Bannhammer

Done

Sorry bout that XD

Roleplay Type: Mane

Name: Sucre Bleu

Sex: Female

Age: Mare

Species: Unicorn

Eye Color: Light Blue

Coat Color: Light Blue (#A0B2EF)

Mane/Tail style and color: Her mane is usually up in a bun so that no hair gets can get into her food, and her tail is braided to take up the least amount of space in the kitchen. When out and about, she simply lets her hair flow free and her tail is exceptionally curly. The color is Moon Raker [#D5C6F1]

Physique: Lean and short

Cutie Mark: Crossed Rolling pins with small fleur de lis in the middle

Origin/Residence: On the road, currently working in Trottingham

Occupation: Pastry Chef, specializing in Crepes.

Motivation: To show ponies that delicate and thoughtful foods are just as good as the 'heartier' food.

Likes: Dedication, fresh dough, good ingredients, diligence, delicate things, dignified things

Dislikes: Laziness, sour milk, rude ponies, nonchalance, rough things, dirty things

Character Summary: Being a child in the Sugar family meant one thing, great breakfasts. For the first years of her life Sucre was treated to the greatest breakfasts of ponykind, stacks of waffles, towers of pancakes, omelets everywhere! It was all so delicious, but also too heavy. The small filly could barely manage a few bites before being simply unable to eat more. She noted that while the family customers loved the food, some of them got tummyaches simply from eating too much!

Sucre Bleu strived for a delicious food that could be savored and wasn't too heavy for ponies to chew on. She spent ages in the kitchen, searching for the perfect solution. She scoured through cook books from all around Equestria, before finding some of the books written by the chefs of far off cities. It was there, burying her nose into recepie books, that she discovered the crepe! It was a light, scrumptious pastry that was thin enough to be a light snack but tasty enough to sell!

She immediately went to work, trying her hardest to make the fabled crepe a reality. It took many tries, and many failures. Sucre almost wrecked the kitchen, but after a few hours she had done it, she had created the /perfect/ crepe. She screamed for her family to show up, and when they did she showed off her creation. It was a light pastry, adorned with fresh strawberries, the purest cream, and she tightly rolled it up and drizzled just a tiny amount of chocolate on top. After only a few bites, her family was in love. What was even better was when her father pointed out her new cutie mark!

The rolling pins show her dedication to hard work and her love of cooking, while the Fleur de Lis showcases her desire to find the more refined things in life.

Almost immediately the young Sucre started to perfect her craft. Full of support, her family allowed her to sell her creations in their shop, and it was a hit! Ever the perfectionist, Sucre Bleu continued to experiment and try new things, never satisfied with anything less than perfection.

Eventually, her disdain with the heavy and 'unrefined' foods of her family, Sucre decided that taking her own path would be the best option. Some of the family had already left for greener pastures, and she didn't want to be left out. With noting more than a rolling pin and her personal recipe book, Sucre Bleu left the Sugar family to spread her far more refined and delicate pastries.

She's still a young mare, but she knows what she wants and how to get it. Sucre Bleu may not be as mature as some others her age, but don't expect her to laze around when there's work (in the kitchen) to be done! Respect is something she still needs to learn, but don't take it personally, sometimes she gets impassioned about small things. While she's no prude, she does have a bit of trouble with the less refined things in life.

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.

Doing Homework, waiting for replies, and watching this :

What' going on, gaize?

Maximilian pulled the napkin back, quite surprised by his friend's response. Bell Curve wasn't a poor Stallion by any means, surely he could understand the importance of proper funding. Money made the world go round, and Max simply saw a problem waiting to be fixed, not a struggle of prestige and honor.

He stayed silent for a moment, and the baron filled the gap.

"Hy come for hyu. Hyu are mein friend, und more - hyu are a shmott guy. Und hyu are wily. Hyu know how to haff fun, like ven ve on ze rooftops. Just hyu be careful not to do zat last bit if ve find ourzelves over a pit of shpikes, ya? Most importantly, hyu are mein friend, und ve always used to talk about haffing un adventure together, ya?"

