The Harlech's Song

Chapters

What a view
Each String Rings A Note
Trumpets for past times

What a view

The wind blew a small fine breeze across the ocean as the sun began to set on the horizon. It blazed the sky in an orange glow that would make any artist inspired, the water rippled as the current swayed from the small wind rolling across the ocean. A near clear sky with only the few thin clouds hanging high in the sky.

The wind finally met a greyish material hanging in its way, it became caught by this net, but it was no net that hung in the sky but a sail, one of many that had sprung from a wooden craft that glided through the rippling ocean, the others still tied away waiting for the perfect weather to strike the wind. It had three wooden masts linked with ropes, the ship itself was a 36 gun triple decked frigate with copper wielded armour lining the inside and a brass bottom for faster speed and less erosion, certainly a jewel of the fleet, only this was a quartz compared to some ships in the fleet. It mattered none the less for this ship, The Harlech was still one to match even for the diamond of the fleet.

On board stood a pony looking out to sea upon the glorious view before him, the wind ruffling his crimson mane and grey coat, however his uniform stood steady and fine to the point that still glimmered in full blue and white colours in the orange suns rays. The wind became stronger cause his mane now to flow like a leaf in the wind, he turned and headed to the helm of the ship, where a wheel or oak wood stood. It awaited a commander to steer this piece of carpentry master with its golden painted trimmed edges.

The pony reached the helm where a bircone hat lay resting on the banister, the hat having an emblem stitched into it. The emblem resembled a small seal upon which the words stitched in read “The Sun and Moon guide us”, this was the naval seal to all Equestrian ships. The grey pony placed the bircone upon his head where it lay between his ears and pointed skywards.

His hooves reached out and took hold of the oak wheel and gazed upon the ship, bellow ran the deck which had only a few ponies and griffin strolling upon it, these where the crew of this ship, ponies and griffins that had trained for sailing and ready for loyal service to Equestria.

The grey pony look slightly to his right had set eyes upon a small brass bell next to him, the wind blew past again stronger than before meaning it was time. The grey pony started ringing out the bell for the crew all to hear, whistles began to be heard from the galley to signal all the crew. At once the sound of clambering sailors could be heard as they make their way to topside.

The grey pony stopped ringing the bell to call out in a deep booming voice for the crew to hear, “Let fly! Full sails on the double!”, and with that the crew thundered their ways to the ropes. A young green unicorn rushed to the centre of the deck with a drum strapped across his chest, he levitated a pair of drum sticks with his red aura of magic and began to beat the run into a marching pattern to tell the crew to move. Next to him griffins began to fly up the masts to untie the knots holding them from the winds.

A griffin arrived next to the wheel with its eyes down starring at a small silver orb of some kind. The sails flung out from the knots and began to dance with the winds, the ponies below on deck pulled with their might and reined in the sails tying them to the wooden slots which ran down the ships deck. The whistle blew and a pony called from the bow signifying full sail, the griffin clicked in a button on the silver device and looked up to the uniformed pony before him.
“2 minutes captain, 2 minutes from half sail to full sail,” spoke the griffin in a slightly timid voice.

“hear that you sea serpents 2 minutes! Your best time ! HUZZAH !” cried the captain, the crew cried out as well as they cleaned the knots on the mast's railings and ensured the sails had been tied down strong enough, the captain turned to the griffin with the silver trinket speaking in a plain rustic tone, “well done Bellen now go record the times down in the ships log”.
“Yes Sir Tailgate, right away Sir” and with that the griffin sprinted away bellow deck.

The captain turned to the rear of the ship to find a yellow coated earth pony leaning on the banister, he wore a blue naval vest and a small orange berretta. “Pintle you unusually quite, something the matter?” Questioned Tailgate.
“Nothin’ be the problem captain simply observing,” replied the pony in a slight southern accent but not one strong enough to be called a southern pony, he stiffened his stance and headed to the captain’s side.

“Well then first mate you should be running the decks no?” the captain raised an eyebrow towards his officer who shifted his weight and began to look like a colt guilty of eating and apple. The captain chuckled to himself and tapped his officer on the shoulder, “Anyways organise the last of the cider to be shared out tonight, we arrive at New Saddle two days time might as well use it up and congratulate the crew for another safe travel upon the sea.”

