[IC] Equestrian Radio Show's Adventure Variety Hour: Explorers of STOMP

[CoffeeHorse]

"I'll take one." Casino Soufflé said to Maplejack. Meanwhile, Grape Vine replied to Static Signal with, "We grow the ingredients we can, import the ones we can't, and make it here fresh."


As Snowy Skies slowly crawled through the tunnel, he could feel light stinging sensations at some of his wounds. By the time he had exited, most of his wounds had healed. Trees parted to allow Snowy Skies safe passage through the swamp.


"Mmm dmmhm." Brisk Iron took the hammer out of her mouth and spoke to Scarlet Spectrum. "I didn't expect you to be travelling so fast. However, since you're here and you have wings, you can assist me with the roof. You place the boards and I'll nail them in."

Spoiler

---

Maple Scooted her seat back and walked the long way around the table end, past the painting ...

"I have some with purple rock candy... or red and blue, Maple put a hoof to her head and did a little scratch... the blue ones are flavored blue raspberry, the red ones are strawberry and the purple ones are boysenberry" Maple shrugged.

"now that I know about the grapes... Miss Sweet and I will change the recipe of the purple ones... and we'll only given them out as free samples saying they're specially made Petrichor Falls cocorockas." Maple added ..remembering the rules for her new grapes.

when Casino Soufflé had selected her flavor.. Maple continued around the table clockwise stopping ever so sneak-fully stopping to retie her boot straps beside Needelle's chair so she could slip her one each of the two flavors she hadn't given her before.

Maple then went back to her seat, giving Grape Vine a nod and a big smile on the way by. so as not to interrupt her conversation.

---

"Yes Ma'am," Scarlet said, almost but (thankfully) not quite giving a jaunty salute to Ms. Iron. Instead, he noddedpolitely and opened his wings again.

"I, ah, lost track of time on the way," he continued as he reached for the nearest roof board.

Spoiler

---

"Hmm. Well, I know nothing about keeping perishables fresh during transport...but if it still tasted like this once it reaches it's destination...you could really make some money exporting this. The grapes too. Maybe instead of having a rule to make just enough for. Her and hers, you could persuade Maple to start a vineyard and you get a percentage?"

---

"Well that would be wonderful, Mr. Signal, I can't actually speak for the Keep grounds ponies, or miss Sweet... so for right now just a tiny bit of land is all I can offer these little fellows" Maple Smiled at both Static and Ms. Vine in turn as she sat back down

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Snowy stopped outside the cave, relishing the feeling of the sun on his fur one more time than he had reasonably expected to be able to in life. He thought he might be well enough to stand again, and though his head spun for a little while, he seemed to be right. He moved at much the same pace through the swamp that he had moved through the cave, but at least he wasn't dragging himself through the muck. What did you mean about apologizing to the villagers? He asks the wand. I didn't think Barometz interacted with them all that much.

---

"Exporting our grapes and juice is currently planned. We just need to be at a point where ponies will actually buy them instead of being terrified of them."


After Scarlet Spectrum properly positioned the board, Brisk Iron swiftly hammered it in. As they began a good process of setting boards, Brisk Iron asked, "How have things been lately?"


Snowy Skies felt his wounds continue to heal as he traveled through the swamp. The sounds around him were much more filled with life than when he first entered.

"Even with little interaction, there was fear.
I want them to know that fear is no longer needed."​

---

"Hmm. That makes sense. I'm not sure who will go since it's probably best I stay here and some who work for me are a bit...rough around the edges as far as public appearances. I guess I'll need to make continued correspondence once the Keep decides how to handle the exhibit."

---

"Oh teachings not so bad," Scarlet said aa he held another roof board in place for Ms. Iron to hammer. "I know lecturing about ancient historys and old languages that a young pony may never ever use in their entire life can be very dry at times, but i do my best to make it interesting. Unfortunately, even my best efforts can't hold the attention of bored fillys and colts who a) don't want to be there, or b) are stuck inside being lectured on a bright sunny day. Classes like that would test the patience of the Princessess."

Scarlet chuckled then.

"Those are the days i make my escape and run off after some real history. Or at least i would if my last few "jobs" hadn't been wild goose chases that lead nowhere. Ah well, the hunt was still fun even if i don't always win."

Anyway. What about you Chief Director? Can i ask how you've been doing lately. I heard some rumblings a while back about a big to-do surrounding an Anugyptian display you were hosting?"

