The Jar

I'm a business analyst for an international IT firm, worked in investments and finance before that. Expecting to go back to school for nursing later 2016 though.

@@EquestrianScholar,@@OmegaPony The earth pony chuckled, "Sure, I know a couple ah' book stores in town and the series is a very popular read", smiling at Gaizi's bare excitement once he began to realize what the stallion was actually comparing him to. The stallion smirked a little as they were led to their table, it was a pretty silly thing to lie about, after all growing up in the arid Appleloosa he learned at an early age the earth pony way: community. Community was what ponies thrived at and it could only be maintained through honesty, integrity and empathy. How far he felt from that world in so short a time, what happened to that colt who refused to compromise himself? He wondered. The little pony who came clean and was suspended for his minor role in the pranking of a certain deputy, all so he could continue his day with a clear conscience? He remembered how appalled he was at first, appalled but understanding, of the lies he saw agents tell in order to further their objectives. A part of him like it: the thrill of the chase, the game ever changing. Another part of him would be honest about the slippery slope he found himself on and, compassionately, express concern for where this person he had become is going. Giving an exaggerated hand motion to the table, he bowed to Gaizi jokingly "After you, sir" before smiling and laughing while they deposited their things and went to eat. Jar made his way to the hay burgers, a good go to for any country born pony, and nodded to Gaizi "anything here lookin' good fer ya?"

@@OmegaPony, @@EquestrianScholar The stallion was genuinely taken aback by the nuzzling, to ponies that was something most commonly done between special someponies and he couldn't tell if Gaizi had misinterpreted his comment or if this was just a common Purrsian thing. Figures, haven't had a date in two hearts and hooves days and the first bit ah affection I get is from a cat fella. Barn door don't swing that way.. Jar wasn't unattractive by pony standards, to the contrary his big build, clever eyes and charismatic personality could be a charming combination. The issue was more with him, his lack of willingness to keep his eyes open for opportunities and maybe more than a little over-criticism of himself. Being swept into a world of investigation and spycraft didn't help either, too much to worry about, too unfair to expect that sort of responsibility on his partner and the mares in the field weren't.... his type. He was starting to assume he had misinterpreted Gaizi's intention, but would be careful not to hurt his feelings if that was not the case. He probably was just more open and physical with his affection than the earth pony was used to. Jar had to admit that, by pony standards, he wasn't the warmest around. Probably inherited that from his pa, cold as ice that one and twice as shrewd (not that the two had much of a relationship, just unspoken antagonism mixed into a dish of unmet expectations). Huh, Daring Doo? The stallion chuckled a little bit, attempting not to lose face or show how lost in his thoughts he may have been, "She's a famous fictional adventure pony" before nudging the feline with a hoof and a smirk "but you, Gaizi Softpaw, are the genuine article". Easing on the chuckling, "Lotta folks read her books, I like 'em myself, but I don't much have the patience. I usually gotta listen to the audio versions, but they're still good stuff, you'd like 'er". Leaning against the wall, the stallion huffed "well, you won't get a chance if we starve here". He gave a 'wait a sec' nod and made his way back to the host, using his best Canterlot accent. "Good afternoon, my colleague and I both have great respect for your establishment and the reputation it possesses. With that being said, he has come a long way to sample what you have to offer and we have much business to discuss, clearly at an impasse with this lengthy waiting period." The earth pony motioned to the gathered crowd of people mingling while waiting for their tables. "I know that, as a restaurant of esteem, you much desire the satisfaction of your patrons, especially those who might be able to take back a good experience to another land and expand your possible franchising opportunities.." casting his eyes on Gaizi before turning back to the host. "Now, might you make a small exception for us?"

