The light blinded me as the small stage lit up with a multitude of lights. I really didn’t get why a stage of this size had lights to begin with, but I digress. In my left hand, I held my violin and in my right, lay its brethren the bow. It’s horse hairs pre-rosined and ready to go.
In front of me lay my one-person audience, a nice looking brunette that worked at this very establishment. For some reason, she was very keen on hearing me put the bow to the strings. Then again she really had nothing else to do during the storm. In hindsight, she was just asking me so we both could pass the time quickly.
Would it be wrong for me to secretly wish that she asked me because of another unknown reason? Heh, she’ll never go for a guy like me. She’s way out of my league, I started to myself as I pulled the bow up towards the violin.
The music that I played was slow and steady, a magnificent piece by Vivaldi named largo in the spring, concerto number one. As I played I let my fingers slide up and down the neck of the violin as it danced along with the melody of the song. It wasn’t a long piece by classical standards, but the smile on the coffee girls face seemed to deter any bad thoughts that lingered within my mind.
Continuing to play the piece I dedicated every little twist to this girl that sat on her lone stool. Her eyes seemed to sparkle with delight as the soothing melodies weaved throughout the air and brushed against her perfect ears. Her eyelids closed as she moved her head to the beat, her foot tapping along to the tempo.
“This is amazing…” She cooed, the thunderstorm taking place outside was left unnoticed by us as I continued to move onto other pieces of music.
I didn’t respond, instead, I started to amplify the notes making them shorter and shorter. The mood of the last song stayed the same, but the tempo increased spreading the emotions to all corners of the room. Form the looks of it, the mystery coffee girl was having the time of her life. A true classical lover if I have ever seen one.
As the music got progressively more emotional, the lights on the stage started to get brighter. I knew what this moment meant, this was all just a dream and the reality was setting in. A reality that I wished never existed. The beings there didn’t care for me and the coffee girl didn’t exist.
Sadly, just like before, instead of the void, the bright light shun till I was forced to close my eyes.
It was a weird feeling because as soon as I got up, I desired this reality over the other. It was like whatever place I was in I felt like I belonged. Sure, this reality was a bit harsher, but it had its own little shine to it. Some small quirks that the other place didn’t have.
“Might as well get ready for the day ahead,” I grumbled to myself. My slick black violin and carbon fiber bow still held firmly in my grasp. It amazed me that these horses would steal my amp, but not my thousand-dollar violin or one-hundred-dollar bow. Then again who was I to argue with items of higher value being kept in my possession?
Alright, what to do, what to do? I mulled over in my head. Today was a new day and so I had a fresh chance to start all over again! Well, talking to the equines didn’t work and I am feeling a lot better today then I did yesterday, I commented knowing that any state of mind would be better than the one I had yesterday.
Maybe I can start to earn some money, whatever the currency is here anyways. A couple of good songs by a nice area should warrant me enough money to buy a ticket back to America. That is, of course, assuming I’m still on earth, I pondered to myself as an unwanted chill was sent jolting up my spine.
The adrenaline from yesterday was gone and with it the feeling of the security. No longer did I feel safe around here. Sure the worst I saw was ponies walking around, but the fact that some had the ability to levitate objects burned in the back of my mind.
There was a little nip in the air. Thankfully I was wearing my coat and rain poncho before I got transported here. Who knows what would have happened to me if I was wearing my summer clothes. The clothing I seemed to have on was sufficient enough for this time of year.
Nevertheless, with my violin and bow still in my grasp, I walked towards the end of the alleyway. Knowing full well that nothing was left in the alley to keep me still. Reaching the end, I headed out into the bright and bustling city.
Oh, man is it bright here, I claimed as the brightly colored hues of the city assaulted my eyes. It was like everything had changed from the night before. Instead of the nights soothing, relaxing feeling I got when I did my little night stroll, I got this kind of festival vibe.
The streets I walked into had colorful banners flapping about in the wind, multiple flowers decorating the houses and stands lining the streets. All the while the equines were walking about in full swing. Each one happily chatting to one and another.
In such a happy place I felt the most alone. I didn’t know what anyone was saying let alone doing. The only message that I had received was that this was some sort of event. Which in turn amazed me. These ponies had set all of this up while I was sleeping. Back on earth -If I’m not right now- such a large-scale event would take days if not weeks to set up.
