Ahh. And at last, here we are. The Gemmed Satyr is finally finished, and once again, we are at the part where I thank every one of you for reading my story, give some insight on the development behind it, and of course, share what’s coming up next.
I first had the idea for The Gemmed Satyr a couple of months after I had begun writing The Sweetest Gem back in 2011. A lot of elements of it, such as Rainbow’s role in the story and Rarity’s dramatic reactions to Fluttershy's initial confession, were inspired by an excellent Scootabelle fic by darkshadow051 called New Discoveries… which itself was apparently inspired by elements of The Sweetest Gem.
Hmmm.
Much like its predecessor, The Gemmed Satyr was ultimately written as my response to something I had noticed within the MLP fanfiction community that bothered me.
Fluttershy X Rarity is, as you probably figured by this point, my favorite Mane Six pairing, arguably even my favorite pairing overall. However, as I’ve read various Flarity fics around FIMFiction.net and other sites, there’s one common thing within them that always stood out to me.
Suddenly, Rarity likes mares.
So many fics do that, and not even exclusively Flarity. After all the gushing she’s done over Prince Blueblood in the first season, and how she uses her feminine charm to coax men into doing what she wants, you can’t just have Rarity reciprocate Fluttershy’s love with absolutely NO explanation. Rarity is the only one of the Mane Six to have her sexuality explicitly displayed in the show, so you have to work with that if you honestly expect me to believe that Rarity is suddenly homosexual now, or even bisexual.
So, yes. Creating a story where Rarity is trying to find the perfect stallion, at the same time Fluttershy wants to confess her love to her, was my idea on how to write a fanfic revolved around addressing that concern of “Suddenly Sexuality”.
The idea to have it told in back-to-back first person narrative between the two of them came a little later. So The Gemmed Satyr also became an experiment for me in writing with that style, much like how The Sweetest Gem was my first story written in narrative format.
And some people have noticed that various chapters experiment with different methods of using the first-person narrative. “Rainbow’s Faith” is entirely supported by dialogue with almost no narrative context, whilst “Reaction Time” and “Feels Familiar” begin with the same scene, but from different perspectives.
But anyway, writing this story was a great experience for me. Not only did I get to experiment with some different styles, but I was able to use what I learned from writing The Sweetest Gem, such as actually outlining the entire fic before getting started writing, to make what is hopefully a more sophisticated and well-written piece of literature (even though it’s probably still not as good story-wise as TSG).
I also learned the hard way that I need to improve my scheduling plans and work better at setting aside more time for myself to work on writing, so you guys aren’t waiting two weeks at a time for updates.
Sorry about all of that, by the way.
So next, I’d like to take the time to once again thank each and every one of you out there who actually took the time to read my story, and especially those of you who have liked it, favorited it, commented on it, and somehow even got it featured.
I always appreciate the feedback you guys give me. As I’ve made clear before, I have low self-esteem when it comes to my own writing, so the positive comments you all make always leave me feeling warm and relieved… if not also bewildered.
I’d especially like to thank (and again apologize to) everyone who followed this story all the way to the end, braving droughts between chapters that sometimes spanned a couple of weeks at a time, during the times when I was swamped with college work and personal family issues.
Seriously, I can never thank you all enough.
You guys are the best.
And once again… it’s time for the only part you guys actually care about.
So… in The Sweetest Gem, we saw how Sweetie Belle, with a little help from her loved ones, was able to win over her love, as she and Spike both professed their love and found happiness.
Meanwhile, The Gemmed Satyr chronicled Fluttershy’s and Rarity’s simultaneous pursuits for love, finally converging and climaxing as the two mares finally embraced each other as a couple.
So now everyone is wondering…
“Just what is The Rarispy going to pull out of the Seventh Doctor’s hat next?”
“Will there be a third episode?”
“Could it possibly be as good as The Sweetest Gem and The Gemmed Satyr?”
“What is with all of this Discord nonsense? What is he planning?”
