My Little Pony XXVI: Applebloom to Zecora!

[Trixie]

http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FogKL5DkEDQ/TooaU8HaHXI/AAAAAAAAB0g/E_fUqFYAZlE/Ln.png

Trixie's Great and Powerful Guide v1.94p
A/Z Edition


Brief Introduction

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic is a reboot of the MLP franchise by Powerpuff Girls artist Lauren Faust, currently viewed by (almost) the entire Internet, not only the intended audience. Here is a place where we discuss the joy of friendship.

> My Little Pony? Seriously?

It's a clever show. It has excellent writing, character dynamics, humor, animation, and generally treats kids seriously rather than condescending to them. It has every right to be a 20 minute corporate committee designed infomercial, but it's not.

> Isn't this a show for little girls?

Pixar technically makes shows for little boys, and produce some of the best animation in the world.

> Okay, fine. I'll give it a try. Where do I start?

No Brony could ask for more. I recommend watching the episodes in order. They're all up on Youtube. Unusually, Hasbro seems fine with having the entire series up in public because they've made no move to bring down any of the episodes. Search for "Friendship is Magic Episode 1" and you should find the series pretty easily... Or search for "Sharing is Magic" Google Doc. That is all.

> Okay, I'm going to watch it but this had better live up to the hype!

Whoa, calm down there. The show is light hearted, optimistic fun but it's not for everyone. It's good fun, the community is good fun, and everyone can do with a reminder that friendship is magic but if it doesn't gel for you we'll love and tolerate you anyway. Plus, you might hit the wrong episode. Ask first?

> Iron Hoof/Fan Theories/Shipping/Binding

All in good fun! If it's not your cup of tea, skim it, but this show has triggered a great creative outpouring from the Internet. Pony themed fan-art is abundant and often excellent. See below for some examples.

> Derpy Hooves/Doctor Whoof

Two minor background characters who were adopted as emblems of 4chan. Derpy Hooves is so named due to an animation error in the first episode that had her eyes facing in different directions; 4chan has assigned her the role of Ponyville's mailpony, and her only line so far has been "Muffins". The show's animators are aware of Derpy's popularity and she's shown up a few times recently with her eyes obviously derped. Currently made canon in Feeling Pinkie Keen and in Faust's picture showcased below, Derpy was deemed important enough to appear in storyboards for Season II.

Dr. Whoof is a pony with an hourglass cutie mark; he and his kin save time and space very quietly off camera.


***

Ponytar Artists

Alarra
Alterform
Crown of Thorns
Dirtytabs
Irbis
Kairaven
Khosan
...and a lot more, too many to keep track of, now.

If you do/don't want to be here, make a note in the thread.

Note that we're looking for more as the above are a bit swamped with requests currently.

New: Official PonyPic Request Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217442)!
Old Requests [Archived] (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=10616651)

General Resources

Fan Fiction and News: Equestria Daily (http://www.equestriadaily.com/)
FF... Darkly: Equestria after Dark (http://equestria-after-dark.blogspot.com/)
Discussion Image Forum: Ponychan (http://www.ponychan.net/chan/)
Pony Emotes: FiM Emotes (http://kefkafloyd.imgur.com/J8S59)
More Emotes: MC's Emotes (http://gitpmcerberus.imgur.com/ponymote)
Also Emotes: GD's Emotes (http://gadora.imgur.com/seekret_pony_projekt_1/1)
Pony Images: Ponibooru (http://ponibooru.413chan.net/post/list)
More Images: 20% Cooler (http://twentypercentcooler.net/)
Know Your Meme: Ponies! (http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic)
Allspark MLP Discussion Thread (http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=76678&st=0&start=0)

Art Resources


OC Pony Creation Guide:

>How to make OC Pony (http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/048648773b808749ecbcd93b7825d545/22629%20-%20original_character_tutorial%20tutorial.png)<
>How to clothe a Pony (http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/10448a8bf5139a93e47ee0ab2185d577/23650%20-%20Touhou%20artist%3Awhy485%20drawing_guide%20fash ion%20guide%20pony%20tutorial.png)<

Deviant Art Links:

Lauren Faust (http://fyre-flye.deviantart.com/)

14 Bis (http://14-bis.deviantart.com/)
ButterSS (http://buttersc0tchsundae.deviantart.com/)
Csimadmax (http://csimadmax.deviantart.com/)
DonKoRR (http://don-komandorr.deviantart.com/)
Irving Zero (http://irving-zero.deviantart.com/)
Johnjoseco (http://johnjoseco.deviantart.com/)
Kloudmutt (http://kloudmutt.deviantart.com/)
Palestorm (http://palestorm.deviantart.com/)
Shinepaw (http://shinepawpony.deviantart.com/)

>Awesome Great and Powerful Trixie (http://kp-shadowsquirrel.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d49ccgo)<

Tutorials:

How to Draw Luna (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1YoOgNwPp4)
MLP Art Guides (http://s1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc361/DJPon-3/)
MLP Colour Guides (http://kefkafloyd.deviantart.com/)

Kloud TV (http://www.livestream.com/kloudmutt)

Concepts:

On the Design of the Mane Cast (http://cdn0.knowyourmeme.com/i/000/107/092/original/122%20-%20applejack%20chart%20fluttershy%20pinkie_pie%20r ainbow_dash%20rarity%20twilight_sparkle.jpg)

Concept art by L. Faust:

AJ/AJ (http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZtv1PUCI/AAAAAAAABPg/aTDHM_vJ3Ek/Applejack-08.jpg)
Pinkie/Surprise (http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZtjpEWrI/AAAAAAAABPc/vlcKpVmK1FY/Pinkie_08.jpg)
Rarity/Sparkler (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZuba65VI/AAAAAAAABPo/o7oJ1OI4bcE/Rarity_08.jpg)
Twilight/Twinkle (http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZuS8XZtI/AAAAAAAABPs/9CPSE6Je1Y0/Twilight_08.jpg)
Derpy/Ditzy (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZtusFdII/AAAAAAAABPk/4VbhxajIt1o/Derpy_11.jpg)

Group Shot (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zPGxLKSxqsI/Tet-724kmrI/AAAAAAAABoc/74J43JjtvVc/mlplegroupruff.jpg)

5 Best Pictures :

TG&P Trixie 1 (http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TYlPoSj31bI/AAAAAAAABKc/yhAESX1bWDU/129879022202-fim_thebestmagic2.png) 2a (http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TYevesc6Z3I/AAAAAAAABJE/wqYR1YU8-xM/129878791125-Magic_for_Friendship.png) 2b (http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TYlPoV0tFSI/AAAAAAAABKg/UIrpK2_XUDk/345%20-%20filly%20flower%20Magic%20noel%20Trixie.jpg) 3 (http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TYevn1UZNyI/AAAAAAAABJI/JQaTPZ7u9kk/1295392718493.png)
Twilight Sparkle 1 (http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TYlQKpEFW1I/AAAAAAAABKo/PJmzRBt_g0o/twilight-%28n1298746506900%29.jpg) 2 (http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TYgEWabUv0I/AAAAAAAABJg/S1emWO9FjbE/1297919269027.png) 3 (http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TYlQAwKvFvI/AAAAAAAABKk/08Q9f1BaGa0/1298478186234.png)
Rainbow Dash 1 (http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TY-tuXX0V5I/AAAAAAAABOE/vPLwNGpCsU8/rainbows_are_awesome_by_adamrbi-d3awtkv.jpg) 2 (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TY-tugAF4JI/AAAAAAAABOI/RYGrQCZySJo/1298478713223.jpg) 3 (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TY-tutzFrYI/AAAAAAAABOM/QP22FdlygtA/1299129766866.png) 3.6 (http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TY-vxE-8GgI/AAAAAAAABOY/ktOwjPQ3eiI/130057856759.png)
Fluttershy 1 (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZiSMaDSI/AAAAAAAABPQ/FNLXj6WE0ss/yofluttershybyarborishd.png) 2 (http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZiUXQlvI/AAAAAAAABPU/SCs7qzer-6E/129860262040.png) 3 (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TZPZiWhyIWI/AAAAAAAABPY/r6ClIhygmw0/1297113141466.png)

Pony Games

The most recent one. (http://www.yoyogames.com/games/168448-mlp-fim-the-way-home#)
Pacderpy (http://www.derpyhooves.com/games/pacderpy.html)
Two very similar dash based (http://www.derpyhooves.com/games/dashattack.html) cloud gathering sidescrollers (http://www.derpyhooves.com/games/rainbowdashmini.html)
Pony generator I (http://www.derpyhooves.com/games/custompony.html)
Pony generator II (http://derpyhooves.com/games.php?id=3)
Pony generator III (http://generalzoi.deviantart.com/art/MLP-FiM-Pony-Creator-Beta-210228500)

New: Pinkie licks cupcakes. (http://yeaka.deviantart.com/art/MLP-FiM-Flash-Game-202202384?q=boost%3Apopular%20max_age%3A8h%20frien dship%20is%20magic&qo=22) And a playthrough for it, too. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUy1UtuNet0)
Collect Cupcakes, Lick Ponies! 2.0 (http://yeaka.deviantart.com/art/MLP-FiM-Flash-Game-TWO-202342576)

Nice Fanwork


5AMVs:5Always (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhgzpnTYCXQ)Communism is Magic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJHZ4E9tRHM)Freeze Ray (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMXhEXQSXSw)[BR]I can go the distance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYonN9in668)[BR]PonyCraft 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJbAT1wzS8U)[BR]Still Alive (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za9f1c93FHY)[BR]The G&P Heretic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4szgPK9Rufw)1[B]Equestria Girls EE! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTPqjKk_xCo)[BR]Hub Summer Promo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKjBViIt-y8)[BR]Hop-Skip-Jump [original] (http://soundcloud.com/dannyimusic/mlp1-hop-skip-jump-song)1Old Pony Songs 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHLqc8BSQMg) & 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCpBYLHIEuI)[BR]Ponies! (http://ponyvspony.com/)[BR]5[B]Comics:5The Damn Best Comic (http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/359/5/9/pinkiedeadpool_by_csimadmax-d35ms08.jpg). Ever.And The Prequel (http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/107/1/f/pinkiedeadpool_origins_by_csimadmax-d3e936w.png).[BR]And part two (http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/147/8/b/battle_for_equestria_02_by_csimadmax-d3hdr5c.png).[BR]And three (http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/154/2/1/battle_for_equestria_03_by_csimadmax-d3hz63e.png).[BR]And four (http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/160/a/f/battle_for_equestria_04_by_csimadmax-d3iighp.png).[BR]And five (http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/168/4/0/battle_for_equestria_05_by_csimadmax-d3j5nlu.png).[BR]Six (http://www.deviantart.com/download/256435109/battle_for_equestria_06_by_csimadmax-d48oalh.png) / Seven (http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/252/7/6/battle_for_equestria_07_by_csimadmax-d49cgt7.png) / Eight (http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/252/0/7/battle_for_equestria_08_by_csimadmax-d49dpsp.png).1Metaponies (http://gavalanche.deviantart.com/gallery/29877487).[BR]5[B]ED Fics:5Twilight Sky Over Canterlot (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-twilight-sky-over-canterlot.html)Sidelines / Midnight's Tale (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/conversion-bureau-compilation.html)[BR]World Without Rainbows (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/05/story-world-without-rainbows.html)[BR]Luxury Lotus Spa Follies (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-luxury-lotus-spa-follies.html)[BR]How Lyra Met Bon-Bon (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/02/story-how-lyra-met-bon-bon.html)[BR]Letters from Bubbly (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/01/story-letters-from-bubbly-1-10.html)[BR]Swayback Mountain (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/01/story-swayback-mountain.html)[BR]And Life Goes On (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/01/story-your-greatest-fan.html)[BR]The Three Notes (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/story-three-notes.html)[BR]TGaP Trixie (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-great-and-powerful-trixie.html)[BR]Antipodes (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/story-antipodes.html)[BR]Progress (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/05/story-progress-luna-versus-microwave.html)[BR]Bubbles (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/story-bubbles.html)1Pony Drinking Game (http://buttersc0tchsundae.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d3cng5n)[BR]|
5[B]GitP Fics:5AmishPirate:[BR]New Moon Wanes (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/07/story-new-moon-wanes.html)1Darth BC:[BR][BR]Always Sunny in Fillydelphia (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/06/story-its-always-sunny-in-fillydelphia.html)[BR]...And Apple Accessories (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/storyand-apple-accessories.html)[BR]Beyond Forever (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/05/story-beyond-forever.html)[BR]Fair Feather Friend (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/story-fair-feather-friend.html)[BR]Forever (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-forever.html)1Deadly:[BR][BR]Fillystata (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/08/story-fillystata.html)[BR]Trollestia 1 (http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/200/0/b/trickster_goddess_nr_1_by_adcoon-d40tt3d.png) 2 (http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/201/a/4/trickster_goddess_nr_2_by_adcoon-d414fzw.png) 3 (http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/214/1/3/trickster_goddess_nr_3_by_adcoon-d42h2hx.png) 4 (http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/229/0/d/trickster_goddess_nr_4_by_adcoon-d46vksj.png).1EsperDerek:[BR][BR]Letters, Letters, Letters (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-letters-letters-letters.html)[BR]M&S Guide to Dating (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/09/story-midnight-and-shimmers-guide-to.html)[BR]Out in the Cold (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/story-out-in-cold.html)1Grif:[BR][BR]Pony Effect (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/05/story-pony-effect_23.html)1PhantomFox:[BR][BR]My Faithful Student (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/09/story-my-faithful-student.html)[BR]No Tame Forest (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/07/story-no-tame-forest.html)[BR]Pride Goes Before a Folly (http://phantomfox7.deviantart.com/art/Pride-Goes-Before-A-Folly-211724143)[BR]Sunny Skies All Day Long (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-sunny-skies-all-day-long.html)1PhoeKun:[BR][BR]Catching Rainbows (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-catching-rainbows_17.html)[BR]Chasing Rainbows (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/story-chasing-rainbows.html)[BR]Fluttering Heart (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/02/story-fluttering-heart.html)[BR]Shades of Midnight (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-shades-of-midnight.html)[BR]Space Oddpony (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/story-space-oddpony.html)1Raz Fox:[BR][BR]All Hallows Night (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-all-hallows-night.html)[BR]Bright New Days (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-bright-new-days.html)[BR]Misted Stage (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/06/story-misted-stage.html)1Thanqol:[BR][BR]Grounded (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/story-grounded.html)[BR]Study in Rainbows (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-study-in-rainbows.html)[BR]Through A Glass, Derply (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/story-through-glass-derply.html)[BR]

Art Challenges

MyLP Challenge:

Do you want to try your hand at something fun? Feeling need to draw fanart? How about trying MyLP Challenge?

What it is? Just click on the linked template (http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/363/3/a/my_little_pony_fim_meme_by_don_komandorr-d35y2mv.jpg).

How does that work? Don't be scared, just complete the template to the best of your ability. Have one (http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TbFTvCFELvI/AAAAAAAABas/3RaVVEnJms0/my_little_pony_meme_by_gothzilla_alena-d38os5c.jpg) two (http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TbFTvRf19mI/AAAAAAAABaw/glvBh-QkZ-c/mlp_friendship_is_magic_meme_by_peppersupreme-d37wpkl.png) three (http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TbFTvA47e6I/AAAAAAAABa0/h3zzuNlxp80/mlp___fim_meme_by_kitty_kitty_koneko-d35zovy.png) four (http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_THRVNyZ8xf0/TbFTwJJdSkI/AAAAAAAABa4/oFOMSgU0MHk/my_little_pony_memes_are_magic_by_scruffytoto-d37x352.jpg) examples made by other ponies :smalltongue:

Starting thread and more examples can be found here (http://don-komandorr.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d35y2mv).


***


[B]ATTENTION EVERYPONY!!!

[I]Great & Powerful Trixie made a bet. A bet I'll procure 12 pictures of Trixie - like the one in my sig, of similar quality - before next weekend. Trixie cosplaying, doing weird stuff, finding herself in unusual situations. So! I need ideas! Sketches of Unicorn ponies (I'm willing to vectorize them for free if they're good enough)! Moments from the show showing ponies with unusual poses and/or designs I could use to inspire myself! Finally, if someone would also like to draw something, I'd be glad to repay in some manner :P

Any takers? :smalltongue:

Important GitP Links

Thread I - Because Friendship Is Magic
Thread II - Now About 20% Cooler
Thread III - The Great & Powerful Thread
Thread IV - Friendship is Sufficiently Advanced Technology
Thread V - Art of the Thread
Thread VI - MUFFINS!
Thread VII - The Grand Galloping Thread
Thread VIII - Friendship is Music
Thread IX - The Best Thread Ever
Thread X - We Trot 'til We Drop
Thread XI - "Mmph!"
Thread XII - No One Can Groove Like the Girls with the Hooves
Thread XIII - Fast/Fine/Fierce Thread
Thread XIV - Boots on Hooves / Bikinis on Top
Thread XV - The Greater and Powerful-er Thread
Thread XVI - There's a Pony for That!
Thread XVII - Call Upon the Thread Ponies!
Thread XVIII - Perfect Isn't Easy
Thread XIX - I Emptied Your Thread
Thread XX & Thread XX - Appletastic Treats
Thread XXI - A Very Minty Thread
Thread XXII - Surprise!
Thread XXIII - It. Is. ON!
Thread XXIV - Now About 200% Longer Than Firefly
Thread XXV - Au Contraire, Mon Ami!
Thread XXVI - Applebloom to Zecora!

Operation: Indiscriminate Friendship
Pony Week Discussion Thread
Pony Crime Pulp Fic/Game Thread


Want to RP? My Little Pony: FiM RP Recruitment Thread.
Want to join the list of GitP Bronies (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ApgaWduo83XldFhETWUtWm96b1BFS1dHOF84dTBGM lE&hl=en_US#gid=0)?

[BlasTech]

Yay, new ponythread! And cool opening pic! :D

[Welf]

Although I wanted to go sleep: ah, new thread smell http://i.imgur.com/U1RF1.jpg

See you at page 50

[Strife Warzeal]

I would like to take this end of thread opportunity to say that I almost always misread "Strife Warzeal" as "Strife Weasel".

That is all.

You know I should probably take offense to that, but I am honestly at a loss of words on how to respond that. Oh and if you don't like the name, take it up with random name generator I used to name my first roleplay character.

[Beeskee]

Yay, ponies. :smallsmile:

[Capt. Ido Nos]

Request: I didn't see it in the OP, but has anyone got the liar!applejack emote in any of the imgur emote repositories? I'm not obviously lying nearly enough!

Obligatory woo new thread!

Great choice of OP pic as always, Trix! http://i.imgur.com/dB204.jpg


You know I should probably take offense to that, but I am honestly at a loss of words on how to respond that. Oh and if you don't like the name, take it up with random name generator I used to name my first roleplay character.
Oh, no offense meant! That is absolutely less a commentary on my opinion of your username, than it is a brief glimpse into the workings of my mind http://i.imgur.com/cUkh2.jpg

[Kurgan]

You know I should probably take offense to that, but I am honestly at a loss of words on how to respond that. Oh and if you don't like the name, take it up with random name generator I used to name my first roleplay character.

That reminds me of way back in the day, where a friend of mine decided to run a one shot module with me and another friend. We didn't want to invest too much in these characters, and had both recently read 8-bit Theater, so we ended up rolling up a wizard named Black Pmage (or something like that, the "P" was silent) and a fighter named Fyetor.

[Shadowy]

I feel like I forgot to do something last thread....
Other then actually post something.


OH SWEET CELESTIA I FORGOT TO SET IT ON FIRE!

This shame cannot be erased!

[Trixie]

Yay, new ponythread! And cool opening pic! :D

...I only wonder what it is. Anyone knows what pony it might be? :smallconfused:

And I decided on it because 'A to Z' has a sense of finality, like coming of the night. Though, sadly, I have to admit we never had Zecora in the OP, we'll need to fix that someday :(

[Kindablue]

For anyone who hasn't heard it, here's the theme song as sung by Shannon Chan-Kent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO71ifHPSgM) (Pinkie Pie's singing VA; she also voiced Misa in the English dub of Death Note, apparently).

[Brazen Shield]

It just sounds like you're further to my dream house than I am. :smalltongue:

If it makes you feel any better we live in an apartment. I'm no closer to having my dream house :smallfrown:

[Nameless]

New Thread. NEW THREAD!

http://img.ponibooru.org/images/50/50b7decea81a83ce6313e397865386a4

*sets fire to the old thread* http://i.imgur.com/9QvF1.jpg

EDIT:


I feel like I forgot to do something last thread....
Other then actually post something.


OH SWEET CELESTIA I FORGOT TO SET IT ON FIRE!

This shame cannot be erased!

There there, nevermind. *takes out flamethrower*

[Kindablue]

I feel like I forgot to do something last thread....
Other then actually post something.


OH SWEET CELESTIA I FORGOT TO SET IT ON FIRE!

This shame cannot be erased!

Not even with more fire?

[erikun]

...I only wonder what it is. Anyone knows what pony it might be? :smallconfused:
It is from the Discordantly comics, specifically the fifth one.

http://crappyunicorn.deviantart.com/art/discordantly-1-259123093
http://crappyunicorn.deviantart.com/art/discordantly-2-259288104
http://crappyunicorn.deviantart.com/art/discordantly-3-259431933
http://crappyunicorn.deviantart.com/art/discordantly-4-259589565
http://crappyunicorn.deviantart.com/art/discordantly-5-259746198
http://crappyunicorn.deviantart.com/art/discordantly-6-259881177


Request: I didn't see it in the OP, but has anyone got the liar!applejack emote in any of the imgur emote repositories? I'm not obviously lying nearly enough!
Here you go. I'm not sure why nobody has added it to any Imgur accounts, and I don't have one myself.
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3623/applejackliar.png

[Shadowy]

New Thread. NEW THREAD!

http://img.ponibooru.org/images/50/50b7decea81a83ce6313e397865386a4

*sets fire to the old thread* http://i.imgur.com/9QvF1.jpg


Not even with more fire?

*Sobbing frantically!

Just take it! Take all the fire! It's yours now!

I've got nothing left for me!

*Runs off sobbing frantically*

[TheAmishPirate]

A new thread, complete with that new thread smell.

Hmmmmmmm, boy. Smells like ponies.

Have a fluttershy comic:

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/275/7/a/a_rainboom_of_my_own_by_pashapup-d4bo6dz.png

[Trixie]

It is from the Discordantly comics, specifically the fifth one.

...Thanks, haven't seen a few of these, but I kind of meant the pony's name there... :P

[Nameless]

*Sobbing frantically!

Just take it! Take all the fire! It's yours now!

I've got nothing left for me!

*Runs off sobbing frantically*

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/original/000/156/029/39788%20-%20fire%20meme%20rainbow_dash.jpg?1312021074

[Tectonic Robot]

Woo! New thread!

Hooray and such.

[Gamerlord]

...Thanks, haven't seen a few of these, but I kind of meant the pony's name there... :P
Pretty sure it is Luna.

[MBI]

Well, here we go again...

[Trixie]

Pretty sure it is Luna.

...Who? :smallconfused:

Checked last 20 episodes, never saw this 'Luna'. Remind me? :P

[erikun]

...Who? :smallconfused:

Checked last 20 episodes, never saw this 'Luna'. Remind me? :P
She is this background character that appeared for just a few seconds, and was never seen again. Probably an artist insert or something. :smalltongue:

Also, have a Silver Spoon. For Silver Spoon actually doing well in the H/H (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=216134) and not dying immediately.
http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/1606/silverspoon.png

[Kindablue]

Shannon Chan-Kent also voices Silver Spoon.

[MCerberus]

Incoming programmer rant:

End of program about to graduate class project.

Mondays are rather slow for me, so it's my day to keep tabs on a certain project.

I'm also part of the UI team.
Someone replaced the stable cloud files of it while I was unit testing some functionality.

With stuff that was not stable.
Despite the warnings in about 5 places not to replace ANYTHING. You're supposed to timestamp your most recent version then NOT LABEL IT STABLE. That's up to the project lead or the team lead (me in this case)

So I had to fire off an email with the subject 'Skype. Now.' trying to do damage control.

and now for relevance: PONIES

[SiuiS]

So far, I kind of prefer the first one too. I'm kind of imagining him tall as opposed to short, and with a simple sort of suit on.

I'm just trying to nail down positioning and such details right now. The first one became taller when I realized the arms on a diamond dog were so long, he'd be blocking his face with the cane if it were a full body picture. Which could work, but I had already messed up the proportions >>;

I'll try my hand again, see if I can't nail down a keeper.


No, I just walked into the middle of a conversation and made a one-liner that doesn't make any sense considering the beginning of said conversation, which I hadn't read.

And I'm exactly the ambiguous shade of color that I want to be, thank you very much.

That's true. I guess my bent on teasing back would only work if you'd been keeping up with the whole thing.

And I know, you've just got a really good name for deriving phrases and such from. I'm still partial to somewhatcerulean, but I've already used that one. I'll stop if you'd rather remain kindablue though :smallsmile:



Yep, improvement's a great goal. Although, I halfway expected Braz to kill me for that.

You killed her first. I missed it in the crush, and she showed it to me via text alog with a *dies laughing*.

Twist the two of you, I'm on the ropes and all I can do is applaud while trying to make a decent come-back. So, good show.



(By the way, if anypony else is actually following this, (I know, it has been kinda exclusive) let me know what you think of my descriptions of weather magic. As far as I know, there isn't much, if any, actual fanon regarding this, but I'm sure that somepony else has already done this much better than I can.)

I was sorta kinda keeping up, but I haven't been able to properly archive all of 'em. I will give it another once over.


You pointing it out like that, now I realize why people gave them those names. And yes Blinkie and Inkie are the 'official' names.

Do we have any citations? I kinda don't want to shoot down the Octavia-Foto Finnish connection unless necessary.


Braz, did you see my response as to why I keep bringing up how many bladed weapons you and SuiuS keep concealed around your house? I had a 503 error at some point around there. :smalltongue:

We saw. If it makes you feel better we only have a couple of 'em. I stopped collecting sword-shaped-objects when I realized I was more likely to hurt myself with one than an attacker. As retardedly paranoid as I am, I can't rely on anything that won't work against a viral zombie, voodoo zombie, ghost, demon or burglar.



http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead1.png

I feel this is so familiar, but I can't place it. Andross? Master Control Program? A Transformer? I really, seriously feel like I know what this is and just can't place it.


I can't believe I can't remember where that quote's from.

I know, right?



If I were SiuiS, the temptation to mess with you via editing and/or manipulating the video camera would be too terrible to resist. But I'm not, and I'm sure SiuiS would never, ever, do something like that. :smallwink:


I don't know what you're talking about <<;



(Hey, Lix. I'll give you a tenner if you hit him with a haremizer cannon instead of a gender-restore.)


outrageously!

(Done. :smalltongue:)

Man. I know I probably make y'all want to mess with me, but simultaneously? I'll be honest. I was expecting the hijinks to be somewhat more temporally drawn out than this http://www.electricsamurai.com/forums/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif

Good heavens, I'm afraid to look in a mirror now. Let's see what we know. I'm still a magic pony, and I may represent a homonym for 'male'.

Not much to go on, folks :smallannoyed:


I do like the designs that are given to Inkie.
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/1224504c23a06830421d2b4d99596760/63218%20-%20Inkie_pie%20older%20pinkie%27s_sister.jpg

http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrr7a487vF1r3uxqco2_1280.png?AWSAccessKeyId =AKIAJ6IHWSU3BX3X7X3Q&Expires=1317753955&Signature=7pt9AjRDf8x42l%2BqVcqYgLpAuH0%3D
Link in case image expires. (http://askthepiesisters.tumblr.com/post/10394523718)

http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_lscgjxj8ge1r3uxqco3_1280.png?AWSAccessKeyId =AKIAJ6IHWSU3BX3X7X3Q&Expires=1317754051&Signature=GjK058nUy9p%2Bs6dzE9GmQ39zt5A%3D (http://askthepiesisters.tumblr.com/)
Link again. (http://askthepiesisters.tumblr.com/post/10850695249)


Aye, though there is some obvious greyhound anatomy on there. It's interesting but kinda wiggy. Not quite as good as it could be. Still better than I could do though :smallbiggrin:
I remember first finding that picture and thinking 'wow, that kinda looks like Pinkie's sister'. Haha.



The Penny Arcade, if I recall correctly.


I mainly just see Andros from Star Fox but anything rendered even remotely like that just looks like its from Star Fox to me.

Aye, it is a pretty classical example, Andross.


Although I wanted to go sleep: ah, new thread smell http://i.imgur.com/U1RF1.jpg

See you at page 50

See you at 50! Bye :smallfrown:


I feel like I forgot to do something last thread....
Other then actually post something.


OH SWEET CELESTIA I FORGOT TO SET IT ON FIRE!

This shame cannot be erased!

You're right. Too late now.



Here you go. I'm not sure why nobody has added it to any Imgur accounts, and I don't have one myself.
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3623/applejackliar.png

Not sure if lying or showing off emote...

MCerberus! can you slip the LiarJack into your imgur seekrit projekt? That will make distribution easier.

[otakuryoga]

I feel like I forgot to do something last thread....
Other then actually post something.


OH SWEET CELESTIA I FORGOT TO SET IT ON FIRE!

This shame cannot be erased!

just tell the CMC they can get archeologist cutie marks by digging around the old thread....it will be burnt to cinders in no time.

[Topaz]

Incoming programmer rant:
http://i.imgur.com/DrMmg.jpg
Hour by hour
One More Change!
I'm coding it together
take great pains...


Good heavens, I'm afraid to look in a mirror now. Let's see what we know. I'm still a magic pony, and I may represent a homonym for 'male'.

Not much to go on, folks :smallannoyed:
Maybe now you're a mail pony? http://i.imgur.com/us0sn.jpg

[Strife Warzeal]

Do we have any citations? I kinda don't want to shoot down the Octavia-Foto Finnish connection unless necessary.
1. Unless if they dye their skin/coats they aren't pinkie's sisters. Personally, I never really cared for the whole Octavia-Foto Finnish connection thing but that's my opinion.
2. By 'official' I meant one of three names the community agrees upon. http://mlp.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_ponies. I very much doubt that they are going to get a word of god on names unless if they appear in later episodes. They just don't have the popularity of other minor characters like DJ-p0n3 to get called out on names.

[SiuiS]

Oh
Oh man
oh man

Braz doesn't know the tetris theme. Couldn't identify it.

I don't. I just.

My relationship is based on lies :smalleek:

I think I need to lie down. Do an eqD binge...
Maybe I should Be making pudding at 4 am.....

[Beacon of Chaos]

Woo! New thread!

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon time!
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/368540a608a5f44e8eafda1c2a185fcb/66797%20-%20Diamond_Tiara%20artist%3Acartoonlion%20lone_ran ger%20riding%20silver_spoon.png


Easy as Lying p4
I loved it. Especially...
"What kind of tests?"
"Algebra!"


That doesn't actually surprise me. Move to Barnet. Then we can like, do pony things.
And stuff.

:smalltongue:
Pony things and stuff? Why those are two of my favourite hobbies! How did you know?

Anyway my parents are planning to move to Wiltshire soon (assuming they can sell the house) and I will likely go with them until I can get my own place. I hear it's nice. Less chance of premature death.


IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN


And on that single entente, I'm going to sleep.


No.

What do you mean? Huh? HUH!?
TellmeTellmeTellmeTellmeTellme!


:smalleek:


Geez. I can see why you wanna move away from that...
That school got worse and worse with every year. Luckily I don't get much trouble where I am, but it's kind of a shock to find out that kids half my age are already trying to kill eachother.


Okay, so let's try phrasing it this way: What would be your impression of the (technological) entity who's head it is, based on that image (assuming you saw/met/ect.ect. it, where that was the only part of it you could see).

That's a bit artifical, but I'm trying really hard not to say "does it look like this", because I'd rather it be more obvious.

(Though starter for ten, says "probably not worked.")
It looks... primative. Like, if there was such thing as a caveman robot. The huge brow, and the way the neck goes back like that making it looked hunched over. I'd peg it as some kinda bruiser robot, assuming it's a fighter.

Also yeah, kinda like Andross.


just tell the CMC they can get archeologist cutie marks by digging around the old thread....it will be burnt to cinders in no time.
Hahaha! Nice!

[Thanqol]

No.

What do you mean? Huh? HUH!?

What could I possibly mean?


I think this is getting funnier everytime. Rarity's line made me crack up!

:smallbiggrin: You know, I've never actually written comedy proper?


I'm being useful! http://i.imgur.com/aRDpW.jpg

And any day I diminish a murderous rampage is a good day in my books.




Clearly Rarity is missing Tom. And who wouldn't? Those chiselled features, that flinty gaze - and talk about rock-hard abs! :smallwink:

(Feel free to steal if you want Twilight to make a bit of fun of Rarity. After carting Tom around for her, Twilight deserves a little revenge.)



Clearly she is a very naughty pegasus, and must be punished!

Also, dropping references to a mod's OC to butter them up? I approve! :smallbiggrin:



Glad to be of assistance. This works really well.

Thanks! I shall see what I can do. :smallbiggrin:

[Raz_Fox]

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/1ec361b0a927fd57f9878c349d52e4d2/56650%20-%20co%20artist%3AShout%20computer%20thread%20twili ght_sparkle.jpg


I don't know what you're talking about <<;

We're talking about the possibility of Brazen videotaping herself in her sleep, and the likelyhood of Lix and/or Robin stealing that footage, and how tempting it must be to mess with said video camera.

Gosh, you're a little bit ditzy today, SiuiS.


Man. I know I probably make y'all want to mess with me, but simultaneously? I'll be honest. I was expecting the hijinks to be somewhat more temporally drawn out than this http://www.electricsamurai.com/forums/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif

Good heavens, I'm afraid to look in a mirror now. Let's see what we know. I'm still a magic pony, and I may represent a homonym for 'male'.

Not much to go on, folks :smallannoyed:

I'm pretty sure you were around during the Great Midnight Wars, in which I first discovered the magical technology behind the HAREMIZER RAY (i.e. one Midnight, tucked beneath the arm and fired with *pew-pew* noises).

But, then again, Ditzy Sioo. Um. You may currently be wearing fashion that could generously be described as skimpy and revealing. There may also be a photographer nearby, but don't mind him, he's just your fast-track to fame and riches for a given value of riches.

I don't know, it's Lix's cannon, really. I just bribed her to fire it in your general direction.

[erikun]

Blinkie Pie and Inkie Pie (and Octavia, for that matter) don't have offical canon names. They have agreed-upon fanon names, but that's it.

For the Inkie-Octavia relation, there is this.
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/648211e1359e97c931b6713e436b2edb/53941%20-%20Inkie_pie%20Octavia%20meta%20pinkie%27s_sister% 20pinkie_pie.PNG
They aren't even the same shade of grey.

I'm not sure how we would connect Blinkie and Photo Finish together; they don't have the same color anything. Heck, Rainbow Dash made a better Photo Finish than Blinkie Pie! :smalltongue:
http://th05.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2011/231/7/f/i_go_by_kasun05-d476uyy.png (http://kasun05.deviantart.com/art/I-GO-253942090)


Woo! New thread!

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon time!
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/368540a608a5f44e8eafda1c2a185fcb/66797%20-%20Diamond_Tiara%20artist%3Acartoonlion%20lone_ran ger%20riding%20silver_spoon.png
Oh Silver Spoon, the things you do for friendship.

[Capt. Ido Nos]

Ponythread! I need your help!

My phone is woefully devoid of pony music, and I feel that it is now safe to go ahead and load the thing down with whatever I can get my grubby hands on. The problem is, I am also woefully bad at finding and procuring digital media on the internet.

So, since all of us are better than me alone, I need music! Music of PONIES!

Um... if that's... okay with everyone...http://i.imgur.com/pUT8r.jpg

[erikun]

Ponythread! I need your help!

My phone is woefully devoid of pony music, and I feel that it is now safe to go ahead and load the thing down with whatever I can get my grubby hands on. The problem is, I am also woefully bad at finding and procuring digital media on the internet.

So, since all of us are better than me alone, I need music! Music of PONIES!

Um... if that's... okay with everyone...http://i.imgur.com/pUT8r.jpg
What format do phones use? Anything? A specific file?
Because I have a bunch of mp3 files of songs and remixes, and could probably dig up the links for you.

[Capt. Ido Nos]

What format do phones use? Anything? A specific file?
Because I have a bunch of mp3 files of songs and remixes, and could probably dig up the links for you.
I've got a Windows Phone, those run off the Zune software, so it *probably* can use any old thing, mp3s included. I'll find out, in any case!

