Volt

Greetings. I wouldn't like to be a party spoiler, but I'd like to ask most of you one question.

Do you remember the rules concerning content suitable for all ages? Because as you probably know, these rules are site-wide. This includes CO/FFA. There are exceptions to 18+ area of forums, but obviously this is the public one.

Winter... Gala... O.O. Man, finally an event where I can fit one of my OC's!

[colour=#dda0dd]"...oh, that's most amusing..."[/colour] - tall mare responded monotonously in emotionless voice to a random stallion who walked beside her, telling her a story of his youth. For an unknown reason he couldn't understand simple language when she tried to explain she's not interested in his past. She attempted to throw him a tired look a few times, but it brought next to none effect. It was an ultimate relief for her to reach the city gates and leave him behind finally. When she was certain she's beyond the range of his ears, Star turned towards Imperio who was comfortably sitting on her back through more then half of the way. [colour=#dda0dd]"Why didn't you do anything?"[/colour] - her voice was filled with fillish indignation. Caracara only tilted his head, moving its wings in a way which Star took as a shrug. [colour=#dda0dd]"What, you think it's funny?!"[/colour] - she kicked high in air with her back hooves, throwing the bird off her back. Imperio opened his wings and soared into sky with dignity. [colour=#dda0dd]"He's going to cross the border one day..."[/colour] - thought Star as she trotted towards the nearby observatory, leering at her pet from under a frown.

I took just a few more minutes to reach the final destination. The construction presented itself amazingly. Unicorn mare raised an eyebrow trying to comprehend the view.[colour=#dda0dd] "No..."[/colour] Glamorous? [colour=#dda0dd]"No... No, it's... Uh, like a great tree filled with candies from this perspective."[/colour] - she couldn't resist that thought, the description fitted in perfectly. She was starting to have some doubts concerning the place. Mare called out towards Imperio, pointing a hoof at weird building. [colour=#dda0dd]"Sunshine. Go! Check!"[/colour] - although the Caracara was quite intelligent, he only understood the commands he was taught earlier. Yet, for once, it seemed Imperio didn't require her to repeat herself. He glided slowly towards the observatory. Meanwhile, Star scanned the area in front of it. It struck her that there weren't many ponies at all... at least for now. Although she could clearly hear some voices coming from inside and saw an odd silhouette standing in the door.

Perhaps she arrived as one of the first? Well, standing there would bring her nothing in the end. Risi flung her mane in the air, armed herself with most charming smile, glanced behind quickly and finally trotted towards the obs- She froze after first step and turned back again. To her surprise, nothing was amiss. She could have sworn she saw somepony staring directly at her, but all she managed to spot now was a stream of Equestrian citizens flowing from the city gates. Her eyes raced back and forth, searching for anything unusual. [colour=#dda0dd]"You foal, why you're so nervous..."[/colour] - she took a deep breath, counting all her hooves to make sure none is missing. Mare calmed her mind and slowly proceeded toward the building... only to spot yet another unpleasant surprise halfway. [colour=#dda0dd]"IMPERIO!"[/colour] - she shouted in disbelief just before anger took over her - [colour=#dda0dd]"JUST WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!"[/colour] Caracara was struggling with one of the banners above the entrance, trying to untie it. He seemed to remain indifferent for her callings. [colour=#dda0dd]"COME BACK HERE AT ONCE!"[/colour] - she rushed toward the building, observing him carefully. His behavior was completely irrational today, and she didn't know how to calm him down... She only hoped nopony would notice that little incident, although her shouts probably alarmed everypony around...

Okkie~, will focus on clarifying stuff for future.

@Ary:

One minor detail:

bowl someone over

1. Lit. to knock someone over.

2. Fig. to surprise or overwhelm someone.

bowl somebody over

1. to cause someone to fall by hitting them with your body - Reagan burst through the door, practically bowling over Jeanne.

2. to completely surprise someone - I was totally bowled over by the beautiful gift from the office staff.

You know I didn't mean the literal definition there ;D?

