>>43342211 Previous thread, oops

>>43339429
https://ponepaste.org/11999

"Ok- uh, I heard you mention Luna's Law? What's that?"
>The scribbling increases as the doctor mumbles a 'one second...'
>>"Alright. Remember Nightmare Moon- Princess Celestia didn't help her before it was too late?"
"Yeah. That was the first question."
>>"Mmhm. Well, there's a little more to it that wasn't relevant to your evaluation. Some ponies DID know and tried to do something- Luna's seneschal-"
>>She notices your face screwing up a bit. "Seneschal is, uh... hm. Actually, how DO I describe that? The pony who... hm, handles management of a noble estate? Typically involves screening mail for curses and contact poison, managing the servants, occasionally leading defense- it's a position of very high trust, often on a first name basis when not attending court."
>Weird that you know shit like gambeson but not seneschal. Oh well, such is life?
>>"Anyway- The Lunar Seneschal, the court physician and a few of Luna's lieutenants... plus I think her favorite cook? They all were getting, well, bad vibes from her. They went to Princess Celestia as soon as they were confident in their assumptions- and, mind you, court was much more complicated and protocol-driven than it is today. Took a lot more effort to speak directly to either of our rulers. And it had to be done in full view of the court- there were quite literally zero methods to requesting a private audience. Supposed to help keep the nobility honest, and it did, for a time- but here?"
>>She smiles at you. "Why don't you guess?"
"Um... I bet a lot of ponies were super peeved-"
>>"Language, young lady."
"Sorry. Super annoyed that they might have to wait longer to do.. whatever."
>>"Correct. Personally, I can't even blame them *that* much- my family histories say it was a real pain to set up. Filter out the casual idiots from the professional dummies or something."
>>"So- long story short, they all conspired and kept conveniently coming up with critical issues to keep their spots in line. That alone was bad enough, but Luna herself started trying to reach out to Celestia and saw these efforts as proof her own sister didn't think she was important. Even vandalized Celestia's tangelo tree as a final cry for help-"
"Tangelo!?"
>>"No interrupting! But yes, tangelos. By the time Celestia truly knew how bad it was, Nightmare Moon was already marshalling her forces. Considering a large number of unicorn noble families are descended from the Princesses themselves, it was quite literally cousin killing cousin for nearly a decade after Nightmare Moon was sealed away. Terrible business, and it could have all been stopped if the physician had the right to step in and say 'no, my liege, you're going to attend this issue NOW.'"
"...And that's Luna's Law?"
>>"Indeed. Not only was it the first major progress towards our current mental healthcare apparatus, it was also the very first legal concept that firmly limited the power of the royal command structure."

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You know the drill.
Posting the family for good luck.

>>43342213
>Previous thread
>>43242840

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>>43342657
oopsie again

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>>43342733
It's okay OP, I've got you.
Also saw pic in the /mlp/con thread. I think the artist is paintedcora, reminded me of the bunny suit anonmare WIP that was posted in the anoncolt thread ages ago.

>>43342337
"Huh. Sad that it took losing her sister."
>>"Quite. I'm sure Her Majesty remembers every night. Alright, it's been about 8 hours since the incident. I gave you some sedatives that have probably worn off by now-"
>>The pork nebula once more engulfs her quill and clipboard. "How are you feeling, physically speaking? What hurts?"
"Uh- my legs all really hurt, I think that's what woke me up?"
>>Scribbles and mumbles. "Anything in particular?"
"Asking if I can feel the fractured thigh? No, I don't think so. I'll tell you if it hurts more later."
>>"I imagine it won't be necessary- tincture of sharkskin promotes bone and tooth healing. Already gave you a dose, but I have another in the icebox if needed. Alright, now you."
>Hm
>What to-
>Oh!
"You said I looked Prench before- how so?"
>>She glances at you, incredulously, for a moment before, you assume, she remembers you're brain is swiss cheese
>>>(Your*)
>What-
>>"Right. You want the long or the short? Matters not to me- we've got time; unless some other filly busts her leg up, you're my only patient."
"Both?"
>>Sigh. "Okay, I'm counting that as two. Short first: it's an ethnicity, anypony who knows what to look for can tell. Facial structure, the point of your ears, the slight windblown shagginess in your mane and tail. You just.. look Prench?"
>>She taps her quill dry. "Your legs are a bit longer than normal-" she touches the feather end to your left forehoof, curled over the covers. "-and your muzzle is likewise longer and thinner." And she waves it just shy of your nose without tickling you.
>>"That much was obvious when I first saw you. Furthermore, after multiple visits to my infirmary- in less than a week- I can safely say you have the robust constitution associated with Prench blood."
"Consti-whatnow?"
>>"You're fairly strong, heal quickly, and appear to have an astronomically high pain tolerance. For a unicorn, at least- a Prench earth pony would be a walking battering ram, I imagine."
"...I'm strong?"
>>"And more coordinated than I'd have expected... or did you think it's normal to leap out of a tree, throw a peach mid-fall at a pegasus storm wrangler, HIT HER hard enough that she goes into a tailspin, land with all your weight on your right rear leg and somehow avoid shattering that leg?"
>Damn
>Okay then
>Wait-
"...I didn't hurt the pegasus, did I?"
>>"She suffered a minor bruise and nothing more- she recovered after only about one bodylength of drop... She agreed not to give you extra chores if you asked about her, so I will inform her you're NOT 'a little psycho' after all."
"Hey, you already said I wasn't in trouble!"
>>"And I was right." She flashes you the first of what would later be many, many shit-eating grins. "Alright, my turn..."
>She gets up off her rump and walks over to a filing cabinet (you can't read the label on it- wrong letters), pulling out a notebook and bringing it back over.

>>43342211
Who's that fat little chud in anonmare's lap?

>>43342943
Anonogee- Jargon Scott OC. She's Anon's daughter, made out of lesbian witchcraft with Apogee
>>43342931
>>"This, I'm sure you're wondering-" she turns the book over, letting you clearly see the cover has the same string of symbols. "-Actually. Wanna guess?"
"My file?"
>>"Yes!" She claps her hooves, putting a slight dent in the cover. "-oops. Oh well. This.. is NOT how to spell your name, actually. It says 'Everfree Filly.' I'll stick a new label on later. SO-"

>Just then an orange earth filly pokes her head in the door- Furtive doesn't notice, considering the door is behind her. There's a note or hall pass of some sort in her mouth-
>"Mmfmf-" ptoo "Doctor, Miss Solstice sent me on a dinner run- oh, hi!" She waves at you.
>>"Yes, hello Tang. Coffee for me. Tomato soup for Anon-" Furtive turns back to you, "Sorry. Soft food right now, just in case."
>"Uh- there isn't any-"
>>"Get it out of the cans in storage if you have to. Doctor's. Orders."
>"-coffee. They made split pea and teriyaki soup, can she have that?"
>>Grumbling, muttering. "Yes that should be fine."
>The filly salutes, picks up her hall pass and runs off while Furtive very chalantly watches her go.
>After enough time that you assume the filly has gone through a set of doors, the Doctor excuses herself and sneaks off. "You'll understand when you're older."
>
>
>Okay, either she's rubbing one in to filly ass or she's got a coffee stash somewhere.
>Please for the love of Christ be the second one.
>It's gotta be the second one, you're paranoid, right?
>
>
>The filly comes back in about 10 minutes after she left, with a trolley of soup bowls harnessed to her.
>Now that she's getting closer you can see she's fairly tall, but she's still got the big eyes and head. Probably a teenager- er, fuck, 40? 50?
>You still don't know what age denotes adulthood here...
>"Okay, got the soup- hey, where'd Doctor Furtive go?"
"Uh- dunno? She watched you leave then ran out the door?"
>"Weird. Uh- wow." She looks aghast at your no-doubt bruised upper- forward- whatever body. "Can you even eat without help? What are you even in for? Oh and-"
"I think so- it's only my back leg that's got bone damage. And I jumped out of a tree at, I think his name was Cornflake? And-"
>"OH! You're Anon! Cheerilee was talking about you. Kept saying you're some kind of super genius who was only taught to write in weird monk letters..."
>Great. Dunno how to feel about having a reputation.
"Uh, yeah, my parents were uh... I don't remember much, actually."
>
>
>
"You knew my name but, well, I mean- why wouldn't you have guessed..."
>Her head cocks right. "Huh? What? Oh- are you the only sick foal today? I didn't know!" She shrugs. "We're not allowed back here if we're not sick or running an errand, duh!"
"Yeah, okay. Uh, what time is it?"
>Tang's eyes dart up the wall behind your head. "Uh- I'd say time for you to move your rump but I guess you DO have an excuse... it's a little after 7."

