Thread 42523335

There is nothing more pure than the love between man and a mare

Being together until you're old and wrinkly is the best way to be

Old thread: >>42500874

Ongoing greens:

Shape Your Home by PoneGreen
https://ponepaste.org/477 (Part 1)
https://ponepaste.org/478 (Part 2)
https://ponepaste.org/479 (Part 3)
https://ponepaste.org/480 (Part 4)
https://ponepaste.org/4581 (Part 5)
https://ponepaste.org/8319 (Part 6)
https://ponepaste.org/10382 (Part 7)
https://ponepaste.org/4466 (April Fools' interlude)

Completed/on hiatus/ded greens:
GET OUT OF MY HEAD by Anonymous
>>40508352

Dreams to Dream by Stabbythesnowman
https://ponepaste.org/590
https://ponepaste.org/4197 (part 2)
https://ponepaste.org/5562 (part 3)

A Wish Enough for Two by TakeItEasy (née YukkuriPaleHorse)
https://ponepaste.org/8269

The Recruiter (epilogue) by pentapony
https://ponepaste.org/4316

Hallmark Dream-a by lmone6
https://ponepaste.org/3004

Stories by Pentapony
https://ponepaste.org/user/pentapony

Carl's Hardened Heart by Reggiesomething
https://ponepaste.org/1112

"Fleetfooted" by SadBoy
https://poneb.in/u/MLPSadBoy

Stories by Aftercase
https://ponepaste.org/user/Aftercase

Stories by AnthonyC4
https://ponepaste.org/user/AnthonyC4

Stories by Horse Story Anon
https://ponepaste.org/user/Appreciationproject

Stories by YukkuriPalehorse
https://poneb.in/u/YukkuriPalehorse

Rainbow Dash and the Ghosts of Hearts & Hooves Day by Lonesome Rider
https://poneb.in/U2Jtfc59

Stories by Trandhal: https://ponepaste.org/user/trandhal

Rocks out of the Quarry: https://poneb.in/aX2C686i

Stories by Tsar Anon: https://poneb.in/BnjZqwM3

Stories by Angry Wino: https://poneb.in/u/AngryWino

Stories by Crabs of Steam: https://poneb.in/u/Crabs_of_steam

The Broken Carousel (Part 1): https://ponepaste.org/1541
(Twilight Sparkle Interlude 1): https://ponepaste.org/1543
(Part 2): https://ponepaste.org/1542
(Twilight Sparkle Interlude 2): https://ponepaste.org/1544

This Heart That Fears
https://poneb.in/0b7L24Ln

Tsukumogami
https://poneb.in/WPw3dNdP

Low Self-Esteem AJ
https://poneb.in/x5FMfxc0

All I want from Christmas
https://poneb.in/XHH5UPCN

Couch Surfing
https://poneb.in/82NscJdW

A collection of misc. green since the 1st thread
https://poneb.in/0JMPM6F8

i miss my wife

Bump.

>>42523758
Yeah, saw it the first time it got deleted.

Tell the class why you hate the thread again, ma'am.

Apple mare goodness.

So if the common trope is the crystal heart pares you with your best match. Do you think you'd end up with whatever pony you consider your waifu right now?

>>42523940
No.

>>42523940
Either that or a mare who is very close to my waifu in spirit. The chances of matching with a specific mare are very slim.

>>42523975
Alright Anon here's your new mare wife no takesies backsies

>>42524080
Oh boy, a severely damaged, raging alcoholic! Just like me!

>>42523940
I doubt it, one-sided love is too different from a relationship that can possibly make both sides happy. Sometimes what you want isn't what you need. Assuming the heart really knows what's best for both of you, of course.

>>42524118
Another mission successful!!

>>42524080
Her spirit doesn't compare to my waifu at all.

>>42524357
How over the top do you think Cadance and Shining react when Flurry is old enough to show up in the crystal heart connections?

>>42524682
Expect a mixture of pride and mother hen reactions.

>>42523940
Not necessarily. If your waifu IS your best match, then sure. Everything's hunky-dory. But if she's not, then that opens the door to a lot of introspection and dealing with extricating yourself from a parasocial relationship to focus on a real one.

>>42523940
Would it matter?

>>42523335 (OP)
Greetings from Flutterrape.

>You are Anon.
>And you are old.
>You've lost count of how many years you've been in Equestria.
>You can't even remember how you got here any more.
>And yet, some things never change.
>Knock... knock... knock...
"All right, hold on now, I'm a comin'..."
>It takes a little bit of time to get up from your chair, thanks to arthritis.
>It also takes you a little bit of time to find your glasses.
>And your cane.
>But the caller at your door is patient.
>You knew she would be.
>But you do eventually make it to your front door and open it.
>And there is Fluttershy, as always.
>Her pink mane and tail have gone snow-white, and she needs a walker to get around nowadays.
"What do you want this time?"
>"Eh? What's that?"
>Fluttershy raises a trumpet to her ear.
>You repeat yourself into the trumpet.
"WHAT... DO... YOU... WANT... THIS... TIME?"
>"Y'ain't gotta talk that loud, I ain't totally deaf."
"Get on with it y'old bat, I got stuff to do."
>"Oh. Uh... lessee..."
>"..."
>"..."
>"..."
"Well?"
>I forgot what I was going to ask ye."
"Oh, for crying out loud..."
>You start to close your door.
>"Wait a minute, I just remembered!"
>You open the door again.
>"Are rocking chairs your fetish?"
"You already asked me that one."
>"Really? When?"
"Yesterday!"
>"Oh... what did you say?"
"YESTERDAY!"
>"No you old fool, what did you say yesterday when I asked you?"
"I said rocking chairs aren't my fetish!"
>"Oh. Right."
"You know something Fluttershy, this is stupid. You ain't never gonna guess my fetish, so I'm just gonna have to go ahead and tell you."
>The aging pegasus peers sharply at you through her glasses.
>"Really?"
"Yes, really!"
>She swallows nervously.
>"All right then, lay it on me, baby!"
"All right. My fetish is growing old together with the one I love."
>"..."
>"..."
>"But we're already old now, Anon!" she cries out in frustration.
"Yep, guess you missed the boat on that one, you old bat! Hee-hee-hee-hee!"
>You slam the door in her face.

