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Previous thread: >>43151429
Archive Link:
- https://desuarchive.org/mlp/thread/43151429

Ponies are expensive to buy and upkeep edition.

>What is this thread about?
This thread revolves around stories about ponies getting bathed and pet.

>Can you elaborate more?
Sure! SPG (Slave Pony General) is mostly about characters dealing with the actual implications of the horrifying thing that is chattel slavery. It's more looking at how people with modern sensibilities deal with the ownership of another sentient being, and how most people aren't total cunts.

Are you new and want to write your own story but have no previous experience?
Check out these guides:
https://poneb.in/V1ujiyJt
https://poneb.in/bnMmZ2T3
https://poneb.in/g4VpEg4f (clop specific)
We have a Discord server! https://discord.gg/b7EFmaj

Remember not to save anything of value on pastebin, use ponepaste.org
Have a broken pastebin link? Replace pastebin.com with poneb.in

---
Featured Story:
---
Equestrian Rehab by Shitcunt (incomplete)
- https://ponepaste.org/5110
- https://ponepaste.org/5111

---
Ongoing Story:
---
Barbarians (Mayor Mare) by AspiringWritefag
- https://ponepaste.org/5389
- https://ponepaste.org/7856
- https://ponepaste.org/9738
- https://ponepaste.org/11514

---
Most Recently Completed Story:
---
Getting Shy by AspiringWritefag
- https://ponepaste.org/752
- https://ponepaste.org/4185

---
Useful Links
---
~~~
Recommended Stories for New Readers: https://ponepaste.org/1587
~~~
Completed Stories [37]: https://ponepaste.org/1589
~~~
Popular Stories: https://ponepaste.org/1579
~~~
All Stories [209]: https://ponepaste.org/1590
~~~
One-Shot Stories [47]: https://ponepaste.org/1584
~~~
Thread Archive: https://ponepaste.org/1642
~~~
Image Archive: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AiFkdye7rtydbfk0wBnid5vnFUg (outdated)
~~~
>>
Cont'd

"[Come. This way,]" Thistle urged.
> The ponies on the street were giving her strange looks. It took some effort for her to ignore them and a little more to focus on maintaining a pleasant, relaxed smile.
> Most nomads were okay about visiting Ponyville by now, but Saule had never been out of the camp and was watching their surroundings with wide, fearful eyes. Her shoulders were hunched and she kept trying to look in all directions at once.
> Of course there was nothing to fear, not among the gentle equines. Saule didn't know that and she was getting overwhelmed by the novel sights and sounds. Not to mention smells. It was all a lot more pleasant than any pony would experience walking through the nomad camp, but the woman wasn't used to it.
> "[You said this drink - this hot water - it will help with my mornings?]"
"[Yes. The- damn, how do you call her? The pony who has the sweet things place?]"
> For a moment Saule gave her a blank look, then she said, with only a slight accent: "Cake?"
"[Right! Cake. She said it helped her when she was with children.]"
> It was a small tea store run by one Jasmine Leaf who did a brisk trade in everyday flavors, but also had a selection of restorative, meditative, or otherwise helpful beverages for problems which were not serious enough to brave the Everfree forest and visit Zecora.
> The bell above the door gave an airy chime as Thistle pushed the door open. Its noise made Saule take a step back. "[What was that?]" she asked.
"[A bit of metal. It will let the owner pony know we are here.]"
> Her explanation didn't help. Luckily the confidence in her voice and her unworried gait as she went inside worked better than her assurances. Saule followed, inhaling deeply as the mixture of aromas hit her nose. It was a mishmash, albeit a pleasant one, and Thistle followed suit, opening her nostrils as wide as they would go. She closed her eyes to focus on the scent.
> Come to think of it, it had been far too long since she'd had a good tea. The summer was a bit warm for that, but perhaps it would be nice to brew a cup by the camp fire of an evening.
> "Hello! How may- uh, Mayor? Is that-" Jasmine began. When Thistle looked, the mare's eyes were fixed and unmoving on the tall woman. "That's one of them, right? The apemen!"
"No call to be rude, Jasmine. We're here to shop! Saule is female, by the way."
> It was lucky that the nomad woman still hadn't learned any of the language, or there would be trouble. The nomads didn't know about apes, but they tended to take anything they didn't understand as an insult.
> Saule, watching the salespony carefully, asked: "[What are you saying? Explain!]"
"[Nothing. She said we are welcome in her- in her trading hut.]"
>>
>>43180864

> The woman kept her stare on the shopkeep for long moments, eyes narrowed and a slight twist to her lips, as if she was going to suddenly understand the language herself. Eventually she sighed and let it drop for the moment. Her gaze instead flicked around the well-stocked shelves of colorful jars and boxes.
> All the silence was making Jasmine uncomfortable, and she cleared her throat before speaking: "Well, how can I help you, Mayor? Your usual?"
"No- um, actually yes. Give me a small bag of your chamomile. Oh, and one of that passion fruit!"
> Having something to do was a great relief and Jasmine eagerly darted around her shop to locate the items. Saule watched the process wordlessly, although she glanced at the exit once or twice to make sure she could get out if something unexpected happened.
"[Relax,]" Thistle told her. "[I told you, ponies are completely safe. You don't have to worry.]"
> The woman didn't reply, and her posture didn't change, so Thistle merely rolled her eyes as she turned back to Jasmine.
"Also give me a bag of Ginger, and one- um, what was it. Peppermint? Something for nausea."
> Jasmine Leaf gave her a brief glance and a short, knowledgeable nod, then pushed a ladder so she could reach the appropriate jar. There were labels with strange pictograms, but it was still impressive how the shopkeep seemed to know instinctively where to locate each blend of tea.
> "Peppermint I only have tea bags. Will those be okay?" she asked, then added before Thistle could answer: "Come to think of it, I have ginger in tea bags, too, if you want those."
> Thistle leaned her head to one side in thought. Bags would probably be easier to use for the nomads.
"Yes, that's okay. Give me tea bags for both. Loose leaves for chamomile and passion fruit, please. Oh, and do you have a kettle? Iron for preference."
> "Mhm!" Jasmine said with a slight smile as she bagged the leaves and dropped them on the counter. Now that she was doing these familiar things her fear had completely evaporated. It helped that Saule wasn't really moving or saying anything. "I'll get one from the back, don't go anywhere!"
> She darted through the back door and Thistle used the moment to lean in and inhale the aroma of the chamomile, whose bag Jasmine had left opened.
> The scent nearly brought tears to her eyes. She'd need to get the tea set from her house, or better yet-
"[Saule. I think I want to sleep in my home from now on.]"
> It went to show just how unsettled the nomad was, because she didn't shoot the suggestion down immediately. Instead, she narrowed her eyes and asked: "[Can we trust you to come back? Will you run away?]"
>>
>>43180865

