Une Journée à la Plage [Brise/Skyle/Ashti] [Dead]

[Brise Doux]

"Incroyable..." the Pegasus whispered as she gazed out at the seemingly endless body of water. She'd seen paintings and pictures, heard and read stories, but nothing could have truly prepared her for the magnificence of the ocean as it appeared before her. Her eyes, similar in color to the water reflected in them, widened in awe as the sun continued to rise over the water. The sky was painted innumerable shades of orange, pink, and yellow. To think she had been on this earth all these years and never made this journey before now. It was enough to make her want to kick herself. But that would have to wait for later. She had important business to attend to.

Brise tentatively placed one hoof forward toward the rhythmically pounding waves. She cringed as her hoof touched the sand. On her beach towel, she was safe from the itchy scratchy granules. As her weight dug her hoof into the shifting ground, she started to have second thoughts. The distance to the water suddenly seemed a lot longer than it did when she was watching the sun rise. "Ugh... Je ne sais pas..." (I don't know...) She quickly glanced over each shoulder, checking to see if anyone was watching her. There weren't many ponies around at this hour, so odds were she would probably attract unwanted attention if she didn't start acting nonchalant. "D'accord," (Okay.) she said with slightly more certainty, trying to psych herself up.

Her second hoof grazed and then sunk into the sand. "Elgh," (Blech.) she mumbled under her breath before continuing the process, one hoof in front of the other walking rather awkwardly toward the waves. With each step she took, the more normal her stride became as she focused more on the ocean and less on the ground beneath her hooves. When she reached the shore, the sand was no longer grainy and dry, but soft and mushy. It was a weird feeling, but not entirely unpleasant. As long as it stayed below her knees, at least. "Bon... maintenant quoi?" (Good... now what?)

Water was steadily brushing against the top of her hooves as she waded into the water. It was warm, like a bath, but salty. That had to be good for her coat, right? Probably. Well, that was a plus. Problem was, growing up in the desert made her an expert flier, sand dune surfer, and blackjack player, but didn't do such wonders when it came to anything having to do with water. Although she'd waded in enough pools during her lifetime, she'd never actually learned how to swim. She wasn't afraid of water or drowning but she just... didn't know what to do exactly. Was it as easy as running, just underwater? She'd have to figure it out.

[Ashti Sandburst]

No far from here, a young pegasus in the 10's, a sandy coat and brown mane, from his flapping wings looked to the huge area of blue water... which shone under the sunlight... of course, finder have traveled during his roaming, and also he has been raised on an island... Maneta. So he was quite accustomed to this landscape... despite it, he could not prevent himself to sniff the iodized air and to listening at the waves' sounds.

These "vacancies" were more a way to spend time with his brother than to relax. Although It was not really vacancies, more like… little trip, you know, aimless, just… to kill time. Sincerely, Finder liked his brother even if they shared no common blood, were not related until a year ago. When Finder met Ashti and this one decided to adopt this roaming orphan… to makes him his adoptive son… or at least his young brother. He, which was a homeless pegasus had now a family, a home… his debt and gratefulness were in a high level. Especially that Ashti was always kind with him, understanding and quiet.

But what Finder ignored it was that Ashti didn't choose this place for the paradisiac atmosphere; The Ambassador was on duty, for the Circle of the Reliquary, his international relic-hunting guild… at least it was what we could think… but the reason was more personal than an actual tracking for relic… what he was looked for was less… magical. A antiquarian friend asked him to find the piece of a treasure, a weapon to be more precise: the weapon of a captain privateer which have grounded or sink with his galleon and his loot… and if he believed the logbook and the map gave by the antiquarian, the ship was still here, as the treasure and the item he looked for.

So, why somepony like Ashti accepted to break his code ? because unlike his other adventures, this hunt was not protected by a mystical guardian, was not buried ruins, trapped, or even remaining of a shrine haunted by departed spirits, no, this mission was… less dangerous, and less magical, it was another atmosphere and it really pleased the Ambassador.

