Directionally Challenged [Dead]

[Bright Blue]

Stormbringer was ever so fond of cities. The smells, the sights, the ponies! The tall, elegant buildings rising up towards the sky, the small, quaint cafes! It felt as though they had a bit of everything, particularly in Canterlot. (Well, she’d heard that Manehattan was quite dumbfounding as well.) It was very different from Cloudsdale, definitely – she felt a bit more comfortable here, without the occasional fear that a particularly strong gust of wind would send her flying off the clouds. Nonetheless, there was one problem – one horrible flaw – that followed her wherever she went. It was mostly her own fault, but she couldn’t help it…!

Not surprisingly, she’d happened to notice an especially mushed flower bed, and had spent the majority of her walk coming up with ridiculous imaginings of how the flower bed ended up like that. (The final verdict being that a seasonally-confused Goose had been hit by an especially harsh gust of wind, and had taken a nosedive into the flowers; she found it slightly more plausible than the thought that a dragon had mercilessly squashed the petunias, simply because they were the same color as his ex-girlfriend.) She had been on her way to the grocery store to pick up some food for the next week, and had left Nadia at home, confident that she’d –finally- managed to memorize the way to the store. She should have known herself better… but those petunias!

She shook her head rapidly, attempting to banish the image of the flower bed from her mind. It was starting to get dark. While Stormbringer didn’t have any problem with the nighttime, (The stars were so shiny!) she was pretty sure that it would be even harder to finder her way around at nighttime. She glanced around, forcing herself to concentrate on where she was going; most of the shops were still open, so she could probably ask for directions if she really needed to, but somehow, it felt too easy. Narrowing her eyes and pulling her lips into a determined expression, the mare looked back and forth down the sidewalk, flicking her hair to toss her bangs out of her eyes. Both ways only led to unfamiliar shops and unfamiliar places. “I really should have brought Nadia along,” She muttered, “Better try to retrace my steps…” She turned herself around and started to trot in the direction from which she came, tossing her mane back over her shoulder. It was starting to tangle in her legs. “I should really get a- NO! Focus, Storm…” She thought rapidly, shaking her head again. Oh, why couldn’t she keep her mind on things? She really was such a ditz.

She paused for a second to stare up at the sky; with all the lights, it was a little hard to make it out. Well, maybe it wasn’t as hard as she thought – she was just used to Cloudsdale nights, nights where you didn’t look up at the sky; it swallowed you whole, wrapped you up in a neat, warm blanket of darkness and light. She could remember nights back home, when her mother had acted out her newest role to a starry audience, her father had hummed out a tune to a silent entourage, and her sister had whined to her favorite star about her most recent break-up. (Honestly, Blue Bird couldn’t keep a stallion for more than a month…) Her younger brothers had always been a bit too hot-blooded to enjoy the night sky.

Realizing that her mind was wandering again, she had to resist the urge to slam her head into a… streetlight or a building or something. “Sheesh, Storm, focus!” The mare chided herself inwardly. She began to move again, glancing at the darkening streets; if she was going to be out, lost, this late at night, she might as well take the chance to scope out this part of the area… (Although, to be honest, she wasn’t entirely sure what part of the area that she was in…)


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Note: Not my best, quality-wise. I feel like this is mostly rambling... but I wanted to get a post up. Next up is to code a log (and flesh out Storm's history), and since the new Proboards format and I don't mix, that might take time. X.x

[Shieldwall]

ShieldWall slowly walked along one of the many city streets. His jet black coat nearly blending into the darkness that crept up upon the land. If it hadn't been for his bright fiery mane that is. It was another long day at work. Nothing really happened so the day just kinda drug along. The day was behind him though, and he was ready for a night of fun and adventure. Well, whatever kind of adventure there was to be had at least. He had already been home and dropped off his Guard Armor, but he still carried around his custom made shield. Ya know, just in case. He was on his own tonight. Both of his friends had other plans for the night, and he felt kinda left out, but it was okay. He was his own stallion tonight and ready for anything. The only question.. what to do?

'Bowling Alley? Catch a movie? Could go for some dinner though.' Shield thought to himself as he looked around.

His eye caught a dark gray mare with an exceptionally long black mane and tail. She looked around and shook her head, and Shield could hear her muttering something. Then she turned to take a few steps only to stop and look up into the sky. Admittedly though, it was a nice night. Shield realized he had been watching her for more than a minute now. Hopefully she wouldn't think of him as creepy if she happened to look. His concern had set in by now and he only meant well. He took a deep breath, and carefully trotted up along side her, hoping not to startle her.

"Hello there." He said with a gentle tone and smile. "I couldn't help but notice. You seem a little lost. Would you like some help?"

[Bright Blue]

A voice from beside her caused the mare to turn, her legs catching in her scarf in the process. Giving a slight yelp of surprise, she quickly flared out her wing, stumbling forward a few steps but managing to catch herself by some grace. She breathed a sigh of relief – her wing was a hindrance if she fell to the left, but if she fell to the right, it was more than a bit helpful. She turned around with a slightly sheepish grin, her eyes finding the speaker; he was a Pegasus, like herself, a well-built and large stallion. He seemed friendly, though, and anyways, she was hardly one to judge on appearances. “Err, sorry – I had my head in the clouds,” She said with a slight laugh. “Ah, yes. I haven’t been here for very long, and the city is a little overwhelming… I can’t seem to keep my thoughts straight for long enough to actually figure out the layout of the city. I’d love a bit of help.” While it seemed like she was failing her little challenge, company trumped any sort of goals that she had, and anyways, she hardly knew any ponies in the city as of yet. Stormbringer had felt horribly deprived of company since she’d arrived; she had been driving Nadia crazy with her nonstop chatter. Anyways, it would probably be better if she got home before it was too late; she needed sleep before work in the morning. It was impossible to know what would happen in the hospital tomorrow morning…

She then realized, a bit late, that she hadn’t introduced herself. “I probably should have said this already, but my name’s Stormbringer – I’m a doctor, and I just moved here from Cloudsdale. Nice to meet you, umm…” She trailed off awkwardly, “Sorry, I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name.” She noticed that her wing was still extended at a rather odd angle and quickly tucked it in, shaking her head just a bit to brush her bangs out of her eyes. The fall had just made her look even more unkempt.

