Eating Edgeburn
A nice swinging jazz filled the train car, it's upbeat helping hide the telltale clack of the tracks below. Edgeburn's mane followed just a second after his head as it bobbed lightly. He felt like he could almost dance if it weren't for the improper setting for him. He was a full fledged guard now, not just a truant officer, he would even get a formal suit of armor.
Fireblossom seemed less fixed in her new guard roll, currently weaving around the dance floor, wings flashing here and there, her tail disguised as her old pony form to not raise suspicion. In fact, she was the main reason Edgeburn refused to dance, if he was out there, he couldn't watch her to make sure she'd be fine.
Almost as if on cue, a blue pegasus stallion danced his way just a bit closer, “Care for a dance partner sweet thing?” Edgeburn heard his words and was already rising.
“Really? That would be great, but my names not Sweet Thing, it's Fireblossom.” His sister's reply came. He could bless her slow uptake at another time, he had to weave through the other dancers to get close to them.
They were already off, spinning, jumping, and making a show, Edgeburn wasn't liking it one bit. He was finally close enough to cut in when they spun rapidly, keeping him at bay.
“You're a real good dancer Ms Blossom, my friend would love to meet you.” Edgeburn heard the suitor say as they continued their dance.
“Awe hay no.” Edgeburn said a bit louder then he had meant to, but it still grabbed their attention.
“Pardon, and you are?” The stallion said with his smile still wide.
“Hi Edgie, did you come over to meet Stormflicker?”
“Yeah, you could say that.” Edgeburn said glaring daggers at the other stallion.
“Oh this is perfect, My boyfriend and I were looking for a good couple to share a car with when the dancing was over, he's not much of a dancer. Oh Wave!”
“What?” Edgeburn's less than dignified response came after a second of silence as a yellow and red unicorn trotted over.
“Oh, I’m so glad we could run into another few swingers, I imagine wave will just eat you up Mr Edge was it?” the newly confirmed Stormflicker smiled even wider. Edgeburn just sat there in silence, the gears in his head turning fast enough to send smoke out his ears.
“You guys swing too?” Fireblossom asked not catching on.
“Of course, who doesn't like to mix it up a little, of course Stormflicker is the more versatile of us two, if you don't mind me saying hun.”
“Not at all Wavecrest, I guess we just lucked out she had such a strong stallion with her.” Stormflicker said turning to his companion.
“Ok, look, this isn't what you think, my sister and I will be leaving.” Edgeburn said glaring daggers at the two. His efforts to finally regain his senses seemed to have come to fruition.
“Oh, sister is it, oh pardon us...” Stormflicker began to stammer.
“And there it goes again...” Wavecrest sighed as he pulled his friend back.
“Awe, hope you guys have fun swinging, this dance was fun.” Fireblossom called back as Edgeburn gently led her from the dance floor. It was time for another talk.
…
The dust billowed from the train station as Edgeburn and Fireblossom left the platform, their map pointing them in the direction of the fort there were to be stationed at.
A light giggle from Fireblossom got Edgeburn's attention. “I still can't believe they thought were were a couple.”
“Well believe me Blossom, they did... and how did you not pick up on the way they meant swinging?” Edgeburn asked already knowing the answer.
“Sorry, it seemed possible, but since we were dancing it seemed to make more sense that they meant dancing Edgie. I know I'm bad at noticing flirting, sorry again.”
“It's fine Blossom, I just feel weird knowing they were eying me too for half a minute there.” Edgeburn shook himself slightly.
“Why? Another stallion thought you were cute, shouldn't it be flattering?”
“You know I'm not exactly interested in stallions” Edgeburn said trying to focus on the map again.
“I bet if Princess Luna was a stallion you'd be interested.” Fireblossom said lowering her voice slightly.
“DUWAH, WHAT, NO, I MEAN, NOT THAT SHE WOULDN'T BE INTERESTING, BUT I, YOU...” Edgeburn noticed he was yelling and making quite a scene to his sister's amusement.
“You said you'd stop bringing that up, it was a colt aged crush, nothing more.” Edgeburn said trying hard.
“You know you can't lie to me, in half a second you're going to take it all back, you ALWAYS speak your mind.” Fireblossom laughed just a bit as she saw her brother shaking.
“Ok you're right, she's the most beautiful mare I've ever seen.” Edgeburn admitted hanging his head.
Fireblossom moved over to pat his back with her wing. “It's ok Edgie, I understand, besides it's not all that bad.”
“Having a crush that could never come true on an immortal Princess isn't that bad?” Edgeburn looked up wanting to believe her.
“Not at all, if it works, I would love having a sister-in-law like the Princess.” She said watching his ears turn red.