"[About that. I don't think you can think of me as your slave anymore, Saule. I'm back home. I taught your people how to use bows, and I got you here, where you're safe. I got you food and a place to stay. I say that earns me my freedom!]"
> Toward the end of the little speech hear ears laid down and she turned to stare directly at Saule. Her hoof hit the floorboards for emphasis on the last word. There was even a touch of moisture in her eyes.
> "[We'll see. You can tell that to Salki and see what he says about it.]"
"[I will! Oh, and what's more, I'm taking Rangi with me!]"
> Saule's face hardened at the words, but she didn't say anything. She didn't like the Ruslan boy, but he belonged to her and she wasn't the type to let things go, not easily.
"[Fine. I'll talk to Salki about that, too!]"
> Perhaps their renewed relationship wasn't quite in the place she'd hoped just yet. Still, there was no cause to be mean or start a fight, so Thistle decided to change the topic.
"[Those are bags with plants. The owner pony is getting a metal thing - you will put water in it and place it near the fire until the water is almost boiling. Then you will put one of those bags in the water and wait until- until...]"
> She drew a blank trying to explain the concept of "five minutes".
"[You will count until three hundred. I will show you.]"
> The thing didn't need to be *that* precise, after all.
> Saule's sneer had vanished and she was listening attentively. Her hand went to her belly as she remembered why they were there. "[This will help with my sickness in the morning? It will not hurt my child?]"
"[No, it's perfectly safe. Even more than that, it'll be good for you.]"
> Thistle didn't have a scientific basis to claim that, but so far she'd seen that - aside from things like hay and grass on the one hand, and meat on the other - nomads and ponies could eat mostly the same things. It stood to reason that herbs would have similar effects on them.
> "[I will try. We will see.]"
> Jasmine was back by then and placed a pretty red teapot with pictures of flowers. It made a satisfying metal clank. Thistle thought it'd be a shame to ruin it with soot and ash, but didn't say anything. Those could always be wiped off, if Saule was so inclined.
> That the nomad liked the item was obvious. She was all but devouring the pot with her eyes, and even broke a tiny smile at the gaudy colors.
"Thank you! That will do nicely!"
> "Okay, Mayor!" Jasmine chirped happily. "Will there be anything else?"
"No, just those for me, and these for Saule."
> The shop pony looked through the selection, noticed that the chamomile bag was still open, and deftly tied it with a bit of string. Then her eyes went unfocused while she calculated the price. "That'll be forty-nine bits, please"
>>
>>43180868

"Yes, certainly. Would you be so kind and send the bill to the Town Hall? I need to collect my latest pay and I'll make sure the money is sent to you. I- just got back..."
> Jasmine nodded quickly, closing her eyes as she smiled. "Of course, Mayor. Your word is good with me! You were gone? I heard something, but I didn't really understand it. You were in here just last week. Or was it two weeks ago?"
"It's a long story."
> "Oh. Okay then. Here you go! Anything else?"
> Thistle almost asked for a bag, since she hadn't thought to bring her saddlebags, but then remembered she'd asked Saule to come prepared.
"[Help me pick these up, please,]" she told the woman.
> She had an empty sack slung across her shoulder. She held it open while Thistle pushed the items inside. It wasn't very heavy, so Saule simple held the bag in one hand after they were done.
> "Mayor?" Jasmine said suddenly, staring at her wide-eyed.
"Yes?"
> "Ginger and peppermint. You said you wanted them for nausea?"
"Yes?"
> The pony blushed and her gaze slid away. Her ears flattened and she swallowed before going on: "Are you- Um, forgive me if this is too forward. Mayor, are you, um, *in that way*?"
> It took the mare a little bit to decode that, then her mouth fell open.
"What? No, no, nothing of the sort. Those are for her!"
> She jerked her head in Saule's direction, and Jasmine's gaze followed. "Oh. Um. Okay. You said she was female, right! Well - good luck with the baby!" That last came out in a squeak and the smile she showed them after was more than a little glassy.
> Her color made it difficult to see, but Thistle was sure Jasmine was blushing at he faux pas.
> "[What are you talking about? Why is the pony looking at me like that?]" Saule asked.
"[She said good luck with your child.]"
> "[How did-]"
> Thistle butted the woman in her shin to get her moving.
"[She is good with plants. She figured out what these were for. It's fine!]"
> Still, it reduced both hers and Jasmine's embarrassment to get out of the shop sooner, rather than later.
"[Come. I will tech you how to make this drink with hot water.]"
> The bell tinkled again as they left. They had what they'd come for and the interaction could have gone a whole lot worse. Perhaps Saule's unwillingness to learn the language was a good thing? In either case, Thistle breathed a sigh of relief as she led the way back in the direction of the camp.
>>
>>43180869

Had some trouble with the muse - maybe it was the long break, but I couldn't get to writing. Did a little bit, but it's quite short. Sorry about that, travelling just takes it out of me and meetings more so. Travelling for meetings is *literal* murder.

Getting back into it, though, should be returning to my regular cadence.

Paste: https://ponepaste.org/11514
>>
>>43180875
yay fresh green!
>>
>new meyrmer
bumpin to read
>>
>>
>>43181840
That is some ugly art. It looks more like a pug than a pony.
>>
>>43182124
>>
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>>43182632
Applebloom is a cat
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pet pet
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>>43183385
Her head is so big compared to her body.
>>
>>43183660
shes in the lanky teen phase
>>
>>43180869
>What was that?
Culture shock.
>That's one of them, right?
What else could it be?
>The apemen!
Heh.
>No call to be rude
I don't think they have a word for them yet.
>making Jasmine uncomfortable
Saule's presence is enough to make her uncomfortable.
>Can we trust you to come back?
Not like she is further than 10 minutes on foot. Also did she explain that she is the mayor of this town?
>I say that earns me my freedom!
I don't know why she thinks they have any power here to say otherwise.
>I'm taking Rangi with me!
Horny mare.
>concept of "five minutes"
Ah yes time. Get them a clock they can hang in the middle of the camp or something.
>count until three hundred
Do they even know numbers that big? Usually most people back then didn't go further than what they can count on their hands.
>shame to ruin it with soot and ash
Get them a metal plate to put ot on.
>bill to the Town Hall
Heh.
>It's a long story.
I assumed almost all ponies knew in the town what's going on.
>You said you wanted them for nausea?
Nosy pony.

>Travelling for meetings is *literal* murder.
And this is why after covid I stood my ground and said give me 100% WFH or I quit. I even moved 120km away from where I work.


