Studying and Relaxing

High above the rolling hills and azure lakes, Gallus soared through the crisp, sun-kissed air. Up here there was a certain stillness save for the gentle breeze that tousled his feathers, carrying with it the pleasant scent of warm earth and distant mountains. Up here, the world was still, all the bustling and trouble of Ponyville was far below his beating wings, forgotten to him even just for a moment. Up here was where he felt the most at home.

He could never quite explain it when Sandbar asked about it, but things just...made sense up here during his morning flights. The wind whispering in his ear, the clouds brushing his face, the sights and sounds of the world below all coming together to paint a perfect picture of serenity. No problems, no stress, no worries.

Just him and the sky.

"Hey Gallus!" a familiar voice called out from the ground, miles away at first, but as Gallus’s mind drifted back to the world it started to come into focus. When he opened his eyes and peered down towards the ground, he could see Sandbar waving him down. Even at this distance it was clear the stallion was brimming with anticipation. He had good news he wanted to share, that was obvious.

So Gallus locked in his wings and gilded back down to the ground. It was a steady decline, slow and deliberate as the ground slowly rolled up to meet his claws which slid a bit on the gravel as he landed back down on terra firma.

"Hey, Bar, what's up?"

“My parents invited us over to the beach house for the weekend,” Sandbar explained, “come on! It’ll be great!”

“I don’t know...wouldn’t it be kinda weird to bring your...friend to dinner?”

“My mom insists,” Sandbar said, “she mentioned you specifically.”

“Why would she do that?”

“Well, I guess I kinda talk about you a lot in our letters.”

“Oh,” was all Gallus thought to say.

The two had been hanging out a lot with each other ever since school let out. Truth be told, he never really gave it much thought. Without the distraction of class or homework, the pair seemed to naturally gravitate toward each other.

He assumed it was a friendship thing, although he still wasn’t quite completely clear on how friendships worked. From what he gleaned from school, he gathered friends are kind of just someone you hang out with a lot. Although was a friend also someone you waddled around in diapers with and gave impromptu handjobs to? Maybe that was a more-than-friend thing. Maybe that’s what Sandbar’s mom gathered from their letters. Maybe Sandbar was a little too open about what he did in Ponyville.

“Does she know about the...diaper stuff?” Gallus was surprised to find himself asking such a question.

“No no, sweet Celestia, no!” Sandbar shook his head, “I’m open to my parents about a lot of things, but...that’s kinda...I don’t know, awkward to talk about.” The pony continued with the faintest of blush filling his cheeks, “I mean, you can’t exactly bring that up in normal conversation, right?”

"Right..." Gallus replied before pausing, "...so...when we leavin’?"

Turtle Beach was a small town built on a thin strip of coastline along the ocean. It got its name from the large population of mosaic shelled turtles who swam to its sandy shores to lay their eggs each spring. It was during that one month that tourists flooded the small town, densely packing the streets in hopes to witness the beautiful sight.

During the summer months, Turtle Beach saw a smaller amount of tourist traffic, but most beach goers sought after bigger and better accommodated beach fronts that time of year. For the rest of the year, the town reverted to its usual quaint self. Ponies here were the laid back sort, usually fisherman or surfers searching for the quiet life.

Getting there was a short train ride away. Along that afternoon trip, Gallus watched as quiet valley life slowly transitioned into quiet coastal life. Outside of the window rolled hills dressed in shades of emerald green that stretched past the train tracks, speckled with patches of wildflowers in vibrant hues. The sunlight bathed the grasslands in a warm, golden glow, casting long shadows that danced playfully among the wind swept grassy meadows. Clusters of tall, proud trees stood like sentinels among the tall grass as quaint farmhouses dotted the valley land.

As the train chugged along, the lush greenery subtly gave way to scattered sand dunes, their delicate patterns shifting like ripples in the wind. Occasional glimpses of the sparkling ocean blinked on the horizon like dark blue jewels among the sandy tans and sky blues. The air carried a faint scent of salt as they approached the town, a gentle reminder that the vast ocean was just beyond the horizon.

