Boss_Hoss1

(OOC: Players will be responded to in the most logical order they would be speaking to Flim in)

Flim sniffles as he feels little Reno put a hoof on him comfortingly

[colour=#ff8c00]"Thank you my Dear Cousin. Family helps a lot when times are not fun."[/colour]

His foal sized wings fluttered in worry as Flam suddenly grew huge! And he grabbed the money!! He moved protectively beside Reno, yelling up at the dragon Flam.

[colour=#ff8c00]"Oh my Dear Brother Flam! Please stay put and do not run! [/colour]

[colour=#ff8c00]We wont touch the money,[/colour]

[colour=#ff8c00]if you just stay put and dont' hurt anypony!" [/colour]

Flim added a plaintive [colour=#ff8c00]"...Please!?"[/colour]

The faux-alicorn waved frantically at Carrot Top and Tankena

[colour=#ff8c00]"No! Ladies please! We cant drive him off! If we lose track of him before he is cured, [/colour]

[colour=#ff8c00]he might pick up too many dragon traits and stay a dragon in body and word! [/colour]

[colour=#ff8c00]We need to find a way to keep him here or keep him in check if he does run![/colour]

[colour=#ff8c00]I am afraid the task will be far from fun...[/colour]"

Kaskazini suddenly got the teary-eyed salespony's attention, asking how much for the recipie. [colour=#ff8c00]"Hooray! Hey Reno! At least something is looking up for us today..."[/colour]

Before he could name a price, a zebra mare came up and started berating the zebra stallion, then turned to him offering help and her name.

[colour=#ff8c00]"Zecora I must thank you! [/colour]

[colour=#ff8c00]We are truely in a stew![/colour]

[colour=#ff8c00]Can you help us all with a fancy brew?"[/colour]

Suddenly the newly-eloquent pegasus, Cloudchaser, drank another bottle and grew as big as the average Ponyville building. Flim groaned in a whisper

[colour=#ff8c00]"Oh no! Well, there goes asking her out..."[/colour] He cupped his hooves around his mouth and yelled up at the mare [colour=#ff8c00]"Miss... Cloudchaser is it? Can you help us keep my brother under control? I would be a most grateful soul!" [/colour]

Thorn gave a wry smile and a shake of his head and put a hoof on the professor's shoulder "[colour=#696969]Let me guide you sir. Right this way."[/colour]

He leads the professor in and heads to a convenient table adjacent to the one the sherrif and Louise frequent.[colour=#696969] "Here you are sir. Just st right down here."[/colour]

He calls over to Madam Bistro, dressed in her daytime apron [colour=#696969]"Icebag for this gentleman, Madam, he hit his head on one of the pillar beams."[/colour]

The Mocha Mare nodded[colour=#800000] "Coming right up[/colour]

While waiting, he turned to the group, and smiled at Apple Cinnamon. [colour=#696969]"You have not been to one of her other locations yet? I believe you are in for a treat. We are ready to serve lunch so we have everything from sandwiches to tea. Ice cream, Pies, and our new cherrychangas should be fresh for dessert as well."[/colour]

(OOC: I'm going to tweak the timeline a little bit since this RP is our longest running here.)

Lightning Horn mooed in confusion. "I thought little pegasus mare did not like these two unicorns, Like little unicorn stallion did not like them?"

Hoss looked even more forelorn [colour=#0000cd]"S-she does! or did!.. I guess their fast talking works just as good trying to sell themselves to a mare as when they sell their stuff. Think they got some kinda magic boosting their charm? She's not one to fall for that stuff from a real bad boy."[/colour]

Just then, Louise made the offer, making him gasp, and look from her to the sherrif and back [colour=#0000cd]"Um, in disguise? T-that could work.. I just got a special somepony myself, I hate to think how she would take this if she heard about this before you explained. She's got a gig in Las Pegasus tonight so I guess this would be all right, if its okay with the sherrif. I really dont trust that horned snake with my sis."[/colour]

he looked around [colour=#0000cd]"This still leaves keeping an eye on Flim for the next half hour, though, any volenteers? [/colour]

Meanwhile, at the Salt Block...

