A Quest for Homeby Jonah FunChaptersPoniesZebrasReindeerPoniesThe rain pelted down, droplets occasionally bouncing off the water the small boat swayed on. A mare sat silently while 2 stallions worked on the oars, grunting and groaning as they preformed their task. It was a dark night, but they could just about see the shores of Equestria. "We here." growled one of the stallions. He snapped round his head to the leaf green mare sitting opposite him. He looked at the burn mark above her hind-legs, and then to the mare's face. "Off" he grunted. "Without a goodbye?" The mare replied, her voice strong and thick with a posh accent. "I've said all I want to say to you. Now off, before I push you." The mare slowly got up, took a deep breath, and dived off the edge of the boat, submerging herself in the icy waters of the sea. The 2 stallions on the raft immediately began to row back the way they had came. The Mare made her way underwater, kicking her way to the shore. she emerged for air and kept going until her kicking hooves rammed into some sand. She galloped out of the water, her lime yellow mane hanging over her face. She shook some water off her and put her mane back before turning back to the ocean. She saw nothing except the pouring rain effortlessly bashing into the raging waves. She walked further up the shore, her hooves sinking into the soft sand and stopped, as before her lay a huge forest think with shadows that no doubt contained blood-thirsty eyes. She lay down on what became her bed for the night, and left behind her body for the land of dreams that resided behind the eyes. She was awakened by the smell of food. "Ahhh, she stirs at last, what what?!" The voice was male, and sounded slightly mad. The young mare got up and turned to the pony. He was sky blue with golden eyes and a purple mane, cooking bread over a fire. "I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, now who on Earth is that brilliantly HANDSOME chap?" He laughed at himself. "Bravado Loud, at your service my dear. Who may you be?" "I am Tethershine of Dawnvale... Or at least I was..." "Tethershine, eh? Well, Tethershine, What business do you have sleeping on a beach?" "None, for I have nothing. No food, no friends, no home." "NO FOOD?! Now, that's a crime I can't see unpunished! Come over here and share some of mine dear girl." The mare obliged. She sat down beside the lunatic, taking the bread and eating it greedily. "Hungry blighter, aren't ya?" She swallowed before speaking. "Sorry. I have not eaten in a day." She took another mouthful, while Bravado went on. "Well, I expect you'll be treking through there today, eh?" Tethershine turned to the Everfree forest, as if seeing it for the first time. "I suppose I will." "Well, You should be fine..." He said uneasily. "Just look out for the forest creatures, eh? Ponies live in piece, but the critters in there... well they aren't ponies, I'll tell ya that much." He got up and began to bounce towards the forest himself, leaving "Wait! What about your stuff?" "Have it my friend! And good luck!" He shouted, disappearing into the trees. Tethershine sighed and turned to what was now hers. A Pot, a spoon, a saddlebag and a knife. She packed it up and turned slowly to the Everfree forest. For a moment she stood there, silent as the waves gently lapped onto the beach, the sun embracing the land as it rose. Her eyes refocused on the path that lay ahead of her. She took a big breath, and made the first of many steps on her quest for home. ZebrasA yellow-spotted butterfly set off to find food. In it's travels it came across a lone pony who was silently wandering through the woods. It gracefully fluttered in front of Tethershine's head before flying higher to get a better view. "Oh, how sweet it would be to be a butterfly. To be without a care in the world, to be without complicated emotions that confuse your path..." She said, her words trailing after the beautiful creature who flew high into the trees. Tethershine continued on through the woods. She had been aimlessly moving forward for an hour now, tirelessly moving hoof in front of hoof. She sniffed the air. The delightful smell of droppings flourished inside her nose, making her retch. Then a low, feminine voice shouted out from the left. "Who goes there? Who, I say!? Show yourself in the light of day!" Tethershine turned to see that there was a small clearing on her left. She couldn't see whoever speaking, however that meant she probably couldn't be seen herself. She began to slowly and quietly tread towards the clearing, unsure of what she'd find. "I promise you that I mean you no harm." She emerged into the clearing, seeing the zerbra for the first time. She was as tall as Tethershine was but her legs looked far stronger. Clenched in her forehoof was a spear aimed directly at Tethershine and ready to be thrown. She wore a beaded necklace, from a golden oval hung down. On her face she wore a frown and battle ready eyes which stayed firmly on Tethershine. She spoke again: "You talk of no harm because you must. Empty words won't gain my trust." Tethershine