Max blinked a few times, unused to hearing such powerful words from the Baron. The Rockefilly couldn't hold back a chuckle. "Well, at least you'll be there to save me again if that happens." He smiled warmly and nodded.

"We did always want to go on a real adventure..."

Max extended a hoof, smirking with fire in his eyes."Bell Curve, I would be honored to accompany you on your journey as your associate, and your friend."

Once the ritual had taken place, Max leaned back in his chair. "Now that business is taken care off, we have the rest of the day to eat lunch and catch up after four years!"

Max felt Bell's hoof grab his own and he gave it a firm shake, chuckling all the while. It was like old time, although instead of setting out for a day of play, the two were embarking on a grand adventure.

"We'll show them, alright!"

The Rockefilly let go, and as a waiter approached he ordered some drinks and the food, trying his hardest to remember any Germane he could. Struggling with the words, Max managed to order two potatoes and a plate of steel.

He coughed a few times and put his hoof to his mouth. "I think my germane is a little rusty..."

As he let the baron correct his mistakes, Max took the moment to write something on a napkin and pass it across. It was a rather large number, seven figures to be exact. Once Bell's attention returned, Max nonchalantly motioned towards the paper.

"I can spare this much at the moment, just tell me what you need and I can get it. Give me a few days and I can have my whole fortune at your disposal."

Max listened closely, taking in every detail from his friend. The plan was sound, and while Maximilian was usually one to jump on a good opportunity he understood that this wasn't the sort of thing to rush. He was genuine, and the Rockefilly was quick to confirm that. "It sounds good, I like the general gist of it, and I'll be more than happy to find us a body guard or two."'

The unicorn wrung his hooves"This stallion is more than a match for anything that blasted Brazil or his lackeys can dish out!" There was a spark in his eyes as passion took over for a brief moment. The thrill of planning and executing master plans felt good, and Max hadn't felt it in far too long.

Composing himself, Max tapped the table. "Anyway, I know a good finding spell, so that won't be a problem. We'll have that artifact and your rightful title in no time, my friend!"

He sighed and slumped in his seat. "If only we could reason with Brazil, let him know what we're really after. I don't want to risk anypony getting hurt over this, I've hurt enough ponies in my lifetime. I don't need one of my decisions to ruin anypony else's life." Maximilian smiled weakly at Bell Curve. "Back in the day, I wouldn't have cared at all about collateral damage, just goes to show how you've changed me, old friend.

Max raises a hoof. "Those were the best years of my life, bar none, and I'm just glad I can help you out like you helped me back then. You really are my best friend, probably my only friend. Thank you.

The helping hoof from Bell Curve was met with a nod and brief thanks. Maximilian hoped that the Baron would buy the ruse, but he couldn't be sure. "Thanks again, you're really looking out for me today!"

Max sighed in relief as the restaurant finally came into view. It was a beautiful building, just another one of those that benefitted from the Rockefilly's restoration efforts, nothing looked out of place, and the renovations stayed true to the original Germane design.

The duo made their way to the balcony, letting Max appreciate the view below. The unicorn took his seat, still in awe. Taking a brief moment to compose himself, looked at his dear friend.

"I'll have the Sauerkraut, and a nice Germane beer as well."

Max reached into his pocket, checking on the paperweight, giving it a few experimental jostles. A grin appeared on his face again. With a bit of flair he took the duplicate out of his pocket and onto the table. "You sly dog!" Max laughed and his horn glowed as the fake was enveloped in light before disappearing. "I thought the fake would have done a bit better than that!"

His grin faded as he put both hooves in the table, using the time they had alone to its fullest.

"No more games, I'm a stallion that likes to cut to the chase. Cold, calculating, that's the best way to get business of this calibre done when the stakes are this high. Before I agree to anything I need to know each and every last detail about your plan. Where would we go, what would we need, and what would you do with this 'trinket' if you had the whole thing?

The Rockefilly steepled his hooves and leaned forward, showing that he was in control of this conversation. "I want to help you, but I never rush into anything. We're not foals anymore."

