Spring Tide
Disciple Pony
Not all who wander are lost. Well, I am, but that's beside the point!
Posts: 56
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Refugee
Feb 5, 2014 15:21:54 GMT -5
Post by Spring Tide on Feb 5, 2014 15:21:54 GMT -5
The table in question still had plenty of food. The oatmeal, orange juice and even a solitary muffin sat there as if waiting for him. Tide smirked at the thought. He looked at the donkey with mild surprise when he mentioned the reporter job. "Hmm?"
Tide glanced down at the camera when the innkeeper pointed at it. "Oh, yes. Thank you. The Tribune must have just put those fliers out last night, because they did not have many applicants. I was fortunate enough to get there first," he said with a smile. He had not told the whole truth, but the old jack didn't need to know that.
For a moment, Spring Tide scanned the room around him. He spotted two mares sipping coffee on the far side of the room, and an older unicorn who seemed to be deep in thought. Or maybe he was just staring at his oatmeal. Whatever he was doing, he was closer than the mares, but it seemed he was too preoccupied to pay attention to what was going on around him.
"As you may know, I am fairly new to this city," Spring Tide began. He spoke quietly, almost conspiratorially to the innkeeper. "Since I am now a reporter, it is my job to find interesting things that are going on. I was wondering if you would be able to help me out? What can you tell me about Lady Rainlock?"
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Refugee
Feb 14, 2014 17:53:37 GMT -5
Post by King Tidal Wave on Feb 14, 2014 17:53:37 GMT -5
"Lady Rainlock?" the innkeeper spoke, idly flipping through the register, "Well for one, she's the reason Manehattan hasn't been run over yet. The military's probably thanking their lucky stars her Security Force can hold its ground. Certainly has given them one less thing to worry about."
"She's a very wealthy individual; main reason why she can afford her own private army. Not only that, but she's invested a lot in Manehattan businesses. Hard to say she doesn't care about the city. At the same time, though, a lot of people aren't happy about how she's got the city under lock-down now. The mayor decided she was most capable to handle the situation, and that was that really."
"If you ask me, she's keeping us safe, and she hasn't messed up yet. Not much room for people to complain."
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Spring Tide
Disciple Pony
Not all who wander are lost. Well, I am, but that's beside the point!
Posts: 56
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Refugee
Feb 14, 2014 22:54:35 GMT -5
Post by Spring Tide on Feb 14, 2014 22:54:35 GMT -5
Out came the notepad and pencil wrapped in a blue magic field. Hasty notes were taken down as the donkey spoke. Lady Rainlock: - Owner of Private Security Force
- Wealthy Individual
- Heavily Invested in Manehatten Business Sector
- Residents unhappy with nightly lockdown
- Mayor gave official go ahead to Rainlock to do whatever to safeguard city.
- No oversight
Spring Tide finished his notes and moved onto to his followup questions.
"You said that the mayor chose Rainlock to protect the city? So she has no oversight, no one to make sure that what she is doing to safeguard the city is legal or moral? Also, why is there a lock-down? I know that there is a nightly curfew, but why is it in place if no dogs have made it into the city? Do you know about anything else being restricted by the current state of martial law? " Spring Tide paused for a moment . He realized that rushing to fit a hundred questions into this casual inquiry wouldn't be an effective way to get information. He needed to make sure his enthusiasm did not get the better of him because right now he needed to be professional. "I must apologize, sir. I do not mean to overwhelm you."
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Refugee
Feb 27, 2014 16:53:34 GMT -5
Post by King Tidal Wave on Feb 27, 2014 16:53:34 GMT -5
"As far as I know she doesn't report to anyone. She's making all the decisions on her own. It's something the City Council's not too happy about. But again, she hasn't messed up so far, so I fail to see what the fuss is."
"The city's on lock-down for safety reasons. Keeping the dogs out doesn't do much good if ponies just wander out to greet them anyway. The curfew had more to do with the changelings, though they just got rid of it recently after that diplomatic mission the field marshal went on."
"I know you're anxious to get the big scoop with your new job and all," the donkey continued, looking over Spring Tide's shoulder at a pair of ponies that had walked into the door, "But I do have customers I need to look after. You're free to ask the ponies staying here, but just make sure you have their permission and that you're not pestering them too much. I'd hate to throw you out on your first day on the job."
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Spring Tide
Disciple Pony
Not all who wander are lost. Well, I am, but that's beside the point!
