A New Life in Ponyville

Chapter 1

Zecora’s Cabin, The Everfree Forest

Determination.

Such an interesting word, is it not? For some, it is the force of will that allows them to persevere against all odds, to strive for anything they so desire. Sadly though, that same determination can also be used to implement one’s desires upon others, be they willing or otherwise.

Most of my life has been a poignant example of such machinations. For over a decade, a silent battle raged between the determination of my father for me to become his successor, and my own determination to walk the path of my choosing.

Determination has brought me to where I am today. A place free from my father’s tyrannical influence…a place where I’m free to pursue what I’ve always wanted: the simple life of an herbalist. Many in my position would ask: Why give up the pampered life of a chieftain’s daughter for that of a lowly herbalist?

The answer is not a simple one. I never chose the life my father so carefully constructed for me. It was thrust upon my shoulders as soon as I was able to speak. Was it always so terrible? No, I cannot say it was. For one thing, my father’s position granted me the best education money could afford. My regimen included: herbalism, medicine, hunting, martial arts, foreign language studies, politics, and proper etiquette.

I was always an eager student, often devouring materials and lessons faster than my tutors thought possible. My mind was constantly filled with images of far-away places, exotic peoples, and exciting ideas.

Looking back, I suppose that is why I developed such a strong sense of self and the determination to break away from my father’s mold. He often said I was far too intelligent for my own good. Fortunately for me, he was so absorbed in his own ways that he never noticed the subtle change in my demeanor.

Despite my inclination for intellectual pursuits, I found that I quite enjoyed physical activities as well. The movement of my body helped to stimulate the movement of thoughts and ideas. But it was far more than that. It gave me the opportunity to earn coin that didn’t come from my father’s coffers.

Hunting and Engolo lessons came first. In my homeland, men were most often the hunters but women could learn…under special circumstances, of course. The reason I practiced Engolo was simply because my teacher insisted it would lead to enhanced muscle memory and help me avoid getting killed by the multitude of predators who called the jungle their home.

As the years progressed, my skills improved. It even got to the point where I was able to hunt with the same level of competence as my teacher. If the hunt was successful, I would bring the pelts and meat of various beasts into the village, earning me a modest sum of coin for my efforts. But pelts weren’t the only thing I brought back. The village shaman would often ask me to bring her plants for her mixtures, often paying me with her own creations or the knowledge to make them myself.

Eventually, I went out into the jungle just as often for plants as I did for beasts. That was when I began to appreciate the fine art of herbalism in earnest. The shaman’s lessons were simple at first. They included balms to prevent infections for minor wounds and tea made from the leaves of various plants meant to stimulate the mind and body.

When I finally managed to memorize most of the local flora, only then did she start to teach me more advanced brews. They were the sort of concoctions that required a precise mixture of ingredients to function properly. If the ratios were even the slightest bit off, mistakes often led to illness…or even death upon ingestion.

I became extremely upset the day when the shaman told me she had nothing left to teach me. Judging by the sad twinkle in her eyes, she knew I was destined to move onto better things. But I truly believe that I granted her some measure of happiness.

Perhaps it was because she finally found a worthy apprentice in me, someone willing to pass on her knowledge to future generations. But I think it was far more intimate than that. She was the female authority figure I so desperately yearned for in my life, and I acted as the daughter she never had.

I spent most of that evening nestled against her, silently watching the glowing embers die out in the fire pit. With a heavy heart, I embraced her tightly while my tears fell onto the dusty floor below. Once I regained my composure, I told her what I had been planning all those years.

At that point, I had already purchased a small property, travel fare, and the supplies necessary for a few days. The only thing left to do was to arrange passage to Equestria through my contact, known only as “Daring”.

I was surprised by her reaction. Instead of getting angry or trying to convince me to stay, she merely nodded her head in understanding. It was almost as if she had expected this outcome…but I could tell she was slightly heartbroken nonetheless. With a gentle smile, she took off one of her gold bracelets and placed it in my hand. What she told me afterwards, I shall never forget.

“Take my bracelet, Zecora. It will serve as a reminder of where you came from and those who care about you. May the spirits grant you a swift and safe journey.”

Now, as I lay upon my bed, my thoughts and feelings inevitably drift towards her. It takes every shred of my willpower not to grab a pen and paper and hastily scrawl a letter to my surrogate mother, assuring her that I am well.

But sadly, I cannot. The last thing I need is for my father to catch wind of my whereabouts. My hopes and prayers shall have to be enough for the time being. After making my final appeal to the spirits of the forest, my eyes begin to feel heavy as I feel sleep’s sweet embrace encompass me. I will need all the rest I can manage. For tomorrow, I journey to Ponyville.

The musical warbles of birdsong woke me from my slumber. While I do not begrudge rising at such an early hour, I always take some time to enjoy the peace and tranquility morning has to offer. After getting out of bed, I shuffled towards the window and allowed the golden rays of sunlight to warm my face.

Despite having lived here for a few days, I must confess that I am still unused to the milder climate. In my homeland, early mornings were hot enough to form a slight mirage as the sun crept above the horizon. By comparison, the mornings here were cool enough that dew formed on the grass and left a slight chill in the air.

It was not unpleasant though. I actually enjoyed the feeling of the cool air as it danced across my skin. It was refreshing and helped to dry any residual sweat that remained upon me. After a quick bath and a liberal application of scented hair and skin products, I was finally ready to break my fast.

My morning meal was…dull to put it bluntly. I suppose that anyone eating nothing but boar jerky and dried berries for two consecutive days would come to a similar conclusion. Fortunately for me, Ponyville was well within comfortable walking distance. While the acquisition of fresh victuals was my primary motive for interacting with the locals, I was also interested in scouting potential customers for my own wares.

Before leaving, I donned a plain brown cloak but opted to keep the hood down. I wanted to appear approachable, yet modest. There was little sense in resembling a suspicious sneak-thief in a town full of strangers. With my coin pouch securely fastened to my wrist, I set out to purchase some food.

As I suspected, many of the townsfolk gave me curious looks as I browsed the stalls of the market district. Some even glared at me, like I was a common criminal. Many in my situation would be outraged at such treatment, but I did not allow it bother me.

I was a foreigner in their town, an unknown variable introduced into their daily lives. They had yet to acquaint themselves with me and I them. But that would soon change. All I needed to do was show them how polite and courteous I could be. I imagine most folk would do me the same courtesy, but I was not so naïve to think all of them would. If I ran into anyone like that, I’d simply avoid them rather than cause any unnecessary conflict.

After an hour of shopping, I finally gathered enough supplies to last me for at least a few days. I had not purchased anything exotic or expensive, just simple foods like potatoes and chicken. However, I still had a few coins left and was feeling a bit peckish.

Much to my good fortune, there happened to be a lovely wooden cart nearby filled to the brim with some of the most succulent apples I had ever laid eyes upon. The owners of the cart must have noticed my hungry gaze, for both gave me their brightest smiles. I tried to suppress my growing blush but could not. So, I simply gave them the friendliest smile I could muster.

“Howdy Ma’am!” a little girl with red hair and a bow chirped. “Are ya interested in buyin’ some of our apples?”

“I most certainly am little one. If it is not too much trouble, I would like two of your Red Delicious apples please.”

“No problem! Oh, by the way mah name’s Apple Bloom, what’s yours?”

I shook her hand. “I am Zecora. Pleased to meet you Miss Apple Bloom.”

“Hey now, ya don’t have ta get all proper on me. Ya can just call me AB if ya want.”

I chuckled. “Ah, very well then. AB it is.”

After “AB” counted my coins and presented my purchase, the other owner made his presence known by walking up to the cart and clearing his throat. He was an imposing figure to say the least. By my own estimation, he was at least a head taller than I and likely weighed twice as much. The taunt muscles of his arms and chest bespoke of many years spent practicing hard labor. He very much reminded me of a fierce mountain gorilla.

Despite his intimidating appearance, there was a subtle undercurrent of tranquility lurking just beneath the surface. His emerald eyes twinkled with the quiet intelligence that men of great wisdom often exude. Yet…that was not his most endearing feature. No, what truly seized my attention was the gentle smile he offered me as I waved to him in greeting.

“Mornin’ miss. Ah take it you’ve come ta buy some apples?”

“Indeed I have, sir. Your…daughter procured them for me only moments ago.”

The burly man laughed. “Bloom ain’t mah daughter. She’s mah sister.”

“I am so terribly sorry! I did not know you were merely siblings. Please forgive my ignorance.”

“There ain’t nothin’ ta forgive, miss. The name’s Macintosh Apple, but most folk ‘round here call me Big Mac. Mah family and ah run an apple orchard ‘bout five miles from town.”

“Ah, that would certainly explain the variety of your wares! My name is Zecora and I only arrived here naught but two days ago. I am an herbalist and hunter by trade and it is my sincere hope to conduct business in this fair town.”

Mac rubbed his arm. “An herbalist ya say? Ah…reckon ah could use your advice right about now.”

“Tell me what ails you and I may be able to offer a solution.”

“Yesterday, ah was out clearing weeds ‘round the south orchard like ah usually do. Normally, I’m pretty careful ‘bout how ah walk, but ah somehow managed ta trip over a root and scuffed mah arm against a tree.”

“It seems like a minor injury to me. Why not simply bandage the wound?”

Mac rubbed his arm once more. “Well, I’m afraid it ain’t that simple. Ah think the tree was covered in some kind of poisonous vine or somethin'. Ever since then, the cut on mah arm’s been itchin’ like the dickens. Is it somethin’ ah should be worried ‘bout?”

“Tell me, Macintosh Apple. Was the vine rust colored and coiled around the tree like a snake?”

“Uh…yeah now that ya mention it, ah think it looked like that.”

I hummed in thought. “I know precisely what plant has caused your suffering. It is known as Serpent’s Embrace. The plant’s toxins can be deadly to small creatures, but it is merely irritating to mankind.”

“That’s a relief! Ah thought I’d need ta go to the hospital and get it checked out.”

“Such a measure would be unnecessary. However, I would suggest treating the wound with a balm to prevent infection and nullify the toxins. Otherwise, your constant scratching will keep opening it up again.”

Mac blushed. “Y-yeah ah suppose ah should. Ah don’t mean ta sound needy, but do you…happen ta know what type of balm ah should use?”

“You are most fortunate, Macintosh Apple. I not only know but possess the balm you seek!”

“Thank the Maker! All of that itchin’ was drivin’ me crazy. Where is it?”

I giggled. “I must apologize, for I do not have it upon my person. All of the ingredients I require to produce it are contained within my home. If you were to provide me with a scrap of parchment, I can show you where my home is located. You will be able to retrieve it there.”

“O-oh, well that’s completely understandable. How many bits do ah owe ya for it?”

“You need not worry yourself over cost. If my remedy is to your satisfaction, simply spread the word around town. That is all I ask.”

“Are ya sure? It hardly feels proper ta accept somethin’ like that for free…”

“I am certain. What I need now is not coin, but a solid reputation. Your word will assist greatly in establishing that.”

Mac handed me a slip of parchment, along with an apple. “Since ya were so kind as ta offer me the treatment for free, take an extra apple. It’s the least ah can do.”

After scrawling a crude map to my home, I took a moment to bite into the apple Macintosh gave me. While I was no expert on produce, fruit or otherwise, I could tell immediately that this apple was special. The texture was crisp and refreshing, the taste sweeter than honey. I must have looked like an infant, messily devouring the apple as I did. Unfortunately, I did not realize this until…Macintosh bellowed with laughter.

I quickly wiped my face, failing miserably to hide my embarrassment. “I sincerely apologize for my lack of manners! The apple was so delicious a-and I was so hungry that I could not help myse—”

“No need ta apologize. It just makes me happy ta see that ya enjoy all the hard work we put into growin’ our apples.”

“As well you should be! I will most certainly be purchasing more of your apples in the future. That being said, your balm should be ready within an hour.”

“Glad ta hear that. I’ll see ya later, Ms. Zecora.”

Few things in life energized me more than a bout of vigorous exercise. The constant rhythm of the Engolo stances cleared my mind of any lingering thoughts. The rush of adrenaline that followed made me feel as if I could vanquish even the fiercest predators. But my routine was not solely about invigoration. It contained elements of relaxation as well.

One of things I enjoyed about the property I now owned was its abundance of lush grass. I relished the feeling of the soft green blades as they brushed against my bare feet. It was like being gently tickled by thousands of tiny fingers in the most pleasant way possible. Many often claimed that a fine rug achieved a similar effect. But I knew better. Nature’s way was far superior to anything man could ever hope to replicate.

The combined symphony of woodland creatures and the flowing stream nearby served to relax my body further. The initial burst of adrenaline that I felt earlier had long since faded, replaced by growing sense of fatigue. After sitting down, the warm midday sun practically begged me to lie down upon grass and sleep. I felt my eyelids slowly begin to droop. Yes…a short rest sounded…wonderful. It was not as if I was expecting any vis—

My stupor was instantly broken when I heard someone call my name. I had nearly forgotten that Macintosh was coming over to retrieve the poultice I promised to mix for him. Fortunately, I crafted it as soon as I returned from my shopping excursion an hour earlier. Scrambling to my feet, I ran into the cabin and opened the front door.

“Welcome…to my abode.” I huffed. “The poultice you require is ready. Please take a seat on one of those cushions and make yourself comfortable while I retrieve it.”

Macintosh’s response was strange to say the least. Instead of complying with my instructions, he merely stood in the doorway with his mouth agape. He continued to stand there, without uttering a single word, expect for what I could only assume were a series of strained whimpers.

Yet, the most distressing thing of all was the color of his face. It was entirely red! Perhaps his reaction to the Serpent’s Embrace had triggered a fever? I quickly ushered him inside and sat him down upon the largest cushion I had. Afterwards, I pressed my forehead against his to determine if he was running a temperature.

“Are you not feeling well, Macintosh Apple?”

“A-ah can’t believe this! Of all the things ta happen…” Mac squeaked.

“Well, it is certainly not impossible. Fevers can occur by coming in contact with Serpent’s Embrace, if one has an allergy to it.”

“This ain’t about fevers or allergies!”

“If you do not believe that to be the case, then perhaps you simply ate spoiled food. In fact, there are several varieties of meat that need to be cooked properly befo—”

Mac put his hand over his eyes. “FOR THE LOVE OF CELESTIA! DON’T YA REALIZE YOU’RE NAKED?!!”

“Hmm? I believe you are mistaken, Macintosh Apple. I am nude, not naked. Naked implies that am destitute and defenseless. I am neither of those things.”

“It still doesn’t change the fact that ya ain’t wearing a single stitch of clothing. It just ain’t proper!”

I furrowed my brow in confusion. “Not…proper? Whatever do you mean?”

“Men and women aren’t supposed ta be naked in front of each other, unless…they intend ta make love. And even then, they’re usually…involved in a romantic relationship.”

“Are you suggesting my nudity implies that I wish to initiate sexual intercourse with you?”

Mac blushed harder. “Ah…w-well…ah dunno. Do ya?”

“I am unsure exactly what your expectations are, but my answer is no. My nudity has nothing to do with sexual desire. It is simply part of my lifestyle.”

“If what you’re sayin’ is true, then why were ya wearin’ a cloak in town?”

I crossed my arms. “The answer to that question is a complicated one. But since you are already here, I will tell you a story that will help clear any remaining confusion you might have.”

Now that Macintosh was somewhat settled, I fetched the bowl that contained the balm. In all honesty, I was trying to be as gentle as I could when applying balm but I could tell he was immensely uncomfortable with my ministrations.

If I had been a crasser individual, I would have laughed at the true reason for his discomfort. But I actually found it rather endearing, the way he shyly averted his eyes. I knew he was doing it out of some misguided sense of preserving my modesty and dignity.

However unnecessary I deemed his behavior to be, I could not help but think there was another reason for his discomfort. Perhaps…he was unaccustomed to the female form in its natural state? No, I found that highly unlikely. Surely, he had seen his female sibling in the nude before.

I wrapped a bandage around his arm. “There, it is done. Keep it on for at least two days and try not to get it wet.”

“T-thanks, ah appreciate it. So…umm aren’t ya gonna tell me your answer?”

“When I was still a girl, my father believed it prudent to teach me the ways of the hunter. You must understand that a woman taking up the mantle of hunter was unusual, and the clans were often composed exclusively of men.

“It was strange, at first. I went from playing with dolls to learning how to track animals in the scope of just a week. Even stranger still, was being completely surrounded by older males. Not a single one of the hunters were anywhere near my age.

“But that wasn’t the hardest thing to get used to. Hunters held their own unique set of beliefs. It was what set them apart from the common folk. They believed that the forest contained a multitude of sacred spirits. How much one revered and respected these spirits determined how bountiful the day’s hunt was.

“The best method to show reverence to the spirits was to cast away the trappings of mankind. Such things as spears, bows, or jewelry crafted from kills were considered appropriate but…clothing was not. Thus, hunters made a habit of living in the nude. And despite my gender, tradition demanded that I do the same.

“It took some time to get used to, but I came to accept my new lifestyle and even enjoy it. In fact, nowadays I am far more comfortable in the nude than I am wearing even a single article of clothing. I apologize if it has put a strain on our potential friendship.”

Mac sighed. “Zecora, I’d be a terrible person if I judged folks on how they choose ta live. Ah don’t mind bein’ your friend, it’s just a lot ta take in…ya know? Gimme a little time ta process all of this. Once that happens, ah promise I’ll come visit again.”

“Thank the spirits! Perhaps…you’d like some tea the next time you visit?”

“Yeah, that sounds nice. See ya later, Zecora.”

As Macintosh walked out the door, I could not help but notice the slight smile upon his lips. It was the first time I had seen him do so since I met him in the market. While I was somewhat disheartened by the awkwardness of our second meeting, I still held hope that everything would turn out for the best.

Art of the Un-Dress

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Chapter 2

Zecora’s Cabin, The Everfree Forest

Under normal circumstances, I would greet the beginning of a new day with vigor and anticipation. However, this morning was far from normal circumstances. Due to yesterday’s events, I found myself barely able to rise out of bed. The interaction between Macintosh and I replayed in my mind dozens, if not hundreds of times the night prior. Needless to say, my overactive mind robbed me of any semblance of sleep.

After rubbing the crust from my reddened eyes, I slowly marched into the kitchen to boil some tea. As soon as the cup touched my lips, I allowed myself a contented sigh. Tea truly was the nectar of the gods! It never failed to invigorate the mind and body, despite my efforts to the contrary.

I took a few more sips and nibbled on an apple…immediately regretting my choice of fruit. It was most certainly delicious, similar to the one I enjoyed yesterday. But the quality of said apple was not the issue in question. No, the taste only served to further remind me of certain apple farmer. A certain apple farmer whom I could not stop thinking about.

Why had my nudity caused him so much distress? I had done my best to explain the reasoning behind my lifestyle and before he left, he seemed to have understood me. So then, why had he been so upset? I knew for a fact that he had a sister. There was little doubt that he saw her unclothed at times. What made seeing me in my own natural state so different?

A disheartening thought crept into my mind. What if the sight of my body disgusted him? It was certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Perhaps…he was offended because I had shown my body to him with the perceived intent of engaging in sexual intercourse? The very notion formed a heavy knot in my stomach, but one I could not dismiss entirely.

In my homeland, many traits characterized an attractive, healthy female. The ideal woman often stayed in the home, only venturing out to procure goods from the market or tend the garden. She had a mostly sedentary lifestyle, differing greatly from the physically active roles men often held. This, of course, led to her adopting a softer physique.

Women who possessed both generous curves and breasts were considered the pinnacle of beauty. The extra fat on their bodies signified that their lives were bereft of hardship. It also gave them wider, child-bearing hips, which lessened the complications they would experience while giving birth. Women such as that always seemed to attract the most attention from the village’s male population.

Throughout my entire life, I never received any such attention. I was the exact opposite of all those supposedly desirable traits. The time I spent practicing Engolo and tracking transformed me into a lean, muscular huntress. The constant exhaustion of calories melted away any excess fat on my body like a boar roasting upon a spit. Plumpness simply had no place in my life.

I can say, with utmost confidence, that I am completely comfortable living in the nude. I refuse to be ashamed of my own body! It was how I was born; it is how I am meant to be. But no matter how strong my conviction may be, the ugly specter of envy still haunts me from time to time.

Looking down, I cupped my breasts and fondled them gently. While the act granted me some degree of pleasure, I could not help but let out a forlorn sigh. They were not particularly large. If a random passerby were to casually observe my breasts, he or she would admit I was indeed a grown woman, but lacked the proper proportions to attract the admiration of men.

What incredible irony my life has contained then!

I nearly spent my entire maidenhood with a clan full of men. Men I tried my damnedest to impress, men who I had the utmost respect for, men…that set my young and naïve heart aflutter. But they never saw me as a woman.

I was not some curvaceous village girl, waiting to greet them with honeyed fruit and a kiss when they returned from a successful hunt. No, I was just the chieftain’s daughter, a future ruler to be trained in their ways. A blade meant to be sharpened, nothing more.

The painful thoughts became too much for me to bear. I let out a choking sob as hot tears splashed upon my lap. My desires were so very simple. I wanted friends to call my own, ones who were not under my father’s influence. I wanted to establish a name for myself by opening a business. But there was something else too. Something I only dared to think about in my wildest imaginings.

I hugged my knees to my chest. “Is it too much to ask for a man to finally see me…as a woman?”

In my experience, the world often answers our questions in the strangest way possible. This time was certainly no exception. Once again, I heard someone knock on my door. My heart raced with anticipation, hoping to hear the deep baritone of Macintosh’s voice. But much to my surprise, I heard his sister’s voice instead.

I was in no condition to greet any visitors. My eyes were still red, my voice was hoarse from sobbing, and I still had yet to comb my hair. However, there was something in that girl’s innocent tone that I could not refuse, no matter how much I might want to. I knew that if I commanded her to leave me be, it would upset young Apple Bloom greatly. At this point, I had no desire to add a child’s tears to my already guilty conscience.

“Miss Zecora, its Apple Bloom. Are ya there?”

I rubbed my eyes. “Yes. Please give me a moment to open the door.”

“I’m sorry it’s so early in the mornin’ but ah—”

There it was again. The exact same expression I saw on Macintosh’s face was now present on Apple Bloom. In hindsight, I suppose it would have been prudent to cover myself but…I was exhausted and upset. I simply did not care. With a weary sigh, I motioned for Apple Bloom to take a seat while I poured her a cup of tea.

“You need not say it. I know that I am nude.”

Bloom blushed. “O-oh…sorry, ah thought ya just got out of the bath or somethin’.”

“No. In fact, I have yet to bathe today. I am afraid that you have caught me in a state of distress at the moment.”

“Y-yeah…ah was kind of wonderin’ why you looked so upset.”

“It is a long story. One that I do not think you would be interested in hearing.”

Bloom shuffled her feet. “That’s…kind of the reason ah came over here. Mac’s been real quiet ever since he came back from gettin’ his arm fixed. Ah just wanted ta know what happened. But…judgin’ the fact that you’re naked as a jay-bird, ah can see why he might’ve gotten upset.”

“I live in the nude because it is part of my lifestyle. I sincerely apologize if that has upset you or your brother in any way.”

“It doesn’t really upset me that much. I’ve seen mah older sister naked plenty of times. Heck, I’ve even gone skinny dippin’ with her durin’ the summer. It’s just sort of awkward seein’ ya naked, ‘cause folks ‘round here don’t normally greet ya at the door in their birthday suit…”

I sighed. “I do not consciously remind myself to walk around my own home clothed. It is…as you would say, a force of habit.”

“Ah don’t think anyone is gonna judge ya if that’s what ya wanna do ‘round your own home, Miss Zecora. But if you’re goin’ out ta town, ya might wanna consider wearin’ clothes.”

“The people from one of the villages I used to trade with were equally reserved about showing their bodies, so I had to wear a cloak whilst visiting them. I wore one yesterday because I was not entirely sure if your culture had a taboo against it.”

Bloom sipped her tea. “Eeyup, ya made the right call there.”

“So…Macintosh was merely surprised to see me nude? He was not disgusted?”

“Nah, ah don’t think he was disgusted at all. Knowin’ how shy mah brother can be, he was probably just flustered ta see a pretty girl naked in front of him.”

I blushed. “You believe that I am…pretty?”

“Darn tootin’! Ya got a finely built figure, and really beautiful eyes. I’m sure plenty of guys in town will start trippin’ over themselves ta ask ya out on a date, once they get ta know ya!”

“You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that! Thank you, Apple Bloom.”

Bloom smiled. “No problem. I’m just tellin’ the truth. Say, do ya wanna come with me today? I’m goin’ into town ta pick up mah friend, Sweetie Belle, and then we’re gonna go ta Sugarcube Corner for some pastries.”

“That sounds wonderful, but do you mind if I make myself presentable first? I promise that I shall not take long.”’

“Sure, ah don’t mind. After all, I’m the one who came bargin’ in here before ya got ready for the day. Take your time, ah ain’t in any rush on account that today’s mah day off.”

Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

Like the last time I came to Ponyville, I elected to wear my cloak. Apple Bloom seemed slightly perturbed that I decided to wear nothing under it, muttering something about “panties” as we walked down the road. My modesty, as per Equestrian standards, was being preserved so why did it matter if I was nude underneath? I fear that it shall take me quite some before I understand their ways, if I ever manage to do so. As we neared the market district, Apple Bloom shook her head.

“You’re somethin’ else, Miss Zecora. I’ve never seen anyone walk around barefoot like that without complainin’ or gettin’ a whole bunch of blisters. Doesn’t it hurt your feet?”

I shrugged. “I have walked on far more treacherous ground than this. And to answer your question, my feet are free of discomfort.”

“Huh. So you’ve never worn shoes? Not even sandals?”

“No, I have not. I like being able to feel what is beneath my feet. It helps me to adjust my gait in order to move more stealthily when stalking prey.”

Bloom shuddered. “Eughh…you’re startin’ ta sound more like a lion than a person. It’s kind of creepy ta be honest.”

“Hmm that is a rather apt comparison. Yes, a huntress is very much like a lion. I had not thought of it that way before.”

“You’re a huntress? Like one of them crazy amazons in the movies, who go around killin’ tigers with a spear?!”

I could not help but frown at Apple Bloom’s inquiry. Yes, my village was far from Equestria but I was not so ignorant that I did not know what a movie was. I knew that they were produced with the intent to entertain people, but it appalled me that motion pictures would portray hunters in such a barbaric manner. One did not simply go traipsing through the jungle, madly waving a spear about, exterminating beasts for mere sport!

All life, from the lowly wood grub to the mighty elephant was sacred. Man, being at the top of the hierarchy of beasts, had a responsibility to respect the sanctity of those below him. It meant that he had to pray to the spirts whenever a life was taken to sustain his own. After honoring the dead, nothing was to be wasted from the spoils. Anything less was utter blasphemy!

After allowing my anger to subside, I knelt in front of Apple Bloom and looked at her straight in the eyes. I could tell she was uncomfortable, but I needed to convey the seriousness of her ignorance. I also needed to show that I was not angry with her. To that end, I placed my hands upon her shoulders.

“Apple Bloom, I was indeed a huntress. But I never took a life without understanding the consequences first. Beasts are our lesser in the hierarchy of life, but they still deserve our respect. Taking their lives with such callous disregard is vile and disgusting!”

“I’m sorry, Miss Zecora. Ah didn’t mean it like that!”

“I know you did not, child. I simply wanted to convey how important it is to respect all living creatures, despite what the motion pictures would have you believe.”

“Ah think…when ah get back home, I’m gonna spend some time with Winona. Ah haven’t really paid too much attention to her lately. Does that make me…a bad owner?”

I smiled. “No, you are most certainly not. Only a good owner would recognize their mistakes and seek to correct them.”

Judging by the tone of Apple Bloom’s voice, I knew that she was nearly on the verge of tears. It had not been my intention to make her feel guilty. I merely wanted her to understand the importance of life and why it should not be taken for granted. I did the only thing I could think of to help calm her down. I pulled her into a gentle embrace.

She hesitated at first, but returned it in equal kind. In fact, I was quite impressed by the strength she possessed. Such a thing was not completely surprising to me. She did happen to work on a farm, so that likely gave her greater muscle mass than most girls her age.

I must confess: the moment we shared made me realize just how much I missed the simple joy of embracing another person. Unfortunately, as with all good things, this too needed to end. After breaking our embrace, I stood up and patted her head.

“Are you feeling better now?”

Bloom nodded. “Mhmm. And…thanks for the hug. Ah really needed that.”

“You are most welcome, Apple Bloom. I am sorry as well. It was not my intention to upset you in the first place.”

“Ah know. It’s just that what ya said really got me thinkin’.”

“Good. How much further until we reach your friend’s abode?”

Bloom pointed to a large building. “Actually, we’re right in front of it.”

Before me was one of the most ostentatious homes I had ever laid eyes upon. The entire building looked as if it had come directly from the pages of a children’s story book. The outside was decorated with all manner of fanciful creatures such as cherubs, unicorns, and faeries. I could not even begin to fathom how much it cost to commission such an extravagant façade. Apple Bloom noticed my shocked expression and had the decency to offer me a look of sheepish resignation.

“Yeah, ah know it’s a bit gaudy. But that’s Sweetie’s sister for ya.”

“What profession does your friend’s sister practice that affords her such… fine décor?”

As if to answer my question, the front door opened, revealing a woman dressed in a white blouse, a black skirt, and a pair of high-heeled dark purple shoes. After she opened the door, I caught the scent of what I could only assume was an expensive type of perfume. Fortunately, the perfume was lightly applied to her body, mixing pleasantly with her natural scent instead of overpowering it. With a clap of her hands, she smiled at Apple Bloom and ushered us inside.

“Good morning, Apple Bloom! I presume you’re here to pick up Sweetie?”

“Sure am. Ah hope ya don’t mind but ah brought along a new friend too.”

“Not at all, darling. I rather enjoy meeting new people. Hello Madame. My name is Rarity Belle, the proprietor of this fine boutique!”

I shook her hand. “Greetings, I am Zecora. I recently moved here from Zebrica.”

“Ah yes, that would certainly explain your complexion. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, of course! But your attire is…oh I’m terribly sorry darling, but it’s just dreadful. I can’t possibly allow you to leave my boutique without giving you something better to wear.”

“Miss Rarity, I appreciate your offer but—”

Rarity but her finger on my lips. “I won’t take no for an answer! And you needn’t worry about payment; I always make the first dress free of charge. Think of it as…an investment.”

Frantically, I searched the entire room for Apple Bloom, but she was nowhere to be found. It was only then that I heard the door slam shut and witnessed Apple Bloom and her friend walking down the street, without a care in the world. I had no desire whatsoever to partake in whatever Ms. Rarity had planned. However, I did not want to appear rude by refusing her generous offer.

“Very well, I shall comply. What would you have me do?”

“First thing’s first! Let’s get you out of that ratty old thing you’re wearing.”

I did as she asked and tossed my cloak upon the floor. Unlike Macintosh and Apple Bloom, Rarity did not appear embarrassed with my nudity. Instead, she stared intently at my body, apprising me like a cut of meat. After a few moments, she reached into her breast pocket and retrieved a coiled spool of yellow colored thread along with a pair of glasses.

Rarity bit her lip. “I take it you enjoy going commando?”

“I am…afraid I do not understand what that means.”

“Oh, well it means that you don’t like wearing underwear. Not that it’s an issue for me. It makes taking your measurements far easier.”

I furrowed my brow in confusion. “I never don this underwear you speak of. Occasionally, I will wear a loincloth if I experience issues during the time of moon-blood but…otherwise I prefer to be nude.”

“You mean you don’t normally wear clothing AT ALL?!”

“Yes, it is part of my lifestyle. Is that a problem?”

Rarity’s eye twitched. “Ohohoho! OF COUSE NOT, DARLIIIIING!”

“I am sorry, have I upset you somehow?”

“Oh heavens no. I’m absolutely beside myself because I’m trying to design clothing for a HABITUAL NUDIST!!”

I rubbed my arm. “Ms. Rarity, I meant no offence. It is just how I choose to live. But if it is any consolation, I am still in need of a dress because I generally do not walk around town without covering myself.”

“None taken, darling. If anything, I should be the one to apologize. Everyone has a right to live as they see fit, and I failed to give your lifestyle the proper respect it deserved simply because I disagreed with it. I’m sorry that I snapped at you. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?”

“Of course. I would like us to be friends, if possible.”

Rarity let out a sigh of relief. “Oh thank goodness! I’d like that as well, if you’d have me.”

Normally, I would have given Ms. Rarity a conciliatory embrace but I was uncertain it would be met with enthusiasm, so I settled for a firm handshake. True to her word, she carefully wrapped the strange yellow-colored thread around different parts of my body. Afterwards, she jotted something down on a scrap of parchment and walked over to a cabinet.

When she opened it, I hardly believed what I was seeing. Every color of cloth once could possibly imagine and more were stored inside. The guilty knot that I had gotten rid of earlier came back to my stomach with a vengeance. I felt bad enough that she was making this dress for me free of charge, but to craft it from such fine materials as well? Truly, her generosity was great.

Rarity held out a teal bolt of cloth. “I was originally going to go with black and white to compliment your hair, but it would be a travesty not to bring out the color of your eyes. Do you like it, darling?”

“Oh yes, it is quite beautiful. Words cannot express how thankful I am that you are making this dress for me. Especially with how expensive that material must be.”

“A beautiful woman deserves a beautiful dress. Nothing more, nothing less!”

I twiddled my thumbs. “Apple Bloom mentioned that she thought I was pretty. Do you believe so too?”

“You most definitely are but in a more wild and exotic sense, I suppose. It’s uniquely you, of that I’m certain but…I’m at loss as to what else I can call it.”

“Perhaps…beautiful enough to attract the attention of a man?”

Rarity giggled. “Oh my, so that’s what this is about~ Well, rest assured that my dress will catch the eye of any man who happens to cross your path. However, a dress merely accentuates the woman wearing it. And I can assure you that any red-blooded Equestrian man would have to be blind or incredibly stupid not to see how beautiful you are.”

“You flatter me, Ms. Rarity.”

“I just happen to have an eye for beautiful things. Now, if only I could get a flat tummy as marvelous as yours, I’d be set.”

The Most Important Meal of the Day

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Chapter 3

Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

I had to give Miss Rarity a great deal of credit. The fabrication of my new dress had taken far less time than I had originally anticipated. Not only that, but the cloth used to craft it was quite possibly the most comfortable that I ever had the pleasure to place upon my skin. It felt as though a soft spring breeze was gently caressing my entire body, without restricting any of my movements whatsoever. The cloak I wore before was heavy and at times made my skin itch, not to mention how miserable it was to wear the thing when it became wet.

Perhaps, at some point, I shall venture into the Everfree and fashion a poncho from animal skin simply to keep myself dry in rainy weather. If I were still in my homeland, large palm leaves were usually good enough to keep dry when fastened together with vines. Equestria, on the other hand, has a far more temperate climate, inhibiting the growth of most tropical plant species. I was not deterred. The hunters taught me how to use hides just as effectively. It simply took more time and preparation is all.

Thinking about animals inevitably made my thoughts drift towards the consumption of meat. Due to the emotional state I was in earlier this morning, I had not gotten the chance to consume anything more than a single apple and a cup of tea. A hearty meal they most certainly did not make. While I had considered accompanying Apple Bloom to the pastry shop she mentioned earlier, the deep growl that echoed from my stomach swiftly changed my mind. I needed something far more substantial than mere baked goods.

Oh yes, a pork chop or perhaps a roasted chicken sounded wonderful right now! And let us not forget the generous helping of eggs and toast that shall accompany it! Ehem…at times I get carried away with my cravings for meat. I simply cannot help it! After all the time I spent hunting, I consumed it more often than not, making my palate more attuned to its flavor and texture. And after days of eating dried jerky, freshly cooked meat was something I desperately yearned for.

As luck would have it, my search for a hearty meal was a surprisingly short one. Across the street from Miss Rarity’s shop, I spotted a strange looking eatery entitled Berry’s Diner. It was unlike any of the taverns I had come across during my travels. The building had a long, squat appearance and was coated in what I could only assume was metal and perhaps…tile? But compared to the décor of the surrounding establishments, it was downright plain.

Since it had so many windows, I could easily observe how many patrons it attracted and what food it had to offer. As I continued my surveillance, I felt my heart pound in my chest when I spotted one particular patron. In the corner, sitting by himself, was none other than Macintosh Apple. From what I could tell, he had yet to notice me because he was too preoccupied with reading a newspaper and sipping a cup of coffee.

I stood in front of the diner, debating my next course of action. Despite the fact that I was quite hungry, I was not entirely certain if I was ready to interact with Macintosh yet. He looked so content and peaceful just sitting there, reading his paper. What right did I have to rob him of such tranquility? But on the other hand, I could not dismiss that this was a fortuitous opportunity to amend my poor first impression with him. Well, there was no time like the present. After swallowing a lump in my throat, I mustered my courage and opened the door.

I felt a swarm of butterflies flutter about in my stomach as I continued walk through the restaurant. Why was I so nervous? It took me only a few moments to figure out the reason why. It was made painfully obvious by the slight rush of blood to my cheeks. This was the first occasion that I had taken the time to get a good look at the young farmer. And I had to admit that he was actually quite handsome.

His muscular form was just as evident as before, but I was not focusing on that particular aspect of his body. That is not to say I did not find well-built men attractive, sprits know I most certainly did! I was more interested in observing his facial features…for the moment anyway. He was clean shaven but his orange hair did not appear to have been styled or combed in any significant manner. It was a hilarious contrast to his little sister’s grooming habits.

I was so absorbed in my observations that I failed to notice how close I was standing next to his table. Much to my own embarrassment, I ended up smacking my leg against the tabletop. The resulting impact shook Macintosh out of his reverie and diverted his attention to me instead of the newspaper he had been reading just moments before. I whined quietly, praying that I had not ruined my second impression before it even began.

Macintosh eye’s widened. “Zecora, what are ya doin’ here?”

