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[Appleoosa] The Good Ol Hoedown [open]


Boss_Hoss1

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The first pony to greet the pair of them was a polished and suave-looking unicorn with a gleaming white coat and flowing blonde mane. Arrow immediately identified him as a member of the upper crust, and old memories resurfaced. There were wealthy people in Beakbreak City, though they seldom looked quite as picturesque as this particular pony. All of them blended together in Arrow's mind, as he didn't so much get to know them as he got to know their homes, their private writings, and especially the hidey-holes where they kept all of their priceless valuables.

He turned away from Max, but saw Boxer with his legs locked in place, eyes darting from face to unfamiliar face. Boxer wanted a new start here, and he was trying his best to get it. Arrow knew that Boxer would want the same from him, so he sighed and turned back to Max with a wide smile on his face.

"As a matter o' fack, we stumbled inna town jus' yes'erday, mate," Arrow told Max, acting like he and the posh unicorn were already getting to be good buddies. "I'm Straight Arrow, an' mister strong an' silent o'er dere is Shadow Boxer."

Arrow turned his head to Boxer, waiting for some sign of life. Boxer pursed his lips and nodded at Max. "'ello, guv," he said to Max, as quickly as he could.

"That'll 'ave to do," Arrow said. He turned back to Max and smiled again. "I can tell you ent from round 'ere eever. You 'ere on business, or a personal 'oliday?" He repressed a snicker at the idea that anyone would visit a dry desert town like this for a vacation.

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Max waved to the Appleoosan crowd when his name was called, basking in the brief moment. As soon as the attention subsided, the Rockefilly returned his attention to the two very interesting stallions in front of him.

"To be honest, it started out as business, but now I live here! I may not look it, but I'm a bonafide Appleoosan. Why, I live just down the street, not too far from town center."

He offered another friendly smile and once again extended a hoof, there was the tiniest hint of contempt and distrust in his tone, but overall, Max was pleased to meet new ponies. A simple hoof shake would go a long way to please and impress the ex-Manehattanite, it was also a good way to judge character.

"So... Where you boys from, and what brings you here?" 

Maximilian gave the two a quick look over, trying to see what information he could get out of them. He was a naturally curious pony, and Max simply couldn't help learning about the pair. It wasn't much, but he definitely had a strange feeling about the pair.

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Willow Wisp wasn't sure how to respond. She'd planned on surprising Braeburn, but she didn't know there was going to be a party when she got there. And more so, she didn't know that the Stallion would have a date. She glanced between the two and then gulped. She was interupting.

"Oh, heh, don't let me interupt your um..dance. I wanted to surprise you and bring you one of the first copies of my journal on the adventure we had here in the desert. I mean if it weren't for you, Braeburn I never would have gotten to see such an amazing sight..."

She glanced down, really embarrassed now. And Caramel's tone didn't help. It actually saddened her a little, even if she didn't want really admit why. But that adventure, and even the Gala, every time she saw the Stallion, Wisp couldn't help feeling a bit drawn to him. But who was she kidding? He lived out in the wilds and she was in Ponyville. It should have been no surprise that he would have met a pretty Earth filly in his town.

"Well sounds like your dance here is starting. I didn't know there was going to be anything going on when I decided to visit so... I guess I'll just head to the inn and um... well I can get you your book later..." She turned and was ready to gallop off before things got more awkward. "Nice to meet you Ms. Caramel..."

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Madam Caramel Bistro sighed as she saw how confused the unicorn mare was, then Willow Wisp suddenly got apologetic and was about to rush off.

Bistro put a hoof to her forehead and sighed "No.. no it's fine. You two had an adventure of some kind like Miss LaMare writes about. It's not fair of me to keep two friends from catching up, even on my first date in..in.. oh dear.."

The mocha mare shakes her head "I cant, and should not, have expected this silver tongued devil not to have met anymare before me, Miss Wisp. I must also admit I am curious to know what kind of spooky events happened out here, since I live here now."

