Second Date with Maud: Igneous is a gneiss name

>It's been a week since your blind date with the grey coated mare known as Maud. A surprisingly enjoyable evening once you got over your first impressions of her. Even now, as you stroll idly through town, enjoying the clear sky and sunny weather while among busy ponies in the marketplace, you think back to dancing with her.
>And of course, the slightly awkward kiss you received at the end of the night.
>You mindlessly touch your cheek as you walk, smiling faintly.
>You round a corner, heading toward the food stands of this market, and bump square into a pony, their snout poking you in the stomach as you collide.
>Some of the wind knocked out of you, you step back and begin to apologize as you look down to see who you bumped.
>It's Maud.
>She rubs her nose gently, no other sign of care or worry evident as you stand in silent bewilderment.
>"Igneous," she says flatly, setting her hoof back down on the ground, "I didn't expect to see you again so soon. I'm...quite thrilled."

>"So Igneous stuck as a nickname, huh?" You ask with a grin, "You could shorten it to 'Iggy' if you like."
>"Igneous is just fine," she replies, "And even more fitting now that we've spent some time apart."
>"Oh? How so?" you ask, surprised and not quite sure of her meaning.
>"That night before, you were new. Hot and unshaped. But now, I've had time to think about you. To confirm what I feel. So like the hot rock, you have now cooled and taken shape."
>You scratch your head as you ponder whether this is a compliment or something else.
>"It's a good thing," Maud says slowly, "I see how that could be taken otherwise, now."
>Well, that's a relief anyway.

>"So do you have any plans for today, Maud?"
>"Other than acquiring food for myself and Boulder, no. Not at all."
>You still wonder how a pet rock eats, but discard the silly idea as you realize you have no plans for the day either. It's why you were wandering around town, after all.
>"So," you say, surprised at the sudden nervousness that floods your gut, "Do you want to hang out together? Maybe go some place?"
>"It would excite me to no end," Maud replies immediately, though maintaining that flat tone that you assume is just how she always is, "Did you have anything particular in mind?"

>"Is there anything in particular you want to do?" you ask, fishing for suggestions.
>"Let me consult with Boulder," Maud replies, reaching into her surprisingly plain coat that you didn't even notice at first and removing the pebble known as Boulder.
>You look her over again as she whispers at the pebble, then holds it up to her ear. Her dress is surprisingly simple compared to what she wore at the restaurant. In fact it kind of looks like an old friar robe, with a simple rope for a belt.
>Is this how she always dresses, or is she doing something different today? Was she put up to wearing a dress last time or....what?
>Maud nods her head and puts Boulder away as she replies, "It is agreed. Today is extremely beautiful, and I would like to be at the park with you until sunset. Boulder tells me it's romantic, and he's a bit more experienced than I. Additionally, there is supposed to be live music in that area."
>You blink dumbly at the statement. A pebble more experienced in romance than a pony?
>Well, Maud's different, that much you knew already. Still.....
>Shaking the thought away you focus on the suggestion: Spend the afternoon in the park, listening to live music, with Maud, until sunset.
>Seems solid, if unoriginal. But if you both enjoy yourselves, who cares about originality?

>"Sounds great to me," you say with a smile. And truthfully it does. Spend an entire afternoon relaxing and getting to know Maud, and maybe Boulder, better? Win-Win right there.
>"We noted you were staring during our conversation," Maud says slowly, tilting her head slightly to the side even as her expressionless, half lidded gaze doesn't change, "Would you like me to don something more....festive?"
>That'd require a trip to wherever she's living first, and eat some time. But....she'd look nicer.