Thanks for the update!
>>
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>>
fits?
sits.
>>
>Be Anon
>Run a horse care business in a sci-fi future
>Sci-fi bullshit means horses are nearly extinct
>Even third worlders finally industrialised and don't need horses anymore
>Only clients are rich retards that are stuck in the past
>Capable of doing everything myself
>Actually the only way of turning a profit is to do everything myself
>Damn stingy retards
>Some new planet got conquered after the locals sperged out
>The locals are magic sapient ponies
>Government has absolutely no idea what to do with them
>Hires me to deal with it
>L O D S OF E M O N E
>Pretty much all of them have injuries and problems
>Sapience is a double edged sword
>Takes a few months to treat them
>Takes a few years to get them to stop trying to kill me, break them in, and train them up
>Most of them go off to good homes
>Keep the white sunbutt one and the black moonbutt one
>Thousands of years of battle scars, injuries, immortality shenanigains, and mental issues to deal with
>Takes over a decade to make them obedient
>Pretty much half my income is spent on these two
>Get used to them being obedient
>One day ask them why they're obedient
>They'll end up outliving me
>The entire situation will just be a bad memory eventually
>MFW I became one of the rich retarded horse owners that I work for
>MFW Celestia and Luna are waiting for me to die
>MFW they'll probably sperg out again
>>
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>>43184360
reads like a blogpost
>>
>>43184885
Yeah, bro, I am totally a veterinarian that looks after horses for a living and that owns two immortal magical sapient ponies that cost a fortune to look after. Retard.
>>
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>>
I want to enslave 4 cute, innocent and doe eyed mares and force them to play heavy metal
>>
>>43185325
What is the band name
>>
>>43180747
https://derpibooru.org/images/984925?q=pussy%2Cmaid%2Crd
>>
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>>43183385
>>
>>
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>>43186385
>a new set of hassenfeld knockoffs hit the market
>higher quality than a bootleg but they can only speak vodka
>>
>>43186409
I miss the bootleg threads.
>>
>>
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>>43187236
i think you're confused
this is the pony petting thread, with extra brushies
>>
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>>43187241
theres no need to be embarrassed, everyone makes mistakes
>>
>>43186834
I like the version without the built in dusters.
>>
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>>43187401
How is she supposed to clean without them?
>>
>>43187489
Grab one in her mouth.
>>
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>>43187489
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>>43187635
>>43187757
Seems inefficient
>>
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>>43187846
Do you know what a pain in the ass is getting dust between the feathers? Constant baths!
>>
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poner made you breakfast
it's cereal
t-thanks pony
>>
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>>43189118
Carry her back to page 1 this instant!
>>
>>
>>43180869
>>43184064
I forgot to mention that Jasmine failed to notice Thistle having pink mane instead of her usual gray.
>>
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>>43189801
>portable swear machine
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>>43190341
mAId
>>
>>43185325
>lightbulb.jpg
>>
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>>43185325
>Rarity plays rock guitar
What instruments do the other mane 6 play?
>>
>>43190795
AJ is obviously bass.
Pinkie on keyboards.
Dash on the drums.
Fluttershy is the backing vocals.
Twilight is the lead vocals.

Oh it just occurred to me EQG exists. I should maybe check out what roles did they have in the band there.
>>
>>43190968
HAHAHA fucking aj is bass pinkie is drums, dash is guitar, flutters is the triangle! rarity is on the keyboard and then keytar and sci-twi? BACKUP VOCALS yep fucking peak comedy
>>
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>>43191244
cute
>>
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Another mAId.
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Pony has entered her rebellious phase
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>>43192134
Chokers are my fetish.
>>
>>43190995
>flutters is the triangle!
Pathetic
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pony petting zoo
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>>43180869

> One thing had led to another, as they so often do. Her little tea ceremony in the camp was barely done when Buygra needed someone to translate for a visit to the Ponyville market. Thistle got him sorted, but ran into Salki, who had been sent by his mother to check in on Janus.
> The woman had worried that their best blacksmith might have been going native, since he hadn't been back to the camp in quite some time.
> That took longer than Thistle would have believed, as the two men chatted about the tools and weapons the nomads were asking for. Her interjection that they wouldn't need any more weapons were simply ignored. She'd rolled her eyes, flattened her ears in annoyance, and spoke briefly with Ironshod.
> She barely knew the stallion outside of her official function. He'd come to file the papers for his workshop when he'd moved to Ponyville, and a few times she'd commissioned repairs around the town hall, but they'd never really spoken.
> Maybe the unfamiliarity was why things felt exceedingly awkward, or maybe it was because of her absence that they didn't find any real topic to discuss.
> Eventually she was rescued by the nomads, who had both decided to return to camp. Janus would see what the people needed, sleep in his nearly-abandoned tent, then return to his apprenticeship in the morning. He didn't want to leave at first, but Salki surreptitiously mentioned Gol, which quickly changed his mind.
> She'd nearly forgotten about that whole thing! First their trip to the portal, than the crossing, and getting settled in Ponyville. Good thing she'd been reminded. It was a minor detail, but she still needed to make sure Gol wasn't being forced by her mother into something she didn't want.
> She also needed to make sure Janus understood the same thing.
> His Equestrian had gotten better and Thistle was surprised at how quickly he'd arranged his short leave with Ironshod, and how readily the blacksmith pony agreed to pay Janus' salary in the form of raw iron. She made another mental note to check whether he was taking advantage of the poor nomad who didn't yet know the value of things, but that too could wait for another day.
> Tasks were just piling up! She hadn't even been back to the Town Hall to see how high the pile of her Mayoral duties had stacked up! It was true that she'd only been absent for a few days by Ponyville calendar, but her workload had never really been light.
> It was all she could do not to groan as the three of them left the blacksmith's workshop. To top it off, Salki had to stop in the Sugarcube Corner. The way neither of the men knew what they should buy for their respective women didn't help either, especially when Pinkie Pie decided to step in and assist the nomads. With her, 'assist' was a loaded word.
>>
>>43195413