nodded, took off her bag, and tossed it to the zebra. The zerbra quickly glanced at the bag and then back at her enemy. "There's everything I own. I am Tethershine of Dawnvale and I-" "I don't care where you're from or who you are, Answer me truthfully or you won't go far, You know that ponies us zebras detest, So why do you tread here? What is your quest?" "You hate ponies? Why?" asked Tethershine "They claim all the grassland while we are left to rot. We live in the forest where it's cruel and hot" "Have you ever actually met a pony?" The zebra just growled back at her. "I thought so." "I don't need to meet one to know they are scum." She hesitated, looking at the bag. The moment dragged on until finally, she put down her spear and tossed the bag back. "You should leave in case other zebras should come." Tethershine looked at the bag and then back at the zebra, who was still eyeing her suspiciously. She opened her mouth, but a male voice with the same accent as the zebra interupted: "A pony attacks my bride! Kill it! Don't let it hide!" Zebras began emerging around Tethershine. She felt a hard knock against the head before falling into darkness. Tethershine's eyes opened, and she groaned from the soaring pain of the bruise. She was in a wooden cage. She could hear multiple accented voices discussing something far away. "It's about time that you awoke." Tether looked through the bars to see the zebra from before. "I told them of the words that you spoke, But still they react with burning rage, And keep you locked inside a cage." Tethershine shook her head and sighed, weary from the pain and torment of the past few days. The zebra stared at Tethershine, trying to work out what she was thinking. The mare was certainly an unusual one, to go recklessly into zebra territory like this. Stupidity like that reminded her of herself. "What's your name?" Tethershine asked, suddenly. The zebra stuttered for a second, before scowling. "You are a prisoner of the zebra kind. We'll ask the questions, if you mind." "Forgive me" Tethershine said, sadly looking at the ground, "I merely wanted to pay respect to my captors by addressing them by their proper titles." The zebra smiled at this. "You intentions I'm sure are true As I find myself to be a lot like you. Treat our kind with proper respect, And maybe you won't die just yet." Tethershine's eyes widened. "You mean they're going to..." "Not by my hoof, just you see. They'll probably call you up to plea." As if on que, Another zebra approached them. He wore no neckless, his scruffy hair flailing about as he galloped towards the duo. His voice was higher than the female's, he was clearly young. "You are to appear in front of the council to plea for your life. Your crime is attacking Fortia, our leader's wife." It was then when Tethershine noticed a flicker of movement above. She looked up to see 4 zebras, all aiming their loaded bows at her. She looked back to the messenger. "Lead the way." After a bit of walking, they reached the Zebra's gathering point. They were all sitting around a large fire, even though it was broad daylight. Tethershine looked at all the zebras, who were all glaring down at her. What could she do to change their minds? What could she possibly say that would break those cold eyes, unveiling the creatures beneath. The creatures who could understand that though they were different species, they were more alike than they thought? She was brought round to a line of male zebras, their stares even colder than those of the crowd. Tethershine realized this was the council of the tribe. The zebra in the centre was wearing a necklace much like that of the Zebra she'd met before. He stepped forward and began to talk. His voice was the one Tethershine had heard before she was knocked unconscious "You've been brought here today in front of our kind To help us decide what verdict we find. If innocent you go and leave us in your hide If guilty you're fed to Arachnacide" A few zebras cheered at this line. They fell silent as he continued. "Tell us why you think you should live. Tell us and maybe we will forgive." Tethershine knew what she had to do. She replied; "Oh councilers, to you I hail" she started, courtseying. "I am Tethershine of Dawnvale, I come to you but mean no harm, I just want to pass: no cause for alarm." The crowd began muttering, and the council's leader raised his voice. "You speak like us? This cannot be! Our speech pattern is unlike anypony!" "Alas, dear lord, I fear it's true. I speak the exact same way you do." The leader shook his head, confused. Tethershine seized her chance and spoke to the crowd. "We are alike in more ways than one. I walk upon the ground that you walk upon We all have 4 legs, we all walk on hooves. We all have loved ones and a few things to proove. We may be different races, we may not be blood linked But nothing really splits us in the way that we think." A stunned silence. Tethershine stayed quiet, her life hanging in the noise that was about to be made. Then, from the back of the crowd, one of the zebras made a loud cheer and started stomping the