Being intrigued by the sudden change in décor, I stepped onto the street and headed down towards where I thought the center of the city was. After all, I was just following the flow of ponies, nothing bad ever happens when you follow the masses right?
It took about ten minutes before I started to see the center. Many horses crowded around a stage that was set up in the middle of this quint little plaza. As of yet, the stage laid barren, but if I had to take a gander, I would say that any moment now the event would start and the equines would show up on the stage. Immediately after thinking about that thought a large crack was heard echoing across the plaza. Since I was much taller than all these other horses around, I had a clear view of the stage.
With the sound fading, a white unicorn with wings appeared in the center of the stage. She was not alone either as a midnight blue one stood beside her.
Now I know I said I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw one with both a horn and wings, but seeing this blew that statement out of the water. I have never been so wrong in my life, I stated to myself looking out at them in awe.
”Good morning my little ponies!” The white mare stated. Her voice sounding oddly familiar to me. It’s really too bad that I couldn’t understand a word she was saying.
”I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming to the festival of the two sisters!” Like before I couldn’t understand anything she was saying. It was a real pity because all the horses around me started to stomp their hooves in what I could only guess was their form of applause.
I never really thought about it before, but it was actually quite interesting to watch a presentation when I didn’t even know the language they were speaking. It was kind of a guessing game, and if you got it right then the crowd would react the way you’d expect them to.
”As claimed in the news we’ll be starting the festivities right away! And what better way to start off the day, then with the Royal Canterlot Orchestra!” Once again I watched as the crowd erupted in applause again. After which the two mares left the stage only to be replaced by a hundred or so horses. Each one holding a musical instrument of some sort.
Oh now, this is turning into my kind of presentation, I stated eagerly as I watched the musicians take their seat. I had so many questions about how they were going to do this. I saw some of the horses carrying cellos, violins, and basses. How in the whole wide world are they going to play those with just hooves? I pondered as I continued to stare at the assembling orchestra.
A couple seconds were left in silence as the conductor took his stand at the front of the group. It took almost every inch of my might to not laugh at the fact he was wearing a top hat along with a nice black tuxedo. The scene was so bizarre that I almost left right then and there, however, what kept me firmly planted in place was when they started to play.
It wasn’t like anything I had heard before. The music seemed to be portraying a story that got me hooked on the first note. Being a musician myself, I had been to my fair share of theaters and along with them, I had seen many more orchestras in my time. Nevertheless, each one was nothing compared to the one I was now witnessing. It was like all of the orchestra members were one singular being, every stroke, every note was perfectly timed.
No wonder they didn’t like my music when they have heard this! I realized. Looks like I’ll have to step up my game if I want anyone to notice me, I continued as I let my body relax to the nice soothing notes. The harmony and melody seemed to dance together as the song progressed, causing a couple of equines around me to dance. To me, their dancing didn’t really help, as it looked quite ridiculous. After all, they were horses doing it in the end.
Nonetheless, I still kept my full and undivided attention aimed directly at the ensemble in front me. Each note they played, every bow pull they did was carefully observed by my watchful eye. It was then that I realized that it was not only the music that was beautiful but the way they played their varying instruments.
Whatever orchestra this was, I wanted in. It would a pleasure… no an honor to play among them. Sadly, as all good things must do the song ended. I didn’t seem to care that they only played one song, I rather that then listen to three or five mediocre ones.
The conductor turned around and smiled at the audience as they went wild. His bowing only seemed to fuel the applause. The stomping and cheering were so loud that I couldn’t hear anything else. Then again I would be lying if I said I wasn’t clapping along as well. This was truly a magnificent show of skill and dedication.
Once the crowd died down and started to once again mingle with one and another. I decided that now would be the best time to try and make some quick cash. Walking around, I kept an eye out for any eatery that had an outside patio.
I had found that these were usually the best places to get money. Mostly because people would take their dates to these places. After seeing my performance, they would feel compelled to toss in a couple of dollars to show their generosity. Street performing was all about the location.
Continuing my walk for another thirty minutes I came across a pub. Well, I guessed it was a pub, I couldn’t really read any of the signs. Luckily the place looked to be rather well known as multiple horses were lined up to get into it. Seeing this as a perfect opportunity, I walked up next to the line a placed my black rain poncho down on the grown before me.
