KaityKat

Steel Wing Roleplay Type: WoE Name: Steel Wing Gender: Stallion Age: Elder Pony Species: Pegasus Eye colour: magenta Coat: blue Mane/Tail: Cyan Physique: Elderly, yet still fit. Residence: Nomadic (Steel Wings) Occupation: Gang Leader Cutie Mark: A pair of stylized steel wings with a blue flame in the middle Unique Traits: A tattoo of a barbed wire wraps around up his left hind leg and sort of curls around his cutie mark. Steel Wing wears a black leather jacket with a blown up version of his cutie mark emblazoned on the back, that signifies his position as leader of the Pegasus Gang, The Steel Wings. History: Steel Wing was born in Cloudsdale. He spent his childhood flying around and learning new tricks. He felt like someday, he'd get his cutie mark in stunt flying. One day, he met a younger pegasus named Feather Hazel. She was a fun filly who loved to fly, but she was much less showy than Steel. They became fast friends. One day, when flying together, Steel Thought he'd show Hazel a trick he'd mastered. Flying on his back. She thought that looked like fun and wanted him to show her how to do it. He did, and they worked together until she finally was able to very slowly but steadily fly on her back. They were both so happy! Thes Steel's flank began to glow! He'd gotten his cutie mark! He loved it so much. Years passed, and Steel and Hazel were inseparable. They became a flying duo that would turn heads wherever they went. Steel doing death-defying jawdropping stunts, and Hazel doing some graceful flying to accompany. One day, they each got their letters from Wonderbolt academy! They were both accepted! They worked their tails off in the academy, quickly rising to the top. Steel as lead pony, Hazel, his wingpony. They smashed records and they climbed leaderboards. After they finished at the academy, and while they were waiting to hear if they would get to be Wonderbolts Reservists, Steel wing had gotten a crazy plan to help them train and be the best fliers they could be. He was reckless like that. He told Hazel of a place they could go that had such strong winds most pegasi would never be able to make it. but he was confident they'd be fine. She excitedly joined him to go there to train a bit before they got their results tomorrow. They flew through the cavern, the winds stronger than usual, barely keeping steady. Hazel was beginning to have more and more trouble. "Steel? are you sure we can do this?" she screamed through the wind "Don't worry, Hazel. You and I are tough ponies. We'll make it." he screamed back. Just then, a particularly strong cross breeze blew them both out of balance. Steel used his exceptional flying skill to turn his faltering into a showy moebius followed by a barrel roll and he was steady again. "WOOHOO!" he screamed "That was crazy. Did you see that, Hazel?" There was no response. He looked around, his heart racing, and he saw her. She was struggling against the currents, tumbling and hurling at breakneck speed toward a cliff! "HAZEL!" he turned and flew as fast as his wings could carry him. He was too late. later, at the hospital, he paced the hall waiting to hear how she was doing. A doctor came out to say "I'm sorry, sir. We've done everything we can, but... her wounds were too severe. She's gone." Steel didn't even go back to hear if he'd gotten in the reserves. Even if he got in, there was no way he could do it without Hazel. He cursed himself for his stupid, reckless idea. He wished his friend was still here. Many years passed, and now Steel lived in Manehattan. He'd grown a lot since that day at the hospital. he learned to stop blaming himself, and move on. He still missed his wingpony, but he was finally able to go on without her. He still didn't know if either of them had gotten into the Wonderbolts Reserves, and honestly, he didn't really mind not knowing. He was happy in his new home. He even had some pretty good friends that he flew with all the time. Nopony as close as he and Hazel had been, but they felt like family. One day, he decided he and his group of friends would make themselves a name for their group. Make it like a club. One of them joked that Steel Wing was kinda thes leader anyway, the way he always played concerned father. Why don't they call their group after him? "Y'know," said another friend "That's actually not a bad idea. I mean, we all follow him, and he's always been the best flier and- hey, don't give me that look, Steel, you know it's true. And i think he'd make a fantastic leader. Even if he doesn't." "All those in favor of calling ourselves the Steel Wings, and appointing Steel the Leader?" All his friends emphatically agreed. "Well," Steel said, chuckling "It looks like I've been out-voted." They all laughed and had another round of cider. Years more went by, and most Steel's co-founder friends moved on from the gang life and settled down. Since it's founding, he'd recruited a pretty decent member count. He was getting up there in years, but it didn't stop him from enjoying every minute with his gang. One day, he met a little filly who was making it all on her own in the big city. She seemed young to be on her own, but she was tough and there was something about her that he couldn't ignore. He asked her if she wanted to join the family and live the gang life. She was all too ready. That's when he knew what drew him to her. She reminded him of Hazel. Her name was Silver Haze. Yet more years have gone by, and Haze had shown herself a very capable filly... except she was a grown mare, now. Steel saw all his members like his own children, but Haze was his wingpony, and he hoped, his successor. Character Personality: A gentle yet stern character who you just know is always stressed about something, but he'd never let on to it. He loves flying with his gang, who he regards more like his own children, more than anything. has loves to watch them grow and bond with each other, and always seems to have a smile on his face. Character Summary: As the Founder and current leader of Equestria's toughest pegasus gang, The Steel Wings, Steel Wing is a kind hearted senior pegasus who loves to fly with his gang and watch them grow and bond with each other. He always seems to have a smile on his face, but everypony knows, he will not take anypony's crap. he's usually willing to give ponies the benefit of the doubt, but above all else, he does not appreciate being taken advantage of. Pics: Cutie Mark and emblem on the back of his jacket:

