Turning A Page

At first, no one responded to the strange new Pegasi overhead as they coasted to the crowd. From the sight of the village Pegasi mounted on roofs, the capital city shone bright as ever in the sunset beyond. No smoke, no fire--The prince of the Crystal Empire’s shield wasn’t even up. The thought that Canterlot could’ve been seized within a day, without prior warning of troops or nation wide alert was unthinkable on its own, let alone the fall of the two princesses that called the capital their home. Some unicorns of the town prepped their spells however, ready to ward off whatever creatures would stumble from the forest, or perhaps, the intruders to their town.

The two pegasi flew down with such speed, the smaller of the two tumbled mane over hoof, coming to a sudden stop on her stomach and elbows, ripping her long sleeve shirt. The other landed shyly behind a telephone pole, hiding herself from the crowd with blatant embarrassment, and a pained look in her eyes.

“Please, you have to get out of here--What are you all doing?? Run!” the first one shouted, climbing to her feet as she pulled her hands to her chest. The rest of Stableton looked at the pegasi with unbridled confusion, a majority looking to the bare mare behind the lamp. The air was thick with unseen tension as some mares trotted in place, their imagination of the unknown starting to overwhelm them.

“What are you doing?” One mare asked, stepping forward, throwing a hand to the air in the direction of Canterlot. She curled her lip, accusingly. “Canterlot’s fine. Meteors aren’t falling, people aren’t eating each other, the moon is rising and the Everfree is calm. It’s not like it’s on fire or there’s a hydra out and about..”

“Plus there was a sonic rainboom or something earlier!”

“P-Please, listen to her!” the naked mare exclaimed, slowly coming out from behind the post. The pegasus had a dirty dark blue coat, framed by an even darker ebony mane. She put one hand across her chest, the other shamefully covering the spot between her legs, but the mare’s efforts to hide the swollen and well-grasped areas were unsuccessful.Though, the detail that drew everyone’s attention the most was the black leather strip bound across her neck, sporting a shining silver ring at the front.

“The fuck kind of kinky shit scam are you two pulling?!” Another mare shouted, repulsed by the woman’s exposed breasts, collar and the unmistakable clenching of legs together after a very intense session. She set her hand over her own chest, as if to mentally hide the other mare’s taboo form. The gathering of Stableton’s citizens began to talk amongst themselves, their fear starting to subside at the lack of an obvious threat.

“LISTEN!” the first mare shouted, stomping her hoof with a loud crack against the ground. The crowd was quickly silenced as the echo faded past them into the forest.
“Why should we?” Mayor Maurice commented, pushing through the crowd. Though his statement was quiet, the authority it carried turned the crowd to him without hesitation. He grabbed the sides of his coat, tugging them forward before stepping towards the mares. “You come into my town, cause a ruckus, you ring the emergency bell--MIND you, our last call to action in the most DIRE of situations--and bring a naked, collared mare, showing her shame to all of us here?”

“Please… please! We don’t… You don’t have much time!” the naked mare whimpered. She shrunk her form away from the taller, larger, and more muscled stallion before her. “The Caribou, they’re coming!”

“She’s obviously hit her head.” A dark blue pegasus stallion commented, putting a hand on his marefriend’s shoulder. “Talking of foreign creatures... Come dear, it’s getting late.” He gave her a smirk, brushing his fingers along her jaw. “It’s much warmer inside.” The mare blushed, taking the man’s arm as the two departed from the group.

“And my dear” The mayor commented, crossing his arms. “You don’t have much time. I would’ve received word from the Canterlot guard should something have occurred. Magic scrolls, courier-stallion, even a fleet-footed guard. You’re spouting nonsense and disturbing my citizens. Now, leave before I take you into custody for disturbing the peace”. He dismissed the pair with a sharp turn, taking a straight walk back to the town hall and to his quarters.

“No, don’t leave!” The clothed pegasus pleaded, looking around the group with panic. A few mares glanced to themselves, muttering, as more of the town began to depart from the group. “Stop, no!”

The mare’s cries went unheeded as pegasi dropped from their alerted posts atop their houses, and the crowd began to disperse. Some mares went off in pairs back to the inn, the rest to their houses. Paige wrinkled her muzzle at the two new arrivals, a slight huff through her nose voicing her displeasure. She took a glance to her left and right, waiting for a bit more of the crowd to head back to their homes, before walking up to the defeated two pegasi.

