Check out our first ever thread:
https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/25297812/

>>41611472
I can't remember which thread I made, #2 or #3, or some other. Definitely one of the 1 digit ones.

File: 1730355434614630.png (328 KB, 975x4066)

328 KB PNG

First for pillowmares

File: 123.jpg (102 KB, 828x1061)

102 KB JPG

Good girl

>>41611549
maximum comfy

File: the look.png (484 KB, 1806x1668)

484 KB PNG

its that time of year again

File: 6948624.jpg (687 KB, 1024x1024)

687 KB JPG

Warm seat?
Her seat now.
Its your fault for getting up.

File: 2968384.png (8 KB, 763x518)

8 KB PNG

Every time

>>41613750
Now it's all hairy

File: GbWBQhIX0AAKNOa.png (235 KB, 680x680)

235 KB PNG

Pony is for bridling

>>41615433
straight to the bat

File: 2968386.png (186 KB, 1106x799)

186 KB PNG

>>41613750
Warm seat?
Warm anything.

File: 2739227.gif (586 KB, 1200x680)

586 KB GIF

lazy horse

File: reddybridle.png (350 KB, 2000x2000)

350 KB PNG

>>41615557
dont use the version xitter fucks with reeee

>>41617940
small amre is fine too

File: 1720822313473987.jpg (11 KB, 259x258)

11 KB JPG

Pony has heard tell of bath time

File: 1643640.jpg (75 KB, 756x824)

75 KB JPG

>>41619302

File: 3480659__safe_ai+content_(...).jpg (1.05 MB, 1872x1544)

1.05 MB JPG

pony on the bed
she knows she is not allowed on the bed alone

>>41620507
Smelly horse

File: 16675877956370.png (951 KB, 1500x1800)

951 KB PNG

Firehorse is fascinated with the water machine

File: 1640663.png (777 KB, 1600x1600)

777 KB PNG

pet the poner

File: 1652083348221.jpg (199 KB, 1600x1000)

199 KB JPG

>>41622177

>>41622454
pony is making a mess at petco

>>41619941
Poison the beer and watch the shit ass clown die in convulsions.

>>41623124
This pony likes to pull the cart then make her master ride her after.

File: 6193362.png (3.01 MB, 2000x1745)

3.01 MB PNG

Pony has entered her rebellious phase

>>41575608

> It wasn't getting any better, but perhaps, with practice, Thistle was learning to accept how things were. Except that a better explanation would be that she was learning how to turn a blind eye.
> Salki didn't participate in any of the wanton cruelty she saw everywhere around them, but that was small consolation when she saw a young Ruslan - hardly more than a child - being beaten to make them obey.
> There was worse, too, especially for the women, but Thistle simply didn't let herself think about it.
> More than once she wondered if she might have chosen the wrong side. Had the Ruslans been right in preemptively attacking the Borchi-Quin?
> No, she couldn't believe that. They were both bad, but at least she knew for a fact that Adilet and his people were worse.
> Of course, that thought brought her to the problem, and to the reason why she was hiding away in Xuan's tent.
> It was nice to visit with the woman and help watch her little daughter, but there was an ulterior motive. Now that the threat had been eliminated, Adilet wanted the things she had promised him. He wasn't very pushy - not yet - and Janus had truly started to produce bronze weapons and jewelry.
> People from both clans ranged far and wide, searching for Tin ore so he could make even better, and that kept the Ulan-Zuk satisfied.
> For now.
> She would have to deliver on her promises, and Adilet seemed focused on one in particular.
> He wanted her to build him a catapult. She'd described what little she remembered from ancient history books. The man was abhorrent, especially in his treatment of women and slaves, but he had a knack for war. A machine which could hurl a stone across hundreds of paces would be perfect to use against villages, especially the ones which had started to surround their buildings with walls.
> As best she could understand, the Ulan-Zuk preferred to waylay trading caravans, but if the pickings were particularly slim, they would range far to the East, where strangers tilled the soil and built huts out of mud and wood.
> Now that they had horses, these excursions would be made easier. With bows and arrows, they would be an even more formidable force, and if she produced other weapons, even walls would not aid the hapless villagers.
> She hadn't liked the idea to begin with, but now she was outright appalled, especially after she'd seen the Ulan-Zuk's mistreatment of their prisoners and their insatiable thirst for plunder. There was nothing left of the Ruslan's camp, other than a bit of disturbed ground and some refuse. Oh, and bodies. So many bodies! Even just hearing about it from Salki had been enough to turn her stomach.
> "[Your face is like that again,]" Xuan said, pointing a finger.
"[Oh. Sorry.]"
> Thistle made herself smile and her ears folded down flat in embarrassment. She did have a tendency to grimace when she was thinking about Adilet.

>>41624661

> "[Here, sit. Watch Guuni a little,]" Xuan went on. She laid her daughter on the animal fur next to Thistle and ducked out of the tent before the mare could object.
> It wasn't as if she minded, but having had no children of her own, Thistle didn't quite know how to deal with them. Guuni was still a baby, but that was even more responsibility!
> Unsure of what to do, she leaned closer to the little one, who seemed mesmerised by her pink mane. Unfortunately it wasn't long enough for the child to play with it, but a tiny hand did reach her muzzle. It was more by accident than intent, but Guuni seemed happy to grip the soft fur on Thistle's face. At least she wasn't crying.
> She leaned even closer, and brushed the child's cheek with her nose. It must have tickled, because her little arm flailed and she let out a mixture between a gurgle and a giggle. Thistle withdrew quickly, but Guuni reached out for her and made a distressed little wail, so she moved back.
> A hand found her ear and gripped it with surprising strength. Guuni pulled at it, but it wasn't uncomfortable and Thistle was happy to let her.
> It just meant she couldn't look when someone entered the tent. That wasn't a huge hindrance, and the mixture of smell and sound quickly told her who it was.
"[Hey, Buygra!]"
> "[You're good with her,]" he said.
"[Yeah...]"
> She tugged her ear, but Guuni held her tightly, and let out a soft coo. She didn't want to use more force, so Thistle gave Buygra a hapless grin.
> He chuckled and carefully pried his daughter's hand from Thistle's ear. Finally she could straighten up and her face shaded a light pink in embarrassment. She opened her mouth to thank him, but Buygra headed her off: "[Salki is looking for you.]"
> Her ears folded down and her smile slipped, but Thistle inclined her head in acquiescence and stood.
"[I'll go and talk to him.]"
> While the man knelt down to check on his daughter, she slipped past him and pushed out of the tent. It was getting quite cold outside, and she was a little bit sad to leave the warmth. Her breath misted in the crisp morning air.
> She paused only long enough to receive a friendly pat from Xuan, then left the woman to cook and headed off.
>...
> There was a young Ruslan in Saule and Salki's tent. He sat in the corner, hugging his knees and watching everything with eyes full of fear. His tears had dried up some days ago, but now he just seemed stunned. Thistle really didn't like looking at this reminder of what they'd ultimately done.
> They've had no choice but to fight the Ruslans, or they would have done the same, so she kept telling herself, but seeing the result didn't make it easy.