ground. Tethershine grinned inside. Then another joined in, then a few more until most of the crowd were celebrating. "RATATATATATATATATATATA!" Yelled the council leader. Everyone turned to him. "The council have decided. This pony is free. As long as she passes peacefully." The crowd cheered and Tethershine found she was no longer able to contain her grin. Tethershine put on her saddlebag and was about to leave, much to many of the tribe member's dismay. She saw Fortia coming towards her, a small zebra walking behind her. Tethershine began: "You saved my life. I owe you a lot. You deed shall never be forgot." Tethershine was finding it hard to stop rhyming. "You owe me nothing dear, for all I did was cheer." However, before you go, Meet my son, Impudo." The small Zebra ran up to Tethershine. He was an energetic young colt whose eyes glinted mischeviously. He spoke quickly: "Hi Tethershine, My name's Impudo. I just want you to know that you're my hero!" With this short statement, he ran off back to where the other Zebras lay. Tethershine stared after him, his words playing over and over in her head. She had once had a hero. But heroes are often not what you think they are. Tethershine knew she was no hero. She was a traitor. "Forgive me for my son's attitude" Fortia spoke, breaking Tethershine's trance "He can sometimes come off as being rude." "No, don't worry about it." She smiled at Fortia who smiled back. "To you my wishes are all the best. Take them and good luck on your quest." Tethershine nodded. "Goodbye." Started to turn, but Fortia's voice stopped her. "No young one, do not lie. We shall meet again; this is not goodbye." Tethershine grinned. "I hope so." With that, Tethershine continued her trek through the forest as if nothing had happened. Fortia stared after her until she was out of view, before turning back to the tribe. Reindeer"Mightily well handled young girl! I saw the whole thing!" Tethershine had been walking for only ten minutes when she heard the unmistakable voice of Bravado Loud somewhere in the trees. "How? The Zebras had eyes in the trees!" "My hooves are quicker than their eyes, eh?" He dropped down next to her, encouraging a shriek of a surprise from the young mare. "I must say, I've never seen anypony walk out of zebra territory alive! Well done!" "Thanks... I guess... but, if you knew there were there, why didn't you warn me about them?" "I figured it would be useless information for you. Rhyming tribal zebras ahead? It's the most ridiculous things I've ever heard, and I've heard some silly things believe you me." Tethershine shook her head and sighed. "Well, are there any other..." She hesitated, her mind flashing back to her trial. "Yes, my dear?" Tethershine turned to the strange stallion. "Bravado, what's an Arachnacide? Bravado's signiture smile left and his eyes narrowed, the once jolly face now deep and serious. "Arachnacide is a monsterous being. Every creature in the forest intelligent or not knows to be scared of him. He uses his paralyzing bite to stun his prey before dragging them beck to his nest and doing Celestia-knows-what to it. Should you hear the loud thundering of eight hairy legs marching towards you, you know that you're doomed. In the last concious moments of your life you'll see his big demonic red eyes and-" His ears perked up. Then, after a tense moment of silence, something very unexpected happened. Bravado galloped away, disappearing from all view within seconds. Behind Tethershine, a bush rustled, She turned. There was nothing. Behind her, hoofsteps. She turned. Nothing again. Something was here. It was toying with her. "Don't be afraid, Tether." Eslaf's beautiful voice rang in her ears, and for a brief, heavenly moment Tethershine saw those sparkling eyes of his once again. "Sing Tether. If you ever feel afraid, just sing." "I watch as the bluebird settles in her tree I stare as she builds so very busily. I hear how she calls for a lover desperately. But love won't come to some that easily..." The melancholy song was taught to her brother. She had tried singing it on the journey here, but her brother had shushed her immediately. She hadn't sung since. She began the next verse, though the noises had stopped. "I see another bluebird flying cross the field Observing as she fawns for the babies he will yield I gazed upon the female, shook my head and sighed, like me she has a lover where love doesn't reside." Silence. Tethershine was noticing a pattern. "I do not mean you any harm..." Tethershine looked around, trying to spot the smallest signs of life. For a brief moment she questioned whether she had heard the noises at all. Then. a young girl's voice came from her left. "I propose the singing beast is our friend. all in agreement?" Then, from all around her, came several childish voices each saying "AYE!" Then, the creatures emerged. They were Reindeer, their legs long and an thin, their fur brown and short, their eyes small and cute. What's more, all 7 reindeer surrounding her were calves. "Hello. I am Tethershine of Dawnvale an-" "Can singing beast teach us to sing?" Said one of the males. "I propose singing beast teaches us. all in agreement?" "Aye" "Then it is confirmed. Singing beast will tell us all she knows." The foals all turned towards her again, their eyes hungry. "Fine. I shall teach you all to sing under one condition. You each tell me your names." "I say we comply with the condition." Said one calf. "I say not!" said another. "A vote it is! All who say we should comply." 