//------------------------------// // chapter 3 // Story: Life In Lace // by Harasha the Gryphon //------------------------------// The next morning, Amethyst opened his eyes to the sight of the bright morning sun. With a slight groan, he opened his eyes and sat up in his bed. Morning already? Amethyst thought to himself. Why does morning always have to come so quickly? Once fully awake, Amethyst decided to eat some boiled carrots for breakfast. He swung his back legs over the side of the bed. He glanced down and saw, to his dismay, that he was still a mare. “Crud, and here I was hoping that yesterday was all a dream,” Amethyst muttered. Before he could speak another syllable, his stomach growled at him. Amethyst got out of bed and went into the kitchen. He reached into his fridge and pulled out several carrots. He reached toward the cupboard that contained the pots so he could boil the carrots. However, he found that he couldn’t quite reach the cupboard’s handle. Grunting, Amethyst stretched his leg to its fullest. He fell two inches short. What’s going on here? Amethyst thought. I’ve never had a problem reaching that cupboard before. Amethyst used his magic to levitate the pot down and set it on the counter, in defeat. Amethyst turned on the sink and levitated the pot under the spigot to begin filling it with water. He put the carrots into the pot and turned on the stove. While the stove was heating up, Amethyst levitated the pot onto the stove. As the water boiled, Amethyst took the time to ponder his situation. I have to be at least five inches shorter now, which is why I couldn’t reach the cupboard. What else about my life is going to be altered by this change? Amethyst brought a hoof to his chin. Work won’t change much in the end. And, considering Orchid took this rather well, maybe I’ll get lucky and the rest of my friends will stay by me. Then there’s Misty, Amethyst thought. Despite the pegasus being one of his closest friends, he didn’t particularly look forward to seeing how his lecherous friend would react. On the one hoof, he’d remember that Amethyst was born a stallion, and they could sort things out from there. On the other hoof, though... I’ll have the problem fixed long before that happens, Amethyst reassured himself. A slight pressure soon became evident in his lower areas. Amethyst realized it as the need to relieve himself. Quickly, he walked into the bathroom and stood in front of his toilet. Of course there’s bathroom issues, I’m gonna have to sit down from now on. With a groan, Amethyst sat on the toilet and did his business. After an uncomfortable period of time, he walked back into the kitchen and removed the carrots from the pot with his magic. He set them on a plate and promptly ate them. Might as well have another shower, don’t want to go out with Orchid smelling like a sweaty horse, Amethyst thought. He headed into the bathroom again and turned on the shower. As he waited for the water to heat up, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror again. I just can’t get over my new reflection, He thought as he admired his reflection. I wasn’t really interested in my own reflection before, but now... Amethyst paused. I’m… beautiful. Briskly he shook his head. Celestia, I feel like a pervert, ogling myself just because I happen to be a hot mare. At that last thought, Amethyst found himself blushing and an alien tingle emanated from his lower areas throughout his body. It caught him off guard, causing his cheeks to flush red. Was this new body enticing him? This is weird, Amethyst thought. I mean, I doubt there’s a stallion out there who wouldn’t find his female self attractive. As he pondered, Amethyst became aware of a growing warmth from his new feminine parts. He stood there a few minutes, taking in the strange warmth that, to his horror, was only growing stronger. Flustered, he entered the shower, trying hard to forget the growing sensation between his legs. Amethyst washed his mane and scrubbed his coat vigorously. Yet, the sensation didn’t go away, it only magnified. Frustrated, Amethyst tipped his head back and let the water rinse over him. It rushed down his neck and over his back. The water danced across his shapely flanks and rounded rump. A trickle even slid down his thighs, and he emitted a soft moan. Unconsciously, he moved a hoof back towards his nethers. Just before he made contact, he realized what he was doing and snapped his hoof away. What am I doing? He scolded, internally. Am I seriously considering doing that while I’m in this body? Only a perv like Misty would do such a thing, and there is no way I’m going to stoop to his level! As if sensing his thoughts, his nethers nagged him with heat once more. Then again, Orchid did bring up a good point yesterday. If I’m going to be stuck like this, I might as well get to know the female sex ‘personally.’ For science, of course. Amethyst reasoned. Before his rational mind could counter argue, another trickle of water touched his flushed nethers. Aww, buck it! