Introduction, a Humble Beginning: 1
I had noticed that a new shop had opened in my city. It's apparently a Jewellery Boutique. I keep track of these things since I enjoy shopping. Just as I enjoy the finer things. I like to have just a little bit of a flare to my life.
At the time I moved out, I was promised I was to have something special. Something to wear, and I had asked for a ring. I was to see the boutique for the first time.
I guess I had always enjoyed to wear jewellery, just that I never was into the flashy or showy items. I want the one beautiful item, a ring, a necklace, a bracelet, or possibly a pair of earrings. Small, but delicate, possibly with a stone in it, but it had to be the real thing and no cheap copy. It's supposed to enhance my looks, not be plastered over it.
I know, these never came cheap, but I'm quite content with a small selection to choose from. The opposite would only go against the idea with a beautiful item.
True to my principles, my wardrobe is only equipped with the exquisite suits, but they are few. I am going to acquire an apartment and a car, following the same principles. I need no large, flashy home or vehicle. Just a small and serviceable one that can live up to my needs and desires.
I had chosen to see the new boutique first. Maybe it is merely the fact that this is new, or it was the feel I had as I first saw the door-front. Either way, I'm sticking with my choice.
What surprised me as I walked to the door as I had intended to have a closer look, is the lack of metal bars you commonly see in the windows of common Jewellery shops in the city. I guess they are there in every store, these days. Only now, I see but a large clear window, showcasing a small selection of everyday jewellery, and nothing but.
What I saw behind the glass since I assumed it was merely glass, is a few watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, nothing fancy and no gems, just gold and silver items.
Behind these simple items, I could clearly see the counter, crafted out of what seems to be stainless steel and glass. Inside I could see small rings and the likes. Only now they are detailed and with gems. Not overly fancy, but at least good enough for the common girl.
As I open the door, I hear the sound of a chime, in a rather discrete fashion, no noise, just enough to make you realise you are expected and appreciated.
“Greetings. Welcome to Five Magics Boutique!” the cute looking girl behind the counter greeted me, the moment she saw me approaching her behind the counter.
“Hiya and thanks. I was looking for something special, on the more exquisite side of the range. Nothing big, just beautiful on me!” I responded.
“Then I just may be able to help. We have specialized in, as you say, the special Items. Just a matter of exactly what you are looking for. If it isn't in, we may be able to make a special order on what you are looking for!” she responded with her gentle, delicate tone of voice that is just her and what you expect from a finer establishment.
“I would like to hope you could. If you need to make a special order, it is fortunate that I will not need it right away. May I see Neck-Laces? I like the sparkle in these gems!” I pondered.
“Certainly!” she pronounced as she pulled a section out, pulling it out and placing it on top of the counted before me.
On closer inspection, it is clearly a sample case, meant to demonstrate the range in a limited selection, giving me a hint as to what I am actually looking for, rather than a final choice. Each was a different chain, link and pendant.
“These are for selection? That ruby looks great, but the white or the blue chain would look better together with it. There is the kind of link I was looking for!” I responded, pointing out one item at the time.
“I may need to measure your neck to get the chain's length perfect, I take it you desire a fairly close fit, not the loose hanging looks, right?” she confided, as she pulled out a new selection of jewellery, just after she slipped the first back into place.
“I trust you know how to handle that. Since I rarely buy new gems like these, I don't know how long it needs to be, just how I want it to look. I know I need a chain for it to stay in place, but it is just that. It is the gem that makes all the difference. These looks interesting, but I'm not entirely sure!” I pointed out as I looked over the collection of samples.
“I certainly can handle it and we do have the means to do it just right. Looks as if you are more interested in the more unorthodox cut gems. I have a small selection to guide you further, but I feel I have to take you to one of the inner rooms, in order for you to find what you truly look for?” she suggested as she was looking at what I was focusing on, and how I was reacting to each and every gem I was looking at.
“Excellent. It is in the gem, and to some extent in how it is caught and bound that is important. This would be where the qualities of the metal holding the gem in place comes into play. I'm looking for highlights, not over shadowing here!” I suggested.