4 of the 7 reindeer put their hooves up. "Done. We'll tell singing beast our names." The calves assembled in a line as if they'd done this before. The first 6 names came like a blur, Tethershine didn't hear any of them. But the last calf came forward standing tall. She said clearly: "I'm princess Antla, daughter of King Demantlor, our leader." "Pleased to meet you princess. I'm pleased to meet all of you. Now tell me, what do you all know about singing..." Bravado Loud, for all the noise he made, was also good at being quiet when he wanted too. He sat silently atop a branch, staring down at the creatures below. His trained ears heard soft thunder off in the south over the beauteous singing of Tethershine and the reindeer foals. in a short time, there would be panic. But for now, the pony would bond with the reindeer foals and find through them a way into the hearts of the adults. He looked to the north. The adults were coming, including King Demantlor. As they did, the thunder from the south became louder and louder. The king would soon reach the clearing where the ponies lay, the thundering footsteps would soon be heard. Below, the creatures sung, unaware of the the incoming peril. It was time for him to be ready. A strong Reindeer burst through the bushes, a warm smile on his face. His large beefy antlers matches his stony yet warm face. As he made eye contact with Tethershine, his face dropped. The foals stopped singing and followed the singing beast's gaze to their parents who stood in shock. Before anyone could react to this, Everyone realized the singing had been disguising a noise coming from the south. It was the loud thunderous omen of death, The footsteps of a monster. "ARACHNACIDE! RUN!" Everybeast turned and fled for their life as the creature hastily followed. Depsite their efforts, it's footsteps grew ever louder as it drew nearer to the fleeing pack. Antla tripped, before Tethershine could react she had ran past her. She turned round and used her magic to levitate the calf to her. That's when she saw him. Arachnacide the giant spider. He was just as Bravado had described him and worse: Eight long, thin, hairly legs, Red demonic unblinking eyes, hair as black as night, and a gaze as cold as winter. Without warning, the beast jumped towards them. Tethershine leaped desperately to the side with Antla, the two getting up and running from the creature as fast as they could. They turned a corner, Tethershine bending a branch with her. as the beast was right on her, she let the branch go. It flung into the spider full force, knocking him onto his back. "HA!" laughed Antla. Tethershine and Antla used the distraction to climb the tree. The reindeer was surprisingly nimble for her age. The two were high enough so the spider couldn't reach them. It growled in anger at them, before ramming into the tree. Tethershine nearly slipped off, but Antla steadied her. It bashed the tree again. And again. The two still managed to stay on. On the fourth bash however, Tethershine slipped, grabbing onto the branch with her forehooves before she fell. "SINGER BEAST!" yelled the young calf. Arachnacide howled in triumph, knowing his troublesome prey had lost. He rammed into the the tree again Tethershine knew she would fall next time. Just as she was about to give up, a familiar voice saved her life. "Oy! You! Hairy fella! That's not how you treat a lady!" Came Bravado's mad ramblings. The spider roared in anger, his attention fully drawn on the insane stallion. "I mean honestly, I've heard of barking up the wrong tree but this is just pitiable." Arachnacide started at the pony who turned and ran. The monster disappeared after him. For saving his daughter, Tethershine was offered food and shelter for the night. She denied it, saying she needed to find a permanent home. "Are you sure you do not wish to stay for the night? We owe you so much for saving my daughter..." "I just did what any decent pony would've done. I thank you for the offer, but I must find my home." "Hey Singing beast?" Tethershine had gotten used to being called that. She don't know why, but she liked the name. It suggested she was good at something. She looked to Antla, who continued: "Where is your home anyway?" Tethershine looked to the floor. "I don't know. My quest is to find it." "I say that you will." she raised her voice "TETHERSHINE WILL SOON FIND HER HOME. ALL IN AGREEMENT?" the crowd of reindeers shouted back: "AYE!" Tethershine smiled at the young calf. "Thank you" She looked then at the rest of the group. "All of you." Up in the treetops the mad pony smiled, having shaken off that stupid spider long ago. His instinct about this mare was right. She was the one Everfree needed.
