Emerath

Emerath listened to his old friend, Pocket Change, go on about old and new times alike, nodding where necessary, but mostly just looking around at their group and taking in the party around them. Dragons! Griffons! Even a sea serpent! Emerath tried not to think too hard about the fact that the sea serpent was on land. He was sure, knowing Zecora, she had cooked something up special. Emerath was surprised to feel like a minority in this group, but it wasn't much different from how he ended up feeling when surrounded by Griffons during the voyage of the Polar Star. And he was certain in Unyasi he would feel much the same, in the homeland of the zebras. However, he looked forward to seeing the culture most of all. Zecora herself was a very interesting zebra, and he was curious of all zebras were like her or not. If they were, he was sure to have fun indeed!

When it seemed like Pocket Change had given pause in the conversation to allow Emerath to respond, he turned to the fellow unicorn and smiled. [colour=#b22222]"It is indeed a shame that Ember Spark couldn't make it. I miss that inquisitive mare. She made things fun and cheerful all the time. Although I'm genuinely surprised she didn't find interest in such an interesting voyage! Perhaps next time an opportunity like this presents itself, we should contact her too!"[/colour] Emerath couldn't even attempt to hold back the excitement in his voice. He was just too happy to be here, away from his nagging family and around all these wonderful fellow creatures of Equestria!

Emerath understood what drew people to Zecora and he he was certain that everyone, including himself, also had their own reasons for undertaking this adventure. [colour=#b22222]"She is quite a wonderful zebra. I've only met her once before this, but she has this way about her that is simply... enchanting,"[/colour] Emerath said with a chuckle. [colour=#b22222]"I don't think I've ever seen a Diamond Dog before,"[/colour] he continued, [colour=#b22222]"aren't they the ones that live underground and hoard riches they find in their underground mines? Like dragons but furry."[/colour] Emerath put a hoof up to his mouth and looked around in case any of the three dragons overheard him speaking. [colour=#b22222]"I mean no offense, of course..."[/colour]

Emerath hoped he didn't insult anyone, and continued conversing with his friend about the other topics he brought up, although Pocket Change's last comments prompted him to look around as well. [colour=#b22222]"Perhaps everyone is intimidated by the group makeup we have here. I mean, we do have a very... diverse group makeup. Or they're off having adventures! Just like us! I hear something happens in this town quite often involving the lovely mares you mentioned."[/colour] Emerath chuckled again, [colour=#b22222]"But sure, you should introduce me to the college sometime. I'd love to learn more about magic. Although, convincing my parents to do anything besides lock me up in my study above the theatre upon my return home will be a feat."[/colour]

Emerath stood in the doorway, the sudden aroma of herbs assaulting his nose. It wasn't unpleasant however, and Emerath found it quite soothing and relaxing. He blinked at the mare in the shop, who seemed to be very busy this day. [colour=#b22222]What a day to get injured. I wonder if she'll even have time to help me? [/colour]He wiped his feet as best he could what with the dripping and drying mud all over his body. He didn't really feel comfortable going any farther into the shop, seeing as he didn't want to get it so very dirty due to his current predicament.

[colour=#b22222]"Would... ah..."[/colour] He stuttered, looking around sheepishly. [colour=#b22222]"I don't want to make your shop messy."[/colour] He blushed and moved a little into the doorway, and moved to sit to the side of it, just inside the shop, but not in front of the doorway so that other patrons could access the shop.

Emerath had received the letter, requesting his presence for an expedition. Normally just a timekeeper and director's son and assistant, he hadn't really expected another adventure quite this soon! Excitedly, he penned a response to the zebra, and the two exchanged letters over the course of a few days, until Emerath had come to understand his role in the crew. As helmspony and quartermaster of the Polar Star, he had gained quite a bit of experience manning a ship, and it appeared that he would do much the same on this upcoming voyage.

Excitedly he went and told his parents... who refused. His mother was worried enough on his previous expedition of her son never returning, and his father was tired of not having his son around to do most of the prop work and rehearsals. Not to mention, Emerath would be needed for upcoming social Canterlot events as one of the lead planners! His life simply didn't allow for all these adventures to be taken at a whim! Emerath would spend the rest of the evening arguing with his parents about how he's a grown stallion and can live his own life as he chooses, and his parents don't need to baby him anymore, etc etc etc. It wouldn't work, of course. His parents still refused to give their blessing on such a trip.

So, in his study that night above the theater, his burning desire to relive his adventures upon the Polar Star anew in a new land would not be extinguished! He packed up his books, his plays, and his writing utensils, as well as a few travelling clothes, and would escape into the night, wrapped in a cloak. The late night Canterlot residents would recognize him otherwise, of course, and he had no intention of them alerting his parents before he could make it to Ponyville and get on the ship!