> Funny how nomads could get the same glassy-eyed, dazed expression after listening to that one, even if they didn't speak the language very well. Thistle figured it was something in the tone. That pink menace could damn near put people into a trance with her endless, meaningless, meandering tirade.
> The worst part of it was the she was being extremely friendly and nice, so telling her to shut it would be uncalled for!
> By the time they got free of the place, the sun was already nearly down. Another day gone and Thistle hadn't really achieved anything.
> She ran through her mental list and picked the one thing she could do while they were walking.
"[Salki, we need to talk.]"
> "[Yes?]"
> She slipped around the two so she was walking beside the Chieftain and gave him a meaningful, wide-eyed, flat-eared look.
"[I'm not going to be your slave anymore. Your and Saule's.]"
> His step faltered as the man stared and he barely caught himself from tripping over his own feet and smashing the cardboard box underneath him. She carefully suppressed her grin. "[Wh-What?]" he managed, at last.
"[I said I'm not your slave. I'm a free pony. That's just how it is. Neither you, nor Saule, nor Darga can make me.]"
> His brow furrowed and he opened his mouth to object, but she headed him off:
"[I was never your slave! There's no such thing in Equestria! Willow had no right to bring me to your world, and you had no right to make me work for you! Even if you did, I earned my way free. You can't tell me I haven't! I brought you here, where you're safe! I got you food and things! I'm done!]"
> Salki juggled the box to one hand so he could grab her muzzle with his free palm. "[Shut up!]" he almost growled.
> Tears were stinging her eyes, partly out of sheer emotion that she was getting herself free, and partly out of anger that he was arguing about it. She was tempted to bite his fingers for a moment. What was it with nomads putting hands on her muzzle?!
> "[Okay?]" Salki asked carefully. She knew what he wanted and nodded against his palm. Only then did he let her go. They walked in silence for a few steps as he waited to see if she would obey and stay quiet. Then he pointed a finger at her.
> "[I haven't thought of you as a slave in a long time, Thistle.]"
"[No, it's been long enou- wait, what?!]"
> "[That was Saule. She's very traditional that way. I mean- yeah, we have to control the Ruslans we captured, but you're different. You were almost our shaman, Thistle. Slaves can't do that!]"
> She didn't know how to respond to that, but her vision blurred a little more with moisture.
> After a short while, Salki heaved a sigh. "[I'll talk with Saule and with Mother. It won't be a problem. I'm just sad you want to leave us.]"
>>
>>43195416

"[Leave?]" she whispered, aghast. "[I don't want to leave! I want to sleep in my house in Ponyville, and I need to decide if I can still do my old work as the leader of the town, but I'm not leaving! I have nomad friends. You're one of them, you idiot!]"
> "[Then why are you angry?]"
"[Because I thought I was a slave and it took me until today to realize I'm not! Because-]"
> She slowed to a halt, unsure how to finish that sentence. The other two stopped and turned to look at her, both solemn and quiet.
"[Because I thought I was less than I was. Because the things I've seen and done in your world have changed me, and I don't know how to talk with my own people anymore! Because Ponyville is exactly the same as I left it, but it's completely different at the same time! Do you understand?]"
> The two glanced at each other, then Salki answered for both: "[No.]"
> She couldn't blame them. She hardly understood it herself. She'd been back for multiple days, and she hadn't spoken to *one* of her townsponies. She hadn't seen any of her staff at the Town Hall, nor visited any of her friends.
> Saying 'there hadn't been time' was a convenient excuse, but the real reason was that she was afraid. She'd seen how they looked at her that first day she came back. The fear and revulsion. She wasn't their trusted mayor anymore, she was a stranger. Of course, nopony said so. Maybe they just sensed it somehow?
> Maybe she had been staying away so she wouldn't have to face it. Did she really belong in their company anymore?
"[I need to be alone to think this through. I don't understand what's happening. I don't know who I am anymore,]" she said slowly.
> Salki came closer, still balancing the box with one hand. He laid his other on her head. "[Then go to your home and think it over. Come and tell me when you understand. I'll explain to Saule. You're not our slave, Thistle.]"
> It sounded nice. She could go to her comfortable home and draw herself a hot bath. She could spend the evening reading, and sleep in her big, soft bed. She could grab the morning coffee in the Sugarcube Corner, and talk to the townsponies.
> Things would make sense again.
> Except.
> She didn't want to be alone.
"[I will take Rangi,]" she said firmly.
> It was something she'd decided before, and Saule hadn't really objected to the idea. Maybe she could make it official now.
> "[Rangi? The Ruslan boy?]"
"[Yes. Consider him a payment for everything I've done for the clan.]"
> Salki glanced at Janus, who shrugged. It wasn't his decision, especially with Salki being the Chieftain. At last, he spread his free arm wide. "[I don't know about that. I'll ask Saule.]"
"[I already asked her! She didn't say no. She said you will decide!]"
> That gave him pause and the young man looked pained with indecision.
>>
>>43195417

"[I'm taking him. He's been through enough. His entire people are dead! Saule doesn't like him. She beats him. I've seen! It's enough and I'm taking him.]"
> "[I guess,]" Salki finally said, though he didn't sound convinced. "[We'll discuss it. Maybe- yeah, maybe you've earned him. Are you sure you want a Ruslan in your home? They still hate us for what we did to them.]"
"[I'll be fine!]" she snapped. "[Let's go and fetch him. I'm sleeping in my home starting tonight. I will visit the camp every day to make sure everything is fine. We'll talk about the nomads doing work for the ponies so you can earn your food and the other things, but that can wait a few more days.]"
> If he had ears, they would have been flat. At least that was how Thistle translated his facial expression. He nodded and swallowed, and she felt a little more confident in herself. A firm hand, that was what nomads responded to best. A firm *hoof* even!
"[Good. Let's take the sweets to Saule, and yours to Gol, Janus. I'll talk with Ironshod to make sure he is paying you fairly.]"
> The blacksmith didn't argue, but he did mutter in Equestrian: "I learning from him. That also payment."
"[It is, but I want to make sure. It's time the nomads learned about- about 'coin'!]"
> It was the simpler term. She didn't think they'd be able to pronounce the Equestrian word for 'money' just yet.
> She didn't wait for the two men as she simply wiped her face with her fetlock and began trotting easily back to the camp.
> It was turning out to be a good night after all. Hot bath, Rangi to help her with scrubbing and brushing, and then she'd introduce the poor boy to a soft bed.

> ~~~~

> Her plain coffee was nice, and warm, and bitter, just how she liked it. This was one habit she'd resumed as if no time had passed, even if Thistle didn't really need it, at least not this morning.
> She'd slept through the night and was well-rested. It came down to the long-forgotten ritual, to feeling like a normal pony. Morning donut, hot beverage, and the newspaper in Sugarcube Corner. The sussuration of other patrons around her, and the occasional clink of crockery. Hoofsteps on the wooden floor.
> She glanced up at Rangi, who was rather less alert than she. He'd downed a cup of heavily-sweetened, milk-drowned java himself, it just hadn't had the time to work yet.
> He would need some new clothes. The animal fur around his waist was drawing some troubled looks from the shop's usual clientele. Perhaps she could ask one of the tailors in the town. One of the cheap ones. Definitely not Miss Rarity. Her paycheck wouldn't have stretched that far even without all these new, weird expenses.
>>
>>43195421

