Extending the Thread

Whoever said that Canterlot was the City of Dreams had been pulling that ‘fact’ out of their flank.

It may have been such a place for stuffy, high-born unicorns with more money than sense, but the same couldn’t be said for even ‘low-class’ unicorns trying to make their way in the city. If you were an earth pony, the costs were even higher. For a ground-bound pegasus, forget it.

Razzle Dazzle had spent every bit that she could muster to get out of Cloudsdale. The heights just didn’t agree with her at all, no matter how many doctors, therapists, family member or strangers on the cloudy streets insisted. Foolishly, the mare had thought that Canterlot could hold some promise for a future on the ground. So many high-ranking connections, success stories, and the proximity to the center of the monarchy and their bureaucracy? The potential was truly there to actually wade into the stream of consciousness and future plenty. As an accountant who’d graduated top of her class as well? It should have been a piece of cake.

Reality had hit Razzle Dazzle hard, after the first couple of weeks in her dingy little apartment on the Lower Side, that the ‘current’ of that potential stream was little more than a stagnant pool. The status quo was rigidly enforced, there were few to no opportunities for non-unicorns, and the Princesses were so tied up with their own bureaucratic red tape that even if they wanted to do anything (which Razzle was beginning to doubt very much), the Two Sisters couldn’t.

Razzle had sent out dozens of applications to every possible shop in the main part of the city. Only two had been kind enough to send her polite yet generic rejections after the the cold, rushed interviews.

Sighing, the mottled pink and white pegasus looked through the window of her apartment, up the darkened avenues of the Lower Side and towards the Canterlot Castle, lit up like a twisted mix between a candelabra and an overdone birthday cake. If she were in a better mood, she might have appreciated the view more. However, with her savings quickly running out, it would be best to not get too attached.

Her parents had been right. She’d have to go crawling back to them, be accepted back into their ‘good graces’, exiled to the basement...if she could even make it up to Cloudsdale before freezing in midair from panic.

There was a rough tap at the door. Razzle bolted upright from her bed, her dinnerplate clattering to the floor, empty except for a few crumbs. Who could be calling at this late hour? She had no friends in the city, and she’d made sure to do nothing to get on her building manager’s bad side. Curious, the pegasus trotted over to the door and turned the knob.

It was a unicorn, a stallion done up in a smart cap and a vest with a logo. The unicorn looked to be from one of the messenger services that helped deliver packages between businesses and high-paying individuals. The stallion levitated a clipboard up in front of his face, rudely obscuring his view of Razzle Dazzle. “Package for a Miss Dazzle?” he said in a nasally, rather haughty tone.

“Yes?”

He barely glanced up from his clipboard, almost sneering as he briefly scrutinized the bi-colored pegasus. Thankfully silent, he levitated over a large box, one that came up to Razzy’s hip. He didn’t ask for a signature or any other confirmation, only turning on his heel and leaving. He was out the door of the building before Razzle could even call him back about the package that she had not been expecting.

Resigned, the pegasus mare looked down at the box. Had there been a mistake? No, it was her name on the Addressee label. Looking up into the corner, the Mailing slip only said one name: Gossamer’s Fine Boutique. Gossamer’s? She’d never heard of them. She’d walked up and down the whole of Fashion Row at least five times today alone, so where was Gossamer’s? They certainly look official, with the neat silver stamp of a spinning wheel next to the neat cursive.

With a small dinner knife, Razzle undid the tape and opened the box. Instead of the usual foam pellets, there was high-quality tissue paper. On top of the ruffled pieces of ivory-colored paper was an envelope, addressed to her in that same fancy silver script. There was no way that it could be a mistake, now, but she hadn’t applied to anyplace like Gossamer. Why were they contacting her? Well, she supposed that there was only one way to find out.

Dear Ms. Razzle Dazzle,

Your resume and credentials were passed on to my boutique from one of your prospective employers at Brash Designs. My contact there believed that you may be well suited for an opening that I have at Gossamer's, and I have to agree that what I am seeing is very impressive.

Gossamer's Boutique is an establishment in the Lower Side of Canterlot and has had a presence since the 5th Centurium. We are always looking for new talent to join our operations, and I believe that you would be a great asset.

Please, won’t you come by tomorrow for an interview? My assistants at the front desk will be expecting you for 11:00. Regardless of whether you attend or not, I have included a gift for you in this package. I hope that you enjoy using it.

Kindest regards,

Fine Silk
Head Tailor
Gossamer's Fine Boutique

The pale pink mare racked her brains, thinking of the dozens of trips she’d made through the Lower Side and high streets, but came up with nothing. There was a boutique in the Lower Side? And it had been here for about five centuries? No, that couldn’t possible...maybe they’d started off on the high streets, but moved locations after the rent became too costly. And they were reaching out to a pegasus? No prospective employer was usually this forward unless it was a scam, but what did Razzle Dazzle have to lose at this point? At least they’d been polite, and they’d also sent her a gift.

“Oh my!” Razzle Dazzle gasped, green eyes wide as dinner plates as she withdrew a large blanket, a silver duvet. It was immaculately soft and tastefully embroidered with little flowers. This couldn’t have been cheap, and- wait, the duvet was silk! It couldn’t have been anything else, even with the pegasus’ little knowledge of textiles. Even pressing it slightly, the interior didn’t feel like cotton or down, but like even finer silk.

The gift was too much, far too much! And yet, as she pressed her cheek to the shimmering fabric, it seemed to warm Razzle Dazzle, caressing like an imagined lover’s hands against her body and right down to the core of her very being. It was such a lovely gift, and the sender of the letter had indicated that she could keep it, regardless of her interview attendance.

The blanket was around her shoulders and draping over Razzy’s body like a cloak before she could overthink things too much. Even though the duvet was a little heavy, it didn’t smother her body and felt secure...safe… She would go to the interview tomorrow, just to see what sort of position this boutique had available. If they could gift such a fine bedspread as this without expectation of payback, maybe she could earn enough to stay for a few more months and build some connections before leaving Canterlot.

To Razzle Dazzle, that seemed like as good a plan as any, and she flopped down onto her bed, still wrapped in the silver silk, cautiously optimistic about the next day.

Gossamer's Fine Boutique did little to stand out from the other brick-and-mortar buildings around it. The building was a throwback to the days when earth pony labor was still helping the city to expand, before the high-society unicorns had insisted that Canterlot need not grow any bigger. It wasn’t a terribly large boutique, but the outside was neat and clean, and there were ivory drapes over the windows. Razzle Dazzle couldn’t help but look up at the taller windows. There seemed to be slightly thicker drapes on the second and third floor, but it didn’t feel wrong. It was meant to give any visitors due privacy, right? If she were a client, she’d want the same courtesy.

However, Razzle had never been in any exclusive boutiques, Lower Side or not, as a client. She’d never be able to afford the same wares. Still, if the proprietor was willing to offer her a job, she could at least afford rent for the next month.

Pushing open the door solid door with her shoulder, Razzle found herself in a cool reception area. White tiles covered the floor seamlessly, as if carved from one massive rock. The walls were covered with ivory white drapes that seemed to almost melt into the tile. There were a few small fountains set into the wall, but the only real sense of color came from the reception desk. An earth pony mare with a light periwinkle coat looked up from her typewriter, beaming at the guest.

“Good morning,” the receptionist said in a smooth yet cheerful voice, lacking any of the snobbery or pomp of most Canterlot residents. “Are you Miss Razzle Dazzle?”

The pegasus was so taken aback by the courtesy that she stumbled over her words. “Y-yes. I was given a package- I-I mean a letter to come here? At 11?” Shakily, she looked up at the minimalist clock behind the reception desk. She was fifteen minutes early, but you were supposed to show up early to an interview, right? Now, she wasn’t so sure.

“Ah, yes.” The receptionist nodded meaningfully, stepping out from behind the desk. Immediately noticeable was how her navy-blue mane was done up in an intricate series of braids, as was her tail. The hair, also, looked almost impossibly long and soft. No wonder it had to be done up in such a fancy way!

“I apologize that the package was delivered to you so late, but our tailors and seamstresses prefer to make sure that our clients are home to receive any orders, missives, or billings from us. Were you happy with the gift that was included?” She still sounded so friendly yet polite, a far cry from the sneering demeanors of many of the other citizens that Razzle had encountered before.

Bashfully, Razzle Dazzle mimicked shuffling her hoof across the floor, but made sure to keep it a few inches above the surface. There was no reason to needlessly muddy up such a pristine location. “Best sleep I’ve had in ages,” she murmured shyly, a frizzy white lock falling into her face. “That quilt really helped.”

The receptionist’s smile was radiant and couldn’t be anything but genuine. “We’re always delighted to hear when our creations please our clients or future hires. My name is Choquette, and I am a receptionist and assistant to Miss Silk. She is very eager to meet you. Please, won’t you sign in to our guest book?” She nodded to a simple binder just to the side of the desk. “I will inform Miss Silk that you have arrived.”

“Alright,” the pegasus mare whispered, eyes cast down towards the ivory parchment. Choquette stepped out from behind the desk fully, showing off a smart business suit in a blue that was complementary to her mane and coat. Razzle Dazzle couldn’t help but notice that the earth mare’s bosom was rather large, but not extraordinarily so. With how trim she was otherwise, it was probably safe to think that Choquette had a child or two, or she’d had some sort of augmenting surgery. The receptionist surely had the looks and personality to attract anyone that she wanted-

Razzle shook her head furiously, her frizzy mane almost slipping out of its bun as she tried to steer the thoughts clear from her head. Fantasizing about the first employee in your potential workplace was not the best way to make a first impression. ‘Keep it together, Razzy,’ she thought furiously as she jotted down her name in the guest book. The last thing that she wanted right now was to turn up to her first interview with the mindset of a horny teenager. The shabby and loose-fitting suit, something she’d always been self-conscious about, would do nothing to help her.

Choquette was quick to return, the sheer curtain barely rustling around her. She stepped to the side of the doorway, almost like a footpony that Razzle might’ve heard announcing the presence of a noble if she were anywhere near high society. The receptionist said nothing, though, only smiling to the interviewee. There was the gentle clatter of hoofsteps on tile, and through the curtain entered-

Razzle Dazzle had never known much in the way of lust or aesthetic appreciation for other ponies in her life, but not even she could deny that Fine Silk was the most gorgeous creature that she’d ever seen, including some of the models that appeared in fancy fashion magazines. Fine Silk put them all to shame.

She was a tall, slender unicorn, but while almost every unicorn that Razzy knew had a mono-color coat and multicolored mane, the designer was the opposite. Alabaster white meshed with rich black over most of her body, and her mane and tail started in a pitch black that faded to white at the ends. Hooded, deep purple eyes were set symmetrically just underneath a slender horn, and her smile was such an entrancing thing, small but sincere. In Razzle’s humble opinion, this mare was more beautiful than Celestia herself.

“Good morning,” Fine Silk said in a warm, rich, slightly accented voice. “I am Fine Silk, the owner and lead tailor of this establishment. You must be Razzle Dazzle, yes?”

The pegasus said nothing. Her mind was almost completely blank, so dumbfounded was she. Her eyes were only now registering the clothes that Fine Silk was wearing: a long, nearly sheer dress that clung tight to her upper body before flaring out behind her, silk gloves, and white stockings and boots that revealed just the barest flash of thigh.

“Ms. Delight? Razzle? Razzy?”

“Mm? Oh!” Razzle almost fell backward, completely mortified that she hadn’t answered her interviewers initial question. ‘Stupid, stupid, stupid!’ she scolded herself mentally. “I- yes, that’s me. I mean, I’m Razzle Dazzle! I’m so sorry, I- I didn’t mean-!”

But the pegasus seemed to be fretting over nothing of offense. Fine Silk was still smiling and she was regarding the pink pegasus with only patient interest, nothing snide. Choquette still stood resolutely at her post, but her own smile had taken on a rather humorous bend to it. It didn’t seem like the receptionist was laughing at her expense, at least.

“It’s fine, my dear,” the unicorn mare said, offering a gloved hand to Razzle in an offer to shake. “No harm done, yes? You’re hardly the first pony to have been impacted by my presence in such a manner.” Fine Silk looked, if anything, a little embarrassed with herself. “With how often something like this has happened, I probably should have sent a warning in my letter. Oh, but what could I have said?” She touched her unoccupied had to her cheek, and that beautiful smile dipped just a little.

