Lux

Life sure moves fast when you are trying to complete restructure your life.

Hello friends. Long time no see. I know it's been awhile with no communication from me and for that I'm pretty sorry.

See, in January, my life began to fall apart because I finally confronted my husband about his latest emotional affair with a co-worker. Around mid-February it turned into a full blown affair and I eventually filed for divorce. It just wasn't fixable at that point, despite years of me trying, encouraging counselling and trying to emotionally reconnect to him. He just responded by being a passive-aggressive manbaby. All of my other mysterious unexplained absences from this board were directly caused by depression associated with my marriage and my husband's tendency to get emotionally involved with other women. As a matter of fact, part of the very reason I JOINED this forum was so that I could have something to do while I was at home because he would passive-aggressively intentionally hit on women because I was not at his disposal. Partially the immersal in a less-painful fantasy world helped tremendously. But eventually I got to the point where things just kept falling apart and the fantasy was just not fulfilling anymore and was worsening my depression. On top of this all of my projects were due in the Feb-May time slot, and when you are going through something as traumatic as a divorce, no matter how amicable and mutually agreeable, focus just doesn't happen. You get stuck in a rut of being bummed out and every day just blending to the next.

I live in Massachusetts, and work in Boston. I moved to the area 10 years ago for the man I just divorced. My divorce was finalized 2 weeks ago, the trial was the day that Boston was on lockdown from the manhunt for the Marathon Bombing suspects. He only just moved out May 1 after originally trying to leave April 1, and unfortunately moved 2 blocks away from me (literally, I can see his back door from my yard. Who does that?)

I've begun the long and tedious process of picking up the pieces of my life, reconnecting with people he really frowned upon me communicating with, and trying to get projects that my ex has constantly emotionally sabotaged me on completed. All in all, though, my life is very full but I am exponentially happier and fuller. I am starting a business, a small press dedicated to producing childrens' books, and an etsy store to sell off the years of vintage items I collected when I assumed we were going to buy a house together. I do not have any regrets, and all my friends have told me that I am my old self again now that this is over. A little older and wiser perhaps, but still me, after so many years of being "Carl's Wife".

I kept the apartment we shared and most of the stuff, but have to cull a lot of the things I had collected in my unhappiness. Unfortunately, Canterlot.com is one of them. I just don't have the time or energy to commit to it anymore at all. I will miss you all, and am glad that Canterlot was a part of my life for awhile, and will be eternally grateful to Mane and Artax and the rest of the staff for their support and understanding, and to the rest of the friends I made while I was here (but especially Jen and Dio, who had front row seats to my entire collapse and were tremendously helpful through it all even today, I love you both!). It was good while it lasted and I wish everyone the best of luck! Goodbye Canterlot, I'll never forget you. <3 If this can serve any lesson to anyone, just be kind and honest to each other, always.

Sorry to see you go.

Guiding Light walked through town enjoying the fresh air. Part of him was content just staying in town and enjoying the day. The other part, however, longed to explore and go on an adventure. Most importantly he felt the need to prove himself to somepony other than his parents, to show that he could be more than what he assumed others thought of him as some obnoxious klutz with a lackluster talent.

He passed by a group of ponies and a griffon around his age, slowing up to listen in on the conversation. Some of them he knew from school while others were either new to town or just visitors. it was then that the yellow coloured colt heard a filly utter a question that brought a shiver to his spine.

"So guys...You ever visit the Everfree? Heard it's kind of spooky."

[colour=#daa520]"Did you just say you want to visit the Everfree Forest," [/colour]Light said walking towards the group but for the moment focused on the blue Pegasus, [colour=#daa520]"Trust me, you don't want to go in there. There's strange things like monsters and plants that don't need ponies to help grow and a big scary castle ruins in the middle of it all. At least that's what I heard." [/colour]

Although he didn't want to admit it, telling the others about sounded like the type of adventure he was looking for.

Fire Heart's joy over his friend's success and the wonderful snow cone that she had quickly faded away as Ice explained what troubled her. She couldn't imagine what her friend felt after the pony that she intended to share her life now was out of her life. As for her other problem, Fire Heart did smell something odd upstairs as they journeyed there, but she assumed it was perhaps a mixture of smells that combined into a pungent odor. She wasn't really going to bring it to Ice Storm's attention, but now she knew what the source really was.

