I'll take the initiative to post the updates from AWF continuing from
>>43431498
https://ponepaste.org/11514#3216

>>43431498

> This upstart unicorn was *younger* than her! It was all completely unfair! Just because Twilight was Celestia's nepo-student shouldn't have made her this imposing, serious, and - above all - authoritative!
> Since when did foals half her age make her feel like a chastised filly?! She should say something.
> Thistle opened her mouth, but the Princess gave her such a scandalized, narrow-eyed, tight-lipped, muzzle-scrunched look that she immediately closed it with a gentle click.
> "I know it was in the nomad language, Miss Thistle, but this kind of behavior is unacceptable for a pony!"
> She made a low grunt in lieu of an answer.
> Twilight lifted a paper from her desk and held it in the air. "Noise complaint, public nuisance, inappropriate singing, intoxication..." Her voice grew harder with each charge, making Thistle imperceptibly flinch and wither.
> The magic vanished and the paper fluttered back down to the pile on Twilight's desk as the alicorn walked around to stand directly in front of her detainee. She carefully sat on her haunches and drew a deep breath. "Thistle, what is happening with you? You're not acting like yourself."
> Thistle's reply was muttered and unintelligible.
> "What? I didn't quite hear that."
"I said: what do *you* know?! You haven't seen the other world!"
> "Princess Luna explained it in some-"
"Explained means nothing!"
> That shut her up. The problem was that Thistle didn't have anything really useful to follow with, so she remained silent too.
> "Look, I'm not unsympathetic. Ultimately it's none of my business what ponies get up to in private-"
"You're right, it's not!"
> Twilight's ear flicked down, but she didn't otherwise react to the interruption and smoothly continued: "-although I do draw a line when it becomes a public nuisance. I thought you of all ponies would know the value of discretion in these things. Then there's the moral implications."
"What moral implications?!"
> Thistle drew back and her ears flattened completely. Surely Twilight wouldn't call in question her rather 'proprietary' relationship with Rangi, would she? Could she know about that? What had the camp nomads told her?!
> "I mean, Miss Thistle, that these nomads are not like ponies. They are barely civilized. Some ponies might take exception to what you're doing. After all, we still have some rumbling if a pony and, for example, a griffin become romantically involved. These creatures are little more than animals."
"Oh. No they're not!"
> It was a small relief that the Princess didn't dig into the mess of Rangi being a slave to the Borchi-Quin, and what that made her, but these new unexpected accusations were just as serious.
"They can talk. They have culture. They can reason."

>>43507924

> "Barely," Twilight said. Her magic suddenly sprang to life and she lifted up a bundle of disorganized papers. "These are all complaints about their behavior in the town. It's ponies asking me to forbid them this entry. That's why I've put limits on how many nomads can come, and assigned them guards!"
"Well, they don't like that. Darga is talking about leaving Equestria."
> It was supposed to be a winning move. Thistle had expected shock, maybe a horrific realization that they'd be condemning generations of nomad children to hardship and worse. Without Equestrian food, goods, and medicine, the nomads would go back to dying in the mud.
> What she hadn't anticipated was a little shrug from Twilight, who leaned her head to one side and said: "Maybe that would be best for them."
"What? What about all you said about friendship? Extending our hoof to other species? Building ties with the nations around us. Together we are stronger than apart? Was all of it lies?"
> "It wasn't lies, Miss Thistle," the Princess pointed out, "but I meant the nations around us. Even griffins, even *dragons* and changelings - before they changed - were of our world. They were like us. A little less civilized, maybe, but they could understand friendship."
"And the nomads can't?"
> Rather than answering, Twilight walked around her and gazed out the tall window of her study, high above the ground level in her magical crystal castle. "You yourself told me of their spring tradition, didn't you? The circle hunt?"
> Just the name was enough to send a shudder down Thistle's back, though she did her level best to conceal it from the Princess.
"So?"
> "Can you imagine any creature in our world come up with that kind of horror? Even the worst we've seen: Tirek, Sombra, Discord - before he was reformed - would never have thought something like that up."
> There was no good answer she could give, so Thistle just swallowed and waited to see where the Princess was going with this.
> "See, Miss Thistle, even the most barbaric species *here* aren't nearly as... well, *gruesome* as your nomads. They aren't as casually cruel, nor as blasé, about such atrocities. The nomads make their own children club little animals to death. You said it yourself, it was the worst thing you've ever seen, and they made you do it."
"You're saying it's better for us if they leave? It's easier? It's neater? We don't have to look at their barbarism?"
> Twilight didn't answer, so she went on:
"I didn't think we ponies bury our heads in the sand and pretend a problem isn't there just because it's hard, or we don't like it. I expected better of the Princess of Friendship!"
> She'd been listening for it and there was a tiny, sharp intake of breath from Twilight. She came back from the window and peered at Thistle with a new type of expression, calculating and wary.