“So captain what awaits us in New Saddle?,” Questioned Pintle.
“Two days rest and new orders from the naval head quarters,” replies the captain who now had returned his view back out to sea, the sun now on the last edge of setting allowed the sky to turn the darkest shade of blue, the stars starting to glimmer as they hung.

“Oh captain before I prepare the festivities of cider, Loggerhead requested if he could gain experience in taking control of the ships helm.”
“Loggerhead, the battery griffin, I was planning on making him starboard gunnery sergeant due to his extremely keep eyes for accuracy.” replied Tailgate as he turned the ship into a north-westerly 270’ heading for New Saddle. The ship creaked slightly and thundered forward as it caught the wind in full sail, the small counter on Tailgate’s right ticked up show 21 knots.

“Very good sir I shall inform him, oh and sir..” Pintle was cut short as the captain swirled round to face him.
“Yes Officer Pintle you must join in on the hold, stop being scared of the crew, they respect you, so just get to know them!” and before Pintle could object Tailgate had pushed him towards the galley ramp. “oh and Pintle I will take a cider as well, that Sweet Apple Acre stuff really is something,” and with that the captain knocked his officer down the ramp and await the usual thud that occurred, “thud”, right on queue Tailgate thought to himself.

He turned to the crew who seemed to have finished tidying up the main deck of misplaced barrels and loose ropes. The captain let a smile rise upon his face as he lent on the mast and observed his crew. “ you know by now officer Pintle should have the cider cabinet unlocked, show him a good time and sing and dance!” and with that the crew dropped that lay in their hooves or claws and scrabbled to get into the galley, a loud cheer soon followed.

The captain headed back to the helm and now observed to full moon that shone in the clear night sky, lighting up the waters around them. The only reason he broke a beautiful moment was the sound of hooves climbing up to the helm could be heard. A white earth pony appeared with a short rough cut yellow mane. The pony wore only the simple uniform that all the crew did, an amber barrette with the equestrian emblem. The pony carried a cast iron jug with foam frothing out the top. The white pony placed in on the banister next to the captain an headed off.

The captain admired the white pony’s figure and tidy wings, the cutie mark on the flank, was a wooden spoon with a fig, the ships cook. He let out a comment to the pony, “you know your flank is certainly amazing in this moon light.”

The white Pegasus stopped and turned around to face the captain, a voice of softness came from the pony, “My My captain, hitting on a mare and not even taken a sip of your cider.” the mare now blowing her mane out of her green eyes.
“Well what can I say Soapberry, you certainly are as tasty as the food you cook” the captain replied with a horrible attempt of a wink, holding it for a second too long.

Soapberry simply giggled as the captain’s flirt, “well captain if its so tasty I'm sure I can whip up some desert for yourself in the captain’s quarters” and with that she headed off swaying her hips more to entice the captain, the move worked as the captain downed his cider in one gulp and wiped his muzzle off. He shouted at the top of his lungs for the galley to hear, “Loggerhead its your lucky day, drive the ship on its heading!” and with that the captain had already gone to search for his dessert.

The boat began to hit full sing as the music began to play, a cello could be heard while a guitar and flutes also were thrown into the mix, a odd combination that would only work out at sea. Clinks of jugs could be heard from below as the crew of griffins and ponies drank and sang together old song of the sea.

Each String Rings A Note

The sun began to pour into the cabin as it rose from the dark horizon and ascended into the sky blotting out the majestic stars to allow warmth to return to the earth and seas.
Captain Tailgate awoke from his sleep as the suns warmth reached his eyes, he began to stir from side to side only to bump into a soft body. His eyes opened to behold Soapberry still shallowly breathing in a peaceful state, Tailgate lay still with his eyes fixed upon the sleeping white pegasus. He ran a hoof through her short yellow mane before leaning in to kiss her muzzle.

Tailgate rolled out of bed and rose to meet the sun that now glowed off his head and mane, he simply closed his eyes and tilted back his head to take in the warmth. His calm state was disturbed by the soft voice coming from the bed.
“why good morning captain, your up early for the day shift” yawned the white mare as she stretched her hooves into the air.
“you know my sweet berry you maybe be right” smiled Tailgate as he jumped back onto the bed. He rolled over falling into the open hooves of Soapberry and began to kiss her neck, she let out a small giggle as her wings slightly fluttered.

