A wide open field, filled with beautiful flowers and lush green grass. A gleeful giggle echoing through the entire area. The source was a jumbo sized saurian, prancing through the grass, his scaly flesh along with his gut, wobbled with each skip and hop. His laughter ceased as he halted all movement, locking his eyes on something would make anyone in Equestria look upon it with pure astonishment; A large tree, made of chocolate. The leaves were shaped like chocolate drops, the bark looking like a chocolate shell. Wiping a tear away from his eye with a chubby finger, the saurian let loose a greedy hiss as he charged straight for it.

The sky rung with a soft voice, "Armand? It's time to get up." It sounded feminine and gentle, but also as if it were commanding him, "Armand! Come on, wake up you fat lizard!"

The bubbly and wonderful world around the saurian began to tremble, breaking under the sheer force of whomever voice that belonged to. Armand stood still, watching his world shatter before his eyes. It was only the reptile and the tree of chocolatey goodness and before Armand could reach out to grab on to it, he found himself plummeting into the abyss underneath him. Landing on his stomach with a loud thud and groan, the saurian opened his eyes to find that he's fallen out of his bed and unknowingly in front of one of the many explorers that belonged to the League.

"...Ngh! Now who done woke the mighty pirate Armand?!" He snapped, showing his more predatory traits while lifting his head up to see a white mare staring down at him through her thick rimmed glasses. "...Oh. Sorry there, sweetheart." His voice was more relaxed, pushing himself off the ground. "So uh, why'd y'all wake me up again?" Armand asked, scratching at the rough scales on the back of his neck.

Blinking at the saurian, she merely shook her head. "Look, if you're going to be a part of the Explorer's League, you'll have to do more than just document the delicacies...and then sleeping after eating said food." She turned away from him and headed for the door that lead from the captain's quarter's. "Princess Twilight appreciates any type of information, but please... At least put in -some- type of effort, Captain. And by effort, I mean the folks and the terrain and the-" She squeaked, feeling Armand shove her out the room. On the other side of the door, her voice was muffled slightly while she continued to nag on about his duty. "The locations! The coordinates!" The unicorn scowled at the door, "Anyway, Armand... I'm heading back to Ponyville. Remember to do-

"I get it, I get it!" The rotund reptile sighed heavily, turning to his right and grabbing onto his semi-famous pirate hat. Waiting until he heard that familiar sound of teleportation. Letting his shoulders fall, relieved that finally left. "I ain't exactly tha' one to do that type 'o thing. Climbin', jumpin', riskin' my life! Aw-naw." Armand placed his hat on, "But, Armand ain't one to make a princess angry, either. 'Specially one that could send ol' Armand to the Swamp Witch." He shivered at the thought of an angry Twilight Sparkle. "Guess I'm 'onna go'n'get at it, then. But first, I'm 'onna have to fix me up a crew that'd help Armand out, and by help out, I mean do all the work while the captain sleeps in." He said with another sigh, pushing the door open and stepping out onto the deck, taking in a deep breath of the familiar and always welcomed sea air of Horseshoe Bay.

Kali dragged her suitcase back along the ground, her hooves and the suitcase's wheels kicking up sand. She let go of the handle in her mouth and sighed. Who would design something so you couldn't look where you were going? Surely there was an easier way of doing this. She tried pushing it in front of her for a bit, but controlling the case proved impossible as it decided to twist this way and that. After a few more tries, Kali gave up and continued dragging it backwards. So, this is Horseshoe Harbor? she thought, looking around. No, Horseshoe BAY, she corrected herself. She stopped, suddenly realizing she had no idea where she was supposed to be heading. She stopped and pulled a scroll from her bag and unfurled it on the ground with her hooves. The scroll was her official letter of acceptance into the Equestrian Explorer's League, and instructions of where she would find a boat captain by the name of... Armand? He would be her captain for the duration of this particular journey, and she'd also meet other members of the League. She was excited, but at this particular moment she was frustrated by confusing directions and the design of her suitcase. This must be why they have ponies pushing around those big carts of suitcases all the time.