>>43507927

> "This isn't the place to discuss pony values, Miss Thistle. There are still some very problematic charges levelled at your behavior last night. I'll *overlook* the little faux pas in the cell this morning, if you promise you'll keep what you're doing with that nomad man of yours behind closed doors."
> All Thistle could do was nod, even if it was tiny.
> "I should impose a fine, but I've looked at your finances. Have you considered my offer of studying these people?"
"I told you they're leaving, unless we do something to keep them here."
> "That's right, you did. What else do you propose?"
> She hadn't expected the question so Thistle's mind floundered.
"Uh. I- well. Uh, I dunno."
> She rallied before Twilight could say anything though and raised her voice above whatever counter the Princess might offer:
"We have to lift the restrictions, for one!"
> "I won't be doing that, no," Twilight said. "I will meet with Salki and we will discuss the matter rationally. If they really can change, he will work with me to find a suitable compromise."
"Not Salki. He's the Chieftain, but his mother is still the power behind him. Maybe the others don't realize, but she's telling him what to do and think."
> A new thought struck her and Thistle's ears wilted.
"Maybe I should have stayed with him. He probably needed my advice. Without it, Darga probably just ran right over him. He's Chieftain in name only."
> The Princess shrugged a little to herself. "I thought as much. Regardless, I will set up my meeting with him, as is proper. If he wants his mother present, then so be it. If they are determined to leave, I won't stop them."
"I'll go with them!"
> It was a bluff, or at least that was what Thistle told herself, but it did bring Twilight up sharply in surprise. "You'll what?" she asked.
"They said I can come with them."
> "Why?"
"You said it yourself. I've changed there. It's a different world and different habits. I've been away for a long time. Maybe this happened to Rainy Day, too. Maybe I can't fit back in! At least the nomads understand what I've been through! They appreciate me."
> She became aware that her sight was more blurry than usual, and when she reached up with a fetlock she felt hot dampness on her muzzle.
"You can't imagine the things I've seen, and done, and what they forced me to do! You can't!"
> Thistle stood up and advanced on Twilight in sudden anger.
"So what if I need a drink every now and then to take the edge off?! Who are you to judge?! You weren't there, Princess! I was on my own and I had to do whatever it took to survive! Maybe I'm like them. Maybe that's why I'm... with Rangi! I can't relate to ponies anymore!"

>>43507930

> The tirade left her breathing heavily. She slid back down to her rump and let her gaze fall to the floor. It was a fear she'd harbored deep in her soul, but one she hadn't dare utter, even to herself. What if she could never fit back in with ponies? What if the horrors she'd seen had scarred her so deeply that she would never be able to connect to her once peers?
> Her friends and neighbors. The townsponies for whom she'd approved permits, or filed paperwork, or allocated taxes. They were all so *naïve*! None of them had experienced just how harsh life could be! When a killing blow on the head was the merciful way out.
> "I... see," Twilight said, unable to look at her face. "Look, Miss Thistle, I will let you off with a warning this time. You've been through a lot, let's not make it worse. I am urging you to see somepony about this. A professional. I can refer you to Canterlot Medical if you want."
"No."
> "It really might do you some good to talk with somepony about- about what you just told me. It can't be healthy keeping it all in."
"No."
> The Princess sighed and her magic opened the door for Thistle. "As you wish, but please think about it. You're an Equestrian citizen. You're entitled to help. We will make sure you are well."
> Thistle didn't answer that. She stood, on rather shaky legs, and walked out the door.
> At least she wouldn't have to pay a fine. That was a small blessing.
> More importantly, she'd stood up for herself. She'd faced down an alicorn Princess and told her to stuff it.
> She'd collect Rangi from the outer room and take him home. She wouldn't drink, not today, but she would put him in a bed and lose herself in what he could do to her, at least for a while.
> Then she'd decide.
> Go with the nomads, or seek help in Equestria?
> Neither really appealed to her.
> She was deep in thought and nearly walked right past the young man who was sitting uncomfortably in Twilight's antechamber. He was being watched by a couple of those stoic, same-looking unicorn guards.
> When he saw her coming down the stairs Rangi stood up, which was perhaps the only reason she remembered him at all.
> "[I'm glad you're okay. What did she say to you?]"
"[Not here. I'll tell you at home. Come on.]"
> She didn't speak to the guards, and they didn't seem inclined to say anything. They didn't know what she'd blurted out when Twilight entered the jail cell, and she'd just as well like to keep it that way. As a plus, they didn't make remarks about collaring Rangi and putting him on a lead this time.
> The front door, though large and heavy, swung out easily on perfectly smooth and silent hinges, and then she stepped into a fresh, bright day.
> It wouldn't be as hot as the height of summer, but it was one of those luxurious days which brushed right up against the autumn - the very last chance for ponies to visit the swimming hole, or for the foals to run around the town free before school started once more.

>>43507938

> She took a deep breath and headed for home at a slow trot, one Rangi could easily match with his long legs.
"[If I pay Saule what she wants and make you free, will you stay with me?]" she asked.
> Her own words to him had been to wait for home, but she couldn't. Her thoughts were racing too fast.
> "[Will you stay with the Borchi-Quin?]"
"[Where else would I go?]"
> The nomad gave this some thought. After a few paces of silence, she glanced up at him and saw he was biting his lip. Eventually, he shrugged to himself. "[Away. Anywhere? There will be a different tribe who will take us in. Then we'll come back and free the other Ruslans.]"
> Another war. She winced and momentarily closed her eyes in despair.
"[No. Please, no more fighting. Can you let it go? Stay with me? Maybe we can be happy together. We'd both be free.]"
> "[And look at the men who killed all my family, and my friends? Who use Ruslan girls every day?]"
"[What if I freed all of them?]"
> He shook his head. "[Borchi-Quin are liars and oathbreakers. They would not honor the sale. They would enslave us all again.]"
"[No they wouldn't! Not if it was all agreed and paid fairly!]"
> His chortled laughter was an unwelcome surprise and she peered at him through narrowed eyelids.
> "[You really believe that? The Borchi-Quin are dogs. We can't trust them. You were their slave, you saw how they treated you.]"
> She didn't have an answer for that, nor any time to give it, because Rangi went on: "[You shouldn't give them anything. We will escape. We'll free my people and we'll go. Someone else would take us in. We are good workers and hunters.]"
> How could he be such a strange mixture of cynicism and naïveté? Any other tribe chancing upon a ragtag group of malnourished people would immediately enslave them too! They'd be back to the same, or worse! Perhaps their only chance would be to make for the far off lands and hope someone there still remembered Rainy Day, and her memory had any weight at all.
> The mere thought of the name was like a stab in her heart. Her once-friend was long dead. In the time Thistle had spent settling back into her home and drinking herself stupid, many decades had passed in the nomad world. Centuries had gone by!
> She couldn't hold a sad sigh and tried to push the thought away, but the image of Rainy Day's face kept coming back to her.
> "[What's wrong?]" Rangi asked.
> At least she had the presence of mind to look around the street for any pony who might understand the nomad language. This next bit could get her in more trouble if anyone understood it.
"[I want to stop thinking for a little while.]"
> "[You really shouldn't-]"
"[I'm not going to get drunk!]"
> "[Then what?]"
"[I need you to throw me on my bed and fuck me senseless, and don't stop there. I don't want to wake up until tomorrow, understand?]"