*BANG* *BANG**BANG*

“Captain dawn has broken, heading north-westerly at a speed of 10 knots.” called a voice, the wooden door offering no protection from its booming volume. The mood scattered and the captain slumped a little from the disturbance.
“Thank you mister Falconet I shall be up in a moment.” replied Tailgate with an annoyed tone in his voice.
“Very good sir” and with that the sound of hooves could be heard trailing off.
“well so much for our nice morning together” Tailgate now nuzzling with Soapberry.
“besides you need to make the crews breakfast ready and maybe later you can be my good luck charm” Tailgate giving a final kiss on Soapberry before leaving the cabin with his hat in hoof.

Tailgate careful closing the door to his cabin where Soapberry began to rise out of bed causing a silhouette to form from the sun. ‘I could just stay the day here’ thought Tailgate as he watched Soapberry stretch her hooves and spread her wings. He thought better of it though knowing his ship needed to make ready for port and a well earned rest for all the crew.

Tailgate finally pulled away from the door to face the long slender wooden deck before him, in which stood 18 cannons on each side with small crates positioned close by. Each filled with deadly balls of iron, some single other chained together, then there was a cylinder shaped ammo, this would be the canister shot. Tailgate slightly rolling the shell to show a small seal engraved into it, ‘Stalliongrad Golden Stripe’. Tailgate continued his stroll down the deck to reach the ramp that would lead to the open air above, he looked above to see another day breaking with a clear sky hanging above.

Next to the risen ramp was also the ramp leading to the lower deck filled with the sleeping crew, snores could be heard and mumbling of displeasure also sounded in response to the snoring. Tailgate chuckled as he rose to the top deck and began to observe his ship. A crew of about thirty made up of ponies and griffins where stationed on hand as dawn stuck, the ship drifting through a calm sea at half sail with a low wind filling the sails.

Tailgate received salutes from the crew members as he passed, each wearing the amber berretta of equestria. Tailgate turned his attention to the helm where a red stallion stood turning the wheel, a scar ran down the left side of his face with a light pinkish contrast, yet the sailor held a smile to his face while his black spiked mane waved in the wind, this was the Conning Officer Falconet in charge of steering the ship when the captain retired to his quarters. Tailgate made his way towards the helm inspecting the rigging of the ship as he went, the wooden struts holding the ropes creaked ever so slightly as the wind blew upon the sail.

Tailgate reached the side of Falconet as he controlled the ship, a vast ocean still ahead of them with no objects of ordinance except the horizon. Tailgate examined the map of the known world that lay on a small wooden crate just behind him, a small hoof compass sat next to it with the needle unmoving from the north..
“Falconet where would you say we be? I’ve plotted us here wouldn’t you say?” Tailgate pointing his hoof at a small cross which sat in the Bridle Shores, the southern bay of Equestria which link three main cities to the sea.

“We swung westerly during the night shift sir, wind turned to a westerly course but we’ve regained the speed and our course heading for New Saddle. Where about half a days sailing left and less if we head for Hoofington, I’d say two hours for Hoffington sir,”

“Very good Falconet, signal the crew for inspection time, we need this ship gleaming like the sun when we pull into port. Then I think the crew can relax for the afternoon, say a few games of Appleloosa Hold’em I think, care to join the fun? I’ll leave Pintle on duty for the day, I know how much he enjoys losing.” Tailgate chuckling and nudged Falconet.

“most defiantly sir, will the doctor be joining us for a game?” Falconet replied and he helped himself to a cup of water from a barrel next to the wheel.
“Dr.Lazaret, I’m sure the griffin is up for winning some gold and silver. If not I’m sure I can bet one of my swords, you know how he loves those things.”

“I believe he has a collection of twenty-four now in his New Saddle home captain, all different and yet all of them prizes.” Falconet now finished his water and placed the cup into a small wooden tray for later washing. He approached the brass bell wearing a large grin that made Tailgate raise his eyebrow in a concerning manner.