"Gosh, this is so... Augh. Why can't they just give me a map or something?" Kali muttered. Kali's voice almost completely lacked the distinct accent that most zebras had. Evidence of her upraising among ponies. She sighed again and rolled up the scroll. Soon enough she'd be able to go off into the wild unknown, cataloging the strange beasts in the uncharted parts of the world! But first she'd have to find the boat. Kali grabbed the handle of the suitcase once again and walked backwards in the direction of what she thought was the docks. After 5 minutes of constantly checking over her shoulder and countless "'scuse me"'s Kali finally made it to the docks, and she looked up and down the road. What was the name of that boat? She sighed once again and began rolling down the road, hopefully towards the ship. Sure enough. After a few minutes of walking she finally stopped to ask for directions. She turned to face a ship where a saurian was standing on the deck.

"'Scuse me sir, but you wouldn't happen to know where the Equestrian Explorer's League ship is? I'm afraid I've forgotten the name of the ship, but there were probably a bunch of ponies headed that way?" she asked, cocking her head to the side.

Awoken by the sound of a perturbed barkeep.

"You really need to get over that habit, you are lucky that I am fond of yah'"

Forte isn't a heavy drinker by any means, but he does enjoy sleeping in good company....Like at the end of the bar, often enough that everyone seems to misinterpret him for a living statue. The Barkeep, a lady saurian named Sheliah, (That means itsa girl) who often calls upon forte for grunt work and his wonderful people skills. She looks after him while he sleeps and the odd tips he gets for his statue like stare, though she cant help but be slightly off put by the fact he does so without so much as a yawn.

"You know I was chatting with you for at least thirty minutes or so, you could at least let me know before hand. Kinda' rude you go askin me."

Forte lets a yawn escape, Then he smiles at her somewhat apologetically.

"Can't help it your stories are like the one mom used to say."

The saurian scoffs and raises a brow.

"Your mother had a bad habit then, complaining to her children about how bad her lovers can be."

Forte laughs for a minute before he can even get the words out.

"You got no idea. I'll see you around miss Sheliah, gotta check in. You know duty calls."

Sheliah rolls her eyes before waving off the peg, "Oh yes, like they use you for more than scaring off bad publicity. Not that that Fat Saurian is anymore lovely to look at."

Laughing Forte flapped his massive wings launching himself out the building.....The door came with him for about 10 meters. Much to the facepalming Sheliah's sigh. "One day he will remember how big he is..."

---

Zelia picks the wonder root, her personal rare herbs growing in a garden she protects from weeds and prying eyes. It's not so much that shes growing anything bad, but they are hard to come by this far from the rolling sands.
Cleaning it off she puts it in the top of the brewing pot, the moisture that condenses on its body picks up just enough of the flavor to give it that pick-you-up so the day can get to rolling. Not that she needs it but Dink, that "Ass" always needs a spur in the morning. As it sits she starts going through the budget, travel expenses would obviously be a tad higher this month moving out this way, but she neglected the expenses on her spices and "Imports".

"Dink is going to cut back on fun and games this month. Hopefully the new location will be infatuating enough.."

She wouldn't simply admit the feeling guilt, but even though she needed her things to continue to work the way they had grown accustom to it was still her fault that the budget was this much in the red.....But then again Dink didn't have a budget till her. She smirks thinking about how he was happy just getting by, things really did seem to work out for him. The first month she was with him he owed 13k bits, that just seemed to show up in a single case that he took on a whim. Now once more on a whim he is part of some group that seems to be flying blind hoping to find a reason to be. Zelia thought poorly of the idea, but once Dink gets it in his head......She knows that no amount of logic is going to get it out.

"I would be a fool to try, but at least they can help us get by...."

A crow caws at what seems like random, letting her know the tea is ready...

Swifthoof trotted along, observing Horseshoe Bay. So this was how the ponies lived... He was more amazed by Canterlot, but this place was amazing as well, to say the least. Ponies trotted around wearing odd clothing similar to those who were on the ship when he first arrived. Funny hats, and other fancy accessories also. All Swifthoof had was his headband, and bindle full of acorns. He was careful with the stick in his mouth, making sure the tied cloth at the end didn't sway too much. He didn't want to drop his food. He blinked, noticing his surroundings suddenly get dark. He glanced up, noticing a large ship flying overhead, heading to the west. There was nothing he could do but stare at it, speechlessly. "Amazing... They have ships that sail the skies, as well...?" was all he managed to say, before his ears perked up at a sound.