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Pre bed

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>>43337430
>no amount of milky teats or wet winking clits would get her going.
Anonmare is a deeply closeted heterosexual.

>>43343690
Once she gets the D she will finally see

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>>43343690
Omegalul

>>43343530
sleepy mare in her race car bed :D

>>43342975
>Sharper taps in the hall. Furtive's coffee scent enters the room before she does.
>>She enters, sipping from a steaming cup in her magic, wincing or shuddering every time. "Ugh, I loathe instant..."
>"Then why drink it? We're not out of beans-"
>>Glass cracking behind the doctor's eye. "THEN- why did- you said-"
>"There wasn't a pot made up. Because... it's 7 at night?"
>>"....I fail to see how that is relevant... whatever. Off with you, now. I have potentially sensitive matters to discuss with my patient."
>"But-"
>>"Now." she says through gritted teeth and narrow eyes.

>Dinner is eaten. Split pea and teriyaki is... a combo. One of the combos of all time, to be sure.
>Not terrible, just fucking weird. Who the hell is working in the kitchen!?
>No matter. Bathroom is used, a mirror is offered and accepted-
>You look like shit and wish you hadn't accepted. You have a nasty black eye from where you got turned around and hit your peach basket, and your right side is basically a giant bruise.
>>"It will heal, don't worry."
>Easier said than done...
>After a silent moment, likely eyeing you for any further requests, Furtive puts the bowls into the sink and grabs that notebook again.
>>"Alright. It's... 7:30? Yes- we can keep going as long as you want."
"As long as I want?"
>>"Sure. But it'll get complicated if we stay up past lights out."
>
>
>>"Nothing? Fair enough. Alright, it was my question- and this one might be sensitive. You can say no, and I'll just skip, but hear me out."
"I don't want to talk about the attack, I already told you what I remember!"
>
>>Deep breath. "No, no, I'm not going to pick at that wound. But can we talk about your family? Anything at all from your life before the past few days?"
>
>>"Alright, well, let's avoid the subject of your parents for now. How about your grandparents? Any aunts, uncles, cousins?"
"Mmm, no, nothing..."
>>Her eyebrow raises. "Really? Cheerilee said you remembered them... Well... I did say you could-"
>The scrutiny makes you sink into your pillow, twirling a strand of hair- wait thefuck are you doing!?
"Nno. I guess I should talk."
>>"Only if you really want to."
>
>
>>"Anon, my job is to prod at you in the hopes that you open up. Not pry you open myself. It's okay to refuse a question for now."
"...I think I wanna, but... I dunno what to say."
>>More scribbles in the case file. "Alright- let's try this. So, I know from Cheerilee that you recalled going on a pilgrimage. Your family must have been pious to have bothered with such an expense..."
"Makes sense..."
>>"And contemplating a devotional painting sparked your memory of that time... Solstice would be happy to hear that- I won't break confidentiality, but Cheerilee may have told her."
"Probably. She seems the type."
>>"She very much is the type, for better and worse. So... Are there any other sites of worship you can recall? Any services, deities, anything?"
>Hoo boy
>Do you?
>Probably?

pre errand boop

>>43344689

>>43344560
>Okay
>Well
>This is a new minefield.
>You could rattle off some old cartoons, but which ones are real, which ones are fake, and which ones will get you burned for devil worship?
>No, no, idiot, you're over-narrowing your view. She's just trying to jog your memory, she's not an inquisitor.
>>"Hm. Perhaps that question was too open- just the pilgrimage, then. Anything you can remember- anything at all?"
>You don't have to lie, you know. You can just tell the truth, as long as you dumb down the language a bit.
>...It might help you get over it. Why not?
"Uh- Well... I was staying with grandma and grandpa. Mom and dad were fighting- I don't remember why, but.. I don't think mom and I got along. At all..."
>
>
>>"Nothing?"
"Um.. Yeah? No? I can kind of remember setting out- It happened years ago, I think. I might've been a baby.. or not a baby, whatever- a lot littler than I am now? Wanna say I was maybe...."
>Not entirely a lie. It was decades and a lifetime ago, already.
"...25?"
>You were ten, in reality. Which is 25 in pony years?
>>"Okay. Let's try this- I want you to immerse yourself in this memory. Try and... become that specific moment. Your parents are fighting. Your grandparents are taking you on a trip while your parents sort their affairs..."
>Might as well.
>...Yeah. Yeah you're-
>You're not sure if it's weird pony magic, or normal psychotherapy, or some trick of horse psychology (which would make it normal psychotherapy, right?)
>But-
"I think it's working. I kind of remember-"
>The doctor puts her coffee down, grabs her notes and quill-
>Yet again, your horse brain is fucking shit up. Whatever process transferred your mind/soul/memories didn't account for the new species.
>Like the memories are YOURS and you KNOW this but you also KNOW grandma wasn't a green horse and-
>Shhhhhh, you've already been through this. Let it hit you, then find your voice so the doctor can help you.

"Okay, it's the start of summer vacation. Schools are closed so farmponies can have their unpaid interns back-"
>>Furtive barely stifles a chuckle
"I've... I've been looking forward to this for weeks. I get up hours before my alarm, make sure my stuff is ready. And then-"
>You tense up. Because you distinctly remember the first thing that you did was catch some Scooby Doo
>Oh, fuck it, if Shaggy is evil then this entire stupid world is fake.
"Uh... We had a, uh, little home movie thingy?"
>>The scratching quill stops as Furtive goes wide-eyed. "I'm... sorry. Your family must have been quite well-off. Nobility, even..."
>Ah fuck, no no no no don't do some fucking horse romanov shit!
>But you're already on this path! See it through!

>>43345622
"Yeah- we had um... it was a special movie, I can't remember much except it was about four ponies and their talking dog. They go around fighting evil, which usually turns out to be a miserable old coot who just wants to steal as much money and land as he can... Um. I don't remember the plot.... but I definitely remember that the trip was to the place where they made those movies? Yeah!"
>>Furtive's eyes get wider and wider
"I don't get to watch all of it, because grandpa blows his silly horn and I grab my stuff and run out- he's standing in front of a huge...well, it was kind of a.. train car, with its own steam engine maybe? So nopony had to get out and pull."
>>"Mmhm. I've heard of them- they don't usually catch on, get reinvented by somepony at least once a generation, then it never spreads. Trains and airships are easier for the common pony, much cheaper and you needn't become a mechanic and pilot just to get to the next town..."
>Pffft, eurofag
>>"Ah, that's quite... an emotion? on your face. Are you remembering something else?"
"Uh... I just, thought you sounded silly for a bit."
>>"Why so?"
"Well... if you're your own pilot, you don't depend on the train schedule."
>Train schedule
>Yep like the one that-
>[FILLY DEFENSE FORCE: MEMORY SUPPRESSION GO!]
>Wow!
>Thanks, denial!
>That surely won't come back to bite you later!
>...What won't?
>Exactly!
"Plus you can go places the train won't- like I bet you could get from Ponyville to Appleloosa really really fast, since it's all open desert right?"
>>"...I suppose, it would have its use cases. I still doubt the machine will ever be more than a rare convenience for eccentrics, though. Oh, and... Hm."
"What?"
>>"Appleloosa is a frontier outpost. Barely more than a trading post, and last I heard no train yard would certify their current locomotives to get up that mountain... they all say you'd need to get out and pull half the way..."
"...So?"
>>Her head cocks right, her eyes narrow but not harshly so. "Just an odd thing for a girl your age to know about. Not judging you- we all have our odd interests, but... no. We agreed to no interruptions. Which we've already broken many, many times, so let's change that to no intentionally changing the subject?"
"Sure. I guess?"
>>"Good. Then, back to your... summer church trip? I suppose?"
"Right... Uh... I got in the wagon, it was huge, had beds and a little stove, we coulda stayed in it the whole way... Grandma was in the... crossbow seat? Uh."
>>"...Are you asking if that- yes, that's a thing. Professional wagon teams have one to four drivers on the harness, one captain sitting on the dash to give orders, and a lookout, typically armed, to their right."
"uhhh then yeah, grandma was in the crossbow seat, wearing a goofy sweater with a yellow bird on it. Y'know, despite having fur. And it being summer. She just always wore one. The wisecrack rabbit and yellow bird ones were her favorites, but she had a ton. Wore a different one every day."