I believe I can't disagree with Rosie~ here. As long as the idea and intentions are most admirable, it might not be the best solution. If only disabled people want, they can easily communicate with anybody they wish here. So it's not like we're not open on this idea. It's solely their choice. Still, my fears are that no matter the community, there might be some who'll look down upon disabled ones. Reason? Unknown. But it's just general law of the world. Therefore I'm not convinced if creating a specialized topic to expose the disabled ones would be a good idea. As far as I've learned, each disabled person is the same human as I am, with own thoughts, opinions, feelings. They don't need our pity or help (if they do, they ask for it), many even demand not to give it. Still, if they wanted, I guess the road to posting a topic or a blog remains open.

This thread itself certainly raises awareness concerning the issue and reminds people it exists. Still, as Rosie~ said, there are a lot better, specialized sites where they could find help. I doubt if MLP community is heavily experienced in solving issues connected with this problem, both mental or physical.

This looks like a flexible topic. It's easy to get into it, even easier to get out. Seems legit, might drop in for a minute or two. Also, per requested, I'm bringing a little troublemaker.

The colourful vase trembled above the fireplace. Left, right, left, right. Finally it gave up and fell off the edge. It was truly a magnificent fall, which would finish in a spectacular dash against the floor. In last moment though an azure aura engulfed it, granting the vase additional few months or years of life. (Star broke it to pieces the next day in the morning herself). [colour=#dda0dd]"Oh in the name of Celestia, what's happening with you today!?"[/colour] - [colour=#dda0dd]Rising Star[/colour] couldn't help noticing that Imperio was being a bit... odd today. She levitated the vase back on the fireplace, taking greatest care not to even scratch it, observing its flight carefully. [colour=#dda0dd]"It's like you wouldn't like me to leave home today..."[/colour] - a loud squeak confirmed these words, as stoic Caracara observed her deeds. [colour=#dda0dd]"Oh, don't be such a chick!"[/colour] - it was somewhat ironic to tell this towards such a large 'birdie'. [colour=#dda0dd]"Fine, I'll take you along with me."[/colour] - she sighed deeply on this idea - [colour=#dda0dd]"Mainly because you'd probably wreck my house while I'd be away..."[/colour] - Star knew Imperio's humors far too well already. It wasn't worth taking the risk.

She had heard some rumors of an observatory opening in the vicinity of Canterlot. As long as she wasn't a scientist of any kind, a perspective of spending a relaxing evening under clear, evening or night sky appealed to her. After all, Star adored art. And if nature wasn't an art itself, what was then? Not mentioning her name also compelled her for presenting at least a slightest interest in constellations. She hesitated long, trying to decide how should she wear. In end, she decided only to change her manestyle and wear a silvery necklace with a small, diamond-shaped gem fitting the colour of her mane. As for the mane and tail itself, mare dyed the brighter streaks onto silvery colour resembling the aura of stars. She looked simple, but stunning at once. A true model pony... who became a photographer. It was such a ridiculous decision in her life that nopony, except for herself, could understand it. But that already was a much longer story to tell.

She threw last one glimpse at mirror and pushed a handful wisp of hair back to where they belonged. [colour=#dda0dd]"Perfect."[/colour] - her outer appearance mattered a lot for her. It would be a crime to allow herself laziness in that area of her life. [colour=#dda0dd]"Imperio! Grab the Ponikon S300."[/colour] - she threw behind. An extremely loud sound of complete silence hit her. [colour=#dda0dd]"Imperio...?"[/colour] - mare turned back to an accompaniment of hooves clacking against the floor. Caracara didn't even move, staring at her with a clueless expression on its face. Resignation crawled up into Star's eyes. [colour=#dda0dd]"Oh Imperio... the small, silver one..."[/colour] - her pet tilted head on these words and launched itself under ceiling, disappearing in different room. He returned almost in an instant, wearing a small, silvery, handy camera on its neck. [colour=#dda0dd]"Excellent job."[/colour] - she commended the bird. After all 'His Majesty', as she liked to call him at times, was so full of himself by default. Imperio taunted his chest hearing these words. It made Star smile in mind. [colour=#dda0dd]"Let's go, we wouldn't like to be late, would we?"[/colour] - mare approached and opened the door, allowing her pet to fly outside first. After that she turned the door lock with her magic and proceeded down the streets, simply bowling some ponies over. It filled her with endless joy.

