NeilWacaster

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

Newsworthy couldn't help but grin. "I'm sure you overheard when I asked Miss Persnickety to go to Sydphony's concert. After our enjoyable evening yesterday, I asked her if she wanted to attend the play with me tonight. We had a great ti --"

He looked where he thought Persnickety was standing, only to realize that she had already stepped up to the bar. He turned to her. "Ah, we had a great time at the performance." He smiled, and looked at the busy bartender. "A cider for me and my friends, here, if you would be so kind."

Hearing rather cruel laughter behind him, Newsworthy glanced back to see a pony in old-fashioned clothes surrounded by jeering, richly-dressed aristocrats. His heart went out to him, and he tried to think of a way to help. "Ahem, bartender? Another cider for my ... colleague over there," he waved for the unicorn to come join them at the bar.

Yes ..... let the magic flow through you ... ohgod it would be so adorably cute

A snuggie? A cute, snuggly snuggie? makes me think of persnickety and newsworthy under a fuzzy blanket ... subliminal messaging

Neil: Dear lord ... Persnickety in socks!? Don't tell -

Newsworthy: What's that?

Neil: Oh, nothing ....

Newsworthy: Why are you looking at pictures of Persnickety again!?

Neil: This girl keeps sending them to me. I don't know why.

Newsworthy: *wings pompf*

Neil: ...

Newsworthy: *blushing*

Neil: You just noticed the socks, didn't you.

Newsworthy: Well, I mean come on, didn't you?

Neil: Yeah. They're socks.

Newsworthy: You have a lot to learn about ponies.

Neil: Some of which I don't want to know. Good grief, stallion, if you look any more intently your eyes will fall out.

The blue pegasus peered in the direction she indicated. "Looks like him ..." With the new clothes, it was difficult to tell from this distance. However, upon closer inspection, he appeared to be taking his sweet time to place a drink order with a rather bored-looking bartender. Newsworthy had little doubt it was him. "We should get some drinks for ourselves, anyway. Let's see if it is our fellow café-goer." He ran a hoof through his mane, and replaced his hat.

It was always a little nerve wracking for him to be in a place with so many important ponies. However, being a member of the press gave him a significant advantage. He noticed that most ponies, especially ones with little to moderate fame, flocked to him and practically begged him for interviews. Actors, in particular, knew how much a good review from a syndicated columnist like himself could mean for their careers. Often, they made him feel like he was the celebrity, which was very odd at first.

Newsworthy led Persnickety into the ballroom towards the bar. A dozen or so ponies looked their way as they entered. A few whispered as they passed, "Isn't that the one who stopped Discord?" "Who's that pony with her?" "Must be her bodyguard or something." "Wow, I can't believe somepony like her stopped somepony like Discord."

Newsworthy was frustrated at this. He knew how reserved Persnickety was, and was certain she did not wish for personal attention, as much as she enjoyed appreciation. In fact, he felt strangely protective, as if he wanted to just wrap his wings around her and hide her from the prying eyes.

As they approached, he saw that the pony standing at the bar was indeed Pocket Change, the eloquent and rather eccentric pony they had met just two days before.

"Hello, sir," Newsworthy said, cordially. "I see you have a taste for the theater?"

When they approached the hotel door, a butler in a crisp red suit with gold trim took a glance at their tickets stubs and waved them inside. The place was well furnished, with chandeliers and ancient carved furniture.

"The program said it was just up ahead, in ballroom B." Newsworthy stopped for a moment to get out his camera and put back on his suit jacket. Let's see, I need to talk to Vainglorious and any other ponies who would have interesting opinions. I heard that Sydphony is one of the special guests tonight ... maybe he would even agree to an interview! He noticed that Persnickety was looking nervously at the floor.

"Is something wrong?" he asked, concerned.

"My family traveled a great deal during my foalhood, but settled down and bought a bed-and-breakfast in Solstice Heights just before my teen years. A miserable, country existence, it was. Not disrespecting those who prefer a rural life, mind you, but it's certainly not for me. As soon as I could, much earlier than other colts my age, I left for university in Canterlot, even before I received my cutie mark. It was there that I found my passion for journalism. As I told you earlier, young one," Newsworthy nodded at Squallmane, "I own a paper called the Ponyville Express. It's finally picking up readership after several years of red ink. Who knows, with more stories like this one, we might even break even this year."

He had ordered a cider appletini earlier, and the waiter brought it to him. He sipped it thoughtfully.

"Well obviously we would take turns carrying our guide. But I'm fine with the train if we can spare that much time."

The inn was a squat, wooden structure, looking much more worn than most of the buildings in the city. Newsworthy pushed open the heavy, ancient door with a grunt, and promptly sat at a table with room for his companions.

He began perusing the list of drinks. Perhaps an appletini ...

Newsworthy sighed. "It would be much faster to fly such a short distance tomorrow morning, but I suppose we should save our strength. Come along then, the inn is this way."

(OOC: It was my turn, wasn't it. Sorry guys ... I'll try to do better)

Newsworthy cocked an eyebrow. "Too much? I should say not. Merely thinking about the journey ahead. For one thing, if we play our cards right, we can avoid most battles. No need to endanger ourselves needlessly. We just need to find a relatively agreeable Dweller to talk with, and hopefully he or she will be able to tell us about friendship. At least, perhaps we can find out where to start."

As for our accommodations for the night, I know of a fine inn nearby. I usually stay there when I'm here reporting on a story. Not exactly the palace," he chuckled, "but the rooms are affordable and the cider is good."