>>43507941

> There was no answer, so she stopped, reared up on her hind legs, and leaned on him with her forehooves on his chest. That could their faces close enough so she could clearly see his expression without her glasses.
"[Please. I need it. You don't know how badly I need it!]"
> It suddenly dawned on her.
> She was late! She should have had her heat weeks ago! It must have been the sudden change in the season, and all the stress and excitement.
> It was coming to her in full force now. Maybe it had been for the past little while. It could explain much.
> She'd have to make sure the nomads didn't leave in the next few days, because she wouldn't be able to think clearly for a time. Even as she slid a hoof under his vest to feel his warm skin on her frog she felt her tail hitch up. It was an effort of will to force it back down.
> She *could not* deal with more admonishment from the Princess.
> "[Okay, okay. Fine!]" Rangi said.
> He sounded put-upon, but a glint in his eye said it was an act. She grinned and jumped a little so she could touch her nose to his.
"[You sound like I'm taking you to a whipping. It won't be that bad.]"
> "[It might as well be. You get rough when you're like this.]"
"[Oh shush! You love it!]"
> He didn't deny it, so she took it for a yes and fell back down to all four hooves. She began trotting back home, with a bit more haste and a fresh spring in her step.
> At least the next few days would be mindless fun. She would forget herself, and her trouble, and she'd be better able to deal with the messy reality of nomads and ponies after it.

> ~~~~

> Sweat poured off Thistle as she gasped for air. Her heartbeat pounded in hear ear and little pinpricks of light appeared and disappeared in her vision. Despite the turmoil, her head felt like it was filled with a pleasant, calming mist. At the edge of her awareness she saw that Rangi wasn't doing any better. She managed a smile, a quick, toothy interruption in her panting before the need for air reasserted itself.
> At least for the moment, the fire in her belly was dampened. Perhaps enough so they could sleep until morning. First, however, she had to replenish the fluids she'd lost.
> Moving was an agony on her poor, abused muscles, but it had to be done. With great effort, Thistle rolled to her side and off the bed. The sheets wanted to stick to her fur, but let her go just in time so she didn't fall on her muzzle.
> Cleaning up could wait. Movement caught her eye and she saw that Rangi had lifted himself up on an elbow.
"[I will get some water. Wait.]"
> He gratefully flopped back down and she made her way down the stairs and to her little kitchen. The sky outside was black, but she knew her little home well enough so she could have navigated even in total darkness. This time there was a sliver of the moon, which lit her way adequately.

>>43507948

> The vague shapes, combined with some guesswork, found her the tap and she stuck her mouth under the stream of water. She drank until her belly nearly burst from the pressure, then pulled away, once again out of breath. That was one problem solved. Thistle watched the running sink for a few moments. One glass would never do, and she didn't want to walk the stairs several more times until Rangi was satisfied.
> Her eyes went to the fridge. There was a carton in there, nearly empty, unless her memory was completely addled from the vigorous action of the past couple of hours.
> It was there! She doubted Rangi would mind if his water had a slight orange-y aftertaste, so she simply filled it up from the tap.
> The top of the carton was thick, and bulged out a little - perfect for holding with teeth. She grabbed it in her mouth to free her hooves and went back.
> Going *up* the stairs was a little harder than she expected, and her legs were trembling by the time she made it. All the better for having brought enough water for them both to last until the morning.
> She found the young man where she'd left him. In the stuffy, smelly room, nearly stuck to the blankets. She left the door open to get a bit of fresh air in, and considered the window, but changed her mind. Her neighbors might hear and then she'd probably have to listen to another one of Princess Twilight's admonishments about proper behavior.
"[Hewe. Siw. Fwin',]" she told him.
> A stumbling hop got her on the bed and it was pure luck Rangi had seen and grabbed the carton before it slipped from her mouth and spilled all over. It wasn't as if it would make the mess worse - if anything, it might make the bed cleaner - but she'd have to fetch another for him to drink.
> She let her hind legs fold under her and sat on her flank while he swallowed, greedily and noisily. She watched the little lump in his throat move up and down, utterly mesmerising. Not too long ago, her tongue had been on that.
> It'd be fun to do it again, but she was sore and there was no doubt he was, too. A night's sleep would do them good. Besides, all the little tricks with his fingers had dealt with that insistent little tingle down below.
> Rangi gasped for breath as he held the carton to her, and she carefully picked it with both hooves and placed it on her bedside table. It would wait for morning. She watched the nomad fall to his back and stare at the ceiling. A dribble of water was going down his face and she leaned in to lick it off.
> Her tongue rasped against his unshaven cheek. His arm came to cup her muzzle. "[A few more minutes, please?]" he croaked.
"[What? Oh. No, I'm okay until morning,]" she replied, ears folding down.
> She bit her lip as she watched his bare chest.
"[Unless- do you want-]"
> Already he was shaking his head. "[Morning,]" he agreed. "[I need to rest.]"
"[Me too.]"