A white, soft dust appeared under his hooves as Ardent Will entered his home in Cloudsdale. He had been on his journey for so many weeks... No wonder the cloudy interior became a bit... messy. A heavy sigh slipped out of his mouth, followed with a shrug just before he headed towards his 'supply' room. His saddlebags were heavy from all the samples he had collected in his travels. With a quick flap of wings he removed them, throwing the plants at his workbench. There were so many unknown species. So many possibilities of creating various antidotes and medicine. There was just a single item he needed now...

Putting the rest of his gear aside, grown Stallion approached a locked cabinet. He flied up and reached for the key hidden somewhere between the clouds in the ceiling. After turning it inside the lock, he pulled the doors, uncovering a rich pile of books, various notes and papers. Without hesitation he pushed them aside and started reading through book titles placed a bit deeper. [colour=#a9a9a9]"...Mmmh... Badlands, Canterlot, Clopton Shores... Where could it be...?"[/colour] - Ardent moved a few books - [colour=#a9a9a9]"...Great Nimbus Lakes... Suntrot Bay, ah, should be close now! Stalliongrad, Stalliongrad... where are you..."[/colour] - it took him a few minutes of searching, but to his disappointment and surprise Will didn't manage to find a book he was searching for. He leaned back and stared onto shelves with stoic stare. [colour=#a9a9a9]"How am I supposed to work without essential facts and information...?"[/colour] - Will could easily answer this rhetorical question. He couldn't work this way.

He started searching through his papers once more. [colour=#a9a9a9]"How am I supposed to fulfill my vows to Princesses if I can't wo-"[/colour] - his movements froze suddenly when he spotted a piece of paper and ink. An idea and one information he heard lately flashed through his mind. He quickly stepped back. [colour=#a9a9a9]"No, I couldn't. That would be heresy... I'd be tainted..."[/colour] - Princesses we're deities for him, he couldn't simply... write a letter. Or... could he? Another wave of thoughts filled his mind: [colour=#a9a9a9]"Honestly speaking... if what we believe in and hear is truth, it would do me no harm. And perhaps..."[/colour] After long struggle he finally decided to give it a shot.

Actually, I find it strange that the fashion pony chooses to go naked by default...

Because...

...where I'd like to emphasize "normally". What means AJ contradicts herself, since she's normally wearing a hat. Element of Honesty. Ha!

Moreover, seems AJ doesn't wear her hat all time as well. What makes it a bit... less essential :>

I rather don't watch animated stuff... rarely, at least. This is an exception. Seeing how I rarely watch stuff, I have a short list:

Game of Thrones

House MD

How I met your Mother

MacGyver

Whose Line is it Anyway?

Pillars of Earth

Corrosion.jpg, what an original title.

At first I was like: "What's this all about?"

Took me about 15-20 seconds to realize what I'm missing... unfortunately.

Your past life diagnosis:

I don't know how you feel about it, but you were female in your last earthly incarnation.You were born somewhere in the territory of modern Arctic around the year 1450. Your profession was that of a chemist, alchemist or poison manufacturer.

Your brief psychological profile in your past life:

You were a sane, practical person, a materialist with no spiritual consciousness. Your simple wisdom helped the weaker and the poor.

The lesson that your last past life brought to your present incarnation:

You should develop your talent for love, happiness and enthusiasm and you should distribute these feelings to all people.

Do you remember now?

My previous life sounds kind of awesome. Well, I mean living in the Arctic back then was probably no fun, but the rest sounds great

Your past life diagnosis:

I don't know how you feel about it, but you were female in your last earthly incarnation.You were born somewhere in the territory of modern Arctic around the year 650. Your profession was that of a warrior, hunter, fisherman or executor of sacrifices.

Your brief psychological profile in your past life:

[colour=silver]You were a sane, practical person, a materialist with no spiritual consciousness. Your simple wisdom helped the weaker and the poor.[/colour]

The lesson that your last past life brought to your present incarnation:

[colour=silver]You should develop your talent for love, happiness and enthusiasm and you should distribute these feelings to all people.[/colour]

Do you remember now?

Phil. I'm your grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-...-grand-mother. I'd rather not.

It's... still like a feast to my eyes!

*Walks in*

*Holds*

*Turns back*

*Walks out wavin' behind*

I can't get up on my horse!