> For that matter, she had no memory of what her finances were even like! She sighed as she added another little thing to her mental list.
> Her gaze went to Rangi's face again, and her muzzle scrunched up in confusion. She'd expected to have some fun with the young man last night. First time away from the prying eyes, in the comfort of her own home - her own bed!
> It hadn't happened. After the long and tiring day, the luxuriously-warm bath, and Rangi's wide-eyed bewilderment at everything in her home, she'd fallen in bed and went out like a light. She thought she remembered the nomad lying down beside her, but that was mostly conjecture because of how she'd woken up.
> Both of their grumbling bellies and full bladders precluded any real activity in the morning, too.
> Tonight, then. It'd be easier.
> Should she try and marry the man?
> The thought was incredulous, having come from nowhere at all, and made her breath catch. Did she want that? Was she really dating the nomad, or was he just... available? Was there love between them?
> Her gaze lowered back to her half-drank cup of coffee. She wasn't willing to look him in the eyes as she considered her own feelings. Did he even have a choice except to do what she said? He hadn't before.
> Oh sure, he'd been enthusiastic about it, and he'd enjoyed their covert liaisons, but if they were both free, would it still have happened? Would Rangi have preferred a nomad girl, instead?
> Even now, in the glorious and advanced Equestria, she'd still demanded him like she would payment. She'd smoothly fallen right back into that nomad mindset and asked for the Ruslan youth as her slave.
> Just how much of the pony she used to be was left in there?
> A small groan escaped her as the onrush of uncomfortable thoughts continued. Even if she freed Rangi, would he see it that way? This wasn't his world. He didn't know anyone, or anywhere to go. He didn't even speak the language, for Celestia's sake! If he were technically free, would he be *really*, while he was in this situation?
> Gentle fingers brushed the fine fur on her muzzle, and she opened her eyes to see Rangi watching her with concern. Again with her face? Well, this time she didn't mind at all.
> "[What's wrong? You look sad. You didn't look sad just a little while ago.]"
"[It's complicated.]"
> He didn't seem too concerned with that and gave her a big smile. "[What's complicated? The food is delicious and this drink is nice and warm. Your cot is too soft, but we can fix that. We can take some blankets off.]"
"[It won't work that way. You'd need to get a different... cot. It's complicated.]"
> "[What's bothering you?]"
"[Rangi-]" she began, but her muzzle snapped shut as she didn't know how to continue.
>>
>>43195423

> Out of sheer reflex, she looked around to make sure no one was listening, but of course the ponies didn't even know the language. He watched her, fidgeting a little with his hands while he waited for her to continue.
"[Rangi, are you with me because you want to?]"
> "[What do you mean? I'm here because you said we get this hot drink. It's good.]"
> She shook her head.
"[No, I don't mean this. Not here. Do you want to be my- work for me?]"
> Rangi leaned his head to one side as he tried to understand. "[It isn't hard work. You're treating me better than Saule, so it's better.]"
"[That's not what I meant either,]" she groaned. "[Look, where would you be now if- you know. If our people never fought?]"
> His hand withdrew and his eyes opened wide. "[You mean back- in the Ruslan camp? With my people?]"
"[I guess. Nomads don't usually leave their tribes. Would you? Would you join a trader's caravan? Would you go out East to see the big cities?]"
> The young man mutely shook his head. "[I would be a hunter. My father was a hunter. I would spear antelope and deer, and moose, and I would give the best meat to sister!]"
> For a few moments his face split with a wistful smile, but then his expression darkened as reality returned. "[I can't do that. Everyone is dead.]"
> There was deep pain in his voice and Thistle's mouth went dry. Someone had told her that all the Ruslans harboured resentment. That they were dangerous. Was she seeing a glimpse of that?
"[I'm sorry, Rangi. I didn't want for any of that to happen.]"
> "[It's not your fault.]"
> She decided to remain silent. It was true that her role in the fighting hadn't been all that great, but it was her invention - the bow - which gave the Borchi-Quin an advantage, and her idea to get the Ulan-Zuk to help.
"[If- If you didn't have to be here. If things were different. If you could go wherever you wanted...]"
> "[If I could go wherever I wanted, I would go back to my parents, and my sister!]"
> She caught a glimpse of his balled-up fists. She didn't dare look at his face. He sounded angry, and he was breathing heavily. She wouldn't have been surprised if he stood up and left. Thistle was sorry she'd reminded him.
> It wasn't like he'd told her anything new. His situation was obvious. He didn't have a choice when it came to his fate, or felt like he didn't. She hung her head further down so she wouldn't see him.
"[I'm sorry.]"
> For a long time, they sat in silence. Thistle considered just freeing the poor man, then and there. Except that would have left him worse off, with no money, no language, and no real friends.
>>
>>43195426

> His palm came back to her face and lifted it up so she could see him again. "[I can't go there, ever. I'm here, and that's how the world is. I'm glad I'm with you instead of Saule, or Intor. You treat me nicer.]"
> She looked up and saw that the flash of anger had been brief. It was already gone, subsumed in melancholy.
"[I'll always do that. I'm glad I took you away from them.]"
> "[Me too.]"
"[What if you could go anywhere in my world? Do anything you wanted? What then?]"
> He gave this due consideration and looked around. His gaze lingered on the street, where ponies were chatting, or pulling their little carts to market. "[Anywhere?]"
"[Yes.]"
> "[You don't want me anymore?]"
"[No! It's not that! I'm just worried it's wrong to keep you with me. Equestria doesn't have slaves. No one can have a slave. B-But you can stay with me for as long as you want...]"
> That last brought back memories of those uncomfortable, chilly nights away from the camp and her entire face blushed. It gave away the game and Rangi grinned mischievously at her.
> As he observed her expression in momentary silence, Rangi's face changed from sadness, to suspicion, to mischievous glee. It happened so quickly!
> "[Oh, so that's why you wanted me! All to yourself and away from the girls in the camp!]"
> Before he could make any further accusation, she hurriedly interrupted:
"[Only if y-you want it too!]"
> The young man brought his other hand to her cheek and cupped her muzzle between his palms. She couldn't resist darting out her tongue and giving them a good lick. They were sticky and sweet from the donut.
> "[I like you. I'll stay with you. You give me nice things.]"
> As if to prove his point, he picked up the last piece of his donut, showed it to her, then stuffed it in his mouth. A moment later he washed it down with the remainder of his coffee.
> The brown liquid flowed almost like treacle, that was how much sugar he'd put into it. She'd need to take him to Dr. Fauna to make sure his teeth hadn't melted away.
> Now that the anger was gone, his words had sounded sincere, and Thistle closed her eyes even as her ears folded completely down. His thumbs stroked the sensitive fur on her cheeks, just under her eyes.
> Despite all the muffled sounds, she overheard a small gasp and urgent murmurs. She yanked her head away and looked around to see one of the rich mares - the elite of the town - glaring in disapproval at what the two were doing.
> Her name was Spoiled Milk, and it fit her to a tee. No, wait! She'd gotten married to Filthy, so now she was Mrs. Rich, wasn't she? Her voice was too low as she complained to her friend, but the glare and the expression on her face said it all.
>>
>>43195430