Glancing to Finder with a benevolent stare, the Sandlander replied to Finder's salute and walked towards him. For this mission, no blazer; Ashti just kept his Deerean turban and a saddlebag (and of course if eye patch), two items that he never take off. However, even if he had a mission, Ashti closed his eyes when the air came to him, gently messing his mane while the sunray warmed his coat. Raised in a desert region, a nation on another continent, Ashti naturally enjoyed the dust and the heat, and at his moment he feel like he was in Deerham, in his homeland… although in Deerham it does easily 40°C.

Finder… now that we have "explored" the shore… would you like a refreshment ?

The aristocrat unicorn – his ancestor was Marchioness, so technical it makes him a marquis, although his House have the "Lord" title- designated with his forehoof a little stand with a patio and a bar. Secretly Ashti really wanted to taste their frappé, or maybe a cocktail with coconut milk. Finder, him, rushed to stand without waiting, too excited to have some ice cream.

Eheh…

And he then followed the 13 year old pegasus.

[Dream Gaze]

High in the clouds above the ocean, a teal Pegasus sat in wonder as he observed the various birds flying across the water's surface as they hunted for fish. He saw one bird in particular tuck in it's wings before going into a dive and disappearing under the water with a quick splash. "Whoo! Ten out of ten! That was an amazing dive..." For emphasis he held up a piece of cardboard with the number ten on it before tossing it to the wind. Skyle Diver was out for his afternoon exercise and was currently having a small break while he saw several birds hunt for lunch. Still... no point in sitting around here any longer. It's time he got some lunch as well. With a smile the Pegasus adjusted his goggles to cover his eyes again and jumped off the cloud he was sitting on, tucking in his own wings as he performed his own dive. He entered the water quickly with a large splash and used his wings to propel himself through the sea as he followed a school of fish toward the shore, performing a couple of flips and spins along the way. Skyle pulled up and shot out of the water before coming into shore with a soft glide and a grin on his face. "Wahoo! That was great! Gotta show those to Splashy later." He didn't seem to care that he was completely waterlogged and made no effort to dry himself. He just looked around the area for a moment before spotting the local snack bar and skipping towards it.

As he got closer he leaped for one of the chairs and balanced on it for a moment... before falling off it and into the sand. The shack owner just rolled his eyes like this was a normal everyday occurrence before looking over the counter at the now upside down Skyle and asked "Lemonade and a fruit salad?" Skyle gasped and hopped up onto the chair "Are you psychic? That's just what I was thinking!" The owner just laughed and shook his head before going to get the lovable fool's order, leaving him to play with some sugar cubes on the counter. Using his wings like one would use their hands.

[Brise Doux]

There was a low popping sound made from suction as Brise pulled one of her hooves from the wet sand. The granules gathered in the spot as another wave came cascading along the shore. She continued until the water was high enough to cover her cutie mark while still standing. A smile curled on her lips and she started trotting along the ocean floor parallel to the shoreline. Diving into the moment, she dove into the water. She knelt against the sand and pushed with all her might, soaring up and partly out of the water. As she breached the surface her sky-blue mane, now darker from being wet, collapsed on her face. Brise shook her head and tossed her mane back before continuing to trot along the shore. Each time a wave hump approached, she jumped up and rode it a few feet toward land before walking back out and doing it again. "C'est très amusant!" Her laughter was muffled by the rush of the ocean.

When she had finished playing, the Pegasus slowly returned to shore. By now, the sun had completely risen over the glowing sea. Light and colors swirled in the sky similar to nacre on a shell. It seemed like something out of a dream. As much as she appreciated the view, Brise enjoyed not needing to work with it in some way. It certainly was nice to be enjoying the weather for once instead of altering it. Plus, no papers to grade either! A contented sigh escaped her lungs. It wasn’t until after she got here that she realized how much she needed a vacation.