“That is the tricky part. Gold wouldn't hold your Ruby very well. It is not so much the way the golden hue conflicts with the red Ruby, as how the weak gold needs to be too solid to create the desired highlight you are looking for. You are looking for something from the Equestrian selection, by the sounds of your choices!” she empathised.
“As good as Gold may look, with the right kind of gems, it doesn't go well with a Ruby. The hue is all wrong and it is much too weak to hold a strong Ruby. The Equestrian selection? I never heard of it!” I responded.
“Gold may be a rare and expensive metal, but it is not really all that good for jewellery. Not that Silver is much better. They are commonly used, primarily due to the exclusive feel they get, since they are as expensive as they are. Nothing about quality in jewellery at all, which is sad. Platinum and Titanium are much better on their respective strengths. There are yet others, depending on what you like to make it look like. Strength and hue are after all the details we are looking for. I just would not sell all that much based purely on these qualities!” she pondered out, as if thinking loudly to herself.
“Never really liked Gold in jewellery, it's better in electronics. Rarely goes well with the gems I like. You have a chain with a hint of blue, but with a high gloss finish?” I responded.
“We certainly do have, as rare as they are. Probably would be the best choice with your complexion too!” she put forth.
“Great. Can I have a thin chain? Tight and rounded up?” I responded.
“Any of these may correspond with your wishes?” she offered, as she pulled out a selection of chains.
“These look good!” I responded as she placed the selection before me, exploring what was offered.
“These samples are merely pure Titanium. Great for demonstration and are next to worthless in most cases in matter of jewellery. Besides, you can't break them, as opposed to common Gold and Silver chains. It is part of why we don't need the bars on our windows. I only show the valuable items in a back room, which I make a point out of. At that point, I let you out through a back door!” she explained.
“Makes sense. This chain looks like what I'm looking for. There is something in it that is calling to me!” I pondered.
“I see. I was right, you need to see the Equestrian selection. Right this way!” she pronounced.
Just as she said; 'Right this way!', a hidden door momentarily presented itself, in a hidden corner. I followed her without a word, slipping in behind her. Just after me, the door closed silently.
I had found myself in a hall lining most of the wall behind the boutique. I could see a sign on the right door; “Delivery”, and “Safe”, on the left. The remaining doors are all unmarked. I did not question her, as I follower her through the third door. What is behind the door could have been an Elevator, but I couldn't say.
She opened the door before us, just as she opened the one behind us. It slides up without a sound. Had it made a noise, I may have been feeling suspicious. She had given me a partial explanation to their security already.
Now she opened the door clearly marked “Equestrian Collection”. She entered and I followed her inside.
This is the real deal, actual gems and jewellery created to be sold to people, just like me. High quality gems, as opposed to the low quality she most likely had showed me before. Even if she may have actual gems in the more common cuts hidden away, if I had been interested.
“A Ruby for a Neck-Lace!” she pronounced as she opened up section of the wall.
“Yes, that is right!” I responded as she pulled out a selection for me to look at.
“These are the once that seems to fit you, from what you told me earlier!” she pointed out as she directed my attention towards a precious selection of heart formed gem stones.
“Blood Ruby. These are very rare, I've heard. Is it possible to have them with Dragon Claws holding the gem? Can I have it with the chain two thirds up, on both sides?” I enquired, taken aback by the offer presented to me.
“Yes, and they truly are. That is a rare but very interesting choice. It could be arranged in about a week. Would you like it with a clasp behind your neck? Or you prefer it to lock with one or two up front, since you asked for a double, instead of merely having it hanging on the chain?” she enquired.
“If it doesn't look bad, I go with the double lock up front. I take it you have at least a few discreet options to choose from. This way, I can easily put it on all by myself. I prefer not to have to relay on anyone to help me with it!” I pointed out.
“Discreet is the only way to do it. Particularly with your preferences in mind. You can easily manage the lock I picture for your Neck-Lace. From your statement, I am about ready to draw up what you are looking for. I could have it in a week!” she merely stated.
“I could pick up the Neck-Lace by then!” I suggested.
