//------------------------------// // Muddled Befuddled Kinda Cuddles // Story: Rain Shine's Silent Heart // by LucidTech //------------------------------// The forest of the Peaks of Peril was humming with life, the ambience that lived within it like a creature all its own going about its day as it had for centuries. This was somewhat interesting because there was a small difference in its composition, a new creature had come to the forest and likely should've caused some mild disturbance to the everyday patterns of the various animals that called this place home. However, this particular visitor was well practiced in the art of moving without a trace. Indeed, she had to be, given the forest she was used to living in. One that, rather more literally, was a creature all its own. Zecora opened her saddlebags and double checked the map of the area, once again referencing the landmarks it displayed with her current view in the forest. If her navigation was correct then, according to the directions that Fluttershy and Applejack had given her, she was close to the kirin village. It was surprisingly well hidden, especially since houses and homes were not known for their inherent stealth. It was well hidden enough that as of yet she hadn’t quite spotted any signs of kirin residence. She looked back up at her surroundings and failed to spot any alcove which might contain an entire civilization, but she did manage to spot the trail she’d started following at the base of the mountain. In truth it wasn’t so much a trail as it was Zecora following in the steps of a kirin that had recently made several trips to the main foal’s breath cluster that was a small hike away. They had, over the course of multiple trips, carefully excavated some plants from that location, likely so that they could be transplanted somewhere closer to the village. A wise move in Zecora’s opinion, even if the malady was niche and low threat it was always nice to have as many cures on hand as was feasible. Zecora focused her thoughts once more and followed the tracks with her eyes first, her hooves following after a moment and taking her deeper into the trees, hoping it might soon lead her to her destination. If it didn’t, well, Zecora supposed she could ask the kirin who had been stalking her ever since she’d entered the forest, though that would ruin some of the fun. Once Zecora had set out a definitive date to visit, Rain Shine had been quick to offer a guard to meet her at the train station. This had been refused for a couple reasons: First, she had meant it when she said she wanted to visit in a non-diplomatic manner and having a guard detail seemed like it didn’t quite fit the bill; Second, It had been a long time since Zecora had done any wayfinding in an unfamiliar environment and she had been looking forward to something that was a bit more relaxing than the Everfree Forest, but still a step up from the White Tail Woods. Despite these reasons, however, it seemed that Rain Shine had still seen fit to have a kirin track her silently through the forest to make sure she made it to the village alright. Zecora hadn’t expected much from the tailing individual but had to admit that her shadow was very good at remaining silent and out of sight. However, Zecora lived in a forest where, if you weren’t paying utmost attention to your surroundings, you could end up as lunch for a wide variety of deadly creatures and you wouldn’t know it until you smelled their breath. All told Zecora would have to admit, if only to herself, that a little extra security was nice. It meant that Rain Shine was worried about her, which was touching, and it did help her feel more at ease in the forest, allowing her more freedom to appreciate the beauty that surrounded her. After a few moments of following the trail Zecora didn’t so much see as felt her surroundings open up around her. This sensation drew her eyes up from the trail as she crested a small hill and saw the kirin village fold out in front of her. It was so beautiful and serene that Zecora wondered how it had stayed hidden for so long, she had a similar thought about the large kirin who stood just a few steps away, smiling. Rain Shine beamed radiantly as Zecora closed the few remaining steps, her eyes only leaving the zebra once, to silently acknowledge the hidden guard. Zecora’s eyes were similarly locked on Rain Shine, though her ears had swiveled slightly to track the guard as he entered the village from a different direction. After a moment spent in a cozy kind of silence, Rain Shine tilted her head in greeting and then began to speak. “Thank you so much for making the long trip out to our village, we know we’re a good distance off the beaten path and so we appreciate you going the extra mile to come visit us here.” “Your forest did a challenge pose, But I saw a path, as your kirin knows, I hope I did not worry you, Finding ways in a forest new, I’ve found my way through thickest mist, Now, I believe I was to meet an herbalist?” Rain Shine smiled with a mixture of joy and embarrassment as she took the excuse she had been given to not to talk about the stealthy detail that, apparently, had not been as stealthy as she would've liked. “Unfortunately our herbalist was needed to help a kirin who came down with a rather pressing sickness, however they have given me some notes so that I might guide you around to all the relevant plant life.” Rain Shine gave a humble bow. “Before that though, if you'd allow me a small favor regarding a personal problem, it seems that I’m having trouble with my garden and could use an expert's opinion.” Zecora gave a nod and Rain Shine’s serene smile lingered still on her lips as she began to lead the way. Zecora idly wondered how much of these circumstances were an excuse so that Rain Shine could take Zecora to her home, then brought her thoughts back to the matter at hoof. “It seems you’re strangely lucky, for of all incidents, A sickness on my day of visit is a happy coincidence. For I recall you sought some answers that only I could mention, And now it seems life has aligned for you to ask your question.” Rain Shine glanced back, her smile now gone. She appeared mired in thought as she continued guiding towards her home. Eventually, she seemed to come to a conclusion. “Were you flirting with me at the meeting?” Zecora, having expected something a bit bolder from Rain Shine, took a moment to process the worried tone before answering. The first, most obvious