private A Cultural Exchange 1x1 with Randimaxis

[Illiad Easle 3,164]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad gave a slightly irritated expression towards Dax for how insistent he was that Oglevy leave, and while he didn't appreciate Oglevy being on his back it wasn't really Dax's place to say so.

 

He sighed as he turned towards Oglevy, "How's this, you have lunch with us, but once lunch is over you leave us alone for the rest of the day alright?"

 

He really hoped that would be a good enough offer, both for Oglevy and for Dax.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

"YESSSSSS!"

 

Oglevy did a full flip in midair, then turned towards Dax's flank sticking out of the pantry.

 

"And I promise - after lunch, no more bugging."

 

A mutter escaped the pantry; nothing more, though.  Oglevy then turned back to the unicorn.

 

"So, yeah - I wanted to ask you about all that stuff that went-..."  He glanced over at his brother, then turned his attention back to Illiad.  "... um, that went down with that ghost-king-thing that was in me - you remember that, I'm sure.  I could SEE you two, and I could HEAR you, but..."

 

He took to his hooves and sat at the kitchen table.  "... well, it was weird.  I heard everything you were talking about, but the spirit inside me was thinking in SO much more detail.  It was so alien!"

 

"YOU'RE an alien..." 

 

"I wanted to know... I saw some kind of glowing pony, back in the tunnels wi-"  He shifted his eyes to Dax again, then mouthed the words with Luna to Illiad and continued, "... when all that other stuff happened."

 

Dax's head came out of the pantry at that.  "Wait... when did YOU see anything?"

 

"I was there, dummy."

 

"Wait... YOU were there?"

 

Oglevy uncharacteristically started to blush.  "Yyyyyyeeeeeaaaaahhhhhh... I was kinda... coming for... revenge?"

 

Dax stared at him for a moment... then his face went to a look that said Dax was completely familiar with the situation.  "Lemme guess... water balloon?"

 

"Yup."

 

"Paint?"

 

"Father's Onyx Ink."

 

Dax gave a low whistle.  "Bold - will he miss it?"

 

"Nope - he still has eighteen more."

 

Dax looked thoughtful for a moment.  "Is... is THAT what you threw in Havoc's face?"

 

Oglevy smiled and nodded.  Dax stared for a moment, then laughed.  "Good one."

 

The colt grinned.  "Better on that shard-slinging so-and-so than on you, Illia-..."  He blushed again.  "Sorry."

[Illiad Easle 3,164]

@@Randimaxis

 

Illiad was glad to see that the brothers were actually starting to get along, it seemed they would become good friends at some point in the future if this kept up.

 

"As to what happened in the caves it is something your father would have to tell you about, given your recent possession I think he'd be a bit more inclined to tell you about it than before."

 

He turned towards Dax, "You look like you have something in mind for lunch, care to share your idea?"

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Dax started to speak, but Oglevy cut him off.  "Hey, what about Fruit Pizza?  You remember that, Dax?"

 

Dax's irritation at being cut off stopped dead in its' tracks, and the young stallion began to smile.

 

"Hey, yeah... we haven't done that in a diamond dog's age!"  He turned to Illiad, "Yeah - Fruit Pizza!  Trust me, Illiad - it's worth the work!"  To his brother, he said, "Okay - JAM!"

 

The colt flapped into the air.  "JAM - GOT IT!"  He then flew into the higher shelve of the pantry, scouring them with his eyes as Dax made his way to the icebox, where he began to gather the things used to make dough; not some pre-prepared dough, but ingredients to MAKE dough.  As soon as he'd set them down, he began to mix things together in a bowl.

 

Oglevy zipped back to the counter and deposited a jar of Zap Apple Jam on it.  "JAM, CHECK!"

 

"Ho-kay!  Now, we'll need CHERRIES, STRAWBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES and some FIG PRESERVES - you on it?"

 

The colt saluted his older brother.  "YES, SIR!  CHERRIES!"  With that, he took off out of the kitchen, and Dax laughed to watch him go.  Still working, he turned to face Illiad.  

 

"Oggie and I used to do this whenever we could get away with it... but I really learned how to do this from Harcourt; don't tell Oglevy - he thinks it's just OUR thing, and I don't wanna ruin that for him."

 

He turned back to the mixing in front of him.  "Check the pantry; I know I saw some Fig Preserves in there a moment ago... would you bring a jar here?  Shouldn't need more than one."

