OOC: https://mlpforums.com/topic/145995-the-expedition
A weak rain was about to fall, as the pegasi needed to follow their schedule, but not ruining the organization of a special event between the Seekers of the Relic. Hidden in an alley, covered by shadows, one of them was interested in the issue of the new community, however, the lack of evidence of the said Emerald Apple gave her a bit of skepticism. "Looks like a random tale stolen from a book. And everypony knows tales are not true. But what if... It can be a true testimony. The chances are low as grass, but still counts, right?" The hidden mare asked herself.
Iniblia. That was her name. Between the option of just being outside of the picture and the option of having a chance to really find out the truth about the words of the Seekers, she was undecided. "This is not a matter of belief. They are recruiting normal ponies to seek for this artifact... It certainly looks dangerous. Being lost... In Equestria's borders... Can be lethal." She thought to herself, walking along with a moving crowd to get more information about the so-called "Expedition".
The crowd was going down the street until an open grass field, with a big red sign, with white painted letters written "EXPEDITION". A number of, approximately, twenty benches and fifty hay piles were lying around the sign, with dozens of ponies preparing themselves for a journey. "Really? Really a large number of ponies are going to do this? I wasn't expecting such a large number", Iniblia said, while walking. "They really are thinking in safety", thought, while watching some of the preparing ponies with special equipment and big backpacks for storing important stuff. As Iniblia got closer and closer, she could notice somepony with a loud-speaker, in the middle of a speech.
"My little ponies", said this highlighting figure between the crowd, known as the leader of the Seekers of the Emerald, Hoof Steps. "I have some bad news, and good news. The bad news are... That there are no more slots for joining The Expedition."
That made everypony sad, except the lucky ones.
"However, we got good news. The good news are... That there are ten strategic points in Equestria's borders, that might have the location of the legendary Village of the Emerald. And we got nine groups of explorers... So we need another group to close."
The faces of the ponies who had hope in participating of the event were priceless.
"As you could see that some of you ponies have a special accessory... An armlet with our symbol, the Emerald Apple. The ones who got those armlets are set as Captains, who have authority, but responsibility for the group which you're leading. Right now, in this moment, the Captain of this new group will be selected by our staff, and brought here to receiving the armlet. Sompony... With the aura of a leader, of somebody who can take out responsibilities, and face dangers with no problem."
When Iniblia was back to her senses and her blue eyes realized what was actually going on, a hoof was pointing to her face. "Are you okay?" Hoof Steps said, curious.
"Oh, sorry. I got distracted. What did you say before?" Iniblia said, not understanding the situation.
As he replied, "We chose you as a Captain. Of The Expedition!" Applause and more applause were coming from all directions.
"Wait, wait, I think that I shouldn't"
She just got pushed to the center of the place, becoming face-to-face with Steps. Iniblia got an armlet, in green color, with an emerald stamped on. "You are now declared a Captain of the Tenth Group, of the Fiiiirst Expedition!" And then everypony started applauding again.