“I-I did not find the time earlier this morning to enjoy a proper breakfast. So…I decided to eat here?”

“Uhh…well that’s interestin’. Any particular reason ya chose this here diner?”

I shuffled my feet. “I happened to see it as I exited Miss Rarity’s shop. It seemed like a reputable eatery, so I decided to try it. If my presence here upsets you I can leave…”

“Nah, don’t worry about it. Ya can sit with me if ya want. Ah wanted ta talk with ya anyway.”

“Very well, I shall take you up on your offer.”

After a few minutes, a waitress came by and took my order. Much to my delight, they appeared to have something called “Chicken Fried Steak” on the menu. Macintosh claimed it was delicious and it had been quite some time since I last enjoyed beef, so I felt it was wise to order the dish. It also came with a side of eggs and toast. A hearty breakfast if there ever was one!

My elation quickly evaporated as the silence between us stretched on. It could not have been any more than a few minutes at most, but it felt like an eternity to me. Here I was, in the perfect position to make amends, and I could not find anything to say. Fortunately, Macintosh seemed to pick up on my growing frustration and decided to speak first.

Macintosh coughed. “Say, is that a new dress ya got there?”

“Indeed it is. Miss Rarity crafted it for me earlier this morning. It is quite comfortable.”

“Well, ya look beautiful—ah mean it’s a beautiful dress! And the color is real nice too.”

I looked down at my lap. “Ah, well she did mention that teal seemed to compliment my eyes. Thank you for your kind words, Macintosh.”

“Heh, don’t mention it. I’m just callin’ it as ah see it. Is your leg alright? It sounded like ya whacked it pretty hard on the table.”

“I am fine. My pride was all that was injured.”

Mac chuckled. “Ya had a little accident, huh? Ah can’t even tell ya how many times I’ve stubbed mah big toe on the bathroom door. It happens to the best of us, I’m afraid.”

“Macintosh, I need to be honest with you. While I do not mind if we strike a pleasant conversation, the main reason I agreed to dine with you is to…clear the air between us.”

“Zecora ya don’t have ta—”

I shook my head. “Yes I do. Back at the cabin, I did not realize my nudity would have such a profound effect on you. When you left so quickly, I feared that I had ruined our potential friendship before it even had a chance to get started. What I mean to say is: Do you still wish to be my friend, despite my lifestyle?”

“Of course ah do. It’s just gonna be real difficult gettin’ used to.”

“Difficult? I am sorry, but do you mind elaborating as to why?”

Mac blushed heavily. “Umm…well, it’s ‘cause ah think you’re pretty, Zecora. Any man in their right mind would get mighty distracted seein’ such a beautiful girl n-naked. That’s…kind of why ah left in such a hurry.”

“Oh—ehem—I see. So my body caught your interest, then?”

“Y-yeah. Ah swear I’m not tryin’ ta be a pervert or anythin’! Ah just can’t stand lyin’ ta ya about it. If ya wanna be angry at me, go ahead. Ah suppose ah deserve it…”

I found myself blushing as well. “I am not angry. Only surprised and perhaps…somewhat elated.”

“Wait, ya mean you’re happy about it?!”

“Of course I am. You are the first man who has ever shown any interest in me as a woman.”

Mac rubbed his forehead. “Hold on. Do ya mean ta tell me that no other guy has ever tried askin’ ya out or even bothered callin’ ya beautiful?”

“Never. In my home village, I was not considered particularly attractive.”

“That’s terrible! Why wouldn’t they?”

I played with a strand of my hair. “My people consider women with full bosoms and wide hips to be the most beautiful. As you can see, I lack both of those things.”

“Oh Zecora, ya poor girl. Don’t believe any o’ that hogwash! Sure, there are some folks ‘round these parts who like girls with a bit more heft to ‘em, but ah think you’ll find that most people will agree that you’re plenty beautiful.”

“That would certainly correspond to what your sister and Miss Rarity told me. Thank you, Macintosh. Knowing this eases my mind more than you could possibly know.”

Mac clenched his fist. “Damn it! That really pisses me off. Puttin’ a girl down just ‘cause she ain’t what people consider ideal. I’m sorry ya had ta deal with that. Ah promise things will be better for ya here in Ponyville.”

Even from the brief amount of time I had spent in Equestria so far, I already knew things were much better here. However, it still brought immense joy to my heart to know that Macintosh was willing to ensure that my current state of affairs remained that way.

If I was being completely honest with myself, joy was not the only emotion coursing through my heart right now. There was also a tiny mote of affection for my stalwart protector. I suppose it is not so bizarre for a woman to entertain such thoughts about man who so readily defends her interests. But was I ready to consider a romantic relationship yet?

Perhaps not. It was far too soon to make such a judgement. However, I was not entirely against the idea either. Only time would tell. For now, I was satisfied to offer him my sincere friendship.

Much to Macintosh’s own amusement, I started devouring my breakfast mere moments after the waitress brought it out. A few of the other patrons stared at me while I ate, no doubt expressing either disgust or astonishment on their part. Once I realized it, I slowed down significantly, offering a sheepish grin and blush as an apology. It was impolite to be such a glutton, after all.

Mac whistled. “Land’s sake, Zecora! Slow down and taste the food! It ain’t a race.”

“I apologize for eating in such a rude manner. My hunger got the better of me.”

“It’s alright, ah just don’t want ya ta choke is all. But honestly, this ain’t the first time I’ve seen a woman put down a steak like that. Ya should see mah sister, AJ. That girl can wolf down food like a grizzly bear when she puts her mind ta it.”

I wiped my face. “Ah, Apple Bloom mentioned her briefly. Is she the eldest amongst you?”

“Eenope. I’m the oldest at twenty five. AJ’s ‘bout five years younger than ah am. That makes Bloom eleven next month, ah think.”

“I take it that the three of you run the apple orchard, then?”

“Well, there is Granny. But she’s startin’ ta get on a bit in years. She used ta do more, but we only let her do the bakin’ nowadays.”

I smiled. “Your family sounds wonderful. I should like to visit them sometime.”

“They are. But I’m afraid ah can’t do it today. We promised Bloom a day off, so AJ and ah have some extra chores ta do.”

“I could help with them as well, if you like. It is the least I can do, considering that you paid for my breakfast.”

Mac rubbed his neck. “Zecora…ah couldn’t possibly ask ya ta help out. It’s a lot of hard work.”

“Are you insinuating that I am too weak to lend assistance? If so, I assure you that I am quite fit.”

“No, ah don’t think you’re weak at all! It’s just that takin’ care of the farm is mah family’s responsibility. And…umm…well you’d most certainly be exhausted, sweaty, and dirty by the end of the day too.”

I crossed my arms. “I would expect as much. You need not worry about forcing tasks of labor upon me. I am helping you because you are my friend. Is that not what friends do?”

“Alright, ah suppose there’s no convincin’ ya otherwise. Finish up your toast and we’ll get goin’.”

Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville

The first thing I noticed as we walked towards the farm was just how well tended it was. The trees looked strong and healthy and bore a great bounty of apples upon their limbs. A modestly sized farmhouse stood at the center with a large barn next to it. As if to compliment the farm’s namesake, they too had been painted a vibrant red. I took a deep breath, relishing the fact that the entire place smelled of damp grass and freshly plowed earth. It was not an unwelcome scent. Such smells reminded me of my mentor’s hut.

The energetic bark of a dog interrupted my melancholic thoughts, followed swiftly by a wet snout nuzzling my leg. It never ceased to amaze me how animals seemed to sense when you were not feeling well. This time was no different. In accordance to ancient tradition, I knelt down and scooped the brown and white Border Collie into my arms and began rubbing her ears as a reward. Sensing that I was a friendly sort, she didn’t hesitate to present her belly to me. I complied with her simple request, and in no time at all her tongue was hanging out of her mouth in a state of pure bliss.

I giggled. “Such a friendly little dog you are. Thank you for cheering me up.”

Much to my surprise, Macintosh came running up behind me with a worried look upon his face. Once he saw how happy the dog in my arms was, his expression softened. Eventually, it transformed into a full-fledged belly laugh.

“Well I’ll be! I’ve never seen Winona act that friendly towards a stranger before. She’s real protective of the Acres and usually barks at anyone she doesn’t recognize.”

I continued to rub her belly. “Animals are quite perceptive sometimes. She may have sensed that I was not a threat to this place…or perhaps it is simply because I am carrying a trace of your scent. Either way, she is a delightful little dog.”

“That she is. How in the world do you know so much about animals? Ah thought ya were some kind of healer.”

“I used to be a professional huntress before I took up the art of herbalism.”

Mac’s eyes widened. “Like huntin’ in the jungle? Aren’t there all kinds of big, nasty carnivores in those parts?”

“Indeed. But I was careful to avoid them whenever I could. In most cases, I hunted smaller game such as boars or deer. I only killed the larger predators when they ate people. Do not worry though. Their carcasses were put to good use.”

Mac paled. “R-right makes sense. How big of a gun did ya have ta use ta put ‘em down?”

“I preferred to use a bow when dealing with tigers because they are such cunning creatures. Their sense of hearing and smell are nearly unmatched. That is why I liked stalking them at a distance. Men seldom survived being mauled by tigers, after all.”

“Sweet mercy! Ah had no idea ya killed a damn tiger before!”

I smiled. “It was far more than one. Six, if I recall correctly. I have a necklace fashioned from their teeth back at my cabin. If you wish to see it, I would be happy to—”

“N-nah, that’s alright. Ya can show it to me later. Let’s just…head inside the house for now.”

Winona whimpered softly after I put her on the ground again. I suppose I could not blame her. But her mood lightened in a heartbeat as soon as she saw her other master waiting by the door. By sheer process of elimination, I could only assume the woman was Applejack. Much like her brother, she too wore a flannel shirt. But instead of covering her entire torso, it was tied in a knot around her breasts, leaving her stomach exposed. Her denim trousers completely covered her legs and upon her feet were a pair of muddy work boots.

After Winona gave her owner an affectionate lick, she retreated inside and immediately flopped onto a large, if heavily worn cushion. Macintosh, on the other hand, approached his sister and gave her a quick kiss upon the forehead. I did not wish to interrupt such a candid moment between siblings, so I chose to sit under a nearby apple tree and rest for a moment.

AJ grinned. “Howdy Mac. Ah see ya brought home a nice lookin’ gal. What’s her name?”

“AJ it ain’t like that! S-she’s…just a friend.”

“Oh? She must be a mighty special friend then. Ya know, considerin’ that she’s the first one I’ve ever seen ya bring here.”

Mac blushed. “Please don’t make a big deal outta this! Zecora’s new in town and ah just met her a few days ago. She’s…the one that helped patch up mah arm.”

“Hmm. So lemme get this straight. Ya hardly ever so much as utter a peep ta any of the girls in town, but somehow this gal gabbed with ya long enough ta patch up your arm, have a little breakfast date, and walk with ya ta the Acres?”

“Ta be fair, she patched up mah arm y-yesterday. The other stuff just sorta happened today. And—IT WASN’T A DATE!”

AJ laughed. “Sure sounds like one ta me. But why in tarnation did ya invite her the whole way out here?”

“Well, ah wasn’t plannin’ on it. Ah just happened ta mention that Bloom had the day off and we were a bit short-handed. She insisted on taggin’ along ta help out.”

“Oh lord! BWAHAHAHAHA! You’re just a regular Casanova, ain’t ya? Nothin’ gets the romantic juices flowin’ like cleanin’ out the hog troughs!”

Mac’s face turned beet red. “S-shut up, AJ! Ah think it’s awful considerate of her ta help us out on such short notice.”

“Well, ah won’t argue with ya there. But how does she expect ta get any work done in a pretty little dress like that?”

“Probably by takin’ it off entirely…”

AJ furrowed her brow. “Care ta repeat that?”

“Never mind. Ah was only talkin’ ta myself. Why don’t ya just let her use some of your old clothes? That way she won’t have ta get her dress dirty.”

AJ shrugged. “Works for me. She looks about the same size, give or take. I’ll get her set up; you go on ahead and start bailin’ the hay.”

I had only been sitting for a few minutes and already I felt like I was going to fall asleep. Fortunately, I was roused by none other than Applejack, who gently tapped my shoulder. It would have been quite embarrassing to fall asleep before I began to assist the two of them.

I yawned. “Pardon me. I very nearly fell asleep.”

“Don’t worry about it, sugarcube. Mah name’s Applejack but ya can call me AJ.”

“A pleasure to meet you. I am Zecora. Your brother told me that the both of you required assistance today. What do you wish me to do first?”

AJ waggled her finger. “Now hold on there. We ain’t doin’ anythin’ until you get the proper attire. Ah wouldn’t want ya ta ruin that pretty little dress of yours.”

Before I knew it, the golden-haired woman had grabbed my arm and was intent on dragging me into the house. Upon entering her room, she rummaged through a dresser and pulled out a worn pair of denim shorts along with yet another flannel shirt. While I was no expert in matters of fashion, even I had to question why this family loved flannel so much. After stripping out of my dress, I cracked my knuckles and stared at her expectantly.

“Uh…what are ya doin’?”

“You told me that it was unwise to ruin my dress. So, I took it off.”

“Ah can see that. But why ain’t ya getting’ dressed?”

I frowned. “What do you mean? If we are to going to sweat and become covered in filth, why would I wear clothes?”

“Ya mean ta tell me that you’re seriously gonna walk outta here…butt-naked?”

“Indeed.”

AJ blushed. “Look, if ya wanna go take a dip in the pond after we’re done workin’ that’s fine with me. But there’s no way in hell you’re doin’ everythin’ in the buff. Especially with mah brother around!”

“I do not understand. Clothing would only restrict my movement and become filthy in the process. If I am nude, the filth can easily be rinsed off. And why is Macintosh an issue?”

“It’s a problem because guys get distracted by naked girls. Especially if it happens ta be a really attractive naked girl. There’s not gonna be a single second that he won’t be oglin’ your bits n’ pieces. Aren’t ya bothered by that?”

I twiddled my fingers. “He has already seen me nude and confessed that he thought I was beautiful. I am quite happy about that. Why would it bother me?”

“I’m ain’t one ta jump ta conclusions, but this whole situation is startin’ ta sound real fishy! Once ah get ya dressed, we’re all gonna sit down and have long discussion about what’s proper around here…”

An Afternoon At The Acres

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Chapter 4

Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville

It had taken quite a bit of time, but eventually I was able to explain some of the basic aspects of my lifestyle to Applejack. Even so, I could tell she wasn’t completely satisfied with my explanation, if her clenched jaw was any sign to go by. In order to mollify her, I decided it was best to simply wear the work clothes she provided me without any further argument.

The flannel shirt was not entirely unpleasant to wear. I could clearly tell it was well-worn because the fabric felt softer and far more pliable than its appearance would suggest. Unfortunately, it was slightly too large for my slender frame. To fix the problem, Applejack rolled up the shirt and tied it tightly around my breasts, similar to how she wore hers.

The denim shorts were another matter entirely. They were loose enough not to hinder my movement, but the material chaffed against my skin every time I walked. Why did her entire family even wear these uncomfortable pants? Perhaps it was simply a matter of putting durability over personal comfort. I had no idea. But I did know that once I started sweating they would become even more uncomfortable.

Applejack sighed. “Well, ah guess that’s as good as it gets.”

“Once again, I apologize. I did not mean anything untoward in my dealings with your brother.”

“I’m sorry too, sugarcube. Ah shouldn’t have jumped ta conclusions like that. Ya just have a different way o’ lookin’ at things than we do. Do the clothes fit ya alright?”

I shuffled my feet. “I suppose. The pants are not very comfortable, though.”

“That’s ta be expected. Ya ain’t wearin’ panties, after all.”

An agonizingly long silence stretched between us. It was as if Applejack was still trying to process everything that I had told her about my beliefs. Perhaps she just felt guilty about making me wear such uncomfortable clothing on short notice. Whatever the reason, she took her hat off and stared straight into my eyes.

“Zecora, ah need ta ask ya a serious question. And ah want ya ta be honest with me.”

“Go ahead.”

“What are yer thoughts on mah brother?”

I suddenly felt quite nervous. Applejack’s tone suggested that she was just asking a casual question, but the posture of her body indicated that she was incredibly tense. What kind of answer did she expect me to provide? I took a deep breath and stared back into her eyes, doing my best to keep my voice steady.

“Macintosh has many traits that I find desirable. He is kind, generous, and careful not to upset me in any way. I believe that he is the type of man many strive to be, but seldom attain. I am proud to call him my friend.”

Applejack smiled. “Well, ah reckon you’re right on the money about all that. But what ah really meant was: Have ya entertained any romantic thoughts about ‘im?”

There it was. The question I feared most. I had hoped that Applejack was being more literal with her line of inquiry, but it was obvious from the start that she had something else in mind. Would she be upset if I said that I had, in fact, given some thought to deepening my relationship with her brother? In the end, I decided that it was best to be honest with her.

I blushed. “I have given it some thought. I am not certain if he feels the same way, but I would not be opposed to…pursuing a romantic relationship with him.”

Much to my own confusion, Applejack appeared to be relieved. “Thank goodness! That sure takes a load off mah mind!”

“Umm…I am afraid I do not understand.”

Applejack giggled. “Heh, ‘course ya don’t. For much as ah tease ‘im, Mac has it rough when it comes ta matters concernin’ romance and whatnot. Probably has ta do with that fact that he’s so damn shy most o’ the time.”

“Are you certain? He has always spoken to me without any issues.”

“That’s why I’m so surprised and, quite frankly, relieved. You’re the first gal I’ve ever seen ‘im so comfortable around. Ah reckon that means he likes ya.”

I felt a smile spread across my lips. “This is good news if what you believe turns out to be true.”

“I’m pretty confident it is. Call it…sister’s intuition. All ah ask is that ya take it slow and be patient with mah brother.”

Given my lack of success with romantic endeavors of any kind, I felt that Applejack’s advice was sound…if a bit on the cautious side. But that was understandable. Macintosh was her brother and she did not wish to see him hurt. I did not either, despite how eager I was to finally court a man who was truly interested in me.

“You have my word.”

Applejack patted my shoulder. “Ah hope it works out for the both of ya. Now how’s about we get this barn cleaned up?”

Cleaning out the barn proved to be exactly as I imagined it. The majority of our time was spent raking old hay into a pile outside so it could be burned later. Given that it was early summer, the task was made even less pleasant because of the humidity. By the time we were done sweeping, both of us were covered in errant stands of hay, sweaty, and likely smelled of unwashed animals. Despite spending a significant portion of my life in the jungle, I did not enjoy reeking of body odor or being covered in filth. Personal hygiene was just something that I highly regarded.

Much to my own dismay, Macintosh chose to check in on us at the very moment I lacked proper hygiene. He too was covered in hay and his hair was dampened by sweat. I imagine he smelled just as pungent as we did, but I still kept my distance from him out of sheer embarrassment.

Mac wiped his forehead. “Bails are finally finished. Is the barn clean?”

“Yeah, we just got it done ‘bout five minutes ago. Mac are ya feelin’ alright? You’re starin’ out into space like a turkey in a rainstorm. Do ya have heat stroke or somethin’?”

“No, it’s just that I’m surprised ta see Zecora dressed like that.”

AJ grinned. “Oh? Ya like a gal wearin’ Daisy Dukes, huh? Ah see how it is…”

“That’s…well…ah reckon it’s because ah ain’t used to seein’ her wear clothes like that!”

“Mhmm. Keep tellin’ yourself that.”

Mac blushed. “A-anyway…we should probably head back ta the house and get cleaned up. It’s almost lunch time.”

I was quite relieved to find out that the Apple family had more than one washroom in their home. That allowed for all of us to clean up quickly without delaying our midday meal too much longer. I opted to wear my dress again, considering that it was the only clean article of clothing I possessed at the moment.

After Macintosh and Applejack finished, I was surprised to see them in outfits that didn’t contain denim or flannel. Applejack wore a beautiful, if simple, yellow sundress and Macintosh sported a green t-shirt and a pair of khaki shorts.

Despite her ladylike appearance, Applejack darted into the dining area and grabbed a bottle of what I could only assume was beer, and proceeded to chug it on the spot. After a few more hasty swigs, she grabbed another beer and waggled it towards her brother.

“Whoowhee! That sure hit the spot! Ya want one too, Mac?”

“Eeyup.”

Applejack smacked her lips. “Do the folks ‘round your parts have beer, Zecora?”

“My people do not drink beer very often. They tend to enjoy far stronger libations.”

“Hmm. Do you have a favorite type o’ booze?”

I rubbed my neck. “To be honest, I never acquired much of a taste for alcohol. It tends to muddle the senses, which is a detriment to hunting. One needs their wits about them to stalk prey, after all.”

“Oh. I’m sorry. Ah didn’t mean ta offend ya.”

“It is quite alright, Applejack. If you have water, I shall drink that instead.”

Applejack clicked her tongue. “Ah can do a hell o’ a lot better than water! How’s fresh squeezed apple juice sound?”

Words failed me the very moment the amber nectar touched my lips. The apples I had before were delicious, but the juice was far beyond that. It was refreshingly sweet but had a tart aftertaste that simultaneously quenched my thirst and left me wanting for more. Before I knew it, the entire glass she had given me was empty.

“Ah take it ya like it?”

I cleared my throat. “Like would be too weak a word. It is, without a doubt, the best juice I have ever had the pleasure of consuming. If it is not an imposition…might I have another glass?”

“O’ course ya can! And I’m happy ya like it so much. Ah made it mahself.”

For what seemed like hours, we simply sat around the table and enjoyed our beverages in silent bliss. Admittedly though, I was beginning to get quite an appetite and wondered if any of them intended to eat their midday meal. As if to answer my grumbling stomach’s plea, an elderly woman hobbled into the kitchen with a plate full of sandwiches.

“Chow’s ready y’all! Eat up ‘cause ah made plenty fer seconds!”

I did not wish to be rude, so I waited for the Apple siblings to partake first. When Applejack waved me on, I slowly took a bite out of the corner of my own sandwich. Once again, I found myself in utter culinary bliss. From what I could gather, it contained chicken, generous portions of smoked bacon, mayonnaise, and some lettuce…I think.

The old woman smiled. “Ah see that our guest has quite the appetite. Does this old lady proud ta see that her cookin’ is enjoyed. Go on and take another if it suits ya.”

“Thank you. Your sandwiches are delicious.”

“What might yer name be, young lady? Ah can’t say I’ve ever seen ya ‘round these parts before.”

I bowed. “My name is Zecora. I recently moved here from Zebrica.”

“Oh? Well ain’t that somethin’? It’s been decades since I’ve seen a Zebrican in the flesh.”

“My people…tend not travel outside of their homeland very often.”

The old woman nodded. “Eeyup. Ah met me a handsome fella down there when ah was ‘bout your age. O’ course that was back durin’ mah travelin’ days. Sweet mercy was he wild in the sack…”

Immediately after she uttered those words, both Macintosh and Applejack choked on their sandwiches and turned beet red. I was not entirely sure why they were so embarrassed. Elders had the right to make love just as often as those enthralled by the passions of youth. It was simply a fact of life. What was wrong with it?

“G-granny! We don’t need ta hear ‘bout that kind o’ stuff. Especially with a guest at the table.”

Granny scowled. “Hush, Applejack! I’m old and ah have the right ta say whatever the hell ah want! Please excuse mah granddaughter, Ms. Zecora. She’s a bit o’ a stickler fer bein’ all proper-like. Just like her daddy.”

“No need to worry. I am not upset. But did I hear you mention that Applejack was your granddaughter?”

Granny chuckled. “Ya heard me right. Sorry, ah got so caught up in my reminiscin’ that I forgot ta introduce mahself. The name’s Carroll Smith Apple, but most folks just call me Granny Smith.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Smith.”

“There ain’t no need ta be so formal. Just call me granny. So…how did ya end up meetin’ mah grandkids?”

I took another sip of my juice. “When I first moved into town, I came upon your grandson’s stand. After buying some apples, he told me that he had a terrible rash on his arm and I healed it. Ever since then, we have become good friends.”

“Ah reckon that’s why ya came here today?”

“Macintosh treated me to breakfast earlier today, so I decided to help with tasks around the farm as recompense.”

Granny punched Mac’s arm. “Well now, that’s mighty interstin’! Macky takin’ a pretty gal out on a date?”

“It wasn’t like that! She just kind of…showed up at the diner. Ah thought it was the neighborly thing ta do, payin’ fer her meal.”

“And I’m sure she appreciated it. Ain’t that right, Ms. Zecora?”

I nodded. “Indeed. But I feel further indebted by the gratitude you’ve sho—”

“Now hold up there! Ah fed ya lunch ‘cause it was the polite thing ta do for a guest, not ‘cause I wanted somethin’ outta ya. Besides, ya did plenty by cleanin’ out that musty old barn. So no more talk ‘bout debts.”

With any further arguments on my part silenced, we all proceeded to enjoy our lunch in peace. I was perfectly content to just listen to the three of them converse and partake in the delicious apple cobbler ala mode Mrs. Smith provided for dessert. That was until Apple Bloom came bursting through the door, covered in blood, with tears streaming down her face.

Much to her credit, Applejack scooped up her little sister into an embrace without a shred of hesitation. Neither of them said a word for several moments, but I suspect it was a ploy just to calm little Apple Bloom down so that she could speak coherently.

Applejack rubbed her back. “What’s wrong, sugarcube?”

“Ah know it looks bad…b-but ah ain’t hurt or nothin’. This blood…i-it ain’t mine.”

“Then where did it come from?”

Bloom sniffed. “It’s from Sally and Bess. They’re…dead.”

“Dead?! But how?”

“W-well ah was coming back from visitin’ Sweetie a-and ah saw the two of ‘em just lyin’ on the ground, covered in blood. Ah was just tryin’ ta see if they might still be alive but...it was pretty obvious they weren’t.”

I looked over at Macintosh. “Who are Sally and Bess?”

“They’re our prized fair pigs. Bloom’s upset ‘cause they were sort o’ like pets ta her.”

“I have heard that pigs can be quite intelligent, but enough to be affectionate?”

Macintosh nodded. “Ah know it’s a bit strange, but ah assure you that it’s true. Those two gals acted a lot like Winona. Heck, they’d even nuzzle Bloom when she came over ta the pens.”

I was no farmer, but it seemed odd to me that two domestic animals would die in such a violent manner without any provocation. From just a cursory glance, I could tell the amount of blood that was covering Apple Bloom’s arms and shirt had to have come from a large wound. I knew that she was upset, but I needed her to show me the carcasses.

I gently caressed her cheeks. “Apple Bloom. Could you please tell me where you found them? I would like to inspect their bodies to make sure that whatever caused their deaths is not still in the area.”

“O-ok.”

It was no mystery as to why little Apple Bloom had become so upset. Both hogs were lying on their sides, throats torn out, with a pool of blood puddled underneath them. Applejack and Macintosh had elected to accompany me while Mrs. Smith stayed in the house to comfort her youngest granddaughter.

The two siblings looked saddened by the carnage, but did not seem repulsed by it. They had probably killed animals for meat before and were used to witnessing bloodshed.

I ran my fingers along the wound. “This does not bode well. The lack of muscle trauma suggests that whatever creature did this had jaws large enough to kill these hogs with a single bite. I am not entirely certain without any tracks to compare…but the beast is at least the size of a small bear.”

Applejack paled. “A bear? Are ya sure? They normally keep ta themselves, deep in the woods.”

“I would be inclined to agree. That is why I do not believe a bear to be the culprit.”

“What do ya think it is then?”

I frowned. “This was not a kill meant for mere sustenance. It is clearly a territorial display. But the only creature I know of that shows such aggression is a mountain lion. If that is indeed what the beast is…I fear it is an unusually large one.”

“One that’s as big as a bear?”

“Quite possibly. I must warn the both of you. It is well within the capability of this lion to kill a man. If you value your safety, please stay indoors.”

Applejack appeared to be suitably frightened, as well she should be. Macintosh did not. In fact, a steely grimace of determination set upon his lips. Under that determination I could also sense anger. Not only from the way his eyes looked, but by how hard he was clenching his fists.

This beast was threatening everything he held dear, his family and livelihood! He wanted to do everything in his power to protect them. I understood his feelings. But I did not wish him to do anything foolish. That is why I had to choose my words carefully, lest I anger him further.

I placed my hand on his shoulder. “Macintosh, I know what you want to do. But we cannot be hasty in this matter. The proper rituals and precautions must be taken.”

“But mah family is in danger! What if that monster decides ta maul Apple Bloom? What then? Ah can’t just stand here and let that happen. We need ta go kill it!”

“I agree that it is a threat and must be…neutralized. However, this beast is clever and dangerous so it must be hunted in the proper way. Charging into the forest with a rifle is not the answer.”

Macintosh’s shoulders sagged. “You’re…right. I’m liable ta get lost or killed without some sort o’ guide. Ah need someone who’s done some huntin’ before ta watch mah back. Ah know it’s a lot ta ask but…will ya help us again?”

“Of course I will. I want to protect my new friends as well. But if you wish to accompany me into the forest, we must first conduct the proper rituals as well as use traditional weapons. The spirits demand it for an honorable kill.”

“Whatever it takes.”

Zecora’s Cabin, The Everfree Forest

It took more time than I preferred, but eventually I convinced the rest of the Apple family that Macintosh was safe accompanying me on what amounted to a dangerous trek through untamed wilderness. We departed Sweet Apple Acres with a promise from Applejack that the rest of the family would be safe from harm under her watch. Now came the difficult part: convincing Macintosh to participate in all of the rituals.

“In order to retain the sanctity of the hunt, certain conditions must be met. I know that you are not likely to be comfortable with this, but we must both rid ourselves of any clothing.”

Mac bit his lip. “Are ya serious? Ah get that ya don’t like wearin’ clothes, but ain’t it a bit extreme ta be trompin’ through the woods…n-naked?”

“That is how I have always hunted. The spirits demand that we become as close to nature as possible. Clothing represents the trappings of man and cannot be used. I am sorry Macintosh, but there is no compromise in this.”

“Are we at least gonna take sleepin’ bags and other supplies?”

I nodded. “Yes. I have all the proper equipment we need. But clothing is prohibited. Do not worry though, it is early summer. You will not be cold.”

“That ain’t exactly what I’m worried about…”

In order to make him feel more comfortable, I decided to strip out of my dress first. Much like before, he appeared to be extremely flustered by my nudity. I could tell he was trying very hard to be polite and not stare at me, but it was clear that he was failing miserably at it. I took in stride. It simply meant that he enjoyed looking at me.

I sat in front of him. “Is there something wrong?”

“Umm…well…ah just don’t think ah can do this. It’s too embarrassin’!”

“Are you worried that I will make fun of you?”

Mac bit his lip. “M-maybe…”

“Macintosh, you should never feel ashamed of the body you were born with.”

“Just…promise me ya won’t laugh or anythin’.”

I smiled. “I promise.”

Slowly but surely he began to take off his clothes. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally stood before me completely nude. I have seen many men naked before. So it should not have been a surprise to see one more. Unfortunately, such was not the case in this instance.

I promised him that I would not laugh, and I did not. However, my promise did not stop me from staring. And by the sprits did I stare! I tried not to, but I could not help it! His entire body was covered in lean muscle and wispy rust colored hair. I had no doubt that it was the end result from years of manual labor.

Inevitably, my eyes drifted downwards…much to my own shame. I felt my face erupt into a furious blush when I saw his manhood. For the sake of argument, let us just say that he was…very well-proportioned. By sheer force of will, I tore myself away and started walking towards the kitchen.

“I…shall go fetch the body paint.”

Mac coughed nervously. “Body paint?”

“We need to draw patterns on our bodies to signify ourselves as hunters.”

“More spiritual stuff, ah reckon?”

“Indeed. I apologize for not mentioning it before. I will paint myself first and then you.”

I painted my body as quickly as I could. It was in a simple pattern of lines, dots, and swirls that covered me from head to toe. For this hunt, I chose white ochre to emulate the spirit of swiftness and cunning: Ja’uuta the Panther. With a novice hunter on my hands, I needed all the help I could muster.

Painting Macintosh’s body was not quite so simple. I had little trouble with his arms, face, and chest but it became more difficult to focus when I came to his stomach. I was trying to be efficient, but my fingers traced his abdominal muscles far longer than was strictly necessary. I only stopped when Macintosh gently grasped my wrist.

“Zecora, ah think ya put enough paint there.”

I blushed heavily. “Forgive me; I was not paying attention. It shall not happen again.”

I finished painting the rest of his body with a quick succession of dots and lines. What I neglected to tell him (out of embarrassment on my own part) was that it was customary to paint the penis as well. But…he did not need to know that. And I do not believe the spirits will take great offence to it either. The intention was good enough, in my humble opinion.

Mac looked in the mirror. “Great job with the paint. It looks…nice.”

“Thank you. I have all of our supplies ready. We may depart now.”

“Sure. Ah guess we better get a move on…”

I shuffled my feet. “Indeed.”

Much to my surprise, Macintosh took hold of my hand and led me towards the door. He didn’t say another word, but he did smile at me. It was not one of happiness or amusement, but one of reassurance. I gave him a smile in return and tightened my grip. That is how we began our journey into the forest. Hand in hand, side by side.

Into the Woods We Go

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Chapter 5

Everfree Forest, Equestria

I felt reasonably confident that our hunt would be a success. Despite our lack of attire, we both carried a leather satchel over our shoulder that held any supplies we might need. They contained dried fruits and meat in case we could not find suitable forage along the way, medicines, and sleeping skins. Starting a fire was not an issue. Long ago, I purchased a flint striker from a traveling merchant that I always took with me whenever I traversed the wilderness.

Tracking the lion had proven less difficult than I first surmised as well. The creature was the apex predator of its environs, thus it had little need to conceal its footprints. As one might imagine, we had little to worry about…right? Unfortunately, Macintosh and I had issues between us that could not be remedied by base comforts alone.

Judging by his awkward gait, I quickly came to realize that Macintosh was nervous and uncomfortable. I expected as much, considering that he had little experience hunting and even less so while in the nude. I certainly had not helped to alleviate any of his anxiety.

Shame burned deep within the pit of my stomach. This was a serious situation, in which lives were potentially at risk. And I let my own selfish desires get the better of me! What must he think of me now? After I stopped, I turned around and looked Macintosh in the eyes.

“Macintosh, I apologize for what happened earlier. What I did was inappropriate and you have every right to be angry with me.”

“I’m not angry. I’m just a bit surprised.”

“Surprised? What exactly do you mean by that?”

Mac’s face flushed. “W-well it’s just that ah had no idea ya liked how ah looked. I’m sorry about not talkin’ to ya for such a long time, but ah just didn’t know what else ta say!”

“Thank goodness! I too was unsure of what to say. But if we are being honest, I admit that I find your physique quite…appealing.”

“Heh, ain’t that somethin’? Just so ya know, ah think you’re…beautiful too.”

I am not entirely certain what compelled me to place my hand upon his shoulder. I imagine it was the feeling of relief that he was not angry with me or the knowledge that we shared mutual feelings of attraction towards one another. One thing that I do know is that it felt so very right to do so.

Afterwards, I reached into my satchel and pulled out my precious tiger tooth necklace. It had served me well during past hunts. The teeth of the fierce beasts channeled their spirits through it, which brought me strength and stamina while prowling the woods. My skills were honed enough at this point that I felt like I no longer needed it. Macintosh had greater use for it far more than I. He was but a novice hunter and needed every advantage he could muster.

The necklace was also a token of my affection for him. It was tradition amongst my people that a courting couple exchanged objects of great value between themselves as a contract of betrothal. I knew that he would not understand the significance or intention of my gift, but I wanted to give it to him anyway. Perhaps later, when the beast is finally slain, I will make my feelings known to him. But for now, my heart and mind must remain focused on protecting my new friends.

I placed the totem upon his neck. “I want you to have this. The tiger spirits imbued in this necklace will help to give you the extra strength you need when we face the mountain lion.”

“Zecora, are ya sure ya want me ta have this?”

“I am certain. I have come to the point in my life where I feel that I no longer need it to give me strength. May it serve you well, Macintosh Apple.”

Mac rubbed one of the teeth. “Ah don’t know what ta say. This must’ve taken ya years ta make. Ah just don’t feel right takin’ it from ya…”

“All you need to do is thank me. That is all I require.”

“Thanks, Zecora. I’ll treasure it.”

A few more hours passed as we continued to trek through the forest. It was more difficult to judge the amount of daylight left within the cycle whilst covered by a canopy of trees, but I had done so many times before so it was not an issue. By my own reckoning, it was evening already, most likely a bit past dining hour.

As if on que, my stomach rumbled in response to my thoughts. Luckily, it was quiet enough that Macintosh could not hear it. Otherwise, I would have been quite embarrassed. When I turned around, I noticed that my companion was in a similar state. With an undignified groan, he plopped upon the ground and rubbed his forehead.

“Ah don’t mean ta slow ya down, but could we possibly take a dinner break? I’m hungrier than a starved hog waitin’ at the slop trough!”

I giggled. “I was just thinking the same thing. This clearing is a good a place as any to set up shelter for the night. After we dine, I shall build the hut and you can go gather firewood.”

Dinner was about as exciting as one might imagine. Jerky and dried berries again. But at least I was in the presence of a warm fire and an excellent hunting companion. In all honesty, I was quite proud of myself for crafting such a fine shelter. The forest here was rich with pine boughs and ferns, which made for a sturdy hut and comfortable bedding.

The hut was still going to be somewhat cozy though. It was just big enough to fit the both of us side by side, with only a small gap between us. I hoped that Macintosh would not mind. Even if he did, there was little else I could do about it. Making a large shelter was time consuming and wasteful.

Despite the mild temperature of the season, it was not wise to sleep on the bare ground. It sapped one of body heat, which could lead to hypothermia. There were also countless insects that liked to scurry about on the ground, many of which that could bite and leave painful sores. So yes, both of us would have to sleep in the hut.

One thing that I was thankful for was the small stream nearby. Not only did it provide a source of drinking water, but it also allowed us to bathe. Is it vain to want to keep fresh and clean even in the middle of the woods? I suppose it is.