“Look, Fort El Pinto, let's hurry and report!” Edgeburn said pointing at a speck in the distance before hurrying towards it. Fireblossom rolled her eyes before taking after him, her wings helping her catch him easily.
The large wooden building structure sat before them soon after, it's walls covering an area at least the size of a small field. The front gate was open and the two were able to trot inside without seeing any movement.
“Who goes there?” a less than enthused voice asked. Edgeburn and Fireblossom were almost tempted to jump but the lackluster voice and years of training at the academy just made their eyes narrow and scan the area.
“Who said that?” Edgeburn demanded, bracing himself for the unseen assailant.
“Me, the one in the gutter.” the same voice came back. “you the new guards?”
“Aye, Edgeburn E. Wheatstalk and Fireblossom Wheatstalk reporting.” Edgeburn answered for both of them as Fireblossom peered around her brother at the small ditch that held the previously unseen pony.
“Alright, who's fresh burnt and who's bruised?” He asked pulling himself from the muck.
“What?” Fireblossom asked even as she saw her brother grin.
“Bruised, six years as a truant and security officer working in Baltimare schools. She's the burnt one.” Edgeburn smiled giving his sister a glance.
“Burnt?” Fireblossom asked.
“We mean you're fresh from the fire Private Fireblossom.” the brown earth pony with a cherry mane answered now that he was fully out of the ditch. “I'm Corporal Tussle, Truffle Tussle. Head of first shift unfortunately. I see you've met my associate.”
“huh?” Both siblings said before feeling a crushing weight smash them together.
“TWO WONDERFUL BARRACK MATES, OH THIS IS GREAT, STRONG, FLEXIBLE, AND GLORIES OF PHYSICAL FITNESS!” a booming voice nearly deafened them.
“Yeah, he's a bit exuberant about things” the earth pony said in a monotone.
“WELCOME TO FORT EL PINTO, IT'S GREAT TO HAVE TWO NEW COMRADES!” the large figure said finally letting them fall back to the ground.
Edgeburn was the first to find his footing and he spun on their assailant, sizing up just how good of a kick he'd need to stop another surprise grab like that. As he saw the muscular hind legs, short tail, and thick fur give way halfway up his opponent's frame, a small gulp escaped him.
“ Private First Class Axebeard, El Pinto Day shift, Heavy weapons specialist, and most importantly, Town Barber.” the minotaur saluted.
“Barber?” Edgeburn questioned lightly as the Minotaur’s unique armor moved to fit his body.
“Yeah, this is still a small town, so most of us have roles outside the fort for our down time. Axebeard here can give you the best mane cut or shave this side of the mountains. If you ever want something sweet, just come down to the Happy Corner down the way.”
“Whats there?” Fireblossom asked.
“That’s where I sell my candy and chocolate covered goods.” Truffle said smiling for the first time. “You haven't lived till you've tried one of my Chocolate Truffles.”
“On that note, do either of you two have any skills to pursue in the down time? There's going to be a lot of down time.” Truffle said before continuing on leading them towards the largest building in the fort.
“We come from a farm, we can grow wheat or other crops pretty well.” Edgeburn said trying to keep his attention on the pony leading them and not the minotaur flexing to Fireblossom's amusement.
“Edgie, He's so cool!” she said when she noticed his glancing.
“Lucky for you two, our shift is almost up, you get to deal with the Ice Queen and the Outspoken one. I can barely stomach this ray of sunshine behind us, I hope you have some good luck with them.”
“Shift change? But it's barely four in the afternoon.” Fireblossom said showing she was actually paying attention.
“We're a bit short staffed, currently we only have enough for three eight hour shifts. That and we've got our second in command helping out on the third shift so you two might be lucky enough to get the graveyard watch.” Truffle explained as they entered the large building that had loomed over them.
“This, is the main building. Top floors are for the captain and the lieutenant. This floor here is the armory, yeah that in the corner, and the mess hall. Kitchen is through those doors, and out back the way you came, behind the building is the reins and shutters.” Axebeard took charge seeming a bit too happy to explain.
“He means the bathroom, he's a bit funny this one.” Truffle said at their confused looks when he had finished.
“Ooh, fresh meat, don't tell me you and Axey are boring them to death already.” a feminine voice came from above them.
“Just giving them the tour Gemma, but our shift is ending so the fresh meat is now your responsibility.” Truffle said hurriedly leaving the room.
“Don't mind him, he's always as sour as those mushrooms he's always hunting. I've got it from here Axey.” the midnight blue pegasus with a stark white mane descended from her perch.
“Hummyah!” the minotaur saluted before turning to leave.
“Sorry about dour and sunshine there. Those two are polar opposites but they work well together. Just don't kick over a mushroom or forget to wash your mane and you'll be fine.” the new one said with a slight flick of her mane.