> Thistle forcefully brought her gaze back to Rangi. She didn't want to get drawn into an argument. It could only end badly.
> So what if they saw affection between her and the nomad. They'd just have to get used to it!
"[I hope you mean it,]" she murmured. "[I'll ask you again when you understand a little more. For now, go to the counter and say:] Two more donuts please!"
> He watched her blankly and she translated:
"[It means two more of the round sweet things. Say it.]"
> "[Too mo do-nutes flease!]"
> It was recognizable, barely. Luckily, it was Pinkie running the shop, and she had a knack of understanding what people *meant*, not just what they said.
"[Good. I'll teach you to speak. You'll need it.]"
> He gave her a nod and repeated the sentence once again. It was worse this time, so she had to correct him. At long last, he stood up with an amused little grin and sauntered over to the counter.
> She glanced down at the news article she'd been reading - it was asking how the nomads would pay for the land they now occupied, and whether it was within Thistle's power to simply grant them city property. She hadn't finished it, and she didn't want to, not now. Instead, she lifted her mug and drained it before it got any colder.
> One more donut, then she and Rangi would go look for some clothes. Then she'd go check on the nomads, and then she had a meeting with Princess Twilight. After that, maybe she would finally go to the Town Hall and see what kinds of mayoral duties awaited her.
>>
>>43195433

Yikes, things are getting heavy and philosophical for our intrepid mare. Will she have trouble fitting in once the shock of being home is over? Can you really come back to the place you grew up (or were mayor in, as the case may be)?

Paste: https://ponepaste.org/11514
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bumpin to read
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>>43195433
>they wouldn't need any more weapons
Except that they were told they will be allowed to hunt in the Everfree forest.
>which quickly changed his mind
Ah yes. Second brain sent stronger signals.
>Janus' salary
Does he actually do any productive work yet?
>taking advantage of the poor nomad
Probably not. Especially if he pays him after only a day or two. If he even "paid" him. I would call this material for homework.
>Thistle hadn't really achieved anything
She was not complaining about the same on the other side of the portal.
>grab her muzzle
I wonder how Pinkie would have reacted if one tried to do the same with her.
>very traditional
I'm surprised they have a word for it.
>just sad you want to leave us
She isn't going far. Just her own home, which is in the same town, maybe 10-15 minutes of walk.
>I don't know how to talk with my own people anymore
I have not seen any sign pointing to this.
>Salki answered for both: "[No.]"
Expected.
>She hadn't seen any of her staff at the Town Hall
I find it odd that the story of her adventures not yet spread and her close friends/coworkers not yet come to at least say hi.
>she was a stranger
Time to dye her mane and tail.
>Then go to your home and think it over.
Speaks like a shrink.
>I will take Rangi
Heh.
>The Ruslan boy?
Is there another one called Rangi?
>He's been through enough
But not enough of Thistle's pussy.
>That also payment.
Exactly.
>money
Just make sure all of them understands the concept before giving them any money. Because they will just ruin it.
>she'd introduce the poor boy to a soft bed
And another now soft and warm place. Which is now clean too.
>She'd slept through the night
Really? Not fucking like rabbits until midnight?
>Definitely not Miss Rarity
Heh.
>It hadn't happened
Hm.
>marry the man
So far I thought she is only using him, plus pity him because she basically massacred his whole family.
>Was there love between them
Rangi sure loves fucking her.
>small groan
She is lost in the possibilities.
>It isn't hard work.
That's one way to say Thistle is easy to satisfy.
>I can't do that. Everyone is dead.
Thistle worries herself about possibilities which would only matter if things were happened differently.
>just freeing the poor man, then and there
Yes then what? She already went through this train of thought.
>What then?
He barely knows anything about this world. How old is he? 14? 15?
>You don't want me anymore?
Heh.
>and away from the girls in the camp!
He immediately said the one thing which makes Thistle question their whole relationship.
>take him to Dr. Fauna
Is she thinks of him as an animal now?
>They'd just have to get used to it!
First, let get them used to the presence of nomads.
>understanding what people *meant*
Rangi will come back with two boxes.

Thanks for the update!
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Caught
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>>43195996
Is her cutie mark representing making or consuming cookies?
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>>43196261
Pony sleeping in your lap is the best thing ever.
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Why does Equestrian Rehab feel like it was written by a retail wagie?
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>>43196729
It was.
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>>43196918
Oh. That explains a lot.
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>>43197148
Half the stories here are anons daydreaming about having a pony coworker to help them get through their day of soul-eroding waging.
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>>43197159
Yeah, but that writer's fics are just thousands of words of waffling about how evil the hecking humans (apart from the rich rootless cosmopolitan anon) are and how awfully the ponies are being treated.
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so I decided to read Fire and Sky in the last couple days and really enjoyed it and so I made some art today. Hopefully others will enjoy comfy feels
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>>43198416
Cute hoers.
Good job anon.
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>>43198416
It's been a while since I read that green. It's a great one!
Nice art.
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Need more stuff with Celestia and Luna.
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>>43199038
Yeah I fished all the sequels too and it has this perfect pacing and mix of overarching plot but also little say to day moments to make me almost... Nostalgic to work a job where I fly around a plane and do different jobs
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>Equestria's universe eventually ended up in a heat death
>Celestia and other alicorns eventually stopped thinking
>Somehow get sucked into a portal into our universe
>Conveniently land on Earth
>It takes significant time and effort just to get them sentient (as in responding to external stimuli at all), and even more to get them sapient
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>>43200444
Troublemaker
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>ACK
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Pony stayed up too late playing Animal Crossing
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>43200984
>43201123
wtf mare is for care
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>>43201273
Nah. They're all spiritually Israeli assholes.
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"For the Waifu"'s twist ending is edgy and lazy, but hilarious.
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>The meal by handsome jew
What did the writer mean by this?
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>>43201765
Just scroll past it. Whenever someone tries to be edgy it only turns out retarded.
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>>43201848
Epstein was a retarded edgy jew that liked "beef jerky" that had to be carefully prepared and stored. Horse meat is cheap and apparently tastes a bit like beef. The fic is retarded. I was just going through old fics to see if there was anything worth reading.
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>>43202728
Y-you're not taking her to the glue factory, r-right?
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Doesn't understand the waterbox but its fun to watch.
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>>43203612
Except when its starts making loud noises, jumps around and shakes.
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>>43204122
Looks mindbroken.
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She is displaying signs of addiction
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>>43204681
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>>43204988
>>
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>>43205157
stupid bat thinks thats a wild kiwi
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>>43205157
They're fruit bats, not cats.
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>>43203351
It's either there or the slaughterhouse. The only issue is that horses (and ponies) can't be eaten without a full health history, including what medicines it had been given. Of course, a horse (or pony) could be allowed to live out its full lifespan (including healthcare)...
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>>43205182
that's not even slightly true of real world horse slaughter. most horses in slaughter houses don't even have valid coggins test documents.
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>>43205217
It varies by country. Some countries are very strict about it, while others aren't at all.
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Thank you pony
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>>43196454
but sometimes inconvenient
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>>43206194
>rape
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>>43206194
Why is the dog door so small? You gotta get a bigger one if you're gonna own a pony.
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>>43207029
its pony's fault for being so FAT
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>>43207394
Mare cannot walk itself. Someone needs to grab that lead.
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I like how 90% of the images are either maid or pet stuff, yet if we look at the greens there is barely any with that topic.
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Good boy is happy to see master
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>>43209037
I assume that the general used to be darker.
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>>43209294
Maybe a bit. But not much.
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>>43208836
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>>43205055
she's insatiable
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>>43210224
Oh no!
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>>43195433