>>41624669

> As soon as she'd entered the large tent, her ears folded down and she studiously avoided looking at the captive. At least it wasn't Salki's idea, but rather his mother's. He was the Chieftain, their fearless warrior who had led them to such a decisive victory over their sworn enemy. It would set a very poor example, and show significant weakness to the Ulan-Zuk, if Salki did not gain from the spoils of war.
> Most of that had been wealth. Jewelry, gold, and silver. Animal furs, and pots of honey and spices. Skins of beer, but Darga had immediately confiscated those from her son. Most of it was material possessions, but they couldn't avoid at least one of the new slaves.
> They'd ended up with the boy.
> His situation wasn't far different from Fen Ko and Ning, so why was Thistle so apprehensive of this one, while she accepted the other? Was it only a matter of getting used to the situation?
> She didn't want to think of herself that way, so she solved the problem by not thinking about it at all.
> Even now she focused her attention entirely on Salki, who was sitting beside the fire and sharpening his knife.
> It was a bronze blade, one they'd gotten from the Ruslan camp, and Janus had only recently given him the whetstone and taught him how to properly care for the edge.
> Salki was so enamored with it that Thistle worried he would sharpen it away to nothing before the year was out.
> When she entered, Salki let his hands fall into his lap and gave her a worried look. "[We need to figure out what to do about Adilet,]" he told her.
> It was a good sign that he still believed what he'd told her that night by the stream, and it gave Thistle hope that she could lead this tribe, at least, out of barbarism.
> At the mention of Adilet's name, the Ruslan boy made a small whimper. Word of the big man's cruelty spread quickly, both among the new slaves, and the Borchi-Quin people. He made everyone uneasy.
> The sound reminded Salki and he half-turned to the youth. "[Nadir, go out and bring firewood.]"
> His command made the boy flinch, but he scrambled to his feet and hurried out of the tent.
> Thistle watched him go, then switched her gaze to Salki.
"[Aren't you afraid he will run away?]"
> "[No,]" he said, shaking his head, but didn't elaborate.
"[Why?]"
> "[His sister is here, he won't leave her.]"
"[Oh,]" she said, her ears pressing down even further.
> "[Sit down. We have to talk about Adilet.]"
> Thistle took the spot across the central firepit, so they could look at each other's face.
> "[He is asking for what we promised. What you promised.]"
> She closed her eyes, but gave a slight nod.
"[I know. I will need to work with Darkhan to make the- the stones thrower. I think I will also need some metal parts from Janus.]"
> "[Okay, but I don't think I want to give him new weapons.]"
> Her ears lifted up, and her breath stalled.
"[What do you propose?]"

>>41624675

> Salki had been thinking about this, and he already had a plan worked out. His mouth quirked up into an almost-smile and he began to sharpen his knife again. "[He has seen what people on horses can do. He has taken some horses from Ruslans, but he wants more. I say we go on another trip to the West.]"
"[That won't give him weapons, but it's not much better.]"
> "[That's not all. I thought about what you said. We'll only take a few men, so we can travel faster. We will not take things to trade, so we will not need donkeys. I think that will appeal to Adilet. He will want horses as soon as possible.]"
"[Then what?]"
> There was silence, and Salki's expression looked pained. He shrugged and said: "[M-Maybe something could happen on the way?]"
> It was not a new idea, but no less palatable when spoken out loud. Thistle avoided his eyes and swallowed a lump which was suddenly in her throat.
"[I don't know if I could do it,]" she admitted truthfully.
> Neither of them could take their gaze off the other, and the two sat for long moments, just watching each other. At length, Salki drew a breath and spoke: "[I will ask Hisein. He will understand.]"
"[No. No! Salki, he's lost his leg! We can't ask him to- to do this!]"
> "[Who then?]"
> Something in her heart balked, and for a moment Thistle didn't really believe the conversation they were having. Surely that wasn't *her*, sitting in a dark tent and plotting to kill someone in cold blood? She'd misunderstood!
> Her breathing quickened and she became aware that she was whickering softly with each exhalation.
> "[We have to do something,]" Salki went on. "[I told you what he did in the Ruslan camp! What his men did!]"
> All she could do was nod. There had been no good guys in that whole, sorry mess, but what Salki had told her of Adilet went beyond even what the nomads considered acceptable. Even worse, it seemed the Ulan-Zuk all had this blind stop.
> For a moment she wondered if Adilet was the product of his people, or they the product of his deranged cruelty.
> Whatever it was, she could not let that poison seep into the Borchi-Quin, whatever the cost.
> Even murder?
> She swallowed a lump and nodded, both to herself, and to Salki's statement.
"[I know,]" she whispered.
> "[So I will ask Hisein.]"
> Her gaze and her ears lowered, but the mare nodded again, even if it was smaller.
> The decision made, it brought no relief. Her chest still felt tight, and it took an effort of will to quiet her low whinnies.
> She looked at the young Chieftain before her and felt a pang of regret. Barely a month since he had taken over, and already he had to plot against those who were ostensibly their allies. She really wasn't guiding him very well.
> Thistle shot to her hooves and backed to the tent flap.
"[I'll- I'll just- I'll go help Nadir.]"

>>41624680

> Salki was staring at the fire, and at first it appeared as if he hadn't heard her at all. Only when she cleared her throat to repeat did he glance at her and wave his hand. "[Yes. Go. I have to think.]"
> He looked uneasy, and his head twitched as if he wanted to shake it. He was struggling with what they'd decided, too, she knew. It was a bad option, but knowing neither of them was alone helped, a little. Perhaps it helped.
> On a whim, she hurried back to the young man and pressed her muzzle to his cheek. She inhaled his scent - soot, and grime, and sweat - and gave him a lick.
"[We'll fix it. We'll get rid of him, and then we'll be better.]"
> His hand went to her head for a quick pat, and she felt him nod. Only then did she hurry out of the tent.
> Her heart was not exactly lighter, not at the prospect of what they had to do, but she didn't feel quite as wretched.
> It had to be done.
> Adilet was a monster, and if she'd known that before, she would never have approached him. She had, and now they were tied to him. It was up to her - and Salki - to sever those ties, or the Borchi-Quin would never be free of that oppressive presence.
> She wished she could have Adilet's people take all the slaves, too, but her own friends and neighbors needed them. The war had drained them, and the traders would come soon, before the winter. They needed to trade for grain, and salt, and the thousand other little things which enabled them to survive in this harsh land.

>>41624684

Yay, the timeout is back to 60 seconds, and Meyermer is now making nefarious plans. That's what I call *assimilation*, that is!

I'm not extremely happy with the first part of this, had some trouble getting into the flow. I might give it another stab at some other time.

Paste: https://ponepaste.org/9738

bumping to read

File: derpibooru-3471389.jpg (69 KB, 608x600)

69 KB JPG

She bites

File: 1626742339245.jpg (92 KB, 900x754)

92 KB JPG

Happy Anniversary Anon. Came to see how the thread was going and by mere coincidence it was this one. Its been a long while since i checked 4chan period. Maybe someday ill continue that Luna green i started a few years ago. Hell, i think if i did it i would just rewrite it since it never got many entries to begin with. Hope you guys the best, here is for more Romance greens disguised as slave storys.

>>41633185
Good girl!

>>41624689
dunno if anyone told you yet, but thx for keeping this shit up, youre the only anon doing greens consistently for months now.

>>41611471
9 years wow

File: 1731164486007374.png (2.24 MB, 2251x2400)

2.24 MB PNG

Pony warms up after spending the night outside.

