyebrow. "What did they have?"
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156791
156792
>>156790
I think it was a violin

"There was an old griffon playing the violin, but really he was too good for the establishment. The poor ol' codger didn't look too happy there, but where else was he going to play? His music was otherworldly though, I can't stop thinking about it."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156792
156793
>>156791
It was a viol

He nods, evidently listening intently
"Where was this, he asks
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156793
156794
>>156792
"Well, it was the Club Maurice," she answers cautiously. "They were doing some renovations there."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156794
156795
>>156793
>doing some renovations
Kek

"I should check that out sometime. I have an interest in music." He answers
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156795
156796
>>156794
"You might like it, the atmosphere is relaxing and lets you focus on the performance. The decor is pleasant too," she says with a smile.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156796
156797
>>156795
He nods
"What kind of music did he play? Any particular pieces or styles?" He asks
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156797
156798
>>156796
Amber thinks about this for a moment. How would she go about describing the composition?
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156798
156799
>>156797
It seemed original, and multiple styles within the supergenre of "classical music." If he was playing someone else's work, she isn't familiar with it.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156799
156800 156801
>>156798
"I can't say whose it was, maybe his own, but it was gorgeous classical music. It really was something."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156800
156801
>>156799
He nods

[1d2 = 2]
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156801
156802
>>156799
>>156800
"I play the saxophone, and try to study music, so it's nice to hear musicians, especially those who play classical music, and those who can write their own music."
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156802
156803
>>156801
She smiles in appreciation. "I play the mandolin myself. Hearing a skilled musician of any instrument is a real treat. I do highly recommend his performance."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156803
156804
>>156802
This elicits a smile, perhaps the first Amber has seen on him. At least it seems to be a smile. There is more beak than lips, and facial expressions are dull because of that.

“Oh really? How long have you played?”
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156804
156805
>>156803
"I've played since I was a little filly, taught by my ma. I am by no means a very good player, but I still practice whenever I can and hopefully one day I can be inducted into music school." The mare looks happy and relaxed to be talking about this.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156805
156806
>>156804
He nods
“You want to go to music school?” He asks
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156806
156807
>>156805
"Yes, but from what I know admission is strict and it can be very expensive. So I don't know if I can realize that dream, but I can try.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156807
156808
>>156806
"That must be why you're here" he says
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156808
156809
>>156807
"Actually no…I'm here because I need to earn money to send back home to my parents. That's what I need to focus on in the here and now."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156809
156810
>>156808
“I see…” he says. “Good luck.”

The afternoon shift starts, and the first customers start coming in.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156810
156811
>>156809
"Thank you," she replies cordially.

Amber gets ready to do her best.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156811
156812
>>156810
There are several duties of employees when customers come in. The most obvious is helping customers find what they are looking for. This includes describing details about the clothing. Naturally, Amber doesn’t really have enough knowledge for more than the most basic questions, and maybe a few specific items. Another duty that occurs less often is measurements for custom fitting. Guy does this. Actual sewing, hemming, and embroidering takes place in a back room, and High Sewn sometimes disappears for that, needing Guy to fetch her on the occasions he cannot answer questions. Things like shelf stocking occur in down time, sometimes, and of course the cash register needs to be manned… er, creatured. It seems that new customers entering prefer Amber to Guy, or even High Sewn, for that matter.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156812
156813
>>156811
Although she doesn't know as much as the other two, she puts on a friendly face and does her best to help them out, though often doing dull tasks like stocking and operating the register. Occasionally she strikes up small conversations with the customers when it doesn't hold others back.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156813
156814
>>156812
One mare has a daughter who is being taken to the school dance. Or at least she thinks she’s being taken to the school dance. The colt she expects to go with will definitely ask her, right?
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156814
156815
>>156813
"Colts can surprise you in what they expect and might say no at the last minute. It might be safer to hint it until you get a definite answer."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156815
156816
>>156814
sigh

Fortunately, High Sewn is there to intervene.

