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mylittlejamjar2014-07-30 09:01 pm
ponymeisters) wrote in mylittlejamjar2014-07-30 09:01 pm
A Most Noble Sport (Back-dated to July 25th)
[Who's this handsome little dragon? He's grinning a grin to put Celestia's brightest day to shame, and he's holding a rather large book that he hefts up to show the scroll viewer. The title reads A Complete History of the Equestrian Games.]
Hey, everypony! So, I think you all must have seen the news about the Equestrian Games coming up next week and as Princess Twilight Sparkle's assistant- [he takes a moment to lower the book and raise his chin in pride] -I've been given the privilege of telling all of the new ponies about them! [Spike opens the book and puffs up his chest as he starts to read.]
Ehehehe-hem! [All official readings should, of course, begin with the official throat-clearing.]
"Long ago, there was conflict between two ancient cities of ponies, Balios and Xanthos, that threatened to erupt into war. One day, the ponies of Xanthos prepared a surprise attack on Balios. The general of the Baliosan army got wind of it, though. He could move his armies in time to stop the enemy, but it would be almost impossible to warn the city itself before the inevitable war came right to their doorstep.
“Knowing time was of the essence, the Baliosan general summoned the swiftest soldier he had to try and speed to the city in order to warn everypony within. However, on the way, the Baliosan soldier was gravely injured and couldn’t go further, just as a Xanthosan soldier, bearing a message to Balios demanding surrender, happened upon him. The Xanthosan soldier, the same age as the Baliosan and just as fast, could see that her opponent would not make it, and that it would be all too easy to pass him and allow for the attack to happen.
“Rather than leaving him behind to his fate, however, the Xanthosan pony, upon finding him, threw aside her message and carried his body the rest of the way to Balios. They got there in time to warn the city, and to ask for both sides to stop fighting, before they, too, collapsed in front of the approaching armies. The ponies of Xanthos and Balios, seeing this, were so shocked and moved by the sacrifice of the two ponies that they threw down their weapons, ended their conflict and became friends and allies for as long as the cities existed.
“From that day onward, to celebrate their friendship, the sister cities held games to commemorate those two ponies. They have since evolved into the Equestrian Games, an event all ponies and allies near and far join to celebrate the power of teamwork and friendship."
[He closes the book and holds his poise for a moment before all but squeaking with glee.]
All the sports are, like, totally cool and it's all held in the Crystal Empire this year, so there are crystal berry pies and our Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, and crystal rock candy and a giant faire outside the stadium for two whole weeks, and Billy Wonka's sponsoring it this year so there'll be all the best chocolate!
[The little dragon's claws are up in the air by the time he's finished, and he seems to realize he's being unprofessional. He coughs and regains his serious demeanor.]
Because of all the help the new ponies have given to Equestria, anypony who would like to travel to the Games will be given free passage by balloon, dragon, or train. Whichever you'd prefer! We've also opened up a few of the individual events, though the spaces on those are limited. You can stop by the Ponyville Library to sign up with me! The following events are open:
The Hammer Toss - 6 Spots;
Ice Archery - 6 Spots;
Equestrian Dressage - 6 Spots;
Equestrian Jumping - 6 Spots;
Canoe Sprint - 6 Spots; and
Ping Pong - 8 Spots.
If we get a lot of new ponies signing up for one thing, we'll do a lottery for who gets to join in. Feel free to ask questions about any of the events. This is my first time seeing the Games, but I've heard and read all about them. They're totally cool. Uh, I mean... they're the most noble of Equestrian sport.
[[OOC: OOC Sign-ups are located here.]]
Hey, everypony! So, I think you all must have seen the news about the Equestrian Games coming up next week and as Princess Twilight Sparkle's assistant- [he takes a moment to lower the book and raise his chin in pride] -I've been given the privilege of telling all of the new ponies about them! [Spike opens the book and puffs up his chest as he starts to read.]