She looks over at a nearby table. "If you two dont mind telling me about the wierd event now or later, I'll grab some punch for everyone while you catch up, okay?"

As she headed to the table with the treats, she saw a very odd pair of stallions speaking to Mr. Rockefilly. "Those two seem to be a very strange set. I hope they arent as rough as they look. They look like they came out of one of LaMare's books..."

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The arrival of the new ponies, and the start of the hoedown had everyone busy. Without much going on, Dapper Dan walked about, past Willow Wisp and Caramel Bistro, heading to the refreshment table. He would meet some new ponies in a bit...for now, he was rather thirsty. At the table, he levitated up a glass of apple juice and took a sip, looking back at the assembled ponies. He wasn't sure who to go talk to for now, so he'd stay off to the side until people started to mingle a little more. He always had a chance to meet new people, living in the town.

The music was interesting. He actually found himself liking the music of this hoedown. The dancing, however, would take getting used to...he had never danced in his entire life, to be honest. Dan smiled. Nonetheless, he was loving this town.

[Hellish writer's block, but felt I needed to drop something in.]

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Arrow looked down at Max's hoof. It looked like it was only recently starting to undergo the wear and tear that he'd seen most ponies in his line of work punish their hooves with. No doubt he had plenty of coin to toss around wherever he pleased, with a herd of specialists looking after every single scratch or out-of-place hair. But that just raised the question of why he didn't have them sent down to Appleloosa with him so that he could maintain his appearance. Was he concerned about what the townsfolk would think of the act? Did he not want to pay the expenses? No, clearly this huckster was up to something, not that it was any of Arrow's business. He had to make a good impression on this bloke, so he took Max's hoof and gave a vigorous shake.

"Pleasure ta meet yeh, Max!" he said, grinning like a fool and exposing yellowed teeth. "So I s'pose that makes yeh a new arrival like th' two've us, does it? I mean, ye ent got the 'ats or the accent, an' neiver do Boxer 'n I!" He pointed a hoof up at his pageboy hat and smirked.

Boxer, meanwhile, figured that Arrow had got Maximilian well in hoof, so he decided to wander over to the main festivities, which was already in full swing. Some kind of band was playing unfamiliar music and many of the ponies danced unfamiliar steps. Where was he supposed to start with all of them? What could he talk about? How would he get to know them? He started to panic and hyperventilate, but he caught himself just in time, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He could do this. He could make friends.

With a glance, he picked out one mare who was looking at him and Arrow, the one with a visually pleasing, brown coat and a blanket across her hindquarters. The expression on her face didn't give Boxer much confidence, but she wasn't exactly terrified of them, either. That was promising! So he walked over to the little mare, only realizing how much taller he was when he was close enough to talk.

"Uh..." He swallowed and took another deep breath. What would be the best thing to say to her? What did she want to hear? Perhaps a greeting and an introduction? Yes, that was what ponies normally did, wasn't it? "Hello," he said in a stilted and awkward monotone, staring straight at her with far too much intensity. "My name is Shadow Boxer. What is yours?"

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As Braeburn helped the light brown pegasus mare up, he was already looking back and noticing Willowisp's embarrassed and forlorn expression, and he felt that twinge of guilt and sadness. Even if, by all accounts, he didn't do anything wrong, he sure felt that he had.

Talk about the most awkward of moments, caused because he couldn't really express what he felt beforehand, especially considering what he and the black unicorn mare had been through together. He was tongue tied perhaps for the first time since he was a mere colt as Willow turned to leave. Then, when Miss Bistro ... Caramel ... spoke up, Braeburn again felt that twang of guilt, although he was visibly taken aback by one sentence, "silver tongued devil." Surely mah charming, sincere words for the mares are not seen that way, are they? Still, she offered a solution of sorts; maybe this would work out after all. "That'd be right nice of ye, Caramel, Ah'd be tickled ter tell ye about th' crazy adventure in th' desert, an' how we found th' lost train. If'n y'all wouldn't mind, ah'll just speak with Miss Willow for two shakes."