“Please, whatever you’re here for, we’re not buying it” Paige bluntly spat, and took a quick nod up towards the sign above them. “And get out from in front of my store.” The defeated loss of confidence in the foreign pegasus’ eyes faded to rage, baring her teeth as she grabbed her companion’s wrist.

“Fine then, I hope those monsters rape you until you split in two!” She barked, pushing Paige in the chest as they ran past. Once they had gathered their speed, the pair whisked off into the dimming sky, heading south. With a grimace that she had been so abrasively touched, Paige wiped off whatever unseen contamination the pegasus had left on her shirt, and headed up the stairs to the side of her shop to the apartment above. The upper floor was sectioned off into two parts, the first half of the house being a smaller living room, and the back section the bedroom and attached bathroom. Windows sat on either side of the room, and orange light from the streetlamps below bathed the room in a soft glow. Taking care that the wooden door was closed behind her, and the drapes were drawn over the windows, Paige grunted and stretched, arms crossing over her chest as they grabbed the bottom of her shirt, and pulled it free of her form. Holding the crumpled shirt in her left hand, Paige’s right slicked back her hair, pushing the disturbed mane back into place. Lazily she threw the shirt onto the armrest of the couch to her right, walking down the hall to her bedroom, disrobing along the way. A shudder thinking of the bare mare from earlier, so open about her body in public, Paige felt nothing wrong about being unclothed in her own home--It was invigorating and free not to have to worry if some of her smaller feathers were going to catch her bra, or the intermittent shifting and repositioning clothes required. Besides, she reminded herself with a shrug of the shoulders, it’s not like she would shower or go to bed in clothing anyway, especially after working all day.

Paige placed her hand on the bronze knob, pushing open the door to the bathroom--small, the basic utilities, but enough to suit a mare of her tastes. The scent of a dozen soaps and conditioners wafted past her into the hall, the fragrant mix drawing a deep breath from her as she relaxed into her night. Paige reached out to her right and flipped the small switch, bringing light into the room and checking a bottle of shampoo and conditioner were to await her in the shower, alongside her soap, she set her hooves gently onto the porcelain floor at the end of the room. As she turned the knob at the edge of the shower, she shuddered as the initially cold spray met her exposed fur. While not as physically gifted as some mares, the water had no trouble forcing her to cover her chest with a slight shiver. Her nimble fingers grasped the salmon tipped breasts that swung from her chest, biting her lip hesitantly as the water warmed, and let out a sigh as steam began to fill the air. Her wings ruffled subconsciously, bits of water decorating the wall and curtain as she stepped forward into the pulsing stream; the patches of fur that connected the wings to her shoulders soon became slick and damp, while the long primary feathers below immediately whisked it away.

As she began her showering routine, dragging the translucent cyan shampoo through her rich mane, Paige’s mind wandered through her day. She muttered to herself, keeping a mental checklist of what she needed that she didn’t do today.

“General store… more quill tips…” She began, fingers intertwining as they traveled down the back of her neck. As if in preperation, her wings gave a shudder. It never was the older set of feathers that were plucked for quills, but the newer ones that just had gained the properties of flight. “Place order for more paper…” She opened her eyes slowly, her fingers sitting on her collarbone as a slow blush came to her face. She hadn’t gotten the approval of her order for more ink vials earlier. Her request had been… interrupted by the Mayor’s own acquisition.
She pressed her back against the shower wall, resting on her wings as she closed her eyes, right hand finding its way to her chest, setting on one of her breasts. Paige almost recoiled at what she was doing, taking a sharp gasp. She couldn't help but feel that there was something intensely arousing about that hidden act between the Mayor and his Secretary; the animalistic ravaging and rutting, that dumb smile of bliss, the taboo nature of being taken in such a place of government. Her left hoof dragged back slightly, sitting on its tip as she dragged her thumb back and forth over the erect nipple, biting her lip with an almost self-loathing groan. As the white suds of shampoo were washed clean from her body, her left hand strayed south to her lower lips, wetter than what the shower alone could account for. One finger exposed the throbbing clit hidden just beneath, while another dragged itself across the yearning pink spot, taking to it a trail of ecstasy. A soft moan of release escaped the pegasus’ lips, her knees buckling and resting on one another in support at the slightest touch. Toys that sat in her dresser drawer, protected by a small silver lock, were the only shafts she could claim to have ridden to completion. Nowhere near the representation of a stallion’s manhood, though.

