Blueblood

(Just to clarify, it's only leaves that are coming down on Earth Writer, not entire branches hitting him) Earth Writer probably could have guessed that Sugar Apple was here on a kind of vacation; as far as he knew, there wasn't any kind of program that sent ponies from Cloudsdale to aid in earth pony methods of season change. [colour=#8b4513]*Although that's a pretty interesting idea, now that I think about it; kind of a cross-cultural exchange.* [/colour]He was sorry to hear that she'd forgotten her camera, but he saw the other side of it. "[colour=#8b4513]It's probably for the best; it's kind of hard to race and take pictures at the same time. If I come back next year to do a follow-up, though, I'll see if I can't sign you on as a photographer.[/colour]" Speaking of photographs, it seemed the mare would like to share her own whenever she came around to visit. "[colour=#8b4513]Sure, I'd like that. I was only a small colt when I last visited, so it'd be interesting to see what I remember.[/colour]" By this point, the reporter had pretty nearly forgotten what he was actually doing. The easy pace, the companionship, even the scenery all combined to form an impression that he was just taking a trot with some friends at the end of autumn. The ground still hummed with the sound of hooves, and the leaves still fell, but no suggestion of a race or duty was present. Perhaps that was how it all started, back in the day; the unicorn remembered Winter Wrap-Ups from his foalhood having moments like this too, though it was always kind of ruined after they ran late. These thoughts and more kept him too distracted to notice the bucket in front of him, and by the time Sugar Apple pointed it out to him, it was too late. Earth Writer tripped and tumbled over the bucket, covering himself in the sap, just as another shower of leaves floated down and covered him. He stood there for a second, looking a little like a bush with legs, before looking up at the sky and sighing. "[colour=#8b4513]Of course, it would stop raining just when I'd need a shower.[/colour]" The stallion deadpanned. He blew out a breath, shaking as many leaves off as he could. "[colour=#8b4513]The rest will have to wait, I suppose.[/colour]" He said as he trotted along to keep up with his group. Their attention seemed caught by a newcomer, who's sticky hooves and cutie mark seemed to indicate a syrup-maker. [colour=#8b4513]"Oh hi, I can't say I noticed you before.[/colour]" The unicorn nodded hello, still somewhat covered in sap and leaves. "[colour=#8b4513]These your buckets?[/colour]" He nodded to the sap-gathering apparati around the path.

"[colour=#8b4513]Ah-*put-ptui*![/colour]" One of the leaves had gotten into Earth Writer's mouth, just as he'd opened it to answer Sugar Apple. It was sticky with sap, so it took more than a few spits to get rid of it. He smacked his lips a few times, an odd expression on his face. [colour=#8b4513]"Why do leaves never taste as good as grass? They're almost the same thing."[/colour] He shook his head, dismissing one of the great mysteries of ponykind from his consideration. There were more interesting things to talk about. Sugar Apple didn't seem eager to dwell on the subject of the griffon, and the reporter was content to let it drop for now. He had to smile at her enthusiasm about his own work and ambitions. "[colour=#8b4513]I only just started my journalism work, remember? I haven't traveled farther from here than Canterlot, in a professional capacity. Still, that city has a lot of material for articles, but then, so does this town. I believe all places are interesting, if you look at them close enough."[/colour] He laughed a little. "[colour=#8b4513]Non-professionally though, I've been to a lot of places. I was actually born out west, roundabout Dodge Junction, but my parents moved here to Ponyville when I was little. My family used to go on a lot of vacations, so I've seen most of the cities in Equestria. My sister's traveled more than me, in fact; had a hard time looking for a job. I think she's in Manehattan now; I really liked that city when I visited.[/colour]" Earth spared some attention at this point for Greenshot, who seemed to be distracted with his sprained hoof. It didn't look to be hurting him, though. He asked after him anyway. "[colour=#8b4513]Feeling alright back there?[/colour]"

With the ravine behind him, Earth Writer and his "pack" had now come into the thick of Whitetail Woods, the brilliant reds of sugar maple leaves giving the sunlight a crimson tint before the rumbling of racer's hooves shook them to the ground. Whether it was the consistent pace they'd managed to keep up through the weather and terrain, or the clear path they'd managed to maintain through the fog without getting too lost, they were all grouped near the front of the racers, to the reporter's amusement. "[colour=#8b4513]Gotta say,[/colour]" he remarked, as they took a gentle corner through a shower of leaves, "[colour=#8b4513]This is more like it! No storms, no rickety bridges, no flooded streams or deep ravines; just the trees, the leaves to remove, and friends to run with." [/colour]He gave an encouraging smile to all of his companions, especially Sugar Apple; given the injured condition of some of them, they couldn't exactly "run" if they all wanted to stay together, and for the tan stallion at least, that took priority over winning. [colour=#8b4513]*What a collection of characters; I wonder if any of them will be back next year?* [/colour] Most of them, Earth Writer included, didn't actually live in Ponyville, and were in this event as guests. Probably, they wouldn't have all met under any normal circumstances, but now, after the dramatic events which had befallen them, they had all become fast-forged friends. [colour=#8b4513]*I suppose that's the reason traditional events like these are still held even today.* [/colour]He reflected. [colour=#8b4513]*They really do bring us all closer together, and reveal strengths that we never knew we, or anypony else, had.*[/colour] Another thought to put in the article, he supposed. In a roundabout way, it led his mind back to the events on the bridge, and he turned to Sugar Apple, asking, "[colour=#8b4513]Did you expect that little act of heroism from the griffon? I have to admit, from your account I didn't see it coming. I think I might owe her an apology when this is all said and done.[/colour]"