[Brazen Shield]

Oh
Oh man
oh man

Braz doesn't know the tetris theme. Couldn't identify it.

I don't. I just.

My relationship is based on lies :smalleek:

I think I need to lie down. Do an eqD binge...
Maybe I should Be making pudding at 4 am.....
Oh shut up!

I hate that game... I don't care if it's the most popular game of all time. >>

[Beacon of Chaos]

Did I post this? I can't remember... Anyway, ponies and tanks, starring Fluttershy and Rarity.
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/a9035ee514ca073a72fa7f095843404e/66483%20-%20Tank_Ponies%20Toy_tank%20comic%20derpy_hooves%2 0flowers%20fluttershy%20plushie%20rarity%20squee.j pg

Oh, and on the subject of the Pie sisters:
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/8e696dbd89e841a02876bc654df502b3/63471%20-%20Blinkie_Pie%20Inkie_pie%20adorable%20ask%20ask_ the_pie_sisters%20eyes%20hnnnnng%20pinkie_pie.png
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/a2f3fd592679c69a4ec83cbc680dd6a6/63472%20-%20Blinkie_Pie%20Inkie_pie%20adorable%20ask%20ask_ the_pie_sisters%20eyes%20hnnnnng%20pinkie_pie.png

Squeeee!~

[Kindablue]

That's true. I guess my bent on teasing back would only work if you'd been keeping up with the whole thing.I started at "If she's calling it nothing, you've got a problem" and just guessed what "it" was.


And I know, you've just got a really good name for deriving phrases and such from. I'm still partial to somewhatcerulean, but I've already used that one. I'll stop if you'd rather remain kindablue though :smallsmile:I registered a Deviantart account about an hour ago, and I really should have gone with Somewhatcerulean when Kindablue was taken. It's more a dark sky blue mixed with yellow than anything else.


Oh shut up!

I hate that game... I don't care if it's the most popular game of all time. >>

It's a pretty great song, though. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5NByiEIbD8)

[Zevox]

Oh
Oh man
oh man

Braz doesn't know the tetris theme. Couldn't identify it.

I don't. I just.

My relationship is based on lies :smalleek:

I think I need to lie down. Do an eqD binge...
Maybe I should Be making pudding at 4 am.....
Meh, can't blame her. Pretty sure I couldn't do that either. Not everyone likes Tetris. Heck, I've never been able to get into puzzle games in general, with the sole exception of Catherine.

Zevox

[TheAmishPirate]

Ponythread! I need your help!

My phone is woefully devoid of pony music, and I feel that it is now safe to go ahead and load the thing down with whatever I can get my grubby hands on. The problem is, I am also woefully bad at finding and procuring digital media on the internet.

So, since all of us are better than me alone, I need music! Music of PONIES!

Um... if that's... okay with everyone...http://i.imgur.com/pUT8r.jpg

I think he has the download links in the various video descriptions, but just about everything by Alex S (http://www.youtube.com/user/DJAelxs) is pretty dang good.

[Beeskee]

Re: PonyPics: Adorable. :smallbiggrin: I love the "Hi-ho Silver" one especially.


I registered a Deviantart account about an hour ago, and I really should have gone with Somewhatcerulean when Kindablue was taken. It's more a dark sky blue mixed with yellow than anything else.

Be sure to favorite "fyre-flye (http://fyre-flye.deviantart.com/)" :smallsmile:

Edit: Um, once the DeviantArt site is working again.

[Kindablue]

Be sure to favorite "fyre-flye (http://fyre-flye.deviantart.com/)" :smallsmile:

Who?


Ponythread! I need your help!

My phone is woefully devoid of pony music, and I feel that it is now safe to go ahead and load the thing down with whatever I can get my grubby hands on. The problem is, I am also woefully bad at finding and procuring digital media on the internet.

So, since all of us are better than me alone, I need music! Music of PONIES!
Pony music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ilQaKuWWBs) and hypothetical music of ponies. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57kR6RsV2iA) (Well, close enough.)

[Capt. Ido Nos]

Who?
Ah, that would be Lauren Freaking Faust my good sir.



Pony music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ilQaKuWWBs) and hypothetical music of ponies. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57kR6RsV2iA) (Well, close enough.)
Thanks! :smallbiggrin:

[SiuiS]

Seconding the request for musics which are downloadable. I know Thanqol has a pretty chunk. Share, me buck-o!

Tetris theme: known far and wide despite tetris itself. I don't care for the game either, but the theme...

It's raining today. I want to frolic but I has to work. Will compromise by taking many, many cigarette breaks, and drawing.
Tek, Thanq, I'm still trying to solidify the general concept before actual picture/making. Next one will be a mish/mash of various options so Tek can pick what works for him. It's hard to get "intimidating" or "suit" onto a diamond dog without running into the same problem Talespin had with Sher Khan- he would be a guy in a suit who has a diamond dog head, hands and feet instead of being a diamond dog.
Still, trucking is what I keep Doing. We shall see.

[Roninhirox]

I've got a Windows Phone, those run off the Zune software, so it *probably* can use any old thing, mp3s included. I'll find out, in any case!

http://www.youtube.com/user/roninhirox?feature=mhee#p/f Thats just my youtube channel its full of ponies most of which have download links, also full of creepy pasta so uh watch out for that.

[Brazen Shield]

Will compromise by taking many, many cigarette breaks, and drawing.
... You don't smoke.

[Kindablue]

Thanks! :smallbiggrin:

Okay, okay, stop twisting my arm:
PinkiePieSwear (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfeIuNhBUt4)
Not A Clever Pony (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATweJ39VkqY)
Infinity Dash (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-4_kklM-Kg&feature=related)
Makkon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xcKACtKLnA)
Joecoolman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqlpHa0pk8E)

They all put download links in the description boxes.

[Tectonic Robot]

Seconding the request for musics which are downloadable. I know Thanqol has a pretty chunk. Share, me buck-o!

Tetris theme: known far and wide despite tetris itself. I don't care for the game either, but the theme...

It's raining today. I want to frolic but I has to work. Will compromise by taking many, many cigarette breaks, and drawing.
Tek, Thanq, I'm still trying to solidify the general concept before actual picture/making. Next one will be a mish/mash of various options so Tek can pick what works for him. It's hard to get "intimidating" or "suit" onto a diamond dog without running into the same problem Talespin had with Sher Khan- he would be a guy in a suit who has a diamond dog head, hands and feet instead of being a diamond dog.
Still, trucking is what I keep Doing. We shall see.

Ah, I see your point with the whole sher khan thing. All right, go ahead and err on the side of diamond dog then. I was drawing inspiration from the midnight crew, but it's probably best to go with a more show accurate thing.

Thanks for making this, again. Got a lot of gratitude going on in my right now.

[SiuiS]

... You don't smoke.

doesn't mean I can't take a cigarette break. It just means I'll be the creepy trench coat guy with a toothpick instead of with a cigarette.

The point is, no regulations on or beyond earth that I am currently obligated to uphold are going to come between me and my stormy skies. This is prime gaming weather, when the odds of talking someone into putting on chain and reenacting last week's session skyrocket exponentially.

I may or may not be interrupted by customers, walking around pretending to shoot magic missiles and such. Lightsaber noises are also a possibility.

[BlasTech]

[
Ponythread! I need your help!

My phone is woefully devoid of pony music, and I feel that it is now safe to go ahead and load the thing down with whatever I can get my grubby hands on. The problem is, I am also woefully bad at finding and procuring digital media on the internet.

So, since all of us are better than me alone, I need music! Music of PONIES!

Um... if that's... okay with everyone...http://i.imgur.com/pUT8r.jpg

I'll get right on this this evening ... unfortunately I'm at work, which blocks both youtube and mediafile so I can't get the right links for the massive amount of pony music.

The only artists I can remember are NRGFORCE and Super Ponybeat, but I know there are others.

Also, anything MLP related in 8-bit or 16-bit gets the nostalgia going for me :smalltongue:


Oh shut up!

I hate that game... I don't care if it's the most popular game of all time. >>

Try googling "Tetris History of the Soviet Union". :smallamused: Let me know what you think.


It is from the Discordantly comics, specifically the fifth one.

http://crappyunicorn.deviantart.com/art/discordantly-1-259123093
http://crappyunicorn.deviantart.com/art/discordantly-2-259288104
http://crappyunicorn.deviantart.com/art/discordantly-3-259431933
http://crappyunicorn.deviantart.com/art/discordantly-4-259589565
http://crappyunicorn.deviantart.com/art/discordantly-5-259746198
http://crappyunicorn.deviantart.com/art/discordantly-6-259881177



Wow, thanks for sharing those links. I had only seen the first one on ED before, didn't know it was a series! =o

[Aotrs Commander]

T_T
*wants to answer but doesn't wanna say the wrong thing*
*wibble*

Nah hit me, it can't possibly be that ba-


To me, it looks like this guy:


http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/8/89/299Nosepass.png


His name is Nosepass.

...

Aaaaaaaargh!!!! No! Noooooo! Nosepass!?!?!

*skulldeskskulldeskskulldesk*

Okay, that was a giant fail, as anything remotely resembling Nosepass is a horribad thing!


I feel this is so familiar, but I can't place it. Andross? Master Control Program? A Transformer? I really, seriously feel like I know what this is and just can't place it.


Eeriely, after a bit of seperation, I do too, now. (I just checked Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, because I thought it might be Terraspin for a moment, but no...)

But, as we established, it has failed utterly at my intended aim.

Back to the CADing programme. I might have another stab tomorrow. But this is part of my Secret ProjectTM, so it's no rush!

(Well, it's not a secret from you guys, but it is from my wargames/RPG crew, for spoiler reasons - I want to spring it on them with geniunely no warning. And, as you guys may have noticed, I can at times be very patient!)


It looks... primative. Like, if there was such thing as a caveman robot. The huge brow, and the way the neck goes back like that making it looked hunched over. I'd peg it as some kinda bruiser robot, assuming it's a fighter.

Also yeah, kinda like Andross.

Yes, totally and completely failed.

I don't even know who Andross is (I googled, never played Starfox.)

And this is exactly WHY I took this approach, so I could do some basic level idiot proofing (against my idiocy, not yours that is...)




Oh
Oh man
oh man

Braz doesn't know the tetris theme. Couldn't identify it.

I don't. I just.

My relationship is based on lies :smalleek:

To be fair, I wouldn't either.

Actually, SiuiS, while I think about it, don't thank me for making you male again or anything, it's fine!

...

You should probably keep away from any mirrors. No reason, it's just I've heard there's a plague of...mirror...aliens on the loose. That...attack you from mirrors. Yes, that was it.


I want to know what you did so much. xD

NOTHING! I did nothing! Uh, I mean apart from make him male again. EXACTLY AS I INTENDED.

You really should tell hi-

LOOK, PONIES!

Nice save, Bleakbane, nice save...

[EsperDerek]

Great, thanks, everypony, now the Tetris theme is playing in my brain.

Do dodo do...

[dromer]

Woo! New thread!

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon time!
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/368540a608a5f44e8eafda1c2a185fcb/66797%20-%20Diamond_Tiara%20artist%3Acartoonlion%20lone_ran ger%20riding%20silver_spoon.png


Yes. There is a distinct lack of cowponies besides Applejack.

In other news, ED has been pretty slow to give me a response for Blue Moon in a Red Sky. It's been almost seven days. D:

Also, Luna speculation:
I have a feeling she's going to end up being tragically incompetent...

[erikun]

Oh shut up!

I hate that game... I don't care if it's the most popular game of all time. >>

Great, thanks, everypony, now the Tetris theme is playing in my brain.
This line of thought is now pony related. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJHZ4E9tRHM)

[otakuryoga]

Oh Silver Spoon, the things you do for friendship.

i think that may go a "bit" beyond friendship...

[Raz_Fox]

Okay, okay, stop twisting my arm:
PinkiePieSwear (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfeIuNhBUt4)
Not A Clever Pony (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATweJ39VkqY)
Infinity Dash (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-4_kklM-Kg&feature=related)
Makkon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xcKACtKLnA)
Joecoolman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqlpHa0pk8E)

They all put download links in the description boxes.

I personally have to add DrDissonance1 (http://www.youtube.com/user/DrDissonance1) to the list.

The guy does Steampunk Pony music. STEAMPUNK PONY MUSIC.

[Topaz]

Look upon this woman's work, O Ponies, and despair. (http://babylondonstar.deviantart.com/#/d4bnknf)

Thank Celestia she didn't make an Octavia, or I would be undone.

[Thanqol]

I personally have to add DrDissonance1 (http://www.youtube.com/user/DrDissonance1) to the list.

The guy does Steampunk Pony music. STEAMPUNK PONY MUSIC.

I Bring Da Lulz (http://www.youtube.com/user/iBringDaLULZ). He does... uh, Pony Plot Music.

Also, this guy is so amazing I have no idea (http://soundcloud.com/mistarleadguitar)

[Grif]

Yes. There is a distinct lack of cowponies besides Applejack.

In other news, ED has been pretty slow to give me a response for Blue Moon in a Red Sky. It's been almost seven days. D:

Also, Luna speculation:
I have a feeling she's going to end up being tragically incompetent...

It's my experience that if they don't reply within three days, you have all the right to prod them. Also, make sure you send to their new email ([email protected]), in their new format.

[Kindablue]

I personally have to add DrDissonance1 (http://www.youtube.com/user/DrDissonance1) to the list.

The guy does Steampunk Pony music. STEAMPUNK PONY MUSIC.

I have no idea what that means, but I liked it. Here's more:
BeatleBrony (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYE_j308sGQ) (they've done at least one Paul McCartney song too)
Swagberg (http://soundcloud.com/swagberg/pony-swag-feat-maros)

[Trixie]

This line of thought is now pony related. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJHZ4E9tRHM)

<Points at OP :E >

[Noctemwolf]

0_0** Wow, this thing manages to go on forever. How do you guys keep it up? I'm jealous. :smalltongue:

[Beeskee]

Who?

Lauren Faust. Producer of a TV show called "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" - maybe you've heard of it? :smallwink:

She has a bunch of pony artwork and such on there. Mostly things she was using as proposals. There's drawings of Surprise (Pinkie Pie's precursor) and some sketches of Discord, early drawings of Gilda, and lots of others.

There's also some stuff for a new show she's trying to produce, called Galaxy Girls. It looks like it will be every bit as good as MLP:FiM



Great, thanks, everypony, now the Tetris theme is playing in my brain.

Do dodo do...

Put "Winter Wrap Up" on continuous loop. :smallbiggrin: That will fix it. Of course, then you'll have Winter Wrap Up playing in your brain...



Look upon this woman's work, O Ponies, and despair. (http://babylondonstar.deviantart.com/#/d4bnknf)

Thank Celestia she didn't make an Octavia, or I would be undone.

That is too adorables. No, I mean it. It needs cuteness overload warning tags.



I Bring Da Lulz (http://www.youtube.com/user/iBringDaLULZ). He does... uh, Pony Plot Music.

Also, this guy is so amazing I have no idea (http://soundcloud.com/mistarleadguitar)

I love Luna's version of Fly Me To The Moon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJVita5tPjk).

[Pokonic]

0_0** Wow, this thing manages to go on forever. How do you guys keep it up? I'm jealous.


Sometimes I wonder, myself.

[Kurgan]

0_0** Wow, this thing manages to go on forever. How do you guys keep it up? I'm jealous. :smalltongue:

Someone new (I think)! Grab him!


http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/0da1a106ff7923e0fb2630d06310c636/12549%20-%20macro%20scootaloo.jpg
http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/06c7d0d2105a1314ea928cadd5a55a09/7961%20-%20animated%20jumping%20scootaloo.gif


But seriously, picture you are hanging out with a bunch of friends. It doesn't matter if you have had the same exact conversation a year back, you can have it again, even referencing the old one, and still have fun. That is the basic magic of how this thread keeps running. That and the fact that along with the repeat stuff, people bring in new ideas and topics every day.

[EsperDerek]

Someone new (I think)! Grab him!


http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/0da1a106ff7923e0fb2630d06310c636/12549%20-%20macro%20scootaloo.jpg
http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/06c7d0d2105a1314ea928cadd5a55a09/7961%20-%20animated%20jumping%20scootaloo.gif


But seriously, picture you are hanging out with a bunch of friends. It doesn't matter if you have had the same exact conversation a year back, you can have it again, even referencing the old one, and still have fun. That is the basic magic of how this thread keeps running. That and the fact that along with the repeat stuff, people bring in new ideas and topics every day.

Also, some of us are very drunk.

[Grif]

Also, some of us are very drunk.

Hey, I'm not!

(At least, not on alcohol. Caffeine on the other hand.... Sweet sweet coffee.)

[Kurgan]

Also, some of us are very drunk.

I thought that went without saying. http://i.imgur.com/vZNbC.jpg

[Beeskee]

Also, some of us are very drunk.

I'm working on it.

[erikun]

Now for the battle you've all be waiting for:
Trollestia vs. Trolluna!

http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/276/5/3/ooh_spooky_by_egophiliac-d4bokme.png (http://egophiliac.deviantart.com/art/ooh-spooky-261486950)

[Trixie]

...And some of us are working to make others very drunk.

...

Or extra-sober. I don't know what's worse :smallannoyed:

[Gamerlord]

Also, some of us are very drunk.
What about those of us under the drinking age? That don't drink coffee?
As for your question Noctemwolf, what Kurgan said.

[Trixie]

Now for the battle you've all be waiting for:
Trollestia vs. Trolluna!

http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/276/5/3/ooh_spooky_by_egophiliac-d4bokme.png (http://egophiliac.deviantart.com/art/ooh-spooky-261486950)

Battle? :smallconfused:

It looks more like 'owned' to me... :smallwink:

[Tectonic Robot]

Also, some of us are very drunk.

Too young, man. (or woman?)

And I'm planning on being a teetotaler when I grow up.

Not professionally, of course. I don't think there's any money in that.

[Kurgan]

...And some of us are working to make others very drunk.

...

Or extra-sober. I don't know what's worse :smallannoyed:

But when those powers combine, you get simply regular-sober, which isn't too bad. Especially for those here unfortunate enough to be under the drinking age.

And come now, being drunk isn't so bad, its the morning after that is terrible. =P

[EsperDerek]

Tsk, even underage, I still was able to drink, it helps being a 6 foot tall teenager, nopony cards you. :smallwink:

Of course, I've been legal for over a decade now...

[Strife Warzeal]

Someone new (I think)! Grab him!


http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/0da1a106ff7923e0fb2630d06310c636/12549%20-%20macro%20scootaloo.jpg
http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/06c7d0d2105a1314ea928cadd5a55a09/7961%20-%20animated%20jumping%20scootaloo.gif


But seriously, picture you are hanging out with a bunch of friends. It doesn't matter if you have had the same exact conversation a year back, you can have it again, even referencing the old one, and still have fun. That is the basic magic of how this thread keeps running. That and the fact that along with the repeat stuff, people bring in new ideas and topics every day.

According to the list, they've posted in here before.

Basically, though I think why we keep going can be wrapped up to: Magic, Friendship, and Adorableness. and bondage http://i.imgur.com/lT2IO.jpg

Also that Scootaloo bouncing image seems to match any music I play.

[Roninhirox]

Also, some of us are very drunk.

What? Maybe?! *Drinks evidence while no pony is looking*

[Kindablue]

And come now, being drunk isn't so bad, its the morning after that is terrible. =P

Just never sleep or stop drinking then.

[Kurgan]

Tsk, even underage, I still was able to drink, it helps being a 6 foot tall teenager, nopony cards you. :smallwink:

Of course, I've been legal for over a decade now...

Yeah, looking older than you are sometimes has its advantages. Still, it gets annoying when people I've known for years assume that I am between 5 and 10 years older than I am.

[Kris Strife]

Leo hands out drinks to everypony.

http://www.geeksaresexy.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/bacon-mug.jpg

Also, Midnight, still waiting on you. :smalltongue:

[Roninhirox]

Yeah, looking older than you are sometimes has its advantages. Still, it gets annoying when people I've known for years assume that I am between 5 and 10 years older than I am.

If I didn't know you since high school I would prolly assume older, also I guess didn't know about your penchant for girly drinks.

[Kris Strife]

If I didn't know you since high school I would prolly assume older, also I guess didn't know about your penchant for girly drinks.

Why are they called girly drinks when they usually have a higher alchohol content than non-girly drinks? I've never understood that one.

[Strife Warzeal]

Leo hands out drinks to everypony.

http://www.geeksaresexy.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/bacon-mug.jpg

Also, Midnight, still waiting on you. :smalltongue:

So, uhhhh.... what is the cup of awesomeness and all that is good, filled with?


Why are they called girly drinks when they usually have a higher alchohol content than non-girly drinks? I've never understood that one.

Generally because "girly" drinks are fruity and flavored, not that I would know I can't drink... for... another... five years (legally that is). Actually it's four years since my birthday's in a month.

[Roninhirox]

Why are they called girly drinks when they usually have a higher alchohol content than non-girly drinks? I've never understood that one.

Never really figured that one out, but its occasionally fun to walk upto the bar in a suit and ask the bartender for the girliest drink in the house and get something that taste like fruit and candy but is flammable.

[Excession]

Look upon this woman's work, O Ponies, and despair. (http://babylondonstar.deviantart.com/#/d4bnknf)

Thank Celestia she didn't make an Octavia, or I would be undone.

Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh.

Seriously, that's really pretty. If she posts a pattern I will be very tempted to remember/learn how to sew. http://i.imgur.com/LKAKZ.jpg

[Kris Strife]

So, uhhhh.... what is the cup of awesomeness and all that is good, filled with?

I've heard melted cheese, beer, brown gravy or pancakes.

[Zevox]

Also, some of us are very drunk.
Well, that certainly explains some things.

(Just for the record, I don't drink. The strongest beverages I've ever had are sodas. Though I do drink more of those than I probably should.)

Zevox

[Kindablue]

Lauren Faust.

Oh! Right.




No idea.


Leo hands out drinks to everypony.

http://www.geeksaresexy.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/bacon-mug.jpg

Also, Midnight, still waiting on you. :smalltongue:

Um, thanks! But I'm, uh, vegetarian. Yeah, vegetarian! That's it. So I'm just going to set this down right here and go outside to vomi--find my car keys. Which I left outside, behind those bushes.

http://i.imgur.com/SUOfJ.jpg


Tsk, even underage, I still was able to drink, it helps being a 6 foot tall teenager, nopony cards you. :smallwink:

Of course, I've been legal for over a decade now...

If I don't shave for a few days I can get away with that, too. I've never gotten beards to work on me, though, so I don't do it often. And most places card you now even if you look like Hugh Hefner, on the off-chance that you're a nine year old with progeria and a taste for cheap vodka.

[Kris Strife]

Um, thanks! But I'm, uh, vegetarian. Yeah, vegetarian! That's it. So I'm just going to set this down right here and go outside to vomi--find my car keys. Which I left outside, behind those bushes.

http://i.imgur.com/SUOfJ.jpg

What? It's just beer in a bacon mug.

[erikun]

Generally because "girly" drinks are fruity and flavored, not that I would know I can't drink... for... another... five years (legally that is). Actually it's four years since my birthday's in a month.
I don't know, the only one that don't taste terribly alcoholly are the fruity ones. Then again, I'd wonder why I'm spending that much money on the addition of alcohol when the non-alcohol version would taste the same and probably be cheaper.
http://i.imgur.com/JmPL5.jpg
I don't drink, as you might guess.


Oh! Right.




No idea.
Creator behind Powerpuff Girls and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends? Head director of Friendship is Magic?

[TheAmishPirate]

I'm technically old enough to drink, I've just never found the opportunity to, and most people tell me that alcohol tastes like feet anyway. Not much incentive to try it, I suppose.

I do, however, act drunk whenever I get sufficiently tired. It's pretty amusing; all the fun of random giggling and whatever the hay comes into my head, with no hangover. Awwwww yeah.

Oh, right, ponies.

http://th05.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2011/233/c/2/pony_season__gryphon_season_by_jdan_s-d47cdul.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XWWWgW3NPSI/Too_I_3PMWI/AAAAAAAANK0/hbS8ZNJt6M4/s1600/_graceful_flight__by_blossomppg-d4bo2va.png

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-SenvcO3SM/Too_HuwsIVI/AAAAAAAANKw/CzUyor4-3GU/s1600/top_hat_luna_by_camaliemanic-d4bnwal.png

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q_oyzq7NDs/Too_Jf5eCMI/AAAAAAAANK8/PWS8MQQRx1M/s1600/ninja_derpy_hooves_by_oceanwarriorz-d4boepw.png

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OP_AQ7x5IWk/Too_Lyl-Y7I/AAAAAAAANLM/nQIzSPSUThU/s1600/66657+-+artist+nuclearsuplexattack+ball+football+kicking+ rainbow_dash+soccer.png

Borderline Sauce? Spoiler'd to be safe:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq6eHDm00ps/Too_MhIFN-I/AAAAAAAANLQ/9ThidPfi-s4/s1600/66706+-+Aloe+Lotus+Spa_Pony+ask+ask_the_spa_ponies+pillow s+sleeping.png

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPKfMpoEgb8/Too_O01IjkI/AAAAAAAANLg/My3ZJB_60fw/s1600/66746+-+artist+starlight_spark+lights+oc.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hTBCguZqJs/Too_QugAh9I/AAAAAAAANLw/oZ_1OOcbTIY/s1600/66838+-+confound_these_ponies+duplicate+hit_the_sauce+twi light_sparkle.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58MhkNtYRPk/Too_Q7dzBPI/AAAAAAAANL0/JsMwiULmxWE/s1600/66862+-+artist+littlepirate+box+filly+luna+woona.png

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S4o5jBcMcJc/Too_SgvzZxI/AAAAAAAANMI/t_bPVDEnibA/s1600/66566+-+Artist+obscure_smudge+gummy+pinkie_pie.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jpzGtGl0F_Q/TopHXBxrQAI/AAAAAAAANMg/mNRgshduRJY/s1600/applejack2.png

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HKwvbACQ2lY/TopHYlVsmnI/AAAAAAAANMs/Sajbpwu4zOc/s1600/Applejack-Bloomberg-01c.jpg

[BlasTech]

Also, some of us are very drunk.

I'm only drunk on life and ponies.


Yeah, looking older than you are sometimes has its advantages. Still, it gets annoying when people I've known for years assume that I am between 5 and 10 years older than I am.

Fun fact, I have the opposite problem. A couple of years back, while I was finishing Uni, I was still getting carded ... in video game stores ... for MA 15+ games. :smalleek:

[Beeskee]

Mudslides are pretty yummy. :smallsmile:


I don't like the very strong alcohols, at least not straight up. I also don't like beer much, unless it's one of the imported ones.


Edit: The posted pony pictures are awesome. :smallbiggrin:

[EsperDerek]

Midnight is Learning

*Midnight frowns, taking all of this in. She listens to Leo explain everything, and then when he finishes...

"Begging your pardon, and I mean no offense to you personally, but what your organization seems to be doing appears to be the height of arrogance. Who are you to determine what happens to other universes? What divine mandate? You think you know about the multiverse, but the multiverse in and of itself is unknowable, due to it's sheer expanse. Some universes must be uniquely fated for things to happen, while others are completely deterministic, where choices matter. Who are you to interfere with any of that? You could screw things up worse than what they were originally going to turn out to be!

Not only that, who polices you? You cannot tell me your organization nor these Exalted are incorruptable. You cannot tell me that you do not have agendas that determine your actions, and the paths that you take. Who are you to decide right and wrong? You said your kind ruled a world once, but now you do not? That in and of itself is questionable to me. Makes me wonder.

Of course, on the other hand, it's doubtful your kind has a huge impact on the multiverse as a whole. If the theory is correct that decisions create alternate universes, than your group of, what, seven hundred? Your group couldn't possibly hope to police anything than a small subsection of even the small subsection of worlds where sun and moon are controlled. That's not even getting into the potential that many universes might have hundreds, thousands, MILLIONS of worlds out there!"

Her horn flicks, and the book reappears, Midnight grasping it with her magic. She eyes Leo.

"I suppose what I'm saying is that I do not recognize you or your organizations authority. I appreciate the tip on the magic, however, I'm always willing to learn from new sources."

[otakuryoga]

have some sad D'awww

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZwFqkfV0yI/Too_NtP-rXI/AAAAAAAANLY/9-9XwavWvFk/s1600/66712+-+Graveyard+artist+scootaloo+filly+grave+jacket+rai nbow_dash+sad+scootaloo+winter.png

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58MhkNtYRPk/Too_Q7dzBPI/AAAAAAAANL0/JsMwiULmxWE/s1600/66862+-+artist+littlepirate+box+filly+luna+woona.png

and some straight D'awww
http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/275/2/b/number_1_fan_by_veggie55-d4bms75.png

[Kindablue]

Creator behind Powerpuff Girls and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends? Head director of Friendship is Magic?
Craig McCracken? Never heard of "Friendship is Magic", though. It sounds like a bad after school special.

Eh, what the hell, I love cheese like that. Do you know where I can find it?



What? It's just beer in a bacon mug.
And now you have extra!

[Soras Teva Gee]

Why are they called girly drinks when they usually have a higher alchohol content than non-girly drinks? I've never understood that one.

Because you don't chug them, they're smaller for that content, and they take longer to make (generally) then opening a beer or pouring a shot.

And y'know the fruit and sweet flavor. If it isn't beer and doesn't clear the sinuses it isn't manly.

[erikun]

Craig McCracken?
Yeah, him! Only it's like a female him, and he's married to her.
And she likes ponies. Best quality ever.

[Thanqol]

I'm technically old enough to drink, I've just never found the opportunity to, and most people tell me that alcohol tastes like feet anyway. Not much incentive to try it, I suppose.

I do, however, act drunk whenever I get sufficiently tired. It's pretty amusing; all the fun of random giggling and whatever the hay comes into my head, with no hangover. Awwwww yeah.

This man is my sleep-dep buddy. Sleep-Dep: The cheapest form of intoxication! If you get less than 6 hours sleep in a night, you're functionally drunk - which means you really shouldn't be driving.

I have a small taste for Baileys, but that's because it's like drinking awesome chocolate. I've been proper drunk only once. I don't like beer. My Australian citizenship could be revoked if word of this gets out.

So, dem ponies.

[erikun]

So, dem ponies.
You asked for it!
http://img.ponibooru.org/images/49/49e39d847b961ed359b00d1f97d72265

[BlasTech]

I have a small taste for Baileys, but that's because it's like drinking awesome chocolate. I've been proper drunk only once. I don't like beer. My Australian citizenship could be revoked if word of this gets out.


*Files quote in folder labelled "Blackmail"*

[Soras Teva Gee]

I have a small taste for Baileys, but that's because it's like drinking awesome chocolate. I've been proper drunk only once. I don't like beer. My Australian citizenship could be revoked if word of this gets out.


I thought they only did that if you admit to liking Fosters.

Myself I don't care for beer that much, I drink it it but don't rave about it by any means. I actually like a nice wine best I think.

[Topaz]

Also, Luna speculation: I have a feeling she's going to end up being tragically incompetent...
I can't imagine that being Lauren Faust's concept for Luna, I can't imagine she failed to lay out her concept for the current staff, and I can't imagine them portraying Luna any way but how Lauren intended, so I'm betting your fears are groundless.

I am both eager and trepidatious to finally see canon Luna, but while I will miss the various fan versions that will be contradicted by the official one, I don't expect to be disappointed.

[Zevox]

@ Topaz - I'm not sure if you check the Heal/Hurt thread more than once per day, but you may want to pop over there and edit your vote for today. You tried to hurt a character that's already dead, and it's a bit confusing that you posted heals for two characters but labeled one "double heal."

Zevox

[the_druid_droid]

Hello ponythread,

(druid_droid here, if the eldritch avvie is confusing you). Today was miserable, and I would like nothing more than to go whimper in a corner until I don't feel like the world and the future hate me. That said, would you perhaps have some nice pony-themed pictures to cheer me up? I'm kinda down...

[Dexam]

I do, however, act drunk whenever I get sufficiently tired. It's pretty amusing; all the fun of random giggling and whatever the hay comes into my head, with no hangover. Awwwww yeah.


This man is my sleep-dep buddy. Sleep-Dep: The cheapest form of intoxication! If you get less than 6 hours sleep in a night, you're functionally drunk - which means you really shouldn't be driving.


Speaking as a someone currently operating on ~1 hour of sleep, I'd just like to say that I'd rather be drunk.

Spoilered for real-lifeyness:

Long and short of it: Mrs Dexam had another epileptic seizure last night. So, another trip to hospital, and another nervous time for all of us, particularly as she started having contraction-like aches about 6 weeks too early.

Everything appears to be okay. Mrs Dex and the impending bub check out okay, but they're keeping her in today and tonight to for observation. I'll be going back to join them soon.



Ponythread! I need your help!

My phone is woefully devoid of pony music, and I feel that it is now safe to go ahead and load the thing down with whatever I can get my grubby hands on. The problem is, I am also woefully bad at finding and procuring digital media on the internet.

So, since all of us are better than me alone, I need music! Music of PONIES!

Um... if that's... okay with everyone...http://i.imgur.com/pUT8r.jpg

Keeping it pony-relevant:
PepperBrony (http://www.youtube.com/user/PepperBrony) (a.k.a. Foozogz) - particularly this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLQW_DKQQ8g) and this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBftbAMBnOg).
General Mumble (http://www.youtube.com/user/Poowis), who has done an album called CLOP /)^3^(\ (http://generalmumble.bandcamp.com/album/clop-3)

[Soras Teva Gee]

Hello ponythread,

(druid_droid here, if the eldritch avvie is confusing you). Today was miserable, and I would like nothing more than to go whimper in a corner until I don't feel like the world and the future hate me. That said, would you perhaps have some nice pony-themed pictures to cheer me up? I'm kinda down...

Would this help you out:

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/b53a878d0dd44b952ca2c3bd540ecfa5/66953%20-%20C4tspajamas%20Fluffikitten%20applejack%20applep ie%20cosplay%20human%20pinkie_pie.jpg

[erikun]

How about some Bumblesweet? There isn't nearly enough Bumblesweet.
Actually, all of these are from the same artist. It's a bit disappointing, actually.

Source for all four (http://dimespin.tumblr.com/tagged/bumblesweet)

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqsibs6ZMF1qcm0eto1_r1_500.png

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lquhtnfb6W1qcvcwf.png

http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsgvgtm92i1qcm0eto1_500.png

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lm7glgrxoO1qcm0eto1_500.png

[BlasTech]

Hello ponythread,

(druid_droid here, if the eldritch avvie is confusing you). Today was miserable, and I would like nothing more than to go whimper in a corner until I don't feel like the world and the future hate me. That said, would you perhaps have some nice pony-themed pictures to cheer me up? I'm kinda down...

I will burn away this depression with massive amounts of HNNNNNNNGGGGG

Warning, Cuteness hazard level 5.

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/185e9f44440ce6040338efc3162c36aa/55024%20-%20artist%3Amixermike622%20plush%20ponies_in_real_ life%20real_life%20sleeping%20twilight_sparkle.jpg
http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/5352b6ccfecce2be84bf06b392e96e1d/19861%20-%20artist%3AEgophiliac%20celestia%20edit%20happy%2 0luna%20lunalove%20sisters.png
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8OWpj3y0jk/TkzKjbExzxI/AAAAAAAAA0s/yT4d2wr_rc8/s1600/45588+-+artist-Egophiliac+celestia+cute+filly+luna+sisters+woona. png
http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrg2wkPGA11qfm4kpo1_500.png
http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lmpgxz7l0n1qdjbzko1_500.png
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6TkgnFPGhqE/TjM5PAnjxlI/AAAAAAAAJbk/PnGxlq2rLZA/s1600/having_a_ball__by_dreatos-d421ivd.png.jpg
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/ca3d81843f49e8bc2572f574a78fe882/51086%20-%20animated%20artist%3Avalcron%20filly%20vinyl_scr atch.gif
http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/original/000/181/368/1317364040.tavisharts_bald.png?1317607041

[Noctemwolf]

Someone new (I think)! Grab him!


http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/0da1a106ff7923e0fb2630d06310c636/12549%20-%20macro%20scootaloo.jpg
http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/06c7d0d2105a1314ea928cadd5a55a09/7961%20-%20animated%20jumping%20scootaloo.gif


But seriously, picture you are hanging out with a bunch of friends. It doesn't matter if you have had the same exact conversation a year back, you can have it again, even referencing the old one, and still have fun. That is the basic magic of how this thread keeps running. That and the fact that along with the repeat stuff, people bring in new ideas and topics every day.