Braeburn turned towards Willowisp and again took off his nice black Stetson, "Miss Willow, if'n y'all would allow me a moment of yer time, Ah surely would like ter speak with ye fer a minute." He nudged his head, pointing with it over to a slightly quiet spot on the edge of the square, hoping she would at least hear him out. He wasn't sure what he was going to say yet, but if ever there was a time to be fully open, this was it.

Maybe he could yet salvage this day for everypony, after all.

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The Hay family began playing their 'set' of songs. Sherrif Silverstar rushed over to Louise LaMare.

"Care fur a dance, Miss LaMare?"

"I thought you'd never ask!" the brown Pegasus shouted as she grabbed the stunned mustached stallion and pulled him into the center of the dancing area. As Louise led the Sheriff in the dance, up on the stage the three siblings watched the action below. Haymaker was playing her violin/fiddle, Hayseed his washtub bass and little Haywire switched between her harmonica and juice harp as the three siblings played on. Haymaker spotted many handsome stallions that she hoped to talk to during the band's next break.

"Well sis, looks like ya gots yur eyes on the colts agin'!" Hayseed laughed.

"Shut up and mind yur own business, Seed Brain!" Haymaker yelled back.

"If'n ya wanna catch a fellew, best ya hide that cutie mark of yours. What colt would wanna dance with a mare with a boxing glove on her rump?"

"Why you little twerp! I should break yur nose fir sayin' that to me!"

"And that's how ya got yur cutie mark in the first place, slugger."

Haymaker fought the urge to punch her brother while the group was still playing music. Inside, she was stressed that Hayseed just might be right. During a short break in their performance, Haymaker rushed off the stage, returning moments later in a Western style bonnet and dress, one that (she hoped) covered up her cutie mark.

"Hay big sister, why did ya git all prettied up like that?" Haywire asked. "Got yur eyes on the guys? YOU know what happens to ya when ya start chasin' fellers! Ya gits all excited and then.. they turn ya down! Ya can't keep a feller fer longer than.."

"SHUT YUR YAP AND START PLAYIN'!" Haymaker yelled as the three resumed playing their dance music.

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Near the stage, Dapper Dan was able to watch the little hushed argument between the members of the band, as one of the younger colts seemed to rile up his big sister who rushed off when the first number was done. He finished off his drink and slowly set it down on the table behind him, his horn glowing a soft red ochre colour as he set the glass down. Once that was over he adjusted his hat and glasses, once again using his magic and looked around.

He felt something rush past him and looked over. The white mare was back on stage once again, this time dressed a little more traditionally like some of the other mares around the dancefloor. He smiled a little, hearing a shout from the white mare. She seemed irritated for some reason, and it was clear to him her brother was enjoying the rise he was getting out of her. A little mean now, considering they both had to pay attention to the music they were playing for the other ponies. Dapper Dan let out a soft chuckle, looking around again. The Sherrif was dancing with someone, Braeburn was talking to a pair of mares (the lucky stallion), and he saw, a little ways away, Maximillian talking to a pair of large stallions he'd never seen around town before, ever. Feeling a little awkward, he hung around near the stage and refreshment table, sitting down on a bench near a table after a moment later.

Dan's eyes were drawn to the stage, specifically to the band. He recognized the youngest filly's instrument, and the mare's, but the colt's washtub bass was something he had never seen before. He was fascinated, in a word, and watched the band as they played.

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Willow Wisp was a little unsure when she was stopped. Even with Caramel saying it was alright if the two caught up, she felt bad. It was Caramel's date and her she was getting in the middle of it. But the other mare seemed set with her decision as she let the two have a moment. "Ah yes, I wouldn't mind telling the story at all," she managed to shout after the other as she went off for the time being.

Now all her attention was focused on Braeburn. He wanted to talk to her, in private? What did that mean? Well, of course it meant he had something to say, but what? It made Wisp nervous and she glanced around quickly in responce. It wasn't like there was really a private space in a big outside party. However he nodded to a place that was at least off to the side.