Having taken the other hand to shake, it fell to Razzle to offer comfort. “No, please!” she insisted to the beautiful unicorn, clasping that silk glove in both hands. The material made her own clammy hands feel so warm and much less shaky from nerves. “You’re very beautiful, but I should have remembered my manners. I’m so sorry.” Being strictly professional and courteous during the interview had taken second place to offering comfort. It wasn’t even about schmoozing up to a potential future boss at this point! All that mattered was helping Fine Silk to smile again.

Purple eyes fluttered open, and there was a great deal more cheer in them now, sending relief cascading through Razzle. “You are very kind,” Fine Silk murmured, patting Razzle’s hands with both of her own. “We should put this behind us and continue, I suppose. Please, won’t you follow me into my meeting room? I have refreshments and comfortable seating.”

With such a charming smile, and her future on the line, how could Razzle refuse. “Yes, please,” she croaked, and barely realized that Fine Silk was taking her by the hand. Choquette did not follow but offered another encouraging smile to Razzle Dazzle as she passed. The silk curtain brushed over Razzle’s face as she stepped through it, and...was she blushing so much that she was that warm? Sweet Celestia…

“I’m terribly sorry for the mix-up with your name,” Fine Silk murmured. “A few of my assistants make baked goods in their spare time, and one of them brought in some pastries that they’re calling ‘raspberry delights.’ They’ve been on my mind lately.”

“Oh, I’m- it’s no trouble,” the pegasus hiccuped, walking side-by-side with the unicorn. “It’s refreshing that you got my name mostly correct. Some of the others that I’ve been interviewed by didn’t even do that much,” she finished, a little morosely. It felt a little awkward to badmouth previous potential employers to someone involved in their industry, but something about Fine Silk compelled her to be honest.

“That’s a terrible shame. There’s something so memorable about you,” the unicorn said, looking over Razzle Dazzle with an appraising yet friendly eye. “From what I’ve seen so far, at least.”

“Th-thank you.” Why couldn’t she stop stuttering, and why did her face feel like the inside of a volcano?

“So polite and courteous,” Fine Silk whispered with an endearing smile, opening the door for Razzle Dazzle. The meeting room was small, minimalist in design, but still maintained an air of intimacy. Here, the tiles were black while the walls were still draped with the same ivory curtains. The furniture consisted of a glass-topped table and two white loveseats. “I hope that you don’t mind the furnishings. I prefer a more comfortable setting to talk with employees and clients. Please, won’t you sit down?”

“Alright.” At last, a word that she didn’t stumble through! Razzle still waited for Fine Silk to sit down first, on the seat that was furthest from the door and had a black file sitting on top, before she took her own seat. The couch was so very comfortable, conforming to her back almost immediately.

There was a tap at the door, and a small cart was wheeled in by a beautiful chestnut unicorn in a pencil skirt and blouse, with a braided blonde mane and tail. “Miss Silk,” she said in a rich, husky voice. “I have the refreshments that you requested.”

“Thank you so much, Baklava.” The tailor beckoned to the table with a nod, and Baklava levitated over a tier of some sort of dessert, as well as a pot of tea with two cups and a milk jug. Without a word, Baklava nodded and smiled to Razzle Dazzle before departing with her cart. Something about that little smile had Razzy’s heart skipping a beat or two.

“My assistants are always so generous, and I never have to worry about fights.” Fine Silk sighed a little and poured a cup of tea for them both. “It’s great that all of my employees get along so well.”

“It really is.” Razzle picked up her own cup and took a sip. The tea was just warm enough to be comfortable and had a deep, almost spicy flavor to it. It was quite delicious! “I’m sure that it’s reflective of you picking the best ponies for the job.”

“In more ways than one.” Silk turned her head to look at Razzle Dazzle with those beautiful purple eyes, giving the pegasus her undivided, benevolent attention. “I’ve noticed, as you probably have, that the hiring situation in Canterlot is hardly equal. While there are laws for equal opportunity in this city, very few seem to follow the letter or spirit of those laws. So many resumes for non-unicorns get passed down here to businesses in the Lower Side for such… insane reasons!”

“It’s a shame,” Razzle agreed, watching Fine Silk with just as much attention as she herself was being afforded. Finally, an employer who was in touch with reality and trying to remedy the situation as much as possible. “The city is supposed to be one of promise and opportunity, but that’s only if you’re a unicorn, I’ve found.”

Fine Silk reached a hand out, eyes sympathetic, and Razzle Dazzle took a hold of it immediately. “That is why I hire based on qualification, not on race. A pegasus can do just as well in fashion as even the most talented unicorn can. Do you want to succeed in the fashion community, Razzle Dazzle?”

Now this was a little embarrassing. “Oh, not fashion specifically,” she said with a soft wince. “I just want experience, more than anything. I’m an accountant by education, but I’d like to learn whatever I can.”

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.” With a final pat to the back of Razzle’s hand, Fine Silk leaned back and levitated her tea cup over. “I find it admirable of you to want to enter any sort of industry to increase your knowledge base. That’s the exact attitude that I’m looking for in my new hires.” Leaving the pegasus in flattered silence for just a few seconds, Fine Silk set her cup down and levitated Razzle’s file into her hands. She looked up quickly after opening the file. “Please, won’t you have a raspberry delight?”

“O-oh, yes please!” Suddenly famished and itching for something sweet, Razzle Dazzle finally got a good look at the baked goods that Baklava had previously brought in. They were little cake sandwiches with a soft white sponge, beautiful cream, and perfect raspberries on top of and in the center. She picked one up delicately and took a bite. Her mouth exploded with the rich sweetness of the cake, the cool cream (with something adding on a little sharpness- maybe mint?), and the tang of the raspberry forming a perfect blend. She was barely able to stifle a moan, but her interviewer only smiled at her apparent enjoyment.

“Feel free to have as many as you’d like,” Fine Silk offered. “I want to make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible while we talk. Now, your resume said that you’re a graduate of the Cloudsdale Trade School, I believe. Can you tell me a little about your experience there? Meaningful courses and extracurricular activities?”

Razzle Dazzle happily talked, answering Fine Silk’s questions with just enough detail to give her a good idea without going overboard and exposing too much. The topic of school, previous work experience, her time at race camp as a filly, and the extracurriculars that she’d done while in school all came and went quickly. What had been painfully awkward and stunted in previous interviews felt so much better to talk about with Fine Silk. She didn’t have that same snide arrogance that so many other Canterlot residents had floating about them like a miasma. The words fell easily from Razzy’s lips, but when she stuttered a little, the unicorn only continued to smile and offered another raspberry delight with a gentle “please, won’t you…?” It was all so cordial yet not rigidly formal.

“I believe I have almost everything that I need,” Fine Silk said after a while, setting the file aside. She’d taken a few notes with a tiny pink quill, but not too many. Eye contact with Razzle had seemed much more important. “Though, won’t you please answer one last question that I have? It will have no bearing on my hiring decision, but I don’t want for it to be too personal.”

“I’d love to answer,” Razzle murmured. Her voice had gotten softer as the interview had continued and she’d gotten more comfortable, sinking further into the loveseat. She was almost tired, but there was something about the raspberry delights that gave her energy. Not an adrenaline rush, no. It was much calmer, more soothing to her nerves. “What would you like to know?”

The designer folded her hands into her lap, letting the silk of her dress shimmer in the weak light of the room. “Just a little about your housing situation. I remember from mailing you the duvet yesterday that you are living a little further down in the Lower Side. Is it still a tenable situation for you?” The words were just as soft as Razzle’s voice, hardly judgmental, only kind.

“Oh...no, not really,” Razzle Dazzle sighed sadly, and the admission of such a disappointment wrenched at her oddly. “It was the best I could find on my budget, but I can’t afford to live there after this month. The moving costs from Cloudsdale…”

“I understand.” Fine Silk lifted a previously unseen silver bell from somewhere and rang it briefly, but made no indication that it was for Razzy. The pegasus was just so relaxed, more so than she had been since moving to the city. “I ask because I have an arrangement with some of my employees. They are in much the same situation as you, so I sometimes provide housing for them, on a case by case basis. Separate rooms, a communal kitchen and washroom. The only rent is a five percent deduction from your pay, but I also pay for the utilities. The only living expenses that you would have to actively pay for would be cooking ingredients and in case there was major damage done to the house.” There was a tap at the door, and Fine Silk stood up to answer. “We do not have to discuss it now. We can figure things out once I’ve drawn up an appropriate contract for you.”

Razzle Dazzle almost laid there on the couch, nearly bewildered with the happiness. Her apartment was hardly considered live-in-able; it was old, run down, with faulty wiring and plumbing that rattled in the night. If Fine Silk was truly serious about her employment offer and the housing could be included? Well, that was just fine with Razzy.

Fine Silk appeared back in front of the pegasus with a small box in her arms. “I would like for you to have this,” she explained. “Regardless of my decision to hire you or not, I want your experience with me to be a positive one. This is a nightgown of my own creation, free of charge. I hope that you may find use for it.”

“O-oh.” The stammering was back, and Razzle Dazzle felt oddly shaky as she got to her feet, but she managed. “I...I couldn’t possibly-”

“Please?” The unicorn offered the box directly to her. “Won’t you take it?”

...how could Razzy say no to such a polite insistence? The whole time that she’d been here had been so delightful, it was like a home that she’d never known could be made here in Canterlot. “Yes. Thank you,” she said, taking the glossy box with more care than she had standing up.

Fine Silk’s smile was absolutely radiant. “Wonderful. I’d like to continue our discussion tomorrow, if possible. I do have clients for most of the day, so won’t you please come back at three o’clock?”

“That would be lovely.” Any chance to see the pleasant unicorn and her staff would be nice, honestly.

“Wonderful.” Fine Silk offered a hand, which Razzle took without hesitation. As they walked back to the foyer, Fine Silk seemed to almost press against the pegasus’ side, the silk of her dress brushing against Razzy’s wing. She could hardly complain, though; Fine Silk’s presence alone was making her feel more warm and welcome in Canterlot than in the three months that she’d been here so far.

“Choquette,” the designer said to her employee as she opened the curtain for her interviewee. The receptionist looked up from her typewriter, a thoughtful frown on her face that was quickly replaced with a brilliant smile. “Would you kindly write down Ms. Delight here for a three o’clock tomorrow?”

“Yes, Miss,” the periwinkle earth pony said softly while her boss guided Razzle to the door. Should Razzle smile back at the receptionist? She seemed to be a bit busy. Maybe she would forgive her tomorrow.

With amiable salutations and one last handshake, Razzle practically pranced down the street and back to her run-down apartment building, warm all over and in the highest spirits that she could ever remember being in. Even though she didn’t get up from her bed after eagerly trying on the nightgown and collapsing on her bed, the pegasus settled into a warm relaxation, bumped up by the future employment prospect and the lingering taste of the raspberry delights.

Maybe things would turn out alright, after all.

Seam Rip

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At 2:45 the next day, Razzy pushed her way into Gossamer's Fine Boutique, still dressed in her ill-fitting suit but with a lot less anxiety than the previous day. However, that little bit of self-confidence flew right out the window at the sight of the pony behind the desk. It wasn’t Choquette but someone new, a pegasus mare who was just as pretty. Her coat was a delicate green and her long mane, done in a silky plait down the side of her neck, was pale pink and with gentle white highlights. The new receptionist looked up from her work, and her smile was just as sweet and considerate as Choquette’s had been yesterday. Still, Razzy couldn’t quite help the knot beginning to form in her stomach and the knocking of her knees.

“Good afternoon,” the other pegasus said warmly, and her voice sounded like the higher tones of a wind chime. “My name is Cassatta.” She actually slid out of her seat and stepped out from behind the desk to greet Razzy. Like Choquette, Cassatta wore a simple business suit with a silk and lace camisole underneath. Nimble, jade-green wings were folded tightly to her body.

Razzy stepped forward to meet the new mare, eased somewhat by how no attention seemed to be paid to her own lack of flight. “You can call me Razzy,” she said, taking Cassatta’s hand and smiling. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I have a three o’clock appointment with Miss Silk?”

“Of course. She is just finishing up with a client, but a meeting room has been prepared for you. Please, won’t you sign in and then follow me?” The light green pegasus stood aside so that Razzy could write down her name into the guest book. Embarrassingly, it took a couple of long seconds for her to think to scrawl her full name, but she managed and Cassatta hadn’t seemed to notice how Razzle had lingered over the binder. It was really nice, being put back at ease inside of the lovely shop.