@@OmegaPony, @@EquestrianScholar Drawing a dry smirk from the earth pony, he did not know why but he felt happy this purrsian had obtained what was clearly his heart's desire. It made him wonder if folk of other races each had an individual destiny as well. Either way, it was clear this happy go lucky one found his in the thrill of adventure and something about the earnest desire to expand his horizons resonated strongly with the stallion. Stronger than maybe he wanted to acknowledge. "I reckon that gem's worth a fortune", he said, genuinely impressed at the find. Having picked up some passing haggling at the market and gem trade exchange on his train work and through operations, he could spitball a good estimate of the gem and it was not a low figure. It being his first find, it made sense why the cat would hold it so close to his heart. "Color me impressed, Gaizi." As they turned the corner, the feline continued as Jar's smirk returned at the nice comment, He like'd to consider himself a thoughtful pony, on a good day he might even go so far as to throw out 'compassionate' but he so often got lost in his own world and enthralled by the winds of new experiences, he was not used to being called 'nice'. If nothing else, maybe this new world of espionage had sharpened his manners. Turning to Gaizi, he responded with a sincere look in his eyes "That's mighty kind of you, Gaizi Softpaw. Hopefully more ponyfolk'll exceed yer expectations-" he was taken aback a little by his last line: Maybe, we can even be friends. There was an honesty in him, a truth in his lifestyle that shone out from within him when he said that. In the world he had slowly become more and more a part of, that sort of honesty to self and trustworthiness, free from lies, gambits and subterfuge, was more rare than a perfect gem. Maybe this stranger-no, Gaizi Softpaw-just maybe, he may help the stallion find himself again in all this. A lot of pressure to put on some treasure hunter ya just met, partner, he thought to himself. But... Opening the door for the feline to the restaurant, "Ya know, we just might". Walking in, Jar took note of the rush crowd, certainly not unexpected. "So, what's our move, Daring Do?" he snarked in good fun.

@@OmegaPony The earth pony watched the conversation unfold, the Purrsian certainly liked his intentions to be clear. As the two started trotting the way there, the feline offered his name and asked for the stallion's. "Ah'm Mason Jar, but just Jar will do. Good to meet ya, Gaizi Softpaw", the street sign switched, now showing the 'Do Trot' symbol with the two continuing on. "I can't honestly say that I've seen a lot of Purrsian folk but I only come out to Canterlot every now and then on business." The stallion let slip a genuine smile, had he really just become one of those ponies who casually accepted the baggage of a second life in espionage? Even his willingness to accept folk for who they claimed to be had been impacted, he would be lying to himself if he denied that his newfound instincts were whispering urgings of caution regarding this out of place Purrsian. Was that battle a worthwhile sacrifice for the good he (believed) he was doing for Equestria? Turning quickly on his last statement, "Ah'm a rail pony, ya see", those half-truths were coming easier with practice, it seemed. Smiling to the new feline acquaintance, "how about yourself, Gaizi Softpaw? Ya some sort of merchant?" despite his concern for presenting a Purrsian stereotype, Jar could not prevent himself from trying to deduce the answer based on the evidence (in this case, the Purrsian) in front of him.

@@OmegaPony Nodding off toward the direction, "It's just a short walk, few blocks that way. Once you're at Hoofingtons, just hang a left and ya should see it." The earth pony lent a sympathetic look, "If ya'd like, I can walk ya there." Noting the foal with a disarming look, the stallion fought a chuckle when the child asked such a blunt question. He would just let the stranger tactfully handle it and merely nodded to the mare.

@@OmegaPony A wry smirk came across the earth pony stallion's face, this feline sure is a plucky one. Ah thought most Purrsians were merchant folk, business types and the like. Ah guess you can't judge other folks like that, just like ponykin. "Sapphire Fosters, eh? Let's see.." Jar did a quick mental map, turning his head to ensure the geography matched what he was envisioning it to be and trying to recall what he could of the local landscape. [Know: Local*] ((@@EquestrianScholar * = Inspiration with no cost, ** = Inspiration with cost)),

@@OmegaPony The earth pony let out a sigh, whatever "detective pony" gig the mare and stallion guards were talking about must have not been posted yet. Another possibility was they weren't looking to hire just anypony for sensitive detective work, even in light of such a busy workload. Either way, he would keep his ear to the ground on developments with that. He put his back to the wall and plopped down, letting our a yawn and his sturdy earthbound body finally accepting the consequences of getting so little sleep last night. He closed his eyes and opened them again a few moments later. Still awake, still morning and still tired. Staring absently around, he noticed a jovial Purrsian get off the train and not spare a moment before exclaiming how excited he was to be there. Jar was giving serious consideration that the fella' might burst out into song to further elaborate on the nature of his excitement. Shrugging with a smirk and ready to move on his way, the stallion stopped to consider: with so much of the detective ponies and guards wrapped up with the big picture of the Summer Sun Celebration, this could be an opportune time for pickpockets to make short work of a well-intention out of towner. Turning, his smirk changed to a hapless look. He would do his part and offer the stranger some help, hospitality is the earth pony way, after all. "Hey fella, you're from out of town, right? Need a hoof finding anyplace in particular?" Jar asked in a deep baritone. He looked the cat over with a mix of sincerity and friendly concern.