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Orchid yawned and levitated her pink sleep shade off her eyes. She sat upright in bed and stretched, moaning in satisfaction as she felt her joints pop. What time is it? Orchid thought. She looked outside her window at the rising sun Wow; I’m up early, for once. I Might as well treat myself to a nice, warm bath. She got out of bed and walked towards her bathroom door. Closing it once inside, she stepped toward a medium sized bathtub, and used her magic to turn the handles next to the spigot. As the tub began to fill with warm water, Orchid continued thinking. Let’s see, what’s on the agenda for today, Orchid thought as she watched the water steadily fill up. I did agree to give Amethyst mare lessons today. How should I go about that? Orchid paused, and chuckled to herself. Wow, never thought I’d ever find myself thinking of what girly activities to practice with my guy-friend turned girl. The tub finished filling and Orchid took off the pink robe she’d worn to bed. She gently slid into the tub and used her magic to dim the lights. A smile spread across her face as she sank into the warm water. He’s pretty lucky neither of us need to open shop today. Orchid thought. She closed shop every Sunday to relax and restock on necessary plants. This week’s sales had been slow going, so once she sent an order in for some roses for the upcoming spring festival, the day would be free. Except for this Amethyst issue. Maybe a bubble bath will help me think, She thought. Using her magic, Orchid opened a small cupboard embedded in the bottom of her bathroom sink. She levitated out a box of suds and sprinkled them into the tub. Seconds later, bubbles began to froth from the water. Ah, that’s better, Orchid thought as she lathered shampoo into her mane. Now, what to do about Amethyst? It’s not like there’s an instruction manual on being a mare I can just show him—granted, that would be so much easier. She sighed and ran her hooves through her mane. He’s a smart pony. I’m sure he’ll pick up on it pretty quickly. Orchid dunked her head under the water again to rinse the shampoo from her mane. Her thoughts drifted to a few quips she’d heard a customer say one Hearts and Hooves Day. “He’s a great guy,” the mare had said. “But he’s still a stallion, and you know how thick headed they can be.” That I do, Orchid mused, before remembering the second thing the customer said before leaving the shop. “Wouldn’t it be great if they could live in our horseshoes for a day?” Orchid hadn’t paid the comment any more thought than a wishful fantasy. Now, however, it seemed to take on a new light. One of the parties not understanding the other’s situation had been the downfall of many relationships she’d seen over her life. Now, here she was, given the unique opportunity to instruct Amethyst to avoid making that mistake. I owe it to him, Orchid thought, pulling the plug from the tub and stepping out. He doesn’t deserve what happened between myself and Misty. Orchid took a moment to dry herself off before heading down to her kitchen. She levitated an apple out of a fruit bowl and bit into it. Come on, Orchid, why is this so hard? She groaned and set the apple down. What do you do for fun, besides going to the- “Ah ha, that’s it!” She cried aloud loud. “The paradise mall! I can take him to get his mane done; I’m sure Stylish will work miracles for that tangled mess he’s got for a mane. And heck, why not buy him a new wardrobe to boot? After all, there’s no telling how long this is going to last.” Her excitement was interrupted by the sound of her doorbell ringing. She walked out her front door and opened the door of her store. Standing before Orchid was none other than the very mare she was just thinking of. “Umm errr, morning Orchid,” Amethyst said as he shuffled a hoof. Orchid smiled back to the former stallion. “Good morning Amethyst, I hope you’re ready for a fun day.” “As much as I can be,” Amethyst sheepishly replied. Orchid was about to explain the day’s plan, when she caught whiff of an interesting aroma. Pausing for a second, she investigated the smell and found that it came from the mare in front of her. “You certainly smell nice today,” Orchid complimented. Amethyst didn’t blush, like she was expecting. Rather, his pupils dilated, and his body went rigid. “Calm down, girl, I was talking about your body wash,” she said, causing Amethyst to instantly calm. “So, you ready to get started?” “Yes, Orchid,” Amethyst said. “But, before we go and do… whatever it is you want to do to- I mean with me today, we need to make a quick stop somewhere.” At that point, Orchid took notice of Amethyst’s saddlebags carefully resting on her back. “Oh, umm ok Amethyst, whatever you say.” “Thanks Orchid, oh and could you not call me girl… it’s kind of disheartening” Amethyst asked. Orchid chuckled. “Well, but I can’t go around calling you a stallion in public, so you might as well get used to it,” Amethyst tried to reply, but she cut him off. “So, where are we stopping?” “My cabin.” Amethyst replied. “Come again?” Amethyst shot Orchid a stunned look, “You mean you don’t know about my cabin?” “Not before today,” Orchid said. “You mind enlightening me as to what you’re talking about?” Amethyst inhaled. “Ok, I technically live in a cabin in the old cottager’s town. It’s where the bulk of my equipment and more dangerous relics are stored. I want to drop off the mare statue there where it can’t be accidentally activated.” “Wait, hold up,” Orchid said, raising a hoof. “You mean to tell me you have your own house, yet you're sharing a place with Misty?” Amethyst groaned. “OK, so I moved into town and I couldn’t afford both a house and a store. I ran into Misty at the prancing pony bar, and he came to me with an offer. He owned a joined store and house, and was willing to lend me his shop space to use, as long as I kept the business profitable. “So with a little paperwork, he made me a co-owner of the shop and I set up my magic shop there. Eventually I moved in with him and bought him a nice fold up couch.” Orchid was scowling by the end of Amethyst’s tangent. “You still haven’t answered my question. Why don’t you just live in your own house?” “It might be better to just show you why rather than tell you,” Amethyst replied. Orchid grunted. “Fine, let's go already.” Amethyst nodded before walking off with Orchid in tow. They headed down the side street until they arrived at a larger one. Hustle and