[colour=#ff0000]"Oh I'm so sorry to hear about your relationship Ice," [/colour]Fire said as she embraced her friend, [colour=#ff0000]"I can't even fathom how you feel now about it, only that, I don't know, maybe it was for the best to separate rather than there being some kind of tension. I really can't say as I haven't been even in a relationship, much less married. As for your other problem, I can't really say exactly how that's like either except that after I discovered my ability to create fire[/colour] [colour=#ff0000]I used to, well, light my bed on fire whenever I had a nightmare. It didn't happen often, but enough that my parents were worried that I'd burn the house down. But again I can't say if that compares to you as, you know, yours might happen more and is probably way more embarrassing that what happened to me. But hopefully you'll find somepony who loves you completely." [/colour]

[colour=#ff0000]"Thanks," [/colour]Fire Heart said with a smile as she levitated the pinkish hued snow cone and gave it a lick.

[colour=#ff0000]"Wow! this is amazing Ice! It's like biting into an actual watermelon. Have you tried putting pieces of fruit into your iced treats? I know of somepony that does that with ice cream in Canterlot," [/colour]

Fire Heart noticed what her friend said about her day but tried to change it back to her. She knew from her past meeting with her and Princess Luna how Ice struggled with her parents and wondered if that was it.

[colour=#ff0000]"Well, Ponyville seems really nice. It's definitely smaller than being in Canterlot, but the ponies here seem really friendly. But why are you having a bad week Ice? [/colour]

Sky Flare merely shook his head when the pony asked if there were any questions. It was kind of self explanatory of what he was about to do: follow the signs and directions and meet whoever was going to work with him. The indoor space, although a flurry of activity, was unsettling to the pegasus. Sky Flare was better suited in the open sky where he could be free to practice his stunts and such. He knew that in a short time he'd be leaving to move the clouds, with his own style though. To get his mind off of the waiting process, he decided to meet with the potential work buddies, starting with a pony next to him that shared a similar name.

[colour=#ff8c00]"Hey there. So, your name is Sky too. What a coincidence. I'm Sky Flare, in case you didn't know. So, are you working at the transportation area?" [/colour]

Before the red unicorn could respond, Moon suddenly bolted out of the dorm room on her way to the bathroom.

[colour=#ff0000]"Err... guess she really had to go."[/colour]

Fire Heart then heard Spirit talk of what she had and how she took care of it at her house.

[colour=#ff0000]"Yeah, I understand about the books. That's why I have that shelf high up, just in case. I kind of already destroyed one of my text books a few months ago. I was cramming for an exam and became so worried that I literally burnt a hole into the page. Yeah, I don't really have any clothes either[/colour] [colour=#ff0000]partly since I don't need many like you and also the fire thing again. Actually I'm looking to have a dress made that's fireproof. I'm not sure if anypony can actually do that, but it's worth a try. I like that you live with a pony that has many books though. You must be really lucky being able to study what Mr. Grey has." [/colour]

The changes look good. As for the format, actually it is easier to have things combined. Then it looks like a coherent description of your character rather than a list. That's why the format was changed, to make things consistent with not so many categories that needed to be filled.

Hello. Your friendly neighborhood Helpstaffer here.

Before I review your character application, I want to show you this link: http://www.canterlot.com/topic/12309-raritys-simply-fabulous-application-form-read-this-before-posting-an-application/

This is the new way that applications are being structured in order to make things easier for others to read so they can get to know about your character. I would encourage you to please adjust your application accordingly by placing your character's personality, motivations, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes into the Character Summary area.

In addition, you should expand how Psi got her cutie mark in the Cutie Mark area and expand the History area such as why she moved around so much, who her parents are, how she chose Canterlot as the place where she ultimately settled down in, etc. The more we know about her, the better we can RP with that character.

Please let me know here if you have any questions or when you have finished your application.

Thanks!

I just saw this post and I'd like to add Guiding Light into the mix if you don't mind. He has kind of a history with the Everfree Forest and how he earned his cutie mark.