But that did not stop me from bringing along a few toiletries to keep myself free of odor and filth. After all, I was sharing my living space with a man and had no desire to smell like some unwashed savage around him. It was simply too embarrassing for me to even comprehend.

I imagine it was also embarrassing for Macintosh to use a woman’s toiletries to cleanse his body. Much to his credit though, he did not seem to argue at all when I offered him a chance to bathe. It seemed that he too put great value on personal hygiene, despite the nature his profession.

That got me thinking. What exactly do men aspire to smell like? Was it pine and smoke or perhaps…meat? For the life of me, I have no idea. But I do know that the combination of lilacs and rose hips is not exactly the most masculine scent one should desire to have. I did not mind though. He smelled wonderful to me and that was all that mattered.

Now that we were clean and fed, there was little else to do but sit around the fire and gaze at the stars. I was just about to get lost in the majesty of the night sky, when I heard Macintosh ask me a question. His voice was barely audible over the chorus of cicadas and tree frogs.

“Pardon me, Macintosh. Did you say something?”

“Ah was just wonderin’ why ya decided ta leave your homeland. If it’s somethin’ ya don’t wanna talk about ya don’t have ta answer.”

I sighed. “That is a question which deserves a complicated answer. It is not something I mind talking about so much as I do not wish to burden you with my…familial issues.”

“Zecora, it ain’t a burden! If it’ll make ya feel better ta get some things off your chest, then ah don’t mind bein’ the one ta listen.”

“Please make yourself comfortable then. It is a long story.”

Village of Kimawa’tu, Zebrica (Six Months Prior)

After eating a light dinner of roasted goat and vegetables, I proceeded to practice my Engolo stances as I always did before retiring to my hut for tea and reading. However, I barely got the chance to wipe the sweat from my brow before a trio of my father’s underlings approached me.

I did not recognize the two of them that carried spears and shields. That was not a surprise though. I never ventured to my father’s complex anymore, thus I had little reason to know any of his current henchmen. They stared at me for a short time, most likely confused by my nudity. But less than a moment later, their gazes shifted back to indifference.

The third man, however, I did recognize. His name was Boka and he was essentially my father’s right hand. Boka and I…we had never gotten along well. I always thought him to be more of an opportunistic weasel than a man, but he was exceedingly intelligent. Perhaps that was why my father valued his counsel so much. With an oily grin, he bowed before me.

“I bid you warm greetings, daughter of Zecoomba the Lion!”

I crossed my arms. “What is it you want, Boka? I cannot imagine you are here to exchange mere pleasantries with me.”

“What a pity. I was hoping we could at least be civil about this. In any case, your father has sent me to request your presence at the longhouse.”

“Then he shall be sorely disappointed! I have much reading to catch up on.”

Boka waggled his finger. “Did I say request? I meant to say that your father demands your presence. That is why I brought along a few guards, just in case you were of a different opinion.”

“We have not spoken in years and now, out of nowhere, he demands to see me?! Ridiculous! And I assure you that I am quite capable of taking those guards out on my own. So why should I come with you?”

Boka clicked his tongue. “It is more of a formality than anything else. Your father insisted I bring a few. However, they aren’t here to coerce you. I thought of something else for that.”

“What did you do?”

“Tell me, Zecora. Do you care about your mentor? What was her name again? Oh yes, I believe it was Nimwae the shamaness. It would be such a shame if any harm were to come to such a dear and noble woman…”

I attempted to throttle Boka by the neck, but the guards quickly took hold of my arms before I could do anything. Since they were both much stronger than I was, there was little I could do to break away from their grasp. With a sigh of defeat, I looked Boka directly in the eyes.

“Please…do not harm her! I will do as you say. Just leave her out of this.”

Boka smiled. “Good. I’m glad we could come to an understanding. Let us proceed to the longhouse.”

The sun painted the horizon in a beautiful palette of orange, purple, and red as it set behind the mountains. Under any other circumstance I would have found the sight comforting, but not this evening. I had far more important things on my mind as I entered my father’s longhouse.

Once inside, my nose was assailed by the scents of cooked meat, spirits, and the exotic Tabaco my father so heartily enjoyed smoking. Personally, I did not understand why anyone would want to willfully inhale smoke. It could not possibly be healthy, despite the pleasurable effects it produced.

Sure enough, my father was seated on his throne, pipe in one hand and a chicken leg in the other. After taking a few more bites of his dinner, he waved away the young servant girl at his side and motioned for his guards to close the doors behind me. Much to my surprise, the guards stayed outside, which left my father and I the sole occupants of the throne room. He took a puff from his pipe and sighed.

“It has been quite some time, Zecora.”

“Hello, Father.”

“I’m quite certain you are curious as to why I asked you to come here.”

I snorted. “Coerced would be a more apt term, I believe.”

“I had to get you here somehow and threatening that old shamaness was the only way. It is funny you know. You are so very defiant. Just like your mother!”

“How would I know? She died just after I was born.”

Zecoomba chuckled. “So you have been told. I had the servants tell you that because you didn’t need to know the truth. But now that you are older, I think it is time for you to find out.”

“The truth?”

“Your mother used to be princess. She was from a faraway kingdom we used to trade with. That was why she married me, to cement an alliance. Our marriage went smoothly for a few years, until just after she gave birth to you.”

“What happened then?”

Zecoomba slammed his fist against the wall. “That insufferable whore decided to sleep with my guard captain! Do you know what I did? DO YOU?!”

“N-no.”

“I made her watch as I beat the man she slept with to death with my bare hands. But her punishment did not end there, oh no. After that, I sold her into slavery. If she could not serve me faithfully, then she would serve others for the rest of her miserable life!”

I felt my legs begin to shake. “I do not know what to say…”

“You, my daughter, do not have to say anything. The fault is not yours.”

“Did you call me here simply to tell me about a mother I never knew? If that is all, then I shall take my leave.”

Zecoomba shook his head. “The story was simply a warning. Tread lightly when you deal with me, daughter.”

“I must confess that I am confused. You and I have not spoken in years and now I am suddenly important to you? What do you want from me? Have I failed some test of yours? Am I to be punished?”

“No, nothing like that. I admit that I have been too lenient with you, Zecora. I wanted you to become strong, independent, intelligent, and warrior like. That is why I had the hunters train you. But you have become too ingrained in their ways. You no longer act like a proper chieftess should.”

“I have no desire to become a chieftess. That is why I do not act like one. All I want to do is start my own herb—”

My father struck me across the cheek. “What you want does not matter! You are my heir and you have a responsibility to rule these lands.”

“I-I…”

“Do you have any idea how difficult it was to arrange your marriage? Many of the neighboring tribes know of your strange living habits. What self-respecting suitor wants to marry a woman who wanders about the jungle, naked, looking for weeds? But luckily for you, I found one.”

“They are not weeds! They are herbs and they help heal people! And what right do you have to criticize how I choose to live my life and who I shall marry? You never cared before!”

“Because it is time that you start looking at the bigger picture. I am marrying you to the son of the southern tribe’s chief because it is in our best interest.”

“You mean your best interest! I do not wish to marry a man who I have never met just because you get a hefty dowry from it. What of love and romance? Am I to never experience such things?”

Zecoomba laughed bitterly. “Such childish fantasies you entertain! Like most marriages, you will come to love him eventually. That is how real life is, Zecora. The ceremony is to be conducted in five months. I expect to see you there without a single complain. Otherwise…Nimwae will suffer.”

“Yes, father.”

Everfree Forest, Equestria

I am uncertain how long I had been crying. Once I started recounting my tale, it consumed all of my being. Everything around me became indistinct, nothing more than a raindrop in the ocean. My throat was raw and my eyes felt irritated and sore. However, I did notice one more thing. I felt a rough but warm hand gently caressing my back. When I opened my eyes, I found Macintosh by my side with a sad smile on his face.

“I apologize, Macintosh. I had not realized how much my past still pained me.” I croaked.

“It’s alright. I’m sorry that ya had ta go through all that. Ah can’t say ah really understand since ah had pretty decent parents. But I’ll do mah damnedest ta help ya feel better.”

“Thank you. It means a lot to me that you are here. C-could you…possibly continue what you were doing before? It felt rather nice…”

Macintosh blushed. “Oh, yeah ah reckon ah can do that.”

“What of your parents? Do you have any issues with them?”

“Not exactly, on account of the fact that they ain’t alive anymore.”

I covered my mouth. “Forgive me! I meant not offence! I had no idea they were deceased.”

“Don’t worry about it. Ah made peace with their passing a long time ago. But AJ…she still gets torn up about it sometimes.”

“What of Apple Bloom? How does she handle it?”

Macintosh sighed. “She was too young ta really remember ‘em. They died in a car accident when she was barely a toddler.”

“Then it is fortunate that she has such loving siblings to take care of her.”

“Can’t deny that AJ and ah love her ta bits. But good grief does that girl get into a heap o’ trouble! Why, just last week she and her friends got covered in tree sap while tryin’ ta figure out how ta make syrup. Funny thing is: they were doin’ it with pine trees instead o’ maple.”

I giggled. “The follies of youth, I suppose.”

“Eeyup. They’re always tryin’ out new things so they find somethin’ they’re good at. Fancy themselves “The Career Maker Crusaders” aka CMC. There ain’t nothin’ wrong with it, but sometimes ah think they should just enjoy what little childhood they’ve got left.”

“Have you ever wanted any children of your own?”

Macintosh rubbed his neck. “Ah reckon that’s a possibility. Ah just haven’t found the right woman ta settle down with yet.”

“And what, in your opinion, constitutes the right woman?”

“I’d like her ta be smart, in decent shape, a-and ah suppose it wouldn’t hurt if she were…beautiful. But at the end o’ the day, the most important thing is bein’ able ta talk with her like an old friend.”

I smiled coyly. “Is that so? I imagine such a woman would be difficult to find.”

“Not as difficult as ya might think…”

“It is refreshing to see that you are optimistic about it. Who knows? You might just find your ideal woman in the not so distant future. But for now, I think we should both focus on more immediate concerns. Like sleep, for instance. We will need to rise early to track the beast.”

“Yeah, that’s a good idea.”

Not much else really needed to be said. It was getting rather late, judging by how far the moon had traveled across the sky. I could not be certain as to what time it was exactly, but it was likely around midnight. After I put out the fire, I nestled into my sleeping bag and began to fall asleep.

I felt Macintosh settle in next to me a few seconds later. Since it was somewhat chilly without the fire, I decided that the extra warmth was more than welcome. So I decided to snuggle next to him a bit closer. He tensed for a moment, but relaxed once I kissed his cheek.

“Pleasant dreams, Macintosh.”

“Night, Zecora.”

A Lion and a Lover

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Chapter 6

Port City of Lambentia, Zebrica (One Month Prior)

There I stood in the illustrious city of Lambentia. It had the distinction of being the most modern and only city in Zebrica that belonged to a foreign power. About two centuries earlier, when the first explorers from Equestria arrived, the old Chief Zedraa met them on these very shores. As a token of friendship, he gave the travelers a sizeable tract of land so that they could establish a trade route with us.

It was a mutually beneficial arrangement to say the least. Lambentia, named in honor of Queen Celestia III, quickly gained status as a major trade port that exported the riches of Zebrica in exchange for Northern culture, technology, and ideas. While my people generally kept to themselves, we still maintained diplomatic ties with Equestria when the situation called for it. Such was the reason for my arrival at the embassy: I needed to speak with the ambassador.

When I walked into the building, I was half expecting it to be some opulent palace of Northern excess, but I was surprised to find that it was rather tastefully decorated. The walls were covered in crème colored stucco that showcased various flowers found in Equestria. A few portraits of various rulers and people of import hung upon them as well, but they were nothing too gaudy.

However, my attention was firmly drawn towards the mahogany desk that sat near the back of the room. Sitting behind it was none other than the woman I sought this day. She looked oddly out of place, sporting a pair of tan work boots, khaki shorts, and a forest green polo shirt, which is why I hesitated to approach her. Was this plainly dressed woman truly the ambassador?

Noticing my hesitation, my teacher gently placed her hand on my shoulder to assure me that we were in the right place. Just as I was about to find my voice, the grey and black haired ambassador leapt from her seat and gave my teacher a firm hug.

“Nimwae! It’s so good to see you again.”

“I bid you good tidings, Daring. While I appreciate your warm welcome, I’m afraid that I’ve come here to discuss a very important matter.”

Daring frowned. “Ah yes, that matter. I take it that the girl standing next to you is the one you mentioned in your letter?”

“Indeed. Her name is Zecora and she is like a daughter to me. And as much as it breaks my heart to see her leave Zebrica, I want what’s best for her. Is it possible to grant her asylum in Equestria?”

Daring rubbed her chin. “It would normally be quite difficult to grant her a visa under normal circumstances. But her status in Zebrica makes her a…special case.”

“How so, if I may ask?”

“Well, due to the recent atrocities committed at the Red River Diamond Mine, Chancellor Fancy Pants has decided to label the Zecoomba Regime a belligerent state. Since Zecora is his daughter, it is easy to claim her as a victim. Hence, the special case.”

Nimwae clicked her tongue. “Such a sad state of affairs that is. What must she do?”

“It’s really quite simple. She just signs a few papers and promises to proclaim her loyalty to the Equestrian state. With that, she’ll receive a governmental stipend to kick-start her relocation. I’m thinking a smaller town would be best, since she isn’t used to city life. I believe Ponyville would be ideal.”

It was finally happening. The freedom I had craved for so long was now within my grasp. But even still, I had some reservations. The one I worried about the most right now was not myself, but my teacher. My father would eventually find out about her involvement in my disappearance. And it was only a matter of time until he mobilized all the resources at his disposal to hunt her down and exact some petty form of revenge upon her.

Just thinking about it made a hard knot form in my stomach. There had to be something I could do to ensure her safety. There had to be! I could not simply abandon her just to fulfill my own selfish desires. After taking a deep breath, I turned towards the ambassador.

“I agree to your terms, but what of my teacher? Is there no way to ensure her safety as well?”

Daring sighed. “Not without sparking an international fiasco.”

“But why not? There must be something you can do!”

“She’s…on your father’s most wanted list, I’m afraid. While we can claim you as a victim, her case is not the same. That’s why she came to me without disguising her motives. Your father has already issued a warrant for her arrest.”

My shoulders began to tremble. “Mwalimu, is it true what the ambassador says?”

“I’m afraid so my little punda milia. Over the years, I’ve gathered followers to resist your father’s rule. Lately, I’ve been a bit more successful conducting raids, which makes me more of a target. I cannot go with you. It is simply too dangerous.”

I felt tears well up in my eyes. “I will not abandon you! Please, you must come with me! I can handle the danger.”

“No. You must make this journey alone. Don’t worry about me; I will survive as I always have.”

I hugged her as hard as I could. “I love you, Mwalimu. The thought of losing you is too much for me to bear…”

I wanted to be angry with her for not seeing common sense. But I just couldn’t bring myself to. She was determined to stay and resist my father for as long as she could. And I suspected that if she succeeded, the people of Zebrica would look to her for leadership and guidance. While it broke my heart, I knew that I had to let my mentor forge her own path.

Mwalimu began to stroke my hair. “Even though I think you know this already, I believe it still needs to be said. I love you as if you were my own flesh and blood, Zecora. And I always will. That is why I want what is best for you. Go forth and realize your dream.”

That was it. I could do nothing to convince her. My mentor’s mind was as solid and steady as granite. She would not be persuaded otherwise. A tiny part of me desperately prayed to the spirits, hoping that they would hear my plea and protect her. But only time would tell. After breaking my embrace, I screwed my courage and took the immigration papers from the ambassador’s desk.

“Promise me that you will not put yourself at unnecessary risk.”

Mwalimu gently grasped my wrist. “I will try my best. And should you ever long for my presence, just rub that bracelet to remember me by…”

Sleep is such a bizarre thing. Our bodies need it to function, but the brain acts in completely unpredictable ways during that mysterious state of semi-consciousness. This time was no exception. I opened my eyes slowly, only to realize that I had been crying at some point. It should not have come as any surprise. My dream, or memory I should more aptly say, was an emotionally charged one.

At least I was thankful that it had not been a nightmare. I did not want to wake up Macintosh to the sound of my screams. Judging by how cool the air was and the lack of proper sunlight, I surmised that it was still quite early in the morning. My body was simply going about its normal routine. After crawling out of my sleeping bag, I decided that a bit of stretching was in order.

I honestly did not think the sound of my bones popping could wake Macintosh up, but indeed it did. Surprisingly enough, he did not appear to be groggy or irate at being roused at such an early hour of the morning. Perhaps it was because he was used to waking up on the farm early to start his day? I do not know. I never knew any farmers, nor did I ever observe their daily rituals.

Macintosh smacked his lips. “Mornin’. Did ya sleep well?”

“For the most part. I had a rather odd dream though.”

“Odd? Like a nightmare or somethin’?”

I shook my head. “Not exactly a nightmare, per say. More like a sad…memory. I am not certain why I had it.”

“Ah never met anybody who’s ever understood why dreams are the way they are. They just ain’t meant ta be understood.”

I bent over to touch my toes. “Perhaps you are right.”

While I continued to perform my morning calisthenics, Macintosh rose from his own sleeping bag and stood next to me. I could not help but giggle as I heard him work out some of his own kinks that he had accumulated over the course of the night. I was just about to discuss what we were going to do about breakfast, until I was distracted by something that did not allow me to form coherent speech.

Macintosh grinned. “What a beautiful mornin’! It’s been ages since I’ve felt this alive. The sun feels so wonderful on mah skin! Now ah understand why ya like being naked and…Zecora? What’s wrong?”

“Alive indeed…”

“Uhh…beg pardon?”

I felt my cheeks flush. “Your penis is fully erect, Macintosh. I believe it is colloquially referred to as ‘morning wood’. If you wish, I can go freshen up while you wait for it to become…flaccid again.”

“OH SHIT! I’m so sorry, Zecora! Ah wasn’t tryin’ ta do anythin’ inappropriate. Ah swear!”

I looked at my feet while he covered himself. “Do not worry about it. It is a completely natural bodily function. There is nothing to be ashamed of.”

“Ah reckon it’s probably for the best that ya go freshen up and what not. In the meantime, I’ll just wait ‘till this calms down a bit…”

“Very well. If you should need me, I will be in the stream washing up.”

Macintosh blushed. “R-right. See ya later.”

Try as I might, I could not stop thinking about what I saw earlier. The elders always said that cold water helps to clear the mind, but it did little more than wash away the sweat and dirt from my skin. Oh spirits, why did I have to make our interaction so awkward?! I should not have said anything at all and walked away. But no. I had to open my big mouth! Foolish, foolish Zecora!

Macintosh probably thought I was some sort of sexual deviant now. How could he not? I stared at his manhood far longer than was appropriate…for a second time! But I could not help it! It was just so…mesmerizing. In truth, I had witnessed men that possessed greater length. Although, that was not to say that he was not appropriately proportioned for his height. No, what made his penis stand out was its sheer girth. It was as if I was staring at a flesh-colored tree trunk that stood proud in the forest, seemingly saying: lo and behold my greatness!

Out of sheer frustration, and the desire to stop the warm sensation building in my loins, I dunked my head into the water several times. I could no longer deny my sexual desire for Macintosh, but it was inappropriate to dwell on such thoughts while my task remained unfinished.

Unfortunately, I had not properly pleasured myself since arriving in Ponyville. I was simply too busy to give the matter any thought. I personally considered masturbation to be a completely normal activity and not something anyone should be ashamed of. Men and women alike possessed needs that had to be addressed and it was unhealthy to ignore them. I mentally cursed my inattention towards my most delicate part.

Finally, after what felt like hours, I walked out of the stream and allowed the warm morning sun to dry my skin. I would have normally preferred to use a towel, but the slight chill I felt as the water evaporated did wonders to focus my mind. Well…mostly. My bladder promptly decided to remind me of what I had yet to do this morning.

After letting out an irritated sigh, I squatted behind a tree and allowed nature to take its course. While I had relieved myself this way many times, I always did so before I bathed. That was to ensure that if any urine happened to splash on me, it would be washed off. With any luck, I would not have to wash myself in the stream a second time before returning to camp. Smelling like urine around Macintosh was not a situation I wanted to experience.

Just as I was finishing up, I heard a strange sound behind me. The forest contained many sounds, especially this early in the morning when all the animals began to wake up and greet the day. However, that was not what I heard. The noise I heard was that of a few twigs snapping, a noise that could only be made by a heavy creature stepping on them. My heart suddenly began to beat faster. It could only mean one thing: a predator was lurking nearby.

My fears were immediately justified as the very mountain lion we had been searching for, lunged out of the brush and pointed its deadly claws at my stomach. Fortunately, years of Engolo practice had honed my reflexes to the point where I could evade on instinct alone. That, in my opinion, was the only thing that saved me from being gored.

For a split second, I managed to catch a glimpse of the beast. She (it was far too large to be a male) was the very epitome of what it means to be an apex predator. Her beautiful tawny fur was marred by dozens of scars, no doubt gained from years of fierce combat. The incisors that protruded out of her gaping maw were as long and sharp as any dagger. And for a moment, when I met her golden eyes, it almost appeared as if she were grinning at me.

By the spirits! The beast had been stalking me the entire time. Waiting until I was at my most vulnerable. She sensed that I was more dangerous than my companion, and wanted to take me out first so she could kill Macintosh at her leisure. Let there be no doubt. I was in grave danger. However, I could not help but admire the creature’s cunning. There was no other option. I had to slay her. She was far too dangerous to be kept alive.

I was utterly naked, in both senses of the word. My spear, knife, and satchel were all back at the camp. It had never occurred to me that I would need any of them for the brief amount of time I was going to wash myself. But I had committed a novice mistake, simply due to the fact that I had been distracted and embarrassed. Never again would I go anywhere without my hunting knife strapped to my leg!

The problem with most predatory cats is that they possess superb reflexes. That is why it was a very bad idea to try and kick the beast. She would likely shred the tendons in my leg before I could even get the chance to land a hit. Therefore, my best option was to distract her by throwing stones and landing a swift strike with my elbow straight into her windpipe.

As I expected, the rocks I threw at her served their intended purpose…but when I slid underneath her to deliver a blow of my own, I was shocked to find that it had little effect. The muscles in her neck were so thick that my elbow practically felt like it was hitting a wall hewn from stone, not flesh. In a blind panic, I rolled off to the side and tried to find a stick so I could keep her at a distance.

I managed to find a decent sized stick, but I had no idea how sturdy it was. In a forest full of trees and falling branches, for all I knew, the one I picked up could be rotten on the inside and shatter upon impact. That would only be a last resort though. For now, the best strategy was to retreat and gather the proper implements to hunt the creature.

For a few brief moments, I was able to run towards the direction of the camp. However, the sheer amount of adrenaline and fear coursing through my veins made it difficult to think logically. As a result, I was not paying as much attention to my surroundings as I should have. A mere thirty seconds after I began running, I felt my foot catch on a tree root and stumbled upon the ground.

The creature did not hesitate to exploit my vulnerable position. Immediately, she pounced upon me, razor sharp teeth ready to tear into my flesh. After gathering my wits, I brought up the stick I had in my hands and wedged it into her mouth right before she could bite me. For a moment, I held my breath, unsure if the stick would immediately snap or if it would continue to hold.

I felt the stick begin to splinter as the enormous force behind the lioness’s jaws continued to press down upon it. So this was it. I was destined to die by the teeth of an angry mountain lion. In hindsight, I suppose it is a fitting end for me. A huntress killed by another huntress. There was no shame in that. But I had no desire to die. I was just beginning my new life here in Equestria. I had so much to live for!

I quietly began to sob. “It cannot end like this. I did not even get a chance to tell him how I felt. And now, all he will find is my mangled corpse. Oh great forest spirit, please allow me to find peace in these final moments…”

Just as the last fiber began to snap, I heard a fierce yell emanate from behind me. The great forest spirit had answered my prayer, but not in the way I expected. Against all odds, Macintosh wildly charged the lioness with a knife in his hand and rage in his eyes. Had I not been in mortal danger, I would have been awed by the sight, but instead I feared for Macintosh’s life as well.

Without any hesitation whatsoever, he jumped upon the creature’s back and plunged the knife into the side of her neck. In response, the lioness howled in pain and began to writhe around on the ground in a futile attempt to discourage her attacker. It was no use. Macintosh’s aim was deadly and had severed her carotid artery.

Now, only silence followed what was once a struggle of life and death. Not even the cicadas chirped as the lioness lie dead in her own pool of blood. Perhaps the forest was simply mourning one of its own. I did not know. All I knew for certain was that Macintosh and I were alive. And that, in my humble opinion, was something well worth celebrating.

We were both utterly filthy. Blood, dirt, twigs, sweat, all of it coated our bodies. But I did not care. All I wanted to do right now was show how much I appreciated what Macintosh had done for me. I ran to him as fast as my tired legs could carry me and tacked him to the ground in a fierce embrace.

“Hey now, it’s alright.”

I openly wept into his chest. “I w-was so frightened! We could have both been killed. What were you thinking, charging the beast like that?!”

“Ah reckon ah wasn’t thinkin’ at all. The only thing on mah mind was keepin’ ya safe. So, ah just grabbed the knife, ran like hell, and hoped for the best.”

“And thank the spirits you did! Otherwise, I would not be alive right now. What…alerted you to the danger I was in?”

Macintosh grinned. “Well, ya were takin’ an awful long time cleanin’ up so…ah got a mite worried ‘bout ya. Since these here woods are crawlin’ with dangerous critters, ah assumed the worst. Looks like ah wasn’t too far off the mark, huh?”

“No, you were not. Macintosh, I apologize for all the times I looked where I should not have. I know I said that before but it does not seem like eno—”

“Cut that out. Ah forgave ya a long time ago for that. Besides, ah reckon ah don’t really mind if ya look.”

“You…do not?”

Macintosh blushed. “A-ah suppose not. Ya know, so long as you’re the one doin’ the lookin’. Damn it, that didn’t really come out right! What ah meant ta say is—”

“I understand what you mean. And if I am being honest, the feeling is quite mutual.”

“Really?”

It was my turn to blush. “Yes. I have romantic feelings for you, Macintosh. And I feel ashamed that it took such a harrowing event to make me realize it. Would you have me as your lover?”

“Wow, ah had no idea! Ah mean, ah kind of got a bit of a hint when ya kissed me b-but are ya sure ya want someone like me ta be your…ehmm…boyfriend?”

I placed his hand on my chest. “Of course I am! You are as worthy a man as can be. It is I who must live up to your expectations.”

“Zecora, it ain’t like that. Ah don’t really expect anythin’ out of ya. All ah want is for ya ta happy. Do you honestly think ah can do that?”

“You already have. Many times, in fact. Your sincerity and kindness is what set my heart aflutter in the first place. Never has any man treated me that way before. I would be an utter fool not to believe you could make me happy.”

Macintosh smiled. “Alright, it’s settled then. If ya don’t mind it, then ah don’t either.”

“Good. As much as I enjoy our cuddling, I would prefer if we cleaned up.”

“Yeah. That’s probably a good idea. Let’s take a quick bath in the stream before we head back.”

With the threat of the lioness behind us, we took our time making it back to camp after we finished bathing. It gave me the chance to collect my thoughts and soak in the atmosphere of the forest. This whole situation seemed as if it were too good to be true. The beast was slain, my friends were safe, and I finally confessed my feelings to Macintosh. What more could I ask for?

Well, there was one thing. It was something that I only dared to think about. Now that I had time to flush the adrenaline out of my veins, another hormone took its place. Once again, my thoughts inevitably drifted towards pleasure. For years, I had been taught to save my virginity for marriage and I remained pure even to this moment.

But now, I entertained the thought of giving myself to Macintosh. Was it taboo? No, not strictly speaking. Many couples in my homeland had sex before marriage. It was just the simple fact that women in my position rarely did so because it would ruin their chances of having a proper wedding.

Did I want Macintosh to be my husband? Oh, I most certainly did! But I was uncertain if he was ready to take such a drastic step in our newly formed relationship. Call me selfish, but I wanted to make love to him so badly right now and I did not possess the patience to wait until our wedding night! And judging by how he looked at me now, I suspected that he felt much the same way. No risk, no reward…right?

It was early afternoon and the sun was high in the sky. We had already cleaned up and ate our lunch, so the both of us decided to just relax in the clearing near our camp. How wonderful it felt to lie next to the one you loved, on a soft carpet of grass, while the sun warmed your skin. It was almost like a dream. With a grin that could put a Cheshire cat to shame, I rolled over and sat on top of Macintosh.

“Is there anything in particular you would like to do, Macintosh?”

“Ah…uhh…w-what do ya have in mind?”

I gently placed a kiss upon his lips. “I was thinking that perhaps…we could make love?”

“Seriously?! Ah mean that would be nice…if you’re u-up ta it, of course.”

I giggled. “That is a very distinct possibility. What say you, Macintosh Apple? Will you allow me to make love to you?”

“YES! Errmm…ah mean yes please.”

Despite my earlier bravado, I still blushed. “Please be gentle with me, if you will. I am still a virgin.”

“Aww hell. A-alright, it ain’t a problem. Ah just had no idea that you were set on havin’ your first time with me. Are ya sure ya want me ta take that from ya? It’s a pretty big de—”

I silenced him with another kiss. “I understand the consequences. Rest assured, you are more than worthy of my virginity. Besides, what could possibly be more romantic than making love with the grass beneath our feet and the sun upon our backs?”

“Ah promise I’ll take it nice and slow.”

Lacking any experience of my own, I was at a loss as to what I should do. I mean, I knew about general things like kissing, caressing and the like. But I had no idea what men actually preferred. I did enjoy it when we kissed, so I started by kissing him on the lips again. However, this time I decided to use my tongue to play around with his. When Macintosh did not offer any resistance, I continued my ministrations until I felt him begin to massage my breasts.

I whimpered softly. “I apologize if my breasts are not to your liking. I know that most men prefer lar—”

“Zecora, ya need ta stop apologizin’. Breasts ain’t always about size. Yours are fine the way they are. They’ve got a nice shape to ‘em.”

“O-ok. Please continue.”

The village elders always reassured me that women who possessed smaller breasts derived more pleasure from having them fondled. I had never given it too much thought…until now. Oh how wonderful it felt! Especially when he used his mouth to tease me. Electric waves of pleasure shot through my body every time his tongue slid across my nipple, making it feel as though I was on fire. Not an intense burning sensation, but more like the constant glow of hot coals.

Emboldened by Macintosh’s words and my own feelings of pleasure, I decided to try and fondle my lover as well. I had long since known that the penis was a sensitive organ. The testicles were especially so. If done correctly, fondling them was supposedly very pleasurable. So, as gently as I could, I cupped his precious family jewels in my hand and began to massage them. Almost immediately, I heard him groan.

“Did I hurt you?”

“No, ah just wasn’t expectin’ ya ta do that. It’s fine. Ya can keep doin’ it.”

I was quite glad that he didn’t hear my sigh of relief. The last thing I wanted was to hurt him and ruin our moment together. That being said though, I felt that it was time to move onto his actual penis. Slowly, but surely, I grasped the bottom of his shaft and began to stroke it from the base towards the tip.

Oh spirits! My earlier assessment about its thickness was not misplaced! It seemed to twitch every time my fingers wrapped around the tip, which eventually caused a tiny bead of pre-cum to ooze out. I paused, only out of fascination, and rubbed the sticky bead between my fingers.

“Why’d ya stop?”

I grinned sheepishly. “Sorry, I have never seen pre-cum before. It is just so sticky!”

“Yeah, well that means you’re doin’ it right. But umm…do ya mind if ah put it in now? All o’ this foreplay is drivin’ me crazy.”

“I think I am ready as well.”

Macintosh kissed my forehead. “Just put it in nice and slow. There ain’t no rush, darlin’.”

Never had I been so nervous in my entire life. Many times, over the years, I heard tales from the villagers that a woman’s first time engaging in intercourse was a painful experience. Considering how thick Macintosh’s penis was…I had little reason to doubt it. But I owed it to him to at least try. After taking a deep breath, I positioned myself above him and grasped his erect manhood.

Inch by agonizing inch, I pushed him deeper inside of me. I had experienced pain far worse than this, but it still did not make the task very pleasant. Much to my surprise, I was able to fit his entire length inside me. But just barely. Once I got more comfortable, I started to move my hips and eventually I began to feel a steady warmth building in my loins.

Macintosh panted. “Zecora…you’re…so…tight.”

“Is that…a bad thing?”

“Nah, it ain’t a bad thing but…oh tarnation! Ah don’t know if ah can keep this up for long. It’s been ages since I last had sex.”

I moved my hips a bit faster. “Do not feel as if you need to hold back on my account.”

“B-but ah don’t wanna get ya pregnant. It wouldn’t be proper.”

I traced my finger around his nipple. “Then take responsibility. Fill me with your seed and make me your wife.”

“Wait. You’re serious, aren’t ya?”

“Why would I not be? I think you would make a wonderful husband and father.”

Macintosh whimpered. “I-I’m flattered but don’t ya think we’re takin’ things a bit too fast?”

“We have mutual feelings for one another and are consummating our love. What more is there to understand?”

Macintosh did not respond to my question. Rather, I felt his penis flare as it squirted a glob of hot semen inside me. Mere moments later, an incredible orgasm surged through my entire body that left me quivering and limp atop Macintosh’s torso. For a few moments, we were content to simply lay there while we caught our breath. Afterwards, I removed myself and snuggled up against him.

Macintosh sighed contently. “Ah reckon it wouldn’t be too bad bein’ your husband.”

“Do you truly mean that?”

“Eeyup. But do ya think we could wait a bit on the whole marriage thing? Ah don’t know how y’all do it in Zebrica, but ah want us ta have a proper weddin’.”

I nuzzled into his chest. “That is a fair compromise. But as far as I am concerned, we are already betrothed. Are you…upset because I think that?”

“No. It surprised me is all. Ah guess y’all don’t really date or anythin’ like that?”

“There is a courtship period where interested couples meet and exchange tokens of affection. If they are accepted, the couple consummates their relationship by…consummating and then they are man and wife in the eyes of the spirits.”

Macintosh chuckled. “Well shit. That’s sure explains a lot. I’m sorry, Zecora. Ah probably sound like I’m disrespectin’ your culture. It ain’t intentional. It’s just that from my perspective, your people’s wedding customs are entirely too straightforward.”

“Then…you do not wish to marry me?”

“Ah didn’t say that. All I’m sayin’ is that we gotta do things in the proper order. Make it official by Equestrian standards, alright?”

I kissed his cheek. “I eagerly await our ceremony.”

Breakfast With The Apples

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Chapter 7

Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville

A warm ray of sunlight gently roused me from beneath the sheets of Macintosh’s bed. After stretching for a spell, I exited the bed as carefully as I could so as not to disturb my dearest’s slumber. The creaky wooden planks felt rough against my feet as I made my way towards the window. I suppose that is to be expected though. I spent a vast majority of my life walking upon nothing but grass and dirt. Luckily, they didn’t cause me any pain since they were so well-worn.

Upon opening the window, I felt a cool zephyr of early-morning air dance across my body. And with it came the scents and sounds of the farm. Since this was primarily an orchard, the strongest smell that filled my nostrils was that of wood with a slight hint of apple.

It made me want to rush out of the room at that very moment, frolic amongst the trees, then take a refreshing dip in the pond. But as much as my heart yearned for it, I highly doubted the rest of the Apple Family would appreciate my attire-free antics.

We had arrived at the Acres late the night prior. Since the rest of his family went to bed early in order to rise at the dawn, Macintosh insisted that we place the spoils of our hunt in the barn and head straight to his room in order to avoid waking his kin. And so, we simply fell asleep in his bed as we were.

I always enjoyed rising early in the morning. But I never understood why farmers took it to such an extreme. Why wake up before the sun? It was akin to forcing an owl to sleep during the night! I swear, one of these days, I shall commune with the spirts of the earth to ascertain why. Or perhaps, I could just ask my husband to be. Even then, I doubt his answer would be enough to extol the virtues of such bizarre behavior.

I was so enthralled with the beauty of the farm that I did not notice Macintosh wake up. Much to my embarrassment, I squeaked in surprise when he came up behind me and playfully tweaked my buttocks. Afterwards, I heard him chuckle but he immediately wrapped one of his arms around my shoulder and kissed my neck.

“Good mornin’, Zecora.”

My face flushed. “M-macintosh! You surprised me!”

“Sorry about that. Ah shouldn’t have—”

“It is alright. I only ask that you warn me before doing something like that again. You gave me such a fright!”

Macintosh bit his lip. “Ah thought your butt looked so sexy in the mornin’ light. I just couldn’t help but give it a good squeeze.”

Where had this forwardness come from? Earlier, Macintosh had been somewhat hesitant to engage in any form of physical affection with me. But now, he was embracing me in his strong arms without a moment’s hesitation. He had even squeezed my buttocks! Not that I minded it, of course.

In response to his compliment, I felt my heart lighten and the familiar heat of desire return to my loins. Logically, I knew that it was far too early in the morning to even entertain the idea of love-making, but…oh how I craved it! And if Macintosh’s erection pressing up against my back was any indication, he did too.

“Does my body truly arouse you that much?”

“Yeah. Look, I’m sorry about grabbin’ your butt. If it made ya feel uncomf—”

I reached back and began to caress his shaft. “Make no mistake, Macintosh. I am overjoyed that you find my body so desirable. It merely surprised me, is all. Personally, I believe your actions deserve a reward rather than an apology. Would you not agree?”

“M-maybe?”

I got on my knees and turned around so I could look Macintosh in the eye. While I continued to stroke him, I slowed down somewhat to give myself some time to mentally prepare for what I was about to do.

In my culture, oral sex was not precisely taboo…but it was not an act performed on a casual basis. It was the ultimate expression of trust and submission, something that only the closest partners shared with one another. After a few more moments of contemplation, I came to the realization that I trusted Macintosh enough for this highly intimate act. Now, I only hoped that my inexperience would not cause him any undue comfort.

