KaityKat

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."

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.

Compass Rose/  /Fleeting Hope

Rose stood by her gift asst the table so that whoever Fleeting Hope was could come find her. She'd go looking for them, but honestly, she didn't know anypony. So it was unlikely she'd find them. "I hope they're nice like Fire Walker" she hoped to herself.

Then, she realised she was still wearing her sun hat and sunglasses. "Oh. Silly me. I don't think I need these indoors" she said. She figured it was only polite, when meeting somepony new, not to hide her face. She took a breath. She wasn't used to being around this many ponies. She'd been to the Conclave once or twice, but that was different. They were all Areion.

Rose recalled her first encounter with a pony from Ponyville. An earth pony called Hawthorn. The was scared, at first, but he did turn around. Now, he was a pony she could call a friend. She really ought to stop worrying about ponies distrusting her, she thought. It doesn't help when trying to make friends.

She interrupted her train of thought when she thought she saw somepony coming to her, but they were going toward somepony else. She sat in anticipation of finding out who she was going to meet.

=================

 Stellar Drift/  /Cloudy Skies

Stellar wandered casually to the table, and saw that, tho he wasn't paired with her, his pair was sat next to Rose's pair. On his way to his gift, he waved to her. "Hey, Rose." he greeted "Big crowd, eh?" he said almost accusingly, but with a hint of humor. She just giggled in return. She tried to hide it, but Stellar could tell the was nervous about meeting somepony new. He felt sorry for her, but would never say that to her face. He just gave her an encouraging smile, and turned to his the pair of gifts on the table the gift said it was from a "cloudy skies". Stellar thought they sounded like a pegasus. "Well, at least we'll have something in common" he thought. He hoped they'd like his gift. He'd hate to disappoint somepony on Hearthswarming Eve. Honestly, he thought he'd be giving the present to Rose, so it might not be the right gift to give to some random pegasus. He wondered if instead, he should have brought something generic. Then his anxiety hit him and he began sweating. He was so preoccupied, he didn't notice when somecreature came up to him and his gift.

=================

 Cocoa Nut/  /Jasper

"Oooh!" Cocoa exclaimed "I wonder who my buddy will be!" she bounced happily in the general direction of the table being sure to give her buddy enough time to get there first. She figured she could sneak up on them and surprise them. Either with a hug or just a tap on the shoulder. Whatever she felt like giving them in the moment.

I was thinking about that. Maybe I should do that. ^v^

I'm sure this is a stupid question, and/or already answered somewhere, but I don't have the time or patience to sift through everything.

I'm wondering about rps between multiple of one's own characters. Like effectively similar to if it were just a fanfic, but in rp form. Some people may even find it pointless, or something, idk, but I've wondered about it and thought I could develope my characters this way. Some of them have relationships with each other, and it might be fun to play them out. And if people wanted to, they could follow their stories. Not that I expect this to happen lol.

Idk if there's a way this can be done most effectively/efficiently, or if I should just put it in the WoE section, or what. Or maybe y'all would rather I just write fanfictions and link them in blog posts. Just wondering what I should do with that. It may be strange idea, or maybe it's more common than I realise or maybe y'all think I'm weird/crazy, idk.

Just thought-vomiting, mostly, I guess. lol

Cocoa seemed not to even notice the commotion going on just hoof-steps behind her. Almost like it was a regular occurrence for her (probably a result of having lived in the cuckoo house). "Oh? That sounds great! I'm glad my one and only customer is staying. I'll try not to disappoint you. If you're ever bored there, I could always whip up another batch of chocolate glue." she giggled at her own joke. Then she made a face "Although, I really should come up with something less offensive to clean it up with...." she began muttering ingredients to herself lost in thought trying to figure out something she could make.

=================

Rose relaxed almost immediately, becoming visibly more comfortable at the mare's friendliness. "Oh, yes. I love the idea the princess came up with! Exciting, wouldn't you say? I don't get many opportunities to get out and meet ponies. It's hard for me to get out when others are awake, but I couldn't very well miss this, could I?" she smiled at the crowd. She hadn't given herself a moment to think about it, but this really is the biggest gathering of ponies she's been to. At least in a while, anyway. She stifled a laugh. Stellar's probably sweating like a stuck pig, rn. Rose took another look at the pegasus she was talking with. She didn't seem at all imposing in person. She was actually pretty friendly. "In fact, maybe I should make an effort, more often. I could always use more friends, and my business isn't going to go anywhere if I don't reach out." She smiled at Fire "So you're one of princess Twilight's guards, then? I used to aspire to be in the Lunar Guard, myself. It's in my lineage, and my parents wanted me to, but I've found I don't do well under that much discipline. So I became a map-maker instead." She laughed heartily. It was kind of funny to her that her passion was something so strictly disciplined as maps after her reason for not joining the Lunar Guard.