[colour=#ff8c00]"Thank you kindly," [/colour]Carrot Top replied to the pony manning the front desk for the convention.

She was surprised to see the convention teeming with mares, some of whom she had seen in town while others must have come to the event by train.

[colour=#ff8c00]"Alright, now to find the refreshment table[/colour][colour=#ff8c00]," [/colour]the orange manned mare said as she weaved her way through the crowd hoping to find her destination.

[colour=#800000]"Ooo... I like the badge," [/colour]Sweet Surprise said to QuickLime, [colour=#8b4513]"Anyway, off I go!"[/colour]

The mare looked around to see who to talk to first. There were so many here that she didn't know if she could even accomplish meeting half of the ponies in attendance. She then noticed that a small crowd formed nearby and wondered if a celebrity was in her midst. Moving in closer she saw a pony with three candies as her cutie mark who was selling candy.

[colour=#8b4513]"Hello fellow co-confectioner! I'm Sweet Surprise, connoisseur of candy and chocolates from Canterlot. What's your name?" [/colour]

Hello.

I'm an RP Helpstaffer and agree with what Elderflower said. This area is to create characters to RP with, not to post messages for possible RP encounters. Please use the link to there if you have not done so already.

Thanks!

Hello. Any progress on this character?

Night Watcher observed that Princess Luna seemed tense standing and waiting for photos to be taken of her. The Lunar Guard wonder what would make her tense on such a peaceful festive occasion. But upon seeing her the Princess appeared to relax a little. Maybe it was because she was a Lunar Guard and as such a bond was established through that. That was the only thing Night Watcher could think of.

The mare was about to respond to Luna when suddenly the Princess's face changed to a look of shock before excusing herself to talk to Colonel Ironwing. The mare looked behind her to see if there was something amiss. Surely nothing would dare try to disrupt this event, especially with all the military around. Once Luna returned to where she was stationed, Night felt it was her duty to inquire.

[colour=#0000cd]"Princess, is everything ok? You seemed... surprised at something or somepony." [/colour]

[colour=#800080]Well it was the hat and the notebook you seem to be jotting in," [/colour]Heart Healer replied to the stallion, [colour=#800080]"Either you were making a shopping list or you were reporting something, so I picked the logical one." [/colour]

Heart Healer shrugged at the guards pony's reaction to the strangely dressed mare's actions and words. The mention of Crystal Berries attacking did seem a bit strange. Heart wondered if she should offer her psychological services, but thought against it for now.

Before she could address the rest of the ponies the guard offered to start the tour.

[colour=#800080]"Oh yes, you're all going to love this place! Then again I don't know how other places are, but anyway, on with the tour!"[/colour]

[colour=#ff8c00]Purple Haze[/colour]

Purple squeaked a protest as the hay bale fortress she'd carefully made started to be dismantled. [colour=#ff8c00]"Oye!"[/colour] she cried at Lux, [colour=#ff8c00]"Oi've a roit fiddle tae play here! Ye saw th' barmy raucus wot played havoc wi' th' nips, roit? Ye've nae a half-bit tae nip if'n ye're tae leave me cake all showin' bright!"[/colour]

She grumbled angrily. Were they *looking* to destroy her carrot cake? Still, doing nothing but standing guard for well onto an hour while everyone slept was BORING. And promises of a proper party instead of the chaos of earlier were awfully tempting.

She stalked out of her fortress and planted a hoof on Lux's chest, looking him close in the face. [colour=#ff8c00] "Roit, Oi'll let ye get 'way wi' it this time, but don't let me catch ye puttin' it on again, roit? Jes' don' get any straw on me cake or destroy it, an' Oi won't hie to!" [/colour] She looked around determinedly. [colour=#ff8c00] "now Oi fancy a bit of dancin', a party needs some music! Who's got th' music in hoof?"[/colour]

Guiding Light was surprised to hear a little squeak. He knew that somepony was in there protecting the cake but he thought that she left him. The filly started saying something to him, but he didn't know everything she said. Her accent was harder to understand than Apple Bloom's was. Yet from what he gathered and by the look on her face, she was angry that he took apart her fort. The fact that the filly put her hoof into his chest didn't help things.

