Yoshimon1 said:
Let's talk some more with Snap before hitting the hay. We still don't really know anything about our fluffy savior. So very fluffy… Sorry. So what's she doing when she isn't rescuing ponies from damp dungeons? And what was she doing there in the first place? Did the pirates steal something from her, too? As much as we'd like it, our apology and the cake probably didn't make her fall for us and have her follow us all the way from Amblerta to get some snuggles, after all… Unless they did?

As the evening goes on, the tavernkeeper returns to clear your table. You try asking him how much you owe for the meal, but he doesn't seem too concerned about it.

Tavernkeeper: "Throw that thought overboard! Didn't come all the way out here to spend some coin, now, did ye? Harr harr!"

And with that, he resumes making his rounds. Pleasantly surprised by their generosity, you remark that the seadogs of this village have been quite welcoming, very much unlike those of the Black Hound crew.

Snap: "Err… yes. Black Hound crew is set in old ways; always take, never give. Other crews like this one, not as strong, try to make friends. Like ponies, yes? Give sweet sponge food, very err… friendly. But pirates steal and send new friends away, no trade, bad deal for everyone."

Speaking of which, you ask Snap if she often rescues prisoners like yourselves from the pirates' cove.

Snap: "Err… often, no. This one was fishing, caught smell of friendly ponies in seadog water. Pirates found you first, but friends help friends in need, yes?"

You tell Snap that you'll gladly call her your friend, and that to return the favour, you'll put in a good word for her and her crew when you return to Equestria. She nods gratefully.

A yawn escapes Moonflower's muzzle, then spreads across the table. You decide it as good a time as any to call it a night, and while thanking your gracious hosts one last time, you all leave the comfort of the warm tavern. Once outside, you cross the bridge back to the main island, where Snap points to a decorated windmill house nearby.

Snap: "This one stays here. You need something, you come here, yes?"

You say that you will, and after bidding your seadog friend goodnight, your party continues on its way to the guest isle. You soon reach the dormitory, a building of a dozen well kept rooms, each offering a storage chest, a chamber pot, and a ceiling lamp over a large, circular bed.

Moonflower: "Ooh! Ooh! I vote Basket in the middle!"

Apple Basket: "Uh, come again?"

The little bat pony trots into the nearest room, and piles her belongings in the chest. Then, she hops onto the bed, and pats the mattress next to her invitingly.

Moonflower: "C'mon! These beds are way big, we totally all fit!"

Apple Basket: "Uh, you sure? I'd be a fool to turn y'all down, but…"

Playing into Moonflower's game, you gently nudge Apple Basket forward, and tell him not to be shy. Thrown off guard, the colt bumbles into the room, and you follow suit, closing the door behind you.

Apple Basket eventually builds up the confidence to join Moonflower under the covers, though he leaves a wide gap between the two of them. When you try to claim your side of the bed, however, the farmpony is forced to make some room by rolling over, closer to the purple cuddlebug. Too close. Hugs and nuzzles ensue.

You soon feel the poor colt desperately trying to shuffle his rump away from the friend he is facing, but alas, she is not having any of it. And so, Moonflower uses her signature four-legged grip on him, pulling him into an affectionate full-body hug.

Apple Basket: "(W-whoa Nelly! T-that's not my leg…)"

Moonflower: "Heeheehee, I know! We're not makin' it too hard for ya to sleep, right? This is super comfy!"

Apple Basket: "Oh, heh, well shucks! I, uh, I ain't complainin'."

Once Apple Basket realizes that neither of you mind his body's instinctive reaction, he begins to relax, and tentatively hugs Moonflower back. After wishing each other goodnight, you are carried to sleep by a calming aroma of pine trees, and the distant sound of waterfalls…

——
Next Page: >>2608500
Previous Page: >>2608498
——