(Getting near the end of the last day, so I'm going to wrap this up as best I can. Sorry in advance for any G-modding that might happen due to time crunch). Earth Writer found himself amazed at just how much a gentle touch could ease his troubles, and how much a single look could confirm understanding. To have it happen just following a rescue was natural enough, but when the reporter considered the fact that only a whim three days before had brought him to this time and place... it added something surreal and serendipitous to it. He was too swept up to return Sugar Apple's wink, but he could at least smile, and that he did. "[colour=#8b4513]And I'll be right beside you![/colour]" He answered. Now, of course, to see to the second rescue he'd put in motion. The coordinators were professionals, and Applejack was assured to be in good hands. As for the others... for some reason that was completely beyond Earth Writer's understanding, Rising Star appeared to fear the prospect of flight more than the prospect of falling. Or perhaps it was a measure of pride; who could say? He could only shake his head, half in exasperation and half in admiration. Next, the coordinators came for Sugar, and he waved back as they ferried her over. Three more unicorns awaited ferrying, and then it was Earth Writer's turn at last. He couldn't have said what he'd expected flight to be like, but he always had a vague idea that it would be enjoyable. After all, the pegasi loved it. As he was hoisted between two of them, the tan stallion had the uncomfortable sensation of having left his stomach back on the ground. The flight was short, but all throughout it the journalist was aware of every strain in his muscles as he held onto his carriers, every slight pitch and yaw from take off to landing, and most of all, the height above the ravine floor when he chanced an ill-considered look down. [colour=#8b4513]*All in all,* [/colour]He thought, beathing heavily as he once again touched hooves to earth, [colour=#8b4513]*I think I understand Risi's attitude a little better.*[/colour] Still, he was grinning by the time he'd trotted back to Sugar Apple's side. "That... was something I might get used to." Now that everypony was safe, Earth Writer felt buoyantly happy, and nearly kicked his heels together when he saw the whole group gathered around. Certainly, he no longer felt tired anymore. His new and expansive energy suffused his speech, as well. "[colour=#8b4513]Well, what are we waiting for? We've got a race to finish, and trees to defoliate! Tally-Ho! As they say in Canterlot.[/colour]" And with that, they were off again.

Aw, I thought it made for a dramatic moment... And to be perfectly honest, having that kind of temporal displacement in interwoven posts seems to me to be just a little too confusing.

Earth Writer's smile did not so much fade as drain when the old woden bridge across the ravine was revealed in all its ricketiness. After all that business that the group had just finished in the gully, this was a situation that broguht the most unwelcome prospect of a repeat. The unicorn heaved a sigh; if they had to do it, at least he couldn't think of a better set of comrades to have by his side. He signaled to Hoss, "[colour=#8b4513]You'd better be first across to test the soundness of the bridge; your wings can get you out of trouble if there's any.[/colour]" He probably didn't need to have bothered saying so, seeing that the bay pegasus was already trotting onto the planks, but it might discourage any recklessness on anypony else's part. The last thing he wanted to see was any of his new friends getting hurt again, especially Sugar Apple. She seemed to have the same notion, given that she asked him about an alternative route. Earth Writer frowned in thought. "[colour=#8b4513]That would be a good idea, except that there isn't any other way across that I can think of. I don't think this is a well-traveled route, or they would have kept the bridge in better repair.[/colour]" [colour=#8b4513]*And then they routed a race over it. Who's dumb idea was that?*[/colour] The reporter did not speak this last sentence aloud, though his sentiments were echoed in more forceful tones by Rising Star. The stallion gave her a "[colour=#8b4513]Here, Here![/colour]", feeling that he owed her something for having the courage to call out the racing coordinators for not at least reinforcing the bridge. Still.... "[colour=#8b4513]I think they're going to make it.[/colour]" He said to Sugar Apple. [colour=#8b4513]"If we trot gently, and don't shake the bridge too much, we should be fine. We'll just have to go one at a time.[/colour]" It seemed he wasn't the only one that hit upon this notion, given that Clockwise, Greenshot, and another newcomer were also holding back. Earth Writer didn't mind the delay himself; it gave him a little more time to stay and think, about the blush on Sugar Apple's face, among other things. It was beginning to dawn upon the journalist that he'd developed a strong bond with the purple pegasus in a very short amount of time, something of a record with the unicorn, who took a while to develop any strong friendships at the best of times. He didn't know what that would mean for the future, but all things considered, it looked pretty good- And then came Applejack and Gilda, barreling straight through the gathered ponies. Their sudden appearance had caused the tan unicorn to jump straight into the air, though that was nothing to the shock he got when he saw the farmer mare take the bridge at full speed, and break straight through one of the planks. His breath caught for a moment until he saw that she had caught herself with her tail, and was now calling for the griffon to help her. Earth took one look at Gilda, and figured that if this was the same griffon who'd rushed through the first bridge at the brook, Applejack couldn't expect anything much from her. And that moment was when he officially became fed up with the whole situation. "[colour=#8b4513]Alright, nuts to these horseapples![/colour]" He stalked straight over to the edge of the ravine and called down to the pegasi below. "[colour=#8b4513]You get your flanks straight up here, and see to it that Applejack makes it across safely. After that, you will personally ferry each and every single racer here across this ravine, and if I hear any backchat about how it isn't 'sporting', the entire event staff are gonna get in the snoot for reckless endangerment in every paper in Equestria! [/colour][colour=#8b4513]By name![/colour]" The rescue pegasi could see at once that it was more than their job's worth than to argue, and set about the good work immediately. Earth Writer volunteered to go last, just to make sure everypony else made it across safely. He was panting when he got back to Sugar Apple, and closed his eyes as he apologized. [colour=#8b4513]"Sorry for losing it there, I've just seen too many get hurt already, and I couldn't stand it if... you...[/colour]" The stallion felt something in his throat, preventing him from finishing the sentence as he opened his eyes to look into the mare's.