>>43345661

>You go back and forth like this for a while, teasing out whatever details of that summer you can
>How you bought a bunch of... liturgical art pieces (when you were an adult, that one time you went to comicon, but she don't gotta know that!)
>Grandpa teaching you to shoot... even letting you drive on a private road for a bit
>Heh
>Good times
>Like, really, just knowing you can remember the good shit too, takes some of the lead out of your heart. Or something.
>Still...
>It's... harder than you think, talking like this
>Not keeping it straight!
>You'd think it'd be hard to keep it straight, but your pony brain just naturally fills things in as pony-sized and shaped.
>It takes little effort to keep these alterations all in order-
>No, what's hard is... just navigating this minefield of distressing thoughts and toxic nostalgia and being worried you'll blurt out some witch hunt shit
>It's fine, just remain insistent you can't remember names-
>Which is half true. The names of.. well, possibly GODS, remain ironclad, but that's part of what's making it so hard
>You truthfully cannot remember names or faces of any living human, even yourself.
>...Yeah. Yeah that's you realizing you literally said your name was Anon. Took you days for that to hit you.
"....I'm not even sure if Anon is actually my name. I.. dunno why I- I just had to-"
>>"That's alright. Do you hate it?"
"...No. It sounds fine, but I hate that I can't remember my real name... and I hate that it took me this long to even realize."
>>"If you don't hate it, then it's as real a name as any... Plenty of ponies just change their name, you know. Names don't even matter- your cutie mark is what gets linked to official documents."
>Oh
>You don't-
"...Does that mean I legally don't exist?"
>>"Absolutely not. The very hour we... well, no, that's not entirely true."
>Your breath catches and Furtive panics for a moment.
>>"Oh, no no- I meant the 'hour' part! I was starting to say 'the very hour we brought you in,' but.. no. Because, well, we weren't sure if you'd make it and we didn't..."
"It's ok. I know, I almost died, and who wants to get their hopes up by making it official..."
>>Furtive peers into your eyes, real concern on her brow. "Anon, getting our hopes up had nothing to do with it. Every adult in this orphanage was either fast asleep or running ragged to keep you alive. Even if you'd succumbed to your injuries, we'd have still had to register your presence, however brief it was."
>
>
>Huh
>That... almost...
"Even if I was dropped dead on the doorstep?"
>>"Especially then- if we don't, then who would?"
>...
>You kind of forgot this orphanage is a temple dedicated to a god of forgotten foals, didn't you?
>Like get past the silliness of... that revelation, that painting...
>You're surrounded by nuns who've made it their sacred mission to be the one who cares for lost little shits like you.
>Before you can suppress it, you're already breaking out into a smile

>>43345681
"So... what am I listed as?"
>
>
>
"Doctor?"
>>"I'm sorry- it's.. it's my turn to have a distressing memory. You... you were much worse than we had let on, when you first awoke."
>Furtive turns away from you, staring out the window at the moon- or perhaps at the silhouette of Luna on it-
>>"You know.. I always try to keep my relation with the gods cordial, professional.. but even I was praying. After I'd done all I could, that first night, I went to that same painting and..."
>Deep breath.
>>She turns back to you. "Look, I'm.. not a surgeon, and with that storm, a surgeon was days away at least... And you were in a bad way."
"I slept through two days, right? How bad...?"
>Furtive starts pacing the room, always looking at you-
>>"Even Solstice was.... No, I shouldn't say it like that. I had done everything I could- brought your fever down, bandaged your neck, checked you for fractures... Nothing had any immediate effect and soon enough, I ran out of things to try and..."
>She stops, sucks in a lungful through her teeth
>>"Well, you weren't getting any worse in the moment... I went to that painting, behind Solstice's favorite clump of pillows... And I prayed.. And, I will tell you that prayer, if you want."
>...
>Her eyes are moist, her lower lids puffed up. Perhaps pleading?
"...Do you want to share it? That's ok if you do. I guess?"
>>"..Thank you. There was the usual rites- I asked Blossom to know your name, Buttercup to find justice, Bubbles to comfort you... but before all that, I asked their mother... that my skills would be enough, and her daughters wouldn't need to see you so soon. That.. what we had written of you would be attached to lost and found notices, adoption papers, a nice big frontpage spread with you and your parents reunited... anything but a death certificate."
>...
>
>
"...I think it didn't make a difference. You woulda saved me either way."
>Wow, you fucking piece of-
>>"I'm inclined to agree- I'm no atheist, but I do think the gods don't involve themselves nearly as much as ponies want to think. But, I've found that knowing they *might* step in, that your patron wants the things you want.. it steadies the horn and steels the heart... And look at me, I broke my own rule first. I suppose that's all you could remember of.."
"Yeah. Pretty much."
>>"Then it's your turn."
"Nah- sharing a prayer is a big deal, even I know that-"
>>"And I all but asked you permission to do so- I feared it'd make you uncomfortable, so-"
"Alright- fine- hm..."
>There is a question on your tongue, it's a long shot but-
"...Do you have any idea where my grandpa took me?"
>>"Absolutely."
"Oh, neverwaitwhat-"
>>"Well, I'm not certain, but it sounds like the city of Sand Hidalgo. A very special place, pilgrimage site for basically every faith that isn't explicitly outlawed in Equestria."
"It'd be cool to visit- maybe it'd help me find more of myself.."

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Anonmare under my stare. I really do like faces on the sun and moon.

>>43345732
>>She shoots you that understanding, slightly condescendingly sad look again. "And there your memory fails you again, my dear. Sand Hidalgo exists in the Many-Pillared Dunes. The Everfree Desert, if you will... and the pilgrimage to it is a test of faith. You don't simply *go* there to relive a memory- it's not permitted."
"By who?"
>>"By the wildlands, for sure. By the gods as well, perhaps. Creatures of many faiths and nations set out for it, most get turned around and end up near where they entered the desert. Perhaps your grandparents keeping you away from a messy divorce turned Utopia's eye- perhaps it's all just blind luck. Nopony really knows."
>
>
>>"Alright- it's- wow, it's after 11 already? I might be able to overrule Solstice, but that authority will be fast undermined if I get caught keeping you up too late. I'll leave this bell here- if it hurts too much, or you can't sleep, or you need the bedpan, ring it. I'll be awake for a few more hours, but there's always a nurse on duty anyways."
"Ok. Good night- uh, one more question?"
>>Sigh. "Yes?"
"I had a lot of my souvenirs in our wagon... Would anypony be able to track it down?"
>>"Oh, dear, almost certainly not."
"Right. No trace of the wagon- but what about the souvenirs? I had art books, some trinkets, I think even some candy-"
>>"Anyone smart enough to not use the books as kindling will know they can't sell them openly- I'm sorry Anon, but the chance of finding any of your belongings is near zero, especially if we haven't even found wheel ruts or signs of battle. And yes, yes we HAVE been combing the forest."
"Ok. Thank you. Good night?"
>>"Good night, sleep well..."
>And she's out, lights off.
>Maybe it's better this way- would seeing this stuff help you, or just reopen that-
>FILLY SUPPRESSION IS ACTIVE!
>Suppressing what? Shut the fuck up, bub, that's what!


>You dream again
>Again, you are a featherless biped of indeterminate age and sex
>Again, a green filly is with you
>Some cruel thing whips her, leaves her shaking
>She trusts you
>Looks to you for guidance
>Wants you to hold her, accept her
>Well-
>Smack her in the ass, spur her on, let's go fight that asshole!
>Your bravado is infectious, she charges in as eager as she is blind
>Working together, you climb over the barbed wire with no issue-
>The target is in sight! CHARGE!
>
>Oh
>She broke her leg in a pothole
>Well why did she let you make her do that?

>**Be Anonmare**
"...alright, Twi."
>"Hm? What?"
"...not gonna get all in a tizzy or a huff or.. y'know, I just- lost city!?"
>"Oh.. Yes, I know. I've seen the books in your wagon, remember?"
"...oh yeah. Right. Been pretty forgetful lately, heh."
>Yeah. Brain fog from the boiling sack of hormones inside your already boiling hormone factory. Speaking of-
>You plant your hooves strategically, keeping your stomach hidden as your daughter starts another round of kicking
>It's working- Twilight shrugged!

