The Rhyme of the Ancient Marener

by Brolkier

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Original Character, Pipsqueak
Length: 6939

The ocean of Equestria was vast and wide. Three ponies set to sea. Through days and nights, and horrid frights. This is their tale to be.

Ever wonder ye, about the past.
The tale of Equestria's ocean.
Of ships and sails, and ponies' tails.
And of their strong devotion.

To cross the sea, to be the first.
That was their one true goal.
Journey with them now, and see the how.
A story to bold for a foal.

Inspired by the poem: "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Cover art credited to dA user: TALONABRAXAS

Published 2014-05-11 11:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2014-05-26 21:48:43 UTC

Part I

I stood upon the sandy shores,
Staring out to sea.
I wondered what lie beyond those waves
That moved so bold and free.

No pony had dared ever cross
The water, dark and blue.
It’s distance so vast, it left them aghast,
That the end was not in view.

I wanted to try to test my hoof,
To be the very first.
To cross this blue, untamed best,
And quench my unknown thirst.

To do such though, I’d need a crew,
One brave, one quick, one loyal.
To join me on this daring quest,
Beyond Equestria’s soil.

I need not look very far,
To find one that was quick.
A Unicorn, of coat pure white,
Whose mind was far from thick.

I watched, as she tricked a stallion,
Whom had too much to drink.
In a flash, appeared his belt,
And quick his pants did sink.

A hearty laugh, from mares and colts,
Did fill up the saloon.
The stallion left, without a word,
As if from mocked, by a bird,
Staggering like a loon.

I approached the mare, to ask her name,
But she quickly walked away.
I called: ‘Please miss, oh Unicorn,
Won’t you hear what I have to say?’

She turned to me, eyes of cold,
Ones that made me shiver.
I gathered the courage to speak the words,
That I knew I must deliver.

I told her of my adventurous quest,
To sail the salty brine.
To sail, and sail, and sail through on
Celestia’s sunshine.

She looked at me with eyes of query,
Per’aps thinking me insane.
‘Twas crazy for any normal pony,
To traverse that blue terrain.

She opened her mouth, and spoketh to me:
‘What do I have to gain?
If nothing of value is my to take,
Then this quest sounds like a pain.’

I knew she was quick, so I thought quicker,
To keep her interest in.
I said: ‘Join me, and riches be,
If you stick thick and thin.’

I knew my bluff had won the mare,
When she came back with a smile.
She told me her name was Cat’s Eye,
And that she’d stay for a while.

Now with the quick, and me the brave,
We need now find the loyal.
A pony with guts to never quit,
Despite our constant toil.

We asked around, to find such pony,
But all to no avail.
The very thought of a rocking boat,
Made all their faces quite pale.

We searched around for hours more,
Till soon our hooves did tire.
Returning to my waiting ship,
I quickly made a fire.

The glow of the flames kept us warm,
As the fire let out a crackle.
I returned from the ship, with cider to sip,
And sticks to roast an apple.

The two alone, we sat in place,
Till something broke the silence.
A growling of menace,
Of which we would gladly pay a penance,
To avoid a more gruesome violence.

The growling grew louder, only to die down,
And then let out a snort.
We each looked around, to find the sound,
Until our necks contort.

Soon enough, we narrowed our search,
And found the noise up high.
Up above, on a cloud of tuft,
Was a yellow Pegasus in the sky.

The mare snored loudly from her cloud,
Oblivious to those below.
She shifted slightly, and the cloud did shake,
Releasing flakes of snow.

Cat’s Eye annoyed, picking up a rock,
Doth chucked it at the mare.
It hit her square in the plot,
Giving her a scare.

She leapt from her cloud, and flew to the ground,
To confront her rude attacker.
I quickly jumped in-between, preventing a scene,
Thinking she would smack her.

The Pegasus opened her mouth wide
‘What do you think you’re doing?
Why did you hit me with a rock,
Whilst I was just snoozing?’

I apologized for Cat’s Eye
‘She really didn’t mean it.
It’s just your snoring was so loud,
By just a teeny-tiny bit.’

She rolled her eyes, to no surprise,
And asked why we were here.
We told her of our wanted quest,
And how it gripped ponies in fear.

Her eyes lit up when we told her of,
Traveling across the sea.
A thought that which would normally cause
Other ponies to flee.

She told us that she wanted in,
And would not betray our trust,
We found our loyal in Endless Sky,
It was now the ocean, or bust!