“Your meeting will be on the second floor,” Cassatta said in a low voice as the two pegasi brushed past the silk partition and into the main boutique. “Miss Silk does not usually like to have meetings all take place in just one room. We assistants will prepare a couple of rooms if she has back-to-back consultations and interviews.”

“I suppose...for client confidentiality?” Razzle murmured, keeping just as quiet. The last thing that she wanted was to disturb a potential employer’s meeting by being too loud.

“That’s part of it. Miss Silk incorporates the seasons into her work quite often, and not just in the design,” Cassatta explained, and Razzle Dazzle hung onto her every word. This could be important. Hopefully, there wouldn’t be a quiz or anything. “There are some rooms here that Miss Silk doesn’t use at certain times of the year, just like there are some colors that work best in designer clothing during different months.”

They turned a corner and into a small hallway gallery, lined with pictures of raw silk, some sort of tan pupae, and even a few spider webs. Cassatta continued with her explanation, and while Razzy listened to every word, her eyes still drifted to the very detailed pictures. “Miss Silk keeps us hired year round, but not everyone is here at the same time. I’m just coming in as this season’s receptionist, but I’ve worked for Miss Silk for three years.”

“Oh...I see.” It made sense, in a way. With Canterlot being such a fashion-centric city, some of the practices up on the high streets would have to be used even on the Lower Side to try to gain high-paying clients. As they came to the stairs, though, Razzle Dazzle found that a couple of questions had come to mind. “I...I don’t want to be rude or ignorant, but would it be alright if I asked where you worked when you’re not the receptionist here?”

Cassatta’s smile never waned. “Oh, it’s hardly rude, and I appreciate that you want to know.” She let Razzle take the steps first before following closely, her silk suit briefly brushing against the other pegasus’ wings. “Miss Silk has a few other locations around Equestria where we can stay and work, and she also has a place in the country where I volunteer to help make silk.”

“Make silk?” The notion was intriguing, and though Razzle had never even considered the process of making raw textiles before, something about this caught her attention. “She doesn’t buy it from a warehouse or manufacturer?”

“No, no… Miss Silk has an estate out in the country that produces all of her raw materials, such as fabric and thread,” Cassatta explained. “And I’m always happy to help. It’s not terribly difficult work but still very rewarding, and the room and board are paid. She genuinely wants to make sure that we’re all involved in every aspect of her business, but also that we’re not overworked. To Miss Silk, our health and happiness is paramount.”

That was such an oddity to consider, that a boss would do everything in her power to make sure that her staff had stable, consistent employment throughout the whole year and wanted to ensure their well-being. How many employers on any scale could claim to offer both comfortable accommodations and a stipend on top of that for their employees? In Canterlot and Cloudsdale? Hardly any. “She takes such good care of...you guys.” Razzle stumbled a little in speaking; she’d just about to say “she takes such good care of us”, but that wasn’t right, was it? Razzy wasn’t an employee yet.

At the landing, they both stepped out onto an open workshop area. Mannequins were lined up in neat rows, and some of them had pieces of fabric and the beginnings of dresses draped over their bodies. Two mares with short, curved horns attended a matching set of mannequins that seemed to be featuring wedding dresses. “Sunny? Moony? We have a guest!” Cassatta called over, and Razzle shied away just slightly. She was already being introduced to other employees? Wasn’t that a little forward? Then again, Razzy didn’t really know how the business functioned. Maybe they were just more open than others. That seemed to be the modus operandi.

‘Sunny’ and ‘Moony’ looked up from their work and merrily trotted over to greet them. They seemed to be almost like twins; their cutie marks were some form of unfrosted cake, their manes were of a light peach, and they were about the same height and lean body. The only difference was coat colors: a light green for one and soft pink for the other. While the receptionist wore a neat business suit, both unicorns wore matching short dresses of eggshell white with a a black circular structure stitched on the front breast pocket. To Razzy, it looked like a rather angular spindle wheel.

“Miss Dazzle, these are Sun Cake and Moon Cake,” Cassatta said, beckoning with a hand. The two unicorns dipped their heads to the pegasi and smiled kindly. “They are two of our junior seamstresses. After Miss Silk gets to a certain point in her tailoring, she passes her work on to other staff members to help finish. They also make all of the uniforms for Miss Silk’s staff.”

Razzle Dazzle paled under the intense staring from the two unicorns. It wasn’t the same sneering scrutiny that she’d gotten from some of the others at places where she’d interviewed, where their very look told her that she was their inferior. Still, this level of staring was...really a lot, almost too much. It felt like they were looking into her very soul. “I-it-itsa p-p-pleasure…” she tried, but the words came out slurred, and why were they all suddenly looking that much taller? Her head started to feel a little heavy and the floor suddenly became the ceiling-

Three sets of hands reached out to grab her at once. “Steady,” someone murmured, and it didn’t sound like Cassatta. Maybe it was one of the twins? “Carefully, over there,” another person whispered, in another unfamiliar voice. Razzy felt herself carefully lifted by strong, capable arms before being laid down on something softer than her old cloudbed. What felt like a cool cloth was draped over her forehead, and her whole head was then elevated by a pillow. Even though her vision was rather fuzzy, there were shapes looking down at her and exchanging worried whispers.

“Wh-wha…?” she tried, but it all came out slurred again.

“Shh,” someone murmured kindly. “Try not to talk just yet, Miss. Just relax for a few minutes.” A slight weight settled nearby her on the furniture (it must have been a couch of some sort), and a warm hand took her own. A different hand brushed through her hair, careful not to mess up how it was arranged.

They were all so nice and comforting, Razzy mused quietly as she was watched and comforted. It was the most care that she’d received from any group of ponies in quite some time.

There was another set of hoofsteps from somewhere nearby. “Oh, dear. What happened?” It was Fine Silk, and she sounded rather distressed. Razzy tried to sit up to face her interviewer, but her head swam unpleasantly. She felt about ready to be sick, but her stomach didn’t rebel quite yet. That was one good thing; the last thing she wanted to do was humiliate herself in front of her potential coworkers or mess up the rug.

“It’s my fault,” Cassatta murmured, on the verge of tears. Unseen to Razzy, she had a silk handkerchief in one hand and was trying to stem the oncoming tide. “I- I think I overwhelmed her, Miss. I’m so sorry!”

Booted hooves moved a little closer, and there was a ruffle of fabric followed by muffled sobs. “Shhh, my dear. It’s perfectly alright,” Razzy heard Fine Silk whisper. “Your heart was in the right place. Why don’t you go to the kitchen and have Baklava serve you some cake? Moon Cake and Sun Cake, you should go with her as well.”

“Yes, Miss,” the twin-like unicorns replied, and the hands gently left Razzy in order to guide Cassatta through some unseen door.

A new weight settled on the couch as soon as the trio were gone, and a gloved hand settled on Razzy’s shoulder. She didn’t startle; the pegasus felt a little too weak for that. “Razzy? Are you alright?”

Barely sparing a thought for the fact that the beautiful unicorn had called Razzle by a nickname that she didn’t quite remember sharing, she managed to whisper, “I’m sorry, Miss Silk.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for.” One gloved hand took Razzy’s and caressed her fingers, and the other took the cold cloth from her brow and began to brush it over mottled pink and white fur. “It sounds quite sudden. My dear, you’re burning up quite a lot!”

There was an odd twisting sensation in her heart, like some sort of knot was coming undone, and Razzle gave a small, gasping sob. “I’m so sorry!” she repeated, scalding hot tears leaking out from her eyes, no doubt messing up her makeup. “I...I felt fine, and I didn’t want to reschedule-”

Fine Silk just gave another shushing noise and continued to caress the ailing pegasus mare. “I don’t blame you, dear. Did you eat anything at all today that might have upset your stomach?”

Razzle barely managed to shake her head, still weeping quietly. “Haven’t eaten at all.” After such delicious food yesterday, she hadn’t felt hungry for all of today. Those raspberry delights had been so satisfying, right down to her soul.

“Well, there might be part of the issue,” Fine Silk tutted, but in much more of a motherly way. “I’ll have some food and a tonic packed up for you, and I’ll take you home.”

“N-no!” The pink mare almost wailed, suddenly distressed. “Your business-!”

“Will keep while I am away,” the tailor interrupted gently. “Right now, you and your health are far more important to me, and I want to see you home safely to make sure that you have a steady recovery.” Through hazy eyes, Razzy saw the paint unicorn’s beautiful purple eyes wide with worry. Even now, she put forth a heavenly image, far more comforting than Razzy had ever felt from Princess Celestia.

Razzy began to cry a little more while her head pounded and stomach churned, and the unicorn, this wonderful, kind, generous unicorn continued to comfort her with small sounds and gentle caresses. “Choquette became suddenly ill yesterday, too,” Fine Silk mused aloud. “She’s just resting upstairs. I wonder if it’s a bug that’s floating around.”

Razzy sincerely hoped not. It wouldn't do to get any of the wonderful Gossamer ponies ill, let alone Fine Silk. “The interview…” Her stomach roiled before she could finish the sentence, but everything managed to stay down, at least. She didn’t particularly want to mess up this gorgeous shop.

“It can wait until you feel better,” she was told. “I just had a few follow-up questions, but I’m already sorting through the paperwork, Razzy. Ah!” Fine Silk suddenly gasped as a set of boots announced the arrival of someone new. Razzy’s eyes felt so tacky and gunked up that she couldn’t really see who the visitor was.

“I brought the items that you asked for, ma’am.” It was Baklava, the pretty brown unicorn from yesterday who had brought the treats to the interview. There was the soft tinkling chime of magic in use as something was set down nearby. “Is there anything else that you or Miss Delight might need?”

“Not now, but thank you,” Fine Silk sighed, and there was a smile evident in her voice. “You may go back to the kitchen to comfort Cassatta and the Cakes.”

“Yes, Miss.” As Baklava left, a pleasant aroma wafted through the air and caught Razzy’s weak attention. It was a lovely smell, low and rich with just a hint of tang at the end. She’d smelled it before, or something like it, and recently. What was it? Maybe she could ask once she felt better.

“Shall we get you back home before you get any weaker?” Fine Silk offered, standing and placing both hands gently around Razzy’s torso, slightly rumpling her faded suit jacket. The pegasus barely had the strength to speak now, let alone nod, but she tried to show the kindly tailor that she had given her permission. Her head spun as she was lifted by surprisingly strong arms before one of her own was slung over Fine Silk’s shoulder. “There is an elevator nearby. We’ll use that.”

By the time that the two had reached the foyer, Razzle Dazzle was having a great deal of trouble walking, but Fine Silk made no comment or complaint. They took their time down the few steps from the shop, and being on flat ground certainly helped with the journey. This was so awful for Razzle. Not only did she fall ill right before an important interview, but her potential boss was taking precious time to escort Razzy home! She’d done nothing to deserve such kindness from the unicorn, had she? Aside from be polite?

“Do you have any friends or family to help you?” Fine Silk murmured as they crossed into the shadow of Razzle Dazzle’s apartment building.

“No,” the pegasus whimpered hoarsely. “They don’t want me anymore…” All of her old ‘friends and family’ had ostracized her as soon as she’d decided to move to Canterlot and live on the ground. Some pegasi were just like that, unfortunately.

As if understanding the unsaid context, Fine Silk embraced her charge a little tighter. “We’ll get you tucked into bed, and I will for my girls to check on you while you’re ill.”

Even if Razzy had wanted to protest, she couldn’t possibly. She felt so seriously ill that there really wasn’t much that she could take care of in this condition. With so much help from the tailor, they quietly entered Razzy’s apartment building, trudged up to the second floor, and got to her room. When Razzy fumbled and almost dropped her keys, they were quietly taken in a purple magical glow and slid into the lock for her. “Thank you,” she managed, but it made her head and neck throb to just open her mouth.

Gentle hands helped the ailing pegasus to sit down on the edge of her rickety bed. Nearby, her keys and whatever objects that Fine Silk had also been levitating were set down on her little bedside box. The unicorn made no remark about anything in the room, like the cardboard boxes that were still unpacked or how the bed was so neatly made. “We’ll get you settled in, and everything will be just fine,” she promised quietly, and Razzy found that she could almost believe the tailor. She just hoped that she wouldn’t have to feel like this forever.