With the extraction of Rising Star from the ledge, the rescue operation was officially complete. Earth Writer couldn't help but feel proud of how well everypony had handled the situation; this was a feel-good story if ever there was one. Certainly, there were few present who could have felt more on top of the world than the unicorn stallion right now. He whispered back at Sugar Apple as the healer saw to her wing and bruises. "[colour=#8b4513]Don't worry, I won't forget.[/colour]" The journalist's good humor managed to quickly overcome any resentment towards the coordinators for being tardy. They could hardly be blamed, after all; this was just the sort of place where they'd be stretched thin. "[colour=#8b4513]I wouldn't have routed through here myself.[/colour]" He agreed. "[colour=#8b4513]You want professionals for dangerous places like this, or at least clear weather. I'll probably put in an editorial to that effect, least I can do.[/colour]" While the healer was busy with Sugar Apple, Earth Writer took a look over everyone else. Greenshot looked tired, but not so exhausted anymore; he'd probably be back on his hooves in a minute or two, barring any aggravation of his injury. "[colour=#8b4513]Don't rush,[/colour]" the tan unicorn told him, "[colour=#8b4513]Take what rest you need, you earned it, buddy.[/colour]" He would have patted him on the head, but felt that might be slightly patronizing. He gave Hoss a salute as he passed over to Risi, which brought him back around to Sugar Apple again, as the unicorn was currently apologizing to the pegasus. Sugar, of course, was telling her not to worry about it, and Earth Writer felt like putting in his own two cents. "[colour=#8b4513]It really isn't your fault if you got lost; not in this fog.[/colour]" Indeed, the mists had only continued to gather around the group, making visibility even more of a limited field. But that didn't seem to be discouraging anypony right now, especially not Sugar Apple. Earth Writer had the biggest grin across his face as he helped her up. "[colour=#8b4513]I figure so, Sugar.[/colour]" The reporter looked around at the gathered pegasi coordinators. "[colour=#8b4513]I say, you couldn't mark out the path forward by clearing the fog, could you? It might prevent more accidents.[/colour]" The coordinator, clearly a sporting fellow, nodded. "Good idea. We were about to do that ourselves, now that everypony's out of danger." After one last check over the group, they flew off, using their wings to clear a path through the mists. "[colour=#8b4513]Ready everypony?[/colour]" Earth looked back at them all, Sugar, Risi, Hoss, Greenshot, and Clockwise, seeing that they all were. "[colour=#8b4513]Forward![/colour]" And he lead the group of new forged friends at a trot down the trail, towards the bridge over the ravine.

A sigh suffused with gratitude had met Sugar Apple's admonishment that Earth Writer eat his apple. "[colour=#8b4513]We do get exhausted if we're not in training. Same with athletic endurance, really, except that it doesn't build muscles.[/colour]" Bruised or not, the apple was still good. Of course it was; Sweet Apple acres had its reputation for a reason, after all. Still, with the kind looks the Pegasus was favoring him with, the unicorn figured he could name the sweetest Apple. He reached up to meet Sugar's hoof with his foreleg, giving her anot[colour=#8b4513]her smile. "I can't help worrying about my friends when they're hurt. Dunno what sort of stallion I'd be if I didn't, really. My mother taught me to err on the side of sympathy, but...[/colour]" He began to grin at the plucky mare. "[colour=#8b4513]If you feel up to going on, I'll stick with you all the way.[/colour]" Earth Writer got to his hooves as the coordinators arrived, and watched them work as he finished the last of his apple. It didn't seem that the pegasi would do any better at extracting Rising Star than Hoss right now, but the Unicorn medic was timely enough, and very kindly accepted the stick from Clockwise to split the wing. He also floated the idea that the other coordinators fly her back to Ponyville, though the Journalist could have told the healer that that was a lost cause. There was something immensely admirable about Sugar's perseverance, he thought. [colour=#8b4513]*I'm going to have to write to her, after I go back home to Canterlot. She's definitely a friend worth having.*[/colour]