Part II

With crew in hoof, we board my boat
Christened ‘The Golden Bee.’
To start our epic journey,
Out upon the sea.

Cat’s Eye did tend to the fire,
And Endless to the sails.
An old steamboat of pride and true,
It’s creaking made such wails.

We left port harbor on the day,
The tenth cold day of winter.
With snow said to fall to the east
To cause one’s eyes to squinter.

We paid the weather ponies no heed,
Sailing into the sun.
For strong gusts help to push our sails,
We were having so much fun.

An hour into our journey
Endless brought attention to me.
She said; ‘Hey I hope you don’t mind,
But I really have to pee!’

Our ship had but one bathroom,
And we were far away from shore.
Cat’s Eye did like to take her time,
Sitting on her chore.

I looked at Endless’ hurting eyes,
Not wanting her to falter.
I gave her the only option I could think of,
And pointed to the water.

She looked at me with eyes of wide
Thinking I thought her a duck.
I could only let out a little squee,
To which she replied: ‘Well buck.’

She took off diving into the sea,
As Cat’s Eye did emerge.
When asked upon, where Endless had gone,
I could already hear my dirge.

‘She decided to take a little swim.’
Those words doth come from me.
Daring not to tell the Unicorn mare,
She had been waiting to pee.

Soon dear Endless did emerge
From beneath the water’s deep.
Upon her seeing Cat’s Eye,
I dared not make a peep.

We sailed, and sailed, and sailed,
All throughout the day.
We sailed till we felt hunger,
And ate burgers of hay.

Sailing did so prove boring,
So I played a little game.
I would count the clouds up in the sky,
Which proved boring all the same.

Cat’s Eye would twiddle her knife around,
Which she kept upon her hip.
Glowing in her red aura,
Like lipstick on a lip.

Endless though was quite ecstatic,
Atop the tall crow’s nest.
She constantly watched the water,
Which she thought was the best.

With Cat’s Eye quick, and Endless loyal,
That again, left me the brave.
But I wasn’t sure what I would do,
If one of their lives I had to save.

Being but an Earth pony,
I had only my strength.
So to what I’d do in the ocean,
I knew not of the length.

I blocked such thoughts from my mind,
For a captain must be strong.
Besides, the waters have been calm,
I’ve been silly all along.

Our ship was strong and sturdy,
So if the water’s began to chop.
I need not worry of a flip,
Nor even of a little slip,
The ship would always land atop.

Nightfall did soon fall upon us,
As we gazed up at the stars.
The mare in the moon was clear tonight,
Behind her lunar bars.

I left the deck and to my bed,
Where I wrapped up in a bundle.
But to my surprise, I turned my eyes,
To find Cat’s Eye in a cuddle.

I was never one for another mare,
So I politely pushed away.
But she pretended to fall upon the bed,
As the ship began to sway.

I jumped from the bed and spoketh to her:
‘What does your mind doth think?’
She gave a smile quite sinister,
And followed with a wink.

I left back up to the ship’s deck,
And retired to the galley.
Locking the door behind me,
To prevent an open alley.

Laying my head down upon the floor,
Wrapped in the tablecloth.
Finally I was all alone,
Save for a flying moth.

The moth, it did not bother me,
For sleep I had in store.
This is till I heard Endless
Outside begin to snore.

I brought my hooves up to my ears,
But soon took them away.
I must learn to get used to this,
For tomorrow’s another day.

Part III

I awoke to a knocking
Upon the galley door.
I wiped the sand from my eyes,
And opened them to a surprise.
Finding frost upon the floor.

The knocking came again,
And I went to see the matter.
‘Twas Endless Sky at the door,
Her teeth were all a chatter.

‘By Celestia’s sun, this isn’t fun,
I’ve never felt this freeze.’
Quote the yellow Pegasus,
Whom then let out a sneeze.

She zipped past me into the room,
Like evading a rainstorm.
Wrapping in my blanket,
Desperate to get warm.

I asked her where Cat’s Eye had gone,
In this cold and snowy pickle.
Quote she: ‘If you ask me,
Of what her cutie mark should be,
I’d say a hammer and a sickle.’

Upon asking further,
I found out where Cat’s Eye be.
She held up in the engine room,
Not letting the heat free.

I walked out onto the deck,
To find a wonderland of snow.
As every inch of my fair ship,
Emitted a white glow.