In short: I'm having some PC malfunctions currently and I'm trying to fix them. Also, brace yourselves, the winter Christmas is coming. Towards all the RP's/Apps I should be writing/responding: Sorry. I'll try to catch up and overcome the technical difficulties right after Xmas. Keep tight.

Look to my coming on the first light of the fifth day, at dawn look to the east.

(Not sure why I felt like referencing three things here ._.')

At first she believed it was just her imagination, but the idea which Hoss presented her was not faulty at all. It was actually quite plausible. [colour=#0000ff]"Runs the Sweet Apple Acres?"[/colour] - Star was a bit content she was finally reminded the exact name of that one particular stage of race. [colour=#0000ff]"Applejack... I'll need to remember that name."[/colour] - she peeked over the crowds trying to locate the orange mare, unfortunately AJ was nowhere to be seen. [colour=#0000ff]"Perhaps she forgot to stop and keeps on running...?"[/colour] - she couldn't help laughing dearly on that thought. It was partially possible if latest events were considered. Still, she managed to spot a group of familiar faces in location which Hoss pointed her. The crowd wasn't helping the situation. It was just a matter of time until somepony passes through the coordinator's protection probably...

A sudden shock reflected on Stars face as she turned back to Hoss again. [colour=#0000ff]"Wait, she owns the place? That means I owe her bits!"[/colour] - the memory of delicious apples lingered above her. It was thievery after all! She wasted so much time convincing herself that's nothing wrong, since everypony did it... Thinking about this made her look a bit absent-minded for the observers. She delayed the issue until she'd have a chance for more or less private conversation with the orange mare. As Risi attempted picking up conversation with Hoss again, she found him speaking to somepony in the crowd. Still, his timing was perfect since the Pegasus mare, whom Star asked for a favour earlier, returned with a quite heavy rain cloud. Pink mare had to admit, the Pegasus did well.

Unicorn anticipated her question and asked in a kind voice: [colour=#0000ff]"Oh excellent! Could you please squeeze it out above me? I feel terrible looking like this..."[/colour] - not mentioning a brief shower would work miracles to her senses. As soon as she walked away from the table, a tiny waterfall engulfed her. The only thing Star didn't take in consideration, was that the water could be... [colour=#0000ff]"AAAH. Cold, cold, coldcoldcold~!"[/colour] - Pink mare shivered and danced under the streams, forcing herself to remain under the freezing shower. After it was finally finished, she stood in place, shivering slightly and chattering her teeth. [colour=#0000ff]"T-t-t-hank-k-k-k y-y-y-ou-u-u-u."[/colour] - her voice cracked up a bit as she stood on her back hooves, wrapping herself with front ones to gain some warmth. "Here, take this." - Pegasus threw her a white material. As Star caught it, she recognized it's a soft and vast towel. Thanks to the towel and sun, she was dry in no-time again, although her mane was in complete disarray. [colour=#0000ff]"You don't happen to have a brush and a mirror around...?"[/colour] - she inquired with completely fake hopes and didn't even give the Pegasus mare time to respond. [colour=#0000ff]"Never mind."[/colour] - her mane and tail became covered in azure aura - [colour=#0000ff]"I'll do this the old fashioned way..."[/colour] Star altered her levitation spell a bit and set her tail and mane too look a bit better. It was way far from masterpiece or the effect which 'beauty parlour' would achieve, but had to do for now.

That did the trick. Perhaps she wasn't as glamorous as usual, but now she could stand against the crowds... if she wasn't so exhausted. She still had to meet a few other ponies though. [colour=#0000ff]"Excuse me Hoss, but I'd better check out on others... Stick around!"[/colour] - she threw him a wink before turning back and heading towards the group of other participants. [colour=#0000ff]"Excuse me!; Calm down.; Hey! Hooves off!; Speak slower...; No.; Yes, I do have plans for tomorrow's evening..."[/colour] - her rants were directed towards the most strident ponies, who stood on her way between Hoss and the others. Yet, with a tiny dose of effort, she managed to reach the group currently consisting of Sugar Apple, Earth Writer, Greenshot Apple and a few ponies from the race staff.