Earth Writer hadn't realized that he'd been holding his breath while Hoss was carrying Sugar Apple until he had finally brought her in for a safe landing. It all came out in a rush, then, leaving him lightheaded with relief. He stumbled over to her, still somewhat tired from his exertions, offering his last apple, only to find that Hoss had already given her one from his saddlebags. It stopped hims short, a nonplussed expression on his face. "[colour=#8b4513]Oh, I was about to give you this...[/colour]" He held up the bruised apple with a weak smile, a blush already showing through the tan parts of his face. The unicorn shifted his look to her broken wing, and bit down on his lower lip. "[colour=#8b4513]Ouch, that's gotta hurt. I'm sorry I'm not a healer, I can't imagine where they are right now.[/colour]" He sat down close to her, glad to just rest for now. He wasn't thinking about the race, the leaves, or even the story right now. He found himself just too tired to think of anything except what war right in front of him right now. All the momentum he'd built up during the course of the day had halted, leaving him painfully conscious of the fact that he'd gone into this thing with barely adequate preparation. He didn't even have a water bottle with him now. [colour=#8b4513]*At least I have this apple.* [/colour] He smiled a bit at the thought, before biting into the bruised fruit. Greenshot was currently with Rising Star and Hoss; it seemed the pink unicorn would soon be out of danger herself. Earth Writer smiled even wider, nodding towards Clockwise. "[colour=#8b4513]Good job, everypony. All in all a successful rescue operation.[/colour]" With a sigh, he lay back on the ground. Looking up, he could see the approach of the racing coordinators through the air. "[colour=#8b4513]About freaking time![/colour]" He shook his head, turning to look at the pegasus mare. "[colour=#8b4513]You think you'll be up to continue after they finish patching you up? You don't have to push yourself too far just for the sake of my journalism copy, you know.[/colour]" He had a slightly guilty look on his face as he said that.

Sweat poured down Earth Writer's face as he strained to remove the rocks burying Sugar Apple at the bottom of the ravine. He soon abandoned lifting them outright; it was just too much energy to do so over so long a distance. It was much easier to roll them off to the side, or simply to scatter them when they were the wrong shape to roll. Greenshot and the pink unicorn on the ledge seemed to have also figured this out, sparing the stallion the effort of calling out instructions. His silence allowed him to hear when pegasus mare called out from under the rubble. "[colour=#8b4513]Yes, I'm here, Sugar. Don't move yet, just wait and we'll get you clear.[/colour]" That was easier said than done, since all three of them were beginning to look exhausted. Only to be expected, of course; they'd all been running for the past few hours, and none of them were what you could call star atheletes. Thankfully, reinforcements were soon to arrive. Earth Writer was breathing heavily when a jingling, stuttering unicorn arrived, offering what assistance he could, with a bay pegasus close on his hooves. With a rather tired wave, the journalist greeted them both. "[colour=#8b4513]By Celestia, am I ever glad to see you. Here, Clockwise, you can help us shift the last of the rubble. Hoss, you go down and see how bad Sugar's hurt. Do you think you'll be able to left the mares up?[/colour]" He hadn't forgotten Risi's predicament, though she was relatively in a better position. It was but the work of a few moments more to uncover the purple pegasus, and all of the unicorns were glad of the break. While Hoss was checking Sugar Apple for injuries, Earth Writer was looking over his injured companion, who looked even more exhausted. Suddenly, the tan stallion remembered: He still had three of the apples from earlier in the race! After carrying them around in the race, they'd gotten quite bruised, but he felt that his companions wouldn't mind. He gave one to Greenshot, and floated the other down to Rising Star, keeping the last one for Sugar Apple when she was brought up. "[colour=#8b4513]Don't worry, we haven't forgotten about you.[/colour]" He called down to the pink unicorn, as he waited for the injury report from the bay pegasus below. [colour=#8b4513]*What a story this is going to make. My editor's hardly going to believe it.*[/colour]

Earth Writer was determined not to leave his partner behind, which was why his progress to the top of the hill was painstakingly slow. Neither stallion was able to see what was going on, which left them at a bit of a blank as to what they would do when they arrived. They hadn't any rope with them, unlike Hoss back at the brook, and would probably be relying on raw magic to fish anypony out of trouble. [colour=#8b4513]*And that will be exhausting.* [/colour]In fact, it was doubtful if they'd be able to finish the race after expending that much energy. Any regrets the unicorn might have had about that, however, were dispelled when he heard the sound of Sugar Apple's voice... and her scream as she was caught in the rockslide. It went straight through his ears like a blade right down into his core, and it was all he could do to keep from galloping like a madpony to the crest of the hill. [colour=#8b4513]"Easy, easy,[/colour]" he said to himself. [colour=#8b4513]"Don't get caught yourself; you can't help anypony if you pitch off the ledge."[/colour] Earth Writer called ahead again, a little softer so as not to cause another landslide. [colour=#8b4513]"I'm here. What happened?"[/colour] By now he'd reached the crest of the hill, and the sight that met his eyes was a grim one indeed. One pale pink unicorn mare, one the journalist hadn't met yet, was trapped on a ledge just over the hill. Sugar Apple was nowhere in sight, but down at the bottom of the ravine- "[colour=#8b4513]Oh, no...[/colour]" Earth Writer was starting to hyperventilate with worry, and had to take deep, gulping breaths to keep in control. "[colour=#8b4513]Right."[/colour] He called down to Risi in as firm a voice as he could muster. "[colour=#8b4513]We're going to help you shift the rubble. We're going to have to go carefully, we don't want the pile to crash down on Sugar and..."[/colour] A few more deep breaths. "[colour=#8b4513]Anyway, I've got another unicorn with me, her cousin. We'll get you both out, alright?"[/colour] The stallion couldn't have said if he was as confident as he sounded, but right now he had to be the calming influence. It was the first time he was really in any position like this, and the thought scared him a little. So much was riding on him now- [colour=#8b4513]*But I'm not alone right now.* [/colour]He nodded, clearing his head. It was time to get to work. Reaching out with his magic, he began to carefully and methodically disassemble the pile of rubble that trapped Sugar Apple beneath it.