0_0* Thank you? :smallsmile:
I may just start watching and pop in every once and a while I suppose.


Also, some of us are very drunk.

That can help conversation, I suppose. :smalltongue:


According to the list, they've posted in here before.

Basically, though I think why we keep going can be wrapped up to: Magic, Friendship, and Adorableness. and bondage http://i.imgur.com/lT2IO.jpg

Also that Scootaloo bouncing image seems to match any music I play.

Ya, I did post in the threads once or twice, but Wasn't really in the conversation.
and I noticed that too. Was listening to music on youtube, and when I saw scootaloo bouncing... she was in tune with it. singing it almost. Weird 'cause the singer was a guy. 0_0*

Edit: And white text says... WAIT WHAT? 0_0*


Leo hands out drinks to everypony.

http://www.geeksaresexy.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/bacon-mug.jpg


I Love that mug. :smalleek:


Seems the conversations turned to alcohol. Is this a bad time to point out I'm underage? (Well, I'm an adult, just not 21 as of yet :smalltongue:).

Also, some music, I suppose? anyone found the stuff they post on youtube? They make some awesome stuff.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R677MV--WI

There's a bunch more. I'll post them if anyone wants. =) 1:55 on is my favorite.

[Topaz]

@ Topaz - I'm not sure if you check the Heal/Hurt thread more than once per day, but you may want to pop over there and edit your vote for today. You tried to hurt a character that's already dead, and it's a bit confusing that you posted heals for two characters but labeled one "double heal."
Fixed (I hope).


Hello ponythread,

(druid_droid here, if the eldritch avvie is confusing you). Today was miserable, and I would like nothing more than to go whimper in a corner until I don't feel like the world and the future hate me. That said, would you perhaps have some nice pony-themed pictures to cheer me up? I'm kinda down...
Apologies for any repeats...
I was a free mare in Paris, I felt unfettered and alive...
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tpEqh0yIr3Y/Too_LIHyrwI/AAAAAAAANLI/qhhaLsXELFA/s1600/66607+-+artist+madmax+fluttershy.png
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYfYm8vxCrQ/Too_SRX8ZoI/AAAAAAAANME/wDkwEO0AHEs/s1600/66548+-+artist+sillystell+luna+trail.jpg
Shoo Be Doo...
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KERP50RIRVo/Top38EB266I/AAAAAAAANNE/vz5gei8ydu8/s1600/1316665400.kabukihomewood_raritypearl_copy.jpg

[TheAmishPirate]

Hello ponythread,

(druid_droid here, if the eldritch avvie is confusing you). Today was miserable, and I would like nothing more than to go whimper in a corner until I don't feel like the world and the future hate me. That said, would you perhaps have some nice pony-themed pictures to cheer me up? I'm kinda down...

Have a sea pony and a sugar-rushed Surprise:

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ls9zqoMv3j1r2ulmeo1_500.png

http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_ls5l5dYUcK1r2ulmeo1_1280.png?AWSAccessKeyId =AKIAJ6IHWSU3BX3X7X3Q&Expires=1317784403&Signature=dP4V%2FhwtOPiemAT6q6UlF9i%2BUPg%3D

[BlasTech]

And one last one for good measure. This one just makes me smile because it's so peaceful.

Spoiler'd for huge

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/274/e/1/twilight_sleeping_by_stinkehund-d4bd0ni.png

Phew, okay ... I need a break.

*collapses*

[Kindablue]

Edit: And white text says... WAIT WHAT? 0_0*

That was a test, citizen. And you passed.

[Zevox]

I will burn away this depression with massive amounts of HNNNNNNNGGGGG

Warning, Cuteness hazard level 5.

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/ca3d81843f49e8bc2572f574a78fe882/51086%20-%20animated%20artist%3Avalcron%20filly%20vinyl_scr atch.gif
D'aw, I love that filly Vinyl animation. :smallsmile:

Zevox

[the_druid_droid]

Thanks everypony!

I actually do feel better; finally getting home and focusing on adorable things rather than work helped a lot!

[OracleofWuffing]

Point by point, planning it together (http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7277/001csv.jpg)
It's a sketch, cutting out the pattern edge by edge
Making sure the model unfolds nicely
It's perfect numbers for the plan
always gotta keep my normals facing
two-manifold's I'm facing,
I'm makingathreedimensionalmodelofahorsebasedonanillus tratiooon!

Face by Face, fussing on the details (http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/8608/002jzi.jpg)
Tri's to quads, 'cause you know it simply saves me time
make this something to admire
even though my rhyming is quite dire
gotta mind my thinnest walling rules
but that's why I went to schools
I'm makingathreedimensionalmodelofahorsebasedonanillus tratiooon!

Meshing is easy- (http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/2235/003xww.jpg)
for a guy who likes to think
Projection's something tricky
blend steel and form- I don't mean something squicky!

Something curved, perhaps like Hogarth (http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/7707/004sq.jpg)
Nose and eye, couldn't you just simply cry?
Making sure it fits within my bounds
don't forget the magic of wacom
even though it's kind of fake
I don't think that will shake
I'm makingathreedimensionalmodelofahorsebasedonanillus tratiooon!

Point by point, edge by edge,
face by face, ess-kay-pea
Oh-bee-jay, zee-tee-el
Export all, get compressed
and that's the art of the mesh! (http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6972/005pl.jpg)

And that. Is how. Ponies. Are born. :smallannoyed:

Now the sculpting begins! :smalltongue:

[Roninhirox]

Hello ponythread,

(druid_droid here, if the eldritch avvie is confusing you). Today was miserable, and I would like nothing more than to go whimper in a corner until I don't feel like the world and the future hate me. That said, would you perhaps have some nice pony-themed pictures to cheer me up? I'm kinda down...

Have some more for good measure


http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/51ba22873930ec90ea4541aa21adf7c6/63944%20-%20artist%3Akefkafloyd%20make_some_friends%20poste r%20propaganda%20propaganda_poster%20spitfire%20wo nderbolts.jpg

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/200745064f5e7e5e31bbbdb5ddcccc5d/42141%20-%20artist%3Awolfjedisamuel%20celestia%20fluttershy %20poster%20propaganda%20propaganda_poster.jpg

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/d25591aeba0863591f6d79c2e55f164e/49284%20-%20apple_bloom%20creepy_smile%20propaganda%20propa ganda_parody%20propaganda_poster%20slasher_bloom%2 0slasher_smile%20smile%20watching_you.png

and then human luna http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/187cd9985a0170b81914f97f95b2552f/66253%20-%20artist%3Athelivingmachine02%20cute%20humanized% 20luna.jpg



That is just what happened to be open in my browser at the moment.

[Topaz]

And that. Is how. Ponies. Are born. :smallannoyed:

Now the sculpting begins! :smalltongue:
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg62/HybridFeline/RarityclapbyMihaaaa.gif

[Capt. Ido Nos]

I would like to say THANK YOU to everyone for all the great musics so far, keep em coming if you find them, I literally can not have too much pony music ^^ Gonna leave my desktop on tomorrow and remote in during work to get as much downloaded as I can ^^

I would also like to say that I identify with the sleep-drunk. I am feeling that right now, and would like very much to go sleep it off. That said, minecraft was awesome tonight. We civilized the heck out of that npc village. Those testificates had BETTER be grateful for the service we'd done them today :smallamused:

Ponies guys, ponies.

Also, on the minecrafts, one of the folks on the server has been present, but working far away for some time. We finally tracked them down, and found a chest with an absurd amount of diamonds sitting in it. One guy asked why on earth did they have so many in this horde? To which I simply said

"Diamonds, dog."

[Kris Strife]

Midnight is Learning

*Midnight frowns, taking all of this in. She listens to Leo explain everything, and then when he finishes...

"Begging your pardon, and I mean no offense to you personally, but what your organization seems to be doing appears to be the height of arrogance. Who are you to determine what happens to other universes? What divine mandate? You think you know about the multiverse, but the multiverse in and of itself is unknowable, due to it's sheer expanse. Some universes must be uniquely fated for things to happen, while others are completely deterministic, where choices matter. Who are you to interfere with any of that? You could screw things up worse than what they were originally going to turn out to be!

Not only that, who polices you? You cannot tell me your organization nor these Exalted are incorruptable. You cannot tell me that you do not have agendas that determine your actions, and the paths that you take. Who are you to decide right and wrong? You said your kind ruled a world once, but now you do not? That in and of itself is questionable to me. Makes me wonder.

Of course, on the other hand, it's doubtful your kind has a huge impact on the multiverse as a whole. If the theory is correct that decisions create alternate universes, than your group of, what, seven hundred? Your group couldn't possibly hope to police anything than a small subsection of even the small subsection of worlds where sun and moon are controlled. That's not even getting into the potential that many universes might have hundreds, thousands, MILLIONS of worlds out there!"

Her horn flicks, and the book reappears, Midnight grasping it with her magic. She eyes Leo.

"I suppose what I'm saying is that I do not recognize you or your organizations authority. I appreciate the tip on the magic, however, I'm always willing to learn from new sources."

Midnight is Learning
Leo nods and sighs, hanging his head. "I know... There are those who give in to temptation, give in to less than good natures. I know my group has flaws, that it's not big enough to do everything we want to do. I know all of these things. I made a similar argument myself at first, with an added 'Why did you let what happened to my world happen?' I don't know how to answer you, I never liked the answers I got."

"However, I've also seen what happens if we don't try. I told you the Multiverse works like an intricate machine. Damage or some disruption in one tiny part of it can spread, cause entire realities to just... Cease to exist. I can't let someone's failure or evil actions hurt an innocent, not if I can do anything about it. I don't want to see another Equestria become as broken as mine was."

"And I'm glad you don't think it gives me some kind of position or authority. I want you to treat me like an individual. I don't want you to judge me based on the actions others in my group, or previous Exalts made anymore than I think you'd want me to judge you based on Snips, Snails or Blueblood." He raises his head and holds out a hoof to her. "Will you give me a chance to prove myself with my actions, my words? Will you let me try to be your friend? Please?"

OOC: Ugh, so much drama. But hopefully this will help clear the air between them. I'd much rather them get along, so they can focus their combined efforts on those who deserve it. Like Blueblood Senior! :smallbiggrin:

Dexam, I hope everything will be okay. I can only imagine how worried you must be. :smallfrown:

[SiuiS]

"I don't know, Pony. What's your angle?"

Blueblood winced. Could this creature be purposefully trying to sabotage negotiations? It had ignored social and diplomatic mores so far, and it's voice!

"See here, my good Earl, you have all of the information already. I don't know why you insist on giving myself and my Princesses motives they do not have. Is it so hard? We have a pony who needs kidnapping. You need gems for your people's economy, and moreover," Blueblood leaned towards the Diamond dog, ignoring the rustle and clanked of his heavy guards, "your people need the food shipments that only Equestria is willing to barter for. You've alienated the the Fu republic, the dragons don't care about your dwindling supply veins or the famine that cuts your workforce in half; the griffons have declared outright war on your people!"

He sat back, watching. The Earl of Canidae had remarkable composure for a diamond dog - he shook slightly in lieu of the usual loud gesticulations - and the Duke relaxed. It's all downhill from here, Auntie.

"So..." the shrill gravelly voice made Blueblood tense again. "We capture pony, we get the goods, cheaper? You have yourself a deal, pon--" Prince Blueblood snorted forcefully, and the Earl swallowed with equal force "Er, I mean. you have yourself a deal, Duke Blueblood." The Earl Stood. Blueblood Stood. The guards stood.

Three droplets sounded in the far cavern reaches. A fourescent purple fungus rolled by, like some undersea creature miming the Mild West.

"I'll just see myself out then. Good day, um, 'gentleman'." Blueblood turned with dramatic flair, leaving a small bag of bits, and carrying the signed trade agreement back to Celestia under his cloak.

-

"Auntie, I don't understand. Why is this necessary?" Prince complained. "Why can't we just tell them what they need to know? One of them is your apprentice, even! I'm sure they would—"

"Sir Blueblood, this is an official briefing. You will stand at attention and address me appropriately." The admonition was spoken gently, lovingly. Prince's blood ran cold and his faced burned red. It was dawning on him more and more that this was serious.

Seeing him stand to attention, Celestia herself relaxed, and took over pacing where he himself had stopped, never leaving her dais. Lit silver by the skylight far above, the princess nevertheless looked as radiant as ever. Only the faintest sheen at her edges proved she stood in moonlight.

"Sir Blueblood, Duke of the Splendid Hills... Knight of Harmony... My nephew... Prince..." Celestia's voice softened and yet became energized, from title to name. "I want to make it very clear that this is momentous in ways even my sister and I do not fully understand. Just as this cannot be only a political move or your knightly duty, it must be something you believe in and feel... So too must the chosen bearers of the Elements of Harmony feel what they must do. I have known Twilight for years, and I've met her friends. They are wonderful! But if I tell them about what is to come, they will think they understand it, Twilight especially. Their surety will be their downfall.

The season is changing, Sir Blueblood. The next great age is upon us. Like the zeitgeist of the griffons, Sir Blueblood. *A series of events so profound that they will change how everypony - everyone - thinks, feels, and acts. This age, we are watched. Things move beyond our furthest understanding. Some wish us well, some wish us ill. And from the small changes we have seen, the cynicism, bitterness and neglect that has become vogue among my kingdom is but the merest ripple. I know how you feel about what we've been doing, but you must understand..."

Blueblood turned towards his pacing aunt, his voice terse. "Princess, I just spent a week in a cave, convincing a neighboring clan to kidnap one of our kingdom assets! Forgive me if I cannot reconcile these ungentlecoltly behaviors with my duty as a knight!" he finished hotly.

Princess Celestia stopped pacing. For a long breath Prince thought that he had finally crossed a line, finally acted as family when acting as subject was called for, finally ... Something.

But her eyes. Her eyes.

"Sir Blueblood. Prince, look at me." Prince could have been thinking in her voice, as soft as the command was. "What do you see? What do you see when you look at me."

Prince Gazed up the slight dais, gazed up the long and slim form of the now statue-still princess. Her oddly feminine barrel chest, laden thick with heavy gold moved slowly with her breathing.

Kindness. Loyalty. Generosity.

Her mane an aurora blown by invisible winds, her chin lifted in habitual regality. Her eyes, the eyes that saw almost half a millions sunrises, sunsets. Liquid, framed by lines of worry and love.

Honesty. Laughter.
Magic.

Blueblood relented. Under any iron gaze, or stony stare he would hold. Against fire and adversity he could perservere. Here, his Auntie, his Princess, his senior knight in the Order of Harmony, here were the clearest "windows to the soul" the duke had ever seen. Celestia didn't want to plot. She didn't want to command her nephew, to bargain with other kingdoms and countries. She wanted to go home, be with her sister, throw down her crown, and be a regular pony.

"I will do as you ask, Princess. For all of us." For what little peace it can bring you. She dismissed him, and he left, slowly trotting out to the garden through the passages known only by the order. Each step brought him more fresh air, doing little to ease his troubled heart.

-

Remember that what you do is for the good of more than even all of Equestria, Prince. What you do tonight will save all of the world.

Celestia's words floated to Bluebloods mind, and he mulled them over. She was right, of course. She was always right. But still, the urge to find a good mare, settle down into a humdrum existence... Just forget all of this cosmic events malarkey, and enjoy the company of a pretty young thing...

Devoid of any real merit. A deserter, a drop out, and likely holding tightly to some young filly after his money and title, out to make a name for himself. No, this needed to happen. He couldn't do otherwise, knowing what he did.

Rarity will be arriving by carriage. We need to do whatever we can to make sure the bearers of the Elements bond, Sir Blueblood. Some of your fellows will see to the other ponies, but Generosity is yours. Do not fail in this task. And Prince...

Process Luna and I both know what this is like. Afterwards, I'd you need to talk... You're not alone.

Trumpets sounded and Blueblood shook. Of course, the doors were opening! He had spent too much time thinking, and had almost missed his opportunity... There!

She was, of course, stunning. Why wouldn't she be? He thought. Here was a pony whose life was fashion, or - dare he say it? - style. Of course she would look her best, on this the night of the Gala.

A pity though. Blueblood had already developed a crush of sorts on the bearer of Generosity. The letters form Princess Celestia's apprentice that involved her exploits were one of his prime sources of intelligence. That and the reports from Canidae, both from the spies and from the Dogs themselves, had painted a dazzling picture. Elegant, self-reliant, rapier wits... Had she been uglier than a nag in a pig pen, his duties would be easier to execute. Of course, no such luck.

Blueblood turned towards the garden doors, waiting, watching the highly polished gold trim. Soon she would catch sight of him and— There!

Just walk, he told himself. Be*Calm, collected. And yet... Curiosity and concern got the better of the unicorn, and he turned to look over his shoulder at the mare who followed him with such eager eyes. He could only hope she had horrible soft skills.

Brief breezes from between the palace hedges helped Prince clear his head, cool his skin. Everything was going according to plan. Everything must go according to plan... He resolved himself to his task, and put on his best mask of politely reined interest. When she entered the gardens proper, he gave Generosity his best 'come hither' smarmy brow, and set to work.

She pretended not to notice him, of course. They always did that, playing coy. It made the act easier though. Blueblood gave silent thanks for small favors. "Well, hello. I am Prince Blueblood." his voice was so full of pompousness, he felt like he had licked a hog. Still, it seemed to be just the right level of charming that Generosity was expecting.

"I am Rarity." she said, demurely. It took all of Prince's will not to respond to that lovely voice. "Oh, My!" she continued. "What a lovely rose..."

The expected response was painfully obvious. Still, prince admitted to himself that her lack of courtly guile was almost charming. There of course could be only one response to such a strike; parry, riposte. Verbal sparring was what he excelled at.

"you mean... This rose?" Prince plucked the flower gingerly with his teeth, extending it towards Rarity, as if to offer... Before biting off the excess stem and sticking the rose into his lapel. "Thank you! It goes with my eyes."

She was angry, of course. But Prince felt a stab of guilt, seeing the hurt underneath that anger. He couldn't turn away fast enough.

-

Sir Blueblood, this is more important than anything we've ever had to do. More important than anything we ever thought we would have to do, even when we founded the order those long centuries ago."
"Yes, Princess." He was stock still, burnished armor catching flickers of torchlight.
"Sir Blueblood, I am not sure even you understand the enormity of this." The princess raised her voice to carry to the other assembled knights. He was to be the example then. So be it.
"even Discord's prison weakens. Whether intentional or a side effect we do not know. The bearers of the Elements need to rely on each other, even above their fondest desires."
Blueblood's eyes lidded slightly in confusion. Fondest desires?

-

Two hours had passed, and Prince was certain that he'd given Rarity a less than flattering impression of royalty. Small gaffes that must, by decorum, go uncommented on had been the rule, yet still she seemed to adore him. Now she tired, and said something about a sit to watch the stars. Rarity had long since given up witty banter, and just doggedly hoped for some glimmer of manners.

Blueblood sighed and set out to turn even that against her. The look on her face when he set down a cushion for her was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. The rest was almost too easy; wait for her to recognize the gesture, then take the cushion himself. The only surprise was how bad he felt at dashing her feelings once again, as she muttered under her breath. "This is at all what I imagined..."

Prince sat staring into the night sky until his face was composed once more.

-

"I'm very sorry for withholding this, but we had to be sure you could do this mission before we told you. You are assigned to the element of Generosity, Sir Blueblood, because she personally wants to meet you."
The shock on his face must have been as clear to the princess as her own concern was to him. This was it. This was the unvoiced question that danced in her eyes these last few months. Could he continue?
Prince Blueblood swallowed. "That should just make the task easier then." his fellows quietly murmured approval, good. There was some doubt in the ranks, now quelled. Yet still his Auntie continued to look at him with concern.

-

Blueblood walked with Rarity back through the palace. Her muttering was a blessing. Not only did it make it easier to know her mind, but it gave him something else to focus on as he guided her through the throng of party-goers.*After minutes of careful search and guidance, Prince finally found what he sought; an overturned glass of water. Being on ones best behavior a he palace was understandable, but certainly somepony must have dropped a glass before now! He had never in his life regarded efficient servants with so much vitriol.

A careful turn, a slightly faster pace... Slow, and another turn. Stop, look around, another subtle turn... Prince was distracted from his maneuverings by the slight kiss of frills on his side. Trying to hide the blush it brought to his face, Blueblood almost missed his chance entirely as Rarity continued toward the spill.

"Miss Rarity, stop!" Prince flung out his foreleg, and was rewarded with a brush of gentle fur and soft, hot breaths of*surprise.

"Prince Blueblood! How Chivalrous!"

Blueblood considered the situation. He could continue from this point, wooing Rarity, being the gentlecolt she dreamed of. Fulfilling her notions of sophistication. Finding himself a filly who wanted princely behavior, not princely prestige and income.

His oaths service rose up in his mind, his promises to his aunts, his princesses, the realm...

With enough ceremony to to make The Barding himself rolls his eyes, Blueblood recited his lines. "One would hate to slip..."

-

"Princess?" He ventured. "... Auntie?"
"I asked you to stay behind because I needed to talk to you, Blueblood. I need to know that you can handle this."
Prince felt a frission of anger. The last week had been constant doubt, and enough was enough. "Why do you insist on asking that? Is this some continued test of perseverance? Or do you really feel I will let you down?"
The princess only smiled at his tirade. He felt instantly ashamed.
"Blueblood, this will be he hardest part for all of us." she gestured with her horn, though he didn't turn. He didn't need to to know where she was going with this. "your cutie mark. The moral compass. Prince, it's one thing to work like traditional royalty, treating ponies like numbers or pieces on a board or rival players. But Generosity is a lovely, charming young lady. She averted crises through wit, good humor and self-sacrifice. This is not putting the worst against the worst, in court. This is forcing somepony who doesn't deserve it to feel bad, so they will grow."
She looks away, and now Prince is truely worried. Were her eyes glassy? Was she crying?
"I couldn't do it last time, Sir Blueblood." back to titles. Hiding her feelings only made them more clear to him. "Luna... Nightmare Moon... I couldn't risk being wrong about the elements, couldn't risk hurting my sister. It cost me a thousand years. Even knowing this, I don't think... That I could act differently if I had to do it again."

-

It had been another hour. The food stand with her friend - Honesty? Loyalty? Hard to distinguish sometimes - and the door were some of his finer work as a 'petty noble', but there were a dozen other slights he threw in just in case. Each rested like a shallow cut on his heart.

The night was drawing to a close, or it was according to the princesses' plans. Each of the Bearers must be emotionally exhausted; if Rarity were any indication, one more push should be enough to send them all running, seeking solace with each other. In fact, it seemed to be happening now, with Laughter trying ever harder to start up some fun, and the food cart pony bringing in... Cake?

Prince couldn't recall exactly what chain of events started it all. He could only see the cake flying, and Rarity's concern for his well-being.

Which obviously left only one course of action - or one coarse action, if one were inclined to punnery. For her part, Rarity was surprisingly receptive to becoming a ballistic shield, no doubt too stunned to put up any fuss until after her gown was ruined and spattered with apple cake. [I]I'll have to remember to pay for that anonymously later...

There was little time for self musings, as Rarity turned on him like dragon. "YOU SIR!" she began, and Blueblood could see her struggling to funnel all her hurt feelings without damaging her composure, though little time dis he have to admire her will. "Are the most UNCHARMING prince I have ever met!"

The urge to point out that Prince was his name and that he was, in fact, a duke, was absurdly strong.

"In fact, the only thing royal about you is that you are a royal pain!"

Rarity began to settle into her tirade, a calm that Prince couldn't afford to let her have. He could later only dimly recall his exact words - having hit his head rather smartly shortly after - but he knew they had the desired effect. He didn't awaken until hours later, when the princess had returned to survey the cleaning.

Prince headed towards her, forestalling her explanations. He'd already had the details from the more informed servants.

"So did your plan work, Princess?"

Celestia didn't seem to catch the sneer in his voice. "Yes, actually. The girls spent spent the night reminiscing. I am glad to say they are closer now than ever. We may yet stand a chance."

"The girls?" Prince asked, incredulous. "not the bearers of the Elements, not your faithful student and her friends? The girls. The girls!" he shouted. The princess' eyes widened in shock, and she stopped walking amongst the carnage, giving him her full attention.

"Is there something wrong, Blueblood?"

"of course there is! I spent the entire night ruining some poor Unicorn's dreams, while you shook hands and partied with "the girls"! The Princess is working with Fu, Zebrica, and Griffonmont! I spent months sabotaging those ponies, leaving a parasprite nest, bribing the Diamond Dogs into kidnapping one, even telling the Appleoosians where to plant their orchard for optimum conflict... And you spend the Gala eating doughnuts!"

The princess stared at him, mouth agape. The concern that had been there since this whole thing began vanished. In it's place was a horrible understanding.

"You loved her."

The barest whisper, yet he heard it. His composure broke, hours of manipulation finally finding their way to his conscience.

"Blueblood, you were only with her a night. This wasn't... You should have ... Have done something else."

Hot tears fell to the floor as Prince struggled against his heaving sobs. He didn't see Celestia approach. He certainly hadn't seen her move, or the servants all flee at a gesture. A downy wing pulled him in, and the princess sat him on an overturned marble pillar, to cry a river together under the watching moon.

Good Gods I hate writing. I don't know if this is any good. I don't care anymore. It took me less than a minute to structure, why by Fire dis it take me five and a half blinkered hours to write?

Standard trepidation of taking up an artform I'm not used to and showing it to professionals, but if there is anything I've learned from Thanqol, it's that the only one who loses if I don't is me.

I'll be shot to the moon before I let a dearth of actual talent keep Me from actually benefitting from this much labor. I should probably work in that prince/duke thing sooner. I should really work on fleshing out characters. I should just stick to drawing. Whatever.

So darn burnt out right now. This was harrowing; how do I carve out what I want while I still possessing of inspiration? The western winds brought me fae desires, and to write this (at the time) short and sweet story was one of them. But when the winds go, so too does the mood, and balancing work, writing, and getting air was hard.

Actual contribution in my usual style pending. Enjoy, a charai. Or whichever way to make 'my friends' plural in Irish.

[Kindablue]

I would like to say THANK YOU to everyone for all the great musics so far, keep em coming if you find them, I literally can not have too much pony music ^^ Gonna leave my desktop on tomorrow and remote in during work to get as much downloaded as I can ^^

As I surrender unto sleep:
Italian Opening Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Trf002vigUA)
French Giggle at the Ghostly (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMXzFCIYnEw&feature=related)
Spanish Winter Wrap Up (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkMXe5996HU)
French Singing Telegram (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffV6_mS-L44&NR=1)
Russian Cupcakes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOT3pmynZlY)

[TheAmishPirate]

"I don't know, Pony. What's your angle?"

Blueblood winced. Could this creature be purposefully trying to sabotage negotiations? It had ignored social and diplomatic mores so far, and it's voice!

"See here, my good Earl, you have all of the information already. I don't know why you insist on giving myself and my Princesses motives they do not have. Is it so hard? We have a pony who needs kidnapping. You need gems for your people's economy, and moreover," Blueblood leaned towards the Diamond dog, ignoring the rustle and clanked of his heavy guards, "your people need the food shipments that only Equestria is willing to barter for. You've alienated the the Fu republic, the dragons don't care about your dwindling supply veins or the famine that cuts your workforce in half; the griffons have declared outright war on your people!"

He sat back, watching. The Earl of Canidae had remarkable composure for a diamond dog - he shook slightly in lieu of the usual loud gesticulations - and the Duke relaxed. It's all downhill from here, Auntie.

"So..." the shrill gravelly voice made Blueblood tense again. "We capture pony, we get the goods, cheaper? You have yourself a deal, pon--" Prince Blueblood snorted forcefully, and the Earl swallowed with equal force "Er, I mean. you have yourself a deal, Duke Blueblood." The Earl Stood. Blueblood Stood. The guards stood.

Three droplets sounded in the far cavern reaches. A fourescent purple fungus rolled by, like some undersea creature miming the Mild West.

"I'll just see myself out then. Good day, um, 'gentleman'." Blueblood turned with dramatic flair, leaving a small bag of bits, and carrying the signed trade agreement back to Celestia under his cloak.

-

"Auntie, I don't understand. Why is this necessary?" Prince complained. "Why can't we just tell them what they need to know? One of them is your apprentice, even! I'm sure they would—"

"Sir Blueblood, this is an official briefing. You will stand at attention and address me appropriately." The admonition was spoken gently, lovingly. Prince's blood ran cold and his faced burned red. It was dawning on him more and more that this was serious.

Seeing him stand to attention, Celestia herself relaxed, and took over pacing where he himself had stopped, never leaving her dais. Lit silver by the skylight far above, the princess nevertheless looked as radiant as ever. Only the faintest sheen at her edges proved she stood in moonlight.

"Sir Blueblood, Duke of the Splendid Hills... Knight of Harmony... My nephew... Prince..." Celestia's voice softened and yet became energized, from title to name. "I want to make it very clear that this is momentous in ways even my sister and I do not fully understand. Just as this cannot be only a political move or your knightly duty, it must be something you believe in and feel... So too must the chosen bearers of the Elements of Harmony feel what they must do. I have known Twilight for years, and I've met her friends. They are wonderful! But if I tell them about what is to come, they will think they understand it, Twilight especially. Their surety will be their downfall.

The season is changing, Sir Blueblood. The next great age is upon us. Like the zeitgeist of the griffons, Sir Blueblood. *A series of events so profound that they will change how everypony - everyone - thinks, feels, and acts. This age, we are watched. Things move beyond our furthest understanding. Some wish us well, some wish us ill. And from the small changes we have seen, the cynicism, bitterness and neglect that has become vogue among my kingdom is but the merest ripple. I know how you feel about what we've been doing, but you must understand..."

Blueblood turned towards his pacing aunt, his voice terse. "Princess, I just spent a week in a cave, convincing a neighboring clan to kidnap one of our kingdom assets! Forgive me if I cannot reconcile these ungentlecoltly behaviors with my duty as a knight!" he finished hotly.

Princess Celestia stopped pacing. For a long breath Prince thought that he had finally crossed a line, finally acted as family when acting as subject was called for, finally ... Something.

But her eyes. Her eyes.

"Sir Blueblood. Prince, look at me." Prince could have been thinking in her voice, as soft as the command was. "What do you see? What do you see when you look at me."

Prince Gazed up the slight dais, gazed up the long and slim form of the now statue-still princess. Her oddly feminine barrel chest, laden thick with heavy gold moved slowly with her breathing.

Kindness. Loyalty. Generosity.

Her mane an aurora blown by invisible winds, her chin lifted in habitual regality. Her eyes, the eyes that saw almost half a millions sunrises, sunsets. Liquid, framed by lines of worry and love.

Honesty. Laughter.
Magic.

Blueblood relented. Under any iron gaze, or stony stare he would hold. Against fire and adversity he could perservere. Here, his Auntie, his Princess, his senior knight in the Order of Harmony, here were the clearest "windows to the soul" the duke had ever seen. Celestia didn't want to plot. She didn't want to command her nephew, to bargain with other kingdoms and countries. She wanted to go home, be with her sister, throw down her crown, and be a regular pony.

"I will do as you ask, Princess. For all of us." For what little peace it can bring you. She dismissed him, and he left, slowly trotting out to the garden through the passages known only by the order. Each step brought him more fresh air, doing little to ease his troubled heart.

-

Remember that what you do is for the good of more than even all of Equestria, Prince. What you do tonight will save all of the world.

Celestia's words floated to Bluebloods mind, and he mulled them over. She was right, of course. She was always right. But still, the urge to find a good mare, settle down into a humdrum existence... Just forget all of this cosmic events malarkey, and enjoy the company of a pretty young thing...

Devoid of any real merit. A deserter, a drop out, and likely holding tightly to some young filly after his money and title, out to make a name for himself. No, this needed to happen. He couldn't do otherwise, knowing what he did.

Rarity will be arriving by carriage. We need to do whatever we can to make sure the bearers of the Elements bond, Sir Blueblood. Some of your fellows will see to the other ponies, but Generosity is yours. Do not fail in this task. And Prince...

Process Luna and I both know what this is like. Afterwards, I'd you need to talk... You're not alone.

Trumpets sounded and Blueblood shook. Of course, the doors were opening! He had spent too much time thinking, and had almost missed his opportunity... There!

She was, of course, stunning. Why wouldn't she be? He thought. Here was a pony whose life was fashion, or - dare he say it? - style. Of course she would look her best, on this the night of the Gala.

A pity though. Blueblood had already developed a crush of sorts on the bearer of Generosity. The letters form Princess Celestia's apprentice that involved her exploits were one of his prime sources of intelligence. That and the reports from Canidae, both from the spies and from the Dogs themselves, had painted a dazzling picture. Elegant, self-reliant, rapier wits... Had she been uglier than a nag in a pig pen, his duties would be easier to execute. Of course, no such luck.

Blueblood turned towards the garden doors, waiting, watching the highly polished gold trim. Soon she would catch sight of him and— There!

Just walk, he told himself. Be*Calm, collected. And yet... Curiosity and concern got the better of the unicorn, and he turned to look over his shoulder at the mare who followed him with such eager eyes. He could only hope she had horrible soft skills.

Brief breezes from between the palace hedges helped Prince clear his head, cool his skin. Everything was going according to plan. Everything must go according to plan... He resolved himself to his task, and put on his best mask of politely reined interest. When she entered the gardens proper, he gave Generosity his best 'come hither' smarmy brow, and set to work.

She pretended not to notice him, of course. They always did that, playing coy. It made the act easier though. Blueblood gave silent thanks for small favors. "Well, hello. I am Prince Blueblood." his voice was so full of pompousness, he felt like he had licked a hog. Still, it seemed to be just the right level of charming that Generosity was expecting.

"I am Rarity." she said, demurely. It took all of Prince's will not to respond to that lovely voice. "Oh, My!" she continued. "What a lovely rose..."

The expected response was painfully obvious. Still, prince admitted to himself that her lack of courtly guile was almost charming. There of course could be only one response to such a strike; parry, riposte. Verbal sparring was what he excelled at.

"you mean... This rose?" Prince plucked the flower gingerly with his teeth, extending it towards Rarity, as if to offer... Before biting off the excess stem and sticking the rose into his lapel. "Thank you! It goes with my eyes."

She was angry, of course. But Prince felt a stab of guilt, seeing the hurt underneath that anger. He couldn't turn away fast enough.

-

Sir Blueblood, this is more important than anything we've ever had to do. More important than anything we ever thought we would have to do, even when we founded the order those long centuries ago."
"Yes, Princess." He was stock still, burnished armor catching flickers of torchlight.
"Sir Blueblood, I am not sure even you understand the enormity of this." The princess raised her voice to carry to the other assembled knights. He was to be the example then. So be it.
"even Discord's prison weakens. Whether intentional or a side effect we do not know. The bearers of the Elements need to rely on each other, even above their fondest desires."
Blueblood's eyes lidded slightly in confusion. Fondest desires?

-

Two hours had passed, and Prince was certain that he'd given Rarity a less than flattering impression of royalty. Small gaffes that must, by decorum, go uncommented on had been the rule, yet still she seemed to adore him. Now she tired, and said something about a sit to watch the stars. Rarity had long since given up witty banter, and just doggedly hoped for some glimmer of manners.

Blueblood sighed and set out to turn even that against her. The look on her face when he set down a cushion for her was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. The rest was almost too easy; wait for her to recognize the gesture, then take the cushion himself. The only surprise was how bad he felt at dashing her feelings once again, as she muttered under her breath. "This is at all what I imagined..."

Prince sat staring into the night sky until his face was composed once more.

-

"I'm very sorry for withholding this, but we had to be sure you could do this mission before we told you. You are assigned to the element of Generosity, Sir Blueblood, because she personally wants to meet you."
The shock on his face must have been as clear to the princess as her own concern was to him. This was it. This was the unvoiced question that danced in her eyes these last few months. Could he continue?
Prince Blueblood swallowed. "That should just make the task easier then." his fellows quietly murmured approval, good. There was some doubt in the ranks, now quelled. Yet still his Auntie continued to look at him with concern.

-

Blueblood walked with Rarity back through the palace. Her muttering was a blessing. Not only did it make it easier to know her mind, but it gave him something else to focus on as he guided her through the throng of party-goers.*After minutes of careful search and guidance, Prince finally found what he sought; an overturned glass of water. Being on ones best behavior a he palace was understandable, but certainly somepony must have dropped a glass before now! He had never in his life regarded efficient servants with so much vitriol.