The Steel Wings An Equestrian Pegasus Gang (The emblem of the gang and also its founder's cutie mark. Members have this emblem embroidered on the front of their denim jacket. Not all members choose to wear the jacket, but most do.) Overview: So I'm sure you know about earth's motorcycle gangs, mostly prevalent in the United States and an identifying part of American culture? Yeah, just like that, but maybe a bit different. Given the atmosphere of Equestria, it would be unlikely for violent gangs to arise, but the tough exterior and free-spirited nature of these groups is still a likely thing. This group, The Steel Wings, is one such gang. The pegasi of this gang fly around Equestria in a sort of loose pattern (sounding like a fleet of WWII planes), doing stunts and generally being unsafe and reckless. However, unlike a certain unnamed group that doesn't seem to mind putting other ponies at risk (cough)Washouts(cough), they aren't in it for fame or bits, they're just having fun. Sometimes, the gang will play harmless pranks on friends of theirs, but that's about as far as they go. They mostly just like to fly with like-minded ponies who they see as "tough" and who gel well with the rest of the gang. They conduct themselves more like a family than anything, and they are fiercely loyal to one another. While, by the nature of it being a gang of pegasi, they only travel with other pegasi, they have been known to dub non-pegasi who they are exceptionally fond of as "honorary" members. Who, when they come around, can join their fun, and at any time can call on them for favors and protection. Leadership and Foundung The founding and current leader of The Steel Wings is the elderly Steel Wing, himself. Though he is in his elderpony years, he hasn't lost one bit of his sprite or toughness. At any point should the members of his gang feel he is unfit, they are encouraged to challenge him to a wing wrestle. When he wins, they back down. He hasn't lost yet. Steel Wing views his members like his own children. Membership: There are many members of The Steel Wings. Some of them have moved on, retiring from the lifestyle, some come and go from time to time. Only Steel Wing himself knows how many ponies are members. The named members (that is ponies who have roleplayers) are: Steel Wing Silver Haze Flower Love (H) ("H" denotes an Honorary Member) PS. Feel free to let me know what you think about this (concept, writing etc), and how you think it can be improved. Character Submissions: OPEN If you're interested in having your character be listed as a member of The Steel Wings, DM me, and we'll talk, kay?

