Yoshimon1 said:
The genius historian and her blazing adventurer in shining armor, just like old times! And this time, the armor and weapons are even real! Plus, she knows we’ll always keep her safe from any dangers, monsters or unwanted suitors out there. It’ll be fun!
You agree with Moonflower, and tell Honourshine that you’d love to explore the world together with her again — just like you used to, but for real this time!
Honourshine: “Well… I can’t say I haven’t missed your company. A party of three, though…?”
You acknowledge that it’s more than she’s used to, but argue that the bat pony’s easygoing attitude won’t get in the way, and that her alchemy is an invaluable addition to the team.
Honourshine: “Fair enough. And having her along would save us the trouble of finding you someone else to share a bed with.”
Moonflower: “Heehee! Was Blazer always super flirty?”
Honourshine: “You can’t tell? He’s been honing those skills ever since he came of age. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he was a changeling or something.”
In your defense, you are an explorer! It is in your nature to explore. Not that it’s much of a defense, but you don’t feel the need to justify yourself any further.
Moonflower: “Heeheehee… I totally get it, though.”
Honourshine: “That makes one of us. So, what’s your next quest, anyway?”
You admit that you have yet to pick a voyage from the Agency. In fact, you were just about to when her name was mentioned.
Moonflower: “Ooh! Maybe ya can help us decide where to go?”
Honourshine: “Fine… I’m not much for decisions, but I might’ve read a thing or two about the places they lead to.”
You nod, and with the historian’s curiosity piqued, you decide to make your way back to the Equestrian Voyagers Agency together…
Honourshine joins your party!
Twilight Sparkle: “Welcome back! I see you’ve managed to find her.”
You nod, and tell Twilight Sparkle that Honourshine will be joining you on your next adventure.
Twilight Sparkle: “I’m glad to hear it! I don’t suppose she’ll be joining the Agency as well…?”
Honourshine: “… I’m good, thanks.”
Twilight Sparkle: “In that case, I’ll assign Honourshine’s voyage to you two. Were you interested in taking a second voyage?”
You tell Twilight Sparkle that that’s why you’re here, and knowing your foalhood friend well, you ask if she can let Honourshine read the requests on paper.
Twilight Sparkle: “Of course. Here’s first one, which leads to the Castle of Pegalithos in Old Ponyland.”
As Honourshine skims through the scroll, you can see her mood souring by the second. You ask her if something is wrong.
Honourshine: “(sigh) Nothing is wrong, it’s just… this is just so typical of the College. There’s so much we could be learning from the world around us, and here they are, trying to dig up some gossip on historical figures.”
You ask her what she means.
Honourshine: “Simply put, Commander Hurricane’s coat of arms has violet stripes in it, which might have originally used a rare mineral pigment from the Unicorn tribe. If that’s the case, then it could mean one of two things, and I honestly don’t care enough to elaborate on either of them.
Hmm… and there’s no mention anywhere that the Castle of Pegalithos used to be a fortress in the sky. In the face of the Bitter Cold, it likely froze over and fell to the ground with the rest of clouds. Who knows what’s left of it?”
You figure that it sounds like quite the wintry venture, though you wonder what else you might find in Old Ponyland.
Honourshine: “You’re right. We’ve lost most of ponykind’s knowledge during the exodus to Equestria, so there’s bound to be far more interesting things to be found there. What was the other voyage?”
Twilight Sparkle: “A pop star who disappeared after a tour around the Kirin Empire. Here’s what the sponsor had to say.”
Honourshine: “… This isn’t much to go by — not even a town where to start looking. Blaze, do you really think this is enough to find him?”
You grin, and tell Honourshine that you’ve already done more with less.
Honourshine: “I suppose you’re right. I wouldn’t mind visiting the Kirin Empire, either; from what I’ve read, their magic is described as different from other types of unicorns, and they have a close history with dragons. They might know a lot more than we do about the past.
On the other hoof, a frozen wasteland sounds like a cozy vacation spot next to the stories I’ve read on the Kirin. The island they live on is completely untamed and swarming with dangerous creatures of all kinds.”
Moonflower: “Heehee! Sounds like Blazer’s gonna have to choose after all!”
Twilight Sparkle: “Well, these voyages aren’t to be taken lightly, so take all the time you need.”