A careful turn, a slightly faster pace... Slow, and another turn. Stop, look around, another subtle turn... Prince was distracted from his maneuverings by the slight kiss of frills on his side. Trying to hide the blush it brought to his face, Blueblood almost missed his chance entirely as Rarity continued toward the spill.

"Miss Rarity, stop!" Prince flung out his foreleg, and was rewarded with a brush of gentle fur and soft, hot breaths of*surprise.

"Prince Blueblood! How Chivalrous!"

Blueblood considered the situation. He could continue from this point, wooing Rarity, being the gentlecolt she dreamed of. Fulfilling her notions of sophistication. Finding himself a filly who wanted princely behavior, not princely prestige and income.

His oaths service rose up in his mind, his promises to his aunts, his princesses, the realm...

With enough ceremony to to make The Barding himself rolls his eyes, Blueblood recited his lines. "One would hate to slip..."

-

"Princess?" He ventured. "... Auntie?"
"I asked you to stay behind because I needed to talk to you, Blueblood. I need to know that you can handle this."
Prince felt a frission of anger. The last week had been constant doubt, and enough was enough. "Why do you insist on asking that? Is this some continued test of perseverance? Or do you really feel I will let you down?"
The princess only smiled at his tirade. He felt instantly ashamed.
"Blueblood, this will be he hardest part for all of us." she gestured with her horn, though he didn't turn. He didn't need to to know where she was going with this. "your cutie mark. The moral compass. Prince, it's one thing to work like traditional royalty, treating ponies like numbers or pieces on a board or rival players. But Generosity is a lovely, charming young lady. She averted crises through wit, good humor and self-sacrifice. This is not putting the worst against the worst, in court. This is forcing somepony who doesn't deserve it to feel bad, so they will grow."
She looks away, and now Prince is truely worried. Were her eyes glassy? Was she crying?
"I couldn't do it last time, Sir Blueblood." back to titles. Hiding her feelings only made them more clear to him. "Luna... Nightmare Moon... I couldn't risk being wrong about the elements, couldn't risk hurting my sister. It cost me a thousand years. Even knowing this, I don't think... That I could act differently if I had to do it again."

-

It had been another hour. The food stand with her friend - Honesty? Loyalty? Hard to distinguish sometimes - and the door were some of his finer work as a 'petty noble', but there were a dozen other slights he threw in just in case. Each rested like a shallow cut on his heart.

The night was drawing to a close, or it was according to the princesses' plans. Each of the Bearers must be emotionally exhausted; if Rarity were any indication, one more push should be enough to send them all running, seeking solace with each other. In fact, it seemed to be happening now, with Laughter trying ever harder to start up some fun, and the food cart pony bringing in... Cake?

Prince couldn't recall exactly what chain of events started it all. He could only see the cake flying, and Rarity's concern for his well-being.

Which obviously left only one course of action - or one coarse action, if one were inclined to punnery. For her part, Rarity was surprisingly receptive to becoming a ballistic shield, no doubt too stunned to put up any fuss until after her gown was ruined and spattered with apple cake. [I]I'll have to remember to pay for that anonymously later...

There was little time for self musings, as Rarity turned on him like dragon. "YOU SIR!" she began, and Blueblood could see her struggling to funnel all her hurt feelings without damaging her composure, though little time dis he have to admire her will. "Are the most UNCHARMING prince I have ever met!"

The urge to point out that Prince was his name and that he was, in fact, a duke, was absurdly strong.

"In fact, the only thing royal about you is that you are a royal pain!"

Rarity began to settle into her tirade, a calm that Prince couldn't afford to let her have. He could later only dimly recall his exact words - having hit his head rather smartly shortly after - but he knew they had the desired effect. He didn't awaken until hours later, when the princess had returned to survey the cleaning.

Prince headed towards her, forestalling her explanations. He'd already had the details from the more informed servants.

"So did your plan work, Princess?"

Celestia didn't seem to catch the sneer in his voice. "Yes, actually. The girls spent spent the night reminiscing. I am glad to say they are closer now than ever. We may yet stand a chance."

"The girls?" Prince asked, incredulous. "not the bearers of the Elements, not your faithful student and her friends? The girls. The girls!" he shouted. The princess' eyes widened in shock, and she stopped walking amongst the carnage, giving him her full attention.

"Is there something wrong, Blueblood?"

"of course there is! I spent the entire night ruining some poor Unicorn's dreams, while you shook hands and partied with "the girls"! The Princess is working with Fu, Zebrica, and Griffonmont! I spent months sabotaging those ponies, leaving a parasprite nest, bribing the Diamond Dogs into kidnapping one, even telling the Appleoosians where to plant their orchard for optimum conflict... And you spend the Gala eating doughnuts!"

The princess stared at him, mouth agape. The concern that had been there since this whole thing began vanished. In it's place was a horrible understanding.

"You loved her."

The barest whisper, yet he heard it. His composure broke, hours of manipulation finally finding their way to his conscience.

"Blueblood, you were only with her a night. This wasn't... You should have ... Have done something else."

Hot tears fell to the floor as Prince struggled against his heaving sobs. He didn't see Celestia approach. He certainly hadn't seen her move, or the servants all flee at a gesture. A downy wing pulled him in, and the princess sat him on an overturned marble pillar, to cry a river together under the watching moon.

Good Gods I hate writing. I don't know if this is any good. I don't care anymore. It took me less than a minute to structure, why by Fire dis it take me five and a half blinkered hours to write?

Standard trepidation of taking up an artform I'm not used to and showing it to professionals, but if there is anything I've learned from Thanqol, it's that the only one who loses if I don't is me.

I'll be shot to the moon before I let a dearth of actual talent keep Me from actually benefitting from this much labor. I should probably work in that prince/duke thing sooner. I should really work on fleshing out characters. I should just stick to drawing. Whatever.

So darn burnt out right now. This was harrowing; how do I carve out what I want while I still possessing of inspiration? The western winds brought me fae desires, and to write this (at the time) short and sweet story was one of them. But when the winds go, so too does the mood, and balancing work, writing, and getting air was hard.

Actual contribution in my usual style pending. Enjoy, a charai. Or whichever way to make 'my friends' plural in Irish.

It was rough. I caught a mess of spelling errors. And there were times when I was horribly confused.

But you know what?

You thought of a way to portray Blueblood in an entirely positive light. And that, my good sir, is a good thought indeed. You gave me a good read before bedtime, and certainly an interesting spin on the series as a whole. Certainly worth a few more rounds of editing, and I thank you for taking the time to experiment outside your comfort zone. I certainly enjoyed it.

[Thanqol]

*Clicks SiuiS' spoiler box expecting an imagedump or something

Gets something legit cool instead*

Damn son! The premise is inherently a bit of a stretch, but the execution was surprisingly well done. You've certainly disproved your own 'I can't write' maxim if nothing else.


Hello ponythread,

(druid_droid here, if the eldritch avvie is confusing you). Today was miserable, and I would like nothing more than to go whimper in a corner until I don't feel like the world and the future hate me. That said, would you perhaps have some nice pony-themed pictures to cheer me up? I'm kinda down...


Speaking as a someone currently operating on ~1 hour of sleep, I'd just like to say that I'd rather be drunk.

Spoilered for real-lifeyness:

Long and short of it: Mrs Dexam had another epileptic seizure last night. So, another trip to hospital, and another nervous time for all of us, particularly as she started having contraction-like aches about 6 weeks too early.

Everything appears to be okay. Mrs Dex and the impending bub check out okay, but they're keeping her in today and tonight to for observation. I'll be going back to join them soon.


Geeze, sorry to hear that. I hope things turn around for you folk soon. I wish I could do more to help, but I'm cut off from my tools and my prime pony folder right now...

This is all I got:

Easy as Lying p5:

gDocs (https://docs.google.com/document/d/11zJc5csc8RTrTK2KLKOgL46VkfDx3U-kzMDGX7wYToM/edit?hl=en_US)for assembled.

Not 100% on this segment.


*

"Oh my goodness, are you all right?" Fluttershy said, rushing over to the blind guard.

"Yes, ma'am. Why wouldn't I be all right?" said the pegasus in a deep, gravelly voice.

"Did you see who did it? Which way did they go?" Rainbow Dash said, hovering just above him, ready to lunge into pursuit. "How many of them were there?"

"I haven't seen anything unusual," said the guard. "Haven't seen much of anything." Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy exchanged a look. Then Dash pointed at his flank, where there was a cutie mark of a hawk.

"When was the last time you saw the Princess?" Fluttershy asked, approaching the problem sideways.

"About a week ago. She sent me down to guard the vaults."

"Fluttershy, I'm going to fly back to Ponyville and get the cure from the spa ponies," Rainbow Dash said, "You warn the others!"

"Okay, just be -" Fluttershy started, but Rainbow Dash was already gone "- careful."

*

"What's the Liar's Mask?" Pinkie Pie asked, peering into the empty cell.

"What's the - Pinkie Pie! Didn't your folks teach you nothin'?" Applejack said.

"They taught me the difference between sedimentary and ingenuous," Pinkie Pie said, examining the granite boulder closely, "And what a rock looks like when it breaks! There's something fishy about the way this one was broken..."

Applejack sighed. "Look, short version. Once upon a time the Spirit of Honesty met a little colt - err, filly who tricked her into becomin' a mask made out of metal. Whenever the filly wore the mask, she had the power of Honesty no matter however much hooey she was spoutin'. She could make ponies thinks rocks were diamonds, an' get them eatin' sand an' likin' it. Celestia stood up to her an' freed Honesty, but the Mask kept it's power."

"And it's been locked up for a thousand years, right?" Pinkie Pie finished.

"Locked up for a - what?" Applejack gave Pinkie Pie a credulous look. "What kinda nonsense is that?

"I thought that was how these things go. Ancient evil, Celestia beats it, 1000 years pass, then we get to beat it!" Pinkie Pie said.

"Hay no, not with this'un. This Mask gets out once a century, minimum. It's called whenever a pony starts believin' her own lies, an' no spell can stop it showin' up when it's called." Applejack said, "It doesn't have more power than a pony'll choose give it, though, an' it normally gets picked up without causing too much harm. Most ponies aren't really the lyin' type, not like that first one." Applejack said.

"So how do we find a pony who believes her own lies? What does a pony like that even look like?" Said Pinkie Pie.

"Beats me - but we gotta tell the others." Applejack said, breaking into a gallop.

*

"The worst part is how he doesn't see how churlish he is," Rarity said in a low mutter. She'd been muttering like this for some time now, gradually rising in volume. Blueblood didn't pay her any heed, though, continuing on his way with head held high. Either he wasn't hearing her, or he was really good at ignoring her. "While there is a time and a place for looking good, saving the world should come first. And it's the show of true class to if you can look good while doing something unglamorous..."

While Blueblood was oblivious to Rarity's catty rant, the courtier ponies they were passing were not. Twilight was trying to shrink inside her concealing cloak to avoid being caught in the stares.

"Rarity, maybe -" Twilight started, but Princess Pinkestia cut her off. The pink pony princess swung around, faced a random court pony, beamed widely and informed her that her wings were 'so pretty'.

"Twilight!" Fluttershy cried, bounding up to Twilight urgently. She skidded to a halt realising that she had just made a loud noise in the centre of a crowd of staring courtiers, and instantly went red.

"Oh hey, that's the Princess' student!" Called one courtier, pointing at Twilight. Twilight facehoofed.

"Hm? Oh, Twilight Sparkle and... friends," Blueblood said, looking around. "I thought you'd left."

"Haha, yes, just left. Leaving," Twilight stammered, backing up. "That's me! Twilight Sparkle. Lefting."

"Would you like to be a Princess, Twilight Sparkle?" Princess Pinkestia abruptly, with an enormous smile.

The blood drained from Twilight's face.

"What?"

"I know a way to make you a princess!" Said Pinkestia. "And the Princess' best student should surely be a Princess too!"

Twilight did not even dare to look at Rarity's face.

"Oh no, Princess. I'm fine being just plain old Twilight Sparkle, hahaha," said Twilight, trying to back up. "That's me. Twilight Sparkle. Princess-less, hahaha, as common as haydirt, hahaha"

She accidentally looked at Blueblood, though she was trying very hard not to. He wore an expression of mild contempt, but with a single raised eyebrow, which made him look like he was considering it. "Hahaha," Twilight Sparkle explained empathetically to the room full of staring eyes.

"I, Princess Celestia of Equestria," said Pinkestia, rearing herself up to her full height, "Am going to make a proclamation!"

Twilight Sparkle panicked.

The only thing that came to hoof was a brick.

And she couldn't hit the Princess.

Rarity's eyes crossed as she was hit in the back of the head by the levitated brick, and she thumped to the ground.

"Oh my goodness, look at that, she fainted hahaha," said Twilight with an unhealthily wide grin. "I'd better get her to the nurse Redheart in Ponyville right away!"

"But there are castle doctors -" said a courtier.

Twilight Sparkle swung around, holding the brick. "Hahaha!" she elaborated.

"- who, er, got eaten by manticores." the pony finished awkwardly. "Hundreds of 'em."

"Well! I'd love to stay and spend time hahaha," said Twilight, slinging the dazed Rarity onto her back and waving the brick around warningly. "And I'm sorry to cut our visit short, Princess," Twilight said to Pinkestia, grinning even more wildly, "But you know Rarity. What a lightweight! Hahaha!"

And she galloped for the exit.

*

[Neoseanster]

I've listened to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxoGmVjAsmE) as I fell asleep every night for the past week. :(

Whyyyyyyy ponythread, what have you done to meeeeeeee. And I still can't keep up with you! That's why I mostly just lurk. ;-;

[Topaz]

Good Gods I hate writing. I don't know if this is any good. I don't care anymore. It took me less than a minute to structure, why by Fire dis it take me five and a half blinkered hours to write?
Ah, a sentiment with which I am intimately familiar.

For the record, it was superb. Your story does for Blueblood what Heart of Gold, Feathers of Steel did for Gilda, and that's an accomplishment.

I really recommend cleaning it up and submitting it to Equestria Daily.

[the_druid_droid]

"I don't know, Pony. What's your angle?"

Blueblood winced. Could this creature be purposefully trying to sabotage negotiations? It had ignored social and diplomatic mores so far, and it's voice!

"See here, my good Earl, you have all of the information already. I don't know why you insist on giving myself and my Princesses motives they do not have. Is it so hard? We have a pony who needs kidnapping. You need gems for your people's economy, and moreover," Blueblood leaned towards the Diamond dog, ignoring the rustle and clanked of his heavy guards, "your people need the food shipments that only Equestria is willing to barter for. You've alienated the the Fu republic, the dragons don't care about your dwindling supply veins or the famine that cuts your workforce in half; the griffons have declared outright war on your people!"

He sat back, watching. The Earl of Canidae had remarkable composure for a diamond dog - he shook slightly in lieu of the usual loud gesticulations - and the Duke relaxed. It's all downhill from here, Auntie.

"So..." the shrill gravelly voice made Blueblood tense again. "We capture pony, we get the goods, cheaper? You have yourself a deal, pon--" Prince Blueblood snorted forcefully, and the Earl swallowed with equal force "Er, I mean. you have yourself a deal, Duke Blueblood." The Earl Stood. Blueblood Stood. The guards stood.

Three droplets sounded in the far cavern reaches. A fourescent purple fungus rolled by, like some undersea creature miming the Mild West.

"I'll just see myself out then. Good day, um, 'gentleman'." Blueblood turned with dramatic flair, leaving a small bag of bits, and carrying the signed trade agreement back to Celestia under his cloak.

-

"Auntie, I don't understand. Why is this necessary?" Prince complained. "Why can't we just tell them what they need to know? One of them is your apprentice, even! I'm sure they would—"

"Sir Blueblood, this is an official briefing. You will stand at attention and address me appropriately." The admonition was spoken gently, lovingly. Prince's blood ran cold and his faced burned red. It was dawning on him more and more that this was serious.

Seeing him stand to attention, Celestia herself relaxed, and took over pacing where he himself had stopped, never leaving her dais. Lit silver by the skylight far above, the princess nevertheless looked as radiant as ever. Only the faintest sheen at her edges proved she stood in moonlight.

"Sir Blueblood, Duke of the Splendid Hills... Knight of Harmony... My nephew... Prince..." Celestia's voice softened and yet became energized, from title to name. "I want to make it very clear that this is momentous in ways even my sister and I do not fully understand. Just as this cannot be only a political move or your knightly duty, it must be something you believe in and feel... So too must the chosen bearers of the Elements of Harmony feel what they must do. I have known Twilight for years, and I've met her friends. They are wonderful! But if I tell them about what is to come, they will think they understand it, Twilight especially. Their surety will be their downfall.

The season is changing, Sir Blueblood. The next great age is upon us. Like the zeitgeist of the griffons, Sir Blueblood. *A series of events so profound that they will change how everypony - everyone - thinks, feels, and acts. This age, we are watched. Things move beyond our furthest understanding. Some wish us well, some wish us ill. And from the small changes we have seen, the cynicism, bitterness and neglect that has become vogue among my kingdom is but the merest ripple. I know how you feel about what we've been doing, but you must understand..."

Blueblood turned towards his pacing aunt, his voice terse. "Princess, I just spent a week in a cave, convincing a neighboring clan to kidnap one of our kingdom assets! Forgive me if I cannot reconcile these ungentlecoltly behaviors with my duty as a knight!" he finished hotly.

Princess Celestia stopped pacing. For a long breath Prince thought that he had finally crossed a line, finally acted as family when acting as subject was called for, finally ... Something.

But her eyes. Her eyes.

"Sir Blueblood. Prince, look at me." Prince could have been thinking in her voice, as soft as the command was. "What do you see? What do you see when you look at me."

Prince Gazed up the slight dais, gazed up the long and slim form of the now statue-still princess. Her oddly feminine barrel chest, laden thick with heavy gold moved slowly with her breathing.

Kindness. Loyalty. Generosity.

Her mane an aurora blown by invisible winds, her chin lifted in habitual regality. Her eyes, the eyes that saw almost half a millions sunrises, sunsets. Liquid, framed by lines of worry and love.

Honesty. Laughter.
Magic.

Blueblood relented. Under any iron gaze, or stony stare he would hold. Against fire and adversity he could perservere. Here, his Auntie, his Princess, his senior knight in the Order of Harmony, here were the clearest "windows to the soul" the duke had ever seen. Celestia didn't want to plot. She didn't want to command her nephew, to bargain with other kingdoms and countries. She wanted to go home, be with her sister, throw down her crown, and be a regular pony.

"I will do as you ask, Princess. For all of us." For what little peace it can bring you. She dismissed him, and he left, slowly trotting out to the garden through the passages known only by the order. Each step brought him more fresh air, doing little to ease his troubled heart.

-

Remember that what you do is for the good of more than even all of Equestria, Prince. What you do tonight will save all of the world.

Celestia's words floated to Bluebloods mind, and he mulled them over. She was right, of course. She was always right. But still, the urge to find a good mare, settle down into a humdrum existence... Just forget all of this cosmic events malarkey, and enjoy the company of a pretty young thing...

Devoid of any real merit. A deserter, a drop out, and likely holding tightly to some young filly after his money and title, out to make a name for himself. No, this needed to happen. He couldn't do otherwise, knowing what he did.

Rarity will be arriving by carriage. We need to do whatever we can to make sure the bearers of the Elements bond, Sir Blueblood. Some of your fellows will see to the other ponies, but Generosity is yours. Do not fail in this task. And Prince...

Process Luna and I both know what this is like. Afterwards, I'd you need to talk... You're not alone.

Trumpets sounded and Blueblood shook. Of course, the doors were opening! He had spent too much time thinking, and had almost missed his opportunity... There!

She was, of course, stunning. Why wouldn't she be? He thought. Here was a pony whose life was fashion, or - dare he say it? - style. Of course she would look her best, on this the night of the Gala.

A pity though. Blueblood had already developed a crush of sorts on the bearer of Generosity. The letters form Princess Celestia's apprentice that involved her exploits were one of his prime sources of intelligence. That and the reports from Canidae, both from the spies and from the Dogs themselves, had painted a dazzling picture. Elegant, self-reliant, rapier wits... Had she been uglier than a nag in a pig pen, his duties would be easier to execute. Of course, no such luck.

Blueblood turned towards the garden doors, waiting, watching the highly polished gold trim. Soon she would catch sight of him and— There!

Just walk, he told himself. Be*Calm, collected. And yet... Curiosity and concern got the better of the unicorn, and he turned to look over his shoulder at the mare who followed him with such eager eyes. He could only hope she had horrible soft skills.

Brief breezes from between the palace hedges helped Prince clear his head, cool his skin. Everything was going according to plan. Everything must go according to plan... He resolved himself to his task, and put on his best mask of politely reined interest. When she entered the gardens proper, he gave Generosity his best 'come hither' smarmy brow, and set to work.

She pretended not to notice him, of course. They always did that, playing coy. It made the act easier though. Blueblood gave silent thanks for small favors. "Well, hello. I am Prince Blueblood." his voice was so full of pompousness, he felt like he had licked a hog. Still, it seemed to be just the right level of charming that Generosity was expecting.

"I am Rarity." she said, demurely. It took all of Prince's will not to respond to that lovely voice. "Oh, My!" she continued. "What a lovely rose..."

The expected response was painfully obvious. Still, prince admitted to himself that her lack of courtly guile was almost charming. There of course could be only one response to such a strike; parry, riposte. Verbal sparring was what he excelled at.

"you mean... This rose?" Prince plucked the flower gingerly with his teeth, extending it towards Rarity, as if to offer... Before biting off the excess stem and sticking the rose into his lapel. "Thank you! It goes with my eyes."

She was angry, of course. But Prince felt a stab of guilt, seeing the hurt underneath that anger. He couldn't turn away fast enough.

-

Sir Blueblood, this is more important than anything we've ever had to do. More important than anything we ever thought we would have to do, even when we founded the order those long centuries ago."
"Yes, Princess." He was stock still, burnished armor catching flickers of torchlight.
"Sir Blueblood, I am not sure even you understand the enormity of this." The princess raised her voice to carry to the other assembled knights. He was to be the example then. So be it.
"even Discord's prison weakens. Whether intentional or a side effect we do not know. The bearers of the Elements need to rely on each other, even above their fondest desires."
Blueblood's eyes lidded slightly in confusion. Fondest desires?

-

Two hours had passed, and Prince was certain that he'd given Rarity a less than flattering impression of royalty. Small gaffes that must, by decorum, go uncommented on had been the rule, yet still she seemed to adore him. Now she tired, and said something about a sit to watch the stars. Rarity had long since given up witty banter, and just doggedly hoped for some glimmer of manners.

Blueblood sighed and set out to turn even that against her. The look on her face when he set down a cushion for her was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. The rest was almost too easy; wait for her to recognize the gesture, then take the cushion himself. The only surprise was how bad he felt at dashing her feelings once again, as she muttered under her breath. "This is at all what I imagined..."

Prince sat staring into the night sky until his face was composed once more.

-

"I'm very sorry for withholding this, but we had to be sure you could do this mission before we told you. You are assigned to the element of Generosity, Sir Blueblood, because she personally wants to meet you."
The shock on his face must have been as clear to the princess as her own concern was to him. This was it. This was the unvoiced question that danced in her eyes these last few months. Could he continue?
Prince Blueblood swallowed. "That should just make the task easier then." his fellows quietly murmured approval, good. There was some doubt in the ranks, now quelled. Yet still his Auntie continued to look at him with concern.

-

Blueblood walked with Rarity back through the palace. Her muttering was a blessing. Not only did it make it easier to know her mind, but it gave him something else to focus on as he guided her through the throng of party-goers.*After minutes of careful search and guidance, Prince finally found what he sought; an overturned glass of water. Being on ones best behavior a he palace was understandable, but certainly somepony must have dropped a glass before now! He had never in his life regarded efficient servants with so much vitriol.

A careful turn, a slightly faster pace... Slow, and another turn. Stop, look around, another subtle turn... Prince was distracted from his maneuverings by the slight kiss of frills on his side. Trying to hide the blush it brought to his face, Blueblood almost missed his chance entirely as Rarity continued toward the spill.

"Miss Rarity, stop!" Prince flung out his foreleg, and was rewarded with a brush of gentle fur and soft, hot breaths of*surprise.

"Prince Blueblood! How Chivalrous!"

Blueblood considered the situation. He could continue from this point, wooing Rarity, being the gentlecolt she dreamed of. Fulfilling her notions of sophistication. Finding himself a filly who wanted princely behavior, not princely prestige and income.

His oaths service rose up in his mind, his promises to his aunts, his princesses, the realm...

With enough ceremony to to make The Barding himself rolls his eyes, Blueblood recited his lines. "One would hate to slip..."

-

"Princess?" He ventured. "... Auntie?"
"I asked you to stay behind because I needed to talk to you, Blueblood. I need to know that you can handle this."
Prince felt a frission of anger. The last week had been constant doubt, and enough was enough. "Why do you insist on asking that? Is this some continued test of perseverance? Or do you really feel I will let you down?"
The princess only smiled at his tirade. He felt instantly ashamed.
"Blueblood, this will be he hardest part for all of us." she gestured with her horn, though he didn't turn. He didn't need to to know where she was going with this. "your cutie mark. The moral compass. Prince, it's one thing to work like traditional royalty, treating ponies like numbers or pieces on a board or rival players. But Generosity is a lovely, charming young lady. She averted crises through wit, good humor and self-sacrifice. This is not putting the worst against the worst, in court. This is forcing somepony who doesn't deserve it to feel bad, so they will grow."
She looks away, and now Prince is truely worried. Were her eyes glassy? Was she crying?
"I couldn't do it last time, Sir Blueblood." back to titles. Hiding her feelings only made them more clear to him. "Luna... Nightmare Moon... I couldn't risk being wrong about the elements, couldn't risk hurting my sister. It cost me a thousand years. Even knowing this, I don't think... That I could act differently if I had to do it again."

-

It had been another hour. The food stand with her friend - Honesty? Loyalty? Hard to distinguish sometimes - and the door were some of his finer work as a 'petty noble', but there were a dozen other slights he threw in just in case. Each rested like a shallow cut on his heart.

The night was drawing to a close, or it was according to the princesses' plans. Each of the Bearers must be emotionally exhausted; if Rarity were any indication, one more push should be enough to send them all running, seeking solace with each other. In fact, it seemed to be happening now, with Laughter trying ever harder to start up some fun, and the food cart pony bringing in... Cake?

Prince couldn't recall exactly what chain of events started it all. He could only see the cake flying, and Rarity's concern for his well-being.

Which obviously left only one course of action - or one coarse action, if one were inclined to punnery. For her part, Rarity was surprisingly receptive to becoming a ballistic shield, no doubt too stunned to put up any fuss until after her gown was ruined and spattered with apple cake. [I]I'll have to remember to pay for that anonymously later...

There was little time for self musings, as Rarity turned on him like dragon. "YOU SIR!" she began, and Blueblood could see her struggling to funnel all her hurt feelings without damaging her composure, though little time dis he have to admire her will. "Are the most UNCHARMING prince I have ever met!"

The urge to point out that Prince was his name and that he was, in fact, a duke, was absurdly strong.

"In fact, the only thing royal about you is that you are a royal pain!"

Rarity began to settle into her tirade, a calm that Prince couldn't afford to let her have. He could later only dimly recall his exact words - having hit his head rather smartly shortly after - but he knew they had the desired effect. He didn't awaken until hours later, when the princess had returned to survey the cleaning.

Prince headed towards her, forestalling her explanations. He'd already had the details from the more informed servants.

"So did your plan work, Princess?"

Celestia didn't seem to catch the sneer in his voice. "Yes, actually. The girls spent spent the night reminiscing. I am glad to say they are closer now than ever. We may yet stand a chance."

"The girls?" Prince asked, incredulous. "not the bearers of the Elements, not your faithful student and her friends? The girls. The girls!" he shouted. The princess' eyes widened in shock, and she stopped walking amongst the carnage, giving him her full attention.

"Is there something wrong, Blueblood?"

"of course there is! I spent the entire night ruining some poor Unicorn's dreams, while you shook hands and partied with "the girls"! The Princess is working with Fu, Zebrica, and Griffonmont! I spent months sabotaging those ponies, leaving a parasprite nest, bribing the Diamond Dogs into kidnapping one, even telling the Appleoosians where to plant their orchard for optimum conflict... And you spend the Gala eating doughnuts!"

The princess stared at him, mouth agape. The concern that had been there since this whole thing began vanished. In it's place was a horrible understanding.

"You loved her."

The barest whisper, yet he heard it. His composure broke, hours of manipulation finally finding their way to his conscience.

"Blueblood, you were only with her a night. This wasn't... You should have ... Have done something else."

Hot tears fell to the floor as Prince struggled against his heaving sobs. He didn't see Celestia approach. He certainly hadn't seen her move, or the servants all flee at a gesture. A downy wing pulled him in, and the princess sat him on an overturned marble pillar, to cry a river together under the watching moon.

Good Gods I hate writing. I don't know if this is any good. I don't care anymore. It took me less than a minute to structure, why by Fire dis it take me five and a half blinkered hours to write?

Standard trepidation of taking up an artform I'm not used to and showing it to professionals, but if there is anything I've learned from Thanqol, it's that the only one who loses if I don't is me.

I'll be shot to the moon before I let a dearth of actual talent keep Me from actually benefitting from this much labor. I should probably work in that prince/duke thing sooner. I should really work on fleshing out characters. I should just stick to drawing. Whatever.

So darn burnt out right now. This was harrowing; how do I carve out what I want while I still possessing of inspiration? The western winds brought me fae desires, and to write this (at the time) short and sweet story was one of them. But when the winds go, so too does the mood, and balancing work, writing, and getting air was hard.

Actual contribution in my usual style pending. Enjoy, a charai. Or whichever way to make 'my friends' plural in Irish.

Holy crap! That's all I can summon. And it's nowhere near good enough to express things...Y-you just made Blueblood sympathetic...

[SiuiS]

Holy crap! That's all I can summon. And it's nowhere near good enough to express things...Y-you just made Blueblood sympathetic...

Honestly, I have no clue where that came from. I can't remember any of my day between "let's go honey, we need to get some laundry done" and "I just wrote a story about Blueblood..." I mean, I know stuff happened (like actually writing) but it's all a blur.

I think I was just ridden by the productive, nerdy version of a night hag...

[Noctemwolf]

I've listened to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxoGmVjAsmE) as I fell asleep every night for the past week. :(

Whyyyyyyy ponythread, what have you done to meeeeeeee. And I still can't keep up with you! That's why I mostly just lurk. ;-;

It's done Amaaaaazing things.

I've heard that one before. Seeing as Fireflies was a favorite of mine anyways, that made the whole song even cooler. :smallbiggrin:

Here's some more vids... I've been finding them.

Pinkie Pie... Described (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sNPKg0gkmc) Epilepsy Warning By the Way
Intensive Pony Unit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyXg_MJeeuw)
Pinkie Pie and Halo. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZS5Ehkyooo)
Ponybeat (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39ofvrQJj2I)
Paffendorf. d'aw... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4O8iHeqpo0)
Avast Fluttershy's... Right... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKeMCXKSk5c)
Giggle at the Ghosties... 20% cooler. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Uv6XLHJYL8)
Opening Remix (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R677MV--WI)

I think I got more.... I would need to keep digging in that graveyard I call a Favorites list. :smalleek:

It's seem there's writing going on in here.... I gotta go looking. I like writing. :smallsmile:

[Roninhirox]

"I don't know, Pony. What's your angle?"

Blueblood winced. Could this creature be purposefully trying to sabotage negotiations? It had ignored social and diplomatic mores so far, and it's voice!

"See here, my good Earl, you have all of the information already. I don't know why you insist on giving myself and my Princesses motives they do not have. Is it so hard? We have a pony who needs kidnapping. You need gems for your people's economy, and moreover," Blueblood leaned towards the Diamond dog, ignoring the rustle and clanked of his heavy guards, "your people need the food shipments that only Equestria is willing to barter for. You've alienated the the Fu republic, the dragons don't care about your dwindling supply veins or the famine that cuts your workforce in half; the griffons have declared outright war on your people!"

He sat back, watching. The Earl of Canidae had remarkable composure for a diamond dog - he shook slightly in lieu of the usual loud gesticulations - and the Duke relaxed. It's all downhill from here, Auntie.

"So..." the shrill gravelly voice made Blueblood tense again. "We capture pony, we get the goods, cheaper? You have yourself a deal, pon--" Prince Blueblood snorted forcefully, and the Earl swallowed with equal force "Er, I mean. you have yourself a deal, Duke Blueblood." The Earl Stood. Blueblood Stood. The guards stood.

Three droplets sounded in the far cavern reaches. A fourescent purple fungus rolled by, like some undersea creature miming the Mild West.

"I'll just see myself out then. Good day, um, 'gentleman'." Blueblood turned with dramatic flair, leaving a small bag of bits, and carrying the signed trade agreement back to Celestia under his cloak.

-

"Auntie, I don't understand. Why is this necessary?" Prince complained. "Why can't we just tell them what they need to know? One of them is your apprentice, even! I'm sure they would—"

"Sir Blueblood, this is an official briefing. You will stand at attention and address me appropriately." The admonition was spoken gently, lovingly. Prince's blood ran cold and his faced burned red. It was dawning on him more and more that this was serious.

Seeing him stand to attention, Celestia herself relaxed, and took over pacing where he himself had stopped, never leaving her dais. Lit silver by the skylight far above, the princess nevertheless looked as radiant as ever. Only the faintest sheen at her edges proved she stood in moonlight.

"Sir Blueblood, Duke of the Splendid Hills... Knight of Harmony... My nephew... Prince..." Celestia's voice softened and yet became energized, from title to name. "I want to make it very clear that this is momentous in ways even my sister and I do not fully understand. Just as this cannot be only a political move or your knightly duty, it must be something you believe in and feel... So too must the chosen bearers of the Elements of Harmony feel what they must do. I have known Twilight for years, and I've met her friends. They are wonderful! But if I tell them about what is to come, they will think they understand it, Twilight especially. Their surety will be their downfall.

The season is changing, Sir Blueblood. The next great age is upon us. Like the zeitgeist of the griffons, Sir Blueblood. *A series of events so profound that they will change how everypony - everyone - thinks, feels, and acts. This age, we are watched. Things move beyond our furthest understanding. Some wish us well, some wish us ill. And from the small changes we have seen, the cynicism, bitterness and neglect that has become vogue among my kingdom is but the merest ripple. I know how you feel about what we've been doing, but you must understand..."

Blueblood turned towards his pacing aunt, his voice terse. "Princess, I just spent a week in a cave, convincing a neighboring clan to kidnap one of our kingdom assets! Forgive me if I cannot reconcile these ungentlecoltly behaviors with my duty as a knight!" he finished hotly.

Princess Celestia stopped pacing. For a long breath Prince thought that he had finally crossed a line, finally acted as family when acting as subject was called for, finally ... Something.

But her eyes. Her eyes.

"Sir Blueblood. Prince, look at me." Prince could have been thinking in her voice, as soft as the command was. "What do you see? What do you see when you look at me."

Prince Gazed up the slight dais, gazed up the long and slim form of the now statue-still princess. Her oddly feminine barrel chest, laden thick with heavy gold moved slowly with her breathing.

Kindness. Loyalty. Generosity.

Her mane an aurora blown by invisible winds, her chin lifted in habitual regality. Her eyes, the eyes that saw almost half a millions sunrises, sunsets. Liquid, framed by lines of worry and love.

Honesty. Laughter.
Magic.

Blueblood relented. Under any iron gaze, or stony stare he would hold. Against fire and adversity he could perservere. Here, his Auntie, his Princess, his senior knight in the Order of Harmony, here were the clearest "windows to the soul" the duke had ever seen. Celestia didn't want to plot. She didn't want to command her nephew, to bargain with other kingdoms and countries. She wanted to go home, be with her sister, throw down her crown, and be a regular pony.

"I will do as you ask, Princess. For all of us." For what little peace it can bring you. She dismissed him, and he left, slowly trotting out to the garden through the passages known only by the order. Each step brought him more fresh air, doing little to ease his troubled heart.

-

Remember that what you do is for the good of more than even all of Equestria, Prince. What you do tonight will save all of the world.

Celestia's words floated to Bluebloods mind, and he mulled them over. She was right, of course. She was always right. But still, the urge to find a good mare, settle down into a humdrum existence... Just forget all of this cosmic events malarkey, and enjoy the company of a pretty young thing...

