Wolfsbane stepped onto the platform, looking around. Despite Ponyville’s proximity to the capital of Equestria, he had never actually visited Canterlot. One of the first things that caught his attention was just how big the place was. Ponyville’s station was just a platform with a shelter, a few benches and a stallion behind a counter selling tickets. Here, everything looked so pristine. There were over a dozen platforms for trains going all over the country, and dozens of ticket booths. A timetable, set to magically update, hung over them, suspended from the great ceiling. And there seemed to be hundreds upon hundreds of ponies within. And this was just the station! He shuddered briefly as he realised it was likely this was an accurate representation of the city as a whole.
Wolfsbane walked out into Canterlot proper and got a small shock. The sheer number of unicorns walking around the city was incredible. He knew that the population of Canterlot was predominantly unicorns, but he had no idea it was to this extent. He couldn’t even see another earth pony, and the only pegasi were members of the Royal Guard. The earth pony felt out of place.
He took a deep breath and set off, following the directions he had memorised that would take him to his new home.
“Excuse me, is this 1536 Étrier Lane?” he asked, looking over the small counter. The older unicorn mare sitting at the other side gave him a warm smile in return.
“It says so outside, hun,” she replied amicably.
“S-sorry, I just wanted to be sure,” Wolfsbane said timidly. “Anyway, I’m Wolfsbane, I contacted you a few weeks ago about an apartment?”
“Oh yeah, I remember.” The mint-green mare put on a pair of round reading glasses before pulling a folder from under the desk and slowly flipping through it. “Here we go. You even paid in advance. I wish some of my other tenants were like that. I’m Budget, by the way.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Wolfsbane said genuinely.
“I was worried you were like the last stallion who rented that room,” the older mare said quietly, the horn sitting below her pale grey mane, with was done up in a bun. “He said he was quiet and organised. I had him thrown out two weeks later and spent another two weeks cleaning up the mess he left behind.” From her tone it was very clear she was still upset about that. She stepped out from behind her small counter and grabbed a set of keys.
“You won’t have to worry about that,” Wolfsbane replied as he followed her up the stairs.
They continued to make small talk as they made their way to the third floor. The conversation inevitably turned to the stallion’s bandaged shoulder. “Timberwolves?” Budget asked, sounding worried. “My, that sounds like it was terrifying.”
“It was,” Wolfsbane replied. “What concerns me is that they just left me alone. I’ve seen what’s left of manticores, usually just bones. It’s not like a Timberwolf to run from a meal.”
“Well,” she said, not sure what to actually say. “Here’s your room.”
Wolfsbane peered into the small apartment as the green door swung open. His first thought was that it was small. He’d known that would be the case, but actually seeing it was something else entirely. The living area and dining area were one and the same, while the kitchen had barely enough space to work with. Off to the back he could see two more doors, leading to the bathroom and bedroom, respectively. The living room was barely four ponies wide and not much longer. The bedroom wasn’t much better, but the bath seemed to be big enough. The whole place was also sparsely furnished. A small beige couch and wooden coffee table in the living room, a fridge and small gas stove in the kitchen and a bed in the bedroom. As he inspected the apartment, the landlady spoke up again.
“It should have everything you need. Feel free to add anything, though any damages you cause will come out of your pocket,” she warned.
“It’s great,” he said from the kitchen. “Smaller than I expected, but - ”
“Most ponies stay here until they have enough to move to a bigger place.” Budget shrugged before setting a key on the small table. “Just pay the rent on time and keep the place tidy, and I won’t get my brother to kick you out.”
“Brother?” he asked as he walked into the bedroom.
“Oh yeah. Starbuck’ll throw you out on your rump if I ask him to,” Budget said offhandedly. “Follow the rules and he won’t have to launch you through the door.”
“I could probably just walk that off,” Wolfsbane replied, deciding to play along. “You know what earth ponies are like.”
“Hopefully it won’t come to that. You seem nice.” Budget made to leave the small apartment but stopped as she reached the door. “Oh yeah. There’s a small garden on the roof.” When the stallion raised an eyebrow at her, she cringed a bit and looked away as her ears folded against her head. “And I just offended you.”
“A little,” Wolfsbane muttered. “But I will need that for my job, so I can’t be too angry.”
“Well, sorry. What is your job, anyway?” she asked.
“Toxicology, poisonous plants in particular.”
Budget’s eyebrows rose up in surprise. “Wow. Um, make sure you label the poison ones, would you? I do not need another lawsuit.” she suggested.
“If anything happens, it’ll be their fault,” he said with a smirk. “Anypony stupid enough to ignore a dozen signs probably doesn’t deserve to live.”
“Unfortunately, the law doesn’t see things your way. Or my way, for that matter.” Budget chuckled as she shut the door. “It was nice meeting you. Rent is every fortnight, but you paid in advance so...” She quickly did the maths. “Three and a half weeks. Try not to get arrested, country boy.”
Wolfsbane just stared at the closed door for a moment. “Country boy?”