After taking a deep breath, I carefully wrapped my lips around the tip of his manhood and began to slowly bob my head up and down. The first thing I noticed was the strong, musky odor that filled my nostrils every time my face neared his precious family jewels. The smell was not entirely repulsive, but it did make me feel quite…aroused. Since I did not hear him protest, I quickened my pace to pleasure him further.

Macintosh gasped. “O-oh mah…I didn’t know ya knew how ta do that!”

Seeing his face twisted in an expression of unadulterated bliss gave me a feeling of satisfaction that I cannot possibly describe with mere words. It made me feel validated somehow. Like I finally understood the secrets of being a proper wife to the man I loved. Perhaps that is why I felt so confident when I started to swirl my tongue around his head, knowing full well how sensitive that part of him was.

It was only moments later that I felt his penis flare, followed by a quick succession of warm globs of his seed filling my mouth. Such was my surprise that I nearly choked. I tried not to show Macintosh my distress but I still ended up grimacing as I removed his penis from my mouth.

Because of this, I consumed his seed without further protest. It did not…taste as unpleasant as I thought it would. The flavor was slightly earthy, not unlike the taste of a mild mushroom. However, that was not what made it hard to swallow. The texture was quite difficult to get used to. It had viscosity of very thick phlegm, which almost made me gag in disgust. But I swallowed it anyway, for I did not want to upset him.

Macintosh frowned. “I’m so sorry! I should’ve warned ya first. B-but it just felt so good that ah couldn’t help…uhhh…unloadin’.”

“It is quite alright, Macintosh. I am happy that I was able to bring you that much pleasure. Although… I noticed that your penis is still quite erect. Would you mind making me feel good as well?”

“Ah can’t possibly say no ta such a wonderful woman.”

This time, neither of us wasted any time with foreplay. I grasped the edge of the bed, bent over slightly, and presented my glistening sex to Macintosh. When nothing happened, I began to worry that I had misjudged the virility of his member.

Fortunately for me, I was quite mistaken. He was simply taking his time to ensure that I was comfortable by rubbing his member against my lips in order to ease his entrance inside me. Unlike our first time, it did not hurt when he penetrated me. On the contrary, it felt wonderful! The thickness of his manhood ensured that whenever he moved his hips, the entirety of my sex felt pleasantly stretched out.

I know that sounds terrible, but it was true! I had no other words to describe the ecstasy I felt every time he thrust himself inside me. After a while, the both of us started to behave more like animals rather than people. The rhythmic sound of flesh slapping against flesh began to increase in volume and frequency as our need to achieve the blissful state of release became more desperate.

Only a few moments later, I felt a powerful orgasm wrack my body. However, by some quirk, Macintosh had yet to achieve his. And so, as any good wife was wont to do, I patiently waited until he released himself inside me. To be honest though, it was not at all a bad thing. The aftershocks of my orgasm, coupled with his thrusts, still gave me an intense feeling of pleasure.

Just as I felt his hot seed gush into me, the door to the room swung ajar. Mind you, it was not locked, but completely closed. So whoever opened it would have needed to do so with some effort. That particular someone happened to be his sister, Applejack. Judging by the shocked expression on her face, she was not expecting us to be…engaged in such a state.

“Macintosh, breakfast is—”

Macintosh quickly pulled out. “AJ? What in the blue blazes are ya doin’ in here?!”

“Ah could ask ya the same thing, ya damn pervert!”

“Ah ain’t a—well maybe a little. But ah swear ah wasn’t doin’ anythin’ wrong!”

Applejack put her hands on her hips. “Like hell ya weren’t! Takin’ advantage of poor Zecora like that! Take a gander at ‘er! She’s tremblin’ so bad that it looks like she’s about ta keel over!”

“AJ, that ain’t how—”

I blushed heavily. “No one was taken advantage of, Applejack. The love making Macintosh and I engaged in was completely consensual and…quite enjoyable if I may add.”

“F-fine. Just clean up an’ put some damn clothes on! Breakfast ain’t gonna get any warmer.”

All of us sat around the table in painfully awkward silence. That is not to say that the bountiful breakfast Mrs. Smith provided for us was not delicious. Quite the contrary. Fluffy stacks of golden-brown apple pancakes, along with a healthy portion of bacon adorned our plates. But all of us ate slowly, so as not to spark any unnecessary conversation. Well, at least until Mrs. Smith decided to say something.

“What’s with the silent treatment? Y’all are actin’ like somebody ran Winona over with a truck!”

Applejack nudged a piece of bacon with her fork. “Ah saw somethin’ that no sister should ever have ta see.”

“And what, my dear, could that have been?”

“Ah don’t wanna talk about it.”

Granny rolled her eyes. “Oh fer cryin’ out loud! What about you, Macky? Has a cat got yer tongue too?”

“Eeyup.”

I mentally groaned. Macintosh and Applejack were going to remain tight-lipped for the rest of breakfast, if not for the duration of the day. So naturally, it fell to me to inform the Apple family matron of what had transpired earlier. It would be embarrassing, but I felt that it was the only way to clear the awkward atmosphere swirling around us.

“And why is Zecora wearin’ some of Macky’s old clothes?”

“Because I did not have any of my own to wear when we arrived from our hunt.”

Granny scratched her head. “I’m afraid ah don’t understand.”

“Macintosh and I, we…conducted the hunt as tradition demanded. That is to say: we did so without attire of any kind.”

“So yer sayin’ that the both of ya went out into the middle of woods ta hunt a dangerous critter…butt nekkid?”

“I suppose that is an accurate summation, yes.”

Granny whistled. “That’s the most damn-fool ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard! But considerin’ how the both of ya are still alive an’ the fact that ah found the critter’s hide in the barn, ah guess y’all knew what ya were doin’.”

“Indeed.”

“Although, it still doesn’t explain why mah grandkids are so clammed up.”

I blushed and looked down at my plate. “W-well, that is another matter. Applejack witnessed Macintosh and I engaged in passionate…love-making.”

It was bad enough that Applejack stumbled in on us mid-coitus, but to have to explain what happened verbally as well? Never had I been so mortified in my entire life! I had no issue being seen in the nude, but being seen while making love was another matter altogether.

It was something that was supposed to be intimate and private. An act shared only between lovers. But instead, Applejack bore witness to me trembling like a bitch in heat. Oh spirits! She probably thought I was some lascivious whore, intent on seducing her brother to satisfy my own selfish desires.

Nothing was further from the truth! I loved Macintosh with all of my heart. All I wanted to do was bring him happiness, become his wife, and bear his children. And bless him, because he went to great lengths to ensure that I was happy as well. But despite my conviction, I still had to face the wrath of the Apple family matron. I closed my eyes and waited for Mrs. Smith to cast me out of their home, and by extension, Macintosh’s life.

Granny laughed. “Ain’t that the damnedest thing? Ah could tell y’all were sweet on each other, but whoo wee! Macky, you’re one lucky sonovabitch ta have such a beautiful gal that’s willin’ ta give ya some early mornin’ hanky-panky.”

“You are not angry at me for making love to your grandson?”

“Ah ain’t mad at all, Sugarcube. Celestia knows that mah grandson needed it! He hasn’t had any romantic relations in years. Ah guess he was just worried that things might’ve ended up like they did with that trollop Carrot Top.”

“Who is—?”

Granny cracked her knuckles. “Welp, ah better git a move on. The corn ain’t gonna husk itself.”

Before I could so much as utter a single syllable of further inquiry, Mrs. Smith abruptly left the table and made her way out the front door. I suspected it was merely a ploy on her part to avoid creating further tension in the room, as well as to get the Apple siblings to converse with one another. Apparently, her strategy seemed to work.

Applejack crossed her arms. “Y’all are lucky that ‘Bloom decided ta stay with Pinkie for the night, on account of her bein’ scared from all of that mountain lion business. It would’ve been a disaster if she’d have walked in on ya.”

“Well, at least ‘Bloom is polite enough ta knock on the door before she enters someone’s room.”

Applejack rubbed her neck. “Sorry…ah reckon ah deserve that one. I’ll try knockin’ from here on out. But how the hell was ah supposed ta know that y’all were getting’ frisky?! Just try ta be a bit more discreet about, alright?”

“Eeyup.”

I looked down at my plate. “I will try to practice greater discretion as well.”

It warmed my heart to see the two of them embrace after they reconciled with on another. This was how families were meant to be. Not matter how much they argued or whatever anger they felt towards one another, love always prevailed.

I suddenly felt a cold lump of sadness form in my stomach. The scene reminded me of my own neglectful father and what could have been if only he had been inclined to show me the affection I so desperately craved. But that was the past. There was no reason I needed to dwell on it any further, for I had a new family to fill the void left in my heart.

Applejack pushed in her chair. “Why don’t ya tag along with me today, Zecora? Mac’s gonna have his hands full with the distillery.”

“Are you certain? Surely, there is something I can do to assist him.”

“Normally, I’d be fine with that. But…our family’s distillin’ process is a might complicated. It takes a fair bit of concentration and ya gotta know exactly what you’re doin’ ta make the whiskey turn out proper.”

When I looked over at Macintosh, he simply nodded in agreement with his sister. I was not very happy about it, but I understood that he needed to be able to concentrate on his task. I suppose that it was only fair. I would have wanted the utmost privacy if I were concocting complex herbal remedies.

And so, with nothing further to say, I sauntered over to where he was standing and pressed my lips against his. Were we alone, I would have made the kiss far more passionate…but we had an audience. So, I only played with his tongue for a brief moment and pulled away. Judging by the dumbfounded look upon his face, I suspected that he enjoyed it.

“Goodbye, my love. And good luck with your task.”

Macintosh blushed. “Yeah…see ya later.”

Applejack and I rode in an old pick-up truck towards the southern fields, where she claimed that some apple trees needed to be pruned. In my opinion, the trees appeared to be in decent shape but then again I was not a farmer. However, I became suspicious when we did not immediately get out of the truck. Instead, Applejack turned off the engine and stared at me.

“Are ya sure the both of ya ain’t takin’ things too fast? Please understand that I’m not tryin’ ta pry into your relationship, I’m just…worried about mah brother. Like Granny said earlier: he hasn’t had the best luck when it comes ta women.”

I took a deep breath. “I am not entirely certain if we are taking things too fast. Your culture…can be strange and confusing concerning matters of romance, so it is difficult for me to give you a precise answer. However, I can say without a doubt that I love your brother will all of my heart.”

“That’s good ta know. But y’all haven’t been datin’ very long, have ya?”

I cocked my head. “Dating? What is that?”

“Sweet mercy! Ya seriously have no idea what that is?”

“No. Should I?”

Applejack sighed. “Ah suppose ah shouldn’t be too surprised. You’re from a totally different culture, after all. Dating is basically when ya meet someone you’re interested in…uhh romantically and spend some time ta get ta know ‘em.”

“How much time is required for this ‘dating’ ritual?”

“Depends, ah guess. Could take months.”

I furrowed my brow. “How utterly absurd! Courtship should never take that long. Are you suggesting that a proper marriage is not arranged until a prospective couple spends months together?”

“Well, it doesn’t always happen that way. But that’s the general idea. How do y’all go about it in Zebrica?”

“Courtship is usually quite a brief process. A couple exchanges tokens of affection, spends a night making love, and if they enjoy each other’s company they become man and wife.”

Applejack eyes widened. “Wait. Are ya tellin’ me that after ya have sex you’re basically married? DOES MAH BROTHER KNOW ABOUT THIS?!”

“No. I mean, I already gave him my virginity and a token of my affection. But that does not mean he is my husband. He has yet to offer a token of his own. It is not official…but I hope that he makes me his wife.”

“Look, ah can tell you’re serious about this but Mac needs ta know. I don’t want either of ya endin’ up broken hearted just because of some cultural misunderstandin’. Ya hear me?”

I twirled a lock of my hair. “B-but it is not a woman’s place to formally propose to a man…”

“Well, this ain’t Zebrica! So ya don’t have ta worry ‘bout all of those traditional rules of yours. If mah brother loves ya as much as ah think he does, the big oaf will probably say yes if ya ask ‘im. Trust me on this, Zecora.”

“If that is what you believe, then I shall trust your judgment.”

Much to my surprise, Applejack wrapped me in a gentle hug. And like her brother, she too smelled of earth, apples, and sweat. But with a slight hint of…cinnamon? In any case, I returned her embrace with equal enthusiasm. It made me feel as though we were one step closer to becoming family.

Applejack smirked. “Ya better make mah brother happy or I’ll hog-tie ya ta the top of the barn. Got that, Jungle Jane?”

“Such is my sincerest wish. However, it is good to know that Macintosh has such a loving sister.”

Applejack patted my shoulder. “Apples always look after one another. That includes anyone who marries into the family.”

Applejack had not been lying to me when she said the trees needed pruning. But perhaps she had exaggerated somewhat as to how much they needed pruned. We barely filled the bed of the pick-up truck halfway with twigs before she told me to stop what I was doing and join her for a drink. Not that I was complaining, of course. It had gotten quite humid and I was all too eager to quench my thirst.

We drank from bottles of tart tasting juice that came in bizarre fluorescent colors. Applejack claimed it was a restorative beverage called a ‘sports drink’ that helped to keep us hydrated because it contained something called ‘electrolytes’. What did juice have to do with sports? Despite my confusion, the drink was quite tasty and helped to cool me down as well.

While we enjoyed our break, I could not help but hear something strange. It almost sounded like…someone snoring? It was not terribly loud, mind you. They were the soft snores of someone taking a pleasant cat nap. I had to stifle a giggle. Who in the world needed to rest this early into the day?

Applejack grinned. “Do ya hear that, Zecora?”

“I believe so. It sounds like someone napping.”

“Eeyup. And ah think it’s high time we rouse sleepin’ beauty from her slumber.”

Sure enough, when we walked towards the snores, a woman came into view. She had the petite, yet lithe build of an athlete but was quite beautiful in her own unique way. I think it was mostly due to her brilliant, prismatic hued hair pulled into a ponytail behind her head.

Or it may have been that her choice of attire left little to the imagination. It was so tightly constricted to her form that it almost appeared to be a second layer of skin. That is, if it had covered more of her body. Most of her skin was exposed: save for her breasts, groin, and feet. Before I could ponder any further, Applejack snuck behind the slumbering woman and squeezed her buttocks.

“BWAAAAH! Who tweaked my ass?! I swear I’ll knock your teeth in if I—”

Applejack laughed. “Simmer down there, Dashie. It was just a joke.”

“AJ? Why the hell did you do that? I was having such a nice nap!”

“Hehe. Ah reckon ah couldn’t help mahself, ah tell you what. Considerin’ there was such a cute little be-hind starin’ me in the face.”

Rainbow cheeks flushed. “I wasn’t—s-shut up!”

“Just callin’ it like ah see it, Sugarcube.”

Rainbow coughed and tried to compose herself. “Alright, joke’s over. What are you doing out here anyway?”

“It’s mah farm, so ah reckon that gives me the right ta be here if ah want. The real question is: what are you doin’ here, Dashie?”

“I was just going on my morning jog, ok! And I might have gotten a teensy bit groggy because I forgot to drink a can of Red Pegasus this morning. So there! That’s why I was napping. Are you happy now?”

Applejack shook her head. “Still drinkin’ that junk? Red Pegasus can’t possibly be good for ya with all of that caffeine and sugar. You’re more than welcome ta come inside and have coffee with us in the mornin’ instead. It wouldn’t be a bother, since we’d all be awake anyway.”

“I hate coffee. It’s too bitter.”

“That’s why there’s tea. But you’re alright with the company?”

Rainbow blushed. “Well, yeah. We’re best friends, AJ. Why wouldn’t I be alright hanging out with you errr—I mean your family?”

“Ah dunno. It just seems that ya come joggin’ around here an awful lot. So, it’d be mighty unfriendly of me ta not invite ya in the house.”

Rainbow rubbed her neck. “I guess I could try visiting the house more often. Your grandma does make really awesome pancakes…”

“See? That wasn’t so hard. All ya gotta do is accept people’s hospitality more often.”

“Speaking of people, who’s that next to you? I’ve never seen her before.”

I smiled and waved. “Good Day! My name is Zecora and I traveled from Zebrica to reside here in Ponyville. I hope that we may become fast friends.”

“The name’s Rainbow Dash, but most people call me RD. Wait a minute. You aren’t a spy are you?”

“I beg your pardon?”

Applejack whacked her friend upside the head. “She ain’t a spy! Ah think that was an awfully rude thing ta say ta someone ya just met, Dashie. Go on and apologize.”

“Sorry, I’ve just never seen a real Zebrican before. We’re still cool…right?”

I grasped both of her hands. “Do not worry, we can still be friends. Even after living here for some time, the people of this town occasionally give me strange looks when I go about my business. I suppose that I am just used to it at this point.”

“Hey, you look like you’re pretty toned despite those baggy clothes you’ve got on. Do you practice sports or anything like that?”

I nodded. “Well, I do not play sports so much as I practice my Engolo stances.”

“What’s Engolo? Is that like yoga or something?”

I chuckled. “No, it is the preferred martial art of my people. If you would like a demonstration, I would be more than happy to show you.”

“Oh I want more than some stupid demonstration. I wanna fight you! I’m kind of a big deal when it comes to Kung-Fu. I’m a black belt, ya know.”

“I see. Do you wish to challenge me, then?”

Rainbow cracked her knuckles. “You bet. This is gonna be soooo awesome! But we’re gonna make this more interesting.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“The loser has to swim three laps in the pond and run the whole way around the farm…butt naked! Do you think you can handle that or are you gonna back out?”

I shrugged. “If that is what you wish, I accept your terms.”

“Don’t worry; I’ll go easy on you so ya have a chance.”

Applejack shook her head. “Oh Dashie, ya have no idea who you’re dealin’ with…”

The Baker and the Braggart

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Chapter 8

Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville

It was an oddly disturbing sight, seeing Rainbow Dash thrashing about like a child in the throes of a temper tantrum. I suppose I should not have been too surprised, though. For all the boasting she made earlier, I was…rather disappointed at how easy it had been to counter her Kung-Fu.

Why you ask? The simple reason was that she telegraphed her movements in such an obvious manner that it took little effort on my part to counter them. And by that, I mean using her momentum against her.

So there I was, looking down at a dirty and bruise covered Rainbow Dash. In all honesty, I felt a twinge of pity for her but Applejack just shook her head when she noticed my expression. Maybe she did not completely deserve my pity for being so arrogant, but I still wanted to leave a good impression. That was why I helped her off of the ground.

Rainbow sighed. “Damn it, I totally got my ass handed to me. I guess I’ve gotta put my money where my mouth is.”

“If it bothers you so much, then we can call off the wager. I shall harbor no ill feelings either way.”

“No, it’d be seriously uncool if I backed out. I made a promise and I’m gonna keep it.”

After dusting herself off, Rainbow Dash removed the tie that bound her hair into a ponytail. For whatever reason, she just stood there and rubbed her hands together while biting her lip. Sensing her friend’s hesitation, Applejack walked over held out her hand.

“Hand ‘em over Dashie.”

“Hand what over?”

Applejack raised her brow. “Yer clothes, sugarcube. Somebody’s gotta make sure ya keep yer end o’ the bargain. Don’t worry; I’ll give ‘em back.”

“Yeah, I know. I’m…just trying to psyche myself up.”

With an extreme amount of hesitation, Rainbow Dash slowly peeled off her clothing. It did not take very long, considering how little she was wearing in the first place. Her body was strikingly similar to my own; however there were a few key differences.

First of all, her breasts were at least a size smaller than my own (not that I was so shallow to judge her lesser for it!), albeit pleasantly shaped. And the skin around both her breasts and groin were paler in complexion as compared to the rest of her body. In fact, they were perfect silhouettes of the clothing she had been wearing earlier!

While I found her non-uniform complexion odd, it was not the strangest thing I witnessed. No, I was fascinated by what she had done with her pubic hair. It was, of course, multi-hued like the hair upon her head, but styled into the shape of a thin bolt of lightning. What purpose did that serve?

Intellectually, I understood that northern people possessed pubic hair even though my own people lacked body hair of any kind. Well, more than just that. I had personally witnessed Macintosh’s own rusty blonde pubic hair when I—ehem that is somewhat off topic.

In any case, I did not understand the value of retaining one’s pubic hair. It just seemed more sanitary, not to mention more comfortable, to be rid of it altogether.

Applejack rubbed her chin. “That’s a fancy trim ya got there, Dashie. Gotta say, I’m a bit surprised. Ya strike me as the Canterlotian Wax type o’ girl. Rarity definitely is, except you’d get it because its practical fer sports instead of the whole ‘lady-like’ bit.”

“S-so what?! I just wanted to try something to make me feel sexy! Jeez, can’t I at least be a little bit girly sometimes?”

“There’s nothin’ wrong with that. But I gotta point out one caveat in this here situation, sugarcube.”

“Yeah, what would that be?”

Applejack wrapped her arm around Dash’s shoulder and whispered into her ear. “A gal doesn’t normally trim her bush into fancy shapes unless she wants someone else ta see it. The real question is: who are ya tryin’ ta impress?”

A sound, not unlike a mouse being strangled, came from Rainbow Dash’s mouth. And instead of answering Applejack’s question, she sprinted at full speed towards the pond and dove in. Applejack and I spectated while our athletic friend swam as per the wager, but she wore a strange expression upon her face.

It was a mixture of guilt, confusion, and…admiration? While I was no expert on matters of the mind, I recognized the expression because I had experienced it myself.

“Where did that come from?” Applejack muttered.

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve got some thinkin’ ta do, is what it means. A-anyway, let’s just enjoy the little show Dashie’s puttin’ on for us. Ah imagine ya won’t see her do it again anytime soon.”

I furrowed my brow in confusion. “Enjoy it? I fail to see the entertainment value in her exercise regimen…”

Before Applejack could properly explain the situation to me, a young girl came barreling towards us on what appeared to be a two-wheeled, metallic cart. No, cart was not an appropriate word to describe the vehicle.

It was more like a long sheet of metal with wheels and a handle attached to it. Perhaps later I would inquire as to what the bizarre contraption actually was. For now, I was more concerned about greeting the one who had ridden in on it.

The girl who greeted us appeared to be about Apple Bloom’s age, but she lacked the subtle feminine charm that her counterpart did. That is not to say that she was ugly by any means, but rather…she resembled a boy more so than a girl. At least at a passing glance. Her messy purple hair and utilitarian clothing were the likely culprits, in my opinion.

“Hi Applejack! Have you seen Rainbow Dash anywhere? She promised me that we were going hiking today and I—”

Applejack rubbed her neck. “Ah reckon you’ll see her soon enough, Scootaloo. She’s uhh… busy exercisin’ right now.”

“Really? What kind of exercises!? Warmups or something?”

“Yeah that’s it! Say, why don’t ya head on over ta the house and pour yourself a nice, cold glass of apple juice. Dashie should be done warmin’ up by the time ya get back.”

Scootaloo shook her head. “Nah, it’s alright. I’m fine waiting here. Thanks for offering though.”

At that very moment, Rainbow Dash returned from her activities. Her face became entirely flushed when she noticed all of us, but I had no idea if it was caused by the running, embarrassment, or a combination of both.

“Squirt? W-what are you doing here?!”

Scootaloo ran up to her idol and grinned. “Hi Rainbow Dash! You promised to go hiking with me today, remember?”

“Heh. Oh yeah. Look, this really isn’t the best—”

“Why are you naked?”

Rainbow bit her lip. “Because fresh air and sunshine are…good for you?”

“Ohhhhh~ I know exactly what you’re talking about! Mrs. Cheerilee taught us that the athletes from ancient Pegalopolis used to exercise naked. I think it had to do with them worshiping the sun…or because it was easier that way or something.”

“Those ancient Pegawhoosit guys were pretty cool…I guess.”

Scootaloo began to strip off her shirt. “I think they’re pretty awesome too! Do you need a warm up buddy? Because if you do, I’m totally ok with that.”

“NO! I mean, you don’t have to. Just put your shirt back on.”

Scootaloo voice began to crack. “B-but I don’t mind! I mean, you’re always saying how it’s better to train with a partner. Is it because…I’m not cool enough to be your training buddy?”

“Scoots, the only reason I’m running around naked like some perverted weirdo is because I underestimated Zecora and lost a bet. Urghh—look this is actually super embarrassing for me! You don’t need to do it too just to make me feel better.”

Scootaloo shuffled her feet. “Oh. I’m kind of confused but it’s not that bad, right? I mean, we’re all girls. Rarity and Fluttershy go to spa that way and they don’t—”

“Trust me on this one, squirt. It’s different. Maybe when you’re older you’ll understand. Let’s just forget this happened and go on that hike I promised you, ok?”

A thoroughly mortified but resolute Rainbow Dash motioned for Applejack to hand over her confiscated apparel. My blonde haired, future sister-in-law acquiesced but not without a moment of hesitation. The expression on her face spoke volumes even though neither of them uttered a single word.

Had I not been paying attention, I would have missed the faint coloring of her cheeks as she watched Rainbow redress. I admit that it puzzled me. What I witnessed earlier, between the two of them, I had assumed to be mere friendly banter. But now I was not quite so certain.

It was almost as if the two of them were…attracted to one another? Yes, I know that I should not be so judgmental about a person’s sexual preference. But it was not something I was accustomed to seeing! While not entirely unheard of, same-sex couples were exceedingly rare in my homeland.

It was not as though such a relationship was against the law. No, it was more like my people held their traditional values in high regard. So much so that few ever gave homosexuality a passing thought.

Well, such a sentiment existed amongst the common folk at any rate. The landed elite, who tended to marry for political or economic reasons, tended to take a more…liberal view on who they took as companions.

I allowed myself a contemplative sigh. Had I not sought asylum in Equestria, I too would have been destined for such an existence. I, a proud huntress, reduced to nothing more than a trophy bride, lazing about all day getting fat and spreading gossip. Instead, the sprits granted me the opportunity to marry a man I loved and start a family. So yes, I considered myself a very fortunate woman indeed.

I was so absorbed in my own thoughts that I barely noticed when Applejack shook me by the shoulders. It only took me a few seconds to regain my composure, but I still ended up blushing. People will begin to believe that my brain is addled if I allow my thoughts to drift with such frequency.

“Are ya alright, Zecora? You were spacin’ out like a turkey in a rainstorm.”

I nodded. “My apologies, I was momentarily lost in thought. What were you saying?”

“Well, ah just remembered that ah have ta go pick up mah sister. Ya interested in taggin’ along?”

“That is a sound plan. If nothing else, I can head back to my cabin once we finish retrieving Apple Bloom. I fear that I may have neglected my business due to…recent events.”

Applejack patted my back. “Hey now, don’t worry about that. Ya did it for a good reason. Besides, ah can always put in the good word for ya while I’m hawkin’ mah own wares!”

“Thank you, my friend. That means a great deal to me.”

“Shucks, it ain’t no trouble at all. Let’s get a move on then. Ah reckon ‘Bloom is gettin’ pretty homesick by now.”

As we walked through town, it occurred to me that I had never been to Sugarcube Corner before. Apple Bloom and her friend had made reference to it, but to visit the place myself was another matter entirely. When we finally arrived, I was taken aback by how utterly ridiculous it looked. Yes, I understood it was a bakery but to have the building’s architecture resemble actual baked goods was unnecessary in my humble opinion.

Perhaps I just simply misunderstood the aesthetic tastes of Equestira’s citizenry. And not to mention the costs associated with implementing such garish designs. However, at the end of the day, it still managed to draw my attention to the shop. From an advertising perspective it worked, even though it was a bit overwhelming.

Luckily, the interior of the shop was far more muted than its facade suggested. I could not help but chuckle to myself. It was clear evidence (at least to me) that the store owners went over budget with their design and decided it was best to keep the interior décor simple.

The main dining area was spotlessly clean and the wonderful aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods permeated the air. I nearly started salivating until I heard someone greet me in an extremely chipper tone of voice.

“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie! What would you like to order today, ma’am?”

“I am not certain I—”

Pinkie nodded empathetically. “Ooooh I know what you mean. There are so many good things to eat here! Buuuut…if I had to make a choice, I’d go with a salted caramel muffin and a good ole’ fashioned latte.”

“Those sound delicious but I am afraid I do not have—”

“Don’t worry! New customers always get their first order on the house. Mrs. Cake insists on it.”

How bizarre. This strange, yet pleasantly attendant seemed to take the very words out my mouth before I had a chance to speak them. Before I could so much as step away from the counter, the pink-haired woman was already handing me my coffee and muffin. Applejack seemed to sense my confusion, so she decided to direct me towards a nearby table.

“Ah see ya met Pinkie Pie. She’s a real sweet gal, but it takes a bit of time ta get used to her. I’m sure the both of y’all will become friends in no time.”

I nibbled on my muffin. “She is the one you spoke of earlier, then?”

“Eeyup. Pinkie lives on the second floor. The Cakes let her stay there on account of the fact that she works for ‘em. Ah imagine that’s where mah sister is.”

No sooner did Applejack finish her sentence, my personal space was assaulted by a sugary scented pink blur. How could this woman be so stealthy and silent? It was as if she embodied the very spirit of the cheetah! My natural reaction was, of course, to choke upon my food. Applejack did not seem too surprised but she did flash me an apologetic grin.

“You guessed it, AJ! Oh no! I’m super-duper sorry! I didn’t mean to make you choke. Umm…you’re not mad at me are you? Please say no! I don’t want to ruin our friendship before it even has a chance to START!!”

I tried to clear my throat. “Please do not worry yourself. I will be alright. I am simply unused to dealing with your unique personality.”

“Whew! That’s a load off my mind. So, what’s your name? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around here before. *GASP* Do you know what that means?!”

“My name is Zecora and…no?”

Pinkie pressed her nose to mine. “YOU NEED A WELCOMING PARTY A.S.A.P!!!!!”

“Oh, I was unaware of this. Are you certain it is necessary?”

“Is it necessary to breath air?! Well, except if you’re scuba diving. Then you’d need a mixture of nitrogen and air. But that’s beside the point! It’s a tradition of mine to throw a welcome party for anyone who’s new in town.”

I laughed nervously. “I suppose I shall accept your hospitality then.”

“But first, we’re going to have to get you out of those clothes. They smell musty and make you look like a hobo. Not to worry though! I have plenty of old clothes that should fit you just fine.”

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the two Apple sisters sitting at a table across from mine. I suppose that took care of one issue, but I could not help but feel they were abandoning me to my fate. In fact, when I glanced at Applejack a second time, she offered me an apologetic shrug that seemed to say: “That’s how she is. Just go with it.”

I sighed. “I cannot help but agree with your assessment. Do as you will.”

“Okie dokie lokie!”

How much stranger could this day possibly get? Never mind, I would rather not tempt fate by having such a question answered. In any case, I was now sitting in Pinkie Pie’s bathtub trying my best to wash away the sweat and grime I accumulated throughout the morning.

Do not misunderstand. I was grateful that she offered to let me use her private bath. But it was so utterly vexing at the same time.

First of all, Pinkie was far stronger than she appeared to be. Instead of allowing me to follow her into the bathroom like a proper host, she picked me up (with very little effort mind you!) and carried me like a princess the whole way up the stairs.

If that was not embarrassing enough, she stripped me of my clothing and shoved me into the bathroom without a moment’s hesitation after shouting: “Have fun getting clean! I’ll bring you some new clothes in a jiffy!”

Did she have no concept of personal space? I do not believe she did even though there was no ill intent behind her actions. But at least she respected my privacy while I bathed. That was a minor blessing. Unfortunately, I had to make due with the products she owned to cleanse myself with.

I cringed when I picked up bottles labeled: “Bubblegum Blast Body Wash” and “Super Duper Strawberry Shortcake Shampoo”. They were just so…juvenile! They did smell pleasant, if one wanted to emulate the scent of a candy store. I wanted to smell like a woman, not some sugar obsessed child!

It was too late now, though. I had already applied the products to my skin and hair. There was no reason to be rude just because of my own personal preferences. Besides, I rather enjoyed the hot water of the bath. It did much to relieve the stress and tension in both my muscles and mind.

That was, until I decided it was time to get out and dry myself off. All of her towels were pink, of course. But they were quite clean and fluffy. Once my body was sufficiently dry enough, I walked out of the bathroom while continuing to dry my hair.

Surprisingly enough, she laid out a set of rather mute-colored clothing for me upon her bed. The top was a dark gray t-shirt with a picture of a boulder on it saying “You Rock!” and the pants happened to be a simple pair of black jeans. Just as I finished drying my hair, I felt someone gently caress my stomach.

“You’ve got some seriously toned abs, Zecora. I’m a little jealous to be honest. My tummy is a bit squishy from all the yummy cakes and pastries I’ve been eating.”

I batted her hands away. “C-could you please stop doing that?!”

“Oopsie. I kind of forgot you were naked.”

“That is hardly the issue!”

Pinkie rubbed her chin. “Hmm. You’re right! We’re both girls, so it’s totally ok!”

“The more pressing concern is that I do not enjoy being groped without consent.”

“Oh my gosh! I’m sooooo sorry! That must have been totally weird and awkward for you. You probably think I bat for the other team now! I mean, girls can be really sexy sometimes buuuuut… I still prefer guys. Mostly.”

I rubbed my temples. “I forgive you; just refrain from doing it again.”

“So, do you like the clothes I picked out? I tried to get darker colors so they would match your hair. Do you like them? Huh? HUH?!”

“Yes, they are fine. And thank you for allowing me to use your bath.”

Pinkie grinned. “No problem! The clothes are actually my sister’s. I figured since the both of you looked to be about same height they should fit pretty well. You’re gonna have to go commando though. I don’t think any of my underwear would fit you…”

There was no doubt in my mind she was correct. While Pinkie Pie was not exactly obese, she was handsomely curvaceous. In all of the classically feminine ways. Let us just say that if she decided to visit my village, wearing little more than a smile, she would have dozens of suitors by the end of the day. The pink haired woman may have envied my musculature, but I was far more envious of her plump breasts.

With a resigned sigh, I slipped on the clothing she provided and looked at my reflection in the mirror. Much to my surprise they fit quite well and the colors, like she said, matched my hair perfectly. They were comfortable too. Not as breathable as Ms. Rarity’s dress, but loose enough not to restrict my movement. Overall, I was quite pleased.

Pinkie clapped her hands. “You look great in that outfit!”

“Ah. Thank you. But it is largely due in part to your selection.”

“Nope! It’s because you’re really pretty. Although, I wouldn’t try wearing the same kind of stuff you had on before. AJ and her family pull off the farmer look waaaay better than you.”

I rubbed my neck. “There were extenuating circumstances concerning my choice of attire...”

“Oh ho? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say they looked like Big Mac’s clothes. You didn’t do anything naughty with him the night before, did you? Because that totally sounds like something that would happen in one of Rarity’s trashy romance novels.”

“What of it? Is it a crime to make love to the man I wish to marry?”

Pinkie’s eyes widened. “No, but—did you really sleep with Big Mac? You’ve gotta tell me! Does he actually have a big weenie? ‘Cause the girls and I used to grill AJ about it during our sleep-overs, but she’d never say anything.”

“T-that is none of your business!”

“Awww~ I was only curious. Now that I think about it, I guess that’s a really embarrassing question to ask someone I’ve just met. Oh well, I’ll have to keep using my imagination instead!”

My face felt like it was on fire. “Could we please move onto a topic that does not involve the details of my love life or that of my future husband?”

“Hehe. Sure, no problemo! What kind of shoes do you like? Do you even wear shoes? I’m only asking because you weren’t wearing any when you came in here. If not, you should probably buy a pair. Just don’t wear socks with sandals. Because Twilight does that and it looks SOOOOO dorky! But I don’t want to a meanie and tell her that. Maybe you should just stick to boots.”

Today was going to be a long day…

A Fortuitous Shopping Trip

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Chapter 9

Barnyard Bargains, Ponyville

Never before had I realized the sheer power of Equestrian capitalism until today. Granted, in my travels I often traded with many of the surrounding villages in my homeland and perused various stalls. However, the colossal building had far more in common with a royal palace than a mere shop. I suppose that is why Pinkie called it a “Mega Mart”. An apt name if there ever was one.

Despite the desire to browse at my own pace, I quickly realized that without Pinkie’s guidance, I was doomed to become lost in this veritable labyrinth of manufactured goods. That was why I endured her incessant ramblings on various subjects which seemed to have no logical progression whatsoever.

At one point, I believe the conversation began with our favorite type of candy and ended with…toys designed to entertain felines? After a while I simply stayed silent, allowed her to talk, and nodded when appropriate. I would have gotten a headache had I done otherwise. And while I agreed with Applejack that she was a kind and helpful woman, it was extremely difficult to deal with her on a personal level.

After what seemed like an eternity, we finally arrived at the area of the store that sold shoes. Having gone barefoot most of my life, the soles of my feet were hardened to the point where I could practically walk on pebbles and feel little discomfort.

But I had to agree that constantly walking around town on hard pavement without footwear was an open invitation for possible injury. It also seemed that many of the shops had a “no shirt, no shoes, no service policy” in place. How odd. What of clothing that covered the groin?

Pinkie nodded emphatically. “Oh I know what you mean, sister. I tried to walk into Rose’s flower shop without pants one time and she kicked me out in like ten seconds flat!”

“How did you know what I was thinking?”

“It was the look on your face, silly! And a little bit of a lucky guess.”

“While we are on the subject, do you know why such signs are posted?”

Pinkie smiled. “Yeppers! It’s because society doesn’t want people coming into stores butt naked or spreading around their icky toe fungus and stuff. Hmm. Twilight had a word for it. I think it’s called…Public Decency. Yeah, that’s it!”

“Is that why you provided me with these…flip flops, as you called them?”

“Mhmm. I know they aren’t exactly super comfy but that’s why I brought you with me to shop for some shoes. And don’t worry about the cost. Think of them as my welcome to Ponyville present!”

I frowned. “Thank you, Pinkie. You have been nothing but a kind and generous friend. However, I am uncertain as to how I can repay your kindness…”

“No worries. You’ll think of something eventually.”

