nopony said:
Tell them what happened and prepare for the journey ahead. Check if the ship is OK, we were close to a giant storm after all. Then eat something. The night is coming, and we shouldn't be all asleep simultaneously, at least one party member must keep watch at all times.

You surface next to the sailboat in a near flat calm sea, the sun freshly set over the horizon. Your friends welcome you back as they pull you aboard, and Apple Basket helps you untie your diving line and makeshift harness.

Apple Basket: "Heavens to Betsy, what happened down there? The storm here jus' up and vanished into thin air!"

After shaking the water out of your hair, you recount your meeting with Queen Maelstrom, and tell them about your new quest to destroy the Philosopher's Stone you've just acquired.

Moonflower: "Whoa! We got the Stone here on us? If all the meanies want it that badly, we're gonna have to find a way to get rid of it before they figure out where it went."

You tell Moonflower that you'll do your best, then ask how the boat has been holding up.

Apple Basket: "Fine an' dandy! Uncle Sugarloaf made sure it's built somethin' extra strong, and I reckon it'll take more than some bad weather to spring a leak."

With the night fallen, you suggest each taking turns on watch until morning, and add that if you start now, you should all get enough sleep before sunrise. Agreeing with your plan, the party decides on the watch order: first you, then Moonflower, then Apple Basket.

While you grab a carrot from the icebox to snack on during your shift, the two younger ponies prepare for bed. You then wish them both a good night, and turn off the cabin's light on your way back out to the deck…

Fortunately, the rest of the evening is uneventful, and you spend most of it stargazing. Though, by the time midnight approaches, you are more than ready to get some rest yourself.

Once your shift is finally over, you quietly head inside, and nudge Moonflower awake with a little nuzzle. The bat pony happily trades her place with yours for a smooch, and you get to nestle into a soft, warm bed at last.

Rocked by gentle waves and the creaking of wooden boards, you soon drift off to sleep…

——
Next Page: >>2607978
Previous Page: >>2607975
——