The cold bothered me little,
Being a pony of the Earth.
My companions on the other hoof,
Would rather stay in berth.

I looked over the starboard side,
To find we were still moving.
Even in the winds so calm,
The silence eerily soothing.

I traversed then to the engine room,
Through the snow piling high.
To check upon the status,
Of the dear crewmate Cat’s Eye.

I stamped my hoof upon the door,
‘Cat’s Eye, it’s me!’ quote I.
Till silence once again took hold,
As a minute soon passed by.

The handle I tried, but wouldn’t move,
So I gave the door a buck.
It fell right off its hinges,
I’m not sure if that was luck.

Inside I found poor Cat’s Eye,
Covered head to hoof in soot.
With the black of coal on her white coat,
Looked like a fancy suit.

Speaking of coal, I looked to see,
From how much she had drawn.
But to my surprise, before my eyes,
I found it was all gone.

‘You used up all the coal!’ said I,
‘How will we stoke the fire?’
What first was simply cold and snow,
Now became much more dire.

Once the fire ran its course,
We would be set adrift.
For without them and no wind above,
Our sails they would not lift.

I quickly tightened all the valves,
To regulate the steam.
Then glaring upon Cat’s Eye,
My eyes did surly beam.

She didn’t say a word to me,
But let out a bad cough.
From all the soot she doth inhaled,
I decided not to scoff.

I led her out and to the galley,
Going back to fix the door.
From the freezing cold, and pounding nails,
My hooves did grow quite sore.

Now back inside, I joined the two
Sitting down to eat.
And looking out the window pane,
My eyes viewed something quite insane.
The snow doth turned to sleet.

From snow to sleet, then sleet to rain,
The weather sure changed fast.
Not even a weather pony,
Could have foreseen this forecast.

As the rain continued to rattle on,
It began to make me think.
With all this water and melting snow,
I sure hope we don’t sink!

With the snow now gone, and rain still falling,
It became a little warmer.
Cat’s Eye stood up and walked outside,
To let the rain adorn her.

The rain mixed with the soot,
As the two slid down her curves.
Endless’ wings gave a pomf,
From her obvious observes.

For some reason Cat’s Eye did dance,
A leap, a hop, a questionable prance,
‘Twas a silly little jig.
Endless’ eyes however, could not avert,
As if caught by the dancing flirt,
So into her food her face did dig.
As funny as both were to savor,
I should have done them both a favor,
And thrown them in the brig.

Throughout the day the rain still fell,
And well into the night.
The clouds eclipsed the skyward moon,
And with it all our light.

We lit a lamp inside the galley,
The helm, and bedroom too.
But out upon the raining deck,
Only darkness was our view.

Shadows began to play our eyes,
As strange things did appear.
Disfigured shapes, and even faces
Brought onto us much fear.

We slept our best throughout the night,
Heads under covers to hide our fright,
As the ship did waterlog.
But when time came and we awoke,
A greater fear did in us invoke,
We wish had been from grog.
We stepped out upon the deck,
A chill ran up from spine to neck,
From near and far and all between,
Was a dense and eerie fog.

Part IV

The fog lingered about the air
Limiting our sight.
Not knowing what lied beyond the ship,
Put us in a heavy plight.

I ran to the helm to check the compass,
To ensure we headed east.
Relief I felt as it pointed E,
We weren’t that lost at least.

But a problem still remained,
Sailing on “The Golden Bee.”
Without a lighthouse, or means of view,
Both without claimed more than few.
We were at the mercy of the sea.

I called upon to Endless,
Since she had the means to fly.
While the other I told to stick with me,
Referring to Cat’s Eye.

Quote I: ‘Endless fly from here,
See how far the fog might travel.
If we wish to journey safely,
This mystery we must unravel.’

With a salute, Endless took off,
Into the shrouded grey.
Meanwhile the ocean decided
To kick up some sea spray.

We waited for a while,
Till Endless did return.
Quote she: ‘I flew till I decided,
Best I should make U-turn.’

She told us she felt lucky,
To have found the ship at all.
‘Twas like flying around in circles,
Return was hard to recall.’

I thought it best, to let her rest,
Before I sent her out again.
While Cat’s Eye and I tended the ship,
Endless retired to her den.

Despite our situation,
Our ship we had to keep.
Cat’s Eye doth tended to the sails,
While I began to sweep.

After our work was finished,
We all joined in for some lunch.
Though without the sun above us,
It could very well be brunch.