PoniesThe rain pelted down, droplets occasionally bouncing off the water the small boat swayed on. A mare sat silently while 2 stallions worked on the oars, grunting and groaning as they preformed their task. It was a dark night, but they could just about see the shores of Equestria. "We here." growled one of the stallions. He snapped round his head to the leaf green mare sitting opposite him. He looked at the burn mark above her hind-legs, and then to the mare's face. "Off" he grunted. "Without a goodbye?" The mare replied, her voice strong and thick with a posh accent. "I've said all I want to say to you. Now off, before I push you." The mare slowly got up, took a deep breath, and dived off the edge of the boat, submerging herself in the icy waters of the sea. The 2 stallions on the raft immediately began to row back the way they had came. The Mare made her way underwater, kicking her way to the shore. she emerged for air and kept going until her kicking hooves rammed into some sand. She galloped out of the water, her lime yellow mane hanging over her face. She shook some water off her and put her mane back before turning back to the ocean. She saw nothing except the pouring rain effortlessly bashing into the raging waves. She walked further up the shore, her hooves sinking into the soft sand and stopped, as before her lay a huge forest think with shadows that no doubt contained blood-thirsty eyes. She lay down on what became her bed for the night, and left behind her body for the land of dreams that resided behind the eyes. She was awakened by the smell of food. "Ahhh, she stirs at last, what what?!" The voice was male, and sounded slightly mad. The young mare got up and turned to the pony. He was sky blue with golden eyes and a purple mane, cooking bread over a fire. "I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, now who on Earth is that brilliantly HANDSOME chap?" He laughed at himself. "Bravado Loud, at your service my dear. Who may you be?" "I am Tethershine of Dawnvale... Or at least I was..." "Tethershine, eh? Well, Tethershine, What business do you have sleeping on a beach?" "None, for I have nothing. No food, no friends, no home." "NO FOOD?! Now, that's a crime I can't see unpunished! Come over here and share some of mine dear girl." The mare obliged. She sat down beside the lunatic, taking the bread and eating it greedily. "Hungry blighter, aren't ya?" She swallowed before speaking. "Sorry. I have not eaten in a day." She took another mouthful, while Bravado went on. "Well, I expect you'll be treking through there today, eh?" Tethershine turned to the Everfree forest, as if seeing it for the first time. "I suppose I will." "Well, You should be fine..." He said uneasily. "Just look out for the forest creatures, eh? Ponies live in piece, but the critters in there... well they aren't ponies, I'll tell ya that much." He got up and began to bounce towards the forest himself, leaving "Wait! What about your stuff?" "Have it my friend! And good luck!" He shouted, disappearing into the trees. Tethershine sighed and turned to what was now hers. A Pot, a spoon, a saddlebag and a knife. She packed it up and turned slowly to the Everfree forest. For a moment she stood there, silent as the waves gently lapped onto the beach, the sun embracing the land as it rose. Her eyes refocused on the path that lay ahead of her. She took a big breath, and made the first of many steps on her quest for home.
ZebrasA yellow-spotted butterfly set off to find food. In it's travels it came across a lone pony who was silently wandering through the woods. It gracefully fluttered in front of Tethershine's head before flying higher to get a better view. "Oh, how sweet it would be to be a butterfly. To be without a care in the world, to be without complicated emotions that confuse your path..." She said, her words trailing after the beautiful creature who flew high into the trees. Tethershine continued on through the woods. She had been aimlessly moving forward for an hour now, tirelessly moving hoof in front of hoof. She sniffed the air. The delightful smell of droppings flourished inside her nose, making her retch. Then a low, feminine voice shouted out from the left. "Who goes there? Who, I say!? Show yourself in the light of day!" Tethershine turned to see that there was a small clearing on her left. She couldn't see whoever speaking, however that meant she probably couldn't be seen herself. She began to slowly and quietly tread towards the clearing, unsure of what she'd find. "I promise you that I mean you no harm." She emerged into the clearing, seeing the zerbra for the first time. She was as tall as Tethershine was but her legs looked far stronger. Clenched in her forehoof was a spear aimed directly at Tethershine and ready to be thrown. She wore a beaded necklace, from a golden oval hung down. On her face she wore a frown and battle ready eyes which stayed firmly on Tethershine. She spoke again: "You talk of no harm because you must. Empty words won't gain my trust." Tethershine nodded, took off her bag, and