Newsworthy noticed with dismay that Persnickety's attention was still being diverted by the vodka-sipping newcomer. He had to find some topic that wouldn't make her uncomfortable. He was quite frustrated that his attempts to impress her, involve her in the conversation, and generally make a good impression had been falling flat. Not that she was doing anything wrong, he just really wanted to get to know her better, but felt that his attempts were failing miserably. Perhaps, he thought, I need to earn her trust before she will open up. Some ponies are like that, especially shy mares that I've known. Out loud, he replied, "We all have ways in which we can improve, but I've felt much the same way about my work, even when it is some of the best I've ever done. That article of mine that won the Ponylitzer a while back was one that I was completely in angst over for a month. I wonder if you might have heard of it, it was that one investigative piece about the Discord incident. Even though I knew that I had done my best work, it felt so inadequate. I thought that it couldn't even compare to the work by the other pressponies at Canterlot Daily. You can imagine my surprise when the editor insisted it should be the lead story for the day. And then just hours after publication I was getting letters from all over Equestria from ponies who were moved by it, saying that it really helped them understand the plight of the ponies affected by the disaster. All I'm trying to say is that sometimes we have to take a step back, and realize that all we can do is our best, while constantly working to improve, and you never know what will be your big break." He began to blush, realizing that he had probably offended her by talking so much about himself. Oh hayseed. Now she'll think I'm nothing but a braggart. Nice going. Suddenly, he heard a thud from across the room, and craned his neck to see what was going on. A pegasus was lying on the floor next to the mysterious pony? What had the stranger done to him?