[Illiad Easle 3,164]

@@Randimaxis,

 

It seemed Illiad was just about to get a crash course in baking, the most he had ever cooked before was a decent pot of spaghetti, though boiling water wasn't exactly difficult. The most complicated thing he had ever cooked had come out of a box, ad that was why he only bought rather than baked bread.

 

Lack of cooking talent aside, it was hard for him not to get caught up in the excitement of the kitchen. He made his way over to the pantry that Dax had mentioned with a smile on his face, he opened it and began looking for anything that would seem to be the fig preserves that Dax wanted. "Alright then, let's see what I can find."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

With what was in the pantry, an entire platoon could eat for a week solid.

 

It was crocked to the gills with all sorts of jarred and boxed and wrapped foodstuffs... yet each and every shelf was labeled and sorted in alphabetical order - it took all of five seconds to find the preserves; lowest shelf, far left side.  They looked like they might have been fresh only yesterday...

 

When Illiad brought the jar over, Dax grinned as he worked.

 

"Okay, first the dough for the crust... I usually like to add a little cinnamon here..." Dax shook a small tin over the mixing bowl, and the pungent smell of fresh cinnamon wafted out as the brown sprinkles dotted the dough mix; Dax returned to the mixing after that.

 

"Once we get this done, all we have to do is spread the preserves, arrange the fruit slices on it like we want, then bake it!  It's a little bit of work, but..."

 

Oglevy whipped around the corner and THUMP!  He dropped a fresh basket of cherries on the counter.  "CHERRIES - CHECK!"

 

Dax nodded.  "Okay, good - nice job!  Now, there's strawberries in the pantry... but I thiiiiiink we're out of blueberries - Oglevy?"

 

The colt saluted yet again, "AYE AYE, SIR!  BLUEBERRIES!"  And off he went again, faster than Illiad's eyes could follow.  Dax continued to mix the batter, and started humming that happy little tune again.  Dax's moods may have been strong and rapid at times, but the pure, simple happiness he was feeling right now was proof positive that the young stallion wasn't as depressed as he sometimes seemed to be.

 

He gave a casual glance over his shoulder at Illiad, gave a soft giggle, then turned quickly and smeared a small gob of dough onto the tip of his friend's snout.

 

"HA!"  

 

He giggled profusely.  Even though he was almost out of his teenaged years, Dax still seemed like he was very much colt-like... of course, whether that would be an asset or a hindrance in the future remained to be seen.

[Illiad Easle 3,164]

@@Randimaxis

 

Illiad shuddered at the feeling of the dough on his nose, the scent of cinnamon rather overwhelming at that proximity. He quickly sat down as he tried to scrape the dough off of his nose, but it only seemed to get it me stuck in the short hairs.

 

He did manage to get a good bit of it off though, and with an evil look in his eye he managed to return it to Dax by sticking it right on the center of his forehead. "Take that!"

 

He laughed as well, though the little that remained of the dough on his own face still bugged him out of the corner of his eyes.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Dax stared cross-eyed at where the doughdrop landed, then his eyes lined up to look at Illiad.

 

"Oh... reeeeeeeally???"  

 

Dax's grin grew.

 

"Well... I guess that means I'll justHAVETODOTHIS!"  He said, his words rushing together as he wheeled around and slung an entire hooful of dough at Illiad, aimed directly for his chest.  

 

As the doughball arced through the air, Dax laughed aloud as he turned to face the unicorn, an identical mischievous look on his muzzle to match Illiad's own.

[Illiad Easle 3,164]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Having seen the counter attack coming Illiad was able to skillfully dodge the blob as well as catch it with his magic when it passed by him, returning the ball on an arc that would land it back in the bowl.

 

"As fun as this is, I'd much rather be able to eat the dough than wear it." Despite the chiding words Illiad spoke with an expression that confirmed he was having a great time. 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Dax eyeballed him a moment more, then sighed exaggeratedly.  "Fine... spoilsport."  

 

But the sentiment was empty; Dax had enjoyed the moment as well.  He turned back to face the bowl, continuing with mixing ingredients.  It wasn't long before Oglevy returned with the blueberries, and Dax finished making the dough.  From there, it wasn't long before the three of them were seated at the table in the kitchen, waiting for the delicious-smelling concoction to finish baking in the brick oven.

 

Dax and Oglevy had a little fun, a little arguing, a little talk - they were very much siblings, and it was obvious they cared about one another; Illiad hadn't seen the two of them together much, but this showed that they had an immensely complex relationship with each other, that covered everything from noogies to brohooves...

 

Just like actual, real brothers.