The sound echoed out through the ship’s hull, and to some it would seem the sea also heard the bell as it to began to stir slightly rocking the boat. Whistles began to sound once again signalling for the crew service. Below it sounded more calmer movement than yesterday, no doubt the cider having its effect on the tired crew. There journey having been at sea for two weeks ensuring safe trade routes from New Saddle to Fawntaine, yet experienced little activity, the only notable situation that occurred was two trading boats arguing over who ruined who’s cargo. Turned out both captains were poor sailors and forgot to soft pack the glass wear they were shipping.

So this being the last day of sailing before arriving at port the ship had to look the part which meant heavy cleaning duties, that’s right the ship needed to be looking like it had just rolled off the shipwright. The deck was soon filled with the crew, each with their own bucket and soap at the ready. Each saluting to the captain, some holding mops to their heads while knocking other fellow comrades.

“At ease sailors! This will be our last sailing day, we make port at New Saddle in late afternoon. So you all know what that means, swab those decks till I can use it as a mirror! The side boards needs repainting and ensure the cannons are waxed, the quicker we get this ship the quicker we can bet away our fortunes! Now lets get this ship to look majestic in the sun and tranquil in the moon light. Dismissed!” the crew saluted to the captain and quickly disbursed across the ship, each sailor heading to different parts of the deck, most ended up crouched down with brushes scrubbing the wooden deck. Others began sanding down rough banister edges while below the weapons of glory and death were polished to perfection, as if they were only on the ship for display.

After two or so hours the crew groaned a heavy sigh as the sun sat high in the sky, beating down upon the boat with a strong heat. The ship now sliced through the water with a cleaner polished hull, new paint applied and an unscratched deck that had become covered in griffons and ponies that slumped against the rigging. The captain look out upon the fresh ship and became impressed with the condition of the ship. Tailgate began ringing the bell perking all the ears of the crew, all struggling to rise to their feet on the soaped decks. They eventually were able to form an organized column upon the deck, this time without he cleaning equipment to knock each other with.

"A fine job you have done! As promised we have a few more hours of sailing ahead of us before a deserved rest, therefore the duties are completed for this voyage until we arrive at port and so I am allowing the crew free will below deck, and I for one shall be playing cards! be merry my sailors for we have completed another safe command." The crew let out a large cry of joy has they bundled below deck to set up their own entertainment.
"Pintle" Cried out the captain.
"Sir"replied the timid officer that rushed to the captain's side.
"Do you mind taking the helm until we reach New Saddle?" asked the captain who was already pushing Pintle towards the wheel.
"Of course, certainly not sir" replied Pintle with a slight smile forming on his face as he held the wheel, he seemed rather fitting for the job, only if he was able to connect to the crew better.

Tailgate made his way below the deck into to a sight of crew members lounging, singing and trading stories between each other, at the car end was a table set up with two ponies and three griffins seated with a deck of cards waiting to be dealt. Captain Tailgate made his way towards the table where he saw who sat at the table, from where he would sit to his left was Falconet who had a small pile of bits and a sliver flute.Next sat the young drummer unicorn who's coat was lavender, her name was Mizzen, she sat rigidly in her chair as she waited. Laid before her was simply just a pile of gold coins, she didn't care for them much as he seemed fixated upon a lace necklace that had a small sapphire hooked on it. Her violet magic levitated the small stone barely an inch from her nose. As the captain continued to walk around the table, he found her eyes were held shut and her mouth trembled slightly, but as if like the wind the moment whisked away and a new emotion held its place, a small smirk lay upon her face, as if the last few seconds never happened.
She tilted her head and gave a slight nod to the captain before jokingly asking the captain, "We'll captain you ready to play or you just a chick chick chicken". Mizzen's began chirping making the other competitors to start laughing, but there was always something to Mizzen's voice that the captain could never figure out, it was fare to posh for the likes of sea work get she fitted in as if she was just another nail in a fence.

Lastly was the doctor, a griffin with light brown feathers with slight red coloured tips that were slightly ruffled yet in line.
It was of course Dr. Lazaret the doctor the the ship, and the only one that came from Prance. His heavy accent and mixed words make for some laughs at times, but at others such as sitting on the doctors bench when he's trying to remember the word bruised and end up saying broke. He stat at the table fiddling with a small gold trinket while with his own pile of coins staked neat beside his claws, he raised an eye brow as the captain came to his seat, his eyes fixated upon the officer's sword strapped to his waist, it was a black holstered saber with the handle made out of silver and had been formed in a dragon. The wings had been molded to be the protective shell for the hoof once it had clicked in to it, it was one of fine art and strength, not the typical naval sword awarded to captains.