“Why don’t we...oh…” Fine Silk trailed off a little awkwardly. Razzy got the distinct impression, humorous and adorable as it was, that the slightly older mare was wringing her hands bashfully. “I suppose that I’m so used to seeing other ponies without clothing, I haven’t asked your permission.”

Razzy found herself barely muttering “you can." She was starting to shiver, and her wings felt like two icebergs on her back. The oppressive suit jacket was unbuttoned by careful fingers and set off to the side. She didn’t care that Fine Silk only had to do a little maneuvering to help get off her skirt. It just felt far too stuffy and constricting, even though she was cold. Her blouse and bra came next, leaving her in just her panties, in front of someone who could be her future boss. If Fine Silk had no issue, though, Razzy was pretty certain that she didn’t mind, either. It was actually...rather nice to have someone being so non-judgmental and unconditionally kind and compassionate, especially when she was at her weakest.

Nearby came the soft release of fabric. “Please, won’t you allow me to put your nightgown on you?” Fine Silk’s voice was so soft, affectionate, and held no disgust or annoyance. She truly was the best.

Razzy managed a small, hoarse “yes”, even with her head hanging down. Magic formed around the sheer silk gown to leave Fine Silk’s hands free. She helped to lift Razzy’s arms up over her head. The pegasus sighed with relief as the fine fabric brushed over her sweaty face and hands. It was both warming and cooling at the same time, such a relaxing sensation in an uncomfortable situation. Her wings briefly flared out through the wide slit in the back, and even pressing her feathers against the back of the gown felt rejuvenating in a way. Tender, skilled hands sculpted the silk down Razzy’s body so that it formed to her very slight curves.

“The chest area seems a little small for you,” Fine Silk whispered, brushing a gloved hand over Razzy’s red face and through her damp hair kindly. “The next time that you come into the shop, I’ll modify it for you.” The unicorn helped tilt Razzy back into the bed and began to draw up the silk comforter that she’d gifted the pegasus three days ago. Purple magic levitated a bottle of a light-green milky liquid over to the tailor/caretaker.

“This tonic has been helping Choquette recover from the same thing that you have,” the bicolored unicorn explained, tilting Razzy’s head up. “Please, won’t you have a little?”

“Yes,” the pegasus weakly answered, opening her mouth as much as her aching jaw would allow at the moment. A few drops of the tonic hit her parched tongue, and Razzy’s lips fastened over the bottle so that she could drink more strongly. It felt almost purifying, washing away some traces of the sickness. The minty flavor settled her stomach almost as soon as it hit her aching belly. She relaxed into the hand supporting her head and neck.

This was truly something special, a type of unconditional motherly attention that she hadn’t experienced since leaving home for the ground. Razzy had dreaded not being able to experience anything like it again unless she decided to have her own foals.

The sweet, creamy, minty tincture continued to drip into Razzy’s waiting mouth while she almost suckled the bottle. Her stomach was calming down and a minty freshness seemed to flow into her veins. Even her wings began to feel less icy and heavy. Unfortunately, the bottle was soon emptied, and was levitated away by a deep purple magic.

“There...does that feel a little better?” The low, rich voice of Fine Silk drifted through the feverish haze that had taken over Razzy’s mind. She clung to it like a life ring, but she wasn’t going to be feeling better from the fever immediately. She tried to mumble that whatever the solution had been, it had done wonders, but Razzy couldn’t hear her own reply. The silk duvet was tucked under her chin, trapping her underneath the insulated weight.

“Don’t be worried,” the matronly unicorn whispered, and...was that a kiss to Razzy’s forehead? “We’ll take care of you. We’ll be your family, Razzy.”

Family...a thing that she hadn’t had since leaving Cloudsdale. If she were lucky enough to be hired on by Fine Silk...all those kind, beautiful mares at the shop could be her new family. That was a nice thought, thank you, and a great last thought for Razzy to have before she drifted off into feverish sleep.

She dreamt of a beautiful family of mares, that milky medicine, and raspberry delights.

Mending the Gap

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Razzy didn’t leave her bed for quite a few days.

Thankfully, she was not left to recover alone. Fine Silk had kept to her word and sent over her employees and assistants to watch over the ill pegasus. The few times that she could manage to crack open her eyelids during the earliest days, one of Gossamer’s staff members seemed to always there. Cassatta had almost broken into tears while helping Razzy down to the hallway washroom to freshen up, still blaming herself a little for the sudden onset of illness. Razzy did manage to weakly assure the green pegasus that it wasn’t her fault in the slightest...or she hoped that came across in her response, since her ears didn’t register much noise at the moment from so much internal pressure.

Once, it had been the two unicorn twins, Sun Cake and Moon Cake, who had been attending her bedslide. After helping wipe her down and changing her into a new nightgown (courtesy of Fine Silk, as always), they’d even brushed her mane and tail, massaged her hands and feet, and sang lullabies from their ancient homeland to the east, a city called Neighjing. Their mother tongue did manage to break through the pressure buildup in Razzy’s ears, and it was so beautiful that she almost started weeping in delight. Maybe they could teach her someday?

Most often, though, the pony attending her was Baklava, the beautiful brown unicorn from her first interview day. She would sit and talk in a voice that was like pure honey, rich and sweet. Though Razzy couldn’t really talk back much, she tried to listen to precisely what the unicorn said as nimble fingers brushed through the sick mare’s limp mane.

“I lived in Saddle Arabia, close to Equestria’s borders,” Baklava had said during one of her earlier stories. “My town would see very many traders who visited, and I learned how to bake many varieties of treats to remind the travelers of their homeland. I was an orphan, but well cared for by my neighbors and mentors. I started referring to people by the names of the treats that they most often ordered.” Razzy had given Baklava weak yet eager permission to call her Raspberry Delight, if she wanted to, but that Razzy was just fine. She’d received a tight hug for extending the offer.

The boutique’s baker was so attentive to Razzy’s needs that she didn’t even need to be told what might be ailing her new friend (Baklava had asked if they were friends almost as soon as Razzy had been briefly lucid the first time that she’d visited, and the pegasus had insisted that of course they were, regardless of whatever happened in the future). Though the fever had begun to die down somewhat, Razzy was still afflicted with terrible aches in her joints that all of her carers attended to without fuss. Baklava prided herself on having the best hands for massaging based on years of kneading dough. Razzy began to look forward to her visits above all others because Baklava was not wrong; her fingers fell into every muscle contour and soothed every possible knot and strain that the pegasus had, practically leaving the baker with a puddle of contented fur and feathers by the end of her visit.

The brown unicorn followed the pattern of Cassatta and the Cakes before her by giving Razzy the same thick tonic to help her sleep better. For some reason, though, Baklava’s dose always tasted a little more creamy and fresh, more pleasant than sharp. A couple of times, early on, Razzy had almost choked and accidentally snorted some out her nose, but Baklava had only chuckled and handed her a monogrammed kerchief. Maybe that bright white cloth had been enough to hide her blush.

“I’ve never...you know, had a special somepony,” Razzy admitted one day, sitting up but leaning back against Baklava’s chest. The two of them were on Razzy’s old bed, taking a little break from lying down. A thick bristle brush ran over the light pink pegasus’ scalp and through her mane, causing her skin to tingle slightly.

“Oh?” the unicorn chirped, continuing her methodical brushing. “How come? Were you not interested?”

“No...I did want somepony to pay attention to me,” Razzy said, looking down at where her fingers fiddled with the hem of the newest silk nightgown. It felt like a knot in her heart was beginning to loosen, just a little, by talking about it with her new friend. “In Cloudsdale, though, attractiveness is based on speed. And, well…” She flushed in embarrassment. “I’m a very bad flyer. I’ve never been a quick racer, and I was teased for almost falling through the clouds more than once. Some ponies said that it must have been because I wasn’t a pure pegasus, whatever that was supposed to mean.”

The brushing stopped briefly, and strong brown arms wrapped around the pegasus’ belly. “In my culture, you would be considered sublime,” Baklava breathed, tickling the soft fur around Razzy’s ear. “We adored any pegasi who would come to visit us. Living in both worlds, even a little, must be very exciting.”

“It’s nice, yeah,” Razzy murmured, instinctively leaning back against Baklava’s chest so that the unicorn could rest her chin on her shoulder. Her rose-tipped wings brushed a little against Baklava’s breasts, leaving the both of them shuddering slightly. “I-I don’t mind clouds that’re close to the ground, but I don’t think I could live someplace like Cloudsdale again.”

“Their loss.” The baker’s thumbs caressed Razzy’s soft belly fur through the silk of her nightgown. “It’s not just that you are a creature of both earth and sky that’s attractive. You are very beautiful in your own right, Razzy.”

“O-oh!” she stammered, looking back into Baklava’s pretty blue eyes. “I...suppose that I am- I mean thank you!” She didn’t want to give an impression of false modesty by denying her looks, but no one had ever told Razzy that she was good looking before, except for her parents when she had been younger.

The arms around her belly retracted, and Razzy worried for a moment that she had offended the beautiful unicorn by not immediately thanking her for the compliment. However, she paused mid-apology when her mane was quietly divided into three sections, and Baklava began to braid Razzy’s pink-and-white hair. Immediately, she relaxed into the sensation of being well cared for. “Tell me more about yourself, please?” she squeaked after a few long seconds of silence. Just quietly accepting the unconditional fussing was starting to feel a little awkward, and she wanted to know more about this lovely pony.

“Certainly.” Toned brown legs shifted in order to frame Razzy’s lower body a bit more comfortably. “I have been with some others in bed, stallions and mares. However, I prefer the pleasure of mares.”

Razzy had never really reflected on which gender she might be more drawn to before, but Baklava’s admittance to enjoying the carnal company of mares made her heart skip a beat. ‘Keep it cool, Razzy,’ she chided herself mentally before saying aloud “If I may ask, why do you prefer mares?”

It was like they were talking about the weather, even though they were talking about such a sensitive topic with such mellowness. “It’s...rather hard to explain.” Halfway down the braid, Baklava drew out a ribbon from somewhere and wound it into Razzy’s mane. “I just connect with them more emotionally. I’ve always had good experiences, but mares and I...we just… click better? Is that how most Equestrians say it?”

Sometimes, it was hard to remember that Baklava came from a distant land, and may not have always understood common Equestrian idioms. “That’s right.” Without really paying attention, one of Razzy’s hands drifted out from her lap so that her fingers could brush innocently against Baklava’s knee. “I understand. It’s just what works best for you, right?”

“Yes.” The braid was tied off with a small bow, and the brown unicorn draped it down Razzy’s back delicately so that it settled between her wings. “Is that okay?”

“Yes, absolutely.” Razzy didn’t really know which question she was replying to, but it felt right, in a way, to lean back a little more against Baklava and flutter her wings against the other pony’s chest just slightly, something that could pass for an accidental stimulation. The pegasus and unicorn seemed to fit together just right, body and mind, completing each other. She’d never encountered such a lovely pony. While Fine Silk had the looks and benevolence of a goddess, Baklava was more down to earth, accessible. Once she was feeling better, maybe…the baker would like to be a little more than friends?

Razzy yawned, popping her jaw, and a smaller bottle of the creamy mint tonic was suffused in Baklava’s cerulean magic and lifted up to the pale pink mare’s lips. “You should feel all better by tomorrow, after this,” she whispered while Razzy downed the liquid. “One more rest. Would you like to come back to the boutique tomorrow?”

“Mmm-hmm,” Razzy replied around the lip of the bottle, her throat shifting and almost bulging out from how quickly she gulped down the medicine. Her consciousness was already waning a little, and she let out a small whine as Baklava gently moved out from behind her. It may have been a little childish, but Baklava was precisely the comfort that she needed, and had been through all her days of sickness. She reached out with a feeble hand to get the unicorn’s attention.

“Stay? Please?”

Baklava’s smile was kind and gentle as she began to unbutton her shirt. “Of course. I just need to change into my own nightgown.” Razzy watched without comment as the baker stripped down, past even her underwear. With the clothing provided by Fine Silk and Gossamer’s, she was a marvel. Completely nude, she was truly stunning. Her hourglass shape was purely chestnut except for a small white star between her navel and the apex apex of her legs. Razzy couldn’t decide where she wanted to look first: Baklava’s symmetrical face, her perfect hips, or those gorgeous breasts?