Despite the small arsenal of toys, Paige had never been with another pony before, and her untrained body squirmed at every touch; she slid down to the floor of the shower, bracing her back to the wall to keep her steady as she groped her chest. She toyed with herself off and on, edging closer and closer to a release, hooves scraping around the slippery floor of the shower to push herself back with every involuntary extension of her wings. But Paige let out a short huff and grunt of frustration, ears pressed in disgust on either side of her head, hands lying useless on either side of her. She had no idea how a mare was supposed to reach orgasm if their hands wouldn’t continue once her body was alight with pleasure--It was almost too much too keep going. With a grimage, Paige pulled her hands away with a pout and a grimace, letting the fingers slowly uncurl, dragging them across the mound between her legs. It taunted her, unable to reach that plateau of bliss under her own steam.

Letting the shower wash away what perceived shame and self-loathing she had gathered on her hands and thighs from her sexual adventure, she stood up on shaky hooves. Paige set her hand against the walls of the shower, taking long deep breaths in the humid air as her heart slowly began to flutter less and less, and reached for her sponge-loofah. She finished up her time in the shower, before stepping out onto the rug just beside it with a ‘squish’. She took a glance at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, dragging her fingers through her mane to set it straight without the use of the brush, and securing a towel around her chest headed to her bedroom. The ‘salary’ that was assigned to her wasn’t much, and the few bits that didn’t go to replenishing her supplies went to a few carefully-chosen luxuries. Stableton wasn’t more than a decade old, and the small, out of the way town barely exported enough goods to support itself. Nevertheless, smiling at the mahogany armoire, a sturdy desk at the window, and the nightstand by her bed, Paige knew she had made the right choice honing her craft here.
She walked to the corner of the room, heading to the mirror to the right of her desk, stretching as she extended her right wing as far as she could. Paige gazed at the reflection of the feathered appendage, pondering for a moment before gently reaching out with her left hand, and closing her eyes, pulled away a pair of feathers with barely a wince. Ever since she discovered her passion for the stationery life, she couldn’t find any better quills than the ones she could grow herself--sturdy, shimmering detail, and fresh off the wing ensured the sheen of the feather and uniformity of the shafts were undisturbed. Sure, every so often she’d splurge for a phoenix feather to manipulate, or practice new methods of cutting the quill with an eagle feather, but her wings brought her more pride and joy than any of her supplies. She took three feathers from each wing, setting them down on a soft silk towel that was laid over the back of the desk in preparation for tomorrow night’s cutting. With another stretch, ruffling her wings and yawning, Paige flopped down into the covers on her bed. Rolling this way and that, the pegasus soon found herself immersed in the warm sheets as sleep overtook her.

DING A DING A DING A DING A DING

Paige’s sleep was sharply interrupted as the painful sharp ringing of a loud bell echoed throughout the town. Pulling her face from the covers, expecting to wince at the daylight streaming through the windows, she slowly picked herself up to the soft glow of the beginning of a sunrise. The bell in question sounded from the furthest edge of town, one whose ring was rarely called on. Mayor Maurice casually snapped the bell’s rope back and forth, calling the town to gather. Paige fell off her bed in a sleepy stupor as the ringing flooded in through the window, slipping and thudding to the floor in a blanketed bundle--last night's events had been jarring enough, and for a town meeting to be called so early, she assumed something must be up. In a tired flurry, disregarding any underclothes, Paige slipped on a pair of sweatpants, and tugged a shirt over her shoulders as she ran out the door. The rest of the town was shuffling out of their houses in similar attire, unbrushed manes and tails, and heavy circles under eyes. The sun was barely up, the mountains still casting their large shadows over the town and forest.

“Everypony, everypony, may I have your undivided attention!” Maurice boomed, his horn alight with its signature yellow aura. His voice was amplified to carry through the town. Next to him was his Secretary, documenting every word that fell from his mouth. As Paige moved into the crowd, shoulder to shoulder with the growing semi-circle of ponies, the Mayor cleared his throat and began to speak.