Max smiled warmly and watched the Baron receive the praise he deserved. He really loved to see his friend be happy, and he half hoped that the moment didn't end. After only a few moments of watching, Maximilian started to look closer at Bell Curve. He saw something in his eyes, something he wasn't if he should fear or respect. Max trusted the Baron, even with his life, something that had been proven earlier. There was just something about his dear friend that unnerved him, he could see past it to the stallion underneath, but the Rockefilly couldn't help but worry that others may not be able to see it.

He shook his head, ridding himself of any doubt before starting to walk, with his best friend by his side. What could he be worried about? Sure, Bell Curve could get a little intense, and sometimes his lack of restraint could be worrying... but he wasn't some vengeful stallion that was power hungry, not Bell Curve. His ferocity and drive was honest, he had been wronged! Once he got his title back, he would stop, it was that simple. Max just couldn't bring himself to start digging deeper, he cared too much.

As they continued walking, Max couldn't help but glance over at his compatriot. That military hat only completing the illusion in Max's mind. He had to ask him about his greater goals, but not yet. Maximilian still trusted the baron, and he just wanted to get rid of this nagging doubt in the back of his mind. If Bell Curve was willing to trust Max, despite all the terrible things he'd done, then the Baron deserved the same. He was his friend! Why was he doubting him all of a sudden?

"I owe you one, Bel- I mean... Baron." He cleared his throat and looked away. Using a bit of Unicorn magic, he tried to manipulate the paperweight that was now in his pocket. Focusing hard, he managed to duplicate it. It was a spell that had gotten the young Rockefilly kicked out of Celestia's school, but now instead of copying bits he was copying larger things. Given it's size, the duplicate wasn't very good, it looked the same, but given enough time and suspicion anypony could tell it was too light to be the real thing.

With quite the theatrical and yet totally convincing shout, Max 'stumbled' and fell face first onto the ground, the 'paperweight' spilling out of his pocket and skidding forward a few feet.

and I'm sorry for arson, and coercion, and bribery, and theft, and assault, and...

Max's eyes were still tightly closed as he waited for certain doom, no amount of his unicorn magic could save him. He did note that the four story drop was taking a bit long, and then he felt it. For some reason the cobblestone streets felt softer than usual, almost like... 

Bell!

Opening his eyes wide the Rockefilly scrambled off of his fallen friend. Max wasn't hurt too badly, one or two scrapes, that was all, and the Baron didn't seem to be in critical condition... probably because Bell Curve took so much speed off of their plummet.

"Dear Gods, Bell!"

Max bent down over the Baron, pressing his face to the other pony's chest, using what limited first aid he knew to check on him. A strange sound distracted the Unicorn, was it stomping? He turned to see the entire crowd whooping and hollering, stamping and clapping their hooves in wild adoration of the hero.

A few moments passed before Maximilian registered what was going on. Smiling weakly, he looked back to his friend who was trying to get away. Most ponies wouldn't understand what he was doing, but Max did.

He trotted over to the baron, and helped him to his hooves, forcing him to stay in place. Max nudged him with a hoof. "They don't hate you, Bell. You're a hero to them. You saved my life!

The Rockefilly took a step back, allowing the Baron to bask in the glory he was being offered. He whispered from behind, barely audible to the Baron but to nopony else, "You're a good pony, Bell, no matter what anypony else says. This crowd can see that."

Max wasn't used to showing any form of affection, and he was only able to manage a weak pat on the back as he turned away.

"Now let's grab something to eat, I think you need a rest. And I'll buy you a new hat, too!"

Max kept up the pace, running along the roof and watching his dear friend. There was no better feeling than watching a competitor struggle. Back in the day, whenever they would play, the young Rockefilly would look for any way to get a leg up on Bell Curve. Wit was Max's greatest weapon, maybe he wasn't smarter than the Baron, but he always managed to stay at least one step ahead. Sometimes he would lose, but Max would learn from those loses and come back with even more force and tenacity.

Of course, most plans don't last. Without warning Bell Curve opened his wings and leapt into the air, turning around to head directly for Max. He had barely enough time to gape, and then Bell was upon him.

Max unleashed a burst of speed, hopping from roof to roof, relying on agility to counter Bell Curve's flight. It served him well for the first two blocks, but then another unexpected obstacle appeared. He ran out of roofs. 