She quietly drew an image of what I was looking for. The Ruby in the shape of a heart, with the special deep dark red of a Blood Ruby, lined up with the white metal, only with the hint of blue to it, the Dragon Claws holding the gem in place. Then the twin locks holding the chain on both sides in order for me to wear it. The chain that holds the Ruby in place, demonstrating exactly where I had intended it to be on my chest.
Once she had drawn the image, she presented the flat string she soon measured my neck in order to have the exact length of the chain. Once she had the measurement, she inserted it into the image, along with the details about the Ruby, the Metal and the Chain.
“Unless you need anything more at this point, I have all I need to prepare the jewellery for you, in order for you to pick it up in seven days!” she stated.
“If I need anything more, I know where to look and whom to ask!” I replied.
“Good, then I will see you in a week!” she stated, as she helped me to find my way out.
“Yes, thank you. I'll be here in a week!” I said, as I walked back into the boutique, then walked out in the street, happy with the business at hand handled so smoothly.
A Night Alone at My New Home: 2
I had just had a quiet “Moving In Party” at my new apartment. Just a few close friends. I had had a larger party the day before in a special local, hired for the event. I had invited all my friends and family, but that was yesterday.
The last of my friends had just left me alone, about half an hour ago. I'm alone in the small apartment, but that is fine by me, I've had my fill of attention for the day.
I had demonstrated my new Neck-Lace for my friends. As I had expected, they all like it, but didn't make any real fuzz about it.
Now I sit down with a cup of tea, just winding down before I am to go to bed. This had been a few trying days for me.
I had demonstrated the new Neck-Lace for my friends, but I had not yet worn it. I guess I had saved it for later, for when I am alone with the fine gift and treasure. Later would be now.
I slowly rose to my feet, slipped off of the chair and walked over to the Neck-Lace. Once I had gotten the short distance I picked it up, holding it before me and once more eyeing it over. Not as if I had not seen it before or hoped to find as much as a single flaw in it now. I just eyed it over, before I was to finally putting it on.
Since the lock is up front, I can enjoy this moment in solitude. I kind of prefer to have this moment alone with the Neck-Lace, just as I would prefer to be alone with any new Jewellery I acquire. Well, at least this once and the moment I put it on. It feels too private to me to spoil it with a third person by my side. It isn't as if I need anyone to introduce me to the gem, now is it?
I had the left lock in place, since I only opened the right one. I feel the chain around my neck as I snap the lock on the chain onto the gem. I had pondered to stand before a mirror, but turned the idea down. I know how it looks, just as I knew how I look, I just superimpose one on the other, I know what it would look like. There is no need for a mirror for a second opinion, now is there?
The gem does feel slightly warmer than I had imagined it would, but not more than I could explain away with. For a split second, it felt as if the heart was beating, but it simply couldn't be, so I ignored the notion as crazy.
The little heart shaped Ruby had ended up exactly where I had intended for it to lay. I couldn't say I hadn't known it. The girl in the Boutique clearly knew what she was doing, she had given me the perfect opportunity, even if I had it as a gift, but I had chosen and picked it up.
I had picked it up, just as I had picked up the keys to my apartment and vehicle. It was a gift, but they are mine, a part of me.
I am grateful, but now I am tired and sleepy. I thus walk the short distance to my bed, where it lay waiting for me in my bed room. It was perfectly made, smooth sheets.
Slipping in under the soft silken fabric of the quilt is the apex or the moment. No cares in the world, just slipping down onto my bed. As my head finally rested firmly on the pillow, it was mere seconds before sleep claimed me and the day was at an end.
The next morning came much faster than I had expected. It had brought another unexpected gift to me as well. It isn't just that I wear the Neck-Lace, I still do wear it, just like the day before. Nothing had changed there, it is exactly what it was and where it was back then.
Something else had changed. That something is I. I am no longer the girl who had gone to bed the other day, all that late at night, feeling exhausted. I still carry all her memories, as clearly as I had yesterday, if not clearer.
Apparently, I had turned into a Pony during the night. An Equestrian Pony that is. She had told me the stone was a part of the Equestrian Collection, now it was plain why it had been called that, as strange as it had sounded the day before. Yet, today is a very different day. I'm also very different.