tossed it to the zebra. The zerbra quickly glanced at the bag and then back at her enemy. "There's everything I own. I am Tethershine of Dawnvale and I-" "I don't care where you're from or who you are, Answer me truthfully or you won't go far, You know that ponies us zebras detest, So why do you tread here? What is your quest?" "You hate ponies? Why?" asked Tethershine "They claim all the grassland while we are left to rot. We live in the forest where it's cruel and hot" "Have you ever actually met a pony?" The zebra just growled back at her. "I thought so." "I don't need to meet one to know they are scum." She hesitated, looking at the bag. The moment dragged on until finally, she put down her spear and tossed the bag back. "You should leave in case other zebras should come." Tethershine looked at the bag and then back at the zebra, who was still eyeing her suspiciously. She opened her mouth, but a male voice with the same accent as the zebra interupted: "A pony attacks my bride! Kill it! Don't let it hide!" Zebras began emerging around Tethershine. She felt a hard knock against the head before falling into darkness. Tethershine's eyes opened, and she groaned from the soaring pain of the bruise. She was in a wooden cage. She could hear multiple accented voices discussing something far away. "It's about time that you awoke." Tether looked through the bars to see the zebra from before. "I told them of the words that you spoke, But still they react with burning rage, And keep you locked inside a cage." Tethershine shook her head and sighed, weary from the pain and torment of the past few days. The zebra stared at Tethershine, trying to work out what she was thinking. The mare was certainly an unusual one, to go recklessly into zebra territory like this. Stupidity like that reminded her of herself. "What's your name?" Tethershine asked, suddenly. The zebra stuttered for a second, before scowling. "You are a prisoner of the zebra kind. We'll ask the questions, if you mind." "Forgive me" Tethershine said, sadly looking at the ground, "I merely wanted to pay respect to my captors by addressing them by their proper titles." The zebra smiled at this. "You intentions I'm sure are true As I find myself to be a lot like you. Treat our kind with proper respect, And maybe you won't die just yet." Tethershine's eyes widened. "You mean they're going to..." "Not by my hoof, just you see. They'll probably call you up to plea." As if on que, Another zebra approached them. He wore no neckless, his scruffy hair flailing about as he galloped towards the duo. His voice was higher than the female's, he was clearly young. "You are to appear in front of the council to plea for your life. Your crime is attacking Fortia, our leader's wife." It was then when Tethershine noticed a flicker of movement above. She looked up to see 4 zebras, all aiming their loaded bows at her. She looked back to the messenger. "Lead the way." After a bit of walking, they reached the Zebra's gathering point. They were all sitting around a large fire, even though it was broad daylight. Tethershine looked at all the zebras, who were all glaring down at her. What could she do to change their minds? What could she possibly say that would break those cold eyes, unveiling the creatures beneath. The creatures who could understand that though they were different species, they were more alike than they thought? She was brought round to a line of male zebras, their stares even colder than those of the crowd. Tethershine realized this was the council of the tribe. The zebra in the centre was wearing a necklace much like that of the Zebra she'd met before. He stepped forward and began to talk. His voice was the one Tethershine had heard before she was knocked unconscious "You've been brought here today in front of our kind To help us decide what verdict we find. If innocent you go and leave us in your hide If guilty you're fed to Arachnacide" A few zebras cheered at this line. They fell silent as he continued. "Tell us why you think you should live. Tell us and maybe we will forgive." Tethershine knew what she had to do. She replied; "Oh councilers, to you I hail" she started, courtseying. "I am Tethershine of Dawnvale, I come to you but mean no harm, I just want to pass: no cause for alarm." The crowd began muttering, and the council's leader raised his voice. "You speak like us? This cannot be! Our speech pattern is unlike anypony!" "Alas, dear lord, I fear it's true. I speak the exact same way you do." The leader shook his head, confused. Tethershine seized her chance and spoke to the crowd. "We are alike in more ways than one. I walk upon the ground that you walk upon We all have 4 legs, we all walk on hooves. We all have loved ones and a few things to proove. We may be different races, we may not be blood linked But nothing really splits us in the way that we think." A stunned silence. Tethershine stayed quiet, her life hanging in the noise that was about to be made. Then, from the back of the crowd, one of the zebras made a loud cheer and started stomping the ground. Tethershine grinned