Glancing to his left, he noticed two things. A building with no door, and a Pegasus coming in his direction. His eyes widened, as he swiftly hopped to the left, avoiding the Pegasus. 'W-What in the world?'[I] He simply stared for a moment, before slowly trotting away. He wanted no part of this, it was honestly not in his interest to know why a Pegasus ended up flying out of that building and taking the door with him.

Continuing on his way, he passed a couple of ponies during his trip, most glancing at him curiously. He usually avoided eye-contact, unsure of how ponies felt of his presence. Most he had met had no issue with him, but he had gotten a more fearful glance from a few ponies. Being wary of the unknown was probably a good thing though, he didn't judge them on not all being easy to converse with.

He stopped by the ocean, glancing out at the ships. He looked mildly concerned, unsure of which one he was supposed to be on. "... Hmm." He continued to stare out at the ships, though soon he heard someone behind him. "Excuse me, Mister..."

Glancing back, he saw a young filly. She seemed to cower slightly as if scared he would be mad. Swifthoof offered a small smile, setting down his bindle. "Is there something you need, little filly?" He asked, as he fully turned to face the small Unicorn. She seemed to take a moment to simply stare, before speaking. "Is it true you're from far away?" She asked, seeming very curious. Swifthoof simply nodded. "I am." He lifted a hoof, gesturing at the ocean. "I came from a place far across the sea, beyond what our eyes can currently see. It's known as Elkwood. It's a beautiful place, full of life. Everything is nice and green, and we live mostly peaceful lives."

"Really?" The Unicorn asked, and he couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, we have some issues here and there... But you shouldn't concern yourself with that." Swifthoof glanced up hearing somebody call out. It seemed to be the little fillies' mother. Swifthoof waved goodbye, sad the conversation couldn't be continued further... Oh well. He'd chat with somepony again, he was sure. He turned back to the ocean, eyeing the ships. "... This is still an issue..." He muttered, unsure of what to do.

---

"Gamble, oh, Gamble... Where could you be~?" Freya was singing quite terribly to herself, flying around Horseshoe Bay. She was quite curious about where she'd be going, but more so she was wondering if she'd find her stallion there or not! Just thinking about him made her heart pound faster, that sly devil would never get out of her head. None of the other guys ever came close to how he made her feel. They were usually too dull, or saw her for all the wrong reasons. Of course, she saw them just out of her own curiosity, and because most of them were pretty cute... That Pegasus did always say for her to live life to the fullest. And she took it to heart.

She stopped mid-flight, hearing something below. She saw the door, but she was more focused on the rather beefy pegasus that caused it. "Look at that tower of hunk! Wow~!" Her train of thought was now on this large yellow Pegasus, perhaps one of the biggest she had seen in a long time. She adjusted her hat, grinning as she flew in his direction, whistling. "Hey big guy! What's the rush? Why don't ya slow down and chat with me for a minute~?" She called out, not certain what she was getting into, but certain that it'd be a lot of fun.

[I]'Whew, I wonder what kind of personality he has? I bet he's one of those big, cool guys! His mane screams something like that.' Her thoughts wandered about it, as she tried to catch up. It surprised her,he was really darn fast.

---

"We can do this the easy way, or the hard way... It's your choice. But only one of us is leaving this spot. And I promise you, it isn't going to be me... I can tell, you're a stubborn one, but it takes more than stubbornness to stop me. Because I am the stubbornest mule you'll ever meet. I won't move to eat, to play chess, or even to use the bathroom. Can you say the same? Well? Can you? Don't try the silent treatment, I can be silent...Er."

Dink stared at the fly on his desk, his eyes narrowed and he refused to lose this staring contest. This activity was intense, as the two stayed motionless. After a few moments, the fly flew off the desk, and Dink smirked. "No bug will out-stare me... I think he was cheating, anyways." Dink muttered to himself, yawning. He smelled something strong, standing up he decided to see what Zelia was doing. He made sure to grab his fedora before trotting out, and when he did, he noticed what he had caught whiff of.

"Aah, one of your brews, Zelia?" He questioned, slowly approaching and starring at the pot. He was never completely sure what was going to come out of there... And was never sure if it'd be 100% safe. "Smells... Interesting." He added, thinking about the day ahead. He was interested to see what new lands awaited him while travelling with this Explorer's League. Surely there would be puzzles to solve along the way, and ponies who needed his brilliance. Dink was excited, but figured waking up a bit more would be a good idea. He simply stared at the pot, unsure if he wanted to touch whatever was inside.