>>43345738
Looks almost religious somehow. Like this could be the base for Anon's Canterlot stained glass window.

>>43345738
very nice! you draw very good ponies and sun/moon iconography.

>>43345787

>**Wake up in the morning feeling like A. Filly**
>A. Filly meaning like shit
>On top of injuries you also slept like shit, and whatever meds they might've slipped in your soup wore off in the night
>Still
>Could be worse
>Overall, with a baseline 5/10 assigned to being an early onset arthritic ape?
>This is maybe a 4. 3.5 if you lean to the right too hard.
>...Yep
>That leg's still bad. And you gotta...
>Which means...
>D'oh
>It's one thing to ask the doc to stop for a sec so you can take a piss, it's another entirely to call a piss attendant in from out of the room
>But you manage.
>Eventually.
>A young earth mare in a black robe, with a cross on the white part of her.. veil thingy.. comes in
>She runs the usual gamut of platitudes and questions while you.. go.. and then runs off to grab the doc

>Doc comes in, reeking of fresh coffee. Checks your vitals, does some magicky shit to your thigh that feels cold.
>...Sticks you with a syringe that makes ouchy go bye bye
>>"Alright, if that's all-" She turns to leave
>Wait
>What?
"Aren't you gonna stay?"
>>"And do what? There's nothing more I can do for you right n- oh. You mean the questions..."
"...yes?"
>>She awkwardly averts her gaze, a slight scrunch forming. "I really shouldn't push you too far, too often. You are clearly suffering from PTSD."
>..Makes sense
>So
>Why-
>The embarrassment. Her scrunch says 'i got an earful from somepony.'
"...You mean you talked about me and somepony said you shouldn't have done that yet?"
>>She blows out through her teeth. "Yep. Solstice may not be able to pull rank on me, but she can click her tongue like a demon."
>Furtive's cheeks turn a bit red, talking about Solstice's-
"...Are you two dating?"
>>Glass cracks. Her eye turns to you. "Yesn't."
"That's not a word!"
>>"Anything is a word if two or more ponies agree to assign a certain meaning to a sound."
>Fuck
>That gives you pause enough for her to continue out the door unaccosted.
>>She turns around, pokes her head back in. "Don't worry- I don't intend to waste this rest period. I'll be looking into your family history- motor-wagons and rare pilgrimages means I have something to go on. In the meantime-"
>A burgundy and pink ball of smiles careens through the hallways, nearly knocking the doc over with the trolley of books and pencils towed behind it.
>"Time to learn letters! andhelpmewiththisstupidmathhomework-"
>>"You two are acquainted by now, so I'll leave you to it. Don't forget the bell-"
>
>
"Hey wait, when do I eat?"
>"Uh- don't be mad."
>
>
"...You gave our food to the walls, didn't you?"
>"No! Yes..."
"Kind of impressive how clean the school supplies are, then."
>"Thanks!"
"No- ugh, whatever."

>>43345738
Gorgeous work, this could've been in a fairy tale book.

pre bed

>>43346618
Oh Big Macintosh... haha!

>>43348818
Oh big mac, indeed

fuckin goddamn pre thunder storm right when I was about to start writing boop

>>43349614
Stay safe anon.

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>>43347237 (You)
>>Furtive walks in, dripping with oatmeal. "A large portion of your meal was also donated to myself... at very high velocity," she says through her teeth.
>"Hehe- er- uh-"
>>"Laundry. Now."
>And with that, Cheerilee is dragged out by the ear
>Shit.
>Now what?
>
>
>
>Starting to miss being half dead
>At least then you could sleep half the day
>Now all that's majorly wrong is a bone fracture. Wide awake, and to top it off it's not bad enough for the knock-you-out-flat kinds of painkillers.
>Fuck.
>
>
>You've never dealt with total boredom well, and it seems it's even worse now that you're a kid again
>'Course, ADHD and undiagnosed autism can be the path to esoteric knowledge about trains and shit
>It's why you ended up with such eclectic skills
>Firearms operation and repair. Little bit of metalworking and carpentry. Vehicle rep-
>[SUPPRESSING FIRE! KEEP THAT THOUGHT PINNED!]
>
>
>About maybe an hour (feels like an hour (could be 5 minutes for all you know)) after she left, Cheerilee slinks back in
>"Hehe, I called in a favor, got Tang to deal with Doc's laundry."
"Oh. She didn't mind?"
>"The doctor? Nah- you know her by now, right? Long as it gets done. Plus it cost me a favor from a friend, not like I whined until someone else did it outta pity."
"Makes sense, I guess."
>"Okay. I got math I need help with..." She pulls out a notebook with... long division. Right, she's like 30 but also 10. Okay.
"Yeah, division's easy, but I need-"
>"Yeah, your letters, I know, I planned on having my math done by now but..."
"But you need to learn how to pull a cart."
>
>
>Scrunch.jpg
"What?"
>"Just because it's true doesn't mean you gotta say it like that!"

>Math goes quick. As befits a future teacher, Cheerilee is a fast learner.
>Likewise, now that you have the time and attention span to sit down and fucking do it, you manage to make real progress. Probably helps that you're only learning a new alphabet, and in some ways it's simpler than English's use of Latin characters.
>By the end of the day, you're able to read See Spot Run without help! Progress!

"Fly, Spot, fly..."
>"Good! You only glanced at the cheat sheet twice that time! You learn super fast! That's.. uh... all I really had for today. I expected this to go slower..." she droops a bit
"Probably helps that I'm so bored in here. You got homework for me, teach?"
>"Uh... hadn't thought that far ahead? I dunno... sorry... Actually! Yeah! Write your name a bunch! All the funny spellings too, if you can! Mine too if you get bored! In fact, as many as you can think of!"
>...
"Aight. Sounds good..."
>She's still here
>"Sooo... kiiinda had a history lesson also planned..."
"...Okay?"

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>>43350033
[fuck I deleted and edited the post a couple times and forgot to excise the extra (you)]

>>43350021
>"Okay, these are all the symbols in Simplified Ponish. It's derived from THESE simple shapes Earth Ponies could dig out in a couple hoof-strikes..."
>She pulls out a thicker, older book. Your comprehension still isn't perfect but you're fairly certain the cover says something to the tune of 'history of alphanumerics.'
>Except it's more like 'history of alfanumericals' because no nasty French fucking up all the spelling rules.
>The stuff she opened to... reminds you of viking runes or some such...
>She kind of drones on, pointing at the different stages of alphabetical drift..
>"Y'know, language hasn't changed all THAT much in the past couple thousand years. But WRITING has- isn't that weird?"
"...Actually yeah, that seems weird."
>"Yeah! Proooobably helps that we have an immortal princess who's been around longer than anypony can remember."
"Oh... right. Not that weird, then."
>"But why hasn't writing NOT changed?"
"Uh... Well, for starters, you have three kinds of pony who all have different levels of dexterity for working with tools. Unicorns kept using that ancient squiggly script for a long time because they could, I think. Not much to it?"
>"Well... okay. But what about all these glyphs?" The book now lays open to a pile of hieroglyphs like in Twilight's book.
"...I dunno?"
>"You don't?"
"I'm smart- that doesn't mean I can just grab info outta nowhere!"
>"I didn't mean that! They said you know ancient- right. It's the curvy pointy letters, not the glyphs. Sorry."
"Eh."
>
>

>Lesson done.
>Homework assigned.
>Homework in progress- for once, you're happy about having extra schoolwork since it's literally anything other than staring at the ceiling.
>Hm.
>You'd spelled your name often enough that you can do it without thinking. And Cheerilee- but Cheerilee turns out to be slightly more complicated due to ponies having a dedicated symbol for the long EE sound- but whatever, you'll get through it.
>Just think of it like Y or somesuch
>There!
>Yeah! It's not so different from what you're used to. It's like English if phonics actually worked and English wasn't like 40 different dialects in a trenchcoat all with different spelling rules!
>Fuck it
>Start trying to spell other shit! Keep going til you run outta paper! And, for the hell of it, do each one in English as well!
>No, that's not clinging to a dead identity- knowing how to write in English makes you smart here!
>
>
>You're in the middle of writing 'Blossom'-
>Er
>The pony version would read something like "Blawssum." Again, phonics actually applies and it's spelled like it sounds...
>Weird. Isn't this how it worked for like.. medieval humans? The ones who could read, of course. The ones who could not write typically did not spell anything.
>Not that it matters anymore.
>Your best bet for getting home is still like... 50 years away?
>But why? Why do you want that?