Shanna blushed cutely and smiled radiantly as she went into the saloon ahead of the stallion, past the dozing form of Pickaxe Pete. [colour=#008080]"You are such a smooth stallion, my dear Flam."[/colour]

Caramel smiled and kept much of her mind on her hoofwork, balancing against Max's hooves as he led the dance.

She nodded to Max as he recovered quickly from each slip, then heard his question. [colour=#800000]"Yes, the Square dances are at least this fast when there are new folk like us in the mix. I was afraid I was going to look silly if they picked up the pace, so I wasnt' in the square dance at the Hoedown very much as you can guess."[/colour]

She shook her head in shocked wonder at the memory [colour=#800000]"It really got fast whenever I sat out a dance, so it would seem we have our work cut out for us in catching up with the town celebrations."[/colour]

The Mocha Mare smiled gently as Max apologized for earlier. [colour=#800000]"Quite all right. It was more my fault than anything, Max. I had fair warning from you that.." [/colour]She pauses to wave a hoof in a gesture encompassing the both of them [colour=#800000]"...this is all so new to you. If you ever need a friendly ear, I am here for you."[/colour]

(Yay! I smell a new thread coming from this, I just have to write up some lore on the strange beasties for the mods to yea or neigh over before I have them appear in public. )

Candy blushed and smiled that Louise would think so highly of her.[colour=#daa520] "Aw shucks Louise. I cannot honestly say I am as talented as the legendary Fluttershy. I have not been able to stare down a dragon yet, while she saved the plantlife of the valley Ponyville and Canterlot are part of by getting an ancient Red Dragon to go somewhere else for his nap. The pall of noxious smoke would have ruined the plants within a week."[/colour]

Candy tapped her chin in thought [colour=#daa520]"I've had to negotiate with one but never stared one down. Some rumors have her out-staring a Cockatrice, and I would have to be pretty desperate to try that stunt."[/colour]

She clopped her forehooves together[colour=#daa520] "Then it's settled! I will arrange a presentation day as soon as possible, and let everypony know whats safe, whats not, and how to be safe. I'll send flyers to Las Pegasus and Dodge Junction in case anypony wants to come and learn some things about their exotic neighboring wildife."[/colour]

(OOC; did some checking up on Foxtrots and was surprised to find early Rock and Roll like "Rock around the Clock" was considered Foxtrot Music. )

Caramel smiled brightly as Max agreed to a Foxtrot. With the faster pace, it took a little more effort to transition from four hoof to leaning into a partner, pressing forehooves against each others hooves, while standing on two hooves, then back again, but it was worth it as badly needed dance exercises.

Even if it wasnt as lively as the Wild West dances, it would make for a happy medium in styles between the local Wild West and Mild West dances.

She nodded as she got into position for the dance and took his hoof.[colour=#800000] "True, but this should be a good one for us to work on at least. Not as fast as a Wild West dance I should think."[/colour]

Caramel tapped a hoof to the floor to time her coming moves as the music began, letting Max lead again.

Thorn brayed a laugh as Professor Krashkop's stomach growled.[colour=#696969] "That is a fine idea, and we are introducing the Cherrychanga at the Appleoosa location today after a few private taste tests to get it right. Our cherry supplier gave us the recipie to increase the demand."[/colour]

He turned to Apple Cinnamon[colour=#696969] "Well, Miss Cinnamon, I wouldnt say Bistro's Bed and Breakfast corners the market entirely with a saloon and an inn in town, but Madam Bistro always builds as close to the train station as she can with her chain of B&B bistros."[/colour]

He puffed his chest out in pride as he led the way to the Bistro[colour=#696969] "With the buildup for the new railroad coming, this is the first of her locations that's going to expand and become a full sized hotel. If things work out right, I'll be the Hotel Manager."[/colour]

Thorn noticed they had arrived and trotted up to the door, opening it for everypony.[colour=#696969] "Here we are. It looks like we arrived just before the lunch rush. Would you like your usual seats, Sherrif Silverstar and Louise?"[/colour]

Shanna giggled and rapidly trotted in place with a poinging sound.[colour=#008080] "Oh! That sounds awesome! Lets go, you handsome unicorn you!"[/colour]

The pegasus giggled and grabbed one of his hooves and started pulling him along.