Windward jumped at the sudden introduction, nearly falling on his haunches. The pony had come at him, practically tackling him in his enthusiasm. Windward smiled and chuckled a little bit remembering how he'd been as a child with his father. Not a whole lot different than this. He'd asked him a simple enough question, and offered employment. Windward decided he'd make it interesting for the stallion. He hoped it wasn't going to turn him off, but judging by the docks he was on and his he'd introduced himself here, Windward figured he wasn't having much luck. "Well, as it turns out, mister Cain, you're right. I am in luck. I was just thinking I was going to need a deckhoof. Have you been to Neighpon? I was just finishing getting set to go. You can come, free of charge, if you agree to be my right-hoof pony for the trip. Don't worry, I don't bite... often." he smiled at the pony trying to appear friendly. While he was mostly just giving him a way to feel useful on the ship, he really was grateful he might have some help. While it was possible for him to sail this ship by himself, it certainly doesn't hurt to have some help. "Of course, if you'd rather, you can come as a passenger, but you will need your own papers." that was another thing, he'd just realised. If he came as crew, he would be covered by Windward's merchant papers. Otherwise, he'd need his own. "If you don't mind my asking, what has you leaving the harbor in such a hurry?" then he added quickly, while still sounding natural "Whatever it is, you'll be safe on my boat." He gestured Candy to his boat so they could finish their conversation on deck while he got the crate in place.

A relatively small sea-green stallion in a wind-swept sandy-blonde mane pushed a cargo crate large enough for him to stand in across the dock. The crate had a red sakura blossom stamped on the side. It was headed for Neighpon. It wasn't one of his more common routes, but certainly one of his favorites. As he pushed, he thought what fun it might be to have somepony to sail with. "I should post a wanted ad in the tavern." he thought, aloud. Referring to the one place most sailors and experienced passengers go to find work, or routes. But then, he realized, he'd have to wait for a response. He kind of wanted to leave now, while the winds were favorable. Just then, he noticed a rather excited-looking pony he didn't recognize sitting, looking about, next to his boat. He smiled "Or," he started "perhaps, I don't need to." he'd been in his line of work long enough, he recognized a pony looking for a "boat to anywhere" like the back of his hoof. It was really a stroke of luck he'd chosen this particular dock. Most of those folks found the docks on the other side of town. Those sailors were always more than happy to take an extra passenger for a price. Here, the sailors were mostly grumpy and anti-social. In fact, Windward was only here cause his client insisted they met here to sign off his cargo, and then left in a hurry. He decided he'd push the last crate onto the deck first before talking to the pony. He figured he should have his hooves free so he could give this pony his full attention. As he pushed his crate toward the boat, he had no clue the pony was planning to make first contact.

Cool! If you're down for the rp, probably the most likely way to encounter Windward is if you're looking for a boat in Baltimare. He freelances as a sea captain, and will ferry passengers and/or cargo for cheap (because honestly he just loves sailing). if you check the map (from the site's official lore), his most common routes he takes are Baltimare to Taraju (south) or Barn in Whitescar (north). But it's not uncommon to find him in almost any coastal town/city, and he's always up for a detour to wherever you want to go. I suppose he could also sell you fish (which is what he does when he's not ferrying), but I doubt a confectioner could find a use for fish (especially one who is an herbivore) lol. Let me know which way you would prefer to go about the rp (romantic non-canon, or platonic canon) in the introduction if you would like to make it.

I have a part-changeling who hasn't met any full changelings, yet. He grew up with ponies, and has never met a changeling in person despite having a changeling father. An interaction between him and a changeling might be interesting. Fair warning, he does hold some resentment toward changelings because "they made his life hard" by being "evil". He isn't the kind to stay mad after meeting somecreature, tho. They'll likely have a sort of rocky start, but get along by the end. Bonus: If you feel up to it, you can play his dad. He hasn't met his dad, and he's an unreformed changeling (not evil or angry, he just wasn't there when the hive converted. His situation is similar to Thorax's. I'll explain in greater detail, if you're interested)

I have a bat pony OC who is a navigator by trade. She's always happy to help a lost pony in need of direction. My half-changeling (half earth pony) and crew could always use a stand-in in one of their plays (plus they too are nomads who travel around, so they could meet literally anywhere in Equestria). Any of my OCs could be fun romantic interests. Even for a one-off, non-canon encounter just for fun. In fact those are one of my favorites to play. In fact, if Cain is cool with stallions, I have a relatively new OC I wouldn't mind playing who lives in Baltimare. He's a sailor pony. With his free-spirited character, I think he could go in any way, romantically.