Baklava was not blind to the pegasus’ watching, but she didn’t try to shy or hide away. In fact, it didn’t seem like the voyeurism bothered her in the slightest as she draped a sheer nightgown over herself, leaving much of the finer details of her body still on display. “Would you like to move over?” she asked huskily, and Razzy slid back quickly and lifted the silk duvet with what strength she could manage.

There was space enough in the bed for the both of them, but it was a bit of a tight fit. Baklava slid her arms around Razzy’s belly, but the pegasus flipped over so that those strong hands were at her lower back instead. Baklava was a fair deal taller than her new friend, but Razzy absolutely didn’t mind her head being slightly pillowed by the other’s breasts, and Baklava only chuckled warmly and obliged the silent query. She was wearing some sort of perfume, or her natural musk was just so pleasant. Warm and creamy, like the healing tonic or the cream from the raspberry delights that had been fed to Razzy since she’d become associated with Gossamer’s.

“Night, Bakl’va,” she murmured into the soft skin just below the unicorn’s collar, and Razzy was almost already asleep when she heard an equally soft, “Night, Raspberry Delight.”

Good news: when Razzy’s eyes fluttered open, her body didn’t ache at all. She had recovered.

Bad news: Baklava was gone, though the space where she’d been still felt warm and smelled of the milky mintiness that seemed to be her natural musk. She couldn’t have left long before Razzy woke up.

More bad news: someone was knocking on Razzy’s apartment door with enough force that the door was shaking on its hinges. Whomever it was didn’t stop, even after Razzy called out “I’m coming.” On slightly shaky feet, she lurched over to the door and pulled it open, revealing the very angry face of the building manager, Coal Stocking.

The old unicorn stallion shoved a letter into Razzy’s chest. “You’d best be packed,” he barked, tapping one hoof impatiently against the floor. “I told all the tenants that the whole building had to be vacated by the end of the week!”

“I- what?!” Razzy shrieked, looking down at the letter that had been so rudely shoved at her. Across the front, in big red letters, were two horrible words.

Eviction Notice.

“But...but...I paid everything on time, a-and I never caused others to co-complain!” she stammered. Hot tears began to form on the edges of her vision.

“Crocodile tears ain’t gonna work with me, missy,” the manager grumbled, folding his arms. “Building’s been condemned by th’ Housing Authority. Ain’t my fault that you didn’t get all your lady visitors to pick up your mail for you.”

At those two words, ‘lady visitors,' something very unusual happened. Another knot loosened somewhere deep inside of Razzy, releasing a torrent of hot annoyance and anger into her blood. She stood up straighter, looking the old unicorn in the eye, and her wings flared out. “I’m not some tramp or prostitute,” she hissed, causing Coal to lurch back a little at such an aggressive response. “And even if I was, you still would need to treat me and my guests with respect. You’ve insulted some very good friends of mine, and I expect an apology.”

Coal Stocking was not easily deterred, and he puffed up a bit. “And I expect you out of my building in five minutes, airhead!” he roared, pushing the door into Razzy with enough force that it struck her chest. “Do it now, or I’m throwing you out with the rest of the trash!” He stomped away to terrorize some other poor resident that might not be moving fast enough for the old bastard.

Razzy stood there for a few short seconds, massaging her aching chest. The door edge had smacked her collarbone area, which still throbbed, but not as much as the angry tears that leaked from gummy green eyes. Furiously, she wiped away the moisture.

Who did that codger think he was, anyway, yelling at and threatening her like that? Coal Stocking wasn’t an ignorant building manager; in fact, he seemed to want in on everyone’s business at any given time. Maybe he was bored, but that was no excuse for terrorizing his (now former) tenants and breathing down the back of their necks to preemptively prevent wrongdoings.

Coal Stocking had been an awful pony, but he’d also been the only one to let Razzy rent from him when she’d first come to the city. The whole complex hadn’t been great, but it had given her a roof over her head and, until recently, a bed in which to recover and connect with a good friend. What would she do now, with barely enough time to collect her possessions and no immediate housing prospects? She couldn’t go back to Cloudsdale; the journey by airship was prohibitively expensive and the trip up with her own wings wouldn’t last. Plus, her ‘friends and family’ back there would only sneer as she came back from living on the ground in failure.

A few more tears trickled out, much more sad and empty.

Hurried hoofsteps just outside the door had Razzy lifting her head, ready to shout at Coal Stocking to leave her alone so that she could figure out what to do. The volume died in her throat, though, as Baklava skidded to a halt in the doorway, a grocery sack bulging in one hand. The brown unicorn was over in a quick second, folding her arms around Razzy as the pegasus began to sob, wordlessly venting all of the past month’s frustrations, depression, emptiness, and sudden bits of happiness that had turned her life into a rollercoaster of dreams and nightmares. After such an unpleasant start to her day, it was nice to just curl into someone warm and compassionate.

A strong hand delicately lifted Razzy’s chin after she’d had a few moments to cry. “I know that it is easy to give into despair right now,” Baklava whispered understandingly, still holding the pegasus close. “And the tears are warranted. Still, if your former manager is right, then we do not have much time before we will need to leave. Let’s pack your things and get out before he makes good on his threat to throw you away.”

After a brief sniff to quiet her sobbing, Razzy nodded and murmured, “okay.” Thankfully, there wasn’t too much to pack because most of her stuff was still in the cardboard boxes. However, much of what she had wasn’t strictly necessary. There had been some posters and decorations that she’d brought from her parents’ home in Cloudsdale, but they wouldn’t be worth anything if she had no roof over her head. Time was of the essence, and the essentials were all that she could afford to take. “I guess I’ll just...grab my clothes and the duvet.”

Wordlessly, Baklava cast her magic so that the white silk comforter was consumed in a blue glow, folding into a neat square that would be easy to carry. “Do you want to change into something for the walk?”

On the one hand, Razzy sort of wanted to show up outside in her nightgown, just to stick it to Coal Stocking and ruin his reputation a little. What would other ponies think of the building owner throwing out a mare in her skivvies? However, a small voice in her head told her that nothing would be gained from trying to embarrass the stallion. Besides, something more comfortable might feel a little better right now because even though this nightgown was newer than the one originally gifted by Fine Silk, it still felt a bit tight in the chest.

“Yeah. Just a moment.” With great care, she removed the light silk dress and handed it to Baklava to fold up for the journey. Razzy remained naked for the few seconds that it took to find a clean shirt and mismatching skirt, but she didn’t really mind showing off her body to Baklava. The unicorn, for her part, watched with a polite smile but said nothing as her pegasus friend dressed herself.

“Is there anything else you might need?” Baklava asked, checking her watch. “I don’t mean to rush, but I would not want to incur the building manager’s wrath anymore.”

Razzy looked around the dismal brick room one more time, at the cardboard boxes strewn about and with their contents still mostly intact. At the top of a nearby one were a few picture frames that were face down. They were most likely the ones of her family. On the one hand, they had rejected her when her desire not to fly was made known, and they’d never contacted her in the months that she’d spent on the ground. On the other hand, they were still her family. She could always throw the picture away later, if she decided against it.

With her mind made up, Razzy grabbed two frames and the bag with her clothes inside, while Baklava carried the silk blanket. “I’m ready,” the pegasus sighed, not even looking back at the room as the two mares hurried down towards the rear staircase that would let them out the back. Oddly enough, leaving so much of her old life behind felt...liberating. A few more knots of tension loosened inside her, and she let out a low sigh. “I guess it’s just finding a new home now-”

“Oh, you don’t need to worry, Razzy,” Baklava cut across smoothly, and she beamed down at the pegasus. “You can come and live with me.”

It was a good thing that they’d finished walking down the stairs because Razzy stuttered to a halt on the cobblestone. “Wha- really?” she squeaked, her heart hammering in her chest and between her ears. This kind, beautiful, sexy unicorn was willing to let a comparatively plain creature like Razzy come to stay with her for a little while? “Y-you...it’s okay to stay for a while?”

“Of course!” Even with the matter-of-fact way that the baker answered the question, it didn’t feel belittling to Razzy. “You’re humble and polite, and you appreciate my cooking. I think that I can trust you as a roommate.” Baklava lifted her grocery sack with one hand, revealing a few fresh vegetables. “Besides, we were invited to dinner by Miss Silk, so she is expecting you anyway. I believe she mentioned something about a contract signing as well?” The pretty mare’s blue eyes twinkled mischievously, meaningfully.

Razzy’s heart soared in a way that she’d never managed before with her own wings. “I got the job,” she breathed, completely stunned. She’d gotten a position at Gossamer’s. She would get a paycheck, and the prettiest unicorns that she could ever hope to meet had offered her life-changing opportunities. “I- I got the… I GOT THE JOB!” She couldn’t help but give a whoop, fluttering into the air a short ways in her glee. She actually rose above Baklava’s head in her jubilant rush into the air. Finally dropping to the ground, she couldn’t help but rush over to Baklava and give her a brief yet passionate kiss on the lips.

For a microsecond, the pegasus panicked at such an impulsive gesture of jubilation and affection. Maybe Baklava didn’t like kissing, or she’d want to wait until they got to know each oth- oh, no, the unicorn was returning the kiss and deepening it, too. Razzy’s head spun at the sweet tastes coming from the brown unicorn’s mouth, and her knees began to shake from such a thrilling, sensual gesture.

They did have to part, though, and Razzy was quite sad about that, but she was nuzzled regardless. “Don’t worry. We can do that some more after dinner,” Baklava offered in a tone like bubbling honey.

Dinner couldn’t get here fast enough, then.

Luring the Prey

View Online

The sunset was reflecting off of Gossamer’s windows, which were all shuttered by the time Baklava and Razzy came up to the steps with their arms full of the latter’s belongings. Cassatta was outside, nailing a plaque up on the door while the Cake unicorn twins were weaving anti-theft spells into the foundation. Razzy peared curiously at the sign that her fellow pegasus was putting up:

GOSSAMER’S FINE BOUTIQUE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE WEEK FOR A STAFF RETREAT. ALL PENDING ORDERS HAVE BEEN FILLED AT THIS TIME. ANY INQUIRIES OR EMERGENCIES MAY BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING INTO OUR LETTERBOX, AND AN ASSOCIATE WILL GET BACK TO YOU REGARDING YOUR QUESTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

“It’s a quarterly practice,” Cassatta said by way of explanation as Razzy stared at the sign. “We take the time to recuperate, rotate staff between the boutique’s locations, and do any necessary auditing. You’ll be introduced to all of Miss Silk’s staff at the retreat.”

“That sounds lovely,” Razzy replied, not resisting at all as she was guided into the boutique. She hadn’t realized how the foyer had been so brightly lit by the sun the two times that she’d been here, but the sunset had given the room a deeper, golden glow. While the brightness had been more professionally welcoming, the deep, rich colors of the oncoming night felt far more familiar, intimate, and protective. Would the whole house feel this way?

“We’ll take our stuff up to our room,” Baklava announced to the other mares, looping her arm into Razzy’s. “We still need to change for Casual Friday.”

“Don’t let us stop you!” Sun Cake chuckled, taking Moon Cake’s hand and hurrying off to someplace...else. Razzy couldn’t really be bothered to pay attention to that when she was pressed up against the unicorn that got her belly into all sorts of knots. Cassatta took the groceries from Baklava, and the unicorn helped guide the twitterpated pegasus to the staircase.

Through that pleasant, warm fog in Razzy’s mind, a question began to take form, but it was sure taking its time. “What do you do on Casual Friday?” she managed to ask softly, keeping the volume low. She really didn’t want to be intrusive or or disruptive to anybody else who might be in the boutique/home at the moment.

“Oh, it’s quite fun,” Baklava gushed as they took the stairs a few at a time, bypassing the second floor and moving towards the top of the flat-roofed house. “We all dress in our pajamas, bring out all of the leftovers for the week, and have a feast. Then, we get to do whatever we want afterwards.” A soft blush bloomed on the unicorn’s cheeks after finishing her last sentence. “Err...we usually bake or…”

“Have sex?” She really didn’t know what compelled her to ask, but it didn’t feel too intrusive, now that she’d been happily welcomed into this impromptu herd.

“Yes. That’s what we normally do,” Baklava confirmed. They both stepped onto the landing for the third floor. There was one single hallway, with two doors on each side that were marked with bronze A, B, C, and D’s. The floor was covered with an intricately woven rug that depicted some form of spider, with a deep purple thorax and long, black legs. For some reason, it struck Razzy as something important to keep in mind, but she returned to reality with a guiding hand from Baklava. “This will be our room.” The unicorn opened the door marked “D” and motioned for Razzy to enter first.