The equines in the line started to look at me with odd expressions. That didn’t matter though, soon they would all figure out what was going to happen. Straightening out the poncho on the ground I pulled up my violin and placed the bow to the strings.
What song to play, what song to play… I repeated in my head as I perused all of the songs I knew by heart. Lately, I had been doing a lot of classical music, so I decided to switch it up a bit and show these horses something a little new.
With a flourish, I placed the bow back onto the stings and started to play the first notes of the song. As expected the first reaction to the music was confusion as they never heard anything quite like it. The song I played was a famous pop song called “Counting Stars” by the amazing band One Republic.
Of course, this song was meant for more than one person to play, so in turn, I just stuck with the melody. If I had my satchel bag that was with my amp, I could have recorded the harmony. But since those items were stolen, I would have to make due.
To me, this was a nice song to show people that violins weren’t only meant to play classical music. Sure, they were designed for that purpose, but with a bit of TLC you could make this magnificent piece of wood -or in my case metal- do anything.
As I progressed through the tenth measure I could start to see the horses in line take a liking to the song. To be honest, who wouldn’t get into the groove of the song when it had such an intoxicating flow to it. Passing the twenty-second measure I got my first shiny gold coin to land on the black poncho. The mare that tossed it was flashing a wide smile as she started to stomp her hooves to the music.
Well at least I know not everyone here is a dick, I said to myself as I slowly passed by the sixty-fifth measure.
As the rather long song continued passed its ninetieth measure I had collected ten more coins. Not only that, but some of the horses were really taking a liking to my music. Whether I should take this a compliment or not I didn’t care. I was getting somewhere and I wasn’t going to stop the beats from coming forth.
Slowly the melody of the song started to slow down signaling the ending of the particular piece, but I wouldn’t let it end there. No, I had these equines hooked and I needed to play another song to keep the cash coming. So as the song ended I quickly started up with another beautiful song, this one known to many classical lovers back home. “La Campanella.” By Nicolo Paganini.
This to me was the hardest one to learn if this didn’t ‘wow’ the horses I didn’t know what I would do. The notes that were in this piece were just insane, this would show to anyone that I was a true master of the violin.
Not only would I prove it by playing the melody of the piece but also parts of the harmony. A feat that not much violinists could achieve. Many claimed that just the melody alone was enough to show your skill, but that didn’t deter me. No, I was too stubborn and loved my violin way too much to let that challenge slip by.
Taking a large breath of air, I placed the bow to the strings. Alright, Erik here hoes nothing. Let’s WOW them, I said to myself as I took one last look at the horses. Every single one of them that were in the line where looking directly at me. I had them all on the edge, I knew that. However, it was that idea that got me a bit nervous.
This piece was hard, I won’t lie to myself, and even after many months of practice there was still some part that I had trouble with. For example, when the thirty-second notes came in I could see myself slipping behind. However, if done correctly it would show these horses my dedication to my art.
Letting the breath I kept in escape my lips, I pulled the first note off the page I had in my head into existence. The equines that watched looked on with awe as they listened to me play. The longer I went on the more interested they became. Piece by piece the music started getting faster, however, it never faltered from the relaxing mood of the song.
Sweat started to bead down my face as I started to near the ominous thirty-second notes. Time to see if this piece is going to be a hit or miss, I claimed as I entered the first wave of thirty-second notes. My violin produced the desired sound as I continued to read the music in my head. Most of what I read I knew, but I just wanted to make sure that I was completing this piece with as much precision as possible.
Of course, I wasn’t going to play the whole symphony that would just be ridiculous. Instead, I kept to the main parts never veering too far off course. La Campanella was only seven minutes long if played correctly and even then, it was a doozy.
Taking the risk I glanced up towards my audience. The equines that I saw were looking towards me with mouths agape from what they were seeing. I guessed that no one or no horse, in this case, has ever attempted to play this fast with this many complex notes.
When I saw this I couldn’t help but smile. I was finally making progress, and by the looks of it I was bringing in a large amount of coin as well. Tearing my gaze from the horse's I focused back on my music.
The melody slowly stopped, but as I said before I picked up where the orchestra would have filled in for me. Nonetheless, the harmony was just a beautiful as the melody, and if the faces of the equines were anything to go by I would say it was equally as entertaining.
