The Eighth Sea

A cloaked figure heads to the center of a complex of tunnels, stopping in a large room, and waiting.

Another figure comes in a few minutes later, taking off her hood.

“You called, Nisse?”

“Yes, Awinita. But we must wait for the others.”

“Indeed.”

There’s the sound of claws on stone, and a third cloaked figure enters.

“I am here.”

“Very good, Azurel.”

“We are here as well,” says another as she comes in, flanked by a second cloaked figure.

“Anaba, Noctis, good to see you.”

“We’ve come as well,” adds another voice.

“Goldmoon, Nightwind, good.”

“Why have you called us in, Nisse?” asks Goldmoon.

“The Triad is still gaining power. The Free Kingdoms are still strong, yes, but the Triad have taken all the mainland except those few, and now they are focusing on other continents. They must be stopped, and the map we were given has the key.”

“You mean that mad sailor was right?” asks Noctis.

“I’m afraid so. We need a ship. The journey will be long and hard, but if all goes well, we can get the treasure and destroy the Triad for good.”

“But what of those here, who need safe ground?”

“Our allies from before will take our duties. We must find the crystals at the Heart of the World, which is in the Eighth Sea. If we don’t, the Triad will win.”

“We have no choice then. Shall we get a ship?”

“Yes. Sea Storm said that there is a secret ship port. We need to go there.”

“What about the guards?” asks Awinita.

“That is why we must be cloaked, and keep to shadows. We can’t let them see us.”

“Now I understand. But how do you know where to go?”

“I’m a viking. The sea is in my blood, and I know the ports.”

“Shall we go?”

“We’d best wait til evening- less dangerous.”

“Ah yes, you’re right.”

"But ere we leave, there is one thing I must do," says Nisse. "Wait for me in the meeting room- I will be back as soon as I can."

She goes back into the tunnels, heading to a certain kingdom, and more specifically, a certain horse-hawk.

The viking leaves the tunnels when she gets to Avia.

"Evening, Nisse," says Ironhoof, who happened to be out for a walk. "May I ask why you are here?"

"Yes. Is Skaydi around?"

"Indeed she is. She's probably in her room right now."

"Ok. I need to speak with her."

"I see."

Nisse hurries to Skaydi's room. She's been here many times, of course, but this time she feels a sense of urgency.

The caribou knocks on the horse-hawk's door.

"Skaydi?"

"Yes?"

"It's Nisse. I need to talk to you."

"I knew it was you. I recognized your scent."

Skaydi opens the door, allowing Nisse inside.

"So what brings you here?"

"I'm going on a long journey. I'd take you with me, but with the demons, the Dark King, and the vampires loose, your skill is most needed here in Avia. But I had to get you something to remember me by..."

She takes out a small figurine of a viking caribou that has full armor and weapons. The statue is carved lovingly and with full detail out of bone.

"Long journey?" asks Skaydi as she takes the statue. "Is the sea calling you away, or something else?"

"Both. But I'm not sure if I'll come back this time..."

"What... what do you mean..?"

"The route I'm taking is treacherous and deadly. I may not live to return home."

"Where are you going?"

"The legendary Eighth Sea..."

"No! I've heard the stories- you'll never survive!"

"I have no choice. If I make it there, I'll have the weapons to destroy the Triad for good."

"If you make it..."

"I'm sorry, Skaydi, but I don't have a choice..."

"I know... But before you leave..." She signals Nisse to sit next to her.

"Yes?"

Skaydi plucks out a feather from her chest and gives it to Nisse.

"Horse-hawk, is this a marriage proposal?!" asks Nisse as she takes the feather and puts it in the front pocket of her saddlebag.

"Uh huh..."

"Then I'll need to be sure to come back! I can't let you down, my little white raven!"

Skaydi wraps her wing around Nisse and pulls her closer.

"If you want to thank me proper, little hawk..."

"Hmm, very well..."

Nisse presses her muzzle against Skaydi's neck and starts grooming the horse-hawk's feathers.

