//------------------------------//
// Ch. 8: A Mother's Complaint 
// Story: Surrender 
// by Saekwaka 
//------------------------------//

Mayor Mare sits at her office, collecting every significant thought she can, while rummaging through her stack of unread mail. The scattered mail consisted of several components, ranging from expenses needed to be paid, expenses that were owed to her, expenses that were owed to Ponyville, a few "thank you" letters from ponies who had their suggestions used (by popular vote), and as always, the complaints.

Lately, more complaints have been reeling in, leaving Mayor Mare at a loss of what to do. She can't read twenty letters at a time, and she certainly can't decide instantly on a matter with so many neigh sayers in the population of this democracy.

She sighs, then proceeds to open the expenses letters first. She knows she should at least take a look at how many bits she would lose before taking any of the suggestions and comlaints for approval. 

Hours later, she completes the tasks set before her. A lamp light illuminates her next objective; reading through the piles of complaints. Mayor Mare sighs, rips open the first letter, and prepares herself for the drudgery.

She simply skims through the letter, noting the commonly adressed matter, then sets it into the correct pile. She continues this same routine until she rips open a new matter.

Mayor Mare,

     I noticed Twilight's pet has grown... Larger. While I respect their relationship, I can't help but fear his... Fire breath. My fillies won't take a hoof outside anymore after finding him entangled with another pony. When they told me the mare's eyes were closed, my heart nearly skipped a beat. I fear for the safety of myself and my children. I'd appreciate it if you removed that monstrosity from our town.

Sincerely, 
     A concerned citizen of Ponyville.

Mayor Mare sets the letter down, and rereads it at least a dozen more times. Twilight's pet? I don't recall... Why is this pony writing in secret? She resigns her questions for later, erasing her curiosity for a serious occassion. 

Since there aren't numerous reports, she wouldn't investigate it right away; and anyway, what's one complaint going to achieve here?
Until I find more reason to find out about this "fire-breathing monstrosity," then I suppose this pony will just have to wait. I'm far too busy to deal with nightmares. Honestly, does everypony in town take me for an idiot?!

Mayor Mare snorts indignantly, then stomps on home and into bed, readying herself for yet another ton of letters tomorrow.




After Thoughts

I was holding her, touching her, protecting her, loving her with every fiber of my existence. She LET me hold her; either she's dealing with some chronic depression or I'm not the only one feeling the way I do. The next morning when she awoke, she slowly raised her head and accidently bumped into my chin... Softly, though.

"Oh, my apologies, Spike!" She had said to me. "No worries, my lo-" I stopped myself immediately. "Ratity," I corrected, scolding myself internally.
She ignored this, then continued, "I- I'm truly sorry for that little outburst last night. It was perfectly rude of me! Why, a lady should never-"
I inturrupted her, then cringed angrily. "What in the name of Celestia bothered you so much?"
Rarity blushed, and looked down to her hooves. "I shan't say... Or at least, not during day. There are too many here, too many with open ears. Let us both speak privately." 
I looked around, but there wasn't a soul in sight. Perhaps paranoia doesn't just exist within Twilight. "But, nopony's here, Rarity." I objected. "What do you-"
"Come this way, and you will see how much loneliness has taunted me."
That moment, I just sighed in defeat. "All right, Rarity. I'll listen to you and I will be discreet." She nodded, then led me to her house as we had agreed.