>"Nah, you look good no matter what you wear," you say with a smile.
>Maud straightens her head back to normal, merely looking up at you and silently blinking a few times.
>...Maybe that wasn't the right thing to-
>"I'm sorry, I became so excited I couldn't speak," she says before turning about and looking over her shoulder at you, "I know the way to the park, as I've spent a few days there since our date. Follow me."
>Maud begins to walk at a quickened pace, whether intentionally or not you can't decide. You jog a few steps to get beside her, then walk in quick strides as the two of you set out for the park.
>A soft warmth is in your chest as her words bounce around in your head, until the thoughts are broken by Maud speaking again as the park draws into view.
>"Here we are. The live entertainment is in the center of the park, in a large clearing. But if you'd rather spend time alone, we may go to the outskirts."
>The two of you stop at the entrance to the park as she quiets down again. Maud looks up to you again, giving clear indication it's your turn to decide what happens next.
>You look through the entrance in the park, noting a path that goes completely straight. Squinting your eyes a bit, you're almost certain you can see a stage out there, a mere sliver in the distance. You can't hear much from it, but what you can hear sounds like....a guitar riff?
>"What kind of music is it today, Maud?" you ask.
>"I believe it's a Rock concert today," she says evenly, "And it's to shift to Rock ballads tonight."
>You sigh inwardly a bit. Puns.
>Well, the weather is still pretty great. Clear skies, warm sun, no breeze at all. The trees and hedges in the area tickle your nose with their scents as you turn the choices around in your head.

>"Concert sound good to you?" you ask.
>"I can hardly hear it from here," Maud says, looking up at you with a slight twinkle in her eyes, "But I would not mind checking it out, if that is what you mean."
>You let out a short chuckle at her joke before the two of you head down the straight path toward the center of the park, music growing louder with every step, until the two of you walk through a small gate and you realize the sliver you saw was actually the back of a large crowd gathered before a simple stage. Hundreds of ponies stand around, listening, swaying, cheering, stomping the ground, and headbanging to the music. It's pretty incredible, despite the public venue.
>A long guitar riff ends the current song, the air and ground shaking with the thundering of hooves and cheering to encourage the band.
>"Is this your kind of music?" you loudly ask Maud over the crowd.
>Maud nods once, "Occasionally. I prefer the ballads, but letting loose once in a while is nice."
>Letting loose? Maybe you'll get to see a different side of Maud after all.
>The two of you work your way into the crowd, staying within arm or hoofs reach of each other as you do. It's easier for you to get through the crowd than for Maud, what with you being taller than the ponies, so you move in front of her and clear a way until you're both in the third or so row from the stage, surrounded by colorful equines. Some have face paint, others have hats that no doubt reference the band playing, others are just there as themselves.
>Either way, the atmosphere is electric. You feel yourself getting pumped up for a band you've never heard play before.
>Maud seems as stoic as ever. Maybe that'll change when the music gets going.
>"Alright, ponies!" the lead singer calls out, gruff voice echoing through the speakers on the stage, "The next song is our famous 'Trot This Way,' so I wanna feel this stage shake while we play!"

>The band begins to play, sound ripping from the speakers so forcefully you feel like you're being pushed back for a moment, until you bump Maud and regain your balance.
>You find yourself getting into the song, stomping your feet when the crowd stomps their hooves, and cheering, slowly at first, but gaining in volume as the song goes on.
>You look to Maud about halfway through the song, and find her bobbing her head up and down minutely. Her expression hasn't changed, but she's moving.
>You briefly wonder what you were expecting, before shrugging and turning your attention back to the band.
>They're pretty good, you decide by the end of their third song.
>"Hey Maud!" you yell over the crowd, getting the mare's attention, "What do you think of these guys?"
>Her response is drowned out by the crowd, and after trying to get her to speak louder half a dozen times, you decide it's easier to just head to the back of the cleared out area of the park and talk to her.
>"As I was saying," she says flatly, "They are rather good. I would not mind hearing their ballads, should you wish to stick around."
>Seems they've made two fans today.
>"What's the bands name anyway?" you ask, earning a slow head shake from Maud.
>"I do not know," she replies before pointing to a small kiosk to the side of the stage, "But that appears to be a souvenir retailer. They must have it on their merchandise."
>The two of you make your way to the kiosk and are welcomed by two glow-hoop wearing mares with face paint who point to varying shirts, buttons, cd's, and bags.
>They all say "Pony Crew."
>Huh.
>Suddenly, an idea strikes you.
>Surely Maud would like to remember today, right?