"Oh, sure, we can talk Braeburn," she nodded shyly and trotted over to the quiet area. 'Oh man, what did I do? I hope I didn't make a big mistake showing up.'

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Caramel Bistro smiled as she heard Willow Wisp say she would be glad to tell her the tale. As she made it to the treat table, she watched the two strangers that caught her eye for a moment as the smaller stallion chatted with Maximillian. Then the bigger one wandered away and looked a bit lost, then nervous like such crowds were new to him.

He visibly made an effort to relax and made his way over to her, much to her surprise.

The mare found herself looking up.. and up! as he introduced himself self-consiously.

Caramel gave a charming smile so as not to scare him off since he was so nervous. "Oh my! They raise them big where you are from! You are almost as tall as that one unicorn, Dusty. Good evening, Mr. Shadow Boxer. I am Madam Bistro, I run that Bed and Breakfast/Coffee shop over there. You two must be new in town?" She nodded to the table "Please, help yourself to the treats. Many of these are from my shop."

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Braeburn again took off his Stetson, which he only did really for two reasons - formal introduction, and when he needed to talk about something very personal. This situation was definitely the latter. "First, Miss Willow ... er ... Willowisp, ah thanke kindly fer the book! Ah didn't expect such a nice surprise gift and all!" Braeburn blushed slightly and looked down rather shyly. Normally he didn't have this much a problem trying to discuss what he felt about things. "Ah jes' wanted ter let y'all know that y'all didn't do nuthin' wrong by comin'. Y'all didn't know 'bout the Hoedown, or mah escortin' Miss Bistro to it. Ah ... Ah don't want ye ter run away thinking y'all made a mistake. Ah ... Ah'm always glad ter see y'all."

Braeburn blushed more at that last part. He had grown really fond of Willowisp. The adventures they'd had together, the danger and mystery in them, and working together for it, had certainly brought them a lot closer. "Ah also wanted a chance ter talk ter y'all about things when we have the chance. Ah ... Ah don't mean ter be too forward at all, Miss, er Willowisp, but Ah would muchly fancy a chance ter talk ... talk about us."

Braeburn didn't know if he'd stepped one hoof too far, and assumed too much. He may have feelings and wanted to talk about them, but it could be she didn't have any such feelings at all. He could be exposing himself to a heartbreak, but he figured ... what did he have to lose? An Apple never shies away from doing what was right, no matter what it may cost them.

He rubbed his hoof behind his head, "well, we don' have ter talk about that now; Ah woudln't put y'all on th' spot, Willowisp." He placed his black Stetson back on his head, hoping she would understand. "When Miss Bistro asked me ter escort her ter this hoedown, seein' as she's new in town, ah did promise her ter do so. Ah'm sure y'all understand, a gentlestallion cannot break a promise. An if'n y'all are willin', then ah promise we will talk about everything later, too. If'n yall wish."

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  • 2 weeks later...

Boxer looked away from Madame Bistro when she acted impressed and perhaps intimidated at his size. It was a reaction he was used to, really. Even in the rough and tumble slums of Beakbreak, he was a giant and a freak of nature. Once he learned to fight and fake a tough guy attitude, few wanted to mess with him at all. Not that he really wanted to be an object of fear or a big stick or anything like that. And here, well, it seemed like the ponies had no reason to fear him at all.

"Evenin'," he mumbled, forcing himself to look into her eyes. "Yeh, we're new. Got 'ere yes'erday." He folded his ears back. "Fenks fer th' food." He looks over at the table and gingerly takes one of the pastries from it. His eyes light up when he tastes it, and he gets a bit of a smile on his face. "Mmm!"

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"You dance devinely," Louise LaMare spoke softly to Sheriff Silverstar.

"Thank ya, ma'am," the mustached stallion answered. "I've been a-callin' square dances fer so long, I done fergot how fun it was to actually DANCE with a purty girl."

