Interlude: Correspondence
Princess Celestia dabbed her quill in a nearby inkwell before running it along the paper before her. With a flourish she finished putting her signature on the latest tax reform bill and her magic levitated the papers into her ‘done’ pile.
She leaned back in her chair, feeling the warmth of her fireplace wash over her. There were still several other bills awaiting her approval on her desk, but she didn’t have the drive to look at them anymore. Her heart wasn’t in it.
She had retired to her quarters early than usual today; the sun wasn’t even set to go down for another two hours. Day Court just wasn’t where she wanted to be right now. The petty squabbles of nobles all competing to see who had the brownest nose seemed trivial at best right now. Now that… she was here.
Celestia sighed and a cold shiver slunk down her spine.
After her visit with Lu— Nightmare Moon a few nights ago, her hope that she could be saved had been whittled down. A lifetime of resentment and a millennium of dark isolation had warped the pony that used to be her sister beyond all recognition.
There was still the Elements of Harmony, but that was still more delusion than faint chance of success. She hadn’t even heard anything from Twilight since sending her all the information she had on the Elements and even with all that knowledge there was no guarantee she would find any of it helpful. The odds had to be something like one to one million. Or one billion. Or—
A puff of smoke raced across her field of vision, interrupting her thoughts. Celestia blinked as the smoke gathered together above her desk and in a flash became a rolled up scroll, which promptly fell in front of her.
Twilight...
Not missing a beat, Celestia scooped up the scroll with her magic and unraveled it.
Dear Princess Celestia,
I feel as though I’ve made some headway with reforming the Elements of Harmony. Over the past several days five of the Elements have shown signs of life; this may indicate their magic is not unusable as previously thought.
Furthermore, after inspecting the information you sent me, I have reason to believe that the Tree of Harmony may assist in expediting the process of fixing the Elements. If they really are showing signs of reforming, then the Tree, as their creator, may be able to bond them to the five ponies that I… mistakenly assumed were the correct Bearers.
If my calculations are correct, then I should be able to find the Tree of Harmony in the Everfree and should mount an expedition there.
I felt it prudent to notify you about this matter in case there was anything else you needed to add before I go.
Your Faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle.
Celestia set the letter down and took a deep breath.
The Tree… does she truly mean to find it? It was a rhetorical question, of course. Twilight had never once lied in her letters and it wasn't likely that she was starting now. It won’t be easy though… she’ll need help.
A few ideas immediately popped into her mind, though she knew immediately who would work best with Twilight… even if they wouldn’t work too well with each other.
And my sister… If Twilight was going to use the Tree of Harmony to hopefully revive the Elements, then they would have to be used immediately on Nightmare Moon. Her mere presence in Equestra posed a massive threat… and that wasn’t just from the formidable power she held. That much concentrated dark magic threatened to throw everything out of control. It had to be removed as soon as possible. In fact, they were lucky he wasn’t already free.
She wiped her desk clear save her quill, her inkwell and a blank sheet of paper. Dipping the tip of her quill ever so lightly in the ink, she pressed it against the paper and wrote.
Twilight,
If you truly believe the Tree of Harmony is the best way to restore the Elements, then I think it is the right path to take. However, your search will be very difficult. When I first set out to find the Tree, it took me many months, even with help. I would tell you the exact location, however over the centuries I’ve observed that the Tree of Harmony is not as stationary as I had once thought.
It moves, frequently and randomly and over time even I have lost track of where it is. Sometimes it pops up in a convenient and easy to access location, but more likely it will be hidden in the depths of the Everfree. This is why I’m insisting on a few extra measures, some of which may not be to your liking…
Celestia scribbled away, fully detailing her intentions. She knew Twilight would be… dissatisfied with her idea, but time was of the essence and they couldn’t afford to waste it. Her decision was final, for better or worse.
When she finished, she rolled the paper up and added the royal seal. With a flick of her magic it was gone, sent straight to Spike. Only one more thing remained for her to do.
Walking to the door of her private quarters, she tapped on it briefly. It slid open, revealing the two guards on the outside.
“Yes, Your Highness?” one guard asked. “Did you need something?”
“I do. I need you to find two ponies and tell them to meet with me immediately.”
