//------------------------------//
// 2: Dogs 
// Story: Everwinter 
// by Octaviafan 
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Chapter Two
Dogs


Since she arrived on the frozen mountain plain, Zecora had been working hard. Unfortunately, the elevated activity on the normally quiet mountainside had also drawn unwanted attention from some of the less than hospitable native wild-life, which slowed progress considerably, as she often had to keep herself hidden... Sometimes, for hours on end. She had to be honest with herself. This lonely life was beginning to grate on her.

One chill, but clear morning, as she was shuffling out of her igloo, she noticed that three others had sprung up around her own in the dead of night. Dogs she had met in the nearest village; two full days' travel away, had apparently come to check on her, and judging by the fact that they had set up shelter too, give her support as well. They were already moving about. A couple of them were in the middle of building a community fire, while the other kept watch at the edge of their modest settlement. 

Zecora greeted the dogs in their native tongue and each responded in kind. "What are you doing here?" She asked, Unsure of what their sudden appearance could mean. They replied, "We have come to offer you aid. We know that you are learned in the ways of magic and of science, and are certain that whatever you must have travelled so far to do must be very important. We offer you support in numbers, as well as any help you may require of us. In particular, faster completion of your more permanent shelter." He motioned to the foundations of the modest cabin she had been building at the edge of the trees. 

Bowing deeply, Zecora said "I thank you for these gifts and am very grateful for the company. It has been long since I have spoken to another sentient being." She and the one who had spoken looked on as the other lit tinder underneath the rest of the firewood and began to blow on it until the fire caught onto the smaller sticks and twigs and the pile began to burn in earnest. As he stood, he said "Think nothing of it. It is dangerous to travel alone in these mountains, especially in the Spring, when new mothers are on the defensive. I believe it is what the Pony folk would call 'the neighbourly thing to do.' Oh, and I do not believe we have ever been properly introduced. I am Gives-Freely and this," he indicated the dog next to him, "is Barks-Like-Thunder."

"What about that one?" Zecora motioned with her head in the direction of the dog who was still standing watch. Gives-Freely looked slightly uncomfortable, but Barks-Like-Thunder spoke softly: "That is Fire-Eyes. She is very gifted in the ways of magic, and is apprenticed to our village's Shaman. She is well respected in the village, and some even fear her, which is why I think she came with us. She is filled with sorrow that although she is apprenticed to the Shaman, there are still many who do not trust her." Zecora shook her head and sighed. "I too, have been in a situation where others were distrustful of me. It is not easy, but perhaps she can grow past it in time."

Zecora stepped away from the group and went to retrieve her axe from inside her igloo. When she came out again, Barks-Like-Thunder and Gives-Freely were walking towards the trees near her unfinished cabin, but she didn't see Fire-Eyes. A strong, female voice spoke suddenly behind her, nearly giving her a heart-attack. "Hello. I believe we have not yet been *properly* introduced." Zecora turned as the speaker said this and observed her. Fire-eyes' coat was blacker than night with a silky sheen, except for a pure white spot on her forehead. Her eyes were bright orange, and seemed to glow with an inner light. "You may call me Zecora. What is your name, again?" The female dog said "I am Fire-Eyes. It is good to meet you, Zecora. Perhaps I can help you with whatever it is you are working on here."

They talked as they went to join the others; comparing the magical theory and history of their tribes. Zecora explained to Fire-Eyes the nuances of Unicorn and Zebra magicks, and Fire-Eyes in turn gave a brief history of her lineage, explaining that her type were very rare among Dogs, and that eyes like hers had always been associated with great magical power and high expectations.

When Zecora and Fire-Eyes had rejoined the two at the edge of the trees, Zecora went into the woods to search for good trees for her cabin, while the Dogs, who were more knowledgeable about building structures in the snow, checked over what had already been built of Zecora's cabin. They found some errors, but luckily, the structure was not far enough along to need total rebuilding to fix them. They did what they could with what was still there in terms of lumber, and then trekked into the trees like Zecora to find more suitable trees. Before they had gone twenty feet in, however, they met Zecora coming out, dragging a cut tree behind her, and grinning.

"It would seem that one of the ponies of ponyville is spying on me in his dreams. What I would call an out-of-body experience; they are not that uncommon among even Earth ponies. Some Earth ponies even learn to control their excursions. For example there is another mare in Ponyville who is able to leave her body and send her spirit at will, to communicate and even be seen by others, through mirrors and such. This mare also has the gift of premonition! The local ponies call it 'Pinkie Sense' because she is the only mare in town who posesses such a gift, and she is bright pink." She gestured towards the log she was dragging behind her. "I think you will find that this is good wood. I'll be back."

Zecora turned away from the group again and went back into the trees in the same direction she had come. Barks-Like-Thunder and Gives-Freely shrugged at eachother, unsure of what exactly she had been talking about, but Fire-Eyes looked back curiously, wishing Zecora had gone into more detail. "Come on," her companions said gruffly as they hefted the log. "You can ask her about it later. For now, help us with this." 

Author's Note: Throughout the chapter, Zecora is not speaking in rhymes. This is because she is speaking Canine, not Equestrian.