“Given last night, and some events that have been brought to my attention” He started, tugging on his coat. “Until the potential threat loosely brought to our attention last night is quelled, no resident of Stableton is to wander without purpose through town, unless they are accompanied.” He gave a passing glance over the crowd, pausing as he came across the scattered stallions. “However… like myself, a few of us are… acquainted with dangerous situations. And as such, all males are free to walk free without escort.” A mumbling spread through the crowd as everyone looked to one another. Some had looks of concern for such an imposing new restriction. Some looked indifferent, sleep still heavy in their eyes, missing their warm beds and sleep rather than whatever rights were temporarily under their Mayor’s control. The males, their marefriends, and the occasional mare though, shrugged with approval, as surely their Mayor knew what was right.

“The restriction will be lifted at midnight tonight, I assure you” Maurice promised, giving a gentle smile. “If there any questions, concerns, comments… or confessions” he added, taking another glance over the crowd, “Please let my secretary, Cherry Blitz, know, and I will get to you as soon as possible.”
“How do we even know there’s... maybe even danger??” A sleepy mare slurred, running her hand across her face, and between her ears down her mane.

“Some backwood yokels from Bitsburg came through Stableton this morning on the way west” Maurice bluntly spat. “Whether it’s some creature or another one of the--” He paused, dragging his index and middle fingers through the air for quotes “--Princess’ magical events, I would rather keep this town on alert.” A murmuring spread through the crowd, most, though wary, coming to the consensus that the new rules were for the best. Some returned to their houses, others to their places of work, and a few even went to the local tavern to make the excuse technically it was 5 o’clock. Paige yawned, taking a weary glance to the horizon. The sun was barely climbing through the tree line and over the plains, obvious shadows from mountains in the distance still dominating the scenery. Taking a cursory glance to the east as she whirled to head to the store, she noticed Canterlot from the corner of her eye, shining like a beacon against the mountainside. Paige thought to herself that Celestia for sure had planned such a lovely sunrise, even if she was annoyed to have experienced it so early.
It wasn’t a long walk down the main street, thankfully. The general store was across the street and a few buildings down from her shared home and workplace. Though what caught her eye as she approached were the empty shop windows. She gave a small chuckle, thinking the owner was getting some spring cleaning done for a new incoming stock. Stepping inside though, Paige couldn’t help but give an almost inaudible gasp.

The small wooden shelves that ran through the store that normally held an assortment of goods--Canned fruits from across Equestria, day to day items like cutlery sets, and more--were completely empty. Even the less-appetizing items had been stripped, with wide, sloppy tracks in the dust telling of the flurried rush of hands desperate to get at the contents.

“Haha, well, top of the morning, Paige” The clerk smiled. His eyes were drooped with bags beneath them, reflecting a long night. “I’d ask ya’ to look around, but there’s barely anything left.” The man leaned forward on the desk with the smile still plastered to his face, a light orange pegasus with short brown hair.

“What the hell happened??” Paige asked, walking down the aisles. She glided a finger on the racks as she came up to the front counter. The clerk shrugged with a tired laugh.

“Freaking beats me, probably about whatever horned creature attacked Bitsburg last night”. Paige nearly choked on her spit.

“W-What?!”

“Yeah, I’m guessing it’s some sort of dragon that missed the migration” He yawned, scratching his neck. “They were all shaky, talking about it breathing fire and such, but it was brown or something, with fur. They even said some of its horned spawn took some of their residents! Can you imagine, a furred dragon?? The princesses are going to have fun with that… Anyway, if you’re here for your quill tops they didn’t bother taking those. They seemed to be looking for critical supplies only.”

“O-Oh...alright...Thanks” Paige muttered, pulling a handful of bits out of her pockets, taking the golden metal tips in return. She couldn’t help but get anxious at the thought of a new species of dragon lumbering through town. “You don’t think that dragon will come here, do you?”

“Even if he does, Maurice knows what he’s doing. That thing will think twice before messing with a man of the guard.” Paige gave a nervous laugh--the Mayor had been out of the guard for at least ten years, and there was no way he could fight a fire breathing monster. Thanking the clerk for his time, Paige scampered out of the store and back to her house. As she crossed it, Paige noticed the severe lack of citizens wandering about. Then again, it was still before six in the morning, but seeing the town so empty made her shiver in the morning sun.