It was a decently sized room, about twice the size of Razzy’s old apartment. Drapes of deep red and gold ran down the walls and over one window in the corner, as well as behind a large wardrobe in the corner. There wasn’t a proper bed, per say, but an enormous pile of cushions and pillows with richly embroidered colors. It looked very foreign, tantalizingly exotic, and… “Perfect,” Razzy murmured, circling so that she could get a good look of the whole room. It really was. The color scheme, the hanging drapes, the lack of a standard rectangular bed, everything felt so much like Baklava: familiar, sensual, and right. And the unicorn was letting her stay here, until she got other accommodations for herself-

“Or forever,” a voice purred in her ear. Baklava’s arms were free of their silky burden, and her arms were winding around Razzy so that they were pressed against each other. “I would love to have you with me forever more, if you would like?” Those last four words, a little more hesitant but just as husky and alluring, were such a profound yet vulnerable question. Razzy couldn’t think of any other answer beside “of course”, and her wings fluttered minutely against her new roommate’s body, eliciting a gasp from the unicorn.

“Oooh- Razzy, we- we’ll be needed for dinner,” Baklava moaned, almost collapsing on top of the smaller pegasus. Even though she wasn’t a strong flyer, Razzy still had the extra back strength inherent to pegasi, and she took the weight gladly. Baklava’s milky musk filled her senses, and a small knot formed in the base of her belly, warm and insistent. It was such an unusual yet pleasurable feeling; was this what real arousal felt like? It was so new, but...she rather liked it. How would that knot feel once released-

“We should get going,” Baklava insisted, reluctantly picking herself up from Razzy’s back. The beautiful unicorn did look quite disappointed though, but seemed to cheer up significantly with one more hug from Razzy that was eagerly returned. They meshed together again, fur and skin brushing against each other so that both ponies’ nerves tingled pleasurably. “Maybe we can...continue after dinner and the contract signing?”

It didn’t feel natural for the unicorn to be so insecure, and Razzy was quick to reassure her. “Yes, I’d- I would really like that,” she breathed, brushing a kiss over Baklava’s cheek as they finally, unfortunately separated. Razzy would have happily foregone dinner if it meant spending more time getting to know her newest friend a little better, but their stomachs both gave a gurgle at the same time. It was a startling reminder that Razzy had not had a true meal for days, only the little bits of treats that her caregivers had provided her during her sickness.

Both mares laughed at the simultaneous gurgle and began to remove their clothing. Razzy started with her shirt, but just as she began to pull up, there came the soft *snap* of threads and seams around her armpit. “Wha-” she exclaimed, drawing the harsh cotton up over her chest and examining the shirt. It was a plain thing, something that she’d gotten at a rally once. From under the arm and down the side seam was a ragged hole. “I suppose my shirt’s gone through the wash a few more times than necessary,” she mused aloud, folding up the cloth.

“You could ask for Miss Silk to fix it?” Baklava offered from where she’d already stripped down to her underwear and was unhooking her bra. “I’m sure that she would be happy to.”

Razzy had liked the shirt when she’d worn it, but it was a few years old. “No...I think I’ve just outgrown it,” she replied finally, dismissing the t-shirt and moving on to removing her skirt. At least that had no holes in it, besides the one for her tail. “But my nightgown has been feeling a little tight in the chest, and I don’t want to ruin it-”

“You can borrow something of mine!” Half-clothed and giddy with excitement, Baklava rummaged through the wardrobe, her golden tail swishing back and forth as she looked through her own clothes. “I’m always growing and shrinking in my bust, so I’m sure that there’s something that’ll work for you- ah!” Triumphant, the brown unicorn stood up straight again with a beautiful set of lingerie. It looked to mainly consist of a strapless bra with some royal purple silk draped over the front, but it would leave a pony’s midriff exposed. The bikini bottom to match had a sash sewn around the hem that would hang down over her hip.

“It’s perfect,” Razzy gasped, her eyes passing over every detail of the fabric. It looked far more comfortable than a typical fashion lingerie ensemble, which usually relied on stiff lace, sequins, and far too many push up cushions. Before coming to Gossamer's, she might have balked at such a revealing outfit, even though she was hardly a prude. This, though, this looked like something that she could work with to better fit in with the others.

Baklava helped her pegasus friend into the bra, fastening the strap just under her wing joints. It was a perfect fit to Razzy’s body, leaving her shoulders uncovered while shielding most of her modest breasts. She wasn’t going to mind if the others saw; everyone would be on equal footing tonight, revealing themselves like this. Besides, she trusted the other mares to continue being polite and complimentary. She wasn’t going to hide from her own body while the others revelled in who they were.

Fiddling with the cool silk draped over her breasts and nipples, Razzy almost forgot to put on the bottoms until she noticed that Baklava was almost done putting on her own ensemble. The other mare had picked out a similar lingerie set, only in creamy white instead of purple. It had quite a fetching effect, emphasizing the rich gold of her mane and the subtle reddish hue in her coat. The silk hugged close to Baklava’s body, and she seemed to shine in letting a few ponies in the world see her body like this.

“You look quite amazing,” she whispered to Razzy, taking her arm again so that they could head down to the second floor together.

“Not as great as you.” Then again, Razzy would happily be biased in saying that Baklava was the most gorgeous pony she’d ever met, beside Fine Silk. The tailor was in another league entirely, however, so that didn’t really count.

They giggled and pressed against each other, and Razzy felt warm all over in the company of this wonderful pony. They lowered their giggles upon reaching the second floor, where the mannequins had been put away and a small table had been set up. Sun Cake and Moon Cake were finishing with the settings, and Cassatta was wheeling out a tray laden with dishes.

“Don’t you two look nice,” the light green pegasus remarked with a bright smile. She was wearing an apron over a sheer blue negligee that rose up over her tail slightly. The Cake unicorns nodded meaningfully, wearing matching silk bathrobes with plunging necklines that revealed more than a little of their ample bosoms. Razzy blushed at the attention and bashfully murmured her thanks before standing by her chair as the others were doing.

“She’s right,” purred a familiar voice. It was Fine Silk, dressed in a long white nightgown with a slit right down the center of her torso, barely obscuring her breasts and below her navel. Her mane and tail had been let down for the occasion, giving her a sleek and polished look like a model on a runway. “I’m so sorry that I couldn’t come to meet you tonight, my dear,” Fine Silk said lowly, taking Razzy’s hand in between both of her gloves. “I was tending to Choquette. She’s doing a little better, but needs plenty of rest right now.”

“I understand completely, Miss Silk.” Razzy’s whole body felt warm and content, especially between those amazingly soft gloves that Fine Silk always seemed to wear. “You also had the shop to attend to before the employee retreat. My dropping in...I’m sorry that it’s so inconvenient.”

“Don’t fret, Razzy.” One hand came up to caress the mare’s blushing pink cheek. “I heard the news already. What happened to you was just dreadful, so feel free to stay as long as you would like. I trust that Baklava has been accommodating?”

Did the tailor mean to make the last word sound so deliciously scandalous? Regardless, Razzy’s blush intensified, and Baklava gave a slight cough. “More than. She is absolutely wonderful and so generous.” All of those things were true, and it just reaffirmed that Razzle didn’t ever feel the need to lie or sugarcoat a truth to the divine unicorn.

“I cannot wait to hear more about it, after dinner and your contract signing, of course.” The twinkle in Fine Silk’s eyes had Razzy’s knees softening like warm jelly, and that knot was back in her stomach. Maybe the arousal that she’d been feeling earlier was just nerves? If so, why did the nervousness feel so good?

“Let’s all eat,” the lead tailor declared to the table at large, and every other mare (including Razzy) grinned silently and took their seats as one. The Cakes levitated food onto plates and passed them around so that everyone could have a bit of everything. Fresh vegetable pasties, slices of warm honey-apple pie, little dumplings covered in sesame seeds, and, to Razzy’s joy, raspberry delights all made their way around the table.

Baklava used her own magic to pour a bottle of thick, smooth milk from a bottle and into six glasses. “There’s two bottles of milk left, and I would like for everyone to finish this up before we leave,” the baker declared, but with the enthusiasm that the milk was drunk by everyone (except for Fine Silk, who took slow sips), Razzy very much doubted that it would be an issue. The sweet drink ran smoothly down her recovered throat, much like the tonic but without the minty aftertaste. It settled warmly in her belly despite being chilled, and she gratefully accepted another glass from her new roommate.

Idle chatter gan around the table after the first few bites of food were eaten, and most of the attention seemed to be focused on Razzy. “What are you most excited about with working for Miss Silk?” Sun Cake asked after setting down half of her sesame dumpling. Everyone’s eyes were bright with polite interest. It had been so long since the pegasus had truly felt so included in anything.

“Everyone is really friendly and polite, and I’d like to get to know you all better,” Razzy replied, smiling widely. “Also, I’ve never done anything in fashion before, so that will be something interesting, whether I can use my accounting knowledge or not.”

Moon Cake raised a hand to speak next, and Fine Silk gave a silent nod of allowance. “We all came here with different talents,” the light green unicorn murmured in her soft, delicate voice, so similar to her wife’s (when Razzy had deliriously asked if Sun and Moon were sisters, they’d chuckled politely and reassured her that they were not blood related, but bonded in maretrimony). “Sunny was a juggler and I was a Neighjing opera singer. Baklava bakes, and Cassatta, you were…?”

“Oh, I’ve always been a secretary,” the other pegasus at the table added. “But with how action oriented Cloudsdale is, I couldn’t secure a good position up there. I have horrible wing tremors, you see.” She opened her wing, and Razzy was rather surprised to see that the appendages looked rather brittle and shook like leaves on a wind-torn branch. There was no way that Cassatta could have lived in Cloudsdale or any of the smaller cloud-bound towns for long with such weak wings, let alone maintained a long-term career.

“Every talent has a way of being useful in my operations,” Fine Silk explained, and all eyes flicked over to the lead tailor as they commanded her attention. “I want to make sure that everyone has a job that they can enjoyably do. Whether you want to remain in accounting or branch out into something else within the boutique’s operations, I would like to assist you in making your dreamss a reality.”

...damnit, Razzy really didn’t want to cry at dinner! The pegasus sniffed a little and rubbed her eyes to try to stop any oncoming tears. Someone handed her a silk handkerchief, which she gratefully took. She could feel Fine Silk comfortingly pat the area just above her wings with her silk gloves, and her fur and skin warmed pleasantly under the touch. “You’re all...so wonderful,” she managed to gasp to the table at large, even as she was hugged by Baklava and continued to be patted by their boss.

“It’s hardly any trouble, my dear. Please,” the black and white unicorn gestured to the half-full plate of food, “won’t you have some more?”

It was hard to disagree. Razzy’s stomach still grumbled from having gone so long without a hearty meal. She nooded, whispered “yes, Miss Silk,” and picked up a smaller vegetable pasty. The overwhelmed tears in her eyes subsided as she bit into the savory treat, delicious gravy gushing into her mouth.

Soon, the pasty was replaced by a raspberry delight, then another, and all of the assembled ponies fell into a comfortable silence as they finished their plates and continued to pile more on. Gradually, the platters in the center of the table cleared of food, and the mares began to eat slower as they filled up. All of the employees’ bellies were warm and slightly distended from copious amounts of food and drink. They hadn’t spoken much after Razzy’s tears, but no words needed to be said. There were just sighs of contentment and relaxation. Razzy herself almost felt a little more than physically satisfied from all the delicious food that she’d consumed, but it hardly felt like a strain on her body. It was good that every mare besides Fine Silk (who hadn’t eaten too much but still a sizable amount) had worn something a little looser and more exposed to accommodate the feast.

“That was absolutely delicious, ladies,” Fine Silk declared, bringing the others out of their combined stupor enough to pay attention. “I believe we shall disband for the night, to our preferred activities. Miss Delight, won’t you come with me to my office? We can go over your contract there.”

Around the table were delighted choruses of “Yes, Miss Silk,” and the five other mares stood up at the same time. Even with the impending contract signing and all of the day’s major events, Razzy felt much calmer, more sure that this was the path that she needed to take. The new journey forward in her life, with these amazing ponies and more besides, would help her to best succeed. Following some sort of wordless prompt, she linked arms with Fine Silk and made to follow her before looking back to Baklava. Something made her stop in her tracks. What would her new roommate do?