---

Snowy Skies felt his wounds continue to heal as he traveled through the swamp. The sounds around him were much more filled with life than when he first entered.

"Even with little interaction, there was fear.
I want them to know that fear is no longer needed."​

Snowy nods, though his muscles complain and he's not certain the wand can notice. That's noble. Finally, he reaches the area of the cliff where he had dropped off his pack. It was nowhere to be found. Alright, we missed my ride back up the mountain. I was really hoping we could just flop down here and sun ourselves, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

[Caldwin]​

[Eeyup! Smilin', wavin', deliverin' a speech, fightin' off a bug invasion and savin' the life of the mayor...all in a days work!]

---

"That's quite likely. Though I doubt that the Keep would be setting up an exhibit tomorrow so that'll give time to get all of these details sorted out."


Brisk Iron calmly replied with, "Ancient powers unleashed, the greedy overextending their bounds, ordinary ponies rising to the occasion. In other words, the usual. I'd like for you to join the team again. I think your expertise will come in handy."

"You may sun yourself if you'd like.
I believe I can handle things from here."​

Snowy Skies felt peacefully tired and began to nod his head a bit. Once he awoke from his brief nap, he found that he was on the cliffside...and had apparently just climbed out of some sort of flower. He also found that all his wounds had healed except for a bit of lingering soreness. Several townsponies looked on in awe.

---

"Some ponies are better at Public speaking than others, ...it kind of became a necessary skill for me, but I think I might have been really shy when I was younger..." ..."maybe, well certainly less outgoing than I am now." Maple lost herself in thought for a moment before looking back to Night Cap.

"And sometimes you could be outside talking about birds and giant bugs show up and wreck-up the place... so even with preparation you might end up having to wing it..." Maple chuckles... as the side of her dress bulges out... he wing only managing to wave slightly in it's pink ruffled confines.

---

"The usual eh? I see you are as unflappably calm as ever." Then the rest of what she said registered. He had only likely skimmed the letter before taking of for Caballuston, so if it had mentioned that this was why he had been summoned, then Scarlet had missed it.

Raising both eyebrows, Scarlet really did give Brisk Iron a jaunty salute.

"You're the Chief, Chief," Scarlet said, grinning mischieviously. "My skills and magic are at your command."

Sobering up, he added.

"Seriously though Ms. Iron. Thank you for asking me back. Its been quite a while, but i never forgot what it was like. I look forward to working with your new team."

---

Snowy stands up and inspects a foreleg, marveling at the lack of pain as he moved it. I feel...amazing. He needed to find Brisk Iron. What were they going to do with the wand for the rest of the trip? He waves jovially at the nearby ponies and heads towards the sounds of construction. It was a fair bet that Brisk Iron had taken his alternative job.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Well, all you would need is one pony who's not as rough around the edges as the others. Or...if you just can't find anypony and the ponies you have are...untrainable...maybe you can ask Ms. Iron if there was someone within the Keep who could act as a dedicated liaison between the two of you...someone who wouldn't be turned off by the rougher personalities that would have to be dealt with."

---

Brisk Iron paused her work, spying Snowy Skies' approach. Setting down the hammer, she flew over and looked him over, eyes stopping on the wand. "Is that what I think it is?"

---

"Mmhm." Snowy gently removes the wand from his muzzle and takes it in his magic. "Barometz is dead. We have a lot to talk about."

---

"I'm sure as much as Boss Vine likes hearing suggestions... we weren't asked to come here and tell her how to do her job..." Maple says... giggling before putting the last of her pasta in her mouth.

---

Scarlet turned as Brisk Iron flew over to talk to the approaching Unicorn. He watched as the grey Unicorn magically floated a short, vine-like stick between them. Scarlet narrowed his eyes and looked closer, trying to remember if he had read anything related to this vine-stick.

Spoiler


As he mulled over memories of old books and historical tomes, Scarlet was half-tempted to fly down and introduce himself. However, common sense told him that, if this were pony was part of STOMP as he suspected, and he was talking to the Chief about something important. Butting in would not make a good impression.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Someone who has already shown he'd shoot straight with you and tell it how he sees it," Static said, ignoring Maple. "Who...working for the Keep, would advise Ms. Iron against a souring situation, but would also work with you to make sure it didn't get to that point."

---

"If only we had somepony on staff that fit that description." Maple winked.

---

"As said, we'll sort those details out once the time comes. For now, I'm retiring for the night. It'll be curfew soon enough and I want to make sure I'm ready in the morning."

