Five days into the flight, I was not having fun. In my excitement to go on a trip with Shamrock, I forgot about a few things. The combination of higher altitude, the changing season, and northern direction reminded me with all the subtlety of a high power slap to the face of my weakness to the cold. On top of that, I also forgot to pack any warm clothes for the trip.

Selene, thankfully, had the foresight to predict that issue and had talked Rarity into making me some warm clothes. The one I was practically living in during the trip was a black bodysuit style thermal piece with glowing sections that were definitely shaped to highlight my figure. I also had some good socks on, along with a pair of soft boots that I didn't feel bad about wearing into bed, though they definitely weren't for outdoors. Unfortunately, Rarity didn't have time to enchant any of the clothes for warmth. Thankfully, she had made a number of other warm clothes as well, so between the new stuff and what I'd brought from home, I wasn't really wanting for much variety.

In my misery, I mostly stayed in bed and did nothing, unless I had to use the bathroom. I did try using my fire magic to keep myself warm for a bit, but keeping it going constantly for that, even for just two hours, was tiring, though the boredom of having nothing to do was probably even more tiring. It didn't help that I'd left the Gamer Driver at home either.

"Attention all crew members and Yang Xiao Long: dinner is about to be served!" Queen announced across the pipe based intercom system.

With some effort, or so it felt, I got myself out of bed and started the short trek through the hall, down a flight of stairs, and to the dining area, lighting up my internal fire on the way. It was a small room with only one table and six chairs, two of which were almost touching. The kitchen was visible, only about fifteen feet away.

Before I could seat myself, Shamrock rushed over and pulled out one of the two close together chairs for me. Not seeing any reason to turn down the gesture, I accepted it, and once I was properly seated, he sat down and wrapped a wing around me. Craving extra warmth in the cold air, I nestled up against him, as had become normal during the meals.

Queen distributed some drinks, mine being a mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream, and turned to everyone. "Before I serve tonight's meal, I believe our Captain has something to say?"

"Thank you," Shamrock said before turning to look at me. "Yang, in my excitement to take you somewhere special, I overlooked your weakness to the cold. If you want, we can turn around and go back to Ponyville. The choice is yours."

"Home. . . Warmth. . . Comfort. . ." Tempting ideas clashed with notions against going back. "He's doing this for me. He's put in a lot of thought and effort. He got caught up in the excitement too." After some time thinking it over, and a sip of hot chocolate, I announced my choice. "I'm going to stick to the trip. Shamrock wants to take me somewhere important, and I will endure. I'm not going to let a cold flight stop me that easily."

"But you're practically hibernating," Adamantine pointed out. "I'd say the cold has stopped you."

"No, it's only knocking me down. A lot. I'll probably be better off when we land. When do we land?"

"In a couple days," Selene answered as Queen went off to get the food. "We just have to finish crossing the sea and go back inland a few hours."

"Wait a minute. We're over the ocean?" I started shaking a bit. "Right now?"

Shamrock facepalmed. "I forgot about that too."

Ark put a paw on my shoulder. "Hey, you've got my word that this ship won't shake apart so easily. Shamrock did a good job fixing her up before I met back up with him."

"How long have we been over the water?" I asked.

"A couple days," Adamantine answered. "What, are you afraid of the ocean?"

"Well. . ." As the food was served, I felt an odd sort of peace wash over me. It wasn't THE TRANQUILITY, but the idea of a trip to the beach suddenly wasn't so scary. Definitely something for summer, though. "Maybe a bit."

"Tonight, we have bread bowl brisket stew," Queen said. "Enjoy!"

I looked at the meal in front of me and I liked what I saw. I liked it even more once I tried some of the stew. "I wonder if he'll share the recipe? Hm, worst case scenario, I could just pay him for the best ones. I'm rich, and it would be a business investment. Free would be better."

There was a knock on my cabin door in the middle of the night. "Who is it?" I groggily asked.

"It's Shamrock. May I come in?"

". . . Sure."

By what little light there was, I saw the griffon enter. "I know this may seem a bit sudden, but do you want me to sleep with you for a few hours? Nothing crazy, I promise."

I thought about the offer for a few seconds. "Sure." It didn't take long for me to get comfortable under his wing. "Any funny moves, and I will hurt you."

"I wouldn't dream of it, my treasure."

Author's Notes:

Not much to say on this one.