The guard blinked, surprised at such an unusual occurrence. “Of course… uh, who are they?”
“The Captain of the Royal Guard—” Celestia narrowed her eyes. “—and my niece.”
Stats
Page generated in 0.035 seconds
Total duration
1,049 users online
1,992,313 hits today, 1,822,946 yesterday
FIMFiction
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Fanfiction
Designed and coded by knighty & Xaquseg - © 2011-2024
Follow & Support Us
Support us
SubStar
Chat!
Discord
Follow us
Twitter
MLP: Friendship is Magic® - © 2024 Hasbro Inc.®
Fimfiction is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Hasbro Inc.®
Ooh, things are about to get real.
Oh yeah, Nightmare Moon is bad enough, and I suspect that from the way Celestia's thinking, Discord is a VERY real threat here.
Shining Armor and Cadence, this should be fun.
Wait, why would she have problems with Shining Armor and Cadance?
6325216 My guess is that she doesn't know they are dating. That and she is probably not going to be terribly thrilled with the idea she needs a bodyguard even if it is Shiny.
I wonder if they might slip they're dating while they're there, or just wait to tell Twilight when she gets the wedding invitation.
I like this story so far, but I have one major problem. Derpy as the element of Magic doesn't really fit, not because she's a Pegasus but because the whole idea of the show is that friendship is magic, and in the maneverse Twilight gets the role not just cause she's a unicorn but because she's the one who serves as the center of the group. Here, Derpy doesn't really do that. She probably the nicest of the group, sure, but just as in the show everyone originally came together because of Twilight, and it's Twilight who's awakening everyone else to their elements and helping them overcome their problems, and Twilight who constantly assumes the leadership role. Now maybe there's a twist coming down the line or something, but this distribution just doesn't work for me.
Other than that its a really interesting take on the subject, a little unkind in its portrayal of Celestia but overall workable, and I look forward to seeing where it goes.
Ooohohohohoo, interesting~ I like this.
She has a problem with Shiny and Caddy... must be the marriage thing 8D
Nice job!
Enter the Cadence!!!
6326522 You took the words out of my text.
6328437
6326522
Correct me if I'm wrong but when they were forming the elements didn't they name it the Element of Friendship by mistake? Plus Twilight screws up is in the title. She royally screwed up this time.
6329660 Like I said maybe there's a twist coming up, so I guess we'll see.
6325216
"Wait, you're betrothed, and you never even TALKED TO ME?!?!?"
Although, this is still in the Season 1 time frame, so...Season 2 would still be a long way off. But who knows, maybe this kicks off the romance in the first place!
6331678 Canterlot has a fair amount of earth ponies, including successful ones like Hoity Toity and Photo Finish. The whole "Canterlot unicorns are super-racist" trope is really a fanon creation. And Octavia's own orchestra is shown playing at the Grand Galloping Gala in the show, the most elite Canterlot event there is, and they are all earth ponies. Canterlot unicorns will pay for a fancy orchestra played by anypony, they don't seem to care about tribe.
Don't get me wrong, I can definitely see members of the orchestra living in Ponyville and commuting in to Canterlot, I suspect Octavia does that in the show. I just don't know which farmer's field is going to be dug up to build a massive concert hall when there are probably numerous ones that can be used a few hour's train ride up the mountains.
6332177
Actually Hoity Toity and Photo Finish are more than likely Manehattenites [Manehatten being the huge place for the fashion industry. Canterlot might be where you go to sell to Canterlot Nobility. Which is a huge deal, but fashion itself isn't centered there], and while they may not have a problem with being 'served' and 'entertained' by non-unicorns. The "Nobility" and the upper echelons of high society in Canterlot are unicorns, as are a majority of the high society events.
After all Celestia's school is for unicorns; she trains only unicorns [on a personal level]; and as aforementioned the nobility itself are unicorns. Which makes a show of her being a tribalist, or favoring unicorns over the other races [to a disproportionate degree] . Heck rather than send Daring Doo to help the girls [a pegasi explorer / adventurer, who survives all kinds of dangers] she sends a unicorn who makes shields, and an alicorn whose special talent is love [which might actually be useful in Twilight bonding with her friends. But still has a horn on her head and does magic, on top of her being able to fly].
