Bannhammer

Max nodded courteously, also glad to have avoided any serious problems. Hopefully, if they took things very, very slowly, they would be more comfortable around each other. [colour=#0014a8]"A foxtrot sounds lovely, Caramel."[/colour] With his magic, Maximilian took one of the records out of its sleeve and placed it on the gramophone before offering the mare a hoof. [colour=#0014a8]"It's been a while since I've done this one, usually more somber, less energetic dances are my kind of fare. Alas, I don't think that's the local style..."[/colour]

Max's hoof stopped just short, hovering near the door handle. He was fully intent on heading out and hopefully forgetting the embarrassing event over some cactus juice. Caramel's quick apology and kind words convinced the Rockefilly to stay. The move, it seems, was simply a lapse in judgement, no harm was intended, and all was well. Maximilian was still a bit flustered, and he needed a quick moment to compose himself. [colour=#0014a8]"It's...different, being around somepony like this. It's not your fault, and of course I forgive you. I'm just not used to contact, at all. It's just so strange to me. I hate to make you do it, but I think going slow is the best bet we have."[/colour] The unicorn turned around and took a step towards Caramel. [colour=#0014a8]"Shall we try again? Maybe a different dance?[/colour]

Things were going alright, Max could just about bear the dance as it was. He was ready to wait it out, do a few more steps, let the music die down, and then do whatever thing Caramel asked him too. It wouldn't be hard, just boring and tedious. Then something happened that threw a wrench into Maximilian's best laid plans. The contact between them grew exponentially as she gave him a well intention nuzzle under the chin. The touch, to put it lightly, caught Max totally unawares. His instinct, and therefore his first reaction, was to jump back, eyes wide as he tried to figure out what had just happened. At parties, galas, anywhere, contact such as that was left at a minimum, or just not there at all. Even though they were alone and Max fancied Madame Bistro, he couldn't react in any other way. For a stallion that would receive a hug only on his birthdays (if he was lucky) any intimate form of contact would be unnerving, to say the least. An awkward moment was spent with Maximilian standing there, a few paces away, looking rather confused. He must look rather silly right about now, how would Caramel look at him now? He was just a crazy stallion in her eyes after that, surely! He tried to say something, anything, to break the silence, but all he could manage was a few forced stammers. [colour=#0014a8]"I... excu-... er...."[/colour] With a fierce blush on his face the rich unicorn simply turned around and reached for the door. [colour=#0014a8]"Sorry..."[/colour]

Caramel kept pace well enough, and Max simply continued moving. They danced their way around the room, Maximilian's hooves moving in perfect time and with determination. His face continued to lack any sort of emotion as they moved together, no happiness, nothing except for a blank and determined stare. [colour=#0014a8]"Why thank you, Madame Bistro, one must be good at Ballroom, especially in case of galas or other such parties."[/colour] He forced a grin onto his face as he responded. Most would be fooled by it, thinking of it as a real smile, but anypony who knew the Manehattan social life would see through it. He was simply going through the motions again. Just as he could dance when he needed to, he could throw a smile out there. [colour=#0014a8]"You're a lovely partner, Caramel, very light on your hooves."[/colour] Max nodded, fake smile still on his face as he paid her a generic compliment. This was so confusing for Max, how was he supposed to have a good time with Caramel while doing such a boring and repetitive action? The socialite simply fell back on his old habits because he had no idea of what else to do!

Max nodded cordially and quickly browsed the music selection. Not a bad range, he spotted a few pieces that would be good for foxtrots, or a tango, but the Rockefilly wanted to start off a little more traditionally. The white unicorn's horn lit up as he levitated a particular vinyl record out of its sleeve and over towards the gramophone. [colour=#0014a8]"Invitation to the Dance, one of my favorite waltzes. Not too fast, and the title fits, wouldn't you agree?"[/colour] The needle was lowered, and soon a droning melody began to sound out in the private room. Maximilian strode towards Caramel and took her by a hoof, placing the other on her side as he got into position. [colour=#0014a8]"I hope you don't mind if I lead, Caramel, I'm simply no good otherwise."[/colour] With that, he began to move, gently yet quickly turning, swaying, and stepping to the beat and in time with the music. There was no emotion on his face, the waltz for Max wasn't something to enjoy, it was just something to do at parties to impress others and pass the time, and he was treating it no differently now. Instead of a smile, he wore a blank expression as he went through the motions.