bustle was evident, with ponies walking all around, visiting stores and enjoying snacks at the occasional cafes. Buggies traversed down the main street, alongside the occasional bus. The two mares walked down the sidewalk for several blocks until they arrived at a bench covered by black a tarp. Amethyst stopped there and sat down. “We need to take the bus,” he said to Orchid. Orchid nodded and sat next to him. Several minutes passed before a bus finally pulled to a stop beside them. Orchid waited until the departing ponies had finished before rising from her seat; Only for Amethyst to put a hoof on her shoulder. “We need a Breezy Clearing bus. This one is heading for the mall.” Orchid nodded and let the bus depart. Another minute passed and another bus arrived. This time, Amethyst motioned for Orchid to get on the bus. Soon after departure, they found themselves outside of civilization on an old dirt road. It twisted and winded its way through a pine forest for several miles. They came to a rest next to a bench next to a clearing. There were several log cabins located inside, each connected by dirt pathways. Most had lights coming from their windows, or smoke billowing from the chimneys. Amethyst and Orchid left the bus and began walking down the path. After two steps, Orchid noticed Amethyst’s saddlebag begin to slip down her friend’s midsection. “Amethyst, your saddlebags,” Orchid pointed out. The former stallion turned around and noticed his bags were almost off his back. With a flash of magic, he slid them back along his sides - shivering from the sensation - and adjusted their straps. “Thanks Orchid,” he said. “No problem,” she said, silently tallying new saddlebags on their list of things to do today. The two finally stopped at a lonely cabin located in the far back of the clearing. It was single storied, with only one front facing window. The door was what caught Orchid’s eye, however; it was decorated with dozens of locks, and seemed to lack a door handle. Amethyst walked up to the house. His horn illuminated with magic, and one by one, the locks opened. He then tapped the handle less metal plate with his horn. The door swung open and Amethyst walked into the cabin, with Orchid cautiously following behind. From Amethyst’s description, Orchid didn’t know what to expect. A cluttered mess or gaping holes in the ceiling and walls were the first things that popped into her mind. Upon entering the house, she was shocked to discover a neat, orderly building with a well set up living room. To her left, Orchid spied a door less kitchen, free of clutter. This doesn't look so bad, Orchid thought. Amethyst walked past her and headed to an open stairwell leading to the basement. “Hey Amethyst, where are all the relics?” Orchid asked. “They’re all in a well protected safe in the basement,” he replied. “But most of the furniture also have lesser enchantments on them. So, please, don’t touch anything.” Enchanted furniture? Orchid thought as Amethyst vanished down the stairwell. Once he was gone, her eyes locked onto a red armchair, inspecting it curiously. Hmm, what’s the worst thing an enchanted chair could do? As if to test the question, Orchid walked towards the chair and motioned to sit down. “Ah!” Orchid cried as she fell rump first onto the wooden floor. She rubbed her hindquarters and looked around. The armchair had moved itself to the other side of the living room. “Well, ask a stupid question,” Orchid said, picking herself up. A second later, she heard a soft giggling. Turning towards it, she spotted Amethyst standing in the living room doorway. “Now you see why I moved out of the cabin,” he said between giggles. “You could say that,” Orchid said, casting the armchair a venomous look. “You think that’s bad, you should see the mattress. I enchanted it gently tilt me out of bed when my alarm went off. Unfortunately it doesn't quite understand the meaning of gently” Almost reflexively, Amethyst rubbed his muzzle as if feeling the pain again. “Anyways, now that the figurine is safely stored away, why don’t we go do whatever you have planned for today?” “Hold up Amethyst,” Orchid said. “Before we get there, we need to go over a few things.” Amethyst nodded and let Orchid continue. “As I said earlier, you can’t be put off by ponies who use feminine terms to address you. Remember, to the rest of the world, you are a mare.” Amethyst nodded slowly. It looked like he wasn’t paying close attention, and his eyes were wandering off absently. “Second, you can’t turn your head anytime someone calls you Amethyst.” Predictably, Amethyst turned his head at the mention of his original name. “Yes, I’m listening.” Orchid groaned. “See? That’s exactly what I’m talking about. For the time being you are not Amethyst Shard, you’re Lavender Star. Right, Lavender?” “Um...” Amethyst’s eyes darted around, unsurely. “Right, Lavender?” Orchid repeated. Amethyst sighed, “Yes, Orchid.” “Good. Now, repeat to me. Who are you?” “I’m Lavender Star; Amethyst’s twin sister visiting from Canterlot.” he said, begrudgingly. Orchid brought a hoof to her chin. “The back-story needs a little work, but we can think of that on the ride over.” “Alright, now will you tell me where we’re going, Orchid?” Amethyst asked. With a huge smile Orchid exclaimed, “The paradise mall!” Amethyst’s jaw dropped. “You’re kidding, right?” “Nope,” Orchid said. “I’ve got an entire day planned out.” The former stallion stared wordlessly at Orchid. Then, he turned on his hooves and made for the stairs. Orchid was quicker and caught Amethyst’s tail between her teeth. With a quick tug and a grunt, the violet mare was on his back. Orchid stood over him, smiling down as a blush appeared over Amethyst’s face. “Heh, can’t blame a guy for trying?”