NeilWacaster

My paycheck? What?

Newsworthy looked at Persnickety sheepishly. "I'd be happy to get you another cider, if you're still interested, that is." There was something about those orange eyes that captivated him. This pony, with her love of literature, her alluring looks, and ... But he stopped himself short. He hardly even knew her, and he was just here for the day. His mind ran on with more and more reasons why it just couldn't work. He looked down at his hooves and bit his lower lip. When he glanced back up, she was smiling at him. He felt his heart begin to melt.

So... I found you ... Interesting that you entered the fanbase through fanfics. Honestly, the finebros Teens React to MLP was I think what pushed me over the edge and made me actually try an episode or two

He finished wiping up the floor, and then began to dry his fur, kicking himself mentally for being so clumsy. Then again, the thought struck him that he probably wouldn't have even recognized the stranger if it weren't for this little mishap. He wasn't quite sure that to think of the other mare who had arrived. She seemed nice enough, and he was secretly quite jealous that she appeared to be on close terms with Syd. After he felt halfway presentable, and had wrung out the rag several times, he joined the other ponies at the table. His heart was still pounding, but he had sufficiently calmed his nerves to regain his usual cool composure. "First of all, let me apologize for my little mishap back there. I'm so sorry about your jacket, Syd, and I'll gladly replace it."

Partially regaining his composure, Newsworthy began to nervously mop up the mess on the floor with the rag. He glanced at Persnickety and smiled in thanks. "I ... think nothing's badly hurt." He reshuffled his wings a little and winced in pain. "On second examination, I think I may have sprained my wing." He gave a wry grin. "But no need to worry, Miss Persnickety. I'm tougher than I look."

Well played, Discord. But don't think that I will ever forgive you for what you've done.

With shock, N.W. realized he had just ruined the trenchcoat of his idol, the world-famous Syd. His mind flashed back to his office in Ponyville, plastered with posters and paraphernalia of the musician. He couldn't believe that he was meeting Syd in real life. And then he remembered again what a mess he was in. He began to stammer incoherently, trying to explain what had happened and that he would pay to replace the coat, but all that came out was: "You... I... This... No...."

Accuse? Why would I accuse the being who tried to destroy the sanctity of my hometown of Ponyville of doing a dastardly deed? Oh that's right, because you tried to set yourself up as supreme ruler, and destroy all I care about. By all means, Discord. I look forward to meeting you. You evil, evil destroyer of worlds.

Unfortunately, Newsworthy didn't notice the large grey stallion who had entered during his conversation with the waitress. Or, to be more specific, he didn't see the bulky guitar case sticking partly out into the walkway. Everything moved in slow motion as the cider began to fall, straight toward the stranger. In a frantic attempt to attempt to save the drinks, N.W. flailed, pawing the air. It was all to no avail. He ended up on his back, in a huge puddle of (now disgustingly) warm juice. He looked up in horror to see the stranger covered in cider, apparently glaring at him (although it was difficult to tell from behind those glasses).

Welcome to Canterlot, so glad you're here!

He let out a hearty laugh. "Never been called that one before. Rather like the sound of it, much better than being called 'gutter press' and worse. My name's Newsworthy, and I am most pleased to make your acquaintance, Madame Persnickety." Seeing that Persnickety's glass of cider was about to run dry, he remarked, "Let me see what I can do about that empty mug." The stallion trotted over to the bar. The pair of chattering mares stopped and looked him over from head to hoof, sizing him up. One appeared interested, and gave him a coy glance. The other looked positively miffed that their conversation had been interrupted, and turned her nose up in disgust. The barista looked at him quizzically, and said with a strong mountain accent, "What can I do you for?" "Two large mugs of your finest cider, if you would be so kind," he said. Now it was the barista's turn to size up the light blue stallion. "That's an awful lot of cider for a little filly like yourself. You're not about to go hittin' on that mare Persnickety, are ya?" The two gossips giggled. Newsworthy was quite peeved at the mare's insults, but tried to keep his cool. He drew himself up to his full height (barely up to the barista's nose) and replied calmly, "My friend, that is none of your concern. But when I see a fellow Equestrian in need, I see it as my duty to help them. That fine mare is in need of cider, and I intend to purchase some, if my money is any good here." He slammed four bits down and looked across the bar defiantly. The barista snorted in amusement. " 'Fine' mare, y'say? Ah knew it, y'do have an eye on 'er." Before he could reply, she leaned across the bar and whispered, "But don't be fooled by 'er looks, what little she's got. She's dirt poor, and all she ever does is come in here an' scribble on her scrolls. An' by Celestia's mane, I've never seen a mare so unsure of 'erself. Take my advice. Get your cider and get out of here. You city slickers don't want nothing to do with her kind." He was taken aback, but managed to pull himself together. He said, slowly and quietly, "Good mare, I too am a wordsmith and do not take kindly to your insults to my profession, myself, and Miss Persnickety. I would appreciate it if I could have my cider without running commentary, if you please." The waitress glared at him. In one fluid motion, she whisked his coins off the counter, turned quickly to her left, filled two mugs with steaming hot cider, and slid them over to him. He smiled, picked up the cups, and slowly walked back towards Persnickety's corner, being careful not to spill a drop of the golden, frothing drinks.