>>43350068
>You'd have nothing. Less than you have here.
>You'd still have to basically rebuild a shattered life from ground zero.
>...except here you have the benefit of youth and a couple friends and some contacts in an actually honorable government system.
>And you're not legally dead here.
>You've been getting by, in this body, remarkably well. Why are you struggling against it so much?
>Maybe you just don't like how fast you adjusted? Maybe being a kid again is more of a blessing than you realized. Gives you time to get used to how your muscles move, how your plumbing's different, how... everything.
>If you'd become an adult you'd be dealing with a sex drive and expectations and folks trying to date you- you're the fairer sex now, does that mean they ask YOU out?
>You never minded the idea of a girl asking you out, but that's different!
>
>
>
>Hey, you ARE the fairer sex now. That's gotta give you an edge if you need to go beg for a couch to crash on, right? Since you're comparing how screwed you are in either world and all?
>Just make sure it's a female host so you don't have a guy thinking you wanna be screwed in a different-
>Nopenopenope suppress that! We're not dealing with that at ALL yet!
>Dear fucking God you'd better not be having early puberty in this body you were JUST GETTING USED TO-
>
>
>
>
>...You can't shake the gnawing feeling that something very important, even core to your identity, was left beh-
>SUPPRESSIONSUPPRESSIONSUPPRESSION
>THISISYOURSELFPRESERVATIONINSTINCTOVERRIDINGPOTENTIALSUICIDE
>Ha ha ha
>Anyway!
>You were in the middle of spelling 'Blossom' when the food cart was rolled in.
>Escorted by Furtive's watchful gaze, of course.
>You and Cheerilee apparently forgot lunch, so they're insisting on a huge dinner for you
>Yay
>>The doctor checks your work while you inhale your baggis. "Mmhm, mmhm, marvelous progress. More than I expected in a single afternoon, really."
>Baggis gone. Face cleaned. Unmentionables dealt with-
>Gah, fuck, no, you had to take a crap. Nothing unmentionable about it! Nope nope nope you're not a squeamish little-
>>"Alright, I'm going to hide all your full sheets. Write a full sentence, please."
>You pause for a second, trying to think of what to write
>Shrug
>The pencil scratches across the paper. You write out, shakily, with maybe C-worthy spelling, 'Thank you everypony for all the help'
>You little shid
>Bedtime!

>Sweet, dreamless sleep
>Out like a light and then it's morning

>>43350114

>Doctor Furtive and Solstice are there when you wake up.
>The fur around Solstice's eyes seems damp and crusty, and she's slouching. Little out of it, too.
>"Good morning, Anon."
"Morning, Sister... are you okay?"
>"Oh, don't moind me. Just had tae... well.."
>>"Sister." Furtive says with an accusatory glance, and even more accusatory voice-
>"Ach. Roight. Roight, gotta treat 'er loike-" sigh "-it's just, oi fired Cornflake this morning. Oi know it's fer th'best, but still, never feels roight. Th'peaches will never be as good, now... Oop, sorry love, oi-"
>The doctor cuts her off with... kind of a neck nuzzle?
>>"Winter, you did the right thing. He'll find plenty of work in Ponyville- any farm with a shortage of workers likely has a shortage of foals for him to deal with, after all. Now- let's juuuuust-"
>She trails off, straining slightly as she starts performing checks. More Spell of Cold Leg Bone, more prodding and squishing. No reaction from you.
>>"Alright- I think you've healed the worst of it."
"That fast!?"
>>"Well- yes?" She seems taken aback.
"Oh right, I've got superpowers!"
>>"Ha. Sure. Technically, I suppose- but still, it was only some bruising and a bone fracture. A couple days to being able to walk isn't *that* absurd, filly. The average Earth pony would still have you beat by a few hours, I bet."
"Oh.."
>>"Speaking of walking, hold still so I can..."
>You're lifted gently out of bed. The doctor holds your legs straight and bends you forward, making sure your forelegs hit the ground first. Gives you a little bit of vertigo, but no biggie.
>>"Does it hurt just standing up?"
"Mmmm, no."
>>"Alright. Try a slow walk. One hoof at a time, no more."
>You do so. A little twinge in your thigh, but not enough to make you wince even for a moment.
>>Still, something catches Furtive's eagle eyes. "I saw your leg tense. Any pain? What scale?"
"Ummmmm... Uh..."
>"Anon- ye don't have-" Solstice withers a bit at Furtive's glare, halfway through her interruption, "-tae act tough. Nopony'll judge ye."
>>Doc sighs, relaxes a bit. "Yes, she's right."
"I KNOW THAT! Oop- sorry- I know that, I just.. I'm bad at this! I guess it's a 1 out of 10?"
>Furtive grabs your chart off the end of the bed, scribbles some more.
>Then some kind of wood and leather brace is floated over to you.
>>"Alright- my scans showed the fracture healing better than the normal rate- to be expected- but... just in case."
>Right. She means to put that thing on you.
>>You're still very bad at hiding your emotions, it seems: "Now, Anon, it's not a cast or a torture device. It helps your leg support itself- just for today."
>You curl inwards like an angry cat, swishing your tail, and wincing a bit from the change in weight distribution
>>"Uh huh. Well. Since you need no help, you clearly don't need any painkillers either."
"Wha-"

>>43346618
*cue theme song

oh god why am I up boop

>>43345787
Almost expected spaghetti dreams again. Subtle dream crossover would've been interesting.

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>>43351168
>dream crossover
Fun idea for the anonmares to meet, I can think of dream scenes but I don't think I could write Anonymares very well. Maybe as an easteregg at some point.

>>43351475
>>43351168
Alright I'll give it a shot. It's not canon to Anonymares.. well she could have the dream but the bit at the end...

>"Wow, you're kinda like me but... well..."
"What?"
>"Uh-"
"Hmmm- is it that I'm a unicorn? Or am I a slightly darker shade of green? Or maybe I'm a little taller than you?"
>"No- well, yeah, but-"
"Fucking say it, faggot- I'm pregnant!"
>"Yeah... So, uh, since you've got that figured out... I could use some advice."
"Keep rounds in the mag of any home defense gun, that way all ya gotta do is rack the slide. Kinda useless if you gotta fully load it every time, especially if it's a tube mag shotgun."
>"What? No! About romance! I got a fiancé, but I can't get over myself- keep getting stuck in what-ifs and- and- just being, y'know, it all feels so unreal-"
"Why da fuck would I know anything about that?"
>"Um..."
"Yeah?"
>"Well, you know-"
"What? Oh- yeah no I'm married to a chick, I got knocked up because we went to an orgy for our honeymoon."
>
>"...An orgy where you had a male partner, apparently. So- what's the trick? How the hell do you get in the mood for... oh, forget it."
>
>
"Okay, we also fought a cult together, that was a pretty big turn-on. Try that."

>>>MEANWHILE
>Luna closed her eyes, banishing the dream realm from her sight.
>She turned her head in the waking world to her left, where Celestia stood bag-eyed and stinking of cheap coffee.
>>"Well?" the herald of the sun asked.
"Nothing. We keep pulling them in here but not one of them has any leads on who is best pony."
>>"Dammit! Guess I gotta grab ANOTHER one! Do you have any idea how hard it was to make sure that train and that coca fiend were there at the appointed hour?"

>>43351879
>Anonymous, I require assistance in the area of arousal
>Have you tried violence?
You have to be very careful when getting into a fight with an anonmare, some are more lethal than others.

>>43352280
Some are even Lethal Weapon 2

>nein

Beep

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Inspirational image I found in the anonfilly thread.

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Swordmare on the create canvas.