There was nowhere else to go. Leaping off might not work, Max had no idea what was below. The edge appeared, and the Rockefilly was running out of time. With no time to think, the Unicorn fell to his chest and rolled to the side, right off the edge. 

That wasn't smart

The street rose up to meet him, and Maximilian clutched his face, waiting for impact.

Wasting no time, the Rockefilly ducked down and weaved through the crowd of ponies. The paperweight was held close to his chest by magic he continued to gallop through the Canterlot streets. The Baron had wings, that was definitely an advantage for him, but Max knew it, and he knew how to exploit it. Using his temporary cover, he sneaked through the crowd to a building, not very tall, but it would do the trick. He clamored inside, checking quickly to see if he'd been followed. Maximilian sighed in relief and headed for the stairs, hoping that this plan would work.

He reached the top floor and looked outside, looking for roof access. The Baron was up above the streets, he'd never check above himself. Max closed his eyes and grimaced, ready to take a leap of faith out onto a lower roof across the way. He leaped, and there was a brief moment where he felt like he was floating before slamming into the his target, the roof. Max scrambled back to his hooves, gasping to reclaim the air that had been knocked out of him. He recovered quickly, picking up a fair pace on the rooftops as he ran behind the Baron, watching his friend fruitlessly gallop on the top of the stands.

The Rockefilly couldn't help but grin to himself, this was going to be interesting.

Their stroll continued on, and slowly, a genuine smile creeped onto Max's face. For the first time in a few years, he felt like he could really relax. There was no need to keep up appearances; there was no pressure to watch what he said. Nopony was here to insult him, or steal from him (except for the paperweight), and his smile only grew wider with every step. The normal pressures of everyday life were gone, if only for

a few minutes.

Growing up, Max faced almost unbearable expectations and pressure from his own parents, who were intent of turning the young Max into a carbon copy of his father. For a time, he wanted it to happen, even going so far as to dye his normally brown hair to a bright blonde to match his

father's. In fact, the first pony he revealed it to was Bell Curve, he was the only pony he was comfortable with, even at that age. His parents were stoic, seeing the young Rockefilly as more of an investment than a child, an investment they were determined to cash in for more than they put in.

He faced trials from all sides. Memorizing constantly changing stock prices and being forced into parties to learn how to lie were just some of the ways they groomed Max into a true Manehattanite. His own father even went so far as to put poison joke in the young pony's pillow to see how he would react to adversity. His mother took him into town and left him there, telling him he could only come back after taking the one bit he was given and turning it into at least thirty. He shuddered at the memories and quickly turned his attention back to his friend.

Of course he had enemies as a child, mostly the other foals who simply saw a rich, spoiled pony and nothing else. Even at school as a colt, he faced adversity, most notably from the infuriating jerk named Brazil Nut. Every pony he met drove him deeper and deeper into his own shell, far away from others as he heart grew cold, the only pony that could bring him back was Bell Curve. Max smiled to himself and looked at his dear friend, remembering how they would play together as foals, and how even those few minutes together each day would stretch into hours and make the Rockefilly feel like a normal foal for once.

A few more moments of reflection caused Max to slow his pace, thinking more deeply about the Baron. He was really his only friend back then, he didn't know if he was the same for Bell Curve, but it didn't matter.As they continued walking Max considered the offer he had been given. Why

wouldn't he help his friend? He owed it to Bell Curve to do this for him, he deserved it. The only thing that kept him from deciding right then and there was the fact that the details were a bit hazy, he still didn't know everything he needed to. Intent on giving it a bit more thought over lunch, he simply lowered his head and caught up to the Baron, just in time to hear his speech.

"Funny story that, the restoration of Old Canterlot was really one of my first public works projects. It's so beautiful, it would be a shame to lose it. You know I'm not a fan of History or the Arts, but damn it, this is culture."

Maximilian paused and blinked a few times. "Back when we were foals, I would never have even considered giving money to charity, or doing public works, but now... I don't see what else I can do. I've hurt so many ponies throughout my life... I thought it would be time for me to give back. Almost 40% of my income goes directly to charity or to funding other such things, like an orphanage in Stalliongrad. I don't know what happened to me, or if I'm on the right track, but I just think that maybe you had something to do with it. Maybe, deep in my mind, I remembered the good times I had, and they changed me. Without you... I'd be just like my father. A powerful pony that did whatever he wanted to get what he wanted."