"Well" he started "My family's money comes from my father, who is a professional hoofball player, but that's a topic for another conversation." he waved it off, not really wanting to talk about his monetary wealth "I just love the joy of discovering new things and learning about magic." "O-oh, I'm sorry, ma'am. I mean you're not bad, for sure. I'm sure there've been plenty of ponies who even came here specifically for you. I-I just... don't really go for mares." he figured she might've assumed him to be at least into both, given the way he acted all shy. but what he didn't want to admit is he would be much worse (as hard as it might be to imagine) with a handsome stallion. He's just a generally awkward pony. He started upon being grabbed and pulled in, making a little involuntary noise like a rubber chicken being forcefully squeezed, but relaxed and allowed the kiss to happen. He nodded a silent thank you to her and attempted to lift the bushel in his teeth, and nearly spilled it on the ground. Just managing to keep it from upsetting. "U-um..." he sheepishly admitted "I-I might need help getting it on my back."

Stellar's face lit up when she asked what he did. He always loved talking about his occupation. It brought him joy, and he loved it when others showed an interest. He smiled and pointed proudly to his cutie mark which was the pegasus constellation in front of a moon. "I spend my time with my head in the clouds." he proclaimed. Then, fearing he hadn't adequately explained, he added "I-I'm an astronomer. I am an avid study of the sciences and the effects they have on magic." he expounded. Having been loosened up a bit by the talk about his interests, he seemed much more relaxed than earlier. When she expressed her enthusiasm for her farm, he smiled. He could certainly understand being proud of a profession you're passionate in. When she'd looked where he'd passed a gaze earlier and commented, his face turned a shade of red not previously discovered by ponykind as he leaned in and quietly whispered "I-is it really that obvious?" then he realized what she'd said and allowed himself to calm down just a bit. Tho still flustered by the impressive stallion, with his defined muscles, handsome stoic face, covered in the sweat of a hard day's work... where was he? Oh yeah, he stopped staring and took a breath. Anyway, somehow knowing he already had a special somepony made him feel better. It was kind of sad, but at least he could stop worrying about it. "P-probably best if you did." he reasoned, then admitted in a low whisper "I'm only just getting over the fact he's not single." he looked around. He cleared his throat and attempted to sound even and calm "Uh, here's your bits." he deposited them on the table.

Stellar began assembling his bits when the mare had left him to acquire his merchandise. He had them in his hoof when she asked him a question which had thrown him off guard, causing him to fumble, dropping his money which he quickly bent down to pick up, holding it in his wing to free his hooves for the greeting. He readjusted his glasses up with one hoof while shaking her hoof with the other. "I-I'm Stellar" he offered. quickly adding "Drift. Stellar Drift." he finished before going into a little more detail than necessary, speaking without pauses and at a slightly faster pace than normal "I-I'm from Canterlot here visiting a friend she's an Aerion and she likes sweet fruits not that I don't and your farmhoof is pretty b-b- I'm gonna stop talking now..." as he spoke, his eyes had wandered back over to Big Mac, but he quickly glanced back at the booth and finished with his face bright red, and quietly deposited the bits on the table. This is why he doesn't chat with ponies... although, it doesn't usually get THAT bad. Honestly what was up with him, today?

Stellar heard the words each time, but they didn't register until she'd been calling for a hot minute. He jumped suddenly "S-Sorry!" he stammered "I-I'm coming." Stellar quickly trotted up to the booth, nearly tripping on the even soil. "So, um. D'you still have any Ambrosia Apples left? If not, that's okay, I can take whatever is the sweetest ones still available." He tried his best to be calm and collected, but his nervousness showed through every word as his voice shook. His gaze went from the ground to Applejack, then to Big Mac, but quickly back to the ground as he blushed. He silently wished he hadn't been listening when she offered that other pony her advice.