6332494 Actually it's explicitly stated that Hoity Toity is from Canterlot when he's introduced. Canterlot is also repeatedly referred to by Rarity as a center of fashion. Manehatten is clearly also a center of fashion, and Photo Finish could be from there, but Hoity Toity is seen as a fashion king-maker whose opinion carries great weight, clearly he's a member of the Canterlot Elite.
The Canterlot Elite (despite overwhelming fanon, we have yet to see a single "noble" in Canterlot, if you count royals such as princes and princesses separately) seem to be about 60% unicorns and 40% earth ponies, judging by the guest list at fancy parties. Whether the Wonderbolts as pegasi (officially listed as being stationed out of Canterlot) qualify, since they are often at these elite parties and events, is open to interpretation. Sure, Canterlot is a predominantly unicorn city, unicorns make up the majority of the population of all walks of life, including the upper echelons of what seems to be the government.
You're right about Celestia personally training unicorns, though I would say we don't have a lot of data on how representative Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns is for higher education as a whole. We know Maud is getting a "rockterate" somewhere, quite possibly Celestia's school for Gifted Earth Ponies or something, which would logically be in a predominantly earth pony city like Manehatten, which has a largely earth pony elite of its own (like the Oranges).
And Daring Do isn't a subordinate princess or soldier of the crown, she's an independent archaeologist/tomb robber with no affiliation to Celestia at all, who mainly seems to operate far from Equestria's borders. If she was going on secret missions for Celestia, I doubt they would make it into novels, even fictionalized ones. Shining Armor and Cadance basically have the job of helping out Celestia in situations like this.
To get back to the original point, as you have pointed out Canterlot does contain numerous wealthy unicorns willing to be entertained by non-unicorns, making it an excellent place to be entertained by an orchestra of any tribe. Now, a traveling orchestra could certainly practice out of Ponyville while playing in venues in large cities across Equestria, but we've seen the largest audiences Ponyville can deliver for musical acts in "Filli Vanilli," and it's in the dozens.
6332782
Actually Earth Ponies are statistically higher in planet population. They just have a much higher concentration in Canterlot. And where does Rarity ever state that it's the center of fashion?
___________
And I see more than 60% unicorns in Canterlot. At least in the citizens shown, as for the Wonderbolts, I did say they had no problem being entertained by non-unicorns. Especially not ones as prestigious as the Wonderbolts. Nobility usually in fandom is Fancypants, and ponies like Jet Set and Upper Crust.
As for the school. She's going for a Rock Science Major ... well a doctorate [punned for rocktorate]. I doubt Celestia has a school for them. Outside whatever normal college there exists for those wanting a Rock Science. Celestia's school though. Is only for Unicorns, and sits right there in the nations capital near the castle.
Then there's the fact that she ouright states that a Pegasus can't be the Element of Magic. Stating inbetween the lines that Pegasi (and earth ponies if one ended up in an EP's hooves) can't do magic, or handle the "magic of friendship". Which is such a narrow point of view, and tribalistic.
As for Daring Doo. I doubt it's "Outide of Equestria", after all the home and where she does business is inside of Equestria. And they really didn't seem to travel that far after finding her.
______________________
As for Shining and Cadance. It's still a unicorn (who only knows shield spells, lived all his life in the safety of Canterlot, and has 0 wilderness survival skills in canon) and a magic user (who only can manage love based spells). An Earth Pony might have wilderness surival abilities (after all their power is with flora, fauna, tech, and enhancements (physical)), or a Pegasi could give aerial support / combat assistance, as well as water / weather / humidity manipulation (which would be useful for longer trips). But nope, tribalist princess uses Unicorns / those with a horn on their head.
6332954 Where do you get the idea that earth ponies make up the higher proportion of planetary population? Anyway, when I was saying unicorns have a high percentage of overall population, I meant only for the city of Canterlot, which is why you would expect that city to have a large portion of its elite unicorns, just like Manehatten seems to be predominantly an earth pony city, and its elite are mostly earth ponies. As for Rarity, season 5 & 1/2 Spoiler Alert:
besides always going on about the glamour of Canterlot, she's looking to break into the fashion market in Canterlot in an upcoming episode
In the most recent seasons, like 50/50 of background ponies in large Canterlot scenes are earth ponies, the rest unicorns.