“I swear he’s got something going on between Twilight and Pinkie!”
“When is The Rarispy going to stop sounding so conceited and enigmatic and just tell us what's next already!?”
“Why does everyone like these pairings so much?”
“What is the meaning of life?”
“If it’s ten times better than the leading brand, then why isn’t it the leading brand?”
Well, get ready for the answer to ALL of those questions (except that second-to-last one…), in the third and FINAL chapter of the Gems Trilogy!
The Trotzamore Stratagem
It’s been a month since the events of The Sweetest Gem and The Gemmed Satyr, and frankly, everypony is emotionally on edge.
Can Fluttershy stomach up the courage to tell Rarity what she really wants out of their relationship more than anything else? When Rainbow Dash finds out a dark secret about Applejack’s boyfriend Caramel, will she prevail when her conscience battles against whether she should tell her friend?
Does Sweetie Belle really have good reason to worry about her future with Spike, and his faithfulness to her? And just why has Pinkie Pie been so keen to hang out with Twilight lately, and what's this she keeps spouting about the 'prophecies coming true'?
But those are only the roots of their problems. Trouble is brewing. Strange things are happening all over Equestria, one of the royal sisters has mysteriously disappeared, a familiar evil is about to rise again, and the fate of all the hearts in Equestria will lie in six ponies’ own troubled hearts as well as a mystical place talked about only in myth.
Doesn’t it all sound so… chaotic?
It's now up, and you can read it here!
Holy crap! You’re still here? Oh man, first the long and drawn-out fic, and now you mean to tell me that you actually read that big boring wall of text?
I should reward you with an ice cream sammich.
Please do.
I await my ice cream sammich
Ice cream arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
mattcbr.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/drooling_homer.gif?w=314&h=360
We all want a sammich. We'll be waiting...
Bored with the wedding reception you take off. Flying high above Ponyville you head towards a cloud in the distance, ever so slightly different than the rest, strings hang from it attached to something unknown far below. You are greeted by the site of a very mischievous draconequus chuckling to himself. You sigh, it was about time he was released wasn't it? After all it had been nearly a whole season. "Discord what have you been up to?"
"Why, Chaos of course." He replies nonchalantly, as he takes a moment to admire his handiwork.
Not seeing any floating pies, dancing buffalo or chocolate rain you become sceptical "Uh huh and what exactly have you been doing that's so chaotic"
The great Spirit leans forward, you can smell his foul breath as he whispers a single word a word that both excites and terrifies, sending an unearthly shiver down your spine. "Shipping."
Ahem sorry, just felt compelled to write that. Anyway...
Can't wait for the next one.
This is definitely one way to do it. Shipping a Rarity that is functionally straight you do have to address that... at least up to the point of the Grand Galloping Gala. Meeting your prince and finding out what a cad he is can be a real turning point in a mare's life. Not enough to turn her away from stallions entirely, but enough to make her wonder if she might be looking for love in all the wrong places.
I let the ball drop, I meant to favourite it a while ago and know I've lost my place. Dammit
(Joke) Alt. Title: Satyrical
how will Twilight end up with Pinkie? What does Discord have in mind? Is Chrysalis the voice that was speaking with Fancy Pants? What is Celestia's sexual orientation, and how can her love for Twilight prevail over the menace of Pinkamena? Has Fluttershy secretly been Pinkie Pie this whole time? Where did Spike learn to play a piano that requires fingers in a land of talking ponies? Find out next time on Dragon B--I mean The Rarispy's shipping trilogy!
Also, I get ice cream! Squee!
Great job on the stories. I can't wait to see where all this is going!
Is it Neapolitan, this ice cream sammich?
Ice Cream Sandwich!
Although I prefer Jelly Bean myself
Oh but key lime pie, what a delight! Can't wait for that!
Also, can't wait for the last story from this trilogy!
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Darn it, I always miss something.