Stellar watched as the dragon in front of him displayed his awkwardness with the mare. Honestly, he felt a good deal of awkwardness, himself. He didn't even know this mare, for ponies' sake! He wasn't planning on a kiss, he just wanted to get some apples for his friend. He wondered if he should've just gone back to her empty hoofed, and saved himself the awkwardness. "Well" he mused internally "It's too late for that, now." he remembered what Applejack had said to another stallion in the line. He looked over and saw the big red stallion, again, but looked away quickly. He wasn't sure if that advice would make it less awkward, or just make it worse. His anxiety was climbing by the second as he over-analysed all the possibilities. As the dragon finished his interaction, Stellar's anxiety mounted. He stood, petrified and shaking like an autumn leaf about to fall. He was so nervous he wouldn't hear the mare call for the next in line until she had called a few times.

If there are any things you're not sure of, you can of course, as Foxxy said, message a moderator/staff, but I suggest, both for the expedience of an answer, and to reduce the burden on the mods, first read the threads in the "General Site Rules" and "RP Rules and Etiquete" sections. You could look for a thread you think fits your question. I do suggest you find the time to read them all eventually, tho. And after that, there is the "Questions and Suggestions" section which may or may not have somebody else asking the same question. In any case, the mods have always been really kind and helpful. So don't be afraid to ask questions. Also, welcome to Canterlot! Hope you enjoy your stay.

Jas/ /Cocoa Cocoa smiled happily. Somewhere in the back of her mind, the voice of reason told her that she'd basically just promised him she'd like his music without ever having heard a note of it.... but she doesn't usually listen to that voice. She decided she'd listen to the album while making the surprise she'd promised she'd have for him, another promise she'll have to work hard on, for inspiration. "Don't forget, you still need to come see your surprise in a couple days... maybe three." she booped him on the snout "It's gonna be great." ================= Hope/ /Rose Rose watched her expectantly as she took her bite. She was just starting to think to herself that maybe she failed at the gift choice when suddenly, the rest of her slice vanished into her mouth. She smiled, seeing just how much she enjoyed it. "I'm glad you like it." she offered "Y'know, you're pretty sweet, Hope. We should find some time to hang out." ================= Cloudy/ /Stellar Stellar smiled when he heard that somepony else shared his interest in dead languages. It's not often he met anypony who found his interests to be anything else but weird, boring or nerdy. He didn't mind much, I mean to each his own, but it got lonely sometimes. He laughed at the comment about a restraining order, his laugh turning to slight concern when he realised it wasn't entirely a joke. "Well, anyway," he started "It'll be great to have somepony over once in a while. It does get lonely in the big house by myself." he laughed, tho he, too, was not entirely joking. Most of the time, he did enjoy his peace and quiet. It gave his time for his studies. but he did wish he had visitors every now and then.