“I'm Private First Class Gemma Glacies, head of fortifications and resident sculptor.” she introduced herself.
“Private First Class Edgeburn E. Wheatstalk. Former truant officer.” Edgeburn took his role in the cue.
“Private Fireblossom Wheatstalk. I'm under the impression you two should date.”
Edgeburn's face was flush with confusion for the half second it took for her words to sink in.
“WHAT!” he yelled rounding on his sister.
“What yourself, she's cute and you're a stick in the mud.” Fireblossom countered.
Laughter erupted from Gemma as she pushed the two apart. “You're straight to the point kid, I like you. But I'm seeing someone. Although your brother looks like a fine catch if Axey is interested in sharing.”
“Duwah...” Edgeburn seemed fated to remind himself why he hadn't gone to pursue a talent in poetry.
“We can discuss this later, you two grab some food from the kitchen then meet me in the yard, we'll clear up the details while we are on duty then let you rest up.”
“Thank you.” Edgeburn said as his sister smiled brightly and his hoof planted itself firmly on his face.
…
Soft crunching of hooves drew on for an extended period of time. The ones responsible for the noise otherwise remained silent, each never letting a word pass their lips.
Edgeburn was only just barely passing in that regard however. Despite his silence his lips moved, mouthing the thoughts in his head. An improvement for the stallion who kept finding himself without a filter, but it would be odd if his new companion were to look back. Thankfully for Edgeburn, the one leading the way had no need to look back.
They had been in silence for the last two hours, and for four hours before that Edgeburn had been sleeping. He was beginning to think that the two words he heard when he met this fellow where the only words he'd ever hear from him.
Just as he was getting used to the silence, his superior stopped in his tracks.
“Is something the matter sir?” Edgeburn couldn't stop from asking.
“Yes, very much so.” Came the swift reply.
“Ambush?” Edgeburn readied himself for anything.
“The opposite, you've surprised me PFC Wheatstalk.”
“I'm afraid I don't follow sir.” Edgeburn felt the cogs in his head creaking back to life.
The one bearing the other half of their sudden conversation turned slowly, glancing back at Edgeburn. “You have known me two hours now. I have known you for two hours. However, where any time I’ve had to get to know somepony before, especially in two hours, I am regularly bombarded with questions. You haven't asked one. More surprising is that, because of this, this is the first time I’ve been unable to evaluate a fellow soldier.”
“Well, I didn't want to pry, and when you have a sister as talkative as mine, sometimes you just like to enjoy the silence.” Edgeburn smiled slightly.
“Sister? Ah yes, the cute one. I almost forgot both of you bear the Wheatstalk clan title”
Edgeburn tried not to let his protective nature bristle forward at hearing his sister called cute. “Not exactly, we are just siblings, there isn't exactly a clan of us.”
“Ah, my mistake, I've been dealing with ponies since you first came here and I still find my old ways showing.”
“That can't be all bad, I've heard you have an interesting culture out here.” Edgeburn offered with a smile.
“Thank you, my people are firmly rooted in our ways, but we can still change, if a bit more slowly then you pony-folk. For the longest time, only our neighbors in the mountains were of concern to us. Axebeard's kin and such, but even they change faster then the buffalo it seems.”
“So, mind if I do ask a question?” Edgeburn felt one beginning to kick around his head.
“I think you've earned it.”
“What's your name? All I heard from Gemma was, he's my superior officer, do as he says. Then all you said was 'Follow softly'.”
“Ah, I’m beginning to like you private. I am Sergeant Tumble Root, of these plains you have come to call El Pinto. I deal with resource gathering and local diplomacy.”
“Has there been an excessive amount of work for you with the ties between the locals and settlers?” Edgeburn asked.
“Watch it there Private, I said I’d answer one question, but most get three answers out of me anyway so is that really the question you want to ask?” Tumble Root said shifting the spear that was on his back just a bit as he gave Edgeburn a contemplative look.
Edgeburn shook his head, “Changed my mind. Any trouble?”
“Few words, there is an old teaching I know of, it says the buffalo who needs the least words to win their argument is often right.” Tumble Root explained with a smile. “As for your question, I have had more work then I wish was necessary, but the main problem comes not from my people, but from ponies 'Exploring' caves in the foothills. Not many are keen on having someone invade their home, even less so are minotaurs welcoming at all hours of the night.”
“Hmm, sounds like a case of the townsfolk being uneducated, perhaps an agreement can be reached with time?” Edgeburn offered.
“That is my hope. My people praise being able to stand still as the mountain against all problems. But personally, I have seen a river cut a mountain, and I have no desire to be felled by water.”