Spoiler


Brisk Iron adjusted her glasses. "Well, that looks like a lot more than conversation happened in the swamp. What was your concer...oh, this is Scarlet Spectrum. He used to be part of the team and will be joining once more, including the rest of the time here. Scarlet, this is Snowy Skies, part of the current team."

Snowy Skies heard the wand ask in reference to Brisk Iron,

Is this pony the town leader?​

---

Not wanting to dawdle, Maple excuses herself from the table... paying special attention to wishing everyone a pleasant night and thanking them for the warm welcome.

***

Once back in her room, Maple shut her door and began to grumble.

"ooh that Mr. Signal... he sure knows how to wrinkle my sprinkles." Stopping to half-heatedly suppress a giggle, Maple had to admit...he only gives as good as he gets. She would make an effort to be nicer to him.

"Oh that's right..." Maple slid herself out of the back of her gown and then freed her saddlebag from the pile of ruffles. What was that thing he tried so hard to sneak into her pack...

"Oh my goodness." Maple looked at the brand new journal.

"So you never have to forget again."

Tears role down Maple's face and are the only addition to the first page.

---

"As said, we'll sort those details out once the time comes. For now, I'm retiring for the night. It'll be curfew soon enough and I want to make sure I'm ready in the morning."

Spoiler


Brisk Iron adjusted her glasses. "Well, that looks like a lot more than conversation happened in the swamp. What was your concer...oh, this is Scarlet Spectrum. He used to be part of the team and will be joining once more, including the rest of the time here. Scarlet, this is Snowy Skies, part of the current team."

Snowy Skies heard the wand ask in reference to Brisk Iron,

Is this pony the town leader?​

Snowy nodded to Scarlet and used the opportunity to give him a once-over. He looked weathered, a tough nut to crack. Snowy rests his eyes for a moment as he tells the wand, She's a little bigger than that... "The wand would like to speak to Veldfire Green."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Brisk Iron nodded and flew off, then returned with Veldfire Green. "Oh my, vhat is that?"

Spoiler

---

It can't be!
It is.
The Wand of Incomparable Green!
Well well. I see STOMP continues to seek out and recover the strange and oftentimes alledgedly mythical. This new term of employment is going to be fun!
Just make sure its better than last time.

Scarlet jumped down from the now completed roof as the Chief introduces him. He gives Snowy Skies the once over as he sees the Unicorn eye him.

"Scarlet Spectrum, good to meet you."

If this pony managed to recover that Wand all by himself...

Before he could say more, Brisk Iron had returned with another Pony in tow. So he subsided and stood back.

---

Static went to his room. Playing at politics could be so exhausting! He looked the bed over with disgust. At Snowy's suggestion he bought a bed of his own. He slept in it for one night before deciding his body just wasn't made for such cushy comforts.

He dragged a chair over so it was away from the windows and facing the door. He then sat down and dosed off.

---

Brisk Iron nodded and flew off, then returned with Veldfire Green. "Oh my, vhat is that?"

Spoiler

Spoiler

"I'm...not certain, honestly. But it's come a long way to talk to you." Snowy levitates the wand towards Veldfire Green and motions for her to take it.

---

Misty neatly folds up her dress and sets it down next to her saddlebags, and, quickly looking around to make sure the door was closed and the curtains were drawn, returns Anchors Away's necklace to its hiding place.

That taken care of, she sets eyes on the bed. She'd never slept in such a nice bed before! She... she almost... almost... oh gosh, jumping on the bed would be so much fun... but... she was a guest here, so...

She presses down, lightly but firmly, on the bed, then releases the pressure, feeling the mattress bounce back against her hoof. "Heehee..."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Veldifre Green reached out to grab the wand and then there was silence. She sat for a few minutes as an expression of sorrow crept across her face. Then suddenly, she pulled the wand close for a big hug. With a wavering voice she said, "There's a lot to think about. I-I need a minute or a few."

---

Veldifre Green reached out to grab the wand and then there was silence. She sat for a few minutes as an expression of sorrow crept across her face. Then suddenly, she pulled the wand close for a big hug. With a wavering voice she said, "There's a lot to think about. I-I need a minute or a few."

Snowy nods, understanding. "Given what I know of the situation, that is perfectly understandable." He turns to Brisk Iron. "We'll have to have our talk somewhere else."

---

"Would this be involving the team as a whole or is it for my ears only?"