1926706
That is also true. Prince Blueblood's disappointing show in "Best Night Ever" is a great starting point for Rarity's psychological journey. Not so much a straight-out sexuality shifter, but definitely something that could plausibly get her thinking.
1926794
1927062
It is if you want it to be.
1927223
I try.
This was fun, very Sweet and I'd like to thank you for the ride. All though admittedly the story left an ashy taste in my mouth with it's primarily narrative driven story line in comparison to The Sweetest Gem, but nonetheless that didn't stop me from enjoying this story in the slightest once I got around to embracing it. It was rather nice to be in the character's head to be honest. Looking forward to part three, so start writing, author slave!
Loathe,
Your Antagonist
You giot some of that icecream left?
1927848
As much as you want.
I really enjoyed the story. reading this story gave me some ideas for my own fic. Thanx.
1928012
No problem.
Dat new fic title.
cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bkj3km5vc03l/610x.jpg
1927872
Ooh, ooh, sammich, sammich!
Gimme!... please.
1927223 Sweet.
Odd name for a title but you know you have my support brother
1929061
Roughly half a week before the beginning of The Gemmed Satyr. Both fics are set right before "A Canterlot Wedding" (with TGS's ending leading directly into it).
And as for the second question, it'll become clearer when we get to The Trotzamore Stratagem.
This is a beautiful story.
I found myself feeling so much sympathy for Fluttershy the whole way through, fighting to be able to tell Rarity how she feels. I thought Rarity's attempts to "find love" were all very much true to her character, and the same is true of even how she would talk over Fluttershy during those "oh-so-close" moments when the poor dear was trying to get it off of her chest. I also am very impressed at how you're able to keep multiple growing relationships flowing all in one story so seamlessly. Also, I just love Fluttershy, and you seem to capture her in the way I like best!
But, for how much I loved this story, I just can't help but feel something is off. Something is keeping this from being perfectly amazing. I know you expressed that you tried to help Rarity's realization not seem too sudden, but I sadly did get that feeling. Right at the climax of the story, there's a hole that screams to be filled! Rarity really did do a total 180 on her beliefs...
With Rarity's feelings that come to life during Sweetie Belle's song, this is almost, very nearly believable. It's very close! But, it's just that Rarity expressed EXTREME dislike and perhaps even hatred of "mare-amorers" in your story. Of course, since Fluttershy and Twilight are her very close friends, she may have made exceptions to allow tolerance, but she must really really hate "mare-amorers" in general:
Now, I'm under the impression that Discord has a hand in this pair of stories (soon to be trio), what with the grey eyes of Pinkie, Twilight's odd behavior, and the butterflies that were conveniently in the right places at the right times. But we never got any hint that Rarity was under his influence, unlike Pinkie's grey eyes, to do such a total 180. Did Discord do this? Did I miss the hint? If so, I'm very sorry. If not, that could be an explanation to make this smoother.
The other explanation that I can think of is how some people act in public in our world. Some people express hatred of homosexuals to hide that they themselves are actually homosexual. Rarity may be one of those who would publicly express disapproval of "mare-amorers" and "stallion-swingers" to keep her status, as an aspiring entrepreneur in the fashion world. Some time devoted to Rarity choosing to overcome this for the sake of finding love with her lifetime best friend Fluttershy might be a touching way to explain why she was so cruel to Apricot Blossom. Otherwise, that bit's still not really explained. I wouldn't think Rarity to be such a hateful, disapproving mare without good reason. Otherwise, now Rarity is a "mare-amorer" that she clearly hates so extremely.
If you provided a little bit of an insight as to how Rarity is fighting her own belief against "mare-amorers", then this story would be perfect!
I GET ICECREAM SAMMICH!!! .... wait you said should... DARN! Well I certainly agree with you on the topic of random homosexuality/bisexuality. I would like to say again that your work is marvelous and absolutely wonderful! The Sweetest Gem was actually my favorite fanfiction for a while WELL! I hope you have a relaxing time and enjoy yourself on your break from writing!