Skaydi stays very still, letting her lover groom her, then when Nisse's done, Skaydi does the same to the caribou.

When it's over, Nisse gets up to leave.

"Love you, my little hawk," says Skaydi. "Try to come back alive if you can."

"Of course, my little raven. Love you too."

Nisse leaves when she's done talking and goes back into the tunnels, halting when she gets back to her allies.

"So what was that about, eh?" asks Goldmoon.

"Just saying goodbye to a friend..."

"You mean girlfriend, don't you? I've seen how you and Skaydi look at each other!"

"Oh hush! Unless you want me to start talking about you and Night-"

"Don't start! It's evening and we have a ship to buy."

The warriors leave their hidden place in the tunnels, heading toward a port across town. There’s a large sign above the port, saying “Honest Goldbrick’s Used Ships”.

“This was the one Sea Storm warned us to avoid,” whispers Nisse.

Unfortunately, someone overhears.

“Welcome, welcome!” says a male voice.

Nisse instinctively rears up, startled, and the unicorn stallion talking backs off very quickly.

“Who are you?” asks Nisse.

“I’m Goldbrick, used ship salespony extraordinaire.”

“Not interested.”

“Nonsense! Why else would you be at port?”

“Why not?”

“Come on, let me show you my wares.”

“I said no.”

“Not even a little peek?”

“And why should we do this?”

“Because I have the best ships in the area.”

“Hmph. If I let you, will you go away?”

“Of course. Now let me show you around.”

“Hmph.”

“I don’t like this, Nisse,” says Awinita.

“Trust me, if he tries anything...” Nisse touches a hoof to the sword under her cloak.

“Good,” whispers the griffin.

Nisse turns back to the pale yellow unicorn.

“Well, show us your wares.”

“Come with me.”

“Not without the others.”

“Well, all right.”

Nisse nods at her friends, who follow her.

“Now this ship is a gently used merchant ship, the Silver Seamare-”

Nisse hops onto the ship before Goldbrick has a chance to stop her.

“Gently used, my tail! This ship has more holes than a sieve!”

“Welll, the merchants did have a tiny bit of pirate trouble- but I can give you a good price-”

“Forget it. We’re planning a long journey. Do you have any seaworthy tubs?”

“A… long journey, miss? How long?”

“Long enough. I need a good seaworthy tub, one that is hard to sink. Got it?”

“Come with me.”

The stallion sounds much more earnest this time, and his demeanor becomes much more serious.

“What’s with the change in tone?”

“I think I know who you are, and I can help.”

“Oh?”

“Come on, but quickly, before the guards arrive!”

Nisse looks a little confused, but follows, along with her allies.

The stallion leads them into a hidden port underneath the real one.

“This ship should work for you. It’s the Wind Rider.”

Nisse hops into the ship and studies it.

“Yes, this is a very fine ship. How much?”

“Normally it would be several hundred bits, but if you are who I think you are, it’s free.”

“Ok, who do you think we are?”

The stallion lowers his voice.

“You are from Below, of the Other, yes?”

“Why should we tell you?”

“I know you don’t trust me, but I’m on your side. Many of my kin have been killed or imprisoned by the Triad, and I will help anyone who will remove them from power.”

“Hmph.”

“You need to leave. Here is your ship. The guards will be coming soon- hurry!”

The travelers look at each other a moment, then get in the ship.

Nisse starts the wheel, and the sailors leave port.

Once they are out of view, several guards knock on the door of the used ship port.

“Goldbrick. We need to speak to you.”

“Y-yes..?”

“How many ships have you sold?”

“None, none today.”

“You seem nervous…”

“I-I’m afraid I w-won’t stay in business… haven’t sold enough ships…”

“Hmm.”

The guard circles Goldbrick.

“If you are telling the truth, you will be left in peace. But if you are lying, Lord Discord will devour your heart.”

“Y-yessir…”

The guards leave a very nervous Goldbrick in his office.

Celestia protect the travelers, let them go safely. Please let them stay safe, let them get what they must to save the realm. If I die, please allow them to live...Celestia and Luna, please, please keep them safe....