---

Snowy blinks; he hadn't considered that. He takes a moment to think as he wraps the two of them (and then reluctantly Scarlet as well) in a silent bubble. "I guess everyone, but that's just because I think they'll sleep better at night if they know how Barometz died. I suppose they don't need to know."

---

"I might possibly relay things. If everypony should know, then we should probably go into town hall. Ready Quill is in there and we can get Splash Flaunt to come along as well. That said, neither has knowledge of Barometz."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"It doesn't hurt for them to know." Snowy says thoughtfully. "There's nothing vital, though, I don't think. Not anymore." He looks back at Brisk Iron. "If it's my decision, I'd rather not tell them."

---

"Understood. What were you needing to speak to me about?"

---

Snowy wasn't going to tell Brisk Iron the whole story, from the beginning. He wanted that story to disappear. She just needed to know the basic details. He didn't particularly want to tell Scarlet either, but he wasn't going to just shove him out of the bubble now. He takes a deep breath. "I fed Barometz to the Windigoes. Due to events that happened about 5 years before you hired me, I owed them my soul. I had backed out on that contract and escaped their notice through a titanic illusion spell, powered mostly by the profane strength they had given me. That's why my magic has been so weak and limited this whole time." Now that he was spelling it out, he wondered! if his magic might stabilize to something more normal now, but he presses on rather than address the point. "Barometz was essentially defeated due to logistics. I approached him on the pretense of trading information and asked him how to break my contract, since he was clearly so familiar with making them. He offered to take on my debt, and after attempting a few other ways of manipulating the wand out of him that didn't involve me potentially pledging allegiance to him, all of which panned out horribly but innocuously, I agreed." That was probably too much information, but he was tired. Surely he had earned a brief right to loquacity. "After the deal was sealed, I politely pointed out that since the windigoes were not present to consent to transfer of debt recipiency, taking on my debt could only mean that he was taking ownership of the debt itself; that is, he now owed the Windigoes his soul. Lacking my illusion, the Windigoes promptly collected, and froze him solid. The only reason I made it out of the cave alive is that the wand sustained me and healed my wounds, giving me the energy to reach Nightmare Heights." He pauses for a minute, reviewing the scene, before nodding. "That's the long and short of it. Not that it matters much at this juncture, but I thought I was going to die, or trap myself in a pocket dimension for the good of equinity." He wasn't certain what that last sentence was doing in the air. He just needed to say it, for reasons he doubted he would ever understand. It was that sort of day, wasn't it? Lots of unfamiliar but powerful urges.

---

Brisk Iron furrowed her brow at a few parts but otherwise listened without interruption. Once Snowy Skies finished, she responded with, "I didn't think windigoes were still around but that's a matter for another time. It makes more sense than I'd like. I really need to think about all this. I may need to ask you more questions in the future but I don't want to engage in too long of a conversation at the moment since eventually Veldfire will probably want to speak with us again."

---

Snowy can't help but grin. "Sensible as always." He sags a little more, and decides to sit down, still only a few feet from Veldfire Green, and drop the sound barrier.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Fading into the realm of dreams, Night Cap found himself in a grand and magnificent kitchen with an interior that stretched for miles. There was a multitude of various smells floating through the air but no ponies were there. It seemed like the kitchen was preparing the meal itself. Stepping around the corner was Zig Zag. She was surprised bu otherwise pleased to see Night Cap.

"Food on your mind too?
This dream is always a treat.
The trip going well?"

Spoiler

---

Zig Zag seemed confused by Night Cap's comment about 'waking up' but otherwise continued in stride.

"That is good to hear.
It has been quiet lately.
I hope that is good."

---

Scarlet nods to the Chief.

"Works for me. A good rest and then off exploring. I got to show what skills i can provide, as well as seeing Snowy Skies in action and... Splash Flaunt?" Scarlet looked quizzcally at Brisk Iron.

---

"Looks like Splash Flaunt is walking this way. She's a former employee who is back with the Keep once again."

---

"I rather hope not.
Other travels await me,
Til we meet again..."

Zig Zag calmly hummed as she walked out of the room, though it was a walk that required no doors.


As morning eventually came, the STOMP ponies in Petrichor Falls were slowly woken up for breakfast. A cart with warm oatmeal was wheeled into the hallway and the doors for Static Signal, then Misty Monsoon were knocked upon by two members of the Mauvenine Four.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static shot up and stood alert as he heard the cart being wheeled down the hallway. His ears pinned back and he crouched down ready to take down whoever came through the door.