Devoid of any real merit. A deserter, a drop out, and likely holding tightly to some young filly after his money and title, out to make a name for himself. No, this needed to happen. He couldn't do otherwise, knowing what he did.

Rarity will be arriving by carriage. We need to do whatever we can to make sure the bearers of the Elements bond, Sir Blueblood. Some of your fellows will see to the other ponies, but Generosity is yours. Do not fail in this task. And Prince...

Process Luna and I both know what this is like. Afterwards, I'd you need to talk... You're not alone.

Trumpets sounded and Blueblood shook. Of course, the doors were opening! He had spent too much time thinking, and had almost missed his opportunity... There!

She was, of course, stunning. Why wouldn't she be? He thought. Here was a pony whose life was fashion, or - dare he say it? - style. Of course she would look her best, on this the night of the Gala.

A pity though. Blueblood had already developed a crush of sorts on the bearer of Generosity. The letters form Princess Celestia's apprentice that involved her exploits were one of his prime sources of intelligence. That and the reports from Canidae, both from the spies and from the Dogs themselves, had painted a dazzling picture. Elegant, self-reliant, rapier wits... Had she been uglier than a nag in a pig pen, his duties would be easier to execute. Of course, no such luck.

Blueblood turned towards the garden doors, waiting, watching the highly polished gold trim. Soon she would catch sight of him and— There!

Just walk, he told himself. Be*Calm, collected. And yet... Curiosity and concern got the better of the unicorn, and he turned to look over his shoulder at the mare who followed him with such eager eyes. He could only hope she had horrible soft skills.

Brief breezes from between the palace hedges helped Prince clear his head, cool his skin. Everything was going according to plan. Everything must go according to plan... He resolved himself to his task, and put on his best mask of politely reined interest. When she entered the gardens proper, he gave Generosity his best 'come hither' smarmy brow, and set to work.

She pretended not to notice him, of course. They always did that, playing coy. It made the act easier though. Blueblood gave silent thanks for small favors. "Well, hello. I am Prince Blueblood." his voice was so full of pompousness, he felt like he had licked a hog. Still, it seemed to be just the right level of charming that Generosity was expecting.

"I am Rarity." she said, demurely. It took all of Prince's will not to respond to that lovely voice. "Oh, My!" she continued. "What a lovely rose..."

The expected response was painfully obvious. Still, prince admitted to himself that her lack of courtly guile was almost charming. There of course could be only one response to such a strike; parry, riposte. Verbal sparring was what he excelled at.

"you mean... This rose?" Prince plucked the flower gingerly with his teeth, extending it towards Rarity, as if to offer... Before biting off the excess stem and sticking the rose into his lapel. "Thank you! It goes with my eyes."

She was angry, of course. But Prince felt a stab of guilt, seeing the hurt underneath that anger. He couldn't turn away fast enough.

-

Sir Blueblood, this is more important than anything we've ever had to do. More important than anything we ever thought we would have to do, even when we founded the order those long centuries ago."
"Yes, Princess." He was stock still, burnished armor catching flickers of torchlight.
"Sir Blueblood, I am not sure even you understand the enormity of this." The princess raised her voice to carry to the other assembled knights. He was to be the example then. So be it.
"even Discord's prison weakens. Whether intentional or a side effect we do not know. The bearers of the Elements need to rely on each other, even above their fondest desires."
Blueblood's eyes lidded slightly in confusion. Fondest desires?

-

Two hours had passed, and Prince was certain that he'd given Rarity a less than flattering impression of royalty. Small gaffes that must, by decorum, go uncommented on had been the rule, yet still she seemed to adore him. Now she tired, and said something about a sit to watch the stars. Rarity had long since given up witty banter, and just doggedly hoped for some glimmer of manners.

Blueblood sighed and set out to turn even that against her. The look on her face when he set down a cushion for her was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. The rest was almost too easy; wait for her to recognize the gesture, then take the cushion himself. The only surprise was how bad he felt at dashing her feelings once again, as she muttered under her breath. "This is at all what I imagined..."

Prince sat staring into the night sky until his face was composed once more.

-

"I'm very sorry for withholding this, but we had to be sure you could do this mission before we told you. You are assigned to the element of Generosity, Sir Blueblood, because she personally wants to meet you."
The shock on his face must have been as clear to the princess as her own concern was to him. This was it. This was the unvoiced question that danced in her eyes these last few months. Could he continue?
Prince Blueblood swallowed. "That should just make the task easier then." his fellows quietly murmured approval, good. There was some doubt in the ranks, now quelled. Yet still his Auntie continued to look at him with concern.

-

Blueblood walked with Rarity back through the palace. Her muttering was a blessing. Not only did it make it easier to know her mind, but it gave him something else to focus on as he guided her through the throng of party-goers.*After minutes of careful search and guidance, Prince finally found what he sought; an overturned glass of water. Being on ones best behavior a he palace was understandable, but certainly somepony must have dropped a glass before now! He had never in his life regarded efficient servants with so much vitriol.

A careful turn, a slightly faster pace... Slow, and another turn. Stop, look around, another subtle turn... Prince was distracted from his maneuverings by the slight kiss of frills on his side. Trying to hide the blush it brought to his face, Blueblood almost missed his chance entirely as Rarity continued toward the spill.

"Miss Rarity, stop!" Prince flung out his foreleg, and was rewarded with a brush of gentle fur and soft, hot breaths of*surprise.

"Prince Blueblood! How Chivalrous!"

Blueblood considered the situation. He could continue from this point, wooing Rarity, being the gentlecolt she dreamed of. Fulfilling her notions of sophistication. Finding himself a filly who wanted princely behavior, not princely prestige and income.

His oaths service rose up in his mind, his promises to his aunts, his princesses, the realm...

With enough ceremony to to make The Barding himself rolls his eyes, Blueblood recited his lines. "One would hate to slip..."

-

"Princess?" He ventured. "... Auntie?"
"I asked you to stay behind because I needed to talk to you, Blueblood. I need to know that you can handle this."
Prince felt a frission of anger. The last week had been constant doubt, and enough was enough. "Why do you insist on asking that? Is this some continued test of perseverance? Or do you really feel I will let you down?"
The princess only smiled at his tirade. He felt instantly ashamed.
"Blueblood, this will be he hardest part for all of us." she gestured with her horn, though he didn't turn. He didn't need to to know where she was going with this. "your cutie mark. The moral compass. Prince, it's one thing to work like traditional royalty, treating ponies like numbers or pieces on a board or rival players. But Generosity is a lovely, charming young lady. She averted crises through wit, good humor and self-sacrifice. This is not putting the worst against the worst, in court. This is forcing somepony who doesn't deserve it to feel bad, so they will grow."
She looks away, and now Prince is truely worried. Were her eyes glassy? Was she crying?
"I couldn't do it last time, Sir Blueblood." back to titles. Hiding her feelings only made them more clear to him. "Luna... Nightmare Moon... I couldn't risk being wrong about the elements, couldn't risk hurting my sister. It cost me a thousand years. Even knowing this, I don't think... That I could act differently if I had to do it again."

-

It had been another hour. The food stand with her friend - Honesty? Loyalty? Hard to distinguish sometimes - and the door were some of his finer work as a 'petty noble', but there were a dozen other slights he threw in just in case. Each rested like a shallow cut on his heart.

The night was drawing to a close, or it was according to the princesses' plans. Each of the Bearers must be emotionally exhausted; if Rarity were any indication, one more push should be enough to send them all running, seeking solace with each other. In fact, it seemed to be happening now, with Laughter trying ever harder to start up some fun, and the food cart pony bringing in... Cake?

Prince couldn't recall exactly what chain of events started it all. He could only see the cake flying, and Rarity's concern for his well-being.

Which obviously left only one course of action - or one coarse action, if one were inclined to punnery. For her part, Rarity was surprisingly receptive to becoming a ballistic shield, no doubt too stunned to put up any fuss until after her gown was ruined and spattered with apple cake. [I]I'll have to remember to pay for that anonymously later...

There was little time for self musings, as Rarity turned on him like dragon. "YOU SIR!" she began, and Blueblood could see her struggling to funnel all her hurt feelings without damaging her composure, though little time dis he have to admire her will. "Are the most UNCHARMING prince I have ever met!"

The urge to point out that Prince was his name and that he was, in fact, a duke, was absurdly strong.

"In fact, the only thing royal about you is that you are a royal pain!"

Rarity began to settle into her tirade, a calm that Prince couldn't afford to let her have. He could later only dimly recall his exact words - having hit his head rather smartly shortly after - but he knew they had the desired effect. He didn't awaken until hours later, when the princess had returned to survey the cleaning.

Prince headed towards her, forestalling her explanations. He'd already had the details from the more informed servants.

"So did your plan work, Princess?"

Celestia didn't seem to catch the sneer in his voice. "Yes, actually. The girls spent spent the night reminiscing. I am glad to say they are closer now than ever. We may yet stand a chance."

"The girls?" Prince asked, incredulous. "not the bearers of the Elements, not your faithful student and her friends? The girls. The girls!" he shouted. The princess' eyes widened in shock, and she stopped walking amongst the carnage, giving him her full attention.

"Is there something wrong, Blueblood?"

"of course there is! I spent the entire night ruining some poor Unicorn's dreams, while you shook hands and partied with "the girls"! The Princess is working with Fu, Zebrica, and Griffonmont! I spent months sabotaging those ponies, leaving a parasprite nest, bribing the Diamond Dogs into kidnapping one, even telling the Appleoosians where to plant their orchard for optimum conflict... And you spend the Gala eating doughnuts!"

The princess stared at him, mouth agape. The concern that had been there since this whole thing began vanished. In it's place was a horrible understanding.

"You loved her."

The barest whisper, yet he heard it. His composure broke, hours of manipulation finally finding their way to his conscience.

"Blueblood, you were only with her a night. This wasn't... You should have ... Have done something else."

Hot tears fell to the floor as Prince struggled against his heaving sobs. He didn't see Celestia approach. He certainly hadn't seen her move, or the servants all flee at a gesture. A downy wing pulled him in, and the princess sat him on an overturned marble pillar, to cry a river together under the watching moon.

Good Gods I hate writing. I don't know if this is any good. I don't care anymore. It took me less than a minute to structure, why by Fire dis it take me five and a half blinkered hours to write?

Standard trepidation of taking up an artform I'm not used to and showing it to professionals, but if there is anything I've learned from Thanqol, it's that the only one who loses if I don't is me.

I'll be shot to the moon before I let a dearth of actual talent keep Me from actually benefitting from this much labor. I should probably work in that prince/duke thing sooner. I should really work on fleshing out characters. I should just stick to drawing. Whatever.

So darn burnt out right now. This was harrowing; how do I carve out what I want while I still possessing of inspiration? The western winds brought me fae desires, and to write this (at the time) short and sweet story was one of them. But when the winds go, so too does the mood, and balancing work, writing, and getting air was hard.

Actual contribution in my usual style pending. Enjoy, a charai. Or whichever way to make 'my friends' plural in Irish.

Not sure what to say about that story other than thank you, it was awesome. I hadn't planned on reading it but the first bit caught my attention and then instead of going and getting ready for sleep like I had intended I had to keep reading, had to know where it was going. So ya thanks again for the story.

[otakuryoga]

I've listened to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxoGmVjAsmE) as I fell asleep every night for the past week. :(

Whyyyyyyy ponythread, what have you done to meeeeeeee. And I still can't keep up with you! That's why I mostly just lurk. ;-;

THIS is what you need to listen to while falling asleep
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8pAB4es424&list=FLkeGe2rhDxWXsegM5NClLqg&index=1

[Noctemwolf]

Not sure what to say about that story other than thank you, it was awesome. I hadn't planned on reading it but the first bit caught my attention and then instead of going and getting ready for sleep like I had intended I had to keep reading, had to know where it was going. So ya thanks again for the story.

I just read it myself. I agree, completely! Awesome, definitely well written, and easy to read despite the occasional spelling error.

And truthfully, the story makes a lot of sense, and gives this strange feeling of an overarching plot that's hidden behind the main cast... that their destinies are being manipulated from behind the scenes without their knowledge. By one of the people they all trust completely.
Great stories always have two sides... and this one could more than easily be the half that we don't see in the actual show. (And of course, seeing as it is a kid's show, will probably never see).

And actually turning Prince Blueblood into a sympathetic, even likable, character? Very, very, well done. I liked that the most, perhaps, out of the whole story, that you actually gave more to his personality than the one dimensional snobby royal he was in the show.

[Beeskee]

Honestly, I have no clue where that came from. I can't remember any of my day between "let's go honey, we need to get some laundry done" and "I just wrote a story about Blueblood..." I mean, I know stuff happened (like actually writing) but it's all a blur.

I think I was just ridden by the productive, nerdy version of a night hag...

It was incredible. Please tell me you're going to post it on one of the story sites. :smallsmile:

[Vorpalbob]

I think it's time I came out of the closet.
Brony, eh? I think the term suits me.

I just spent the last three days watching the entirety of the first season. And then I marveled in the sheer AWESOMENESS that is John De Lancie as Q- I mean Discord.

Now I have no idea what to do with myself.
I wonder how my girlfriend will react...

[Trixie]

Long and short of it: Mrs Dexam had another epileptic seizure last night. So, another trip to hospital, and another nervous time for all of us, particularly as she started having contraction-like aches about 6 weeks too early.

Everything appears to be okay. Mrs Dex and the impending bub check out okay, but they're keeping her in today and tonight to for observation. I'll be going back to join them soon.

Today was miserable, and I would like nothing more than to go whimper in a corner until I don't feel like the world and the future hate me. That said, would you perhaps have some nice pony-themed pictures to cheer me up? I'm kinda down...

*hugs* :smallfrown:

[Aotrs Commander]

http://th05.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2011/233/c/2/pony_season__gryphon_season_by_jdan_s-d47cdul.jpg



I approve of this so hard.


Point by point, planning it together (http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7277/001csv.jpg)
It's a sketch, cutting out the pattern edge by edge
Making sure the model unfolds nicely
It's perfect numbers for the plan
always gotta keep my normals facing
two-manifold's I'm facing,
I'm makingathreedimensionalmodelofahorsebasedonanillus tratiooon!

Face by Face, fussing on the details (http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/8608/002jzi.jpg)
Tri's to quads, 'cause you know it simply saves me time
make this something to admire
even though my rhyming is quite dire
gotta mind my thinnest walling rules
but that's why I went to schools
I'm makingathreedimensionalmodelofahorsebasedonanillus tratiooon!

Meshing is easy- (http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/2235/003xww.jpg)
for a guy who likes to think
Projection's something tricky
blend steel and form- I don't mean something squicky!

Something curved, perhaps like Hogarth (http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/7707/004sq.jpg)
Nose and eye, couldn't you just simply cry?
Making sure it fits within my bounds
don't forget the magic of wacom
even though it's kind of fake
I don't think that will shake
I'm makingathreedimensionalmodelofahorsebasedonanillus tratiooon!

Point by point, edge by edge,
face by face, ess-kay-pea
Oh-bee-jay, zee-tee-el
Export all, get compressed
and that's the art of the mesh! (http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6972/005pl.jpg)

And that. Is how. Ponies. Are born. :smallannoyed:

Now the sculpting begins! :smalltongue:

Despite my own 3D model methods are slightly different, I both wholeheartedly approve and agree with the sentiment...



"I don't know, Pony. What's your angle?"

Blueblood winced. Could this creature be purposefully trying to sabotage negotiations? It had ignored social and diplomatic mores so far, and it's voice!

"See here, my good Earl, you have all of the information already. I don't know why you insist on giving myself and my Princesses motives they do not have. Is it so hard? We have a pony who needs kidnapping. You need gems for your people's economy, and moreover," Blueblood leaned towards the Diamond dog, ignoring the rustle and clanked of his heavy guards, "your people need the food shipments that only Equestria is willing to barter for. You've alienated the the Fu republic, the dragons don't care about your dwindling supply veins or the famine that cuts your workforce in half; the griffons have declared outright war on your people!"

He sat back, watching. The Earl of Canidae had remarkable composure for a diamond dog - he shook slightly in lieu of the usual loud gesticulations - and the Duke relaxed. It's all downhill from here, Auntie.

"So..." the shrill gravelly voice made Blueblood tense again. "We capture pony, we get the goods, cheaper? You have yourself a deal, pon--" Prince Blueblood snorted forcefully, and the Earl swallowed with equal force "Er, I mean. you have yourself a deal, Duke Blueblood." The Earl Stood. Blueblood Stood. The guards stood.

Three droplets sounded in the far cavern reaches. A fourescent purple fungus rolled by, like some undersea creature miming the Mild West.

"I'll just see myself out then. Good day, um, 'gentleman'." Blueblood turned with dramatic flair, leaving a small bag of bits, and carrying the signed trade agreement back to Celestia under his cloak.

-

"Auntie, I don't understand. Why is this necessary?" Prince complained. "Why can't we just tell them what they need to know? One of them is your apprentice, even! I'm sure they would—"

"Sir Blueblood, this is an official briefing. You will stand at attention and address me appropriately." The admonition was spoken gently, lovingly. Prince's blood ran cold and his faced burned red. It was dawning on him more and more that this was serious.

Seeing him stand to attention, Celestia herself relaxed, and took over pacing where he himself had stopped, never leaving her dais. Lit silver by the skylight far above, the princess nevertheless looked as radiant as ever. Only the faintest sheen at her edges proved she stood in moonlight.

"Sir Blueblood, Duke of the Splendid Hills... Knight of Harmony... My nephew... Prince..." Celestia's voice softened and yet became energized, from title to name. "I want to make it very clear that this is momentous in ways even my sister and I do not fully understand. Just as this cannot be only a political move or your knightly duty, it must be something you believe in and feel... So too must the chosen bearers of the Elements of Harmony feel what they must do. I have known Twilight for years, and I've met her friends. They are wonderful! But if I tell them about what is to come, they will think they understand it, Twilight especially. Their surety will be their downfall.

The season is changing, Sir Blueblood. The next great age is upon us. Like the zeitgeist of the griffons, Sir Blueblood. *A series of events so profound that they will change how everypony - everyone - thinks, feels, and acts. This age, we are watched. Things move beyond our furthest understanding. Some wish us well, some wish us ill. And from the small changes we have seen, the cynicism, bitterness and neglect that has become vogue among my kingdom is but the merest ripple. I know how you feel about what we've been doing, but you must understand..."

Blueblood turned towards his pacing aunt, his voice terse. "Princess, I just spent a week in a cave, convincing a neighboring clan to kidnap one of our kingdom assets! Forgive me if I cannot reconcile these ungentlecoltly behaviors with my duty as a knight!" he finished hotly.

Princess Celestia stopped pacing. For a long breath Prince thought that he had finally crossed a line, finally acted as family when acting as subject was called for, finally ... Something.

But her eyes. Her eyes.

"Sir Blueblood. Prince, look at me." Prince could have been thinking in her voice, as soft as the command was. "What do you see? What do you see when you look at me."

Prince Gazed up the slight dais, gazed up the long and slim form of the now statue-still princess. Her oddly feminine barrel chest, laden thick with heavy gold moved slowly with her breathing.

Kindness. Loyalty. Generosity.

Her mane an aurora blown by invisible winds, her chin lifted in habitual regality. Her eyes, the eyes that saw almost half a millions sunrises, sunsets. Liquid, framed by lines of worry and love.

Honesty. Laughter.
Magic.

Blueblood relented. Under any iron gaze, or stony stare he would hold. Against fire and adversity he could perservere. Here, his Auntie, his Princess, his senior knight in the Order of Harmony, here were the clearest "windows to the soul" the duke had ever seen. Celestia didn't want to plot. She didn't want to command her nephew, to bargain with other kingdoms and countries. She wanted to go home, be with her sister, throw down her crown, and be a regular pony.

"I will do as you ask, Princess. For all of us." For what little peace it can bring you. She dismissed him, and he left, slowly trotting out to the garden through the passages known only by the order. Each step brought him more fresh air, doing little to ease his troubled heart.

-

Remember that what you do is for the good of more than even all of Equestria, Prince. What you do tonight will save all of the world.

Celestia's words floated to Bluebloods mind, and he mulled them over. She was right, of course. She was always right. But still, the urge to find a good mare, settle down into a humdrum existence... Just forget all of this cosmic events malarkey, and enjoy the company of a pretty young thing...

Devoid of any real merit. A deserter, a drop out, and likely holding tightly to some young filly after his money and title, out to make a name for himself. No, this needed to happen. He couldn't do otherwise, knowing what he did.

Rarity will be arriving by carriage. We need to do whatever we can to make sure the bearers of the Elements bond, Sir Blueblood. Some of your fellows will see to the other ponies, but Generosity is yours. Do not fail in this task. And Prince...

Process Luna and I both know what this is like. Afterwards, I'd you need to talk... You're not alone.

Trumpets sounded and Blueblood shook. Of course, the doors were opening! He had spent too much time thinking, and had almost missed his opportunity... There!

She was, of course, stunning. Why wouldn't she be? He thought. Here was a pony whose life was fashion, or - dare he say it? - style. Of course she would look her best, on this the night of the Gala.

A pity though. Blueblood had already developed a crush of sorts on the bearer of Generosity. The letters form Princess Celestia's apprentice that involved her exploits were one of his prime sources of intelligence. That and the reports from Canidae, both from the spies and from the Dogs themselves, had painted a dazzling picture. Elegant, self-reliant, rapier wits... Had she been uglier than a nag in a pig pen, his duties would be easier to execute. Of course, no such luck.

Blueblood turned towards the garden doors, waiting, watching the highly polished gold trim. Soon she would catch sight of him and— There!

Just walk, he told himself. Be*Calm, collected. And yet... Curiosity and concern got the better of the unicorn, and he turned to look over his shoulder at the mare who followed him with such eager eyes. He could only hope she had horrible soft skills.

Brief breezes from between the palace hedges helped Prince clear his head, cool his skin. Everything was going according to plan. Everything must go according to plan... He resolved himself to his task, and put on his best mask of politely reined interest. When she entered the gardens proper, he gave Generosity his best 'come hither' smarmy brow, and set to work.

She pretended not to notice him, of course. They always did that, playing coy. It made the act easier though. Blueblood gave silent thanks for small favors. "Well, hello. I am Prince Blueblood." his voice was so full of pompousness, he felt like he had licked a hog. Still, it seemed to be just the right level of charming that Generosity was expecting.

"I am Rarity." she said, demurely. It took all of Prince's will not to respond to that lovely voice. "Oh, My!" she continued. "What a lovely rose..."

The expected response was painfully obvious. Still, prince admitted to himself that her lack of courtly guile was almost charming. There of course could be only one response to such a strike; parry, riposte. Verbal sparring was what he excelled at.

"you mean... This rose?" Prince plucked the flower gingerly with his teeth, extending it towards Rarity, as if to offer... Before biting off the excess stem and sticking the rose into his lapel. "Thank you! It goes with my eyes."

She was angry, of course. But Prince felt a stab of guilt, seeing the hurt underneath that anger. He couldn't turn away fast enough.

-

Sir Blueblood, this is more important than anything we've ever had to do. More important than anything we ever thought we would have to do, even when we founded the order those long centuries ago."
"Yes, Princess." He was stock still, burnished armor catching flickers of torchlight.
"Sir Blueblood, I am not sure even you understand the enormity of this." The princess raised her voice to carry to the other assembled knights. He was to be the example then. So be it.
"even Discord's prison weakens. Whether intentional or a side effect we do not know. The bearers of the Elements need to rely on each other, even above their fondest desires."
Blueblood's eyes lidded slightly in confusion. Fondest desires?

-

Two hours had passed, and Prince was certain that he'd given Rarity a less than flattering impression of royalty. Small gaffes that must, by decorum, go uncommented on had been the rule, yet still she seemed to adore him. Now she tired, and said something about a sit to watch the stars. Rarity had long since given up witty banter, and just doggedly hoped for some glimmer of manners.

Blueblood sighed and set out to turn even that against her. The look on her face when he set down a cushion for her was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. The rest was almost too easy; wait for her to recognize the gesture, then take the cushion himself. The only surprise was how bad he felt at dashing her feelings once again, as she muttered under her breath. "This is at all what I imagined..."

Prince sat staring into the night sky until his face was composed once more.

-

"I'm very sorry for withholding this, but we had to be sure you could do this mission before we told you. You are assigned to the element of Generosity, Sir Blueblood, because she personally wants to meet you."
The shock on his face must have been as clear to the princess as her own concern was to him. This was it. This was the unvoiced question that danced in her eyes these last few months. Could he continue?
Prince Blueblood swallowed. "That should just make the task easier then." his fellows quietly murmured approval, good. There was some doubt in the ranks, now quelled. Yet still his Auntie continued to look at him with concern.

-

Blueblood walked with Rarity back through the palace. Her muttering was a blessing. Not only did it make it easier to know her mind, but it gave him something else to focus on as he guided her through the throng of party-goers.*After minutes of careful search and guidance, Prince finally found what he sought; an overturned glass of water. Being on ones best behavior a he palace was understandable, but certainly somepony must have dropped a glass before now! He had never in his life regarded efficient servants with so much vitriol.

A careful turn, a slightly faster pace... Slow, and another turn. Stop, look around, another subtle turn... Prince was distracted from his maneuverings by the slight kiss of frills on his side. Trying to hide the blush it brought to his face, Blueblood almost missed his chance entirely as Rarity continued toward the spill.

"Miss Rarity, stop!" Prince flung out his foreleg, and was rewarded with a brush of gentle fur and soft, hot breaths of*surprise.

"Prince Blueblood! How Chivalrous!"

Blueblood considered the situation. He could continue from this point, wooing Rarity, being the gentlecolt she dreamed of. Fulfilling her notions of sophistication. Finding himself a filly who wanted princely behavior, not princely prestige and income.

His oaths service rose up in his mind, his promises to his aunts, his princesses, the realm...

With enough ceremony to to make The Barding himself rolls his eyes, Blueblood recited his lines. "One would hate to slip..."

-

"Princess?" He ventured. "... Auntie?"
"I asked you to stay behind because I needed to talk to you, Blueblood. I need to know that you can handle this."
Prince felt a frission of anger. The last week had been constant doubt, and enough was enough. "Why do you insist on asking that? Is this some continued test of perseverance? Or do you really feel I will let you down?"
The princess only smiled at his tirade. He felt instantly ashamed.
"Blueblood, this will be he hardest part for all of us." she gestured with her horn, though he didn't turn. He didn't need to to know where she was going with this. "your cutie mark. The moral compass. Prince, it's one thing to work like traditional royalty, treating ponies like numbers or pieces on a board or rival players. But Generosity is a lovely, charming young lady. She averted crises through wit, good humor and self-sacrifice. This is not putting the worst against the worst, in court. This is forcing somepony who doesn't deserve it to feel bad, so they will grow."
She looks away, and now Prince is truely worried. Were her eyes glassy? Was she crying?
"I couldn't do it last time, Sir Blueblood." back to titles. Hiding her feelings only made them more clear to him. "Luna... Nightmare Moon... I couldn't risk being wrong about the elements, couldn't risk hurting my sister. It cost me a thousand years. Even knowing this, I don't think... That I could act differently if I had to do it again."

-

It had been another hour. The food stand with her friend - Honesty? Loyalty? Hard to distinguish sometimes - and the door were some of his finer work as a 'petty noble', but there were a dozen other slights he threw in just in case. Each rested like a shallow cut on his heart.

The night was drawing to a close, or it was according to the princesses' plans. Each of the Bearers must be emotionally exhausted; if Rarity were any indication, one more push should be enough to send them all running, seeking solace with each other. In fact, it seemed to be happening now, with Laughter trying ever harder to start up some fun, and the food cart pony bringing in... Cake?

Prince couldn't recall exactly what chain of events started it all. He could only see the cake flying, and Rarity's concern for his well-being.

Which obviously left only one course of action - or one coarse action, if one were inclined to punnery. For her part, Rarity was surprisingly receptive to becoming a ballistic shield, no doubt too stunned to put up any fuss until after her gown was ruined and spattered with apple cake. [I]I'll have to remember to pay for that anonymously later...

There was little time for self musings, as Rarity turned on him like dragon. "YOU SIR!" she began, and Blueblood could see her struggling to funnel all her hurt feelings without damaging her composure, though little time dis he have to admire her will. "Are the most UNCHARMING prince I have ever met!"

The urge to point out that Prince was his name and that he was, in fact, a duke, was absurdly strong.

"In fact, the only thing royal about you is that you are a royal pain!"

Rarity began to settle into her tirade, a calm that Prince couldn't afford to let her have. He could later only dimly recall his exact words - having hit his head rather smartly shortly after - but he knew they had the desired effect. He didn't awaken until hours later, when the princess had returned to survey the cleaning.

Prince headed towards her, forestalling her explanations. He'd already had the details from the more informed servants.

"So did your plan work, Princess?"

Celestia didn't seem to catch the sneer in his voice. "Yes, actually. The girls spent spent the night reminiscing. I am glad to say they are closer now than ever. We may yet stand a chance."

"The girls?" Prince asked, incredulous. "not the bearers of the Elements, not your faithful student and her friends? The girls. The girls!" he shouted. The princess' eyes widened in shock, and she stopped walking amongst the carnage, giving him her full attention.

"Is there something wrong, Blueblood?"

"of course there is! I spent the entire night ruining some poor Unicorn's dreams, while you shook hands and partied with "the girls"! The Princess is working with Fu, Zebrica, and Griffonmont! I spent months sabotaging those ponies, leaving a parasprite nest, bribing the Diamond Dogs into kidnapping one, even telling the Appleoosians where to plant their orchard for optimum conflict... And you spend the Gala eating doughnuts!"

The princess stared at him, mouth agape. The concern that had been there since this whole thing began vanished. In it's place was a horrible understanding.

"You loved her."

The barest whisper, yet he heard it. His composure broke, hours of manipulation finally finding their way to his conscience.

"Blueblood, you were only with her a night. This wasn't... You should have ... Have done something else."

Hot tears fell to the floor as Prince struggled against his heaving sobs. He didn't see Celestia approach. He certainly hadn't seen her move, or the servants all flee at a gesture. A downy wing pulled him in, and the princess sat him on an overturned marble pillar, to cry a river together under the watching moon.

Good Gods I hate writing. I don't know if this is any good. I don't care anymore. It took me less than a minute to structure, why by Fire dis it take me five and a half blinkered hours to write?

Standard trepidation of taking up an artform I'm not used to and showing it to professionals, but if there is anything I've learned from Thanqol, it's that the only one who loses if I don't is me.

I'll be shot to the moon before I let a dearth of actual talent keep Me from actually benefitting from this much labor. I should probably work in that prince/duke thing sooner. I should really work on fleshing out characters. I should just stick to drawing. Whatever.

So darn burnt out right now. This was harrowing; how do I carve out what I want while I still possessing of inspiration? The western winds brought me fae desires, and to write this (at the time) short and sweet story was one of them. But when the winds go, so too does the mood, and balancing work, writing, and getting air was hard.

Actual contribution in my usual style pending. Enjoy, a charai. Or whichever way to make 'my friends' plural in Irish.

Well played, SiuiS, well played!

You almost made me feel sorry for Blueblood, which is quite an achievement.

Time well spent, I think.

Also, it's probably as well he's been so distracted so he hasn't noticed what you did to him yet.

Shush! Ignore her, she's just being silly.

[Beeskee]

Hello ponythread,

(druid_droid here, if the eldritch avvie is confusing you). Today was miserable, and I would like nothing more than to go whimper in a corner until I don't feel like the world and the future hate me. That said, would you perhaps have some nice pony-themed pictures to cheer me up? I'm kinda down...

Ohjeez how did I miss that.

*offers many pony hugs, and a picture*


http://img.ie/35aa2.gif

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/379/c13033292056755175503e0.jpg
Keep smilin'!


Edit: Or two pictures. :)

[Nameless]

Pony things and stuff? Why those are two of my favourite hobbies! How did you know?

Anyway my parents are planning to move to Wiltshire soon (assuming they can sell the house) and I will likely go with them until I can get my own place. I hear it's nice. Less chance of premature death.


Wiltshire? but that's even further away. no Pony things and stuff for us then. http://i.imgur.com/BsGGR.jpg


What could I possibly mean?


I dunno. http://i.imgur.com/JmPL5.jpg

...
Wait, I asked you first. http://i.imgur.com/4ii5U.jpg


I'm not sure how we would connect Blinkie and Photo Finish together; they don't have the same color anything. Heck, Rainbow Dash made a better Photo Finish than Blinkie Pie! :smalltongue:
http://th05.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2011/231/7/f/i_go_by_kasun05-d476uyy.png (http://kasun05.deviantart.com/art/I-GO-253942090)


I knew it... http://i.imgur.com/CXTge.jpg

[Grif]

Honestly, I have no clue where that came from. I can't remember any of my day between "let's go honey, we need to get some laundry done" and "I just wrote a story about Blueblood..." I mean, I know stuff happened (like actually writing) but it's all a blur.

I think I was just ridden by the productive, nerdy version of a night hag...

Just read it.

Woah. Just woah.

Bravo, good sir. Bravo. One of the best sympathetic Blueblood story yet.

[RdMarquis]

Ohjeez how did I miss that.

Ooh. I missed that post, too.

http://ponibooru.413chan.net/post/view/66738?search=cute

http://ponibooru.413chan.net/post/view/66192?search=cute

I hope these help, druid droid. Feel better.

[Dexam]

Dexam, I hope everything will be okay. I can only imagine how worried you must be. :smallfrown:


Geeze, sorry to hear that. I hope things turn around for you folk soon. I wish I could do more to help, but I'm cut off from my tools and my prime pony folder right now...


*hugs* :smallfrown:

Thanks everyone. Yeah, I'm worried as heck, but everything seems to be okay, and she's bounced back a lot quicker this time compared to last time. I just hope she's okay tonight; and we really, really don't want this to happen again.

[Aotrs Commander]

Easy as Lying p5:

gDocs (https://docs.google.com/document/d/11zJc5csc8RTrTK2KLKOgL46VkfDx3U-kzMDGX7wYToM/edit?hl=en_US)for assembled.

Not 100% on this segment.


*

"Oh my goodness, are you all right?" Fluttershy said, rushing over to the blind guard.

"Yes, ma'am. Why wouldn't I be all right?" said the pegasus in a deep, gravelly voice.

"Did you see who did it? Which way did they go?" Rainbow Dash said, hovering just above him, ready to lunge into pursuit. "How many of them were there?"

"I haven't seen anything unusual," said the guard. "Haven't seen much of anything." Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy exchanged a look. Then Dash pointed at his flank, where there was a cutie mark of a hawk.

"When was the last time you saw the Princess?" Fluttershy asked, approaching the problem sideways.

"About a week ago. She sent me down to guard the vaults."

"Fluttershy, I'm going to fly back to Ponyville and get the cure from the spa ponies," Rainbow Dash said, "You warn the others!"

"Okay, just be -" Fluttershy started, but Rainbow Dash was already gone "- careful."

*

"What's the Liar's Mask?" Pinkie Pie asked, peering into the empty cell.

"What's the - Pinkie Pie! Didn't your folks teach you nothin'?" Applejack said.

"They taught me the difference between sedimentary and ingenuous," Pinkie Pie said, examining the granite boulder closely, "And what a rock looks like when it breaks! There's something fishy about the way this one was broken..."

Applejack sighed. "Look, short version. Once upon a time the Spirit of Honesty met a little colt - err, filly who tricked her into becomin' a mask made out of metal. Whenever the filly wore the mask, she had the power of Honesty no matter however much hooey she was spoutin'. She could make ponies thinks rocks were diamonds, an' get them eatin' sand an' likin' it. Celestia stood up to her an' freed Honesty, but the Mask kept it's power."

"And it's been locked up for a thousand years, right?" Pinkie Pie finished.

"Locked up for a - what?" Applejack gave Pinkie Pie a credulous look. "What kinda nonsense is that?

"I thought that was how these things go. Ancient evil, Celestia beats it, 1000 years pass, then we get to beat it!" Pinkie Pie said.

"Hay no, not with this'un. This Mask gets out once a century, minimum. It's called whenever a pony starts believin' her own lies, an' no spell can stop it showin' up when it's called." Applejack said, "It doesn't have more power than a pony'll choose give it, though, an' it normally gets picked up without causing too much harm. Most ponies aren't really the lyin' type, not like that first one." Applejack said.

"So how do we find a pony who believes her own lies? What does a pony like that even look like?" Said Pinkie Pie.

"Beats me - but we gotta tell the others." Applejack said, breaking into a gallop.