Before too long, they had arrived at Turtle Beach station, positioned just on the outer edge of town. Turtle Beach was not too unlike the rest of Ponyville in that it was a rather small town. It lacked the pushing and shoving crowds of any large city and there seemed to be an overall sense of calm. Like no one was in a rush to go anywhere.

Exiting the train, Gallus and Sandbar stepped onto the platform, their feet making soft clinks against the weathered wooden boards. The train station was quaint and cozy, adorned with seashell-themed decorations and banners of teal and gold. A large mosaic turtle statue, intricately detailed and painted in vibrant colors, greeted visitors at the station's entrance.

Turtle Beach's main street was a picturesque scene, with quaint shops selling seashell crafts, beachwear, and freshly caught seafood. A small ice cream parlor tempted passersby with its sweet aroma, while a cozy café invited them to relax with a cup of coffee and a view of the ocean. Sandbar was also keen to point out that the local post office maintained a mailbox somewhere off the coast specifically for seaponies.

Further down the road, nestled against the horizon, stood the town’s lighthouse, its most iconic landmark. The white and red striped structure rose proudly from its rocky perch on a bridged island just offshore of the main beach, ensuring safe travel for ships at sea. A smiling mosaic turtle was painted on the side of the tower.

“Splash the Turtle,” Sandbar told Gallus as the two made their way across town, “she’s like the town’s smiling turtle mascot they like to put on stuff for the tourists. They put her on everything! T-shirts, hats, surf boards. Kids love her!”

“Seems a little too...’smiley’,” Gallus raised an eyebrow at the sugary sweetness of Splash's smile. Even during their short walk through Main Street he caught a glance of some stores selling beach towels and toys all with the smiling Splash the Turtle on the front.

“I think it’s kinda cute,” Sandbar shrugged.

The residential areas of the town had streets lined with houses that stood on stilts with a charming blend of coastal and quaint architecture. Some houses were adorned with surf boards, while others showcased intricate woodwork. Much like the houses that straddled its left and right, Sandbar’s parents’ home fit right into the seaside, beach side aesthetic.

An older stallion with a seafoam green coat and a pale blue mane tied in back like dreadlocks was at the door to greet them. As they approached, they could immediately sense a relaxed and carefree energy from the stallion. "Bar! You dudes finally made it!" He welcomed his son with open arms, happily swooping in for a big hug.

Beside him was a light yellow mare with an unkept pink mane. She almost appeared just as laid back as her husband, but her eyes reflected a friendly, welcoming sort of personality. The kind of pony who was easy to talk to, approachable, and could probably explain just about anything with a calm and patient tone of voice. She waited patiently beside her husband before hugging Sandbar.

Between the two adults was a young filly, no older than preschool, with a pink and teal windswept mane and a pale green coat. Sandbar enthusiastically snatched the little foal off the ground and embraced her in a big hug as she squealed and giggled in his hold.

“Gallus, this is my mom and dad, High Tide and Beachcomber, and my little sister Coral,” Sandbar introduced the group to the griffin.

"This the dude you were talking about?" Beachcomber asked.

"Yeah, guys, this is Gallus," Sandbar said.

"So wonderful to meet you," High Tide beamed.

"Nice to meet you too," Gallus replied, reaching out a claw.

"Gallus, buddy,” Beachcomber chuckled as he stepped forward, ”we don't shake hooves in this house."

Catching the griffin completely off guard, Beachcomber swooped in and gave him a big, body squeezing hug. He practically lifted him up into the air with his enthusiastic embrace. The rest of the family joined in shortly after, surrounding Gallus in a family hug. Even Coral did her best to join in with a happy giggle.

As Gallus found himself enveloped in the warmth of this close-knit family, a mix of emotions swirled within him. Griffon were naturally such emotionally cold creatures. And growing up as an orphan in Griffonstone, he hadn’t experienced many affectionate gestures. The genuine warmth radiating from Sandbar’s family was something new all together and for the first time in a long time, Gallus felt a sense of comfort and connection. It was a feeling he couldn't quite define, but it left him with an unspoken desire for more of these heartwarming moments.