Hoss paled and looked from Flim to Flam and his sister. Somepony had to keep an eye on the shady business, but one of these slickers was giving his sister a whole other "business"!

Frantic, the pony flew into the Bistro and whispered to the group[colour=#0000cd] "My sis is going to the Salt Block -With Flam! Somepony has to watch Flim but I cant leave my sis alone with that shady character! I dont know what to do!"[/colour]

Meanwhile, seeing the filly's brother leave the shadows where he was hidden, Flim grinned [colour=#ff8c00]"His plan worked like a charm! I didnt even see that brother there. I'd better sell while the selling is good!" [/colour]

Flim waved at the growing crowd of townsponies[colour=#ff8c00] "Gather one! Gather All! Come and see the wonders of the comet. Only 2 bits for your very own telescope!"[/colour]

The sandy colored unicorn laughed as he was mobbed with customers...

Caramel breathed a sigh of relief at averting a disaster with Max.

The more she heard about his discomfort with physical contact though, the more she hated his father for what he did to Max.

* How could anypony do this to their own foal? Was he trying to make a remorseless monster? A dragon in pony's clothing? At least Max has proven that plan a failure in his time here... *

The Mocha Mare gave an elegant curtsey, then looked to the stack of records.[colour=#800000] "Certainly Max, perhaps a foxtrot next?"[/colour]

[colour=#000080]The next was from a pair of astronomers, seemingly family, that hailed from Cloudsdale. Luna realized that more and more, she was meeting ponies who enjoyed studying the nighttime sky, and indeed, those who did it as a preferred profession or who had a special talent for something relating to the moon, stars, planets, or meteors.[/colour]

Shanna squealed as she checked the mail after they woke up in the late afternoon one day.

Only several days had passed since they wrote Princess Luna, and here was a reply with a royal postmark and an elegant script on the front addressing it to them from Princess Luna herself!

She left a blur across the invervening space to the family home, squeaking out her joy, and waking up their pet owls.

Titan and Blizzy hooted their annoyance as Hoss and their parents, Thunderstar and Starbright, came into the living room to see the letter.

After Shanna read it aloud, Starbright hugged her grown foals. "Thank you my little ponies, I am sure our Princess needed to hear from her subjects. Even I, the Astronomer Royal for Cloudsdale have only seen her in passing.

Be diligent in your work and she will be pleased to meet you sometime. After all, even I have not recovered a piece of the Sparklestar comet as you two have.

The ebon pegasus gently beeped her daughter on the nose "And please, Shanna, let Stargazer's crankyness roll off your back. It takes special bravery for a unicorn to ride in a pegasus cart to observe celestial events when he is terrified of flying.

Shanna bushed and giggled sheepishly while Hoss laughed. "Yes mum."

Meanwhile, behind Canterlot proper, In the community of Northern Solstice Heights...

Candy Catch-Em, the pegasus Critter Wrangler had just returned that week from an expedition to Appleoosa's high desert, studying the wildlife there with the Royal Zoological Society.

The Royal Wedding had occurred while she was away and the expedition had elected to stay in place, figuring they were safer there with Wyverns and such, than dealing with the immediate aftermath of Changelings in Canterlot.

One of the first things she noticed on her return was flyers advertising that all three Princesses were taking letters asking questions.

Being the inquisitive and lonely pegasus she was, she decided to write Princess Cadence;

Dear Princess Cadence,

I am Candy Catch-Em, one of the best animal handlers, or Critter Wranglers, in my family history.

I hope my letter finds you in good health, and give my reguards to your fine catch of a husband.

My job involves being of in the middle of nowhere for extended periods so i feel I must ask, though if you would rather answer a different question, feel free to skip to the end instead...

Still here? Ok, good! I am far from comfortable asking this one and will understand if you do not wish to answer this one.

It does not matter that the zoologists, biologists, and anthropologists are currently arguing under who's authority Changelings fall; I'm still the one out in the sticks where they could find me.