“That’s interesting... I guess my next question is, are you strange? No, hay, just a second, I meant, are you strange among your people?” Edgeburn stumbled just a bit.
“Ha, ha ha, ha ha ha. You are interesting in deed PFC Wheatstalk. Yes, I am strange. I am small for a bull, and not as strong as some of my brethren. But I am faster, and many a times I have outsmarted them. However, what makes me odd is that I do not live by the old teachings, I simple observe them when they serve everyone for the best.”
“And by that you mean?”
“We have a saying, from an old warrior we once cherished. He proclaimed, 'We need not but the strength of our hooves in battle'”
“And you carry a spear, so it's strange to them?”
“Yes, they know why I carry a spear, and they accept it as me, although many do not like my reason.” Tumble Root looked like he was going to laugh.
“May I ask what it is?”
“You are exceptionally fortunate to be getting away with this many questions, but yes. I carry a spear because Reaping Valor, the one who spoke those words was felled by a spear.”
…
The two males continued walking and soon returned to the fort's perimeter from their patrol. They let laughter fly between them despite how serious they attempted to look.
“So, the manticore turns around to eat the pony, only to find him running the the distance. He takes a step forward to catch him, and steps in something.” Edgeburn held back a laugh that was building.
“And what did the fearsome manticore step in?” Tumble asked
“Well he looked down and roared, SHI-OOF!” Edgeburn felt the air rush from his lungs.
Tumble Root looked at his now collapsed companion and felt the building chuckle from the joke die only to be replaced with a roaring round of laughter.
“Oh dear, you seem to have been neutralized Edgeburn.”
“EDGIE, OH, I'm so glad to see you again, Gemma and I had so much fun scouting and I was worried about you but oh, she's so cool. I want a sister like her some day.” She said punctuating the last bit with a shot to his head.
“Ow...” he grumbled as she sat atop him.
“Hmm?” Tumble Root's gaze made Edgeburn burn with fury.
“Is there something on my flank?” Fireblossom caught his gaze as well it seemed.
“You ponies do the oddest things to their manes and tails, but, I haven't seen a pony split their tail before.”
Edgeburn shook off the temptation to hoof his superior officer in the face. “Fireblossom, did you forget to tend to your tails after our rest?”
“Oh, yeah, guess I did.” She said just a bit too happily.
“Our new private seems to have quite a few tricks, and she isn't entirely pony either.” Gemma said as she trotted over to their group.
“Ah, so first your odd brother, and now a split tail?” Tumble said slightly perplexed.
“Oh, it's not split, I have two of them, and watch this!” Fireblossom's behind erupted in an odd teal flame, orange sparks flying swiftly. Tumble Root flinched much like Edgeburn and Gemma had the first time they had observed this phenomenon. In the place of her two fox tails she had been sporting was now her old foalhood tail, the long purple familiar with just a bit of orange and teal added.
“Thats a new color.” Edgeburn observed.
“Well, Gemma was talking about letting her Axey do highlights with my mane because he's so good with hair, but I realized I could just use what Granny taught me.” Fireblossom smiled all the while.
“Our shift is almost over, and now... i'm slightly wishing I had a chance to patrol with you Private Wheatstalk. I'll have to catch you in the barracks at some point.” Tumble said turning to head back into the fort.
“But, we only got up four hours ago, we can't be done now!” Fireblossom protested.
“Worry not Blossom deary, we were just supposed to help you get the layout, since you two will be on third shift we'll be passing you off to him.” Gemma said flapping next to Fireblossom.
“Him?” Edgeburn asked slightly in an overprotective way.
“Well, we're terribly underhoofed as it is, currently the third shift is just one pony, occasionally the captain helps out, but otherwise the graveyard shift is quiet anyway.” Tumble explained as they headed for the barracks.
“Luckily, he's one of the three other ponies who actually lives in this fort so we'll pull him out of the barracks if he's not already grabbing something to eat.” Gemma said flapping higher.
“He hasn't gone this way!” She called back down without explanation.
“Then he's likely still inside. I hope you two have the best of luck. The Corporal is a most, peculiar one.” Tumble said with a small smile.
“Flamboyant and loud is more like it. Reminds me when I was younger” Gemma said mirroring his smile.
“Why don't I like the sound of that?” Edgeburn asked aloud.
“Make way!” A loud cry came before something shot out of the roof of the barracks.
“At least he opened the window this time.” Gemma said as the object arced down and through the window of the fort's main building.
“That looked like fun, I want to try!” Fireblossom said rushing into the barracks moments before she was seen speeding out the skylight.
“I'm doomed.” Edgeburn remarked as he galloped towards the main building.
Gemma and Tumble looked at each other for a brief second before shouting after him in unison.
“Probably.”