Notes flowed from my violin likes leaves on a calm river as I pulled at the strings. The harmony was quite a bit slower, so I took this time to try and regain my lost breath. I did after all still have to do the ending of the song, which was just as hard if not harder than the piece I just finished. Either way, I was to invested in this piece to give up now. Pulling the bow back hard I transitioned back into the melody once more.
Out of the frying pan… I claimed as I continued down the measures nearing the most feared part of the piece, the ending. …and into the fire, I stated to myself as I moved to the first note.
To anyone other than a skilled musician, it would have sounded like one large note being crescendo to the lowest, but in fact, I played every note with a miniscule vibrato at hand cramping speeds. I had only finished this once before and that was just by luck.
I was focused so hard on the music that I didn’t notice more and more coins being dropped onto my black poncho. With my eagerness and cockiness, I managed to lose my hold on my bow. As this happened time seemed to slow down, I was a couple of notes away from finishing the piece for the first time flawlessly. Sadly, today was not going to be that day.
With a disappointed expression on my face, I watched painfully as the bow slipped off the strings and clatter against the stone road. It bounced once then twice before settling down on the cold cobblestone floor. I was so close! I yelled at myself as time went back to ticking at its normal rate.
Not wanting to face the reaction of the crowd I bent down and picked up my bow. What I didn’t expect however was when I got back up the horses were stopping and cheering for me. Some even tossed in a few extra coins. T-they still liked my performance after I messed up like that? I stated in complete shock.
I was at a complete loss for words -not like if he had any they would matter- as I watched the equines cheer for me. Well might as well take the applause in, I stated to myself as I bowed to the crowd. Once things started to die down I collected all of my belongings and left the scene. A large bag of gold coins tightly in my grasp.
Time seemed to pass by like chaff before the wind, and before I knew it I was back in the same alleyway I was this morning. Nonetheless, I hoped that this would be the last time I would come back here. If this wouldn’t pay for my departure back to America at least I could get a room at a local hotel.
Sitting down against the stone wall I opened up the makeshift bag which was my rain poncho. Once the naught was undone the poncho unraveled and I came to see hundreds of gold coins. At first, when they were throwing them in the pile I thought that they were plated gold, but with further inspection, I came to realize that each and every one of them was pure gold.
“Holy shit I’m rich!” I yelled out, unable to conceal my excitement. Sadly, the more I thought about it the more it confused me. Why would these horses give me so much for just an average performance? I pondered as I looked closer at the coins.
Flipping the coin around I noticed that it had the imprint of the white equine I saw earlier. The other thing I noticed was a large one on the other side. Awh man please tell me this isn’t just their currency and isn’t really worth that much, I commented shuffling through the variety of coins that laid atop the black poncho.
Each one I checked was either the same or was varying between one point five and five. Everything in my mind wanted me to believe that this was a lot, but I myself didn’t believe it. If this was anything like the currency back in New York, then this would be just enough to buy a hotel room.
Either way, I was still happy. This alleyway was no longer going to house me for another night. A nice hot bath would surely help me clear my mind. Funny the things you get excited about when you get transported to another planet, I stated to myself as I placed the coins back into my poncho.
As I was placing the coins back into my poncho I took sight of a small piece of paper at the bottom. From what I could see it wasn’t handwritten, from here it looked like it was typed. What I expected was a fan letter but instead, I got complete gibberish. The only thing I could make out was the picture, which presented a large building in the background and a treble clef in the foreground.
Obviously, it had something to do with music seeing the treble clef, but once again I couldn’t make out what the note was telling me. As a result, I got a bit annoyed, this could be a job offering or an invitation to another concert for all I knew.
That being said if it was another concert, then I would gladly accept it. Seeing the performance they did this morning was beyond anything I had ever seen. Once again I was stuck behind this wall of foreign language.
If only I could read this! I vented as I stood up.
Grabbing my violin, bow, and poncho I turned back to the streets. With only one option left to use, I walked back out into the sun basked streets. The equines were cheerfully chatting with one and another as usual. That didn’t mean it didn’t baffle me, here I was a creature two times their size and they didn’t so much as bat an eye towards me.
This place really is strange, I commented to myself as I walked up to the nearest horse. Knowing that talking would be next to useless at this point I refrained to just using gestures to get my message across.
Tapping the lavender equines back I waited for it to respond. Like the last horse I encountered, she turned around with a none-too-pleased expression etched onto her face.