The captain finally sat down and placed his own stack of coins before removing his hat, the was only one empty chair to the table. Tailgate puzzled over it before asking, "where is Bellen, does she not want to lose her money?"
Falconet chuckled and started to shuffle the cards, "I believe she's at the other end of the galley living it up with some of the stallions, something called a dance off?". The captain could only laugh see as the last time he saw Bellen dance, she ended up tripping four others and having her head stuck in a bucket.
"So captain we playing Appleloosa Hold'em right?" question Falconet
"Yes that is right small blind one silver, big blind one gold coin, which mean I get to lose the most first" the captain now throwing in a gold coin while Falconet dealt out. Dr. Lazaret placed in his silver coin for the small and picked up his cards.
Mizzen was shaken by the captain as she seemed to have lost concentration already, she levitated the cards before her as she gave the captain a small soft smile as if to say thank you, her face quickly changed to one of disgust as her eye met her cards. Tailgate snickered to himself, she never was good at making a poker face, he looked upon his cards to find a pair of six's and tried pulling a plain face. He began to look around the table to notice Falconet with a smug look while he held his cards in front of him, the doctor however held the best poker face of them all, not a single feather was shaking or the hint of smile or doubt was on his face, he simply place his cards down to await the betting.

It was Mizzen to start, she simply pouted a little and placed a gold coin to call she then flicked Falconet with her magic.
"Ow miss magic!" Falconet rubbing his arm then returned the favor with a slight nudge. Instead of call Falconet raised the game with a silver coin and waited the next move.
Dr. Lazaret didn't even look twice at his card and simply called with his own silver coin and turned to the captain.
"So le capitaine I shall commence la conversation as I hate playing le silence" His Prance accent thick yet posh and so stylish even tho the doctor held no titles but doctor.
"I have a question le capitaine, why is it the crew is mainly griffons et earth poneys?" Captain Tailgate had a moment of pause to decipher what he had said.
"I call Mizzen" Said the captain and placed a silver coin into the pot. "The reason is dear captain is the cost and importance of the crew. We use griffins and earth ponies because, well how do i but this lightly....... expendable." Tailgate now with a dampened smile paused before carrying on, Dr. Lazeret was still looking at the captain waiting for him to continue.
Falconet placed three cards at the center of the table, first was an Ace of clubs then next came a two of diamonds and finally placed down was a king. The king however had the picture of a station in red armor seated on a throne with a heart engraved upon it.
Tailgate continued with his explanation to the doctor while Mizzen turned into a smile and placed two gold coins into the pile.
"So you see doctor its all economics and politics, earth ponies are cheap and so are griffins, the pegasi of Equestria are its air force and the unicorns are the higher class, they wouldn't serve as naval crew.
"What about Mizzen? She's une licorne" Replied the doctor who now watched as Falconet placed two gold coins into call Mizzen's raise.
"Well you see her Mizzen signed up, a rare occurrence for unicorns, but dear doctor you must ask the lady herself for the answer." Tailgate proceeded to bump Mizzen for her attention, she quickly snapped her eyes away from her cards to meet the captain's.
Dr. Lazeret threw in two gold coins to the pot as if he was in a trance and awaited Mizzen's answer.
"Well Mizzen why did you sign up, see as you a unicorn?" Tailgate asked Mizzen as he checked his cards and also placed in two gold coins.
"Well i joined because I did ok" Mizzen was quick to answer and she grabbed her necklace with her hoof as if Dr. Lazeret was trying to take it away from her.
Falconet drew the next card, a nine of spades, and as if all at once the group said "check", with Dr. Lazeret still fied upon Mizzen, waiting for a better answer. Falconet drew another card, another nine this time of clubs. Again they all simply said "check" except the doctor who said "vérifier" with is accent. "Ah ha!" cried Falconet had he slapped down two nines and began dragging to coins towards him, Dr. Lazeret grasped Falconet's arm and flipped over his own cards. "Four aces mes ami je win," Falconet let go and watched Dr. Lazeret now drag the winnings towards himself, the captain and Mizzen simplely threw their cards down on the table. Dr. Lazeret collected the cards and began shuffling all the while holding his gaze on Mizzen, awaiting a better answer. Mizzen finally cracked and let a sigh out as she sunk into the chair, she now levitated the small blue sapphire in front of the doctor. "This is why. My parents were simple unicorns, they worked how near the dock yards, they were ship designers but fate decided their time had come to and end and that they would see their last day together. They fell ill while I was at my local magic school when i heard the news, they were taken to the local hospital, but it was to late to save them. I spoke to them for the last time the same day, my mother gave me this," Mizzen let go of the necklace from her magical embrace, it fell into the claws of Dr. Lazeret who slowly polished it s if it was the most valuable ring in the world, for Mizzen it was.
"When i arrived at the hospital they both were extremely weak, my mother held me to her side and handed me that necklace, engraved are the words "Aeternum per vestri pars", it means forever by your side. After I lost them I couldn't support myself, I soon left school to be able to afford to live but having my parents live in the high end of the town I couldn't afford to live there anymore, so i sold up and headed for my only choice with limited magic, then I left for the sea as it was the only thing I had left so i signed up and joined the crew." Mizzen finished off by taking back her necklace and levitated it over her head.

