It was an unexpected reaction, for Dancer expected another lesson from the Alicorn. But that one kind kiss brought even more joy into the pegasus' heart. A gesture that like communicated far more than a single lecture. How bright the world seemed now despite the rains. 

Dancer smiled, resisting the urge to press her face into the alicorn's chest. Torrential was still one of the high ones, a pony to be given respect. A hug seemed to mundane for such a being. Instead, tears of joy flowed from her eyes, and she let them pour onto the Earth below. "Thank you, Master Torrential," she said. 

The pegasus did not know the song sung by the Alicorn. She did not even recognize the language, for it was not spoken on Equestria for ages. Nevertheless, the lyrics moved her heart - as a courier she had often traveled the lands alone. Yet, even she knew that she did not feel it's full impact, for there was a home and friends waiting for her. The Alicorn… she wondered when he would find his home. 

The pair continued to travel.

----

The Mercenary was a bit lost in the rain, flying low to avoid the high winds above her. She was soaked to the bone even with a cloak, and her short purple mane dripping. Occasionally, where there was an opening in the clouds, the white pegasus flew high to see any sign of Star Dancer or the Alicorn. 

"Nothing," she muttered to herself - a particular habit of Snow Tail's. "I hate being wet, the rain is unending, and I'm not even sure if this is the right path…" She frowned. "…the things I do for this job." 

She shook her head and continued to follow the wind.

----
Charter stood, staring in bright wonderment at the cavern. The lustrous black of obsidian, the sparkle of diamond, not quite the sky but beautiful in it's own right. "Professor Sapphire would be love to be here", he said. He then wondered if it was really a natural formation or made by ponies. [i]The old geologist would tell… and Vast would have loved to see this.[/i]

The Scholar was admiring the marble architecture before he heard Grimwing call for him. Looking around, he saw most of the crew had already went down the gangplank. Blushing, he rushed to exit the ship, as the crew ponies left on board chuckled at the green landlubber. 

It was only at the bottom of the gangplank that Charter realized that he was seeing legends. For with the pirate crew were ponies unlike he never seen before. Their colors were much like of sea life, bright and lively. Their bodies sleek and they had fins. They were the Sea Ponies of legend - the ones sailors like his mother swear they seen in the distance. In his heart, Charter knew they always existed, and his spirits soared high. 

He stood a few more seconds before meeting the eyes of Sunpearl. Never in his life did he see such beauty from the ruby sea mare. She seemed more dignified than the Lady Sweeper. Had he been born earlier and seen the Sisters, the Queen would have been compared to Celestia and Luna. Automatically, he bowed before the royal entourage. He waited for the Queen to give a command.