[colour=#daa520]"Oh, sorry for taking apart your hay bale fort. I'm not trying to wreck the cake, honestly. It was nice that you tried to keep it saved. I'll try to keep the cake safe and hay free. Do you need help with it?"[/colour]

Guiding Light heard the other adult pony who was with Cheerilee asked the pony to descend from his hay bale platform. He then heard the words of his teacher tell everypony there to gather around for cake and presents. Turning in the direction of the voices Guiding Light accidentally let loose a beam of light which to his horror struck Cheerilee right in the eyes.

A wave of terror struck the colt as he looked at the stricken teacher. He wondered what the punishment was for blinding a teacher: banishment, imprisonment, or maybe both.

[colour=#daa520]"Miss Cheerilee, are you ok? I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to blind you with that magic like that. It was an accident I swear. [/colour][colour=#daa520]Please don't imprison or banish, or whatever punishment there is for blinding teachers." [/colour]

Sky Flare flew in through the entryway of the famous Cloudsdale Weather Factory. Being a life long resident of the floating city he knew all about it. Yet aside from helping to move a few clouds around here and there the stunt pegasus never saw the actual inside of the place until now. And so he stopped by to pick up his coat and hard hat, cringing at the required uniform.

[colour=#ff8c00]"Ugh, I hope I don't have to wear this thing when moving clouds around," [/colour]he said as he made his way to the pony giving some kind of announcement, [colour=#ff8c00]"It'll really mess with my speed."[/colour]

The fiery manned pegasus's ears perked up when he heard something about his position and the name Rainbow Dash. He knew about her second hoof from others who told about her speed and that she made a seemingly impossible stunt called the Sonic Rainboom. To meet a fellow pony that loves speed and stunts would be a real treat. He just had to remind himself to play it cool and now fawn over her like a crazed fan pony.

[colour=#ff8c00]"Sky Flare reporting in for duty," [/colour]the stallion said as he saluted smartly at the pony giving the announcement.

[colour=#ff8c00]"Yeah, I think you're right[/colour][colour=#ff8c00]," [/colour]Carrot Top replied to Hayseed as the mare watched Derpy.

To her credit Derpy did recognize that Carrot Top did sell carrots and that she was merely purchasing some at the store for the sale. At least some part of her was grounded in reality. But Carrot still wanted to check on her along with Hayseed's sister, just to be sure.

[colour=#ff8c00]"Well, I'm glad that you have enough things to get that jam," [/colour]she replied to the grey pagasus who was waiting in anticipation for the coveted zap apple jam, [colour=#ff8c00]"I have to get a few more things myself before I can have enough to get that jam."[/colour]

Then Flam presented the ponies with an interesting solution. Carrot knew, as did many ponies in Ponyville, that Derpy's treat was muffins. Hopefully the perfect pastries could help calm down the pegasus that flitted about.

[colour=#ff0000]"Yeah, I don't know why they haven't given me a new roommate Moon. [/colour][colour=#ff0000]I think it would be nice to have a friend staying with me, providing that they aren't scared of... you know... my fire ability." [/colour]

Fire Heart thought about the opportunity of having a roommate. It would be a great change of pace for her. Instead of coming home to an empty room, she could have a friend to study, eat, and have fun with. Granted she had friends in school, but no roommate. Then again the older filly did worry that this roommate could possibly either be scared of her or have nothing in common.

She then listened to Spirit's description of her room. It surprised her that she lived essentially in a bedroom meant for one pony but now contained two.

[colour=#ff0000]"Ah, now I understand why your room is small. I guess you can say it's like a dorm room, just in your case you're sharing it with Mr. Grey rather than a roommate. But you said you don't have many personal belongings? Don't you have any dresses or books or others things like that which are yours?" [/colour]

Set to Ready!

Night Watcher felt strange wearing her dress uniform rather than clad in the silver armor of the Lunar Guard. She was so accustomed to wearing that armor to drills and patrols that she almost forgot she even had a dress uniform. Typically events like this ball were occasions she was unable to go to, particularly due to them being at night and her having to be on the constant vigil of such a time. But this event was special to her and to the Royal Equestrian Army she dedicated her life to, so she donned her uniform that displayed among other things the Lunar Guard insignia, her rank as Staff Sergeant, and a commemorative badge for the Changeling incident.

