Dear Reader,

I apologize for the three-week gap, but with life catching up with me, I've had very little time to work on this chapter. Now, I may have finished a chapter of "Demise" (which, I think most of you won't like, since it's a tad sad), and devoted around 45 minutes every night to doodling ponies. I'm improving, very, very slowly, and have been at it for a week. Nevertheless, Here's the story you've all been waiting for.

Now, before you murder me about my incorrect explanation of radiation (there is no such thing as cold radiation, it is simply the hot objects lose their heat to the night sky, etc...) or drowning, or shock, remember: I am an architecture student, so I'm pretty much useless in about everything. I also think a proper explanation would have been far too complex, and Twilight would have tried to dumb it down for her friends. And also, I have poetic license, so your argument is invalid.

When I started writing, I honestly never thought my chapters would ever break the 5000 word barrier. How wrong was I? The length was also a part of the reason the story took such a long time to write.

Also, I'm not overly fond of the plot devices I used in this chapter. Caramel is unlucky, again. Snakes; Bronius Maximus used them way better in at Home On The Range. Well, I decided to bite the pillow (what?) and just be done with it. Please don't hate me.

The one character I really like though is nurse Redheart. I think she'd be very nice until about 5 PM, and the later her shift would drag on, the more pragmatic and cynical she'd become. Also, why aren't there more nurse Redheart fics. Not even good ones, it offers itself very nicely to a self insert. A strange pony is found beat up outside of Ponyville (he was probably a traveller) and falls in love with the mare who nursed him back to health. Or something... (I promise never to write it, though).  

I also hope FlutterMac is to your liking, and RariPie makes sense. I refuse to idealize relationships. They're probably never perfect anyway, but that doesn't mean they're not worthwhile. I wouldn't know though.

The next two chapters I promise will be simpler, with very little FlutterMac or RariPie drama. I hope to release them short after one another, so it might take two to three weeks to get it done.

The sequel-o-meter currently stands at 1, which means one of you suggested it. I wouldn't write a sequel, but an extra chapter/epilogue could be in the works if there should be demand.

Spoiler: The next chapter will contain 20% more coolness courtesy of the Wonderbolts and 40% more of pegasi questioning the direction in which Caramel's barn doors swing. It will be called: Asumptions XII: Up To The Sky, Down To The Ground.

The guess the artist whose lame song lyrics EG uses to name his chapters is still open (they're not the actual song names, though).

Also, I inserted some Bjork lyrics into last chapter, they were: “As much as I definitely enjoy solitude/ I wouldn't mind, perhaps/ Spending a little time with you/ sometimes, sometimes” from the song Possibly Maybe (It's a nice song, listen to it).

Before we go: My Dumb Tumblaar

TV tropes page for Assumptions

Peace out!

EG

Wow, what a week that was.

Thanks everyone for the comments on the last chapter.

Anyway, have some trivia:

I called Cheerilee's mouse Mickey. I truly have no imagination. Why a mouse? I really don't know, but I mentioned it elsewhere.

In two weeks, I managed to write one new paragraph of Demise. YAY!

I wanted to join the Write off, but I haven't the time nor any ideas. But I'll definitely check out the results. And so should you!

Three more chapters you guys, the next one will be called "Call My Name"

By the way, the chapters' titles are all random pieces of lyrics taken from songs of a rather famous artist. Any guesses (it's not my favourite artist at the moment, though)?

I decided that while I work on Demise, which I hope will only be 4 chapters or so, I will start a very small parallel project. It will be a saucy comedy featuring Fluttershy, with chapters no longer than 1000 words, with the readers deciding what happens next in the story (much like Moonstuck, but then in a written form). Ask me about it if you're curious.

FlutterMac will be left open-ended, but hopeful, while RariPie will still have a bit more resolution.

The greater portion of the last chapter was written under the influence of red wine.

There's a Bjork lyric hidden somewhere. See if you find it. And let me know if it isn't the sweetest thing ever.

The next chapter should be out within two weeks.

Hint: I really tried to make it clear that Applejack is asexual in this story. There! I'm not going to repeat myself.

Self promotion: My tumblr, in case your life isn't meanginful enough.

Poptard's amazing TV tropes page, which I still can't get over!

By the way, is anyone reading these notes? Just wondering. Leave me a comment if you are. Even if it's just to let me know you were here!