And so he went, taking the Friendship Express to Ponyville overnight, and arriving the morning of the day Zecora had mentioned in her last letter to him. Slowly making his way through town, still wearing his cloak, he made his way to the town square. It wasn't all that hard to figure out where that was, considering there was a rather inconspicuous dragon right in the middle of the town. Then he saw Zecora and then his eyes continued to see an old friend, chatting with the zebra. Pocket Change! Pocket Change would be going on the trip?! This was going to be an even better adventure than he had imagined!

Upon seeing his friend, Emerath bounded over to the group as fast as he could with all the weight of his saddlebags slowing him down and skidded next to a halt next to Pocket Change.[colour=#b22222] "H-hey!"[/colour] he said, a bit nervous, as he threw back his head and the cloak hood fell upon his back, showing his face to the rest of the group. [colour=#b22222]"Pocket Change! So good to see you!"[/colour] he said, overjoyed, as he slid his bags onto the ground and gave the fellow unicorn a quick hug, before turning to Zecora and giving a light bow, [colour=#b22222]"Hello there, Zecora! So very nice to see you again!"[/colour]

Edited my post proper. :3

-as per request by Limey-

Character: Emerath

Reason: Having experienced one adventure and raring to go on another (not to mention to escape his father's ever watchful eyes and become his own pony) Emerath believes that going on an expedition to the zebra homeland is a great idea! His adventure to the far and icy north taught him many great experiences that he believes will aid Zecora and her companions on their quest. Not to mention, Emerath is an experienced helmspony and quartermaster, and can aid the crew in these aspects as well.

As a side motive of his own, Emerath hopes that going to the zebra homelands will give him an idea for an original play to write, and will be ever watchful for opportunities to create a captivating story.

I'd like to point out, one of the most commonly used phrases in internet culture, the simple phrase "lol" is actually insulting to a small Asian country (that I can't specifically remember the name of, my apologies, but it does exist I assure you). I know this because once in my video game livestream this person came in and couldn't understand why everyone was saying such a vulgar insult in response to my jokes. He thought they were rather funny, and not insult worthy! After a while, he began to join in and started saying "lol" as well. It wasn't until he sent me a PM later explaining where he was from and how he was "new to the internet and liked to watch people play video games" that he asked me why everyone insulted me so much. Granted, this person could have been trolling me, but I learned that very different things are insulting to different people, even if we think it normal.

Regardless, imagine if this person was a child, and everyone was saying a bad curse word. Much like this foreign man, they wouldn't understand why everyone is saying it, but to try to "fit in" they start saying it as well. The child wouldn't have the understanding to PM someone and say, "Hey, is this bad? I probably shouldn't be saying this, huh?" they'd just start saying it, and wouldn't give a care in the world until their parents or a teacher or someone else heard them say the word in real life. Then when asked where they heard the word, they point to Canterlot.

Last thing all of us need is Canterlot being shut down as an all-ages site just because some people couldn't keep their mouth shut and think before they speak. And if you think I'm being too serious? Well, you haven't been around the internet long enough, my friend.

Emerath and his father had decided to take a trip to Ponyville. It was at Emerath's mother's request, really, and to be honest, Emerath didn't really want to go. But, Emerath's father needed help pulling the cart from Canterlot for their supplies to take back home, and Emerath's mother just had to have certain things from Ponyville that just weren't as good of quality to her from Canterlot.

Emerath always sighed at this. Canterlot had everything! Why did his mother always have to send them to this town once a month just to pick up things he could've walked down the street and gotten. That and he had to be around his father. While he loved his dad, they never really saw eye to eye on a lot of things, and often Emerath wouldn't get to do the things he wanted to, despite that he wasn't just a foal anymore!

Emerath sighed as they pulled the cart into town, and they released their harnesses and put the cart's brakes on. His father began to talk about their plans for the day, but really, Emerath wasn't listening in the slightest. His father began to walk around the cart. Emerath watched him until he was out of view, and then he took off at a gallop! Emerath's father didn't even notice he was missing until about 10 minutes later, after he came back with a couple of empty saddlebags for them to carry around their supplies. "I was wondering why my son was so quiet..." he muttered to himself and shook his head, as he put one of the saddlebags back in the cart. "Well, he'll turn up eventually."