“If he doesn’t ask, when she shows up with a dress like this, he’ll wish he did. Class, personality, an a compliment to natural beauty.”
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156816
156817
>>156815
Amber is embarrassed that she was asked for confirmation rather an actual advice, and tries to redeem herself.

"It looks perfect on you. He'll be charmed," she reassures the filly.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156817
156818
>>156816
(It kind of matters as to whether Amber was speaking to the filly herself, or to the mare buying the dress for the filly).
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156818
156819
>>156817
The preceding statement is directed to the filly. To the mother she adds, "Your daughter will look wonderful at the school dance with this dress," with a slightly nervous smile.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156819
156820
>>156818
The filly has a question for Amber:
“What did you wear at your Prom? Or… what are you going to wear?”
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156820
156821
>>156819
"I…never had the chance to go to a prom. But if I did, I would wear a dress that complements the colors of my coat and mane, like that dress does for you."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156821
156822
>>156820
It’s aquamarine, for what it’s worth. Well, a blue color and also aquamarine.

She nods, but says “I’m sorry” to the filly.

High Sewn brags to the mare about the dress she bought for her own wedding. Evidently is was made by Rarity (yes, that Rarity). She regrets selling it.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156822
156823
>>156821
Amber forgets her own shortcomings and looks to Sewn with admiration. Apparently even she has heard of the Element of Generosity. "Wow, really? Rarity designed uniforms for the Armed Forces during the War, and even that was just one small part of all the ways she helped. A dress like that is a real honor."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156823
156824
>>156822
High Sewn blushes in flattery from Amber's words. She explains to the are that this is the first time her employee has heard the story.

"She made it herself. It was yellow, mostly. Yellow and gold, with pink flowers on it. She thought it complimented my coat, which she said looked like the fresh growth of spring."
She is smiling, which she clearly doesn't do often, and is on a sort of high for a moment before she returns to the filly, whom she explains has the soft colors of a lily pond.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156824
156825
>>156823
Amber can't help but gush a little bit longer. "Aw, you must have looked so splendid in that dress. I wish I was able to see you wearing it."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156825
156826
>>156824
She smiles, not knowing what to do with Amber's statements in the moment.
"Guy, help this lovely mare and her lilypad filly."
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156826
156827
>>156825
"Sorry, I was just amazed," she apologizes to Sewn, still grinning.

She turns back to the duo. "What would you like help with?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156827
156828
>>156826
Sewn remarks:
"I was too. I would have loved to see me wear it also."

Guy has already walked up, and is talking about the kinds of dresses the other little fillies would be wearing, and you know, how she will look better than them if she wears any one of three potential options carried by the store.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156828
156829
>>156827
She lets Guy do his stuff.