>>43507952

> His hand stayed pressed against her neck, fingers brushing the sensitive fur under her chin. "[Did you get what you wanted?]"
"[Yesss,]" she began to say, but fell silent as she thought.
> His brow furrowed in sudden wary confusion. "[You don't sound sure.]"
"[No, I am. It's been good. We'll need to do it again, maybe a few more times. I will be in estrus for another day or so.]"
> She was staring off into the distance with her ears completely flat. Her hooves were pressing against her belly. Even a nomad could see she was thinking of something heavy. "[What's wrong?]" he asked and traced a line down her neck with a careful finger.
"[Do you- think we should go with- with the others? Return back- to the nomad world?]" The words came out in broken and stuttering fragments.
> His face darkened and he turned away, his idle touch gone with him.
"[Rangi?]"
> There was an intense fire in his gaze, but his voice was barely a whisper. A promise. "[If you make me go back with the Borchi-Quin, I will run away. There will be no pony guards over there.]"
"[You couldn't live alone in the wilderness.]"
> "[I'd try. Someone else would accept me. Another tribe. Then we would come and get the rest of my people free.]"
> She almost groaned as she put her hooves over her eyes.
"[We've been over this. Other tribes would be just as bad. Worse! The only-]" she clamped her muzzle shut.
> "[What? What were you going to say?]"
"[The people in the East. Rainy Day found a place with them. Luna said they were more civilized than nomads.]"
> "[Then I'll go there,]" he said sullenly. An idea struck him and he twirled back around to face her. "[Will you go with me? If those people think highly of ponies, we could...]"
> His imagination gave out and he shrugged to her, unsure how to finish that sentence.
> Thistle managed - just barely - not to immediately shake her head and forced herself to consider it. Maybe, even after hundreds of years, Rainy Day's legacy as a respected member of the court could give her a leg up. Maybe she could fill a similar role, which would give her safety and comfort.
> What of Darga and the others, though? Wasn't she thinking about leaving to make sure they flourished?
> Why was she thinking that? The nomads had foal-napped her from Ponyville and made her a beast of burden. They saw her as little more than a useful slave, or at best a tool. They liked the things she 'invented' for them, and the stories of a magical land of her birth, most of them hadn't even considered her a person at first. Even as they called her 'friend', they made her do horrible, awful things.
> The Borchi-Quin's quick temper and unwillingness to compromise had led them to fighting practically everyone they met.
> She didn't owe them any loyalty.
> Why would she leave with them, then?

>>43507958

> She was different from the ponies around her. She would never fit in with them anymore, because she'd been damaged. She could blame the nomads, she could be angry. She could seek revenge. It wouldn't change a thing. Maybe Rainy Day had come to understand the same thing?
> That was the answer. A cold and angry little realization she'd been trying so desperately to avoid. It made her whimper and bury her face in her hooves.
> Was that really enough reason to leave Equestria?
> A hand pulled her foreleg away and she looked at Rangi's concerned face. He was damaged, too. He'd seen horrible things and couldn't go back to his old life, if for different reasons than her. He was perhaps the only other person in the entirety of both worlds who would understand what she was going through.
"[Would you stay here with me when they go?]"
> He shook his head. There was a pained look in his eyes, but he was certain. "[My friends and what's left of my family,]" he murmured, even as his fingers wiggled past her forelegs to stroke her muzzle once more.
"If I sell my home... No, then I'd be left with a lot of nomads and no place to live, and no way to make money."
> She saw Rangi's confused expression, but she shook her head slightly to let him know she was merely thinking out loud.
"Besides, I don't know if I can stay with them. The ponies are so... pure."
> Her hooves shifted down, and she understood what was burning in her belly. It wasn't her heat, or at least it wasn't *only* that. There was a way to alleviate her loneliness.
"[I want a child,]" she said.
> Rangi watched her, mouth hanging open at this unexpected proclamation. Eventually, he said: "[I can't give you one. You know that, don't you?]"
> She gave him a nod, but her grip on her midriff tightened and her eyes began to fill with tears. She'd never find a pony husband. Even if she wanted one, to replace Rangi, she couldn't raise a foal. Not with everything she'd become. Yet she still felt that need that every mare feels sooner or later.
> The moisture in her eyes began to spill over and her shoulders shook as she fought to keep it all inside. Rangi left his hand on her foreleg in quiet sympathy. "[I'm sorry,]" he told her.
"[W-What- what if I-]" she began.
> She squeezed her eyes shut at the thing she was thinking, but it was inside her head with her and couldn't be so easily shut out.
"[What if I get a pony stallion to- to-]" she sighed, eyes still closed. "[You know.]"
> Rangi was silent, but his hand was still warm on her foreleg. He hadn't pulled away in horror, at least. Not immediately. She dared a peek, and the young man was looking at her with a pained expression on his face. She didn't know what to say, so she simply held her breath and waited.
> "[Who?]" Rangi asked.
> Relief warred with sudden panic. Who would go along with such a crazy scheme? It would have to be an insane pony, and there were no such that she knew.
"[M-Maybe Splinter?]"

>>43507962

> "[The pony from before? Who-]"
"[Yes.]"
> "[It would be just so you can get with child?]"
"[J-Just once. While I'm like this - in estrus - once would be enough.]"
> Only now did Rangi remove his hand and put it on his face. He didn't want to look at her. "[If this will make you happy,]" he muttered, "[then do it.]"
> He said the words, but they came out in a low growl. He wasn't okay with it, but he was lying for her sake. Her heart nearly broke for him and she leaned down to press her muzzle to his cheek.
"[I'm sorry. It'll just be once. He means nothing to me. Not like you.]"
> Instead of answering, his palm cupped her muzzle for a moment, then it went limp again.
"[Thank you. I'll never forget this! I promise I'll- It'll just- Just once, okay?]"
> She didn't think beyond that. Maybe her mind was completely clouded by her heat, or maybe her thoughts instinctually shrank away from thinking what life her foal might have in the nomad world. If she considered it, she would lose her nerve and she'd never go through with it.
> It was her one shot. She had to take it. The last hurdle was finding Splinter.
> He was a construction pony, right? There was only one construction project in Ponyville. She knew because she'd seen the report in her old office.
"[I'll go in the morning. I won't be long. Thank you, Rangi, and- I'm sorry.]"
> She fell down on the pillow, next to the nomad. She shuffled closer until her nose was pressed to his hand, then she closed her eyes. Just having thought about it, and gotten Rangi's blessing, however reluctant and unwilling, was enough to quiet that desperate need in her very soul. The anticipation was enough, for now.