File: 1174993993.png (699 KB, 1600x1000)

699 KB PNG

>>41635285
you know how the saying goes:
time flies when youre forced to work the unwanted minimum wage positions with a high turnover rate but youre also not allowed to leave

>>41635729
Pony needs to learn how to use the catflap

File: 1730969906004200.png (1016 KB, 3168x2885)

1016 KB PNG

>>41635749
I love wagie horsies

>>41624684
>if she might have chosen the wrong side
Is there a side I'm not seeing? The Ruslans did the same. Attacked, killed, kidnapped, raped.
>focused on one in particular
Let me guess, the trebuchet.
>build him a catapult
I don't think they have the springs for that. For a trebuchet they don't need springs.
>Now that they had horses, these excursions would be made easier
Will it be easier? Horses are not known for long distance travel. At most they can travel 30-50km a day. Comparable to what a human can do on foot. And horses need a lot of food compared to humans.
>young Ruslan in Saule and Salki's tent
Seems like they got a slave.
>Darga had immediately confiscated those from her so
Strange choice.
>what to do about Adilet
I expect Mayor to chime in with a diplomatic solution and a not so diplomatic one. Also Salki asking for advice! Good.
>I don't think I want to give him new weapons
What about giving him new weapons but demonstrate its usage while skipping a hard to notice crucial part which will cost his life when he is trying to operate the weapon?
>M-Maybe something could happen on the way?
Too obvious.
>The decision made
Which can be changed. At least the method.
>It had to be done.
Hopefully they don't have someone just as cruel to replace him.
>traders would come
What a surprise it would be if the traders would come from the west.

Thanks for the update!

File: 1868277.png (311 KB, 1000x1000)

311 KB PNG

>>41636868

File: 3485183.gif (313 KB, 1216x1280)

313 KB GIF

help, my mouser is not doing her job

File: 1731169859626159.png (21 KB, 378x562)

21 KB PNG

Horse is refusing work

File: 814612.png (474 KB, 1100x1200)

474 KB PNG

>>41642763

File: deviantart-ayveestars-112(...).jpg (181 KB, 900x722)

181 KB JPG

Playdate!

yo /spg/, I recall there was a greenfic of anon capturing an oc, enslaving her, and then forcefeeding her until she becomes immobile

anyone remember what that was called?

>>41644583
im pretty sure we don't have anything similar

>>41624684
hey awf, just wanted to let you know I love your stories. to be fully honest, I thought 'Red Sky' kinda sucked and I wished anon killed himself or got killed by zoe at the end, but I really loved 'Something, at least', and your writing really shined in 'Break'. I'm on part 2 of 'Rosa' right now and I'm loving it so much. Ever since I found that list of completed stories, it's been getting me through this hard week, I can't wait to read this one you're writing when I finish 'Rosa'.
That's all, just wanted to let you know I appreciate what you're doing a lot, and you should keep it up /)

File: 3484029.png (314 KB, 1028x624)

314 KB PNG

Batpony is very important for taking care of Master

File: 2148165.png (1.25 MB, 2000x1500)

1.25 MB PNG

pet the poner
cheeks are soft and smooshy

>>41645605

Thanks, that means a lot.

On a side note, the new update is on ponepaste, but I couldn't post it here. A combination of 15-min wait and yet worse captcha were to much after a very stressful week

On the plus side, I found a good apartment, let's see if I can snag it through this auction...

File: misc5.png (1.13 MB, 1512x1488)

1.13 MB PNG

>>41647155
Sending good vibes for apartment auctioning.
I've been there before... It fucking sucks, sometimes...

>>41647783
OxygenBeam

>>41647783
Oh hey, I know those red blood cell mares. Good to see your art again.

>>41647155
>but I couldn't post it here
Should someone else post it?

>>41647252
Kek jannies try to cover up this new chaptcha or something? Seems like about every post gets deleted which complains about it.

>>41651188
Nice

>>41624684
thanks again brah

>>41651188
I like warmth.

File: 3482295.png (432 KB, 1581x2457)

432 KB PNG

Uniforms are unisex(y)

>>41611471
Corona a dead mare. A DEAD MARE!!!
Does anyone know how swf is doing these days? Hope he's having a happy life riding his poners.

>>41657663
>riding his poners
More like the poners ride him.

>>41657663
He went full furfag. Many such cases. Very sad.

>>41658299
F

Hey anons, i've been reading a lot of greens recently, and I've been thinking of writing my own.
Recently I've been really interested in sailing, and people living long periods of time on small sailboats, so that's what I wanna write about.
My rough Idea is: before setting off on his journey, anon buys a mare to help around the boat while sailing, and to have someone to talk to.
I think I want to pick vinyl scratch as the mare, I'll name the story something like fiberglass scratch since boats are made out of fiberglass.
What do you think anons? Any criticsms or opinions or ideas of what I should include?

>>41659974
Hasn't this been done already

>>41659992
really?? I thought I had some unique idea with this. I'll write it anyway. do you have a link to it? I'm curious how the other guy went about it.

>>41659974
Dunno how you are going to make Vinyl work, but allright.
>title
Its shit. Here are a few boat pun like titles I can think of
Scratched hull
Foul coating
Rhythmic rocking
Sink into despair

>>41659992
It was different. Anon stole a bunch of mares with Fluttershy and spent a month or two on a boat waiting for things to quiet down. All the while trying to keep Mocha quiet.

>>41624684

https://ponepaste.org/9738#3098
>crude seesaw
Yea that's a trebuchet.
>large metal cup for a rock
Why metal? Are they have an abundance of metal suddenly?
>It wasn't like any catapult she'd ever seen
Because its a trebuchet.
>if her project failed
Adilet would punish her in some way. And the clan too.
>He picked up the lump from the anvil
Bad move.
>His hand bunched up into a fist, and he drew his arm back
I wonder why hasn't anybody killed Adilet yet.
>Learn to do better and we won't have a problem
I think if Mayor decides to plan something against Adilet, half of the Ulan-Zuk will help her.
>and- you know? On the way?
Just hide three archer in a tree and kill Adilet and the two body guards when they go to the stream or something.
>a grateful grin
Heh.
>You'd never get near enough.
Bows exist.
>his men will just shrug their shoulders and go away
Half of them yes.
>You think his people won't put two and two together?
Not if its a slow acting poison. He will be back in his camp way before he dies from the poison. For example organic mercury poisoning. Takes a good 6 months after exposure.
>You use a Ruslan
That's smart. But same issues as he just listed.
>Maybe they'll kill a few of the other prisoners
Somehow they need to be made valuable. What about making a deal with a trader for all the prisoners minus one? A deal which cannot allowed to fail. So they can't kill any.
>What's your alternative?
Make the trebuchet kill him. Make him too confident while telling him "not to do it".

>not posting it here
You know, you can just ask in the thread for someone else to do it.

Thanks for the update!

>>41660625
Seems like they changed something and the backward postlink does not work anymore. Sad.

>>41657663
>>41658299
I can't speak to the veracity of the furry claims but I still do talk to swf from time to time. He's become something of a health nut, only spends a small fraction of the time online that he used to, lost a shitload of weight, and spends most of his free time either working out or trail riding his mare these days. Living the dream.

10

Should someone post AWF's last update? Feels odd that its only in the paste.

>>41662225
yeah it's a mess to keep track of pastes as well as all the threads you follow on this board.

>>41648421
>Should someone else post it?

>>41660625
>You know, you can just ask in the thread for someone else to do it.

That's not a bad idea, actually. If anyone feels like, please do. Let me know if you want my python script to split an update into post-sized chunks.