As the breeze danced through her mane it brought to her nostrils the scent of salt, sunscreen, and... Was that waffle she smelled? Her eyes darted across the beach until she noticed a seaside snack shack. Right on cue, her stomach rumbled unhappily and she was forced to remember that she hadn’t eaten yet today. “J’ai faim…” Brise mumbled as her stomach growled again.

“Eek!” Just as quickly as Brise had started toward the snack shack, she returned to the water. Because she was wet, the sand was sticking most unpleasantly to her hooves. For a moment she stood there, nervously trotting in place. The feeling of anything sticky made her skin crawl. But it couldn’t be helped she supposed. Carefully, the Pegasus stepped out of the water, this time making sure to tread as lightly as possible so no more sand than necessary got stuck to her legs. After taking a detour at her beach towel, Brise dried herself off as best she could and approached the eating establishment. The vender was busy preparing food but after a moment he addressed her.

“Qu’est-ce que qu’il y a de bon à manger, aujourd’hui?” she inquired with a smile. Often she would begin a conversation with a phrase in French, just to see if the person she was speaking to knew the language. If not, at least it served as a unique conversation starter.

“Something about eating today… I’m sorry. I only took a couple of French classes as a foal.” He scratched his head thoughtfully. “Do you speak English?”

“Yes, I do,” she replied with a chuckle. “Sorry about that. I was just wondering what was on the menu. It smells like waffles.” Her nostrils flared as she inhaled the mouthwatering aroma again.

The vender returned her smile and nodded. “Well, you’re not wrong. We’ve got fresh made waffle cones if you’re in the mood for ice cream. We also have an assortment of snacks including fruit, cold beverages, and a delicious selection of coffees and specialty drinks."

Brise contemplated on this for a moment. “Would it be possible for me to have a vanilla waffle cone with strawberries and chocolate drizzle? And maybe make the waffle into a taco shape instead of a cone shape?” She looked at the vender with big, hopeful eyes.

“Uh… Sure thing, miss. Just take a seat and I’ll have it right up for you.”

“Merci.” There weren’t many seats to choose from and there were already a few ponies there. Brise pulled out a chair next to a Pegasus using his wings to play with sugar cubes. “Pardonnez-moi,” she said, squeezing next to him as she sat down. She kept her wings firmly at her sides even after she was seated, trying to keep out of the way.

Several minutes later, the vender returned with her makeshift dessert crêpe.“Voilà,” he said with enthusiasm. Brise giggled and paid him, making sure to tip extra for his trouble. If it tasted nearly as good as it smelled, this perfect day was just getting better. Maybe this afternoon she’d even try to swim.

[Ashti Sandburst]

No far from here, Ashti trotted towards the stand, his hooves marking the sand. He must admit it, he enjoyed this feeling, and feels a bit nostalgic of his hiking in the Deerean desert, and it was like in Appleousa. Finder flew all around him, drawings circles and flapping wings under entertainment; the Ambassador smiled at the colt : When Asti met the Pegasus, Finder was skinned, carried some old injuries and scare, and had frail wings… but more of a year has gone now, and he was sincerely happy to see that the pegasus get better. Even if the fact to house in Finder and treat him well was a "forced oath", since the first days Ashti considered the colt as the little brother he never had.

But what he ignored is that his carrying and benevolent brotherly behavior have created a feeling of love for the pegasus and a very very deep respect and gratefulness, which considered Ashti more than a father/brother, he could do anything for Ashti… But he was too shy, respectful and scared to lost Ashti and his comfortable life with such complex. So he tried to repress it, but as a young colt it was difficult, especially that the unicorn showing strong affection to Finder.

Although for now Finder was ok, he was with his brother and it was enough to him. Enjoying the time spend with him and his kindness.

I go first.