problem was that it wasn’t the same question she had been asked back in Canterlot. Sure, it had all the same words. They were even in the same order, which should have been promising. Yet, the emotional foundation under the words was worlds apart. The first time it had been asked there had been a… well not cocky per se, but self assured tone that had been accentuated by genuine curiosity. Now though Zecora could almost see the doubt that festered in the syllables, could clearly hear the distant fragile hope. In silent answer Zecora closed the distance, catching up to Rain Shine and walking so close that their coat hairs brushed together. Rain Shine’s head jerked at the sensation and looked down into Zecora’s eyes. The look was met with a soft encouraging smile in return. Rain Shine visibly relaxed, though not completely. “I am sorry, I shouldn’t be so-“ the relaxation vanished, her muzzle snapped shut, her eyes locked back on the path ahead, but Zecora already knew what the next word would’ve been. So, she finished the sentence for her. “Emotional? A thought to cull.” Rain Shine’s jaw managed to pry itself open. “I’m sorry, you’re right, I know I shouldn’t think things like that, if Autumn Blaze were here…” The sentence died unfinished and the silence that followed in its wake haunted the pair. Each step building stress and worry until, at last, they arrived at Rain Shine’s garden. “Here we are.” Rain Shine offered half-heartedly, gesturing to a home that, surprisingly, did not stand out all that much amongst its neighbors. Zecora had half expected Rain Shine to be living in one of the tall towering house trees that were around the village. Adjacent to the simple building was a garden overflowing with foal's breath. “Home sweet home.” Zecora smiled softly as she looked at the cozy living that Rain Shine had built in the forest, reminding her of her own home so far away. Though the kirin’s was noticeably less ominous than her own. The garden fence and, likely, the garden itself were new. Zecora could see that the wood that had been used for the project still showed their fresh cuts that had not yet been exposed to the elements long enough to mellow out their texture or color. Also made out of similar wood and incorporating leaves that matched those of the existing roof was the overhang that jutted off the building and over a small section near the garden, in the shade of that overhang were two identical large cozy looking chairs that seemed like they would be luxurious for any creature regardless of size, accompanying these grand chairs was a smaller third chair. Together, this trio kept watch out over the garden. Zecora nodded approvingly at the construction and then turned her full attention to the bounty of foal’s breath plants that covered the garden. Most of them seemed as healthy as could be but even from this distance Zecora had no issue spotting the problem plants. Without much effort her mind began to examine them and, not waiting for an invitation, she waded out into the sea of plant life and set to work with the scattered wilting subjects. Rain Shine curiously watched the zebra ply her craft. Several times she noticed her drag her hoof over the earth in a way that might imply a challenge in pony culture. She wondered what it meant for a zebra, and was reminded then just how different their cultures truly were. Spurred on by the thought, she re-examined again all the moments they had shared, looking for times she might’ve simply misunderstood. As her mind was busy with these thoughts her eyes continued to follow Zecora, not really paying attention, merely doing so because she didn’t want to look anywhere else. How could she know if Zecora felt the same way about her? What if zebras were just more open about physical affections? How could she even begin to broach that topic? So deep in thought was she that it took her a moment to process that in the depths of her thoughts time had passed unobserved and Zecora had returned, standing patiently in front of her. “What’s the diagnosis?” Rain Shine managed once her mind fully returned to her. “Your plants have been over watered, though they all remain unmartyred.” Rain Shine nodded in understanding, she thought that she might've been going a bit overboard with the watering can. It was nice to know that no permanent damage had been done though, so long as she course corrected with the new information. “Now let me ask a question if you will allow, What troublesome thoughts rest on your mind now?” Rain Shine offered a placating smile, though she did find genuine relief in the fact that she had been given the perfect reason to voice her worries. “Nothing too serious Zecora," She hesitated again all the same, it was only for a breath, a final chance to divert the conversation in a different direction, but she remained true to her heart. That was what Autumn and Zecora had been telling her to do after all wasn't it? "I was just thinking that I don’t know your culture all that well since we kirin have been secluded for so long. It makes it hard to really understand if we’re on the same page sometimes.” Rain Shine did not say that the page she wanted to be on was one romantic by nature, that would be untoward. “I can give you a short lesson that I could demonstrate, It might take the weight of your worries and alleviate.” Zecora smiled subtly, and Rain Shine picked up on it. Curious, she gave an affirming nod. In response, Zecora stepped closer and signaled for Rain Shine to lower her head so that they could see eye to eye. After the tall kirin had done so Zecora began to speak, the volume of her voice dropping to a private volume. “If we were two close friends, I might kiss you somewhere here,” Zecora demonstrated, kissing Rain Shine on the forehead at the base of her horn. Rain Shine was so far managing to view this as a lesson in another culture's practices and because of this did not currently have to worry about a blush creeping up her neck. “If we were a courting couple, I might kiss you lovingly there,” This time the lips pressed longingly against the corner of Rain Shine’s lips, just under her cheek. This was enough to jog her from her detached view of the situation and begin to piece together that this was more than a learning opportunity. Zecora’s next words did bring a blush to both of their faces, and it cleared up any lingering confusion that had been left in Rain Shine’s mind. “If we were more than that, I could kiss you anywhere.”