Emerath ran at full gallop until he reached the edge of town, causing a lot of muttering and shouts to go his direction. Emerath paid no mind, as he dashed into the forest at full speed. He was free! He wasn't in Canterlot and he was free! Ever since his adventure to the far North, his parents hadn't let him out of their sight, and finally he had an opportunity to be alone! It was right about then, that Emerath tripped over a tree root sticking out of the ground, and went flying into a nearby mud puddle, hooves first.

He groaned and rolled over in the mud, trying to find his feet. After a moment he found them, and started to stand up, before promptly yelping in pain and falling face forward again. He groaned. He must've hurt one of his legs. He stood up again, this time careful of the pained leg, and put all his weight on the other three. He began to walk towards town with a limp, wincing as he put any sort of pressure on his hurt leg.

[colour=#b22222]Apparently freedom in this case comes at a cost. So much for having fun and going on another adventure... [/colour]He thought to himself as he made his way back. Soon enough, and many painful steps later, he finally arrived. His father wasn't anywhere in sight, and that was good. However, Emerath probably looked like a wreck, as he still dripped mud and he was standing holding up the injured hoof whenever he stood still. A fine sight indeed.

He looked around for any sort of medical attention, and he saw a sign that indicated an apothecary nearby. He limped over, past murmuring ponies and staring eyes. Twice now he had been talked about in town, and he had only just arrived! What a day indeed. Carefully, he pushed the door open and limped into QuickLime's shop.

All the warm fuzzies!

A few notes while I watch:

• The Magic Mirror is still an awesome character, and I love how well he is animated even back during this time period with all the smoke and faded face and stuff.
  
• Snow White, while she's running into the forest, really should've listened to "Giggle at the Ghostie" before leaving the castle.
  
• Why would Snow White think that a pickaxe is a perfectly acceptable children's toy?!
  
• I really do wish I could sing and make animals do my bidding.
  
• ...why lock the door if you're just gonna hang the key on the outside of the door?!
  
• I want to listen to Doc give an entire speech someday. It is bound to be hilarious.
  
• He's gonna sneeze! Jump him! No sneezing allowed!
  
• The pots and pans monster should have been the true villain. I would enjoy the hilarity.
  
• Grumpy is way too genre savvy for a Disney movie.
  
• I really do love the idea that in her blind hatred and jealousy, the Queen becomes that which she hates most.
  
• I want Grumpy's organ, so bad. Not because I can play it, but because it looks awesome.
  
• The Queen had to climb up the cliff so that she could have the proper first Disney Death. Many more to come!
  
• I dunno about you, but I wouldn't kiss a corpse. Gotta love fairytales though.
  
• Alright, get that they're happy she's alive, but does nobody find it odd that she just WOKE UP FROM DEATH?! The Prince just picks up a zombie and everyone dances!
  
• And into the sunset they ride. Happily ever after.
  

And so concludes my running commentary of Snow White. Hope you guys had as much fun watching as me. :3

Oh, so it is. I'm a derp! I must've missed it on my two readthroughs of the list.

I almost forgot (and it doesn't seem anyone else mentioned it yet) but Darkwing Duck! "Let's. Get. Dangerous!" *seriousfaic*

That is a very interesting fact. Time to dig up my old VHS tapes! *dives into the attic*

AAAAAH! Real Monsters! was another great one to add to the list. So was Gargoyles. Oh god Gargoyles and Xanatos. The. Best. Other than that, I think you got everything.

I look forward to being a part of this. We should set up a poll. My top 5 would be:

1. Powerpuff Girls

2. Dexter's Lab

3. Gargoyles.

4. Rugrats

5. Chip N' Dale, Rescue Rangers

I'm truly sorry everyone. The sickness I had wound up being a serious and rare stomach infection and I was out for quite a long time. I'll post a final post soon in regards to this RP, and then I'd be more than happy to continue in February. My only issue, is that Emerath is my only character, and to be completely honest, I've made no preparations to make another one (nor do I have any idea where to start... D: ). So does that mean Emerath is unplayable until February? I suppose I should start to prepare in the event he is and make another char.

Anyway, I'm back, and I'm feeling a lot better, and I do hope you guys can forgive my absence. T_T

I'm truly sorry guys. I got really sick after I said I'd post the next day. I'm recovering now, but still not feeling wonderful. I see the doctor again on Monday. I'll post when I can.

Alright well, been a long (and unexpected) day of work for me, so I'm gonna get some sleep and post tomorrow.

*facepalm*

So, I'm gonna ask cause I'm not 100% certain before I post, but it's our intrepid adventurers opening the door and emerging from the catacombs to this... um, warm, welcoming party?

As they left, Emerath found himself walking alongside the group, not behind them. He was happy that he felt confident enough to do that now, and he felt his heart to be so much lighter as they walked, despite the oppressive darkness and cold surrounding them. Not to mention the heavy armor on his back.