((omg, I'm so sorry. this whole time, I thought I'd responded. Must've forgotten to hit Submit lol)) Jas/ /Cocoa Cocoa giggled at the playful jab at his friend. "Hee hee. It's not supposed to last long, silly. It's chocolate! You just gobble it up, like this!" suddenly, she flicked her tail, producing a relatively large bar of chocolate from its depths which she snatched out of the air in her mouth, and promptly swallowed whole. Then, she added, without a hint of any kind of reaction "Oops. That one was baking chocolate." she giggled again. "Besides, when you run out of chocolate, that just gives you an excuse to go get more!" she winked at him. When Jasper had mentioned there being "not much else to do", she almost began listing all the fun things she'd already heard about in her short time so far, but she decided instead to let him feel that way.... for now. "Well, if you're bored, you're always welcome to stop by my shop. I'll be there most any time. I literally live there." she gasped loudly "Maybe, we can be record buddies!" she exclaimed, holding up the record album he'd gifted her for emphasis. She's never had records, before, but if this cool Dragon likes them, then how can she expect them to be anything but cool, too? She still didn't even really know if she'd like the music on the album, but that was an unlikely problem for future Cocoa. ================= Hope/ /Rose Rose resisted the urge to gasp in disbelief. "You mean you've never had a mango?" she questioned "Among all the fruits, Mango is the sweetest, juiciest, most delicious-" she cleared her throat. "You'll love it. Trust me." she blushed a little. She might be just a tad too excited about the fruit. She hated falling into "bat pony" stereotypes, but she just couldn't help how good mangoes were. When Hope offered to share, she tried to say "no, that's okay, it's for you." but nothing would come out. She just stood and watched her cut it, her mouth watering a little. When she'd handed here the slice, she smiled "Thanks, Hope." she held out her slice as if to toast and said "To new friends." after the toast was completed, she practically swallowed her slice, a look of pure bliss washing over her face. ================= Cloudy/ /Stellar Stellar Smiled, relieved "Well, as long as somepony will love the book, that's really all that matters." he chuckled "Besides, I'm sure most ponies already know the story, even if they can't read the book. I mean I'm pretty rusty in Old Ponish, myself, and I'm sure my friend wouldn't have been able to read it, either. I've had it more as a piece of history. But if you want, I can always send a later, Ponish copy to accompany it." he thought for a moment "In fact, as a second part to my gift, I'll add an open invitation to you or your friend to visit my home library in Canterlot any time. It doesn't get to see many ponies- er creatures, very often." he smiled happily at the Hippogriff.

Up to this point, Stellar had been quietly keeping to himself hoping not to metaphoically (or literally) step on anypony else's hooves. He had kept his head down looking at the ground when somepony yelled something right next to him which snapped him right out of his funk. It was the little dragon, next in line. He'd called out past Stellar to another dragon in the distance. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He looked ahead in the line, to see how far he'd come, and he started getting nervous, again. He was now third in line. Then he saw the pony in front was just as- no more nervous than he was. That made him feel a little better. Now, he was interested to know how he was doing. He listened in to the conversation they were having. "An' if yer more of a stallion colt yerself, just imagine Ah'm Big Mac over there," Applejack had said. Oh, my. Stellar had been trying not to see the potentially attractive stallions around cause he knew he'd just get more flustered. But now, he had to see who she was talking about. Stellar looked in the direction Applejack had motioned, and saw a big red stallion. He began breathing more heavily. He really was quite the big, impressive stallion. Working on the fields had not done any harm to his physique. And he had gentle eyes.... Stellar snapped his attention away from the stallion and tried to focus on Applejack, instead. Buck. Now, he can't not imagine she's him. Well, this is bound to make things all the more.... interesting.

