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

[CoffeeHorse]

The STOMP team felt the train leave the station as they headed to their destination.


Splash Flaunt snorted. "To let my team tell it, I'm terrible to have a conversation with. It's probably the difference in academic background."

---

"Nothing solid at the moment, unfortunately. Too many unknown variables to account for. Even knowing our general strenghts and weaknesses might not mean much without knowing more about the city itself first."

---

Static gave Night Cap a suspicious sideways glance. But at this point, he knew it was usually better to just let Night Cap play it out his own way. "Rest while you may then. Once this train ride's over, I'm thinking we all better be at our most alert."

---

Maple loved trains... a train meant going someplace new. It had also been a constant part of her journey, search a town... do enough odd jobs or help ponies some how and earn a enough bits to get on a train... otherwise she had to hoof it.

This time was different however, this time she wasn't alone - this time she wasn't going to a new place on her own and she had a job to do. so this train ride was a new different experience. Also knew, this time she flew through the door.

hovering a few centimeters away from the rear wall of the train car, Maple waited for the train to start moving forward. When it did the back wall slowly touched her back and nudged her forward.

As the train picked up speed Maple slid down the wall to the floor ..grinning from ear to ear. Train hug.

---

The STOMP team felt the train leave the station as they headed to their destination.


Splash Flaunt snorted. "To let my team tell it, I'm terrible to have a conversation with. It's probably the difference in academic background."

"You're not doing anything wrong yet." Snowy says with a lopsided grin. "And if you do, we can just talk past each other. I'll talk Music and you talk Biology."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

With preparations made, Brisk Iron, Snowy Skies, Splash Flaunt, and Ready Quill boarded the air ferry. It was a Basic class with seating for six. Ready Quill seemed preoccupied with some paperwork while Splash Flaunt continued conversation with, "As a musician, I assume you're being brought to Nightmare Heights as some sort of performer?"

---

Snowy could see how ponies might disparage her conversational skill, but he was determined to get along with her. For reasons he could not explain, he wanted to befriend this pony.

He simply shakes his head in response, hair bouncing in front of his eyes. He pushes it back with his magic and says, "I didn't even bring an instrument. And what good would a performer do them? No, I'm here because I asked to be here, and maybe a little because I know where we're going."

---

"Well, entertainment has a worth and it's not like the town has any sort of concert hall unless they've built one recently. I could see why such a choice would be made but I guess that's not your role since you said that's not why you're here."

---

"I guess my role here is...escape. Again, I'm mostly here because I asked to be here, not for any particular bonus I bring."

It occurred to Snowy that he didn't really know how to make friends. How did any of this work? Was it working now?

---

Splash Flaunt nodded knowingly. "Ah. Distractions and/or noise cancelling. Well, the ponies of Nightmare Heights are amicable enough despite the town name but you rarely can be too prepared. An ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure and all that."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Snowy shook his head, upsetting his hair again. He surreptitously adjust the pins to acoount for his more active neck while saying "It's not the locals I'm worried about. I'm actually looking forward to seeing some of them again."

---

"Hopefully all goes well then. That said, I hope you're not viewing this as some sort of vacation. Brisk Iron takes philanthropic work quite seriously so I know we'll be quite busy."

---

"You really don't want me to answer that."

---

Zamuel:
"Hopefully all goes well then. That said, I hope you're not viewing this as some sort of vacation. Brisk Iron takes philanthropic work quite seriously so I know we'll be quite busy."

Snowy snorts. He silently wonders if Splash Flaunt ever asks questions. "The opposite, really. The mission is a recipe for disaster."

---

"It seems contradictory to say you're looking forward to seeing some of the locals again yet stating you think this will be a failure. We aren't even required to climb the mountain with this air ferry taking us there."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"I didn't say failure. We'll accomplish everything we set out to do." Everything you're aware of, anyways, Snowy adds silently. My task is much harder. "But something will go terribly wrong."

---

"Well aren't you the ball of sunshine. While you should certainly prepare for the worst, negative expectations can cause problems."