EmiGris

This chapter took me too long to write. Initially, I had how to continue this chapter, especially since the first scene and the last paragraph are essentially the most important things. Otherwise, it's a bit of a filler, really.

Anyway, onto notes:

After seeing the spoilers on EQD, but also after much deliberation, I have decided that this story and my WIP "Demise of Kindness" don't necessarily have to be connected. I want to write Demise anyway, regardless of whether FlutterMac happens or not in this story depends on the Hearts and Hooves Episode. Demise will happen regardless, and could therefore become a sort of AU story within the Assumptions Universe (as in "What would have happened if Fluttershy and Mac did not get together in the end?").

The story is constructed around the episode "The Last Roundup", in case you haven't noticed. I think I'll refrain from using canon too much, except the CheeriMac thing (should that happen). All of the episodes are too summery, and it's really tiring thinking up a story around them.

Also: DERPY!!! Still keeping her a mailmare, but with a cheerful, Forrest Gump-esque disposition. Deal with it! I'm actually surprised I haven't seen a fic like that. It's begging to be written (not by me though). Someone fund it!

In my headcanon, Lyra is a yaoi fangirl. Deal with it!

But, sticking to the episode finally gave me a reason for Rarity to kiss Pinkie Pie: to get her to shut up!

I have my private theory as to why Applejack likes to call everypony "Sugarcube". Let's just say that just because she's a farmer doesn't necessarily mean she only listens to country music.

Next chapter: Maybe on Valentine's, maybe a bit later. I don't like Valentine's Day, but that's just single person's whining. But yeah, I'll have tons of work this semester, but I'll do my best.

Also, thanks to Poptard for making a Tv Tropes page for my fic. It literally made my weekend. Read it and see if you have anything more to add!

Also, I has a tumblr, so if you want to see me reblog one lame picture a day, this is your chance!

The next Chapter will most likely be called: You've Always Known, but I might change my mind on that one. Just four more chapters guys (and gals)!

EG

I have already expressed my wish to stay true to canon, as much as possible. Which might mean no happy ending for FlutterMac. I'll also be in the middle of a rather busy time now (moving my stuff from place X to my parents' place, the going skiing next week, and then moving to a new place. This might sound trivial, but the whole operation covers three countries, and skiing with my fanatical uncles (ski-till-you-drop) is no picnic. Yeah I know. First world problems. So while I'll do everything I can to finish Chapter IX in time for next week, please understand that my writing, while mediocre at best, still requires attention, so that it doesn't suck.

Also, Chapter X will be released a few days after Hearts and Hooves Day episode (11 February). Maybe Valentine's day. That would be symbolic...

But don't worry, If CheeriMac does indeed become a thing, I have a very sad ending planned for Fluttershy. The story, which I have roughly plotted out would be called "Demise of Kindness" and follows Fluttershy dealing with her unrequited love, leading to her downfall. If anyone is interested in helping me out (my brother/pre-reader flat out refused after reading the prologue, saying it was "not his thing"), send me a mail. I promise I don't bite (or rather, can't cause, you know, internet). In case there is no CheeriMac, it will be cancelled, but I'll give y'all access to it on Google docs.

Also, Assumptions is now planned for 13 Chapters. Chapter IX is not written yet (the first scene is, but that still means I need around 3000 other words), so no preview... I can tell you that it will be called "Nothing Equals Nothing".

Also, regarding some headcanon in this chapter... I consider zap-apple to be a winter crop, since they're so magical and stuff.

Also, I has a tumblr now, which you can follow. Ask me stuff, send me stuff, whatever. Tumblr is fun (another way to kill precious time).

Also, many of you might have read on EqD about the Smile charity thing. My brother is one of the co-organizers from Bronies for Good, so if you haven't donated yet, please do so now. They already raised something like 21+k dollars, but every extra bit helps. It's HERE! The fundraiser ends 25 January.

Also, I welcome our new canon Derpy overlord and would like to point out, that as a fanfic writer, I could be extremely valuable in her new world order.

Thanks a lot for sticking with me, and for all your kind comments.

EmiGris

Did you know:

I wish I was a way better writer. That walk that Dash and Caramel took could have been the most romantic vision ever in the hands of a skilled artist/writer. I imagined a winter date in Paris when I was writing it, to be honest.

There was a time I felt really bad for making Caramel straight, since he’s become a bit of a mascot for the colt-cuddlers out there. So yeah, I made his big brother into one.

You notice that despite his size, Chance-A-Lot isn’t exactly the dominant pony we’d expect him to be. Yay for subverting stereotypes, I think...