Cocoa blushed "I-I wasn't- I didn't mean-" she smiled and playfully slugged him "I'll keep that in mind." she finally said, giving in. She did, afterall, find him attractive, and wasn't exactly 'off-the-market' per se. She smiled at his question about her shop. She was always happy when somepony found interest in her pursuits. In fact, honestly, if he kept at that, she'd have no choice but da- Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves shall we? Anywho the question remained in the air for only a second or two before she snapped herself out of her daydreaming. "I-I'ts been okay. I haven't had any customers, but that gave me lots of time to experiment with some new ideas! I've made a whole new sculpture that you might like as much as the Nightmare Moon one I did for Nightmare Night. You should come by, sometime, and check it out!" she paused. was that a flirt? It sounded like a flirt. She only meant it as a businessmare trying to bring in customers, but she was sure he'd pick up a flirt.... oh, well. It's not like she didn't like him. Celestia, denial is tiring! I mean... oops.

=================

Stellar began to wander much the same as Rose was doing without looking where he was going. He thought he might've seen her, but was mistaken. He was just in the process of turning back around when he bumped into somepony. "Oh, Celestia! I'm so sorry! I wasn't paying atten-" he stopped cold. In front of him stood the newly ordained leader of Equestria, the Princess of Friendship herself. Rose failed to mention she'd be here. He stammered "Y-your highness!" he bowed himself humbly "Forgive my intrusion, Princess. I was careless. I didn't know you were here. My invitation came from a friend." he added quickly "Your school is quite impressive! I've never seen it in person until now."

=================

Rose finally saw him across the hall, he was talking with Princess Twilight. From the looks of it, just as flustered as she figured he'd be. She chuckled. She hadn't told him she was here because she just knew if she had, he'd have been too worried about how to behave, and would've found some excuse not to come. She figured she'd let him chat for a moment, and began looking for somepony to talk with, herself. She saw somepony looking around the hall. A fire-red pegasus. She was a little trepidatious about talking to her. She exuded an air of somepony with authority, and Rose could just feel her "Royal Guard" atmosphere. Rose hadn't had many experiences with Royal Guards, even when she'd lived in Canterlot. Most often, it was when they'd stop her in the streets on suspicion of commiting some crime. mostly because she was out at night, but she also feared some of it was prejudice and racial profiling. Being a "Bat Pony" wasn't always easy.

Nonetheless, she gave this pony the benefit of the doubt. "Hello, and Happy Hearthswarming! I don't believe we've met. I'm Compass Rose. It's a pleasure to meet you." she tried, with marginal success, to smile despite her nervousness.

Stellar twitched at the sneeze offering a compulsory "bless you." to the empty space beside him. Then he blushed, looking around before he saw a blue pegasus across the hall with her wings out, her magician's hat covering her head where he'd have otherwise seen a horn. Her garb seemed somehow familiar to him. Maybe, from the looks of it, a performer who'd been around. He thought little of it, and continued to look for Rose.

=================

Rose landed by the door and opened it, heading inside to look for Stellar. She trotted casually about the hall looking this way and that, but not in the direction she was going. She was still a little groggy from having just woken up, and not quite as attentive she normally would be.

Stellar Drift had been invited to Ponyville, by his friend Rose, for some kind of Hearthswarming gift exchange event. While he wasn't usually much for social gatherings, especially big ones like this, Rose had promised him she'd be there and he could hang around her to feel more comfortable. So here he was, plainly wrapped gift in his saddlebag, approaching the place he was told to come. He walked into the School of Friendship's Great Hall and his jaw dropped. He'd heard about the new school and its difficulties starting up. He knew the school was there, and he'd been to Ponyville a few times, but he never actually went to see the place. The building was really quite spectacular. Then he became painfully aware of the crowd. Ponies and creatures cheerfully greeting each other, all in the spirit of Hearthswarming. He loved Hearthswarming, himself, but only with close friends and family, really. He didn't normally do the whole crowds thing. Speaking of which, he began looking around for Rose.