---

"Nah, if you hone them right they just keep you alive." Snowy says with a shrug and a grin. "I'll be perfectly glad to be in the village again, and helping out, but as soon as we enter the swamp...problems will come, and I'll be ready for them." Somebody should know their general direction, in case a rescue mission needed to be marshalled.

---

"Brisk Iron hadn't said anything about the swamp itself. I'd be useful if that's her intended goal since while it's not the ocean, swamps have a fair amount of biodiversity."

---

"Static can write a good speech!" Maple says from her spot on her floor.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Umm...while I appreciate the compliment, I'm not sure what that has to do with anything."[/COLOR]

---

After traveling for a while the air ferry landed at Nightmare Heights. Brisk Iron immediately walked up to the nearest civilian and requested to speak with either Veldfire Green or the mayor. Once Veldfire Green stepped forward, Brisk Iron proclaimed. "I am Brisk Iron, Chief Director of the Equestrian Expedition Keep. We shall be publishing your document about the caves within the mountain. We are here to assist this town with historical recordkeeping and various other matters of your town. Ready Quill, head of our Documents Department, will be making copies of all of your town records while we are here."

---

After traveling for a while the air ferry landed at Nightmare Heights. Brisk Iron immediately walked up to the nearest civilian and requested to speak with either Veldfire Green or the mayor. Once Veldfire Green stepped forward, Brisk Iron proclaimed. "I am Brisk Iron, Chief Director of the Equestrian Expedition Keep. We shall be publishing your document about the caves within the mountain. We are here to assist this town with historical recordkeeping and various other matters of your town. Ready Quill, head of our Documents Department, will be making copies of all of your town records while we are here."

Snowy had given up trying to impress the severity of the situation on Splash Flaunt perhaps two thirds of the way through the trip, and the rest of it had mostly consisted of looking out the window and wondering what it was about this airship route that made for infuriating conversation. Did people have to deal with this when talking to him? Surely not.

Nothing had really changed about the village. Inferno Blue appeared in the corner of his eye, so he turned and waved. He began scanning the area for a certain foal, the one who had given Night Cap a gift last time...

---

Snowy Skies spotted Inferno Blue waving back and also saw Plateau Precious within the crowd. Meanwhile, Veldfire Green's eyes went wide with shock. "Oh my. It is an honor that you vould do such a thing for our town. If you can forgive our disorganization, I'll direct you to our town hall. Somepony misplaced a raincloud and now the community stew cauldron has sank into the mud." "I'm quite sure Snowy Skies and Splash Flaunt will be more than glad to help with that." "Simply vonderful! I didn't vake up expecting such good fortune today."

---

They didn't know we were coming, Snowy notes quietly. Brisk Iron must have put this trip together on even shorter notice than I thought. "Town Hall is this way." he says to Splash Flaunt, heading in a generally correct direction that also took him towards his filly of choice. "Night Cap told me to give this to you." He whispers, sounding conspiratorial as he slipped her a small white key with a club for a handle. 'From: Night Cap' was scribbled in Snowy's tiny, neat handwriting along the bridge of the key, but he was confident that she wouldn't know the difference.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Wooow." Plateau Precious was quite happy to receive the gift. Meanwhile, Splash Flaunt walked up and assessed the situation. "Seems like I can act as the optimal fulcrum position within the quagmire as the multitude of the town properly utilizes a lever system to apply opposing force." The town seemed thoroughly confused by this until Veldfire Green said, "She said she'll get under and the rest of us will use a pole to roll it off." There were several 'oohs' of realization from the crowd as Splash Flaunt silently grumbled and started to burrow into the mud.

Snowy keeps in step with Splash Flaunt right up until she starts burrowing. Looking non-plussed, he steps back to organize the pole team and aim the pole.

Spoiler

---

"Looks like this is our stop. There should be somepony here to escort us...oh, over there." Flairvoyant pointed at an ivory unicorn mare in a purple suit and fedora holding a sign that said 'MUSEUM PONIES HERE'.

---

"Of course its one of them." Rhapsody says solemnly with a huff.

---

Amber nodded to Rhapsody. "Well, at least we know this is the right party looking for a group from a museum."