Ehehehe-hem! [All official readings should, of course, begin with the official throat-clearing.]
"Long ago, there was conflict between two ancient cities of ponies, Balios and Xanthos, that threatened to erupt into war. One day, the ponies of Xanthos prepared a surprise attack on Balios. The general of the Baliosan army got wind of it, though. He could move his armies in time to stop the enemy, but it would be almost impossible to warn the city itself before the inevitable war came right to their doorstep.
“Knowing time was of the essence, the Baliosan general summoned the swiftest soldier he had to try and speed to the city in order to warn everypony within. However, on the way, the Baliosan soldier was gravely injured and couldn’t go further, just as a Xanthosan soldier, bearing a message to Balios demanding surrender, happened upon him. The Xanthosan soldier, the same age as the Baliosan and just as fast, could see that her opponent would not make it, and that it would be all too easy to pass him and allow for the attack to happen.
“Rather than leaving him behind to his fate, however, the Xanthosan pony, upon finding him, threw aside her message and carried his body the rest of the way to Balios. They got there in time to warn the city, and to ask for both sides to stop fighting, before they, too, collapsed in front of the approaching armies. The ponies of Xanthos and Balios, seeing this, were so shocked and moved by the sacrifice of the two ponies that they threw down their weapons, ended their conflict and became friends and allies for as long as the cities existed.
“From that day onward, to celebrate their friendship, the sister cities held games to commemorate those two ponies. They have since evolved into the Equestrian Games, an event all ponies and allies near and far join to celebrate the power of teamwork and friendship."
[He closes the book and holds his poise for a moment before all but squeaking with glee.]
All the sports are, like, totally cool and it's all held in the Crystal Empire this year, so there are crystal berry pies and our Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, and crystal rock candy and a giant faire outside the stadium for two whole weeks, and Billy Wonka's sponsoring it this year so there'll be all the best chocolate!
[The little dragon's claws are up in the air by the time he's finished, and he seems to realize he's being unprofessional. He coughs and regains his serious demeanor.]
Because of all the help the new ponies have given to Equestria, anypony who would like to travel to the Games will be given free passage by balloon, dragon, or train. Whichever you'd prefer! We've also opened up a few of the individual events, though the spaces on those are limited. You can stop by the Ponyville Library to sign up with me! The following events are open:
The Hammer Toss - 6 Spots;
Ice Archery - 6 Spots;
Equestrian Dressage - 6 Spots;
Equestrian Jumping - 6 Spots;
Canoe Sprint - 6 Spots; and
Ping Pong - 8 Spots.
If we get a lot of new ponies signing up for one thing, we'll do a lottery for who gets to join in. Feel free to ask questions about any of the events. This is my first time seeing the Games, but I've heard and read all about them. They're totally cool. Uh, I mean... they're the most noble of Equestrian sport.
[[OOC: OOC Sign-ups are located here.]]
no subject
[His eyes go wide.]
Why not? Wait... are you still looking into that poem they found in Stalliongrad?
no subject
We found some very important information and a possible lead, but I still have questions that I need answered and the search will probably span through the Equestria Games.
no subject
[Then, he perks up.] What if I used one of the library scrolls to record the competitions? That way, you and anypony else could watch the competitions when you have some time!
no subject
...This is how I know I can always count on you, Spike. I would really appreciate it, if you can do that.
no subject
Me and Owlowiscious will make sure we get all the best shots for you. Isn't that right?
[From off-scroll comes the soft hooting of 'Who?']
I just said it would be you and me.
[Another 'Who?' Spike slaps a claw to his forehead as he turns toward the owl.]
You. And me. Together. Recording for Twilight.
['Who?']
Grah! [Before he loses it, Spike draws in a deep breath and snorts smoke out of his nostrils.] We'll figure it out.
no subject
I know you two can do it. Just don't forget to enjoy yourselves while you're there, okay?
And...I'm really sorry I can't be there with you, Spike.