I thought while I sat with my crew,
I would get to know them better.
I asked them both about their past,
Since I felt we had forever.

Endless was the first to speak,
Quite happy with herself.
Saying her life was pretty simple,
Like a book upon a shelf.

Endless Sky
‘I was born up in the clouds,
Like most other Pegasi.
Living my life carefree,
Way up in the sky.

My mother told me from very young,
What I was meant to be.
Much like the sky was endless,
I was born to be free.

I should travel across all the lands,
In our fair Equestria.
So time now past,
And then at last.
Was how I then met ya.’

Truly her life was simple,
As I let out a little chuckle.
Cat’s Eye however, was not impressed.
She just tightened her knife buckle.

Cat’s Eye
‘While I’m happy things were well for you,
Other’s lives were harder.
Much of my life spent,
Was through a very tricky barter.

Unlike most other Unicorns,
I am not from Canterlot.
My life doth started elsewhere,
Till I landed in that spot.

While things you two might take for joy,
They did not come to me.
I was fighting for my very life,
So that I too could be free.

My parents did abandon me,
Leaving me in a homeless sty.
They considered me to be quite dark,
I thought I’d get my cutie mark.
When I plucked out my cat’s eye.

The orphanage did little for me,
Except teach me tools of trade.
Though it wasn’t till I reached Canterlot,
That those tools I doth played.

From swindling, to coat picking,
To service on the side.
I did everything I could,
And swallowed all my pride.

Though it wasn’t till I passed a store,
With jewelry abound.
Of which I broke into one night,
And my talent I soon found.

For this gem upon my flank,
Did not come from a cat.
It represents my sly nature,
To take rich things within a blur
With the slightest pit-a-pat.’

Endless and I doth gulped at once,
At the story we just heard.
Then looking at each other,
We dared not say a word.

I knew Cat’s Eye was quite unique,
But I didn’t think this way.
I hoped I wouldn’t wake up,
And find on the seabed I would lay.

I skipped out on my story arc,
And instead opened the door.
Now that she had rested,
I sent Endless out once more.

She flew outside and turned to us,
And said she’d be back soon.
If only I knew time would fly,
She was gone all afternoon.

Author's Note

I should probably clarify this now, like I should have in the beginning. While it may seem like some characteristics and references are just like ones from the show, the Unicorn and Pegasus are NOT Rarity and Rainbow Dash.

Despite her having a white coat, a gem on her flank, and owning a cat at one point, the Unicorn isn't Rarity. Also, I stated that the Unicorn had a red aura, ergo having red eyes as well, not blue.

Despite the reference to loyalty, a salute, and an adventurous lifestyle, the Pegasus isn't Rainbow Dash. Also, I stated that the Pegasus was yellow, not blue.

I hope this clears any confusion, and sorry if any dreams were crushed, but that's just the way its supposed to be. I mean after all, this story IS taking place in Equestria's past. Rarity and Rainbow Dash weren't even born by this point, and even if they were, they'd still be little foals like the cake twins.

Part V

We waited and we waited,
Since Endless had been gone.
We waited and we waited,
Cat’s Eye let out a yawn.

What before had been but twenty minutes,
Soon turned into an hour.
I wondered at the length of fog,
Endless was sent to scour.

We waited a few minutes more,
Till she finally did return.
Collapsing down upon the deck,
Her wings did surely burn.

When asked how far the fog doth stretched,
The Pegasus let out a sigh.
Quote she; ‘I wish that it not true,
But the fog never left my eye.’

How could this be? How could it be?
How far does this fog stretch?
Why is it that we’re stranded so,
And a break we cannot catch?

I thanked her for her help once more,
As she once again retired.
But it pained me that once she was done,
She would once again be mired.

The gift of flight was nice indeed,
But it also was a burden.
For without knowing the length of fog,
Our gaze we could not broaden.

I meant for her in the crow’s nest,
To be the only way to scout.
But until we know the way is safe,
She must continue to set out.

It was at this time I noticed,
That Cat’s Eye began to twitch.
Much different from her calm demeanor,
Her mood appeared to switch.

‘You better hope this clears up soon.’
Cat’s Eye then spoke to me.
‘Cus if it doesn’t, I guarantee,
You won’t like what you see.’

She walked away, pulling out her knife,
And dragging it behind.
I thought about approaching her,
But that thought I soon declined.

