Scent of Sea

As it turned out, there were many steps that had to be taken before Pale Skies could make her visit to Equestria. It had been years and years – perhaps centuries – since there had been any travel to or from Maresolus, so the island itself wasn’t equipped for voyage.

Ice Blue had concluded that travel by hot air balloon would be the preferable choice for a number of reasons: first, it would (as far as she could tell) be marginally easier to construct than a sailing vessel; second, Ice Blue believed it could be accomplished secretly, or at least more covertly than sending out a ship would be.

Even beyond that there were more ramifications involved: Pale Skies was forbidden from telling anyone about her expedition – only her own parents were permitted to know, and Pale Skies would have to ensure that they told nopony else. Although Pale Skies wanted badly to tell Finch about her “mission,” it was certainly not an option, and she kept her mouth shut.

♦

Pale Skies began visiting Ice Blue at the capital residence several times per week in preparation. It was during these meetings that it became clear that although Ice Blue indeed knew no more of Equestria or Princess Celestia than any average Maresolan pony, she did have access to knowledge that was publicly unavailable.

“Welcome to the archives,” Ice Blue said. Her unicorn horn glowed white as she retrieved a key and used it to open a locked drawer in her office. She removed the drawer’s only contents (a single folder) and placed it on the desktop. “To make a long story short, this is all the information – on paper, at least – that Seafoam deliberately withheld from the citizens of Maresolus.”

Pale Skies gingerly opened the folder and pulled out one of the papers inside: it was a diagram explaining how to construct a hot air balloon. “This is exactly what we need!” She exclaimed, but then stopped and thought for a moment. “You knew this was here.”

“Daddy didn’t tell me everything he knew… far from it. But he did tell me a few things,” Ice Blue explained. “He wasn’t even fully honest with me, though. When I was a filly he brought me in here and said these documents were ‘dangerous…’ He showed me this very diagram, and he said, ‘Ice Blue, Maresolus is like a puzzle. With one of us missing, it wouldn’t be complete. We have to ensure that no one disrupts that puzzle.’”

“Every government has its secrets,” Pale Skies admitted, though it felt strange to say. “But stuff like this? It should be common knowledge. We-”

Ice Blue cut her off. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” she said resolutely.

Pale Skies did not argue.

The construction of the hot air balloon was a slow but steady process. Ice Blue sent Pale Skies out to procure the supplies, while she herself built the balloon. Her work was of just passable quality, although there were several occasions where parts of the vehicle that she initially built incorrectly and had to be redone.

“Well, my cutie mark isn’t a hammer and nails,” Ice Blue sheepishly defended herself. By the time the balloon was finished, though, it looked decent and usable; the nicest part was the design, as Ice Blue had painted her actual cutie mark on the balloon. “Just a signature of my work,” she said. “Though I doubt there will be much else.”

♦

The time for launch was set for very, very early morning (or quite late at night). Ice Blue had deduced that this would be the best time because everypony would still be fast asleep, and this was true – save for Thundercloud and Calm Breeze, who awoke early to say goodbye to their daughter.

“If you never come back—” Calm Breeze started.

“I’ll come back,” Pale Skies assured.

“If you run into danger—” Thundercloud attempted.

“I’ll protect myself,” Pale Skies assured again.

She gave her baby brother a kiss on the top of the head, and he only briefly stirred in his slumber in response. Her parents had packed her saddle bags, although Pale Skies ended up having to remove almost half the contents just so they would be light enough to carry.

“It’ll be alright,” were the last words she said to them before exiting the house. But as she walked to the launch site, Pale Skies knew in her heart that she had doubts that it really would be alright at all. And yet… her feeling of duty seemed to cover everything else. In a sense, Pale Skies felt that she was doing something that was really right for her in a way that her “Observer” job was not. She was scared, but she was doing something incredible, something that she would be proud of.

“Be brave, dear,” Calm Breeze called as Pale Skies trotted away.

“I will,” her daughter replied. “I’ve got no other choice.”

When Pale Skies reached the launch site, Ice Blue was already there, pacing nervously. “You’re here,” she said, sounding relieved. She looked exhausted and just as nervous as Pale Skies. “And you’re sure no one saw you or followed you?”

“I’m sure.”

“Good.”

Pale Skies climbed into the basket of the hot air balloon and tried to get comfortable. She wondered how long she’d be in there… hopefully she’d have enough food. But considering how heavy her saddle bags still were, she figured there was probably enough to last several days, and she knew her trip wouldn’t be that lengthy.

“Before you go, there’s something I’d like to give you,” Ice Blue said.

Pale Skies was surprised. “Oh… really?”

“Here.” Ice Blue presented her with a gold spyglass. “You know how to use this, don’t you?” She smiled weakly.

“Well… I think so.”