”What?” She stated in what I could only assume was an annoyed tone. Pulling out the message that was left in my bag I pointed to it then to my violin. I hoped that the mare here would get the message and send me off towards the right direction.
”Can’t talk can you?” The mare responded inflicting me to facepalm. I still couldn’t understand her. ”Well if you want to get there…” the mare claimed pointing to the sheet. Immediately I nodded, is she actually going to point me in the right direction? I asked myself.
”…Just head down this road, you can’t miss it.” She once again stated in a language that I didn’t understand. What I did understand, however, was when she pointed down the road opposite of her direction.
I really wanted to thank the mare -assuming she’s leading me to the right place- but with the language barrier still there I was forced to just smile at the mare. The mare, in turn, smiled back and then continued down the road. I guess I just ran into the wrong equine when I arrived, I started looking towards the direction she pointed off towards.
Nothing really stuck out, but who was I to question her directions. So with a little more skip in my step, I followed the road. Within a couple of minutes of walking, I came across the exact same building that had been displayed in the picture.
Thank you weird purple horse! I said to myself, I sure hope there’s a translator here or something, I claimed entering the building. Something inside me told me that wasn’t going to happen, but I always liked to look on the bright side of things.
From the outside, the building looked to be like some kind of theater, and my thoughts were proven correct when I entered the establishment. The lobby looked exactly like the ones back in New York. In fact, it looked too much like the ones in New York, it even had the long lines that exited the doors to the main area.
Following my instincts, I jumped into the line. I took a gander that the message I had received was meant for me to enter. Either that or the equine that gave it to me just wanted me to stop playing outside and do it here instead. If that’s the case, then I would go back to my first impression of the horse folk.
As all lines tend to do, no matter where you are in the world or universe, they slowly moved at the speed of molasses. Does molasses even have a speed? I pondered to myself as I took a small step forwards. I guess you could count its viscosity as a speed… Shaking that silly thought out of my head I moved up again.
Time passed by slowly and I let out a small sigh. I knew that I would be here a while with this line, but something told me that this was going to be all worth it. That through those main doors held something that would change my life forever. Sadly, with the line moving this slowly, I guessed that the theater would close before I even found out why I was here.
Nevertheless, I was in the line for an hour already so I was too invested to just up and leave. For if I didn’t follow through on this, my curiosity would kill me. That was no joke, with the stress that I was experiencing in this new world one little nudge was all it would take to knock me out for good.
Once again like clockwork, the equines in the line moved up one step, causing me to take two. It was then that I started to hear the faint notes of a trumpet off in the distance. I was in a concert hall, so I knew I wasn’t hearing things. As a result, I started to peak around the lobby doors to see what was going on. Sadly, I wasn’t close enough to give me the full view of the stage, but I didn’t need to. I could hear the performance crystal clear now and quite frankly it sucked.
The notes the horse played were way off key, and the different levels of each note were unnoticeable.Then again should I really be saying these things? They are horses and horses aren’t meant to play the trumpet, I stated to myself as I continued to listen to the ear bleeding noise of the screeching trumpet.
Someone! Anyone! Please for the love of all creation, just end that poor trumpets life! I yelled out in my mind. I had been sitting there for ten minutes listening to this and I didn’t know what would kill me, the line or the off-key notes.
Thankfully someone had heard my pleas and cut the trumpet off. Letting out a sigh of relief, my brain once again started to work on what information was just given to it. The trumpet was told to leave the stage for the next contestant.
Wait I know this setup! I stated to myself as I looked around the seating area of the hall. All the seats were empty except for the second row which had four ponies with clipboards. This is an audition! I exclaimed turning back to the stage in front of me.
My mind started to race, and my heartbeat started to pick up. Flashes of my past started to come to the forefront of my mind. Sweat was now trickling down my skin as I watched a scarlet mare walk onto the stage. She held no instrument which in turn confused me. That, however, was the least of my worries. The thought of going through an audition sent chills up my spine. You can do it, man, it was like what? Eighteen years ago? Come on pull yourself together, I yelled at myself as the line once again moved forwards. My body however stayed put, unwilling to move.
The grumbling and foreign words could be heard behind, I didn’t need to know their language to understand that they wanted me to move forward. Make the decision man! I yelled to myself. Either take a step forward or get out of line, More groans were heard behind as I lifted my leg and took a step to the left. The pony behind me stepped into my spot and I just sank into one of the theater's seats. I couldn’t take another rerun of my past, and I continued to tell myself that this was for the better.