*

"The worst part is how he doesn't see how churlish he is," Rarity said in a low mutter. She'd been muttering like this for some time now, gradually rising in volume. Blueblood didn't pay her any heed, though, continuing on his way with head held high. Either he wasn't hearing her, or he was really good at ignoring her. "While there is a time and a place for looking good, saving the world should come first. And it's the show of true class to if you can look good while doing something unglamorous..."

While Blueblood was oblivious to Rarity's catty rant, the courtier ponies they were passing were not. Twilight was trying to shrink inside her concealing cloak to avoid being caught in the stares.

"Rarity, maybe -" Twilight started, but Princess Pinkestia cut her off. The pink pony princess swung around, faced a random court pony, beamed widely and informed her that her wings were 'so pretty'.

"Twilight!" Fluttershy cried, bounding up to Twilight urgently. She skidded to a halt realising that she had just made a loud noise in the centre of a crowd of staring courtiers, and instantly went red.

"Oh hey, that's the Princess' student!" Called one courtier, pointing at Twilight. Twilight facehoofed.

"Hm? Oh, Twilight Sparkle and... friends," Blueblood said, looking around. "I thought you'd left."

"Haha, yes, just left. Leaving," Twilight stammered, backing up. "That's me! Twilight Sparkle. Lefting."

"Would you like to be a Princess, Twilight Sparkle?" Princess Pinkestia abruptly, with an enormous smile.

The blood drained from Twilight's face.

"What?"

"I know a way to make you a princess!" Said Pinkestia. "And the Princess' best student should surely be a Princess too!"

Twilight did not even dare to look at Rarity's face.

"Oh no, Princess. I'm fine being just plain old Twilight Sparkle, hahaha," said Twilight, trying to back up. "That's me. Twilight Sparkle. Princess-less, hahaha, as common as haydirt, hahaha"

She accidentally looked at Blueblood, though she was trying very hard not to. He wore an expression of mild contempt, but with a single raised eyebrow, which made him look like he was considering it. "Hahaha," Twilight Sparkle explained empathetically to the room full of staring eyes.

"I, Princess Celestia of Equestria," said Pinkestia, rearing herself up to her full height, "Am going to make a proclamation!"

Twilight Sparkle panicked.

The only thing that came to hoof was a brick.

And she couldn't hit the Princess.

Rarity's eyes crossed as she was hit in the back of the head by the levitated brick, and she thumped to the ground.

"Oh my goodness, look at that, she fainted hahaha," said Twilight with an unhealthily wide grin. "I'd better get her to the nurse Redheart in Ponyville right away!"

"But there are castle doctors -" said a courtier.

Twilight Sparkle swung around, holding the brick. "Hahaha!" she elaborated.

"- who, er, got eaten by manticores." the pony finished awkwardly. "Hundreds of 'em."

"Well! I'd love to stay and spend time hahaha," said Twilight, slinging the dazed Rarity onto her back and waving the brick around warningly. "And I'm sorry to cut our visit short, Princess," Twilight said to Pinkestia, grinning even more wildly, "But you know Rarity. What a lightweight! Hahaha!"

And she galloped for the exit.

*

You continue to make me laugh.

(I can't beleive I almost missed this this morning. I think the convention-high is wearing off hard...)




Thanks everyone. Yeah, I'm worried as heck, but everything seems to be okay, and she's bounced back a lot quicker this time compared to last time. I just hope she's okay tonight; and we really, really don't want this to happen again.

A mate of mine's wife had a very difficult pregnacy, with all sorts of complications (they dosed her up too much at one point, and he caught her climbing out the window...) so do the same as then; I'll keep my fingers crossed for you all.

[otakuryoga]

I think it's time I came out of the closet.
Brony, eh? I think the term suits me.

I just spent the last three days watching the entirety of the first season. And then I marveled in the sheer AWESOMENESS that is John De Lancie as Q- I mean Discord.

Now I have no idea what to do with myself.
I wonder how my girlfriend will react...

Welcome to the Herd!

http://i.imgur.com/HhIbn.jpg Our Benevolent Hooved Overlords are Pleased with you http://i.imgur.com/EvxT1.jpg

[Capt. Ido Nos]

G'mornin everypony. US East Coast, checking in for the day.

[Brazen Shield]

G'mornin everypony. US East Coast, checking in for the day.

Ha! WEST coast US checking in- three hours Eariler than you~

[otakuryoga]

lets get this day started off right
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/444359a295abbdd33b90760889333cc6/66971%20-%20artist%3Astrebiskunk%20bondage%20dom%20flutters hy%20rainbow_dash.jpg

[Capt. Ido Nos]

Ha! WEST coast US checking in- three hours Eariler than you~
Man whatever! Like I even care! http://i.imgur.com/dNltC.jpg

[Brazen Shield]

Man whatever! Like I even care! http://i.imgur.com/dNltC.jpg

XD Can't tell if your kidding so I'm gonna say "I'm sorry" anyway ><

[Capt. Ido Nos]

XD Can't tell if your kidding so I'm gonna say "I'm sorry" anyway ><
I am super mad, I am positively quivering with rage. My anger knows no bounds on this mortal realm, my fury burns with the unquenchable fire of a thousand suns http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3623/applejackliar.png

[Noctemwolf]

lets get this day started off right
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/444359a295abbdd33b90760889333cc6/66971%20-%20artist%3Astrebiskunk%20bondage%20dom%20flutters hy%20rainbow_dash.jpg

...
Why couldn't I help but laugh when I saw that...?

[Dexam]

A couple of parting gifts before I hit the hay and get some much needed sleep...


http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/276/2/0/suited_for_success_by_taliesin_the_dragoon-d4brcge.jpg

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/277/5/5/the_best_night_ever_by_equestria_prevails-d4brvtc.jpg

[Titanium Fox]

Oh, wow. New Thread. O.O

I'm coming off a work based all nighter, and I just do not have catching up in me right now. It's... Interesting having four hundred open tickets you're responsible for as a second day IT personnel.

It's also interesting entering your second day of a new job on... 27 hours without sleep?

Ow my brain. Ponythread, please assist me in unraveling the grey matter with some much needed pony.

Pleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseeeeee!

EDIT: Wow. Pinkied on an initial request. Ponythread, I am impressed.

[otakuryoga]

Oh, wow. New Thread. O.O

I'm coming off a work based all nighter, and I just do not have catching up in me right now. It's... Interesting having four hundred open tickets you're responsible for as a second day IT personnel.

It's also interesting entering your second day of a new job on... 27 hours without sleep?

Ow my brain. Ponythread, please assist me in unraveling the grey matter with some much needed pony.

Pleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseeeeee!

EDIT: Wow. Pinkied on an initial request. Ponythread, I am impressed.

this should help you out fox
http://twentypercentcooler.net/data/ee/c5/eec507be81c22ba044883c1c769747bf.png?1317341648


A couple of parting gifts before I hit the hay and get some much needed sleep...



http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/277/5/5/the_best_night_ever_by_equestria_prevails-d4brvtc.jpg that luna/derp/tia one is just comedy gold

[Bayonet Priest]

"I don't know, Pony. What's your angle?"

Blueblood winced. Could this creature be purposefully trying to sabotage negotiations? It had ignored social and diplomatic mores so far, and it's voice!

"See here, my good Earl, you have all of the information already. I don't know why you insist on giving myself and my Princesses motives they do not have. Is it so hard? We have a pony who needs kidnapping. You need gems for your people's economy, and moreover," Blueblood leaned towards the Diamond dog, ignoring the rustle and clanked of his heavy guards, "your people need the food shipments that only Equestria is willing to barter for. You've alienated the the Fu republic, the dragons don't care about your dwindling supply veins or the famine that cuts your workforce in half; the griffons have declared outright war on your people!"

He sat back, watching. The Earl of Canidae had remarkable composure for a diamond dog - he shook slightly in lieu of the usual loud gesticulations - and the Duke relaxed. It's all downhill from here, Auntie.

"So..." the shrill gravelly voice made Blueblood tense again. "We capture pony, we get the goods, cheaper? You have yourself a deal, pon--" Prince Blueblood snorted forcefully, and the Earl swallowed with equal force "Er, I mean. you have yourself a deal, Duke Blueblood." The Earl Stood. Blueblood Stood. The guards stood.

Three droplets sounded in the far cavern reaches. A fourescent purple fungus rolled by, like some undersea creature miming the Mild West.

"I'll just see myself out then. Good day, um, 'gentleman'." Blueblood turned with dramatic flair, leaving a small bag of bits, and carrying the signed trade agreement back to Celestia under his cloak.

-

"Auntie, I don't understand. Why is this necessary?" Prince complained. "Why can't we just tell them what they need to know? One of them is your apprentice, even! I'm sure they would—"

"Sir Blueblood, this is an official briefing. You will stand at attention and address me appropriately." The admonition was spoken gently, lovingly. Prince's blood ran cold and his faced burned red. It was dawning on him more and more that this was serious.

Seeing him stand to attention, Celestia herself relaxed, and took over pacing where he himself had stopped, never leaving her dais. Lit silver by the skylight far above, the princess nevertheless looked as radiant as ever. Only the faintest sheen at her edges proved she stood in moonlight.

"Sir Blueblood, Duke of the Splendid Hills... Knight of Harmony... My nephew... Prince..." Celestia's voice softened and yet became energized, from title to name. "I want to make it very clear that this is momentous in ways even my sister and I do not fully understand. Just as this cannot be only a political move or your knightly duty, it must be something you believe in and feel... So too must the chosen bearers of the Elements of Harmony feel what they must do. I have known Twilight for years, and I've met her friends. They are wonderful! But if I tell them about what is to come, they will think they understand it, Twilight especially. Their surety will be their downfall.

The season is changing, Sir Blueblood. The next great age is upon us. Like the zeitgeist of the griffons, Sir Blueblood. *A series of events so profound that they will change how everypony - everyone - thinks, feels, and acts. This age, we are watched. Things move beyond our furthest understanding. Some wish us well, some wish us ill. And from the small changes we have seen, the cynicism, bitterness and neglect that has become vogue among my kingdom is but the merest ripple. I know how you feel about what we've been doing, but you must understand..."

Blueblood turned towards his pacing aunt, his voice terse. "Princess, I just spent a week in a cave, convincing a neighboring clan to kidnap one of our kingdom assets! Forgive me if I cannot reconcile these ungentlecoltly behaviors with my duty as a knight!" he finished hotly.

Princess Celestia stopped pacing. For a long breath Prince thought that he had finally crossed a line, finally acted as family when acting as subject was called for, finally ... Something.

But her eyes. Her eyes.

"Sir Blueblood. Prince, look at me." Prince could have been thinking in her voice, as soft as the command was. "What do you see? What do you see when you look at me."

Prince Gazed up the slight dais, gazed up the long and slim form of the now statue-still princess. Her oddly feminine barrel chest, laden thick with heavy gold moved slowly with her breathing.

Kindness. Loyalty. Generosity.

Her mane an aurora blown by invisible winds, her chin lifted in habitual regality. Her eyes, the eyes that saw almost half a millions sunrises, sunsets. Liquid, framed by lines of worry and love.

Honesty. Laughter.
Magic.

Blueblood relented. Under any iron gaze, or stony stare he would hold. Against fire and adversity he could perservere. Here, his Auntie, his Princess, his senior knight in the Order of Harmony, here were the clearest "windows to the soul" the duke had ever seen. Celestia didn't want to plot. She didn't want to command her nephew, to bargain with other kingdoms and countries. She wanted to go home, be with her sister, throw down her crown, and be a regular pony.

"I will do as you ask, Princess. For all of us." For what little peace it can bring you. She dismissed him, and he left, slowly trotting out to the garden through the passages known only by the order. Each step brought him more fresh air, doing little to ease his troubled heart.

-

Remember that what you do is for the good of more than even all of Equestria, Prince. What you do tonight will save all of the world.

Celestia's words floated to Bluebloods mind, and he mulled them over. She was right, of course. She was always right. But still, the urge to find a good mare, settle down into a humdrum existence... Just forget all of this cosmic events malarkey, and enjoy the company of a pretty young thing...

Devoid of any real merit. A deserter, a drop out, and likely holding tightly to some young filly after his money and title, out to make a name for himself. No, this needed to happen. He couldn't do otherwise, knowing what he did.

Rarity will be arriving by carriage. We need to do whatever we can to make sure the bearers of the Elements bond, Sir Blueblood. Some of your fellows will see to the other ponies, but Generosity is yours. Do not fail in this task. And Prince...

Process Luna and I both know what this is like. Afterwards, I'd you need to talk... You're not alone.

Trumpets sounded and Blueblood shook. Of course, the doors were opening! He had spent too much time thinking, and had almost missed his opportunity... There!

She was, of course, stunning. Why wouldn't she be? He thought. Here was a pony whose life was fashion, or - dare he say it? - style. Of course she would look her best, on this the night of the Gala.

A pity though. Blueblood had already developed a crush of sorts on the bearer of Generosity. The letters form Princess Celestia's apprentice that involved her exploits were one of his prime sources of intelligence. That and the reports from Canidae, both from the spies and from the Dogs themselves, had painted a dazzling picture. Elegant, self-reliant, rapier wits... Had she been uglier than a nag in a pig pen, his duties would be easier to execute. Of course, no such luck.

Blueblood turned towards the garden doors, waiting, watching the highly polished gold trim. Soon she would catch sight of him and— There!

Just walk, he told himself. Be*Calm, collected. And yet... Curiosity and concern got the better of the unicorn, and he turned to look over his shoulder at the mare who followed him with such eager eyes. He could only hope she had horrible soft skills.

Brief breezes from between the palace hedges helped Prince clear his head, cool his skin. Everything was going according to plan. Everything must go according to plan... He resolved himself to his task, and put on his best mask of politely reined interest. When she entered the gardens proper, he gave Generosity his best 'come hither' smarmy brow, and set to work.

She pretended not to notice him, of course. They always did that, playing coy. It made the act easier though. Blueblood gave silent thanks for small favors. "Well, hello. I am Prince Blueblood." his voice was so full of pompousness, he felt like he had licked a hog. Still, it seemed to be just the right level of charming that Generosity was expecting.

"I am Rarity." she said, demurely. It took all of Prince's will not to respond to that lovely voice. "Oh, My!" she continued. "What a lovely rose..."

The expected response was painfully obvious. Still, prince admitted to himself that her lack of courtly guile was almost charming. There of course could be only one response to such a strike; parry, riposte. Verbal sparring was what he excelled at.

"you mean... This rose?" Prince plucked the flower gingerly with his teeth, extending it towards Rarity, as if to offer... Before biting off the excess stem and sticking the rose into his lapel. "Thank you! It goes with my eyes."

She was angry, of course. But Prince felt a stab of guilt, seeing the hurt underneath that anger. He couldn't turn away fast enough.

-

Sir Blueblood, this is more important than anything we've ever had to do. More important than anything we ever thought we would have to do, even when we founded the order those long centuries ago."
"Yes, Princess." He was stock still, burnished armor catching flickers of torchlight.
"Sir Blueblood, I am not sure even you understand the enormity of this." The princess raised her voice to carry to the other assembled knights. He was to be the example then. So be it.
"even Discord's prison weakens. Whether intentional or a side effect we do not know. The bearers of the Elements need to rely on each other, even above their fondest desires."
Blueblood's eyes lidded slightly in confusion. Fondest desires?

-

Two hours had passed, and Prince was certain that he'd given Rarity a less than flattering impression of royalty. Small gaffes that must, by decorum, go uncommented on had been the rule, yet still she seemed to adore him. Now she tired, and said something about a sit to watch the stars. Rarity had long since given up witty banter, and just doggedly hoped for some glimmer of manners.

Blueblood sighed and set out to turn even that against her. The look on her face when he set down a cushion for her was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. The rest was almost too easy; wait for her to recognize the gesture, then take the cushion himself. The only surprise was how bad he felt at dashing her feelings once again, as she muttered under her breath. "This is at all what I imagined..."

Prince sat staring into the night sky until his face was composed once more.

-

"I'm very sorry for withholding this, but we had to be sure you could do this mission before we told you. You are assigned to the element of Generosity, Sir Blueblood, because she personally wants to meet you."
The shock on his face must have been as clear to the princess as her own concern was to him. This was it. This was the unvoiced question that danced in her eyes these last few months. Could he continue?
Prince Blueblood swallowed. "That should just make the task easier then." his fellows quietly murmured approval, good. There was some doubt in the ranks, now quelled. Yet still his Auntie continued to look at him with concern.

-

Blueblood walked with Rarity back through the palace. Her muttering was a blessing. Not only did it make it easier to know her mind, but it gave him something else to focus on as he guided her through the throng of party-goers.*After minutes of careful search and guidance, Prince finally found what he sought; an overturned glass of water. Being on ones best behavior a he palace was understandable, but certainly somepony must have dropped a glass before now! He had never in his life regarded efficient servants with so much vitriol.

A careful turn, a slightly faster pace... Slow, and another turn. Stop, look around, another subtle turn... Prince was distracted from his maneuverings by the slight kiss of frills on his side. Trying to hide the blush it brought to his face, Blueblood almost missed his chance entirely as Rarity continued toward the spill.

"Miss Rarity, stop!" Prince flung out his foreleg, and was rewarded with a brush of gentle fur and soft, hot breaths of*surprise.

"Prince Blueblood! How Chivalrous!"

Blueblood considered the situation. He could continue from this point, wooing Rarity, being the gentlecolt she dreamed of. Fulfilling her notions of sophistication. Finding himself a filly who wanted princely behavior, not princely prestige and income.

His oaths service rose up in his mind, his promises to his aunts, his princesses, the realm...

With enough ceremony to to make The Barding himself rolls his eyes, Blueblood recited his lines. "One would hate to slip..."

-

"Princess?" He ventured. "... Auntie?"
"I asked you to stay behind because I needed to talk to you, Blueblood. I need to know that you can handle this."
Prince felt a frission of anger. The last week had been constant doubt, and enough was enough. "Why do you insist on asking that? Is this some continued test of perseverance? Or do you really feel I will let you down?"
The princess only smiled at his tirade. He felt instantly ashamed.
"Blueblood, this will be he hardest part for all of us." she gestured with her horn, though he didn't turn. He didn't need to to know where she was going with this. "your cutie mark. The moral compass. Prince, it's one thing to work like traditional royalty, treating ponies like numbers or pieces on a board or rival players. But Generosity is a lovely, charming young lady. She averted crises through wit, good humor and self-sacrifice. This is not putting the worst against the worst, in court. This is forcing somepony who doesn't deserve it to feel bad, so they will grow."
She looks away, and now Prince is truely worried. Were her eyes glassy? Was she crying?
"I couldn't do it last time, Sir Blueblood." back to titles. Hiding her feelings only made them more clear to him. "Luna... Nightmare Moon... I couldn't risk being wrong about the elements, couldn't risk hurting my sister. It cost me a thousand years. Even knowing this, I don't think... That I could act differently if I had to do it again."

-

It had been another hour. The food stand with her friend - Honesty? Loyalty? Hard to distinguish sometimes - and the door were some of his finer work as a 'petty noble', but there were a dozen other slights he threw in just in case. Each rested like a shallow cut on his heart.

The night was drawing to a close, or it was according to the princesses' plans. Each of the Bearers must be emotionally exhausted; if Rarity were any indication, one more push should be enough to send them all running, seeking solace with each other. In fact, it seemed to be happening now, with Laughter trying ever harder to start up some fun, and the food cart pony bringing in... Cake?

Prince couldn't recall exactly what chain of events started it all. He could only see the cake flying, and Rarity's concern for his well-being.

Which obviously left only one course of action - or one coarse action, if one were inclined to punnery. For her part, Rarity was surprisingly receptive to becoming a ballistic shield, no doubt too stunned to put up any fuss until after her gown was ruined and spattered with apple cake. [I]I'll have to remember to pay for that anonymously later...

There was little time for self musings, as Rarity turned on him like dragon. "YOU SIR!" she began, and Blueblood could see her struggling to funnel all her hurt feelings without damaging her composure, though little time dis he have to admire her will. "Are the most UNCHARMING prince I have ever met!"

The urge to point out that Prince was his name and that he was, in fact, a duke, was absurdly strong.

"In fact, the only thing royal about you is that you are a royal pain!"

Rarity began to settle into her tirade, a calm that Prince couldn't afford to let her have. He could later only dimly recall his exact words - having hit his head rather smartly shortly after - but he knew they had the desired effect. He didn't awaken until hours later, when the princess had returned to survey the cleaning.

Prince headed towards her, forestalling her explanations. He'd already had the details from the more informed servants.

"So did your plan work, Princess?"

Celestia didn't seem to catch the sneer in his voice. "Yes, actually. The girls spent spent the night reminiscing. I am glad to say they are closer now than ever. We may yet stand a chance."

"The girls?" Prince asked, incredulous. "not the bearers of the Elements, not your faithful student and her friends? The girls. The girls!" he shouted. The princess' eyes widened in shock, and she stopped walking amongst the carnage, giving him her full attention.

"Is there something wrong, Blueblood?"

"of course there is! I spent the entire night ruining some poor Unicorn's dreams, while you shook hands and partied with "the girls"! The Princess is working with Fu, Zebrica, and Griffonmont! I spent months sabotaging those ponies, leaving a parasprite nest, bribing the Diamond Dogs into kidnapping one, even telling the Appleoosians where to plant their orchard for optimum conflict... And you spend the Gala eating doughnuts!"

The princess stared at him, mouth agape. The concern that had been there since this whole thing began vanished. In it's place was a horrible understanding.

"You loved her."

The barest whisper, yet he heard it. His composure broke, hours of manipulation finally finding their way to his conscience.

"Blueblood, you were only with her a night. This wasn't... You should have ... Have done something else."

Hot tears fell to the floor as Prince struggled against his heaving sobs. He didn't see Celestia approach. He certainly hadn't seen her move, or the servants all flee at a gesture. A downy wing pulled him in, and the princess sat him on an overturned marble pillar, to cry a river together under the watching moon.

Good Gods I hate writing. I don't know if this is any good. I don't care anymore. It took me less than a minute to structure, why by Fire dis it take me five and a half blinkered hours to write?

Standard trepidation of taking up an artform I'm not used to and showing it to professionals, but if there is anything I've learned from Thanqol, it's that the only one who loses if I don't is me.

I'll be shot to the moon before I let a dearth of actual talent keep Me from actually benefitting from this much labor. I should probably work in that prince/duke thing sooner. I should really work on fleshing out characters. I should just stick to drawing. Whatever.

So darn burnt out right now. This was harrowing; how do I carve out what I want while I still possessing of inspiration? The western winds brought me fae desires, and to write this (at the time) short and sweet story was one of them. But when the winds go, so too does the mood, and balancing work, writing, and getting air was hard.

Actual contribution in my usual style pending. Enjoy, a charai. Or whichever way to make 'my friends' plural in Irish.

I must say Siuis, that was pretty awesome.

[Aotrs Commander]

A couple of parting gifts before I hit the hay and get some much needed sleep...

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/277/5/5/the_best_night_ever_by_equestria_prevails-d4brvtc.jpg

Bwahahahaha!

That is just brilliant!

The expression on Celestia face, and the smug look on Ditzy's is pure comedy gold!

[Zevox]

I think it's time I came out of the closet.
Brony, eh? I think the term suits me.

I just spent the last three days watching the entirety of the first season. And then I marveled in the sheer AWESOMENESS that is John De Lancie as Q- I mean Discord.

Now I have no idea what to do with myself.
I wonder how my girlfriend will react...
How is it that in six hours no one has given you a proper welcome yet?

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/053cd012b2dba051f237dca1961f7fef/60554%20-%20Hubble%20applejack%20hypnosis%20welcome_to_the_ herd.gif
There, that's better. http://i.imgur.com/EvxT1.jpg

Heh, you took a lot less time getting into the show than me. Took me a couple months of watching an episode here and there when I was bored and had nothing better to do to get to about episode 10 or so and actually start getting into it.

Zevox

[Capt. Ido Nos]

Ahhhh, the feeling of getting one's pony fix at the exact moment the caffeine starts to kick in is a fantastic sensation, it is it is.

[Titanium Fox]

this should help you out fox
http://twentypercentcooler.net/data/ee/c5/eec507be81c22ba044883c1c769747bf.png?1317341648

that luna/derp/tia one is just comedy gold

Pinklestia x Luna x Derpy? OH GOD.



"I don't know, Pony. What's your angle?"

Blueblood winced. Could this creature be purposefully trying to sabotage negotiations? It had ignored social and diplomatic mores so far, and it's voice!

"See here, my good Earl, you have all of the information already. I don't know why you insist on giving myself and my Princesses motives they do not have. Is it so hard? We have a pony who needs kidnapping. You need gems for your people's economy, and moreover," Blueblood leaned towards the Diamond dog, ignoring the rustle and clanked of his heavy guards, "your people need the food shipments that only Equestria is willing to barter for. You've alienated the the Fu republic, the dragons don't care about your dwindling supply veins or the famine that cuts your workforce in half; the griffons have declared outright war on your people!"

He sat back, watching. The Earl of Canidae had remarkable composure for a diamond dog - he shook slightly in lieu of the usual loud gesticulations - and the Duke relaxed. It's all downhill from here, Auntie.

"So..." the shrill gravelly voice made Blueblood tense again. "We capture pony, we get the goods, cheaper? You have yourself a deal, pon--" Prince Blueblood snorted forcefully, and the Earl swallowed with equal force "Er, I mean. you have yourself a deal, Duke Blueblood." The Earl Stood. Blueblood Stood. The guards stood.

Three droplets sounded in the far cavern reaches. A fourescent purple fungus rolled by, like some undersea creature miming the Mild West.

"I'll just see myself out then. Good day, um, 'gentleman'." Blueblood turned with dramatic flair, leaving a small bag of bits, and carrying the signed trade agreement back to Celestia under his cloak.

-

"Auntie, I don't understand. Why is this necessary?" Prince complained. "Why can't we just tell them what they need to know? One of them is your apprentice, even! I'm sure they would—"

"Sir Blueblood, this is an official briefing. You will stand at attention and address me appropriately." The admonition was spoken gently, lovingly. Prince's blood ran cold and his faced burned red. It was dawning on him more and more that this was serious.

Seeing him stand to attention, Celestia herself relaxed, and took over pacing where he himself had stopped, never leaving her dais. Lit silver by the skylight far above, the princess nevertheless looked as radiant as ever. Only the faintest sheen at her edges proved she stood in moonlight.

"Sir Blueblood, Duke of the Splendid Hills... Knight of Harmony... My nephew... Prince..." Celestia's voice softened and yet became energized, from title to name. "I want to make it very clear that this is momentous in ways even my sister and I do not fully understand. Just as this cannot be only a political move or your knightly duty, it must be something you believe in and feel... So too must the chosen bearers of the Elements of Harmony feel what they must do. I have known Twilight for years, and I've met her friends. They are wonderful! But if I tell them about what is to come, they will think they understand it, Twilight especially. Their surety will be their downfall.

The season is changing, Sir Blueblood. The next great age is upon us. Like the zeitgeist of the griffons, Sir Blueblood. *A series of events so profound that they will change how everypony - everyone - thinks, feels, and acts. This age, we are watched. Things move beyond our furthest understanding. Some wish us well, some wish us ill. And from the small changes we have seen, the cynicism, bitterness and neglect that has become vogue among my kingdom is but the merest ripple. I know how you feel about what we've been doing, but you must understand..."

Blueblood turned towards his pacing aunt, his voice terse. "Princess, I just spent a week in a cave, convincing a neighboring clan to kidnap one of our kingdom assets! Forgive me if I cannot reconcile these ungentlecoltly behaviors with my duty as a knight!" he finished hotly.

Princess Celestia stopped pacing. For a long breath Prince thought that he had finally crossed a line, finally acted as family when acting as subject was called for, finally ... Something.

But her eyes. Her eyes.

"Sir Blueblood. Prince, look at me." Prince could have been thinking in her voice, as soft as the command was. "What do you see? What do you see when you look at me."

Prince Gazed up the slight dais, gazed up the long and slim form of the now statue-still princess. Her oddly feminine barrel chest, laden thick with heavy gold moved slowly with her breathing.

Kindness. Loyalty. Generosity.

Her mane an aurora blown by invisible winds, her chin lifted in habitual regality. Her eyes, the eyes that saw almost half a millions sunrises, sunsets. Liquid, framed by lines of worry and love.

Honesty. Laughter.
Magic.

Blueblood relented. Under any iron gaze, or stony stare he would hold. Against fire and adversity he could perservere. Here, his Auntie, his Princess, his senior knight in the Order of Harmony, here were the clearest "windows to the soul" the duke had ever seen. Celestia didn't want to plot. She didn't want to command her nephew, to bargain with other kingdoms and countries. She wanted to go home, be with her sister, throw down her crown, and be a regular pony.

"I will do as you ask, Princess. For all of us." For what little peace it can bring you. She dismissed him, and he left, slowly trotting out to the garden through the passages known only by the order. Each step brought him more fresh air, doing little to ease his troubled heart.

-

Remember that what you do is for the good of more than even all of Equestria, Prince. What you do tonight will save all of the world.

Celestia's words floated to Bluebloods mind, and he mulled them over. She was right, of course. She was always right. But still, the urge to find a good mare, settle down into a humdrum existence... Just forget all of this cosmic events malarkey, and enjoy the company of a pretty young thing...

Devoid of any real merit. A deserter, a drop out, and likely holding tightly to some young filly after his money and title, out to make a name for himself. No, this needed to happen. He couldn't do otherwise, knowing what he did.

Rarity will be arriving by carriage. We need to do whatever we can to make sure the bearers of the Elements bond, Sir Blueblood. Some of your fellows will see to the other ponies, but Generosity is yours. Do not fail in this task. And Prince...

Process Luna and I both know what this is like. Afterwards, I'd you need to talk... You're not alone.

Trumpets sounded and Blueblood shook. Of course, the doors were opening! He had spent too much time thinking, and had almost missed his opportunity... There!

She was, of course, stunning. Why wouldn't she be? He thought. Here was a pony whose life was fashion, or - dare he say it? - style. Of course she would look her best, on this the night of the Gala.

A pity though. Blueblood had already developed a crush of sorts on the bearer of Generosity. The letters form Princess Celestia's apprentice that involved her exploits were one of his prime sources of intelligence. That and the reports from Canidae, both from the spies and from the Dogs themselves, had painted a dazzling picture. Elegant, self-reliant, rapier wits... Had she been uglier than a nag in a pig pen, his duties would be easier to execute. Of course, no such luck.

Blueblood turned towards the garden doors, waiting, watching the highly polished gold trim. Soon she would catch sight of him and— There!

Just walk, he told himself. Be*Calm, collected. And yet... Curiosity and concern got the better of the unicorn, and he turned to look over his shoulder at the mare who followed him with such eager eyes. He could only hope she had horrible soft skills.

Brief breezes from between the palace hedges helped Prince clear his head, cool his skin. Everything was going according to plan. Everything must go according to plan... He resolved himself to his task, and put on his best mask of politely reined interest. When she entered the gardens proper, he gave Generosity his best 'come hither' smarmy brow, and set to work.

She pretended not to notice him, of course. They always did that, playing coy. It made the act easier though. Blueblood gave silent thanks for small favors. "Well, hello. I am Prince Blueblood." his voice was so full of pompousness, he felt like he had licked a hog. Still, it seemed to be just the right level of charming that Generosity was expecting.

"I am Rarity." she said, demurely. It took all of Prince's will not to respond to that lovely voice. "Oh, My!" she continued. "What a lovely rose..."

The expected response was painfully obvious. Still, prince admitted to himself that her lack of courtly guile was almost charming. There of course could be only one response to such a strike; parry, riposte. Verbal sparring was what he excelled at.

"you mean... This rose?" Prince plucked the flower gingerly with his teeth, extending it towards Rarity, as if to offer... Before biting off the excess stem and sticking the rose into his lapel. "Thank you! It goes with my eyes."

She was angry, of course. But Prince felt a stab of guilt, seeing the hurt underneath that anger. He couldn't turn away fast enough.

-

Sir Blueblood, this is more important than anything we've ever had to do. More important than anything we ever thought we would have to do, even when we founded the order those long centuries ago."
"Yes, Princess." He was stock still, burnished armor catching flickers of torchlight.
"Sir Blueblood, I am not sure even you understand the enormity of this." The princess raised her voice to carry to the other assembled knights. He was to be the example then. So be it.
"even Discord's prison weakens. Whether intentional or a side effect we do not know. The bearers of the Elements need to rely on each other, even above their fondest desires."
Blueblood's eyes lidded slightly in confusion. Fondest desires?

-

Two hours had passed, and Prince was certain that he'd given Rarity a less than flattering impression of royalty. Small gaffes that must, by decorum, go uncommented on had been the rule, yet still she seemed to adore him. Now she tired, and said something about a sit to watch the stars. Rarity had long since given up witty banter, and just doggedly hoped for some glimmer of manners.

Blueblood sighed and set out to turn even that against her. The look on her face when he set down a cushion for her was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. The rest was almost too easy; wait for her to recognize the gesture, then take the cushion himself. The only surprise was how bad he felt at dashing her feelings once again, as she muttered under her breath. "This is at all what I imagined..."

Prince sat staring into the night sky until his face was composed once more.

-

"I'm very sorry for withholding this, but we had to be sure you could do this mission before we told you. You are assigned to the element of Generosity, Sir Blueblood, because she personally wants to meet you."
The shock on his face must have been as clear to the princess as her own concern was to him. This was it. This was the unvoiced question that danced in her eyes these last few months. Could he continue?
Prince Blueblood swallowed. "That should just make the task easier then." his fellows quietly murmured approval, good. There was some doubt in the ranks, now quelled. Yet still his Auntie continued to look at him with concern.

-

Blueblood walked with Rarity back through the palace. Her muttering was a blessing. Not only did it make it easier to know her mind, but it gave him something else to focus on as he guided her through the throng of party-goers.*After minutes of careful search and guidance, Prince finally found what he sought; an overturned glass of water. Being on ones best behavior a he palace was understandable, but certainly somepony must have dropped a glass before now! He had never in his life regarded efficient servants with so much vitriol.

A careful turn, a slightly faster pace... Slow, and another turn. Stop, look around, another subtle turn... Prince was distracted from his maneuverings by the slight kiss of frills on his side. Trying to hide the blush it brought to his face, Blueblood almost missed his chance entirely as Rarity continued toward the spill.

"Miss Rarity, stop!" Prince flung out his foreleg, and was rewarded with a brush of gentle fur and soft, hot breaths of*surprise.

"Prince Blueblood! How Chivalrous!"

Blueblood considered the situation. He could continue from this point, wooing Rarity, being the gentlecolt she dreamed of. Fulfilling her notions of sophistication. Finding himself a filly who wanted princely behavior, not princely prestige and income.

His oaths service rose up in his mind, his promises to his aunts, his princesses, the realm...

With enough ceremony to to make The Barding himself rolls his eyes, Blueblood recited his lines. "One would hate to slip..."

-

"Princess?" He ventured. "... Auntie?"
"I asked you to stay behind because I needed to talk to you, Blueblood. I need to know that you can handle this."
Prince felt a frission of anger. The last week had been constant doubt, and enough was enough. "Why do you insist on asking that? Is this some continued test of perseverance? Or do you really feel I will let you down?"
The princess only smiled at his tirade. He felt instantly ashamed.
"Blueblood, this will be he hardest part for all of us." she gestured with her horn, though he didn't turn. He didn't need to to know where she was going with this. "your cutie mark. The moral compass. Prince, it's one thing to work like traditional royalty, treating ponies like numbers or pieces on a board or rival players. But Generosity is a lovely, charming young lady. She averted crises through wit, good humor and self-sacrifice. This is not putting the worst against the worst, in court. This is forcing somepony who doesn't deserve it to feel bad, so they will grow."
She looks away, and now Prince is truely worried. Were her eyes glassy? Was she crying?
"I couldn't do it last time, Sir Blueblood." back to titles. Hiding her feelings only made them more clear to him. "Luna... Nightmare Moon... I couldn't risk being wrong about the elements, couldn't risk hurting my sister. It cost me a thousand years. Even knowing this, I don't think... That I could act differently if I had to do it again."

-

It had been another hour. The food stand with her friend - Honesty? Loyalty? Hard to distinguish sometimes - and the door were some of his finer work as a 'petty noble', but there were a dozen other slights he threw in just in case. Each rested like a shallow cut on his heart.