>>42524985
>Both are already old
They could at least spend some good years together.

>>42524481
You DARE refuse her judgement?!

>>42523940
Probably not.

>>42524895
one results in the satisfaction of being right, the other in a period of self-reflection.

>>42525433
Duh. I can't handle getting maimed castrated used as livestock or whatever the fuck she's into. That shit is for very special guys.

Flower mare would love to have a husbander who is helping her with her craft. Have you trained your green thumbs?

>>42526351
Yeah, I like some old Cypress Hill.

>>42526632
Tree Hugger is cute.

Happy fizzle mare.

>>42526968
Tree Hugger is really cute, but I'm not sure I could tolerate her indulgences.

>>42527443
I don't think she'd be that bad. Equestria's counterparts are usually more idealised or better versions of the stuff we have here on earth, so she wouldn't be a trainwreck pot head. More like a chill mare who has gathered a trove of exotic methods and spices and such.

>>42527443
Just because one dude has a headcanon about a character doesn't mean you can't have a totally different headcanon about her.
To me, Tree Hugger is a little spacey and really loves nature, but is not a drug user.
She just likes to get high on life, man.
She loves going outdoors, hiking, and camping.
She's into alternative music, and owns a set of bongo drums.
She talks a lot of silliness about auras and vibes and things like that.
But if you're into the whole pothead mare thing and can deal with that baggage, you do you I guess.

>>42527519
I like that perspective.

>>42526351
I really like this picture

>>42527519
>She's into alternative music
I wonder what alternative music means in Equestrian terms.

At Mare Fair
My wife btw isn't she lovely

>>42527519
that's a good headcanon.

>>42528360
>turning the terrible trio into the fearsome four
This Anon is living the dream.

>>42528360
A critical hit right to my soul.

>>42528935
Those are the best.

Oz mare acute

>>42529458
*acunte

>>42529458
Cutie. Would hang upside down with.

>>42524080
I don't think the Crystal Heart thing is even compatible with Fagout Equestria unless Cadence just fucking sends you to an another timeline.

>>42529719
>another timeline
We had stories that dealt with Caddy matching guys with mares across several timelines before. That didn't have stuff like FoE in mind though.

>>42523335 (OP)
>There is nothing more pure than the love between man and a mare
>the only green going on is way more about the foalmaking love between stallion and a mare

>>42529951
I tried writing in a lot of different threads and I eventually came to realize I was just terrible at it, though great oc art like >>42528360 always sparks a small part in my brain that hopes someone else will try their hand at it.

>>42529951
be the change you want to see

>>42528360
This is a million times better than the drug hag take.

>>42529951
Oh hey, the usual pointless complaint post.

Mares with glasses are extra cute.

>>42529719
I think it actually is compatible with Chadout Equestria though

Mare sleep.

>>42527436
Bubbly personality.

Fast board again.

>>42532142
Everybody bumps their threads at the same time, some days.

>>42531189
>Chadout Equestria
I just want my mare happy in a world that isn't toasted to death. Is that too much to ask for?

Mare in the winter snow.

Would you a military mare?

>>42533607
Oh yeah.

posting in dead imagebump general

>>42533607
YES

>>42533607
yea

>>42534074
I wanna turn that frown into a smile.
>Captcha SADPR

>>42532625
>Is that too much to ask for?
Uh, yes! You and your mare need to be as miserable as I feel all the time.

>>42527519
>>42528360
>Anon helps ground Tree Hugger
>Tree Hugger helps anon appreciate the world a lot more

>>42534378
I refuse.

>>42535414
Amen.

>>42534932
A perfect symbiosis.

Fair mares.

>>42536408
the mares are fair

>>42529951
By all means, write a green yourself to improve the situation. This thread would benefit from having more writers.

kissing mares!

>>42537887
The best moment there is.

>>42533607
Yes.

>>42537887
>The left image in the background
Wait a second, when they're both in bed holding hooves for sure, who took the photo?

>>42533607
I wouldn't meet her standards.

>>42539334
I'm sure you could hug a pony well enough.

>>42539557
I could, yeah. I'd love to.

>>42537887
I think I couldn't stop. Knocking be damned.

>>42532470
Like now.

>>42539334
that's what boop camp is for

..Thought I heard mares. Oh well.
>*turns off light*
>"Uhh..click, y'all.."
Thanks, lamp.

>>42541736
>Anon never was the brightest tool in the shed.
>Unfortunately for him, Applejack was.

>>42541736
Runs in the family.

>>42541736
>Only have ceiling lamps
Now I know what I'm doing wrong.

>>42542579
>Mare boops anon
How the tables have turned.

>>42538087
>Mare magicks
Beats every other spell out there.

>Page 8 in an hour
Yep, sliding in process.

>>42544428
Here we go again.

>>42542579
I hope nobody sees them. Imagine the gossip if a princess is seen in this pose in public.

A lovely picture of my lovely wife
We were married at Mare Fair

>>42546019
>didn't even shell out for actual art
how can you love your wife if you're such a skinflint

>>42546090
Not him but it checks out
You have to keep your shit together if you live in the badlands

>>42546019
>>42546090
I met pipfag at mare fair

>>42546019
>>42546265
Very nice, Honestly I hope everyone who got hitched is happy. Definitely need to go next year

>>42546265
That's a mighty sus face.

Smug mares have a special charm.