Dr. Lazeret finally dealt out another hand only to be interrupted by a large thud from the other end of the galley, they all turned around to see Bellen in the hooves of Loggerhead while she wore a mop on her head, it sue was a crazy last night on the boat.
Soapberry too joined the side of Tailgate who seemed to distract him on every draw of the cards, the captain how ever didn't mind at all, even when Dr. Lazeret had gone all his silver and half his gold.
The sun once again began to dip below the horizon to end the day, the crew crying out with joy with drums and flutes ringing and crying out, the whole ship in full swing as they sailed towards their journeys end.
Dr. Lazeret finally turned to the captain, "Capitaine what is le histoire of that sword?"
Tailgate tapped it with his hoof and simply smiled, "for another time my friend, for another time".

Trumpets for past times

Make anchor came the call across the ship, they had finally reached the port of New Saddle, a large wooden dock stood surrounded by many fishing vessels which all seemed tiny compared to The Harlech, yet in this port there sat anchored was the Red Finch, a seventy-two gun second rate of the line. There were only two of these ships that had been built in the whole of the known world, both thankful owned by the Equestrian navy. The other was called 'The Merlin' and it was moored in the city of Rineland in Reno, it was there for the protection of trade to Equestria and her allies. There was only one other ship larger than all others by far, it was the Alicorn's Redemption, a huge one-hundred and twenty gun ship stationed at Manehatten docks, it the Harlech was a jewel then the Alicorn was the was that housed it.

The Harlech sailed into an empty pier for mooring, next to it was a small sloop called 'The Finch', a simple twenty-six gun ship. The crew seemed to be unloading upon the peer, the usual items of trade could be seen. The crew working in pairs to unload the hull, empty barrels, old melted wax piles and crates with the words Equestria burnt onto it were being carried ashore. The crew collapsed as the last crate made it ashore, they looked as if ready for bed even tho the sun hadn't even reach midday yet. Across the whole dock ships could be seen full of ponies unloading their own cargo, others loading and a couple had been re-engineered as cruise liners for the population, grand ribbons and colours had been throw upon these old war ships. to the simple pony folk it seemed a brand new ship of luxury, to the eyes of Captain Tailgate the scared of battles could still be seen from cannon ball dents to charred wood and even the copper showed scratches where ships ran into shores to escape a barrage.

Tailgate returned his eyes to the docks and more importantly to his crew that awaited his order, he began to walk down the gang blank and of his ship. He turned to his crew in full uniform and bircone upon his head, the dock master trotted to his side awaiting him to sign off his cargo to New Saddle. He grasped the provided quill with his teeth and left his mark and with a flask as quick as lightning the dock master was gone and dock crew appeared to shift the cargo.

"Well done my crew a fine trip indeed, I must report to the Naval Depot for our next mission. I will allow a 2 day leave here at New Saddle so enjoy and make sure if you get in a fight, win! I don't want you to embarrass my ship because you lack a bit of fight in you! Now go enjoy your rest!!" even before Tailgate could finish off his word the crew cheered and rushed off into the coastal town, most likely to the nearest tavern for grok, cider and probably a mare as well.