She didn’t have to wait for an answer; Fine Silk turned to the brown unicorn and whispered, “why don’t you go and get yourself prepared, dear?” Underneath a few golden strands of hair, Baklava beamed and dipped her head with a soft “Yes, Miss.” She and Razzy exchanged silent smiles before parting ways, but the light pink pegasus was hardly worried. With Miss Silk or any of her cohorts, Razzy would be safe and happy while doing the best job that she could. Whatever the contracts said wouldn't matter; this was where she was meant to be.

Fine Silk’s office was also located on the second floor, more towards the back. The corridor was dimly lit by a few flickering lamps, and there were pictures of old looms, raw silk cocoons, and ponies in trailing silk garments lining the wall like a particularly cluttered gallery. Razzy couldn’t take in too much as she walked with Fine Silk, but it seemed almost like a journey through the gorgeous unicorn’s career. Perhaps it was a visual culmination of the knowledge of her profession and speciality. However, she felt no real desire to ask, only look. If it were truly important, Fine Silk would have mentioned it.

At the end of the hallway was a heavy oak door that was pulled open by deep purple magic. Fine Silk’s personal office was a little less grand than many other designers might have preferred in such an opulent city, but the paint unicorn continued on her path of deviation with style. All four walls were covered in packed bookcases that looked to be either used or cleaned quite frequently due to a distinct lack of dust. There was only one lit lamp on the corner of Fine Silk’s desk, a wooden chair behind, and a far more comfortable padded armchair at the front. Razzy was quietly guided into the armchair by her new employer, and Fine Silk took her own rickety seat while sweeping her dress out behind her. The slight movement of fabric drew Razzy’s attention immediately. Through her serotonin-addled mind, the rest of the office seemed to blur around her, leaving Fine Silk as the only point of focus.

“Please.” Even now, the unicorn’s voice rang a little louder, yet lower and more sultry at the same time. “Won’t you relax in your seat?”

Of course she would. It wouldn’t do to go into this signing all high-strung and anxious, not that Razzy particularly could wind herself up to such a point right now. “Yes, Miss Silk,” she whispered, leaning back. Unacknowledged by either mare, Razzy’s deep purple skirt hiked up a little to expose more of her thigh, softened by the rapidly absorbed confections.

Fine Silk’s smile grew, and the warm knot in Razzy’s belly tightened pleasurably at making the most important pony in her world visibly happy. Something was pushed across the table to the sleepy pegasus: a pair of stapled documents on clipboards, ‘Contract’ and ‘Contract #2.’ Following some sort of quiet prompt, she reached for ‘Contract’ and pulled it into her lap to rest on her knee, and a quill about the color of her own feathers was guided into her hand.

“Please, won’t you read through the contract and sign it?” Fine Silk asked quietly, a secret conversation shared between just the two of them.

“Yes, Miss Silk.” Pushing through just enough of the contented exhaustion in her foggy mind, Razzy began to read through the bland language of the contract. It seemed pretty standard stuff, just about how her continued employment was at the business’ discretion, how she would follow the appropriate channels to lodge a complaint, and the breakdown of her earnings. Words and numbers were seen, barely processed, and tossed right back out as mostly unimportant. It was one contract out of thousands of examples that she’d seen. She initialed the appropriate paragraphs with ‘RD’, but upon coming to the final signature with her full name, she paused. The date was easy, but the slightly disconnected thoughts in her head couldn’t readily produce the appropriate name. Immediately, her eyes flicked up to Fine Silk for help. The unicorn was still watching her patiently, purple horn aglow.

“Write down ‘Razzle Dazzle’, dear.”

“Yes, Miss Silk.” Of course. That would be a decent name to put down. Razzy attempted a fancy cursive signature before giving up towards the end and finishing with just a simple dash. It was a passable signature that would hold up under any scrutiny, much like her old signatures in the past used to do.

Razzy quietly set the first contract back up on the table. Though Fine Silk’s horn continued to glow, she took the contract with her hand and read through it silently. Razzy waited patiently, hands on her knees. Was it just her, or was her strapless top starting to fall a little? Regardless, it felt like her bosom was trying to pop out.

“Very good, dear,” Fine Silk finally said, setting the first clipboard aside. “Now, won’t you please read through and sign the second contract?”

Razzy could only respond with “yes, Miss Silk” because how could she deny this amazing pony her request when it was so reasonable? Her concerns about the silky top beginning to fall down were quickly forgotten at the order request. Just as she reached over to take the second clipboard, however, a shock of pleasure ran up her spine, causing the pegasus to arch and gasp. Wha- what had happened? Why was one wing extended out to its fullest length, and why couldn’t she draw it back to her? Maybe Fine Silk would know.

The unicorn’s horn continued to glow and her smile hadn’t changed at all when Razzy looked up. Her expression was still one of patient benevolence. “Nothing to worry about, dear,” she murmured kindly. “Just making sure that the threads are all in place. Please, won’t you sit back and read your contract?”

The platitude sunk in deep, along with the command request. “Yes, Miss Silk,” Razzy replied, docile, opening the second packet to read through. This contract was much shorter and easier to digest. It looked to have been done in neat horn writing rather than by hand, and the ink was the deepest purple.

The signer consents to being a permanent employee of Fine Silk.
The signer consents to living in housing approved of by Fine Silk.
The signer consents to eating at least two daily meals that are prepared by other employees of Fine Silk unless otherwise arranged by Fine Silk.
The signer consents to wear only clothing provided by Fine Silk unless otherwise arranged.

Those all seemed perfectly reasonable to Razzy, though she didn’t mull them over much. She was just going to be working for and living with her employer. It made sense that the contract would need to go a bit more in depth to reduce liability, but it was nice that her employer had condensed it down. Razzy took the quill and signed at the bottom of the page before moving onto the next one. Before she could begin reading though, a second, less intense wave of pleasure rolled through her spine, cool and refreshing like rainwater without cutting through the warm fog in her head.

“You’re doing well, Razzy,” Fine Silk murmured, almost as if she were whispering directly into the pink mare’s ear. Razzy didn’t need to look up. She trusted that the glorious unicorn was still there in the room, maybe moving around. It wasn’t up for her to decide or monitor her employer’s movements. “Please, won’t you keep reading?”

“Yes, Mistress.” The words fell immediately from Razzy’s lips, but they were quietly enthusiastic and said without much thought behind them. She shuffled a little in the comfortable silk armchair. Her one wing had retracted while the other was now extended of its own will, like measurements were being taken. Her bikini bottom was beginning to squeeze a little tighter, morphing perfectly to her hips and between her legs. None of that mattered, though, as Razzy moved to the second second of the contract.

5. The signer consents to spending her days and nights in the company of employees of Fine Silk as well as with Fine Silk upon request.

6. The signer consents to being observed and assisted by other employees of Fine Silk to ensure the best quality of work is produced.

7. The signer consents to the establishment of a passive telepathic link between herself and Fine Silk.

8. The signer consents to having her unused magic sustainably and painlessly siphoned by Fine Silk, to never be drained by more than twenty-five percent of the signer’s available stores.

Again, to Razzy, the contract’s concessions made sense. Miss Silk wanted for her employees to get along together as well as produce the high-quality products that she would want to exhibit. The telepathic link? Probably as a gentle reminder in case nopony else was able to catch a mistake The pegasus mare’s brain completely glossed over point number 8 in favor of signing her agreement to the second section.

As soon as her quill left the page, Razzy trembled in her seat. The pleasure rushing through her body was unlike anything that she’d ever felt before. It was as if euphoria was coursing through every possible blood vessel in her body, maybe even into the cells. Her wings felt lighter than they ever had before, and- by Celestia, even her mind felt more carefree than ever. It was such a relief, to have the burden of responsibility and decision shifted off of her and to such a capable pony who could manage so much. Fine Silk would take good care of her because that’s what the contract said. Miss Silk had written the contract with Razzy’s best interests in mind.

What felt like delicate fingers brushed down Razzy’s neck and to her collarbone, and she startled a little. “Shhh...just stay still and lie back,” Fine Silk purred from somewhere, and the pink mare immediately complied, resting back in the seat. The nimble digits drifted down, leaving a slight tickle in their wake that was followed up by a rush of pleasure down her body. They came to rest on the purple bra that had shrunk to something hopelessly small, lightly plucking at where the fabric was beginning to reveal Razzy’s areola. The pegasus let out a little noise, a cross between a moan and a whimper, clearly wanting. She hadn’t noticed before, but the clothing that Baklava had so kindly offered was becoming too restrictive.

“Please,” a voice whispered to Razzy, hot breath just barely ruffling the fur in her ears, “won’t you let me remove your bra?”

“Y-yes please, M-miss!” Razzy barely managed, eyes still fixated on the last section of the contract. With a small swish, the bra fell away and allowed Razzy’s breasts to drop, forming perfect teardrop shapes that they’d never managed before. The bra disappeared somewhere so that those sinfully wonderful fingers could trail over her bosom, drawing faintly glowing lines into the skin that disappeared just as quickly as they had appeared.

“Just read and sign this last page,” Fine Silk whispered, “then, you’ll belong to me.”

There was no doubt about it: that was the best idea in the world.

“Yes, Mistress.” Razzy was barely able to keep her voice calm as the fingers continued to brush over her breasts and nipples as if her skin were delicate flower petals. She had to focus on the contract, though, because that was what Miss Silk wanted. Hazy green eyes managed to meet the last page and began to read.

9. The signer has the right to refuse the advances of Fine Silk or her employees at any time.
10. The signer has the right to contact her family if she so chooses.
11. The signer consents to take on a new name in the presence of Fine Silk and employees.
12. The signer has the right to say no to any advances or gestures, but she must obey all business instructions from Fine Silk.
13. If questioned by anyone besides Fine Silk, the signer agrees to deny the existence of this contract. The signer will admit that the general contract is the only one that she signed.

With the quill made from her own feather, Razzy wrote on the last signature line without any of the hesitation that she’d had on the first contract. As soon as ‘Raspberry Delight’ dried on the page, a purple flame consumed the contract, leaving nothing behind to suggest that it had ever existed.

“Very good, Raspberry Delight,” Fine Silk whispered from directly behind the mare, and her bare hands curled over Razzy’s hips. Razzy pressed back into her lovely, loving Mistress so that her feathers could press against the unicorn’s chest, just how Baklava liked. A husky chuckle was the reward for her efforts, and Raspberry’s wings seemed to warm up with pleasure and just a little bit of pride at making the most important pony happy with her.

A surprisingly strong arm curled around her belly while Miss Silk’s other hand began to trail down towards the space between her legs. “You’re so good, Raspberry Delight,” the unicorn whispered, her horn still faintly aglow with that rich purple magic working somewhere. “Please, won’t you be mine forever?”

“Yes,” Raspberry gasped, involuntarily arching as those gentle, thin finger moved closer and closer to her searing hot pussy. “Please, Mistress, I’m yours! I promise, only yours!” Her legs trembled from where they straddled Fine Silk’s bare thighs. The silk bikini was pressed so tightly against her body that it felt sculpted to her slit and clitoris. Oh, it would feel so good to be blessed with the unicorn’s touch to her most sacred area! The anticipation was sending the pegasus into freefall towards ultimate, unending pleasure, and she could do nothing to save herself.

The tailor’s skilled fingers dipped lower and lower, agonizingly slow but lighting up every nerve in Raspberry’s body. Her wings flared out and twitched weakly in invisible bonds that caressed every feather and joint. “Truly beautiful,” Fine Silk whispered, stilling her fingers just shy of her new employee’s apex, put into fine relief by her tightened clothing. The arm around the pegasus’ belly unhooked and trailed up to one breast, barely brushing the underside and causing her to warble in delight.

Around the two ponies in the armchair, the light in the room because steadily more purple and brightly lit by magic on the ceiling, in conjunction with the heightening pleasure in Raspberry’s wings and spine. The pegasus couldn’t pull her focus away from Fine Silk, however, nor the tailor’s magic fingers and supple lips that brushed against her neck so sweetly.

“Now, Razzy.” Immediately, all of her attention (what little she could muster) was on Fine Silk’s rich voice in her ear and her mind at the same time. “I have just a few more tweaks to make to you. Please, won’t you cum for me?” As the question was asked, there was a brief caress of pointed fingers along Raspberry’s petal-soft lips, pressing the silk even further into her skin.