 

After a bit, Oglevy turned to Dax and simply stared at him for a moment.  

 

"Dax... how'd you get a friend like him in the first place?"  Oglevy motioned to the Trojan.  "I mean, I know you sent letters back and forth, but... is that REALLY all it took?"

 

Dax gave Illiad a glance and grinned.  

 

"Well, it DID start out that way, yeah.  Illiad's letters were polite, straightforward and it seemed like his curiosity was piqued; he genuinely wanted to make a friend out of me, and I wanted one in him, so... it was just like that."

 

Oglevy's emotions were a little confused.  Turning to the Trojan, he asked, "So what made YOU want to come HERE?  I mean, did Dax really sound like somepony you'd have wanted to meet?"

 

Dax started to glare at his little brother, but Oglevy knew his brother well; he turned to him, "No, no - it's not a dig at you... I'm genuinely curious."

 

Dax thought it over for a moment, decided he was speaking in earnest, and sat back.  The colt turned back to the unicorn.

 

"... well?"

[Illiad Easle 3,164]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad thought for a bit, "Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't start on this whole thing for political reasons, when I saw the flyer for the cultural exchange I thought it would be a great opportunity to show the voters my willingness to reach out to other nations. When I was paired with Dax and actually got talking with him I decided that I would do my best to get a friend out of it as well. In his letters Dax reminded me of my younger self, full of desire to learn about everything and to experience the world. So I kept on with it, answering his questions and asking my own. So in a way yes, Dax did make himself sound like someone worth meeting, and he really was. I'm glad I decided to come here, and I'll miss this place when I'm gone." 

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Oglevy grew a thoughtful look, while Dax smiled from ear to ear; Illiad would have to remember that - Dax reacted VERY well to his friend's praise emotionally.  Perhaps it'd be a good way to pull him out of a funk in the future...

 

The colt stared at the oven some more, as if his gaze alone would make the pizza done.  Then, he turned to the unicorn.

 

"So, if you've set to prove how relations can be between nations, wouldn't it be of common interest to your constituents to actually have a chance to meet Dax as well?  It would generate more talk about your endeavors, and would possibly turn out to bring more of the general populace to your sway, as they could relate better to Dax - it would be tough to put the face of the enemy on him, don't you agree?"

 

Sometimes it was hard to forget that Oglevy was supposedly a genius; it was a rich vocabulary for a colt of his age, and he used it confidently.  Someday, he'd be a force to be reckoned with...

 

Dax, however, somewhat blushed at the idea.  "A-a-all those ponies?  They wouldn't want to meet me..."  

 

The young pegasus looked at Illiad.  "Would they?"

[Illiad Easle 3,164]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad was taken aback by Oglevy's sudden use of rather scholarly words, "While that might be, that sort of thing is something that would have had to have been arranged prior and Dax is still a bit young to be put in such a spotlight. Perhaps at some point in the future that would be advisable, but for now Troy has a very poor view of Equestria and thus might take things a bit too far in an interview. We'll just keep on as we've been and let the citizens sort through the results afterwards."

 

He sighed as he turned towards the oven for a bit as well, "Also, just because you can use big words in a sentence, doesn't mean it will help get your point across." 

Edited August 10, 2016 by Illiad Easle

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Oglevy gave a bit of a pout.

 

"Frankly, it's MY vocabulary; when I observe a personally intriguing opportunity to express myself more eloquently, I may indulge in such a significant manner at my own whim... and if I wanna talk simply, I'll do that, too."

 

"Plus," he added, "you don't have to be so snooty all the time, either..."

 

"Oggie!"

 

"DON'T... call me that!"  He pulled himself under control; he really didn't want to fight - he was simply being a kid; he knew it, yet he just couldn't help it.  Dax rolled his eyes.  

 

"He's always been like that.  He'll be a goofy little pain for a while..."  He gave his brother a playful shove, which the colt returned in kind.  "... but sometimes, he can be wicked-scary smart.  Really."  Oglevy, emotionally, was alive - Dax's praise made him so very happy, yet he simply did his best to just grin and say,

 

"Pizza's done."

 

Jumping up and going for the giant wooden spatula next to the oven, Dax carefully worked the pie from the oven to the table, still steaming and bubbling in some corners.  

 

It... smelled... WONDERFUL!  

 

The blend of sugars, slightly sweet spices and baked fruit had an aroma that was as close to the definition of the word 'ambrosia' as one could get without magic.  It looked as delicious as it smelled, and even Dax looked ready to tackle it himself... however, he calmly stepped back, and shook his head.