[colour=#8b4513]*Now with the peaceful glade behind us, we the racers enter the deep woods, where treacherous landscapes lurk behind heavy tree cover, and one false step may lead to disaster...*[/colour] Once again, Earth Writer was composing the story in his head. He was actually quite grateful for the leisurely pace enforced by his accompanying of the injured Greenshot; it gave him the luxury to think while trotting, while still leaving him time to react to any change in the path. And quite a lot of changes there were! Earth Writer was geographically knowledgeable, in a general sense, but once again he found himself indebted to Greenshot's studying of the local terrain, which he expressed vocally. [colour=#8b4513]"Don't worry about it! This isn't the sort of place I'd like to go through alone myself, four good hooves or no."[/colour] The unicorn gave a nervous look around him, nickering softly. [colour=#8b4513] "There's a huge ravine somewhere near, but the woods grow right up to the edge of it. We must be vigilant, else-"[/colour] He paused in his talking, cocking his head to listen. [colour=#8b4513]"Though I heard somepony cry out..."[/colour] He shook his head. [colour=#8b4513]"I can't see anypony from here, but they could be right in front of us. Keep a look out, just in case they've fallen into trouble." [/colour]Earth Writer remained silent after that, still listening out for any voice. The silence gave him time to reflect on the advantages of bringing up the rear. Not being focused on winning meant that he could focus on his work, true, but it also gave other opportunities. If the more athletically focused pushed on ahead, ignoring any cries for help, the rearguard had a chance to be heroes! And, of course, there was always the reason for the whole "Running of the Leaves" in the first place. Some of the trees still had stubborn foliage clinging to them as the pair of unicorns passed. Earth Writer gave one a kick, dislodging the last of its leaves. As he did so, he caught an echoing cry, clearer than the last time. "[colour=#000080]Somepony, help-elp-elp..[/colour]." That was unmistakeable. Earth Writer turned to his racing partner. "[colour=#8b4513]That's coming from over the hill up there.[/colour]" He nodded forward. [colour=#8b4513]"If we step carefully, we may be in time to render assistance." [/colour]No sooner said than done, he was leading Greenshot in a careful climb to a vantage point, calling ahead. "[colour=#8b4513]We're coming! Hold on![/colour]"

Earth Writer gave an apologetic look for having disturbed the purple pegasus' nature watch, though he couldn't help but wonder why a racer would stop to deer watch in the middle of a race. He shrugged inwardly, it didn't really matter at this point. As she asked about the griffon which had barreled through her on the bridge, the reporter pursed his lips. "[colour=#8b4513]I'm afraid I don't know much about her, so anything you can find out would be a help." [/colour]He then motioned a hoof to beckon his purple unicorn companion closer. [colour=#8b4513] "And this is Clockwise! He got knocked into the brook when that griffon charged through." [/colour]He briefly wondered if that would put him too much on the spot for his comfort, but then the stallion reflected that he was going to write his story into a newspaper article, which would be even more public. [colour=#8b4513]*Well, if he folds now, I'll see if I can't just edit out the account. I don't want to embarrass the poor fellow too much.*[/colour] Sugar Apple, of course, couldn't stay long; after she gave her goodbyes, she galloped off, with Earth Writer shouting encouragement. [colour=#8b4513]"I know you'll make us proud!"[/colour] Speaking of "us"... Earth Writer smiled as Greenshot indicated that he could walk unassisted. "[colour=#8b4513]No trouble at all! Glad to see you're walking under your own power, at least." [/colour]It would make progress a lot easier later, when less accommodating terrain could be expected. Hopefully, at any rate; overcoming obstacles would be what gave this story power! Filled with these happy thoughts, the journalist trotted easily alongside the hobbled Apple family member.

[colour=#8b4513]"Right-o, then, Clockwise."[/colour] It wasn't so much absent-mindedness as it was genuine unconsciousness that led Earth Writer to not press the purple unicorn for his credentials. After all, they were hardly relevant to his place in the race. As for the awkward stallion's other question, he had a ready answer. [colour=#8b4513]"They all like good stories. Dramatic rescues always make good copy, especially if the pony rescued doesn't let his spill discourage him, you know? Pluck and perseverance, that's the ticket!" [/colour]The unicorn noticed with bemusement just how much his patterns of speech had been affected by his few years in Canterlot. You'd have hardly believed he grew up in the same town as, say, Applejack. He winced sympathetically as Clockwise crashed into Sugar Apple, but his attention was currently taken by the Apple cousin that had a relatively more severe injury. "Don't worry about me," He was telling the concerned Greenshot. [colour=#8b4513]"I'm not here to win the race, I'm here to get a story for the papers. And this is a great angle! Injured pony refusing to let circumstances force him to surrender, tying it into a loyalty to tradition and family..." [/colour]The reporter gave a whistle. "[colour=#8b4513]Yeah, I'm not missing out on that.[/colour]" He watched as Hoss gave a temporary bandaging to Greenshot's injured leg, not leaving the scene just yet. [colour=#8b4513]"You know, if you're running the rest of this three-legged, it would really help if you had someone to lean against. Tell you what; I'll stick with you, just in case we run into some other obstacle like the river. You'll probably need the help then." [/colour] He nodded towards Sugar Apple. [colour=#8b4513]"Don't worry about me; someone's got to make sure they got all the leaves down. Just get a view from the front of the line, OK Sugar? I'll pick it up when I meet you at the finish."[/colour] He gave a wink to the Pegasus as he assisted the green unicorn in getting to his hooves.