Despite her reassurance, I was still a bit leery concerning the cost of my new footwear. I did not want to pick out a pair of shoes that cost too much, but at the same time I was not familiar enough with the Equestrian currency system to make an informed decision. That is to say, I understood that fifty bits was more than thirty bits...yet what did the price difference mean exactly?

Upon taking a closer look, I found that the price of shoes depended heavily upon what brand was printed on the box. With that in mind, I tried to find brands that were lower in price but not necessarily lower in quality.

After about fifteen minutes, I settled on a pair of shoes that were similar to what Rainbow Dash had been wearing. I figured that if they were good enough for an athlete of her caliber, they were good enough for my daily travels.

When I tried them on, I was astonished by how comfortable they were. It was as if my feet were being cushioned by clouds! Another bonus was the fact that they conformed to my every movement without awkwardly hindering my gait like the flip-flops did. The only thing I did not like about them was that the material inside chaffed against my feet. But that was a small price to pay, in my opinion.

Pinkie furrowed her brow. “Are you really gonna get a pair of boring old tennis shoes?”

“I find them quite comfortable and reasonably priced. Do you not approve of my choice?”

“Weeell I guess it’s not a problem if you like them. Personally, I’d get something snazzier but they are a heck of a lot cheaper than some of the shoes around here.”

“What do you mean by snazzier?”

Pinkie rubbed her chin. “You know, like with more style! Black and white is just so…blah. Kinda reminds me of what it’s like to shop with Dashie. She doesn’t really care too much about style either, BUT it does match your hair.”

“I…see. Again, I apologize for my ignorance. Apparel has never been something I paid much attention to.”

“Ooooh. I get it. You’re a tomboy! And that’s totally cool ‘cause not all of us can love fashion as much as Rarity does.”

I shook my head. “The reason I never concerned myself with clothing was because I did not desire to wear any, as it was an integral part of my beliefs. Furthermore, Zebrica’s climate tends to be warm all year around, so I was quite comfortable going about my daily life in the nude.”

Pinkie, who had not stopped talking since I met her, stared at me in abject bewilderment. In all honesty, I thought it was rather rude that she opened her mouth as wide as she did. It made me feel so…alienated. Was my lifestyle truly so off-putting that Equestrians believed me to be some sort of deranged deviant?

Moments felt like eons as the painfully awkward silence continued to stretch between us. Despite my best efforts to curb the vortex of emotions inside me, my eyes welled up with tears of frustration along with a deepening blush of embarrassment. I came to Equestria to live how I pleased, not to be judged by others!

Pinkie gasped. “Oh my gosh! I’m soooo sorry! I totally didn’t mean to upset you! It’s fine with me if you wanna live like that. You just surprised me a bit. I mean, it’s not every day you get to meet a real, live nudist! Except for Tree Hugger. But I guess she isn’t technically a nudist. More of a hippie really. In fact, there was this one time we she got SUPER baked and decided to take a bath in town hall foun—”

“It is alright. And I apologize for my outburst as well. I am just so very tired of everyone judging me for how I choose to live.”

Pinkie rubbed her neck. “Yeah, the people here in Ponyville can be super conservative about stuff sometimes. NOT that it’s an excuse for them to judge you or anything. Zecora, I really am sorry. Would a hug would make you feel better?”

“I suppose so…”

I barely had a second to compose myself before the bubbly woman crushed me in a terrific bear hug. Seriously, just how strong was she? I swear I heard my rib cage creak slightly. In any case, I hugged her back with all the intensity I could muster. It felt oddly…cathartic. I feel that I should mention that her body was, in fact, quite soft. Therefore, very pleasant to hug.

“Sooo do you feel any better?”

I chuckled. “Yes, I do. Thank you.”

“Told ya! And if anybody is mean or judgmental about your lifestyle tell me about it. I’ll set ‘em straight Pinkie Pie style~”

“What, pray tell, does that involve?”

Pinkie cracked her knuckles. “Beating the crap out of ‘em, mostly. But don’t worry! I won’t hurt them bad enough so they have to go to the hospital. I promise!”

“But I can handle my—”

“Nuh uh. None of that, missy! They need to feel my PINK FISTS OF FURY!”

Normally, I would have simply dismissed the woman’s claim as nothing more than bravado. But…having experienced firsthand how strong she was, I had to consider the very real possibility that she possessed the strength to back her words. It made me all the more grateful that she was my friend rather than my foe.

With my intended purchase in hand, the two of us made our way towards the front of the “Mega Mart”. Of course, I allowed Pinkie to guide me since I had no idea where I was supposed to exchange currency for goods I procured. This was yet another instance I needed to learn about in order to adjust to my new life in Equestria.

Unfortunately, Pinkie indicated that she needed to stop by the section of the store that contained remedies and various toiletries. From what I could tell, she told me that she needed to purchase a brand of toothpaste called Tutti Frutti Fluoride Freshness©. By the sprits, I swear this woman was utterly obsessed with childish things!

Whilst she made her selection, I took the opportunity to browse the area. Never in my entire life had I seen so much medicine in one place! It was unlike any of the apothecaries I visited during my travels.

For one thing, all of the medicines were contained in colorful boxes or bottles and lined up in sections according to their use. In my experience, the purveyor of the shop generally placed the remedies in glass jars or in burlap sacks, so his or her potential customer could view them directly.

This was certainly not the case. In fact, if one did not properly read the label printed upon the medicine, it was not immediately clear as to what the medicine treated or indicative of its quality. I was also rather off put by the price labels placed directly upon the shelves. It was important to make a living, plying your wears…but this just smacked of profiteering to me.

I firmly believed that prices should be negotiable in order to best service the customer’s needs. Otherwise, the emphasis would be placed on whether or not a person had the coin to pay for a remedy, rather than aiding someone in need.

It was yet another bizarre facet of Equestria’s culture that I had trouble grasping. But at least I could run my herbal shop in a more traditional manner. That is, if and when it became more established.

So caught up was I, in my own thoughts, that I managed to collide into a fellow shopper. It was profoundly embarrassing for me because I should have been paying more attention to my surroundings instead of thinking about business practices.

The poor woman I ran into managed to drop all of her purchases upon the floor. But after a quick inspection, I determined that she appeared to be uninjured and her personal effects undamaged. After scrambling to my feet, I made my way over and helped her off the floor.

“I am terribly sorry, miss. I was not paying attention to where I was going. Are you alright?”

“Oui, I shall be fine.”

Immediately, I noticed that she spoke with a cultured, if somewhat guttural accent. It was obvious that she was not a native of Equestria, but from where exactly she hailed from I did not know. It sounded familiar; like I had heard it once before but…for the life of me, I could not place it.

She was quite beautiful in my opinion. Olive complexion, silky pink hair with frosty highlights, long legs, and perky bosoms made her look like she came straight from the canvas of a famous painting. Her choice of attire seemed a bit odd, though.

She wore a dark blue bandana on top of her head and a pair of sunglasses, despite being indoors. Considering that I chose to forego clothing most of the time, it was not my place to judge. But the more concerning issue regarding our encounter was the fact that her movements were skittish and cautionary. It made her seem more like a hunted animal than a person. What possessed her to act this way?

“Please allow me to help you retrieve your things. It is the least I can do to make up for my blunder.”

The woman waved her hand. “Wait! Those items are per—”

Whatever she was going to say lost all meaning. It was mainly because I happened to notice the nature of her purchases while picking them up. They all seemed to be sexual aids of one kind or another. In particular, I saw a bottle of fruit scented lubricant and wondered if Macintosh would enjoy such a thing…

“Ah. I did not realize you were purchasing…intimate products.”

The woman blushed fiercely. “It’s a little too late for that now. But at least you are woman. I don’t know what I would’ve done had you been a man.”

“Again, I apologize for causing you any discomfort or embarrassment.”

“I know you didn’t mean to. Accidents happen. C'est la vie, non?”

I offered her my hand. “My name is Zecora and I came here with my friend to do some shopping. I take it that you are doing the same?”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Zecora. Call me…Fleur, if you please. And yes, I came to purchase some items of a—more personal nature.”

I cleared my throat. “Am I correct in assuming that you have a lover to ermm—share those with? I-I mean, if you do not wish to answer, I completely understand! I am merely curious.”

“He’s actually my husband. This year marks our fifth wedding anniversary, in fact!”

“Congratulations! I hope that the both of you continue to find happiness with one another for many years to come.”

“Merci. Do you happen to have a special someone in your life as well?”

I nodded. “I do but he is not my husband…yet.”

“Marriage is a very big step in the wheel of life, ma belle amie. It takes some people a bit more time to come to terms with such a life-altering decision. Trust me. If he loves you, he will ask you to become his wife. All you need to do is be patient.”

I sighed. “I know. Waiting is always the hardest part. I—ah—could not help but notice that you have quite a variety of sexual aids in your possession. Do you, perhaps, have trouble engaging in acts of intimacy?”

“I should have known that you would ask that. To answer your question: yes and no.”

“What do you mean?”

Fleur bit her lip. “Well, it’s complicated. Don’t get me wrong! My husband and I love each other very much and we try to be intimate often as we can. But it’s difficult for me to…climax more often than not.”

“And you believe that these products will help you?”

“That I do not know. I’ve tried everything! Medicine and doctors alike never seem to do me any good. I’m not sure what to do anymore…”

I cocked my head. “Perhaps I could help.”

“I appreciate the sentiment but I’m sure how you could.”

“Let us just say that I am quite knowledgeable when it comes to herbal medicine. I might have a remedy in my possession that could help you with your issue.”

Fleur’s expression brightened. “Really? You’ve dealt with this sort of thing before?”

“When I was as an apprentice under my teacher, there were many women who came to us seeking aid with sexual issues similar to your own. I assure you that there is nothing to be ashamed of. It is simply a matter of finding the correct treatment for your body’s particular needs.”

Fleur grabbed my shoulders. “How much will this treatment cost and where can I get it?”

“We can discuss cost later. I am more concerned about fixing your issue first. Come visit my cabin near the edge of the Everfree Forest later today and I shall prepare a remedy for you.”

“Very well. I have nothing left to lose at this point. I’ll see you again this afternoon.”

I nodded. “Good. Enjoy the rest of your shopping, Ms. Fleur.”

The rest of the shopping trip was a success. After Pinkie and I purchased our items, we had a quick lunch at the same diner that I met Macintosh in earlier. The fare was by no means extravagant, but enjoyable none the less. Pinkie settled for what she called a “hamburger” and I ate a turkey club sandwich.

The only thing I was slightly confused about was why Pinkie called her sandwich a “hamburger”. From what I could tell, the main ingredient was actually beef and did not contain any meat from a pig. Well, save for a few strips of bacon. But that still was not ham!

My confusion was only multiplied when Pinkie ordered dessert. The dish she ordered was something called “cheesecake” and it was covered in what appeared to be partially gelatinous cherries. She offered me a bite, and I found it delicious.

But why was it called a cake? Clearly, it was not a cake or a pie for that matter. It more closely resembled a tart, in both texture and taste. So why call it a cake? Ugh! I am uncertain if I will ever come to understand these strange conventions when naming dishes.

Disregarding any further culinary mysteries, I made my way back to the cabin after lunch. As soon as I walked in the door, I felt a wave of fatigue wash over me. After I thought about it for a moment, it dawned on me as to why I felt so tired. The combination of digesting a large meal and dealing with my hyperactive friend had put a strain on my endurance.

Rather than feel guilty about it, I relished the idea of taking a quick nap. In fact, it was quite common in my homeland for people to rest in the middle of the day. It gave farmers and laborers time to recharge themselves for the evening, as well as…an opportunity to make love to their wives, if they wanted to. Coincidentally, my people happen to have a proverb for such a situation: Those who lay ‘neath noon-day’s light are given into passion’s flight.

Perhaps at some point in the future I would consider doing such a thing for Macintosh as a surprise. Passion was, after all, a difficult feeling to suppress. Especially when you wanted nothing more than to feel the soft touch of a lover’s embrace. However, it was unwise to allow passion to completely dictate every facet of one’s life.

After contemplating a rather divergent line of thought, I stripped out of the clothes Pinkie gave me and nestled into my bed. While I was not overly fond of clothing in general, I enjoyed the feeling of the silky soft sheets as they pressed against my skin. Why you ask? Well, I suppose it was simply because it felt good and to a lesser extent the warmth made me feel safe.

I was uncertain exactly how long I had been asleep. The only thing I did know was that someone was knocking at my door. In my half-conscious state, I jumped out of bed and ran towards my door without really thinking about anything else.

“May I help you?”

Much to my dismay, Ms. Fleur was the person on the other side of my doorway. To be fair, I did tell her it was alright to visit me later in the day…but I had neglected to remember that while napping. I hoped that she would forgive me for my negligence.

Fleur cleared her throat. “Ça alors—umm—did I come at a bad time?”

“My hair must look like quite a mess! Forgive me; I was taking a nap just a few moments ago. If you give me a moment, I will try my best to straighten it out.”

“No, that’s not really what—”

“Please come in and make yourself comfortable. I will return in a few moments after I comb my hair. In the meantime, there is tea in the fridge if you feel thirsty.”

I must have looked like a complete fool! Upon viewing my refection in the bathroom mirror, I noticed that my hair was askew and single bead of drool was still present on my lower lip. Luckily, I tended to keep my hair somewhat short so combing it back was not too difficult. After doing that, I washed my face and quickly dried off.

When I walked back into the living room, I noticed that Ms. Fleur had decided to take a seat on the couch while she enjoyed a glass of iced tea. I was not particularly thirsty, so I did not partake of any tea myself. Instead, I chose to sit next to her and get straight to business. It was the least I could do to make up for my earlier blunder.

“My deepest apologies, Ms. Fleur. I lost track of time while I slept. Do you still want me to help you find a remedy?”

Fleur rubbed her neck. “Yes, I’m still interested. But…do you mind if I ask you a personal question?”

“I suppose I do not mind.”

“I couldn’t help but notice that you’re naked, mon chéri. Do you mind telling me why?”

I blushed. “I forgot to put anything on in my haste to answer the door. But this is usually how I go about in my own home. I am more comfortable in the nude. If that makes you uncomfortable, I can go put something on…”

“No, no. I’m not bothered by it. Please, stay as you are. I would do much the same as you if I were at home.”

“You…would?”

Fleur nodded. “Oui. You see, I’m originally from Prance. And in my home country we have a— what’s the word?—more liberal attitude concerning nudity than Equestria. In fact, I have been a naturiste my entire life. So, I’m quite used to it.”

“Oh how wonderful! You have no idea what this means to me to finally find someone who shares my lifestyle!”

Fleur smiled. “I’m always happy to meet a fellow naturiste. Although, I would ask that you keep quiet about it. If the media found out, it would cause my husband and I an endless amount of grief and hassle. We already have enough on our plate to deal with as is.”

“I am afraid that I do not understand. Why would the media cause you grief?”

“I’m terribly sorry, Zecora! I assumed you knew who my husband was. I guess that makes a certain amount of sense considering that you haven’t been in Equestria very long. My husband is Chancellor Fancy Pants.”

“WHAT?! You mean to tell me that the leader of Equestria is your husband? P-please forgive me! I feel even worse for making such an important person wai—”

Fleur put her finger on my lips. “Stop that. I came here as Fleur, not the chancellor’s wife. So just treat me as you would any other person. That’s all I ask.”

“O-ok. If that is what you wish, then I shall comply. So…what kind of issues are you experiencing during intimacy?”

Fleur looked down at her feet. “When Fancy and I make love, my…orgasms just don’t seem to be as intense as they used to be. Believe me, I’ve tried all sorts of drugs and aids but nothing seems to work!”

“I am not certain that any of those drugs would help you.”

“What do you mean? Are you saying that you can’t help me?!”

I shook my head. “That is not what I meant. From what I can tell, the stress you accumulate in your mind during the day causes physical symptoms in your body. Hence, why you do not enjoy making love as much as you used to.”

“But I’ve been to several of the best specialists in Canterlot! They all said I was healthy. How can they be wrong?”

“Were you experiencing the same type of stress when visiting said specialists? Because it seems to me that you would not, simply due to the timing of your symptoms.”

Fleur gasped. “Now that I think about it, you’re right! The tests they administered were something I knew about far in advance, thus they wouldn’t have accurately gauged my daily stress levels. How could I not have noticed this before?”

“Sometimes, all it takes is an outsider’s perspective.”

“True. So, do you have anything in particular that might help me?”

“I just might. Wait here while I go fetch it.”

The mind is always a tricky creature to deal with. One must never discount the fact that a problem based there can often lead to physical consequences, whether intended or not. For example: If I happened to hurt my leg during a hunt, I could choose to ignore the pain and continue on. My mind, in that instance, would be overriding my physical response to address the injury.

In Ms. Fleur’s case, the stress she experienced from her lifestyle made her tense, thus she would not be as relaxed as she could be to enjoy making love. It was simply the byproduct of an overactive mind that resulted in a physical reaction. Luckily, I happened to have an herbal remedy that might help her.

My remedy came in the form of a tea. More specifically, a tea made from the ground fronds of the Blood Fern. No, it was not called the Blood Fern because it was harmful in any way or caused bleeding. The name is derived from the dark crimson color of the plant itself, which resembles blood.

The fern, ironically enough, does happen to have an effect on the blood flow of the person who ingests it. In layman terms, it heightens the sensitivity of the skin by increasing the speed which blood circulates through the body. Both women and men alike tend to experience more intense arousal and orgasms upon consumption of the tea.

I figured that the Blood Fern tea would likely solve most of Ms. Fleur’s issues. Just to be sure, I also included a vial of mild muscle relaxant derived from the sap of the Tongo Tree. It has been a tried and true remedy for countless generations amongst my people and is non-addictive, so long as it is consumed in small doses. Hopefully, that would help.

I handed Fleur her remedies. “This is Blood Fern tea. Brew a pot and drink at least two cups, but do not consume any more than a few drops of the liquid inside this vial within a day’s time.”

“What’s in the vial?”

“A mild muscle relaxant. But do not worry. You will not become addicted to it, if you use it in moderation. It will help to loosen the tension in your muscles a bit.”

Fleur kissed both of my cheeks. “Thank you! How much do I owe you?”

“For now, just give me thirty bits. I think that is a fair price for a first-time customer.”

“That’s…all? I usually pay two to three times that price for on the market drugs. Are you sure you don’t want more?”

I shook my head. “I am more concerned about helping you than making a hefty profit. Go and enjoy making love to your husband.”

“O-of course! And thank you again, Zecora. If your medicine works, I’ll spread the word around Canterlot that you’re the woman to see. Au revoir!”

After I waved goodbye to Fleur, I smiled to myself in satisfaction. This why I wanted to become an herbalist. Helping others just gave me a sense of pride and happiness that I could not possibly quantify or explain. Of course, I still wanted to earn a living. But that was merely a means to an end. Now, all I needed was for Macintosh to make me his wife…

The Vacation of a Lifetime (I)

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Chapter 10

Zecora’s Cabin, The Everfree Forest

It had been about two weeks since my last encounter with Fleur. During that time, I experienced quite an increase in the amount of customers who wished to purchase remedies from my humble abode. Because of that, I decided to post a sign outside my door to indicate my hours of operation. And there was also the issue of my lifestyle.

While I often preferred to wear nothing at all while I was inside, it occurred to me that continuing to do so while people were constantly visiting my home was….not the best idea. It irked me to no end, but I understood that most Equestrians were still quite squeamish when it came to casual nudity.

So, I decided to purchase a few more dresses to wear during “business hours” as Rarity put it. They were hardly anything eye-catching or fancy but they were only meant to preserve my so called modesty. However, once my work day was complete, I immediately took them off. For now though, I was wearing a crème colored dress that went just below my knees. It would suffice in case I happened to receive any early morning customers.

I sighed after taking a sip of my tea. With my flourishing business and the upcoming cider season, Macintosh and I had little time to spend with one another. It was not what I wanted, but there was a silver lining to this dark cloud of loneliness.

My paramour’s absence only made my desire to become his wife even stronger. Even though I gave him my necklace (which he wore nearly every day), I felt that another token of my intention to marry needed to be presented to him. It was for the best, since he lacked prior knowledge of my people’s customs. This time, however, I would make certain that he properly understood my intentions.

I was not a materialistic woman, so I possessed few objects of any great value. Expect for the gold bracelet my teacher bequeathed to me to remember her by. I could not just give Macintosh the bracelet itself. That would not convey the personal touch I wanted it to express. Unfortunately, I would need to melt the bracelet down and shape it into a proper wedding ring.

With a heavy heart, I journeyed to the local jeweler a few days prior, and had it reshaped into a smaller ring. When asked if I wanted any etchings on it, I was confused at first. But eventually I decided to include miniature engravings of my favorite animal, the zebra, onto the outside of the ring.

I was quite pleased with the results. The ring’s beauty was far beyond my expectations. While I was somewhat saddened by the original bracelet’s destruction, I realized that it was still made from the same gold my teacher gave to me. Therefore, whenever I saw Macintosh wear it, the ring would remind me of them both. In my humble opinion, that made it all the more precious to me.

A smile spread across my face as I grasped the satin bag the ring was contained in. I sincerely hoped that Macintosh would like it. The only issue now was deciding the appropriate time to give it to him. I know that in my own culture, a woman proposing marriage to man was practically considered taboo.

Here in Equestria though, I was…not entirely certain how marriage worked. Perhaps it was not considered inappropriate if I proposed first? But what if it was? Under no circumstances did I wish to create a disastrously awkward situation for one of the most important decisions of my life!

Even if it did come to that, I hoped that everyone would forgive my ignorance. For now though, I decided to bide my time and allow Macintosh to propose to me first. I took a deep breath to try and calm myself. It was just so difficult for me to be patient in this matter! But…I had to try, and simply have faith in Macintosh.

My thoughts were interrupted by a slight knocking at the door. I was surprised when I opened it because I was expecting a customer, but instead a worker from the Equestrian Postal Service was standing outside. It was none other than clumsy, but immensely kind Mrs. Ditzy Doo Hooves.

The blonde haired woman often preferred to go by her nickname of “Derpy” for whatever reason. I think it was a derogatory term to classify her clumsy nature. It seemed a bit cruel to me, but she insisted that it was good-natured. I was inclined to believe her because I never witnessed a single denizen of Ponyville treat her with disrespect or disgust.

“Good morning, Ms. Hooves. What brings you to my cabin today?”

Derpy smiled. “Hi Zecora! I brought you a letter!”

“I see. Do you happen to know who it is from?”

Derpy nodded. “Yeah, it’s from Fleur De Lis. Huh…I didn’t know you knew any super famous people.”

“I suppose I do. Although, I do not consider her any different than the rest of my friends. In any case, thank you for your service. If I might ask, how are things going with your husband?”

Derpy blushed. “Well, the Doctor and I we—we’re still trying to have a baby. So, thanks for the massage oil you gave me last week. It helped us to…get in the mood.”

“Excellent. That is great news. I hope the two of you have a beautiful child.”

“Me too. See ya later, Zecora!”

I chuckled as I saw her jog down the road. It never ceased to amaze me just how many people came to my home looking for remedies of a more…intimate nature. They were always so shy about asking for them too. To me, it was just an integral part of life, so I never made a fuss over it. In any case, I hoped that Mr. and Mrs. Hooves produced the child they desired so much.

Once I got a good look at the letter, I realized just how ornate the stationary was. Surely, Fleur did not need to waste such an expensive piece of paper on the likes of me. I would have been satisfied with something simpler.

In fact, from what I could tell, this was an official cover letter straight from the Chancellor’s desk. It even had the official Equestrian State Emblem printed on the bottom (a sun and moon intertwined between two stallions).

Dear Zecora,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. Fancy and I just wanted to express our gratitude for the medicine you gave to me. It has helped immensely with our love life. I know that I thanked you for it before…but I just felt that words weren’t enough. Enclosed inside this letter, you will find a pair of tickets to our favorite resort, located in southern Prance. It is known as: Plage de Sable Blanc. I have also taken the liberty of arranging airfare and the rest of the expenses for you and Macintosh. Please enjoy yourselves.
-Fleur.

I was rendered speechless after I read the letter. Fleur did not have to go out of her way to thank me. I already felt that any debts we had between ourselves to be paid in full. But…she wanted to do more. I was profoundly touched by her generosity. Here it was. The opportunity that had eluded me for so long, quite literally, fell into my hands! Macintosh and I now had the perfect excuse to spend time together.

The only problem I had now was that I had no idea what Plage de Sable Blanc actually was. While I had a vague notion of where it was located, I had never visited a so-called “resort” in my entire life. The only person I knew of with any kind of experience dealing with anything Prench or resorts was Rarity. With that in mind, I decided to close the shop early and pay my fashion conscious friend another visit.

Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

I suppose I should have been alarmed at how quickly Rarity welcomed me into her home when I mentioned the letter I received. But it was exactly what I expected from her. She was a kind and generous woman to be sure, but gossip amongst her peers was somewhat of a guilty pleasure for her. Ergo, I knew that she would not be able to resist my offer.

Despite my misgivings at unintentionally manipulating my friend, I knew that she was one of the few people who could give me the knowledge I sought. So, I graciously accepted her invitation to enjoy some lemonade with pastries and took a seat next to her on the couch.

Rarity smiled. “So…you said this letter was from Fleur De Lis, as in the famous model and wife of Chancellor Fancy Pants, Fleur De Lis?”

“Indeed. I became friends with Fleur shortly after I met her at the mega mart. She came to me seeking a…solution to a medical issue she was experiencing. Out of gratitude, she sent me the tickets you see before you.”

Rarity clapped her hands. “Oh that is just simply marvelous! Quite frankly, I’m rather jealous right now.”

“Is it because I was invited to a resort? If that is the case, I must admit that I am confused. I do not understand the significance of the place mentioned on the tickets. That is why I came to you, Rarity. I was hoping that you could explain it to me in greater detail.”

“And I’m more than happy to explain it to you, darling. Just let me take a closer look at the tickets.”

It was astonishing just how fast Rarity’s face changed from elation to complete embarrassment when she examined the tickets. I looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to give me an answer. When she did not respond, I gently shook her shoulders to try and get her attention. After a few seconds she finally regained her composure and coughed into her hand.

“I always read the rumors in the tabloids, but I never thought they were true. Zecora, do you understand what you have here?”

“If I did, then I would not be asking you.”

Rarity laughed to herself. “How silly of me, of course you don’t. Hmm, how do I put this? Plage de Sable Blanc is a beautiful, but very exclusive place where you go to relax and have fun. It only caters to those who are in the know and can get on their list. But that’s not why I’m so…shocked.”

“Please, do not keep me in suspense! Tell me what is wrong with this place.”

Rarity bit her lip and blushed. “Ermm well it’s not that there’s anything wrong with it, per say. Plage de Sable Blanc is famous for being a high end…clothing-free resort.”

“That is wonderful news! I had no idea such a place existed. I would not have to bother wearing anything. Why were you so hesitant to tell me that?”

“Well…it’s not you that I’m worried about, darling. I’m not sure if Macintosh is the type who would be comfortable being in the nude around others. He is rather shy, after all.”

I frowned. “Oh. I had not thought of that. We have not really spent much time together lately and I was hoping that he would agree to come with me to this resort. Do you…think he will still go, even if he knows that he has to be nude?”

“I can’t be completely certain, but I have a strong suspicion that he will. He loves you, darling. And we always do the strangest things for those we love.”

I took a deep breath. “How do I tell him?”

“I suppose you could simply lie. But that might make him angry. Try sitting down with him and breaking the news as gently as you can. Who knows? This may be the most romantic getaway the both of you will ever go on! Take the opportunity while you have it.”

“That is for the best, I imagine. Tell me, my friend; is it unusual for women in Equestria to ask a man’s hand in marriage?”

Rarity scrunched her brow. “That’s an interesting question. Why do you—oh my! You’re serious aren’t you? Are you going to propose to Macintosh at the resort?!”

“I made up my mind long ago that he is the man I wish to marry. It is just that I am uncertain if there is some unspoken taboo over it. I have the wedding ring prepared and—”

Rarity grabbed my shoulders. “Listen to me carefully, Zecora. While not exactly taboo, it’s far more typical for men to propose first. Macintosh is…well, he comes from a very traditional family. I understand that you love him and you want to be his wife, but YOU MUST be patient and allow him to make the first move.”

“That is what everyone keeps telling me! I am not sure if I have that patience! What if he never gathers the courage to ask? What do I do then?”

“You just have to trust him, darling. That’s what being in a committed relationship is all about.”

“How do you even know so much about romance? You do not seem to have a husband of your own.”

Rarity clenched her teeth. “I’m…just…waiting…for the right man to come into my life. That and I’ve read many romance novels. It’s a bit of a hobby of mine.”

“Do you mean to tell me that you are giving me advice based on works of fiction, instead of actual life experience?!”

“Ummm…maybe? Please don’t look at me like that! What I said is one hundred percent true! You really do need to trust him.”

I crossed my arms. “I suppose you are correct. But I still do not appreciate getting advice from what amounts to hypothetical situations.”

“I’m sorry, Zecora. It was a bit pretentious of me to say that. I just want to make sure that the both of you are happy together. And just so you know, I have dated men before but many of those relationships never became as serious as yours, I’m afraid.”

I took a few seconds to calm myself and fully absorb what Rarity said to me. It was not as if she meant any harm by offering me advice, but I was…still somewhat irritated that she was basing all of her knowledge on material that she read rather than what she had experienced firsthand. But at the same time, I was grateful that she cared enough about Macintosh and me to help our relationship succeed.

In the end, I decided to set aside my anger and show Rarity how much I appreciated her friendship. Personally, I believed that action would speak volumes more than any words of forgiveness I could offer. So, I scooted closer to Rarity and embraced her as gently as I could. She seemed to tense at first, but returned my affection albeit in a less vigorous manner.

Rarity wiped her eyes. “Apologies, darling. I wasn’t expecting you to do that. Please allow me a moment to compose myself.”

“Was that too forward of me? I am sorry if it was. My people…have a tendency to express themselves physically rather than verbally most of the time. If you find physical affection uncomfortable I will cease—”

Rarity shook her head. “It’s not a problem, I assure you. I’m quite fine with receiving hugs from my friends. It’s just that the amount of sincerity you put behind it surprised me and I was caught off guard a bit.”

“Ah, I see. If you should ever require my assistance finding a man of your own, do not hesitate to ask. I try to help in whatever way I can.”

Rarity laughed. “We’ll see. Now, I think you’d best be off. You have something very important to discuss with Macintosh and I’d hate to hold you up any further.”

Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville

For what seemed like a lifetime ago, I finally stepped foot upon the soft grass of the Acres and breathed in the heavenly scent of apples, earth, and smoke. If I was not mistaken, most of the Apples were engaged in making various alcoholic, apple-based beverages in preparation for the fall harvest season.

I assumed that Macintosh was busy inside the brewery, so I did not happen to see him right away. However, I did happen to find Apple Bloom, her sister, and a third child standing in front of the farm house. Judging by the stern expression and tone of her voice, Applejack was busy lecturing the third child about something and…Apple Bloom appeared to be quite upset.

Once she was done with the lecture, I approached Applejack with the utmost caution. I…did not wish to intrude upon whatever lesson she was trying to impart. It was simply not my place. Sure enough, the two girls went their separate way and headed towards the brewery.

I cleared my throat. “Greetings, Applejack. How are you doing today?”

“Howdy, Zecora. Ah reckon today ain’t goin’ so well. Ah just had ta scold mah own cousin fer bein’ a bully.”

“I am sorry to hear that. Children can be very impressionable sometimes.”

AJ nodded. “Don’t ah know it! Ah don’t think Babs is a bad gal, she just wants ta fit in better. From what ah gather, she ain’t got many friends back in Manehatten where she lives.”

“How very sad…”

“Yeah. She happened ta meet the two brattiest gals in the whole town when she first got here. So…they ended up makin’ her do all kinds o’ awful stuff, which included makin’ fun o’ AB and her best friends as some kind o’ initiation rite ta become their friend.”

I knew that children could sometimes be cruel, but this was ridiculous! This girl had been Apple Bloom’s own flesh and blood and she betrayed the most sacred of bonds for the sake of two people she had just met?!

Family needed to stick together. It was as simple as that. Lonely child or not, it was difficult for me to accept that this “Babs” could knowingly do such a terrible thing. I had to clench my fists to keep my anger in check. This whole situation reminded me far too much of my own father.

AJ put her hand on my shoulder. “Are ya alright there, Sugarcube? Ya look like yer about ta punch down a brick wall.”

“I apologize for that. Your situation reminded me of my own family back home. Maybe someday, when I feel up to it, I shall speak in detail of my experience. But for now…let us just say that I did not have an exemplary father.”

AJ chuckled nervously. “Alright. Well, what can ah do for ya?”

“Do you happen to know where Macintosh is? I wish to discuss something important with him.”

“Far as ah know, he’s still tryin’ ta get the whiskey stills calibrated right. Look, ah know y’all haven’t exactly spent a whole lot o’ time together as of late, but spirits are an important source of pride fer us Apples. Mac takes his part very seriously, since that’s what Pa used ta do. That’s why he’s been so busy. He just wants ta make sure everythin’ comes out perfect.”

I let out a knowing sigh. “I do not fault your brother for that. I too wish to perfect my own craft. But would it be possible for him to take a break from his duties?”

“How long are we talkin’?”

“Would he be able to accompany me on a…week-long vacation, perhaps?”

AJ’s rubbed her chin. “It’s possible, but I’d have ta teach AB and Babs how ta help out in the stills. Ah reckon, at the very least, it’ll be a learnin’ experience for ‘em. Go on and take mah brother with ya, Faust knows he needs a break…and a little quality time with his sweetheart.”

After receiving Applejack’s blessing, I decided to make my way into the stillroom. Sure enough, I found Macintosh testing a finger’s worth of whiskey while jotting down a few things on a clipboard. I was fairly certain that he had not seen or heard me, so I felt that a surprise was in order.

With the stealth of a panther, I crept up behind him and placed my hands over his eyes. In response, he let out a rather unmanly yelp and wildly flung his arms about. I should not have giggled at his expense, but it was far too funny for me to resist. Once he calmed down a bit, I took my hands off of his eyes and pressed my lips against his.

“Hello, my love. How do you fare this fine day?”

Macintosh blushed. “Damnit, Zecora. Ya nearly gave me a heart attack! That aside, the kiss was rather nice.”

“I could not help myself. You do have a tendency for bringing out my mischievous side. If you would like me to stop…”

Macintosh took me into his arms. “Nah. It keeps mah life more interestin’. So…what can ah do for ya?”

“I was wondering if you might like to accompany me to a resort, so that we might spend some much needed time together. Do not worry! It shall only be for a week.”

“I’d love ta, but what about the stills? Ah can’t just let AJ and Granny do all the work. And besides, where did ya come by a pair of tickets?”

I gently stroked his chest. “Applejack assured me that she would teach your sister and cousin how to work everything. As for the tickets, my good friend Fleur sent them as a gesture of gratitude.”

“Ah see. If she thinks it can be done, then I’m inclined ta trust her. AJ’s always been true ta her word. Where’s this resort ya keep talkin’ about? I’d like ta know where we’re goin’ before we get there.”

I chuckled nervously. “I believe it is located in Southern Prance. It is called Plage de Sable Blanc. From what Rarity has told me, it is quite a beautiful and exclusive resort. We should not waste the opportunity to go there!”

“Sounds pretty fancy ta me. Are ya sure we can afford ta go there?”

“Indeed! Fleur mentioned that she took care of our expenses. We have nothing to worry about except for having a good time.”

Macintosh raised his brow. “Zecora…ah might not be as good at catchin’ lies like mah sister, but ah can tell when someone’s bein’ cagey. What ain’t ya tellin’ me?”

There is was. The moment I was dreading the most. Perhaps if I had kept more of a calm demeanor, he would not have become suspicious. No. I needed to tell him. It was the right thing to do. I took a deep breath, held both of his hands, and looked directly into his eyes.

“There is one further detail I neglected to mention. Plage de Sable Blanc is a—ermm—clothing free resort as Rarity put it. We would both have to be nude to go there. If you are not comfortable with that, we do not have to go…”

“Ah won’t lie and say I’m totally comfortable with it…but it’d be an awful waste not ta go. A-and as long as I’m with ya, everythin’ should be fine. Just don’t be too surprised if it takes me a while ta get used ta the whole…naked thing.”

I took his hand into mine. “I promise that we shall have a wonderful time! And…thank you for agreeing to this. I was afraid that you would not want to go.”

“Love makes us do crazy things, Zecora.”

The Vacation of a Lifetime (II)

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Chapter 11

Plage de Sable Blanc, Southern Prance

Our journey to the resort had been a rather uneventful one. Well, except for one brief occasion. I must admit that I found it quite humorous when Macintosh seemed surprised that I did not react adversely to flying on an airplane. Given that I had lived most of my life in a jungle, I suppose it is not surprising at all that he would assume I had no idea what an airplane was.

If you had seen me when I first made my way to Equestria, it would have been quite a different story. While I knew what an airplane was, I had never ridden one until the day I we left for Southern Prance. In all honesty, I was terrified out of my wits!

Human beings were never meant to fly. And to claim that we could do so in what amounted to a giant metal tube, filled with flammable liquid was…insane to say the least. Much to my embarrassment, I nearly had a panic attack once the plane took to the air. But the worst part of it was the fact that I simultaneously soiled myself and the upholstery of the fine leather chair beneath me.

Fortunately, the jet was a private one, utilized by the Equestrian government to transport important officials wherever they were needed. The staff took my incident in stride and gave me fresh clothing, as well as some medication to ease my anxiety. It helped, but I still felt utterly mortified at what happened and promptly sent them a letter of apology as soon as I was able.

Thoughts of accidental urination were far from my mind now, though. As of the moment, I was content to soak in the sights and sounds of the beautiful resort we were going to stay at for an entire week. I only now realized why it was called “White Beach”.