(She means that. This Stalliongrad stuff came up so suddenly that she forgot about the Games and it's made her pretty homesick.)
no subject
Aw, it's okay, Twilight. I know you're out there doing really important things! I'm just sorry I can't be there helping you. [He pushes two claws together, looking uncertain.] Maybe I could come out once the Games are finished to visit if you're still working. I'd have to check with Princess Twilight and... well, probably ask Alastor to teleport me, but that would be okay, right?
no subject
Of course it would. I'd love to have you with me. It'll be like when we pretended to be explorers: climbing mountains and going on treasure hunts...but that's if Princess Twilight is okay with it. And if you can find reliable transport. If Alastor's busy, I think Dante will be willing to help. I'm pretty sure he likes you.
no subject
Uh, and... important things, too!
What have you guys found out there?
no subject
Something big. Something that includes where the Elements of Harmony came from. We're still looking into the matter, but we'll be relaying this information when we get back. There's an entire story to tell.
(She breaks the serious tone with a giggle.)
And yes, I think he'd let you ride on his back at full size.
no subject
[He's excited by the idea of riding Dante, but Twilight's mission is sounding more and more like she could really use a faithful assistant. There must be all kinds of notes to take a checklists to check!]
no subject
And there's plenty of snow to soothe the inevitable cramps.)With me are Patchouli, Minako and Pollo. Flash is on his way up here, too. There are actually locals here, but they aren't too happy to have us here. I can't really blame them, after that entire fiasco with Zetta. We've been on our own, but at least they aren't kicking us out.
Unfortunately, that means we haven't been able to ask them about that, either. The They keep looping it back to that incident and conversations with them end quickly...but I wouldn't be surprised if these old books and documents kept a record of that, too.
(They did have stuff about the elements' origins, so why not the Frozen Fire of Friendship? It's not completely out of the blue...or maybe at least more very old pie.)
no subject
The little dragon scratches his chin as he tries to think of some other strategy. If only he had a mustache to twirl thoughtfully!]
I'm sure you guys'll figure it out. And if not, when I get there, I could maybe use my fire breath to help them out with something. Maybe they'll help us if we help them!
no subject
Well, they could use a little help with the reconstruction. The fight with Zetta caused as much damage as you'd expect.
(It would set back their research for some time, but it could play into their favor. Twilight smiles.)
...Actually, I think you're onto something, Spike.
no subject
If you can get the Stalliongrad ponies to listen...
no subject
(Not that Twi herself was responsible, but ideally, they'll appreciate her taking responsibility. Hell, they let her and the others do their research without much opposition, so it's the least they can do.)
Besides...I think we can use a break from all of this reading.
(An odd thing to hear from a Twilight, but not everyone with her is a super bookworm.)
no subject
I know you can do it, Twilight! And I'll be out there with you soon. Make sure you and everypony else stays safe.
no subject
...Spike? Be careful, okay? I know it's the Equestria Games, but we both know how popular events attract all kinds of attention.
no subject
We're taking all the precautions we can this year. And with all of the- with most of the princesses there, I know we'll be safe. Plus we've got, like, two sets of the Elements!
no subject
(Granted, neither set of Elements would be able to wield the actual elements, but at least they'll be able to handle whatever may happen. Hopefully.)
I'm going to speak with the others about rebuilding Stalliongrad and hopefully, they'll understand. If you need me for any reason, feel free to call me anytime, okay?
>[private]
Totally, Twi! I'll keep you up-to-date and see you soon. Feel free to give me a call if you need a little fire power in there. [He puffs himself up to look his fiercest before deflating and leaning in close to whisper.]
Me and Princess Twilight miss you a lot. We're both really looking forward to seeing you again. Don't tell her I told you, though.
[private]
Don't worry; I won't tell her.
...I miss you both, too. Once we meet up again, I'm giving you both the biggest hugs I can give...and part of that might be for body heat.
[private]
[private]
See you soon, Spike.