>>42546419
They just know..

>>42546716
And they know that we know too.

>>42546969
Mare has clearance, Clarence.
Just need to check her vector, Victor.
Roger, Roger.

>>42546993
The mareplane is a magical place.

>>42547009
If only I could be apart of that itinerary..

>>42546019
>foetranny was at normiefair
Why am I not surprised?

>>42547728
How was homecon?

>>42548004
>pic
How could I never think of that before. Mares, males. Cute.

>>42548099
Mare to male communication is a beautiful thing

>>42523335 (OP)
There is nothing more pure than the love between a man and a man.

>>42548099
>maleposting on /mlh/
I'm sure that's one of their favorite memes.

>>42546265
>Pipfag
This ain't Pip. She's too big.
The real Pip is smol.

Bump.

>On page 8 again
It's slide o' clock.

>>42547728
>normiefair
What's wrong with Marefair?

>>42549830
it's just the new line of shitposting
how dare people socialize, and all that nonsense.

>>42549830
>what's wrong with a bunch of normalfag posers who don't actually like pony
If you can't see what's wrong with that you're part of the problem

>>42549863
are you that nigga who's spamming those threads seething about mare fair
LMAOOOOOOOOOOOO buck broken

>>42549854
Socialization is normalfaggotry, if you aren't a shut-in basement dweller you're a normie.

>>42549871
>u-ur mad
I accept your concession normalfag

nigga never watched the show
friendship is magic

>>42549899
>Friendship is when I consoom product and have gay sex
No.

>>42549899
Friendship is dead. Hatred is fun. /mlp/ is full. You need to leave.

>>42548650
This.

>>42544023
True.

>>42523940
We have too many similarities not to be.

>>42550702
I think we have a couple of people who'd say that.

>Fashion mare sees a way to create new styles of clothing with (you)
Would you join in?
And how would you help?
Are you the idea guy, or do you play a more active role?

4chan moderation dox dump
https://files.catbox.moe/ogmfp4.txt

>>42550702
>>42550767
When you've got 90% of the fandom who's exactly like that you gotta ask yourself if just being similar is enough to make you the best match possible. I don't think it's that easy.

>>42550791
I'm her brand guy.
>.,Darling, 'Nike', 'New Balance'?..These are so catchy and amazing!
>"Yep came up with em' myself. Just now."

>>42551213
anon if he went to equestria

>>42551243
don't encourage it

>>42550791
Well obviously I'd encourage the cringiest ideas AND model for her. It's time for the fedora tipping brony stereotype to make a comeback.

>Husbando is doing the 'euphoric' thing again
That man and that hat...

>>42551091
>similar is enough to make you the best match possible
Not always. If you're both too shy to make the first move for example, the couple has a problem.

>>42548650
No that's a 5'11" manlet and his 2'11" marelet wife

Bat mare.

>>42551768
He doesn't look so small.

>>42551561
Twilight of all mares would understand being enlightened by one's own intellect.

>>42551561
>>42552741
I don't get it.

>>42511041
I just spotted a prime-level retardation in chapter 178. In some passages, it describes Sky Squall and Firefly as being golden and magenta respectively, but that's of course partially incorrect since they are using alter egos and dyes to cover their actual coat and mane colours, which means that this description is somewhat misleading. I'll correct that when the next update drops.
And I'm surprised that no one pointed it out either.

>>42553218
I assumed they were only dyed during the "vacation". Keeping up with the dye for a hundred+ years would be a chore.

>>42553621
What if they create a public oopsie? Ponies in the bumfuck of nowhere don't know them but the princess will remember.

>>42553218
You're a embarrassment to this thread.

>>42531679
With a little extra spark.

Thoughts about Fleetfoot?

>>42554408
Thhe hath the beth horth puthy.

>>42554408
why do they call her fleetfoot when nothing's got feet
do ponies even know what a foot is

>>42555014
>do ponies even know what a foot is
Bipedals like Spike exist. It's not a foreign concept to them. But it begs the question how a mare got this name.

Hammer mare.

>>42555329
STOP!
Ha-mare time!

>>42555181
but those aren't feet those are hindclaws

>>42555840
I'm trying to think of a fitting character, but I've got nothing.

>>42555998
I guess the monkeypeople from the movie?

>>42556007
The best we have, I guess. But the movie is a poor point of reference.

>>42523335 (OP)
Mares love big black cocks, whiteys are inferior and can't compete with the black race with their tiny peckers that all mares laugh at as they go with their black boyfriends.

>>42556126
true
but instead of talking about feet we should talk about mares and how nice it would be to hug one

>>42556131
can confirm my mare just left me for the black man with his giant black cock that my small penis cant compete with because I go to mare fair.

>>42556140
Good idea. It would be the best. Nothing can compare to it.

Big mares for a big thread.

Moon mare.

>>42556140
I would never let go.

>>42557505
well, I mean, you'd have to eat sometimes, you can't make all your food one-handed.

>>42557852
Good point. But I would hold on to them ike crazy.

>>42558384
as is proper

>>42556503
Imagine the hugs.
And the spooning.

Could (you) stabilize a fragile mare?

>>42553071
And you never will, newfag tourist.

>>42559227
Maybe.

>>42556503
Yes.

Heads up.

>>42559552
Would you try?

>>42553621
Well, I originally didn't mean to specify this point at all, as I did not intend to describe which masking strategies they use during their stay in detail. The previous chapters have established a good assortment of those, so I planned to keep the details open for interpretation, and merely mention once again that they utilise fabricated life stories since they obviously cannot tell the ponies the truth about their origin.
And now that you say it, I tend to agree. Maintaining the dye job the entire time would be possible, albeit very cumbersome. I think a realistic compromise would be to use simple optical illusions for their day-to-day interactions with the locals, and only apply the body dye when the circumstances demand a less "magical" camouflage. But as I said, that wasn't meant to be a part of the story. It's a misstep on my end.