The sands, like their namesake, were white as porcelain and practically shone like diamonds in the early morning sun. Since it bordered the Minoterranean Sea, the climate was warm and pleasant, the water a vibrant aquamarine hue. For a moment, I closed my eyes and allowed the refreshing breeze to caress my face. I had a feeling I was going to enjoy staying here.

Macintosh cleared his throat. “Uhh…ah hate ta interrupt, but shouldn’t we be checkin’ in?”

“Oh! I am terribly sorry, Macintosh. I am afraid that I got caught up in the moment. Let us proceed.”

“Don’t worry about it, darlin’. This is a real pretty place. Ah couldn’t help but take a gander myself. Anyway, let’s get goin’.”

I nodded my head in affirmation. There would be ample time later to relax and absorb our surroundings. For now though, it was imperative that we meet our check-in time properly. Otherwise, we might lose out on our reservations.

The resort’s main building was elegant, but much smaller in scale than I expected. The façade was coated in a layer of light blue plaster, reminiscent of the many plantations Equestria once owned in the tropics over two centuries ago. When we opened the mahogany doors, I was quite surprised to find that the staff were dressed in black and red uniforms. From the look on Macintosh’s face, he was too.

The front desk was not difficult to find, considering that it had a large sign in both Equestrian and Prench directly above it. A friendly looking hostess smiled and bade us to come closer.

“Good morning! Do the two of you have reservations?”

Macintosh put our tickets on the desk. “Mornin’. I’ve got ‘em right here.”

“Ah, it seems that you are both V.I.Ps. That means you shall be staying in one of our presidential suites. Fully catered meals and all of our deluxe room service options are included in the cost. Please enjoy them at your leisure.”

Macintosh rubbed his neck. “Thanks. Umm…ah have a question, if ya don’t mind.”

“Yes?”

“Not ta sound rude but ain’t this a…nudist resort? Ah was kind of expectin’ y’all ta be naked.”

The hostess chuckled. “I take it that this is your first visit here?”

“Eeyup.”

“This is indeed a clothing-free resort; however the staff are required to wear uniforms. It is a matter of professionalism, you see. Our guests, on the other hand, are allowed to be nude wherever they wish.”

Macintosh bit his lip. “Ah see. W-well, I reckon we’ll head on up ta our room then. Thanks fer the information.”

“Not a problem, sir. Please enjoy your stay.”

I found it a bit odd that we had not seen any other guests roaming about. It may very well have been because we had arrived so early in the morning and they simply were not awake yet. In any case, it had not dulled the sense of amazement we both felt when we opened the door to the suite.

It was lavish beyond description. Everything about the room oozed opulence and excess, from the soft velvet rugs to the king sized ebon wood bed. There was even a portrait of the famous Prench Emperor Neighpoleon atop his noble steed, upon the wall.

What truly set my heart aflutter was the pair of sliding glass doors that led out to a small patio. Needless to say, it gave us a wonderful view of the ocean. Perhaps later…I would take advantage of such a view and enjoy it whilst entwined in my lover’s arms. I may or may not have let out a girlish squeal. What? It was my vacation. I was entitled to some excitement. Surely, anyone would have done the same in my position.

Neither Macintosh nor I decided to pack much in the way of clothing. It only made sense, since we were going to be nude most of the time. However, I knew that he was not as comfortable as I was concerning casual nudity, so…I told him that he could wear a robe if he so desired.

Once I was done unpacking, I stripped off the t-shirt and shorts I had been wearing and kissed him on the cheek as a form of encouragement. Never will I admit this aloud, but it pained me to see the expression that crossed his face afterward.

It was a mixture of hesitation, embarrassment, and uncertainty. Right then and there, I thought that our vacation had already ended before it even had the chance to begin. I cannot say I was completely surprised, he had expressed discomfort with the idea before we left. But…I had to do something to make him feel better about all of this, to assure him that he had nothing to be ashamed of.

I went behind him and wrapped my arms around his shoulders. His muscles, as I feared, were incredibly tense. Clearly, he would require quite a bit of coaxing to relax and accept the situation for what it was. I…did not want to force it upon him, but I also wanted him to enjoy his stay here.

I nuzzled his neck. “What is wrong, Macintosh?”

“Ah think ya know.”

“Most likely, but it is better to voice your fears than allow others to assume.”

Macintosh sighed. “Eeyup. Like ah told ya before, this whole…goin’ around in the nude thing is a bit unnervin’ fer me. What if—what if people stare at me or ah…happen ta…pitch a tent?

“Pitch a tent? Pray tell, why would anyone find humor in that?”

Macintosh rolled his eyes. “Don’t ya know—oh right, ya wouldn’t. Pitchin’ a tent is a euphemism fer gettin’ an erection. I’m not sure if ah can control it…”

“Do not worry about that. I will not become upset over something that occurs naturally. However, I can understand why you would be embarrassed to be seen aroused. Should you happen to become erect, we can always go for a swim, cover it with a towel, or I could…take care of it for you.”

“You’d do that?! Zecora it ain’t—”

My face erupted into a fierce blush. “O-only in the direst of circumstances! I am not some perverse exhibitionist! Obviously, I would try to go somewhere secluded. It would be…too embarrassing otherwise.”

Suddenly, I felt Macintosh’s muscles begin to relax as he bellowed with laughter. Not the nervous kind, mind you. But the kind that can only occur when one experiences something truly humorous. I yelped in surprise when he abruptly turned around and pulled me into an embrace.

“You’re somethin’ else, Zecora. Ah guess I’ve got nothin’ ta worry about if you’re around. Sorry if ah worried ya. Like anythin’ in life, I’m sure it’ll just take some gettin’ used to on mah part.”

I poked his chest. “Do not make light of your worries, my love! We all struggle with different issues. I just wanted to make certain that you know I am here to help you no matter how big or small those struggles may be.”

“Alright, ah got ya. Just don’t expect me ta be comfortable with this whole nudism thing right off the bat. It ain’t somthin’ I’m accustomed ta doin’.”

I placed my hands upon his cheeks. “You have absolutely no reason to be ashamed of your own body. We are all born nude; it is society that makes us feel naked. Take a deep breath, disrobe, and remember that I shall be at your side.”

Macintosh did as I asked, albeit hesitantly. What seemed like an eternity later, he finally peeled off his briefs and stood before me in all of his natural glory. Granted, he still looked incredibly nervous and the uncertain blush upon his face only exacerbated the impression. But…I was proud of him nonetheless. As a reward, I gave him a quick kiss of encouragement.

“Let us begin our holiday.”

What a beautiful day it was to frolic about at the beach! Was that the correct term? I confess that the concept of swimming in the ocean and playing in the sand purely for the sake of leisure was a foreign one to me.

One might presume to ask: “Zecora, were you such a dull girl that you never had any leisure time?” My honest answer is: of course I did, but it was scarce and I was nowhere near the ocean, so going there was out of the question.

The more I thought about, the more the idea appealed to me. The sun was shining; the weather was warm, and the water crystal clear. It was about as ideal a day as nature could provide me with. All of this was made so much better with Macintosh around my arm! And I was wrong about not seeing other guests. They too seemed to have the same inclination as we did.

It was not crowded by any means, but there were a fair number of people ambling about. They were engaged in all sorts of activities. For example: a few of the guests spent their time conversing at a small café , while others took to playing a sport that involved throwing around a plastic disk called a “Frisbee”. I was about to suggest we go for a swim, until I spotted someone familiar.

By the spirits, I did not believe it was possible! Before us was none other than Fleur. To be exact, it was not only her but her husband as well. The two of them were lying on a towel, nestled up to one another. Fleur was busy stroking her husband’s hair while he read a book. They looked as if they had not a care in the world. I was happy for them.

I did not wish to interrupt what seemed like such a tender moment, but at the same time I felt it would be rude not to greet my newest friend. As luck would have it, I did not have to make a choice in the matter.

Fleur just happened to notice me when she turned her head. With speed I did not realize she possessed, the olive skinned woman jumped off her towel and gave me a quick kiss to both of my cheeks. I returned her kisses in kind and smiled.

“It is so good to see you, Zecora!”

“The feeling is mutual, my friend. Might I ask what you are doing here?”

Fleur twirled a lock of her hair. “Well, Fancy and I enjoy coming here for our annual vacation. That’s why I made the date on your tickets the same, so that we could enjoy each other’s company. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, I do not mind at all. I was just surprised to see you.”

Fleur did happen to nod in response, but she seemed like she was occupied with something else. For a moment, I believed that she was lost in thought or perhaps she was just tired. However, I noticed that she had a predatory gaze about her eyes and she was fixing it directly at Macintosh.

Fleur grinned like a Cheshire cat. “So…this is the man I have heard so much about.”

Macintosh immediately began to blush from all the attention he was receiving. I am probably a bad person for thinking this, but it was rather adorable how he tried to keep his composure for my sake. I grasped his hand gently as a show of support and encouragement; for I could tell he desperately wanted to cover up his groin.

Macintosh forced himself to smile. “Mornin’ Madame Chancellor. Mah name’s Macintosh Apple. Pleased ta meet ya.”

“Please, call me Fleur. There is no need for such formalities in this place.”

“Ah don’t know. I’m not sure I’m comfortable callin’ ya by yer first name. It doesn’t feel right…”

Fleur chuckled. “Mr. Macintosh, it would be foolish of me to insist on titles when we, quite literally, are baring ourselves for all to see. Let us speak as friends and enjoy ourselves, non?”

“Ah reckon ah can do that.”

It was at that moment that Chancellor Fancy Pants decided to stop reading his book. I will admit that as he rose from his towel, I was quite surprised to see how muscular and handsome he was. Do not get the wrong impression! I was only making an observation. But…I probably stared at him longer than was strictly necessary. It was not as if I did not notice Fleur sizing up Macintosh too!

Fancy shook Macintosh’s hand. “Greetings, my good man. How would you like to join me in a rousing game of volleyball whilst the women have a chance to catch up?”

“I-I’d be honored, sir!”

“Like my wife said: you don’t have to be so formal. We’re simply two gents having a good time at the beach. If you are to join me, I feel as though I must issue you a warning first.”

“What…kind o’ warnin’?”

Fancy wrapped his arm around Macintosh’s shoulder. “I take it you’re new to the whole nudist experience, right?”

“Eeyup?”

“The volleyball games around here can get rather intense, you see. And they are most certainly not restricted by gender. My advice to you is: try your best not to become distracted by any ermm…female anatomy. I must admit that it can be difficult sometimes, considering that the vast majority of women here are quite nubile.”

Macintosh blushed. “A-ah hadn’t thought about that.”

“I highly doubt anything will happen, but I’m just trying to avoid any awkward situations that might occur. I dare say I had to learn that lesson the hard way when I first visited this place with Fleur. HA! Oh what a terrible pun that was. Forgive my crass humor, chap.”

Fleur rolled her eyes. “Oui, I remember that day. You just couldn’t stop staring at Sapphire’s ass, could you?”

“Her gloriously toned rump was right in front of me! How could I not admire its splendor?”

Fleur put her finger on her lips. “I will admit that she was quite attractive. I may have even stolen a glance for myself. But…I made sure that you had your fill of splendor after we got back to the room, non?”

“Indeed you did. And what an unforgettable afternoon that was! I could barely walk the next morning. That is why I love so much, my dear.”

Fleur kissed his neck. “And here I thought you married me for my personality.”

Macintosh and I looked at one another and I swear we shared the exact same thought. As much as I enjoyed spending time with Fleur, I could not help but feel we were witnessing something that should have been private.

When I saw her grab Fancy by the buttocks, I decided that it was time to steer the situation back to some semblance of decency. So, I coughed loudly to get their attention.

Fleur’s eyes widened. “Apologies, ma belle amie. Fancy and I get caught up in the moment sometimes. Come, let us grab some beach chairs and catch up while the men go about their game.”

Fleur decided to set up our chairs directly across from where the volleyball match was to occur. She claimed that it would give us some “eye candy” while we talked. Her husband had been correct. There was a surprisingly even mixture of men and women alike willing to play. And I also happened to notice that they were (by Equestrian standards) all quite attractive.

Something akin to apprehension stirred in my stomach. Poor Macintosh was bound to have issues with arousal if all of the women here looked as though they belonged upon the cover of one of Rarity’s fashion magazines. I suppose it was simply due to the fact that they all were wealthy and could afford the time to exercise and eat properly.

I cannot say I approved of the image they were projecting. The human body was a beautiful thing; no matter what form in came in. And these men and women only furthered the idea that one had to attain physical perfection to feel confident in one’s own skin.

Some would think me to be a hypocrite believing such a thing, considering that I was in excellent shape myself. I took care of my body because I only had one and it was important to keep healthy to remain happy. It was more than just physical appearance, though. It was a belief. A belief that one should be never ashamed to be who they truly were.

I sighed to myself. Such thoughts would only serve to cause me undue stress. I was supposed to be enjoying myself, not debating the stringent rules and expectations societies placed on their citizenry. So lost in thought was I that I had not heard Fleur calling out to me.

“Zecora, would you like something to drink?”

I blinked slowly. “Oh—umm—yes that sounds wonderful.”

“What would you like? I’m getting a Mai Tai. You look like a Sex on the Beach type of girl. Does that sound good to you?”

I blushed. “Excuse me?!! That is highly inappropriate! I mean, I have entertained the thought in my fantasies but I am uncertain if Macintosh would want to do that and—”

“Relax, Zecora. It’s merely the name of a drink. I wasn’t suggesting that you go have sex in the middle of the beach with Macintosh right now. But if that’s what you're into…I certainly wouldn’t judge.”

I crossed my arms. “What a ridiculous name for a beverage.”

“Oui. Some of these cocktails have odd, if interesting names. Are you still interested in ordering one?”

“I presume they contain alcohol?”

Fleur nodded. “They do.”

“I do not care for alcohol. Are there any regular beverages available?”

“I know what you might like. I’ll just order you a virgin Piña Colada.”

I scrunched my eyebrows. “Virgin? I assure that I have lost my maidenhood, despite my more traditional views on love-making.”

Fleur just sat there and gawked at me. And after a few seconds, she was howling with laughter to the point that I thought she might actually suffocate. The more she laughed the more awkward and embarrassed I began to feel. She ceased once she saw the mortified expression on my face and wiped away a few tears.

“I’m so very sorry! I keep forgetting that you are unfamiliar with some of our cultural terms. A virgin cocktail simply means that there is no alcohol contained within the drink.”

I felt my face heat up. “I forgive you. But please be more considerate in the future. I do not appreciate it when people jest about my cultural ignorance. It makes me feel like a fool.”

“You’re right, of course. That was quite rude of me. I promise that it won’t happen again. So what would you like to talk about?”

I rubbed my toes together. “I know that when we spoke before you told me to be patient with Macintosh. But I—I’m anxious to finally ask him to make me his wife. Is that too forward of me? Because I managed to create a wedding band for him.”

“Normally, I would say yes but I can tell how much the two of you love each other. Macintosh clearly wasn’t comfortable coming to a nudist resort but he did so anyway to make you happy. Although, you proposing to him might be a bit odd.”

“It is just so frustrating! All of these accursed cultural traditions make my head spin. Why can’t I just express my honest feelings? I beseech you Fleur, tell me what I should do! I am not certain my heart can take any more waiting…”

Fleur gently rubbed my shoulder. “If you love him that much, then I don’t think it will matter if you propose to him first.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I do. But allow me to tell you a story. More specifically, how Fancy and I met. I think it will help you to feel better about this whole situation.”

I rubbed my eyes. “O-ok.”

“When I was a young woman I lived not too far from here. It was in a town called Nesançon. A quaint little place which was nestled by the sea. At the time, I was working in a café to earn money so I could move away and see the world.

“Little did I know, but the world was about to see me instead. One day, a handsome looking stranger decided to come into the café. It was rather funny watching him try to order anything because he could barely read the menu. That is why I decided to help him.

“He was, of course, very charming and polite…but he barely knew how to speak or read Prench. I was fluent in Equestrian, so I helped him order his lunch. As it turned out, we struck up a conversation and I found that I quite enjoyed his company. By the time he finished his lunch, I asked him if he would like to join me for dinner the next day and to my surprise, he said yes.

“The next afternoon, once my shift was over, I decided to go for a swim. It was a hot day and I often went swimming to relax and wash off all the day’s sweat. You must understand that I never wear a bathing suit when I swim. Being nude is so much more comfortable!

“I journeyed to my favorite part of the cove and dove right into the refreshingly cool water. It was supposed to be a fairly secluded area of the beach, so I didn’t expect to see anyone else there. Much to my surprise, I ran into the man I had seen just the day before.

“It wasn’t as if he was trying to be voyeur or anything like that. He had simply gone fishing and happened to be where I was swimming. To be honest, I think he was more embarrassed at seeing me in the nude than I was. At that moment, I decided to be bold.

“I walked over to him with all the casualness I could muster and struck up a conversation. My word was he ever flustered! The charming man I met earlier was nowhere to be found. Since he didn’t seem intent on talking, I gave up and decided to kiss him instead.

“One thing led to another and we ended up making love in the grass above the cove. When we finally ate dinner that night, he offered to take me with him back to Equestria. I accepted and the rest is history. Only later did I find out that he was wealthy and famous.

“The point is: Fancy and I fell in love during some rather strange circumstances. Even if he had not been wealthy or famous I still would have stayed with him. And I will have you know that I too got fed up with waiting for him to propose to me. But he came through in the end.”

I smiled. “Your story sounds similar to how I fell for Macintosh. But I was not quite as bold as you were.”

“Give Macintosh some more time. If he doesn’t propose to you by midpoint of your vacation, then ask him yourself. I can’t imagine he’ll turn you down. You’re a kind and compassionate woman, Zecora. He’s a lucky man to have won your affection.”

I raised my drink. “You have given me much to reflect upon, my friend. I toast to your continued happiness with Fancy and my own with Macintosh.”

The Vacation of a Lifetime (III)

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Chapter 12

Plage de Sable Blanc, Southern Prance

After our discussion, Fleur and I found very little need to say anything to one another. We were content to simply bask in the sunlight and enjoy the pleasant sea-breeze that washed over us every so often. I admit that I might have stolen a few glances at the men while they were playing their game of volleyball. It was not something that I would have wanted to join in on, but they appeared to be enjoying themselves.

Before I knew it, I was already enjoying my third piña colada when Macintosh and Fancy Pants returned from their game and sauntered over to our beach chairs. Since I had been sitting for so long, I decided to get up and greet them. I furrowed my brow in confusion when I saw Macintosh start running towards me with a predatory grin on his face.

My response was not quite as dignified as I would have liked. I suppose it was only natural that I squawked like a panicked crow when he, quite literally, swept me off my feet and swung me around like a fairy tale princess. Despite my initial reaction, I quickly realized that he was just being affectionate and playful.

Once I settled down a bit, he kissed my forehead and chuckled. It was…an unusual behavior for a man who was normally so shy and reserved. Perhaps he had just gotten over his initial nervousness about being in the nude around others? I honestly had no idea. But I liked it.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips against his chest. Unsurprisingly, he tasted just as salty as the ocean. As I continued to rest my head against his breast, I took a moment to appreciate his scent. There was a fair amount of sweat mixed with it but that was not such a bad thing. I let out a contented sigh. Spontaneity can be such a wonderful thing sometimes.

I traced my finger around his stomach. “What brought that on, my love?”

“Ah don’t rightly know. Just felt like doin’ it. If ya don’t like it, ah can put ya down.”

“I never said that. Sometimes, a woman just wants to be held by her man. Although, you are rather sweaty.”

Macintosh blushed. “Sorry about that. Ah forgot how intense volleyball can get.”

“No need to apologize, we can just go for a swim to freshen up.”

Our sojourn into the warm, tropical water was ever so rudely interrupted by the sound of loud guffawing and poorly suppressed snickers. When Macintosh spun us around, Fleur and Fancy were standing behind us trying their hardest to look nonchalant. Needless to say, they failed miserably. Fancy cleared his throat and decided to speak first.

“I say, your eagerness to enjoy a woman’s touch is rather amusing! Although, I can’t say I blame you. The sweet nectar of youthful love is almost more than I can bear.”

Both Fleur and I gave the chancellor a pointed look. “Mon amour, would you care to explain what you mean by that?”

“Mr. Apple and I did indeed enjoy a rousing game of volleyball as you might have guessed. However, one of the Wonderbolts decided to join us. She did so of her own volition, naturally.”

“Oui. Go on dear. I sense there is a BUT in this conversation…”

Fancy chuckled nervously. “You always were a sharp one. Sorry Mr. Apple, I’m afraid I can’t lie to my wife. A gentleman’s code of honor can only go so far.”

“Eeyup.”

“There was, in fact, a butt in this conversation. Although, it was more in the literal sense than the grammatical one. Our Wonderbolt in question was none other than Captain Spitfire and she…might have tried to seduce Mr. Apple after the game.”

Macintosh bit his lip. “Ah can take it from here, sir. It’s true what he said. The captain, she was doin’ her damnedest to flirt with me. Ah tried to ignore it, but she just kept takin’ it up another notch. I swear she dropped her sunglasses on purpose that one time just to give me a good look at her errmm…lady bits!”

“I can attest that the illustrious captain was a sight to behold! It was no wonder that you became so ere—YEEEOOWW!”

Fleur continued to twist his ear. “I think you need to be a bit more careful about what you say, Fancy. I apologize for my husband’s lack of discretion, Mr. Apple. It must have been quite embarrassing for you to become excited.”

“Eeyup.”

I knew all too well how shy Macintosh was and for him to admit to such a thing was brave. Admittedly, I was somewhat disturbed that another woman had the unmitigated gall to expose herself in front of him in such a brazen manner! Oh spirits! When had I become so jealous and possessive? I should not be jumping to conclusions like that. The captain might not have known he was already spoken for.

I embraced him as tightly as I could to show that I was not angry at him for what amounted to a natural reaction. I could feel how tense his muscles were, a sure sign of the guilt that plagued his mind. What truly broke my heart was defeated look in his emerald eyes when they met mine. Rather than say anything, I took his cheeks into my hands and rubbed my fingers against them.

Macintosh closed his eyes. “I’m sorry, Zecora. Ah should’ve had more self-control…”

“Perhaps. If that is what you believe, it is not my place to contradict you. Just know that I am not angry, even if you think I should be.”

“Why’s that?”

I smiled. “I will admit that I have caught myself gazing at other men every so often. There is no harm in that. People are passionate creatures, but what sets us apart from other animals is our ability to suppress the urge to act upon our baser instincts. The question remains: Did you act upon your instincts?”

“Ah couldn’t do it. Even though I wanted to.”

“Then there is no harm done, my love. Let us forget this little incident and enjoy ourselves.”

Fleur grabbed her husband’s arm. “I’ve quite enjoyed our morning together, but Fancy and I have an activity of our own that we need to attend to this afternoon. Perhaps later we can meet again. Au revoir~”

Macintosh and I waved goodbye as they walked away. I am uncertain if I was just imagining things, but I swear I noticed a mischievous glint in Fleur’s eyes when she dragged her husband away. My suspicions were quickly laid to rest when Fleur gave him a playful tweak to the buttocks.

Those two had no sense of proper decorum, did they? Or perhaps they just did not care who witnessed their antics. I shook my head and turned my attention back to Macintosh. He seemed to have picked up on our friends’ lewd behavior as well, but did not offer much of a response other than a light chuckle.

“Ya know, ah wasn’t the only one appreciatin’ the women durin’ the game. Ah know I shouldn’t speak ill of the chancellor, but he’s one hell of a pervert…”

I nodded. “Indeed. I gathered as much.”

“So…do ya still wanna go for a swim?”

I think some of Fleur’s mischievousness rubbed off on me. In a rare moment of spontaneity, I decided to grab Macintosh’s arm too (sans the carnal intent, of course). Since he was such a large man, I did not exactly pull him towards the water as effortlessly as I would have liked. But at least he did not resist.

Once we were about waist deep in the water, I let go of his arm and dove deeper into the crystal clear depths. There was strange aura of peace underneath the waves, devoid of sound…yet so full of life. I scarcely have the words to describe the myriad of colors all the fish possessed, save to say that they were a feast for the eyes.

I swam a bit more, gliding through the water much like a dolphin would. It really was an exhilarating feeling. I felt so free, almost as if I were flying. While I did occasionally swim when I still lived in my homeland, it was more for the sake of bathing rather than to enjoy the sensation in and of itself.

Neither my village nor the jungle was anywhere near the ocean, so the largest bodies of water I ever came in contact with were either rivers or small ponds. That was why the sensation of being fully encompassed by water was such a novel one for me.

While I lingered near the bottom, observing a tiny pink fish, I vowed that I would go swimming more often. Not only did it feel good, but it was also an excellent form of exercise. What was there not to like?

I surfaced to find Macintosh a short distance away from me. Oddly enough, his hair did not appear to be wet. Did he not enjoy swimming? Since I did not want him to feel left out, I silently wadded towards his back and splashed him with some water.

Macintosh yelped in surprise. “Tarnation, Zecora! Ya nearly gave me a heart…attack?”

“You did not appear to be enjoying the water, so I decided to rectify the situation! Umm…why are you looking at me like that? Did I upset you?”

Macintosh shook his head. “Trust me, it ain’t that. Ah just happened ta see someone I’d rather not deal with right now.”

“Who might that be?”

“Aww shit! She’s headed over here. Ah can’t do this. It’ll be too embarrassin’.”

I shook him by the shoulders. “Who is it? Tell me!”

“Spitfire…”

Sure enough, the very same woman I nearly harbored a jealous grudge against stood before us. I could immediately tell why Macintosh found her so attractive. She possessed the lean build of an athlete, but without sacrificing any of her feminine charm.

I was surprised to notice (with no small degree of jealousy) that her breasts were quite ample for a woman of her physique. Such was their firmness that they barely jiggled as she walked about. I admit, even as woman, I found them pleasant to look at. No doubt they had entranced many before me and would continue to do so.

Her spikey hair was a chaotic mix of yellows and oranges. It reminded me much of the smoldering flames of a campfire on a starry night. She had even trimmed her pubic hair into the shape of a small flame! Did Equestrian men truly find such a thing attractive? I suppose some must have.

Since she would obviously have to be nude in order for the hair to be seen, the only reason she would shape it in such a manner was to attract attention. Despite my curiosity, trimming was not something I could ever test on myself. Due to my heritage, I was incapable of growing any body hair whatsoever.

I expected her to try and make yet another advance on Macintosh, but I was surprised when she did not. Instead, she folded her arms in front of her stomach and wiggled her toes in the sand. After a few moments of awkward silence, a heavy blush spread across her face.

“I wanted to personally apologize for what happened after the game, Mac.”

“Ya already did and it was an hon—”

Spitfire shook her head. “No. I took things way too far. I shouldn’t have thrown myself at you like that! Had I known you already had a girlfriend, your little situation might not have happened.”

“Ah guess not. We’ll never really know fer sure.”

I placed my hands on my hips. “What exactly happened between the two of you? Is it anything I should be worried about?”

“I guess you must be the girlfriend he mentioned. You aren’t at all what I was expecting. Let’s see… dark skin, athletically toned, and the whole ‘exotic tribal girl’ bit. Damn Mac, you scored big time with this one! The name’s Spitfire and I’ll answer any questions you have.”

“You may call me Zecora. How you answer my questions will determine how I judge your character, so consider your answers carefully. Why did you even attempt to seduce Macintosh in the first place?”

Spitfire rubbed her neck. “Well, I had a lot of fun playing volleyball with him. After the game, we spoke for a bit and he invited me to get some ice cream. After that we just…talked about stuff. It was a refreshing change of pace from the usual creeps who try to get me to sleep with them.

“I was already feeling lonely and a bit horny, so I decided to crank up the old Spitfire charm to reel him in. Now, in my defense, Mac is a hunky farm boy who just so happens to have a charming personality. I mean, look at those muscles!”

Macintosh rolled his eyes. “Is that what ya call it? Ya were givin’ that chocolate covered banana a damn blow job! There ain’t a red-blooded man on the planet that wouldn’t get hard seein’ that!”

“Ok, fine! Maybe I did go a bit overboard with that. I just wasn’t sure if you were picking up any of my extremely OBVIOUS signals!”

“Well, excuse me! In case ya haven’t noticed, we’re all naked right now. So how is showing me yer lady bits by bendin’ over supposed ta be seductive? I’ll admit that it did look a might suspicious, but I thought ya were just pickin’ up yer glasses.”

Spitfire sighed. “I guess you have a point there. However, there are men out there dense enough not to notice a woman’s wiles, no matter how obvious it might be.”

I quickly grew tired of the entire situation. They both sounded like squabbling children! For whatever reason, despite being a young and attractive woman, Spitfire was having issues finding herself a man. I was not about to judge her on that account, but I did not wish for this charade to continue any longer. So, I strode over to Macintosh and pressed my body up against his while I gave Spitfire a stern look.

“I forgive you for trying to seduce Macintosh because it appears as if you did not realize he was in a relationship with me. But if you attempt to do so again…I will not hesitate to put you in your place.”

Spitfire raised her hands. “Look, can we just put this whole misunderstanding behind us? I messed up big time and I admit that. And to show you guys how sorry I am why don’t we go for a soak and a massage at the spa? You guys can even order lunch while we’re there, my treat!”

“I can agree to that. Perhaps we can even become friends, given some time.”

“Sounds like a plan ta me.”

Considering how late in the morning it was when we arrived at the spa, the three of us decided that is was prudent to each lunch before receiving any treatments. The fare was a bit over elegant for my own tastes, but delicious nonetheless.

I enjoyed a platter of roast duck basted in light balsamic vinaigrette over a bed of grilled asparagus. Spitfire ordered something called Fillet Mignon and Macintosh settled for a chicken pasta dish. After we allowed our stomachs to settle for about a half hour, Spitfire suggested that we make our way to the massage parlor.

We all got a table rather quickly because there seemed to be very few people in the spa. Similar to when we arrived at the resort, all of the staff wore uniforms while we remained nude. I do not believe it would have made me uncomfortable if they had been as well, but Spitfire informed me that such a thing was considered a grave breach of decorum…with possible legal ramifications.

Within minutes three attendants walked over to our tables. Oddly enough, all of them were women. Two of them appeared to be sisters by the looks of it. They introduced themselves as Pétunia and Primevère. The only way I could tell them apart was by the hue of their hair. Spitfire was attended by the one with lavender hair, while I got the one with yellow hair.

Neither of them spoke much, unless they were asking us our preferences or permission to massage a potentially erogenous area of the body. When they did speak, it was with a soft Prench accent. In any case, they were extremely courteous and professional. All of their ministrations felt wonderful, particularly near the base of where my spine met my buttocks.

I am not ashamed to admit that I let out a few mewls of pleasure, but it was nothing compared to the noises Spitfire was making. I actually blushed a few times during some of her more bawdy moans. It very nearly sounded as if she was having an orgasm! For all I knew, she very well could have been.

My heart went out to Macintosh. I was certain that he was feeling aroused by all of this. Luckily, he was lying on his stomach so even if he had an erection, it would be hidden from view. But his excitement was likely stymied by the sheer awkwardness of the woman who was attending him.

Do not mistake my words as an insult. She was just as professional as the other two. I could tell by the occasional groans of pleasure Macintosh let out. However, she was just about the most intimidating hulk of a woman I had ever seen in my entire life!

She stood a whole head taller than Macintosh and had the same amount of muscle. Her hair was not dissimilar in hue to snow, which would have looked beautiful…except that she possessed amber eyes that seemed to bore into your very being.

She was actually quite friendly and sociable. Her personality would have been rather charming under normal circumstances. Unfortunately, her voice sounded like it belonged to a Primo Uomo from a Bitalian opera. I believe she mentioned her name was Misty Mountain? A shiver went up my spine and it was certainly not due to the massage. I made a mental note not to aggravate the woman in any way, lest I incur her wrath.

The rest of our massage went without incident. For the most part, I could tell that Macintosh had enjoyed his as well but he seemed somewhat relieved to move onto another activity. After stretching our legs for a bit, we decided to head towards what Spitfire called the “locker room” for a quick shower.

I had to admit that the concept of a “locker room” was confusing to me. It was apparently an area where people could go to before or after they performed any form of physical recreation. I was once again reminded that one had to wear specialized attire to enjoy the aforementioned activities.

It made no sense to me, of course. Wearing nothing was far less constricting and made washing off sweat and grime easier. Even the ancient people of Pegalopolis would have agreed with me on that!

I once read a history book that claimed their athletes always competed in the nude during athletic festivals. But… northern cultures were always so focused on the concept of modesty that they often cast a blind eye to practicality.

In this case, we were showering in preparation for soaking in the hot springs. That, at least, made sense to me. The hot springs were not intended to be used as an oversized bathtub, but rather a place to relax and absorb essential minerals into the skin. It would have been disgusting if people had used the water to cleanse themselves too.

Calling this place a genuine hot springs was a bit of a misnomer. I could tell that the pools were artificially heated and constructed from stone to make them look as natural as possible. That is not to say that the décor was distasteful in any way. The room had real plants in it to simulate the ones found in nature and a very close approximation of moss. For all I knew, it could have been real as well.

We all slid into the water gingerly, expecting it to be hot enough to burn our skin. Instead, the temperature was the perfect balance of warm enough to sooth our muscles, but not so hot that it scalded us. I wasted no time submerging myself up to the chest and neither did Spitfire or Macintosh. Afterwards, we all let out a collective sigh of pleasure.

“Ah think this the most relaxed I’ve ever felt in mah entire life. It would’ve been better if the gal massagin’ me didn’t look like an aaaaaaaaamaaZON!”

Spitfire raised her eyebrow. “Are you alright, Mac?”

“I’ve n-never been better! Ah just…ermm…stubbed mah toe. Yeah! That’s it.”

“Try to be more careful, ok.”

Macintosh shuddered. “Eeyup.”

I giggled and gave Macintosh a half-lidded stare. Originally, I was going to snuggle up against him but since the pool was so large, I elected to sit across from him instead. It was all part of my plan, you see. I wanted to reward my man for resisting Spitfire’s advances and staying loyal to me. It was simply karmic justice, in my opinion.

I started off by kneading his balls with my toes, making absolute certain that I was doing so as gently as I could. The whole point of this was to make him feel good. I had no desire to cause him any pain. Much to my delight, it did not take very long for him to become completely erect under my ministrations.

Next, I decided to rub my big toe against the sensitive skin of his shaft, right underneath the head. If we were completely alone in our own tub, I would have played with his head a bit more…but it would have been problematic if he ejaculated in the pool. For that reason, I continued what I was doing at a sedate pace, alternating between rubbing his shaft and massaging it between my toes.

I looked over at Spitfire and she seemed to have her eyes closed. Chances were that she was not paying any attention to us. And since I could tell Macintosh was close to release, I decided that we should sneak off somewhere more private and allow him to do so.

“Macintosh and I need to use the restroom. I am afraid that the tea we had at lunch is catching up with us. We shall return shortly.”

Spitfire kept her eyes closed. “Hmm…yeah, sure.”

We wasted no time finding a toilet stall in the locker room. It was really the only way we could afford ourselves any kind of privacy (visually at any rate). The entire room was extremely quiet because there was no one else present and any sounds we made would most certainly echo. It would be embarrassing if someone heard us, but my mind was so clouded by lust at that point that I ceased to care.

I got on my knees and took his throbbing manhood into my mouth. Once I started sucking on him in earnest, my earlier suspicions were confirmed. By the spirits, the lewd slurping noises I made echoed throughout the entire room! I should have felt ashamed, but it only served to light the fire in my loins further.

Macintosh placed his hands atop my head. “W-What the hell brought this on? Ya know what? Ah don’t give a damn anymore! Just…keep…goin’. It feels…too good.”

I felt a little guilty when I abruptly stopped pleasuring him with my mouth. But I could not take it anymore! I needed him inside me or I would go crazy! With a look that was equal part apologetic and sultry; I wrapped my arms around his neck and jammed my lips into his. He was a bit shocked at first, but started enjoying it when I used my tongue to wrestle with his.

I panted. “Macintosh…I need you inside of me. Take me here, right now.”

“Ah don’t know how long I’ll last. With everythin’ you’ve been doin’ I doubt it’ll be more than a minute or two.”

“That is alright. It shall not take me long to climax.” I whispered as I parted my lips with two fingers.

He did not need to be told twice. Within seconds, he slid his thick manhood inside me and hoisted me by the legs. It hurt a little bit when he pressed me against the stall door, but I do not think it was on purpose. Besides, the amount of pleasure I was feeling as he began thrusting outweighed any traces of pain I felt in mere moments.

His thrusts were desperate at first, but became more methodical as time dragged on. I suppose he wanted me to enjoy as much of our love-making as I could without releasing himself too quickly. It really was a sweet gesture. I returned the favor by clenching my muscles around him as tightly as I could. Judging by his soft whimpers, it must have felt incredibly good.

When I initially began my martial arts training, I thought my instructors were joking when they said it would help me achieve incredible muscle control. At the time, I was confused by their laughter and wolfish whistles. Only now can I truly appreciate what they had meant.

Macintosh trembled. “S-shit…ah had no idea ya could do that.”

“Mmmm…yes. Engolo stances have a myriad of uses, my love. But do not…ah…expect me to be able to do it all the time.”

“That’s alright. Ah don’t want ya ta strain yourself. Yer tight enough under normal circumstances anyway…”

I nibbled on his ear. “An odd way of phrasing a compliment, but I shall accept it regardless. Please hurry, Macintosh! I want to feel your seed inside me.”

After a few more quick thrusts, I felt him bury his penis into me as deeply as he could. What followed was, of course, a spurt of hot semen that filled me to the brim…but I was surprised at how little noise Macintosh made. It was nothing more than a sharp gasp.

I could see the combination of exhaustion and satisfaction in his eyes. He was positively spent. However, he continued to thrust so that I could enjoy my own orgasm. It warmed my heart that he could be so considerate towards my needs. That was all it took to initiate the waves of electric pleasure as an intense orgasm rocked my entire body.

