//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: Curious // by I_Post_Ponies //------------------------------// I believe it would be fair to say I dislike going to market. Perhaps it is because it is something I am forced to do, or perhaps I just don’t like bargaining. Some ponies get a kick out of it, though. “Twelve bits!” I rolled my eyes. It was horribly overpriced for a loaf of bread, and I knew I could not accept such a price. “Six,” I replied. He frowned at my proposition. “Really? A stallion’s gotta eat! Ten bits.” Still too much, but I had had enough of this peddler. “Fine.” I handed the bits over to a fairly surprised seller as he handed me the loaf. “Come back any time!” He yelled at me as I walked away. A smile was plastered on his face. Oh yes, I just can’t wait until next time. Next was potatoes, then tomatoes, then apples. At least the mare who ran the apple stand had a more honest approach to manners, even if it was not the city-typical politeness I was used to. My shopping done for the week, I started home. “Hey!” I turned to the voice; it was coming from a off-white coated pony with an odd-colored mane and tail. It was half navy blue, half pink. How does one manage that? She approached me, taking leave of her post at a candy stall. “You know you could use some work on those haggling skills of yours.” I raised an eyebrow at her. “You were watching me?” She giggled. “No, the other vendors talk about you all the time. ‘The Most Generous Pony’, they call you. At least, next to the Element of Generosity. You buy their goods at higher prices than anypony else.” I rolled my eyes. “It is my money, what does it matter how I spend it?” “At this point, you’re just wasting it! I’m sure my companions enjoy the business, but they enjoy earning it, too. You’re just throwing it at them. How about this: next time you come to market, talk to me first; I’ll show you how to haggle properly.” “I know how to, I just don’t really feel like bothering with it.” “Nonsense,” she said, waggling her hoof at me, “Everyone I know loves to haggle. You just need a little push!” She leaned in and gave me a grin. “Just once?” “Fine,” I muttered. Why is she interested in how I buy my food, and why is she offering to help? The conversation was on my mind until I made it back home. I think I just don’t understand mares. The town’s changed since the creation of the Elements. Nothing so abrupt you could notice it with a moment of thought, but if you take your time and analyze what’s been happening, it becomes pretty apparent. The first thing was that showmare bringing a huge bear made of stars on us. Seriously, how does that happen? I know the Everfree is never truly quiet, but anything that comes out is dealt with quickly, whether it be the kind hoof of Fluttershy or the more harsh touch of the police force. One of the Elements took care of it in the end, though. Giant star bears have no business being around here. Next thing was the smoke could. Dragon took up residence in the worst possible spot. There are plenty of mountains fair away from town; what was he doing in that one? If I remember correctly, the Elements were sent to deal with that as well. Of course, they had the problem fixed in no time. Don’t even get me started on the parasprites. Anyone watching would just say it was an odd set of coincidences. Accidents, misunderstandings and the such—but they change things around here, just a little, every time. Ponies are more familiar around that zebra now. Everypony seems to be more open in general. I think we feel safer, too. I never said the changes were bad, but… Is anyone else even noticing?