“We made up the guest bed for you two dudes,” Beachcomber said, “Bar should still know the way.”

“I haven’t been gone that long, dad,” Sandbar laughed, “upstairs, second door on the left. Past the nursery.”

“We’ll let you get settled in then,” Beachcomber beamed, “should go out and see the town while you have the chance.”

Entering the house, they were greeted by a cozy and inviting coastal retreat. The interior was adorned with a mix of seaside decor and warm, earthy tones that immediately made them feel at home.

The living room was spacious yet comfortable, with large windows that allowed the soft afternoon sunlight to filter in. The walls were painted in soothing shades of seafoam green and sandy beige, occasionally broken up by hanging vacation photos and nautical-themed artwork. Plush, overstuffed sofas and armchairs with soft, ocean-inspired cushions were arranged around a low, wooden coffee table in the center of the room. A soft, area rug with colorful tropical paradise flowers designs stretched out beneath. In one corner, a bookshelf held a collection of well-loved novels, seafaring tales, and a variety of trinkets collected over the years.

The dining area was adjacent to the living room, separated by a partial wall adorned with seafoam green wainscoting. A large, rustic dining table with mismatched wooden chairs invited guests to gather for family meals. Overhead, a simple chandelier with seashell accents added a touch of elegance to the space.

The upstairs guest room was nothing extravagant but it was comfortable. Like many of the rooms in the beach house, it had an overarching cozy feeling. The room primarily consisted of a bed and a dresser, with a few sea themed decorative touches on the walls. The bed was dressed in clean white linens and topped with a colorful throw blanket straight out of Beachcomber’s store. The dresser was made of a light-colored wood and had several colorful story seashells sitting on its top shelf.

A tall window stood across from the bed overlooking the simple cobblestoned roads that snaked through the town's loose grid beyond. The window was framed with light-colored curtains that swayed gently in the salty breeze. The view from the window was peaceful, with small shops and cafes lining the streets below. At night, the streetlights illuminated the town and added a cozy ambiance to the room.

Gallus let out a large sigh as he plopped down on the bed the moment they entered the room, bouncing a bit on the springy mattress. The train ride here had been exhausting, and he couldn't wait to get some rest. It seemed like no matter how many times he traveled by train, it always left him feeling drained and fatigued. The constant motion and noise, coupled with the cramped seating and lack of fresh air, made for an uncomfortable journey. Despite the views outside being picturesque, Gallus found himself unable to fully appreciate them because of his overwhelming exhaustion. Maybe he could find the energy to reflect on the beautiful views after a quick nap or two.

Sandbar headbutted his side before he could get too comfortable. “Come on, get up! I wanna show you around while we’re in town!”

“Eh, think I’ll pass. Train ride really wiped me out,” the griffin groaned.

The pony continued nudging him out of bed. “Come oooon, the bed’ll be there when we get back! This is the first time you’ve seen my hometown! I wanna show you the best spots!”

"Alright alright, I'm up!" Gallus groaned some more, nearly flopping to the ground after lazily rolling off the beckoning bed, “lead the way.”

Sandbar was positively ecstatic to show Gallus all the great sights of his hometown. He pointed out the local cafés, boutiques, and surf shops that lined the quaint town’s main road, entertaining his guest with fond memories of beach parties and surfing contests. They passed by the café where he had his first poetry reading, its cozy interior still filled with mismatched tables and the soft sound of acoustic guitar strumming in the background.

“It picks up more in the evening,” Sandbar commented as the pair glanced through the windows of the nearly empty café, “I wonder if old Starfish hangs out here. He was my poetry teacher growing up!”

As they strolled further, Sandbar led Gallus to a rocky cove where colorful seashells were arranged in intricate patterns along the stone walls. "This is Shellstone Cove," Sandbar explained, a twinkle in his eye. "Local artists come here to create beautiful sculptures and artwork from the treasures the sea leaves behind.”