Dinner time soon came and passed,
As Endless then approached the door.
She gave her wings a little stretch,
But I could tell they still were sore.

I thought about calling her back,
But she took off into flight.
By the time that I had reached the door,
She had vanished far from sight.

I hoped the fog would soon let up,
Or the moon at least come out.
Even though she was our loyal,
This was far more than devout.

This time however, she did not return,
Till we had gone to sleep.
I’d guess it be ‘bout midnight,
We were far from counting sheep.

Cat’s Eye and I were covered,
Our sheets like bandage wraps.
Endless however, did not care,
She was too tired of a mare.
On her bed she did collapse.

She soon began her snoring,
Much to my relief.
For what had come from Cat’s Eye,
Caused me much more grief.

Since she had laid down to sleep,
Cat’s Eye began to mutter.
Speaking things quite awful,
Well into her slumber.

I feared that of the three of us,
She was at the breaking point.
I prayed to Celestia,
That tomorrow not disappoint.

As the night gave way to morning,
We once again got up.
I took the coffee from the heat,
And filled it in each cup.

Alas, the fog still lingered so,
Another gloomy day.
I sat down at the table,
But there wasn’t much to say.

I looked to pony left and right,
Their gazes still were down.
In fact, soon upon my face,
I too did bear a frown.

Endless finished eating,
Then stood up without a word.
Walking right into the door,
Her vision must be blurred.

As her captain, as her friend,
I had to stop this now.
I did not want to lose her,
Or feel like an abuser.
This I could no more allow.

‘Endless,’ Quote I, ‘You mustn’t go,
We’ll find another way.
We’ll wait until the fog clears up,
So please this time just stay.’

Endless turned and looked at me,
Giving me a smile.
She then spoke, walking out the door,
‘I’ll be back in a while.’

I ran to stop my yellow friend,
But alas, I was too late.
How could I ever push her so?
Why did she decide to go?
To seal herself that fate.

I fell down upon my knees,
Nearly coming close to tears.
When I took another look,
And something quelled my fears.

I looked out beyond the ship,
To see the fog was not as thick.
Perhaps if it doth stayed this way,
Endless’ trip would be quite quick!

My optimism grew quite high,
As I looked out to the sea.
While the fog not gone completely,
I thought for sure that we’d be free.

Seconds turned to minutes,
And minutes into more.
Yet I stared out to sea,
Till my eyes grew quite sore.

I stared till through the fog,
I could tell the sun had set.
Though long before it fell,
I was filled with regret.

For not an hour into waiting,
The fog began to thicken.
And as my view got ever shorter,
My heart began to quicken.

I waited and I watched,
But Endless never came.
And just like when she disappeared,
My hope then did the same.

A stillness fell upon the ship,
As nothing made a sound.
I felt alone upon the ocean,
With nopony around.

The water ceased its movements,
And the ship was just as still.
This quiet and unnerving calm,
Did fear in me instill.

Then came something even worse,
Adding to my fears.
A loud and ghastly scream cried out,
Ringing though my ears.

I snapped back to reality,
Looking all around.
But no matter where my head turned,
I could not find the sound.

As the calm then returned,
The fog grew thicker still.
All the way throughout my spine,
I still could feel the chill.

The fog grew ever closer,
Until all I saw was white.
Even looking down upon my hoof,
Was not within my sight.

Then from the stern,
I heard a quiet tap.
‘Twas metal upon metal,
And my nerves it did entrap.

The tapping then grew louder,
As I feared it growing closer.
I took a step back from the rail,
And turned towards my approacher.

When at last it reached its peak,
The tapping then did cease.
But from the cold grip of fear,
I could not find release.

Silence filled the air again,
As my eyes darted quick.
But slowly coming into view,
Came an object with a reddish hue.
With the sound of magic.

What came next I’ll not forget,
For it still haunts me to this day.
A quiet little whisper,
And to me it did say:

‘I told you what would happen,
My dear, dear poor captain,
If this happened to me.
If I can’t get my treasure,
Or some other form of pleasure,
Then where does that leave me be?
Now be sure to give a cry,
After I pluck out ‘your’ eye,
Because you won’t like what you see.’

Part VI

I turned around to find Cat’s Eye,
Grinning cheek to cheek.
Thoughts of running ran through my mind,
But my legs, they felt weak.

She spun her knife round in the air,
While giving me a smile.
I tried to match my gaze to hers,
But her eyes, they stared a mile.