"Dear celestia this may be years late but I just... I just need to say thanks. For being a friend." Max smiled warmly and nudged the Baron playfully, knocking off his hat and revealing the paperweight. He nabbed it with his magic and galloped off, intent on getting some distance between him and Bell Curve.

Maximilian nodded, listening to the baron's tale. "Ugh, spreading lies about you like that? Simply shameful!" He shook his head in disgust and got up from his seat, brushing against the baron as he did so. A quick tap of his pockets told him that they weren't empty. "And I thought he couldn't go any lower... does he have nothing better to do?"

He trotted towards the door. "I wouldn't mind some Germane food, maybe a good beer would help me make up my mind... I've never really had too much food from there, admittedly, aside from the times I went to your house as a foal. The sauerkraut was divine."

Max sighed and started to trot, tapping his pocket again without thought. He noticed that the gold paperweight had a bit too much give, and putting his hoof into his pocket he gave it an experimental squeeze. Sand? That tricky *******! He grinned and continued trotting, he really did miss his old friend.

"Lead the way, sir!"

Max listened intently, and his eyes widened at the mention of a fire. "Brazil's an arsonist too?" The Rockefilly leaned back in his chair, trying to understand everything. He raised his glass and tipped it slightly while nodding. "I think a bit of reparations would go a long way, misunderstandings can really make future business harder than necessary."

The rich unicorn put a hoof to his chin, deep in thought. "I... I just don't know. I'd love to help you, but I simply need more details. This is something too big to rush into, but it's important to you, and I don't want to let you down..."

Maximilian sighed and moved his hoof from his chin to point towards the door. "How about we grab some lunch and discuss things further, then I'll be able to make up my mind."

Max blinked a few times, trying to get all that information in at once. "That's terrible, why wouldn't they respect his wishes simply because he adopted you?" Not wishing to press the matter further, Max changed the subject.

"Brazil is just a bully, isn't he? He tormented me at school, and that foal simply doesn't understand what we're trying to do." The Rockefilly grunted in frustration and sipped his drink, practically spitting it out when the Baron pulled out his artifact.

"Dear Celestia, don't tell me that's actuall-" His words were cut short when Bell Curve confirmed his suspicions. "How in Equestria did you get your hooves on that?!" Maximilian shook his head. "Never mind that... you want my help? I'm just a business pony, I'm not very useful outside of the office.... why not get somepony else?" He swished the whiskey around in his glass, looking a little concerned.

Max listened carefully, giving the Baron his undivided attention. The story shocked him, and he nodded respectfully as the speech continued. The Rockefilly took a small sip of his drink, also enjoying it as a connoisseur, letting the strong mixture sit on his tongue before swallowing. He gently placed the glass down, and when there was a small pause, Max tried to squeeze a word in.

"Well, I would certainly call them thieves! Stealing your title simply because you're a pegasus? They must never have studied genealogy! And another thing..." He was cut off by the baron's words, and he froze up when he heard them.

"Bra... Brazil Nut? How do you know him?" Max looked at the Baron, returning the pegasus' smile with a look of pure amazement. "I have a history with that stallion, but I didn't know you had problems with him as well!"

Taking a moment to recollect himself, Maximilian sipped his drink again. "Well... this is an interesting development... he muttered to himself as he waited for the answer to his question.

Max smiled as his friend spoke, as a foal, the Rockefilly found real friends in short supply, and Bell Curve was the only other pony his age that Max really enjoyed being around. His friend's story, however, made Max's jaw drop. "They what?!" The Rockefilly was so surprised that he almost didn't notice the baron taking the paperweight out of his pocket.

As they went down the stairs, Max kept the conversation going. "What happened? How could they do that to you?" He motioned towards one of the chairs with a hoof and allowed the Baron to sit as he levitated out a bottle and some glasses. It was one of his finer whiskey's, an aged one that had a very smokey finish; the perfect conversation drink for two buddies.