inside. Then another joined in, then a few more until most of the crowd were celebrating. "RATATATATATATATATATATA!" Yelled the council leader. Everyone turned to him. "The council have decided. This pony is free. As long as she passes peacefully." The crowd cheered and Tethershine found she was no longer able to contain her grin. Tethershine put on her saddlebag and was about to leave, much to many of the tribe member's dismay. She saw Fortia coming towards her, a small zebra walking behind her. Tethershine began: "You saved my life. I owe you a lot. You deed shall never be forgot." Tethershine was finding it hard to stop rhyming. "You owe me nothing dear, for all I did was cheer." However, before you go, Meet my son, Impudo." The small Zebra ran up to Tethershine. He was an energetic young colt whose eyes glinted mischeviously. He spoke quickly: "Hi Tethershine, My name's Impudo. I just want you to know that you're my hero!" With this short statement, he ran off back to where the other Zebras lay. Tethershine stared after him, his words playing over and over in her head. She had once had a hero. But heroes are often not what you think they are. Tethershine knew she was no hero. She was a traitor. "Forgive me for my son's attitude" Fortia spoke, breaking Tethershine's trance "He can sometimes come off as being rude." "No, don't worry about it." She smiled at Fortia who smiled back. "To you my wishes are all the best. Take them and good luck on your quest." Tethershine nodded. "Goodbye." Started to turn, but Fortia's voice stopped her. "No young one, do not lie. We shall meet again; this is not goodbye." Tethershine grinned. "I hope so." With that, Tethershine continued her trek through the forest as if nothing had happened. Fortia stared after her until she was out of view, before turning back to the tribe.
Reindeer"Mightily well handled young girl! I saw the whole thing!" Tethershine had been walking for only ten minutes when she heard the unmistakable voice of Bravado Loud somewhere in the trees. "How? The Zebras had eyes in the trees!" "My hooves are quicker than their eyes, eh?" He dropped down next to her, encouraging a shriek of a surprise from the young mare. "I must say, I've never seen anypony walk out of zebra territory alive! Well done!" "Thanks... I guess... but, if you knew there were there, why didn't you warn me about them?" "I figured it would be useless information for you. Rhyming tribal zebras ahead? It's the most ridiculous things I've ever heard, and I've heard some silly things believe you me." Tethershine shook her head and sighed. "Well, are there any other..." She hesitated, her mind flashing back to her trial. "Yes, my dear?" Tethershine turned to the strange stallion. "Bravado, what's an Arachnacide? Bravado's signiture smile left and his eyes narrowed, the once jolly face now deep and serious. "Arachnacide is a monsterous being. Every creature in the forest intelligent or not knows to be scared of him. He uses his paralyzing bite to stun his prey before dragging them beck to his nest and doing Celestia-knows-what to it. Should you hear the loud thundering of eight hairy legs marching towards you, you know that you're doomed. In the last concious moments of your life you'll see his big demonic red eyes and-" His ears perked up. Then, after a tense moment of silence, something very unexpected happened. Bravado galloped away, disappearing from all view within seconds. Behind Tethershine, a bush rustled, She turned. There was nothing. Behind her, hoofsteps. She turned. Nothing again. Something was here. It was toying with her. "Don't be afraid, Tether." Eslaf's beautiful voice rang in her ears, and for a brief, heavenly moment Tethershine saw those sparkling eyes of his once again. "Sing Tether. If you ever feel afraid, just sing." "I watch as the bluebird settles in her tree I stare as she builds so very busily. I hear how she calls for a lover desperately. But love won't come to some that easily..." The melancholy song was taught to her brother. She had tried singing it on the journey here, but her brother had shushed her immediately. She hadn't sung since. She began the next verse, though the noises had stopped. "I see another bluebird flying cross the field Observing as she fawns for the babies he will yield I gazed upon the female, shook my head and sighed, like me she has a lover where love doesn't reside." Silence. Tethershine was noticing a pattern. "I do not mean you any harm..." Tethershine looked around, trying to spot the smallest signs of life. For a brief moment she questioned whether she had heard the noises at all. Then. a young girl's voice came from her left. "I propose the singing beast is our friend. all in agreement?" Then, from all around her, came several childish voices each saying "AYE!" Then, the creatures emerged. They were Reindeer, their legs long and an thin, their fur brown and short, their eyes small and cute. What's more, all 7 reindeer surrounding her were calves. "Hello. I am Tethershine of Dawnvale an-" "Can singing beast teach us to sing?" Said one of the males. "I propose singing beast teaches us. all in agreement?" "Aye" "Then it is confirmed. Singing beast will tell us all she knows." The foals all turned towards her again, their eyes hungry. "Fine. I shall teach you all to sing under one condition. You each tell me your names." "I say we comply with the condition." Said one calf. "I say not!" said another. "A vote it is! All who say we should comply." 