The jet black pegasus proceeded amongst her fellow soldiers in arms. Some of them she just knew in passing, while others she recognized as members of her patrol. The later were a bit surprised seeing her out of armor, realizing that deep down she was still a pony. Yet they still gave her the respect that was warranted as she passed by.

At last Night Watcher approached the scene where several flashes were going off in rapid succession. The pegasus then saw none other than Colonel Ironwing who many soldiers looked up to and Princess Luna. Night Watcher saluted to Colonel Ironwing as per protocol and then bowed in recognition to Princess Luna.

I'll add Night Watcher in as a Roaster. It will be interesting to have this Staff Sergeant roast a superior.

Ok. For some reason the Species Tag system wasn't working yesterday, but I'll try again.

[colour=#ff0000]"Oh, don't worry about the temperature. Actually I'm getting used to it." [/colour]

Fire Heart knew that that like other ponies she would adjust to the cool temperature of the room. Because she had an affinity to fire magic, her body just took a little longer to adjust. She imagined that it was the same for Ice Storm, just in adjusting to heat. Her mentioning of the cold seemed to make her friend worry, and Ice didn't want to have her adjust things just for her sake. Thankfully the mentioning of the watermelon flavoured treat allowed her to redirect the conversation.

[colour=#ff0000]"I can see that watermelon would be popular like that. [/colour][colour=#ff0000]Actually I would like [/colour][colour=#ff0000]one of your iced treats, thanks. Are you sure you don't want me to pay for it? I mean I know we're friends and all but I don't want to leave you broke. Everypony has to make a living, right?" [/colour]

Fire noticed that Ice Storm seemed very excited to see her. It was as if she hadn't had much company in terms off friends coming over. The older filly wondered why, especially since Ice did mention having a few friends while they were both in Canterlot along with Princess Luna and Moondancer.

RP Type: World of Equestria

Name: Riptide

Sex: Male

Age: Young Adult

Species: Griffon

Eye Colour: Blue

Colouring: Riptide has similar colouring to a to a Blue and Yellow Macaw (http://en.wikipedia....nd-yellow_Macaw). His coat is a golden sand yellow except along his back and tail where it is an ocean blue. His wings match the colour scheme with blue on the outside and yellow on the inside. He has grey talon feet up front. His face is similar to a macaw with white feathers in the face, green on the top of his head, and a black beak.

Physique: Riptide is a very athletic looking griffon due to his physical activities on the beach and in the ocean.

Residence: Formerly Clopton Shores, currently Baltimare

Occupation: Surfer, Surf Shop owner, and Lifeguard

History:

Riptide was hatched to two loving parents. His father and mother both fished the waters outside Clopton Shores. There were times that his parents' fishing was in abundance and there were other times that they barely had enough fish to sustain themselves. No matter how their life was though when it came to wealth, it was always filled with love.

Being located so close to the ocean and having parents who used the waters as their livelihood, Riptide as a young chick was encouraged to spend as much time as possible. He would frequently play on the beach, enjoying the feeling of the sand and the water on his feet. He marveled at the way the ocean moved and the rhythm of the high and low tides. While many griffon looked towards the endless expanse of sky, he looked towards the sea. This often resulted in his friends teasing him, claiming that he must be part duck to love the water so much. But Riptide took it all in stride, resolving to somehow ride the waves like the griffon ride the sky, becoming a master of sky and sea.

When he grew older, he focused on learning how to swim as well as to fly. Unfortunately Riptide was not the strongest of flyers as he could barely travel long distances without getting winded. His swimming compensated for his less than optimal flying ability as he was able to often swim with great distances, using his wings like oars on a boat while kicking his feet to propel him. It was strange yet effective and his parents were satisfied that if what he was doing could eventually carry on the family legacy of fishing, then it was a welcomed blessing.