>>42560977
Your shit is trash, stop posting.

>>42560977
Why do they even have to disguise themselves? Other ponies with the same coat colors exists. Plus I'm sure #deca.mare could somehow alter what color their fur grows with initially. And it does not have to be a huge change either, just simply darkening/lightening it is enough.

>>42560359
Mare up.

>>42560631
Yes.

>>42561772
That's the spirit.

>>42561790
>Spirit
G-G-G-Ghost mares, Scoob'?

>>42562255
Starting to lean into the strange waifu category, but why not.

>>42561064
>Why do they even have to disguise themselves? Other ponies with the same coat colors exists.
True. It's not the colours themselves that are necessarily the problem since there are certainly hundreds of ponies out there with a very similar colour palette, but it is the larger pattern that might create a notable anomaly. Having, for example, a group of three Pegasi and an Earth pony travelling together is nothing out of the ordinary. That factor by itself is likely to be very commonplace. A golden pony being married to a magenta one is nothing peculiar either.
The problem comes into play when these factors merge though. Having a group of four ponies where every factor matches, from the constellation of the group down to their individual descriptions and relationships, is highly unlikely. That's where a recognisable pattern might emerge. As the other Anon said, the ponies in Summer Shine would not have the frame of reference to connect the dots, but if, for whatever reason, something unexpected were to happen, like an encounter with Celestia, then their true selves would catch her attention. Granted, it is an unlikely scenario, but why would they risk it?
>Plus I'm sure #deca.mare could somehow alter what color their fur grows with initially.
She can adapt their coat colours, yet that would require an alteration of the proxies on a genetic level since they are using their regular ones for their life on the surface. They did not grow "extra" bodies for this.
>And it does not have to be a huge change either, just simply darkening/lightening it is enough.
I'm not sure if a slight change would throw really inquisitive ponies off their tracks. It would work in most cases, especially in a remote place like this village, but it would not necessarily have an impact on the outliers. And it is these outliers that they are concerned about.

Would you a DJ mare?

>>42551980
Batty mare.

My lovely wife (It's canon)

>>42563380
>(It's canon)
How?

>>42563580
Cuz it happens in the story, have you even read it? She gets married to this guy

>>42563631
>She gets married to this guy
I wasn't aware Pipfag is a giant flying freezer.

>>42563676
>fun freezer
Fun RAISER

>>42563057
I'd give her a spin.

>>42562816
>why would they risk it?
Then time to alter their coat colors permanently. Using dyes is not a risk free solution. As their fur grows it quickly becomes noticeable. Maybe less than a week until they have to re-apply. Using constant visual manipulation is suspicious as you said.
Or keep their normal colors and avoid Celestia and avoid anything what would draw any attention.
>would throw really inquisitive ponies off their tracks
I'm pretty sure there are barely anyone alive who remembers/have met them besides their kids/grandkids and Celestia. Their kids buried them, and I'm pretty sure they will die soonish too. And Celestia is highly unlikely to visit this town. Even if she does, she will be busy to notice individuals. Plus why would she even suspect that these four are alive? All they have to do is not appear close together in front of her. If the four disperses in the crowd it's more than enough to break the pattern what she might recognize. Especially if all four are slightly different color. And simple pair of glasses is more than enough disguise in real life most of the time. If two of them wears a hat and/or a bandana around their neck is again more than enough to throw off subconscious pattern recognition.

>>42564937
Thanks for the reminder, Berry.

>>42554408
Cute swift and adorable lisp.

>>42563580
It's canon in real life when Anon and Littlepip got married at Mare Fair 2025

>>42564937
...'Do for it her?'
Is that an irish coffee she's drinking?

>>42564937
Funny looking mare.

>>42565370
I wonder what the mares on /mlh/ will say to that.

>>42566383
Depends on how popular Pipfag is among the mares.

This is my wife. I love her so much.

>>42566634
>Bareback Twilight
Wholesome.

>>42566552
A very small, very autistic fanbase

Mares are so beautiful.

Hard working mare doing her best to fix the sliding issue.

Mare up.

I love my wife

>>42567789
>She has a necklace
That's cute.

Lucky mare.

>>42567789
Oh! Oh! I saw her in the play!

>>42568174
She's quite a talented actress, she had a great time up on stage

>>42568357
>Derpy didn't wreck the stage
Now that's a surprise.

>>42568084
but is she also a plucky mare

>>42569305
And that's a good thing.

>>42568792
Guess she never got to sit down.

>>42569763
I think we know what went right then.

>>42568357
Nooooo onnnnnnnne
Gets matched like Gast-anon
Pats mares backs like Gast-anon

>>42570139
What about the rest of us?

>>42564391
Have a sun mare.

Have a sun mare.

>>42564391
>Then time to alter their coat colors permanently. [...]
I suppose that would be the most "user-friendly" solution for such a long period of time. And now that I think about it, it was also poorly thought-out of me to state explicitly in an off-story comment that they use paint. The whole thing about the techniques which they utilise in particular to don a new identity was meant to be kept opaque from the start, leaving some room for speculation and such. Me absent-mindedly mentioning colours was what messed that idea up in the end.
>avoid Celestia and avoid anything what would draw any attention.
That's plan A to begin with in any case. The disguise/alter ego thing is meant to be a plan B if something unexpected, albeit admittedly very unlikely were to happen.
>anyone alive who remembers/have met them besides their kids/grandkids and Celestia [...]
They also show up in the records of this village from this point onwards, and thereby make their lasting mark in the history of Summer Shine. That vector will stay no matter what, which opens up the potential for future historians to draw parallels. I know, this is a total fringe case that is about as likely as winning the lottery, and probably wouldn't even lead to any consequences if said future pony would point said parallels out, but still. It is a theoretical future issue that they can avoid by doing something now. Honestly, I didn't expect this detail to turn into a proper discussion, considering that it was planned to be a side-point in the story. But that's entirely on me. And it's good to have someone who points these things out.