[colour=#0000ff]"Hello! I'm sorry it took me so lo-"[/colour] - her glance landed on purple mare, what made her smile turn 180 degree 'round. It seemed that Star made it in last moment, since Pegasus mare was already ready to be transported away from current location - [colour=#0000ff]"Dear Celestia!"[/colour] - Star threw her a troubled face. [colour=#0000ff]"How do you feel sweetie...?"[/colour]. Star wondered why this certain mare remained so stubborn and decided to attempt finishing the race, given her condition. She was truly expecting that after the events in Ravine, Sugar would withdraw, what would probably force Risi to do the same. It was her fault in the first place after all, even if unintentional. [colour=#0000ff]"I see I'm really a bit late, so all I can wish you is returning to full strengths as quickly as possible, though there's a lot more I'd like to say."[/colour] She felt a bit bad not paying attention to Earth Writer or Greenshot, but she hoped they'd understand this time.

Will be replying today again, was busy yesterday

I always laughed at this idea because I had a certain vision in front of my eyes.

Mayans: We're predicting time! We're predicting time! We're writing our calendar! We've made it until 21st of December 2012 (in our calendar of course)

Suddenly!: Hernán Cortés

Mayans: We're no longer predicting time! We didn't survive long enough to predict more!

It was a short battle, but she managed to make her way towards the stands. Imperio proved to be an invaluable ally in this task. In a certain moment, somepony tried persuading the crowd to throw her in air. Given her condition and today's experiences with flying, she tried to object, but her voice was lost in between all those shouts. Only Imperio saved her by advisedly reacting with a little aggression towards the strangers. That made them hesitate for just a second, but that second was enough for her to catch their attention and explain why it isn't best idea right now. Thankfully there were also some race coordinators who helped her reaching the stands by keeping the crowd away.

A Unicorn medic inquired for taking care of her, but she declined. To her surprise, she didn't have any major injuries. Shallow bruises and general contusions in addition to her pulled leg and overall exhaustion. Nothing that wouldn't heal with time and good rest. [colour=#0000ff]"First place..."[/colour] - a gentle smile crawled up to her face - [colour=#0000ff]"...silly filly and her pride. Tch, who would have thought?"[/colour] Star levitated herself a mug of fresh apple cider and started drinking it voraciously. It was simply delicious! She noticed another pony approaching her side and, to her joy, recognized [colour=#add8e6]Hoss[/colour] in him. Risi raised her hoof in a gesture through which she wanted to ask to let her finish drinking. Yet, he spoke while she was sipping: [colour=#add8e6]"Great job Star! Congratulations! Your statue will represent this race for generations to come!" [/colour]

Star's eyes contracted rapidly and eventually closed as she turned back and spit out the drink behind her. Pink Unicorn opened them again after turning towards Hoss:[colour=#0000ff] "MY WHAT!?"[/colour] - she considered it some kind of joke, until she remembered gossip floating around. Risi turned towards her pet... and all that she noticed was a wet Caracara covered in cider sitting on her back, throwing her an indignant and clueless stare. Mare presented an apologetic smile at the bird, but Imperio spread his wings and launched himself in air, flying somewhere else. She sighed and turned towards Hoss, putting mug back at table. [colour=#0000ff]"I really believed it was some kind of... I don't know, a hook to attract more competitors!"[/colour] Mare covered her face behind a hoof for a second or two before carrying on her answer. [colour=#0000ff]"But thank you. And let's be honest, if not your help Hoss, as well as the help of others in Ravine, I'd never be able to stand here now. I feel more like a representative of our whole little group."[/colour]

She smiled in mind on this remark. Probably everypony dream of a representative covered in dirt and dust, with completely messed up mane and dirtied tail. That gave her an idea. She excused Hoss for a second and turned towards nearest coordinator Pegasus.[colour=#0000ff] "My apologies, could you please find me a cloud? I need one which is extremely soaked with water. I'd be really grateful."[/colour] - after Pegasi mare left for her search, Star turned back to Hoss. [colour=#0000ff]"I'm glad to see you're all right though. I didn't have an occasion to check on other participants yet."[/colour] She confirmed her words by pretending to be searching somepony above the crowd. That reminded her of one thing that her curiosity demanded an answer for. [colour=#0000ff]"Um... Who's that orange Earth Pony mare? You know, the one with blond mane I've raced so fiercely against at the end?"[/colour] It was funny, but she also owed her position to that stranger as well. If not her, Star doubted if she'd force herself into such a mad run. She needed to gain an answer to that question. With all the possible details.