Now

In the sky, over the open water of the Bay, a Griffon was lounging on a thin cloud in the morning sun. One dark eye was scanning the softly rolling waves below, searching for the tiny glint of scales in the sunlight, a splash or ripple, the slightest hint of a fin... There.

Lazily, Rosie slipped off of the cloud, angled her wings carefully, and slowly began to gain speed, eyes never leaving the shape of the unlucky fish, so far below. Before it had any chance to flee, or dart away, or move at all, huge talons were piercing its side, the world was turned upside down, and the fish could no longer breathe. It could only squirm and bleed as the Griffon pulled out of her dive, grinning. This was no small fish (she had to hold it with both talons), and she was going to eat well, even if that gluttonous saurian convinced her to share. Using the remaining momentum from the steep maneuver, she glided a few feet above the water, flapping her wings every so often, and landed softly on the dock next to The Swamp Witch's Pride.

If her tongue could reach that far, Rosie would have licked her beak. This fish was going to be delicious. She barely noticed the zebra in front of Armand's ship, or even the lizard himself, intent as she was to dig in. Extending one shiny, polished claw, the Griffon cut a perfect line down the fish's underside, chin to tail, and stuck her beak straight in, ripping and tearing and noisily enjoying herself. It wasn't long before the feathers around her beak were slick with gore, as Griffons are notoriously quick and messy eaters, but after a moment or two, she stopped. In her haste, she had temporarily forgotten where she was. She could eat like that around Dusk Wing, they didn't really care, but now she was around a bunch of civilians, most of them herbivores!

Grinning sheepishly at the zebra, who just happened to be nearest, Rosie quickly wiped off the area around her beak with a wing, very aware of the fish guts still strewn across the dock at her feet. "I'm sorry, my friend, I just got a little carried away there... Um, you said you were looking for the Explorer's League ship?" She grinned again, bits of meat still stuck in her beak. "Well, you found it. The Swamp Witch's Pride. A beauty, don't you think? Let's see, Armand up there's the captain of this fine vessel, and me, well, my full title is Lt. Commander Red, but please, just call me Rosie. I'm in the Royal Guard; Twilight sent me to keep everyone safe from nasty beasties and the like... Anyway, you're the first of the civilians to arrive at the ship, and there'll be plenty of time for introductions once the whole group has assembled." With an exuberant wing flap that spattered fish blood on Kali's striped coat, the Griffon exclaimed, "Welcome aboard!"

--

A Week Ago, Ponyville

"Alright, Commander Red, are you ready to depart? You'll need to meet Armand, the captain, and make sure there's an understanding between you before the others arrive."

"An understanding, ma'am?"

"Yes. It is his ship, after all, and he won't be too happy to have someone else giving out orders. You'll need to reassure him that no matter your position among the Guard, you won't usurp command of his vessel."

"Of course. I have little experience with sailing. Unless something extreme occurs, I plan to follow his orders... Hmph. While we're at sea, at least."

"-snort- Good. See that you do. I trust your discretion, and leave it all in your capable talons."

"Thank you, your majesty."

The Griffon saluted, turned away, and spread her wings, ready to begin the rather lengthy aerial journey to Baltimare, but a purple hoof stopped her. The Princess spoke again. "Rosie... -sigh- Just be careful out there. I'm sending you on this mission for a reason. No one knows what dangers you're going to face, mundane or otherwise. You need to be prepared, and they need to be prepared. Alright?" Rosie nodded gravely. "Yes, ma'am. You can rest assured, I will be constantly alert. No harm will come to them while under my protection."

"I'm glad to hear it. Very well, I wish you the best of luck, and I'll see you upon your return." Twilight grinned. "No doubt we'll have much to discuss." Her Guard saluted once more, spread her powerful, red-tipped wings, and took off into the clear sky. Her mission had officially begun.

Before the Saurian even had a chance to speak, a Griffon landed on the dock next to Kali with a fish in her beak and proceeded to slowly slice it open without any regard for passersby. Where most others would have turned away in disgust, Kali was overjoyed. Her work involved watching manticores hunt, and quarry eels lying in wait for a meal, but she was never standing mere meters away from them while they ate. She managed to rein in her excitement and just made a soft 'squee' noise. She watched in interest, then slight disgust which quickly reverted to interest. The griffon suddenly stopped, as if realizing she had made some big mistake and turned to smile at her, which Kali had to admit was a little unsettling.