>>42570948
This is what they call a "heavenly body".

>>42571402
I wanna be caught in her gravitational pull.

>>42571944
Little known fact: her sister has much stronger forces affecting unsuspecting anons.

>Mhmm...
>[tl note: "I would like to sign my...friend, Narble up for the Princess's Match Service."]

>>42572131
So exciting.

>>42572448
>She has to use a mask and shirt to speak
Whatever it takes to work for her.

Monday?
Should be Mareday

>>42569866
Exactly.

>>42573039
She looks oddly happy for a chained mare.

>>42573419
They don't say ball and chain for no reason

She can be cute sometimes.

>>42573519
She's having a ball because she's chained?

>>42556131
>>42556142
Good thread

>>42574066
Just ignore the idiot. He's clearly trying to stir up shit.

>>42523495
Applejack isn't a mess. Never has been.

>>42573039
Every day should be mare day.

>>42511041
And it's update time. As I mentioned, I have fixed my derp in the last chapter and slightly altered the lines which described the current colours of Firefly and Sky Squall. The passages functionally remained the same though. With that out of the way, here comes chapter 179.
Main story:
https://ponepaste.org/477
https://ponepaste.org/478
https://ponepaste.org/479
https://ponepaste.org/480
https://ponepaste.org/4581
https://ponepaste.org/8319
https://ponepaste.org/10382
Side story:
https://ponepaste.org/4466
Have fun.

>>42575038
179.1

>You spend the rest of they day in Summer Shine, making the rounds as you get a chance to talk to the residents of the village.
>Some of them already know you given that you have paid a short visit to the village previously, but now you get the chance to introduce yourselves to the community as a whole.
>And just as Firefly predicted, you are indeed greeted with open arms and a warm welcome.
>For friendly neighbours who are willing and happy to support the village with their talents are always appreciated.
>And your intentions to spruce up the founding household definitely helps a lot to convince the local ponies as well.
>For it appeals to their traditions and their roots, and you have no doubt that it will be seen as a good omen for the future.
>The fact that it is done by a trio of Pegasi plus one Earth pony may be unusual, especially for the more traditionally-inclined Earth ponies.
>But at the end of the day, it is the aspiration that counts.
>And in this regard, your plans undoubtedly gel very neatly with the spirit of Summer Shine.
>As the ceremonies come to a close and the sun is about to set, one of the Earth pony families invites you to spend the night in their cellar.
>It is neither very big nor overly luxurious, but it is a quiet place to get some rest.
>And with just a modest amount of straw, the expedient "bed" becomes comfortable enough for the four of you.
>Once everything is prepared, you thank the ponies for their help and watch as they leave, presumably to go to sleep as well.
>They keep the hatch open for the night, both to ensure a decent airflow and because they know that Pegasi in particular do not like to be completely encapsulated, leaving you to the relative, but not complete privacy of the cellar chamber.
>Still, the arrangement is very generous, all things considered.
>So the four of you try to make the best out of the situation.
>You lie down on the straw and try to relax.
>Then, shortly after everyone has found a suitable spot, you start to chuckle.
>And Firefly is the first to comment on it.
>"Anon? What's on your mind?"
>You take a look around and smile.
"Just a little throwback. Do you know what this reminds me of?"
>Naturally, the Pegasus mare shakes her head.
>You start to whisper as you go on.
>For the Earth ponies would not understand what you are talking about.
"The prep days before the pilot courses. The dorm rooms on the first training station were like this."
>You take a breath.
"Well, kind of. We had metal walls all around us and the company wasn't so cordial, but you know what I mean."
>Firefly nods slowly.
>"I can imagine."
>She pauses and stretches her body within the limited space of the room, minding not to hit anyone with her wings and hooves.
>"But it's not to my tastes. Cramped and narrow spaces are still a nuisance."
>Firefly turns to #deca.mare.
>"No offence."
>#deca.mare shrugs and smiles.
>"None taken."

>>42575041
>You speak up again.
"What can I say, it sort of comes close to these times. And it's funny to do that again."
>A pause.
"At least for a night or two. I don't think I'd like to completely return to this way of life though."
>You take a long breath.
"No, a life in a spacious house with plenty of green right around the corner is more like it."
>Sky Squall laughs.
>"Anon, you don't sound like someone who is settling down, you sound like someone who is about to retire."
>You grin wryly.
"Oh, don't worry, Sky. That's not going to happen. I will pester you with my rookie skills for many millennia. You won't get rid of me so easily."
>He huffs, but smiles at the same time.
>"Good. I was worried for a second that you might start to slack."
>You turn to the stallion and mirror his expression.
"Then allow me to convince you otherwise. Starting with the preparations tomorrow."
>#deca.mare responds to that.
>"Right. And we can make our first good impressions as well."
>You look at her.
"Sounds like you already have a plan."
>She does.
>"Indeed. And it is faithful to our history as we have presented it too."
>You nod.
"Okay. So what's the strategy?"
>#deca.mare looks at the three of you in turn.
>"We split like we did during our guard missions. You go around and ask for minor weather related errands that can be done on the spot."
>She pauses and smiles.
>"And trust me, there are some. Courtesy of... a little surprise weather adaptation. They are not severe, but just bothersome enough to warrant a quick Pegasus intervention. Stray clouds, light unscheduled rain near a field, things like that."
>Her smile grows even wider.
>"A perfect opportunity for newcomers to present their skills."
>She turns to Sky Squall.
>"You can give them a good show. Just like you wanted, Sky."
>He listens to her words in silence.
>And it does not take a genius to figure out that he likes the proposition.
>You respond.
"Sounds fine. And what about you?"
>#deca.mare chuckles.
>"Me? I do what I did before. I handle the logistics on the ground."
>She elaborates after a short pause.
>"I talk to the ponies and coordinate the preparations."
>You blink.
"In other words, you scrape up the tools and the material while we show the crowd why it's a good idea to do so."
>She shrugs.
>"That is one way to put it. What do you say?"
>You take a breath.
"It works for me."
>Then you look at Sky Squall and Firefly.
>Both of them agree tacitly.
"Okay. Then that's how we do it."
>You close your eyes and stretch your body.
"It's getting late though. Time to take a nap."
>Then you glance over to Sky Squall.
"We want to be in good shape for our performance tomorrow, right Sky?"
>As if he would object.
>On the contrary, he agrees with a grin on his face.
>"Sure thing, princess. You need your beauty sleep."