Even though Dash is very dere is this chapter, it’s only because it’s Hearth’s Warming. She’ll be her old self before the end…

I’m really starting to like this ship myself.

I’ve already decided on a “song” for Caramel and Dash as well as Fluttershy and Mac. Especially the FlutterMac one is very sweet, sentimental, although somewhat explicit. I'll post it later, or you can ask.

SELF PROMOTION

Cheque out my tumblr for extra ramblings from yours truly.

Preview Assumptions Chater VIII:

“At least Ah don’t treat ‘im like dirt half th’ time.”

- Applejack (kind of)

“You… you burnt the tea… I didn’t even know that was possible…”

- Caramel

“Eeyup”

- Big Macintosh (several times)

“Angel bunny, could you please fetch the first aid kit?”

- Fluttershy

“It should be so effortless.  Like, like talking to you.”

- Caramel

Idiot

-Rainbow Dash

Did you know?

The newest episode destroyed my headcanon regarding the Granny Smith story I was working on. Oh well, only three chapters down the drain, but I think the concept is still salvageable…

I feel kind of bad for making Rarity so manipulative, but she has proven herself to be capable of manipulation and refusing to suffer fools…

Zecora will turn up again in the last chapter…

I hated Zecora’s way of talking, but after writing her I realized you have to be really brave (the initial metaphor was not PG 13 enough) to speak in rhyme…

In my headcanon (and therefore this story), Zecora’s actually middle-aged…

If you don’t get the Isaac Newton/apple joke, you are either very young, or should pay more attention to physical anecdotes during science/physics class…

I don’t really see Caramel as extremely shy or too clumsy. I see him as someone slightly cynical and withdrawn, awkward and occasionally clumsy…

I still don’t know whether to give FlutterMac a happy end in this fic, or do a one-hot spin-off later…

Chapter VII was quite difficult to write, and will need one serious edit before being published next week…

If anyone is interested in being a prereader/editor, let me know, my current one is kind of swamped at the moment, and it’s always good to have a second opinion anyway…

WARNING: Self-promotion incoming!

I have started a tumblr, since all the cool kids have it (I’ve had a personal tumblr for ages, but this one will only be poni related stuff). So if you’re interested to know some of my feeble opinions and upcoming future projects (be they artistic or literary) go to eminencegris.tumblr.com All SFW (not much there yet, to be honest).

Self promotion finished!

Assumptions Chapter VII: Let Me Be Your Guide, Sneak Preview

“You always have a choice, you could throw her out. But you don’t. What do you think that means?”

- Lucky

Now why Twilight couldn’t use her magic to close the window is beyond me.

- Rainbow Dash

“Don’t tell me you never tried catching snowflakes in your mouth as a kid.”

- Caramel

“Well, I’ll be damned. Our little Mel and a filly. Who’d have thought he’d ever get this far.”

- Chance-A-Lot

And more, but I don’t want to spoil it…

EG

Did you know…?

… my X-Mas was quite good…

… this fandom is starting to make me feel old, even if I’m not that old…

… Chapter IV was quite difficult to write, as it’s an insertion into an established story arc…

… writing Cutie Mark Crusaders was difficult, their antics don’t really fit this story, but they were quite useful nonetheless…

… Caramel’s siblings will probably make an appearance in Chapter VII (X-Mas Chapter)…

… Chapters I and II went through the editing machine again. This time courtesy of LogicianMLP from Ponychan Training Grounds. Give him a round of applause for trying to polish the story and offering tips which I’ll do my best to follow in the future…

… I hope to do more research on a more minimal literary style and stream of consciousness, since that seems like a good thing to focus on. Maybe not in this story, but definitely later…

… the titles of the all the chapters are pieces of lyrics picked from songs by a certain artists. Guess or ask if you care…

… the book Big Macintosh was borrowing in Chapter V was entitled An Advanced Mathematical Theory of Applied Agricultural Harvesting Methods. It might become a plot point in the later chapters…

… I fully intend to make Rainbow Dash’s celery a running joke…

… the two colts that bothered Fluttershy were meant to be Snips and Snails. Ever since the Trixie episode, I only see them as obnoxious, easily-influenced fan boys…

… these two chapters are a bit bland, but they are just build up to the next chapter, which currently sits at 4500 words.