You're right that Fancy Pants is seen as a member of the nobility, although he never is given a title, including in scenes where he is formally introduced and it would be appropriate for him. But we saw him sitting with the other most important ponies in Equestria, in the elite seats at the Equestrian Games, and you'll notice there were the same amount of earth ponies as unicorns (very few pegasi though...)
As for the Rockterate, what separates a special school from any public university, since that would effectively make them all Celestia's schools? There's no rule that says Celestia has to only have 1 school. She has Celestia's School For Gift Unicorns, she could have a dozen other schools for everyone else who isn't a gifted unicorn.
Like I said, schools for a certain tribe are logically going to be near a population center heavy for that tribe, Canterlot is obviously the largest population center of unicorns. Why Celestia has her capital there could be a long debate, but we don't know. My guess would be after she took over raising the sun and moon, unicorns were now less useful than the other tribes, so they scrambled to make up for it by helping Celestia with the government.
Now we're talking about the specific version of Celestia for this story, she may or may not be right. She seems to be saying that the Element of Magic requires a raw magical beam to shoot out of it to catalyze the Rainbow laser, which only a unicorn can physically express. That may be true or false, depending on how the author of the story decides. But it doesn't mean she automatically thinks pegasi and earth ponies are lesser than unicorns.
As for Daring Do, there's no way that temple is inside Equestria, there's no jungle biome on the Equestrian map for one thing, and that entire tribe of indigenous ponies that follows Ahuizotl would be complaining to the Princess about the reckless thief and invader who destroyed their home if they were under Celestia's rule.
As for Shining Armor, he's a high-ranking guard officer, do you really think he has never received wilderness survival training? Or gone on missions outside Canterlot? And Cadance grew up in a small earth pony village in a deep dark forest, and we saw her help tear apart a Tatzlewyrm in season 4. She didn't love that thing to death, she blasted it with laser beams while flying around. She has the strength of an earth pony and was born a pegasus, she can help with all those skills you just listed.
6333219
http://mlp.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_ponies. Now I stopped counting as of S3. But when I was doing my http://www.fimfiction.net/blog/201457/canon-gender-split Earth Ponies made up the highest number of ponies of that consensus [and proved that counting background, unnamed, and main characters. Mares outnumber stallions 1.85 to 1 [or slightly higher than civil war US, and not as bad as some places on Earth.]
img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140505212352/mlp/images/c/cb/Equestria_royalty_S4E24.png
High Box, Alicorns, Unicorns, and Saddle Arabians.
As for "Mostly Earth Ponies" as I pointed out, EP's have the highest race amount [adult, youth, and foals] of the 3 tribes. Pegasi pump in a good second, and unicorns are last but not least of the three tribes.
And yes, Manehatten is an Earth Pony town with a majority of the ponies there being EP's. Wouldn't call them tribalist though. Not that you did either. Just saying.
But It can't be denied that Celestia favors the Unicorns [capital city = unicorn (majority) city, nobility (traced back from the nobility they were before Equestria's founding (unicorns)), and major part of high society, Celestia's school is a Unicorn school only, and her canon protege's were unicorns. Weilded the Element of Magic (and is quite skilled at spell work). Thinks only unicorns can wield the EoM.]. So I can quite easily state that she's tribalistic, even if accidentally so. Even then it's story canon that she's a tribalist (adding fuel to the canon fire).
That isn't to say that all Canterlot Unicorns are tribalist (snobs yes. Tribalistic, hit and miss), and it doesn't mean they don't enjoy the services of non-unicorns. And personally, I have nothing against any of the tribes (and I'm just waiting for Celestia to eat crow. So she can see that the other races are just as good as Unicorns, and she shouldn't make judgments based on race. It could be her very own friendship report.)
6333382 A list of named characters isn't representative of the total population statistics, it's too small a sample size, and background ponies are heavily drawn from Ponyville, mostly an earth pony town. That said, they may be the most common ponies, there's just not enough to go on.