Much to my own embarrassment, I was not quite as silent as Macintosh had been. The loud moan that I let out could have easily been heard the whole way out in the pool. I just…hoped that no one heard it. I do not think I could give a reasonable explanation for it, if asked.

The two of use nearly collapsed onto the cold, linoleum floor in a sweaty tangle of body parts and sexual fluids. We just lay there, allowing ourselves to catch our breath. As soon as we got enough rest, I cleared my throat and helped Macintosh to his feet.

“I believe we should shower before we go back to the pool, lest we wish to stink of sex.”

Macintosh nodded. “Ah couldn’t agree more. It’d be mighty rude of us ta make such a mess of the pool. Although, ah guess it’s a bit too late for the bathroom stall.”

“We can clean that up too, if you like. I would feel terrible otherwise…”

It turned out that the stall was indeed a bit messy, but it was nothing a bit of water and toilet paper could not fix. The shower we took afterwards was quick and chaste. I do not believe that either of us had the energy to make it naughty, even if we had wanted to.

Without further ado, we padded back to the pool while holding hands. For some reason, Spitfire had gotten out of the pool and was leaning against the wall with a smug grin on her face.

“That was some bathroom break you guys had. It was about a half hour by my reckoning. Care to enlighten me?”

Both of our faces turned scarlet. I know I could not bear to look Spitfire in the eyes, and I am certain that Macintosh found the floor tiles just as fascinating as I did. Since I was looking at the floor anyway, I happened to notice how red the tip of Macintosh’s penis was. That was a sure sign as any to what occurred. Perhaps Spitfire would not notice?

Spitfire chuckled. “You know…the water in the pool isn’t nearly as murky as you think it is. It’s alright; you don’t have to say anything. I pretended not to notice so you guys could have some privacy. But I did happen to overhear some rather raunchy noises coming from the locker room. I hope it felt as awesome as it sounded, ‘cause that was hot!”

“Yes, it was quite enjoyable. If Macintosh could speak right now, he would agree.” I mumbled.

“Hey, don’t be like that! You guys are a horny, young couple. I get it. Sometimes you just wanna go off and have a quickie. Hell, there was this one time where I fuc—”

I raised my hand. “Thank you for the encouragement, but I do not need to hear about your sexual exploits.”

“Eh, suit yourself. What do you guys wanna do next? I guess that we could just chill for a while but I think I might want to head back to my room for some me time.”

“I think that would be for the best, Spitfire. Macintosh and I are ermm…slightly exhausted from our previous activity as I’m sure you can understand. In all likelihood, we too shall head back to our own room.”

Spitfire handed me a slip of paper. “That’s my phone number in case you ever feel like talking or hanging out again. Despite all the awkwardness, I had fun today. So…see ya later?”

“I think I would like to see you again as well. Take care, my friend. Maybe someday you shall find a man that makes you as happy as Macintosh makes me.”

“I hope so…”

Macintosh coughed awkwardly. “Well, mah cousin Braeburn is single. I could probably set you guys up if it suits yer fancy.”

“Oh? So there are more single men from the Apple clan? What’s he like?”

“He’s honest and hard workin’ if a bit over the top with his cheerful attitude sometimes. He owns an apple orchard out by Appleloosa.”

Spitfire’s eyes lit up. “Appleloosa? I grew up in Buffalo Junction, just a couple of miles from there. In fact, I think my daddy flew his crop duster for you Apples at some point or another. We should get along just fine.”

“Ah probably shouldn’t say this but…Brae, he likes ta gussy himself up a bit. Ah think quite a few folks think he’s gay because of it. He ain’t though. So don’t expect him ta be some butch, manly man.”

Spitfire laughed. “I’ll try to keep an open mind.”

“It was nice meetin’ ya. Talk to ya later, Spitfire.”

“Later, guys! Oh and don’t get too frisky with each other. We wouldn’t want the neighbors to complain.”

After some deliberation, we decided to have dinner brought to our room. Neither of us really felt like going out anywhere and since the room service was included in our tickets, why not? We ate our meal in relative silence. Some people might find that awkward, but I assure you that it was nothing of the sort. We both felt that there was no need to speak, only to enjoy the company of one another.

Macintosh held out his hand and gestured for me to follow him out onto the balcony. I accepted and I was glad that I did. It was late evening and the sun was about to set. I leaned on the railing so I could get more comfortable, when I felt him wrap his arms around me and rest his head on my shoulder.

“The sunset is beautiful today, ain’t it?”

“Indeed. It makes me regret not watching it more often. One should never take nature’s beauty for granted.”

I heard him take in a deep breath. “Zecora…t-there’s a question I’d like ta ask ya, if ya don’t mind.”

“Go ahead. I do not mind.”

“I’ve been givin’ a lot of thought to what you said when were in the forest, huntin’ that lion. And ah…well…ah think it’s high time that ah started a family of mah own…with the woman ah love.”

I gasped. “You do not mean…”

There it was. The moment I had so longed for in my dreams. It was all happening so fast! Before I knew it, Macintosh slipped a beautiful gold emerald ring on my finger. Oh the courage it must have taken him to get to this point! I was both overjoyed and so very proud of him. And, of course, I had to ruin the moment by sniffling loudly. I could not help it! There was no way I could stop myself from tearing up.

“This was the ring mah pa gave mah mamma when he proposed to her. Ah think she would’ve wanted ya ta have it. So what do ya say, Zecora? Will you…b-be mah wife?”

“You have no idea how long I have waited to hear you say that.” I croaked. “Yes! Of course I will!”

“Ah probably should’ve have asked soo—”

I lunged at him with the ferocity of a feral tiger. I pressed my chest against his and gave him what I could only describe as the most passionate kiss I had ever given anyone in my entire life. There was no tongue wrestling or aggression, just the tingling sensation of our lips joined together for a fleeting moment of time.

Reluctantly, I disengaged our lips and took him by the hand towards our bed. I motioned for him to take a seat upon it, he returned my gaze with a confused look of his own when I did not join him. Instead, I rummaged through the bottom drawer of our dresser and found the prize I was looking for. Like he did for me, I slid my own gold band around his ring finger.

“There was a point in time when I convinced myself that no matter how taboo it would have been I was going to ask your hand in marriage. Granted, my ring is not as elegant as yours but it means a great deal to me. It was something my mentor passed on to me to remember her by. That is how much I love you.”

Macintosh gently rubbed the ring. “Zecora…”

Finally, I sauntered over to the bed and lay down on my back. In that moment, I felt no embarrassment or shame as I slowly spread my legs. The only thing I felt was the warmth in my heart for my new husband, and how we would make passionate love the whole rest of the evening.

I could tell he felt the same way. He slowly crawled over to where I was and caressed my cheek with his hand. In response, I placed my hand on his left breast and kept it there. His heartbeat was strong and steady; its rhythm gave me peace and comfort. Before long, we kissed again. Except this time we mingled our tongues together like a pair of writhing snakes.

I smiled. “Make love to me, Macintosh. But let it be slow and steady. I want to enjoy every moment we are joined together.”

“Ah guess yer gonna be one of those demandin’ wives, huh?”

I crossed my arms. “That is not what I—”

“I’m just kiddin’. Ah want the same thing you do. All that matters ta me is that yer happy.”

Tears began to form in my eyes. “You have already done that. I want to make love all night and sleep until noon tomorrow. How does that sound?”

“Sounds like a plan ta me.”

With those simple words, our marathon of blissful wedded sex began. Would we be sore tomorrow? There could be no doubt. But it was something I was more than willing to tolerate. I pushed such thoughts to the back of my mind and simply enjoyed my husband’s ministrations.

Coming Back Home

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Chapter 13

Zecora’s Cabin, Everfree Forest

It had only been a single day since we returned from Plage de Sable Blanc, yet I could not help but feel pensive. In essence, I had continuously lied to Macintosh about my ability to become pregnant. It all started when we went into the forest to hunt the mountain lion. At the time, I took an herbal supplement that suppressed the cycle of the Moon Blood so it would not attract any predators.

I always took it whenever I went hunting. It was a risk I did not wish to take whatsoever if I could help it. However, the supplement had a rather potent side effect. Not only did it lessen the intensity of the Moon Blood, but it acted as a powerful contraceptive as well. When we made love in the forest and every time thereafter, I allowed Macintosh to empty his seed into me because I knew that I could not get pregnant.

I felt terrible. I had lied to my husband about the nature of his responsibility. Even though our love-making had been entirely consensual, he likely believed that he had to marry me out of obligation to his potentially unborn child. I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself, despite the growing knot forming in my stomach. He deserved to know and I had to tell him as soon as possible.

I peeled back the covers and got out of bed as quietly as I could. It was still very early in the morning, if the clock on the wall was anything to go by. It read just a few minutes after six in the morning and the sun had barely begun to rise above the horizon. Even though it was morning, the weather remained hot and humid.

Before I could even entertain the thought of a discussion, I desperately needed to freshen up. Sleeping in the nude helped to cool both of our bodies down while we slept, but it did not stop either of us from accumulating sweat. Even though it was not quite the same as taking a full bath, I used a warm washcloth to wipe my entire body. It helped me to relax at least somewhat.

I walked over to the sink and placed my hands along the basin to support myself as I looked into the mirror. My eyes were completely bloodshot, no doubt due to my guilty conscience. But at least I did not have dark circles underneath them.

Over the past two weeks or so, I decided to cut off my braid and allow my hair to grow out. As of right now, it had grown into short bangs that stopped just shy of my neckline. Macintosh had commented earlier that he thought I looked even more beautiful with my hair that way. I suppose it was true then. Men really did find women with longer hair more appealing.

I was about to splash some water on my face when I felt Macintosh wrap his arms around my waist and kiss my neck. It surprised me a little bit, so I did flinch but I steadied myself shortly thereafter. I believe that he sensed how tense my muscles were because he began to softly fondle my left breast.

Under any other circumstances, I would have let him do as he pleased because he was, despite his appearance, very gentle and careful with his ministrations. It felt wonderful but I needed to focus on more important matters.

I moaned softly. “Macintosh, there is an important matter we must discuss…”

“Oh, sorry ah just thought—was ah doin’ it too hard?”

“N-no, it felt wonderful as always. I just do not think now is an appropriate time for that.”

Macintosh began to rub my shoulders. “Tell me what’s wrong, darlin’. You’re all tense.”

“Do you recall when we first made love in the forest?”

Macintosh smiled. “How could ah forget?”

“The truth is—I have not been entirely honest with you. When I suggested that you take responsibility…there was never any chance that I was going to become pregnant. I took a supplement before we started the hunt to dull the effects of the Moon Blood. I did not want to attract predators with my blood. However, the supplement also acts as a contraceptive.”

“Ah knew things weren’t addin’ up.”

My voice began to crack. “I am so sorry! It was never my intention to force you to take me as your wife simply out of obligation towards a yet-born child. I am not certain I am ready to bear a child. It scares me, Macintosh! That is why I have continued to take it ever since.”

“Shhh, it’s alright. Ya don’t have ta beat yourself up so much about it. Ah was bein’ just as foolish. It wasn’t anywhere near proper for me ta make love to ya without thinkin’ about the consequences.”

I sniffed. “So…you are not angry with me?”

“Oh, I’m angry that ya lied to me. But it’s somethin’ that ah don’t mind forgivin’ because we both deserve part of the blame. That’s what bein’ married is all about, Zecora. We’re gonna have rough spots but so long as we make up afterwards, it’ll be all right.”

I gently squeezed his hand. “Thank you. I was expecting you to be more upset with me. This does much to ease my heart and mind.”

“Well, ah think it’s probably a good thing that ya kept takin’ that supplement. Ah ain’t ready to be a daddy just yet either. Ah want ta get settled down a bit more before we make that decision. N-not that I wouldn’t want to have kids, mind ya.”

I nodded. “That is a sound plan. Childbirth in my homeland is often a dangerous prospect. We lack the sanitary conditions and modern equipment that you Equestrians have. It is not uncommon for mothers to have a miscarriage or simply die outright.”

“That’s really a shame. It’s no wonder you were so scared. But don’t ya worry! Ponyville’s got a great hospital. In fact, it’s one of the best in the entire country. So when we do decide ta have a kid, you’ll be in good hands.”

I turned around and pressed my lips against his. “I cannot express how much I love you right now, my dearest husband. What did I ever do to deserve you?”

“About what ya said earlier: ah didn’t marry ya ‘cause of the whole pregnancy thing. Ah would have put a ring on your finger regardless of all that. You’re one hell of a woman, Zecora. And ah love ya because of it.”

I was so overjoyed that I felt as though my heart was going to burst out of my chest. With the strength and ferocity of a tiger, I tackled Macintosh onto the bed and began to pepper his body with kisses. In response, he laughed and did the same to me.

Things only became more intense from that point forward. Even though it was only six thirty in the morning, we found ourselves suddenly in the mood for a passionate session of love-making. I smiled when I noticed the throbbing erection my husband now sported. It was still funny to me how sheepish he looked despite how many times we had explored each other’s bodies at this point.

I normally would have enjoyed pleasuring him with my mouth first, but I needed him inside of me too much to bother. As luck would have it, I was already aroused enough that his penis would have no trouble fitting inside. I kept him pinned down on the bed with my other hand.

I turned around so that Macintosh could watch my buttocks as I made love to him. He would often tell me that was one of his favorite parts of my body. Who was I to argue? His admiration sparked a certain amount of womanly pride in my chest when he said that. I was desirable to him and it made me feel beautiful.

After giving him a sultry grin, I guided his head towards my moistened lips and slowly lowered myself down onto his shaft. It still took me a few moments to get used to his girth. That was always the case, no matter how many times we made love.

I never spoke to him about my discomfort directly. It would have been far too embarrassing of an admission on my part. However, on some level, I think he understood just how difficult it was for me to accommodate the girth of his penis. He always patiently waited for me to begin. It showed how much he cared about my comfort.

I moved my hips at a moderate, but steady pace. Partially because my loins were not quite wet enough to offer sufficient lubrication to move any faster and I simply wanted to enjoy the feeling of him inside of me for as long as I could.

In response, Macintosh sighed with pleasure while taking the opportunity to run his fingers across my legs. I giggled while he did it. My legs…were actually quite ticklish sometimes. I imagine he enjoyed doing that as a way to tease me.

Well, two can play at this game! I decided to do some teasing of my own by cupping his balls in my palm and play around with them. He gasped in surprise, but did not make any effort to stop me. After a while, I decided to tease him a bit more by pressing my finger just below the base of his balls.

Macintosh whimpered. “T-That ain’t fair!”

“It serves you right. You know how sensitive my legs are!”

Rather than respond verbally, my husband decided to grab me around the torso and hoist the both of us out of bed. It was times like this that I forgot just how strong he was. With the greatest of ease, he carried me in his arms towards the backyard of my cabin. I was far too surprised to offer any kind of resistance, so I simply went along with whatever he had planned.

We had sex many times during the course of our vacation, but he had never been this wantonly aggressive before. For a brief moment, fear gripped my heart. Had I upset him too much with my teasing? Was he exacting his retribution by thoughtlessly rutting me like an animal?

I clenched my eyes shut and prepared for the worst. My mind was quickly put at ease when he gently lowered me onto the cool grass. He still did not say anything but I felt him run his fingers through my hair and kiss my neck.

“My love, why have you brought us here? Have I upset you somehow?”

“Eenope. Ah just wanted us ta watch the sun rise. That and ermm…ah kinda developed a taste for havin’ sex outside. Ya know…like when we did it on the beach that one afternoon?”

I felt my cheeks become red. “That was…exhilarating, I admit. But you could have at least had the decency to explain your intentions. I thought you carried me out here to ravish me!”

“What?! I’d never do that! Even if ah was angry, there’s no way in hell I’d resort to usin’ violence. That’s just disgustin’ and wrong. Men who do that sort of thing are scum in mah book.”

I rested my head against his arm. “I apologize for ever doubting you. My father was often a violent man and what you did—stirred up some unpleasant memories. But that was in the past. Let us enjoy ourselves and greet the day properly, shall we?”

Macintosh did not waste any time reinserting himself inside of me. I actually gasped when he buried himself to the hilt…because I was not expecting it to happen so easily. He lifted up my leg and began to thrust at a slightly faster pace than before, which was fortunate because I had been very close to climaxing just before he carried us outside.

Sure enough, the familiar tingle of heat spread through my belly as he continued to increase the pace of his thrusts. I was glad that we were alone and in a fairly secluded area. The rhythmic sound of our flesh slapping together was…surprisingly loud. I imagine the both of us would have died of embarrassment had anyone been around to hear it.

I could tell that Macintosh was beginning to reach his limit. His thrusts were becoming increasingly more erratic and sloppy. That was just fine with me. I was getting close to my own climax as well. I moaned loudly as a powerful orgasm made my body contort with unimaginable pleasure just a few seconds later.

Macintosh quickly followed suit. I was honestly not surprised. He had mentioned many times that I would—ehem—clench his penis rather tightly whenever I reached my climax. What was the phrase he used? It was like gettin’ chomped on by soft, velvety, crocodile jaws! I was absolutely mortified when he said that. Especially considering that I was well aware of just how strong an actual crocodile’s jaws were!

We both collapsed in a sweaty, quivering heap on top of one another. Neither of us had gathered quite enough strength to move yet, so we remained joined together. I nestled my head against his chest and took the opportunity to run my fingers across his exquisitely muscled abdomen.

It brought a smile to my face when I heard him laugh. If anyone had told me that such a man as Macintosh was ticklish, I would have immediately called them a liar. But as with many things in life, truth is often stranger than our wildest imaginings. Ever since I discovered that he was, in fact, extremely ticklish, I took every opportunity I could to tease him over his supposed “weakness.”

I sighed. “I suppose we should start getting ready for the day.”

“Eeyup.”

“However, that may prove to be a difficult task at the moment.”

Macintosh furrowed his brow in confusion. “Why’s that?”

“You have… yet to become flaccid.”

“Oh—ermm—well, sorry.”

I giggled. “I believe this the first time in recorded history that a man has apologized for his stamina in the bedroom. Relax, my love. I relish the feeling of us being joined together.”

“Ah do too. Just uh… go on and tell me if it gets too uncomfortable.”

I tenderly massaged his balls. “It is astonishing how much of your seed you always manage pump into me, despite how frequently we make love. Such a thing is unnatural for a mere man. Are you certain you are not the living avatar of Waata’nuru?”
“Do ah even want to know what that is?”

“Waata’nuru is the great, orange-maned lion. More specifically, he is the spirit that embodies male virility. You cannot mean to tell me that you do not recognize the similarities between the both of you.”

Macintosh blushed heavily. “C’mon Zecora, d-don’t be silly! Ah ain’t some fertility god or whatever. I just—happen to recover a might quicker than most fellas. It’s nothin’ to get all riled up over.”

I just laughed and gave him another long, passionate kiss on the lips. This was one of the many reasons I loved him so much. My husband was an incredibly humble man. He would often become bashful if anyone praised him, particularly if it had to do with love-making.

I admit that it amused me to see him become so flustered. How could I not be? He was so adorable when his cheeks turned red. Therefore, I always complimented the caliber of his manliness whenever the opportunity presented itself. And even though my words were playful in nature, I meant everything I said wholeheartedly.

After we broke our kiss, Macintosh decided to extract himself from inside of me. Thankfully, he did so slowly as not to cause either of us any discomfort. I took a few moments to compose myself while he padded over towards the cabin in order to take a shower.

I suppose… if we had bathed together it would have been a bit more efficient. But I did not wish to become temped again. I was content to wait my turn. He usually did not take long to bathe anyway. Instead, I rolled over in the grass and watched a plethora of songbirds flitter amongst the trees.

In that moment of serenity, I took the opportunity to gaze upon my wedding ring. It looked just as beautiful as it did the night Macintosh gave it to me. To me, we were already husband and wife. But I knew that in the coming days, the rest of our friends and family would need to be informed of our decision to wed.

While I was not a fan of lavish ceremonies and dresses, I would endure it for the sake of my husband’s traditions. I chuckled to myself. There were two particular friends of mine who I needed to pay a visit today. Hopefully, neither of them would overreact…

Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

It was difficult trying to motivate myself to wear clothing again. After going an entire week without them, it felt… odd to put on a black t-shirt and white shorts. The combination I currently wore was one that Pinkie had selected during our shopping excursion. She claimed that it looked “cute” on me. I was no fashion expert, so I essentially took her word for it. It certainly helped that my husband said he thought I looked beautiful in it as well.

Had Macintosh not pointed it out, I would have walked into town barefoot. Footwear, in general, was an article of attire that was even more difficult for me to adjust to. Zebricans typically had no need for such things, and I did not like the fact that shoes tended to dull the sensations I could feel with my feet.

But… then again, Ponyville had paved roads. Walking on such a hard and bumpy surface was unpleasant to say the least. I quickly slipped on a pair of sandals before I left. They were reasonably comfortable even though walking in them was still somewhat awkward. I then made my way to my first destination: Rarity’s abode.

Despite all our morning—activities—it was still relatively early. When I left the cabin, it was only slightly past eight o’ clock. By my own reckoning, it had only taken me fifteen minutes to reach the center of the town. After taking a deep breath, I knocked on Rarity’s door.

The fashionista stood before me and smiled. “Good morning, Zecora. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

“I apologize for coming to see you so early in the morning, but I am afraid that I am in need of a wedding dress. Would you be able to make me one?”

Rarity’s eyes widened when she spotted my ring. “MY WORD! Macintosh proposed to you, didn’t he? *Squee* Oh, this is just the best possible thing! I would be delighted to make you a dress, darling. Please, come in!”

I was surprised at how quickly Rarity darted around the kitchen to retrieve me a cup of tea. She did not seem to be the type of woman who enjoyed exercise. Yet… her body was lithe and in decent shape. Perhaps later, I would inquire about it. I accepted the tea without hesitation, noting that it was accented with honey and orange. I took a sip and sighed.

“I take it your vacation with Macintosh was memorable?”

“Ah, yes it was. We both enjoyed ourselves immensely.”

“Yes, I imagine that is quite the understatement. Oh well, such is the way of young couples in love.”

I blushed. “I-I well… we did make love fairly often.”

“There’s no need to be embarrassed, darling. Your husband is a handsome man. I’m certain that I wouldn’t have been able to keep my hands off of him either had I been in the same situation.”

I cleared my throat. “Speaking of bodies, how do you keep yourself so fit? Not to be rude, but you do not strike me as the type of woman who enjoys exercising.”

“I was once part of the gymnastics team during my childhood. While I don’t do that anymore, I suppose that physical activity sort of grew on me. Nowadays, Fluttershy and I practice yoga sets at her house on a weekly basis. It does wonders trimming away any excess fat.”

I nodded. “I have heard of yoga, but I only practice Engolo stances. Perhaps… we could exercise together someday? I think I might enjoy that.”

“Yes, that sounds lovely. But for now, we have far more pressing concerns!”

“Indeed. We must discuss what kind of dress I am to wear. Forgive me, but I fear that I am not entirely familiar with Equestrian wedding customs. Do you know if—”

Rarity put her hand on my shoulder. “The dress will come later; I already have a few ideas bouncing around in my mind. The first order of business should be getting you set up for a mani-pedi.”

“Excuse me? What in the name of the spirits is a mani-pedi? Is it some sort of Equestrian ritual blessing?”

Rarity chortled. “Oh heavens no, darling! We’re simply going to have your fingernails and toenails professionally cleaned and trimmed.”

“But I trim them myself. There is no need to—”

Rarity clicked her tongue. “That is where you are entirely incorrect, my dear. I will admit that you have lovely hands and feet. However, I can tell that you don’t take care of your nails as well as you should. It is imperative that you look your best on your wedding day.”

I took a quick glance at my fingernails. Yes, they were trimmed. But… they were also somewhat dull looking. I began to frown slightly when I noticed that my toenails were quite worn on the tips as well. Rarity was correct, I suppose. Just so long as she did not insist that I have them painted.

“Will I need to paint them as well? And what of cosmetics?”

Rarity sipped her tea. “It would be the most heinous of crimes to mar your natural beauty with a heavy application of make-up. We are only going to enhance what’s already there. Nothing more, I assure you.”

“Very well. I am willing to accept whatever treatments you deem necessary. After all, I want to look as beautiful for my husband as I possibly can. But would you be willing to accompany me? I would rather not go through it alone…”

“Of course I will, darling! What are friends for? Besides… I am far past overdue for a good mani-pedi. If nothing else, our trip to the spa will allow me to discuss some dress ideas with you.”

Honestly, all of these procedures and customs concerning Equestrian wedding ceremonies were irksome to me. In my own heart, I knew that Macintosh and I were already husband and wife. Why did all of this need to be so complicated and elaborate? In any case, if it made him happy all of the effort would be well worth the aggravation.

It was amusing to me, seeing Rarity’s white-furred cat slink over towards the chair I was sitting on. If I remembered correctly, the creature’s name was Opal. And I could immediately tell she was a cunning little thing. For a moment, the two of us stared at one another, sizing each other up.

I patted my leg and was surprised at how quickly she hopped onto my lap. In no time at all she allowed me to pet her and purred in response. As a reward for her willingness to accept me, I scratched the feline behind her ears.

“Can you keep a secret, my furry little friend?”

Opal cocked her head and let out a soft meow.

“Your mistress is a kind and generous woman, but I admit that she can be rather forceful with her suggestions on occasion. But… I am certain you already know that.”

Much to my astonishment, the feline seemed to nod her head in agreement. After that, she curled up into a ball and started to sleep in my lap. With nothing better to do than listen to Rarity, I allowed Opal to sleep while gently stroking her fur.

Rarity’s eyes widened in surprise. “I’ve never seen Opal warm up to someone so quickly before. She’s usually quite standoffish with other people. Whatever did you do to get to her like you so much?”

“I imagine it is because we are kindred spirits.”

“Hmm. Well, as I was saying: I really think we should use more aquamarine in the flower arrangement. It would make your eyes stand out more.”

I hoped that I too would not succumb to sleep’s sweet embrace. Discussing clothing and fashion bored me to my wit’s end. Mostly because I would have preferred to just enact the entire wedding in the nude instead.

It would have been far more comfortable and less bothersome since I would have had no need to pick out a dress of any sort! I just had to keep reminding myself that all of this was for a cause greater than my own personal preferences.

A Wedding Conspiracy

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Chapter 14

The Flower Petal Spa, Ponyville

The much vaunted “mani-pedi” that Rarity so fervently insisted we partake in sounded far more pleasant than I initially expected, once she explained where it was to take place. The spa we journeyed to was similar to the one Macintosh and I made use of while we stayed at Plage de Sable Blanc. However, it was not nearly so large or lavish. Considering that I was woman of simple tastes, the lack of finer luxuries did not bother me in the slightest.

I was taken aback when Rarity insisted on paying for my treatment. This, of course, only served to make me feel guilty. It was not as though I was some lay-about vagabond who lacked the coin to pay for it! Yet, she claimed it was all part of her “wedding gift” to me. After arguing for some time, I reluctantly gave into her generous offer.

The facility was appropriately furnished, clean, and smelled of soaps and scented oils. When we approached the front desk, a diminutive, white-clad woman smiled at us and recorded our arrival on her computer. I stared in wonder as her slender fingers glided across the keyboard. The personal computer was another piece of Equestrian technology I had yet to familiarize myself with.

I frowned slightly, thinking back to my first experience riding a jet airliner. While it had been exciting to fly through the air in giant, pressurized metal tube… it was also incredibly terrifying at the same time. I would likely experience some embarrassment from my own ignorance in operating the computer, of that I was certain. But at least it was not the kind of embarrassment one experienced while soiling themselves in front of their husband.

Rarity noticed my frown. “Whatever is the matter, Zecora?”

“It is nothing you need to worry yourself over.”

“I have a rambunctious little sister who says the exact same thing when something is bothering her. Go on, darling. You can tell me. I promise that I won’t judge.”

I felt my cheeks warm up. “Very well, just promise me that you will not laugh. It is a rather embarrassing topic for me to discuss.”

“On my honor as a proper lady, I promise that I shall not laugh at your plight!”

“When Macintosh and I traveled to Plage de Sable Blanc, we utilized a jet airliner to get there. It was the first time I had ever flown in an aircraft. Suffice to say, I was terrified when we first took off from the runway. I ended up… soiling myself.”

Rarity patted my back. “Ah, that is rather embarrassing, if I do say so myself. However, I completely understand why you were so terrified. You had never been on an airplane before. Flying was entirely unnatural to you.”

“Believe me; I want to learn about all the wonderful technology Equestria has to offer! It is just that sometimes I feel like a fool for overreacting to things that everyone here has practically taken for granted.”

“Now, now there’s no reason to be so hard on yourself. You came from a more ermm—rustic society, where such technology isn’t widely available. In addition, your people are also quite isolated. I dare say you’re the first Zebrican I’ve ever seen in the flesh!

“Everyone in town will, in all likelihood, be sympathetic towards your lack of knowledge. If they aren’t, then I shall make it my business to inform them about your unique situation!”

I gave Rarity a quick hug. “Thank you, my friend. It warms my heart to see that you are willing to go to such lengths for my sake.”

“You’re quite welcome, darling. Now, let’s get started on our mani-pedi. My nails are practically begging to be polished!”

I very nearly did a double take when we walked into the reception area for our mani-pedi. The woman who was to attend us was dressed in the exact same outfit as the receptionist. The outfit, in of itself, was not unusual nor had it grabbed my attention. I had seen the employees of the resort wear work uniforms too.

What surprised me was how much she resembled the receptionist in a physical sense. The only difference between the two that I could ascertain was their eye and hair color. Otherwise, one could only conclude that they were identical twins. Rarity must have picked up on my confusion because she covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.

“I suppose I should have told you about the owners of this fine establishment. Their names are Aloe and Lotus Blossom. They’re fraternal twins.”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “Is that so? Would you mind telling me who is who? I am afraid that I cannot tell the difference between the two of them.”

“Ah, right. Lotus is the one currently attending us right now. She has pink hair. Aloe, the one with the blue hair, is the one who runs the reception desk.”

“I see. Pardon me, Ms. Lotus but what exactly do you have in store for us?”

Lotus smiled. “Ms. Belle has requested a mani-pedi for the both of you. Your treatment is in preparation for a wedding, yes?”

“Indeed, you have heard correctly. Macintosh and I are going to have the cer—”

“This is excellent news! Please allow my sister and I to give you a deluxe treatment, free of any additional charge! The same offer extends to you as well, Ms. Belle. We need to reward our loyal customers, after all.”

I chuckled nervously. “Are you certain? I am more than willing to pay for it.”

“We insist on making the blushing bride to be look resplendent for her beau! An integral part of our treatment package includes making you feel as relaxed as possible, so that you have plenty of energy to enjoy some late night activities~”

My entire face turned red. “O-oh, that is… quite considerate of you. I suppose I have no other choice but to accept your hospitality.”

“Before we can work on your nails, a deep tissue massage and a trip to the heated pool are in order. If you don’t have any further questions, please follow me into the changing room so we get you set up for a nice, relaxing soak.”

Much to my relief, a sign above the changing room stated that clothing was prohibited in the heated swimming pool area. I quickly stripped out of my t-shirt and shorts and padded over to where Rarity was changing. While I cannot say that she was hesitant about taking off her clothing, she was very methodical about it. I suppose that she simply wanted to be careful about folding them up in order to prevent wrinkles.

Once she was finished, I could not help but take a moment to admire her bare body. Rarity’s skin was smoother than polished marble and lacked any sort of blemish. Her complexion reminded me of an old porcelain doll that my father gave to me when I was still a little girl.

It was obvious to me that she exercised on a regular basis, her svelte frame contained some muscle, but it lacked the hard definition of my own. Her breasts were a bit larger than mine, and they possessed a slightly conical shape. Rarity’s nipples were rather large in comparison, but I felt that they complimented the beautiful curves of her breasts perfectly.

Like me, she did not have any pubic hair. Although, I was fairly certain that she chose to remove it by choice, rather than being born without any in the first place. I was just about to turn around… until I spotted a tiny diamond pierced through her clitoris. She must have noticed my shocked expression because she gave the piercing a gentle flick.

“Do you like what you see?”

“Forgive me, Rarity. I was not my intention to stare.”

Rarity laughed. “It’s not as if I mind, darling. I imagine you’re curious about it, hmm?”

“Ah, yes… I would be lying if I said otherwise. What purpose does such a piercing serve? I cannot say that I have ever seen one like it before.”

Rarity placed her finger on her chin. “First of all: it makes me feel sexy. Second, it provides a little extra stimulation to my rosebud while I’m making love. Trust me, Zecora. It may be a nuisance at first, but I assure you that it is well worth having.”

What Rarity told me may very well have been true, but the thought of having my genitals pierced sent a shiver down my spine. Truth be told, I was quite familiar with piercings. In fact, many of my fellow hunters wore earrings shaped like animals in order to channel the spirit of their essence.

As reluctant as I am to admit this, I am rather strict concerning body piercings. The prospect of having any kind of hole punched through my skin is entirely unappealing to me. The body is at its most beautiful when it is natural and unaltered. That is what the hunters taught me. Even though my people considered earrings an acceptable alteration, I never desired to have any of my own.

I shuffled my feet. “I think it suits you, but I do not believe I shall be getting one of my own.”

“That’s quite alright, dear. Genital piercings aren’t for everyone.”

I nodded in agreement and grabbed a pair of fresh towels from one of the racks. The two of us made our way towards the heated pool, so that we could find a nice spot to relax. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was an actual pool, rather than the tiny hot tub I was expecting. It meant that we had ample room to stretch our legs and swim a few laps if we so desired.

Rarity slowly clambered down the concrete steps and slid into the water with a contented sigh. I was slightly confused as to why she moved so awkwardly, until I decided to climb down the stairs myself. Unlike the smooth tiles on the floor above, the bottom of the pool was coated in a coarse, bumpy concrete-like substance. As soon as my bare feet touched the surface, I ended up walking just as awkwardly as she did in order to avoid injuring myself.

The water itself was quite pleasant, though. It was roughly the same temperature one would typically use while taking a bath. Unlike the bubbling hot tubs at Plage de Sable Blanc, there was no danger of either of us passing out due to staying in the scalding hot water for too long. I dove underwater in order to get my entire body wet, and surfaced next to Rarity.

“Ahhh, isn’t this just perfect? I feel like all of my stress is melting away!”

“Indeed. I find the water to be quite pleasant.”

Rarity leaned back against wall and chuckled. “You know, it’s rather funny that I like swimming in this pool so much. Originally, I wasn’t entirely sold on visiting this area of the spa whatsoever.”

“Why is that? I was under the impression that you enjoyed coming here.”

Rarity nodded. “Well, of course I do. When visiting a spa, one typically wears a robe to preserve one’s modesty. As you can clearly see, we are prohibited from wearing clothing in this area. While I take great pride in maintaining my figure, I wasn’t… exactly comfortable with the idea of strutting about in the nude.

“When I voiced my concerns to Aloe and Lotus, they assured me that only certain guests were allowed into the area during a session, to ensure that nothing untoward happened. Ironically enough, it was Fluttershy who eventually persuaded me to try it with her.”

I furrowed my brow in confusion. “Excuse me, but why is that ironic? I am afraid that I do not understand…”

“Oh, drat! I completely forgot that you haven’t been introduced to Fluttershy yet. Not to worry, darling. I’m certain that the two of you will become fast friends once you’re properly acquainted.”

“I look forward to meeting her. Please, continue your story.”

Rarity lifted her foot out of the water. “Yes, of course. Where was I? Ehem—well, you see, Fluttershy is a kind-hearted soul but she’s also incredibly shy. As such, the poor dear tends to be… self-conscious of her own body. Not that she has anything to be ashamed of, mind you!

“After her fashion modeling disaster with Photo Finish a few months ago, she became even more self-conscious. It got to the point where even when the weather was dreadfully hot, she still insisted on wearing the least revealing attire possible! That is precisely why I was so shocked when she suggested that we try out the nude recreation area here at the spa.”

I frowned and stared into the water. Despite the vast cultural differences between Zebrica and Equestria, it saddened me that someone could feel so much shame towards their own body that they felt the need to cover it up entirely. I was rather stubborn when it came to my beliefs, but that did not give me the right to judge Fluttershy’s mindset. Perhaps, if she would allow it, I could try to help her feel more comfortable about her body.

Rarity smiled. “She was a bit hesitant to join me in the pool, but let’s be honest: Fluttershy and I have seen each other naked plenty of times before. I imagine that’s why she specifically invited me along, rather than any of the other girls. Once she got over her initial nervousness, we had an absolutely wonderful time.”

From what I could tell, it sounded like the two of them shared a special bond of friendship. A small part of me was envious of their relationship, but I quickly dismissed the feeling. Dwelling on what I lacked during my life in Zebrica was no way to focus on the future I had here in Ponyville. Just as I was about to ask Rarity about the rest of our spa treatment, a spray of water hit my face.

Honestly, I was more surprised than angry, but judging by how red Rarity’s face was… it was safe to assume that she was furious. Over to my right, I spotted Applejack treading water. Considering that she was situated on the deep end of the pool, I came to the conclusion that she had elected to dive into the pool, rather than climb in like Rarity and I had. In a single, powerful stroke, she swam over to us and stood in the shallow section.

Much like Macintosh, Applejack’s body positively rippled with taut muscle. I could tell that she spent just as much time doing chores and tending the fields as my husband did. And she was very likely on par with him as far as physical strength was concerned.

Unlike Rarity’s pale complexion, most of Applejack’s flesh was golden bronze. I suspected it was due to her being constantly exposed to the sun’s rays. Although, I had to stifle a giggle when I noticed that the skin around her chest and groin was several shades lighter than the rest of her body. The contrast of pigments made a rough outline of where she normally would have worn her clothing.

Her hair was untied and hung limply upon her shoulders. Truth be told, I thought she looked more beautiful with her hair that way, even though it was probably impractical for her to keep it that way while she worked. It was… odd to see Applejack without her trademark Stetson, but I imagine that she simply did not wish to ruin the hat by getting it wet.