He smiled as Ember Spark tried to keep pace despite her shaky hooves, and actually slowed down a bit so that she wasn't struggling so bad. But when she began to talk about the shadow, Emerath's smile faded, and he grew a bit solemn.[colour=#b22222] "I hope it can. I wouldn't have minded being its friend if it were more friendly."[/colour] He looked at Ember Spark and his smile returned, [colour=#b22222]"I think it would've been a neat pet. Maybe a little exotic, sure, but I think all it needs is a little love and care. Although I wouldn't know what to feed it."[/colour]

Emerath cut off his light spell as he watched the creature shrink into a tiny form and quickly dart into a nearby crack in a wall. He stared at the crack, waiting for a swarm of the creatures to come back out. Yet, nothing came. It made Emerath wonder if there really were any more of them, or if it was just the lone creature. As he considered the latter, he actually started to feel sorry for the thing. As his companions bantered with each other and recovered from the encounter, Emerath found himself wandering over to the crack.

As he approached, his horn sparked again and he shone his light spell into the crack, and took a closer look. He couldn't tell if there was anything in there or not. Again he felt a deep sadness for the creature. It probably just wanted friends, and was probably jealous of the griffons, and later the ponies for having such good friends and allies. It probably only stole the armor to get attention, much like a neglected foal.. Emerath sighed. Perhaps if the creature hadn't been so mean to him to begin with, he might've tried to reason with it. Instead the group just got angry and attacked, and now the creature was presumably gone forever.[colour=#b22222] "For what it's worth,"[/colour] he said sullenly to the crack,[colour=#b22222] "I'm sorry if we hurt you."[/colour]

He turned back to his companions to assist them in loading up the armor, taking a piece himself and using his magic to put it on his back and tie it down with the blanket he brought with him. [colour=#b22222]"I'd say getting out of here is a good idea. There's too much sadness here..."[/colour]

As the ponies would make their way out of the room, Emerath would take one last look at the crack the creature escaped into, hoping to see it, and maybe apologize.

Well, I like to leave my characters' backstories open for interpretation until the need actually arises (like now) to flesh it out a bit. Gives the character itself more freedom and room to grow to fit situations, rather than having to fit the character into odd situations.

It also allows for me to make fun cheesy "Awwww...." moments like that one!

Flashback time for Emerath!

And that is exactly why I love playing new characters. So much room for character development. Although, it was pretty much also full of cliches. xD

Emerath watched the floor as Ember Spark made her way to the monster. He saw one of her hooves cautiously step past him, and he looked up at her, his eyes wide and full of water. It was blurry, but he could see she still had her eyes shut, but a look of absolute determination on her face. As she stepped into the shadow, Emerath felt no desire to stop her. [colour=#b22222]They don't understand... Everyone already loves them... At the party Ember Spark and Pocket Change went to dance. I was all alone. I always followed last in the group until somepony noticed me. Other ponies don't actually care. They just do it so they don't hurt my feelings...[/colour]

Emerath was finding it hard to take Pocket Change's words to heart. He knew he helped save Ember Spark, but that didn't matter. What mattered is that he was going to leave her to die. The thought suddenly stuck in his head, looping like a bad nightmare, of Ember Spark slowly falling to her death in the pit. It was a slow motion horror scene of her flailing as she fell, screaming for help, and Pocket Change trying desperately and failing to save her as Emerath ran from the crumbling ruins around him.

As this scene played out in his mind, Emerath's tears began to run anew, and he hung his head once more, as Pocket Change continued to try desperately to get him to snap out of his current emotional state. It wasn't until Pocket Change mentioned being kissed by a girl with a beak that a far off distant memory began to form in his mind's eye, pushing away the horrible scene looping in his head.

Emerath was a young stallion, teaching a young female griffon some of the dance moves required for the play they were going to be starring in. At times, one would stumble and they'd fall in a heap, laughing. Other times they'd pull off the dance flawlessly and just smile at each other. The theater was quiet that night, with only Emerath's father there to watch them and direct as necessary. The play was tomorrow, and they had to have everything just right.

After what seemed like an eternity of happy dancing, Emerath's father finally called a close to rehearsal and began to clean up and get ready to leave. Emerath however, wanted one more dance, and the griffon happily obliged. His father just smiled and shook his head, as he left the theater, mentioning something about not staying out too late.

