Twilight Sparkle, the librarian.
I always thought her a curious one. A celebrated unicorn in both intellect and power, she had always been a symbol of everything that was good in Ponyville. She was known for being ready to help a weary traveler, eager to aid a lost filly, and most helpful in teaching, well, just about anything. Give her a hoof of interest in something, and she’d guide you a league. That’s what I’d heard about her, anyways. I’d only really met her once.
It was storming outside; Like a fool, I’d been caught in it. Sugarcube Corner was the next bastion of shelter, so I settled in with a muffin and made to wait out the storm. The librarian was also there with some books and a slice of cake. We paid each other no mind for a while, until I heard a grunt of frustration.
“Gah! This is so stupid! Why would Hoomfer write about fake gods in the first place when Celestia is clearly the only one?” She buried her head in the open book in front of her.
I knew it was no business of mine, but I couldn’t help myself. “What are you reading, there?”
“Huh?” She looked up and blinked a few times when she noticed me. “Oh, hi. It’s “The Odyssey” by Hoomfer. Pointless fiction, but Celestia wants me to read it for some reason.”
“Ah.” I nodded. “Can’t say I’ve read it myself.”
Her eyes seemed to sharpen as she leaned her head against a foreleg and peered at me. “I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ve met.”
I threw my head back and laughed. “I suppose not, though I’m not the most memorable pony.” Clearing my throat, I introduced myself. “I’m ****, a groundskeeper. And from the name of your teacher I would suspect you’re Twilight Sparkle.”
A smile lit up her face and she nodded in reply. “I feel famous.” Her eyes went to the ceiling in thought. “Well, I suppose saving Equestria and being the princess’ personal protege would qualify me as a—” She blushed and looked away sheepishly. “I’m ranting about myself…”
I waved her off. “I’d say you’ve earned it. But that book seems to be giving you trouble.”
Rolling her eyes, she replied, “Ugh, yeah. I just can get immersed in it. It’s all fake, what am I supposed to learn from it?”
“And your teacher didn’t tell you why she asked to you read it?”
She shook her head. “Nope, that’s one of Celestia’s favorite teaching methods: give me a task with no context and I learn why she asked me to do it by carrying said task out. I suppose it can get a little annoying, but I certainly can’t argue its effectiveness.”
The patter of the rain on the roof was getting a bit lighter. The storm would be passing before too long. I decided to offer to help Twilight. She’s much, much smart than I, but I had more experience with the world of make-believe.
“I’ve read a few novels myself. Could I offer some advice?”
“Go for it.”
I leaned in over my table, and drilled my gaze right into Twilight’s eyes. “Symbols, Twilight. That’s was really separates fiction from non-fiction. The idea that things do not stand for themselves. In your case, a god is not meant to be a god, but a representation of a force that governs the world.”
She raised an eyebrow at me. “That seems grossly unnecessary. Why can’t the author just state such a thing?”
The pattering had completely faded away, now.
A rather large grin grew on my face. “Ah, but Twilight… why didn’t Celestia just tell you the reason she’s asked you to read that book?”
I enjoy contests of skill. Watching them, at least.
Not four days ago was Ponyville’s local rodeo. It’s not the largest event, but the competition is still quite fierce, and egos still quite large. I almost feel sorry for the competitors, though, because there is no pony more skilled in leagues than the Apples, specifically the brother and sister duo Applejack and Big Macintosh. The winner of the whole thing is always one or the other, though I must admit Applejack has shown an advantage in more recent years.
I like knowing the outcome. It eliminates variables, allows me to study other things. Bah, I sound like Twilight Sparkle. Can’t deny I enjoy crowd-watching, though.
Sometimes, I’ll get caught up with the spirit and, to my utmost surprise, start getting into it! The ending rounds of competition are intense, ponies pushing themselves beyond barriers they’d only railed against before. I do wonder what inspires them sometimes. Is it pride alone? I suspect there is more, so I’m always searching for that curiosity. The thing I love to see, love to draw out.
The thing I’m scared of.
This year’s competition was won by Applejack. I knew she’d come through. She still had stubbornness left over from that apple harvesting fiasco.
I wonder… why haven’t I talked to her about that, yet? Perhaps I should.