However he just noticed that they were arrived and had a light sigh of frustration while Ashti had a little laugh… until he recognized a pony, a pegasus… a partner from a previous relic-hunt years ago. The Goblet of Legend… however his memory was a bit hazy about this quest; during the whole mission he has been spaced out due to a kind of toxin which filled his mind. It was due to a letter send to him; the said letter has been impregnated with a sedative powder. When he woke up, he was unable to speak Equestrian and could only speak in Deerean, sometime he managed to speak French… but no one of his teammates understood him. He remembered, he had to be very expressive and illustrating his words with hooves moves.

Looking another time to the pegasus, Ashti sat down on a table near of the two other customer.

Finder, could you ask for a cinnamon frappé? And take what you want.
Y-yes, brother! Thank you.
^^

While the pegasus took command, Ashti took a logbook from his saddlebag and started to read it mentally.

Here is, brother.
Hn… merci.
… it-it's for… you friend ? A sorry, it doesn't concern me.
Indeed…
…. I am sorry…
… "Indeed is for a friend, an antiquarian one"… what do I have told you about cutting the word?
… Sorry… can I ask… it's about a treasure?[/b]

Ashti left the logbook from his stare and looked to his brother, a friendly face before taking his frappé in hoof and took a gulp.

Well… c'est un secret, alors je vais parler en français. It will help you with your Prance lessons; I heard you were good to this languages.
Je veux… etre un Elysian… Elysian spe- parler le français… je veux que vous sois fière de je.
(I want… to be an Elysian*… Elysian speak Pranch… I want you to be proud of I)
Hmm ^^ Finder, I am always proud of you… so, commençons : quelque siècles auparavant un galion corsaire arriva dans la région… avec un trésor… ceci est la raison de ma visite ici. Et ce journal de bord va m'aider à le localiser.
(Let us begin ; Some centuries ago a privateer galleon went on the region… with a treasure… this is the reason of my visit here. And this logbook will help me to localing it )

Ashti spoke in another language, thinking that no one here could understand him except of Finder which remained amazed and intrigued… however he know that he will not follow his brother… because this one never took Finder with him in his relic-hunts. But the fact that Bastion, the faithful bodyguard of Ashti- and now Finer, had a day off to remain with his girlfriend, showed that Ashti will protect Finder by his own… at least he expected it.

*Elysian : member of the Elysion House, Ashti's aristocratic family. Every members spoke Pranch as a familial tradition.

[Dream Gaze]

The teal Pegasus had made himself a small pyramid of sugar cubes before he was interrupted by a mare sitting next to him. He couldn't understand what she said and just gave a curious tilt with his head... He didn't get a chance to speak because his food and drink arrived and he gave his thanks to the vendor before taking the glass with both wings and literally inhaling his lemonade... He really liked lemons, he couldn't help himself. The sweet tangy taste on his tongue made him sigh in delight before he turned his attention back to the mare next to him before he caught sight of her wings. "That was sweet!... Hey! Your a fellow flier! Do you like swimming? I met a couple of Pegasi here that do but here was that one that never swam before and I'm wondering which one you are? Did I introduce myself? Oops that was rude of me. I'm Skyle Diver, Pleased ta meetcha!"

His ears twitched as he turned his attention to another pair of ponies that were speaking a strange language but there was at least two words he recognized in the sentence he heard... "Wait... Galleon? Treasure? Wha?" one of the voices sounded familiar however and as he turned around to face the owner of the voice, he moved his blue tinted goggles off of his red eyes and started hovering off of his chair a little in excitement. "Hey! Your Mr. Salamander... Salad... Salamalalick, uh... Mr. Turban HI!" The naive Pegasus had never managed to pronounce the sandlander's name during that expedition years ago and much to the dismay of Dream Gaze at the time, the idiot was adamant on trying again and again. Now he was torn between two interesting ponies... Well maybe he could make friends with them like he did the last time he was in this situation.