Gallus examined the works of art that lined the walls. Driftwood sculptures and sea glass mosaics filled the space like an impromptu museum. There was no bureaucratic organization to it all, but there did seem to be a rhythm in the arrangements. It was a rhythm that he didn’t understand, but a rhythm all the same. Still, even to his artistically naive upbringing, he could appreciate the work and effort put into the pieces.

But the best thing, according to Sandbar, was yet to be seen.

It was late afternoon by the time he brought Gallus away from the cobblestoned streets of town and down to the coastline where the fishy, salty ocean scents intensified. The pair traveled far from the comforts of well established footpaths and found themselves entering the outskirts of town.

Sandbar had to backtrack a tiny bit as they journeyed on, but the pony seemed to be working on an innate mental map of the area that had only slightly changed over time. Trees had moved and paths overgrown, but after navigating narrow dirt trails and barely visible nature trails, he found himself leading Gallus to his long sought after goal.

“Tada!” the stallion said with excited, showy flare.

Behind him stretched a small secluded beach with golden sand and crystal clear water. The hidden area was free of any trash or signage for tourists and was as pristine as nature could make it. It was tranquil in a way with its beautiful view of the late afternoon sun twinkling off the water as rocky outcroppings bordered both sides of it for added privacy.

It was a beautiful sight for any enthusiastic beach goer, but Gallus wasn’t much of a beach goer. "Oh cool, a beach,” he said as he rolled his eyes.

“Come on!” Sandbar said excitedly, grabbing Gallus’s claw, ”let’s go for a swim!” He started to tug the griffin towards the inviting waves that splashed against the sand.

Only Gallus didn’t budge. Instead he yanked his claw out of the pony’s grip and his shoulders drooped. “I...I can’t swim...” he said with a defeated sigh, barely able to look Sandbar in the eye. “I...never learned how.”

“Aww,” Sandbar accidently said, quickly slamming his mouth shut and quickly backpedaling. “I-I mean it’s no big deal...r-really.”

“I just never learned how okay!” Gallus snapped back, crossing his arms, “Back in Griffinstone we don’t have sandy pony beaches or crystal clear oceans to swim in. Just cold, icy lakes that freeze over nine months out of the year! Too cold to do anything!”

He sulked and scowled at the sandy beach that stretched out before them. A stupid, white sandy beach, with its stupid water. He couldn’t think of one good reason why he let Sandbar drag him down to this stupid stretch of land. What was so great about stupid swimming anyway?

Sandbar sat beside his moping friend. He watched as the gentle blue waves sloshed against the sandy shore as seagulls cried overhead.

“I can teach ya if you want,” he finally said to his friend, “to swim I mean.”

“Don’t bother,” Gallus grumbled as he glared at a particularly blue colored sea shell in front of him, “I’ll probably just mess it up anyway.”

"I'm a good teacher! Come on!" Sandbar hopped back to his feet, “it’s just like flying...I think.” After a moment’s pause he frowned when Gallus wouldn’t budge and then grabbed him by the arm, “come on! I’ll show ya!”

Gallus was wanting nothing more than to stubbornly pout. There was nothing in the world he wanted to do right now then glare at the pale sand around him, but Sandbar was just as persistent. He continued to pull at the griffin’s arm even when the obstinate bird didn’t budge an inch. After a while, it was Gallus who submitted. If only to save his arm from being pulled out from its socket.

He maintained his stubborn pout well into the water. He followed Sandbar farther out, but he made sure the pony knew that he was only doing this because he was so insistent. He wanted to make sure that Sandbar knew that he was NOT going to swim. Swimming was a waste of time anyway. He got this far in life without knowing how to swim. Why bother learning such a stupid skill now?

“It’s easy. All you gotta do is stay balanced enough to keep your head above the water,” the pony explained as they waded deeper into the water, "steady your breathing and you'll realize your body wants to stay above the water all on its own." The water was up to their chests now. The salty water sloshed against the pair as underwater currents nudged at their limbs. “Then it's just a matter of paddling through the water.”

