Keep Out of the Everfree Forest

The two mares headed back to their apartment and sat around for a while, thinking about the morning’s events.
Two murders in four days. It was the sort of thing that ponies only saw in nightmares. Emerald half-expected to wake up in her bed in Canterlot, with her parents by her side. But deep down, she knew that wasn’t going to happen.
The girls went to Sugarcube Corner later that day to see Mrs. Cake. She had apparently gone for a walk, while Pinkie stayed at the shop to look after the fatherless twins. Pinkie said that it was “early days, but Mrs. Cake’s slowly getting better.”
They stayed at the shop for quite some time, playing with the twins. By the time they left, the sun was setting in the horizon.
The friends arrived home to find Slash waiting in the hallway for them.
“Hey, girls!” said Slash eagerly. “I rented some records, so we can partay!”
‘You obviously haven’t heard the news,” said Sapphire flatly.
“What news?” asked Slash, his smile wiped from his face.
“The zebra that lives in the forest, Zecora,” Emerald explained. “She’s dead.”
“Wow,” Slash muttered. “I’ve got no idea what to say.”
The three ponies stared at each other awkwardly for a moment.
“Well, are you two still up for dinner?” Slash asked.
“I’ll have to pass, buddy,” said Sapphire. “I’m gonna have a shower and hit the hay.” She turned to enter the apartment. “You two should spend some time together. You seem to enjoy each other’s company.”
Sapphire waved goodbye and left Slash and Emerald alone in the hallway.
“So, dinner at mine?” asked Slash.
“You’re persistent, aren’t you?” Emerald laughed. “I hope you can cook!”
The two ponies walked into Slash’s apartment. Emerald looked around the room. It was quite a nice apartment, significantly nicer than her own. However, Emerald couldn’t help but be a bit disturbed by the number of axes and animal trophies hanging on the walls.
“What’s with all the axes and stuffed animals?” Emerald asked.
“I told you, I’m a lumberjack,” Slash replied. “And I used to go hunting with my father when I was little.”
Slash gestured towards a large, comfortable looking sofa. “Take a seat, I’ll get dinner ready.”
Emerald sat down on the sofa. She took a magazine from the coffee table and read it while Slash prepared dinner.
Half an hour later, the meals were ready at the table. Slash took a bottle of wine from a cupboard and poured two glasses.
“Oh, I’m not a fan of wine,” Emerald said hurriedly.
“Have you ever tried it?” asked Slash, with a smirk.
“Well, no,” Emerald admitted. “But I guess I’ll try anything once!”
Emerald walked over to the table and sat down opposite from Slash. She picked up her glass and held it over the table. Slash did the same.
“To Mr. Cake and Zecora, wherever they may be!” Emerald said.
Emerald and Slash clinked their glasses and took a drink.
“Mmm, I wouldn’t rush out and buy a bottle, but this wine is alright!” Emerald said.
“It tends to taste better when somepony else pays for it.” Slash remarked.”