I would be out of this crazy pony world soon, so what difference did it make? Taking my head out of those depressing thoughts I looked out towards the stage where the scarlet pony sat. Is she going to sing? I asked myself as I sat there looking at her.
She slowly approached the microphone, not a word was spoken in the theater as all eyes turned towards her. The mare took a deep breath in and then started to sing. Well I assumed she was singing, I had no idea what she was saying. Nonetheless, I will say that she had an amazing voice.
Looking at the line I could see that multiple of the horses watched in awe as she sang. It seemed that she was fairly good at what she did because a couple of the horses dropped out of the line just like I had.
The song, however, went on for a couple more minutes and by the end of it, she had all the mares and stallions stomping their hooves in applauds. Dame she really set the bar high for all the others, I stated as I continued to watch the line wither its way down.
Trial after trial, I watched in pain and awe. Some performances were spectacular while others were just glad they participated. The coolest thing I will admit was the one stallion that got on stage with bagpipes. He probably didn’t make it but man was that awesome to see.
As I continued to watch the auditions, I got a small pain in the pit of my stomach. If I were to be stuck here, I may have just missed my one chance to get my foot in the door. The music industry was funny like that, you play to get noticed and then practice till you get paid. A tedious cycle that caused me to stray away from that branch of the music industry.
Sadly, the day was coming to a close and with it, the auditions finally ran dry. The last pony to perform was decent but didn’t really speak volume about her personality and play style. Hell, even I can be a judge, I snickered to myself as I headed out of the theater.
The chilling fall air nipped at my face as I looked towards the setting sun. “Guess I’ll have to find a hotel to stay at now.” I sighed contently under my breath. Unlike yesterday, today actually held a bit of joy to it. I got to perform in front of the horses at the pub, as well as take up the offer a kind equine presented me.
Even though I didn’t present in the auditions I still enjoyed watching the other ponies go at it. With the positive vibes flowing through me, I walked down a random street hoping to further map this place out.
That of course was just a pipe dream, seeing as this city was huge. I was going to have to spend many days exploring and many more remembering just to get half of it down pat. That being said I continued to walk the streets looking for anything that resembled a hotel.
As I walked I glanced over to the other equines traveling the same path as me. Most of them were chatting contently with their companions. Maybe I just need to give this place a second chance, I pondered to myself.
From what I could see, I was the only one in this city that was in any sort of crises. In fact, I didn’t even see one equine that was homeless yet. Which for such a large city was very impressive.
About thirty minutes of just walking around I finally found a building that looked somewhat promising. The employees that worked there wore red uniforms with a nice clean cut gold trim. In lamest terms, it was the universal sign of a bellhop.
Setting my sights on the hotel in front of me, I placed one foot in front of the other and wandered over to the entrance of the building. It wasn’t till I entered the establishment that I realized just how well built this hotel really was.
Clear cut mason stone walls rose twice the high as me with the polished cedar floor accenting it quite nicely. Scattered along the walls were various pictures displaying different horses. Probably the hotel's past owners if I had to guess. I continued to walk down the red carpet, taking in more as I did so.
Not only was the general building material picked perfectly, it was cut and placed in its most natural form. What took the cake though was the lighting. Whoever did the architecture for this building was a true artist, the light seemed to be perfectly placed to engulf the entirety of the room in its warm soft glow.
Being distracted by the lovely architecture, I soon found myself bumping into the front desk by accident. Returning my gaze back in front of me, I came to see a blond coated equine with a smile adorning her muzzle.
“Taking a liking in the hotel I see.” She started bringing me out of my thoughts. Sadly, her words only served to dampen my mood. Once again I didn’t understand anything she said.
As the time passed by while I thought about how to get my message across the mare spoke up again. ”You want a room?” She said pointing to the staircases of the hotel.
Thinking about her gestures I finally got what she was saying and nodded my head. During this exchange, I pulled out my poncho pouch full of gold coins and placed it on the counter.
”Not much of a talker? Huh?” The mare stated as she took the required amount of coins out of the makeshift bag. Which I carefully noted was twenty of them ”Alright one room for the night.” The equine assumed as she walked over to the wall behind her before taking a key off the wall.