Max grinned, thankful that he wasn't the only one nervous about their first evening together. The mocha mare's ear twitch didn't go unnoticed, and the Rockefilly kept any comments to himself as he got up. Maximilian trotted towards the private room, not in any particular hurry, simply wishing to drag every moment out of the night he could. The room was already set up for a dance, and Max took a moment to wonder if he had been set up the whole time. He shrugged that idea off, certain that Madame Bistro would have the courtesy to inform him of any such decisions beforehoof. He decided to take the first steps inside, lightly brushing past Caramel as he entered the room. The white unicorn took a moment to analyze his surroundings, there was ample space for dancing, and privacy would be assured. With a content sigh, Max used his magic to loosen his tuxedo. [colour=#0014a8]"It gets dreadfully hot out west, and I don't want to get all sweaty before bed... Now... laissez-nous commencer, Oui?"[/colour] Max extended a hoof and grinned, [colour=#0014a8]"A little ballroom to start, perhaps? I need to get my bearings..."[/colour]

[OOC: Good guess, but poison joke just makes it impossible for Max to lie, everything that comes out of his mouth is true XD ] She didn't react too badly to his comment, causing Max to sigh in relief. Good, he hadn't bucked up their soiree yet, so the conversation could continue. After a deep breath and a moment to collect himself, Maximilian set down the cup of coffee and steepled his hooves on the table, looking over them at Caramel. He had noticed that look in her eyes, and it gave him a chill as their eyes were locked for only a brief moment. Thorn showed up and Max also jumped a little, caught unawares by the jack. [colour=#0014a8]"Yes, thank you, these look delicious."[/colour] The Rockefilly levitated a fork towards the treat, and carefully tore off a piece before putting it in its mouth. He gave a few thoughtful chews before swallowing. Max's hoof brushed his chin a few times as he thought, mulling over the taste, texture, etc... [colour=#0014a8]"Good... very good. The sweetness of the treat is just right, not too overpowering but definitely cherry. I feel like a bitter coffee would go best with it, maybe the one I'm drinking? The aftertaste is a bit much, but that's probably just my personal preferences... Overall, a scrumptious treat, fit for any cafe."[/colour] He dabbed at his mouth with a napkin before setting the fork down and taking another sip of coffee. [colour=#0014a8]"So... um.. Caramel... would you like to adjourn to that room over there? I keep seeing how you look at it..."[/colour]

Maximilian sat there, feeling uncomfortable for a moment after revealing something so personal, but the lack of any disconcerting response or obnoxious show of emotion put him at ease. He didn't need ponies feeling sorry for him, he didn't need ponies feeling anything for him, at least, that's what he thought. Private lives were meant to be private, nopony need know of his difficulties as a child, or even his lack of a real foalhood, those things were best kept hidden, forever. He listened to Madame Bistro tell him of her own struggle in acclimating, but quickly her focus turned towards... private dancing sessions? A blush quickly rushed onto the white Unicorn's face, and he swiftly moved a napkin up to wipe at his nose, attempting to conceal it. [colour=#0014a8]"I don't see why not, if I have a few nights open I'd love to try and be a better dancer."[/colour] Thoughts of romantic evenings, sharing coffee and dancing the night away with such a pretty mare flowed through Max's mind, leaving him speechless and with a goofy smile on his face for a moment. [colour=#0014a8]"Ah, yes! The Coffee! I.. I was just thinking about that!"[/colour] With a nervous chuckle Max levitated the cup up to his mouth and took a deep sip. The brew was still burning hot, but Max liked it that way. His father had always made it a point to drink his coffee while it still burned, and Max simply followed suit. The pain gave way to an earthy and bold taste that was simply divine. [colour=#0014a8]''Oh, Caramel, I've said this before but you know how to make a cup of coffee, you're going to make a Stallion very happy someday."[/colour] Almost as soon as those words left his mouth, Max went wide eyed and quickly took another sip, hoping not to say anything else stupid.

