So with her destination finally in sight, Fluttershy took to the wind and flew over to Memashi. This very tiny village sat on top of a tiny cliffy island, with only a couple houses, but it had a very lively street, filled with people. Especially the tavern, which was blaring with the noise of many people. The dock was filled with resting airships and sailors were all over them cleaning and repairing, along with the people who actually owned those airships. Fluttershy landed in the harbour and knew she was at the right place, when she saw the sign with “Memashi” written on it.
She walked down the only street the village had. There were many people in sailor outfits walking around and groups of seafarers talking and laughing. The place seemed very friendly, even if the seafarers themselves looked rough, the sailors served them with smiles, which the seafarers returned.
Fluttershy entered the tavern and walked up to the bar. The bartender was a young girl, wearing the same previously seen sailor outfit. She was taken a bit aback by Flutteshy, but that surprise soon turned into glee.
“Why the long face?” She asked.
“I’m just here for a room.” She said after a short pause and a bit of confusion why every bartender she meets asks her that.
“Oh, right.” The bartender looked a bit flustered that her joke went unappreciated. “For how long?”
“Just this night. I’ve got a long way ahead of me.”
“Oh, where you headed?”
“I’m not sure exactly. The only pointer I’ve been given is this map and that it’s the desert.” She pulled her map out of her backpack.
“Hm, I know one person who’d be interested in that.”
“Oh? And who’s that?”
“Him!” The bartender pointed at someone standing right behind Fluttershy.
“A fellow traveler eh?” Said the someone with a loud raspy voice. He had a twirly moustache and a large pirate hat. “My name is Orrick Oakley, the wolf of the skies!” He introduced himself as bombastically as possible.
“Um… I’m Fluttershy.” Fluttershy introduced herself, starkly contrasting Orrick’s style.
Orrick paused for a moment. “I’d love to take you wherever you’re going, little horse!” He waved his arms around like he was in a theater. “Not even the sky is the limit!”
“Well, I’m going… somewhere in the desert.” Said Fluttershy and pointed at her map.
Orrick immediately took the map and inspected the clumsily drawn line on it. “Oh, you’re sailing into uncharted skies, I see.”
“I guess.”
“Well, uncharted skies are the only skies worth sailing. I’ll take you wherever this… vague line is leading you!”
“Oh, thank you!” Fluttershy was grateful.
“No need to thank me. It’s my pleasure.” Orrick winked. “Come on boys, we’re going to the far south!” He yelled at his shipmates, who responded with a cheer and the downing of their drinks. Then they all stood up.
“Wait, we’re going right now?” Fluttershy asked in surprise.
“Right now is the best time to go!” Said Orrick. “The sky may wait eternally, but our lives won’t last that long. Pony up, Fluttershy! Your flight is leaving!” He and his crew left the tavern enthusiastically.
“Yeah, they’ve had a few drinks.” Said the bartender. “I’m just glad they’re jolly drunk and not brawling drunk.”
Fluttershy looked at the swinging doors for a moment.
“You should probably go with him.” The bartender continued. “Not many pirates are this willing to give you a lift.”
“Oh, right.” Said Fluttershy and followed Orrick.
The sailor villagers untied the ropes that kept the airship on the ground, the balloon got filled with air, the ship’s rackety machines started spinning. The airship took off. Orrick yelled around many commands to his crew and grabbed the steering wheel, with unfettered enthusiasm. Fluttershy marveled at the crew’s flawless precision and the surprising speed the airship moved with. They were above the lowest cloud layers in mere minutes. The ropes of the balloon shook the ship’s body, the wind blew off a shipmate’s hat and the cliffy islands of the Broken Coast were now far below.
And so, the airship was speeding away to the south, next to the fiery light of the sun.