That's not the full box of the Equestria games. The top row is 4 alicorns. The second row is 2 Saddle Arabians, Prince Blueblood (who is likely some sort of foreign diplomat) and that unicorn and the earth pony next to her are also from a foreign nation (we learn that in the 4th season finale). The third row is 2 unicorns and 4 earth ponies. img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140505204748/mlp/images/4/41/Complete_Equestria_Games_brochette_S04E24.png
Celestia does favor teaching individual unicorns, true, but the rest of your evidence is bogus. Celestia built a capital city after abandoning the Everfree, how do you know the unicorns didn't follow her? If you look at the ethnic makeup of Washington DC, it surely doesn't represent the most powerful group in the nation.
There is no nobility left in Equestria that we've seen aside from Prince Blueblood, no other ponies have noble titles except for alicorns or their spouses. They make up high society in Canterlot, the predominantly unicorn city, just as earth ponies make up high society in Manehatten, the predominantly earth pony city.
For the third time, we have no evidence that Celestia's unicorn school is her only school, and we know there are schools teaching earth ponies their specific magics. Maud's Rocktorate could be coming from "Celestia's Favored School for Clearly Superior Earth Ponies" for all we know. As for saying Celestia is a tribalist for thinking that only a unicorn could wield the element of magic, that's only tribalist if it's false. In this story, the author gets to decide that, so far it seems like Celestia may be right. I'm inclined to prefer the idea that any pony could activate the element of friendship myself, but in the story so far that just hasn't been the case.
6333444
There are nobility in this story though. The only race that used noble titles were Unicorns. And that picture was to small. As for the male he was earing a hat, and hats hide horns. Honestly we never learn what race the Duke or Maretonia is.
As for "Celestia could have other schools" but she doesn't. She has her named school for unicorns, that starts at Elementary School and goes up through college. Or at least adult hood. Just because higher education exists for other races / that isn't CSFGU doesn't mean that they are Celestia's School for X. But in her capital, near her castle, there is only CSFGU. In a city that is a majority Unicorn. And Celestia has only ever in the show been seen interacting with CSFGU [heck Faust herself said that she is the one who gave Twilight the egg for her test.]
And in this fic she's a tribalist. So she is one. The facts stack up against her. Anywho I'm done with this convo, and I'm looking forward to the next ones.
Also the list "isn't to small a sample size" it's the entire sample size from the show of every pony shown. Which is a good sample size to extrapolate from since they were made randomly to fill space, or had X pony plugged in to further the story past the mane stories focus. Samples shown Earth Ponies are the most abundant, and Mares out range Stallions. [488 Females to 264 Males.]
6333575 I can't see why you're arguing over the photograph, it's clear there is no secret horn under his hat. Doesn't matter anyway, since he's from a foreign nation just like the Saddle Arabians.
We don't know if Celestia has other schools or not. Besides the fact that CSFGU isn't elementary (Twilight joins when she is like 11), you're assuming Celestia controls the internal migration of the city, the racial makeup of the capital just isn't a compelling point. In fact, we only see Celestia actually interact with the CSFGU when she sees a giant dragon appear and shows up to reverse Twilight's magical effects. We never see her actually teach anything to regular students, or do anything with CSFGU but use it as a place to pluck out a single student and teach them individually.
But yeah, I am definitely looking forward to the next chapter as well.
6333604
Secret horn comes from Sweet and Elite. A lot of Unicorns (including Rarity) have their horns hidden when wearing hats. Including Upper Crust. But you're right he's not Equestrian so it doesn't matter (much like the Saddle Arabians).
As for Celestia. She doesn't have to control the inner migration. After a while and with her school being geared towards unicorns its something that just happened. After all a school for the best and brightest unicorns = better job opportunities for graduating unicorns; nobility being unicorns = other unicorns seeing it as the center for magic. Which means more unicorns going for jobs using magic. A majority of magic users in one spot, breeds more magic users. So in essence it just happened, and Celestia favoring (even if accidentally) unicorns = a higher concentration of that race. [That and ponies call her Tribalist Princess in the fic, and she does nothing to correct that opinion. If anything she's further hammering in the point.