Then he remembered where he was and that this was a somewhat safe place. As he opens the door as he hears the knocks. He takes a deep breath, taking in the smell of the oatmeal. It was odd that they were bringing breakfast to the rooms instead of the dining room they ate at the night before. Still...food was food.

"Good morning," he greeted his wake up callers. "It...is still morning...right?"

---

*the big twisted up ball of blankets that no lives on the bed Maple went to sleep in... wiggles slightly in it's southeastern zone as subtle sniffing noises eminent from within.*

---

A bowl of oatmeal was levitated over to a small bedside table in Static Signal's room. "Yeah, it's morning. Boss Vine is making sure youse eat up before we head to the bank."

---

"Looks like Splash Flaunt is walking this way. She's a former employee who is back with the Keep once again."

"She's a Marine Biologist that doesn't like asking questions. Paradoxical, I know." He explains to Scarlet. From his perch on the ground, he mostly followed what Veldfire Green was doing. "It'll be good to have someone who can swim and someone who can fly, part of the cave is submerged and part is cavernous." He tucks his legs underneath himself more comfortably, and resists the urge to yawn. How much longer was the day supposed to go on? "As long as we don't leave until tomorrow I'm fine."

---

A muffled *thud* is heard through the door as Misty, startled awake by the knock, accidentally rolls off the bed.

"Owowow... coming...!"

A few seconds later she opens the door, rubbing a bump on her noggin with a hoof. "Good morning!"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Smells good. Thank you!" Static looks as he hears a thud and sees Misty opening the door. "Not much of a morning person are you?"

[Right there with you!]

---

Breakfast was usually a meal Maple was up and ready for... on the road you didn't want to stay on the ground long lest the dew get you, fortunately between cities there are often smaller towns that still wake up via rooster ...

but today... these blankets were so comfortable, Maple felt so warm and safe and at home in her cocoon ... but her little pony nose was having none of it. inching her way along the blanket ball quickly unraveled ...to the steadily raising volume of continued sniffing.

almost dragged to the door by her nose Maple's semi awake hoof opened her door to see the breakfast cart still down at Mr. Signal's door.

Standing in the hallway rear hooves still wrapped in blanket, Maple started walking toward the Oatmeal ..forelegs waving slowly trying to find what her sniffer sniffed

---

"Well, if all of youse gonna wake up, I guess this can go a little faster." Soon, the rest of the doors were knocked on so the STOMP team could get their breakfast.


Brisk Iron nodded to Snowy Skies. "It's best that the team rest before setting out. I hope there's no unpleasant surprises but you never can be too careful."

---

Static turned to his oatmeal that had been placed on the table before turning to one of the Mauvenine Four. "Umm...would it be too much trouble for some coffee?"

---

"Dats what I forgot. Be right back."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Still sleepwalking Maple shuffled over to Static and gave him a big squeeze hug.. and then returned to shuffling off toward the Cart.

Spoiler
Zam

---

"Thanks for the meal!" Misty takes a bowl of oatmeal and blows on it to cool it off before eating.

---

Static stood perplexed as to what prompted the hug. But then noticing she was hardly what could be considered 'awake', she probably was barely even aware she hugged him.

He turned back to his oatmeal. He was too hungry to wait for the coffee. He'd just have to drink it after. He starts to dig in.

---

Maple's nose catches the scent trail coming from Misty's Oatmeal and veers off course from the cart in favor of the new destination ... still trailing blanket... but now by only one hoof.

*less Bride of Frankenstein and more Curse of the Mommy*

---

"Wow! Umm...usually I don't suggest coffee for someone so young...stunts the growth and all I mean just look at me! But I think she's in dire need."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Tea... for...me.. thankzzz .." Maple sleepily corrects Static ...though it gets mangled by a cute little snore toward the end

---

Static mouths the word "coffee" to the stallion in charge of the cart. He then walks over and takes a bowl from the cart and waves it underneath Maple's nose and tries to direct her back to her room.

---

Maple follows Static... though the second sudden change in direction frees her from the last bit of blanket and now she almost glides along the ground toward him

*Morticia Adams style*

---

Static leads Maple by her nose back to her room. As he crosses the threshold, he sees the journal sitting on her table.

[Well, I guess the hug makes more sense now.]

[Well, shoot! Guess I wasn't as slick as I thought.]

He sighs as he sets the oatmeal down and tries to gently shake her more awake. "C'mon, Maple. Wakey Wakey! I've had these kinds of mornings too, believe me. But you don't want your oatmeal to get cold."

