//------------------------------//
// Six if by Sea 
// Story: LucidTech's Story Scraps 
// by LucidTech 
//------------------------------//

        Twilight looked up at the massive wooden ship that rested on the pier, ready to cross the shining water toward the changeling hive on the other side of the massive body of water. All her friends were present alongside her, having joined her at the princess’s request, and they were all prepared to leave. All that was left was to climb aboard the monstrosity of a water-going vessel and have the crew make way. 

        This was an assignment that would affect the entirety of Equestria for a long time to come and Celestia had chosen the bearers of the elements as the most qualified to take the task. They were to be the first recorded ambassadors with the changeling hive and they were to come up with a way that both civilizations could live in peace without fear of attack. 

It had come as a surprise to both of the princesses when they had received a note from the changelings informing them of the change in their government and their newfound desire for peace. After much discussion between the solar and lunar rulers it was determined that the note could be trusted and they began to seek out a way to cross the massive body of water that split the continent down the middle, which was far too large for pegasus to fly over with the lack of updrafts over the ocean while changelings could store large amounts of energy in their wings for just such a trip..

The number of ponies with skills in sailing were not nearly as plentiful as some other jobs, not to mention a few of those who did chose to be pirates rather than traders. Even then, no stallion nor mare had ever tried to sail across the water, often choosing to stay within sight of land at all times instead. The uncharted lengths of deep ocean had been long avoided by any sailors for fear of what might live there, leaving the princesses with no hireable crew.

With desperation building to find some way to transport the elements across the sea to settle the differences of between the two they had sent out a plea to the general populace of Equestria to find someone who would accept the job. For about a month they received nothing until they eventually got a return response.

The author of the note didn’t openly volunteer for the job but he spoke of a group of hireable sailors who would do just about anything for the right price. With this being the only potential workers they sent a note to what was the supposed working building for them. In the note they detailed the immense reward of five hundred bits to each crew member as well as all expenses paid and all damages compensated. Almost immediately the princesses gotten a letter announcing that they would take the job.

 Afterwards the six mares had been informed that in two months they were to leave to the  pier town of Coral to meet up with their guides. Twilight had packed several books on politics as well as a few small tomes for nautical use. Rainbow hadn’t packed anything at all, claiming that she wouldn’t need anything anyway. It was okay though because Applejack had packed enough food for everyone and a half. Rarity had to be persuaded by all five of her friends to only bring two hats, Fluttershy had packed moderately with just about everything and Pinkie had, of course, packed party supplies. 
The day to leave came sooner rather than later and they soon found the carriage waiting for them, to take them to the town near the water. It was a brief trip and upon arrival the town was already abuzz with the information of their arrival and they were greeted warmly by the majority of the population, though a few gave them glares as they passed. This had led to them, standing here, next to a ship, waiting for something to happen.

With a loud thunk a wooden boarding ramp hit the ground in front of them, jarring Twilight from her thoughts. An outline of a stallion was visible against the bright sky behind him for a moment before he walked back out of view. Glancing to the others Twilight started up the wooden board, Rainbow Dash flying beside her to ensure the protection of the unicorn. Behind the duo was Applejack, behind her was Rarity, behind her was Fluttershy, and bringing up the rear was Pinkie Pie.

The elements weren’t quite sure what reactions they expected when they boarded the ship but being completely ignored wasn’t quite on the list. Only one stallion even glanced at them before getting back to his work, moving around barrels or securing line. Unsure of what exactly to do they all stood at the edge of the ship, out of the way, waiting for something to happen.

Eventually a stallion walked onto the deck of the ship from out of one of the two rooms. He glanced about the ship for a moment before spotting the six mares off to the side and started his approach. As he turned it became visible that one of his front legs had been replaced with a wooden peg leg just below the middle joint. Despite this the sailor managed a steady, even, gait across the deck until he was within a few feet of the elements.

The stallion paused for a moment and grinned. His coat was a dirty white color and his mane was cut short behind his head. Atop his short head was a tricorner hat that sat at a precarious uptilt away from his muzzle, giving full view of his face to the assorted passengers. His muzzle was scared and cracked from consistent rope burn as well as some small scars and his legs displayed the same condition.

Slung across his side was a cutlass that was within easy reach of his mouth as well as an oddly shaped weapon that appeared to be designed with some kind of firing mechanism. The sailor’s grin stayed on his face for a few more moments before he turned to the assorted crew members with a determined glare.

“Be we all set to set sail you lily livered pike?” he shouted to all the ponies present with a tone of ridicule in his voice.

“Aye aye, Captain!” Came the reply from the ponies who all saluted the stallion with the tricorner hat.

“Good!” he exclaimed before turning back to the six mares. “I take it ye be our bonny passengers assigned to us by the royals?” His tone was an odd neutral as he spoke to them and the mares all paused for a moment to figure out how to respond.

“Indeed we are good sir, and may I be the first to thank you for offering your services to our cause.” Rarity was the first to speak up and the stallion grinned once again.

“Well then, I welcome ye to me ship, The Forever Going. And I suggest ye not be thanking us quite yet. Ye be havin’ to take up your end of the slack as well, a few of me crew jumped ship when they heard we be headin’ out past the Deeps. Ye lasses are gon’ be having chores that you will make up for that, so I recommend that ye be kickin’ off yer kitty boots and gettin’ ready for some real work. Be I understood?” The stallion asked with his gruff tone.

The captain received a pause of uncertainty as the mares tried to digest what they had just heard. “I said. Be I understood!?” The stallion repeated in a shout as he glared at each of the elements in turn. Slowly Twilight nodded and the stallion grinned once again. “Good, ye be gettin’ the co-captain’s quarters since that gutless coward ditched the ship. Have a good night and I’ll be gettin’ some crew mates to show ya yer work tomorrow. So enjoy yer day off.”

The elements all nodded again and watched as the captain returned to his quarters. Eventually they were awoken from their shock the slap of a mop on the deck next to them and they looked at each other in uncertainty.

“Oh boy! I’ve never worked on a ship before! I wonder if it will be fun!” Pinkie exclaimed as she started to bounce around on the deck. The elements all sighed at the earth ponies actions and slowly headed towards the room opposite the captain’s. It was going to be a long trip, the least they could do was at least get their things together and hope that it might not be so bad.