Tailgate signed as he looked upon his empty pier space before looking into the town to spot the Naval depot, it wasn't hard to spot due to it being painted blue like the sea and a golden boat sat in the bell tower of the building. Tailgate only manged one step forward before Soapberry tugged on his tail, it was as if she waited for him to move just so she could stop him, but Tailgate didn't regard that as a bad thing.
Soapberry came face to face with Tailgate, her perfect green eyes fixed upon him, they look almost like real emeralds. She didn't speak a single word and simply pressed her lips to his as her eyes closed. He pulled away leaving Tailgate entranced, she simply giggled before tapping him to bring him back to reality. "I live i always told you Tailgate I love my stallion in uniform" and before he could reply she was gone galloping to catch up with the crew. Tailgate stood to attention to tidy himself up and to hid his blushing from the other captains on the docks, the last thing he wanted was to gain the nickname lovesick.

He began to make his way to the Naval office by passing through a few small side streets, the road had been laid in a cobble fashion with wide lanes to ensure easy transport of goods to the docks. To each side were small merchant shops selling various wares, from plants that only could be found in Holiopolis to the awe inspiring wood carving of the dragons from Firelight Woods. All these items had been shipped to here from these far of civilizations over countless months and each item with its own unique story of its travels, how it was forged and how it will end, as if it had its own life of silence yet witness so much from endless seas to bitter winters. Tailgate finally stopped staring into the eyes of a carving, it was a pony in steel armour laying a rose on a shield with the markings "A S" engraved into it and below the words "freedom together" had been etched in with simple sapphire enamel. "How much for the carving dear merchant?" Tailgate inspecting every inch of the model noticing the steel pony was in fact a young alicorn and was a mare which was more striking, the merchant's hyper voice quickly rang out " 35 Bits dear captain". Tailgate observed more of the carving seeing the cutie mark etich into the armour was an eclipse of the sun and the moon, "Deal, and have it 5 more bits to have it shipped to my ship in pier 6, The Harlech" and with that he passed over a small pouch with 40 bits exactly in it. With the nod the merchant called out an assistant who loaded it onto a cart for delivery.

After a quick more browsing of other merchant stalls he finally made it to the naval depot where a large iron fence surrounded it, at the entrance was a bronze plated gate its about 6 armed royal guards on duty, each carrying steel spears. Captain Tailgate signed in and was accompanied to the main hall by a guard, it was a large shell with a marble flour and a few guards at each corner but apart from that the hall stood empty. As soon as the door closed another opened to the side in which a uniform emerged dressed in a white uniform with bronze coloured tassels holding it together, upon his head was a black metal helmet with the royal seal embroidered in silver upon it. He stood with his muzzle higher than Tailgate and let a small snigger out before announcing his name, "Captain Tailgate of 'The Harlech' and Lieutenant of Fawntaine the Rear admiral will see you now" And with that he turned his back to Tailgate and walked inside, Tailgate followed as wells to meet the another Unicorn, this time dressed in a full black naval uniform with a golden trims. He had papers levitated in front of him as Tailgate sat down. Tailgate spoke first "It's not often I get called by my full title,there must be something wrong"
A rusty winded breath replied "Your quite right boy, the colony of Gallopfrey is in distress, the colony ports have become blocked by continues piracy and out sloops have taken heavy loses. The Naval Command has seen it fit to supply the Colony with heavy coastal guns to protect its self, but we need two ships to escort the 3 unarmed cargo ships. That is were your ship comes in and you partner Captain Steampine, he commands 'The Humming Bird' a 40 gun ship."

"Wait a minute admiral this is the same colony that raided these shores not a hundred years ago and still have grievances with the southern kingdom of Cervidas, where i was bestowed my honor of Lieutenant for defending against their ships."
The rear admiral didn't change his pose as if expected Tailgates argument, "I fully understand your stance but part of the agreement of these guns is for the Gallopfrey government to be removed and to become part of Equestria. These are the orders i have received and how they are you command. Have you crew ready in three days, you are dismissed captain."
Tailgate stood and saluted the Rear admiral and voiced an "Aye Sir" and turned to leave, the officer still held his muzzle high to Tailgate. As he turned to leave he knocked the Rear admiral's wine glass onto the officers pristine white uniform, Tailgate met him at eye level and voiced his opinion of him, "there you go pretty boy, why not trade that for real blood and serve on the ships" and with a shove on the officer Tailgate left the Naval depot with the Rear admiral laughing at his officer who had burst into tears due to a stain.