"I'm sorry, my friend, I just got a little carried away there... Um, you said you were looking for the Explorer's League ship?" the griffon asked. Kali nodded. "Well, you found it. The Swamp Witch's Pride. A beauty, don't you think? Let's see, Armand up there's the captain of this fine vessel, and me, well, my full title is Lt. Commander Red, but please, just call me Rosie. I'm in the Royal Guard; Twilight sent me to keep everyone safe from nasty beasties and the like... Anyway, you're the first of the civilians to arrive at the ship, and there'll be plenty of time for introductions once the whole group has assembled." Rosie flapped her wings, in the process splashing a bit of blood on Kali's coat, though she didn't seem to notice.

"Oh, perfect! Just... Try not to be too aggressive with the 'beasties'. That's why I'm here!" She exclaimed, pushing off the ground to stand on the tips of her hooves for a moment. She made an odd face, then chuckled. "I mean, I'm not here to be aggressive to them, I study them. That my thing. The more dangerous the better!" Kali grinned like a maniac. "Anyways, my name is Kali, expert on creatures of all sorts, but especially the predators!" she said, puffing out her chest and holding a hoof to it proudly. "I imagine there will be plenty of that type of thing where we're heading."

Armand threw on his ebony coat and adjusted his hat before leaning over the ship's railing looking down at that griffon and zebra. He still wasn't used to seeing people gather around his vessel, especially soldiers. His large mouth opened and twisted to a wide, toothy smile nonetheless. Despite his uncomfortableness toward people being this close to his ship, he was still that same old jolly reptile. With a small flick of his thick tail, the saurian pushed himself away from the side of the ship. Time to welcome the newcomers, I suppose. Armand sighed softly, walking towards the turnstile that controlled the justified reinforced bridge. Gripping the handles, Armand turned the wooden wheel effortlessly, causing the ropes and wheels to move underneath him and extend the bridge from the deck to the dock.

The bridge landed on the cold stone pier with a loud clang, followed by Armand walking down the reinforced plank. Setting foot on the ground and looking at them with a neighborly smile, the saurian opened his arms, "Greetin's!" He called out in his gruff voice, still with his smile. "Y'all done found the Swamp Witch's Pride, sturdiest and fastest ship on the sea!" Finally lowering his arms, he took a few more steps toward the pair, "I'm Captain Armand, the greatest pirate in Equestria and the greatest eater in Equestria. Now what can ol' do fuh' y'all, eh?" He finished, eying the two as he placed his hands into the coat's pockets.

"Celestia, I hope not," the Griffon mused, when Kali mentioned an abundance of predators. "This is the closest thing I've had to a vacation in 10 years..."

As for the saurian, Rosie had heard the spiel the day before, when they first met, but couldn't help but smile at how he described himself. Greatest pirate and greatest eater, and at least it was hard to argue with the latter. She had heard from Posey (the white unicorn from earlier) that he could eat mountains of sweets all by himself, and often did! Equestria's greatest pirate, though? Probably not. He was a skilled sailor, no doubt, but piracy was very rare in the modern age. Besides, if he was an actual pirate, there was no way the Princess would allow him to join the Explorer's League. Still, Armand was an interesting figure, and the Griffon believed she'd be able to respect his authority.

"You remember me, of course, Captain. Commander Red, from the Guard? We met yesterday, and discussed who would be in command during the journey... Anyway, this lovely young mare here is Kali, expert on all things vicious and bloodthirsty. Heh, we need to be careful, or she'll start studying us, eh? I saw a few other ponies that match the descriptions of our Explorers while I was looking for my breakfast, so be ready to greet them, I guess. Now, if you'll both excuse me, I need to finish said breakfast." Scooping up the half-eaten fish in her talons once more, Rosie flew up and over the various ships, back towards the shore of the Bay, trying to find a more private place to dig in. Absentmindedly, while searching, she noticed a lone Deer, standing on the path to the docks and looking very unsure of himself. Careful to put the fish down out of sight, and clean herself off a little more fully, the Griffon approached the Deer on foot. He matched the description of their one cervid crewmember, with a scar on one side of his face and a red headband not unlike her own purple one, so she decided to be helpful.

