Sweeper smiled at Summer's reply, despite the news of the soldier not having a commission and no cake. The alicorn started to get lonely with Arcon and Scroll having a chat, and Winterjet being a bit excited. [i] Poor mare has so much happen in one morning, probably too much for any pony to handle. She needs some room to take it all in [/i], thought Sweeper. Hoplite Winds was willing to talk at least. 

Armifera sudden appearance between the hoplite and alicorn was a surprise, but a pleasant one at that. She chuckled at Armifera's tale. "You know, that's how I meet Scroll too. He was waiting by the crater I made upon landing, and he seemed like a perfect pony as my High Priest. Though we didn't have much to drink, but plenty to clean."

Looking at Summer, Sliver spoke, "Thanks for being there for my sister. I've been so busy in the past months, I haven't had the chance to visit any of my siblings. I'm glad to hear she has a battle-drinking-buddy." She went silent for a moment, and frowned in thought. "What you need is a nice title. Being a friend is fine and all, but you Summer deserve at least that for your service." 

Sweeper looked at Amifera, "Sis, why haven't you given Summer here a title for her? She doesn't even have a nice rank. Summer is a nice name, and Hoplites are important. But I think our followers should have something personal and official to be called." Had Scroll been part of the conversation, he would have hooffaced at the remark. The Lady of Cleanliness gave titles away when it suited her random desire. It was part of her nature. 

And once again, Sweeper's attention wandered. Had the Buffalo meet her, even they would be exhausted by her nomadic thoughts. "You know, I don't think I've ever had whiskey. There's this one band of mercenaries, Joy's Legion, who are my followers. They like the stuff, but I didn't try it. Maybe I should now - Can I have a taste?" 

----

After Charter had told Grimwing of the Scholarship and Lady Sweeper, they headed out to sea at once. How they were going to find Lord Crashing was beyond him. Nevertheless, the Scholar wondered why he needed to see the Sea Lord. His gut told him that he was needed, and that he had to talk to him. 

[i]I'm not sure what I can do though [/i] Charter thought. [i] I could give him a list of contacts, and let him know Sliver Sweeper could come to his aid. But something is pulling me towards him, and he may need my help.[/i]

[i] But is that what I really want to meet him for? [/i]

Cold, numb, the unicorn looked at the harsh sea. He didn't know what to think, or feel. Should he be angry at Crashing for taking away Vast? If so, why wasn't he feeling rage? He didn't even feel anger at Grimwing or the crew. Then again, they had little to do with the tidal wave. 

[b] You're going to fail. You're going to destroy- [/b]

[i] Shut up [/i] Charter told the other voice. A dark shadow was in the sea, taking the shape of a mocking face - The dread face he saw in Foaledo in that bunker. Closing his eyes, he tried to meditate, focusing on the wind on the sails, the splash of the waves, the motions of the ship. Here he was at peace, the sea was part of his blood, calling him since the night he was conceived. 

The Sea - vast, fantastic, dangerous. Open sky, creepy depths below. Fish, kelp, whales, and life living in the cold. And yet to many it was doom. But no pony could resist it's cries. And at that moment, Charter knew it was crying out for the Alicorn who ruled the sea long ago.