“Hello, Rainbow Dash,” a mature, blue-maned mare said with a smile. “I am Mayor Evergreen. Though I may be late to the party, as it were... heh heh... I do whole-heartedly welcome you to our town of Ridgeside.”
The two ponies shook hooves on the edge of a second-story balcony overlooking the center of the bustling village. A spray of clouds drifted through the afternoon sunlight overhead as Rainbow Dash then took a step back and smiled.
“Wow. Every pony I've met so far is really dang friendly. Even up to the head of the city council!”
Evergreen smiled. “I wouldn't rightly be a representative of my own town if I didn't share the values of every pony I look after.” She and Rainbow Dash paced slowly around the cylindrical exterior of the building. “I must say, you've made quite an impact on this place.”
“Heh. Some impacts don't involve flying straight into the ground like a meteorite, I guess.”
“In all seriousness,” Evergreen remarked. “It's been a long time since we had a visitor of your standing, much less one that's been so helpful.”
“Helpful? Pfft. I just felt like curing boredom and a bunch of your guys' chores were in the way.”
“You've done nothing but bless this town and help immensely in beautifying it. You've done more in a single day that most of us can accomplish in weeks.” Evergreen smiled at her. “If that's what you call boredom, I shudder to see what happens when you're having fun.”
“That's when mountains explode,” Rainbow Dash said with a wink.
Evergreen chuckled. “Somehow, I don't doubt that. Is it true that you come from a place called Equestria?”
“Heh...” Rainbow briefly dug at the floor with her hoof. “Word sure does get around in this town.”
“When someone like you comes along, you can believe it.” Evergreen glanced at her. “Knowledge of the world beyond the mountains isn't entirely lacking, Miss Dash. Mostly traders and merchants from the south carry word of a place that serves as the heart of the world, where the Cosmic Goddesses reside. It doesn't surprise me that such a realm would be home to all kinds of ponies, especially ones as unique and unforgettable as you.”
“There are only a few things in life that are unforgettable,” Rainbow Dash said. “Me? I just try to smell good.”
“I am curious: are you embarking on some sort of journey as an official representative from the land of Equestria?”
“Uhhh... No...” Rainbow Dash shook her head. “Can't say that I am.”
“Well, that's interesting.” Evergreen shuffled to a stop besides the double-doors to her office. She pointed at the pendant hanging around Rainbow's neck. “I could have sworn you carried the marks of your homeland.”
“Oh this?” Rainbow Dash tapped a hoof against the ruby lightning bolt. “This simply scares the bugs away. Heheh... I promise you. I'm one hundred percent free mare.”
“Only one hundred percent?”
Rainbow Dash squinted at her.
Evergreen went on. “Emeraldine is a monarchy, yes. However, Queen Whitemane has maintained the same spirit of freedom that the prior rulers have supported for so long. We are all ponies that appreciate community, Miss Dash, along with hard-work and the ability to express ourselves. In the end, we have established a society that praises harmony and joy. We live in a civilization where ponies are happy, healthy, but ultimately free. I would think that you would be more than at home in a place like this.”
“Before you go mane over hooves to try and create some sort of invitation or something,” Rainbow spoke, “I'm afraid I can't stay. This place is awesome and the ponies are really cool, but... I'm not exactly settling down anywhere.” Rainbow Dash gulped. “Ever...”
“Hmmm... of that I have no doubt.” Evergreen remarked. “I was under the impression that you were heading east somewhere.”
“Heh. Something like that.”
“Had a destination in mind?”
“I figured I'd let east be the judge of that.”
Evergreen chuckled. “Perhaps it would do you some good to stop by the capital city, Verdestone.”
“I heard it's a pretty happenin' place. What, do you have relatives there?”
“No, but I do have close acquaintances there.” Evergreen knocked on the doors. They opened, and a servant marched out from the mayor's office with a tray on his flank, atop which was a scroll. “And a pony who wants to get anywhere safely beyond the immediate borders of Emeraldine will want to have the support of close acquaintances.”
“Are you talking about Darkstine?” Rainbow Dash asked. “That place is starting to sound less and less friendly every time Ridgesiders describe the unicorns that live there.”
“Indeed, it is a very different place than Emeraldine. But, regardless of the true conditions of the government there, I think you could benefit from any assistance you can get.” Evergreen took the scroll from the tray and hoofed it to Rainbow Dash. After Rainbow took it, Evergreen spoke, “This is an official seal of Ridgeside representation. It includes my hoofprint. If you happen to stumble upon the capital city of Verdestone, go and pay a visit to the Chamber of Representatives. Show this to a pony named Steelteeth. He and I go way back, and he would be more than happy to assist a pony who has won my utmost confidence.”
“Heh... yeesh...” Rainbow slid the scroll into her saddlebag and fought the urge to blush. “Do you guys here ever run out of compliments?”