>>42575042
>You roll your eyes in a display of overtly faux frustration.
>"Pft, who's the princess here? Who has the lofty standards, hm?"
>The Pegasus stallion snickers at a regular volume.
>"This is different. My demands are professional. And they always were."
>You tilt your head as you think of a response.
"That's..."
>Firefly interrupts you by poking your side all of a sudden.
>"Shush, both of you. You wake up the ponies above us."
>Well, she has a point.
>For a moment you have forgotten that you are not alone in this house.
>You lower your voice again.
"Oh, right. Sorry."
>And Sky Squall falls silent too.
>For there is a time and a place for banter.
>Right now though, this cellar is neither.
>Firefly goes on, addressing Sky Squall and you simultaneously.
>"You'll get your chance to shine tomorrow. Save your energy for that."
>Sky Squall heeds Firefly's advice and reins his own eagerness in.
>So you drop the jests as well and leave it at that.
>You take a breath and relax.
"Good night, everyone."
>Firefly and Sky Squall give you a swift quasi salute with a wing.
>And #deca.mare silently comes a little bit closer.
>You hug her at once.
>A gesture which she reciprocates just a second later.
>As you hold each other tightly, you close your eyes and doze off almost immediately.

>>42575047
179.2

>"Rise and shine!"
>What?
>"Time to get up! It's almost dawn."
>You slowly open your eyes and try to trace the source of the sound.
>Your vision is very blurry at first.
>But it gradually improves within a few seconds, as the scene in front of you gets clearer and clearer.
>As it turns out, the words were spoken by an Earth pony mare who is peeking through the hatch.
>You start to stir more or less subconsciously, and you notice that you are not the only one.
>#deca.mare opens her eyes as you move, fully awake right from the get-go.
>And the sound of rustling straw on the other side tells you that Sky Squall and Firefly are slowly coming to as well.
>Your mind has not reached its proper processing speed yet, but you are the first to reply.
"Uh, what time is it?"
>The already chipper Earth pony mare, seemingly lightly amused by your apparent morning sluggishness, answers right away.
>"Ten minutes before sunrise. The perfect time to start the day!"
>Well, that mare is certainly a morning pony.
>Then again, you bet that most of them are.
>You are about to say that you need a moment, but something stops you before you can utter a single word.
>A wing swoops in from the side, slapping your head with moderate force.
>The hit itself is not exactly impactful, yet the sudden faceful of feathers baffles you enough to wake you up for good.
>You turn to Firefly, and find a mare who looks almost as puzzled as you.
>Then she starts to recall where you are and what is going on.
>"Oh, My apologies."
>You shrug.
>After all, it was an unintended slap, probably caused by the unusual circumstances.
>She simply acted out of habit and did not consider that #deca.mare and you are in the vicinity.
"It's okay. Don't worry about it."
>At least you are fully awake now.
>#deca.mare and you get up, shake the hanging straw off, and slowly move to the hatch.
>The rustling of the two Pegasi gets a bit louder too, but they have not risen yet.
>But you are sure that they will follow soon.
>So #deca.mare and you leave the cellar right as the Earth pony mare takes a couple of steps back to let you through.
>Once the two of you are standing in the room of the proper house, you take a look around.
>It looks like the entire family is already up and busy.
>The breakfast preparations are in full swing, someone has already gathered a small number of carpentry tools for a certain purpose, and some muffled thumping noises coming from the outside suggest that something is happening out there as well.
>You are looking at a family of true early birds.
>The Earth pony mare speaks up.
>"The breakfast is almost done. Do you want to join us?"
>You nod.
"If four additional heads are no problem, sure."
>She smiles.
>"It's not. Our storages are nearly stocked to the brim. The last harvest was excellent."

>>42575051
>Well, that makes it easy to decide.
"In this case, we'd be happy to accept. Thanks."
>The mare keeps smiling.
>"Any time. Neighbours have to stick together, don't you think?"
>You nod.
"Sure. Is there anything we can do to help?"
>She eyes the table.
>An assortment of wooden bowls has been placed on its surface.
>Larger food bowls and smaller drinking bowls alike.
>Enough for the whole family.
>Plus four.
>Nine sets of bowls in total.
>They must have expected that you would like to dine with them.
>You are of course grateful for the considerate gesture, but you also notice that it will be a crowded affair.
>"Not really. We're almost good to go."
>You hear more sounds coming from the cellar.
>Steps, as you swiftly realise.
>Then, a few seconds later, Firefly emerges from the hatch.
>Followed by Sky Squall shortly thereafter.
>The Earth pony mare directs her attention to the two newcomers.
>"Good morning!"
>Sky Squall responds.
>"Good morning. And thanks for the bed."
>Again, the mare positively beams with mirth and hospitality.
>And Sky Squall is quick to notice that the hospitality has not reached its end yet as he sees the bowls on the table.
>"Nine..."
>Sky Squall pauses for a second.
>More than enough time for the Earth pony mare to complete the thought for him.
>"We can't let you leave without breakfast, now can we? Hope you like oats!"
>And true to her words, the oldest foal of the couple, a pony who is a year or two past the age of a colt, enters the room with a large bowl on his back.
>Said bowl is indeed filled with oats and a small selection of freshly picked berries.
>Locally grown and harvested to boot.
>Sky Squall eyes the food with a slight degree of surprise.
>"That's... another favour on our list."
>The mare chuckles.
>"Not for that. It's a part of the welcome celebration."
>The stallion nods slowly in appreciation.
>And as far as the mare is concerned, this probably appears to be the end of it.
>A friendly gesture in response to an act of hospitality.
>But you know better.
>Because Sky Squall will not let this go so easily.
>No, in his eyes, this is yet another encouragement to return their favours with a peak performance.
>At this point, you mentally prepare yourself for a full-scale flight show.
>Perhaps you should remind him in a quiet moment that he should not push it too far.
>After all, there is a difference between a spotless display of skill and going all out.
>But the breakfast comes first.
>For the family starts to gather around the table.
>So the four of you do the same.
>As you have predicted, the circle is indeed pretty tight.
>You sit shoulder to shoulder between #deca.mare and Sky Squall, with very little room to shift or fidget.

