//------------------------------//
// Each String Rings A Note 
// Story: The Harlech's Song 
// by doddythechef 
//------------------------------//

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".