“I believe you’ll find it will come in handy,” Ice Blue went on. “Trust your cutie mark. And trust yourself, Pale Skies. Nopony knows it yet, but they’re all counting on you.” She paused. “So am I.” And with that, Ice Blue cut the sandbags attached to the hot air balloon, setting it free into the dark sky.

Pale Skies looked down as she flew up and Ice Blue’s figure became a dot of blue on green. Pale Skies waved and waved, but then the land was obscured by the clouds, and she was moving. Ice Blue included a compass in the basket, and there was also a document explaining how the balloon could be controlled, which Pale Skies assumed had been retrieved from the so-called archives.  Looking at the compass, Pale Skies could see that she was headed eastward, the correct direction. As Ice Blue had predicted, the winds were heading towards Equestria, meaning the balloon would head that way as well. The height of the balloon was controlled by heat, and it seemed simple enough to use, thus a tiny part of Pale Skies’ fear was alleviated.

As the balloon traveled at a rather sluggish pace, Pale Skies took the opportunity to take in the surroundings. “So this is what I was named for,” she observed, although the sky was far from pale at the moment. Rather, it was a deep purply color, and it was dotted some stars, although some had already disappeared after the peak of nighttime had passed. Pale Skies couldn’t see anything in the distance, although she was flanked by clouds, and the lack of light was obviously hindering her sight.

She tried to keep her eyes focused on what lay ahead, and she imagined what Equestria might look like from a distance: perhaps it would be covered with ponies dancing in happiness? Or maybe there would be glowing spots all over the land from all the magic being practiced. There would probably be plenty of pegasi flying about, playing games and… doing whatever it was pegasi did. Perhaps she could even see Princess Celestia? Though Pale Skies doubted she’d be able to identify her just from looks.

But it was so late at night… and suddenly the interior of the hot air balloon’s basket felt as comfortable as the soft mattress Pale Skies slept on at home. If she could just rest for a minute, it would make things so much better. Just fifteen minutes would be fine. She wouldn’t miss Equestria, she wouldn’t. Pale Skies felt her eyes slowly close shut. She lay down. She slept.

When Pale Skies opened her eyes, she initially felt terror. She most certainly was not in her bed; in fact, she was in some sort of moving basket! What was going on?! Why was she- Pale Skies quickly regained her senses and remembered that she was merely in her hot air balloon on the way to Equestria. Then, suddenly, another terror took over. She’d fallen asleep! For how long? It had probably been no fewer than six hours, and by now she could possibly have missed her target completely.

Pale Skies looked down to see if she could make anything out on the ground, and lo and behold: it was land! This wasn’t the turquoise terrain of Maresolus with its yellowy beaches, though; this land was a bright green color, with small multicolored dots dashing about. Feeling a sudden wave of excitement take over her fear, Pale Skies realized that these little dots were very likely other ponies. In the back of her mind, she knew that there was a chance she had stumbled into a country inhabited by other creatures, but even in her nervous state Pale Skies was able to deduce this theory as improbable.

In a flash of inspiration, Pale Skies opened a vent in the balloon, allowing the warm air beneath it to gradually escape. As a result, the hot air balloon began to descend at a slow pace, ensuring that the vehicle itself as well as its contents would land in perfect condition. As Pale Skies got closer to the ground, the environment became clearer: there were many buildings, much larger and sturdier looking than anything on Maresolus, and the ground seemed to be smoothed over somehow with dull gray.

Pale Skies could see plenty of other ponies walking around: earth ponies like herself, unicorns, and even pegasi, walking and talking and mostly appearing quite pleased. Some of them glanced up at her balloon but they just smiled and looked away, getting on with whatever they’d been on their way to do. Thus, Pale Skies’ balloon landed uninterrupted on a patch of grass, barely missing some trees.

Cautiously, Pale Skies exited the balloon, deflating it so that it wouldn’t fly away without her. She stood next to it for a moment, scanning the surroundings from ground level. The only comparisons between Maresolus and this land were altogether vague: it was obvious that some of the buildings were residences, but they looked nothing like Pale Skies’ own home, the beach hut she shared with her parents and brother that was one of hundreds in Maresolus’ Southern Region. Further, they were brightly colored and each one was completely unique, quite the opposite from any of the lodging in Maresolus.

Unsure of what to do or where she was, Pale Skies thought she might try to find the leader of this place, since he or she might be able to direct her forward. Pale Skies gave her balloon one last glance and started off in no particular direction. As she trotted, she looked around at the ponies that lived in this place. Most of the residents of Maresolus were muted shades of blue, green or gray, but here there were ponies with stunningly bright-colored coats all over the spectrum.

As she looked around, Pale Skies suddenly felt her head collide with somepony else’s. Pale Skies instantly recoiled in pain and fear. “I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.” She had no idea if this other pony would even understand her language, but it was her first instinct to apologize. Pale Skies peered up at the pony she had bumped into; it was a unicorn with a gorgeous purple coat.

