My little pony:Adventure of Seresia
chapter 3.3
Previous ChapterNext Chapter"Welcome aboard our grand ship, friends from Equestria!" As soon as they left the lift and stepped onto the wide deck, Meng Yu’s words echoed through the air, and everypony began to take in their surroundings. The ship was brightly lit, with an area at the bow that was two levels higher than where they stood. Two staircases on either side led directly to the top, where three masts stood—one on each side and one at the front. In the ship's center were three enormous masts, so large that even thirty or forty ponies together wouldn't be able to encircle one with their hooves.
Looking toward the stern, there was a towering six-story structure. To make climbing easier, the stairs were designed in a zigzag pattern: two vertical levels on either side, one horizontal level across the middle, and then two horizontal levels branching out. However, the last stairway was designed vertically, leading straight to the top. Above that was a house with four corners that stretched outward and curved upward elegantly. There were also masts on either side and even behind the building.
All of the beige canvas sails were tightly fastened to bamboo poles, resembling layers of folded blankets, and were hung high up on the masts. Magic lanterns dangled from the ends of the bamboo poles, flickering with light. Around them, many crew members were busy with their tasks, cleaning the deck or chatting quietly in small groups.
"It's a beautiful night tonight~ isn't it? I have a suggestion, how about we set up our dinner on the deck tonight?" Meng Yu softly asked Twilight, who was still too stunned to fully respond. After a moment of hesitation, she stammered, "Of... of course! I... I can't believe it! How do you even control such a massive ship and navigate all the way to Equestria?!"
"With a bit of magic and some Seresian sailing techniques," Meng Yu replied with a hint of pride.
"Amazing..." Twilight marveled, running a hoof along the thick mast in front of her, craning her neck to try and see the top. Watching her with amusement, Meng Yu continued, "If you're interested, Princess, feel free to stay on board for a while longer. I'd be happy to show you more of our culture."
"It would be an honor, Ambassador." Twilight's eyes lit up at the offer. She had been curious but unsure how to ask, and now that Meng Yu had brought it up herself, she eagerly nodded in agreement.
"Chancellor, welcome back to the ship, the dinner meal is ready, what else do you wish?" A cat-like creature with grayish-white fur with black spots and a feminine voice arrived in front of Meng Yu between the two ponies, bowing slightly with both paws clasped in front of her and speaking words that Twilight couldn't understand. She had cloth tied around her legs, arms, and chest, and wore a pair of dark sailor pants with her long tail exposed, floating slightly as she moved. Her body was slender, and although she was a head taller than Meng Yu, she was respectful in her presence.
"Is that a tiger?... A talking tiger..." Fluttershy whispered, peeking out from behind Pinkie Pie with both curiosity and a touch of fear. But as soon as she made eye contact with the snow leopard, she quickly ducked back down. Meng Yu noticed their nervousness and reassured them, "No need to worry. She is my deputy, a snow leopard, native to Seresia. When I'm away from the fleet, she takes my place, managing all affairs aboard the ship."
Noticing their concerns, Meng Yu motioned for Deputy Hoof to come forward to introduce herself.
"Welcome aboard, ponies. You may call me Xiao Ling," the snow leopard said, giving a formal salute, her respectful demeanor easing the group's tension. After exchanging pleasantries, Meng Yu instructed, "Our guests and I have agreed to dine on the deck. Please make the arrangements."
"At once," Xiao Ling replied before swiftly exiting to make the preparations. Soon after, she returned with several other crew members, and they began setting up tables and chairs. During this time, the group wandered the deck freely. Pinkie Pie mingled with the sailorsand presenting them with gifts, while Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy looked after Rainbow Dash. Spike and Twilight stayed together, while Celestia and Luna stood at the ship's edge, gazing out at the sea and quietly discussing the upcoming dinner.
"Dinner is ready! Please take your seats, honored guests," Xiao Ling announced a few minutes later. A large round table was placed in the middle of the deck, wide enough to comfortably seat everypony. Once seated, the crew began serving the dishes.
The first thing to catch their eyes was a large tree-like dish brought out by five ponies and placed at the center of the table. The tree, which took up a third of the table, had kale leaves meticulously shaped like foliage, covered in a golden crispy coating. Between the leaves hung fruit-like spheres of food, delicately suspended from the tree branches. The tree itself was a dark color, its glossy surface reflecting the ponies' faces.
Next, a steaming plate of golden and white layered buns arrived, served with a dish of condensed milk. There was also a plate of fried milk, emitting a rich dairy aroma, a cold salad of hay, and a dish of stir-fried bean sprouts with fiery red peppers. The spread was a feast for the senses, filled with vibrant colors and enticing scents, including shredded potatoes and several other dishes Twilight had never seen before.
"Wow! It all smells so good!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with excitement, unsure where to start with so many delicious-looking options.
"Due to the long voyage, our food supplies have run low, but our chefs have made use of local ingredients to prepare this meal. I hope you enjoy it. Now, let me offer a toast to long-lasting friendship between our lands!" Meng Yu raised her drink, standing as she spoke. Touched by her words, the others followed her example, raising their glasses and toasting under the moon’s gentle glow, marking the beginning of a memorable night.
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