"Here, an aged whiskey, oak barrel, a few decades old, smokey finish, just a simple drink. Now... you have to tell me what happened!"

Pouring a glass, he trotted over towards the chair opposite the baron, taking care to 'accidentally' trip over, almost dropping his glass. He caught himself right next to the Baron, and on the way up, he slipped a bit of magic into his pocket and pulled the paperweight out. Tucking into his pocket, Maximilian finally took his seat and passed a filled glass to the Baron.

"I mean... what could you have possibly done?!"

Max didn't have to go far to find the pony responsible for the disappearance of his paperweight. He was about to call for security, but something about the Pegasus made him hesitate a moment, he just seemed so familiar. Before the Rockefilly could say anything, the pegasus tossed the paperweight into the air and caught it, but Max was more focused on the pony's words.

He gaped slightly, more out of shock than anything else. Could this really be...? "B-bell curve?" The look of surprise on Maximilian's face slowly dissipated, and the rich unicorn took an apprehensive step foreword, angling his head slightly. "Is that you?" The look on the other pony's face told him all he needed to know, and a wide smile broke out on Max's face as he quickly closed the gap between them.

"You old scoundrel! Four bucking years, you know that?" He wrapped a hoof around the pegasus' shoulder and brought him in for an embrace, using his free hoof to expertly tear the paperweight from the Baron's hooves.

"An artifact, for me? I'll take it!" Max chuckled warmly and tucked it into one of his pockets. "Don't tell me you're still sore about this thing, I made the higher bid, I bought it fair and square!"

The unicorn pulled back to smile at his dear friend. "My goodness, it's been far too long." He motioned with a hoof towards the stairwell. "Please, go downstairs, let's have a drink, we need to catch up! Max stepped in front of the Baron and led the way to the stairs.

Out of all of his offices, the Canterlot one was Max's favorite for relaxing. His large oak desk sat in the middle of his ornate office, and he sat right behind it on a large, imposing chair. Sighing heavily, he once again took a look at the paperwork before him, racking his brain for the answer that had eluded him. Business was more than just a job for Max, it was his life, and coming across something he couldn't solve both infuriated and motivated him. The stack of papers mocked him, and the Rockefilly started mindlessly picking up papers and glancing at them, hoping that some random word or number would lead him in the right direction.

He rested his head in his hooves and sighed again, thoroughly upset by the lack of progress. Maybe a break would clear his mind and get him on the right track. With a squeak, Maximilian got out of the chair and rounded the desk. Before he left the room, he stacked the papers again and set them on his desk.

Levitating it over with magic, the rich unicorn placed one of his prized possessions, an ornate and golden paperweight, on top of the stack to keep them in place. He had fond memories of it, the form and craftsman ship drew his attention the first time he saw it, back when he was a foal, touring the antique shop with a dear friend. They spotted the object, and both of the young ponies wanted it, but Max was able to make the higher offer, he would tease his friend about it for a while after, but that was years ago. The memory was a bit hazy, but Max could still remember the frustrated yet happy look on his friends face as Max out-bid him for it. Chuckling, the Rockefilly turned away to finally leave his office.

The trademark tuxedo sat uncharacteristically loose on him, and his tie barely stayed around his neck as he trotted upstairs towards the kitchen for a drink. He didn't stay long, only a brief sip of some aged scotch and the Rockefilly was ready to go back to work. With a deep breath, the rejuvenated stallion bounded downs the flight of stairs, intent on getting his work done. Forcefully pushing the door to his office open, Max advanced towards his desk, filled with confidence. He looked down at his papers, but something wasn't right.

Maximilian put a hoof on top of his papers, and his eyes widened with realization. The paperweight was gone! He was sure that he had put it right there... but where was it now? He couldn't have lost it, there was no way! Did somepony come into his office and steal it? But who would want to steal a paperweight when he had things that were ten times as valuable? Max's mind raced as he started to look around his office, opening drawers and looking under the desk, hoping that he was overreacting about the whole 'theft' thing.

Frustrated, Max eventually just started pacing around the room, muttering to himself. After a few moments of that, he snorted and slammed the door to his office open, looking around wildly. "Ok, where is it?" he shouted at nopony in particular.