=================

Compass Rose blinked herself awake. "Oh, horseapples!" she exclaimed, to herself "I'm late! I knew I was going to oversleep. I hope Stellar's doing okay by himself until I get there." she bolted to the door, and opened it but immediately regretted it "Aah!" Rose covered her eyes and closed the door. "What kind of an idiot are you, Rose?" she chastised herself "It's daytime, you'll need some protection." she grabbed her sunglasses and her brown sun hat from the rack by the door and put them on before heading out. Normally, the sun'd be too hot to fly in, but it being winter, now, she felt comfortable enough to spread her wings. Carrying her small gift, carefully wrapped in colorful paper with a cute bow on top, she flew over town toward the school."I wonder if anypony else brought something sweet." she hoped.

=================

Cocoa Nut bounced about the hall excitedly giving a cheerful "Happy Hearthswarming!" to anypony who'll listen. Then she saw somepony she recognized and she yelled across the hall "Hey! Tiger!" and trotted gleefully toward him. "I thought I smelled vinegar, in here, somewhere!" she joked with a wink "Who's your marefriend, here?" she smiled happily at the mare and after her name had been given she greeted back "I'm Cocoa Nut! I own the Cocoa Hut down the road.... s. It's a new place. Just moved in! You should come by sometime." she offered a wink.

Stellar laughed "I'm not so sure Canterlot is the destination for an adventure. I live there specifically because nothing happens. That and it's on a mountain. Makes stargazing easier." he added "Also most ponies there are a little...how can I say this nicely... full of themselves."  he quickly amended not wanting to sound like he didn't want Tiger around, or something "But if you do visit Canterlot, be sure to look for me." 

@PyroBlaze Stellar was visibly surprised "The world just keeps growing."  he said, seemingly more amused at his blunder than anything else "So you're from out of Equestria, then."  his anxiety slowly waning as it formed into curiosity, the only thing that ever seems to overpower his nervousness. A thousand questions raced through his mind, the gears turning could be noticed by anypony paying attention. Finally he realised he'd been asked a question, himself, so he broke free of that train of thought and apologized "Sorry. Um.. no- I mean yes, compared to you, but no, not Ponyville. I study the stars in Canterlot. I'm just here visiting a friend. She needed apples, so here we are."  He chuckled uncomfortably. "So, uh.... what brings you to Equestria, and specifically Ponyville?"

Stellar froze when he was asked a question. He was already on edge after being told he was out of line, once. His social anxiety had gone through the roof, and the pony had come up behind him asking a question, which had startled him, and he hardly even heard what the words had been. However, after a moment, he calmed down a bit and realized he hadn't been accusatory or anything, just asked how long the wait was. He felt stupid for being so on edge, and breathed to calm himself down. He waited for a lull in the others' conversation and finally responded to Tiger's question.

"O-oh, um... sorry... the wait's not too bad, but there are a few ahead of us..." If Stellar had been honest with himself, at this point, he would rather have his apples and be out. This much social exposure was liable to give him a heart attack. Unable to hide his uneasiness, anypony who paid the least bit of attention to him could tell he was uncomfortable. Though he tried to keep calm, his first impression had set the mood for him to be extra anxious. More than normal.

He remembered a passage he'd read in "The Introvert's Guide to Socializing" that had said that interaction gets easier the more you do it, and breaking the ice can help you feel more comfortable. He thought this sounded counter intuitive, but he was trying to branch out and bemore social, so he figured "what the hay" so he took another look at the gruff, scarred earth pony with the tough exterior. Celestia, he looked scary. "Here goes nothing..." he thought to himself

"S-so, um..." he finally blurted out when it seemed to him Tiger was ready to move on to a new conversation. "You're from the borderlands?" He'd gathered as much from his mention of a "Hesperian town" "It seems this event is drawing ponie- erm creatures in from everywhere." he chuckled uncomfortably "I-I'm Stellar." he offered, quickly adding "Drift. Stellar Drift." He timidly offered his hoof in greeting.

[edit (ooc)] I didn't know what "Hesperian" referred to, so I looked up the word and the dictionary said "western". I assumed you'd just known that word and used it, but then I was doing Lore research, and learned Hesperia was the name of a place.... I thought about editing my rp to reflect the real intention, but I decided I'd keep it. Stellar is very well read, but his studies are mostly astronomical. I decided he must've just never heard of Hesperia, and came to the same conclusion I did.

I'm thinking about a thing, but it'll have to wait until later tonight when I have more time.