The pegasus couldn’t even muster up an affirmation. She let out a melodic scream of sheer pleasure as her whole body stiffened. Energy raced through her arching spine and through her stiffened wings as moisture from her shivering quim bled into the panties. Green eyes widened and Raspberry’s vision flashed brilliant purple, then blindingly white-

There was a new pair of arms around Razzy as she floated on her back, not really seeing anything but comforted in knowing that there were others around her. Something soft was obscuring her eyes, a blindfold of some sort. It was probably definitely there to keep her calm, not unlike a falconer with their birds.

There was a new creamy scent in the air, warm and enticing and familiar. Raspberry could feel Baklava’s hands around the middle of her back now, brushing just under her wings. The pegasus’ face brushed up against skin and flesh that was impossibly soft and completely infused with the the brown unicorn’s unique, milky musk.

“You’re a good match for each other, aren’t you?” It was Fine Silk, pressing into Raspberry’s back. Raspberry tried to shift back a little into the tailor’s well-sculpted body, but it felt a little like she was tied down with tiny threads. She was hardly uncomfortable; in fact, between the two lovely ponies, she was assuredly safe.

“She is amazing, Mistress,” Baklava sighed from somewhere just above Raspberry’s head. “So sweet and intelligent and loving…” Capable hands kneaded into Raspberry’s neck, and the pale pink pony let out a small mewl and tried to look up at Baklava. “No, no, Razzy, please stay still,” the baker whispered. “Just relax and let us take care of you, alright?”

It was so hard to formulate words, but Raspberry Delight vaguely herself murmur something agreeable and nuzzled into those amazing, pillowy breasts. She didn’t even have to move, let alone think of a request; Baklava slid down a little and gently rested Razzy’s head a little more comfortably her cleavage, enveloping her in the soothing scent. Something quite small and firm, a little nub, brushed against Razzy’s cheek as her coworker herdmate moved. Razzy latched onto the nub immediately with gentle lips, unprompted yet instinctive, sucking slightly. Almost no effort was required for a small stream of delicious, creamy liquid to begin flowing down her throat. It was so heavenly and the exact same flavor as the cream used in the pastries that Baklava had made for everyone. Soon, the pegasus was suckling with abandon.

Quiet chuckles did nothing to dissuade her nursing; in fact, they encouraged Razzy to nuzzle Baklava’s breast just a little while she continued to suck. “A natural, is she not?” Fine Silk whispered nearby, fingers trailing between her newest employee’s own breasts and just brushing past the growing, softening masses. Silent between them except for the occasional quiet pop of air from her lips, Razzy lurched and shifted to feel more of the tailor’s divine fingers. Her whole body radiated pleasure, and it was only continuing to grow. Would this ecstasy have a limit? In the parts of her mind consumed with pleasing her bedmates and accepting their pleasure in turn, she hoped that there would be no end or limit to this bliss.

Razzy’s release came much sooner than she expected as her legs shuddered, thighs rippling around the hand that was still caressing her carefully. The pegasus twitched weakly in the two unicorns’ embrace, mewling quietly into Baklava’s succulent bosom as her pleasure became very evident. She didn’t resist, though; there was no need and no desire to. These two ponies were taking such good care of her, amplifying all of her pleasures in ways that Razzy could never have done on her own or with anypony else. She wanted to surrender to Fine Silk and to be with Baklava, just like this, over and over if she could. Suckle on breastmilk, be fondled and petted and groped, commanded to eat out another’s sex, it didn’t matter. Raspberry Delight happily belonged to the most beautiful and amazing unicorns in the world~!

“Oh?” Fine Silk murmured into Razzy’s ear, catching her attention as she suckled. “Is that what you want, my little delight?” Those magically talented fingers didn’t pull away from Razzy’s heated, wet pussy, and her thumb circled over the exposed nub. Razzy’s attempts at moans were swallowed up completely by the delicious, milk-covered nipple in her mouth that she couldn’t stop suckling. A surprisingly strong arm curled around the pegasus’ middle, pulling her back just enough so that Fine Silk’s voice was in her ear and echoing in her mind once more. “Please, Raspberry Delight, won’t you be mine?”

She would, she would without any sort of hesitation! Raspberry wanted to belong to Mistress Silk and nobody else. She wanted to worship Fine Silk through day and night, she wanted to be used however Fine Silk desired. Most of all, though, Raspberry wanted to remain by Fine Silk’s side, in her good graces, for the rest of her life. She wanted that so much, more than anything in the entire world.

“Please,” the alabaster unicorn behind Razzy began plaintively, and it almost sounded like it was begging. “Won’t you cum for me, Raspberry Delight, and be mine forever?”

Raspberry Delight didn’t just cum at the command. Her whole being, body and mind and soul, quivered before opening up like a flower for Fine Silk, rich in viscous fluid and completely accepting of anything that the unicorn wanted. Behind her closed eyelids, stars exploded as she succumbed to pleasure, and a fresh burst of milk down her throat only added to the sensation. Everything felt so much clearer to Raspberry Delight, about her place in life and her purpose and who she was meant to be.

Raspberry Delight, once Razzle Dazzle, was meant to belong only to Fine Silk, and nothing in the world could ever get in the way of that. Even as the pleasure continued, insistent and unceasing as she was nestled between the two unicorns, she had nothing to fear. With Fine Silk and Baklava and everyone else in their herd, everything would be just fine.

Cocoon

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-The Journal of Fine Silk, Daughter of Gossamer & Sea Silk-

The first harvest of this year is promising to be fruitful. Reports from my managers in Manehattan and Seaddle are showing that five of the herd have already gone to cocoon. I should receive the reports from Los Manegeles upon arriving at the estate. A storm has delayed their departure, and we’re experiencing the tail end of~~~

"Huuurgh..."

Fine Silk grumbled in slight frustration and anxiety as her sky carriage shook in the turbulence. The paint unicorn had never liked flying through storms, even with the relative cover that they provided for her flights to and from Canterlot, and she used both hands to steady herself between the wall of the carriage and the large, bulbous blue cocoon next to her as the vehicle (and her belly) gave an unpleasant jolt. Inside the silk oval, Choquette continued to sleep, entranced and undisturbed by the storm.

Black, ungloved hands caressed the blue filaments, which glowed briefly under her fingertips as they passed, and Fine Silk released a sigh of relief. At least her cocooned herd members didn’t have to worry about such a mortal thing as basiphobia, and they would still be protected in case the carriage split open high in the sky.

Retrieving her quill with one hand, Fine Silk continued to write:

~~of the storm here in Canterlot. My immediate herd are safe. Sun Cake and Moon Cake are beginning their shared cocoon, and Cassatta’s has taken on a deeper shade of green this time around. Her thread will be a perfect color for next spring. Raspberry Delight is producing a lovely shade of deep rose pink. Even with her lack of resistance to my taking control of her ley lines, the silk she is producing is some of the softest I have felt in this generation. Baklava has made a fine choice in mare friend.

“Mistress?” a small voice asked, desperately attempting to be unassuming, but Fine Silk looked up anyways. Across the carriage from her was the brown unicorn in question, blue eyes slightly hazy as she began to enter her cocoon trance. Three of the giant, corporeal spider legs extending from the ceiling of the carriage, formed by brilliant purple magic, were already beginning to weave fine golden thread around the nude, glowing unicorn.

“Yes, Baklava? What is it?” she replied gently. Fine Silk could never punish any of her herd, especially for something as innocent as a question.

“Did...did I do alright with Razzy?” The baker sounded remarkably unsure of herself, which was such an odd thing. Before and after joining Fine Silk’s herd, she’d always been remarkably confident. “Would she have been happy not being with us?”

Even as the carriage bumped and quaked, Fine Silk squared herself and moved to kneel in front of Baklava, jumping over the light green and pink cocoon squeezed onto the floor. Her herd needed her, and she would never deny them that help or reassurance. “You were wonderful to her, Baklava, I promise,” she crooned, eternally honest and kind. “She would not have lasted long if we had not stepped in. We’re giving her a chance at a future, and you are giving her a chance at love. You love her, don’t you?”

“Oh, I-I could never love her as much as you-” The other unicorn, so smart and intelligent and sweet, faltered in her response, and the golden glow began to dissipate from her body. The spider legs above them both halted their movement; there was no silk to be produced from a distressed pony.

“Shhhh, Baklava.” Fine Silk took the baker’s strong, capable hands between her own and kissed them. Through their mental link, she pushed confidence and calm to the other unicorn to help bolster her. “There is nothing wrong with loving another, inside the herd or out. I know that we’ll always love each other, but you should also find love with another if that is what you want.” She reached up to wipe a tear from the corner of Baklava’s cloudy eyes, and the chestnut pony unconsciously leaned into the hand.

The tears ceased almost immediately as Baklava’s worries eased under her Mistress’ gentle touch and the emotions shared between their telepathic bond. The subtle tension melted from her body like butter in a pan. “I love you, Mistress Silk,” she whispered into the tailor’s pitch black hands, leaving a soft kiss there.

“I love you too, Baklava.” Just like she loved everyone in her herd, but Fine Silk didn’t need to say that out loud. She continued to press one hand to Baklava’s cheek and rub her knee with the other, and the magical spider-leg constructs suspended from the roof began to work again, gently wrapping the baker inside silk that was a deeper gold than her mane. As Fine Silk watched, another of her magical legs began to weave a small strand between Baklava’s cocoon and the one next to her, joining brilliant gold with deep rosy pink. Threads began to run from around the baker's horn and glowed a magical blue.

“Dream, Baklava,” the tailor whispered, less an order and more of an encouragement. Baklava’s own ley lines would translate it to an order from her Mistress, anyways. “Dream of you and Raspberry Delight, and the love and pleasure that you’ll share with each other.” Finally, the other mare let out a melodic sigh, closed her faded blue eyes, and sunk deep into her pleasured trance so that blue silk could cover her eyes. Maybe, through the physical link between her cocoon and Raspberry Delight’s, Baklava could share in her mare friend’s erotic trance as well. It would help Razzy integrate into Fine Silk’s herd a little better, though she highly doubted that her newest pegasus would have too much difficulty. The paint unicorn would be able to tell if that were the case.

‘Raspberry Delight shares such a profound bond with Baklava,’ she continued to write as soon as she was back in her seat.

‘I haven't seen such a strong bond in many years. Baklava deserves to have someone lavish her with attention, especially after so many years of loyal service to me. I must make a note to never have them stationed separately. They will be fine milk mares together. Maybe, in time, they will be able to marry. I can only see so far ahead, but I am hopeful.’

The carriage began to pitch downward slightly, and the bumpiness ceased. “Miss Silk.” The driver of the carriage, one of her older unicorns, spoke through the magical speaker into Fine Silk’s carriage. “Our pegasi are beginning to descend towards the estate. We have gotten under most of the storm clouds, though there may be a few strays between us and the landing zone.”

“Thank you, Pavlova,” Fine Silk called back, storing her journal in her magical subspace. Her magical spider legs quietly vanished, but they’d done their job; the half-naked, half-obscured bodies of Baklava, Raspberry Delight, and Cassatta were well on their way to generating their own silk. It would be nice to spend some time out in the country with all of her mares, even if most of them would be making silk in their cocoons over the next few days.

Maybe she’d actually be able to work on some clothes for her herd, and not just for stuffy, sycophantic nobles who turned their nose up at any sort of opportunity to share generosity or kindness. In all of Fine Silk’s years, that particularly distasteful attitude had never changed.

The descent was only a little bumpy thanks to her pegasi’s efforts, and the cloud carriage came to a smooth halt. The door was opened for Fine Silk, and Pavlova as well as the pegasi bowed deeply to her Mistress.

They was not alone. Flanking the cobbled path to the gates of Fine Silk’s property, a squad of mares were bowing just as deeply at the waist. Though their coats and braided manes all differed in color, they shared the same uniform of thigh-length sleeveless dresses of varying shades of white, stockings, and matching boots.

“Welcome home, Mistress Silk,” the assembled mares all said, their smiles obvious in their wide range of voices. “We’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too, ladies,” she sighed, feeling their love through of their bonds with her and returning it to them in full. Underneath her silk dress, a black spider cutie mark glowed a brilliant purple. “I’ve missed you, too.”

Here, at home home with her beloved ones, both old and new, Fine Silk was confident that everything would be alright.