Preview time Assumptions VII: Try To Hide It

“Ladies first”

-Rainbow Dash

>>

“Sometimes it takes time to see, what’s meant to be your destiny…”

-Zecora

>>

“Oh please. Tell me you’re still not upset about that carriage affair…”

-Rarity

>>

“Yeah well, Lucky got … lucky”

-Caramel

>>

“It goes where?”

-Rainbow Dash

>>

“Miss Dash, ya must have done this before”

-Big Macintosh

N.B.: Nothing dirty happens. Honest.

I will put out this chapter after the next one (chapter VII) will be written, which will take about a week, but might be more, due to holiday plans (lots of travelling around).

And why two chapters at once? Because X-Mas! Enjoy it!

EG

PS: Public service announcement: check the Bronies for Good website to donate to children's cancer charity if you feel generous. The full story's here.

Thanks again for sticking with me. Have a blog post!

Did you know?

… the story starts branching out here. I decided to sneak in a bit more drama, and twisting fanon as much as I can (don’t worry, I don’t believe half of it myself).

… also, don’t worry, the subplots will keep on intertwining, although Rainbow Dash and Caramel will receive most attention…

… reviewing the story, I found out that it would benefit from an extra chapter before the currently planned chapter IV. Hopefully, I’ll be able to put the new Chapter IV and Chapter V (Formerly chapter IV) during X-mas.

… Big Mac x “yet unnamed filly” is my OTP, find out who she is in Chapter V…

… Chapter VII will be most likely be X-mas themed, I’m waiting for the episode, so that I can write it more according to canon, but I might include some OCs as side characters…

… Chapters I & II were slightly edited and might be edited once more in order to get them to EQD. You can read them again and give me comments, but a reread is not essential as of now…

… I’m currently listening to Bjork, hoping some of her weird poetic qualities will trickle down into my work…

… speaking of music, I only have one pony track on my iPhone. It’s 20 percent cooler by Ken Ashcorp…

… I fought with my proofreader to include the Pinkie scene. It was originally written so that Pinkie would come across as a very easy. I’ve toned it down, but I still think he still disapproves…

... the more I read Of Feathers and Scales, the more I feel my work is essentially empty,badly written fluff. Seriously, this guy's good…

... during the early drafts, I’d listen to Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!) by Garbage when writing Caramel…

… incidentally, a friend of mine once said that that song reminded her of me…

… my first and shelved idea for a FIM story was an AU Grimdark crossover featuring Tyrant Celestia. It revealed the secret of her eternal youth, it was going to be called “Blood Goddess”. It’ll never see the light of day. Ask me about it if you want to know…

… the author would like your comment about anything that you think needs work. Showing vs. telling, tone, character development etc. are all things to look out for. I want to improve for all our sakes. Call me out on any lameness you see, or suggest what topics I might be able to handle better with my current style…

… I really want to have over 9000 views at the end of this fic. It’s a vanity thing…

Since the new Chapter IV isn’t written yet, I can give you a sneak peek from the new Chapter V (that used to be Chapter IV)

Assumptions V: If I Ran Away

Messing around with Twilight in the library. I guess it’s true what they say, he really is a player…

- Fluttershy’s thoughts

>>

“Then why don’t you eat it with somepony who cares?”

- Caramel

>>

“I’m just thinking that for the weakling that you are, you’re pretty awesome.”

- Rainbow Dash

>>

“What have you done to Scootaloo?”

- Rarity

Did you know?

… the rumor that Big Mac mentioned (about him and AJ being Apple Bloom’s parents) was originally written so that Apple Bloom was born after directly after AJ returned from Manehattan, but this was vetoed by my proofreader, who called it “sick”…

… halfway through writing chapter 5, I realized that Caramel and Rainbow Dash haven’t introduced themselves properly, so I went and did a quick edit…

… this chapter was written after the Hallowe’en episode. That’s the reason for mentioning the Mayor’s assistant, whom JJ and Cartoonlion immediately paired up with the mayor…

… in this story, I will put a little in-jokes about some of fandom’s most well-known works (Cupcakes, anyone?). Since this is a story about assumptions, and fan works are based on assumptions about a character, place, etc… it’s just a little reminder to not take things too seriously…

… when writing, I listen to songs from an old Czechoslovakian musical about a girl, a boy and a fountain…

… when I think of Caramel working in a chocolate shop, and packaging the various goods, a particular scene from South Park episode (200) comes to mind…

… when I posted this story, I thought to myself: “isn’t it a bit homophobic?” To be honest, there might be a tiny bit of spite somewhere, but it's really directed at people who think that Rainbow has GOT to be a lesbian, because of her mane…

… some of the plot elements as well as character traits in this story have been inspired by (in my opinion) one of the best slice-of-life anime ever (anyone who guesses wins an internet)…

… the last word of the whole story will be “always”…

Sneak Preview Assumptions III: Listen to my words (Chapter III will be posted next week Saturday)

“…But I really do fancy colts. Well, some colts…” her eyes ran up and down the beige pony. “No offence, but you gotta be fit and cool…”

-Rainbow Dash

>>

“Wait… what?”