---

Night Cap hops right up and slings his bags over his back.

"Remember, friendly faces everypony. Do not let them know what you're thinking."

"That should be easy for you." Rhapsody replies as she gets up from her seat and stretches out from the long ride.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Night Cap hops right up and slings his bags over his back.

"Remember, friendly faces everypony. Do not let them know what you're thinking."

"That should be easy for you." Rhapsody replies as she gets up from her seat and stretches out from the long ride.

Static chuckles in spite of himself.

[Really? Shouldn't we be mad at her for such a cheap shot at Night Cap's expense?]

[Mmmmaybe? Sorry, but that was actually kinda funny.]

"Friendly faces, don't let them know what you're thinking...keep an eye out for anything that looks like a trap."

He leans over to Rhapsody.

"You recognize the uniform too, huh?"

---

"Yes, that's one of the Mauve four, two of which were there to give the last artifact. The other two were 'busy' though they were tight-lipped about it."

---

"Oh well great! That doesn't make this suspicious in the least!" Static goes up to greet the mare. "Hello! I'm Static. We're from the museum. Pleased to meet you Ms...?"

---

Misty rushes up next to Static. "Oh! Oh! I was there too! And so was Maplejack!"

---

"Dat's great! Your mayor talks too much but dat was no reason for those rock bugs to make a mess like that. Da nerve of those guys. Good thing youse ponies took care of it. Well, follow me. Got a carriage for ya since da Falls isn't on the main train line." Third Ivory led the STOMP team to a purple carriage pulled by four ponies.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Ms. Ivory, Hi I'm Maple ...Misty just mentioned me ... very nice to meet you. While I agree those bugs sure did toss up the place but good...well somethin' good did come out of it." Maple opens her saddle bag and lifts out a Cocorocka from one of Saccharin Sweet's small bagged samples. "These are something I helped my friend make ... it's a candy version of those bugs. She's looking to expand her market to other places, would you like to try one?"

Maple said, putting on her bestest sales pony smile.

---

"I don't want one but youse can see if one of da cart pulling ponies does."

---

Rhapsody follows to the carriage, still feeling unsure about these ponies and what they want she speaks up. "I'd rather Fly." It might be for the best that at least one of them isn't in the carriage. "So many hours on the train, I'm feeling stiff and want to stretch my wings some rather than sit again for another long ride." It would also allow her to get an aerial view of the city which could be useful for later planning.

---

Static sighed.

[Probably not a good idea to admit that to one of the ponies that's probably behind that!]

Static meets the mares eyes again. "It was a group effort," he confirmed.

---

Static sighed.

[Probably not a good idea to admit that to one of the ponies that's probably behind that!]

Static meets the mares eyes again. "It was a group effort," he confirmed.

As they were directed to the carriage, he was thankful Rhapsody found an excuse to not make the entire team a bunch of fish in a barrel.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Rhapsody nods and then looks to Maple and Misty. "If either of you wish to join me... you know so the rest of the team is less cramped in that carriage, maybe it'd be helpful as well?" She says and then looks over to Amber, and shoots her a whisper.

Spoiler

---

"Group efforts are great things. Me and my sisters do lots for da Falls. And I see your friend with the wings is making sure da rest of youse aren't cramped in da carriage."

---

Amber nodded and headed into the carriage.

---

Static got into the carriage, passing his hoof briefly over his tie to feel his good luck charm hidden there.

Zam
Spoiler

---

Rhapsody nods and then looks to Maple and Misty. "If either of you wish to join me... you know so the rest of the team is less cramped in that carriage, maybe it'd be helpful as well?"

Misty cocks her head to the side, not quite understanding at first... then turns around to look at her own rump. "Oh! Yeah... maybe I should."

She resolves to cut back on the snacks after this trip was over.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Rhapsody chuckles softly to Misty. "Its not about that. Carriages can be smaller then they look on the inside. And with 7 or 8 in there, depending on if Third Ivory joins them, there's very little room. But with us being fliers we can follow along easily, and so the the remaining 4 or 5 to have a bit more comfort in their ride."