The little detour Earth Writer had taken for safety had, predictably, cut into his time. It wasn't much, but it was enough for him to have dropped from the bottom of the top pack to the top of the middle. [colour=#8b4513]*Not a bad phrase, though; the article progresses, as does the race.*[/colour] Well, whatever hurdles would come later for the reporter, the biggest hurdle in the race, the weather, seemed to have passed. Or one could say that the ponies had passed the bad weather, that he would leave up to the editor. The unicorn shook as he entered the clearing, partly from the chills coming from the water evaporating off his skin, and partly because he could finally shake off the volume of rainwater that had collected in his mane and tail. [colour=#8b4513] *Oh, sweet Celestia, to be dry again!* [/colour]Indeed, the sun had come out, and the stallion now was entering the forest clearing, where he could feel the full strength of the rays. For at least a few minutes, he felt no fatigue, so great was the relief. As his hooves pounded along the trail, he heard the ringing of a little bell, which momentarily confused him until he encountered a purple unicorn, wearing a hat with a bell. Not the most athletic of wear, but then this unicorn didn't look the most athletic of ponies. Then Earth Writer recognized him; this was the unicorn who'd fallen into the brook! He cantered over to the rescuee, calling out, [colour=#8b4513]"Oy, glad to see you're doing alright after that little spill, Mr...?[/colour]" He trailed off expectantly, to give enough time for the stallion to give his name. [colour=#8b4513]"Would you mind telling me about the experience? I'm a reporter, and I'm looking to make a story out of this event."[/colour] It was but a minute before the pair of unicorns encountered the pair of Apple cousins. "[colour=#8b4513]Hello, Sugar! Glad to see you made it over the bridge alright! Oh..."[/colour] Earth Writer hailed the pegasus, before seeing the green unicorn laid out on the ground. [colour=#8b4513]"Ouch, sprained your ankle, eh? Are you going to sit the rest of the race out, or try to push through after the helper bandages you?"[/colour] There was concern in his voice as he approached, though a part of his mind was still documenting all of this for his article.

It was only because the ground was so littered with leaves that Earth Writer could get any traction with his hooves at all, and even then he couldn't stop himself from skidding a couple of yards before finally coming to a stop near the rope swing. He just stood by the swollen banks of Bubbling Brook for a few seconds, panting for breath after his slapdash sprint. [colour=#8b4513]*One good thing about this rain: I can just look up and get a drink.* [/colour]There was little time to dwell on thirst. The unicorn shook the thought from his mind, and looked up at the rope swing, levitating it closer with his magic. It was a very sturdy specimen of rope, securely knotted to a live and limber tree, and having more large knots near the end to provide a hoof-hold for ponies using it. *If I grabbed on to the last knot, my tail would reach into the water, and then he could grab it. Not the best of plans, but it will do.* Having made a plan of action, he looked back upstream to the events upon the bridge. He sighed in relief to see that Sugar Apple had made it across the bridge, which amazingly had not yet born the full brunt of a flash flood. As for the unicorn that had fallen into the water, the pegasus racer who'd dived into rescue him had received assistance from another racer, yet another unicorn by the looks of it. Earth Writer felt slightly foolish as he saw Ember secure Hoss' rope with a stake. [colour=#8b4513]*Such a simple idea. I should have thought of that, rather than rushing over here without even a half-baked plan.*[/colour] It was while he was reflecting upon this that Greenshot Apple suddenly rushed up and swung across the brook. Earth Writer only barely disengaged his magic before it pulled him into the water, which only made him feel even more foolish. Far from being a rescuer, he was only one or two steps away from being a liability! [colour=#8b4513]*At least nopony drowned. That's the important thing, right?* [/colour]It was, yes, but the stallion's pride was still smarting as he swung across himself. He couldn't quite manage the momentum, so he had to use his "levitation" on a secure tree branch on the opposite bank to help pull himself over the rushing waters far enough to drop safely along the bank. He trotted away from the site at a much more sedate pace than he'd approached it with, looking back over his shoulder just in case anypony else fell in the water.