[Brise Doux]

"Enchantée," the Pegasus mare said with a smile, offering one of her hooves in greeting. The fellow Pegasus certainly was extroverted. He actually reminded her just a little of her brother's best friend. And he was friendly, which of course was always the most important thing Brise looked for when meeting new ponies. "My name is Brise Doux and I'm sorry to say that I cannot swim. Though I'd like to learn," she added. "I spent the morning playing in the waves on the shallows and that's as close as I've gotten to it." A giggle escaped her as she realized how pathetic that sounded. Filly steps, right?

As Skyle's head turned toward the table nearby, so did hers. Seems like they both overheard what the unicorn said. In an instant, she began remembering all the Spanish medallions, coral-covered gold bars, and other such treasures that came into her father's pawn shop back in Los Pegasus. Between her dad and the experts that came in to authenticate and appraise the items, Brise learned a great deal about the origin and value of many different kinds of historical pieces. And the thought of undiscovered artifacts from a sunken galleon filled her with all the excitement and wonder she had when handling such relics in the shop.

As much as Brise hated to eavesdrop, she couldn't help but pay attention to anyone speaking French. It was a rare treat to hear it from anyone besides her family. And the fact that the topic of conversation revolved around such treasures certainly piqued her interest as well.

Brise looked away and her ears dropped in embarrassment when her new acquaintance announced what he'd overheard but perked back up slightly when he seemed to know his name. More or less. Perhaps they were acquainted as well, then. Even if they knew each other, though, neither knew her so she wasn't too keen on stepping out of place. She took a bite out of her delicious dessert crêpe and decided that, as rude as it was, to keep listening. She didn't have a good reason to butt into their business, so she wouldn't. Even though the sound of a treasure hunt was particularly enticing. If nothing else, maybe she'd learn a bit of history to share with her father when she returned home.

One of her pale yellow ears stayed pointed in the direction of the table where the unicorn and a young Pegasus were sitting. Subtly, she glanced over at the duo. That explains the 'Mr. Turbin' bit, Brise thought as she got a better look at the unicorn. What was initially to be a momentary glance became a much longer stare. Their apparel was distinctly unique and foreign. She tried to place it with what knowledge she had, but couldn't quite be sure. Très intéressant...

[Ashti Sandburst]

"Hey! Your Mr. Salamander... Salad... Salamalalick, uh... Mr. Turban HI!"
..Oh ?

Ashti was ready to continue his briefing, towards his brother, when the other pegasus called him… so it was really him? However the problem now that… well, Ashti had facility to remember name, but has it was under toxin the last time, the Ambassador was totally unable to remember
Skyle Diver's name.

However he moved his hoof to greet the pegaus, under the questioning glance of Finder. A acknowledge of his brother? If it was the case, the colt didn't know how to act… formal or respectful greeting? He don't wanted to crash his brother's reputation, or anything like this; he loved Ashti too much and wanted to honoring his brother… but Ashti didn't seemed to be close of this guy Although this one was quite informal with. Finder started to understand his brother, and he noticed that when Ashti had respect for or know somepony, he greet it at the first sight… but here, Ashti's attitude was different… like embarrassed.

Do you… know him ?
Huh ? oh, yes of course… an acquaintance…
So… why you don't join him…?
… euh…

Ashti looked to the pegasus, then the pegasus, and switched to the other pegasus… no, not this one, the other, and another to Finder before sighting and nodding.

Be right back…
… Ok ^^[/b][/color]

Reaching Skyle, he was a bit awkward but don't seem to show it. And acted friendly although a bit distant.

Oh, may the sun keeps you. How are you since our last… quest?

Then he looked to a mare, Brise, near of, and slightly greeted her with a light bow from the head… even if it was more a way to look away, than an actual sign of respect.

[Dream Gaze]

"Can't swim?! You dunno what your missing Brise, it's amazing!" Breaking himself from his rant on 'why swimming is amazing.' Skyle paused to think about what Brise had said before he smiled and took the offer of a hoofshake with one of his wings. "Everypony has to start somewhere. I swam in a race with a swimming teacher, an archaeologist and a dolphin so I know a thing or two about swimming haha."