Applejack was at least a head taller than the both of us. This simply meant that when she stood before us, the waterline gently lapped against her wild, unshaven tuft of blonde pubic hair. After folding her arms underneath her breasts, my sister in-law chuckled awkwardly and grinned.

“Umm… howdy, y’all. It’s a nice day for a swim?”

Rarity put her hands on her hips. “Applejack, do you have even the slightest sense of decorum?! Zecora and I were just trying to relax and a have nice chat until you decided to cannonball into the pool like some overgrown child!”

“Fer cryin’ out loud, Rarity! It’s a damned swimming pool. Yer supposed ta jump in, get wet, an’ have fun!”

“Hmmph! You could have just waded in like the rest of us. I’ll have you know that it’s quite unlady-like to splash water all over everyone!”

Applejack snorted. “Ah hate ta break it to ya, sugarcube: but ah ain’t never been a lady. Besides, it’s been ages since I’ve gotten a proper chance ta go skinny dippin’. You know how much ah hate wearin’ a swimsuit.”

“Oh, I’m quite aware of your distain for proper swimming attire. Growing up on a farm with unlimited access to a private pond does tend to skew one’s opinion when it comes to modesty.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “C’mon Rares, ya can’t be serious! Why would ah need ta worry about bein’ modest when the only folks around are mah own kin? Hell, even Mac and Bloom don’t bother wearin’ anythin’ when we go swimmin’ together. Skinny dippin’ in the pond is practically an Apple Family tradition!”

I winced when I saw the two of them square off. The air was so thick with tension that I could practically see the heat radiating from their glaring eyes. I desperately wanted them to stop. It was never healthy for anyone to argue like that. After screwing up my courage, I rose out of the water to try and persuade them to stop, until I heard them… laughing?

When I looked over at Applejack, she had one of her arms wrapped around Rarity, in what I could only assume was an affectionate, yet rough hug. Because of Applejack’s height and strength, there was little Rarity could do to resist. Even though she appeared to be quite uncomfortable, the fashionista returned my sister in-law’s affection by giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek.

“It’s good ta see ya, Rares.”

Rarity coughed. “I share the sentiment, but could you at least try to be a bit gentler next time? I think I felt one of my ribs creak…”

“Heh. Sorry, sugarcube. Sometimes, ah forget how strong ah am. How’s business goin’ for ya?”

“Other than a few special projects, I’ve been busy with orders for lighter attire. Summer is just around the corner, you know.”

Applejack shifted to a sitting position. “Don’t ah know it. Tarnation… I’m damn near tuckered out from all of this weddin’ business. Ah know Mac means well, but it takes more than a week ta get everythin’ set—”

“Shhhhhh!”

“Aw shit!” Applejack cursed. “Me and mah big mouth! Ah didn’t mean ta blurt that out! Cat’s outta the bag now, ain’t it?”

Rarity rubbed her temples. “Indeed it is. Did you forget that Zecora is literally sitting right next to us? Well, I suppose… an explanation is in order. Your wedding is going to be here in Ponyville, a week from today. Congratulations, darling!”

A flood of emotions welled in my chest. I could scarcely believe what I just heard. From what I could understand, Macintosh had planned on having our wedding in Ponyville long before we even took our vacation to Plage de Sable Blanc. He had been committed to marrying me even before I summoned the courage to ask him.

Had my wonderful, loving husband been there with us, I would have tackled him to the ground, smothered his body with kisses, and made passionate love to him until he could no longer walk straight. Pushing my sexual urges aside, I felt a growing sense of warmth filling my chest. With tears welling in my eyes, I swam over to Applejack and hugged her as tightly as I could.

“Spirits bless you, sister in-law! You have no idea how much this means to me!”

Applejack gently patted my back. “You’re welcome, sugarcube. I’m just glad that my brother found such a wonderful gal ta share his life with. But—umm—ah can’t take all the credit. Rarity made your weddin’ dress and Pinkie sent out all the invitations. Ah reckon ya ought to thank them too.”

I swam over to Rarity and gave her a gentle hug, followed by a kiss on each of her cheeks. She returned the gesture in kind, though she was daintier about it than Applejack .After I expressed my gratitude once more, we conversed for a while longer until Rarity reminded us of our massage.

All three of us exited the pool and dried off in the changing room. I was slightly disappointed when I realized that I would have to wear something beyond changing room, but Rarity assured me that the only thing I needed to cover myself with was a white bath robe. Once I slipped it on, I found that it was surprisingly comfortable. The soft, fluffy fabric felt wonderful against my skin.

I noticed that neither Applejack nor Rarity wore any undergarments beneath their robes. In fact, they were walking around barefoot as well. The two of them must have noticed my confused expression because Rarity began to giggle. I blushed slightly when I heard Applejack join in.

“This is a spa, darling. You’re not supposed to wear anything underneath the robes. It’s to ensure that we’re as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Besides, we’re all going to have to take them off when we get our massage anyway.”

I cocked my head. “Pardon?”

“You simply take off your robe, lie down on a massage table, and use a towel to cover up your bottom. The attendants will then slather your skin in various scented oils, and work their magic. Trust me dear, it feels marvelous~”

Applejack cracked her knuckles. “Yeah, my neck and back could really use a good tune up. Ah reckon it’s from all the liftin’ I’ve had ta do over the past few days.”

“Applejack, would you kindly crack your knuckles elsewhere? That sound, it’s so… disgusting.”

Applejack grinned and proceeded to crack her neck. “Whoo boy! Nothin’ like loosenin’ things up, eh Rares?”

“Geeeeegguuuhh! You horrible, brutish amazon! Stop doing that this instant!”

Applejack continued to stretch out her arms and legs while they made exaggerated popping sounds. I was not particularly disturbed by it, considering that I went through the same thing during the mornings when I practiced my Engolo stances. However, I could not help but join in Applejack’s laughter when I heard Rarity making some truly bizarre whimpering noises.

Rarity blushed and stomped her foot. “The both of you are terrible! Let’s just… get on with our massage, shall we?”

Aloe and Lotus said that they would attend to Rarity and I. Immediately upon entering the room; I slid out of my robe and made my way over to one of the tables. Applejack and Rarity were decidedly more modest. They chose to wrap a towel around themselves before they lay down on the tables. Lotus offered me a towel to cover up my buttocks, but I politely declined. She simply nodded and began to apply the massage oil to my back.

The rest of our spa treatment continued on without incident. Although, Rarity and I became quite uncomfortable when we heard all of the loud, nearly sensual moans Applejack let out while she was being massaged.

I felt a pang of sympathy for the poor man who was attending to her. He was well muscled, tall, and had short blonde hair. I assumed that he was some sort of athlete, but I was not entirely certain exactly what sport would require him to maintain so much muscle mass. Despite his intimidating appearance, the masseur was very polite and soft-spoken. I believe he mentioned that his name was Bulk Biceps.

My own muscles did not feel particularly tight, nor was I experiencing any significant amount of stress. Nonetheless, Lotus’s ministrations felt wonderful against my skin. Her hands were delicate and smooth and she seemed to have an innate ability sensing where the tension was in my muscles. I moaned softly when she loosened up a spot on my neck.

“You have such lovely skin, Ms. Zecora. Vhat is your secret?”

“I use a mixture of various plants and oils. It is combined into a poultice and applied topically. If you wish, I could stop by later and provide you sample of it.”

Lotus began massaging my buttocks. “Ja, that sounds wonderful. Oh, I’m terribly sorry! I forgot to ask if it was appropriate to touch your bottom. Do you… vant me to stop?”

“No, it is alright. I do not mind. Please, continue.”

Lotus cleared her throat. “You’ll have to excuse my hesitance; most of our customers are not quite as comfortable bearing their bodies as you are. I must say, it is rather refreshing. My sister and I are originally from Der Germӓne Republik. Our people tend to have a more relaxed attitude concerning recreational nudity. That is why ve decided to open Die Nacktbadzimmer.”

“Pardon me, but I do not speak your native tongue.”

“Apologies, Ms. Zecora. It is a pool where one can swim without the need of a bathing suit. Such places were common around the town my sister and I grew up in. Ve simply wanted to give our new Equestrian neighbors a chance to experience it as vell. Although, on a smaller scale.”

I groaned softly as she kneaded my shoulders. “I quite enjoyed swimming in your pool. I will be sure to recommend it to anyone who seems interested.”

“That is good to hear. I believe ve are almost fin—”

All of us were stunned into silence when Applejack groaned in pleasure. If I had not known any better, I would have concluded that she was in the throes of an incredibly intense orgasm. Everyone in the room was blushing profusely, with the sole exception of Applejack, who giggled girlishly and gave Mr. Biceps a smoldering stare.

“Ya sure know how ta touch a gal in all the right places, partner. Next time ah need a massage, I’ll make sure to ask for ya specifically.”

“I—umm—thanks, I think?”

Applejack wrapped the towel tightly around her body and made her way towards the changing room. Before she changed into her robe, she slowly bent down and took something out of the side pocket. With a grin on her face, she sauntered over to Mr. Biceps and slipped the card she retrieved into the waistband of his pants.

“If ya ever wanna grab a bite ta eat, down a few cold ones, or… just have some fun with a country gal, gimme a call.”

Bulk Biceps was left stupefied from Applejack’s invitation. She didn’t react much other than to join us in the changing room. After donning our robes, we ventured over to a set of comfortable looking chairs for our mani-pedis. Once everyone took a seat, Applejack’s face immediately flushed red.

“Uncle Strudel’s lederhosen! Ah can’t believe I just did that!”

Rarity waved her hand. “I know, right? It appears as though Rainbow Dash and I owe you one hundred bits. And you get bragging rights, of course.”

“Ughh! Ah don’t rightly know if what ah did back there sits right with me.”

“Whatever do you mean, darling?”

Applejack rubbed her neck. “Well, umm… what if Bulk actually decides ta call me? Ah can’t just tell him that I was only flirtin’ with him ta win a bet. That’d be downright despicable.”

“Come now, Applejack. Would it really be such a terrible thing to go on a date with him? While I will admit that he isn’t exactly the most dashing fellow, he is not without charm. He’s polite, well-mannered, and I’m sure you noticed all of those rippling muscles~”

AJ twirled a strand of her hair. “Yeah… ah reckon he’s a mighty strong fella. Heh. Maybe ah should challenge him to an arm wrestlin’ match. Ya know, just fer shits n’ giggles.”

“That’s the spirit! Going on a date will be good for you.”

AJ gave Rarity a half lidded stare. “Really, Rares? Yer gonna go there? I’m already gettin’ a mouthful from Granny about Mac gettin’ married. Says ah should ‘find a good man ta settle down with while I’m still young enough ta have kids’.”

“You don’t immediately need to get married, darling. But let’s be honest: when was the last time you tried having a relationship? In fact, I imagine it’s been ages since you’ve had any sex.”

Applejack blushed. “That ain’t—oh fine! It has been a while. I’ll admit that I’ve got a fierce itch that needs scratchin’. Ya know what? Maybe I’ll just call Bulk first! It ain’t like I’ve got anythin’ ta lose.”

“Well, it seems as though something good has come out of this little bet. I’m happy for you, Applejack. I hope that you enjoy your little date with Bulk.”

AJ snorted. “Darn tootin’ ah will! With all the bits I’ve won, I’m gonna go ta some fancy ass restaurant in Canterlot just ta make ya jealous. Ah might even be inclined ta wear a dress too.”

I did not find the need to say much. Although, I was inclined to agree with Rarity that I had never seen Applejack show even the slightest interest when it came to matters of romance. I simply squeezed her hand in encouragement. She squeezed back and gave me an appreciative smile. As for the remainder of our mani-pedi, none of us felt the need to say another word. We simply relaxed and allowed the attendants to work their magic.

By the time we finished our treatment and got dressed, it was already early evening. I wanted to follow Applejack back to Sweet Apple Acres, but she informed me that it would ruin the surprise. Even though I had not been away from Macintosh for very long, I still wanted to see him… but I suppose it could wait. Reluctantly, I agreed and made my way back to the cabin.

Since it was so close to dinner time, I decided to brew a pot of mint leaf tea and some chicken stew. I was surprisingly hungry, so I indulged in two bowls of stew and took my cup of tea into the bedroom. After taking off my clothes, I walked over to my ever growing collection of books and picked out a romance novel.

I had always been an avid reader, ever since I was a little girl. However, most of the time I enjoyed reading works of non-fiction. Tonight, I decided to deviate a bit from the norm and start one of the “trashy” romance novels that Rarity had suggested I read. I rolled my eyes when I saw the cover. There was a shirtless, muscular man and woman dressed in torn clothing pictured on the front cover. Their bodies were pressed against one another in a passionate embrace.

In hindsight, I should have known that Rarity enjoyed reading erotica. I was opposed to erotic works of fiction or art, but even I had to admit that the picture on the cover was a bit… gaudy. Throwing caution to the wind, I grabbed the book and lay down on my bed. After reading the first two chapters, I realized just how graphic the book was.

Admittedly, I was feeling rather lonely. Before I knew it, my mind became filled with lurid sexual fantasies the book described. As time wore on, I began to imagine myself doing these things with Macintosh. My hand slowly crept down towards my waist as I continued to read.

I did not masturbate very often, but tonight was different. I was relaxed, aroused, and lonely all at the same time. I began to stroke my lips in lazy circles until the pleasant tingling sensation became more intense. Out of desperation, I inserted two of my fingers and began pumping them in and out. The sensation was pleasant… but it paled in comparison to having my husband’s penis inside of me.

Just as I was about to reach my climax, I heard a knock at the door. Without even thinking, I scrambled out of bed and rushed to answer it. When I opened it, I saw Derpy standing before me with a letter in her hand. She must have noticed my disheveled state because she averted her eyes and rubbed her arm.

“I’m sorry if I interrupted your private time, Ms. Zecora. But umm—I’ve a got an important letter for you. It’s postmarked from the Zebrican Embassy. I think you might want to read it.”

I blushed heavily after taking the letter. “Thank you, Derpy. Have a pleasant evening.”

“No problem, it’s my job after all! Oh, and don’t feel too bad about answering the door naked. I’ve done that a couple of times myself. It usually happens after I’m done taking a shower. But I swear I’ve gotten better at remembering to wear a towel! Anyway, have a good night!”

Somehow, I was not entirely surprised that something like that had happened to Derpy. She was an adorable, if somewhat clumsy woman. I am sure that her husband did not mind when she forgot to wear a towel. After waving goodbye, I took a seat on my bed and opened the letter.

Dearest Daughter,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to inform you that my supporters and I have deposed your father from his position as High Chieftain of Zebrica. After you left, he became increasingly paranoid and became obsessed with finding you. It got to the point where he would enact severe punishments for even the most minor of offenses. We… simply could not tolerate his behavior anymore. Our coup went smoothly and was met with little violence, but your father still managed to escape and we have no idea of his whereabouts. Do not worry about me. I only ask that you enjoy the new life you have.
With all of my love,
-Nimwae

Sojourn to the Capital

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Chapter 15

Zecora’s Cabin, The Everfree Forest

Due to the increasing popularity of my herbal remedies, I took it upon myself to set up a small stand within Ponyville’s market district. I kept it open from the time I finished my breakfast (which was usually around six in the morning) till about two in the afternoon. If anyone required further assistance or needed something that I did not happen to have in stock, I invited them to visit my cabin.

Thankfully, today did not happen to be one of those occasions. While I recognized the need to make money in order to support myself, I was eager to finish handling customers for the day and return to my cabin. The letter I received yesterday weighed so heavily upon my mind that it was impossible for me to calm down enough to achieve any semblance of sleep the night prior.

I was still cordial to all my customers, of course. But… part of me was simply going through the motions just to satisfy my daily quota. After yawning loudly, I turned the doorknob to my cabin and slowly shuffled inside.

I kicked off my sandals and set about getting more comfortable. Sun dresses were my typical outfit of choice because they required the least amount of effort to slip in and out of. As for today though, I chose to wear a tank top and shorts to the market just for a change of pace. I was actually quite surprised at how comfortable they were. The shorts contained some sort of elastic material that stretched around my waist, instead of using a button or zipper to keep them in place.

Pinkie informed me that they were called “gym shorts”. People supposedly wore them during periods of vigorous physical activity because they allowed a wide range of motion. Why anyone would want to exercise or swim while clothed was beyond my comprehension, but I chose not to question it. This happened to be one of the facets of Equestrian society that I would never come to fully understand no matter how it was explained to me.

After balling up my clothes, I tossed them into the hamper and grabbed a towel out of the closet. The way I saw it: a long, hot shower would serve to help relax my tensed muscles and clear my mind for a short period of time, at any rate.

As I drew near the bathroom door, I heard the distinct pitter-patter of running water. In my exhausted and distracted state of mind, I initially had not noticed anything peculiar when I entered the cabin. I mentally cursed myself for not noticing the sound earlier. Clearly, my instincts as a huntress had been considerably dulled since coming to Equestria.

I held my breath and opened the door as silently as I could. Relief washed over me when I immediately recognized that my would-be assailant was merely my husband taking a shower. Oh, what a sight it was! Even though he was in the process of drying himself off, I could see tiny beads of water still trickling down his abdomen.

I paused for moment in order to appreciate his muscled form. In that moment, I felt like a hungry lioness stalking a hapless gazelle in the tall grasses of the savannah. He seemed somewhat surprised that I was in the room with him, but he still managed to greet me with a sheepish smile. Taking that as an invitation, I licked my lips in anticipation and strode towards him.

“Hey Zecora. Ah umm—didn’t expect ta see ya back so soon. Ah was gonna surprise you and make lunch… but Ah wanted ta wash up first.”

I ran my fingers along the taut muscles of his stomach. “I certainly appreciate the gesture. However, I think that I appreciate your presence far more. I have missed you, my love.”

“I’m really sorry about that. The farm doesn’t run itself and with the weddin’ right around the corner, it’s damn near impossible for me ta find much time ta see ya. Don’t worry though! Mah sisters volunteered ta do all the chores for a while, and Granny said she’d tend the stills.”

Rather than tell him not to worry, I chose to let my actions speak for me. I gently cupped his cheeks in my palms and pressed my lips against his. He, of course, responded in kind but I took things a step further by mingling my tongue with his own.

I am uncertain how long we stood in the bathroom kissing one another, but it felt like an eternity before we broke apart. A soft moan escaped my lips when I felt him gently nibble his way along my neck and towards my ear. Once he was finished, I wrapped my arms around his waist and pressed my breasts against his chest. We were so close that I could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

A proud smile spread upon my lips as I felt his growing erection rub up against my belly. When I let out a girlish giggle, he suddenly became rather tense. Perhaps he was embarrassed by his arousal? Regardless of how he felt about it, the heat of desire stirring in my loins drove me to take further action. After taking a moment to get comfortable, I sat on my knees and began to stroke his shaft.

“Do you know what I think? Instead of lunch, I would much rather have you.”

“Ah swear you’re downright insatiable sometimes...” Macintosh mumbled.

“Well, that is only because I have such a handsome, loving husband to share my passion with. Are you saying that you do not want your wife to pleasure you?”

Macintosh hissed while I teased the tip of his head with my thumb. “That’s not—ok, fine! Ah admit it. I’m seriously pent up right now. Ah just haven’t had the time or the energy ta relieve mahself properly in the past few days. Ya gotta understand: the whole reason Ah came here was ta take care of ya for a while. Instead, here Ah am gettin’ mah knob polished. Ah guess… Ah feel a bit guilty.”

“Worry not, my love. There is nothing to feel guilty about. It makes me happy to do this for you.”

“Alright, darlin’. If that’s what ya want. Just… lemme pay back the favor, alright?”

I smiled. “That can certainly be arranged. Now, just relax and allow me to pleasure you.”

With the greatest of care, I grasped the base of his shaft, wrapped my lips around the head of his penis, and used my other hand to gently knead his balls in-between my fingers. Under normal circumstances, I would have fellated him at a rapid pace to ensure that he achieved a powerful and satisfying orgasm as quickly as possible. However, today I was feeling a bit more impish.

My lips slid up and down his shaft at what I imagine (for a man who had not released his seed in a few days) must have been an infuriatingly sedate pace. Part of me felt guilty, so I made sure to swirl my tongue along the sensitive patch of skin just below his head. I knew for a fact that he loved it when I did that.

It was quite difficult for me to keep his girth inside of my mouth for such an extended period of time because it made my jaw slightly sore. But I convinced myself that the discomfort would be well worth the effort. My plan was to bring him to the teetering edge of orgasm, pause for a few moments, and continue slowly in order to maximize his pleasure. If he was going to release his seed, I wanted him to do so inside of me.

I continued to suckle his penis for a few more moments, until I heard him whimper softly. Immediately thereafter, I felt his balls begin to grow taught betwixt my fingers. It was as sure a sign as any that he was approaching his limit. With a slick pop, I ceased my ministrations and left his manhood exposed to the open air once more.

He stared back at me with a confused and pitiful expression. I practically had to bite my cheek to stop myself from satisfying him right then and there. As much as it pained me to leave him unsated, I had to stick with my plan. With all the grace of a seasoned martial artist, I sauntered towards the bathroom door and struck the most seductive pose I could muster.

“You may repay the favor by following me into the bedroom~”

I tilted my head to the side ever so slightly just to make sure that I was putting some extra wiggle in my hips while I walked. I stopped about halfway to assess how Macintosh was receiving my impromptu display. Much to my delight, he was absolutely entranced by my backside and started to lick his lips. Satisfied with his reaction, I giggled like a love-drunk school girl and scampered into the bedroom.

Once inside, I crawled atop the covers and shamelessly presented my glistening sex to Macintosh. I shouted out in surprise when I felt him abruptly ram his manhood into me. In hindsight, I realized that I had basically given him an open invitation to do so, but… it was very jarring to be penetrated in such a manner. He immediately paused upon hearing my pained cry.

“Zecora? Are ya ok?”

“I-I shall be alright. Please, continue.”

Macintosh sighed. “I’m sorry, darlin’. Ah should have given ya a bit more time ta prepare yourself. Mah… urges got the better o’ me.”

Rather than reply verbally, I chose to answer him with silence so that he could reflect upon his action. But in all honesty, I was not nearly as upset with him as I appeared to be.

Macintosh’s entire body seemed to sag. “Zecora, ya can’t expect a sex-deprived man ta resist his beautiful wife when she’s practically shovin’ her lady-bits in his face. I’m sorry if it hurt but—”

With a mischievous giggle, I gyrated my hips forward and back, easing his length in and out of me as slowly as I could. Even though he had become distracted by my reaction, I could tell that Macintosh was still fully erect and eager to make love. Therefore, I repeated the motion several more times, and much to my satisfaction, he let out a grunt of pleasure. After that, he dug his fingers into my buttocks and began to do all of the thrusting himself.

Under normal circumstances, Macintosh liked to set a steady, rhythmic pace but this time he was fast and frantic. I typically did not enjoy making love when it devolved into animalistic humping, but today I could make an exception. This was about allowing my husband to alleviate his sexual frustration and experience as much pleasure as possible. Besides, the feeling of him stirring up my insides had long since banished any residual pain.

I gripped the bedsheets tightly, curled my toes, and panted in exertion. The first true orgasm I’d had in days surged through me like a wild electric current. The near constant pressure of my walls as they squeezed Macintosh’s manhood made me contort my body in all manner of strange, but enjoyable positions. It did not take long before he was right on the verge of releasing his seed, for I felt his head begin to flare inside me.

With one final push, he plunged into me deeply and cried out my name. In that moment, I felt his hot, thick semen fill my belly until a few errant globs started to drip down onto the bedsheets. When his orgasm finally subsided, he slowly coaxed his length from inside me; we rolled onto our backs, and took a moment to catch our breath.

While we were lying next to one another, I could not help but notice that even after filling me to the brim with his seed; Macintosh’s penis still seemed fairly erect. Just for good measure, I gave it a gentle poke and smiled when my suspicions were confirmed. The flames of passion had yet to extinguish in my belly, so I was quite eager to initiate a second round of love-making.

“Such stamina you possess, my love,” I whispered while peppering his shaft with kisses, “I would be remiss in my duty as your wife to ignore your manhood while it is in such a state. Allow me to take care of it for you~”

Rather than allow Macintosh to contradict my assertion, I crawled atop his torso and squeezed my thighs against his hips in order to keep him in place. Next, I grasped the base of his shaft and carefully lowered myself onto it until he was completely inside me. As soon as I was certain that his penis would not slip out, I began to pump my hips up and down slowly in a continuous motion.

Gone was the frantic pace that we had set from before. Now, it was all about enjoying every little moment of pleasure that was shared between us. My favorite part about being on top was the fact that I could clearly see my husband’s face and all of his expressions. In that moment, my eyes locked onto his and I bent down slightly so that I could run my fingers through his hair. He responded in kind by cupping my cheeks and pulling me into a long, passionate kiss.

Much to my delight, Macintosh decided to focus his attention on caressing my breasts once he broke away from our kiss. I let out an involuntary squeak of surprise when he began to gently roll my nipples in-between his fingers. Waves of electric pleasure radiated from my chest all the way down to the tips of my toes while he continued his ministrations. With as sensitive as my body felt, I could no longer bear to hold back my impending orgasm.

I braced my hands against my husband’s shoulders and started pumping my hips at a frantic pace. It was not long before the distinct sound of Macintosh’s balls slapping against my rump filled the room. With a deep, throaty moan, I clenched my legs around him and allowed the pure, unadulterated ecstasy of my orgasm overwhelm my senses. Only a few moments later, I heard him grunt loudly, which was inevitably followed by the warmth that I felt in my belly as he filled me with his seed for the second time today.

Utterly exhausted, I slowly dismounted my husband and wrapped my arm around his torso. He happily accepted my embrace and then I took it upon myself to nestle my head in the crook of his shoulder. For what could have been hours, we simply enjoyed the warmth and comfort of each other’s bodies. We absolutely reeked of sweat and sex but neither one of us were terribly concerned about it while we cuddled. I very nearly fell asleep… until the specter of my estranged father reared its ugly head.

“My love, I apologize for interrupting this wonderful moment but… there is an important matter that weighs heavily upon my mind.”

Macintosh placed a gentle kiss upon my forehead. “Easy there, darlin’. Go on and tell me what’s botherin’ ya and I’ll see what ah can do ta help.”

“Yesterday, I received a letter from my mentor. In it, she mentioned that my father was ousted from his position as chieftain during a coup. While there was relatively little violence, my father managed to escape before he could be taken into custody. What worries me most is that no one knows of his current whereabouts.”

“Wait, back up a second. Your pops was a chieftain?! Why didn’t ya ever mention this before?”

I felt my cheeks redden with shame. “Macintosh, please understand that it was never my intention to deceive anyone, least of all you! I simply wanted to put my old life behind me and forge a new identity for myself here in Equestria.”

“Why though? If ya were a chieftain’s daughter, surely things couldn’t have been that bad.”

I sighed. “Most people would assume that, but such was not the case for me. From the very moment I was born, my father decided that I needed to be a worthy successor to all that he ruled. Even though he was the High Chieftain of Zebrica, it did not change that fact that he was a cruel, selfish man. More often than not, he would manipulate the people and events around him just to suit his own needs. Sadly, I was not exempt from his machinations either.

“Throughout my entire childhood, I was instructed on anything and everything that would help me to become proper chieftess. When I finally grew old enough to experience my first moon blood, my father sent me off into the forest to begin training with the Hunters. Despite being a woman, my father wanted me to become strong and hone my martial skills. After all, a good ruler must understand how to protect herself and her people during times of war.

“Eventually, I came to appreciate their ways and ended up adopting them as my own. From time to time, I would journey back to the village and trade the ingredients I found in the forest for supplies. My passion for herbalism began in earnest when the village Mganga, Nimwae, started teaching me about the useful properties of the plants and fungi that I delivered to her hut.

“I was quite content with the direction my life was going. That is… until my father decided to summon me back to the village after ignoring my existence for nearly a decade. When I arrived, he chastised my lifestyle and informed me that I was to be wedded to another chieftain’s son so that he could formally cement an alliance between our people.

“Never in my life had I felt such outrage! It was not his place to trade me away as if I was some kind of commodity! Unfortunately, I had no choice but to comply with the arranged marriage because he had threatened to harm Nimwae if I refused. When I finally summoned the courage to tell her what happened, she told me not to worry about my father and arranged my passage to Equestria.”

Macintosh let out a heavy sigh. “That’s one hell of a story. Ah never knew how complicated your situation was before movin’ ta Equestria. But I’m glad ya talked to me about it. Although, I’m confused about one detail: why are ya still worried about your old man?”

“My father may have been ousted in the coup, but he had access to vast amounts of wealth. With how paranoid he was, I have no doubt that he kept a hidden cache stowed away for emergencies. It is well within the realm of possibility that he used some of it to book passage to Equestria with the intent of exacting his revenge upon me.”

“Is he that obsessed with revenge that he’d drop everthin’ just to come after ya?”

I felt my chest begin to tighten. “I am… afraid so. There were many amongst my people who saw my departure as an open act of defiance against his tyrannical rule. That was never my intention, but he may have interpreted it that way as well.”

It was at that moment when I felt something break inside me. All of the anxiety, stress, and fear that had been building up inside me since yesterday, suddenly burst forth like a summer flood. I hugged Macintosh tightly whilst I heaved shuddering, choking sobs into his chest. Why did things have to be this way? The only thing I had ever desired was to have a life that I could call my own. Was fate so cruel that it would not allow me to enjoy this one, simple thing?

Macintosh gently brushed his fingers through my hair. “Shhh. It’s alright. We’ll think of somethin’.”

“But what can we do?! No one has any idea where my father is. He could already be in Equestria at this point!” I croaked.

“A close friend of mine happens ta be a bigwig in the EMS. If you’re feelin’ up ta it, we could take a quick trip ta Canterlot and see if he’d be willin’ ta spare some agents ta keep an eye out for your old man.”

“Do you truly believe that he shall be able to keep us safe?”

Macintosh placed a soft kiss upon my cheek. “I’d trust that man with mah life, darlin’. Besides, you’ve got me too. So long as I’m around, ah won’t let that bastard lay a finger on ya. That’s a fact.”

Quite some time passed before I was composed enough to leave the warmth and comfort of my bed. However, having my husband close at hand, offering his love and support, did much to strengthen my resolve and spur me into action. So, after we cleaned up and got dressed, the two of us decided to take the next scheduled monorail to Canterlot.

Aside from the curious onlooker here and there, our journey to the Ministry’s headquarters was relatively uneventful. All of the books that I had read during my childhood described Canterlot as a place filled with grand and wonderous architecture. Indeed, we passed many buildings of the like while on route to our stop, but such was not the case when we finally arrived at the district that served as the epicenter to all of Equestria’s ministries.

The Ministry of Security’s headquarters was a veritable bastion of concrete, granite, and steel. And unlike the diverse array of styles colors from the previous districts, the drab greys and blacks of the building’s exterior made my skin crawl with a prickling sense of unease. But Macintosh reassured me that such a thing was normal for structures that housed the apparatuses of the governance because it was cheaper to use dull colors for their construction. Despite knowing this, I still felt uncomfortable as we walked through the entrance.

Unlike the décor of the building, the receptionist greeted us warmly and bade us to take a seat on one of the many velveteen chairs arranged in the waiting room. Macintosh asked me if I wanted something to drink while we waited and I agreed. He then walked over to a lighted, rectangular device that depicted a steaming beverage of some sort. After inserting some coins into a tiny slot, I was astonished to discover that the machine had produced two freshly brewed cups of coffee! My husband chuckled when he handed me my cup and noticed my mystified expression.

“Ah forgot that you’ve never seen a vendin’ machine before. They’re basically automated tellers that ya put money in ta and they spit out food, drinks, or snacks. It ain’t as good as the stuff you’d get in an actual restaurant, but it’s more convenient.”

I took a sip from the cup and closed my eyes. “Ah, I see. Will the wonders of Equestrian technology ever cease? Thank you for the coffee, Macintosh. It will help keep my mind focused.”

“I’m sorry it’s just some crappy vendin’ machine coffee instead of the good stuff.”

“Fret not, my love. I have tasted far worse than the likes of this brew.”

We sat next to one another in comfortable silence for about the next twenty minutes, until the receptionist ushered us up a flight of stairs and into a large office. Upon the oaken door was a solid gold plaque that read: Commissioner Shining Armor, Canterlot Metropolitan Police. Equestrian Ministry of Security.

A man about Macintosh’s age sat behind the desk, adorned in a stylishly cut grey uniform which included silver piping along the shoulders and a corresponding insignia patch that depicted a bucking stallion enclosed within a triangular shield. His neon blue hair was cropped in a short, professional style that I had seen many soldiers emulate. After shuffling some papers, he got up from his chair, removed his tortoise shell glasses, and greeted Macintosh with a firm hug.

“Mac! It’s great to see you, buddy! But why did you decide to come visit me at HQ?”

My husband returned the embrace but frowned. “Likewise, Shining. I’m afraid we’re here on official business.”

“Hello there! My name’s Commissioner Armor, but you can just call me Shining. What’s your name, ma’am?”

I bowed slightly. “Greetings, Shining. My name is Zecora and as my husband stated, we are here to humbly request your assistance regarding an important matter.”

“Mac, you sly dog! You never told me you got hitched. And she’s a Zebrican to boot! Who knew you had in you to catch the eye of such an exotic beauty! But seriously though, congrats. I wish the best of luck to the both of you.”

Macintosh rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled. “Thank ya kindly. Now, as for the reason we’re here. Are ya aware of what’s been goin’ on in Zebrica recently?”

“From what I understand, they’ve been taken off the belligerent list due to a recent change in leadership. But there’s a pretty high-profile perp still on the loose. The embassy sent out a dossier on him a few weeks ago. Goes by the name of Zecoomba. Wait… you don’t mean—”

“Eeyup. Zecora’s his one and only daughter. Since Zebrica is so far away, ah wouldn’t normally worry too much about her safety. But considerin’ the vast resources her pops had access ta, he could be anywhere right now.”

“That’s certainly true. And from what I read in the dossier, he sounded like your stereotypical paranoid despot. Are you afraid that he might try to harm Zecora?”

I slowly nodded in agreement. “Even though my mentor was the one who arranged my passage to Equestria as a refugee, my father became enraged by what he saw as a direct act of defiance against the marriage he had arranged for me. I am afraid that he will not rest until he sees me suffer for what I did.”

Shining let out a long sigh. “Officially speaking, the only thing I can really do at this point is distribute an APB to all of the major ports in Equestria and tell everyone to keep their eyes peeled for anyone who matches your father’s description.”

Neither of us could hide our disappointment upon hearing Shining’s response. The commissioner must have noticed our forlorn expressions because he walked over to me and placed his hand upon my shoulder as a gesture of comfort. When I finally managed to meet his eyes, a boyish grin had spread across his lips.

“Unofficially, the EMS already has an agent stationed in Ponyville. Her real name is Sweetie Drops, but she’s currently using an alias in order to maintain her cover. I’ll let her know that you two might be a potential target for our perp. She’s one of the most experienced agents we have. I promise that you can trust her to keep you safe.”

I jumped out of the chair and hugged him with all of my might. “Spirits bless you, sir! You have no idea how much this means to us!”

Even though I was quite comfortable with showing physical affection, I may have hugged Shining Armor far longer than was strictly necessary. Upon hearing him attempt to clear his throat several times, I released him and went back to my seat with a slight blush coloring my cheeks. My husband settled on a firm handshake to thank his friend while I apologized profusely for my embarrassing breach of decorum.

Shining laughed. “Don’t sweat it. I’m always happy to help citizens in need. Especially when they happen to be my best friend and his wife. I’d appreciate it if you guys would keep the hug part between the three of us though. My wife probably wouldn’t be too happy to hear about it.”

I assumed the commissioner must have been referencing the woman depicted in the picture that sat upon the edge of his desk. She was adorned in a silky blue gown, complemented by a matching set of sequined slippers. The woman’s purple, pink and yellow streaked hair cascaded down to her shoulders while the cerise hue of her eyes seemed to radiate an aura that was equal parts graceful and mischievous at the same time. In my own humble opinion, I felt that she was strikingly a beautiful woman.

Macintosh chuckled in agreement. “Eeyup. Knowin’ Cadence, she’d probably make ya feel guilty as hell and then try ta trick ya into buyin' her dinner or somethin'. How’s she doin’ by the way?”

“Still the ray of sunshine I fell in love with. Although, we haven’t spent much time together lately because of her radio talk show and all of the duties I have to attend to here in Canterlot. I was thinking that we could take a vacation to reconnect and unwind, but I don’t have a clue where we’d go…”

I reached into my satchel and presented Shining with a pamphlet. “Fleur de Lis originally suggested Plage de Sable Blanc to me. Macintosh and I had an absolutely lovely time during our visit. Perhaps, you would be interested in going there as well?”

Shining took a glance at it and rubbed his chin in thought. “Hmm. One of those fancy Prench resorts, huh? Well, it’s not like we can’t afford it. I’ll look it over with Cadence and see if she’s interested. I—ah—hate to rush you guys, but I’ve still got a lot of paperwork to catch up on.”

“No problem, Shinning. We need ta head back ta Ponyville and get things set for the weddin’ and whatnot. Ah guess I’ll talk to ya later then. Let us know how your vacation turns out.”

Shining nodded. “Will do. Have a safe trip back and try not to have too much fun on your wedding night, ok?”

Both of us shared a knowing laugh at his comment while we exited his office. As we made our way back to the monorail station, I took hold of my husband’s arm and rested my head against his shoulder while we walked. Even though I was still concerned about my father, I left Canterlot with the knowledge that we were both in good hands.

Jewel of the Jungle

by Enclave2277

A New Life in Ponyville

Art of the Un-Dress

The Most Important Meal of the Day

An Afternoon At The Acres

Into the Woods We Go

A Lion and a Lover

Breakfast With The Apples

The Baker and the Braggart

A Fortuitous Shopping Trip

The Vacation of a Lifetime (I)

The Vacation of a Lifetime (II)

The Vacation of a Lifetime (III)

Coming Back Home

A Wedding Conspiracy

Sojourn to the Capital