>You reconsider buying a t-shirt, when suddenly Maud pulls out a small bag of bits from inside her coat and places it on the counter with a thud.
>"Igneous, please pick whatever shirt you would like."
>Wait, what?
>"It is clear you enjoy the band and their music, and I believe it is growing on me as well." She turns her attention to the pink mare with a glow-hoop around her neck and pulls Boulder out from her coat as well, placing him softly on the counter beside the bag of bits, "Do you have something in Boulder's size? He believes this band is the best he's heard."
>You feel kind of odd getting a gift from Maud, but she's offering.

>"Well, okay. But only if you let me buy you a shirt, too," you reply with a grin. It's strange being surprised like this, but not unpleasantly so.
>Maud gives you a sidelong glance as the pink mare struggles to fit a thimble sized piece of fabric with the initials of the band over Boulder.
>"I accept," she says simply, before turning her attention back to Boulder, "Don't you simply look dashing."
>You pick out a black shirt with the band name and some kind of fiery set of wing design on the back with Maud's money, then hand the blue mare with glow hoops around her hooves some of your own bits for a smaller version of your shirt for Maud.
>The two of you don your new clothing, Maud putting it on underneath her coat, then bundling the coat up and tying it to her side with the rope belt as she reconsiders her appearance.
>Boulder, with that fabric fit to his shape, goes inside the bundle as well for the time being.
>The two of you head to the back of the crowd as the band announces they'll be starting their Rock ballad phase for the night.

>The two of you decide to stick around for the Rock ballads as a hefty chunk of the crowd clears out. Clearly they don't enjoy ballads as much as just standard Rock.
>This allows the ponies to spread out a bit more, airing out the previously cloistered, almost hot feeling of the crowd as ponies pair up or gaggle in groups of friends as the band begins to play.
>The songs are slow, but full of emotion, with heavy guitar and base solo's and long, drawn out notes.
>It's not bad. Not exactly romantic, unless you're really into that kind of music, but they still make you and Maud sway together a bit.
>The songs go on for some time, the sun setting completely, the sky darkening, and stars popping out in a grand backdrop for the band and simple stage, the limited lights not interfering with nature's display.
>Maud moves from where the two of you stand to a small hill in the back of the clearing, and you follow. She sits on her haunches as you realize just how tired your legs are and plop beside her unceremoniously. You give a hearty stretch before committing to fully lying on your back, arms behind your head as you stare up at the stars.
>Minutes pass. The band plays, the soft but emotionally charged music helping your mind to start wandering in the cool night, thinking of-
>Suddenly, Maud's face is blocking your view.
>"Are you feeling well, Igneous?"
>"Yes, I'm fine," you reply, "Why?"
>"You're merely lying on the ground. I was worried you weren't feeling well," she says calmly.
>"Nope. Just enjoying the music and the stars. And the company, of course."
>Maud smiles, the expression quick and effortless, as she does something else that blows your mind: She lies beside you, body touching yours, head pressed softly against your shoulder as she lies on her back and looks to the stars with you.

>You take a deep breath before moving the arm Maud lies under, putting it around her slowly, unsure of how she'll react.
>You place your hand underneath her left front leg, before realizing your arm rests at the top of her head and is probably rather uncomfortable for her.
>You're about to give up on the idea and accept awkward defeat, when Maud raises her head and lets you put your arm underneath it, resting her head across your bicep and inner arm as she lets you pull her close.
>You try your best to be gentle with her, unsure of how she'll react beyond accepting it, and have no desire to upset her.
>"This is most pleasant," Maud says quietly, "I've never had anyone hold me in such a way. It's exciting."
>You almost laugh, almost. But somehow you keep it inside and avoid potentially ruining the moment.
>"Boulder says this position would be more comfortable," Maud says suddenly, turning her body and placing her left hoof over your chest, allowing your hand to fall on the small of her back, right around where the shirt she wears ends and where her coat is bundled to her upward facing side, "Is he correct?"
>"Yes. Very," you reply, smiling at the pony now firmly holding onto you as some sappy rock ballad plays in the background, all but forgotten in the moment.
>"I would much rather gaze at that which I have on solid ground than at the distant stars, anyways," Maud says slowly, her eyes locking with yours. Despite the fact that she always looks bored, you can tell she's sincere in her statement. Somehow, it's becoming easier to detect emotions you hadn't noticed in her before.
>"Igneous," she says slowly, "I have something I must tell you."
>"After that fine comment?" you say with a sly grin, "What, dare I ask?"
>"It's not good news, I'm afraid," she says flatly, looking away from you, "In two weeks time, I am to leave town and go to an excavation site very far from here to assist with some research."