[Shieldwall]

Shield was suprised by the yelp but quickly held out his hoof to try to catch her. She managed to catch her balance though. It was in that split second that he happened to look up and see her... condition. The thoughts that sparked in his mind were the obvious ones. How did it happen, how long had she had been like that, and the like... Could he have stopped it? That question always popped up in his mind at one point or another. He snapped back to reality when she spoke up. She hadn't lived in Canterlot for very long, and obviously had quite a lot on her mind.

Her name was Stormbringer. His ears perked up a bit when she mentioned she was a doctor. Shield had always held a deep respect for ponies in the medical field. He had paid a visit to the Canterlot Hospital several times before for a training accident, or a burn from the blacksmith forge, or on a couple of occasions where 'boys would be boys' and doing not so smart things with his friends. There would be many more visits in the future he was sure. Not a moment later she said she was from Cloudsdale! He had never been there, even being a pegasus. He knew he'd have many questions for her later, but for now...

"Ah, sorry. I'm ShieldWall." He said apologetically while readjusting the shield on his back. "Newly accepted Royal Guard. To be honest, I've lived here all of my life and I still get lost sometimes." he said with a chuckle. He motioned in the direction of a well lit road. "Come, let's get you home."

[Bright Blue]

“ShieldWall,” She repeated, the thought running through her mind that the name was rather fitting – with his shield mark and all. “It’s nice to meet you – and wow, you’re a Royal Guard?” A bit of excitement surged through her; she’d never met a Royal Guard before, as far as she knew. “It sounds like a good job to have.” She had to have some admiration towards ponies who were in the more combat-oriented field; the mare herself had too bad of balance to actually be capable of such a thing, although honestly her personality was probably too peaceful to put up with the thought of hurting someone else. However, the guards were protectors, and there was nothing wrong with that at all.

“I'm the same way.” She chuckled slightly. “Although, I’m just really bad with directions – I still got lost in Cloudsdale, even though I lived there for years. My home is on the west side of the city, right beside a café with the best cucumber sandwiches – err, I believe the name was White Daisy Café? Oh, and it’s on Sunflower Street.” She felt just a bit awkward; Stormbringer wasn’t entirely sure of how to describe the location to the stallion. Well, at least she could remember the street name. She just hoped that they weren’t too far away – Nadia was probably having a cow! She realized that her mind was about to go off on a journey again and managed to sidestep it, refocusing her gaze on ShieldWall.

Note : Sorry that this is so late and rather short. >>

[Shieldwall]

"The pleasure is mine, Ms. Stormbringer." Shield smiled. "It's been an interesting few weeks. I haven't protected the Princesses or anything yet, but it's a start." He puffed up proudly. "Broke up a fight here and there. Caught a thief, another got away though. It's in my blood. Dad's a guard, Uncle's a guard, Grandpa... was a guard." He trailed off and his smile faded for just a moment. "But anywho..." He clearly wanted to change the subject.

"Hmmm, Sunflower..." Shield looked at the different street signs. "I believe the White Daisy is down this way right here." He motioned down a side street. He had made a severe attempt to learn the layout of the entire city since his acceptance into the Guard. Now seemed as good as ever to put it to the test. "We can find Sunflower from there, and then you're homeward bound." He said slowly taking a step forward. "I'm hoping I can get my own place soon. Living at home has lost it's appeal, and I'm ready to strike out on my own. Just have to get the
bits saved up is all I need to do now." He realized he was talking quite a lot more than he normally did. His curiosity was still peaked though.

"So, you're from Cloudsdale. What's it like there?" Shield asked.

[meep.]

Ah,a day away from band life.How nice.Of course,she had a concert soon,night,maybe,so it was bittersweet.No,no,she loved the band.It just got annoying with the fans.Luckily,most of them were in Ponyville,where she was widely known.Canterlot?A little less,but still known.Heh,a break would be nice.And that is exactly why the bay Pegasus was in the capital.

"And I don't know what you want,please don't act like I do..."She fluttered up in the air with her black feathered wings,and began sliding her black hooves over the strings of her electric guitar,which she pulled from the case on her back.She was singing the same song she performed a few nights ago,but not actually singing out loud or actually playing the guitar.Her dark grey hoodie was pulled over her head,some of her long black mane dangling down in front,not really brushed,as usual.If she did brush it,which she did a little,no one could tell.

Half flying,half gliding,she went down the street,getting scoffed at by some Canterlot natives,because of her looks.She didn't look fancy at all.Oh well.She didn't really care.As she strung her guitar strings gently,she turned her head,flicking her ears under the hood.She heard talking,two ponies,by the sound of it.Blinking,she started gliding towards the noise,gradually setting the black and blue electric guitar back in the case.

Mind if I ask what's going on here?The rockstar asked,still hovering in the air,almost sitting on the light nothingness.Her black,messy tail seemed to float on it's own,it wasn't just hanging down like the laws of physics said it should.Fallen Leaves blinked her two ice-blue eyes at the ponies,waiting for an answer.