"Oh Sheriff, you are a charmer," the brown Pegasus mare said with a grin. Meanwhile, back on the stage, the Hay Family continued to play their music. Hayseed was plucklng away on the single string of his washtub bass while his little sister Haywire had now switched to the harmonica, setting aside for the moment her juice harp. As Haymaker, now attired in a square dancing dress, continued playing her fiddle, her eyes began to wonder around the dance floor and her mind began to wonder too.

"Jist lookie out thar at all those handsome stallions! Thar's Braeburn, I've heard of him but those two mares are swarming all around him like bees near the hive. That Sheriff feller's nice, but looks like that winged Pegasus lady's his date for the night"

Remaining deep in thought, Haymaker smiled as the white furred mare glanced out in the direction of Straight Arrow and Shadow Boxer.

"Hold your horses! Look at those two handsome fellers! They don't seem to be with anyone tonight. Maybe I could try to git one of'm to notice me, ur maybe..."

The red maned mare's train of thought stopped when she spotted Dapper Dan glancing in her direction. At first, fear seized her, but then she smiled back at him, hoping the band would be taking a break soon so she could talk to him.

"Ok folks!" Hayseed announced to the crowd as the music stopped. "Thank y'all for ur kindness! But me and my sisters have been playin' music up here a while, so we need to take a little break. Enjoy the food and we'll be back shortly to play more music and don't ferget, later on Appleoosa's own Sheriff Silverstar's gonna be callin' a square dance fer y'all! Have some vittles and some punch!"

"Oh yeah! Break time!" Haymaker neighed as she galloped off the stage and over towards Dapper Dan before coming to a halt in front of him. "Er, hello thar! Are ya havin' a good time?"

In her haste, Haymaker's sudden stop caused the back of her dress to fly up slightly, revealing nearly all of her boxing glove cutie mark on one side.

"See that, Haywire," her brother said to his little sister. "She's goin' fer a guy agin'!"

"Yep! That won't end well," the rust colored filly laughed. "I wanna git somethin' to eat! I'm as hungry as a horse!"

"Alright sis, but stay outta trouble this time, ok?"

"Will do!" Haywire neighed as she rushed off the stage. Looking around at all the tables of food as she walked, Haywire wasn't paying attention to where she was going and suddenly bumped into someone and fell to the floor. As she glanced up, Haywire saw she was standing in the presence of Straight Arrow and Shadow Boxer.

"Oh my! I'm powerful surry fer runnin' inta y'all!" Haywire said nervously, hoping the two stallion wouldn't be too angry with her.

Meanwhile, a gray furred red maned eyeglasses wearing unicorn walked past the Sheriff, levitating an accordian above his head.

"Doc Holly Day! Glad you could make it to the hoedown!" the Sheriff shouted as he danced with Louise.

"Sorry I'm late, but I just got back from an emergency call! Seems Petticoat Pam's youngin' fell from a tree and sprained a hoof," the red mustached stallion explained. "How many times have we told little Quartz Star to stop climbing trees?"

"Yup! That colt's as stubborn as a mule! Glad yur here! Square dance music ain't the same without you and yur squeeze box at the ready. The band's on a break, so you can git up on stage and set up to play with them."

"Will do, Sheriff," Doc Holly Day said as he walked up upon the stage and played a little warmup tune on his accordian as he sang. "OH I can't git along little dogie, I can't even git one that's small, I can't git along little dogie, I can't git a dogie at all!"

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Dapper Dan clapped with the crowd after the band played. They were skilled, that was without a doubt. He wished he had any kind of skill with an instrument. He could sing, sure, but Dan's singing really came into its own when he was mixed in with another three singers to create a quartet harmony, and as far as he could tell nobody like that was here in Appleoosa. He set his hooves down and tried to hold in a laugh as the white mare practically ran off stage to come meet him. He smiled and dipped his head, using his magic to sweep his newsboy cap from his head. "Hey there." he said pleasantly, sticking his hat back on his head. He smiled, noticing her cutie mark as her dress flared up. A boxing glove? Strange for a talented fiddle player, but he wasn't going to judge at all. Everypony's talent was their own, after all. And besides, he had no idea what it represented exactly...obviously fighting, but fighting meant many things.