> ~~~~

> Thistle walked into her home and let the door swing shut behind her. Then she just stood there. She didn't see the wall in front of her, or the staircase to the side. Her legs were trembling, but it wasn't from exertion.
> She felt the change. It was something completely new, a sensation she'd never known before, or even imagined. It was now inside her and there was no taking it back.
> There was a kind of clarity after the confused fog of lust from the past couple of days.
> It had been a mistake.
> Had he known, Splinter would never have gone along with it. She shouldn't have either, but there was a fire in her belly, a deep need which she had no way of filling.
> She should have gone and bought the special tea every mare learned to drink around the time. Now she knew why. It hadn't been a problem in the nomad land, because there wasn't a pony who could fulfill her body's real desire. She'd gotten complacent and now she was in trouble.
> There was some splashing from the kitchen and she wandered over, still in a daze. Rangi was dutifully washing whatever had been left in the sink. The noise was why he hadn't heard her enter. When he saw her, he pointed an accusatory finger: "[You promised you would clean these.]"
"[I k-know.]"

>>43507963

> "[They were still here when I came down.]"
"[I know, I'm sorry.]"
> He believed her and shrugged a little to himself. He carefully deposited the last plate on the wire mesh drainer, then wiped his hands on his vest, all the while watching her face closely. "[Did you do it?]"
> All she could manage was a simple nod. Rangi didn't look happy and he turned away from her, but didn't comment. He deserved an apology, but she couldn't yet give him one. Maybe after she'd worked through this mess in her own mind. Instead, Thistle walked to a chair and sat at the empty table.
> A little later Rangi took the spot opposite her. They looked at one another and he broke the silence first: "[Are we leaving?]"
> Her hoof went to her belly and she opened her mouth to say no. She could not bring a foal into the nomad world. It would grow up alone, seeing the horrors which had broken her from a young age. It would have to do things she abhorred.
> Would it become like the nomads? Revelling in cruelty and indifferent to suffering?
> Could she condemn her child to such a life?
> What was the alternative? If she stayed in Equestria, she'd have to tell Splinter the truth. She'd have to admit she'd lied.
> The thing she'd done, without his knowing, was bad. It wasn't something Equestria tolerated. Her child would be taken and given to Splinter, or placed with a couple who couldn't have a foal of their own. She would never see it, and probably spend the rest of her life in jail.
> She really had no choice.
"[We must go,]" she said at last.
> Mistake or not - regret or not - she would not be separated from her own child.
"[I will protect her.]"
> "[Her who?]" Rangi asked, eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"[I hope it'll be a filly. I'll keep her from the nomad horrors. The land to the East is civilized. She can grow up like a pony.]"
> Her voice was flat and she was staring off into the distance. Her hoof on her belly was pressing with unreasonable force, and the one she'd left on the table was shaking. Rangi saw all that, and didn't know what to make of it, so he remained silent.
"[She'll be alone. No one of her kind. When I die - no...]"
> At last she moved, but only to put her face in her hooves and sob.
"[What the fuck have I done?!]"
> "[I don't- don't understand,]" Rangi said. "[You said you wanted a child. You have one now? Can you know?]"
> She managed a weak nod, even while keeping her face hidden.
"[I know.]"
> "[So, you aren't happy?]"
"[No. I'm scared.]"
> The young nomad nodded sagely. "[Yes, the women say childbirth is hard and it hurts.]"
"[Not that. I don't care about that.]"
> "[Then what?]"

>>43507966

"[My child- my foal will be alone. The only pony in your world. I know how that feels, but it will be even worse because there won't be a Rainy Day somewhere *out there*. I'll condemn her to a life of misery and loneliness.]"
> Hot liquid dripped down her muzzle and on her forelegs, but she paid them no mind. She wasn't sobbing or wailing. This was much worse than that.
> Eventually, Rangi said thoughtfully: "[How about...]"
> She looked up, tear-filled eyes brimming with unreasonable hope.
> "[Your child can always come back. The door will be open. Every spring and autumn. Like we came through. You won't be stuck there.]"
> There was an undertone of sadness, and in a moment of clarity she saw what it was. If she returned with her child, she would leave him. Rangi didn't yet know what, if anything, he felt for her, but he knew there was something. They'd been pressed together by fate, but somehow, in some strange way, they *fit*.
"[I can't come back. Not ever,]" she said quietly.
> "[But your child can?]"
> It was a solution. One her soul shrivelled from, but it was there. Her foal would be an Equestrian citizen. She could send her back before it was too late. She would always have a home with ponies.
> Except it would mean letting her go, but maybe that was the easiest sacrifice of them all. It was a way to make right what she had fucked up so royally.
> After a long silence, she gave a single nod. Then she lowered her head to the table and covered her ears with her hooves. She couldn't shut out her own thoughts, but she deserved the torment.
> Some time later, Rangi's hand brushed the fur on her withers. She began to sob quietly.