Oh, may the sun keeps you. How are you since our last… quest?

Skyle turned back to face the sandlander with his usual goofy grin "Ahoy matey. I be right as rain since our last adventaarrrrrr hahahaha." His pirate impression was cut short by a fit of giggles and almost falling out of his chair. Skyle, was a carefree soul that often cheered up others with his antics and personality. He was amusing to some and annoying to others but that never stopped him from trying to make friends with everypony... and he couldn't help but notice that Ashti was with somepony. He leaned sideways in his chair to look around Ashti before asking "Who's your friend Mr. Turban? ooh... he's a fellow flier as well. Does he like swimming? Hello over ther-WAH!" The Pegasi leaned a little too far and fell out of his chair onto the floor with a thud. He stayed there for a second before saying "I'm okay..." And hopping back into his chair again. "What was I saying again? Oh yeah! I heard you mention something about Galleon Treasure. Is it a sunken Pirate ship your looking for? Can I come?!"

[Brise Doux]

"Oh, I believe it," she replied in reference to everything Skyle had said. Just playing in the ocean today was wonderful. The warmth of the water and rhythm of the waves... Bliss. Not to mention that breathtaking sunrise. She could definitely see the appeal. If only there were beaches without sand, that would be perfect for her. And a race against a swimming teacher, and archeologist, and a dolphin? Sure, why not? Who would even make up a story like that?

Brise kept her head down as the foreigner approached where they sat. She allowed herself a glance in his direction after he started speaking to Sklye and thought he may have nodded at her but she couldn't be certain. Just in case, she did offer a nod of acknowledgement in return if for no other reason than to let him know she was aware of his presence.

The mare giggled when Skyle did his pirate impression then stopped herself and quite pitifully tried to cover it up by clearing her throat before continuing to eat her meal. She didn't want to seem rude by overhearing their conversation, but they were right next to her. She couldn't even avoid it at this point. Even when Skyle fell out of his chair, Brise made a point to not make eye contact with either of them. She couldn't help grinning to herself, though. Especially after Skyle announced he was fine. It briefly crossed her mind that this pony could be related to her brother's friend. They were so alike, it was astounding.

At the mention of the treasure, Brise's smile faded and her ears perked again. She really wanted to learn more about it. Of course she'd love to come too, but it was not her place to jump into strangers' business. Especially one that involved treasure. She felt rude for even thinking about such a scenario. So instead, she'd settle for just hearing what they had to say. She could learn a thing or two and maybe impress her family. Or at least her father. Who knows? Maybe it was even a ship she'd heard of before. Now that would be incroyable.

[Ashti Sandburst]

"Ahoy matey. I be right as rain since our last adventaarrrrrr hahahaha."

Ashti was first perplex to this odd way to speak… he know that Skyle made a reference to something… but as a foreigner, Ashti didn't understood that it was a pirates, it was too subtle for him. He frowned.

What are you...[/color]

The Sandlander looked to Finder, to have a clue… but the colt shrugged : Equestrian was is native tongue, but Finder didn't had an normal foalhood, so he don't grasped the impersonation of Skyle… even if, mentally, he supposed that it was a reference to a roman or something like this. On his native isle, they were story of privateers, and pirates which tried to capture the island and to take the knights' treasure… but it was centuries before his birth and also the Knights of the Holy-Sun order always succeeded to prevent the pirates raids before they could reach the island… this knighthood was so efficient that no citizen every saw a pirates ship or even a pirates…

"Who's your friend Mr. Turban? ooh... he's a fellow flier as well. Does he like swimming? "
Oh he is-
"Hello over ther-WAH!"