-Caramel

>>

“But she totally fits Cosmoponitan’s seven sign’s your best friend’s a fillyfooler checklist!”

-Pinkie Pie

>>

“Hey you big oaf. Come back ‘ere and spill the beans”

Applejack

Thanks everyone for keeping up with me!

BONUS: Public Service Announcement

Check out broniesforgood.org and spread love and tolerance all across the world

Deal All,

My pen name is Eminence Gris, and I am a MLP:FIM fan.

(Everyone mutters: Hi Eminence Gris - get it, it's an AA joke).

Anyway, my younger brother got me into ponies (and before that anime, and before that Warhammer), and I've always had a bit of a passion for writing (even if I'm not all that good), so he really encouraged me to write a fanfic about anything. But naturally, since my interest in video games is pretty much limited to Age of Empires and Sim City, and having a limited experience in relationships, I should probably stick to slice of life stuff (even if my first fic, Assumptions, starts on a bit of a moody note).

So yeah, slice of life it is, although I currently have an Hercule Poirot crossover in mind. Or rather, an Equestrian version of Hercule Poirot (featuring young Granny Smith). The first three chapters are in the metaphorical drawer, but I actually want to finish that fic before I unleash it. Yeah...

As for Assumptions, the concept for the story is very close to my heart. It's not a clopfic, or even proper shipping, since a lot of the shipfics have the confession in the first chapter. But again, my limited experience in that field means I'd have no idea how I'd continue from there. So Assumptions is really about that awkward phase when two characters start realizing their feelings. I have actually written the last scene already, and I think it's quite sweet.

I am incredibly happy about the encouraging comments I have gotten from everyone. I will keep on developing the story (actually, the next three chapters are as good as done) and I always appreciate your feedback. I really want to become a better writer, since I plan to write for living after I graduate (who knows when that'll happen). I do not want to become an actual author, since I know I'm not good enough for that, but I'd like to work for an architectural publisher someday (as you can see, my avatar is a recolor of the incredibly funny "I love books" strip, but with architecture).

Be aware that I prefer to suggest things rather than state them explicitly. I get these things, my proofreader (brother) gets these things (since he knows me and I tell him anyway), but if you, the reader, find some of my passages and dialogues (especially later on) too vague, do not hesitate to tell me. After all, I want to share this story, and your enjoyment of it is important to me.

But enough about that. I'd like to thank everyone who took their time to click on Assumptions and gave it a chance. I would like to thank everyone who commented and rated. I would also like to thank my little brother for egging me on. I would have never done this without his help. I would like to thank the creator of this website, because let's face it, it's really awesome to be able to provide the community with such an excellently designed (functionally, but also graphically, to a certain extent) platform. So, all of you owe yourselves a round of applause.

Last but not least, since I plan to finish Assumptions, and eventually submit it to EQD, I would like to know whether anybody is capable of (or knows someone who is) producing a simple image for the story. I would take one off of ponibooru, but I'm kind of afraid of of approaching the artists (that's why in my eyes Fluttershy is best poni). Even if it's an already existing picture of sad Dash (or something) that you have somewhere, I'd really appreciate.

I think I'll publish the next update on Thursday, so keep your eyes peeled.

I hope this isn't coming over as arrogant or anything, but I'm just incredibly happy that anyone would take the time to actually read my story (I've been blogging for years and it never really took off). So I hope you're all doing well. And if you have any ideas, let me know. While I have most of the story planned out, I often find myself changing things slightly as I write it. So while some things are set in stone, not everything is.

I will write next blog post after I publish the second chapter. Think of it as a debriefing. It will also be more story specific, I guess.

Hope ya'll are well.

EG

BTW: Do any fellow bronies study (or want to study) architecture? Just wondering. Also any Agatha Christie fans out there? We could swap notes :)