>>43507968
>upstart unicorn
She really shifts her own failures onto Twilight.
>Miss Thistle
At least she did not revert to calling her Mayor.
>inappropriate singing
Heh.
>You're not acting like yourself.
Alcohol tends to do that.
>you of all ponies would know
From the begining she acted nothing like how a mayor should.
>little more than animals
That's surprising coming from Twilight. She knows these are sentient creatures.
>Barely
Heh.
>supposed to be a winning move
To whom?
>What she hadn't anticipated
Twilight relieved hearing it.
>and they made you do it
So Twilight knows Thistle killed, not just skinned animals?
>it's better for us if they leave?
If she would have asked "better if they leave" instead of "for us", it would be a totally different question.
>All Thistle could do was nod
At least she know when to shut up for her own sake.
>What else do you propose?
Whatever it is, it will end with someone dying. All her ideas so far resulted in death.
>but his mother is still the power behind him
Finally some good advice from Thistle.
>It was a bluff
I'm not sure about that.
>So what if I
She was doing so great. Until now. Despite being a Mayor for many years she seems to be lacking basic discussion skills.
>We will make sure you are well.
They let Rainy Day on the other side too, why would be Thistle any different?
>and told her to stuff it
Yea, not really. All she did was tell Twilight how miserable herself is. And Twilight being better at this just didn't start arguing.
>collaring Rangi and putting him on a lead
But did Rangi make any remarks?
>how they treated you
Pretty good considering she was a slave.
>someone there still remembered Rainy Day
RIP.
>I want to stop thinking for a little while.
This is how drinking starts for her.
>fuck me senseless
After all she done?
>Okay, okay. Fine!
Sounds pretty RGR.
>It won't be that bad.
Many of us would take his place.
>Sweat poured off Thistle
Damnit, skipping the best part again!

Cont.

>>43507981
>water had a slight orange-y aftertaste
I bet he drank worse. Also can't she rinse it? Or drank whatever left in it then rinse it.
>last until the morning
Needs some energy too. Sugary stuff for example.
>please?
Poor guy can't handle a mare in heat!
>Do you- think we should
Just sleep. She did not want to think. Then don't think.
>get the rest of my people free
He set his goals.
>Will you go with me?
If she ends up back in nomad land, I'm pretty sure they will stick together there.
>Rainy Day's legacy
If it was a good one. The blacksmith pony at least taught them blacksmithing. What's Rainy Day's contribution besides being a pet?
>make sure they flourished
She wants everything to turn out good.
>She would never fit in with them anymore
If she refuses help, this won't change.
>He was damaged, too.
Don't forget that the damage was caused by her. On multiple levels.
>I want a child
That came out of nowhere. Also it is the stupidest idea she could have come up with. So she essentially belongs nowhere because she is not a nomad, nor a "pure pony" anymore, so where will the foal belong? Oh wait, she said child! Not foal. Or there is no word for it or something and she just used child.
>Maybe Splinter?
If he is stupid enough to knock her up.
>If this will make you happy
Oh this definitely won't make her happy. Just give her purpose for a while.
>I won't be long.
Heh.
>It was now inside her and there was no taking it back.
And I thought that she sobers up after the night. And how did she convince Splinter to knock her up? I'm pretty sure he has noticed that she is in heat.
>Had he known
Hm okay. Odd.
>Did you do it?
He was probably angry since he woke up, because the first sentence out of his mouth was to blame her not doing the dishes.
>she opened her mouth to say no
She knows Rangi will leave.
>It would have to do things she abhorred
But the foal would not know what "normal" is.
>If she stayed
I like how every single decision she made since she got abducted somehow turned things worse overall.
>would be taken and given to Splinter
Why? Why does he have more right to raise the foal than her?
>placed with a couple
More likely scenario.
>I'll keep her from the nomad horrors.
Best way to do that would be to not go back to the nomad lands, but why would I know.
>What the fuck have I done?!
Make bad decisions one after another for years.
>The only pony in your world.
Would not be the first or the second time it happens.
>The door will be open.
But the time shift is still a massive issue. If the foal decides to stay for a day or two that's a year on the other side. They can't really hop between worlds without consequences.
>She began to sob quietly.
Just go to Twilight, ask to terminate it early. I'm 100% sure there are spells for it. Probably forbidden but Twilight will see that neither option is good (keeping it/terminating the pregnancy), might as well choose the simpler one.

A while ago I posted a little premise on the “write what’s on your mind” thread and I was told to post it here on /spg/. Hopefully you anons enjoy what I wrote. To set the scene it’s been a couple centuries since humanity managed to conquer Equestria and the enslaved ponies have been selectively bred like cattle, resulting in several breeds of domestic ponies that are now seen all across the human empire, the so called neo-ponies and they are as follow:

>Neo-Unicorns
A very versatile breed seen in multiple fields thanks to their strong magical capabilities. They can be seen working in both industrial, health and domestic sectors, even seeing moderate success within the military thanks to long range combat capabilities. They tend to be quite tall and extremely lanky, not uncommon for the outline of their bones to be visible even in healthy individuals. They get tired easily and are notoriously frail as their metabolism prioritizes the production of magic above anything else. As of recently there has been a rising interest from wealthy families to employ them as maids, as their magic allows them to clean rooms at record speeds and their fragility is considered to be oddly beautiful to some.
>Neo-Pegasi
Most commonly used for their weather magic, though they can also be seen delivering packages. Neo-Pegasi have been bred to maximize their flight capabilities, resulting in disproportionately large wings and pointy snouts that give their heads an almost avian shape. Because of them flying almost all the time their legs are surprisingly weak, making long walks particularly painful for them. Pegasi racing is a popular sport worldwide so a small subset of Neo-pegasi are bred to be as fast as possible; those of the highest pedigree tend to have a rainbow patterned mane and tail.
>Neo-Earth ponies
One of the largest breeds of Neo-ponies, often surpassing the average human in height. They have very dense and prominent musculature and are rarely seen outside the countryside. This breed is mainly used for farm work and riding, though sometimes they can be seen working within police forces even if it is a rare occurrence. Unlike the other breeds of neo-ponies their mental faculties are somewhat stunted, their intelligence being comparable to that of a 12 year old human; on top of that their life expectancy is quite short compared to other breeds. That is due to their tendency to develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, although there have been recent efforts to improve the breed’s lifespan. For some reason, they have an instinctive preference towards apples above all other fruits.