"Greetings, my young friend," she called out, keeping a respectful distance. She realized suddenly that the scar had a very familiar shape: it was caused by the claw of a Griffon. This Deer had fought her kind... And probably wouldn't appreciate friendly conversation with one. Still, if he was an Explorer, they'd have to settle their differences soon enough, so after pausing for a moment, she pressed on. "I am Commander Red, with the Explorer's League, and you look like the Deer who is supposed to be joining us here today. If you are Swifthoof, the ship in down in this direction." Rosie pointed with one claw down the shore, to the docks. "I can take you there, if you like."

Freya & Forte

Forte hardly heard the whistle over the wind. Glancing over back almost uncertain that he had actually heard anything, it suprised him to spy some little thing flying after him. He leaned himself back before flapping full force, a massive back draft shoves clouds about and seems to propel him straight up. Forte's rather forceful motions make for a rather sudden flip, It was fast, but it was not about to get awards for grace....

As he takes his place just behind the peg, he determines it to be in fact a mare, as if instinct he tries to fly so his wings are not at risk of overtaking hers...Down forces and all, cant be blowing little ones out the sky!

"Sorry little miss! Couldn't quite make out what you said. Fly it by me one more time?"

'Smooth. I like that.' Freya thought as she turned, the stallion was much bigger up close. Smirking, she eyed him, top to bottom. 'Whew. They do say wing size matters... I wonder what that says for him- Aah, getting ahead of myself~' She cut herself off before she went any farther with those thoughts, instead honestly curious about the stallion that towered her by a long shot.

"What's a big fella like you doing all by yourself?" She asked, her expression not changing. A light flap of her wings raised her up face-to-face with him, her eyes narrowing somewhat as she continued to watch him curiously. This guy looked worth perhaps missing her ride to wherever she was going, of course, he probably wasn't in the long run. She had a bad habit of making bad choices about these things.

"Feel bad for whatever mare would pass you by, that's some muscle you've got going on~"

Forte smirked, He isn't exactly vain but he can't help but flex a little when a Mare complimented him. "I'm Headin' to help out some explorers. Or something of that sort." He spaced himself from her just a tad so he can think. Something about Flying and thinking made him enjoy rolling and peaking. "Not that their goal is unimportant, but I got told about her Highness needing a hoof, and that the work might be a tad rough. So Obviously I had to help out." He smiled at her, hoping this would appease whatever made her seem to glare at him so. Cloudskimmers were so fickle.

"Explorers... You don't say." Freya giggled at her astounding luck, it appeared her trip wouldn't be dull. At least for a little while. "It would seem we're both in the same boat, I'm here to assist them as well. I'm curious to see just what the world has out there that I haven't seen. And I'm-"

She paused, starring blankly for a moment. Her thoughts returned to why she was here in the first place, she slowly continued. "I'm looking for somepony, too. Perhaps you've seen him? He's tan, black and yellow mane... Probably about half your height... A forth of your bulk? Usually wears a vest, and has a bad gambling habit... His Cutie-Mark is a couple of cards, actually. Know anypony like that?" She stared at him with hopeful eyes, curious if he had perhaps been in the general area... He had to have been traveling, as least she assumed so.

Forte shoulder checks her, as he laughed at the luck of meeting another before hand! Its a good omen! . Then he noticed what he just did! He looked her over, slowly hoping he didn't ruffle her. Noticing her blank flank he slows up to make sure he wasn't overlooking it. As he "checks her out" He answers the question.

"Well I know some tan ponies, I know some with black manes, I know a unicorn with a black mane, but he keeps it so short....Oh but his mark is nothing like a card, I think its a bishop...Actually doesn't he owe me a keg of cider! Oh I am so gunna'...." He chuckles breaking off checking out the blank, shaply flank, to look her in the eye once more.

'Tch... No sign around here either.' Freya sighed, mildly disappointed with the news. She wouldn't let it get her down too bad, though. She knew it was just a matter of time before he showed up somewhere. She simply gestured off towards the ocean and the ships within' it. "Well, thanks anyways, big guy. Guess we ought to find out where our boat is. Don't wanna be late." She seemed to calm down immensely, simply taking a moment to stare out at the water. 'I wonder if he likes sailing nowadays...' Her thoughts wandered, and she went quiet. Getting lost in thoughts.

This Cloud-skimmer thought a lot. That or she is hurt from his shoulder check, way to go Forte, she probably bruises easy. He shakes his mane about, as if perhaps the way to recompense is tied into distracting her from it.