Posts: 56
|
Refugee
Mar 3, 2014 19:46:15 GMT -5
Post by Spring Tide on Mar 3, 2014 19:46:15 GMT -5
Further notes were scribbled onto the notepad. - City Council displeased with shift of power.
- Curfew enacted due to Changeling threat.
- Changelings pacified through Diplomacy by Field Marshall Starling, Curfew lifted
As the innkeeper ended the conversation, Spring Tide was quick to thank him for the information. He was glad to have the beginnings of a story; the political shenanigans of a public figure during a time of war might very well be what the readers would be interested in. He knew he would be interested if he saw that in a newspaper. The donkey suggested asking the other denizens of the common room for further information. Tide cast his eyes upon them, and the newcomers who were making their way to the front desk. He pondered who would be most able to answer his many questions but was rudely interrupted by his stomach telling him to eat the breakfast he had been putting off for several hours. Without further delay he made his way to the table on the far side of the room. The notepad and pencil were stashed away in the saddle bags and the magic field was put to a new purpose. Spring Tide grabbed a large plate upon which he set a bowl of the still warm oatmeal and the muffin. He placed the plate on his back and poured himself a glass of orange juice which he carried over to a table. He sat a few tables away from the two mares without any real reason beyond that he was drawn to the sound of their voices. A quick taste of the oatmeal revealed it to be quite tasty and the unicorn dug into it eagerly. The muffin was as fresh and flavorful as the oatmeal and the orange juice even had pulp in it, much to Tide's delight. All in all, it had been a hearty breakfast and for several moments he simply sat there in contentment. Tide found that his legs had started to get sore from sitting so he forced himself to stand. He picked up his dishes and placed them in a tub near the door to the kitchen. After that, his mind shifted gears and it was back to business. He once again pulled out his note-taking supplies and approached the two young mares. "Excuse me, ladies, would you be willing to answer some questions for me?"
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Refugee
Mar 4, 2014 20:51:53 GMT -5
Post by King Tidal Wave on Mar 4, 2014 20:51:53 GMT -5
The two mares appeared of similar age. One was a tan unicorn with a short-cut mane. The other was a light blue pegasus with a braided mane. They seemed in the middle of conversation when Spring Tide approached, the unicorn talking while the pegasus was taking a sip of her coffee. The two turned to Spring Tide when he spoke to them, both giving him a curious look.
"Are you a reporter?" the unicorn asked. "From the Manehattan Times?"
"Anyone we would know?" the pegasus followed up.
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Spring Tide
Disciple Pony
Not all who wander are lost. Well, I am, but that's beside the point!
Posts: 56
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Post by Spring Tide on Mar 7, 2014 1:24:15 GMT -5
The two mares looked to the fledgling reporter, curiosity etched upon their faces. They were the same age as each other as far as he could tell, likely well acquainted from the way they had just worked together to determine his identity. Spring Tide smiled as he was glad that he would likely get two responses to each of his questions, or one would add onto the statement of the other. He reasoned that the more basic information he had the better he would be able to form conclusions on the current situation within the city and how best to approach much more difficult sources. He hoped to eventually have a chat with Lady Rainlock about her actions and her perspective of current events.
"I am a reporter, yes", he replied looking first to the unicorn. He cocked his head as he turned to the pegasus and asked "Do you know many reporters?"
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Refugee
Mar 9, 2014 20:31:15 GMT -5
Post by King Tidal Wave on Mar 9, 2014 20:31:15 GMT -5
The pegasus shook her head no. "None, but I read the Times often enough. I might recognize your name."
"Same," added the unicorn. "Unless you're a sports columnist. Afraid I don't tend to read that section of the paper."
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Spring Tide
Disciple Pony
Not all who wander are lost. Well, I am, but that's beside the point!
Posts: 56
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Refugee
Mar 11, 2014 17:30:55 GMT -5
Post by Spring Tide on Mar 11, 2014 17:30:55 GMT -5
"Ah, introductions are in order I suppose. My name is Spring Tide. I doubt you will have heard of me because, to tell the truth, I'm fairly new at this. In fact, this will be my first story," Tide admitted. He offered his hoof to shake with the mares.
He had been right! They were feeding off of each other in this conversation and he could expect a better response than if he had just asked a single pony. He just had to ask the big question. "Now, would you two be willing to answer a few questions for a budding reporter?" Tide glanced at both mares as he asked, a smile forming on his lips, prepared to turn his attention to the first one to speak.
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Refugee
Mar 15, 2014 11:48:50 GMT -5
Post by King Tidal Wave on Mar 15, 2014 11:48:50 GMT -5
"Palette," the unicorn spoke, gently shaking Spring Tide's hoof.