Your OC could still forfeit the win to AJ....

Meh, she never listens to what I have to say. You know those mares, always know what's best for them. Always do what they like... Like cats. Cats and mares are alike.

The winning post worked like a gate leading into a different dimension for Star. She remembered the events which preceded reaching it quite clearly. Remembered how she managed to leave the group behind, catch up with Sugar and eventually even draw level with that orange mare. Yet, it seemed as the Earth Pony wasn't going to simply let it go that easily. Risi remembered they raced head-to-head, sweating like stallions on the field in a warm day during tough work, until the very end. But as they've passed the winning post, everything vanished into thin air. Star could run only a few meters more, before she stopped and fought herself not to sit down. Even though she was breathing heavily and was whole wet, she started stretching herself. It was a known fact that after such an exertion it was most wise not to let yourself cool down too fast.

[colour=#0000ff]"Uh... What pushed me... Into such a reckl-"[/colour] [colour=#0000ff]"Argh...!"[/colour] - she could have sworn she pulled a muscle somewhere in her front right leg. Unicorn started wondering if it was all worth it... [colour=#0000ff]"I've picked up a challenge for Celestia knows which place... just to feed my pride... and I don't even know if I've managed to beat her. You acted like a filly, Star, like a little filly."[/colour] She observed the stream of remaining participants making their way past the winning post. There were so many of them... Nearly as many as at the beginning of the race... Or even... the same amount? Risi frowned half-heartedly on this thought. That would imply she was somewhere at the spearhead of the race. [colour=#0000ff]"Ha! Keep fooling yourself darling..."[/colour] - she rejected that idea quickly. After all, what were the chances that an outsider could win the 'annual' competition? Especially if she participated in it for the first time. Star dropped the idea and tried to massage her front hooves a bit.

She remembered something suddenly though, as she swiftly turned her head around, searching for her trusted companion. She finally found Imperio hanging above her in air, holding something in his beak. It looked like a long, wide, blue ribbon, an item she could have sworn she saw somewhere already. But she was too tired to connect a few facts together. Quite soon the area filled with loud cheers and shouts. [colour=#0000ff]"Well, it's all directed at that one, lucky pony I guess."[/colour] - she didn't spare this thought too much time. Risi was exhausted, but she felt compelled to find her race companions. If not them, she'd never make it 'till the end. And then a random stallion approached her...

[colour=#000000]"Congratulations!"[/colour] - she blinked in confusion towards him, raising an eyebrow. Of course, she finished the race, but was it really a feat worth congratulating? A few other ponies approached, cheering on her. [colour=#999900]"Good job!"[/colour] [colour=#ccff99]"Wonderful run!"[/colour] [colour=#ff0066]"Well done!"[/colour] - she stood completely dazed, unable to make a move. [colour=#0000ff]"Are they all nuts?"[/colour] - was her first impression, but it forced her to think for a moment. Now when she recalled it, she couldn't remember anypony running in front of that orange mare. A blue ribbon stopped at her nose. She raised her head and noticed Imperio maneuvering it as if he was trying to draw her attention. That ribbon... she remembered where she saw it. "[colour=#0000ff]Wasn't it stretched between the posts at the finish line?"[/colour] Star straightened up. Above the heads of few ponies around her, she noticed even more rushing in her direction. The previous idea reappeared in her mind. [colour=#0000ff]"Have I... Am I... Was I first?"[/colour] - she stuttered the question towards the first stallion who spoke to her, with an expression of pure disbelief on her face. [colour=#000000]"But of course!"[/colour] - those three words struck her like a hammer as she faltered on her legs. She couldn't believe this. After all she went through, she emerged victorious. Even though she entered mainly to take part in that beautiful tradition...

Imperio flew over and landed on her back, folding his wings and undertaking a dignified pose. She didn't mind carrying him. Somehow she got used to this already. He laid the ribbon at her back, like it was some kind of symbol. "Would you like to say something?" - she was prepared for that question when it was asked. She knew the answer far too well already... [colour=#0000ff]"Water. Cider, water, anything wet. NOW."[/colour] - with those words, Star attempted to clear her way towards the stands. Her thirst was horrible, and the crowd was becoming a nuisance slowly...