One day Riptide swam in the ocean when suddenly a storm appeared, pelting him with rain as the seas churned. He tried to fly but the weather kept him in the ocean. He then tried swimming to shore but found himself not making any progress. He began to panic, fearing that he would drown in the place he loved, when he then spotted something in the ocean. It was a piece of driftwood, a board from an old dock, that floated nearby. With the last of his strength he grabbed hold of the floating wood. Feeling that it was large and stable enough to hold his weight, he pulled himself up on the board where he tried to catch his breath. Looking back he saw a monstrous wave, one that many griffon who fished the seas would see as doom. He braced himself and dug his talons into the driftwood. But instead of being crushed by the wave, Riptide found that he was riding it! His fears quickly turned to excitement at the adrenaline rush. The wave then carried him near shore where he paddled his way to his anxious parents who waited for their son to return.

After that, Riptide decided that surfing was to be his life. His parents at first were not too pleased with his decision, thinking that he was turning his back on the family fishing trade and risking his life with a dangerous sport. But Riptide continued to perfect his talent by building a surfboard and testing out the waves. Finally his parents relented, resolving that Riptide had to choose his own path in life.

Recently Riptide decided to seek other waters by traveling to the southern part of Equestria. He found that Sesaddle Bay provided a great place to practice surfing as well as a chance to meet the ponies who called the bay home. He set up a home by the sea that also included a surf shop where he sold everything from beach balls to surfboards to visitors to the show. Remembering the terror he felt during the storm, Riptide also decided to become a lifeguard in the hopes to rescue any ponies that needed help. Riptide continues to live for the thrill and wonder of the sea, hoping to share that with others he meets.

Character Summary:

Riptide is a very laid back griffon with a come what may attitude. That is not to say that he is lazy, just that he doesn't let the small problems of life worry him. As long as his friends are happy and he is well, everything else is just extra in life. Sometimes this makes him appear that he isn't very smart, but this griffon is no bird brain. He is especially skilled with knowing how the tides work and how to ride the tides without getting injured.

Riptide is also a griffon who lives for adventure, craving the adrenaline rush and sometimes danger of surfing on the waves. The bigger the wave the greater his desire to conquer it, and the greater sense of accomplishment he gets when he does. He tends sometimes to get a big ego about it, but he justifies it as accomplishing something great and the fact that if he doesn't think he's awesome then nothing else that others would say about him would matter. But he also knows when to put his ego and check and knows his limits with storms. Even though he does play it safe, there are times this griffon can be a little accident prone in his surfing attempts.

Riptide feels that it is his duty to help out other ponies have fun and be safe while at the beach. Part of this is being a lifeguard to ensure ponies are not in danger. He also shares in the fun by offering the occasional swimming and surfing lesson to pass on his love of the ocean to others.

Aside from surfing, Riptide enjoys a number of activities related to the ocean. These include playing beach volleyball, swimming, water polo, collecting shells, watching the sun rise and set, parties on the beach, and even building a bonfire on the beach on the colder nights. With all these activities being outside, Riptide loves the warm Spring, Summer and Fall weather and dislikes the winter when all the tourists leave and it becomes too cold to be in the ocean. Other things he doesn't care for are rude or reckless ponies and litterbugs whose actions put a dampener on the fun.

Riptide speaks in an unusual way, adding words like "Gnarly," "Radical," and "Tubular" to his conversations. Most find it strange but he just shrugs it off and coins his style of speaking as "surf lingo."

Riptide takes everyday like a new opportunity to accept the next challenge and to share his passion for the sea with others. All the while he hopes to live his live with an awesome style!

The red unicorn tried to not show her discomfort towards her new found friend. After all, this was her business and she dared not want ti interrupt it. Besides the fact that the coolness of the room didn't cause her pain, just discomfort a little.

[colour=#ff0000]"Oh, no, the temperature is ok. I've been in worse times, like when I had to walk home from school when I was a filly and it was freezing rain outside."[/colour]

With that the older filly shivered from the memory as if her body remembered how it felt.

[colour=#ff0000]"Anyway, you said you have all kinds of flavours. Do you have a watermelon one? I love watermelon[/colour][colour=#ff0000]! It's a shame I have to wait for the summer to get one." [/colour]