The townsponies of Mareseilles often gathered to greet ships returning to port, but none so much as the town's patron vessel named simply 'Sea Pony'. The ship was crafted nearby, and even owned by a local merchant. The usual crowd gathered on the docks to greet the Sea Pony and her crew after their three month absence. As the ship expertly glided  across the waters to dock,  sense of great loss emanated from the deck crew. An overwhelming melancholy took the crowd by surprise.  In a bout of anxiety one such spectator leapt to a small boat and piloted it out to meet with the incoming ship. A certain young stallion stood beside the Sea Pony's pilot, skilfully repeating the pilot's orders to the crew. Upon noticing the small boat beside the ship, the stallion left his post to lean over the ships edge and greet the boatsman. He was a tall, handsome young stallion of nearly twenty. The stallion's hair was a deep, rich black, his coat lie somewhere between gray and blue. His every hoofstep portrayed confidence and leadership, and rightly so. He looked down to the pony below him who cried out

"Honest, is that you I see?" a concerned expression drawn across his face, "Why all of the gloom amongst the crew? Has there been misfortune at sea?"

"A great misfortune Monsieur Affaires Sérieux, a great misfortune indeed." Honest spoke with a strong mix of mourning and confidence, "Especially for me. My captain and mentor, Ami Disparu, has passed from our world to the next."

"Sweet Celestia, by what force was Captain Disparu taken from us?"

"Horn Rot, it spread to his brain. After three days of fever and agony, he simply left us. His illness fell a surprise on the whole crew. After a long particularly long conversation with the harbor master, Captain Disparu left the the port of Stables with a great deal of unrest. Within twenty-four hours the early onset of the rot took hold, leaving him bed ridden. Following his death we performed a burial off the Solar Isle, weighting him in burlap and delivering him to the sea."

"The Solar Isle you say?"

"Yes, now he may bask in paradise for eternity. I apologize for the rush, but I must aid in docking."

"Yes, Yes, very good Honest. Continue your duties." Immediately following the end of his conversation with the ship's owner Honest Heart spurt out a series of nautical commands, to which the crew followed in extreme loyalty. After the ship was anchored at port, Monsieur Sérieux  met with another of the ships crew. The log keep, Menteur.  

"Monsieur Sérieux, I presume by now you've been informed as to the fate of brave captain Disparu?"

"Indeed I have, such a tragedy."

"Indeed Monsieur. You'd be well to know that immediately following the captain's death, without so much a consulting anypony, Honest Heart took control of the Sea Pony and her crew. It appears he already fancies himself the next captain."

"Why should he not? He shows all of the aptitude and confidence needed to command such a vessel and such a crew."

"I do not argue that in youth he lacks self confidence. However it was by his order that the ship stop at the lunar Isle, costing the voyage an entire day and a half on her return to Maresilles to deliver a packet."

"I am unaware of such a delivery, did Honest speak of the contents?"

"No, and he delivered it unaccompanied. Perchance did young Honest deliver to you the letter from captain Disparu?"

"Letter?"

"Yes, I witnessed the captain give the boy the packet and a letter. I assumed it addressed to you."

"I will speak with Honest Heart of this, thank you Menteur."

"It is only my duty, Monsieur Sérieux."

"Honest, may I speak with you a moment?"

"Surely Monsieur Sérieux," Honest approached with a smile, "How may I assist you?"

"Would you be so kind as to explain the circumstance of your delivery to the Lunar Isle?"

"Certainly Monsieur, Before his passing, captain Disparu gave a final order to deliver a packet to a thestral on the isle."

"And was the delivery made?"

"Yes Monsieur."

"And did you see the Lunar Empress in her banishment to the Isle?"

"Yes sir, I spoke with her a short while. She asked of Equestrian affairs, and the welfare of her sister, and the like."

"And the letter bestowed by the good captain?"

"To be delivered to canterlot. To which end I must request three months time to deliver the letter, and for a honeymoon with my beloved."

"Is this true? That you are to marry beautiful Octavia?"

"Yes sir, the wedding is to be soon."

"Well Monsieur Honest, this is welcome news indeed. I must grant your request, and give to your future marriage my full blessing. So long as you return in three months time, the Sea Pony cannot sail without her captain."

"Please sir, tell me that you do not jest at my expense. Is it true that you should ordain me with such an honor?"

"Indeed Honest Heart. Now let us celebrate your new position. Won't you join me for dinner?"

"I beg you forgive me Monsieur, but I must pay visit to my father."

"Ah yes, go now Honest, you are a good son."

"Thank you Monsieur, I am forever in your debt." Honest Heart gathered his advance pay, the rest would be paid as the ship's cargo was sold. Honest galloped through the streets, eager to tell his elderly father of his good fortune.