The night was drawing to a close, or it was according to the princesses' plans. Each of the Bearers must be emotionally exhausted; if Rarity were any indication, one more push should be enough to send them all running, seeking solace with each other. In fact, it seemed to be happening now, with Laughter trying ever harder to start up some fun, and the food cart pony bringing in... Cake?

Prince couldn't recall exactly what chain of events started it all. He could only see the cake flying, and Rarity's concern for his well-being.

Which obviously left only one course of action - or one coarse action, if one were inclined to punnery. For her part, Rarity was surprisingly receptive to becoming a ballistic shield, no doubt too stunned to put up any fuss until after her gown was ruined and spattered with apple cake. [I]I'll have to remember to pay for that anonymously later...

There was little time for self musings, as Rarity turned on him like dragon. "YOU SIR!" she began, and Blueblood could see her struggling to funnel all her hurt feelings without damaging her composure, though little time dis he have to admire her will. "Are the most UNCHARMING prince I have ever met!"

The urge to point out that Prince was his name and that he was, in fact, a duke, was absurdly strong.

"In fact, the only thing royal about you is that you are a royal pain!"

Rarity began to settle into her tirade, a calm that Prince couldn't afford to let her have. He could later only dimly recall his exact words - having hit his head rather smartly shortly after - but he knew they had the desired effect. He didn't awaken until hours later, when the princess had returned to survey the cleaning.

Prince headed towards her, forestalling her explanations. He'd already had the details from the more informed servants.

"So did your plan work, Princess?"

Celestia didn't seem to catch the sneer in his voice. "Yes, actually. The girls spent spent the night reminiscing. I am glad to say they are closer now than ever. We may yet stand a chance."

"The girls?" Prince asked, incredulous. "not the bearers of the Elements, not your faithful student and her friends? The girls. The girls!" he shouted. The princess' eyes widened in shock, and she stopped walking amongst the carnage, giving him her full attention.

"Is there something wrong, Blueblood?"

"of course there is! I spent the entire night ruining some poor Unicorn's dreams, while you shook hands and partied with "the girls"! The Princess is working with Fu, Zebrica, and Griffonmont! I spent months sabotaging those ponies, leaving a parasprite nest, bribing the Diamond Dogs into kidnapping one, even telling the Appleoosians where to plant their orchard for optimum conflict... And you spend the Gala eating doughnuts!"

The princess stared at him, mouth agape. The concern that had been there since this whole thing began vanished. In it's place was a horrible understanding.

"You loved her."

The barest whisper, yet he heard it. His composure broke, hours of manipulation finally finding their way to his conscience.

"Blueblood, you were only with her a night. This wasn't... You should have ... Have done something else."

Hot tears fell to the floor as Prince struggled against his heaving sobs. He didn't see Celestia approach. He certainly hadn't seen her move, or the servants all flee at a gesture. A downy wing pulled him in, and the princess sat him on an overturned marble pillar, to cry a river together under the watching moon.

Good Gods I hate writing. I don't know if this is any good. I don't care anymore. It took me less than a minute to structure, why by Fire dis it take me five and a half blinkered hours to write?

Standard trepidation of taking up an artform I'm not used to and showing it to professionals, but if there is anything I've learned from Thanqol, it's that the only one who loses if I don't is me.

I'll be shot to the moon before I let a dearth of actual talent keep Me from actually benefitting from this much labor. I should probably work in that prince/duke thing sooner. I should really work on fleshing out characters. I should just stick to drawing. Whatever.

So darn burnt out right now. This was harrowing; how do I carve out what I want while I still possessing of inspiration? The western winds brought me fae desires, and to write this (at the time) short and sweet story was one of them. But when the winds go, so too does the mood, and balancing work, writing, and getting air was hard.

Actual contribution in my usual style pending. Enjoy, a charai. Or whichever way to make 'my friends' plural in Irish.

You know, I do like the image of Blueblood as the bumbling fool; the pompous flank; the narcissistic, self entitled royal who always gets his comeuppance in the end. It's always fantastic for a laugh, for the comic relief, or in the case of one of my favorite stories, the "Vinyl Scratch Tapes", the primary antagonist. It works really well in that context.

SiuiS, with one story, you just blew that out of the water. I know you say you don't like to write, and I honestly find that unfortunate. That was extremely fantastic to read. I don't think you overdid the wait for the Duke/Prince thing, I don't think anything was rushed. It all felt like it flowed naturally, and it all felt organic. You didn't shoehorn in a personality just to show a different take on Blueblood, it actually felt like the untold part of the story from the Gala. Like this actually happened, and you just happened to be the first to bring it to light.

There's only one nitpick that I have, and it's a typo based one:

Process Luna and I both know what this is like. Afterwards, I'd you need to talk... You're not alone.

We aren't going back to the Equestria = Windows jokes again, are we? :P

I Absolutely loved it. I don't feel like there's much more I can say.


I think it's time I came out of the closet.
Brony, eh? I think the term suits me.

I just spent the last three days watching the entirety of the first season. And then I marveled in the sheer AWESOMENESS that is John De Lancie as Q- I mean Discord.

Now I have no idea what to do with myself.
I wonder how my girlfriend will react...

You know, I really shouldn't worry about it when I miss a quote post. Everypony will bring the extremely important things to my attention anyways! Such as the fact that you my good pony need the welcome wagon in full!

http://gamesprays.com/files/resource_media/preview/welcome-to-the-herd-5135_preview.png

You'll never escape us now...

One of us... One of us... One of us!

[TheAmishPirate]

Oh, wow. New Thread. O.O

I'm coming off a work based all nighter, and I just do not have catching up in me right now. It's... Interesting having four hundred open tickets you're responsible for as a second day IT personnel.

It's also interesting entering your second day of a new job on... 27 hours without sleep?

Ow my brain. Ponythread, please assist me in unraveling the grey matter with some much needed pony.

Pleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseeeeee!

EDIT: Wow. Pinkied on an initial request. Ponythread, I am impressed.

Certainly didn't mess with the fabric of time-space to anticipate your request. Nope. And that's not a hole in reality, that's my new refrigerator. For, uh, keepin' things cold. Yep. That's all it does. http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3623/applejackliar.png

[Capt. Ido Nos]

"Alright, I'm kinda bored. I think I'll go crawl TV Tropes for a few minutes. Random page... loading... AUGH (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheFourthWallWillNotProtectYou)!"

[Forum Explorer]

Pony thread! I need something to read tonight so I can actually wake up. Any suggestions of a really good/exciting fic?

[Topaz]

I think it's time I came out of the closet.
Brony, eh? I think the term suits me.

I just spent the last three days watching the entirety of the first season. And then I marveled in the sheer AWESOMENESS that is John De Lancie as Q- I mean Discord.

Now I have no idea what to do with myself.
I wonder how my girlfriend will react...
Now it's Fan Fic/Art/PMV/etc. Time! There's plenty to check out in Trixie's Great & Powerful OP (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=11961733&postcount=1), before you move on to Equestria Daily (http://www.equestriadaily.com/).

[Strife Warzeal]

Pony thread! I need something to read tonight so I can actually wake up. Any suggestions of a really good/exciting fic?

What kind of length are you looking for, it helps to narrow down what you want.

[Forum Explorer]

What kind of length are you looking for, it helps to narrow down what you want.

Less then Fallout Equestria but more then a one shot. I guess 3-8 chapters would be best

[Brazen Shield]

Less then Fallout Equestria but more then a one shot. I guess 3-8 chapters would be best

Does it have to be completed?

[otakuryoga]

Less then Fallout Equestria but more then a one shot. I guess 3-8 chapters would be best

"Spark" may fit your bill by Avery Strange

really anything she has done is freaking awesome
just be prepared for the manly tears if you read "to be an alicorn" after finishing Spark

[Forum Explorer]

Does it have to be completed?

I guess not. Though of course I would prefer a finished story.

@^ I've already read Spark. It was very good. and so was to be an Alicorn.

[Castaras]

Y'all have probably seen this before, but This has been stuck in my head (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKeMCXKSk5c)

FooorEEVVVVERRRRR!

[Nameless]

Y'all have probably seen this before, but This has been stuck in my head (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKeMCXKSk5c)

FooorEEVVVVERRRRR!

Heh, weird. I was actually just listening to that again about five minutes ago. This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbIGnY_DSIE&feature=related) one has a better video though. :smallbiggrin:

[Kindablue]

Less then Fallout Equestria but more then a one shot. I guess 3-8 chapters would be best

It's Always Sunny in Fillydelphia (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/06/story-its-always-sunny-in-fillydelphia.html) is a comedy, but its sequel, Semper Fidelis, is action/adventure (it's actually a remake of the original '80s TV pilot), if that's what you're looking for.

[Forum Explorer]

It's Always Sunny in Fillydelphia (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/06/story-its-always-sunny-in-fillydelphia.html) is a comedy, but its sequel, Semper Fidelis, is action/adventure (it's actually a remake of the original '80s TV pilot), if that's what you're looking for.

I'll give it a try. Thanks! :smallsmile:

[Strife Warzeal]

Less then Fallout Equestria but more then a one shot. I guess 3-8 chapters would be best

Have you read Better Living Through Science and Ponies (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/05/story-better-living-through-science-and.html)? It's a 10 (if you include the extra chapter from someone else) chapter crossover with Portal. It's a personal favorite of mine.

Dinky Doo's Father Revealed (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/05/story-dinky-doos-father-revealed.html) a nice story about Ditzy and Dinky Doo. Heartwarming I think is it's best description.

Double Rainbow (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/09/story-double-rainbow.html) a complete mind**** of a story. It involves time travel, enough said. Incomplete though.

Half the Day is Night (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/story-half-day-is-night.html) on the longer side of stories. Something I read recently, it wasn't bad. Though my inner critic thinks it doesn't earn it's 6-star rating.

A plug for DarthBobCat for It's Always Sunny in Fillydelphia (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/06/story-its-always-sunny-in-fillydelphia.html).

And a plug for Deadly for Fillystata (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/08/story-fillystata.html).

I have no clue what you've read and what kind of stories you read so I just threw a bunch I've read and liked in there.

[Kindablue]

As I surrender unto sleep:
Italian Opening Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Trf002vigUA)
French Giggle at the Ghostly (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMXzFCIYnEw&feature=related)
Spanish Winter Wrap Up (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkMXe5996HU)
French Singing Telegram (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffV6_mS-L44&NR=1)
Russian Cupcakes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOT3pmynZlY)
Sviridoff:
Fluttershy and Octavia: Evil Enchantress Jazz (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtUmIfN9iW8)
Lisa Simpson and DJ P0N-3: Jazz Jam (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXvxO6CiCkY)

Sherclop Pones:
Ceep Calm and Cup Cakes (Remix) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i8t2krmRfg)
The Art of the Mattress (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4amc3a8IqE)
The Orphanage Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y1s6Jbhrzc)
Download links to all of the songs and BGM from Friendship is Witchcraft here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD2Jl0t1KkU)

Alex S:
Melting Pot of Alcohol (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH7lXcUvgwY) (only tangentially related to ponies (watch the reaction video), but it's just so catchy)
What A World (Original Mix) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcVLJyIi2NE&feature=channel_video_title)

Wooden Toaster:
She's A Pony Remix (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t38DPnkDjTM)
Rainbow Factory (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRx_iXgLAyw)

[Grif]

Pony thread! I need something to read tonight so I can actually wake up. Any suggestions of a really good/exciting fic?

Dangerous Business, Going Out Your Door (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/its-dangerous-business-going-out-your.html).

Best adventure fic after Fallout: Equestria, or so I am told. (Never read FO:E yet, so can't really compare. This fic is really good though.)

[MCerberus]

A couple of parting gifts before I hit the hay and get some much needed sleep...


http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/276/2/0/suited_for_success_by_taliesin_the_dragoon-d4brcge.jpg

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/277/5/5/the_best_night_ever_by_equestria_prevails-d4brvtc.jpg

I believe the correct term for the latter picture is
"Derpy gon' Derp"

[Titanium Fox]

I believe the correct term for the latter picture is
"Derpy gon' Derp"

Not quite sure if "derp" is the correct verb in that particular caption... :smalleek:

[Capt. Ido Nos]

I believe the correct term for the latter picture is
"Derpy gon' Derp"
I just imagine that scene unfold:

Luna and Celestia, after a long day, collapse into bed. Luna has her own, but is too tired to go all the way across the room, and this will annoy her sister besides. As they lay there, laughing and chatting, Derpy calmly walks in, past the guards. Without a words beyond a few inquisitive hums, she climbs up on the bed and shimmies under the covers between the too. "Ah yes, this will do nicely" she states cheerfully. She pulls out a bubblepipe and monocle and sits up, staring at the far wall as though in deep introspection. Finally, without a word, she falls over, instantly asleep. Celesita and Luna can only stare, mouths agape. Derpy begins to snore.

[MCerberus]

Not quite sure if "derp" is the correct verb in that particular caption... :smalleek:

It's Derpy. The verb means whatever she wants. You going to question it?

[Titanium Fox]

Wow, that was strange. Apparently page 7 was a shy one.

One could almost say... A Fluttershy one! Oh ho ho!

(Seriously, two ponies double posted and somepony posted again specifically to force the page and it STILL didn't go. Jeez.)


It's Derpy. The verb means whatever she wants. You going to question it?

I am questioning it! I AM QUESTIONING IT!

[otakuryoga]

I just imagine that scene unfold:

Luna and Celestia, after a long day, collapse into bed. Luna has her own, but is too tired to go all the way across the room, and this will annoy her sister besides. As they lay there, laughing and chatting, Derpy calmly walks in, past the guards. Without a words beyond a few inquisitive hums, she climbs up on the bed and shimmies under the covers between the too. "Ah yes, this will do nicely" she states cheerfully. She pulls out a bubblepipe and monocle and sits up, staring at the far wall as though in deep introspection. Finally, without a word, she falls over, instantly asleep. Celesita and Luna can only stare, mouths agape. Derpy begins to snore.

i was thinking more that derpy gave the princesses some muffins with an added "special" ingredient...next thing they know they are waking up in that pic

[MCerberus]

I am questioning it! I AM QUESTIONING IT!

Don't do it! She'll turn into Screwball then we're in big trouble!

[Nameless]

i was thinking more that derpy gave the princesses some muffins with an added "special" ingredient...next thing they know they are waking up in that pic

I was thinking that Derpy sort of just appeared there.

[Titanium Fox]

Don't do it! She'll turn into Screwball then we're in big trouble!

Ahahahahaha... AHAHAHAHAHAHA... AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[Beeskee]

A couple of parting gifts before I hit the hay and get some much needed sleep...

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/277/5/5/the_best_night_ever_by_equestria_prevails-d4brvtc.jpg

I lol'd at that one. :smallbiggrin: Derpy blowing bubbles is just the icing on the muffin. Which would make it a cupcake, but I didn't want to go there. Except I just did. Oops.

*reads the other comments* Oh gods Derpy roofied Celestia and Luna? :smalleek:



Pony thread! I need something to read tonight so I can actually wake up. Any suggestions of a really good/exciting fic?

Through The Eyes of Another Pony (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/08/story-through-eyes-of-another-pony.html)

I feel obligated to point this one out a lot because even though it seems to have every element which should make it a horrible Mary Sue fanfic, it isn't one. It's like the opposite of that actually.

It could also use some ratings, so if you like it please vote for it. :smallsmile: Some folks voted low without even reading it. :smallannoyed:



I got hired today! YAY! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLTZctTG6cE) :smallbiggrin: I'm terrible at job hunting, and even worse at interviews. :smallfrown:

[Nameless]

Through The Eyes of Another Pony (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/08/story-through-eyes-of-another-pony.html)

I feel obligated to point this one out a lot because even though it seems to have every element which should make it a horrible Mary Sue fanfic, it isn't one. It's like the opposite of that actually.

It could also use some ratings, so if you like it please vote for it. :smallsmile: Some folks voted low without even reading it. :smallannoyed:


Now I feel all bad for being a no-fanfic-guy. I'll make an expetion this once. Because I LOVE YOU. http://i.imgur.com/9QvF1.jpg
*ahem*
*goes and reads*

[Titanium Fox]

Through The Eyes of Another Pony (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/08/story-through-eyes-of-another-pony.html)

I feel obligated to point this one out a lot because even though it seems to have every element which should make it a horrible Mary Sue fanfic, it isn't one. It's like the opposite of that actually.

It could also use some ratings, so if you like it please vote for it. :smallsmile: Some folks voted low without even reading it. :smallannoyed:

I absolutely love this fic, and I pretty much as a rule don't like human in Equestria (or pony on earth, for that matter) fics. It's well done and has a tongue in cheek humor that works. The writer is up front that this character is a self insert and shows you his ICOOCWeirdMetaThing thought pattern. It's hard to describe, and the fic does take a little while to "get going", but it does definitely work, and work well.


I got hired today! YAY! :smallbiggrin: I'm terrible at job hunting, and even worse at interviews. :smallfrown:

Congratulations! http://i.imgur.com/jaolo.jpg

Where did you get hired?


Now I feel all bad for being a no-fanfic-guy. I'll make an expetion this once. Because I LOVE YOU. http://i.imgur.com/9QvF1.jpg
*ahem*
*goes and reads*

*Laughs* I know you've already succumb, but at the same time I still love watching your now sideways non-descent into ponysanity. It's awesome!

Normal normal normal normal PONY normal normal normal.

[Capt. Ido Nos]

I lol'd at that one. :smallbiggrin: Derpy blowing bubbles is just the icing on the muffin. Which would make it a cupcake, but I didn't want to go there. Except I just did. Oops.

*reads the other comments* Oh gods Derpy roofied Celestia and Luna? :smalleek:


I got hired today! YAY! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLTZctTG6cE) :smallbiggrin: I'm terrible at job hunting, and even worse at interviews. :smallfrown:
You saw my post already prolly, but to me, Derpy just shows up and plants her plot down for the night.

Grats on the job! What are you going to be doing? http://i.imgur.com/jaolo.jpg



Now I feel all bad for being a no-fanfic-guy. I'll make an expetion this once. Because I LOVE YOU. http://i.imgur.com/9QvF1.jpg
*ahem*
*goes and reads*
Haha, it's okay to not read fanfics, you're not obligated to. I barely read fanfics myself. I literally have read MAYBE two ponyfics, and that is the literal theoretical maximum. They just aren't my thing so much. My headcanon doesn't respond well to fanfic ^^;;

[Kris Strife]

Well, my psychology class gives us information and asks us to write up a response to it. This week's bit opens up with this sentence:


The most recent research findings suggest you could change the chemicals in your brain by changing what you think and how you act every day.

So, scientific proof that watching ponies helps make you a better person?

[TheAmishPirate]

Haha, it's okay to not read fanfics, you're not obligated to. I barely read fanfics myself. I literally have read MAYBE two ponyfics, and that is the literal theoretical maximum. They just aren't my thing so much. My headcanon doesn't respond well to fanfic ^^;;

I think this picture forever ruined DRASTICALLY IMPROVED the term "headcanon".

http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/263/9/4/happy_birthday_ego_by_atlur-d4aghr6.png

And it's cool if you don't like fanfics. I was the same way, until I realized there were actually competent writers out there, and sometimes they write about ponies. But even if they are good, they're certainly not for everypony.

[Beeskee]

Now I feel all bad for being a no-fanfic-guy. I'll make an expetion this once. Because I LOVE YOU. http://i.imgur.com/9QvF1.jpg
*ahem*
*goes and reads*

I was wary about reading any fanfics at first too. Turns out, there's a ton of awesome ones. :smallsmile:



I absolutely love this fic, and I pretty much as a rule don't like human in Equestria (or pony on earth, for that matter) fics. It's well done and has a tongue in cheek humor that works. The writer is up front that this character is a self insert and shows you his ICOOCWeirdMetaThing thought pattern. It's hard to describe, and the fic does take a little while to "get going", but it does definitely work, and work well.

Yeah that fic rocks. I am eternally in shock over how good it is, and I love that the author basically wrote it on a dare that he couldn't write a good story with those elements in it.




Congratulations! http://i.imgur.com/jaolo.jpg

Where did you get hired?



Grats on the job! What are you going to be doing? http://i.imgur.com/jaolo.jpg


At a local company, to do something that I love doing. :smallbiggrin: I don't want to say more just yet, because I'm still waiting for everything to be finalized and I don't want to mess it up, but I start next week. :smallsmile:





So, scientific proof that watching ponies helps make you a better person?

Like with video games, ponies makes you a better human being. (Not "better than others" better, a "better than you were before" better.)

[Strife Warzeal]

Through The Eyes of Another Pony (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/08/story-through-eyes-of-another-pony.html)

I feel obligated to point this one out a lot because even though it seems to have every element which should make it a horrible Mary Sue fanfic, it isn't one. It's like the opposite of that actually.

It could also use some ratings, so if you like it please vote for it. :smallsmile: Some folks voted low without even reading it. :smallannoyed:



I absolutely love this fic, and I pretty much as a rule don't like human in Equestria (or pony on earth, for that matter) fics. It's well done and has a tongue in cheek humor that works. The writer is up front that this character is a self insert and shows you his ICOOCWeirdMetaThing thought pattern. It's hard to describe, and the fic does take a little while to "get going", but it does definitely work, and work well.

I had no plans to read this fic, the whole human in equestria thing mostly, but I guess I'll give it a chance based on your opinions. It can't be the worst thing I've ever read, I mean I've read The Twilight Saga for Celestia's sake.

[Titanium Fox]

I think this picture forever ruined DRASTICALLY IMPROVED the term "headcanon".

http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/263/9/4/happy_birthday_ego_by_atlur-d4aghr6.png

Oh my god that pony looks like a ram. The white rolly parts at the back?

Wow, I really am slapstick tired, aren't I? I actually took about five minutes to stop laughing long enough to look straight at the screen again.


Yeah that fic rocks. I am eternally in shock over how good it is, and I love that the author basically wrote it on a dare that he couldn't write a good story with those elements in it.

Dare I say it's one of the only ones that pulls it off though. I'm glad he did it though, and it's a testament to his ability as a writer in general that he was able to pull that cluster**** of a premise off.


At a local company, to do something that I love doing. :smallbiggrin: I don't want to say more just yet, because I'm still waiting for everything to be finalized and I don't want to mess it up, but I start next week. :smallsmile:

I completely understand the not wanting to Jinx it thing. I'm really happy for you though, congratulations again! http://i.imgur.com/aRDpW.jpg


ponies makes you a better human being. (Not "better than others" better, a "better than you were before" better.)

Agreed. One hundred and ten percent agreed. I know they kind of took the little layer of cynicism and intolerance that was slowly starting to grow on me as I became accustomed to the post-college real world and scrubbed it clean off. They also revitalized me to be ready to tackle the horrors of the real world without having to develop a new defense mechanism that would have compromised who I was either.

Yay pony!


I had no plans to read this fic, the whole human in equestria thing mostly, but I guess I'll give it a chance based on your opinions. It can't be the worst thing I've ever read, I mean I've read The Twilight Saga for Celestia's sake.

Why would you do that to yourself?! Are you a masochist man?

[PhantomFox]

Once again, I find myself noting that the scarriest thing to a writer is a blank piece of paper (or a blank word doc).

Someone badger me into starting actual writing of my Psychonaut Pinkie Pie fic (aka, Piece of Mind). :smallbiggrin:

[Strife Warzeal]

Why would you do that to yourself?! Are you a masochist man?

I was really really really really really really really really really really really really *5 minutes later* really really bored. Also I'm pretty sure ponies as we know it wouldn't be released for another year and I wouldn't join the fandom for another 2 at the time.

Once again, I find myself noting that the scarriest thing to a writer is a blank piece of paper (or a blank word doc).

Someone badger me into starting actual writing of my Psychonaut Pinkie Pie fic (aka, Piece of Mind). :smallbiggrin:

Ok, I'll need directions to your residence, 30 feet of bailing wire, and 3 badgers (preferably female)... thats not what you meant is it? http://i.imgur.com/X0pML.jpg

[Kris Strife]

Once again, I find myself noting that the scarriest thing to a writer is a blank piece of paper (or a blank word doc).

Someone badger me into starting actual writing of my Psychonaut Pinkie Pie fic (aka, Piece of Mind). :smallbiggrin:

Start it, or I'll post sad pony pics. :smallannoyed:

How's that? :smalltongue:

[Beeskee]

Once again, I find myself noting that the scarriest thing to a writer is a blank piece of paper (or a blank word doc).

Someone badger me into starting actual writing of my Psychonaut Pinkie Pie fic (aka, Piece of Mind). :smallbiggrin:

If the blankness is causing problems, start filling it in with what you do have. You don't have to jump right into creating a story. A basic outline can help a bunch, with figuring out what you want to do and where you want to go with the story. Also, jotting down lines of dialogue or snippets of descriptive text so you remember to include them later can help. After you have a lot of the above, writing the rest of the story is a matter of filling in the gaps.



I had no plans to read this fic, the whole human in equestria thing mostly, but I guess I'll give it a chance based on your opinions.

It's definitely worth a read at least. Try a couple of chapters, if it still turns out to be not your thing, no hard feelings. :smallbiggrin: Everypony has different tastes.



Dare I say it's one of the only ones that pulls it off though. I'm glad he did it though, and it's a testament to his ability as a writer in general that he was able to pull that cluster**** of a premise off.

I completely understand the not wanting to Jinx it thing. I'm really happy for you though, congratulations again! http://i.imgur.com/aRDpW.jpg

Agreed. One hundred and ten percent agreed. I know they kind of took the little layer of cynicism and intolerance that was slowly starting to grow on me as I became accustomed to the post-college real world and scrubbed it clean off. They also revitalized me to be ready to tackle the horrors of the real world without having to develop a new defense mechanism that would have compromised who I was either.

Yay pony!

I know what you mean, when I first came across it I thought "this can't be good" - I quickly learned just how wrong I was.

Yeah I'm still worried about something going wrong. I really need a job. I'm super-happy to be getting this one, because it involves something I love a LOT. Thank you for the congrats. :smallbiggrin:

Definitely, the world is stuffed full of bad news, but there are a lot of good things too. They get buried under the bad sometimes, newspapers and TV news shows make more money selling the horrible tales of woe than they do from telling everyone the good things that are going on in life. So it takes way more effort to find the nice things, and more energy to hang on to those as well.

[Gamerlord]

@Easy as Lying.
Great!
@SiuS Blueblood story.
Also great!

[TheAmishPirate]

Once again, I find myself noting that the scarriest thing to a writer is a blank piece of paper (or a blank word doc).

Someone badger me into starting actual writing of my Psychonaut Pinkie Pie fic (aka, Piece of Mind). :smallbiggrin:

I got this. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIyixC9NsLI)

In all seriousness, just write something. Doesn't have to be perfect, you make it perfect later. Right now, you turn your inner critic off and start spewing words on that dang page. Show that page who's boss. HINT: It's you. You are the boss. The boss of WRITING.

[Capt. Ido Nos]

Oh gosh California Girls is playing on the office radio, and it sounds SO DANG WEIRD that's it's not sung by Pinkie Pie, and about Ponies http://i.imgur.com/0yCfw.jpg

[Nameless]

*Laughs* I know you've already succumb, but at the same time I still love watching your now sideways non-descent into ponysanity. It's awesome!

Normal normal normal normal PONY normal normal normal.

It's not really a "descent", it's more of a "surpression". It's as if a small part of my brain has been infected by a mental virus. The rest of my brain tries to keep said virus at bay, but it likes to come out and play sometimes. I know a good game. But it's not so bad. It's called "Pin the Tail on the Pony" I just have to work at it some more. You can be the Pony. http://i.imgur.com/9QvF1.jpg


I was wary about reading any fanfics at first too. Turns out, there's a ton of awesome ones. :smallsmile:


*reads chapter 1*
*clicks on chapter 2*
*computer restarts on it's own*
Huh... http://i.imgur.com/2E2Va.jpg
*clicks on chapter 2 again*
*computer dies*
Y U NO WORK!? http://i.imgur.com/2c0gc.jpg

[Kris Strife]

*reads chapter 1*
*clicks on chapter 2*
*computer restarts on it's own*
Huh... http://i.imgur.com/2E2Va.jpg
*clicks on chapter 2 again*
*computer dies*
Y U NO WORK!? http://i.imgur.com/2c0gc.jpg

Your computer has hit it's "Pony Limit." Esper had this happen the other week, try clearing your Cache.

[Nameless]

Your computer has hit it's "Pony Limit." Esper had this happen the other week, try clearing your Cache.

*takes flamethrower out*

[Beeskee]

*reads chapter 1*
*clicks on chapter 2*
*computer restarts on it's own*
Huh... http://i.imgur.com/2E2Va.jpg
*clicks on chapter 2 again*
*computer dies*
Y U NO WORK!? http://i.imgur.com/2c0gc.jpg

That's... uh.. freaky. I just re-read those chapters last night.

*opens chapter 2, no problems*

It worked for me, but I realize that isn't particularly helpful. It shouldn't be doing that to you. I mean, it *couldn't* do it directly, there's nothing special in Google Docs that makes computers reboot. confluttershy.jpg (http://gyropedia.wikia.com/wiki/Confluttershy) (Edit: By that I mean it's doing it indirectly, I'm not saying you weren't having a problem that you obviously are.)

Have you had issues with your computer rebooting or such like that before? If so, it might be related to memory or networking, since Google Docs does use a bit of memory, and it opens up a chat type connection thingy as well. (That's what the stuff on the top right is, I didn't know about it for a while...)

Clearing your web browser cache might help, or if you have a ton of stuff open, closing any unnecessary programs. Also, maybe closing the chapter 1 page and using the main story page (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/08/story-through-eyes-of-another-pony.html) on Equestria Daily to open the next chapter might help.


Sorry you're having problems. I know how much unrelated technical issues can spoil an otherwise good thing. :smallfrown:

[Tectonic Robot]

I personally really like Imposition, which is one of the most hilariously verbose human in Equestria stories I've ever seen.

It's endings kind of weak, but everything else is pretty cool.

[Lix Lorn]

(Did not see new thread link)


http://img.ponibooru.org/images/50/50b7decea81a83ce6313e397865386a4
Love that pic. xD


Tetris theme: known far and wide despite tetris itself. I don't care for the game either, but the theme...
(Didn't recognise it)


To be fair, I wouldn't either.

Actually, SiuiS, while I think about it, don't thank me for making you male again or anything, it's fine!

...

You should probably keep away from any mirrors. No reason, it's just I've heard there's a plague of...mirror...aliens on the loose. That...attack you from mirrors. Yes, that was it.

NOTHING! I did nothing! Uh, I mean apart from make him male again. EXACTLY AS I INTENDED.

You really should tell hi-

LOOK, PONIES!

Nice save, Bleakbane, nice save...
...xD



"I don't know, Pony. What's your angle?"

Blueblood winced. Could this creature be purposefully trying to sabotage negotiations? It had ignored social and diplomatic mores so far, and it's voice!

"See here, my good Earl, you have all of the information already. I don't know why you insist on giving myself and my Princesses motives they do not have. Is it so hard? We have a pony who needs kidnapping. You need gems for your people's economy, and moreover," Blueblood leaned towards the Diamond dog, ignoring the rustle and clanked of his heavy guards, "your people need the food shipments that only Equestria is willing to barter for. You've alienated the the Fu republic, the dragons don't care about your dwindling supply veins or the famine that cuts your workforce in half; the griffons have declared outright war on your people!"

He sat back, watching. The Earl of Canidae had remarkable composure for a diamond dog - he shook slightly in lieu of the usual loud gesticulations - and the Duke relaxed. It's all downhill from here, Auntie.

"So..." the shrill gravelly voice made Blueblood tense again. "We capture pony, we get the goods, cheaper? You have yourself a deal, pon--" Prince Blueblood snorted forcefully, and the Earl swallowed with equal force "Er, I mean. you have yourself a deal, Duke Blueblood." The Earl Stood. Blueblood Stood. The guards stood.

Three droplets sounded in the far cavern reaches. A fourescent purple fungus rolled by, like some undersea creature miming the Mild West.

"I'll just see myself out then. Good day, um, 'gentleman'." Blueblood turned with dramatic flair, leaving a small bag of bits, and carrying the signed trade agreement back to Celestia under his cloak.

-

"Auntie, I don't understand. Why is this necessary?" Prince complained. "Why can't we just tell them what they need to know? One of them is your apprentice, even! I'm sure they would—"

"Sir Blueblood, this is an official briefing. You will stand at attention and address me appropriately." The admonition was spoken gently, lovingly. Prince's blood ran cold and his faced burned red. It was dawning on him more and more that this was serious.

Seeing him stand to attention, Celestia herself relaxed, and took over pacing where he himself had stopped, never leaving her dais. Lit silver by the skylight far above, the princess nevertheless looked as radiant as ever. Only the faintest sheen at her edges proved she stood in moonlight.

"Sir Blueblood, Duke of the Splendid Hills... Knight of Harmony... My nephew... Prince..." Celestia's voice softened and yet became energized, from title to name. "I want to make it very clear that this is momentous in ways even my sister and I do not fully understand. Just as this cannot be only a political move or your knightly duty, it must be something you believe in and feel... So too must the chosen bearers of the Elements of Harmony feel what they must do. I have known Twilight for years, and I've met her friends. They are wonderful! But if I tell them about what is to come, they will think they understand it, Twilight especially. Their surety will be their downfall.

The season is changing, Sir Blueblood. The next great age is upon us. Like the zeitgeist of the griffons, Sir Blueblood. *A series of events so profound that they will change how everypony - everyone - thinks, feels, and acts. This age, we are watched. Things move beyond our furthest understanding. Some wish us well, some wish us ill. And from the small changes we have seen, the cynicism, bitterness and neglect that has become vogue among my kingdom is but the merest ripple. I know how you feel about what we've been doing, but you must understand..."

Blueblood turned towards his pacing aunt, his voice terse. "Princess, I just spent a week in a cave, convincing a neighboring clan to kidnap one of our kingdom assets! Forgive me if I cannot reconcile these ungentlecoltly behaviors with my duty as a knight!" he finished hotly.

Princess Celestia stopped pacing. For a long breath Prince thought that he had finally crossed a line, finally acted as family when acting as subject was called for, finally ... Something.

But her eyes. Her eyes.

"Sir Blueblood. Prince, look at me." Prince could have been thinking in her voice, as soft as the command was. "What do you see? What do you see when you look at me."

Prince Gazed up the slight dais, gazed up the long and slim form of the now statue-still princess. Her oddly feminine barrel chest, laden thick with heavy gold moved slowly with her breathing.

Kindness. Loyalty. Generosity.

Her mane an aurora blown by invisible winds, her chin lifted in habitual regality. Her eyes, the eyes that saw almost half a millions sunrises, sunsets. Liquid, framed by lines of worry and love.

Honesty. Laughter.
Magic.

Blueblood relented. Under any iron gaze, or stony stare he would hold. Against fire and adversity he could perservere. Here, his Auntie, his Princess, his senior knight in the Order of Harmony, here were the clearest "windows to the soul" the duke had ever seen. Celestia didn't want to plot. She didn't want to command her nephew, to bargain with other kingdoms and countries. She wanted to go home, be with her sister, throw down her crown, and be a regular pony.

"I will do as you ask, Princess. For all of us." For what little peace it can bring you. She dismissed him, and he left, slowly trotting out to the garden through the passages known only by the order. Each step brought him more fresh air, doing little to ease his troubled heart.

-

Remember that what you do is for the good of more than even all of Equestria, Prince. What you do tonight will save all of the world.

Celestia's words floated to Bluebloods mind, and he mulled them over. She was right, of course. She was always right. But still, the urge to find a good mare, settle down into a humdrum existence... Just forget all of this cosmic events malarkey, and enjoy the company of a pretty young thing...

Devoid of any real merit. A deserter, a drop out, and likely holding tightly to some young filly after his money and title, out to make a name for himself. No, this needed to happen. He couldn't do otherwise, knowing what he did.

Rarity will be arriving by carriage. We need to do whatever we can to make sure the bearers of the Elements bond, Sir Blueblood. Some of your fellows will see to the other ponies, but Generosity is yours. Do not fail in this task. And Prince...

Process Luna and I both know what this is like. Afterwards, I'd you need to talk... You're not alone.

Trumpets sounded and Blueblood shook. Of course, the doors were opening! He had spent too much time thinking, and had almost missed his opportunity... There!

She was, of course, stunning. Why wouldn't she be? He thought. Here was a pony whose life was fashion, or - dare he say it? - style. Of course she would look her best, on this the night of the Gala.