[colour=#0014a8]"Dance?!"[/colour] Max cleared his throat and looked away for a moment. [colour=#0014a8]"No no no no no... I mean... I've done ballroom before, at galas and other such parties. But never... for fun! It seems so juvenile, simply flailing around in front of everypony... No thank you."[/colour] He tapped a hoof on the table, thinking for a moment. What else was there to say? Max found himself struggling to continue the conversation. He'd rather be in a boardroom, or anywhere where he could discuss business, not regular life! [colour=#0014a8]"That's something I'll need to adjust to, honestly. All the contact and intimacy is something I'm not used to at all. Heck, my own father refused to give me hugs, and now I'm expected to embrace strangers! It's a lot to get used to, that much is true...."[/colour] Maximilian looked back at Caramel and tried his best to keep things moving. [colour=#0014a8]"Was it hard for you to adjust?"[/colour]

The last few days had been mostly uneventful for the Aviator. Ace spent the majority of his time simply resting up, as much as one could when your only available bedding was the inside of a rocky cave. Fortunately, he had all of Vinyl's letters to kill the time, and he'd often be found lost in thought, reading over words from the pony he loved. Her parchments really did more for him than she might ever know, just having them there did wonders for the soldier. Her last letter weighed most heavily on his mind. She had answered her question, just as he had hoped. He'd often felt like maybe he wasn't doing the right thing, that what he had to do somehow made him a bad pony, but now, with her words, he'd never feel like that again. After another quick read through, Ace decided the time had come to draft a reply. There was a little bit of scavenging, but eventually the aviator found some paper and a quill. The ink was harder to come by, but with enough determination (and begging) he was able to get some. Finally, he was ready to write. Dearest Vinyl, Your letter, as always, brought new sunshine to my life. I used to wonder if I'd made the right choice, joining the REA. Maybe I should have stuck with the Wonderbolts and all they had to offer. But now, after what you wrote, I have no more doubts. With you at my back, I'll continue on. No matter what lay before me, rocky land or calm seas, I'll face them all with all of my being, because there is a beautiful mare who believes in me. We're so far apart, with me stuck in this cave and you miles and miles away. Your letters bridge us, make me feel like you're right beside me. When I close my eyes, I see you, I can still taste you on my lips, Vinyl Scratch. We'll see each other soon, I know it. Not only because Celestia herself couldn't keep me from you, but because I'll be home in two weeks. By the time you receive this letter and send a reply, I'll be mere DAYS away from seeing you. I know it's not fair, tempting you with this news in advance, but remember that it hurts me too. I'll fight harder than ever before, struggle like nopony has ever struggled, because I know that my reward is YOU. Never forget how much I love you, Vinyl. Sincerely, Ace signed his letter, hopeful that Vinyl would appreciate the news. He took a deep breath, the next few weeks would be difficult, to be sure, but he could handle it. He had to, if he ever wanted to get back home.

"How could I ever say no? I'll be sampling a fine treat /and/ be with the most beautiful company in Equestria!" Max shifted a bit, finding the perfect position on the couch. He found his gaze lingering on Madame Bistro every now and then, practically unable to take his eyes off of her. As he waited for the coffe, the Rockefilly decided to get their conversation going again. "Well, Caramel, what should I know about you, other than your business?"

Max nodded happily, content that she would grant him his request. It meant a lot, being able to drop the formalities around other ponies, especially ones that Max fancied. Of course, as they approached the door, he picked up the pace and used his magic to open it for her. "Mares first, of course" He nodded politely and watched Madame Bistro stroll past him and into the coffee shop. After she had passed, Maximilian followed after and located a nice table. The unicorn used his magic to pull out a seat for Madame Bistro, as he himself lay on one of the cushions near a table. "Well, Caramel, shall we share a cup of coffee?" He didn't bother to tell her what he wanted, he frequented her shop enough for her to know that he liked a nice, strong cup of coffee without cream or sugar.

Max simply nodded, taking the new information to heart. "It's a beautiful name... May I address you as 'Caramel'?" He was a little unsure about making such an audacious request, but he felt that a casual atmosphere might make future conversations that much easier. "If you're ok with that, of course." he eventually added. Soon, the coffee shop came into view, and Max picked up the pace.

"Believe me, the press is already having a hard time buying the new me. I wouldn't be surprised if ponies started testing me to see if I'm real or not." Max chuckled and bumped Madame Bistro's shoulder lightly. She took his words a lot better than he had expected, and her response certainly put him at ease. "Initially, I just wanted to buy the town, and simply run everything from Manehattan. But... you all gave me a chance. I guess that's partly why I want Appleoosa to succeed so badly, because this town has done more for me than Manehattan ever did." With a smile, Maximilian continued to trot, eventually the pair of them passed by a few landmarks in town, and the white Unicorn felt obliged to keep the conversation going before they returned to the coffee shop. "I just realized... it's kind of silly, but I don't even know your full name... unless your parents named you 'Madame'..." Max blushed, almost embarrassed by his admission, hopefully she wouldn't think any less of him for simply asking.