 

"No, not yet - it's gotta cool for a bit - THEN it'll be ready!"

[Illiad Easle 3,164]

@@Randimaxis,

 

It was certainly different from the pizzas he had had before, while they focused on spices and vegetables this one focused on the sweet aspect to pair with fruits. In a way it was the opposite of a pizza, yet very much the same.

 

At the very least it smelled better than anything else he had helped to make, probably due to the fact that he hadn't really helped make it. Which to be honest was probably the best course of action.

 

"Wow, this smells absolutely wonderful."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

"Yeah - Daxie's a GREAT chef!  He learned how from the Ons - and they're top-level!"

 

Dax smiled at his brother's compliment, then he turned to Illiad.

 

"I... wanted you to have the first slice.  You've never had one before, so I figured it'd be a good gesture to let you try it first."

 

Though one would normally think that the colt would protest this, Oglevy actually smiled and bounced on his hooves a bit.

 

"Yeah!  Try it, Illiad!  Try it!"

 

The pizza, once Dax brought it over to the table, looked absolutely scrumptious - and it smelled even better.

[Illiad Easle 3,164]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad looked a bit shy at being offered the first piece, but accepted, grabbing one of the slices with his magic which also served to cool it a bit to ensure it would be the proper temperature when he bit into it. His only hope as he took a first bite was that he would actually enjoy it, or at the very least he could make himself appear as if he had enjoyed it.

 

He'd hate to disappoint Dax after all.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

It was a slice of miracle.

 

At first, the only-slightly sweet dough was the first sensation to grace his palette; it was like homemade cinnamon toast, with just the right amount of butter - not dry, yet not greasy, either.  It spoke of fine, toasty kitchens like this one, and was a worthy crust for this masterpiece.

 

Then the baked fruits and berries reached him, and it was an odd, yet wholly pleasant and fascinating blend of warm nature at its' best.  One wouldn't think such a harmony could be had, but it was uncanny the way the flavors complimented each other - not to mention the crust, as well.

 

But when the bubbly, almost ambrosia-like jam of the gooey filling coated his tongue, the entire melody came together as a pure symphony of delicious music for the tastebuds.  It was a simple dish, it seemed... but whatever Dax had in the way of kitchen magic, he may as well have been an Alicorn-level sorcerer.

 

Both the Blackwater brothers smiled as they watched the unicorn take his first bite... then Oglevy grabbed a slice and began to chow down.  Dax, however, was politely waiting for Illiad.  

 

"It's good, right?"

[Illiad Easle 3,164]

@@Randimaxis, 

 

Illiad nodded emphatically, while he wanted to shove the whole thing in his mouth, along with a few other slices of the pie, he knew that would rather poor form. Thus he exercised all his will just to prevent himself from consuming the whole thing in two bites. Forcing himself to savor the fruit filled experience across three or maybe even four bites.

 

In the end though he probably ate it quite a bit faster than he should have, "Um, yes. It is very good. Much better than I've ever been able to make myself." He said so sheepishly due to his embarrassment at having eaten it so quickly.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Dax laughed at Illiad's expression, yet put another slice on a plate for him as he then served himself.  Out of eight pieces, Illiad got three, Dax took two, and Oglevy wolfed down the rest.  It was no surprise it went so fast; it was amazing.

 

Finishing up, Oglevy wiped his hoof across his sticky muzzle, then smiled at them both.  "Fruit pizza - it can't be beat-za!"

 

Dax grinned and lifted an eyebrow.  "Eeyup.  Now, I believe someone had made a promise to leave us alone after they had lunch with us, didn't they?"  He gave his little brother a mock-angry glare, but the colt was still disappointed.

 

"Awwwww... chestnuts."  Somewhat strong language from a colt, but Dax didn't even flinch; he was apparently used to such words coming from his sibling in these cases.  He flapped into the air, and facing Illiad, he gave a rather cordial bow.

 

"Thank you for having my company, good stallion.  I shall hopefully see thee on the morrow, afore thy chariot arrives!"

 

To Dax, he said, "Later, spinach-chin."

 

Dax replied, "Later, water-wings."

 

They exchanged a sibling's glare, then Oglevy smiled as he flew out of the room.  Dax watched him go, a light feeling in his heart, then turned back to Illiad.  "Okay, lunch is lunched; what now?  OOH!  I know - we should check on Taps; after the other day, we should make sure she's alright, right?"

[Illiad Easle 3,164]

@@Randimaxis,

 

Illiad rolled his eyes at Oglevy's exaggerated exit before bidding him farewell as well.