Sandbar demonstrated by curling his legs up and floated in place. He bobbed there for a second or two, expertly maintaining a fine composure above the lapping water before floating back to his feet.

“Go on! Try it!” Sandbar cheered the griffin on.

Gallus just scowled at the asinine task. Float? THAT’S what he wanted him to do? He pulled him ALL the way out here to float? Floating wasn’t swimming. Why was he wasting his time out here in the stupid ocean?!

But...it was Sandbar...

“...Fine.” Growling under his breath, Gallus followed the pony’s directions. As water nudged him about, blopping against his sides and making balance rather difficult, he curled his legs up and started to float. Or rather,“float” might not have been the best word for Gallus’s first attempt. Or his second attempt. The first five or six times weren’t so much as “floating” as they were “tripping underwater, sinking, and then splashing as he scrambled back to his feet”.

He growled and huffed at every failure. Sandbar had made it look so easy! No matter how much he splashed in frustration or scowled at the stupid ocean for being stupid, Sandbar remained at his side with words of encouragement. He didn’t laugh or smirk or make any kind of sarcastic comment like Gallus assumed he would. Or at least, that’s what he felt he deserved for not being able to grasp a simple skill like swimming. The pony instead would say things like “almost! Try to kick your legs off the ground all at the same time” or “spread your wings out for balance”. Nothing that came close to “try again, idiot” or “you gonna stop wasting my time?”

Eventually though, he got the hang of it. Turns out if he steadied his breathing and had a healthy lung full of air, his body floated much easier. It was so stupidly simple once he got the breathing down. Once that was internalized everything else fell into place. It took only ten or so times, but soon Gallus was floating in the water like the best of them.

“There,” Gallus finally said with a plain voice, “can we go now?”

“Why don’t you try swimming a circle around me,” Sandbar helpfully suggested, “you’ll get the hang of it by doing, promise!”

A flat out ‘no’ was the response that quickly materialized in Gallus’s scowling mind. But a flat out ‘no’ wasn’t what managed to come out of his beak when he looked at Sandbar and the pony’s supportive smile. Instead he just let out a reluctant sigh. “Fine, but just one lap.”

And just one lap he did. Once around Sandbar as the pony shouted words of praise and that was it. Then, he dared another lap. Just to make sure he was doing this stupid swimming thing right. After that, he swam a little bit more and then a little bit more. Before long he started to experiment with some small hops into the air before diving beak first into the salty water and popping back up with a splash.

He didn’t want to admit it, but he was starting to get the hang of it. The water no longer felt like a dreaded obstacle but a familiar, supportive companion. It was no longer a force to be reckoned with. It was an extension of himself. Gallus found himself enjoying the smooth way that his body moved through the water. The way he could bend and turn his body, gliding through the water like it was no big deal.

He was getting the hang of this swimming thing. He was starting to really get the hang of it! He could almost feel the pride swelling in his chest at his new found swimming prowess. It was a feeling that had him feeling so invigorated that he started to really pick up speed, moving across the water faster and faster. It was, indeed, a lot like flying!

He swam and swam and swam until he realized he was completely out of breath and his muscles were sore. And yet he felt...weirdly accomplished.

Eventually all good things must come to an end and by the end of it the pair found themselves running out of sunlight. So, reluctantly the two made it for the shore, swimming, then wading, then walking back onto the sandy beach.

“Thanks for teaching me,” Gallus said as they emerged from the water.

“Hey, don’t mention it. No problem at all!”

“No I mean it,” Gallus replied with an uncharacteristically sincere tone, “I know I’m not always the best student...or the quickest learner. But I really do appreciate it.”

"Hey, you did well on your first try," Sandbar said, "Coral could hardly stay up right on her own until like the fifth or sixth try.

"Your sister's like two," Gallus grumbled.

"Yeah, but least you didn't have to wear a swim diaper like she did." Sandbar joked, jabbing Gallus in the side. "Well come on. It's getting late so let's head on back home."