"Well, I wouldn't call all of it libel. Some of it is true." He smiled softly, looking over towards the mare who walked beside him. "Who knows, maybe some of the things I've heard about you are true as well? For instance, apparently you've been mixing your beans with some low quality pre-ground stuff in order to cut costs. And I've even heard that you opened one of your shops next to an older place and had them bankrupt in a week before tearing down their building to make room for an addition!" The unicorn chuckled playfully and shook his head. "I don't believe for a second you'd sacrifice quality, and I don't see you as a ruthless business mare, even if you are passionate... I know ruthlessness all too well." Now Maximilian had to decide whether or not to let her in on the truth, or deny all claims as patently false. On one hoof, he could try to hide his past a little longer, and maybe come off as a victim as the press. Or... he could tell her the truth, let Madame Bistro know that some of what was said is true, and risk scaring her off. Well, the Rockefilly was trying to turn over a new leaf, he couldn't expect anypony to see him differently if he didn't at least try. Maybe she'd be scared off, decide that a stallion with such a past wasn't worth it, but it would be his fault, and it was a risk he had to take. Before the whole incident with the weeds, I was a very greedy, selfish, ruthless stallion who often would run ponies out of business, and often simply because I could. I'm not proud of who I used to be, but I'm trying to change."

He felt a blush rush to his face as she passed. She really was beautiful. Suddenly he remembered that he had to look at and talk to the pretty mare at the same time. "Well, the tabloids do their job, unfortunately for me ,most ponies want ridiculous stories rather than the truth. I've been asked all sorts of terrible questions, especially about my late father. I'm sure the press hasn't always been so kind to successful mare like yourself." Maximilian sighed, he wasn't terribly upset, but he normally didn't talk about such things. It was nice to have somepony he could talk with. Of course, not everything that was said was false, but it was like that for everyone. Awkwardly, Max rubbed the back of his neck and faced Madame Bistro. "Just curious...what have you heard about me? If your going to know the real Maximilian Rockefilly Jr, then I need to know where we're starting from."

Max patted down the front of his tux and chuckled nervously. "I would... ah... be honored!" Ever so gently, the ex-manehattanite took the lady's hoof and slowly led her towards the door. His heart was pounding, normally Maximilian was renowned for his ability to stay cool under pressure and keep his emotions under wrap, but something about Madame Bistro just set his heart all topsy-turvy. He found himself having to pause to catch his breath on multiple occasions. "Um... I was wondering if we could just take a stroll around town, not really go anywhere in particular?" The stallion opened the door with his magic and led Madame Bistro outside. "It would be a nice chance to talk a little bit, get to know each other. It's a shame to say I don't know much about you other than your coffee, although I doubt there's anypony that doesn't know of your heavenly brews.." Another blush and a shy smile found their way onto Max's face as he started to trot towards the center of town.

Thorn had answered the door, and Max found himself awkwardly adjusting his tie, trying to figure out the most polite way to inform the donkey that yes, he was in fact Madame Bistro's intended date. Fortunately, the mare of the hour appeared and put everything straight. Maximilian turned to face her, in order to thank her properly for her well timed intervention, but he quickly found himself gawking (rather uncharacteristically) at the mare before him. "Celestia's grace... you may call me anything you like, Madame Bistro, especially when you look as ravishing as /that/, I fear the only thing I'll be able to call you is beautiful..." A massive blush quickly rushed across the stallion's face, and he quickly motioned to the door before stammering a bit. "I mean... uh... you look nice, and... um... I-I thought maybe we could go for a little stroll before coming back here to grab some coffee and maybe have a little chat about things?" Dear Celestia, she must thing I'm a babbling idiot!, he thought to himself.

Maximilian Rockefilly Jr sighed, not from fatigue, or from some sort of apprehension, but out of a mixture of relief and an appreciation of what was to come. It was nearing noon, and the few hours preceding, and especially last night, were far more eventful and stressful than anything Max wanted to have dealt with. But dealt with it he had, and now he found himself in a far more pleasant situation. A mare, to be specific, and a pretty one at that. Madame Bistro, a former Manehattanite, like Max, was waiting for him for a cup of coffee, at her own bistro nonetheless! They'd each taken about an hour to spruce up, and while the businessmare may have spent her time attempting to pretty herself up (if any improvements were even possible), Max spent his precious moments fretting. He'd been groomed for business, and apart from wooing potential partners and taking part in meaningless chatter, his ability to court a mare or even go on a simple date wasn't exactly up to par. Now he had the daunting task of starting, maintaining, and hopefully ending a conversation on a high note. He'd spoken with many mares, but every single encounter was about business and bottom lines. How would he fare speaking to a mare he actually fancied? Only time would tell. His nervousness made itself apparent in the hour before he showed up, Max had changed his clothes at least five times, hoping to find the perfect outfit, before settling on the tux he'd been originally wearing. Now, he stood in front of the Bistro, and he made one final adjustment, shifting the flower on his lapel ever so slightly. "Well... here goes..." After a nervous gulp, Max lightly pressed a hoof to the front door and let himself in. He put on his most professional demeanor, cleared his throat and spoke as un-nervously as he could manage. "Madame Bistro? It's Maximilian..."