>>43508287
>Vintage ponies
This breed gains its name thanks to their resemblance towards their long gone ancestors. It is important to note that they are not identical to them however, as they were bred to be as docile as possible and weaker than their old selves. Another notable difference with their ancestors is the total lack of sexual dimorphism; stallions are completely identical to mares with the sole exception being their genitalia. They are by far the most affordable out of all breeds, often owned as pets or servants. They are also at the very bottom of the societal ladder, ranking even lower than their more specialized cousins.
>Neo-Bat ponies
Thanks to the omnivore diet of their ancestors the Neo-Bat ponies were bred to take full advantage of their more predatory nature, resulting in a rather large breed which averages the same height of a human and a drastically different mouth structure that resembles that of carnivore predators complete with a full set of razor sharp teeth. Neo-Bat ponies are seen almost exclusively working alongside humans both in the military and law enforcement with some rare exceptions. Neo-Bat ponies have a privileged spot compared to the other breeds; while it is required for all of them to work within the military from a young age it is not uncommon for a Neo-Bat pony to earn an honorary citizenship through outstanding work. This allows them to freely choose their own jobs and own property, though thanks to their background most end up still working in the military anyways. Despite being allowed to live within human cities and towns the overwhelming majority of Neo-Bat ponies prefer to form and live within their own small communities.
>Neo-Kirin
This breed is perhaps the most unchanged out of their ancestors. More than their slight increase in size and the intensity of their flames the major difference is their ability to turn into Nirik at will. They are completely barred from entering any civilian settlement, instead living in specialized “towns” where they have a surprising number of commodities available to them. Neo-kirin can be used in military combat as extremely effective bioweapons or otherwise employed to work at thermal power stations. Even though they have no rights whatsoever they don’t seem to mind all that much thanks to their relatively lavish lifestyle.

Cutie marks are a vestigial part of all these pony breeds (except the Kirin, which never had those to begin with). They still get their own cutie-marks seemingly at random, however these vestigial cutie-marks are completely nonsensical in one way or another. They can range from symbols with no meaning whatsoever, random splodges of colors or otherwise drawings so strange and blurry that it is impossible to make anything of them.

>>43508292
>Singer Pegasi
While most domestic pony breeds can become part of the entertainment industry in one way or another, singer pegasi are the only ones who are bred exclusively for entertainment purposes. More related to the vintage pegasi, this breed takes advantage of a pegasus’ natural lung capacity to sing melodies that would be difficult for a human to perform. It is a very niche breed with a small population, though in recent years it has been steadily rising in popularity. At the early stages of the breed they simply looked like a vintage pegasus with an oversized chest, though over time their whole bodies have increased in size for aesthetic purposes. Modern singer pegasi tend to have extremely colorful and pretty fur and feathers and a vocal range that far surpasses humans. They have decent flight capabilities that allow them to perform on stage, albeit they are quite slow compared to other flying breeds. Singer Pegasi that reach celebrity status can live a fairly luxurious life, though that ultimately depends on their owners.

>Neo-Alicorns
After the conquest of Equestria and the capture of the five alicorn princesses it was discovered that the 5th princess, known as “Flurry Heart” was the biological daughter of the 3rd Princess: “Cadenza”. This prompted a highly confidential project that sought to create a domestic breed of alicorns; despite the project’s long lifespan it ended in catastrophic failure. For reasons still unknown, attempting to breed the alicorn princesses resulted in a rapid mutation of the Zygote’s DNA to an unfixable degree. This resulted in an infant mortality rate of over 95%. The few successful attempts were colloquially referred to as Neo-Alicorns by those involved. While they had a mixture of both horn and wings as well as an incredible magic potential the Neo-Alicorn’s heavy mutations caused infertility and the development of extra body parts. Most of the time they had extra sets of wings and eyes, occasionally they were also born with extra legs and in rare cases extra heads. Despite what one would expect the Neo-alicorns' additional body parts were fully functional and presented the utility that comes with it. It has been decades however, since the Neo-Alicorns managed to escape through unknown means and have since buried themselves in the collective consciousness as cryptids that are rarely sighted. Concerningly enough, some groups of domestic ponies have begun worshipping the Neo-Alicorns in secret, orchestrating acts of rebellion in their name. Any cult activity related to the Neo-Alicorns must be eradicated as soon as possible, any sighting of Neo-Alicorns must be thoroughly investigated and any Neo-Alicorn is to be eliminated on sight. The five Equestrian princesses have since been utilized on a far more successful project.

>>43508297
>Alicorn Mastercomputer
The Alicorn Mastercomputer is considered the greatest feat of human engineering, successfully combining biological components of the former Equestrian princesses with the most advanced technology available. The Alicorn Mastercomputer is a gigantic device capable of generating its own magic, so extremely powerful that it allows to open and sustain gateways to other dimensions, further allowing the expansion of the human empire through conquest and extraction of natural resources.

It requires high amounts of maintenance and no human should be near it for a period longer than two hours as its reality warping capabilities can have detrimental effects on the body and psyche. Likewise, no pony should ever be within a 5 km radius of the Alicorn Mastercomputer without permission as the magic it produces seems to produce extremely vivid hallucinations to all domestic breeds of ponies. All affected ponies that have been interviewed seem to have similar hallucinations, consisting of them living in “ancient times”. Descriptions of the landscapes they witnessed seem to coincide with those of pre-conquest Equestria.