To Sewn: "You were so lucky to meet a pony you read about in books and newspapers. What was she like?", the employee eagerly asks.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156829
156830
>>156828
"Collected. Professional. But you could see her overcome with an almost childlike joy when talking about something she was truly passionate about. She had a real eye for colors. Like she could very easily imagine the whole finished project, in all of its detail, on a mare."
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156830
156831
>>156829
"Mmm, what a truly talented mare," Amber remarks. Thinking about that joy on somepony who cares about dresses even more than she herself cares about music gives a warm, bubbly feeling.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156831
156832
>>156830
Importantly, the sale is made. That little filly will get the colt she wants, or maybe a better one. More importantly, all of her friends will be jealous.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156832
156833
>>156831
What a lucky little filly, she thinks to herself. She gets a brand-new dress all to herself, no need for a hoof-me-down.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156833
156834
>>156832
High Sewn says to Amber,
"Remember, Ms. Sunset, we sell things here. To mares and fillies we sell popularity and the envy of their peers. That dress will make them look prettier than any of their friends at the dance, and will make them look higher class and wealthier than the other mares at the club. That they'll show up that smarmy little bitch at work when she shows up to the function. To stallions, we sell that they will fit right in, and project that image they want to project. That they will look like they belong in the job, or did well enough in dressing to their sister's wedding. And for gifts, we sell what the mare in question wishes she could wear at that age and occasion, or that a husband remembered his wife's anniversary. Or that if a stallion buys a fancy enough, expensive enough, pretty enough dress for his wife, the image his wife has of him on top of the maid in the guest room will slip from her mind. And sometimes, we sell warm clothing."
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156834
156835
>>156833
"A-alright, Miss Sewn, I understand it," Amber says, a little ashamed that she almost cost the sale. "We basically want to let them know that they made the right decision in coming here, as long as they're shopping for clothes."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156835
156836
>>156834
She nods
"They aren't shopping for clothes. They are shopping for the validation and approval of others. Dissuade them from a specific item of clothing if you have to, but sell them on a different one. Preferably one with a higher profit margin."
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156836
156837
>>156835
"Alright, I'll try to do that. I've never really sold anything before, but I'll do my best," she promises.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156837
156838
>>156836
"It isn't easy. It's a skill that has to be learned over years. Keep trying at it."
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156838
156839
>>156837
"I'll learn it, surely. I've heard of some ponies who are able to sell anything, even bridges!"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156839
156840
>>156838
If only we were so persuasive. And remember, we sell clothing and style here. So you need to learn as much about the styles as possible. At least to sound like you know what you are talking about.”
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156840
156841
>>156839
"I wish I knew more, but all the sartorial knowledge I have is about my two dresses, the one I have on now and my summer-dress. Maybe on a warmer day I should wear my summer dress for you to have a look at?" she suggests.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156841
156842
>>156840
She looks away, with a bemused half smile.
"Sure, little filly. It will help if you learn more here. I'll try to tell you about the styles as dresses as I can."
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156842
156843
>>156841
Amused or bemused?

Also, Alan Flusser is a good reference for men's fashion, but I don't know any sources I can recommend if you want to go into detail on dresses.

"I'd be happy to learn about them!" the squat little filly exclaims.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156843
156844
>>156842
Amused, whatever

"Good"
She raises a hoof, and pats Amber on the head

"Keep it up. You never know where it could lead."
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156844
156845
>>156843
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYGkv8k5alU

filly is pat
"Thank you, Miss Sewn!" she says cheerfully.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156845
156846
>>156844
"Well you're just a little gumdrop of joy" she says, and returns to her seat.

Guy returns after ringing up the sale. And they are ready for more customers. The next one is a stallion (colt?) looking for a coat for... it's hard to say exactly.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156846
156847
>>156845
"What kind of occasion are you getting a coat for, mister?" she asks.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156847
156848
>>156846
He looks up to her, and smiles to her

"I just want one that looks cool. To wear, you know."
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156848
156849
>>156847
"O-kay…" she says, pausing for a second. "That would be everyday wear, should be over in this section here…."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156849
156850
>>156848
"No no." He says. "Like a mobster, Or an army officer."
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156850
156851
>>156849
"Why would–" she starts to question, but remembers that's not how you sell clothes. The few pictures of mobsters she's seen fit with their descriptions in books, which would be sharply-dressed yet fierce-looking ponies, wearing a suit or a vest and always a fedora. As for army officers, if the store does carry uniforms the legality of selling them to anypony might be doubtful, so she elects the mobster look.

