Tartarus chronicles, book one: "the toymaker"

After days of traveling, Ponyville was finally in sight. I shambled down the dirt path leading to the rustic little town. It was night, so there were barely any ponies in the streets. I looked around and spotted a.... Carousel? Huh.

I made my way to the strange building and saw a door. I knocked when I got close, and waited. I faintly heard a clopping noise as someone approached the door from the other side. "I'm dreadfully sorry dear, but we're closed for tonight" A posh voice said from the other side.

"That's okay, I just need directions to the town hall. I just got here." I called back. the door opened, revealing an alabaster...bipedal...unicorn. Her eyes were level with my stomach. She looked up at me, eyes widening as they met mine.

Now, I may not have mentioned this earlier, but my name is David. I'm one of the last humans left in Equestria. I'm 22 years old,

and 7'5, so I might have a hard time blending in.

Anyway, she snapped out of her shocked trance and gave me a nervous smile. "Well, hello! Welcome to Ponyville! My name is rarity." she said with a flip of her mane.

"I'm David. I was left a house here, and I need the keys from town hall to get in and set up shop." I explained, giving her my best gentle smile.

"Well, I'd be happy to lead the way. Sweetie belle! I'll be back!" she called over her shoulder. I stepped aside to let her out, and we began walking to the center of town. "You mentioned setting up shop, what kind of shop?" she asked.

"A toy shop. I'm a toymaker." I explained. Her eyebrow raised, "A toymaker? What kind of toys?"

"porcelain and plastic dolls, wind up toys, music boxes, et cetera." I answered with a bit of pride "I'm really good at it."

She stopped and turned to look at me. "Do you have any with you?" she asks curiously, giving me that smile women always get when they want something. I had some in my pack, so I shrugged and reached over my shoulder, grabbing what felt like one of my porcelain dolls, and presenting it. It was a very detailed tan earth pony doll in a simple yellow sundress, blonde mane, and freckled. Rarity's eyes widened considerably at this.

"That doll looks just like my friend applejack! Did you make this after her?" she asked, still bearing a shocked expression.

"I don't think we've ever met." I admitted, scratching my head.

"Strange..." she thought for a moment, then continued walking, me following.

"You seem very good at it, there isn't a lot of toymakers in Ponyville. Actually....." she thought for a moment "I don't believe we have any full-time toymakers here."

"You will soon enough." I said with a smile. I think I'm gonna like it here.