[Eeyup! Definetly time to introduce this one to coffee. May want to mix one of her chocolate candies into it. Coffee is an acquired taste, after all.]

---

Static watches Night Cap go by Maple's door. "Sweet merciful Luna! I'm surrounded by zombies!" Still sticking with Maple until she could show more signs of life, Static still called out to Night Cap. "It's just oatmeal right now. The other one went for coffee. Hopefully he'll be back soon." He returned his attention to Maple.

[Not soon enough! Good grief!]

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Mommy I'm hungry... can I have a hug?"

Maple smiled, ... but then came wide away when the hooves shaking her didn't feel quite right.

"Oh, good morning Static... Is it morning already?"

---

"Good morning everypony! Hope you slept well." Flairvoyant cheerfully said as she got her breakfast.

---

Spoiler


"How can you be a Marine Biologist, or work in any vocation and...not...have your head buzzing with questions. Splash Flaunt sounds puzzling, and thus i must find the," and here he grinned, "answer to this puzzle.

Are you alright Mr. Skies?"

---

"Mommy I'm hungry... can I have a hug?"

Maple smiled, ... but then came wide away when the hooves shaking her didn't feel quite right.

"Oh, good morning Static... Is it morning already?"

"Yeah, it's morning. It comes all too quickly sometimes, I know. You...must've been sleep walking...er...flying." Of course he'd heard of the phenomena before, but he'd never actually seen it in real life. "You're oatmeal's right there. Coffee will be right up. I encourage you to try some. Put one of your chocolate candies in it if you got to. But you're looking like you had a rough night."

"Good morning everypony! Hope you slept well." Flairvoyant cheerfully said as she got her breakfast.

Static glanced at the zombie Night Cap, the former-zombie Maple and the bonked head of Misty. "Umm...I can't speak for anypony else...but I slept well."

---

"I slept pretty good too!" Misty comments before stuffing her face with oatmeal.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

[Ponyfeathers! And I used to think I was bad!]

"Well, ever since I ran into that stallion in Ponyville with an hourglass for a cutiemark...I've been having trouble with that myself," Static teased.

Spoiler

---

Spoiler


"She's a Marine Biologist that doesn't like asking questions. Paradoxical, I know." He explains to Scarlet. From his perch on the ground, he mostly followed what Veldfire Green was doing. "It'll be good to have someone who can swim and someone who can fly, part of the cave is submerged and part is cavernous." He tucks his legs underneath himself more comfortably, and resists the urge to yawn. How much longer was the day supposed to go on? "As long as we don't leave until tomorrow I'm fine."


"How can you be a Marine Biologist, or work in any vocation and...not...have your head buzzing with questions. Splash Flaunt sounds puzzling, and thus i must find the," and here he grinned, "answer to this puzzle.

Are you alright Mr. Skies?"

"Ask her yourself." Snowy puts in with a shrug. "As for me, I only look fine because the wand healed me. I've spent the majority of the day waiting for death, which takes a lot out of you. I've been gouged by thorns and narrowly escaped a cave-in." He pauses awkwardly to put the barrier back up again, for a few moments. Everything about his magic felt different now. "Plus there's a hole in my head wherever all the eldritch magic used to be." Down went the barrier. "I think my body just needs time to adjust to things. I can almost feel the new magic channels forming in the area, it's this awful fizzing sensation at the base of my horn. Otherwise, I just feel like I could sit here until the moon is full."

---

Soon, another cart was brought into the hallway. It was covered with various mugs and pitchers. "There's coffee, some cups with black tea, and a some hot chocolate." "I'm up for some hot chocolate." Flairvoyant picked up a mug with her magic then walked into her room.


Brisk Iron addressed Splash Flaunt. "All things permitting, you, Snowy, and Scarlet will be going on an expedition into the swamp tomorrow." "Which of us will be leading?" "Scarlet Spectrum. I need to go talk to Veldfire so the three of you mingle." Brisk Iron then walked off.

---

"While tea would be my normal choice... I think Mr. Signal is right about the coffee for this morning." Maple said, after taking a quick glance toward her night table. That's also when she noticed the trail of sheets out of the room...

"oh no..not again!" Maple quickly brought the blankets all back inside... then went to grab her Coffee.

Black. If she'd dreamed the dream she thought she did... she wouldn't need any more sugar today... She also knew she'd find her samples all eaten when she checked her saddle bag in a few moments... Maple thought she'd gotten past this bad habit of midnight sugar binges...

upset with herself, she took 2 black coffees instead.