"You're...Haymaker, right? You have some talent on the fiddle." he said with a warm smile. "I'm Dapper Dan." he added, holding out a hoof. He caught, over her shoulder, her two siblings looking over at them and speaking amongst themselves, but he didn't comment or try to make it too obvious, instead letting his green eyes wander back toward the mare's.

"Pleasure to meet you."

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  • 2 weeks later...

Well, these two ponies certainly had a certain charm about them. Max nodded in response and waved a hoof. "I'm originally from Manehattan. I came out west for business, and decided to make it my new home!" He smiled and pointed off into the distance.

"I'm working on a new project, gotta big railroad heading out here from Stalliongrad through roughrider ridge, sure to bring commerce and jobs to the parts of Equestria that need it." He dragged his hoof along the horizon. "Hopefully it'll be done within a year or so, if we can hurry it along. There are a lot of ponies that need it."

The Rockefilly looked back to Arrow, looking him up and down, hoping to pick a bit more information from the stallion just by his looks. "What brings you two out here? The west sure isn't the place for most ponies." Something about the pair seemed different, but Max wasn't able to pick it out just yet.

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Caramel Bistro spared a glance toward Braeburn and WillowWisp to see how things were going, then smiled as the huge pony enjoys the first bite and even thanked her.

She nods "Help yourself, Boxer. There will be plenty for all. Say, if you and your friend need a job, I'll be expanding my place into a hotel and I'll need ponies who can build or carry heavy loads."

her attention was momentarily taken by the ruckus as the band took a break and one of the young mares made a play for one of the audience, a dapper looking stallion while the Doc filled in for the band.

She smiled and shook her head in wonder "My first hoe-down and so much silliness is happening. I wonder if all hoe-downs are like this..."

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Ah, here it was, Arrow thought. The motive. The whole reason they'd emigrated to Appleloosa in the first place. It was inevitable that somepony would ask the duo where they'd come from, and he doubted that they'd like the full answer. No matter. He'd played out in his head how he'd answer them on the way over, when he wasn't too distracted with thirst and dehydration.

"Well now," he told Max, "Boxer'n I come from Beakbreak Ci'y. Dreadful place, 'orrible livin' conditions, an' we jus' couldn' take it 'nymore. So we wen' south an' tried 'a find work in Bareback Gulch, bu' we 'eard sumfin big was 'appenin' down 'ere in Appleloosa. Mus' be yer railroad, eh? Well, we-"

Arrow grunted when a little purple filly bumped into him, nearly knocking him over. He gave her the briefest of glares before he heard her apologize. Normally, he wasn't too fond of spoiled, sass-mouthed brats, but this one was contrite enough for him to give a pass to. "Eh, don' you worry none, poppet," he said. "Jus' watch where yeh scamper off to nex' time." He gave her a pat on the head and turned back to Max.

"'Dorable tyke, huh? Bet she's an oof-full." Arrow smiled as hard as he could. "Anyway, we jes' wanna nicer livin' 'an b'fore, 's all. Boxer there kin pull an' lift fings, 'n I kin 'elp wit all the doodads an' wizmos 'at need fixin'. Assumin' there ent been a swarm a' prospective employees a'ready."

Boxer blushed and folded his ears back at the kindness that Madame Bistro showed him. She was so nice to him and he hadn't done anything that warranted it. It gave him a more pleasant feeling than he'd ever had in a long time. At that moment, he wanted to hug her, but he knew that wouldn't be right. Even if he didn't crush her, ponies didn't just hug ponies they barely knew whenever they felt like it.

"I-I kin carry loads," he mumbled, responding to her job offer. "I guess I kin learn t' build, too, but Arrow's better at it then I am."