"Bluebell," said the pegasus, doing the same. "I think we'd be happy to answer your questions, esepcially for a first-time reporter."
"What is your story about?" Palette asked, picking up her coffee to take another sip.
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Spring Tide
Disciple Pony
Not all who wander are lost. Well, I am, but that's beside the point!
Posts: 56
|
Refugee
Mar 21, 2014 19:17:46 GMT -5
Post by Spring Tide on Mar 21, 2014 19:17:46 GMT -5
They certainly were friendly enough, Spring decided. He enjoyed meeting new people. It had become a normal occurrence during his travels throughout Equestria. Even if they proved unpleasant, it was still worth finding out by talking to them. He was glad to hear that they were willing to help him by answering his questions.
"My story will be about the current state of affairs in Manehatten. I need to know where things stand regarding recent happenings in general before I find more specific information, though," Spring Tide pulled his note-taking materials close to his face so that he could immediately make use of them. "First, I would like to ask what you know about the events that occurred a few months ago regarding the alleged activities of the Gray Shadow."
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Refugee
Mar 24, 2014 1:24:14 GMT -5
Post by King Tidal Wave on Mar 24, 2014 1:24:14 GMT -5
"Little," Bluebell answered.
"To nothing," Palette added. "You hear a lot of whispering about the guy but never anything concrete. Seems more like one big rumor to me."
"If you were referring to that explosion out in the woods, don't know anything about it," Bluebell continued. "And the Rainlock guards are denying the Shadow had anything to do with it, which doesn't really mean anything."
The pegasus paused for a moment, thinking about what she had just said. "As in, just because they're denying it doesn't mean they're lieing. Like Palette said, he's a rumor, and some ponies don't need much to tie him into something."
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Spring Tide
Disciple Pony
Not all who wander are lost. Well, I am, but that's beside the point!
Posts: 56
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Refugee
Mar 25, 2014 1:43:08 GMT -5
Post by Spring Tide on Mar 25, 2014 1:43:08 GMT -5
"Mmm." Spring Tide gave a non-committal response as he pondered his next question. The two mares knew practically nothing about the Gray Shadow. It may prove to be the same with most ponies on the street. He would have to seek out somepony more specifically related to the issue, perhaps one of the shopkeepers who had been robbed, or a Rainlock soldier. Spring doubted that the soldiers would divulge information without a considerable bribe, something that he could not afford. Perhaps the next thing he should do is learn more about the two mares that he was interrogating so that he could think of better questions to ask them.
"Do you mind if I ask both of you what you do for a living, perhaps what your cutie marks are?" Spring Tide was tentative, unsure if they would be willing to share the latter, very personal information. He resisted the urge he felt to examine the cutie marks without permission first.
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Refugee
Mar 30, 2014 13:22:26 GMT -5
Post by King Tidal Wave on Mar 30, 2014 13:22:26 GMT -5
"I'm a florist," Bluebell spoke, indicating towards the image of a bouquet of garden flowers on her flank. "I had my own shop back in Ponyville, but for now I'm working for someone in town. Palette's a painter."
"I do mostly housework," said the unicorn. "Sometimes murals, but mostly housework. Painting rooms and things like that." The unicorn indicated towards her own cutie mark, a thick paintbrush dipped with green paint. "Is this for you story? Are our names going to be in the paper?"
"Is it one of those 'What the people think' pieces?" Bluebell asked.
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Spring Tide
Disciple Pony
Not all who wander are lost. Well, I am, but that's beside the point!
Posts: 56
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Post by Spring Tide on Apr 3, 2014 0:30:58 GMT -5
"Ahh no. No, my asking of personal questions helps me figure out what sort of knowledge you might have. And, well, I haven't been in Manehatten for very long," Spring Tide peered at the ground, his ears folded down on his head. "I'm embarrassed to admit I don't know anypony in town."
After a moment his head perked back up. "Uh, would you like your names in the newspaper? I'm just trying to cover my bases as far as gathering information." Spring Tide was torn between two desires. He wanted to get to know these mares better so that he might have a few friends to turn to for companionship in this unfamiliar city. He also wanted to continue on with his work and possibly track down more leads. The trick was to balance time. Spring Tide decided he would finish up with his questions, find out how local the mares were, and then move on to find someone more knowledgeable. "Shall we get back to the questions? I would imagine that Manehatten had a defense force of some sort, a militia perhaps, before Rainlock stepped in? Is that group still active?"
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