Without even knowing it my right eye let out a visible twitch as the key floated over to the counter. When I get the hang of their language, this is definitely going to be my first question, I commented to myself as I plucked the floating key out of the air.
Still somewhat surprised that I got through that transaction without saying a word I pondered the subject in my mind. I guess the staff has to be trained for foreign visitors.
“Thanks.” I started getting a tilted head and a confused expression as his response. I knew that this was going to be her reaction, but I just wouldn’t feel satisfied with myself if he were to just leave.
Using deduction from the mare’s gestures, I wandered towards the stairs. Looking down at the keys I took notice of the three symbols etched into a card next to the key. “How the hell am I going to find my room?” I muttered under my breath as I climbed the stairs to the first floor.
Analyzing the first floors door I came to see a different symbol upon it. Not this floor, I commented as I walked up to the second floor. This time, however, the door bore the same symbol as the first symbol on the card. Alright making some progress! I stated with relief entering my tone.
Pushing the door open I walked through. The hallway that I now found myself in was pretty swanky. The plush red carpet rolling the span of the corridor looked to be worth thousands, not only that but there were paintings adorning the spaces between each room.
Now to find these other two symbols, I said to myself as I walked down the hallway. Each time I passed a door I made sure he read the symbols. The task itself was quite easy, but the repetitiveness nature of it irritated me to no end.
Nope… nu ah… negative… I said mentally as I checked the doors. After two minutes, I had finally come across the same second symbol. Getting close should be one of these next few rooms. I pondered as I continued my search. The reward of a nice warm bed was my only motivation at the moment. Well, that and a nice shower in the morning.
Having the second symbol matched up, it took me less than a minute to find the correct room. Well, I assumed this was the right room seeing as it had the same symbol on it. Never really going to know without trying. I commented to myself as I inserted the key into the keyhole. A swift twist of the keys rewarded me for my hard work. A clearly noticeable click later and the lock slid into the door.
Once I was sure the door was unlocked I took the key out of the doorknob and pushed open the door. What was on the other side made my jaw drop for the second time since coming to this equine infested world.
The room was utterly luxurious, I noted as I continued into the room closing the door behind me. “This is better than my own house back in New York!” I started with a smile working its way onto my face. “Suck on this landlord! You can keep your shitty apartment!” I yelled with joy.
Without even thinking I placed my possessions by the door and ventured further into my new temporary home. The walls were painted a solid light brown and the floor was made out of a dark wood. The lights along the walls of the room illuminated everything perfectly.
The hotel room I was in would mimic a sweet back in America. There was a large window at the end of the room that displayed the city I found myself in, a fireplace by some arranged cushions, a separate kitchen and lastly a bedroom with a bathroom attached to it. “These horses have it good if this only cost me twenty golden coins a night,” I stated to no one in particular.
Nonetheless now was not the time to take in the room, now was the time to get some nice relaxing rest. With a cozy bed in mind I wandered over to the bedroom, a large king sized bed instantly greeted me as I passed the doorway. It’s thick pure white covers beaconing me to enter them.
Not one thought in my mind dared go against that feeling as I walked over to the bed and collapsed on it. Holy shit are these sheets made out of polyester! I claimed crawling further onto the bed, the soft brushing of the sheets cemented my suspicions. If this is what the hotels are like I wonder what the houses are like here, I started pulling the blankets over myself.
Now all I have to do is close my eyes and sleep… I commanded myself with the easy task, or at least I thought it was going to be an easy task. The thoughts of my current situation kept popping up into my mind. Great when I want to fall asleep I can’t, I stated slightly annoyed at myself.
The bazaar world was starting to catch up to me. I was talking to horses! Horses that were sentient! Something that a madman would talk about. Was I mad? Was this the dream or was it reality?
More questions arouse the longer I thought about what I went through. I wanted the answers, but I also wanted to go home. If I were to suddenly vanish from this world and placed back into my own I would have cast it off as such, a dream.
However, now that this was lasting multiple days and the encounters felt so real, I doubted I would ever be the same again. My mind was now open to new possibilities. I was able to keep sane this whole time, thinking this was all just a hallucinations. Now that I was leaving the second day behind and moving to the third I finally took in the full extent what happened and what I had lost… and it hurt… it hurt more than anything I had ever experienced in my entire life.