Rarely am I so meticulous · 2:33am Feb 21st, 2015
About 10,500 into chapter 4. It's been taking a little more time than usual, the summation of experimenting with writing/revising techniques and uni work. Therefore, I thought I owed you another extract, whoever you are. You, yes, YOU! This is dedicated to you. 'Cause you're special, and you've gotta believe that.
The Apple sisters and Sweetie Belle returned to their drinks, but they were still listening. Rarity seemed to know this as well.
"Should we take a walk?" I asked.
Rarity finished her tea and set it on the table. I glanced at my watch, it was quarter-past two. The day would get cooler from then on.
"I think that is a good idea." she said. She stood and said to Applejack: "Excuse us for a moment."
I got up and dropped six bits on the table. Rarity motioned in the direction of the plaza and began walking. I walked a small distance behind her, saying nothing until we reached the fountain repurposed as a paddling pool. Foals were still splashing around while their parents sat nearby, talking about the heat and confessing their desire to join their foals in the fountain.
Rarity and I stopped by the edge of the water. We watched the reflection of the sun morph and tumble as the liquid mirror writhed. I took a bit from my pocket and held it in my hoof, before tossing it into the fountain. Rarity saw the gesture.
"Why did you do that?" she asked, looking at the coin sink and settle.
"It's a tradition from my homeland." I said. "They used to think that water contained the spirits of deities, and if you made an offering, they'd grant you a wish."
She considered my words for a moment and said: "What did you wish for?"
"I wished for whatever I needed most." I said, leaning against the stone edge. "Whatever that is."
"You don't know what you need?"
"I was hoping they would know." I said.
I turned and sat on the edge, just watching the world go by for a few seconds. Applejack and the fillies were still seated around the same table, chatting, laughing, sipping on their drinks. Perhaps I should have asked Applejack what I needed before asking the water deities. I knew what she would say though. She'd say I needed to quit, to move on, to settle down before I got myself killed. She'd be right, but I couldn't yet. I promised myself I'd avenge Zecora.
"Why do you hate me?" I asked. I didn't look at her.
I don't think I've read a HiE story with as complicated relationships with other ponies as you have here. Usually it's all love, all hate, indifference from the majority and liking from one or two, or something to that effect. Twilight Sparkle definitely treats Anon differently from Applejack, from Rainbow Dash, and now from Rarity. I don't think we've seen Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy yet (beyond a mention of Pinkie Pie's antics).
It's unique because it shows Anon is just another pony to them. The major characters usually act like a unit in most stories to outsiders. But they don't treat other residents of Ponyville that way.