As of the past few years the biological components of Alicorn Mastercomputer have begun to grow new organic tissue and fusing with the surrounding metal, generating a never before seen kind of alloy. Because of this maintenance protocol has changed to include the removal of excess tissue and alloy, both of which are to be brought for further studying. Methods to slow down the exponential rate of tissue growth are top priority as of now. As a final note it is important to reiterate that the Alicorn Mastercomputer does NOT contain the brains of the former Equestrian princesses. Any worker of any clearance level that is found propagating this myth is to face punishment as deemed fit.

>>43508300
With the steady development of bodily augmentations humans are no longer the only ones who can be enhanced via cybernetics. Now neo-ponies that work within the military can be augmented and become part of an elite branch of soldiers! Those selected to participate in the enhancement program will enjoy more benefits and may even gain honorary citizenship*. Below is a list of protocols that every neo-pony breed needs to undergo in order to become an elite soldier:

>Elite N-U enhancement protocol v3.0
While Neo-Unicorns are quite effective at long range combat, their frail bodies ensure that most won’t be able to survive major wounds caused by gunfire. Seeing that replacing their entire bodies is too expensive, the next best option is to enhance their speed and agility. As such their four legs are replaced with stronger mechanical ones and their heart and lungs are replaced with artificial ones that allow them to perform more intensive physical labor. Once they are recovered from surgery they undergo physical therapy during which small doses of anabolic steroids are administered to facilitate and speed up the adaptation process. The newer versions of leg prosthetics have allowed Neo-Unicorns to retain their sense of touch after enhancement.

>Elite N-P enhancement protocol v1.5
The legs of Neo-Pegasi are quite weakened. It doesn’t necessarily affect their combat performance as they are airborne most of the time. However, with some modifications all of their limbs can become useful. Their front legs are replaced with mechanical limbs that are more akin to human arms and hands, allowing them to fully utilize human weapons with some training. Their hind legs are replaced with elongated prosthetics to match the length of their new mechanical arms. Unlike the ones used for Neo-Unicorns these ones are considerably simpler in design, with extremely pointy ends that make their kicks as deadly as a spear thrust. Physical therapy is usually shorter, but it takes extensive time for Neo-Pegasi to adapt to their new limbs and proportions

>Elite N-E enhancement protocol v2.0
Neo-Earth ponies, while occasionally used in the military, are seldom used in actual combat, their purpose being more related to transportation of goods and troops. Their enhancements follow this philosophy as well, turning them into the perfect ponies to haul carriages and wagons over long distances and rough terrain. Similar to Neo-Unicorns their hearts and lungs are replaced with artificial ones with the addition of an extra pouch connected to their stomach. This pouch contains a calorie dense electrolyte solution and can be refilled through a tube that connects to the outside of their bodies. The pouch effectively ensures that they have enough energy for particularly long trips. As a final addition metallic plating is inserted into their skulls to provide extra protection. They are good to go as soon as they make a full recovery from their surgeries.

*Restrictions apply

>>43508306
Somewhere in this, there is a story to be written.

>>43507908
>Pony drawn with dalmatian torso
Everytiem

>>43508396
Well this setting was something that brewed in my head for a little while but otherwise I have no plans at the moment to use it. If any anon wants to use it you won't see me complaining. The question remains however, would (you) or any anon here be able to love these tortured souls?

>>43507972
>>43508439

Bump

>>43509276

>>43509608

>>43509881

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Did she just make an ice cream for herself?
You know what that implies right?

>>43510679
Are there fics where alicorns are particularly badly treated because they are immortal anyway?

>>43510771
One comes to my mind, but it is unfinished and not good. Writefag had a meltdown every time someone criticized the green. Plus you don't see the abuse part at all, just the result.

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Silly pone doing silly poses.

>>43510778
Can you post it anyway?

>>43511208
https://poneb.in/3151

Another one which incorporates the fact that Celestia/Luna are immortal (not invincible):
https://poneb.in/u/PhysicalAnontism

>>43511396
Thanks, anon.

>>43511974
I don't recommend reading them. Neither is finished.

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Remember to take your pony for a nice stroll through town.

>>43512709
What have she done?

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Remember, get a second pony so it can was the first pony!

>>43512177
You were right. I already read the second one. The first writer is a retarded faggot. Both spend far too much time doing worldbuilding and using filler and flashbacks to create a sense of mystery instead of making a straightforward beginning, middle, and end.

>>43513391
>MЯУ
Why are the ponies meowing?

>>43513047
Prob too clumsy
But that's no way to treat her

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>>43514083
Because catponies!

>>43514077
I warned you.
I remember the writefag for the first having a meltdown when we said it makes 0 sense what he is writing (it was a different green), started responding and referencing events that did not happen/were not in the green. Turns out the faggot forgot to post like half the green. And ofc the readers were at fault. Obviously.
Shit writefag, shit green.

The second one would have been good actually. If finished and if the story progressed with current events. Yes it spent a lot of time worldbuilding, but it worked overall. There are stories where the current events are kinda straight forward/filler and the past events are the actual good parts. I would have liked it to be continued/finished.

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pone is snoozing on the job

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Bedwarmer!

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AWF? You alive?

>>43510274

Page 9 bump. Anyone remember those guinea pigs that used to do it?

>>43516756
They've all gone to better pastures, Anon. It's only us now.

>>43516756
>guinea pigs that used to do it
If you don't remind me of it I would have completely forgotten them. Probably all dead by now, as those have a 3 year lifespan tops.

>>43517057
The sweet pigs are gone, but the blankets will stay with us forever