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Max listened, honestly focused on Arrow's words. Just the mention of Beakbreak city made him wince, and it gave him a newfound appreciation of the duo. They weren't messing around if they came from all the way out there just to get here. Max continued to pay attention, making sure to get every last detail. A little filly interrupted the conversation, and Arrow handled it quite well. Max nodded at his comment and waited for him to continue.

He rubbed his chin with a hoof and looked at Arrow. The pony seemed like the kind that could work, and his brother even more so. "Listen, you're probably the first ponies to show up here for a job. I think more will flood in when details get out. This isn't some minimum wage job, pay is going to be higher than anywhere in Equestria, but the work will be equally tough. I can't guarantee it'll be comfortable, but I'll try to accommodate anypony willing to work."

The Rockefilly pointed off towards another part of town. "I'm going to be erecting some living quarters soon for the employees, but I can get you and your brother a room in the inn until then."

He smiled and looked back at Arrow. "Maybe this can be a turning point for the west, eh? If this railroad works out it'll bring technology from Stalliongrad, and opportunities galore."

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Dunder Blust was flying towards the town of Appleoosa. He heard there was a party to be held there. He wanted to land already, his light saddlebag and rapier had already been getting to feel more and more heavy and his wings were getting sore. Each flap was getting harder and harder.

He landed at the border of the town. He thought there would not be many other pegusi at the party and he didn't want to attract too much attention. He trotted over to the border of the party. He looked over most of the other pony's heads for some place that had free food or drinks.

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((OCC - Willowisp is AFK for a bit, but I feel at this point I need to move Braeburn forward in the story regardless))

Braeburn hoped Willowisp understood that he’d made a promise, and that she wouldn't want him to break it. He knew he’d given her a lot to take in - it was now up to her to decide if she wanted to enjoy the event or wait for him at the hotel … or just leave him in the dust. Braeburn’s heart lurched at that last possibility – he hoped she would stay, but only she knew what was best for her. Braeburn gave the lovely filly he cared for and had shared so much with a gentle, reassuring hug, before turning to trot back to where Miss Bistrol was still waiting.

Braeburn gave a wide smile, once again removing his suede black Stetson to be as polite as possible. "Ah'm sorry to keep y’all waiting Miss Bi-, Ah mean, Caramel. Ah thankee kindly fer giving me the chance to talk to Miss Willow." Braeburn gave a warm smile as he placed his hat back on, "but as ah promised, this night is yours, and a good Apple always keeps his promises! Ah hope y’all are enjoying yerself so far?”

Braeburn momentarily looked about - the band was between songs at the moment, so this was more the time to get to know folks. He wanted to get at least one dance in with his date, but he was glad to chat with some of the newcomers - there were so many new faces to his town! Braeburn tipped his hat to a shy-looking newcomer Pegasus - everypony was welcome in AAAAAAPPLEOOSA,

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"Hello." Dunder said and smiled at Braeburn. "I have come to share in the party, as well as the food, drink, and..." He swallowed, "Mares...." He wasn't sure what to do, he had only been there once and it was a very light visit. He wasn't sure about the culture so he just covered the basics. "If you could lead me to where I could get some food that would be incredibly nice of you."

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As Doc Holly Day continued singing and playing his accordian on stage, Sheriff Silverstar and Louise LaMare noticed the newest arrival and galloped over to Dundee to greet him.

"Howdy thar friend! Welcome to this here hoedown! I'm Sheriff Silverstar and this here's my date, the famous Pioneer times novelist Louise LaMare! Pleased to meetcha!" the mustached stallion said, offering his hoof to shake.

"Glad you could come!" added the brown furred Pegasus mare. "Plenty of food and lots of new ponies to meet. Our band is on a break, but when they return, we'll have dancing!"

Meanwhile, Haymaker stood nervously near Dapper Dan. The light furred earth mare wanted to make a good first impression on this handsome stallion, but began to stumble around looking for the right words to say.

"Pleased to meet you, handsome, er.. I mean Dapper.. I mean, Dapper Dan!" she spoke, still not realizing her dress was riding so high on her flank, her boxing glove cutie mark was clearly visible. "So, do you, come here often?"