>>42575053
>The others are equally tucked in within your little circle.
>Still, with a bit of consideration, you can make do with what you have.
>You wait until it is your turn to pour some of the oats into your bowl, then you wait patiently until everyone is ready to eat.
>But before you begin, all nine of you nod almost in unison to properly mark the beginning of the breakfast.
>Then you savour the taste.
"This is great. You weren't kidding, the harvest must have been blessed."
>Your comment catches the attention of the Earth pony stallion.
>"You know your way around plants?"
>You try to give him an honest assessment of your skills.
"A bit. I've... been involved in a fair share of gardening and harvesting. But I wouldn't call myself an expert."
>The stallion eyes you thoroughly for a moment.
>And judging from his expression, you think that he respects your stance.
>"A good start. Understanding is the key to appreciation. That's important, don't you think?"
>It is not hard to guess what he is trying to point out.
"I think so. It helps to get a clear perspective on a craft. And how much effort it takes to create something good."
>Again, he seems to be satisfied with your response.
>"You know, I think you'll fit right in."
>You nod.
"Thank you. That's good to hear."
>Firefly raises her voice.
>"What about you? What do you think of flying?"
>In spite of her rather blunt way of delivering this turnaround, Firefly's tone is not exactly provocative.
>If anything, you would rather say that she is genuinely curious.
>Nevertheless, you tense for a second.
>Yet the stallion merely shrugs.
>"It's not for me. If my ancestors wanted me to fly, they would have given me wings."
>Well, this is an understandable answer.
>After all, you can dabble in his profession, yet he cannot do the same with yours.
>He cannot fully understand the sensation of flight, even if he wanted to.
>The stallion goes on.
>"But I guess it's a challenging craft too. It can't be easy to keep yourself afloat up there."
>He tries his best to remain fair in his assessment, even without any proper knowledge about the subject.
>And just as he respected your evaluation of harvesting, so does Firefly acknowledge his vision of what it means to fly.
>She smiles.
>"You're right. We'll get along nicely."
>Firefly lightly taps the surface of the table with a forehoof.
>"A toast to a nice neighbourhood."
>The Earth pony stallion joins in with a tap of his own.
>"And many good years to come."
>The two ponies drink from their smaller bowls to complete the toast.
>And the rest of you does the same.

>>42575057
Done. Thoughts and comments are appreciated as always. And I hope that I didn't insert the next blunder into this chapter.

Marespionage in progress.

>>42575066
it's a nice little section. Didn't see anything glaring, and it's good to meet the neighbors.

>>42573738
>DO YOU THINK I'M CUTE, PRIVATE ANONYMOUS, DO YOU THINK I'M FUNNY?!

>>42575524
Yes.

>>42575970
And beautiful too.
A lot of sliding going on at the moment.

Mare courtship dance

>>42576335
Look at her go!

>>42575524
A little bit?

breathe deep
It's like inhaling sugar

>>42576744
Pie-a-beetus.

>>42576744
The best way to get a sugar rush.
Maybe the healthiest too.

>>42572131
How do you get off when you're done?

Bat mares like it frilly.

Up.

>>42574864
It is. When you have found your mare.

>>42576335
Damn, I have to work on my moves to keep up.

>>42576335
Impressive.

How would you help your mare to deal with bad memories?

>>42578979
I'm no therapist but if it's just cringe memories I'd just tell her mine so we could laugh about it and maybe laugh at hers. If it's trauma then all I can really offer is being there for her. Maybe a perspective from an alien is just what she needs but I wouldn't bet everything on that.

>>42576744
>death from sugar overdose
but it's worth it

>>42579127
>Implying Pinkie would let it go this far
Her Pinkie sense will tell her to stop you before you're reaching that point.

Most searching high & low, low & high ahh mare

>>42579675
>Spelunking mare
I would love to join in.

>>42579032
>If it's trauma
Luckily that stuff is really rare in Equestria. In 99% of all cases, it's going to be cringe moments.

Bump.

I see the board is getting bombarded again.

>>42580358
Kind of weird of them to use tranny shit instead of, like, gore. People these days don't have the stomach for it, I guess.
...
Anyway...
Look at my waifu, isn't she amazing!

>>42580377
Cute mare with lively colors.
And she's making for a good drinking buddy.

>>42580410
>And she's making for a good drinking buddy.
Damn straight!

>>42580441
>Alcohol based life form
That's the horse metabolism for you.

>>42580491
Her liver is outstanding in its field!

>>42580510
Drinking is cute in Equestria. Because it doesn't screw the ponies up.