"WAIT! We were supposed to be at a boat! I thought it was a building! By the Princess, I really should ask more questions when I sign onto stuff!"

Forte rears back, his wings spread to full span, It is almost overwhelming. Once more his wings force him forward at breakneck speed! The clouds even remotely close are pulled along with him. No sooner that he was a spec on the horizon he was blasting back to her. It must be a mental habit as his hooves act as if he was sliding to a halt. As he...whatever the flight equivalent of lumbering is.

"Not that I want to make a larger fool of myself, but.....Where is the boat?"

'... Aah...'

Freya wasn't sure. She eyed the ships, but had no real idea of which one was the correct choice. "Well, I don't know. Maybe we'll find it if we ask around a little... Or just guess. There aren't that many, we can only be wrong so many times, y'know?" She narrowed her eyes, observing the area below. She grinned, noticing a small group around a ship. A griffon that seemed to be walking off, a zebra, and a saurian. "That looks like a decent place to start." She didn't bother going too fast, simply gliding down towards the small group in question. She glanced back, wary about the Pegasus accidentally knocking her out of the sky. "Come on~!"

"After you!" Forte loved the selection process! Right after his own heart!

Soon, the two were landing... But from the sound of the slam from Forte, one would wonder if they where just hit by a cannon. He looks about at the random group, and back towards his flying buddy.

"Yo! I'm here to see about that exploring thing!"

'Jeez... He's gotta be careful throwing all that muscle around! I'm surprised he didn't break something.' Freya thought to herself, looking at the Zebra and Saurian. "Are we in the right place? Sorry, ain't good with directions." She added to what the larger Pegasus said. She noted to get his name later, but for now she was focused on making sure she wasn't left behind.

---

Hearing a voice, Swifthoof glanced around looking for the source. He noticed the Griffon, and simply stared as she spoke. He was on guard, expecting a remark, but was surprised to hear that she was actually appearing more polite. 'Commander...' He could smell her early meal, though said nothing about it. He instead simply glanced down at his bindle, before looking back up and eyeing her with a neutral expression. Being hostile would get him nowhere, and it appeared he would be on the same ship as this... Red. 'I'll just stay on my guard...' He thought, figuring he was lucky somewhat. He probably wouldn't of found the ship on his own. Easily, anyways. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Commander." He tried to be respectful, not wanting to cause trouble or give his people a bad name just because of his own feelings. "I am Swifthoof, and I appreciate your assistance. The ships all look the same to me, telling them apart is rather difficult." He admitted, lowering his head to pick up his bindle.

lifting the stick up, he began trotting in the direction she had pointed him in. Still occasionally looking around at the land. He had a feeling it'd be the last of dry land he'd see for awhile. He had seen a lot already, and was impressed by mostly everything, but honestly wished he could of seen more. There was always time, though. He wasn't on any sort of strict time limit for when he had to return, he was free to travel how he wanted, for as long as he wanted. It honestly felt odd to have a lot of time to do whatever he pleased, he was used to working. He was certain he'd get over it though, overtime. He could return to that life someday, he was sure. He would have spoke, had his mouth not been full. His words would just come out like a mumbled mess, and he figured silence was better than that.

He instead thought of where they would be going. There was plenty of land to explore, but what would be there? He figured there had to be other races he hadn't seen. He saw quite a few in Canterlot, Earth Ponies, Pegasi, Unicorns... He had saw an odd Zebra with very strange tastes when it came to music, but just thinking about that almost gave him a headache. 'What else was there...? Donkey's, Buffalo... And Saurian's. I think that's it...' He continued to think about it, trying to ensure himself that he hadn't forgotten anything.

Kali blushed slightly at Rosie's introduction and curtsied to the Saurian. She watched Rosie fly off in search of the others (I should really ask her about a How Griffons hunt, or better yet see if I can watch! Or would that be weird?) before turning back to the Saurian and smiling. "Yes, as the Commander said my name is Kali, though the 'all things vicious and bloodthirsty' bit might be a bit inaccurate, even if that is my main area of interest." She turned back around to grab her suitcase and backed up the ramp onto the ship. "Now, where should I- Oh, hello!" she began before she interrupted herself. She waved a hoof in the air at the approaching deer. "I take it that you're one of the explorers?" She trotted back down the ramp and held out a hoof with a grin on her face. "I am Kali, our local expert on creatures big and small."