After woofing down a big plate of food, Hayseed noticed his sister trying to converse with Dapper Dan. He giggled, spotting her wardrobe malfunction.

"Sis ain't doin' such a good job of hidin' her cutie mark," the cowboy hat wearing stallion said to himself. "Maybe I could lend her a helpin' hoof, jist fer fun!"

Meanwhile, poor little Haywire was still trying to apologize for colliding with Straight Arrow.

"I'm powerful surry bout runnin' into ya," the rust colored filly said. "Reckon I wasn't lookin' where I was goin'. I'm with the band!"

It was at this time Hayseed chose to strike. Wheeling up a large fan yards behind Haymaker, the giggling stallion clicked in on, instantly blowing the light furred mare's country dress up over her head. Turning it off, he laughed as both of his sister's boxing glove cutie marks were now clearly visible.

"I'm splittin' my sides laughin!" Hayseed laughed hysterically so hard he was rolling on the floor. When Haymaker spotted her mischievous brother, her anger rose up. She SO wanted to trample him for embarrassing her like this, but she fought the urge to show such a violent display in front of her new gentlecolt friend. She grit her teeth and quickly shook herself so her dress would fall back into place around her rear.

"Er.. lovely weather we're havin', ain't we?" she asked with a toothy grin.

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Dapper Dan smiled, trying not to laugh. She seemed quite flustered, and for his own part, he was trying not to be too embarrassed. He was definitely interested in mares, but he was usually so caught up in running his shop, which often catered mostly to men, that he didn't have much experience talking to them...nor had he ever dated a mare before.

"Please, just uh, just Dan's fine." he said with a warm smile. He shook his head at her question, then nodded, then laughed. He had wanted to say no, but about halfway through he had wondered what she meant.

"Well, no, not to many hoedowns. This is my first full year in Appleloosa, I moved here not long ago. So I guess I do kinda come here often." he said, chuckling. Before he could ask her a similar question, about where she lived, there was a roar and a gust of air that threw his hat back. He quickly turned to catch it in his teeth, using his magic to place it back on his head, and he looked back at Haymaker.

He chuckled, mostly at the fact that she looked a bit ridiculous with the way the dress was blown up around her. "Alright, leave her alone." he said to the young colt. He looked back at Haymaker and smiled, laughing a little at her question.

"Yes, rather windy though." he said. Dapper Dan smiled at her. "That your brother? He seems to have it out for you." he commented. He glanced over at the table nearby, and a sudden instinct to try and be a gentlecolt popped up.

"Are you thirsty?" he asked. His horn glowed red ochre again, and a glass of cider from the nearby refreshment table floated it's way over to her.

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  • 2 weeks later...

The mocha mare, Madam Caramel Bistro smiled as Braeburn caught up to her "Oh thank you, Braeburn! I can't wait to dance."

She nodded to the giant horse near her "I'm sorry I'm not available to give you more of my time to make you feel welcome in this town, but I am on a date tonight." She turned back to Braeburn. "This is a newcomer, Boxer. He and his friend arrived tonight."

Bistro waved a hoof at the shy pegasus when Braeburn greeted him.

"Welcome to Appleoosa, Dunder. Please help yourself to anything on this table. Much of it is from my Bed and breakfast bistro shop over there. I also have rooms open if you need a place for the night."

She looked at Braeburn watching the antics of the band as they took their break "Oh my, well, you cannot say they are not entertaining... whether they are playing or not. What's next? I'm afraid I've not been on a date in some time."

Meanwhile, another traveller arrived, homing in on the lights after following the tracks.

The orange pegasus, Candy Catch-em clopped her forehooves in joy and tossed her red and yellow mane. "What luck! Now I wont have to chance sleeping in the desert tonight!"

the mare adjusted her bush hat and trotted into the party goers as they milled around, ending up near another pegasus "Hello, Did they just say your name was Dunder? Whats the party for?

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