>>41624684

> It wasn't getting any better, but perhaps, with practice, Thistle was learning to accept how things were. Except that a better explanation would be that she was learning how to turn a blind eye.
> Salki didn't participate in any of the wanton cruelty she saw everywhere around them, but that was small consolation when she saw a young Ruslan - hardly more than a child - being beaten to make them obey.
> There was worse, too, especially for the women, but Thistle simply didn't let herself think about it.
> More than once she wondered if she might have chosen the wrong side. Had the Ruslans been right in preemptively attacking the Borchi-Quin?
> No, she couldn't believe that. They were both bad, but at least she knew for a fact that Adilet and his people were worse.
> Of course, that thought brought her to the problem, and to the reason why she was hiding away in Xuan's tent.
> It was nice to visit with the woman and help watch her little daughter, but there was an ulterior motive. Now that the threat had been eliminated, Adilet wanted the things she had promised him. He wasn't very pushy - not yet - and Janus had truly started to produce bronze weapons and jewelry.
> People from both clans ranged far and wide, searching for Tin ore so he could make even better, and that kept the Ulan-Zuk satisfied.
> For now.
> She would have to deliver on her promises, and Adilet seemed focused on one in particular.
> He wanted her to build him a catapult. She'd described what little she remembered from ancient history books. The man was abhorrent, especially in his treatment of women and slaves, but he had a knack for war. A machine which could hurl a stone across hundreds of paces would be perfect to use against villages, especially the ones which had started to surround their buildings with walls.
> As best she could understand, the Ulan-Zuk preferred to waylay trading caravans, but if the pickings were particularly slim, they would range far to the East, where strangers tilled the soil and built huts out of mud and wood.
> Now that they had horses, these excursions would be made easier. With bows and arrows, they would be an even more formidable force, and if she produced other weapons, even walls would not aid the hapless villagers.
> She hadn't liked the idea to begin with, but now she was outright appalled, especially after she'd seen the Ulan-Zuk's mistreatment of their prisoners and their insatiable thirst for plunder. There was nothing left of the Ruslan's camp, other than a bit of disturbed ground and some refuse. Oh, and bodies. So many bodies! Even just hearing about it from Salki had been enough to turn her stomach.
> "[Your face is like that again,]" Xuan said, pointing a finger.
"[Oh. Sorry.]"
> Thistle made herself smile and her ears folded down flat in embarrassment. She did have a tendency to grimace when she was thinking about Adilet.

>>41663480

> "[Here, sit. Watch Guuni a little,]" Xuan went on. She laid her daughter on the animal fur next to Thistle and ducked out of the tent before the mare could object.
> It wasn't as if she minded, but having had no children of her own, Thistle didn't quite know how to deal with them. Guuni was still a baby, but that was even more responsibility!
> Unsure of what to do, she leaned closer to the little one, who seemed mesmerised by her pink mane. Unfortunately it wasn't long enough for the child to play with it, but a tiny hand did reach her muzzle. It was more by accident than intent, but Guuni seemed happy to grip the soft fur on Thistle's face. At least she wasn't crying.
> She leaned even closer, and brushed the child's cheek with her nose. It must have tickled, because her little arm flailed and she let out a mixture between a gurgle and a giggle. Thistle withdrew quickly, but Guuni reached out for her and made a distressed little wail, so she moved back.
> A hand found her ear and gripped it with surprising strength. Guuni pulled at it, but it wasn't uncomfortable and Thistle was happy to let her.
> It just meant she couldn't look when someone entered the tent. That wasn't a huge hindrance, and the mixture of smell and sound quickly told her who it was.
"[Hey, Buygra!]"
> "[You're good with her,]" he said.
"[Yeah...]"
> She tugged her ear, but Guuni held her tightly, and let out a soft coo. She didn't want to use more force, so Thistle gave Buygra a hapless grin.
> He chuckled and carefully pried his daughter's hand from Thistle's ear. Finally she could straighten up and her face shaded a light pink in embarrassment. She opened her mouth to thank him, but Buygra headed her off: "[Salki is looking for you.]"
> Her ears folded down and her smile slipped, but Thistle inclined her head in acquiescence and stood.
"[I'll go and talk to him.]"
> While the man knelt down to check on his daughter, she slipped past him and pushed out of the tent. It was getting quite cold outside, and she was a little bit sad to leave the warmth. Her breath misted in the crisp morning air.
> She paused only long enough to receive a friendly pat from Xuan, then left the woman to cook and headed off.
>...
> There was a young Ruslan in Saule and Salki's tent. He sat in the corner, hugging his knees and watching everything with eyes full of fear. His tears had dried up some days ago, but now he just seemed stunned. Thistle really didn't like looking at this reminder of what they'd ultimately done.
> They've had no choice but to fight the Ruslans, or they would have done the same, so she kept telling herself, but seeing the result didn't make it easy.

>>41663484

> As soon as she'd entered the large tent, her ears folded down and she studiously avoided looking at the captive. At least it wasn't Salki's idea, but rather his mother's. He was the Chieftain, their fearless warrior who had led them to such a decisive victory over their sworn enemy. It would set a very poor example, and show significant weakness to the Ulan-Zuk, if Salki did not gain from the spoils of war.
> Most of that had been wealth. Jewelry, gold, and silver. Animal furs, and pots of honey and spices. Skins of beer, but Darga had immediately confiscated those from her son. Most of it was material possessions, but they couldn't avoid at least one of the new slaves.
> They'd ended up with the boy.
> His situation wasn't far different from Fen Ko and Ning, so why was Thistle so apprehensive of this one, while she accepted the other? Was it only a matter of getting used to the situation?
> She didn't want to think of herself that way, so she solved the problem by not thinking about it at all.
> Even now she focused her attention entirely on Salki, who was sitting beside the fire and sharpening his knife.
> It was a bronze blade, one they'd gotten from the Ruslan camp, and Janus had only recently given him the whetstone and taught him how to properly care for the edge.
> Salki was so enamored with it that Thistle worried he would sharpen it away to nothing before the year was out.
> When she entered, Salki let his hands fall into his lap and gave her a worried look. "[We need to figure out what to do about Adilet,]" he told her.
> It was a good sign that he still believed what he'd told her that night by the stream, and it gave Thistle hope that she could lead this tribe, at least, out of barbarism.
> At the mention of Adilet's name, the Ruslan boy made a small whimper. Word of the big man's cruelty spread quickly, both among the new slaves, and the Borchi-Quin people. He made everyone uneasy.
> The sound reminded Salki and he half-turned to the youth. "[Nadir, go out and bring firewood.]"
> His command made the boy flinch, but he scrambled to his feet and hurried out of the tent.
> Thistle watched him go, then switched her gaze to Salki.
"[Aren't you afraid he will run away?]"
> "[No,]" he said, shaking his head, but didn't elaborate.
"[Why?]"
> "[His sister is here, he won't leave her.]"
"[Oh,]" she said, her ears pressing down even further.
> "[Sit down. We have to talk about Adilet.]"
> Thistle took the spot across the central firepit, so they could look at each other's face.
> "[He is asking for what we promised. What you promised.]"
> She closed her eyes, but gave a slight nod.
"[I know. I will need to work with Darkhan to make the- the stones thrower. I think I will also need some metal parts from Janus.]"
> "[Okay, but I don't think I want to give him new weapons.]"
> Her ears lifted up, and her breath stalled.
"[What do you propose?]"