Early Morning, June 18th: Canterlot, Equestria – The Marketplace. The clop of hooves broke the sounds of birds and their songs as dawn came upon the kingdom of Equestria. Canterlot, yet rising but not truly awake, began to stir to life. Ponies began popping out one by one to open their shops and prepare. The tourists had already begun arriving in the nights prior, bringing a busy season for the local markets. Shop owners and artisans would, as days before and to come, market their goods in hopes of tying fond memories of the summer sun to their wares, bringing warmth to ponies' hearts and bits to their coffers. Only 3 days left. The sun lazily lit up the blue coat of the earth pony stallion, full saddlebags and large body shifting with each step. The winding bend brought his grey eyes overlooking the last hill en route to the train station, taking a moment to get lost in the breathtaking scenery he continued his approach toward the incoming train. Another assignment with that group, whose name he still didn't even know, had ended with uneventful observation of some dignitaries from Cloudsdayle while they racked up what must have been a couple hundred gold debt through a night of drinking and carousing with free-spirited and, presumably, available attractive mares and stallions. Unable to derive any evidence of secret dealings or illicit behavior, he returned and after intelligence gathering and combat training exercises, to his surprise, was informed he did not need to drop off his field equipment (not even the Magic Scanner or the Defensive Shield Magitek). There was, however, an extensive and colorful letter from Tesla detailing an impressively comprehensive list of potential damage and malfunction vulnerabilities that might exist in daily Appaloosian and train-pony life. Each instance on the list was accompanied by a suggested disciplinary action should "the resource fail to avoid this identified risk". The more benevolent of these suggestions could best be described as "discomforting". Arriving on the station platform, he went through the non-existent line and gave his ticket to the counter pony who looked as thrilled to be working at this hour as any (normal) pony would. Wordlessly, the two made their exchange and parted ways. The train rolled to a stop, the very familiar sound of the rail wheels grinding to a halt on the track as it slowed in its approach. The stallion, when his unusual cutie mark appeared, had realized that his destiny lay out there where his destined desire to acquire and experience all there was to experience as best as he could. In Appaloosa, this was not made easy; most ponies were born there, raised there and expired there. Not to say Appaloosa lacked anything, Jar himself still lived there and for all his wanderlust few things topped the warmth of coming home after being away for a long train route or an operation. The chance to explore and see all of Equestria in front of him, he studied vigorously and found a train conductor pony, Crosstie Junction, willing to let him tag along and learn a few things when he wasn't working the apple fields. His curiosity and eagerness quickly matured into expertise and a rewarding job. He stood in front of such a train, an Ironhoof Commercial P2 model if he wasn't mistaken, and boarded the train bound for, eventually, Appaloosa. Two guards, no doubt wrapping up their graveyard shift, caught his attention or rather their mention of something did. "...hoping that won't be the case, but you never know." The other continued, "Yeah, hate to consider it but these things do fall in the cracks sometimes. No extra detective ponies means just that, even if that means cases don't get solved for a while, or maybe ever", the younger unicorn mare shook her head and sighed, "It's a real shame that some ponies just have to go without, especially when it comes to justice." The middle aged earth pony stallion snorted "what are you, a super hero pony? We can only help out with what we can, try to think about what you can help with. Gives you a little perspective, at least I think so" he nodded as if affirming his own thoughts and his partner rolled her eyes and sighed, "let's get some breakfast, 'Mr. Hero'." The train left the station 10 minutes later as Jar watched it from the platform. Already missing that view from coming upon Appaloosa, he moved over to the postings board and took a look.

Thanks both of you, I'm going to hop into some of the discussions. If there are any places you really like and consistently go to, let me know.

I went earth pony OC. It helps sustain the feeling of being involved in a world much larger than myself and perpetuating the feelings thereof. If you have reservations re an alicorn OC (does not appear to be a common practice to use an alicorn OC) then you should make a pegasus and be a badass.