The change, changes had come overnight. I have no idea how long it took for me to change into the form of the Pony, maybe I didn't care. What difference could it possibly make to me or anyone, anypony else. I am a Pony, simple as that.
I am still who I had always been, my personality had not change. At least, it doesn't feel as if it had. Same goes for my vocabulary. Even if it feels as if I am correcting myself from time to time.
Then it hit me, not only do I have tail and mane, I have wings. Bat wings apparently, how ever this may work. It just had to, it is part of who and what I am. Both mane and tail are in the same style and a fairly light pinkish hue.
My hair was straight, thus my mane and tail still are. As a Pony, my bangs are clearly defined. Though I apparently have a small braid on each side, just hanging before the ear. The rest of the mane just flows down each side of my head and back behind my ears.
I had noticed my tail reached to just above the upper rim of the hooves. As vague as the border between the hoof and the leg may be. It is the way we Equestrian Ponies are.
Apparently my coat is a glistering black, kind of like the hide of a bat, I would say. Maybe that is fitting, I have no idea, but I don't mind. My eyes had also turned a light but distinct cerise with a slight hint of blue.
For now, my flanks remain blank as an unwritten page. I haven't discovered my talent and identity yet. Maybe I needed some kind of approval as well, I had no idea. It isn't as if my mind had been filling up with knowledge or memories. It would have changed me more than I figured the charm could permit or allow for.
The Neck-Lace and the Ruby is where I had placed them the other night, would have been strange to the point of being scary, had they not. The question would be, could I take it off and would I change back to the girl I had been, if I did it. Just as it had not change my memories or knowledge, it shouldn't change any of either now, if I could take it off and turn back. I just did not quite feel as if I was in the mood to try. I did not like to know and what if it meant I couldn't turn back into the Pony I am now.
What I wanted to know is if I could fly, for starters. I am a Pony, for Celestia's Sake. I am not pregnant, which probably would be a good thing right now. How would it affect a pregnancy. Would she be a foal right along with me, or would she stay a girl, even as I am a Pony. What kind of a Pony would she become, if I gave birth to her in the form of a Pony, or more exactly, this form.
I had become a Bat Pony. Why the Bat, and not the regular Pegasus? I could as well have become an Earth Pony or a Unicorn, couldn't I? I had chosen the gem, without knowing it is tied to the form of Pony I had now become. How could I have known, when I didn't even know that the Equestrian collection meant that I was to become a Pony for wearing my new Neck-Lace.
Right now, I guess my highest priority is food, as in breakfast. I haven't eaten anything since yesterday at the party. I could as well go investigate my options. I clearly need something to eat.
I made my way into the kitchen in a slow trot. Curious Pony noises following me discreetly with every step I take. Once I had gotten used to my new form, the sounds didn't really surprise me, even if I hear everything louder and more distinct than I ever could have before.
Once I entered my kitchen, I realised I couldn't really enjoy meat. Since I am a Pony, it simply isn't for me. Thankfully I have more than enough alternatives to start my day of with.
Had I been a girl eager to use perfume, the scent would have shocked and disturbed me greatly, considering how much more acute I pick up on scents as a Pony, than I ever could have done as the girl I was the day before. My own scent never had bothered me before, I'm quite comfortable with it now, why hide it away.
I had found Orange Juice, carrots, apples, bread and an assortment of vegetables intended for salads. All very fresh looking as I looked around. I pick up a bunch of carrots, a bottle of juice and some of the vegetables, neatly packaged and stored separately.
Once I had placed my find on the table, I picked up a glass, a small bowl, a plate and started to mix myself a salad, before pouring up juice in the glass.
For some reason, the carrots taste Uncharacteristically good. I managed to hold the glass between my forehooves. I ended up holding the carrots the same way. As strange as it may feel, but at least it works. Forks on the other hoof, feels out of the question. I am not that kind of a Pony, by the looks of it. I ended up just pushing my muzzle down into the salad and chewing, as embarrassing as it may be. I like salad, though.