>>41663488

> Salki had been thinking about this, and he already had a plan worked out. His mouth quirked up into an almost-smile and he began to sharpen his knife again. "[He has seen what people on horses can do. He has taken some horses from Ruslans, but he wants more. I say we go on another trip to the West.]"
"[That won't give him weapons, but it's not much better.]"
> "[That's not all. I thought about what you said. We'll only take a few men, so we can travel faster. We will not take things to trade, so we will not need donkeys. I think that will appeal to Adilet. He will want horses as soon as possible.]"
"[Then what?]"
> There was silence, and Salki's expression looked pained. He shrugged and said: "[M-Maybe something could happen on the way?]"
> It was not a new idea, but no less palatable when spoken out loud. Thistle avoided his eyes and swallowed a lump which was suddenly in her throat.
"[I don't know if I could do it,]" she admitted truthfully.
> Neither of them could take their gaze off the other, and the two sat for long moments, just watching each other. At length, Salki drew a breath and spoke: "[I will ask Hisein. He will understand.]"
"[No. No! Salki, he's lost his leg! We can't ask him to- to do this!]"
> "[Who then?]"
> Something in her heart balked, and for a moment Thistle didn't really believe the conversation they were having. Surely that wasn't *her*, sitting in a dark tent and plotting to kill someone in cold blood? She'd misunderstood!
> Her breathing quickened and she became aware that she was whickering softly with each exhalation.
> "[We have to do something,]" Salki went on. "[I told you what he did in the Ruslan camp! What his men did!]"
> All she could do was nod. There had been no good guys in that whole, sorry mess, but what Salki had told her of Adilet went beyond even what the nomads considered acceptable. Even worse, it seemed the Ulan-Zuk all had this blind stop.
> For a moment she wondered if Adilet was the product of his people, or they the product of his deranged cruelty.
> Whatever it was, she could not let that poison seep into the Borchi-Quin, whatever the cost.
> Even murder?
> She swallowed a lump and nodded, both to herself, and to Salki's statement.
"[I know,]" she whispered.
> "[So I will ask Hisein.]"
> Her gaze and her ears lowered, but the mare nodded again, even if it was smaller.
> The decision made, it brought no relief. Her chest still felt tight, and it took an effort of will to quiet her low whinnies.
> She looked at the young Chieftain before her and felt a pang of regret. Barely a month since he had taken over, and already he had to plot against those who were ostensibly their allies. She really wasn't guiding him very well.
> Thistle shot to her hooves and backed to the tent flap.
"[I'll- I'll just- I'll go help Nadir.]"

>>41663490

> Salki was staring at the fire, and at first it appeared as if he hadn't heard her at all. Only when she cleared her throat to repeat did he glance at her and wave his hand. "[Yes. Go. I have to think.]"
> He looked uneasy, and his head twitched as if he wanted to shake it. He was struggling with what they'd decided, too, she knew. It was a bad option, but knowing neither of them was alone helped, a little. Perhaps it helped.
> On a whim, she hurried back to the young man and pressed her muzzle to his cheek. She inhaled his scent - soot, and grime, and sweat - and gave him a lick.
"[We'll fix it. We'll get rid of him, and then we'll be better.]"
> His hand went to her head for a quick pat, and she felt him nod. Only then did she hurry out of the tent.
> Her heart was not exactly lighter, not at the prospect of what they had to do, but she didn't feel quite as wretched.
> It had to be done.
> Adilet was a monster, and if she'd known that before, she would never have approached him. She had, and now they were tied to him. It was up to her - and Salki - to sever those ties, or the Borchi-Quin would never be free of that oppressive presence.
> She wished she could have Adilet's people take all the slaves, too, but her own friends and neighbors needed them. The war had drained them, and the traders would come soon, before the winter. They needed to trade for grain, and salt, and the thousand other little things which enabled them to survive in this harsh land.

> ~~~~

> Trying to explain the basics of Equestrian technology to primitives was exhausting. By the time she was done, Thistle felt like she'd been put through the wringer.
> Well, she couldn't quite call it 'done', not that miniscule amount of progress they'd made. Then again, she couldn't even call it 'technology', either.
> Darkhan was maybe getting closer, although he still couldn't quite imagine how a catapult would work. She'd tried to demonstrate with a few twigs which she'd arranged into a crude seesaw and used to launch small pebbles. The fact that it was impossible to aim just made Adilet sneer in disgust.
> Perhaps that was the worst thing. Now that he'd delivered his part of the bargain, and the Borchi-Quin were no longer under any threat by the Ruslans, the big man wouldn't let her out of his sight until she delivered on her other promises. He spent entirely too much time in their camp!
> She had done her best, with words, hoof-waving, and even crude attempts at drawings on the soft mud, but very little had come across. It didn't help that she wasn't an engineer pony, so her own understanding of the principles was rudimentary, at best.

>>41663493

> What she'd come up with was a big frame on wheels, with a supple piece of wood for an arm. At the end, there would be a large metal cup for a rock. It wasn't like any catapult she'd ever seen, but it was the best she could come up with, having had no training in engineering whatsoever. She'd just have to make the thing step by step, possibly helped by a willing nomad, until she could demonstrate the basic idea. After that, she had no doubt craftsmen would improve on her design.
> There were a number of nomads extremely skilled at making bows, in both their camps, and many of the women were excellent fletchers. All they needed was that initial idea, a demonstration of how it was supposed to work.
> On the other hoof, if her project failed, perhaps Adilet would give up on the weapon and she wouldn't be responsible for unleashing a new kind of horror on the poor, unsuspecting people of wherever the Ulan-Zuk raided.
> She'd all but promised they would travel West and get more horses, and maybe that would be enough. Would Adilet leave them in peace, especially now that he had his teeth in the Ulan-Zuk?
> Her head hung down as the others walked away, murmuring to each other. Salki remained, with his hand on her back, and Thistle took half a step closer to him, so she could brush her side against his thigh.
> The two exchanged a look, then Thistle followed Janus to where he'd set up his forge. It had become the unofficial center of their camp, where nomads gathered when they didn't have anything better to do.
> There was always a fire, and there was usually one or another of Janus' apprentices, hammering a lump of metal into a shape which may or may not be recognizable. It wasn't the attraction it had been those first few weeks, but there were often a few onlookers, so there was someone to talk to.
> Unfortunately Adilet was going the same way, and Thistle half-turned to go somewhere else, but Salki held her with a hand on her withers. "[Come on,]" he said. "[Let's see how Usman is doing. He promised he would make me a spear point.]"
> The mare shrugged to herself and followed in the direction of clanging metal.
> They were in time to see Janus make a quick tour of his pupils. There were four - two from the Ulan-Zuk, and two from the Borchi-Quin.
> He nodded amicably at one, and slapped another on the shoulder. Usman was the third, and Janus gripped his wrist with the tongs to change the angle he held his piece of metal. He was about to inspect the fourth nomad, the youngest, who kept striking at a dark, misshapen lump on his anvil. Even to Thistle's unskilled eyes, it looked like a mess.
> Before Janus could reach the young lad, however, Adilet began shouting and pointing.
> "[You call that a knife?! You're a worthless dog-spawn!]"

>>41663497

> The would-be blacksmith cringed away, but Adilet's hand caught him a blow across his face so hard that the poor lad spun and fell to the ground. "[I said I wanted a dagger! You're worthless! This is nothing!]" Adilet went on. He picked up the lump from the anvil, thinking that because it was dark, it wasn't hot. There was a sizzle, although Thistle was sure she was the only one who had heard it, and the man dropped the misshapen bit of metal to the ground with a yelp.
> He examined his fingers, and his face darkened as he loomed over the boy once more. "[You idiot! Why didn't you tell me it was hot?! I'll cut out your liver and feed it to your sister!]"
> Before he could kick the hapless boy, Janus was standing in front of the big man. He didn't seem angry, but there was an aura of determination around him, as if he wouldn't be moved by any force. "[That enough. Back away,]" he said, his voice as calm as his face.
> Denied, Adilet stepped closer, until his nose was nearly touching Janus', and he growled wordlessly. His hand bunched up into a fist, and he drew his arm back as if preparing to strike. Janus, meanwhile, let his hand fall on the hilt of his dagger, which he wore tucked in his belt.
> Thistle's ears had gone completely flat as she watched the two prepare to fight.
> Luckily a few of the older Ulan-Zuk stepped around their leader, gripping his hands and pulling him back. Thistle suddenly noticed there was a bronze dagger in Adilet's other hand, and her blood ran cold. Surely he wouldn't have killed Janus over an argument? Not just like that!
> She'd always known he had an explosive temper, but surely no one in his camp would stand long for such outbursts of rage.
> His followers were whispering urgently, talking him down. Eventually he stuck the blade back behind his belt, but as they moved past Janus, Adilet's foot shot out and he delivered a few swift kicks to the young apprentice's belly.
> The young man gasped for air and curled around his midriff, flopping on the ground and letting out choking noises as he tried to get his breath back.
> Other than the noises of his suffering, everything was quiet, and Adilet seemed to notice all the stares on him. His face began to darken, but then he barked a laugh and pointed at the other three blacksmith apprentices. The Ulan-Zuk one flinched from that digit, as if it was a spear.
> "[See?]" Adilet said, his voice light and cheerful, and a twisted grin on his face. "[Let this be motivation. Learn to do better and we won't have a problem!]"
> He pointedly ignored Janus's dark, furious stare. The blacksmith had crouched down next to his fallen apprentice, and was feeling his belly. The youth had his arm in his mouth to stifle the weeping, but tears rolled freely down his cheeks and he remained curled up.
> No one spoke, until Adilet grunted and stalked away. The two men with him - his guards - glanced around impassively, then followed their leader.