Now do I think she's tribalist personally? Not intentionally, she just relates to Unicorns more. What with being a powerful mage, having taught Twilight who's the greatest magic user of her time (and Sunset who wasn't that bad herself) is proof of that. Her school that is right next to the heart of the capital shows she loves magic and teaching it to others. The nobility (whom she states annoys her) upped and followed her (Since nobility love sticking to a ruler like a tub of leeches). And with her focused on getting things ready for Luna's return, and her own tribal leanings. Things just happened. That and this wouldn't be the first AU with a pegasus Element of Magic. That and a lot of people over look the fact the other races can do magic ... just not always the same / same type as unicorn magic. [Heck even L!Trixie knows other races have magic.]
And your whole, she might have other schools. Is pure conjecture since the only one that's canon is CSFGU. As for Twilight being 11.
Let me show you why you're wrong.
img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111015143116/mlp/images/archive/b/b1/20111025114428!Twilight_Sparkle_Magic_kindergarten_S2E3.png
Magic Kindergarten. Same biology as filly Twilight in Cutie Mark Chronicles. Unless Kindergaten starts at the teenage years being 11 is wrong. 8 I could almost accept [6-7 even more likely] what with magic flares /sparks and what have you, but Shining Armor in those flash backs was a teenager, and double Twilight's height [and I doubt 5-6 years = that much difference.]
As for Celestia not being involved in the school other than that one time.
Anywho, we'll just have to see what we'll see. Have a good evening, and hope things turn out as interesting as they have been so far.
6333726 Hmm, you do have a solid theory on how Canterlot could have formed around the CSFGU, rather than the reverse. You're also right that a Pegasus could be the Element of Magic, or not, its just one of those things that the author has to decide. I just meant that if this is a universe where it requires a focused beam of magic through basically a unicorn's horn, then its not tribalist for her to say that. Otherwise it is tribalist.
I'd argue with you about the age of admissions to the CSFGU, but unfortunately your picture isn't loading for me, so I can't make a judgment on it. I will hazard a guess though, and say that that picture where Lemon Harts is running around with a flask on her head is from Magic Kindergarden, but that's before everyone gets their cutie mark, so that school can't be part of the CSFGU (though I bet it is a feeder school).
6333777
Actually I don't think getting a Cutie Mark matters for getting into the school. After all Twilight was a blank flank when she joined (and her cutie mark was completely a twist of fate. If not for the Sonic Rainboom, she wouldn't have gotten it). I was talking about the Magic Kindergarten Flashback of Twilight's.
img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111015143116/mlp/images/archive/b/b1/20111025114428!Twilight_Sparkle_Magic_kindergarten_S2E3.png
[body size of Magic Kindergarteners]
lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/F9k3_PYtTlADY0Ioo7PbOJINOePZwlqrztsJE1rAburHwlLnnTJDC-DA5MeJh-MSWSug32Ubwo6J5a6o5JG62u7aNQ=w426-h240-n
Twilight getting ready to hatch the egg.
and in
i.ytimg.com/vi/vxrXW3ObL5Y/maxresdefault.jpg
Amending Fences
She looks older than she does from the second of the two pics [and older than the kindergarteners of the first one]. Not much, but definite aging up [and the fillies there are a bit bigger than the MK counters]. Hope those pics clear it up.
And you're right on the horn bit. I mean on the show it's always been through the gems that focused and channeled the world changing, reality warping [beneficial], rainbow lasers of harmony. But in the end its what the author chooses to do, and if this is one of the few AU's where a pegasi wielded it. While nowhere near as cute as Scootaloo when she was the EoM ... but Derpy's a close second, and it'd be an interesting twist (not many authors use a non-unicorn for the EoM. Gives things a unique flavor that's fun to watch, and IMHO really makes this fic an amazing AU that's a breath of fresh air.).
6333777
Oh BTW, I do have to thank you. Our little talk has gotten me inspired for a little fic. If you're interested I'll link it to you when it gets submitted.