"Ah. Well that's no trouble, no trouble at all. And, to answer your first inquiry, yes, I write and publish a small gazette in Ponyville." He looked down at the parchment she was writing. "So you're a playwright? I'm sure that there's much to inspire you in this city. I love coming here, such a diverse culture."

I believe that you, Discord, are the only deity in Equestria that would dare harm a kitten. For shame. BTW, we just started a new RP over in the Free-for-all, if you'd like to watch. http://www.canterlot.com/topic/7445-it-all-started-in-a-little-cafe-in-stalliongrad-open/

"Not with the problems I've been having, I'm afraid. But since you asked, I'm trying to get the scoop on the big play going on over at the Stalliongrad School of the Arts. The director said she could meet me at noon, but had 'business of vital importance to the world of art' to attend to, and can't meet me till later. Do you happen to know anypony involved with the production?"

OCC: Twimsy and I are RPing our new characters meeting. Anypony is welcome to join, as long as it fits with the story. Forum rules apply, and no 18+ content please. RP starts below. Being a newspony is no easy task. All day, all night, working to make sure your readers will be satisfied. I'm Newsworthy, rising star in the reporting world, and owner of the independent newspaper Equestria Express, published in the little hamlet of Ponyville twice a week. Traveling around Equestria searching for the latest scoop can get very frustrating, especially when you have a scheduled interview moved from noon to early evening. To pass the time, I decided to look for a place to get a bite of lunch. I'm in the Learning District, so there are quite a few art galleries and shops around, and it looks as if the population is primarily students. A small cafe catches my eye, with a little wooden signpost above the door, saying "Cider Cellar." My taste for cider is never quenched, and I am quite the connoisseur of the different brands around Equestria. Nevertheless, I've never heard of this one. My curiosity piqued, I enter the small shop. The place is small, only enough room for about 10 ponies at most. It looks like a few local gossips are chatting it up at the bar, while the barista polishes the dessert case. Another stallion, looking to be quite up in years, is sitting at the largest table by himself, sipping a cider and reading a newspaper. The only pony that really catches my eye is a slender brown mare sitting off by herself in a corner of the room. She appears to be lost in thought.

Thanks! I came up with an even better one: Newsworthy. I think I'll stick with that one! Excitement, can't wait to get started in the Mane RP

I figured out how to search the forums... so I believe I have an original name now: Newsworthy! What do you think?

He's good at convincing and explaining Perhaps we shall meet in Equestria, hmm?

Ah, thanks for letting me know! I'll think of another.

Watch out, Discord, I'll sic my sonic rainboom on you.

why thank you, Discord. By the way, is the Q in your name a reference to the voice actor's playing Q in Star Trek, by any chance?

You should consider trying an RP, they're so much fun! Chances are there are a ton of RP groups near where you live, or you can always join one online

I like this character design. You've put a lot of depth and room to grow. In DnD or WoW terms, you're starting her off at level 0, and it's up to her to make her place in the world. Looking forward to meeting this fine mare somewhere in Equestria...

Awesome! Thank you so much for the clear explanation. I know that there's a lot of newbies, and I'm sure we all have the same questions. You must be a very patient pony.