>You feel your stomach drop, the smile fading to an expression of shock.
>"Two weeks?"
>Maud nods, slowly, the motion rubbing her cheek against your arm and ruffling her mane slightly.
>"I'm looking forward to the trip," she says, looking back up at you, "Or, I was. Now I am not so sure."
>She pauses, perhaps thinking, before continuing.
>"Had our first date not gone so well, I admit I would not have told you, and merely left. But between that day and today, I decided I would like to see more of you. Spend more time with you, rather."
>She must be nervous, despite appearances, if she's mincing words. This is serious.
>"I don't wish to leave you, but I can't take you with me," she explains, "The only ponies allowed to go are qualified geologists, physicists, chemists, and so on. Also, you are not a pony."
>Once more, you nearly laugh at the plainness of her statement, but the reality of the situation keeps you from finding much humor in it.
>"How long will you be gone?" you ask.
>"Two months," she says, the statement solidifying the ice in your veins.
>Two months isn't that bad......right?
>"However," Maud says slowly, looking into your eyes once more, "I can refuse their invitation. They do not need me, they merely want me there for my expertise in geology."
>Maybe it's just you, but you think the grip on your chest gets a little tighter.
>"I've decided that I will sacrifice my desire to go to spend more time with you."


>You lie silently with Maud for a moment, giving her a gentle squeeze as you make your own decision about the situation.
>"No," you say softly, making eye contact with her to help drive the point, "Don't sacrifice what drives you just to spend time with me. Especially since we've only known each other for what, a little over a week? I mean, I like you too, but I'm willing to wait the two months so you can do what you enjoy."
>The two of you stare at each other for a long while, not saying anything more, an unseen conflict of interests taking place within Maud.
>"Very well," she finally says, breaking the silence between the two of you, "But, I want you to promise me that you won't leave this town while I'm gone, if you can."
>It seems a strange request, but you find it easy to say, "I promise."
>"Pinkie promise," she says with a small smile, her expression making you grin widely.
>"I promise," you reply, "This stone wont roll on."
>"Thank you," she says, lying her head back on your chest and closing her eyes, "I'll try to bring you something back that reflects my appreciation."
>You laugh, unable to hold it in this time, before replying, "You don't have to do that. Having you around will be great enough."
>"Flatterer," she says simply.

>The two of you lie together beneath the stars until the band is done and packing up, the other ponies having left some time before.
>"And I wish to see you again before I leave," Maud says when the two of you have finally gotten up and wandered back toward town, "I don't want this to be the last time we talk for two months."
>"Agreed," you reply, simply.
>"Then meet me in front of the hotel beside The Morrison a week from now," she says as the two of you walk through the outer gates of town, "I'll have something arranged for the two of us then."
>"What is it?" you ask, curious as to what she has in store.
>"It's a surprise."

>You briefly wonder what she could have planned already, when your thoughts are interrupted by her tugging at the hem of your shirt with a hoof, grabbing your attention and getting you to lean down.
>She puts her front hooves around your neck and hugs you, firmly, nearly tipping you forward at the sudden shifting of weight.
>And just as quickly as it came, it's gone, Maud firmly on the ground once more.
>"Thank you for today, and for being as you are," she says.
>She promptly turns around and begins to head for the hotel before you can do anything else, hips swaying gently beneath the loose t-shirt that serves as evidence to the day you spent together.
>"I like surprises!" you call out after her, "I'll see you in a week!"
>You're not exactly sure how she feels as she heads back to the hotel, but an incredible warmth pervades your chest as you walk home in the coolness of the late night.
>Warmth, and an incredible eagerness for next week that swallows the small pang of sorrow for your loss to come.