“Not unless you run out of awesomeness,” Evergreen smiled.
“Well, thanks. This could help me big time. What do I owe you?”
“Nothing you haven't won back already,” Evergreen said. “I'm delighted that you have brought such excitement and wonderment to the young members of this town. Will you be leaving right away?”
“Er... well... sooner than later, I suppose.”
“Again, this isn't something you owe us. But, I was wondering, if you haven't run out of energy, if you would be willing to lend your talents to something?”
“Heck! Name it...”
Typical travelling heroes, always get caught in side-quests.
3 more likes to 100!
New quest added: A mayor in need
It seems like the more we know, the less hope of a happy ending remains.
New title unlocked: Representative of Ridgeside
So what does the mayor need? I'll just click next chapter and fin-
Wait, what? I'm all caught up, you say? Hot diggity dog diggity!
So now that I'm caught up, time for a more lengthy review of my thoughts. This has been a fantastic tale, full of mystery and excitement. You give us just enough backstory to keep us happy, but leave enough unsaid to keep that air of mystery that surrounds the whole fic. I have greatly enjoyed the fic along the way. The description of the scenery is outstanding and the introspection is well done as well. I have had only one complaint throughout, but it was negligible in the grand scheme of things. So, well done, you've earned it. I eagerly anticipate each new chapter. Happy writing
"Only one hundred percent?"
-Church sees what you did there.
Okay, I officially LOVE this town!!! Now I'm getting the urge to move there myself!!
Almost done just 26 chapters to go a oh
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CHURCH!!!!!!!!!! I finally decided to read this story you recommended a while back! ITS GREAT Hahah
For a reason I can't explain for fear of ruining a master-plot, I have sudden faith that this story will be more awesome than I first hoped
She can't "ever" settle down? Even if she completes her quest? That throws some water on the theory that here heading east was the thing making her episodes worse.
Jeez, Dashie. I can't read this fic for a week, and you still don't catch up? Time for another Marathon...
IIIIIt's Dashie's Fourth Marathon Evaluation Time!
So in this chapter, we get more hints that this Emeraldine town of Darkstine is Dash's next destination after Verdstone. I think I've gotten a hold on what this Emeraldine Arc will bring - unlike the Windthrow Arc, it's not just going to center around one village. Rather, Dash will travel all over Emeraldine. I'm still not too sure what sort of conflict will arise though, if any...it'll definitely have something to do with Darkstine, though. Regardless, in the words of Calvin, "If something doesn't HAPPEN here soon, I'm gonna wack out."
But seriously, I'll keep reading no matter what. These are my thoughts so far.
-MASH
P.S. Wow. Only halfway to the finish, and it's not even eight 'o' clock. I'm getting good at this!
P.S.S. 1489979Give me some credit! I'm only six days behind! In fact, that's going to be my goal for this Marathon. I'm gonna catch up to you! Just you wait!
Sigh... almost done with "Wish You Were Here". Looks like only two or three more chapters.
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I thought Darkstine was a separate country that borders Emeraldine to the east? Either way, seems like something big's going to happen there.
89 chapters to go!
What's it gonna be?
What does that mayor want? It won't just be another chore, that's for sure. Well, time to find out.
It's unfortunate that RD has to go. The town is really nice.
I seriously love the dialogue in this story. It flows perfectly. Just works. Now let's see what she's going to do now...
This town sounds a little too perfect...
Something is off here... but I can't quite place it...
Never settling? I suppose it makes sense, but at the same time, it doesn't. It makes sense because her journey could take a long time, but it doesn't make sense because eventually, the journey will end.
I'm honestly hoping that she will travel east far enough that she runs into Ponyville and Equestria again
5793502 I dunno from the way she acts, I don't think she intends to live long enough to make it back home. Maybe to the end of her journey, but not long enough to settle down again.
than
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Steelteeth XD.
oh gawd, here start the quests and achievements comments, the nostalgia is real
She's totally flirting with you, Rainbow.
One thing I don't get, why doesn't RD just tell people she has a mission and that's why she can't stay. I get that it's a secret mission but still, she makes it sound like she just woke up one day and said "F it, I'm going east."
Traveling from place-to-place, helping people for no true reason other than "boredom." "Blessing" the areas she visits... is RD turning into some sort of pony half-Jesus?
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Maybe
Wait, what!?
Why would Dash claim she's doing all of this if her own accord? Wasn't Luna rushing her along on some Grand task? Did we all just jump to conclusions? Is Dash lying? Some unforeseen third option?
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I personally believe that this journey is of rainbows own accord and Luna is merely a reminder of home
i'd say that this place does feel... off. but i honestly can't because like the mayor said, pony isn't really different. a pretty much perfect town where the default is cooperation and harmony.
understatement of the century
and where are the other 20%?