‘This isn’t what I came for.’
She doth said to me.
‘To be trapped in this fog,
And stranded out at sea.’

I raised my hooves to calm her down,
But she took one step closer.
Without a means with which to fight,
I dared not to oppose her.

The ship was small, and view was short,
There was little place to hide.
I had to find someplace to flee,
Or leap over the side.

‘You know my dear captain.’
She spoke to me again.
‘I don’t recall you sharing,
With Endless and I back then.’

I thought it strange she’d bring that up,
As I stared from her to knife.
Perhaps I should just tell her,
If it indeed prolongs my life.

Salty Pint
‘I was born near Horse Shoe Bay,
But grew up far from water.
‘Twas because of a paranoia,
That belonged to my father.

He knew ponies lived everywhere,
Even near Everfree.
But he wouldn’t take the chance,
To move us by the sea.

Clouds and land familiar,
But the ocean was unknown.
To him it was nothing,
But a big blue tombstone.

Despite his blatant fears,
They did not dissuade me.
I thought it was amazing,
The wide and open sea.

Often times I’d sneak out late,
And go to the waterside.
Watching the water go away,
As it went out with the tide.

Eventually, before too long,
This led to my cutie mark.
‘Twas a ship in a bottle,
And a rage it did spark.

My father thought it pointless,
And called it a bottled dream.
Not to be discouraged,
I hatched a little scheme.

Day by day, I’d go to dock,
And watch as the ships came in.
Seeing which ones came back safely,
And which ones never left again.

I knew to make my dream come true,
I’d need one of my own.
And finally that day did come,
Once I was fully grown.

After years of study,
I had found the perfect ship.
One of steam and sails,
To make an epic trip.

But before I could embark upon
My first and ever voyage.
I needed to find a willing crew,
To build upon my courage.

So after looking high and low,
You were the first I found.
And upon meeting Endless,
I thought we’d be safe and sound.’

The wrapping up of my tale,
Turned Cat’s Eye’s smile to a frown.
I do hate to admit it,
But her mind then did breakdown.

‘You mean you’ve never sailed before!?’
She yelled at me quite angry.
Then swinging her knife wild
I became much more wary.

‘You blunder head, you’ve doomed us both!
I should have never trusted you!’
I backed away more quickly,
To try to escape from her view.

She sprang into a gallop,
And around the boat did chase.
I ran every which-way,
Fear upon my face.

I knew I couldn’t go indoors,
Lest I want be trapped.
But at least since it was my ship,
I was more adapt.

While the sea indeed was calm,
The boat it did still dip.
I could easily jump the things,
That would cause Cat’s Eye to trip.

I bet she wouldn’t throw the knife,
For I knew that she would need it.
So instead I did my very best,
Putting reflexes to the test.
To match her quick of wit.

Knicks of wood, and chips of glass,
She took off with her blade.
And I knew that blood would follow,
If in the same spot I had stayed.

Running by the second time,
I finally did decide.
In the grips of the engine room,
Cat’s Eye I would confide.

I grabbed a rope within my mouth,
And placed it quickly so.
Jumping to position,
I gave it a hard tow.

The rope it caught her by the hoof,
Which made her trip and fall,
Tumbling over end,
Into the darkened stall.

Key in hoof I locked the door,
Just in the nick of time.
She began incessant banging,
And let out an awful whine.

‘Let me out! Let me out!
You can’t do this to me!
Let me out! Let me out!
I demand you set me free!’

I sat my plot upon the deck,
And took a breath of ease.
Not long coming to join me,
Came a cool and steady breeze.

Though not enough to make much wake,
She ship began to move.
While the fog around still lingered,
Of this I did approve.

I got up walking to the galley,
For from the running I did tire.
Until I smelt the smell of smoke,
And where there’s smoke there’s fire.

Turning to the engine room,
I saw the sight of flames.
Things had gone from bad to worse,
No longer fun and games.

Cat’s Eye must have knocked down the boiler,
Enticing the hot fire.
Seeking to burn down the ship,
Must now be her desire.

I called to her through the door,
‘Now tis you that have doomed us!’
Responding back in tone so low,
‘See you in Tartarus.’

Part VII

I quickly grabbed a rope and pail,
And threw them off the side.
To gather water for the fire,
And douse I did in stride.

Calling back to Cat’s Eye,
I asked if she okay.
But I received no response,
Not even a neigh.