A prod to Martel's shoulder grabbed his attention, but he was still unable to respond. A grunt was the only thing that could escape his lips, and it was a weak one at that. The Germane mercenary opened his eyes, and found himself face to face with a rather unimposing mare. He didn't know Rivet was a mare, but that mattered little at this point, he was merely glad that somepony was there to help him. She had a concerned look on her face, and Martel replied with a rather pathetic and pleading look of his own.

Exhausted, Martel was unable to provide much of an explanation for himself. Hopefully she wasn't too scared or suspicious, but he hadn't been stabbed or otherwise attacked by her, so that was a good sign. His mind raced as he felt a magical grip on his shoulders, accompanied with a few pushes on his flank.

Don't panic, Martel, you're just being dragged into a place you have never been before by a pony you don't know in the middle of a rainstorm and nopony knows where you went.

He didn't have much time to worry, however, as the journey was a very short one. The large stallion was finally inside the lighthouse, and the sights and sounds were lost on him as just the smell struck him. He breathed raggedly, gulping down the thick air that stunk of machinery and smoke that suddenly overwhelmed him.

At least I am out of that damned rain.

She seemed to understand, and just as soon as the purple stallion felt like he would receive help, she did the one thing he didn't want.

She left.

Ach, she's leaving me? Martel mentally reprimanded himself, wishing that he could have managed to at least introduce himself before this all happened. Before his panic had much time to set in, he heard her hoofsteps as she returned, and the gentle sound of cloth piling up next to him drew his attention. Martel shifted on the ground, trying to look at the mare and what she had brought him.

Towels? How nice... He felt a weak smile grace his lips as he looked up at the mare. Reaching out with a hoof, the large stallion grabbed all of the towels and wiped down his face and shoulders while still on the ground. Sure, the grease on the towels dirtied him up, but he was more concerned with being dry than being clean. After using each and every towel to dry only a small part of his upper body he tossed them aside and struggled to stand, obviously having trouble with his rear left hoof.

Taking a few more deep breaths, Martel looked around and tried to get back into a comfortable rhythm. "Danke... Frau."

He closed his eyes and took another breath, his right hoof clutching his chest, before continuing. "Your hospitality is... welcomed, and I am glad to be arriving here."

"My name is Martel Von Starkhuf. I am needing somepony to fix my leg, and I was told by some associates that you are the pony to be seeing. You are a mechanic, Ja?"

Shaking a bit, still trying to recover from the grueling journey, he looked at Rivet. She was small, but something about her impressed Martel. Apparently she lived alone, in a light house, with a bunch of machines, and was brave enough to let a complete stranger into her home. He tried to smile, hoping to calm down the frightened mare. He waited for her to answer his question.

She does not speak? Maybe she is silent type... I will keep talking then.

The purple mercenary lifts his left rear leg, showing to Rivet his practically destroyed brace that dangled off of his stunted leg. "This is why I was arriving here in such a state, my brace broke and I had to drag myself up here."

With another pleading gaze, Martel looked down at the smaller pony. "Will you be helping me, Frau Rivet?"

She didn't really answer for a moment or two, and Martel tilted his head, returning her confused look. "Can you be speaking?"

Max was glad that Ace accepted the gift, he was worried that he may see it as some sort of insult, but it didn't seem to be that way.

"If we meet again, I'd be glad to play... for higher stakes, perhaps?"

He smiled wide and winked at the stallion across from him. The Rockefilly sort of wished that they would encounter each other again, he would love to play this stallion in another game of cards or battle of wits.

"Well, Ace, I'd better be going, good luck to you, sir." He bowed to Ace and took a step back, ready to leave.

Max smiled, glad that Ace at least tried not to seem like a poor sport. He chuckled and shook his head.

"I guess I'm a pretty lucky pony, and I'd be a foal not to take what I have and be thankful for it. I'd love to play a few more games, but I'm not willing to take a chance on lady luck, she's a fickle mare."

The Rockefilly extended a hoof and offered a smile. "It was a pleasure... Ace. You managed to keep me entertained, and gave me quite a scare, not many ponies can say that."

He motioned with his eyes, towards the bits. "You deserve something for your time. How about a thousand?"