1930421
No, Discord was never mentally influencing Rarity. His guidance came purely through the butterfly.
I know, that's perhaps my one regret is that I could have spent a little more time on Rarity's sexuality development. What I was trying to go for is that Rarity has always had mutual feelings for Fluttershy, but they were very deeply hidden in a sea of denial, brought about by her own upbringing.
When she was a foal, heterosexuality was the only thing that made sense to her. She assumed love to be that much of a one-dimensional matter. And her undying passion for the stories of a prince saving the princess instilled her decision to pursue stallions, and thus her misguided belief that stallions were the only thing to be interested in. (Very comparable to the "Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve" ideology, which I subtlety alluded to with the "never see a prince saving another prince" speech.)
Icecreamsammich GIMMEIT.
...
"Suddenly Sexuality" sounds like the name of a story, perhaps a clopfic.
...
Someone should write that.
1931105
It's the name of a trope, from TV Tropes.
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Stop lying! You evil... um... author! Do not dare attempt to trap me within another trope storm!
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CLICK IT. YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO.
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Nooo... Why is it so good?...
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WELCOME TO THE NIGHTMARE.
Now that I've read through the whole fic, I feel the need to comment on it a bit.
Your Gems-universe (if you are okay with that wording) has been great so far. The pairings have been good although I wouldn't call these my OTPs. There were parts I didn't necessarily like such as Rarity getting all mad about that speed dating thing but none of those were problematic to the story, imo. I didn't notice that many spelling errors either and I can say I've been happy with all of the chapters so far.
However, I'm not sure how I feel about the (possible) continuation of the story. There have been hints about the next pairing and in case it will be what I fear it is, I can't say I'm happy about it. Not only that, I've no idea how including Discord is going to work but I won't judge before the next part is out.
I'm not trying to make you change your story just because I'm complaining about it. You do whatever you feel like and I'll read and comment on it. Any pairing, even if the reader doesn't like it, works if it's executed well enough. Plus, there are things such as the already established ships that I want to read more about; so far those have just started.
You mentioned my favorite authors in there: you and DS.
You really foreshadowed the last one well... I look forward to it! Until then, I'll be good!
1950280
Not sure if sarcastic...
OH man. This is gonna be interesting.
I'm sure this is gonna be...worth the weight
Naah, but with all seriousness, I love your stories. I occasionally don't like shippings at all, but somehow you make them better. Well written, excellent plot, and what always confuses me about shippings is how the hell are two characters going to relate when they have zero in common. But you pulled it of perfectly with Spike ,who already had a crush on Rarity, and with Rarity as well, even though she at first wasn't a lesbian. You sir, are something else, you are an excuse.
Hope to see more from you in the future and if not, that's ok.
If I can wait for Capcom to pull out a Monster Hunter series game in america, I can sure wait for another fic.
Dark's Rating(something that I usually do when I comment on stories.): 7/7(because I like 7)
Darkdrome7, and the demons in my head, Approve You deserve it.
Um... are you out of ice cream sammiches?
And working in Discord will require either a deft hand... of a deliberately clumsy one. Randomly Discord. But it seems like you're going the other route...
1968165
Well, don't forget I've been seeding his appearance since the beginning of The Sweetest Gem. When I get to writing The Trotzamore Stratagem, it'll all start to come forward just how much Discord is connected to everything.
*hands an ice cream sammich*
1968320
Eats ice cream sammich.
Yeah, you're obviously going to use the more tactful approach to Discord. I wonder... is he responsible for the Changelings? Maybe...
I liked "The Sweetest Gem", so I looked forward to reading sequel. This story however was rather disappointing.
It's funny how you mention now that you don't like fics when Rarity suddenly is in love with Fluttershy...
...because it's essentially what have happened in this fic. I don't mean it needs to be similar to Judgement, but the whole thing between Rarity's outburst and confession of love is rushed, and forced. The fact that she's sorry for being an idiot shouldn't enough reason to suddenly share feeling FS have for her.