Since they are not animals, I doubt my skillset really translates well in handling them, so if you are willing I wish to ask what you can remember about how they capture somepony?

..........

And if that question is too painful, perhaps one related to your talent would be better instead...

I am more comfortable caring for injured beasts or capturing hazardous animals than the hearts of stallions. Would the Princess of Love have any advice for a lonely mare who loves animals and lacks a stallion?

Signed, Candy Catch-em

Caramel blinked in surprise when Max jumped away in panic, then realized a moment later she really should not have been surprised after that admission about his father's lack of care.

She sighed as Max stumbled in his speech in near panic, thinking *I am so dumb sometimes...*

Suddenly, he turned away in shame, about to open the door to leave. She stepped forward with an earnest look on her face [colour=#800000]"No, please stay. It was my fault, Max. I really must apologize. These things happen when two ponies are trying to figure each other out. I did not mean to startle you."[/colour]

Caramel hoped she would not have to use the "puppy dog" eyes. [colour=#800000]"I promise to take things slower in trying to get you comfortable with dancing if you will please stay and finish our dances tonight."[/colour]

In a last ditch effort before trying "The Eyes", she cleared her throat and held out a hoof to him in Manehattan fashion [colour=#800000]"I really must apologize for my ill-timed display, Max. Can you forgive a silly filly for her thoughtlessness?"[/colour]

Shanna giggled and hugged the stallion [colour=#008080]"Yes! Thank you!"[/colour], leaving her brother to stare in stunned shock from the shadows. Hoss shook his head and thought *What strange hold did these stallions have on mares? *

She let go and tugged on his hoof.[colour=#008080] "We have about a half-hour before we must head to the Mesa! Where shall we go Flam?"[/colour]

Inside Madam Bistro's, Lightning Horn Mooed excitedly, and took the first portions of each treat "Oh wow! This is just amazing!"

He took a bite of one of the apple tarts, then gobbled the rest of the tart down, then tried the slice of apple strudel.

"YUM! Thank you all so much!"

Caramel kept pace with the steady movement of the dance.

Bistro became aware there was something greatly wrong with Max in his dance. This was such a change from the genuine emotion he displayed before the dance began, she suddenly wondered if the mental mask he threw up was so ingrained, he had trouble fighting it.

Even the smile he bore when complimenting her was a bit unnerving since she was experienced enough to see there was nothing there in it.

Taking a chance, she nuzzled under his chin, her vanilla perfumed hair brushing near his nose [colour=#800000]"Max, I think you have warmed up enough with this song. Perhaps there is one a bit more lively we can try? Something to make you relax and loosen up a little? I really am enjoying myself, Max."[/colour]

Candy nickered happily at the interest in the idea.

With a response like this, this would be great PR with the local populace and help them know what to avoid and what to befrend.

She turned to Louise. [colour=#daa520]"Well some things are dangerous, of course. Most critters out here are intelligent enough to avoid ponies and their stompy hooves or their hard hitting pies. [/colour]

[colour=#daa520]So far, nopony has called us for help from Timber rattlers, scorpions, tarantulas and the like. I am even more encouraged that nopony has reported a single Cactus cougar or Tumbleweed Coyote within several miles of this town. -And I insist on being notified right away if that happens."[/colour]

She tapped her chin in thought [colour=#daa520]"Sherrif, should I go ahead and bring a Cactus Cougar and a Tumbleweed Coyote for the display? Both in cages of course."[/colour]

Caramel watched as Max's magic set up the record he picked out.

She smiled and nodded to Max.[colour=#800000] "Oh yes, and quite fitting, Max."[/colour]

The Mocha Mare finds herself blushing cutely as Max comes over to her and moves her into position for the dance.

[colour=#800000]"Oh I dont' mind, Max. I'm a little rusty as I have said. I'm more comfortable being led in that case."[/colour]

Caramel let him lead her around the floor in the dance. While she often kept a placid expression for ballroom dancing, the total blank Max presented her was a little disconcerting.