To my dread, it quickly spread,
The hot and burning fire.
Up into the air doth grow,
A bright and glowing spire.

Fearing I may be too late,
I kicked upon the door.
After it at last swung open.
I found Cat’s Eye upon the floor.

The fumes brought her unconscious,
And from the fire she did burn.
How could all of the events,
Have taken such a turn?

I dragged her out and to the side,
Before continuing my dousing.
Trying to bring the fire back,
Within its metal housing.

The fog it seemed wouldn’t help,
Despite containing water.
A curious conundrum,
That made my task much harder.

Pail after pail,
Of water I did send.
Pail after pail,
Desperate for an end.

If only Cat’s Eye weren’t out cold,
Lying on the deck.
Together the two of us could,
Keep the flames in check.

Despite the situation,
And my ever rising fear.
A peculiar looking sight,
Quickly did appear.

The air around me had been filled,
With colors out of autumn.
A spectacle at any other time,
That would have been quite awesome.

Back to fighting fire,
I was surrounded in a haze.
As the fumes began to reach me,
My mind became a daze.

Still I tried to fight it off,
No choice had I but win.
To save my beloved ship,
And my friend with me upon this trip,
Both trusted me through thick and thin.

As I splashed more water on the flames,
I thought I heard a call.
I ignored the faint distraction,
Paying it no mind at all.

My thoughts they were too focused,
On extinguishing the fire.
To save both pony and my boat,
That was my one desire.

Water piled further on,
But the flames would not recede.
My actions proving pointless,
More help I did need.

I heard the calling come again,
So its direction I did turn.
Though lost of all direction,
It sounded from eastern.

I squinted through the brightened fog,
And thought I saw a shadow.
As quickly as it came it left,
Whizzing like an arrow.

The fire near upon me now,
I heard one call my name,
I looked up to find a friend thought lost,
‘Twas Endless one the same!

She had in hoof a cloud of fluff,
Placing high above my mane.
Proceeding to bounce and jump upon,
The cloud began to rain.

The rain it helped to dwell the flames,
Lowering the fire.
‘Twas help I much appreciated,
Since I began to tire.

But then my eyes did view a creature,
That doth caused me to stiffen.
For low behold before my eyes,
Which caught me more than by surprise.
Was a creature known as griffin.

This griffin I did notice,
Was not by means alone.
More and more appeared,
From the east they had flown.

They then all joined together,
Forming smaller crowds.
All were helping Endless,
Moving all the clouds.

As more and more and more rain fell,
So too did the fire.
Till finally at times long passed,
The flames did expire.

Endless then came down to me,
And we joined an embrace.
No words could describe the joy,
I wore upon my face.

‘Endless.’ Said I, tears flowing free.
‘I thought that you were gone!’
She then gave a slight chuckle.
‘Sorry I took so long.’

Endless’s Tale
‘At first I thought I was a goner,
After leaving thee.
The fog was never ending,
And I fell down towards the sea.

Though as luck would have it,
I came across a passer-by.
‘Twas one of these griffins,
Flying high in the sky.

They came down to check on me,
To ask me of my trip.
But I told them they need not worry,
And instead must find our ship.

They brought me back upon their shores,
Allowing me to rest.
Then quite soon, more did appear,
To aid in my request.

We then took off, back out to sea,
To find the two of you.
But alas, because of the fog,
You were quite hard to view.

Luckily though, as it would seem,
We soon found the reddish glow.
But as I see, it wasn’t good,
As you were in much woe.’

I thanked my friend Endless again,
Giving her a hug.
When something deep within my mind,
On strings began to tug.

I quickly turned back to Cat’s Eye,
Still passed out from smoke emission.
Then proceeded to plead with Endless,
‘She needs medical attention!’

With Endless and the griffin’s help,
We soon got on our way.
The ship now pressing through the fog,
And kicking up sea spray.

When finally we broke the fog,
We were bathed under the moon.
‘Twas such a wondrous sight,
I thought I’d never see so soon.

We traveled on a little farther,
Till the dock we did reach.
‘Twas such a sight for sore eyes,
The white sands of the beach.

The griffins took Cat’s Eye away,
Placing her in shelter.
I regretted what had happened,
Wishing she got better.

I know not what became of her,
But I know she’s doing well.
Most likely living with the griffins,
Avoiding the sea swell.

While Cat’s Eye rested, Endless and I,
Did take a look around.
Observing this new wonder world,
Of which we finally found.