>>43350197
>"Doctor-"
>>"Now now, Solstice, I've already spoken at length on this: we *must* treat young miss Anon more like an adult. Condescension greatly exacerbates her mental instability."
>Funny. She says it dripping with condescension and sarcasm.
>Gah, fuck, that leg is actually pretty sore-
>"Doctor, she's disfavoring that leg-"
>>"Solstice, if she needs painkillers she can ask... and accept that she needs the brace."
>
>
>
>A short stare-down. Furtive rolls her eyes as she turns to leave-
"Wait! Yeah... I think I do need medicine." You scrunch your whole body into yourself, unconsciously hiding your backside with your tail too.
>>"Well. Alright then."
>Solstice cranes her neck to watch you over the doctor's finagling- straps, buckles, needles all fly around you.
>"Ach, Anon, if ye needed medicine why didnae ye ask!? Is something wrong?"
>
>
>Much as you want to be pissed, the horse morphine is hitting you from all sides. Really hard to be petty right now.
"...I dunno. Guess I just got self-conscious or something?"
>"Fer Celestia's sake lass, you're worse than a colt tryna woo a city girl!"
>Ha ha, yeah
>Sure
>Something tightens around your bad leg.
>>"Alright, the brace is on. It stays on until you can go a day without medication."
"Okay... but you said my leg was basically healed."
>>"Basically being the operative word. While the main fracture has healed, you'll likely experience residual sensitivity- and possible brittleness- for a few days. And I'm not taking a chance on you hurting that leg and being too hopped up to feel it."
>Urgh
>Feels weird.
>It's not a full cast or metal exoskeletal thingy, just a tight cushioned sock-like thing.
>You're kinda standing here, shaking your back leg like a cat with a sock.
>>"The brace will cushion your leg against both the shock of walking and anything hitting your thigh. Try and keep it clean, they're a pain to wash properly. Do not get it wet- you'll need to sponge bath or settle for a face wash. And- well, this isn't relevant for you yet..."
>Wha-
>Dammit, you hate having incomplete information! It's worse than none!
>Hmmm
"Why can't you just tell me? Huh? That's not very.. not condescending of you."
>>Sigh. "Because it would be inappropriate and irrelevant, considering your age and development."
>A voice in the back of your head tries to warn you of another bad thought landmine, but sadly gets ignored
"Miss Solstice-" time to practice your doe-eyed needy little girl face!
>"Oh, alroight- if ye'd been a young mare we'd be telling ye not to have sex. Especially if yer gettin' mounted. Happy?"
>Oh
>Mounted
>Right. Ha.
>Because you now inhabit a body containing a certain part-
>A part that most males want to get inside-
>Your cheeks are burning and your tail is tucked in and up against your cooch, tits and stomach.
>>"Told you it wasn't necessary. Come on, now- you'll understand when you're older. Til then, time to introduce you to the general population..."
>Yes, please, anything!

>>43354135
>>"As a final warning, the pain medicine can slow your bowels. Please, for everypony's sake, do not hesitate to get help if you feel constipated... or the opposite. Alright? A few doses aren't going to cause much of an issue, but if we're extending it for a few days..."
>
>
>Ugh. Out of nowhere, the emptiness of your stomach manifests.
>Fuckin' hell, you're hungry enough that it hurts!
>Being beat to fuck and back is hard work!
>>"Anon. Look at me, and promise."
"Huh? Oh- yes, doctor, I won't try to hide anything wrong with my tummy-"
>Fuck!
>Belly! Stomach! Thirdjokestolenfromthesimpsons!
>>"Alright. I will be quite cross if you do. Sister- remember what I told you, as I leave her in your hooves for now. I'll be here, or in my library, if I'm needed."
>"Of course, doctor-" they walk up and nuzzle. Like real hardcore cheek rubbing action that makes your lil girl brain all gooey-
>Nah, fuck that! Dudes can like hugs too, this doesn't HAVE to have anything to do with having a new goddamn brain!
>In fact, maybe being starved for hugs is the whole reason you're-
>Maybe this'll be-
>Maybe you're dangerously close to a revelation! ha ha ha let's just pop that back in.
>Seriously though, are they fucking or not? They got some kinda situationship, for sure, but-
>Solstice pulls away, rubbing noses with the doctor. Something instinctual tells you 'that's some TV-y7 sloppy makeout substitute.'
>They're probably in an are-having-sex period of their relationship. Not that it matters, you little weirdo-
>"Alright, sorry about tha' lil PDA, Anon. Let's go get-"
>The pit in your stomach gets heavier and heavier, growling audibly.
"Breakfast?"
>She nods ecstatically, and you find yourself following her out the door with her tail in your mouth.
>What? You've got a bit of a bad leg, you COULD find your way around if you had to! You can even read and only have to check your cheat sheet a couple times!
>Admittedly, it does feel kind of right to just... be following a larger pony.
>And right now? You'll take whatever happy chemicals your brain will dispense.
>Food would be good too.

>A few minutes later, you're walking out of that same bathroom on your way to breakfast
>Solstice kept watch- "Oi know yer not a grimy lil babe, Anonymares, but just the same-"
>To say it was mortifying would be an understatement on par with saying Trixie has 'a nice ass.'
>...
>Say, there's a high point: Trixie!
>She's probably the same age as you, in school or something-
>Maybe you could meet her. Maybe she goes both ways.
>Maybe...
>Wow. You're the worst anon ever. You've been in this world for days and you only JUST remembered your waifu exists??
>Well, it's been a rough few days.
>But you have a reason to persist, at least.
>...Not that you should even need one. What's the alternative? Kill yourself and wake up in Detroit? Find Twilight and... wake up in Detroit?
>Feh
>One thing at a ti-
"Oof!"
>So lost in thought were you, you failed to notice Solstice stopping in line.

>>43353913
Ew, get Trixie out of there.

>>43354171
>You ram right into her rear end, causing her to stumble forward a half-step and widen her stance
>Her habit means there's no chance of direct... parts contact, but-
>"Ooh, Anon, are ye alroight?"
>Shake the stars out of your eyes, spit her tail out, look up to see nothing but soft, motherly concern looking back over her body at you
>Oh thank God, she doesn't care that your nose was like 2 hairs away from her snatch
>Well, more like your forehead, which-
>Oh. Oh that woulda been either very *bad* or at least very hard to get past
"Yes ma'am, sorry ma'am."
>Solstice cocks her head a little, smiling with her whole face. "Oh, there's no need to apologize sweetheart. It happens t'the best of us, even when ye aren't nursin' a bad leg."
"I didn't poke anything, did I?"
>"Ach, yes ye did, it happens! Yer horn's round at th' top, silly!"
"But-"
>She cuts you off by pulling you into nuzzly-hug
>Nnng-
>Warmth, tightness, breath lightly tickling your back while she sorta sniffs, sorta nibble-scratches your back
>Just...
>Just close your eyes. Enjoy the moment. Bury your face in her chest. She smells like a good, old book.
>"Mmm. Better, love?"
"Mmhm."
>"Alroight then. Come along- loine's movin'!"

>Line moves. Ponies get their food and file into the crowd.
>Annoyingly slow today, but... probably a good sign that Solstice actually eats with everybody else, and doesn't try to pull rank to skip ahead either, right?
>Creep
>Creep
>Creep
>Slowly, slowly, slowly
>A slow drumbeat in the clatter of hooves and trays and the rare bit of silverware. Soft sloppy thuds as food hits trays and bowls and-
>You reach the head of the line. The serving pony looks like an older foal. Adolescent filly-mare. Something you want to call a teenager but you know isn't. Earth pony, red mane, lime green eyes on a beige face. Can't see her rump, but you'd assume she has her mark.
>You've seen her before- this is a canon mare, right?
>>"Oh, hi miss Solstice! Is that the new filly with you?" She cranes over the counter, peering at your leg
>"Indeed- give her extra milk and cheese, she's healing a cracked bone..." Solstice glances all around, leans in, whispers- "and give her extra beans and lettuce. Frankie's afraid her gut'll get backed up."
>Did she just-
>Ooooh your face is burning!
"Miss Solstice! Aren't there laws against blabbing... about my..." you trail off as the general noise of the crowd feels more hostile, judgmental, even-
>"Hm? Oh my! Roight- er-" Solstice addresses the lunchpony, "Careful with Anonymares, Roseluck. Nothing gets past her. *Nothing*."
>>"Oh.. I bet that's useful.."
>"Indeed it is! She's the only reason we found Lemon Bars!"
>>Roseluck seems taken aback, sizing you up, but whatever she's thinking she keeps to herself- "Well, I'll have to put in a special order. Be right back- you can sit down, Freezy'll bring it to your usual spot."