"The Dwellers are a brutish race of outcasts, as I told you earlier," he informed Squallmane as they browed the armory. "From what I've seen, they are nearly all pegasi or earth ponies, and as such, are generally armed with crude, non-magical weapons, such as broadswords, spears, as well as heavy armor. Mind you, I have only had the displeasure of encountering two dozen of their kind up close, at most, so who knows what some of their soldiers might be packing."

Newsworthy looked over the weapons carefully, trying to find the most effective non-lethal choice. It was against his principles to do any more harm to any creature than absolutely necessary, but he wanted to be prepared for any and all situations. Finally, he settled on a light, medium-sized blow gun. This particular weapon was intended for use by a pegasus, and strapped to his side for quick access in the air or on the ground. He chose two packs of ammunition darts. One would merely tranquilize an enemy, and the other would poison him with a potent neurotoxin. He hoped to Celestia that the latter would not be needed. He also picked up a pair of retractable blades for his forehooves, similar to the ones that the other pegasus wore. He would hate to have to use them, but would rather be armed than dead.

While he chose his weapons, he was lost in thought. Finally, he spoke to Squallmane while strapping on the blades, "So, you say that you have lived in the Everfree, but are uninformed concerning the Dwellers? Care to explain why?"

"I have walked along the forest edge many times," Newsworthy said, "but never more than a mile in. The only time I've been into the heart of the Everfree was during my adventure with Partheus, two months ago, or so. We found and defeated the Dwellers' leader, a wicked sorceress. In fact, I'm surprised that they would be making a move so soon. A number of their soldiers perished in the attack on Canterlot last month. Although ... perhaps it shouldn't be surprising that they've returned to their usual, less overt attacks, if they are exacting revenge."

"As for your concerns about the dangers, yes, there are many and serious risks which we should prepare ourselves for. For one thing, we need to be prepared for unexpected weather conditions. Unlike the rest of Equestria, storms can and do strike at any time, as you mentioned. There are a number of large beasts, such as manticores, that we should be ready to fight. And, of course, we need to be able to repel the Forest Dwellers, should diplomacy fail." He smiled at his companions. "Don't worry. If a bookish, scrawny newspony can get in and out of there alive, then it should be no problem for sturdy, battle-ready ponies like yourselves."

Inwardly, Newsworthy was not so sure. It was concerning that Shining Armor would send a rookie who was afraid of the very forest they were entering. Surely there is somepony more qualified ... And as for Squallmane, he too seemed awfully young to be embarking on such a quest. There must be a reason that Celestia chose him. He began to wonder what this colt's special talent was, considering his cutie mark depicted a coiled snake. Perhaps there was more to these two than he could see.

(OOC: Tacobob, I expect there to be some conflict. I've never done formal battle in a text based RP, what I've done in the past is just writing as usual, taking into account my perception of the enemy's abilities and both of our resources. Both of you, let me know if you want to handle it differently.)

(OOC: The captain of the royal guard, Shining Armor, is introduced in the last 2 episodes of season 2. Newsworthy saw him briefly in a previous RP, but didn't meet him.)

"You bet I am." He bowed to the princess again. "Thank you your highness. We shall not disappoint you!"

Newsworthy quickly joined 'Squallmane' outside. A large, burly captain stood there, in the the traditional purple and gold armor of a high ranking officer.

"Hello, boys," he said, in a serious, commanding tone. "Today, you embark on a great mission for Equestria. As you know, the Everfree Forest is one of the most dangerous places in the Kingdom. I am sending one of my finest soldiers with you, to help you on your journey and protect you from harm. Also, the royal armory is open to you if you need weapons. Now, if you will excuse me, I have important business to attend to."

"Yes, your highness," Newsworthy said. "What specific information do you need? Are you looking for their motivation for the recent lootings? A way to stop them?"

Welcome to Canterlot, Julius! Can't wait to see you in some role plays

Newsworthy bowed obsequiously to the princess. "Thank you for issuing the call, your highness. What is this important topic of which you wish to speak?"

"I would love to ..." he said, as the music began to play. The curtain rose, and he clasped her hoof in his.

After the performance, they walked back outside. Newsworthy set their course for the nearby hotel where the after party was to be held. "It wasn't half bad. I wish they had had a better actor for Mr. Loman though. He was a little wooden. Mrs. Lowman was brilliantly played though. I simply must interview the actress at the party."

Hey! So glad to see you here, friend!

IT SHALL BE DONE, O QUEEN OF THE TUMBLRS!

THE GAUNTLET HAS BEEN THROWN. Now I have to draw Newsworthy in his ridiculous suit and manecut. Hee hee

He was glad to see Persnickety this happy. She had seemed very withdrawn when they had first met, but he felt like he was making good progress getting through to her.

"Well," he said in response to her question, as they filed to their seats in the second row from the stage, "It's not the first time I've been here, but my other visits have been much more brief. I just flew over for the day to cover that big embezzlement scandal at Stalliongrad Steel, for example. That stupid meeting with the director, which never did pan out, is why I came so early this time. Although, if she hadn't rescheduled the appointment, I would have never met you. Funny the way things work, sometimes."

The theater already seemed to be getting warm, or maybe it was just from being next to her. He took off his jacket, and eased comfortably into his seat. "Your question begs another one. How long have you lived in this fair city?"

He beamed. "Well ... thank you. And you have a good point. I'll probably take off the suit jacket once we're inside. Good idea."

The line crawled toward the entrance. The theater was a large, stone structure with enormous plate glass windows. It looked more like a temple than an auditorium. A huge banner was draped over the front, announcing the new play.

They passed in between two enormous columns and reached the door. Newsworthy pulled out their tickets, handed them to the attendant, and lead Persnickety inside.