But before Ashti had time to finish the pegasus fell from his sate, under the little laugh of Finder… which shut up when Ashti looked to him, making him sign from the head to not mock Skyle.
Fortunately, the pegasus had nothing and Ashti resumed… or tried, but he was interrupted another time… took aback when the pegasus spoke about Galleon and treasure, understanding that this one had understood his conversation. But what took aback Ashti was that the chat was in French, so how did he has been able to know understand it? He was unaware that Skyle had French notion… until that the Ambassador realized that "Trésor" and "Galion" sounded very near of their equestrian version.

Mentally he facehoofed, he was sure that the pegasus didn't understood the whole chat but he has been enough clever to have the good deduction. Finder, him, came and with a joyful voice he spoke.

It's a privateer ![/color]

The Sandlander sighted… now that Skyle knew it, he didn't had other choice to continue.

Well, we are looking for a galleon, the one of a corsair under the Crown of Neighterlands… I do not know if it is really a good idea to invite people in this… expedition. But I am sure it will be less dangerous that the relic-hunt I am accustomed to manage…

Suddenly, his glance goes towards Brise… she seemed interested too by the conversation. And it's what Ashti was afraid of : He was just looking for an item… alone… but now the party will grow up and it's always bothering to watch over civilians. It was his duty has a Goldstars tracker. However he remembered that Skyle spoke with Brise… so maybe they know each other...

(O-tp . I have a idea, Brise maybe you could speak in French... I am sure it will catch the interest of the Sandlander.)

[Dream Gaze]

Well, we are looking for a galleon, the one of a corsair under the Crown of Neighterlands… I do not know if it is really a good idea to invite people in this… expedition. But I am sure it will be less dangerous that the relic-hunt I am accustomed to manage…

The Pegasus tilted his head to one side, not really understanding much of what was said. He guessed this was one really important Galleon... but if it sunk in the waters around here, the Pegasus could think of one reason why it sank. Pirates! Skyle had found many things around the ocean depths and various caves in the area. Sunken ships, buried treasure and pirate trade routes... This was an interesting subject for him and finding stuff relating to it all added to Skyle's collection of interesting souvenirs back at his cabin. "Splashy and me swim around here all the time. I can help find the treasure. I love treasure hunts! How about you Brise?" He turned his attention back to the mare beside him. She had been quiet since he discovered a familiar face... he got distracted easy, you didn't need to look very hard to figure that out.

[Brise Doux]

{Great minds think alike, Ashti. That's exactly what I was planning to do. ^-^}

Brise's ear twitched in interest once again. Un corsair sous la Couronne des Neighterlands? Could it possibly be related to the Dutch pirate she was thinking of? But what was his name? She couldn't put her hoof on it, but it was on the tip of her tongue. He had confiscated some 1.2 million gold bits before passing away from wounds sustained in the battle. In today's economy that was a lot of money, but back then it was an even more incredible fortune.

"...How about you, Brise?"

Snapped out of her thoughts, the mare looked up at the two stallions and said quickly, "Courageux comme un lion." (Brave as a lion.) Her eyes darted from one to the other. "Hendrick Lucifer," she clarified. That was the pirate's name. According to his crew, he had fought as bravely as a lion, taking down ten enemies and being shot twice. Even then, he survived to see his crew prevail over the enemy ship before retiring to his quarters for the last time.

"Son bateau a coulé il ya des siècles. Il a tenu une fortune en or et autres trésors." (His boat sank centuries ago. It held a fortune in gold and other treasures.) Brise's gaze fell upon the foreigner's. "Est-ce lui?" (Is it him?) she asked. In all honesty, she wasn't intending to speak in French, it just came out. Partly because she was nervous and perhaps also subconsciously because she knew he spoke it.

"Je sais beaucoup sur l'histoire des pirates et des naufrages," (I know a lot about the history of pirates and shipwrecks.) she explained before he had the chance to inquire. "En fait, je sais beaucoup sur l'histoire en général." (Actually, I know a lot about history in general.) She had heard what he said about not really wanting more ponies on his adventure. And she would respect that. Especially when, unlike Skyle, she couldn't even swim. Still, it couldn't hurt to try to either be of assistance or at least learn something.