---

Rhapsody chuckles softly to Misty. "Its not about that. Carriages can be smaller then they look on the inside. And with 7 or 8 in there, depending on if Third Ivory joins them, there's very little room. But with us being fliers we can follow along easily, and so the the remaining 4 or 5 to have a bit more comfort in their ride."

"Oh! Good point!" Misty replies.

---

"okay! ... Maple says in response to Rhapsody's suggestion... having already taken to the air to hand out candies to any of the carriage ponies who might have wanted one.

Then, as Misty also responded, Maple followed the other Pegasus' gaze...

o///o ... I'll follow your... lead ...Rhapsody."

---

As Maplejack began offering her confectionery delights to the cart pulling ponies, one of the earth pony mares perked up. "Hey, I remember youse! What was the name...Syrupglen? No...Maplejack! Youse was up North a while back. Ever find that pony youse was looking for?"

---

Snapping out of her posterior pondering pause ... Maple looked sullen.

"Not yet, but there's always hope... I've never been in this part of the land before. maybe she's here." Maple opens her locket and shows the picture inside it to the the mare who recognized her and then to the others.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

The others didn't seem to recognize the pony in the locket. "Well, I haven't seen 'em but don't give up hope. Maybe youse should hire a bounty hunter or something."

---

"I'm not sure I could hire one even if I knew where to look, but thank you for your advice - and thank you again for remembering, if enough ponies do maybe somewhere somepony will bump into her or me and point us in the right directions."

Maple gave her new friend a quick hug and then made her way back to Misty and Rhapsody.

---

Once everypony was loaded up, the carriage headed down a well worn dirt road for a few miles until coming into view of Petrichor Falls. Many of the buildings were a well sanded concrete and painted a pale blue. As it came into view, Third Ivory asked, "All of youse comfy so far?"

Spoiler

---

Flying above the carriage, Misty enjoys a bird's eye view of this new town.

Spoiler

---

Flying over the City, Rhapsody kept an eye on the way the carriage was heading; but also decided to take some aerial surveillance of the city above, trying to see any landmarks that stood out, if anything seemed peculiar, and what would be the quickest route back to the train station if needed.

Spoiler

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Being not at all sure where they were going, Maple had flown most of the way close to the carriage... alternating to either side by arching over the back and then back down.

She was close enough to the window that she Heard Third Ivory ask about everypony inside's comfort level ... Maple for some reason, finally realized that it might have been useful to use her powers on the welcoming Mauve Mare... but unfortunately she needed line of sight... and the curtains were drawn.

Spoiler

RUMPS!! Maple knocked her forehooves together in frustration... something had distracted her back at the train station... but what was it!?! ... What ever it was she'd have to get a hoof on it before to long, missing an opportunity like that could be dangerous ...still might be.

Catching an updraft of warm air Maple spread her wings out to kite for a bit... trying to spot learn what she could of the quickly being arrived at town ahead of them.

Spoiler

Unfortunately this town wasn't particularly known for anything related to Maple's knowledge base... and what it was known for fell into the wide gulf between gardens and wrestling....

---

"About as comfy as possible, though to be totally honest, like my friend commented, we have been sitting for a long time. Kinda makes me wish I had wings myself."

Not entirely true. Static's carreer was to sit in front of a projector all day. He was quite fine sitting for long periods of time. But without being rude, he was wanting to find some way to keep these ponies off thier game.

Spoiler

---

"I get ya, Static. Sometimes I wonder what wings would be like but I'm happy to have a horn." "So Third Ivory, how long have you been in Petrichor Falls?" "Me and my sisters have lived here our whole lives. A lot of changes happened when Boss Vine came along but I like what we got." As far as Static Signal could tell, Third Ivory seemed to be quietly enjoying the ride outside of the small bits of conversation.