Tailgate made his way to the town center in search of the tavern for his crew, he soon found it by the sound of a piano ringing out and drunken singing filling the air, and also the drunk sailor falling out of the door also helped identify the tavern. Tailgate still in full uniform stepped over the collapsed sailor and pushed the thin door open to reveal the large room filled with a many tables and a single bar with the piano at the far end of the bar. The ponies inside had formed areas such as on a couple of tables hoof wrestling was taking place while on others dice betting games, both games betting away what fortune they had. To the back ponies sat in their crews simply drinking and laughing and singing to the piano. As Tailgate entered other sailors and captains watched him make his way through the tavern, it was the same for everypony that entered the tavern either to drink or to prove himself no crew member was an exception even the same activities occurred when captains competed against each other.

Tailgate finally reached the back of the tavern to meet the gaze of his crew, they were all drunk or on their way being so. Tailgate removed his hat and placed it upon Soapberry's head as he pulled up a chair, she instantly smiled and rested upon his shoulder as a crew member slide a tankard of cider to him.
Logger head was the first to ask the obvious question, "So captain what is the next mission?"
Tailgate first took a gulp of his cider before answering, "Well dear Loggerhead there is good news and bad news, for the good we get an extra day on shore" The crew began hitting their tankards together and cheering at the news, Bellen then piped up with a small squawk and began clicking his talons, "Whats the bad news captain?"
Tailgate once again had another gulp as the crew waited on edge, "Were sailing with three cargo ships that will be carrying coastal guns and the Humming Bird as partner ship, to Gallopfrey. Were to expect enemy ships as we sail and once we arrive we are tasked to defend the docks as the cargo ships moor."

Loggerhead slammed down his drink in fury as he heard the mission, now his talons were the ones clicking and his feather had become flustered, "Gallopfrey !! How dare Equestria supply them weapons! They're a bunch of back stabbing thieves!"
The tavern fell silent as a crew stood up on the far side, much dirtier looking and a few black eyes could be seen, they were mostly earth ponies with the odd pegasus and by far they did not look pleased. "What did ya call my hone you half bred freak!" Tailgate rose and so did the set of the crew behind him, Soapberry even rose still wearing the captains hat, only now in a side style to look like a pirate. "Why don't you just sit yourself down before we show you the copper side of our ship, you bunch of treacherous, cowardly, fools!" and that was the last straw for the Gallopfrey crew, he blew his top "bring it on ya gull strangling, sea dog!". The two crews met in the middle to fight it out throw each other into tables or using bottles on one another. Tailgate took on the rival captain making his hooves come into contact with the enemies muzzle and gut before spinning past him to trip another crew member, now he took on two but rather than punch he dodged each hit causing the Gallopfrey crewman and captain to hit each other rather than the captain, eventually they knocked each other out leaving him with nopony to fight, but it didn't take him long to help back another crew member.

In another scene Pintle was back to back with Soapberry defending off rather well until Loggerhead showed up to ruin the run, he had managed to pick up a cider during the fight and seamed to be able to drink and knock out opponents at the same time. It didn't take long to leave the Gallopfrey crew laying on the floor for mercy, Tailgate's crew now stood triumphant but it was short lived, whistles began to blow down the street to signal the town guard, and with in a flash ever ships crew rushed out of any exit available including windows, all retreating to the safety of their ships.

As the day drew to a close once again Tailgate stood in his private cabin but now his uniform ruffled and himself slightly bruised, Soapberry had fallen asleep soundly asleep on the bed still fearing Tailgate's hat. He walked over to join her blowing out the single candle in the cabin to allow it to be immersed into darkness.

Author's Note

all my world references are made with is map
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so now i hope your not to lost when i start mentioning cities never heard of, just this as a guide :) it really is a fantastic map !