> Sitting behind a desk and reading papers was *so boring*! Thistle didn't remember it being this awful before, but the small reports and petty problems in her inbox were the runniest of the mills, the lowest of common, and the least interesting of issues she'd had to solve her entire working career!
> The Apple family wanted to extend their carrot field and move the fence, so they needed a zoning permit. Thistle remembered that one, if vaguely. She'd been considering it before that fateful day two summers ago. She couldn't for the life of her, remember why she'd cared so much. It *so* didn't matter.
> She stamped the green approval stamp on the paper even before she'd finished the first two paragraphs. Next!
> Mrs. Cake wanted her to check with the Town Hall clerks if they'd charged her the right amount of tax.
> Who in Celestia's sunny butt cared?!
"Go ask them yourself! Sheesh!"
> She didn't even bother replying to that one, just pushed it off her table with her hoof.
> The health inspector pony had retired and she needed to pick a successor. That file was thick with resumes, many of them ponies she knew. At least that one was a little bit important. Couldn't have Ponyville's fine dining establishments going un-inspected!
> She began to read, but her eyes glazed over by the time she got to the umbrella cutie mark. A spa pony?! What made her think she was qualified?
> At least the next one had two bottles on her cutie mark, which may, in poor light, be interpreted as something to do with catering.
> Thistle leafed to the end and looked at the final applicant. Police badge? Wasn't he the security guard at the hospital? She glanced at the name.
"Night Watch? I guess it figures."
> Her muzzle was mid-scrunch when a thought struck her. At least he had some idea about enforcing rules. Maybe.
> She put his, and Bottlecap's files into the out tray with a hastily penned note to invite them in for an interview. Might as well meet them before she decided.
> At least it was another task off her to-do pile. Thistle looked at the remainder and groaned. She hadn't even made a dent in it, and it had already been hours!
> Well, *an* hour, which included her strict admonitions for Rangi to sit quietly on the sofa in her office and be silent. She stole a glance and saw him watching her curiously.
> "[Is it bad?]" he asked when their gazes met.
"[It's boring. I forgot how boring my job was.]"
> Chatting made him a little more courageous and he stood so he could come and look at what she was doing. His eyes passed right over the documents, but settled on the photos attached to the resumes. His tapped one with his finger.
> "[How is this possible? Is it the same as those things on your wall?]"
> She turned to where his finger was pointing.
>>
>>43211015

"[Those are some of the old ponies who ran this place. Maybe you can think of them as Chieftains.]"
> "[How did you put them on the wall?]"
"[I- hm. Actually...]"
> It would be a diversion, and she could put off more of the obnoxious paperwork for a while.
"[Come with me. I will show you!]"
> She eagerly jumped from her cushioned seat and walked to the door of her office. Perhaps there was a bit of prance in her steps at the notion that she would be going out and doing things, rather than sitting and reading reports, and requests, and requisitions.
> The door swung open when she butted it, startling the poor clerk pony in the outer reception area.
"Tadwell! I'm going out!"
> "You just got in, Mayor. Is something wrong? Can I fetch you anything?"
"No, I need to go. Uh, hold down the fort until I'm back, okay? Shouldn't be long!"
> Her clerk seemed dubious, but didn't argue as she simply strode past with Rangi in tow. Perhaps he was afraid of the tall nomad, or didn't want to gainsay his boss, but Tadwell was suddenly very interested in his paperwork.
> This suited her just fine.
> Rangi put a hand on her back. "[Where are we going?]"
"[I will show you. There is a trader pony we need to see. They make those 'like-people' on the wall.]"
> Another Equestrian word introduced to the nomads. Two in that last sentence, if she counted 'wall'. That one had been easy to explain, since the people had tents and knew about stone huts, at least through legend.
> 'Like-people' was a flash of inspiration. They were photographs - likenesses! Likenesses of people!
> Big Shot could help her demonstrate the principle of photographs, though. True, he normally took film and developed it, but he also sold cameras and was bound to have one ready to go for his side gig of selling juicy shots to newspapers all over Equestria.
> It had become a lucrative business in Ponyville ever since Twilight had gotten her wings.
> Surely he wouldn't deny the Mayor a quick demonstration on her house-servant?
> As they left the Town Hall it occurred to her that she could easily have explained the whole process, if she really wanted. She could tell Rangi about the photos, even if she had to invoke special magic where he wouldn't understand the concept of chemistry. She could explain about paintings, which were a similar idea, if slower.
> No, if she was being honest with herself, this was an excuse, nothing more. An escape from the drudgery of her responsibilities.
> It wasn't as if the paperwork was all that important! It would wait for her until she gradually fought her way through the pile. After that she would teach her staff to handle small, unimportant matters without her! Surely the town didn't need Thistle to make *every single decision*, did it?
>>
>>43211019