Though soon Endless doth parted too,
As she wanted to see more.
My adventure was the travel,
But adventure was her core.

I do still receive letters,
From her from time to time.
Telling of her journeys,
Or of Cat’s Eye’s latest crime.

Despite it all I know in heart,
We each share a strong devotion.
For the friendship we doth each received,
While sailing Equestria’s ocean.

And so at last the tale is done,
I hope your time you did well spend.
I see nothing now more fitting,
Then to finish with a; “The End.”

Epilogue

Finishing her story, Salty Pint got out of her chair and proceeded to stretch her legs.

“Every time I think back to those days my bones always seem to ache.” Salty Pint spoke aloud.

Pipsqueak continued to sit on the floor, amazement still in his eyes.

“Wow granny! You were really saved by griffins!?” Pipsqueak asked his grandmother.

“Oh for sure.” Salty Pint replied. “First time I’d ever seen one, other than in books, and they were quick to help us. They’re a lot nicer than most ponies think ya know.”

Pipsqueak was still full of excitement, wanting to hear more and more about what happened next to his grandmother, since she had finally told him the full story.

“So what happened next granny!? Did you sail back to Horse Shoe Bay, or did you travel to the land of the dragons!?” Pipsqueak asked.

Finishing her stretching, Salty Pint sat back in her chair, giving a little chuckle to her eager grandson.

“Oh, I’m afraid that’s a story for another time my little one. Besides, I want to hear about all of ‘your’ adventures since you’ve been living here in Ponyville.” Salty Pint told her grandson.

Now eager to tell his own story; Pipsqueak sat on the carpet beginning to rhyme to himself, so that he could tell his story just like his grandmother. Salty Pint quietly laughed to herself, as she awaited her grandson to begin his own epic tale.

Prologue

Pipsqueak ran downstairs as fast as he could. Of all the members of his family, besides his parents, his most favorite of them all had come to visit. His grandmother, Salty Pint. When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he about tripped over his own hooves from going so fast. He quickly regained his balance, and continued running into the hooves of his grandmother.

“Granny, it’s so great to see you again!” Pipsqueak said to his grandmother.

“Why hello there my little Pipsqueak. It really has been a long time, hasn’t it?” Salty Pint replied to her grandson.

“Oh oh! Granny, since you’re here, you’ve got to tell me your story of when you crossed Equestria’s ocean again!” Pipsqueak spoke with glee.

“Oh, you always do enjoy that tale. Well, why not.” Salty Pint said with a smile.

The two made their way into the den, where there was already a fire going in the fireplace. Pipsqueak sat on the carpet on the floor, while Salty Pint took a chair by the fire.

“So there I was, standing on the shores of Equestria and…” Salty Pint started to tell her story, before being interrupted by Pipsqueak.

“Aww, come one granny. Tell it like you always told it back in Trottingham. Please?” Pipsqueak asked his grandmother.

“Oh, alright little one.” Salty Pint told her grandson.

Salty Pint closed her eyes, and thought back to when her story took place, back when she was a younger mare. Recalling herself back then, she opened her mouth, and began to tell Pipsqueak of her adventure.

Intermission

Pipsqueak continued to listen to his grandmother’s story, until her heard her say something he hadn’t heard before.

“Um, granny. I don’t remember you mentioning anything about fog the last time you told the story?” Pipsqueak asked his grandmother.

Salty Pint snapped out of her story, remembering that she didn’t need to rhyme anymore.

“Oh, I didn’t mention the fog last time?” Salty Pint answered her grandson.

“No, you talked about how you and your crewmates woke up the next morning, and followed your map to the shores beyond the sea.” Pipsqueak told his grandmother.

Salty Pint thought for a minute, until she realized that Pipsqueak was right. She remembered telling him before that she and her crew did wake up the next morning, and safely reached their destination. However, something in her head told her that wasn’t the true story. She thought about it a little more, until she gazed at her grandson again, and realized why she had fibbed before.

“Oh, I remember now. You’re right, I did tell you that our journey ended happily ever after before, but that was because you were a much younger colt at the time. I didn’t think you were old enough to hear what really happened before, so I told a little fib to make the story nicer. However, I can see that you’re much older now, if only by a few more years, so I’ll tell you the tale of what really happened that day, and of the perils we faced sailing the rest of Equestria’s ocean.”

Salty Pint sat back in her chair, getting her mind set back on the scene in question, and continued to tell her story.