(OOC: Earth Writer will be bucking the trend by not taking the bridge.) Oh, how things could change in a few minutes! The gentle drizzle that had dampened the racers as they pounded hooves through Sweet Apple Acres had failed to to do the same to their spirits, and now the heavens seemed spurred on by everypony's defiance to new efforts. It galled Earth Writer to admit it, but they seemed to be succeeding. First, there was the embarrassing incident of the apples. [colour=#8b4513]*Or Apples. Make note for the printers, capital letter is warranted.* [/colour]Of course, the stallion should have known the fruits weren't free. He really had been away from his foalhood home too long if he'd forgotten that Applejack and her family grew those apples to sell. He didn't blame Sugar Apple, she was family to Applejack, and free apples were probably her birthright, provided she didn't take them by the bushel. The unicorn groaned at the memories that triggered. The humiliation of having inadvertently stolen apples was compounded by the fact that the last time Earth Writer had met Applejack, he had been kissing her (long story). When she'd confronted him about it, he could barely bring himself to meet her eyes when he'd handed over the bits, stuttering out an apology. He probably looked like an idiot, talking to her, which put the cap on it. Sugar Apple had to have seen it, of course. She may have been near the front of the pack, but Earth Writer hadn't been too shabby in keeping up. After that whole incident, though, he really didn't feel up to talking with her. Public humiliation does put a damper on sociability. [colour=#8b4513]*And speaking of damper...* [/colour]Earth Writer had given up on shaking the water from his drenched mane. That was the second thing bringing him down; being soaked wasn't too bad for a pony, if they weren't wearing anything. But having that cloth number strapped to his back was now about as uncomfortable as a set of wet clothes, and he couldn't take it off until the end of the race. And it itched. All in all, it was not a happy unicorn that came into the third leg of the race. It was only the sound of running water that brought him out of the blue funk he'd been caught in. Now, it didn't take a geographer to figure out that this double storm system far exceeded the normal amount of precipitation the Bubbling Brook usually carried. It was already overlapping the banks, and the usual bridge was not going to be safe. [colour=#8b4513]"Oh, thank Celestia."[/colour] Earth Writer gasped in relief as he caught site of the rescue pegasi. They'd apparently just finished a safer route over the flooding brook. That was fine by him; he was not going to risk drowning for the sake of athletic glory. He was about to call his plan ahead to Sugar Apple when- “[colour=#4b0082]Stand aside, y’all! [/colour][colour=#4b0082]AH’M ALSO COMIN’ THROUGH![/colour]” Oh, there she was, charging over the bridge in pursuit of one of the griffon runners. [colour=#8b4513]"Are you crazy!?"[/colour] Earth Writer yelled out over the storm, worry and water plastered over his face. [colour=#8b4513]"That sucker's gonna flood, and fast!"[/colour] He had to think quickly, faster than he ran, at any rate. He couldn't catch up with her, and it probably wouldn't do much good if he did, given that she was on the bridge already. He hadn't got any wings, so it wasn't as if he could become an impromptu rescue pony, like the one just ahead of him. [colour=#8b4513]*Only one thing to do.*[/colour] The stallion set a determined expression as he veered towards the secured path, calling out. [colour=#8b4513]"I'll catch any you miss downstream!"[/colour] And now Earth Writer was running flat-out, scrambling to get to the rope swing before the inevitable flood rushed over the bridge. As for what he'd do when he got there- [colour=#8b4513]*I'll figure something out.*[/colour] And with that thought, he bent his head forward and put on an extra burst of speed.

Which of the numbers was luck, and which was based on RP quality? It might help for those of us looking for feedback.

"[colour=#8b4513]A weather factory mare? Well,[/colour]" Earth Writer chuckled, "[colour=#8b4513]Seems your family has a hoof in all aspects of the business.[/colour]" It made sense, of course, he thought as he finished his apple. If one wanted to grow the best apples in all of Equestria, no detail could be spared from care. In fact, the Apple family could be thought of as a huge brain trust, with experts in all different disciplines working together towards the common goal of apple farming. If the apple he just ate was any indication, the system worked very well. [colour=#8b4513]*Pity I could never get that kind of collaboration at school. Too much intellectual primma donna-ism.* [/colour]The thought was a rueful one; the stallion hadn't much liking for group work in the first place, and that probably didn't help much. A few sodden leaves would not be so easily dislodged from the unicorn's mane as they were from the trees, no matter how hard he stomped. Eventually, he just gave up on that, and returned to the conversation. It was always good to get endorsement from a stranger, and a little help along the way. "[colour=#8b4513]Will... do.[/colour]" He breathed in response to Sugar Apple's advice. He was glad of the break in the conversation made by Greenshot, talking and running at the same time were a little wearing to Earth Writer. The pegasus' nonchalance in the face of harsh weather was probably understandable, though the stallion had some doubts on whether it was wise. On the other hand, she would be better informed of what best to do in this situation. "In that case," He said as he emerged back on to the path. "[colour=#8b4513]I'll stick with the expert in the field.[/colour]" He flashed a grin at her, but did not talk further. He felt like just cruising now, talking later when he had a reserve of endurance built up.

[colour=#8b4513]*It's going to be a long run.*[/colour] Earth Writer thought to himself as he shook droplets of water from his black mane and tail. [colour=#8b4513]*It's going to be a lot easier if I have someone to run alongside.*[/colour] The unicorn was grateful, then, when Sugar Apple let him catch up. The pace wasn't so strenuous, so they could talk without it being a strain. "[colour=#8b4513]Pleased to meet you too. I take it you're one of Applejack's cousins?[/colour]" Anyone who'd spent any time in Ponyville always remembered the Apple Family reunions. They weren't always held at Sweet Apple Acres, but often enough for any inhabitants to get an impression of the size of the clan. Having given his name as Earth Writer, the stallion went on to answer her question. "[colour=#8b4513]At the moment, I work for whoever buys my articles; I'm hoping to eventually get a berth on Equestria Geographic, or one of the Dailys that has a large travel budget. I don't just want to see the world, I want to tell everyone about what you can find in it![/colour]" He jerked his head towards the trees. "[colour=#8b4513]Like this place! Only place in Equestria that every kind of apple can grow at once, even the magical ones.[/colour]" Thwap! A wet wad of leaves smacked Earth right in the face, and he sputtered for a bit as he ran along, trying to shake them off. "[colour=#8b4513]Leaves are coming down, alright.[/colour]" He could feel something like static electricity tingling all around him, when out in the distance a bolt of lightning came down. He gave a low whistle as he moved closer to the trees. "[colour=#8b4513]I think this may make for quite an exciting story...[/colour]"