The mare hid any unease at this and concentrated on the dance. Given the typical demeanor of ponies she often had to partner with in Balls and Galas, she could understand why he had a mental wall up for this type of dancing. She just hoped he would loosen up after this warm-up dance.

As a test of his mental blocks, she spoke [colour=#800000]"Your dancing is supurb, Max."[/colour]

(OOC: Sorry delays, today was one of my bad allergy days)

As Max brushed past her, she blushed at her assistant's impetuousness [colour=#800000]"I must apologize for Thorn getting ahead of himself, Max..."[/colour]

Her fears proved unfounded as Max loosened his tux, and grinned at her, extending a hoof.

Caramel smiled and stepped into the room, her wavy tail swinging to close the door behind her.

The mare put her hoof in his [colour=#800000]"Oui, Monseuer! I believe there are appropriate ballroom records over there, if you please?"[/colour]

(The record player is the same wind-up model as Pinkie keeps...somewhere... for party emergencies)

(OOC: Remington suggested what Snails ends up doing by accident...)

Snails was pointed at the lever controlling the traincar connector while Pinchy worked at it, concentrating hard on using his horn to move it and did not hear River ask about her brother. This might have made him pause and check if Chip was in the train ahead.

Instead, Valen tapped on him and Pinchy, warning them not to disconnect from the train.

He had been so focused, the sudden touch startled him, making him jump a bit and bang his head on the safety railing keeping ponies from falling off the train.

Snails' eyes derped and a bright flash jumped from his horn like lightning, -right into the connector!

[colour=#daa520]"Owww, why do they call these things safety railings, eh? Thet really hurt!"[/colour]

He ulped at the smell of hot metal and looked down to see what he had done.

"[colour=#daa520]Ummm, Ah dont think stoppin us from unhitchin' will be a problem, Valen..." as he pointed at the lever welded in place...[/colour]

(OOC: would we want to do a short Friendship Express" thread with Princess Cadenza, High Roller, etc.sometime?)

Madam Caramel Bistro smiled and nodded to Yuki, stifling a giggle at the pleased noises the pegasus was making eating the hat. [colour=#800000]"Yes, Yuki, time to load the taxi, please."[/colour]

The Mocha Mare bows again to Princess Luna,[colour=#800000] "Good luck in your shopping, your Majesty. Perhaps we will meet again?"[/colour]

She also turned to PigPen [colour=#800000]"And thank you again for finding all these things."[/colour]

Bistro trotted out to the taxi, ready to load up.

As she waited to leave, a pair of bay pegasi landed with their yellow Royal Canterlot Observatory cart.

The twins unhitched, already looking a bit worn from their usual nocturnal schedule and being past their morning bedtime, but still perking along.

Shanna stretched her wings before settling them in place. [colour=#008080]"I hope the stories were true about this place, Hoss." [/colour]

The stallion shrugged as he opened the door to enter, then stepped aside for ponies suddenly shuttling items out to the taxi. [colour=#0000cd]"I guess it must be. Apparently he has anything if you look long enough..."[/colour]

(OOC: been prodded to post. Snips where are you? )

Snails bounced eagerly, the motion making his silk covered wire mosquito costume wings flap as he hopped off the nested stack of tables to the floor.

He fumbed out the program and looked over the schedule.

[colour=#daa520]"SUH-WEEEET! Th' Convention is Officially on! What do we do first Snips?! Th' panel on "Creatures of Legend"? Sign-ups fer th' "Costume Competition"? Th' Panel on "Costume Making"? Or we could hit the "Dealers Den" and see what cool and awesome swag we can buy, eh? Oooh Yeah! How about "Meet th' Guest of Honor"?[/colour]

Caramel ate her cherrychanga daintily, giving herself time to judge it as well while she waited on Max's opinion.

She let out a sigh of relief as he enjoyed his too.[colour=#800000] "Thank you, Max. We can try making a batch without a frosting drizzle another time then, and see how those taste."[/colour]

The Mocha Mare's ear twitched as he suggested going to the privacy room.[colour=#800000] "Oh.. Oh yes, certainly!" [/colour]

The mare arose from her cushion and allowed Max to lead the way.[colour=#800000] "I hope you would not mind dancing on such short notice if you feel up to it, Max. I must have Thorn bring out the record player forthwith with some appropriate music..."[/colour]

She blinked as she looked in, seeing the tables were already out of the way, and the record player was already set up with a selection of records on a table nearby. [colour=#800000]"Oh my, It would seem my Thorn is quite the able assistant..."[/colour]

(OOC: Should I go ahead and bring in my young adult buff, Lightning Horn?)