---

Static was about to get a coffee for Maple...but seeing that she was more agreeable to it then he thought and was getting her own, he just grabbed one for himself.

Static takes his own coffee and give it a big sniff. His eyes close halfway and his ears droop into a trancelike state. His mouth widens into a closed lip grin.

[This...this smells good. This isn't like the normal stuff. This...this is like some serious gourmet stuff right here. This smells like...]

"...heaven!"

He takes a long drink.

Immediately his ears perked straight up, eyes popped open, eyes dilated, his grin growing to a cheshire smile. Vibrations soon overtook his whole body.

Static intensifies!

"Oooooh Niiiiiight Caaaaaaap!"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static sneaks up on Night Cap as he's drinking his coffee.

"Hey-Night-Cap! Can-you-believe-this-coffee-this-is-like-some-seriously-gourmet-type-coffee-they-have-I-mean-I've-moved-up-from-the-bottom-shelf-coffee-I-used-to-drink-and-the-coffee-the-Keep-has-can-be-pretty-good-coffee-on-a-good-day-but-this-coffee-is-amazingly-good-like-the-smoothest-and-tastiest-coffee-I've-ever-had-and-boy-oh-boy-I-could-live-on-this-coffee-Night-Cap-what-do-you-think-Night-Cap-isn't-this-the-best-coffee-ever-Night-Cap-oh-I-think-I-need-an-IV-here-because-this-stuff-is-amazing..."

And he kept talking after that.

---

Finished with her oatmeal, Misty grabs a mug of hot chocolate.

Static sneaks up on Night Cap as he's drinking his coffee.

"Hey-Night-Cap! Can-you-believe-this-coffee-this-is-like-some-seriously-gourmet-type-coffee-they-have-I-mean-I've-moved-up-from-the-bottom-shelf-coffee-I-used-to-drink-and-the-coffee-the-Keep-has-can-be-pretty-good-coffee-on-a-good-day-but-this-coffee-is-amazingly-good-like-the-smoothest-and-tastiest-coffee-I've-ever-had-and-boy-oh-boy-I-could-live-on-this-coffee-Night-Cap-what-do-you-think-Night-Cap-isn't-this-the-best-coffee-ever-Night-Cap-oh-I-think-I-need-an-IV-here-because-this-stuff-is-amazing..."

And he kept talking after that.

Misty quietly returns to her room to enjoy the drink.

Spoiler

---

"Traps, injuries, cave ins and the constant possibility of death? I've had days like that. Not quite on a par with what you've just been through, but close."

He eyed the exhausted (both mentally and physically by the sound of it) Unicorn.

"Depending on where we end up for the night, and if you don't fall asleep beforehand. If you need somepony to lean on to get there, just ask ok?"

Then he heard Brisk Iron. Both eyebrows shot up.

"Me? Are you su...," but she was already moving off to find Veldfire. Scarlet lowered his voice and muttered to himself.

"Are you sure thats a good idea?"

Then he turned to Splash Flaunt as if nothing had happened.

"Hey there, I'm Scarlet Spectrum. Pleased to meet you."

---

Splash Flaunt nodded respectfully to Scarlet Spectrum. "Hmm. Well hopefully the expedition will go well with you leading. You come off quite well versed in your papers, though on page 27 of A Study of Louisianeigh Syntax you used the wrong 'there'. Your editor should have caught that."

---

Scarlet gave a nervous chuckle, caught off guard by Splash Flaunt respectful tone, and the fact that she had obviously read more tyan a few of his books.

"Y-yeah. I think my editor was off sick for that one, so i...kindof...self-edited the Louisianeigh book and sent it off to the publishers without telling her. I had a deadline to meet, among other more pressing reasons.

When my editor returned and discovered this fact, she threatened to lock me in a room and beat me over the head with a Dictionary until i promised never to do it again," Scarlet explained, wincing at the memory. "I keep meaning to do a revised edition of that book, cause i'm pretty sure thats not the only typo. I just never get around to it.

What was your interest in it Ms. Flaunt?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Marine biology", Splash Flaunt said in a calm and succinct tone.

---

"Someone's going to have to explain that to me." Snowy says, blinking repeatedly.

---

Maple also quietly left the hallway, ... but for other reasons ..as she looked down at her coffee in the reflection ..she had finely gotten a good look at her bedhead... she could only hope the embarrassment was only making her feel like she was shrinking ... and not actually shrinking. ...Maybe around the middle a little bit wouldn't be so bad.