> There had to be some kind of a balance which would let her keep her old job, but still give her the free time to go around and see what was happening. As a mayor, wasn't it her *duty* to keep a close eye on what her citizens were doing?
> Yes, there were going to be some changes in how Ponyville was run!
>...
> Rangi was enamored with the simple photograph in his hands. His own face, which he'd only seen in smooth patches of ice, or still water so far, seemed to be the most interesting sight in the world.
> Maybe it was a good thing they'd only used the small bathroom upstairs, which didn't have a mirror. The boy was seriously vain! If she'd led him into the downstairs suite he might still be stuck there, gazing at himself.
> Then again, it hadn't taken Willow and Buygra too badly. They quickly understood the concept of "like water surface, but vertical". Maybe there was something different about a photograph?
> She could experiment with the other nomads. In fact, Xuan and Saule would both enjoy a small hoof mirror as a gift!
> Rangi was stroking the photo with a finger again, making sure it was still flat.
> It gave Thistle time to watch the other ponies around them. There weren't very many, not at noon in the park, but there was the occasional citizen going about their business, or taking a simple mid-day walk.
> They kept to themselves and if they happened to meet her gaze, they quickly looked away and hurried on to whatever destination they had. Not a one had stopped to say hello.
> Surely it wasn't her pink mane? That hadn't been a real secret ever since that blasted Gabby Gums incident. She wasn't wearing her wolf-skin vest, nor did she have her spear. Not so much as her rope harness with a stone knife! She was nothing more than their old mayor!
> Come to think of it...
"[Rangi? Rangi!]"
> It took the young man visible effort to tear his gaze away from the photograph. It had only been an hour, and the poor piece of cardboard was looking decidedly worn. She'd have to get it laminated, or maybe get him a small frame, or something.
"[Rangi. When we were in that place. The pony who made that for you. Did he look nervous?]"
> "[I guess,]" Rangi agreed, but he didn't sound convinced.
"[Like he wanted us to go as soon as we can? He was working quickly to make that.]"
> "[Maybe.]"
"[He did. I remember Big Shot talked with me more the last time I was in there.]"
> Rangi shrugged his shoulders. "[Okay?]" He took a small glimpse of the picture, but obediently returned his gaze to her, waiting to see where she was going with these questions.
"[Now, was he afraid of you, or me?]"
> A million-bit question, that. She'd asked the stallion about his wife, his business. Had he taken any interesting pictures of important ponies lately.
>>
>>43211022

> The way that last caused him to start coughing probably meant he had taken photos of her, maybe in the company of nomads. News would start to spread around Equestria. Ponies would start coming in to see the strange primitive people.
> For a moment, her brain fell into its old groove and she started making plans. Inns would need to be told, and maybe Mrs. Cake could open up the rooms above the Sugarcube Corner for more guests. Apples would need to know so they set up a permanent stand. She'd need to write to Canterlot and ask for a few guardsponies to keep an eye out for any troublemakers, or if there was a crowd.
> Then she'd need to send Tadwell down to the train station and have them organize a few more trains to and from Canterlot to handle the traffic.
> She shook her head and returned back to her memory of Big Shot. Had he answered any of her questions? All she could remember were noncommittal grunts and excuses that he was needed in the dark room.
> Maybe she could run a quick test. She spotted just the pony!
"[Wait here. Don't go anywhere! I'll be right back!] she ordered Rangi.
> The bright yellow pegasus was walking through the park. The bulge in her packs said she'd just come from the market. Thistle slid from the bench and hurried to intercept her long-time friend.
"Hi! Hey! Long time no see, huh?"
> Even to her own ears it sounded lame, but Thistle managed to retain her smile. The other mare's ears folded down and she watched the gray, pink-maned mayor through raised eyebrows. "Uh. We had tea just the other day, Mayor. Your mane was different."
"I know, I know. I guess you heard. About me?"
> "They said you were gone for a few days, but it was really a few years. Um, if you'll excuse me, Mayor."
> Already the pegasus was trying to push past, but Thistle shifted so she was still in her way.
"It's true. I can explain, if you'd like. How about dinner? We can grab a hayburger today after I'm done at the Town Hall!"
> She was being rather insistent, but Strawberry Sunrise was a friend! Well, a close acquaintance, at the very least! She was always down for a bit of gossip. Except this time, the mare was shrinking slowly back. There was a barely-perceptible ruffle of her wings, and it looked like she would simply take off.
"How's Luckette! Are you going to the Games with her this year? Oh, do you know where the games will be?"
> "I don't know," Strawberry said. "I guess they don't know yet? Listen, Mayor- um, we can meet some other time. I'm busy today."
> A part of her wanted to ask what she was busy with, but that would have just driven her away faster. Too aggressive. Thistle managed to keep her ears up and her smile as neutral as possible as she took a step to the side.
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>>43211026

"Oh. Sorry! I didn't mean to keep you. I'd love to catch up! You'll tell me when's a good time, right?"
> Strawberry flashed her a quick, relieved smile. "Oh! Of course, Mayor! I'll let you know! I'll- uh- drop by the Town Hall one day."
"Or just drop by at my home. You know where I live. I have a zap apple jar still sealed from last fall, we could open it!"
> "Sure. I'll do that!" the mare lied and hurried off. Her canter was noticeably faster than before, and after a few dozen steps she glanced back at where Thistle was still standing in the path.
> So they really were avoiding her.
> Surely she wasn't that strange? She'd need to find somepony she could really trust and ask them. She needed a little honesty. Maybe Applejack?
> However bad the nomads were, Thistle thought, however brutal or messy their habits, at least she could usually rely on them to tell her truthfully how they felt about her. If not that, she could usually read their expressions pretty well, and that was just as informative.
> Had she ever been able to do that with ponies?
> She must have!
> Her mouth pressed together in annoyance and her ears folded down. Rangi straightened up when he saw her expression.
"[Come. Let's go and have tea with Xuan.]"
> The nomad looked at the photo in his hand, then at Thistle. Then his eye strayed back to Ponyville, to the tall dome of the Town Hall. "[You said you will do your pony things until the sun is low in the sky.]"
> She let out a soft groan. The blasted 'in' tray! Rangi was right.
> Thoroughly dejected, she let her head hang low and began plodding her way back toward the office.
"[We'll go see Xuan after I'm done. Come on.]"
>>
>>43211029

They say you can never come home. That you can never cross the same river twice. Maybe this is what our poor Meyer is learning? Can she ever really fit in with the rest of the ponies? Or maybe she needs counselling?

Paste: https://ponepaste.org/11514
>>
bumpin to read
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>>43211029
>Rangi to sit quietly on the sofa in her office and be silent
Is he obeying?
>How did you put them on the wall?
Thistle fucked up by letting him observing the place for an hour. He will have so many questions!
>They make those 'like-people' on the wall.
Painter? Or photographer?
>ever since Twilight had gotten her wings
Heh.
>she could easily have explained the whole process, if she really wanted
She could have done a lot more things on the other side too.
>Surely the town didn't need Thistle to make *every single decision*, did it?
I hope not. Thistle making the decisions would be a pretty Mayor change. Pun intended.
>She could experiment with the other nomads
I wonder why isn't Twilight is all over the place running social experiments on them.
>Surely it wasn't her pink mane?
It might be her more muscular frame.
>Now, was he afraid of you, or me?
Or both?
>Ponies would start coming in to see the strange primitive people
Here is the required cash flow to provide food for the people.
>Except this time, the mare was shrinking slowly back.
So they are afraid of her it seems.
>So they really were avoiding her.
Theory confirmed.
>Rangi was right.
Heh.

Thanks for the update!
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>>43201765
>handsome jew
whatever happened to him
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>>43211495
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>>43212240
He didn't kill himself.
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teamwork
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>>43213964
Should have bought an unicorn...
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>>43214456
They're less useful than you think, magic can't grip plastic for some inane reason.
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oops



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