NeilWacaster

((OOC: I've been away from home and as busy as a beaver for the past couple of days. Sorry for the lack of posts, I'll try to drum up some inspiration.)) Newsworthy looked at Persnickety, concerned. He had really put his hoof in his mouth, this time. Giving her a reassuring smile, he said, "Well, getting the part is often the most difficult part of the acting profession, at least from what I've heard. I'm sure that an acting cla-" Classes cost money, you idiot. "I mean, some more practice, and you'll do just fine. As for Ms. Polish, she's ... well. Interesting. Definitely different from most of the ponies here." He scanned the room, looking for her. By a stroke of luck, he saw her walking towards the bar, holding an empty martini glass in an aura of yellow magic. "Ms. Polish!" Newsworthy said, beckoning her over. "Oui?" She turned and squinted at him from behind thin reading glasses. "Monsieur Newsworthy? It has been years! What has the life treated you?" "Very well, very well. It has been too long, hasn't it. Let me have that drink refilled for you," he said, taking the glass and giving it to the bartender. "Spit Polish, this is ..." he hesitated for a brief moment. He wanted to say my fillyfriend, but decided it was a bit soon for that designation. "... Persnickety, and this is Clef Scribbles." "Pleased to meet your acquaintance, all of you," she said, warmly.

"Of course!" Newsworthy grinned. "Cider is cheap ... or at least, relatively so at a place like this. Drink up, my good lad. Life may not be fair, but a little more alcohol might improve your outlook a bit." He ordered another round for all three of them. Newsworthy cocked his head at Persnickety. "I haven't heard of many actors that only work for one theater. Considering the specific nature of the talent needed for specific roles, and the relatively small number of roles needed per year for a single theater, the full-time actors that I know are just really good at auditioning. It also helps if you can finagle your way into one of the unions, like the Royal Society of Entertainers, or some such. Although," he rolled his eyes, "you have to have the right bloodline or connections to get into most of those cliques." Newsworthy suddenly realized that his honesty was probably discouraging for Persnickety. He quickly tried to think of a way to put a positive spin on the conversation. "Speaking of which ..." the stallion said, "this gathering is a good opportunity to make those connections. Maybe you should ask one of the actors here for some pro tips? One of my acquaintances, Spit Polish, is a professional actor and set designer, and helped with some of the rigging for this production. If she's here, I should introduce you."

"You don't know the half of it," Newsworthy responded to Persnickety's query. "Although most aren't quite this bad. Being a university, there's a slew of wealthy donors who got free tickets. Most theaters subsist in larger part on ticket sales, rather than the deep pockets of artsy fartsy gentlefolk. Also, many after parties are solely for the production team. Those are always a challenge to get into, even with my press badge. Opera houses are the worst, in terms of snootiness, though. Ponies just go to keep up appearances. They have their noses so high in the air that they can't go out without an umbrella, for fear of drowning." He grinned at Clef's question. "I'm looking to expand my newspaper business beyond Ponyville. My editorials are already being published in a hundred or so papers throughout the realm, which is why I can afford to buzz around like I do. Believe you me, Ponyvillians are great customers, but have only passing interest in a play like this one. All my friends in the business keep telling me to take advantage of my entrepreneurial expertise. In other words, why own one profitable paper, when you can own two? Or twenty?" His eyes shone as he talked excitedly about his dream. "My employees already do a great job of keeping the local news steady while I'm away. I think in a few months, they can handle the entire operation. For my next step, I think I'll start a new paper in Manehattan. The market is good, and my friends tell me advertisers are aplenty in a trading hub like that one. I think that I'll be able to apply what I learned in little old Ponyville to make a much larger paper there. After that, who knows? Cloudsdale? Hoofington? Baltimare? In a few years, I could have a publishing syndicate stretching from one end of Equestria to the other." He sighed contentedly. "But it's just a dream, at this point." He gave Persnickety a knowing look. "Sorry to take so long for my answer, you know how I ramble when I get excited about something."

Newsworthy wrote down the haughty mare's words quickly, mentally promising himself he would use as few of them as possible. The overworked bartender had finished pouring the drinks, and Newsworthy handed them out to Persnickety, Pocket Change, Clef, and himself. He drew morbid satisfaction from the fact that he had ordered the refreshment before Vainglorious had joined them. Not that boring old cider would appeal to her pretentious taste buds. He felt a slight tug at his conscience. Perhaps he had judged this mare too quickly. She had offered Persnickety some 'constructive criticism' concerning her eyesight ... These thoughts were quickly swept aside as he heard the brown pegasus disagreeing with Vainglorious. He had a sinking feeling that this was not going to end well, but figured he might as well jump aboard the sinking ship, now that he had the interview material he needed. "I, for one, agree with Persnickety," he said, looking at her kindly. "While no one is disputing that several of the actors have a lot to learn, it was one of the best university shows that I've seen. The cast as a whole should be commended. The costumes and set were first rate, and I really think that by the time some of these students graduate, they will be top tier material. Like the actress who played Mrs. Lowman, Star Shining? I think we'll see her in a Broadneigh musical someday."

Newsworthy was positively miffed. First this pompous windbag was looking rudely at Persnickety. Then, she brushed him off like an annoying insect. Then, she had the nerve to act all syrupy sweet. What the heck is she doing. I don't trust this pony any farther than I could throw her. And that wouldn't be very far. I think she's trying to manipulate Persnickety for some reason. But why .... ? He was beginning to sweat from being so frustrated. There was some small hope that Vainglorious would actually respond to Persnickety's inquiry. He made a mental note to thank her later for helping him.

"Yes, indeed, a great honor," Newsworthy said, glancing at Persnickety. She looked like a frightened puppy. He had heard that Vainglorious was high class, but could already tell she was one of those types. He knew them well. Ponies with some social standing who thought more highly of themselves than they should. The haughty, disdainful way she was looking at Persnickety made him want to sock the pretentious mare in the nose. Much as he already despised this pony, she was the one whom his readers would be most interested in hearing from, so he swallowed his anger. Forcing a smile, he retrieved his notepad and pencil from his bag. "Newsworthy, madam, from the Ponyville Express. What are your thoughts on the play?"

Wow, that is a really beautiful piece of prose. Well, I've been trying to figure out a way to put my appreciation into words, but you said it best yourself. "... the mere touching thoughtfulness of the gesture enough to warm him both inside and out."

I love it just the way it is. Exactly the way it is, is perfect It has been a long time since I've been just purely overjoyed for an hour.

You forgot? I can see the blush on her nose

I'm glad you feel better! I certainly do

She's blushing, isn't she. /)*3*(\

Honestly, I was having a bit of a down day myself. Nothing bad had happened, really, I just felt a little down with the rain and all. And then ... well, this explains it best. (starting at 21:02 until the end) http://youtu.be/9DcGvEhiPGo?t=21m2s

I would like to point out, for anyone reading this, that Twimsy drew this in less than an hour. LESS THAN AN HOUR. It usually takes me one or two hours per pony. So well done Although I admit I have a slight bias. Very slight.

Gosh, I should get some sleep too. humanized? interesting idea! This I would like to see

Biggest smile ever + Tears of joy = best night ever

I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW HAPPY THIS MAKES ME WORDS LITERALLY CANNOT EXPRESS AND THE DESCRIPTION .... ;u; ohgod I want to cry this is so awesome