6333921 I couldn't load the first picture, but she looks older standing next to the dragon egg to me than she does reading the book. They both look like they are about the same age as the cutie mark crusaders, i.e 9-11. And most ponies get their cutie marks at around the same age, the fact that there are like 6 other fillies running around with flanks as blank as the day they were born means it's pretty likely that picture is from before Twilight entered CSFGU. I go with 11 just because the whole CSFGU is pretty obviously inspired by Hogwarts, which also lets kids in at 11.
More importantly, I love sparking fics, please send me a link when you post it!
If nothing else, going to the Tree of Harmony early will at least kill or delay the plunderseeds for another few centuries by possibly revitalising the tree.
6333921
6334026
No offense, but aren't you two putting too much thought into what is essentially a kids show?
This isn't Lord of the Rings with indepth lore and what not. Take it for what it is at the core. Just a show to put in front of the children to distract them for a while.
While I am at it, where in the bloody blazes did you get the information? Some sources and citations would back up whatever points you are trying to make.
I.E: Links to official material and what not.
Considering the argumentive nature of the comments between the two of you, I am wondering why this fanfiction is up even in the first place. Hell, why choose background characters when they clearly had little to no personality when this fanfiction was first written? Forgive me if I appear rude in this regard, but I see little point in using material that clearly does not fit with the show standard.
6337556
Well first things first. This is a fanfic. A work of fiction made by someone inspired by the show. It doesn't matter that the show is a kids show, and on that point. There is quite a bit of over arching, and deep lore to it. That spans plenty of seasons. Even if they do ignore it when it suits them [*glares at Tanks For the Memories*].
The show doesn't have sex, or violence, or dating, or anything really that could offend buyers of their merchandise. That's for writers to create for their own fics. Where headcanon, fanon [that they decide to use], or even opinions can change from story to story. Where characters who have no lines, or use, or anything. Can be sculpted and formed to fit the story, or even shaped by fans (fanon) to establish a fan based canon that others use [Cloud Kicker's Ascended Fanon for instance.].
As for Show standard. A) That's boring. B) When writing fanfic, there is not "standard" beyond what an artists wishes to use. They see a character, either in other fics, or on the show. Get inspired and create. It's up to an individual to follow that artistic creation or simply leave. [No offense to you. I mean that in a general sense.]. And C) Fandom exists because the show has stories, or substories that can't exist for children. Or the writers never make. The Authors on this site have something they want others to see, visions to put on page (just like any other work of literature), and it just so happens that MLP:FIM is the medium they use for their art.
_______________
As for why go as indepth as I have. Quite simply. I love this fic enough to spend up to hours of my day on it. So replying to comments on the fic is time well spent.
______________
6337556
6337596 Man, TheGreatEater said it way better and more elequently than I could have. I'll just add Ponies Are Serious Business.
6337608
6337625 Honestly comment debates are what really drive me to shape my own views on the way the Equestrian universe works as well. It was similar debates with really well-informed readers and authors that let me come up with ideas like how earth ponies are becoming the dominant financial power in equestria, or Princess Celestia's closest historical counterpart is Louis XIV. I can't wait for your story!
6337556
So, because of a couple of comments popped up in the last day or so involving a debate, you're wondering why this fanfiction exists? I...wha?... your complaint makes no sense. I started writing this fic months ago, and these argument comments are less than forty-eight hours old, yet because there is an argument now I should never have put up this fanfic in the first place?
Well, I can't speak for the thousands of other fics about background ponies that existed before they had confirmed canon personalites, but for the nature of this fic I needed five ponies that weren't the five Twilight met originally in the show. I chose background ponies because a) they already had the barebones of a generally accepted fan personality that I could work with and shape to what I needed b) using pre-established side-characters in Ponyville would have limited my options significantly and c) because it was fun. Taking a near blank slate and creating a character from it is a fun process and while yes, I could have used OCs, they likely would not have resonated as well with the reading audience, most of whom already know and enjoy the fanon personalities of these characters and would likely have enjoyed my take on them. Not to mention I already had comedic material for these five background ponies.
Well... how does this not fit the show's standard? MLPFiM is a show involving light-hearted comedic slice of life adventures mixed in with some action-y plots suitable for children and adults of all ages. My fic has both light-hearted comedic slice of life adventures and action-y plots as well. There's no swearing, sex, inappropriate (dirty) jokes, gore or anything that the show itself couldn't get away with, so I'd say it is suitable for all ages (hence the E tag). Yet... this isn't the show's standard?