A pity though. Blueblood had already developed a crush of sorts on the bearer of Generosity. The letters form Princess Celestia's apprentice that involved her exploits were one of his prime sources of intelligence. That and the reports from Canidae, both from the spies and from the Dogs themselves, had painted a dazzling picture. Elegant, self-reliant, rapier wits... Had she been uglier than a nag in a pig pen, his duties would be easier to execute. Of course, no such luck.

Blueblood turned towards the garden doors, waiting, watching the highly polished gold trim. Soon she would catch sight of him and— There!

Just walk, he told himself. Be*Calm, collected. And yet... Curiosity and concern got the better of the unicorn, and he turned to look over his shoulder at the mare who followed him with such eager eyes. He could only hope she had horrible soft skills.

Brief breezes from between the palace hedges helped Prince clear his head, cool his skin. Everything was going according to plan. Everything must go according to plan... He resolved himself to his task, and put on his best mask of politely reined interest. When she entered the gardens proper, he gave Generosity his best 'come hither' smarmy brow, and set to work.

She pretended not to notice him, of course. They always did that, playing coy. It made the act easier though. Blueblood gave silent thanks for small favors. "Well, hello. I am Prince Blueblood." his voice was so full of pompousness, he felt like he had licked a hog. Still, it seemed to be just the right level of charming that Generosity was expecting.

"I am Rarity." she said, demurely. It took all of Prince's will not to respond to that lovely voice. "Oh, My!" she continued. "What a lovely rose..."

The expected response was painfully obvious. Still, prince admitted to himself that her lack of courtly guile was almost charming. There of course could be only one response to such a strike; parry, riposte. Verbal sparring was what he excelled at.

"you mean... This rose?" Prince plucked the flower gingerly with his teeth, extending it towards Rarity, as if to offer... Before biting off the excess stem and sticking the rose into his lapel. "Thank you! It goes with my eyes."

She was angry, of course. But Prince felt a stab of guilt, seeing the hurt underneath that anger. He couldn't turn away fast enough.

-

Sir Blueblood, this is more important than anything we've ever had to do. More important than anything we ever thought we would have to do, even when we founded the order those long centuries ago."
"Yes, Princess." He was stock still, burnished armor catching flickers of torchlight.
"Sir Blueblood, I am not sure even you understand the enormity of this." The princess raised her voice to carry to the other assembled knights. He was to be the example then. So be it.
"even Discord's prison weakens. Whether intentional or a side effect we do not know. The bearers of the Elements need to rely on each other, even above their fondest desires."
Blueblood's eyes lidded slightly in confusion. Fondest desires?

-

Two hours had passed, and Prince was certain that he'd given Rarity a less than flattering impression of royalty. Small gaffes that must, by decorum, go uncommented on had been the rule, yet still she seemed to adore him. Now she tired, and said something about a sit to watch the stars. Rarity had long since given up witty banter, and just doggedly hoped for some glimmer of manners.

Blueblood sighed and set out to turn even that against her. The look on her face when he set down a cushion for her was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. The rest was almost too easy; wait for her to recognize the gesture, then take the cushion himself. The only surprise was how bad he felt at dashing her feelings once again, as she muttered under her breath. "This is at all what I imagined..."

Prince sat staring into the night sky until his face was composed once more.

-

"I'm very sorry for withholding this, but we had to be sure you could do this mission before we told you. You are assigned to the element of Generosity, Sir Blueblood, because she personally wants to meet you."
The shock on his face must have been as clear to the princess as her own concern was to him. This was it. This was the unvoiced question that danced in her eyes these last few months. Could he continue?
Prince Blueblood swallowed. "That should just make the task easier then." his fellows quietly murmured approval, good. There was some doubt in the ranks, now quelled. Yet still his Auntie continued to look at him with concern.

-

Blueblood walked with Rarity back through the palace. Her muttering was a blessing. Not only did it make it easier to know her mind, but it gave him something else to focus on as he guided her through the throng of party-goers.*After minutes of careful search and guidance, Prince finally found what he sought; an overturned glass of water. Being on ones best behavior a he palace was understandable, but certainly somepony must have dropped a glass before now! He had never in his life regarded efficient servants with so much vitriol.

A careful turn, a slightly faster pace... Slow, and another turn. Stop, look around, another subtle turn... Prince was distracted from his maneuverings by the slight kiss of frills on his side. Trying to hide the blush it brought to his face, Blueblood almost missed his chance entirely as Rarity continued toward the spill.

"Miss Rarity, stop!" Prince flung out his foreleg, and was rewarded with a brush of gentle fur and soft, hot breaths of*surprise.

"Prince Blueblood! How Chivalrous!"

Blueblood considered the situation. He could continue from this point, wooing Rarity, being the gentlecolt she dreamed of. Fulfilling her notions of sophistication. Finding himself a filly who wanted princely behavior, not princely prestige and income.

His oaths service rose up in his mind, his promises to his aunts, his princesses, the realm...

With enough ceremony to to make The Barding himself rolls his eyes, Blueblood recited his lines. "One would hate to slip..."

-

"Princess?" He ventured. "... Auntie?"
"I asked you to stay behind because I needed to talk to you, Blueblood. I need to know that you can handle this."
Prince felt a frission of anger. The last week had been constant doubt, and enough was enough. "Why do you insist on asking that? Is this some continued test of perseverance? Or do you really feel I will let you down?"
The princess only smiled at his tirade. He felt instantly ashamed.
"Blueblood, this will be he hardest part for all of us." she gestured with her horn, though he didn't turn. He didn't need to to know where she was going with this. "your cutie mark. The moral compass. Prince, it's one thing to work like traditional royalty, treating ponies like numbers or pieces on a board or rival players. But Generosity is a lovely, charming young lady. She averted crises through wit, good humor and self-sacrifice. This is not putting the worst against the worst, in court. This is forcing somepony who doesn't deserve it to feel bad, so they will grow."
She looks away, and now Prince is truely worried. Were her eyes glassy? Was she crying?
"I couldn't do it last time, Sir Blueblood." back to titles. Hiding her feelings only made them more clear to him. "Luna... Nightmare Moon... I couldn't risk being wrong about the elements, couldn't risk hurting my sister. It cost me a thousand years. Even knowing this, I don't think... That I could act differently if I had to do it again."

-

It had been another hour. The food stand with her friend - Honesty? Loyalty? Hard to distinguish sometimes - and the door were some of his finer work as a 'petty noble', but there were a dozen other slights he threw in just in case. Each rested like a shallow cut on his heart.

The night was drawing to a close, or it was according to the princesses' plans. Each of the Bearers must be emotionally exhausted; if Rarity were any indication, one more push should be enough to send them all running, seeking solace with each other. In fact, it seemed to be happening now, with Laughter trying ever harder to start up some fun, and the food cart pony bringing in... Cake?

Prince couldn't recall exactly what chain of events started it all. He could only see the cake flying, and Rarity's concern for his well-being.

Which obviously left only one course of action - or one coarse action, if one were inclined to punnery. For her part, Rarity was surprisingly receptive to becoming a ballistic shield, no doubt too stunned to put up any fuss until after her gown was ruined and spattered with apple cake. [I]I'll have to remember to pay for that anonymously later...

There was little time for self musings, as Rarity turned on him like dragon. "YOU SIR!" she began, and Blueblood could see her struggling to funnel all her hurt feelings without damaging her composure, though little time dis he have to admire her will. "Are the most UNCHARMING prince I have ever met!"

The urge to point out that Prince was his name and that he was, in fact, a duke, was absurdly strong.

"In fact, the only thing royal about you is that you are a royal pain!"

Rarity began to settle into her tirade, a calm that Prince couldn't afford to let her have. He could later only dimly recall his exact words - having hit his head rather smartly shortly after - but he knew they had the desired effect. He didn't awaken until hours later, when the princess had returned to survey the cleaning.

Prince headed towards her, forestalling her explanations. He'd already had the details from the more informed servants.

"So did your plan work, Princess?"

Celestia didn't seem to catch the sneer in his voice. "Yes, actually. The girls spent spent the night reminiscing. I am glad to say they are closer now than ever. We may yet stand a chance."

"The girls?" Prince asked, incredulous. "not the bearers of the Elements, not your faithful student and her friends? The girls. The girls!" he shouted. The princess' eyes widened in shock, and she stopped walking amongst the carnage, giving him her full attention.

"Is there something wrong, Blueblood?"

"of course there is! I spent the entire night ruining some poor Unicorn's dreams, while you shook hands and partied with "the girls"! The Princess is working with Fu, Zebrica, and Griffonmont! I spent months sabotaging those ponies, leaving a parasprite nest, bribing the Diamond Dogs into kidnapping one, even telling the Appleoosians where to plant their orchard for optimum conflict... And you spend the Gala eating doughnuts!"

The princess stared at him, mouth agape. The concern that had been there since this whole thing began vanished. In it's place was a horrible understanding.

"You loved her."

The barest whisper, yet he heard it. His composure broke, hours of manipulation finally finding their way to his conscience.

"Blueblood, you were only with her a night. This wasn't... You should have ... Have done something else."

Hot tears fell to the floor as Prince struggled against his heaving sobs. He didn't see Celestia approach. He certainly hadn't seen her move, or the servants all flee at a gesture. A downy wing pulled him in, and the princess sat him on an overturned marble pillar, to cry a river together under the watching moon.

Good Gods I hate writing. I don't know if this is any good. I don't care anymore. It took me less than a minute to structure, why by Fire dis it take me five and a half blinkered hours to write?

Standard trepidation of taking up an artform I'm not used to and showing it to professionals, but if there is anything I've learned from Thanqol, it's that the only one who loses if I don't is me.

I'll be shot to the moon before I let a dearth of actual talent keep Me from actually benefitting from this much labor. I should probably work in that prince/duke thing sooner. I should really work on fleshing out characters. I should just stick to drawing. Whatever.

So darn burnt out right now. This was harrowing; how do I carve out what I want while I still possessing of inspiration? The western winds brought me fae desires, and to write this (at the time) short and sweet story was one of them. But when the winds go, so too does the mood, and balancing work, writing, and getting air was hard.

Actual contribution in my usual style pending. Enjoy, a charai. Or whichever way to make 'my friends' plural in Irish.
:smalleek:
:smallfrown:
(Hugs Blueblood)

Also: Hey, Aotrs! I just found a character sheet of a lich I made. She was NE, where by 'E' I mean 'kinda a bitch'.

[otakuryoga]

Through The Eyes of Another Pony (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/08/story-through-eyes-of-another-pony.html)


I got hired today! YAY! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLTZctTG6cE) :smallbiggrin: I'm terrible at job hunting, and even worse at interviews. :smallfrown:

hmmm, i may have to check that out after i finish on a cross and arrow

and conga rats


Oh gosh California Girls is playing on the office radio, and it sounds SO DANG WEIRD that's it's not sung by Pinkie Pie, and about Ponies http://i.imgur.com/0yCfw.jpg

i can imagine...especially since i have had equestria girls stuck in my head the last 2 days at work


Once again, I find myself noting that the scarriest thing to a writer is a blank piece of paper (or a blank word doc).

Someone badger me into starting actual writing of my Psychonaut Pinkie Pie fic (aka, Piece of Mind). :smallbiggrin:

write any scene...both fics im working on i actually wrote the end first since that was what popped into my head hardest

[Lord Raziere]

Episode 2 of season 2 made me think of up of this mythological fan fic or whatever, hope you like it:

Discord, Progress and Stagnation
Long ago, before Equestria, there were two great beings

Discord, the being of directionless chaos, trickery and manipulation

Progress, the being of directed change and creation.

Order nor Harmony had even been conceived yet. Discord and Progress were like yin and yang, Discord being an eternal producer of Problems and Dangers, while Progress was an eternal producer of Solutions and Evolution. Together they ensured that the world constantly evolved, adapted and changed. Without Progress the world would devolve into meaningless chaos, while without Discord, there would be nothing to challenge Progress and thus keep things getting better without problems to solve.

Even Progress could only conceive of directed chaos towards an ever-evoling goal of improvement and change towards something better and there was always something better.
However Discord disliked Progress.
Everytime Discord broke and scattered things apart, Progress would recombine them in new ways and continue to improve and direct out of directionless chaos.

Discord didn't want this eternal upward improvement of everything to interfere with his beautiful mayhem, so he went to Progress and began to show him vision after vision of every solution that Progress created would bering about a greater problem, the situation getting worse and worse every time Progress solved something until Progress saw the destruction of the entire world through the visions, all the while Discord spoke his lies and twisted Progress's optimistic dream of eternal improvement into a nightmare of bringing ever greater disaster.

Soon Progress began to grey and believe it that it would be better that things stop changing and remain eternally the same, becoming Stagnation. Discord found it trivially easy to overthrow and exile Stagnation and plunge the world into eons of meaningless, glorious chaos.

Stagnation then slunk off in despair, retreating away from the center of the chaotic storm that raged about Discord.
However, Progress was just as powerful as Discord and could fight somewhat against Discord's magic.
He managed to fight his way until he was half Progress and half Stagnation. Then, from a combination equally of the two concepts,he had a flash of enlightenment and inspiration, and finally conceived Harmony and all the Elements that make it up.

In this flash, Progress hurriedly created the Elements of Harmony and hid them away. However, he focused so much upon making them, that Stagnation soon took over totally, and thus he became completely petrified.

So for Eons did Discord rule in never-ending chaos.
Almost never-ending.
In one spot of reality, the Elements of Harmony emitted an aura of Harmony that subtlety influenced the area around it to be more stable, its change more directed, its evolution more progressive and harmonious, all too subtle for Discord to possibly notice, if he wasn't busy drinking chocolate tacos or making birds walk underwater using pyramids.

Eventually the evolution directed by the Elements of Harmony resulted int he Ponies, Celestia and Luna, who soon observed that their placed was more harmonious than most within the chaos, and journeyed to the center of the harmony to find the Elements of Harmony, which they then used to defeat Discord.

Thus did Discord's reign end. In the aftermath, the world stabilized and many things came into existence from the ever-changing reality of Discord, such as the diamond dogs, the dragons, and many such other creatures formed from the great stabilization of the world that would've probably lasted only moments in the chaos of Discord.
This stabilization however was achieved by using up all of the Element's Aura to do this, thus dimming their glow. The original place where the Elements sat for so long became Equestria, while many places that stabilized from the chaos became places like the Everfree Forest.

Thus does Harmony now keep reality running smoothly, but without the magnificent forever-improvement that Progress desired. Progress is still trapped in stone, no one knowing of his existence- and even if he was released or awakened, would he come back as Progress? or Stagnation?

[Topaz]

Don't do it! She'll turn into Screwball then we're in big trouble!

So far I've seen five post-Discord versions of Screwball, two of which involve Derpy and three than involve Diamond Tiara. I wonder if one of them is going to stick?


I had no plans to read this fic, the whole human in equestria thing mostly, but I guess I'll give it a chance based on your opinions. It can't be the worst thing I've ever read, I mean I've read The Twilight Saga for Celestia's sake.

I adore Through the Eyes of Another Pony. It's one of the fics that I SQUEEEE for when I see that there's a new chapter up.

[Beeskee]

Episode 2 of season 2 made me think of up of this mythological fan fic or whatever, hope you like it:

Discord, Progress and Stagnation


Definitely interesting. :smallsmile: Are you planning to write more of that?



I'm reading Progress (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6982210/1/Progress) right now. It's about Luna learning how to adjust to the world after a long absence.

[Kurgan]

Welp, internet died on my computer, and only my computer. Since my knowledge of how computers work can be summed up as "its magic!" I haven't the slightest clue how to fix it. Long story short, tedious day.

On the plus side, I totally bummed my dad's laptop, so I can keep up with pony thread. Which reminds me, I have almost a full day to catch up on now. See ya when I get there.

[Trixie]

...

Since the forum code is about to be changed crashing many old functionalities in tables, I decided to change the 'Fanwork' table in the OP to semi-new standard. Can the volunteers take a look at it and tell me if the new version is legible, and what improvements to make? :smallsigh:

[TheAmishPirate]

...

Since the forum code is about to be changed crashing many old functionalities in tables, I decided to change the 'Fanwork' table in the OP to semi-new standard. Can the volunteers take a look at it and tell me if the new version is legible, and what improvements to make? :smallsigh:

It's legible, but I'd try and move the left column up to the top to match the right if it's not too much trouble. There's a lot of horizontal lines from the divisions, but since I don't exactly know how I would rearrange it differently, I'd say it's fine.

If I see anything else, I'll let you know.

[Bayonet Priest]

Definitely interesting. :smallsmile: Are you planning to write more of that?



I'm reading Progress (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6982210/1/Progress) right now. It's about Luna learning how to adjust to the world after a long absence.

Progress is pretty funny, especially the early chapters.

[Roninhirox]

Welp, internet died on my computer, and only my computer. Since my knowledge of how computers work can be summed up as "its magic!" I haven't the slightest clue how to fix it. Long story short, tedious day.

On the plus side, I totally bummed my dad's laptop, so I can keep up with pony thread. Which reminds me, I have almost a full day to catch up on now. See ya when I get there.

See I thought computers ran on evil spirits which explained most of the internet in my head. Mine is still holding up thankfully I think all the tree sap I have in there holding parts together is really what keeps it going.

[otakuryoga]

AWESOME Trixie pic
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCTYNaf_Zpo/TouBZTWsTxI/AAAAAAAANPo/nb_uncuCyF0/s1600/67168+-+Trixie+artist+ItchyMango+poster.jpg
lol...just checked the DA page for fave writer and she had this posted in her journal

-------

GUESS WHO'S NOT SLEEPING?

Okay, so, brony pick up lines:
"Wanna see my cutie mark?"
"They ought to call you episode two, because you've got PLOT!!"
"Call me AJ, because I'm a world class bucker "
"10 seconds flat." (Geez that's practically our mating call)
"How about we take this from shipfic to clopfic (optional: in ten seconds flat)?"
"Oh, I'll make you scream louder...."
"Wanna taste the rainbow?"

Congratulations you are now Rainbow Dash. What do you do?
> Look up from my bed made entirely out of satiated lovers and sigh contentedly
Congratulations you are now Fluttershy. What do you do?
> Hide the bodies before my friends get here
Congratulations you are now Twilight. What do you do?
> Fluttershy
Congratulations you are now Pinkie Pie. What do you do?
> Wait for Fluttershy to leave and steal the bodies. Mmmmm.
Congratulations you are now Applejack. What do you do?
> ApplesApplesApplesApplesApplesApplesApplesApplesAp ples
Congratulations you are now Rarity. What do you do?
> Put down the gun. P-put it down. You're stronger than this. You can do this. PUT DOWN THE GUN
Congratulations you are now Celestia. What do you do?
> Look up from your bed of unconscious "lovers" and sigh contentedly
Congratulations you are now Luna. What do you do?
> Really wish you weren't on Celestia's bed right now. Or that she'd at least remove the ball gag
Congratulations you are now Cheerilee. What do you do?
Sweetie Belle Uhhh.....g-grade homework?
Congratulations you are now Vinyl Scratch. What do you do?
> Dubstep WHOMPWHOMPWHOMPWHOMPWHOMPWHOMP
Congratulations you are now Applebloom. What do you do?
> Wish your family wasn't the town charity case
Congratulations you are now Scootaloo. What do you do?
> Clop furiously to picture of Rainbow Dash
Congratulations you are now Sweetie Belle. What do you do?
> Bury confusing feelings about teacher
Congratulations you are now Big Mac. What do you do?
> Run entire farm and wish Granny Smith had let you finish your master's degree
Congratulations you are now Granny Smith. What do you do?
> Set your motorbike on fire and take off for the shark tank
Congratulations you are now Mrs. Cake. What do you do?
> Wish husband was more responsive and consider visiting Big Mac again
Congratulations you are now Mr. Cake. What do you do?
> Think about how golly-gee swell today is, but wonder why Mrs. Cake has been taking so many treats to the Apple family
Congratulations you are now Octavia. What do you do?
> Try not to be seen leaving Scratch's place smelling of sweat and cooking oil
Congratulations you are now Lyra. What do you do?
> Check into hospital for sexual exhaustion again
Congratulations you are now Bon Bon. What do you do?
> Find someone thing to do while Lyra's in for her monthly visit
Congratulations you are now Roseluck. What do you do?
> Finish spreading butter down your legs and get out the clown nose and reverse saddle before Bon Bon gets impatient
Congratulations you are now Caramel. What do you do?
> Hope nopony sees you dressed up for your weekly tea party with Mr. Snugglekins and Sargeant adorabloodthirsty
Congratulations you are now Avery Stange. What do you do?
> Wallow in insanity and pony makeouts---------

[Kurgan]

Well, not a whole lot for me to comment on today, seems I missed all the juicy stuff. Anyways:


...

Since the forum code is about to be changed crashing many old functionalities in tables, I decided to change the 'Fanwork' table in the OP to semi-new standard. Can the volunteers take a look at it and tell me if the new version is legible, and what improvements to make? :smallsigh:

Seems legible, though it throws me off that the top of the two columns don't match up.


I think it's time I came out of the closet.
Brony, eh? I think the term suits me.

I just spent the last three days watching the entirety of the first season. And then I marveled in the sheer AWESOMENESS that is John De Lancie as Q- I mean Discord.

Now I have no idea what to do with myself.
I wonder how my girlfriend will react...

Welcome! Here are the traditional images (I have to hand type them, since the document they are on is sort of on another computer that no longer has a functional internet connection, so here's hoping it ends up alright):


htp://ponibooru.413chan.net?_images/0da1a106ff7923e0fb2630d06310c636/12549%20-%20macro%20scootaloo.jpg
http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/06c7c0c2105a1314ea928cadd5a55a09/7961%20-%20animated%j20jumping%20scootaloo.gif



Speaking as a someone currently operating on ~1 hour of sleep, I'd just like to say that I'd rather be drunk.

Spoilered for real-lifeyness:

Long and short of it: Mrs Dexam had another epileptic seizure last night. So, another trip to hospital, and another nervous time for all of us, particularly as she started having contraction-like aches about 6 weeks too early.

Everything appears to be okay. Mrs Dex and the impending bub check out okay, but they're keeping her in today and tonight to for observation. I'll be going back to join them soon.




Good luck, sorry to hear of your troubles.


http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/newsfeed/000/180/048/Trixie.png?1317328921


EDIT: yeah, looks like only 1 out of the 3 things I posted went up. I'll give you your traditional greeting when I can just copy/paste it from my normal computer.

[otakuryoga]

HOODYHOO!!
it's now official...i get Luna episode on the 22nd for my birthday!!!!

[Kris Strife]

Welp, internet died on my computer, and only my computer. Since my knowledge of how computers work can be summed up as "its magic!" I haven't the slightest clue how to fix it. Long story short, tedious day.

Try becoming friends with it?

[BlasTech]

I move that the next thread be named "Season Two Ruined my Lunafic" in honour of the 22nd Oct episode.

Especially since I'm sure it will invalidate mine before I even get to writing it :smalltongue:

[Topaz]

The local supermarket ads this week all have specials on Gala Apples. http://testyourmight.com/forum/image.php?u=6520&dateline=1313295319

[Kurgan]

See I thought computers ran on evil spirits which explained most of the internet in my head. Mine is still holding up thankfully I think all the tree sap I have in there holding parts together is really what keeps it going.

Evil spirits can be magical too!


Try becoming friends with it?

My computer and I have a (platonic) love-hate relationship going. We cannot exist in a state that isn't one of those.

[Eakin]

Hay fellow bronies! Let's play a game!

I'm trying to get a handle on how popular our mutual favorite TV program actually is. My best guess so far is that there are about 50,000 to 250,000 bronies out there, but that's just a gut feeling and I need data to really back it up.

So I decided to try Google Insights (http://www.google.com/insights/search/#q=My%20Little%20Pony%20Friendship%20is%20Magic&date=1%2F2011%2012m&cmpt=q) to figure out what might be comparably popular to ponies, but I can't think of anything that matches up well.

So I request that we play around with new search terms until we find something equally popular as measured in google traffic.

Also, how many bronies would you guess there are?

EDIT: Apparently we are 1/7th as popular as World of Warcraft! Impressive!

[Gamerlord]

Also, how many bronies would you guess there are?
I would say a minimum of 10,000 with a liberal estimate being 100,000.

[BlasTech]

Yay, dreams of midnight just went up on ED. :smallbiggrin:

[Roninhirox]

Evil spirits can be magical too!


Can not!

Also Bryan got a tattoo.

[Gamerlord]

Yay, dreams of midnight just went up on ED. :smallbiggrin:
FIVE STARRED SO HARD IT PUNCHED A HOLE IN MY MONITOR! :smalltongue:

[Eakin]

I would say a minimum of 10,000 with a liberal estimate being 100,000.

The MLP reddit has 8000 subscribers, and ED posted a breakdown of viewers of S2E1 on youtube, it had something like 75,000 day 1 viewings. Assuming most of those WEREN'T repeat viewings that seems like a good number to start at

Found it (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/09/season-two-episode-one-demographics.html)

[Kurgan]

Can not!

Also Bryan got a tattoo.

I can only assume those two statements are linked, like the tattoo siphons all of the magic from my computer, only leaving the evil spirits. Or maybe the other way around...I like the magic sans evil spirits in my computer myself.

Also, of what, if I may ask? I am almost hoping you slipped the artist a wad of cash to change whatever he was going to get into Rainbow Dash.

[Roninhirox]

I can only assume those two statements are linked, like the tattoo siphons all of the magic from my computer, only leaving the evil spirits. Or maybe the other way around...I like the magic sans evil spirits in my computer myself.

Also, of what, if I may ask? I am almost hoping you slipped the artist a wad of cash to change whatever he was going to get into Rainbow Dash.

No but that would be about 20% cooler. He got the Dark Sword rune from Suikoden http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/320898_10150341638118704_599793703_7944793_2133943 18_n.jpg I hid it cause it wasn't pony related. Also now I need my job to hurry up and start so I can get money and get another tattoo cause I am getting jealous.

[Kurgan]

No but that would be about 20% cooler. He got the Dark Sword rune from Suikoden http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/320898_10150341638118704_599793703_7944793_2133943 18_n.jpg I hid it cause it wasn't pony related. Also now I need my job to hurry up and start so I can get money and get another tattoo cause I am getting jealous.

I'm afraid I've never played Suikoden, though I think he tried to run a dnd game based off of it three or four years back. Forget why it never got off beyond the first session.

So you are going to get ponies for your next tattoo, right?

[Lix Lorn]

Announcement:
I've been listening to tetris songs ALL DAY, ponythread. This is your fault. :smalltongue:

[Kurgan]

Announcement:
I've been listening to tetris songs ALL DAY, ponythread. This is your fault. :smalltongue:

This is a good thing, correct?

[Roninhirox]

I'm afraid I've never played Suikoden, though I think he tried to run a dnd game based off of it three or four years back. Forget why it never got off beyond the first session.

So you are going to get ponies for your next tattoo, right?

I vaguely remember that maybe. Also no probably not, I have to many things lined up infront of ponies to get a tattoo of them right now, maybe a few years down the line. Prolly gonna get the Snow Town tag from the comic Fell.

[Bayonet Priest]

FIVE STARRED SO HARD IT PUNCHED A HOLE IN MY MONITOR! :smalltongue:

How do you star something on Equestria Daily? I've never figured it out and I want to start rating stories that I like.

[dromer]

Yay, dreams of midnight just went up on ED. :smallbiggrin:

Congratulations. BMiaRS got rejected again, so I'll have to go back and check through it. The pre-reader's responses were a bit mystifying, but I'm getting it checked through again on /fic/ and having it looked over by a couple of other friends.


How do you star something on Equestria Daily? I've never figured it out and I want to start rating stories that I like.

There are little stars in the upper left corner of the blog post. Click the fifth star to the right to give it all five stars.

[Grif]

Congratulations. BMiaRS got rejected again, so I'll have to go back and check through it. The pre-reader's responses were a bit mystifying, but I'm getting it checked through again on /fic/ and having it looked over by a couple of other friends.


May I ask what is the reason given this time? It is mystifying considering some of the other material they do let through. :smallconfused:

[Brazen Shield]

Announcement:
I've been listening to tetris songs ALL DAY, ponythread. This is your fault. :smalltongue:and I've been listening to THIS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLjpTtxH4Jo&feature=youtube_gdata_player) all day, and I blame you.
Just cuz I can~

[Beeskee]

Yay, dreams of midnight just went up on ED. :smallbiggrin:

You should provide a link whenever you mention it. :smallbiggrin: And maybe put a link in your signature. I think I starred the right one tho. :smallwink:

[Bayonet Priest]

Congratulations. BMiaRS got rejected again, so I'll have to go back and check through it. The pre-reader's responses were a bit mystifying, but I'm getting it checked through again on /fic/ and having it looked over by a couple of other friends.



There are little stars in the upper left corner of the blog post. Click the fifth star to the right to give it all five stars.

Ah, I see the culprit. It was my crappy, out-of-date version of Opera that refused to display the little stars thingy. It worked when I opened the page with my crappy, out-of-date version of Firefox. Thanks for telling me where to look though.

[dromer]

May I ask what is the reason given this time? It is mystifying considering some of the other material they do let through. :smallconfused:

Spoil'd for pre-reader response text.
Here's what I sent:

1.) Tags: [Dark][Sci-fi][Adventure][(History) Crossover]

2.) Title: Blue Moon in a Red Sky

3.) Description:
One thousand years ago, a new theory on magic leads to the discovery of Equestria's greatest weapon. The timing couldn't be worse; the United Stables and Union of Socialist Stallions Republic are at each other's throats. Ponykind must survive this cold war with a new kind of warfare; love and tolerance.

4.) Links:
(Links to the next and previous chapter are at the bottom of each chapter.)
Prologue: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U1M0fEOJK6R-B7zI_yWAH-lGwK4Ps0cwUXqFUCzh6q0/edit?hl=en_US
Chapter 1: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lcW6of-2wzLaSRWwOXfSFJ1CM6lddNuz1-vvPiXw19w/edit?hl=en_US
2: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DuHw3dHANgkqKstFopY6xHJF7T9kyovkb3ype53zmk8/edit?hl=en_US
3: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B7JhhzFM5BOgxqdzpyM-GgbB9ueTIwlFg5zjRcxo6Ic/edit?hl=en_US
4: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zRFdo4MayarFcq-6AmDSfmJiXLIkCX-e1Tp70V_mmpw/edit?hl=en_US
5: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18U6jaykMCU1Y9ngVIGEWqGtdUPP5lfHSf6b-HYW0UdQ/edit?hl=en_US

5.) Characters: OCs, Tabula Rasa characters, Celestia and Luna
6.) Completion: Incomplete (1 of 4 crises, or 5 of ~20 chapters)
7.) Additional Tags: Celestia is a Communist, Pony Cold War
8.) Author: Dromer

Here's some of the stuff I got back.


This desperately needs a grammar and punctuation check.
Fair enough, I'd had issues with overloading sentences in the past.


Nice switch; the diamonds seem to impart memories now, though it's still morbid.
I never switched anything. :V


It was really difficult to understand what the author was doing and why. This entire story appears to be a bizarre mishmash of bits of Earth history and Ponies... with very little cohesiveness between the two. The story flits around so much, that it's next to impossible to understand what's going on... and after reading 3 chapters, I rapidly lost interest.

I've never had a reviewer say anything about this, but if the reviewer representing the common man said so...


I think that's something else that bothered me; too much is left unsaid. Some of the ponies were created somehow? But there's no explanation for that. It's just.. hand-waved.

Ironically, it's explained in more detail in chapter four.


I find it too difficult to care about the characters. I don't read a story because I want to work. I read a story because I want to relax and be entertained in some fashion. This story fails to do those things.

Characterization is another weak point of mine; I've done power projections, run tests on how far Cloudsdale could drift, rewrote half of the American Civil War to accomodate for the existence of Cloudsdale, but it's difficult for me to create a compelling character.


I give it the same mark I did before: It -NEEDS- Ponychan and not an author-provided overhaul.
I had (http://www.ponychan.net/chan/fic/res/38874.html) it (http://www.ponychan.net/chan/fic/res/47098.html)reviewed (http://www.ponychan.net/chan/fic/res/49238.html) before (http://www.ponychan.net/chan/fic/res/53085.html#53589), but I guess it wasn't enough. After most of these I made pretty extensive revisions, so I guess the new errors just replaced the old ones.

It's probably more of a 'not their cup of tea', but I'm guessing the issue may reside some dissonance between the reviewers and the pre-readers.

[Strife Warzeal]

I adore Through the Eyes of Another Pony. It's one of the fics that I SQUEEEE for when I see that there's a new chapter up.

Yeah I'm on what I think is currently the most recent chapter. I've found it enjoyable enough, much better than some stuff I've read.

I'll admit I've squeed over some stories being posted, and a male 16-year-old squeeing is... well let's just say it disturbed me that it happened.

[Beeskee]

Spoil'd for pre-reader response text.

It's probably more of a 'not their cup of tea', but I'm guessing the issue may reside some dissonance between the reviewers and the pre-readers.

There's a few things you can do based on what they said, double-check all the grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Break up long sentences. Basically do the opposite of what I do, instead of having long rambling lines and tons of commas instead of a properly formatted structure. :smallbiggrin: (Edit: I do that a lot, I'm not saying you do but it is the one thing that got mentioned which could be easily corrected.)

Edit: Giving Ch1 a quick skim through, it looks more like it just wasn't the reviewers' "thing" rather than significant problems. There may be typos and grammatical errors but nothing I spotted immediately. Probably the best change would be a clearer warning that the story involves historical crossovers and that those not into such things probably won't enjoy it as much.

[Grif]

Spoil'd for pre-reader response text.
Here's what I sent:


Here's some of the stuff I got back.


Fair enough, I'd had issues with overloading sentences in the past.


I never switched anything. :V



I've never had a reviewer say anything about this, but if the reviewer representing the common man said so...



Ironically, it's explained in more detail in chapter four.



Characterization is another weak point of mine; I've done power projections, run tests on how far Cloudsdale could drift, rewrote half of the American Civil War to accomodate for the existence of Cloudsdale, but it's difficult for me to create a compelling character.


I had (http://www.ponychan.net/chan/fic/res/38874.html) it (http://www.ponychan.net/chan/fic/res/47098.html)reviewed (http://www.ponychan.net/chan/fic/res/49238.html) before (http://www.ponychan.net/chan/fic/res/53085.html#53589), but I guess it wasn't enough. After most of these I made pretty extensive revisions, so I guess the new errors just replaced the old ones.

It's probably more of a 'not their cup of tea', but I'm guessing the issue may reside some dissonance between the reviewers and the pre-readers.

Definitely 'not their cup of tea' vibe I got there. Admittedly, I was a little surprised they were looking for such stringent standards now. I seen the reviews on ponychan; it's difficult to say really, I think your fic is good enough as it is, but I suppose it is true it is not everypony's cup of tea.

[Excession]

There are little stars in the upper left corner of the blog post. Click the fifth star to the right to give it all five stars.

Sometimes the stars don't show up. I often need to reload a couple of times. Make sure you wait for a few seconds after each reload, they're slow even when they are there.

General Derpy is the best Derpy:

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/275/8/7/the_new_royal_guard_test_pg__by_equestria_prevails-d4bfvr0.jpg (http://equestria-prevails.deviantart.com/art/The-New-Royal-Guard-test-pg-261081468)
http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/277/5/2/general_derpy_by_equestria_prevails-d4bt6pg.jpg (http://equestria-prevails.deviantart.com/art/General-Derpy-261702196)

[BlasTech]

You should provide a link whenever you mention it. :smallbiggrin: And maybe put a link in your signature. I think I starred the right one tho. :smallwink:

I should probably leave the honours to Espredrek, y'know, since he wrote it and all.

Oh who am I kidding

LINK'D! (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/04/story-shades-of-midnight.html)


Sometimes the stars don't show up. I often need to reload a couple of times. Make sure you wait for a few seconds after each reload, they're slow even when they are there.

General Derpy is the best Derpy:

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/275/8/7/the_new_royal_guard_test_pg__by_equestria_prevails-d4bfvr0.jpg (http://equestria-prevails.deviantart.com/art/The-New-Royal-Guard-test-pg-261081468)
http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/277/5/2/general_derpy_by_equestria_prevails-d4bt6pg.jpg (http://equestria-prevails.deviantart.com/art/General-Derpy-261702196)


Holy cripes :smalleek:

That's cool! :smallbiggrin: Who knew she could transform into a badflank just by putting on an eyepatch.

[MCerberus]

Is it bad the first thing I noticed about the General Derpy comic is "Luna making a sammich SQUEEE"