"Right this way…" she says to him, bemused as to why he would ask for that type of look.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156851
156852
>>156850
They go towards stallions formal wear, with its set of vests, jackets, coats and the like
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156852
156853
>>156851
"I think grey might suit you," she suggests.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156853
156854
>>156852
“And not black?” He looks at the row of vests and jackets, rather than at Amber
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156854
156855
>>156853
"I think Miss Sewn said black goes with everything," she says hesitantly.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156855
156856
>>156854
"So... Yes, black?" He asks
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156856
156857
>>156855
"Hmm, yes, so does anything here catch your eye?" she asks back.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156857
156858
>>156856
He looks at a coat, and points it out. It has big buttons, is made of wool, and is a shade of black. Or grey I guess, it’s very dark.
“That one.”
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156858
156859
>>156857
She takes the coat off the rack and holds it between them, squinting with one eye like she's seen High Sewn do. Will it fit?
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156859
156860
>>156858
She'd need to match it to his size, and maybe measure him, if necessary
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156860
156861
>>156859
That's beyond her expertise. Before she calls another, she asks, "Is there anything else that stands out to you here?"
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156861
156862
>>156860
“That” he says. It’s a vest. This one actually is grey.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156862
156863
>>156861
Amber tries to judge which would look better on the young stallion. Also, what are their price points?
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156863
156864
>>156862
The coat is decidedly more expensive. The coat would look better as the sole item of apparel on the colt, but frankly, Amber’s earlier assessment that a fedora is an essential part of the outfit was accurate.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156864
156865
>>156863
"I recommend getting this coat. Also, you could use a hat on your head."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156865
156866
>>156864
He nods, and looks at the coat, takes it down, and looks at the price tag. He winces.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156866
156867
>>156865
Amber can't help but feel sorry for the colt, who's only trying to look his best, though his standard of style is odd in her opinion. It'll be a long time most likely before she can own something from this store.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156867
156868
>>156866
“Let me look at the vest.” He says
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156868
156869
>>156867
"Alright, I hope it's what you like."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156869
156870
>>156868
He looks at it with a frown.
“This is also a bit pricey.”
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156870
156871
>>156869
She rubs her fetlock awkwardly. "Oh, well prices will only be going up everywhere, and this is a one-time purchase that will last you a long time."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156871
156872
>>156870
"This is nearly a week's salary" He says
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156872
156873
>>156871
"That's better than my salary, then," she says timidly. "I'd rough it for a week if it meant I could look significantly better for years."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156873
156874
>>156872
He looks around, contemplating his options.
"Alright... I think I'll take it."
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156874
156875
>>156873
"Great!" she says with a smile. "I think you'll be happy with it."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156875
156876
>>156874
He smiles, though weakly.
“So, do I just take one down?”
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156876
156877
>>156875
"Oh, um, let's get you fitted!" She goes to get either High Sewn or Guy, whichever is closest or free.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156877
156878
>>156876
Guy comes and asks about the size. He replies that he doesn’t know. Guy says a measurement is required. The colt asks if “the filly” can do it.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156878
156879
>>156877
"I…I can try, if I'm told how to do it."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156879
156880
>>156878
Guy looks at Amber, frowns and rolls his eyes, and says “you know what, let’s do it now.”

He says to take the measuring tape, and wrap it around portions of the colt’s shoulders, upper forelegs, chest, the withers, and even the neck. And every actual measurement has to be written down, of course.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156880
156881
>>156879
Amber volunteers to write down the numbers while Guy dictates, if he lets her do this.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156881
156882
>>156880
This displeases the colt.

Guy agrees. The final result of the measurements, is that a particular vest in the back would approximate his size, but it could be slightly adjusted for a better fit.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156882
156883
>>156881
The colt will not be touched by this filly.

"Does that sound good to you? You'd have to wait a little bit longer for it to be adjusted."
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156883
156884
>>156882
"Yeah." He says simply.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156884
156885
>>156883
"Alright." She gives High Sewn the measurements and asks her when it will be ready.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156885
156886
>>156884
High Sewn goes back with the measurements and a vest.

He goes to the desk to pay for it. He empties out his entire wallet, then takes off his shoes to pull out more money. Two shoes. It isn’t hard to see why. It’s a decent amount of money to walk around the city with.
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156886
156887
>>156885
>horses wearing shoes that aren't horseshoes

Anyway, you can't be too careful these days. Amber takes the time to type out a receipt and gives it to him, telling him to hold onto it. She genuinely hopes the vest will satisfy him. No wonder most ponies go naked; clothes are expensive.
Anonymous
b84260f
?
No.156887
156888
>>156886
Hey it’s canon. I think. I’m pretty sure it’s canon.

It’s a good thing Amber will never be taken to a dance to show off herself and her colt. Nope. Never.

He smiles, and asks
“What’s your name?”
Amber Sunset
5ebdd7d
?
No.156888
156889
>>156887
"I'm Amber Sunset, I just started work a week ago," she says with a smile.