Thorn offered Gail a hoofkerchief for the worst cuts after she pulled the splinter, then shook his head in disbelief at the buffalo. [colour=#696969]"Oh , for the love of Celestia! I never thought I would meet any creature that can give donkey-kind lessons in stubbornness!"[/colour]

He started walking after the calf, ready to run [colour=#696969]"It is a crime when theft and destruction of property is involved, Honovi..."[/colour]

His foot-long ears went back angrily as the thief said it was their problem not his, then began trotting.

Thorn broke out into a trot himself, ramping up to a gallop.[colour=#696969] "Blast! Not again!"[/colour]

Lightning Horn mooed excitedly and bounced on his hooves as he followed the ponies inside "Yes, yes, what is a celebration, my new friends! Whatever it is I cant wait to find out!"

Hoss lingered outside, watching as his sister kept up the pressure on the unicorns to stay out of trouble.

He gasped and did a double take as the mustacheoed unicorn suddenly put the moves on his sister! He frowned and stepped back into the shadows so he could hear...

Meanwhile, Shanna went wide eyed at the handsome unicorn's words. Her eyes shining as she hung on every word, suddenly blushing when her wings snapped open at the mention of "Romance". The mare's blush deepened as she smoothed her wings back down.[colour=#008080] "Oh yes, I..I would love to! I think i can find time before we must leave for the Mesa."[/colour]

She suddenly gasped at a thought, then leaned in close to the dapper unicorn, eyelids fluttering [colour=#008080]"Would you like to come to the mesa with us, as my guest?" [/colour]

Hoss and Flim both face-hooved seperately, unbeknownst to each other, then Flim started selling the telescopes as fast as he could, in case they needed to make a hasty retreat.

[colour=#ff8c00]"My Dear Brother Flam, I am sure if you need to entertain your new friend I wont be in a jam. If we run out, I am sure I can make more, and if not I can shout."[/colour]

As he got close with a stack of finished telescopes, he whispered [colour=#ff8c00]"Careful, Flam, she has a brother, surely as defensive of sibs like any other..."[/colour]

(OOC; I'm going to guess any encounter with Max and Poison Joke will involve temporary foalhood... )

Caramel mentally sighed in relief as Max did not seem to catch any sign of her initial distress at his being raised so sternly.

She smiled brightly at the blush he tried to hide concerning her offer. Her heart fluttered as he slowly broke into a grin as he seemed to be thinking over the possibilities. Her mind nearly shouted *Oh, he's going to say yes! *

Caramel fluttered her fan before her muzzle.[colour=#800000] "Very well, I have a record player and as you well know, the room over there for private discussions. Nopony can bother us while we brush up on dancing when you wish it."[/colour]

Caramel's hoof holding her fan stopped moving as she blushed brightly, showing her suddenly shy smile. Her eyes shone as she looked into his [colour=#800000]"Um y-yes, I certainly hope to someday..." [/colour]she said in a whistful tone. *...soon..* she mentally added.

She nearly jumped when Thorne politely cleared his throat [colour=#696969]"Your Cherrychangas, Madam, and Mr. Rockefilly..."[/colour]

Caramel blushed a deeper plum for a moment, then recovered[colour=#800000] "Er, yes, t-thank you Thorne...", [/colour]nodding as the jack set the dishes and silver ware down and retreated to the counter.

She spared a glance to the Privacy room, then back at the dessert [colour=#800000]"I am glad you enjoy my private stash of coffee, Max. Is the cherrychanga to your liking so far?"[/colour]

Congratulations! May you both have a long and happy marriage!

(Hoofstomps applause)

Congratulations Manestream! May you both have a long and happy marriage!

And make sure Twilight keeps watch for Changelings...