Martel quickly smacked the nudging hoof away with a growl. This tiny stallion had managed to make him quite angry, and such things were not quickly forgotten, or forgiven. "Do not try for forgiveness yet, tiny pony, earn it by helping me. If you do not make a total foal of yourself today, I might just be forgetting what you said, am i making myself clear?" With a snarl, the large Germane smacked the door open and lead the way outside. "He is supposedly in the market, so we will ambush him when he goes back to his hideout, Ja?"

[at the home stretch, just pass me on by, not sure what to put! XD ]

The germane stood still, no unnecessary movements were made, nor were any useless words shared. Instead, Martel looked over the map, inspecting whatever notes had been jotted down by the mare in charge. Her observations were sound, though obvious, it took a good leader to address even the things taken for granted. She asked if the group had any questions, and the mercenary shook his head, a solemn 'No'. His job was to smash the ponies in their way, and smash the infected with a little more gentleness. Radiant spoke up, and the sight of the alcohol impaired pony brought a sly grin to Martel's face. So, /now/ she wanted to learn about last night? After downing all those drinks, Martel could still remember the highlights of the previous evening. Some more booze, some cards, and a plethora of winnings later, all of them lay blacked out in their respective rooms. Of course, some went to their rooms lighter than before, they weren't playing cards just for fun. Martel reached to his side, under the table, and pulled out a piece of armor, not enough to even cover one of his legs, but it would have been a substantial part of a guard's protection. It gave a little jingle as he dangled it near Radiant's head. "I am wondering if somepony would like to be telling tiny mare about last night, and why somepony is better off learning the rules of poker before she is playing..."

Martel rolled his eyes, unimpressed with the smaller stallion's attempts to flirt with the guardsmare. Instead, the germane focused on getting his hammer back and preparing for the mission at hoof. It only took him a few moments to trot towards the front door and 'suggest' that he be given back his weapon of choice. Unfortunately, unless he waited for the two slow ponies to catch up, he'd probably end up getting attacked in the streets again. So, against his better nature, and his inclination to go on the offensive, Martel Von Starkhuf simply stood and waited outside of the police station. "Could slow ponies be hurrying up a little? I am having a criminal to catch!"

Martel grumbled loudly, muttering a few expletives under his breath before facing the two ponies. "You, mare, may come along if you wish. I have no qualms having a lawpony attempt to help me. HE..." The large stallion pointed a hoof at Dunder. He had no reason to bring along the pony who had not only fought with him, but had insulted him and his country on multiple occasions. "This puny pony can go buck himself for all I care! He is /not/ coming along, not on a real mission. Unless his flattering from before got to you..." The Germane got up from his spot on the floor and patted himself down. "Give me back my hammer and suit up. We'll meet up in 30 minutes in front of the station. I need to see if I can get the criminal's location so I can corner him. You can decide if /this/ pony can come along as well..."

Max nodded slowly, letting Braeburn speak his peice and set the crowd up for his following speech. The farmer pony spoke true, his words hopefully showing Miss Snowfall why he wanted her to see the orchards. Appleoosa was far from just any old frontier town, it was a town of hopes, dreams, families, and a bright future. It was Max's hope that the mare from Stalliongrad could see that. "I don't have anything to ask, but I do have something to add. This town is far more than just a settlement, it's far more than a dusty row of buildings in the middle of nowhere, and while it may look the same, it's the ponies here that make it special. From a business point of view, I guess you could say it's a wise investment, but I think it's a bit more than that. I've put my entire fortune behind this town, I believe in Appleoosa, that's why I'm proud to call myself an Appleoosan." He patted Bloomberg again before looking at his esteemed guest. "It's not easy, taking a leap of faith, especially when there's so much at stake and everypony is watching you, but that's just how much I trust these ponies. I don't expect you to have the same belief, but I hope that what you saw today can at least make sense of it all for you."