>>43354297

>You follow your temporary keeper as she leads you in the same direction as last time.
>Your previous anxiety seems to have been paranoia, as foals either ignore you or greet you with about as much awkwardness as you'd give them. Huh- feels emptier, now that you're paying attention.
>Y'know, if you have the energy or time to stop
>A short, easy walk finds the orphanage's patrons greeting you once more, with Blossom looking you right in the eyes
>Still oddly comforting, even if only a little. Still absurd to think it could be...
>No no no! Don't get caught up in more of that, especially not on an empty stomach!
>You need to make an active effort to exist in the moment- find a problem! Uh...
>Simple problem, one you can figure out right here- headcount?
>Yeah you could try and guess. Okay-
>It's breakfast on a... actually
>>"Anon? Are you okay???" Cheerilee's voice, muffled by food in her mouth, snaps you out of your impending fugue state. You catch Solstice glare at the lack of table manners when you whip around to answer-
"Huh? Wh- yeah, I'm okay, thanks... Just thinking abouuuut, Miss Solstice, what day is it?"
>"Monday, in the last week of spring, in the 965th year since the Royal Sisters were separated." She answers with zero hesitation.
>>"Huh? Oh- yeah there wasn't a calendar in your room. Guess nopony told you." Cheerilee withers under another glare and swallows a massive mouthful, loudly. "Say, where's your food?"
>WHERE, INDEED!?
>Fuck!
>The smell of Cheerilee's food makes your mouth water and your stomach growl even harder than it already was!
>A hoof strokes your mane a few times, then all the way down to the middle of your back. "Patience, love, it'll get here soon."
"Mmhmwhtever-" you cross your arms, indulging a bit in the fact that you can sulk and pout without breaking societal expectations
>Cheerilee and Solstice blend into the background noise as you start your impromptu investigation.
>Breakfast on a Monday, in springtime, and the infirmary seemed empty (not that you were thoroughly searching.)
>So: first meal. School day. School months (you assume). Very likely everypony will be here right now...
>You can get a good idea of how many foals are here from this room.
>You could ALSO just ask but where's the fun in that? Yes you just asked about the day/date but like Cheerilee said: no calendar!
>Look around the hall. Loose rows of round tables with cushions (and a few ottoman-like things that appear to be for smaller foals). The fullest table seems to have 8 ponies crammed in, but most aren't that full.
>A lot of them are empty, or just have adults-
>You continue counting, probably muttering to yourself... there's only like 20 foals here. Well, not counting toddlers and babies, but still-
>And most of them are earth ponies. And female. You and Furtive appear to be the only unicorns here, adults included, and there's a couple pegasi.
>Huh.
>Feels... low?

>>43354683
>You've seen at least two future canon mares, and aren't the flower ponies sisters? So that's actually four canon mares, plus confirmation Sunset was an orphan, and who knows what else...
>Point being, ponies probably lose parents at roughly the same rate as medieval or renaissance humans? So... really low numbers, or are you just being stupid?
>"Something wrong, Anon? Ooh, can ye see our food in the kitchen?"
"Wha!? Oh- no, ma'am, sorry- I was just... it looks like there's only 20 other foals here?"
>Solstice cocks her head a bit, trying to suss out whatever you're getting at.
>Cheerilee ignores you and continues pouring cheesy eggs, salad, beans on toast (fucking britpones) and what you can only assume is hay sausage down her gullet. To her credit, she keeps her face spotless when she isn't eating out of a feed bag. Fucking somehow.
>Gah! Quit focusing on her food and answer!
"Oh- uh, I dunno, I just.. I can't shake the feeling that it feels weird? Plus it looks like it's mostly girls he-OOH!"
>The clatter of a mile-high plate of calories and vitamins cuts you off.
>You could probably get away with stuffing your face like a dog, but let's not- especially since you're not allowed to fully bathe. There's a fork, spoon and knife next to... is that coffee? No, of course it can't be. Breakfast tea? Well, it's not coffee but it'll do for now, thanks britpones!
>Fuck, all that time being starving and now you're more thirsty than hungry!
>You were never much of a hot tea guy, but nor were you much of an anti-hot tea guy. You grab the mug of steaming tea, test it with your tongue, and down it in one go-
>Just short of too hot, strong, bitter but not unpleasant- although you feel the corners of your mouth tense in the subtlest of grimaces... something something preadolescent body something something less developed palate
>Slight stumble aside, it's exactly as a morning beverage should be; It warms your gut from the first sip and gives you all the vital moisture you'll need to get this massive spread down your-
>Everypony's looking at you.
>No, like, everypony! Well- not everypony-everypony, but there's a few foals in this little painting nook all slack-jawed at you.
"Um.. did I do something wrong?"
>The audience remains stunned.
"Hello?"
>"Ach! All of ye, settle down! No, Anon, yer foine! Honestly, oi'm quite pleased ye loike yer tea proper! Was about ta pass ye th' cream n sugar, most fillies want extra, but.. d'oh, just eat already!"
>Her voice betrays a slight annoyance, but Solstice smiles and pats your back all the same.
>And yet-
>You wait, seeing if there's any grace or whatever- no, no there isn't. Solstice is already gnawing on a hock of bread. Like an actual, gigantic ham shank from a cartoon... except it's a baguette she keeps dipping in bean sauce.
>You should follow suit, before your belly eats itself and you!

>>43354685
>After a little bit of struggle getting your silverware to sit properly (it's actual silverware, not the simple wooden instruments you'd have expected), you start stuffing your face and eliminating the yawning pain in your little tum-tum
>Stomach! Gut! Youalreadydidthis!
>There's no moment of disconnect where you contemplate what having a grass-eater's palate is doing to your preferences; besides the possible presence of grass as an ingredient, everything here is something you'd have gladly eaten as a killer ape.
>....It's less comforting than you thought it'd be, but that's a (you) problem. The food's great.
>Solstice actually didn't forget your question, and gives you a little lesson. In between her own bites, and admonishing you to chew more thoroughly, and occasionally talking to employees or random foals-

>"So- ye were askin' about our numbers before? Roight- ye are correct, there's 25 foals plus some infants and toddlers. Not all o' them are-"
>A tiny sky-blue colt alternates between tugging on Solstice's habit and clutching his stomach, making a pleading face that melts your heart. Little dude must be the bare minimum age to not be stuck in the nursery, d'awwwww-
>"Oh, come here, lad." Solstice's voice strains as she picks the colt up and starts rubbing and patting his back until he burps. "C'mon, let it out- there ye go, now just sit next t'me Sonny, don't want ye walkin' so far if yer belly acts up again."
>More straining in her voice. She sets him down between her front legs and he immediately snuggles up to her with a sigh. "Aw, go ahead, get comfy lad. Mama Solstice has ye. Alroight-" she drops to just above a whisper, "-Where was oi? Roight.. 25 foals in the main.. er, 'group' for lack of a better term. That's kids, chillinz, foals- ponies in your peer group. Not all o' them are here, the older foals are allowed to go into Ponyville, eh, somewhat freely? Long as they check out with a guard, I mean- it's not appointment-based, er."
"Yes I think I get what you're saying." You nod perhaps a little too enthusiastically, hoping to prevent another interruption and restart. And hide a small wince from swallowing a far too big mouthful of-
>"Oi saw that, missy. Take smaller bites. Now- our headcount is a little on the lower side, roight now- we usually have about 50- though my predecessor's records say the average used to be twice that or more. There *is* a reason this is a fortified manor with its own farm, after all, but by grace o' th' gods and our Princess's wisdom, there's fewer little ones losing their parents an' fewer parents realizing they don't want tae be parents." She smiles and makes an X-sign.
>You lift your head as if to say something, but find yourself silenced.
>Yes- the stern gaze of Sister Solstice somehow saps your voice while you chew a mouthful of egg.
Only once it reaches your stomach does your voice return- "Okay, so, Ponyville is a farm town- that explains why there's a lot of earth ponies-"