Her hoof couldn't reach over to him, so she extended one of her wings to shake in greeting as Skyle had done for her moments ago. "Je m'appelle Brise Doux. Enchantée." (My name is Brise Doux ((Gentle Breeze)). Nice to meet you.)

[Ashti Sandburst]

"Splashy and me swim around here all the time. I can help find the treasure. I love treasure hunts! How about you Brise?"

Ashti rose an eyebrow… who was "Splashy" ? But what really made the Sandlander doubt was the enthusiasm of the pegasus. No that it was a bad thing, but even if it was not a relic-hunt, at least a dangerous one… or he hope so, too much enthusiasm could made harder the mission. However he looked to the mare and… was took aback.

He really didn't expected to find somepony speaking French… here… still surprised, he also didn't really caught the mare's words. "Hendrick Lucifer"… ? But weirdly, he believed to have already heard, or hear it somewhere…

Until she revealed the story, and in French please! Now that she mentioned it, Hendrick Lucifer was a famous pirate… the log book that Ashti own mentioned him, but it was not the pirate that Ashti looked for. His one was not a pirate, but a privater, a Naval Commander under the Dutch Crown. Somepony… more respectable, at least of we don't look to the warfare's stuff. Because, his corsair was famous to lead fierce battle for the royal family's sake.

Anyway, he glanced another time to the mare, listening to her when she spoke about history and then sighted another time : it's seems fate really like to bother Ashti… even more help would always be appreciated.

"Son bateau a coulé il ya des siècles. Il a tenu une fortune en or et autres trésors. Est-ce lui?"
Oh ? Well… the Galleon I am looking for Is the one of a Dutch royal captain : Commandeur van Adel, "Koninklijk Vaandel* Heyn" to be more exact. Somepony else, I am afraid.

Then Ashti did a reverence when Brise presented herself.

Ashti Sandburst of Elysion, ravit de vous rencontrer, mademoiselle Doux… (Nice to meet you, miss Doux...)[/b]

And added.

And I am pleased to meet another French speaker as well. ^^[/color]

The Sandlander looked to Finder and made sign to the pegasus to come here. This one understood and presented himself as the politeness wanted it. Using a distant but cheerful tone. Although still uneasy... but this, it was psychological. Finder worked on it.

G-Greetings, I am… Ashti's son… brother, Finder Lens Glass. Nice, nice to meet you ! ^^

Rubbing his brother's mane, Ashti smiled to Skyle Diver then Brise Doux.

Well, if you want to follow me... and you too, Miss Doux. You seem to be somepony I could trust. however even if this mission will not be dangerous -at least I hope it- you will be responsible of your deeds and safety ^^.

Ashti returned to his table and finished is drink, next resumed.

If everypony is fine with this, I suppose I could explain more about the mission, around of a meal... I invite you, of course.

* "Koninklijk Vaandel", Dutch for "Regal Ensign".

[Dream Gaze]

Skyle could only tilt his head in confusion as half the conversation was spoken in french. He understood a few words relating to treasure, pirates and boats but that was about it... 'I should learn to speak other languages... but I already know how to speak Pirate, Parrot, Dolphin, Eagle, Shark...' The Pegasus had distracted himself unintentionally by nodding his head as he listed off the things he could speak too... But he did manage to catch what the other Pegasus said at least.

'Penguins, Narwhals... wait...' "What do you need to find a glass lens for?" At least he thought he caught what the Pegasus said... The vendor just made a small gesture before he whispered "Wait for it..." It took Skyle about a minute before realization flashed on his face "oooohhhhhhh... Your name is Finder. Pleased ta meetcha! I'm Skyle Diver." he extended a wing forward as an offer for a 'hoofshake' before smiling and turning back to face Ashti.

If everypony is fine with this, I suppose I could explain more about the mission, around of a meal... I invite you, of course.

"Sure! I'd be glad to join ya! This is gonna be so cool!"