>>42580579
>it doesn't screw the ponies up.
Oh, but it does. It's just... Ponies are incapable of being "bad drunks"... It is antithetical to their very being.
Also, there are no consequences for drinking in Equestria. Except! The hangover...
What a wonderful world!

>>42580602
>Ponies are incapable of being "bad drunks"
That's what I meant. It doesn't wreck them long term.

Yep, fast board again.

>>42575057
>for the four of you
Already sleeping in the same bed. Some might accuse them to be in a herd.
>plenty of green right around the corner
Or growing in the floorboards and watered by the storms.
>fully awake right from the get-go
Has she not learned to simulate drowsiness?
>unintended slap
At least that wakes Anon up fully.
>four additional heads
Maybe "four additional stomach"?
>Hope you like oats!
Heh.
>pour some of the oats into your bowl
Just raw oats? That's not really tasty. Add some fruit sauce and mix it to make an oatmeal. For example apple sauce. Oats quickly soak up water (salvia) and become impossible to chew/swallow in their raw form.
>If my ancestors wanted me to fly
Heh. If they only knew.
>toast to a nice neighbourhood
Toast is a recent invention. At least the way we use it is only 200 years old. Sure they had toast since bread become a thing, but it was not common. So the expression here is somewhat out of place.

Thanks for the update!

>>42579127
Mare essence is too pure for that. It can't harm you.

>>42581446
it can, however, certainly charm you

>>42581910
>Can
Oh, it charms you 100%.

Mare bringing you her best produce.

Appul loaf.

>>42580602
>Except! The hangover...
Horses burn alcohol like nothing. They can't get a hangover.

Boy, this artificial board speed is annoying.

>>42583341
I remember when the board was actually fast. Threads got archived within 15-20 minutes without bumps.

>>42583516
That hasn't been a thing for a long time. And it's clear that the recent acceleration isn't natural. That's the main problem with it.

thanks janitor

She's got a form for you to sign Anon, she even has a pen you can borrow

>>42583818
Gotta hand it to you Pipfag.
At least you post ponies.

>>42583955
What can I say, I love my wife

>>42583960
Now con certified too.
That sounded better in my head.

Mare won't go

>>42583985
Got a marriage certificate and everything
/mlh/ hated this episode

>>42584276
That means you did everything right.

>>42581144
>Some might accuse them to be in a herd.
Kek.
>Has she not learned to simulate drowsiness?
That's pretty much a given after such a long time with Anon. She doesn't have to utilise it every time though.
>Maybe "four additional stomach"?
Good idea. I think I'll use that.
>Just raw oats? That's not really tasty. Add some fruit sauce and mix it to make an oatmeal.
The fresh berries which are mixed into the oats are there for exactly that reason. They add a lot of additional flavour and come with a decent amount of water to counteract the clumping.
>Sure they had toast since bread become a thing, but it was not common.
I'm not sure if we're on the same level here. Are you talking about the bread type, the gesture of toasting in general, or Firefly saying the word toast in particular?

Cute bookworm mare.

>>42584299
>/mlh/ hated this episode
Of course it did.

>>42575066
Where is human x mare?

>>42585037
Right there.

Guardsmares.

>>42584637
>fresh berries
I missed this. But you usually describe a lot of small details, and Anon just poured oats into a bowl, no water no fruits.
>toast
The expression, not the physical thing. Don't know what they used before.

>>42565370
>Pic
Cute. Who is she?

>>42585537
anon, I...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE4XKzipQLo

>>42523335 (OP)
>>>/trash/

>>42585609
I wasn't aware because Marefair was far out of my reach.

>>42585640
Stop projecting.

>>42585609
:chad:

>>42585293
Lovely.

>>42580602
>Octavia with goggles
What's the story behind that?

>>42585037
We know you aren't interested in the answer.

Mare.

>>42585371
>>42575066
Okay, I made some slight changes to a few lines of the chapter, based on our discussion. So don't get fooled by the update notifications. I really wish there would be an option to mark certain updates as edits only or something for the sake of clarity. Either way, the changes are as follows:

The line:
"If four additional heads are no problem, sure."
Changed to:
"If four additional stomachs are no problem, sure."
I agree that this sounds more fitting than my first version.

The line:
>You wait until it is your turn to pour some of the oats into your bowl, then you wait patiently until everyone is ready to eat.
Was changed to:
>You wait until it is your turn to pour some of the oats and berries into your bowl, then you wait patiently until everyone is ready to eat.
For the sake of clarification. I was wondering if I should add a mention of water too, but drinking bowls were mentioned earlier and they clearly have a drink later on so I figured that it would be redundant to point out here.

And lastly, the first line of the section:
>"A toast to a nice neighbourhood."
>The Earth pony stallion joins in with a tap of his own.
>"And many good years to come."
>The two ponies drink from their smaller bowls to complete the toast.
>And the rest of you does the same.
Was changed to:
>"Let's drink to a nice neighbourhood."
>The Earth pony stallion joins in with a tap of his own.
>"And many good years to come."
>The two ponies drink from their smaller bowls to complete the toast.
>And the rest of you does the same.
Based on the remarks that the term is a tad anachronistic. I kept the second one though since nobody is saying this part out loud. And it effectively is a toast anyway at the end of the day.

Redeemed mare.

>>42587424
>To the neighborhood!
Some mares will toast to anything!

>>42528360
A few words can create so much emotion...

>>42587449
would you give your mare a horn prosthesis to help her channel her magic properly again

>>42587772
If I knew how to or somone who knows how to, sure.

>>42587277
What a clouded mind!

Oh hey, it's fast o'clock again.

Mare in the wild.

>>42587608
Yeah. It's a small tightly knit community and they're the newcomers who are just about to move in. I figured this would be an obvious thing to toast to in their situation.

>>42588411
Still is.

>>42587772
Unless she explicitly tells me not to, yes.