>>41663500

> Only when he was safely out of earshot did Thistle let her muscles slacken. Her legs were trembling with the effort. She'd been holding herself back so she wouldn't run up to the man and simply buck him in two pieces.
> She'd known it before, but this proved it. All she needed to do was say it. There was only one language which had the proper expression, but only the other had good swear words. She brought the two together.
"He's a psychopath. [Fuck!]"
> Salki leaned down and asked: "[He's a what?]"
> She shook her head and sat on her rump.
"[You don't have a word for it. I will explain later.]"
> His hand found her ear through her mane, and Thistle leaned into Salki's touch. "[He is dangerous. He was always dangerous, but at least before he was aimed at the Ruslans. Now-]"
> She finished his thought:
"[He might turn on us.]"
> At least there was no fear that Salki would be swayed by the crazy man. Now that he was the chieftain, Adilet had stopped egging him on, and had started talking up his daughters instead. That, at least, was good news, and told Thistle that the man was indeed thinking of the long game.
> Then again, with his quicksilver temper, there was no saying if Adilet would suddenly become impatient and do something a lot more immediate.
> If that happened while he was surrounded by his lackeys and yes-men, they could incite all their men to a fight and come for the Borchi-Quin. It would be a massacre!
"[We have to do something.]"
> "[You still want to go West and- you know? On the way?]"
> She gave it some thought, but suddenly wasn't so sure. She knew someone who could help, though.
"[Come.]"
> Salki didn't question and followed her past the tents until they reached the one she wanted. Ning was outside, stirring something over the fire, and she flashed the mare a quick smile.
> The two children were still slaves, but perhaps Hisein treated them a little better since his injury, and they were getting used to their new life. It was still horrible, but less than some fates, especially ones she'd seen lately.
> Shaking her head, Thistle ducked into the tent with Salki right behind her. They paused with the tent flap open at the sight.
> Hisein was lying on his stomach, and Fen Ko was massaging the stump of his leg. The boy had frozen at the intrusion, and Hisein was pushing himself up on his elbows. "[Who- oh. Shut the flap, it's cold!]"
> Salki did so, and the interior was plunged into darkness, barely given shape by the small fire in a pit in the middle. Fen Ko straightened up to leave, but Hisein's hand shot out and grasped his ankle. "[I didn't say you can stop,]" he muttered.
> With a low grunt, the youth bent back down to his work.
> "[What do you want?]" he asked the two newcomers.
"[We need to talk, alone.]"
> "[Then talk.]"
"[Send Fen Ko out. This is just for us.]"

>>41663504

> She didn't think the lad would betray what they'd said to anyone, even if he understood half of it, but there was no point in risking it.
> With a groan, Hisein slapped his palm on the fur blanket underneath him. "[Go! But don't go far! As soon as they leave, I want you back! My leg hurts!]"
> Fen Ko flashed Thistle a grateful grin and fled the stuffy interior of the tent. Only then did the mare sit down and pat the rug beside her for Salki. After a while, the Chieftain sat, his side nearly brushing hers.
> "[What?]" Hisein repeated, but he still hadn't moved.
> Thistle gave Salki a questioning look, but he just shrugged at her. This was her idea, after all, and the man looked doubtful, as if he didn't really want to be there.
"[Hisein, we need to get rid of Adilet.]"
> "[You're right there. Maybe the first smart thing I've heard since I came back.]"
"[We- I was thinking. We take him West, tell him we'll get some horses. We have the Ruslans' gold and silver now. M-Maybe something could, uh, happen on the way.]"
> "[Won't work,]" Hisein said almost before she'd finished talking. He rolled to his back and sat up, so he could see their faces. "[It's a good try, for a pony, but it won't work.]"
"[Why not?!]"
> The man lifted a finger. "[One: Adilet will be expecting that. He'll take some guards, and they would be watching you more closely than the forest. You'd never get near enough.]"
> Thistle's ears lowered, but she didn't interrupt.
> "[Two: Even if you kill him, do you think his men will just shrug their shoulders and go away? You'll have a fight, and you probably won't win. Adilet's people are good fighters.]"
"[What if we used poison?]"
> "[Three,]" Hisein went on, as if she hadn't spoken, "[even if you somehow survive and come back, what do you think the other Ulan-Zuk would say? Behind someone like Adilet are ten more, just as crazy as he is. They'd crush us with the slightest provocation. Just a suspicion would be enough, and there would *be* suspicion. Adilet and some people leave with you, and none of them come back?]"
"[What about poison?]"
> Hisein just chuckled at her. "[Think about it. You bring their leader a meal, he eats it, then curls up on the ground and dies. You think his people won't put two and two together? That is if you know how to find a poison he wouldn't taste immediately when he puts it in his mouth.]"
> She lowered her gaze to the fire and her ears splayed out in embarrassment.
"[So what do we do?]"
> Hisein put his hand on his chin, and his other on his stump. Both began to scratch as he thought. After a while, he snapped his fingers. "[You use a Ruslan.]"
"[What?]"
> Even Salki straightened up to stare.
> "[Simple. We have some Ruslan men. Wounded. They're tied up. Take one of those, and tell him exactly what Adilet did to their women and children. The way you told me. Then give him a bow and a single arrow, and put him in Adilet's way.]"