4 of the 7 reindeer put their hooves up. "Done. We'll tell singing beast our names." The calves assembled in a line as if they'd done this before. The first 6 names came like a blur, Tethershine didn't hear any of them. But the last calf came forward standing tall. She said clearly: "I'm princess Antla, daughter of King Demantlor, our leader." "Pleased to meet you princess. I'm pleased to meet all of you. Now tell me, what do you all know about singing..." Bravado Loud, for all the noise he made, was also good at being quiet when he wanted too. He sat silently atop a branch, staring down at the creatures below. His trained ears heard soft thunder off in the south over the beauteous singing of Tethershine and the reindeer foals. in a short time, there would be panic. But for now, the pony would bond with the reindeer foals and find through them a way into the hearts of the adults. He looked to the north. The adults were coming, including King Demantlor. As they did, the thunder from the south became louder and louder. The king would soon reach the clearing where the ponies lay, the thundering footsteps would soon be heard. Below, the creatures sung, unaware of the the incoming peril. It was time for him to be ready. A strong Reindeer burst through the bushes, a warm smile on his face. His large beefy antlers matches his stony yet warm face. As he made eye contact with Tethershine, his face dropped. The foals stopped singing and followed the singing beast's gaze to their parents who stood in shock. Before anyone could react to this, Everyone realized the singing had been disguising a noise coming from the south. It was the loud thunderous omen of death, The footsteps of a monster. "ARACHNACIDE! RUN!" Everybeast turned and fled for their life as the creature hastily followed. Depsite their efforts, it's footsteps grew ever louder as it drew nearer to the fleeing pack. Antla tripped, before Tethershine could react she had ran past her. She turned round and used her magic to levitate the calf to her. That's when she saw him. Arachnacide the giant spider. He was just as Bravado had described him and worse: Eight long, thin, hairly legs, Red demonic unblinking eyes, hair as black as night, and a gaze as cold as winter. Without warning, the beast jumped towards them. Tethershine leaped desperately to the side with Antla, the two getting up and running from the creature as fast as they could. They turned a corner, Tethershine bending a branch with her. as the beast was right on her, she let the branch go. It flung into the spider full force, knocking him onto his back. "HA!" laughed Antla. Tethershine and Antla used the distraction to climb the tree. The reindeer was surprisingly nimble for her age. The two were high enough so the spider couldn't reach them. It growled in anger at them, before ramming into the tree. Tethershine nearly slipped off, but Antla steadied her. It bashed the tree again. And again. The two still managed to stay on. On the fourth bash however, Tethershine slipped, grabbing onto the branch with her forehooves before she fell. "SINGER BEAST!" yelled the young calf. Arachnacide howled in triumph, knowing his troublesome prey had lost. He rammed into the the tree again Tethershine knew she would fall next time. Just as she was about to give up, a familiar voice saved her life. "Oy! You! Hairy fella! That's not how you treat a lady!" Came Bravado's mad ramblings. The spider roared in anger, his attention fully drawn on the insane stallion. "I mean honestly, I've heard of barking up the wrong tree but this is just pitiable." Arachnacide started at the pony who turned and ran. The monster disappeared after him. For saving his daughter, Tethershine was offered food and shelter for the night. She denied it, saying she needed to find a permanent home. "Are you sure you do not wish to stay for the night? We owe you so much for saving my daughter..." "I just did what any decent pony would've done. I thank you for the offer, but I must find my home." "Hey Singing beast?" Tethershine had gotten used to being called that. She don't know why, but she liked the name. It suggested she was good at something. She looked to Antla, who continued: "Where is your home anyway?" Tethershine looked to the floor. "I don't know. My quest is to find it." "I say that you will." she raised her voice "TETHERSHINE WILL SOON FIND HER HOME. ALL IN AGREEMENT?" the crowd of reindeers shouted back: "AYE!" Tethershine smiled at the young calf. "Thank you" She looked then at the rest of the group. "All of you." Up in the treetops the mad pony smiled, having shaken off that stupid spider long ago. His instinct about this mare was right. She was the one Everfree needed.