Jas/ /Cocoa Cocoa looked at the package the dragon had handed her "Jasper" she read aloud "You know, I've never met a dragon in person, before. You'd think I would've, by now, but nope! You'd be the first." she gave him a playful slug. Is that how dragons prefer to interact? Who knows? She just knew that the surprise hug didn't go over well with him. She hoped he'd like her gift. Maybe it'll make him happy, and he'll think about her positively, overall. Now, to the matter at hoof. What could be in this gift? It was flat and square. A book? A large card? Perhaps it was an autographed photo of some famous dragon. Her excitement mounted as she opened the paper revealing the record "Oh, wow! A record! That's so cool. I'll have to get a record player so I can hear the music on it." she said with all seriousness. Some ponies might be more reasonable with their bits, but Cocoa was really gonna go out and get the best record player she could find. And she was excited to hear the music. "Whatever it is, with art this cool, it's gotta be something...." she thought for half a second "Epic." she offered a hoof to "pound it" smiling at the dragon. she handed over her gift. Much more ambiguous in its appearance, the package wasn't heavy, but not light, either. It was adorned in a pretty, shiny, rust-colored bow. The same color that was in Cocoa's mane. "Your friend says your gift oughtta be something you love? Well, this is something near and dear to me. It makes me happy, and gives my life meaning." once he'd opened it, she finished with "It's chocolate! I made it myself." she winked at him. For this one, she'd used her favorite recipe that she'd developed specifically for Hearthswarming. Infused with the tastes and smells that are associated with the holiday, in a delicious symphony of the senses.... at least, that's how she'd describe it in her own not-so-humble opinion. At the bottom of the box was a business card that said "The Cocoa Hut. Exotic Chocolates and Candies for the Adventurous Tongue" along with Cocoa's name and an address. Yup. A shameless plug. I mean, she did need customers, afterall. On the back of the card was a coupon. "One free custom order" After Jasper had looked at the card, Cocoa gasped very suddenly, like she did when she had an idea. "I just had a fantastic idea! Give me a couple days, and if you visit my shop, I'll have a surprise for you. Trust me. I think you'll like it." she winked. ================= Hope/ /Rose "Actually, I have just the place for it on my mantle next to some other decorations. It will make a lovely addition." she smiled Rose's eyes widened at the sight of Hope's wings. "Woah! Your wings are beautiful! The way they sparkle reminds me of Princess Luna's beautiful night skies." she smiled as she gave Hope her admittedly better-wrapped gift. The paper decked in nightly symbols such as moons and stars... but also bats and the Mare in the Moon.... it was Nightmare Night wrapping paper. She obviously had a favorite holiday. "I hear that changelings have a bit of a sweet tooth, too, so you might actually enjoy this more than anypony else here." she chuckled. Upon opening it, Hope would find it was a full, plump juicy mango. A relatively large one, at that. "At the risk of sounding like a walking stereotype... I actually had a hard time not eating that, myself, while wrapping it. Biggest one I've had in a while." she gave Hope a hug (provided it was reciprocated) "I'm glad it found somecreature like you. I can just tell that you're somebody special." she winked at her. ================= Cloudy/ /Stellar Stellar sheepishly opened the gift he'd been handed, embarrassed he'd shoved his proverbial hoof so firmly down his throat. When he opened the box and looked inside, he let out a happy gasp. Then he laughed lightly. "Well, you're right about one thing." he said, putting the necklace on "It's pretty personal. When I was a colt, my mom used to go to the ocean every now and then." he began explaining "She'd always come home with something she'd gotten there. Hers were usually gift shop items." he rubbed his eye "but this... it reminds me of her." he looked Cloudy in the eye "Thank you." he said. Then he laughed as he remembered what he'd brought. "Now, I really feel bad about my gift." he joked. Inside the plain brown parchment paper was a book. A pretty old looking one, at that. Old, but well cared for. The title, embossed in gold lettering, was in Old Ponish. "It's a first-edition copy of 'A Hearthswaming Tale'." and then, as if to quell any concern about him parting with such a seemingly valuable book, he added "It's just been gathering dust in my library. My friend likes all things related to Equestrian history, so..." he let the sentence trail "Just... do take care of it."

The door made a weak creaking sound as it swung open. "H-hello? I'm looking for a Crystalle Horn?" called the voice from the door. A grey pegasus stood there looking into the room "I'm sure I have the address right, but I-I haven't been here since I was a colt, so..." Art got out of his chair to look at the pony who'd come in. The stallion was a light, ashen grey with a mane that faded grey to blue. He smiled "Stellar Drift." he greeted "I remember the last time you visited. I was still learning my father's craft. You had just gotten your cutie mark, if I remember correctly." Stellar blushed "Y-yeah, that's me. Are you Mr. Crystalle?" Art's smile faded slightly. "I am Artefact Crystalle. You may call me Art." he introduced "Unfortunately, My father passed away seven years ago." Stellar's face fell "I'm sorry." "It is quite alight, Stellar." he assured "What can I help you with?" "O-oh, yeah!" Stellar stammered "U-um, so years ago, I got a telescope from here. It was enchanted with enhancement magic." Art merely nodded. "Well, it um... it stopped working, today. I know today is a bad day to ask for your services, but I'm kind of desperate. You see, tonight is the only night I'll be able to see Baley's Comet, and I need my telescope."