High above the carraige, Misty Monsoon and Rhapsody saw that the buildings tended to have similar designs--painted concrete with hard angles. All were painted the same pale blue except for one in the center that was stark white and one farther away that was purple. There seemed to be plants strategicly planted throughout the city. Rhapsody saw that the path back to the train station was fairly clear. There were few trees sparsely spread out along the route. As well as Maplejack could see from where they were, the town had a fair amount of grapevines within the city and a few scattered off in the distance on the way into the town. The three heard Third Ivory shout to them, "Youse three should stick close while we enter the city. Wouldn't want anypony to think youse aren't with us. That would be bad, see?"

Spoiler

---

He still won't look out the windows.

"So does this mean we're close?"

---

Standing in a room that was empty aside from several tables, a few cabinets, and three other ponies, Snowy looks at Brisk Iron, expectant and curious.

---

Maple tucks her wings in for a deep dive... landing with a quartet of tiny thuds on the roof of the passenger compartment

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Static perks his ears as he hears the thuds on the top of the roof.

[How cute!]

"Maple. Three bits says that was Maple."

---

Brisk Iron cleared her throat. "I feel there may be something of importance within the town records that might not be immediately obvious. Let me know if you see anything of interest, Ready Quill. Snowy, let Ready Quill know if there's anything he should look for specifically before he gets started."

---

"Why would it be bad?" Maple asks bringing her face down low to the roof... hoping they can hear her inside.

---

"Because if you're not with us but you're following us, they'd probably shoot ya down!" Static yells up through the roof.

---

those inside heard another thud as maple's legs went out from under her and she got as low to the roof as she could.. hugging down tight with her wings

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

:???

Of course Static couldn't see what Maple did. But knowing Maple and the conversation they just had, he figured he could make a decent guess. "I think you'll be okay now," he deadpans. "If they don't know you're with us by now, they aren't paying attention."

---

Brisk Iron cleared her throat. "I feel there may be something of importance within the town records that might not be immediately obvious. Let me know if you see anything of interest, Ready Quill. Snowy, let Ready Quill know if there's anything he should look for specifically before he gets started."

Snowy's fur rustled for a few moments. "Mmmmm...monster sightings, accidents in the swamp...any fires recently, and what their causes were."

---

"I've never heard of an entire city with such security," said Amber. "Surely they can't simply shoot down anypony who happens to travel here by wing. The number of archers alone," she said, trailing off as her attention wandered back to her notebook.

---

"Dat's not what I meant. We wouldn't want one of da more enterprising citizens to see one of youse outsiders by your lonesome and decide to sink back into bad habits. They know better than to mess with Boss Vine's guests. Da ballet dancers that were here didn't have problems and wouldn't want youse to have problems."


Ready Quill nodded and immediately went to work. Brisk Iron stepped outside and addressed Veldfire Green. "There's some paperwork I'll need you to sign but that can wait. For the moment, I would like to look within your mountain's caverns. Nothing extensive, simply getting on hoof experience since diagrams aren't the same as seeing them yourself. While I'm doing that, are there any projects Snowy Skies could assist you with?" "Oh yes. Ve vere building a small guest house in case ve had unexpected guests and vere putting the roof on." "Very well. You can count on him as if he were a citizen of the town."

---

"Dat's not what I meant. We wouldn't want one of da more enterprising citizens to see one of youse outsiders by your lonesome and decide to sink back into bad habits. They know better than to mess with Boss Vine's guests. Da ballet dancers that were here didn't have problems and wouldn't want youse to have problems."


Ready Quill nodded and immediately went to work. Brisk Iron stepped outside and addressed Veldfire Green. "There's some paperwork I'll need you to sign but that can wait. For the moment, I would like to look within your mountain's caverns. Nothing extensive, simply getting on hoof experience since diagrams aren't the same as seeing them yourself. While I'm doing that, are there any projects Snowy Skies could assist you with?" "Oh yes. Ve vere building a small guest house in case ve had unexpected guests and vere putting the roof on." "Very well. You can count on him as if he were a citizen of the town."

"While that's certainly true, I was under the impression that I'd be going into the caverns with you, director." Snowy is mildy alarmed but hides it and attempts the diplomatic approach.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"Perhaps if I were to go deeper but I will be fine at the moment. It's just the caverns under the town." "Actually, I vas vondering...as nice as vorking on the guest house vould be, it vould also be nice if Snowy could pick a few svamp peppers. It vent so vell last time." "It might be best to let him choose where he feels he'd be of the most use between those two projects."

