The Storm

John exited the library and a random passerby waved. Although John’s presence was supposed to be a secret, Pinkie Pie kind of told everyone in the town about him, and they all kind of knew him after the party, so he was accepted and treated as an equal. And John actually found this a bit odd; from the way Twilight had talked about the townsfolk, he seemed to pick a sense of xenophobia from her description of them. However, John was glad and didn’t really care about the details. He first went to a store named Quills and Sofas, and, from what John could see, it sold just that. He merely shrugged and walked in.

A tan stallion with a neatly kept brown mane and tail, wearing a blue vest and white shirt with brass buttons, and sparkling apple green eyes was behind a counter. The smiling stallion quickly got out from behind the counter and said, “Good Evening! Welcome to Quills and Sofas! Can I help you?” A small shiny brass nametag pinned to the stallion’s vest read: Davenport: Owner, Manager, Cashier, and Salespony. Davenport’s Cutie Mark was a small inkpot and an unraveling blue parchment roll.

“Yes, I’d like to buy a quill and a journal,”  said John simply.

Davenport’s eyes gleamed and he said, “Of course, right this way!”

John followed, noting how professional and enthusiastic he acted. “I wonder if he’s like this all the time…” thought John. He chuckled at the various funny scenarios running through his head.

“And over here, a fabulous newly re-stocked selection of quills! And don’t forget our wonderful array of fine quality sofas! Because nothing else says relaxing writing environment more than a sofa,” said Davenport. “But please, don’t feel rushed; take as much time as you want!”

John began inspecting the wares intently. He stopped on one item. “What’s this one do?” said John. He was looking as a quill with a gold point and a large purple feather.

“That’s the Deluxe Canterlot Writer Quill Pro Series Mark IX. It never runs out of ink, never needs new ink, fixes any spelling and grammar errors, and the feather can erase any words off of any standard parchment without leaving any marks,” said Davenport. “They are very rare, but it can be yours for just… (a drumroll sounded out of thin air) thirty bits thanks to the super-amazing Spring-Cleaning Clearout Quill Sale!”

John inwardly chuckled. They way Davenport said things, it made him feel like he had won a carnival prize. “I’ll take it,” said John. He grabbed then quill and then went over to a small rack of journals. A sign read: Deluxe Canterlot Writer Pro Series All Conditions Journal! Waterproof, fireproof, tear proof, smudgeproof and can fit in any bag snugly! 20 bits. However, a small label on the sign read 50% off. John grabbed a plain brown covered-journal and walked up to the counter with his purchases.

“Forty bits, please,” said Davenport.

John pulled out forty bits from his sack and stacked them on the counter. The money was put into the cash register with a loud CHA-CHING!

“Thank you for shopping at Quills and Sofas. Is there anything else you are interested in?” said Davenport.

“No, I’m good, thank you for offering,” said John.

“You’re welcome! Have a nice day!” said Davenport as John exited the shop.

“Hmmm… I should get a bag for all this,” said John. Spying a carousel-shaped building, John walked over and entered. A bell rang as he entered the boutique, and Rarity’s sing-song voice sounded, “Coming!” When she appeared, she looked a bit surprised and said, “Oh! John, You're here. Did you come to go over what you had mentioned yesterday?” Rarity said with excitement in sparkling her eyes. John nodded and was about to say something before Rarity cut off. “HOW WONDERFUL! Just let me look for my sketch pad and measuring tape!”

John quickly grabbed her attention before she could walk off. “Actually, Rarity... do you happen to have any good, durable bags that aren’t hot pink and have good capacity?”

“Well, in that case, suitcases, briefcases, and travel bags are over there,” said Rarity, pointing to a section of the store where various travel bags and accessories were being displayed.

After looking carefully, John finally zoomed in on a plain navy blue duffel bag, which according to the sign, had extra capacity and was very sturdy. Soon after Rarity returned holding a notepad and measuring tape in her magic.

“Alright, dear, now I just need some measurements and then you can tell me what you want. So, if you could, please stand over here and do as I ask?” said Rarity.

John obliged, and after standing still and moving in more different ways than he thought could be possible for half an hour, Rarity was finally done.

“Now,” She said as she put down the tape “What was this other thing you needed?” It took John a few minutes but he finally had the image in his mind. “What I need is a navy blue four-pocket wool tunic with a matching tunic belt of same material and fitting proportions with a brass buckle. All buttons should be brass,  two higher up and one lower, leave about 4 inches between the buttons for the belt. About 4-5 inches from the cuffs, there should be three bands on each sleeve, mint blue in the middle with thick black borders. The middles should be about and inch wide and the borders a quarter inch wide. There should also be matching pair of pants, same material as vest and belt.”

After writing down everything, Rarity asked, “Is that all, dear?”

“That will be all. Thank you very much,” said John. After paying for the bag, he went to other various stores, buying things such as a shaving razor that never got dull and shaving supplies, and a finally some generally useful and somewhat pointless things.

Such as an instant bed that was just big enough to fit him complete with pillows, quilt, comforter, and mattress. John also bought a somewhat small wristwatch that glowed in the dark and automatically adjusted to time zones. He also got a compass, some cologne, de-odorant along with other necessary toiletries, a canteen, and a set of matching bathing and washing towels. After his little shopping spree, he went to a café that he had passed by earlier and ordered a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll. John sat down at a table next to a window, looking outside at the crescent moon and stars. After ten minutes of placid coffee drinking and nibbling, John finished his roll and coffee and went back to the Carousel Beautique (as it was called) and to pick up his clothes. Much to his pleasure, they were finished and he had quite a wardrobe, as Rarity promised. There were plenty of casual clothes, undergarments, a formal dress suit and ties, and even some pajamas with cloud designs and a matching nightcap. She’d even made an RAF Officer’s uniform, matching his rank as well. He also bought a pair of regular shoes, thanked Rarity and, after which, Rarity turned in for the night. He put the clothes in his bag and went back to the library. After changing into his pajamas, he closed his eyes and slept overtook him. But this time, something was waiting for him in dreamland.