Artefact sat lounged in his oversized luxury armchair, looking into his fireplace. He sighed and took a sip of his hot cocoa. Art had been alone in his large house for several years, now. His father had passed away, leaving him the house as well as the Crystalle Family business. However, all the bits in the world didn't mean much when he was all alone. The grandfather clock chimed the half hour. Tonight was Hearthswarming Eve, but for the seventh time, he'd be spending it by himself. He felt a weight of sadness as he stared at his father's portrait above the hearth. Just then, a moderate knock sounded at the door. He straightened himself up and answered loud enough to be heard "The door is open. You may enter." who could it be at this hour on this day?

Compass Rose/ /Fleeting Hope Rose stood waiting for a for a few moments before it seemed her gift-exchange partner was approaching. However, contrary to her admittedly narrow-minded assumption, It seemed 'Fleeting Hope' was, in fact, not a pony at all! The green insectoid made her way straight in Rose's direction. She'd never met a changeling, before. She'd heard lots about them, mostly about their history, but also about their reform. She knew not to fear them, and being an Areion, she knew what it was like to receive prejudice, and didn't want to be somepony who caused that feeling. When she introduced herself Rose couldn't help but smile. If it hadn't been for a certain white and grey pegasus, she'd be just as nervous. She seemed to be disappointed in her own gift. Rose knew exactly what it was like to not know about customs, and she felt for her. She smiled sweetly at Hope "Hi, Hope. My name is Compass Rose. You can call me Rose, tho. I think your gift is very sweet." she said. "Yes, I'm what ponies like to call a 'Bat Pony'. Probably mostly because of these." she spread her bat-like wings displaying her race's uniquely leathery wings. "As well as other things. but," she added, slightly quieter, as if she was sharing some secret "if you want to be more correct, I'm actually an Areion." Normally, Rose resented this kind of introduction. She didn't usually appreciate having to explain her race every time she met somepony, but for some reason, talking with somecreature else who was "different" from others, she felt more like she was sharing something special about herself instead of simply trying to assuage another pony's fears. It was... refreshing. For the first time since she met Stellar Drift, she felt like she could just be herself around somebody, and not have to prove herself. ================= Stellar Drift/ /Cloudy Skies Stellar, who'd been so lost in anxious thought he didn't notice the Hippogriff approaching. His anxiety built up so that when Cloudy spoke to him, he was startled so much he actually jumped in the air with a bit of a yelp. Quickly adding "I didn't know! I'm sorry!" he blushed profusely, looking down. "I-I mean.... Hi, I'm Stellar Drift. I-I have a gift for yo-" He reached in his saddle bag and pulled out a small, rectangular parcel wrapped in plain brown paper, but froze upon seeing with whom he was conversing. It's not like he didn't know what Hippogriffs were, or like he didn't like them, but he just wasn't expecting to see one standing three feet in front of him. He dropped his gift in surprise, but quickly fumbled to pick it back up. "I-I'm sorry. I was just not expecti- I've never met-" he took a deep breath, cleared his throat and said "Let me start over. I'm Stellar Drift. It's nice to meet you." he exchanged the gifts, ashamedly offering his plain package while accepting the unique gift in return. Now, he was extra sure his gift wouldn't really be enjoyed. This Hippogriff seemed like the cool-as-a-cucumber type, and he didn't know how well the gift would fit. "I-I um.... I didn't know we'd be exchanging with strangers, I thought my friend would get it. So... forgive me if it's not right." he apologized. ================= Cocoa Nut/ /Jasper When she finally approached the gift table, Cocoa saw in her spot a blue dragon! How exciting! Her logical mind told her that jumping into the air to surprise-hug a dragon from behind was a bad idea, and could only end in trouble. ....but since when did her logical mind ever win an argument? Geronimo! Cocoa jumped up to hug the dragon from behind "Happy Hearthswarming!" she said, simultaneously, as she latched on. Yup. Definitely the best thing she did today. She could tick "hug a dragon" off the bucket list (which didn't really exist, per se). She hugged him only until he made any attempt at all to free himself from her grasp. At which point, she let go to come face to face, and confront whatever surprise or possibly tirade he had for her. She didn't exactly have the habit of thinking things through, and this could possibly come back to bite her.... maybe literally. but that was logical mind's problem to think of.