---

"This is good stuff. I feel so awake."

"I-know-right-this-is-like-the-most-awesome-coffee-EVER!!!!"

Maple also quietly left the hallway, ... but for other reasons ..as she looked down at her coffee in the reflection ..she had finely gotten a good look at her bedhead... she could only hope the embarrassment was only making her feel like she was shrinking ... and not actually shrinking. ...Maybe around the middle a little bit wouldn't be so bad.

"Hey-Maple-you-okay-you're-looking-a-little-down-I-know-I-know-I'm-hyper-right-now-because-of-the-coffee-but-I-really-do-care-what's-wrong?"

---

"Is that question directed at me or Ms. Flaunt?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Snowy looks up at the clouds. "Anyone who can explain that last statement."

---

Spoiler


"Ponies tend to affect their surroundings, either positively or negatively. With Louisianeigh being coastal and a portion of the region being below sea level, I wanted to see what components of the dialect might be a result of such a location."

---

"Mm." Snowy couldn't think of anything to say past that, so he opted to change the subject. "The swamp and the cavewon't be too dangerous with Barometz gone. There's just some waterlogged portions and some large caverns . Everything I've seen has been quite stable, so cave-ins aren't a grave concern."

---

Maple couldn't hear Static, as she was hiding under her bed trying to brush her hair.

---

Static sighed. Trying to control some of his nervous energy, he nocked on the door. "Maple-is-every..." *ahem* "Is everything okay? Did something happen last night?"

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

From behind the door and under the bed.

"Uh, everything's under control. Situation normal...everything's perfectly all right now. I'm fine. It's all fine here now, thank you. How are you?"

*the sound of Brushing*

"Give me a few minutes to get these locks down."

---

Static looks askance at the door. "Is this about your hair? You know how many ponies actually look good just after getting out of bed? I sure don't!" he said in amazement at Maple's embarrassment. "And things rarely improve for me throughout the day," he adds under his breath.

He truly didn't get this. After all, hadn't everypony on the STOMP team seen each other at their best and their worst? They had shared sleeping quarters as Nightmare Heights...and nopony woke up pretty there...with no coffee.

Well, maybe Anchors...but then...he was biased.

---

"Aaah," Scarlet said aa realisation dawned. "I think i'm very much in need of a return visit to Louisianeigh if i do ever revise that book. I hope it was helpful Ms. Flaunt. Typos and all," he added with a chuckle.

Listening to Snowy, Scarlet gave a lopsided grin.

"I think the three of us are, coincidentally, the ideal ponies to tackle these caves, and, thanks to you, no ancient menace to get in our way."

---

Static looked around at the gathered team. "Somepony's missing." Then it dawned on him. "Rhapsody and Amber." He was about to knock on the door when it occurred to him...he really didn't want to be the one to wake up the pegasus who can smash boulders with her bare hooves...especially if she wasn't a morning mare. And if they were both in there together, he certainly had no wish to barge in.

He hesitated with his hoof inches away from the door. He then turns to the others. "Uh...five more minutes?"

---

Brisk Iron returned to the group. "Permission has been granted. You will be leaving out at 6AM sharp so I suggest all of you get some rest."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Maple snuck back out into the hall next to Static. Her hair 'fixed' enough that she could blush for other reasons...

"I'll do it, it's just to sleepy Mares... nothing I haven't not seen before." Maple grinned, it was nice to not be the only pony getting embarrassed.

---

"Uh...one of those mares has split boulders with her bare hooves and has not had her morning coffee yet. That's just some hurt I do not need. But if you reeeeeally want..." Static waves Maple on toward the door and stands back.

---

Zamuel:
Brisk Iron returned to the group. "Permission has been granted. You will be leaving out at 6AM sharp so I suggest all of you get some rest."

"That sounds brilliant." Snowy says, struggling to his hooves. "Are we sleeping in the town hall again? Or has Ready Quill rendered the territory impassable?"

---

Maple, tends to be a little more pragmatic than most ponies think. Walking over to the cart she picks up a bowl of oatmeal in each wing and a cup of Coffee in each forehoof ...

"If you wouldn't mind getting the door Mr. Signal?" Maple hadn't seen this boulder breaking everypony kept talking about... but even the grouchiest goat would turn down breakfast in bead.

---

"I'm sorry...but I am sooooooo not going anywhere near that door. Five minutes!"

---