>>43354688
>Solstice seems to... you don't know what that expression is, but it feels slightly negative?
>In any case, she doesn't interrupt you, and seems preoccupied with the now-twisting, squirming colt underneath her.
"Do ponies have more fillies than colts? That's a blank spot in my memory, if I ever even had a reason to ask I mean- and I sure don't remember any brothers or sisters.."
>"Okay, er- yes, there are more baby fillies born than colts, but only about one and a half for every one- hold on, lemme deal with- OOP!"
>The twisting colt in her grasp managed to get turned around and, er, he tried getting some milk. Yep.
>Cheerilee is giggling, Solstice is resignedly annoyed rather than mortified, and you? You have no fucking idea how to feel... It is kind of cute, though
>"Ach, no, yer too old fer the tit boyo! And my tap's been dry for half a century!" She sticks her head down forward, struggling with the colt who has suddenly gained the grappling power of a cat chewing on something that clearly isn't for cats.
>"Hng-C'mon, out with ye- Yoohoo, over here!" She waves at someone- Sister Croquet, now that you're looking, who appears to have been searching for a missing link in her pony chain.
>>She rushes over with a sippy cup of, you assume, warm milk. "Sorry, Solstice, he ran off when Ducky started crying, and-"
>"It's alroight, lovey. Oi just don't need 'im sucklin a dry teat whoile i'm trying to speak is all... Have ye been sleeping well? Oi think- bring the gaggle t'me after breakfast, take the day off, alroight?"
>Huh. Yeah, she does look a little crummy now that you're looking hard. Not that you can judge, but-
>>"B-but- I wouldn't know what to do with myself, the little herd is my whole life, I-"
>"Nonsense! Y'know, Lily's been leavin' on the regular, fer her apprenticeship- with the florist, yeah? Well, she told me the spa just opened that big bathin' pool- what d'ye say?"
>>"A-are you sure? Doesn't Anon need special care?"
>Deep breath. Don't be stupid. Swallow that pride, SWALLOW IT!
>"Well, a little- but she's made two miraculous recoveries in a row it seems. Besides, she's more Cheerilee and Furtive's case."
>Croquet ho's and hums even as the little fillies on her tail start climbing all over her.
>"Come on- how long has it been since ye had a day to yerself? Think about it- our little town finally has a real bathhouse, like a proper city!"
>A fat-cheeked, amethyst-colored filly makes it to the top of Croquet's head, laying her chin between her ears and making her cheeks squish even fatter and ooooooh goddammit you actually think toddlers are cute now fuckfuckfuckfuck-
>>"Oh, alright! And-" Croquet darts her eyes around, careful not to actually shake her head or its precious cargo, "-I'll see how Cornsilk is doing for you."
>"Ach, no need to be all cloak and dagger about it- it's no secret! But thank ye, oi'd truly appreciate that. Well- just give me breakfast with Anon here and oi'll-"

>>43354731
>She stares at you, the little green filly rubbing her swollen belly, in stunned silence
>...Yeah. Actually, you're kind of surprised too. How the fuck did you eat half a plate of food in the time it took her to gossip about some new bathhouse?
>No matter. Tummy full, filly happy. Brain awaiting knowledge injection-
>"Well, oi was just answerin' a few questions, but then oi think she'd do better runnin' off with Cheery here-"
>>"Ooh does that mean- oops, sorry." Cheerilee blurts out her question along with a few drops of tea-
>"Ye know, oi oughta be more mad, considerin' oi been telling ye all morning to-" Solstice takes a deep breath. "-but I won't punish Anon, which I'd be doin' if I restricted yer activity t'day." Solstice finishes through gritted teeth- "Yes, Cheerilee, you're still free from yer other chores."
>A little 'yippee' is all you hear from Cheerilee before she starts scarfing the rest of her food. Solstice turns to you, scooting her rump around on her cushion with a sigh.
>"Alroight- well. Yes, the orphanage IS a bit empty lately. Benefits of a loving, godly society with wise rulership. Plus, well, there's *usually* aunts or uncles or cousins or family friends we can scrounge up and send the poor dears off with, so, eh, don't go spreadin' this 'round, but when oi first took me vows, workin' in the laundry-"
>Glance to the left. Glance to the right. Solstice leans in, whispers- "Oi called the east bedrooms the Tragedy Motel..."
"'Cause they were in and out in a week, right?"
>"Ha, yep- still, wasn't a noice thing t'be jokin' about, and... ach, ye foals'll joke about whate'er, oi can't stop ye, just don't... don't be sayin' that to any short term residents, alroight?"
>Huh?
>Short-term... she said that as if...
"So.. 'they' are short-term, what am..."
>Her eyes go wide. Either she didn't expect you to catch that... or more likely she didn't mean to say it like that.
>"Riight- yes. But, eh, oh dear, ye seem t'be having a good day, are ye sure? It's... a little uncomfortable."
"...Yes, ma'am, if I don't know the answer it's gonna bug me."
>There's something she's REALLY not wanting to tell you- you can see pain in Solstice's eyes, but-
>"Ach! Oi know, oi know- Francesca told me not to.." Solstice sucks in a deep breath. "Anon, you're.. very, VERY unlikely to be adopted. S'part of why I let Furtive push you hard on your memories... We were hopin' we could find relatives or godparents, but.. well... it's only been a few days. Y'never know."
>Cheerilee is trying to look anywhere but at you. No other reaction, seems she already knew her own... low odds...
>"Now- don- don't worry, Anon, you will ne'er be kicked out onto the street. Every foal here who reaches adulthood is adopted by one of the staff- you'll be allowed to come here, any time, any reason, as if we were your own parents. Only thing we'd e'er ask is ta pitch in with the heavier chores."
>Ha
>ha ha ha you weren't even thinking about-

>>43354853
>Aw shit your eyes are getting wet-
>No!
>You can lock it down! You knew you were truly orphaned and you hadn't even *thought* about getting adopted!
>It's...
>Harder than it should be! But you manage!
"I'm ok. I think... Wait, was Cornsilk-"
>"Oh, no, he was actually my brother's son! No- oi'd think, oi'd hope, if he grew up here he'd have an easier toime fittin' in! Ye've seen me koinder side, dear, but when my foals are bullyin' each other-"
>>Cheerilee speaks up, all sing-songy. "If he were a former resident it woulda been a lot harder to- Uh- sorry Miss Solstice, I wasn't trying to-"
>"Oi know, oi know, ye jus'-" Solstice trails off with a sigh. "Oi... need some- Croquet, go get yerself dolled up loike a Canterlot lady o' leisure! That's an order, oi need some good old-fashioned Utopian work! And YER hoggin' all the babies!"
>Solstice and Croquet start making for... well the door is THAT way, and they went- maybe the purser's office? The safe? Something. You did hear mention of advance pay or something as they walked off.
>
>
>>Cheerilee finishes that last bite of cold eggs on her plate, finally. "Okay, so- you were also asking why there's so many fillies here, and why they're all earth ponies- before, well, uh, sorry you had to find out that way-"
"It's okay. I kinda... already knew I wasn't..."
>>"She wasn't lying- you'll always have a home here if you need it. Or even if you just want it- I think Lily's old enough that her parents could've kicked her out by now, but she's just sticking around-"
>>>"Yeah, I'm not leaving my sisters behind, is that a crime!?"
>Cheerilee cowers at the sudden intrustion-
>Fuck it.
"Hey! Leave her alone, she wasn't-"
>>>"AAAAAA THIS IS JUST AWFUL!" *thud*
>What-
>Oh, for FUCK'S SAKE don't-
>The flower sisters really are that cowardly!?
"Uh- Lily? Y'allright?"
>>"She's... fine. She's normally really quiet, probably just had a bad morning- see? She's breathing."
"I'm sorry, I didn't, I just- she-"
>>"It's okay. You didn't know- all three of the flower sisters just... whatever made them orphans made them super scaredy-cats... Just-"
"Be careful next time, yeah. I will-"
>Lily wakes up, as quickly as she fainted, looks at you, tenses up- but relaxes when you repeat your apology, and slinks away with her head low.
"Okay. Wow I feel really bad about- ug. So- you were saying? About the, uh, ponies round here?"
>>Cheerilee walks back to the table, grabbing trays as she goes. "Yeah- uh... Solstice forgot to mention, it's usually farmers looking to adopt. And big colts can haul bigger stuff... So, babies go quick, then older colts... then a few fillies if we're lucky. Or not- the one time I almost got adopted, it turned out they just wanted a girl to marry their son. Solstice almost kicked their ribs out their plots when she found out, and.. I haven't..."
"Yeah, I bet that'd put a damper on adoption day. Wait- ribs through their-"