---

"Ah." Snowy nods, thinking for a moment. He was curious about less dangerous cave systems, but he knew to pick his fights. "Going back into the swamp again sounds good. I'm going to need someone to help me down the cliff though, most likely. Can you spare Blue?"

---

"Ballet dancers?" Static spares a glance to Night Cap and Amber. "You don't suppose that would've been Light's company? Did we just miss them?"

---

"Yep, they already came and went. They danced real fancy, too."

---

Some rustling was heard above them as Maple found a good spot to tuck into between some of the team's equipment that had been placed on the roof and strapped securely. With a good hoofhold against each of the side rails... Maple was certain no shoot-able things could get her... with one last flip she was face up, now she could watch for rocks as well. So with all this it was no surprise that her voice was a little harder to hear inside ... over the rush of wind , and the fact that she was not looking away from them.

"that's too bad, I would have loved to have seen Miss Fantastic dance... never got a chance before she left."

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

Misty hovers just above Maple, looking down at her friend sprawled out on the roof of the carriage. "I would've loved to see them, too. By the way, Maple... what are you doing?"

---

"Trying not to get shot down!"

Maple stretched out even more so that her hold on both rails was a little stronger

---

"Huh? Nopony's going to shoot us down." Misty looks to Rhapsody. "Are they?"

---

"Third Ivory said it would be better to stay close ..."

---

Before Snowy Skies left for Nightmare Heights, Coal Nights gave him a book. He mentioned that he "borrowed" it from a gentlecolt on his way to Caballuston and it was probably best if the museum had it due to the contents. Back to the present, Veldfire Green agreed to go look for Inferno Blue to help with carrying Snowy Skies down the mountain.


As the STOMP team entered Petrichor Falls, they found a delightful scent wafting through the air. Part of the scent was from the grapes growing on the strategically placed vines while the other was that smell from just after a light rain. They also noticed that almost all of the residents seemed to be watching them as they arrived.

---

Static sniffed deeply from the aroma's of the grapes. Some of them brought to mind some of the aged grape juices that were said to go very well with pasta. While he heard that some of those juices could be every bit as potent as his ciders, he never really could afford such expensive tastes. And now that he could probably afford it...he wasn't the type of pony to enjoy those indulgences anymore.

Still...he enjoyed the smell of them...and he certainly wouldn't mind some pasta every now and then.

Mental note for his next grocery list.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"If they try, they're gonna have to answer to me. Hurting my team is the quickest way somepony can figure out what their health care options are..."

---

As the STOMP traveled through the city, there was a unicorn stallion in a purple suit standing on the street corner. Holding a saxophone with his magic, he played a slow and sorrowful tune. "That's part of our welcoming committee. Helps youse newcomers feel nice and cozy." "Where are we headed?" "You'll be staying in da guest rooms of Boss Vine's place. It's da best, you'll love it. Just a little further now." Soon they came to a large purple house with numerous purple suited ponies with dark shades standing in front of it. Third Ivory nodded to them and then the STOMP team unloaded from the carriage. The STOMP team was led inside and upstairs to a hallway with ten doors. "These are your rooms. Looks like there's about thirty minutes until dinner. That will give youse time to freshen up and get changed. Somepony will come up when it's time to eat. Da restroom is at da end of the hall."

---

"It's very...purple..." Static says absently as he gets out of the carriage. He goes into the room designated to him. He takes a brief look around for peep holes or any camera's or recording devices that might be spying on him.

Spoiler

He doesn't do anything to anything he finds beyond making a mental note of it. He makes a quick visit to the restrooms. He hadn't realized just how long that trip was...and he'd had coffee just before leaving no less!

He then takes a quick shower, gets dressed, checks his equipment over and waits until someone comes to lead him to dinner.