>>41663507

> "[You think a Ruslan slave would attack Adilet? What if he attacks us the moment he has a weapon?]"
> Hisein shook his head. "[Not if you make it very clear that the attack was *his* idea, and if you explain very carefully how he treated their women. You don't even have to lie, if half of what you told me is true.]"
> Thistle felt repulsed at the idea, but she couldn't help nodding. It just might work, and the fact she was considering it disgusted her.
> Less than Adilet, but still.
> "[Trust me, any man would be happy to shoot someone like Adilet, even if he dies right after. At least it's an end to it.]"
> "[What happens next? Ulan-Zuk would still blame me.]"
> At this, the other man shook his head. "[Not if you do it right. Find a hunter with a bow, and have the prisoner punch him in the face to get the bow. The harder, the better. Now you have a prisoner, who got enraged when he saw Adilet and hurt one of your people to get at him. Offer him a quick death, and he'll do it.]"
"[What?!]" Thistle gasped, aghast.
> "[What do you think the Ulan-Zuk would do to him after he kills their leader? Any warrior will prefer a quick spear through the heart. You can always claim it was the heat of the battle, and the man is dead. They can't ask for more.]"
> He paused for a short while, then shrugged. "[Maybe they'll kill a few of the other prisoners, and maybe they'll beat the women a little, but you get rid of Adilet. The deal was with him, so it's over.]"
> Thistle looked at Salki, and saw the same horror she felt in his eyes.
"[I- I don't know.]"
> "[Well, there's your plan. It may work, or it may not, but at least with this one you can try again after things settle down. What's your alternative? Wait until Adilet gets the idea that he can just take over and pull us into the Ulan-Zuk?]"
> "[His people still won't be happy. What if they want revenge?]"
> This made Hisein laugh again. "[Revenge against who? The Ruslans are beaten, and we're supposed to be their allies.]"
> "[What if they are unreasonable? You said there are more crazy people to take Adilet's place. What if they want Janus, and decide our treaty doesn't matter anymore?]"
> Hisein gave this a moment's thought, then he shrugged. "[Then we run. We go up in the woods, where the bastards will never find us. There are fewer of us, so we can move faster. We don't have to spend as much time hunting. We can outrun them. Besides, Ulan-Zuk have always lived in the plains. We know the mountains better than them.]"
> Thistle brightened up at the idea.
"[Why don't we just do that?]"
> The man reached across the fire to pat her muzzle. "[Won't work. You might be chieftain, but running like that is hard. You won't convince people, and they won't believe you how bad Adilet is.]"
"[They saw today!]"
> "[What do you mean?]"
> She explained the incident which drove them to his tent in a few sentences, and Hisein just looked impassive.

>>41663511

> When she'd finished, he said: "[They saw him beat one of his own people. They'll need a lot more to run. Running is hard, especially after the summer they've had with the Ruslans.]"
> Could it be true? Surely if they explained, everyone in the camp would understand. Wouldn't they? She looked at Salki, and his face told her how naive her thoughts were.
> Her ears fell and she let out her breath.
"[I'll think about it.]"
> "[Don't think too long. We have to use a Ruslan while their anger is still fresh and hot.]"
> She didn't answer and simply stood up. After a moment, Salki got to his feet and followed her out of the tent.

https://ponepaste.org/9738

bump to read

File: 3414690__safe_ai+content_(...).png (1.04 MB, 1024x1024)

1.04 MB PNG

pet the pon

File: 3489236__safe_artist-colo(...).jpg (379 KB, 1280x858)

379 KB JPG

>>41664306

bump

>>41663095
Bad pon. WHIP!

File: 1728783410969248.png (1.2 MB, 1344x776)

1.2 MB PNG

Full collection of fillies.

>>41663514

> The first snow was on the way, and the air was becoming frigid. Each morning any water outside of a tent was frozen on the surface. As the people went about their errands, the brown grass crackled with rime and left their clothes wet. The ground in the camp had changed from mud and slush to hard, frozen earth, which was at least a little more sanitary. Even the hardiest of nomads no longer went barefoot.
> That last didn't really apply to Thistle, since she had hooves and didn't feel the cold as much. It still wasn't pleasant, but at least she wasn't risking frostbite, like the others.
> Despite her hooves and fur, she still wrapped herself in the animal fur cloak and stayed inside tents as much as possible. Not to mention that she felt the chill around the withers and the rear, where her mane and tail still hadn't grown to their usual lushness.
> At least there were hidden benefits of the weather. For one, Adilet and his cronies didn't come around as much. Another was that Janus' forge became even more the social hub of the camp than before. His charcoal was quickly becoming popular, too, and on most days there were one or two mounds smouldering a short distance from the edge of the tents.
> Unfortunately it also meant that Salki had to organize frequent expeditions into the nearby hills to bring back fresh wood, but with the donkeys and their small herd of horses, at least they didn't need Thistle to help haul it back. As an additional plus, there were no other clans near enough to threaten them, now that the Ruslans were gone.
> The cold temperature brought some other benefits, too. After that incident with Adilet and Janus, the big man had settled down, preferring to stay in his tent and enjoy his food and his beer, and Thistle's fears abated a little. Perhaps they could wait until spring to deal with him and the Ulan-Zuk, regardless of what Hisein said about the need for haste.
> Of their prisoners, the mare didn't see much, and she was grateful for that. Saule had taken over the training of the boy she and Salki were given, and the rest of the Ruslan captives had been divided among influential people. Willow, of course, and Darkhan, and Darga. Janus had two - a young man and an older woman - to help him around the forge, and the man positively beamed at the privilege and the status this conferred.
> On the other hand, his fires were almost never cold, and he churned out tools and weapons at a rate that almost satisfied even Adilet, who took the lion's share of the products for the Ulan-Zuk. The fact that they were arming people who might become their enemies was a little concerning, and the unease it brought caused Thistle to listen more closely to Hisein's plans.
>...

>>41665685

> She was thinking of that niggling worry - that the spring might be too late to do anything. That Adilet might be planning something, and his apparent absence and good behavior were ominous. He'd even stopped pressuring her for the weapons she'd promised him, other than to toss out an occasional mention.
> He hadn't been around for the past few days, and she thought his visit was imminent. Maybe that was why she'd volunteered to go with the women and dig for roots and tubers. They weren't expecting to find much, but they had to bring in what they could before winter really set in.
> She was relieved that she might miss Adilet's visit, even if she didn't quite want to admit it to herself. He was less pushy, but his stares, and his poorly-veiled hints were still poignant and made her uncomfortable. The way he listened to her every word with that scary, almost predatory focus, made her hide shiver.
> He hadn't said anything of the sort, but it felt as if he was implying that her usefulness was over. Now that the clan had a blacksmith, they'd mastered crafting bows and arrows, and were well on their way to rearing horses, what use was her obscure knowledge? Why not simply kill her, and have one fewer unknown factors threaten his takeover of the Borchi-Quin?
> She still had a few tricks up her sleeve, but at least she hadn't promised those to Adilet. She intended to teach the people to farm, so their food supply could be assured and they didn't have to hunt as much. She hadn't forgotten her idea of bee keeping, even though Salki and the others probably had. They never brought it up, but they'd be grateful when they saw their first harvest of honey.
> Spring would be a good time to try her hoof at that, provided she could find a wild beehive somewhere in the nearby forests.
> Reading and writing was another big one, but so far she hadn't been able to convince the people of their use. Why go through all the effort if you could simply tell people and they'd remember?
> Her tail was swishing irritably under her cloak, and each jerk lifted the furs and let an icicle of freezing air stab its way up her flanks. The seal wasn't very good as it was, what with her pony anatomy, and the garment barely caught any warmth. She made herself stop.
> The woman in front of her hadn't noticed, of course. They walked in a line, and the crackling of dry, frozen grass under their feet covered most of the sound. A few of the nomads walked side by side, talking in soft murmurs, but Thistle was alone. She only knew one of the others, and even that one not very well.
> She glanced behind, and saw Gol walking near the rear of their little procession. She was also alone.
> On a whim, Thistle stepped to one side and let the few nomads between them pass. They glanced at her, but no one commented.