It's almost like you didn't even read any of the story before making your comment.
On a side note, this website exists partly for the people who do want to go beyond the show's standard. That's the whole point of fanfiction, to have the freedom to do stuff the show hasn't/won't.
As for this... this is almost too stupid to address. I mean, if you really believe that, then why are you even here?
6337596
6337608
I see. Well thank you for clearing that up.
I myself have been jaded for most of the duration of my stay in this fandom. Especially in regards to the Canon vs Fanon debate.
Pretty much to the point where I am of the mindset "If you can't beat them, join them." attitude. Why bother with being unique in writing a story if everyone else will follow the show as standard? As in most every major detail instead of coming up with your own ideas and what not. Why bother thinking when canon is right there?
The fandom sends me conflicting singnals as to what is proper and what isn't. Thus why I responded the way I did to your comments.
My apologies in that regard. It just feels that the inital creativity that the fandom had in the past is now scorned in implication by the attitude from other blog writers and the community itself.
Sorry for the tangant. Had to get that off my chest.
6337790
Hey I totally get that. I know a few people who left the community due to some of the members. But ya know what?
There's plenty of unique, amazing writers that go far beyond the show and make amazing fics that are inspiring. And quite a few others that are just quaint, or even adorable pieces that are interesting if not also enjoyably artistic. [Even if in a few of them there are bits and pieces I don't agree with. Doesn't mean I don't enjoy them]. I get the feeling you've been reading all the wrong fics. No offense to some of the writers out there, but some comment sections can get down right asinine.
Here's a list of fics that "Might" get you back in the swing of things (and if not. Well not everyone can be a fan of the series, and deal with the mass of insanity that's the internet.)
http://www.fimfiction.net/story/116344/foal-of-the-forest
The 8 Books out so far has broken 1 million words, but it is a unique, martial arts based, highly indepth series. Greatest world building I've seen in any series. And is the one and only reason I liked Maud Pie [until I learned she wasn't a Celestial Knight. Although in my head canon she fits the bill.]
Inspiring Generosity
Doesn't use "Story Standard", but follows the spirit of the show. A very adorable, feels worthy fic. That makes you feel that humans aren't a doomed, horrible species. If they can make a fic like that.
http://www.fimfiction.net/story/19247/green
If you don't like shipping. You'll hate this fic. But if you don't mind. It shows what can be built off from the show. Yet taking a unique twist. It has depth, character, and pizzaz. It's worth reading.
and
http://www.fimfiction.net/story/226980/scootaloo-princess-for-a-day
Adorable Scootaloo fic with the Princesses. Doesn't [like this fic] use the show itself "as is". But builds from the spirit of the show itself.
______________
Then there's this unique, interesting fic.
Seriously read some of Fire Gazer's stuff. He (sorry dude I'm making an assumption hope it's not wrong XD) makes some rather interesting comedy pieces that you wouldn't be ashamed to be reading around others. Has some rather interesting work, and is well worth a follow.
6337870
You aren't
6338427
Well then you'll (hopefully) be happy to learn that The Lyrist is the last chapter to incorporate that. In truth, the whole 'Twilight tries to compare her experience to her acquaintances' and gets shot down' was a failed running joke. A lot more people were irked by it than I expected and after reflecting on it I didn't really find it all that funny, so I cut it from future chapters and worked in better jokes and ways for Twilight to try and relate to the other five.
6339143
Cool
.
Finally caught up. Wheeeeeuuuu!
Poor Twilight. Her element (honesty) keeps staying inert 'cause she is lying to herself.
Also, do you have any plans on editing the early chapters to include the nod that Twilight and Lyra already where friends (if the word is used loosely) before Ponyville? Or will you simply go "Bah, alternative universe!"?
6347991 I shall simply go "Bah, alternate universe!"
6348325 K.
What if Twilight screws up AGAIN, and ends up accidentally combining the true bearers with the others?!
6332177
If you build it, they will come...
6362116
That's... a disturbingly beautiful idea.
6362116
I don't know about you, but I don't want some weird pony amalgamations running around.