Despite the inherently embarrassing situation he'd found himself in, Earth Writer felt comfortable around Sugar Apple. She had a kind of sweetness and charm about her. The stallion probably would have connected it to her name, if he'd known it. At any rate, the pegasus wasn't so focused on going forward that she couldn't stop to help a down-on-his-luck reporter. He smiled at her as she gave out her family words of wisdom. [colour=#8b4513]"Can I quote you on that?" [/colour] He asked playfully as he paused to gather the four apples that dropped by him. Of course, he ought to have known that before, but he'd forgotten a lot of things about this place since he'd moved to Canterlot... [colour=#8b4513]*Well, no better way to remember them to be a part of this.* [/colour] Earth thought, as he sped up to a canter to catch the purple pegasus. He found now, despite the cold dampness that promised further soaking, that he was almost thoroughly enjoying himself. Scarfing down his first apple, he stowed the others away for later, nodding at a green unicorn, another Apple family member, as he cantered past. After a few minutes, he was in range to talk with the pegasus mare again. [colour=#8b4513]"Didn't catch your name, by the way. I'm Earth Writer. What's yours?"[/colour]

Thanks a lot! Mind if I use it for my avatar?

Changed the wording to reflect a more protective tone. And what was that about a telephone?

When the skies are gray and sodden, and the ground darkened and wet, fall foliage is not the feast to the eye it ought by all rights to be. Earth Writer felt somewhat disappointed as he first started the race. The unicorn had begun at a jogging pace, first to conserve energy, and second to be able to see the trees before they were finally de-leafed. In addition to being disappointed in that respect, he was now also wet, and he knew he wouldn't be in any position to dry himself until the end of the race. For the seventeenth time, he'd regretted the mad impulse which had made him join this event. As he approached Sweet Apple Acres, though, something changed. His other senses started to unfold, and bring sensations quite as delightful as seeing the brilliant leaves. Earth could feel the deep rumbling of hundreds of hooves that vibrated in his bones as much as the trunks of the trees; he could smell the apple-soaked electrical air, which told of Zap Apples that could only grow here in this place. [colour=#8b4513]*Ooh, that is not a bad introduction; I must remember that when I write the story.* [/colour] The editors always loved a life interest story, and Earth knew how to make a place come alive through words. And now he was coming into the heart of the orchards, the trees tended by ponies nestled between the wilder specimens of the White Tail and Everfree Forests. There were stands here, selling beverages to ponies who were racing; but you had to wait in line to get a drink. The concept puzzled Earth Writer, and he mulled on it as he jogged past. [colour=#8b4513]*Those who'd need it the most, the hard-pushing type, would be exactly the sort not to stop for refreshment.* [/colour]Another reflection for the article, he supposed. He wondered if he ought to stop to get an interview. Ultimately, he decided against it. If he stopped now, he might lose all motivation to start again. He pushed on, and tried to put apples out of his mind. That was a mistake. Before, simply the lightning-tinged scent of them had lingered in the back of his mind, but active pursuance of the thought soon caused it to blossom and bear fruit. He remembered his foalhood days in this town, how the apples were always the best, and everyone knew it. Firm, juicy, sweet or tart according to what kind they were, but all paragons of their name. His stomach joined his mind, growling that he had long ago finished breakfast, and that it was now time for a snack. The tag-team did a number on Earth Writer's resolve, and he compromised, determining to snatch an apple as he passed by a likely tree. He was no Apple Family member himself; the ways of Applebucking were a mystery to him. But that was alright; it wasn't like he needed the whole tree's fruit to fall, right? Just one. He snagged a fruit as it passed by his vision with his magic, but it held tighter than the unicorn had previously thought. There was a sudden tug, and suddenly the tan stallion had all hooves shoot out from under him, and he landed flat on his back, right next to a light purple pegasus, who had a spare apple with her. [colour=#8b4513]"Guess that shows me not to be in too much of a hurry, eh?"[/colour] He smiled weakly as he got to his hooves again to trot alongside her. "[colour=#8b4513]Er, could you spare a hungry reporter an apple?[/colour]"

You're not familiar with the Jeeves and Wooster series by PG Wodehouse? I kind of based Psmith on a character from that kind of Edwardian-England setting. They're really good books on their own account; check them out. Um, if you don't understand the reference, just keep in mind that he's an English/Philosophy guy, not a math/logic guy. Like I said, not inclined to chess, but to diplomatic negotiation, which is more his forte. He tries to be humorous and clever when he talks, but he's always a little long-winded. That's what I'm trying to get across here. Sorry if all of this gets a little frustrating; I know its not always easy writing for someone else's characters.