---

After Third Ivory left and before the STOMP team departed for their rooms, Flairvoyant silently held up a card with her magic and showed the group:

We are NNW of Caballuston and due north of this city's center.
Stick together and keep eyes open. IF we have to split up:
Night and Amber with Rhapsody. Misty, Maple, and Static with me.
Team composition per the Chief Director.​

After departing for their rooms, Static Signal couldn't find any evidence of spying when he looked. Night Cap found that while all of the rooms had large windows, they also had thick and luxurious purple curtains.

---

Before Snowy Skies left for Nightmare Heights, Coal Nights gave him a book. He mentioned that he "borrowed" it from a gentlecolt on his way to Caballuston and it was probably best if the museum had it due to the contents. Back to the present, Veldfire Green agreed to go look for Inferno Blue to help with carrying Snowy Skies down the mountain.

While doing a quick check of what he did and did not wish to expose to the swamp, Snowy remembers his book. He had meant to page through it on the flight over, but Splash Flaunt had taken up most of his time. As things stood, he certainly didn't want it getting swampy, so he takes it back inside, to Ready Quill. "Can you keep an eye on this for me?" He asks. "You can just leave it on a table in the corner of your eye."

---

*sad ears*

Every room has windows. Oh well. Night Cap picks one and makes himself at home. Before he does a single thing else, he shuts his eyes and works the curtains closed.

Now he can get to work.

He unpacks his overly stuffed bag and assembles... the suit.

Pants. Check. Shirt. Check. Jacket. Check. Gloves. Check. Cape. Check. Hat. Check.

The monocle and mustache can stay behind this time. It's probably not going to be that fancy.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

*Maple slid down from the rooftop along the side of the carriage like warm honey...*

Once inside a room she got cleaned up and set out her fancies

---

In the midst of a flurry of paper, Ready Quill nodded and set the book by his side. Snowy Skies was almost back out the door until, "Actually...I-did-find-something-interesting-for-when-you-and-Brisk-have-a-moment. Before-the-town-officially-settled-on-the-mountaintop-they-kept-a-few-records. A-pony-named-Moonbean-Writ-seemed-to-have-gone-missing. Been-double-checking-but-can't-find-anything-else-about-him-except-that-he-was-some-sort-of-builder. Gonna-keep-looking-for-now."

---

Inside her room, Misty prepares to clean up, but first...

Using both wingtips, she reaches under mane and peels her goggles away from her face, ever so slightly. The jewelry she'd brought comes falling out, into her open hooves.

"I knew they'd be safe in there!" she says to no one in particular.

---

In the midst of a flurry of paper, Ready Quill nodded and set the book by his side. Snowy Skies was almost back out the door until, "Actually...I-did-find-something-interesting-for-when-you-and-Brisk-have-a-moment. Before-the-town-officially-settled-on-the-mountaintop-they-kept-a-few-records. A-pony-named-Moonbean-Writ-seemed-to-have-gone-missing. Been-double-checking-but-can't-find-anything-else-about-him-except-that-he-was-some-sort-of-builder. Gonna-keep-looking-for-now."

Snowy turns back to face Ready Quill and nods. "Could be useful. I'll tell Brisk Iron." He's almost out the door again when the real impact of the statement hits him, and he halts with one foot out the door. Moonbeam Writ, a builder/architect with the initials MW, here? There was no way that was a coincidence. "I think Ready Quill found MW, the architect of manorspace." He steps close to Brisk Iron and, assured of their privacy, says, "I think Ready Quill found the creator of Manorspace in the town records. His name is Moonbeam Writ, he was here around the founding of the official town. Is he famous for anything?"

Spoiler

---

"The name isn't ringing any bells but having a name should make seeking out more information a little easier." Snowy Skies himself couldn't recall hearing the name from anywhere but there wasn't any time to dwell on it since Inferno Blue was now ready to carry him down the mountain.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

The cliff edge was one of the town landmarks that Snowy remembered, fortunately, so they made their way there with little fuss. "Are you coming into the swamp with me, Blue?" Snowy asks from the precipice.

---

Inferno Blue shook his head. "I have a lot of things around town to do, like help out vith building that guest house." Inferno Blue carefully flew Snowy Skies down the mountain.