Also, poem, or song inside fic - my reaction:
Okay, I can agree that my opinion on poems, but you should think trice before adding music text to fic. (And in 99% of cases answer should be "Hell, no!") Here it is wonderfully explained why music is bad idea in comics, and all those points are even more valid for pure text medium.
I don't say that this fic is bad, but it haven't got my upvote either. It's disappointment after previous fic.
Give me my ice cream sandwich, please. And hold the ice cream sandwich.
Dat video. I'm sitting around at school here, just cracking up. Thank you so much.
So Luna actually had a good reason to not be at the wedding?! UUUUNBALEEVABULL!
Can't wait!
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Don't worry, you'll see how this is all going down when I get to TTS.
Discord's not making everyone gay though, I can tell you that right now. And there is something I'm doing with the whole "fireworks kisses", but again, you'll see more about that later.
1988909
May I have Ice Cream Sandvich now?
I look forward to TTS. I really, really do.I shall eagerly await its release.
Gentlemen.
How in Equestria did I miss you upload AN ENTIRE STORY!?!?!?!?!
BRB, putting this at the top of my priorities.
I like Rarity and Fluttershy as a couple, and in fact....without the influence of whatever fanfiction I happen to be reading at a particular time, it's by default my favorite pairing. And I thought the story was really nice and well-done on a lot of parts. That said, I think you ultimately dropped the ball with this one.
While in the beginning, I absolutely loved the story...by chapter eleven...reading it was kind of like eating glass. I understand that you needed to show to what ends Rarity would go to find a stallion, but I think a lot less of the story could have been spent on her different attempts at dating. For one thing it was boring. And kind of irritating.
And then the end is just....rushed. It's gets really good........then drags on forever with no progress in the story, and the reward for continued reading is to rush the good stuff at the very end. Most disappointing. But more importantly it doesn't actually feel like Rarity is attracted to Fluttershy. It just seems like something fake tacked on as her solution to the problems she's caused. I think I know what you were going for....Rarity's denial of long-standing subconscious attraction toward Fluttershy causing her homophobia? That's why I'm not complaining about how SERIOUSLY out of character with how horrible she was. But even with her homophobia being some kind of retreat from what she's personally feeling, that kind of vulgar cruelty just isn't Rarity. Which is odd because you do a really good job of making the characters feel like the actual characters, unlike some fics. It seems like Rarity, but this isn't Rarity.
It would be nice if clues had been given to the reader concerning Rarity's feelings, throughout the story, that she herself hadn't realized yet. She would have at least looked at Fluttershy a certain way, without herself connecting the dots. For instance, when the story is in Rarity's point of view, perhaps a habit of descriptions of Fluttershy's features coming up (voice, scent, appearance, whatever) so that we know Rarity takes notice of these things even if she doesn't quite realize herself that she's oggling.
And, like I said before, if she's going to be that violently homophobic....and then suddenly be in love with Rarity, then that homophobia should be presented as a cover-up for her desires. That said, this would mean that on some level she'd have to be consciously aware of her attraction toward Fluttershy, and in denial. But we never see any of that. And Rarity never mentions it after the drama's all resolved either.
The way it was executed, it really seemed like suddenly being attracted to Fluttershy was Rarity's solution to the problems she caused in their friendship. I'm not normally this critical...I guess, it's because I really like the story, and REALLY liked "The Sweetest Gem", that I firmly believe that this is not even close to the best you could have done with this story. Also, the song lyrics were a bit distracting.
Love the twipie hints, by the way. Makes me curious about the next story (this is the second out of three, right?)
2041563
That is actually a common thing for Western/Southern-accented characters in fictional media to address someone as "y'all" in place of "you", even with just one person. Perhaps it's improper, I wouldn't know, I've never actually met someone with the accent for real, but it's been ingrained into my head by a legacy of cowboys on the telly.
Sorry if it offended you.
2042327
Yup. The next story in line comes out in February is the finale to this saga.