 

He gave a good natured, yet prolonged sigh at the idea to see Taps again. "Ughhhh... Fine... If we must..." He snorted at his own actions. "Seriously though, if that's where you want to go then I'll go with you." 

 

To be honest he wasn't looking forward to seeing Taps again so soon, but he supposed it really couldn't be avoided.

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

The two of them left the manor, headed into the quarry yard once more.  

 

The bustle of work at the Gem Refinery was winding down as sunset approached; soon, the late shift would come in and finish up whatever the day shift left behind, clean, then leave it all for the day shift to mess up again in the morning.

 

As they continued on, Illiad could see the vault looming over the silent sheds, all in twin neat rows from the boulder to the yard.  For a moment, he thought he saw a flash of maroon... but it was nothing.

 

Eventually, they reached the Pony Express office/cottage, and it looked just as unassuming as ever; knowing what he now knew about the depths of The Closet, it would be easy to wonder about any other Pony Express station that ever existed...

 

At any rate, Dax reached the front door, peeked in the window and smiled.  "Yeah - she's here!"

 

Through the pane, the unicorn saw the petite blue pegasus on the other side of the counter; she looked BORED... but Illiad could feel, carefully drifting, a fog of woe around the poor mare.  She wasn't even paying much attention, as she was staring at a calendar on the opposite wall, where it depicted a beautiful tropical paradise.

 

Dax looked at Illiad.  "Okay, now you behave; I'm sure she feels bad enough about losing the Jinx Stone, so don't exacerbate things... please?"

[Illiad Easle 3,164]

@@Randimaxis

 

Illiad rolled his eyes again, "Even if I were inclined to cause trouble, I can tell she'll suffer enough without anything extra on my part."

 

Without further adieu Illiad knocked on the door before calling out to the mare within, "Hey Taps, it's Dax and I. We just decided to come by and make sure you're doing alright given yesterday."

[Randimaxis 8,652]

@Illiad Easle

 

 

Taps instantly turned her head towards the door at the sound of Illiad's voice, and upon sight of Dax waving through the glass pane, she gave a small smile.  She trotted out from behind the counter, came to the door, and pulled it open.  

 

She looked at Dax and smiled; it was the grin of an older sister - full of kindness and concern.

 

She looked at Illiad... and rolled her eyes.  Yup, it looked like she still saw him as he saw her; but she did sigh, lock eyes with him, and nod accordingly.  She didn't HATE the Trojan... but they wouldn't be all cozied-up by the fire singing 'Kumbaya' anytime soon, that was certain.

 

Dax looked her over.  "I know Illiad took the brunt of what happened, but you were there working with him - so you might have... y'know... gotten hit with shrapnel or something..."

 

Taps gave Dax a tight-lipped smile, and touselled his mane playfully.  He smiled back at her, straightening his mane back as he did.  "I suppose that means you're okay, hunh?"

 

Taps nodded, then looked at the unicorn for a moment... then, she held up a hoof, and went back inside quickly - returning moments later with two scrolls.  She gave them both to Illiad, accompanied with a slightly skeptical look.

 

One of the scrolls was labelled 'Do not open until after you leave', the other 'For your eyes only'; they were both for the unicorn.  Passing these over, she then turned back to Dax.  

 

"So, I guess that means you're fine, and you'll just be here whenever we need you, won'cha?  Good ol' Taps!"

 

Though she grinned at Dax's comment, Illiad could feel the ache she experienced inside when he said it - it was obvious that Taps was longing for something other than her job... but she was loyal, he had to give her that much.  Dedicated.  There would be no rushing this mare out of her work anytime soon - and determination such as that is always something worthwhile.

 

Dax turned to Illiad.  "Well, it's YOUR last day here... anything else you'd like to see?"

 

As Dax spoke, Taps - feeling as though her pat here was through, turned to head back inside... but the look she gave Illiad before she left told him that she had wanted to say so much more... but the facade must stay intact; the show must go on.

[Illiad Easle 3,164]

@@Randimaxis

 

Illiad looked at Taps with a concerned expression as he stowed the scrolls away for later viewing. "Well Taps, you probobly know how to reach me if you need me."

 

With that he turned his body towards the door as he looked towards Dax, "Well, we've seen the vault, ended up seeing Redd, Knee, Chuck, Silver and now Taps, hmm." Illiad thought for a moment on where else they could go. "Well, I guess all we need is something to last till dinner, is there anything else you'd like to show me before then?"