---

"That's too bad. Before you go, do you remember anyone named Moonbeam Writ? I think they were a founder of the town?"

---

"I can't recall that name. Sorry, I'm better vith my hooves than my head, not like you museum ponies."

---

Once in her room, Rhapsody had a similar routine to Static. She looks around the room, acting like she's examining such posh surroundings like she's never seen such before in her life, to cover the fact that she was really going over the room with a fine tooth comb and making sure there is absolutely no way of being spied on, though taking it a step father by trying to feel out any sort of magical presence that others might not be capable of noticing.

Spoiler

She likewise makes mental note of anything unusual she comes across, before going about a normal routine of taking care of personal needs and lying down for a bit after such a long train ride.

---

 

[CoffeeHorse]

"I can't recall that name. Sorry, I'm better vith my hooves than my head, not like you museum ponies."

Snowy lets out a short, barking laugh. "My head's only good for telling my horn what to do." He says, jovial in his self-deprecation. "When should I meet you back here?"

---

"Does an hour sound good? More? Less?"

Spoiler

---

Maple carefully arranged her dress for the night out on the bed. As a professional wrestler she was actually more accustom to dressing in clothing than most ponies.. but layered nylon, leather and spandex were far cries from this lovely outfit. It was actually a worthwhile question for her to think about, had it been so long that she couldn't remember having wore a dress this nice.. or had she just not worn one at all since she lost her memory? Because this was looking to be a daunting task. ... when she was at the fitting she had help from ...

Rumps! I'll have to ask Mr. Night Cap... from that tailor's shop whose name he could also tell her.

Well there was nothing left but to try... it wasn't like she could just knock on somepony's door and ask for help. o///o

*struggling occurs accompanied by words learned from Mr. Signal*

After a few moments Maple had gotten herself as presentable as she could, including her special jewelry that she's hidden away in her main. ... A quick sniff just to make sure it didn't pick up the smell of sweaty wrestling gear... Nopony had said anything, but with the way her hair liked to hold onto things, Maple wasn't sure if she'd maybe hidden her gear in there a little too long while she was out watching the rest of the event with her friends. Surely she'd had enough baths and showers and sprayed plenty of nice smelling scents at her head since then... but....

*sniffy sniff!*
Spoiler
Zam

---

Nothing in particular had raised Amber's suspicions thus far, but her teammates' unease set her on guard. The heavy architecture made her almost doubt what she'd said to Static about archers in the coach.

She hadn't felt it was an occasion for complicated dress, but as she took in the decor, she began to second-guess the well pressed purple suit jacket she'd brought. Was it a good thing or bad that she was off shade? Either way, she slipped it on, gave her mane a quick check over in the mirror, and settled in to wait and see how nervous she could manage to become in the remaining twenty minutes.

She wondered how Mr. Skies and Ms. Iron's day was going.

---

Maplejack discovered that the shower left her smelling wonderfully fresh. However, Rhapsody managed to sniff out the fact that while there was absolutely no way they were being spied on, the room's window and outer walls seemed to be built with a material that was resistant to magic.

After some time passed, the STOMP team heard knocks on their doors. Two of the Mauvenine Four were there to escort them to dinner. They looked over the team pausing to look over Amber Spark before commenting on Flairvoyant's outfit. She wore a classy pastel green coat and hat combo. "You're dressed like that movie star, Diamond Dazzler." "While I prefer her adventures, 'Mystery of the Mulberry Spectacle' was one of her few mysteries and I really liked the outfit." The two members of the Mauvenine Four nodded appreciatively as they led the STOMP team to the dinner table. It was covered with a deep green tablecloth and had blue jasperware plates already arranged. Three ponies were already seated. The first was a white and hunter green zebra stallion in a purple suit with heavily greased hair that was slicked over to one side of his face. He sat near the head of the table and seemed to eye everypony as they entered. Across from him was a beige unicorn stallion in a purple suit who was adjusting the chair of a unicorn filly in a white vest who sat next to him. While Grape Vine had not arrived yet, there was a pony in a purple suit with shades at each of the four corners of the room.

Spoiler

---