“That’s alright,” the unicorn replied. Her horn glowed much brighter than Pale Skies had ever seen as she used magic to pick up her book that had fallen in the collision. “I think it was my fault, too. I shouldn’t really read and walk.”  The unicorn smiled, and then took a look at Pale Skies’ face. “Hm… I don’t think we’ve met. Did you arrive in that balloon?”

Pale Skies looked behind her; the balloon still lay on the grass untouched. “Oh, yes. I did.”

“Well, welcome to Ponyville,” the purple unicorn said warmly. “I’m Twilight Sparkle.”

“My name’s Pale Skies,” came the reply, and the two shook hooves. “So this is Ponyville… hm… are we in Equestria?”

Twilight Sparkle smiled confusedly. “Yes, of course.”

“So I made it!” Pale Skies beamed.

“Are you… not from here?”

“No, no. I’m not from Equestria at all. In fact, I’ve never been here,” Pale Skies replied merrily. She gave the scene another look around. “But I’m definitely liking it so far.”

“Really? Well, where are you from, then?” Twilight Sparkle said, still sounding friendly but now a bit perplexed.

“I’m from Maresolus,” Pale Skies answered.

“What?”

“I’m from Maresolus.”

Twilight Sparkle blinked. “Sorry, you’re from where?”

“Maresolus,” Pale Skies said it slowly that time.

“I guess I just haven’t heard of it,” Twilight Sparkle said, although she obviously was not satisfied with that. “I’ll have to check on my map… well, would you like to come with me? The Ponyville Library is a sight to see!”

“Yes, sounds good!” Pale Skies was very pleased that she had managed to form at least a tiny connection with someone in Equestria, and if this Twilight Sparkle pony was a fan of the library, she might just have access to information that could help Pale Skies. Though nothing was sure, yet.

♦

Pale Skies found the Ponyville Library, in a word, impressive. It was about twice as large as the library in the Central Region of Maresolus, and moreover, its books appeared to be much thicker.

They had only been there for a few moments before Twilight Sparkle’s horn was aglow as she pulled a volume out of one of the shelves and placed it onto a lectern. Pale Skies gingerly trailed behind, although she tried not to draw any attention to herself so as not to distract Twilight Sparkle.

“I’m not seeing any place called Maresolus,” Twilight Sparkle announced. She didn’t sound accusatory, only baffled.

“Um, maybe I can show you,” Pale Skies shyly volunteered. She walked over and looked closely at the book; the pages showed a large map, and a title on top read “The Known Lands.” Pale Skies knew that Equestria was east of Maresolus, so she located Equestria and then looked to the left. “Oh, here it is,” she said. “It’s right there.”

Twilight Sparkle looked closely at the spot Pale Skies was indicating: a tiny island, westward of Equestria. It was unnamed on the map. “That’s where you’re from?” she asked. There was undoubtedly a hint of skepticism in her voice.

“Yes,” Pale Skies said.

“SPIKE!” Twilight Sparkle yelled suddenly. “Come down here, I need your help!”

A moment later, a green and purple creature came down the steps. Pale Skies pushed herself to recall her wildlife studies from her youth, and realized that this “Spike” was in fact a baby dragon. “You let a dragon live with you?” she asked, surprise and mild revulsion in her voice.

Spike raised an eyebrow. “And who’s this?” he said, obviously not pleased.

“Spike, this is Pale Skies. She’s not from here. I think she might be a little lost,” Twilight Sparkle said authoritatively. “But I’m trying to learn more about where she’s from and I need your help to find some books.”

“Sorry if I insulted you,” Pale Skies quickly added. “In my homeland we don’t really have dragons… I mean, we don’t know much about them. I didn’t know they could talk and that they were… um, civilized. But if you’re a friend of Twilight Sparkle’s I am sure you’re a very good dragon,” she said, feeling awkward. Though this was evidently the right thing to say, as it elicited pleased expressions from both Spike and Twilight Sparkle.

“Well, alright then,” Spike said. Then, to Twilight Sparkle, he asked: “So what book are we looking for?”

“Anything that mentions ‘Maresolus.’”

“Got it.”

“Well, I don’t know how long this will take, Pale Skies, so why don’t you just get comfortable? You might want to take off your saddle bags, too.”

“Oh, thanks,” Pale Skies said. She hadn’t even realized she’d been carrying them, and it felt good to remove the weight from her back. As she sat and watched Spike and Twilight Sparkle go through the library’s books, it occurred to her that the reason why this research was necessary and Twilight Sparkle could not merely ask her for information on Maresolus was because there was no real reason for anyone in Ponyville to trust Pale Skies yet. And if no information about Maresolus turned up in any of the books, it would appear that Pale Skies was some sort of liar or pretender, acting as if she’d come from some faraway land that in fact did not exist. Oh, please let them find something… Pale Skies thought to herself.

“Aha!” Twilight exclaimed.