And so they finished their last dance, and spent another eternity staring at each other when it was over.[colour=#008000] "Thank you for teaching me all this."[/colour] the young griffon finally said. "[colour=#008000]I never realized I talked funny before. Normal in my home, it is."[/colour] Then she caught herself and giggled. [colour=#008000]"I mean, it is normal in my home."[/colour]

Emerath returned the giggle by chuckling himself. [colour=#b22222]"Well, your way of speaking wouldn't have worked very well for the play we're casting."[/colour] he said kindly, and as he finished the sentence, they just went back to smiling at each other.[colour=#b22222] "So... what are you going to do when the play is over?"[/colour] he finally asked her.

[colour=#008000]"I don't know..."[/colour] she said, looking away, [colour=#008000]"I can't stay away from home for long."[/colour]

[colour=#b22222]"Can I go with you?" [/colour]Emerath asked, a look of hope in his eyes.

[colour=#008000]"It's too far... but, I can give you a memory to keep until I come back."[/colour] she said, looking back at him, before leaning forward and giving Emerath a kiss.

The next day, the play went off without a hitch, and received a standing ovation from the crowd. As the cast bowed and the curtain fell, Emerath remembered just how happy that kiss made him, and how amazing it felt to work alongside this beautiful griffon as an actor, something his father never normally let him do because of his actual talents.

However, after the party for the cast was done, and he had spent the entirety of such searching for his griffon friend to no avail, he decided to go to her dressing room. When he knocked and received no response, and cautiously opened the door, he found it was empty. All her belongings packed and nothing but costumes hanging on racks remained. All Emerath had was the memory, and the hope that the griffon would return from distant lands one day.

Emerath blinked and his gaze suddenly shifted to Pocket Change. His eyes were dry and the chill in his bones had suddenly been replaced by a warmth he hadn't felt in years. He held onto the memory of the dance, the kiss, the play, and even, strangely enough, the hope that waiting for the griffon gave him. The memories made him happy, and he realized that, even if only for a moment in his past, he wasn't second rate. He could be that pony again. He was loved by a beautiful griffon, and by an audience of many. That didn't have to be a one time deal.

Emerath stood up with new resolve in his heart. The cold floor didn't even seem all that cold anymore. As Ember Spark disappeared into the shadow in front of them, he knew he had to help her somehow. None of the three of them could do this alone, and Emerath understood that now more than ever. They all had a role to play. Emerath's horn flickered with magic, and a bright light shone forth from his horn as well, toward the shadowy beast, meeting up with Pocket Change's light in a dazzling display.

[colour=#b22222]"Thank you. Both of you. I don't know what I'd do without such good friends."[/colour] he said simply, smiling despite the serious task at hand. He continued to remember the past, and held onto those memories for dear life, feeding off the warmth they gave him.

And posty! Poor Emerath. But I'm sure his good friends will get him out of this bind.

Emerath wasn't really focused on the group at all when they came upon the monster. He was staring at a statue that had been absolutely torn to shreds. Not just sliced and decapitated, but cut into bits by something Emerath could only imagine was more powerful than the other creatures. Possibly their leader. His mind went to racing, and he had only begun to turn back to Pocket Change, not hearing the warning of his light nor seeing the creature he was attempting to blind, Emerath received the full brunt of the flash.

Emerath stumbled to the side, away from Pocket Change who he had been walking next to, and his forelegs collapsed under him as his eyes watered and he attempted to regain sight. It came back, as shapes slowly began to reform out of the white sheet that had been placed over his eyes. He blinked and more shapes appeared. But the monster, probably sensing his sudden weakness from the blinding, didn't give him the opportunity to clearly see again, before it began to chill Emerath down to his very soul.

It was as if someone had encased him in ice. Even through his jacket, his very bones shivered as the creature pulled out one of Emerath's deepest fears and brought it to light. Before he knew it, he was confessing from his heart and soul out loud to his companions and this monster that he would always be second rate. He would never be the leader he tried to be on stage as the director. His father would outshine him as the theater owner until he died. He could never act. His talents were second rate and only necessary in dire situations. Emerath... was a failure.

Tears began to stream down his face as the last of the white light finally cleared from his eyes and he could see the monster in front of him. But he found he didn't fear the monster. He feared himself and his lackluster performance in life.

His hind end hit the cold floor and his vision swayed away from the monster towards the floor, as he hung his head and stared at the grey stones around him. [colour=#b22222]"It's right... I'll never be good enough..."[/colour] he said wistfully, the monster no longer having to say it, with Emerath admitting his own defeat. [colour=#b22222]"I was going to leave Ember Spark cause I was too scared to see her get hurt... I'm a failure as a pony and as a friend. I'll always be second rate..."[/colour]

I'm finally at my break, so hopefully I'll be able to get a response up today. The last week has been crazy, but I should have plenty of free time now!