>>41665694

> Pretty soon Gol had caught up and the mare fell in step with her. She opened her mouth to greet her, but words failed her momentarily. They hadn't spoken in a long while, so she scrambled for something generic instead.
"[Uh. Hi...]"
> "[Huh. I thought you didn't remember me.]"
"[What makes you say that?]" the sharp tone lifted her eyebrows in surprise.
> Gol's mouth quirked up in a wry grin and as she shook her head, a few strands of her black hair slipped from the hood. She pushed it back with a practiced motion. "[You've become the important Chieftain's advisor. You never come and talk with me, or Mother, or Willow.]"
> It was true, in a way, and Thistle's ears folded down under the hood. Gol couldn't see it, of course.
"[I'm sorry. I just- There's been so much to do.]"
> "[Yeah. Going around all over the place and having adventures takes a lot of time. You still come and visit Hisein, though.]"
> Thistle lowered her eyes for a few steps in guilt, then slid a little closer so she could press her muzzle to the back of Gol's hand in apology.
"[I'll do better, I promise.]"
> Gol's fingers twitched, but she controlled herself and didn't pet the mare. Instead, she gripped her loose hand with her other, and said: "[I hear how you were the one who came up with archers on horses.]"
> Not one of her proudest moments, and Thistle couldn't hold back a sad sigh.
"[It was just an idea. Others made it work. Hisein, Salki. Saule. Um, your brother.]"
> All she received in acknowledgement for her modesty was a low grunt. Thistle swallowed and tried a different approach:
"[How is Willow by the way?]"
> "[Chasing girls and complaining he should be Chieftain instead of Salki. What did you expect?]"
"[He shouldn't be chieftain. Even Salki is not yet very good at it, but at least he listens to me. Willow would be a disaster with Adilet.]"
> It had slipped out before she'd really thought it through, and Thistle cast a worried look at the girl. Would she go and tell Willow or Intor as soon as they were back?
> She held her breath for a few steps until Gol answered: "[I know that. Mother knows that too, I think, but she won't admit it. It's just Willow who is stupid about it. He and Hisein argue almost every day.]"
"[Uh, they are still friends?]"
> Gol pierced her with an unreadable stare, then said slowly and clearly: "[Of course. Some of us don't stop being friends just because things change, you know?]"
"[Okay, okay, I'm sorry! I should have stayed in touch. You could have come to see me too, you know?!]"
> At least the girl had the decency to blush a little and avert her eyes.
"[Why didn't you?]"
> "[At first,]" she admitted, "[Mother said not to. She said it would make Willow mad. Then- I saw you with Salki and Saule, and I was nervous. They're older than me, so maybe I was afraid or something. Then you were gone, and when you came back we were in the middle of the war and you were all big heroes.]"

>>41665703

"[Well, from now on, please come and talk to me. If your mother gives you trouble, or Willow does, I'll deal with them.]"
> Gol hid her mouth with a hand so Thistle couldn't see her expression, and asked in a tone that was too nonchalant by half: "[So you're the Chieftain now?]"
> The suggestion made Thistle stumble and nearly fall on her muzzle.
"[No!]" she said, a little too forcefully. "[Of course not! I just help Salki sometimes when it comes to making trades and agreements.]"
> Gol gave a short laugh. "[Don't lie. Mother is right, even if Darga and Salki can't see it. You're telling Salki what to say.]"
> There was no use denying it, not with the certainty that sounded from Gol's every word, but neither was Thistle going to confirm it. Instead, she picked a different topic, something which would focus the young woman's mind away from politics.
"[How about you? Have you found a nice boy for yourself yet?]"
> It was Gol's turn to splutter a little and nearly trip herself up. "[No!]" she said, but her denial was insistent and the answer had come a bit too quickly. She also wouldn't meet the mare's eyes.
"[Come on, who is it?]"
> Her friend glanced around to make sure no one else was near enough to overhear, then lowered her voice. "[Promise you won't tell?]"
"[I promise.]"
> "[I think Zaur is cute. Don't tell him!]"
> For a moment, Thistle shared a knowing grin with Gol, then she winked and nodded.
"[I promise. Isn't he a little old, though?]"
> To her best estimation, Zaur was perhaps a year or two older than Salki, while Gol was perhaps four years younger than Xuan. Her guess was that Gol wouldn't marry for at least two or three years. She was growing, however, and even in the last year she'd known her, the girl had noticeably expanded in the chest area. Her face had lost that childlike softness, and she was filling out, so she no longer looked like a badly-proportioned doll.
> "[No.]"
> It took the mare a second to remember which question Gol had been answering.
"[Okay. When are you going to tell him?]"
> "[Never! I'm too embarrassed!]" Gol said, and for a moment she seemed very much like that young, naive girl once more. Thistle couldn't help but smile.
"[Tell you what - I will speak with Zaur-]"
> Gol hissed as she took a hasty breath to say no, but Thistle forestalled her:
"[Wait. I won't tell him it's you, okay? I'll just tell him there's a cute girl who is interested in him. Just to make sure he doesn't pick someone else, right? Then, in a year or so, when you're ready, he'll be waiting for you. Just don't wait too long!]"
> The stare Gol had begun giving her turned to wide-eyed astonishment. "[You'd do that?!]" she asked in a breathless voice.
"[Sure! I'll try, at least. Maybe Zaur is already talking with some girl his age. Maybe he won't want to wait. We'll see.]"

>>41665708

> Gol's face flickered from sudden fear, to dark rage, to tentative hope, then back to a queasy embarrassment. "[I'll t-try,]" she squeaked.
"[Good. So, tell me what you've been doing while I was away in the West!]"
> At that, the young woman shook her head. "[No, you tell me what it was like, first! What did you see! Hisein said you fought an army to steal the horses!]"
"[Well, it wasn't quite an army...]"


>
The timer was on 60 for whatever reason, although the captcha is still complete ass. Anyway, I'd hoped to do a little bit more this week, but work has been brutal. I haven't even been able to take lunch most days this week. It looks like it'll continue until the end of the year (we're in crunch time).

Paste: https://ponepaste.org/9738

>>41665718
Cute update. Nice to have some quiet time and catch up with old friends.

>>41663983

File: 2673764.png (1.07 MB, 1392x1186)

1.07 MB PNG

>>41664306

File: hoers1.jpg (744 KB, 1440x2560)

744 KB JPG

Your servant-horse is rejecting your authority!
It heeds the ancient call of the steppes! It wants to gallop across verdant fields until there's no more horizon to explore!
How do you bring your horse into compliance?

>>41665718
>first snow was on the way
Already? Poor Mayor will be cold again without Salki! Come to think of it Mayor never interrogated Janus about what happened to the ponies. Did they died off? Got caught and killed? Where are the remains/graves?
>That last didn't really apply to Thistle
Well, she can ask Janus to make some horseshoes. When was the last time she took care of her hooves anyway? Ask Janus to make a file.
>Adilet might be planning something
Taking most of the weapons is concerning.
>They weren't expecting to find much
Mayor should have planned ahead and plant enough for at least herself. Also stockpile some hay or a substitute.
>implying that her usefulness was over
Well, he is not that far off. I mean Mayor barely brings any innovation to the table. There is so much she could "invent" which are super basic. Like butter, tea, sanitary procedures, now that the winter is coming storing ice for summer, proper bread (yeast), agriculture, taming a wolf puppy, ...
>or Mother, or Willow
There is a different reason for those..
>It had slipped out before she'd really thought it through
Luckily its Gol, she is not going to tell the others. And even if she does its nothing new.
>Mother said not to.
Why didn't Intor pushed Gol towards Salki? So if Willow fails she still wins.
>I will speak with Zaur
That promise was sure long lasting.

>captcha
Yes, its annoying. Especially with dynamic IP. Every first post of the day is 900 sec timer, cf not a robot then the gray mess.
They also filter out the character which I used for the backward postlink. But hey we were not halved to 5 pages like a few boards were. And now mp4 is allowed. One step forward , a bunch backward..

Thanks for the update!

File: 3415950__safe_anonymous+a(...).jpg (2.57 MB, 2500x2400)

2.57 MB JPG

>>41668911

File: 1674323778774064.png (226 KB, 1522x1453)

226 KB PNG

>>41671632
>Hello.
>I'd like to rent the services of one of your mares, for the night.
>What are your rates? Are they differentiated by race?

10

File: 1434220443522.jpg (142 KB, 701x1140)

142 KB JPG

Caught this eating my cookies!