The Land Shark

The room was small, but comfortable. A fire had been made for me and its flames warmed the air against the desert night chill. A supper of carrots and cabbage laid waiting on the table near the the sofa.

My eyes wandered around, searching for the pony I was to share my living space with. There seemed to be no sign of anyone having been there except Running Tab. The mystery of who my roommate was to be would have to remain unsolved for the time being.

Warming myself by the fire I sat down and enjoyed my meal, takeing care not to eat it all. I Figured that when my roommate did arrive they may care for something to eat as well. It can be said that a nice gesture can lead to an agreeable relationship between too lodgers. Since I would be sharing living space with this pony for a little while I figured it would be good to start off on the right hoof.

The hours past and the bed called to me . I felt a slight disappointment at my fellow traveler still not making an appearance. The upside to it, the bed was all mine. No worry of having someone else hog the sheets. My need for sleep overcomeing I retreated to the embrace of the waiting bed.

I can not say for how long I slumbered, only that it was well into the night if not right before dawn when I was wakened by the sound of the door creaking open. My first waking thoughts were ones of disgruntlement. Was my fellow lodger so insensitive that they could not at least attempt to enter the room quietly? Whatever grudges I was beginning to feel for my sleep being taken away were soon held in check with the resurgence of my curiosity.

What kind of a queer pony would come in a such an hour when most folks had already been to bed. I peered my head out from under the sheets to get my first gaze of my roommate.

The darkness of the room worked against me as all I could make out was a cloaked figure rummaging about. He sat a satchel down by the sofa and walked over to the fire place to put a log on and rekindle the flames that had long since died down to just mear embers.

As he continued into his labors it occurred to me that this pony was completely unaware of my presence. Upon this revelation I decided for my own enjoyment that I would withhold knowledge of my being there for the time being.

I can hear the disapproval from you dear reader. No doubt you are condemning such an action and thinking quite less of my character.

“Why Wishmael, why would you want to hide in the dark and spy on some poor weary traveler?” you probably ask.

A writers curiosity, is all the defense I can use to shield myself from your judgment.

I wished to see what strange activities this pony might indulge himself in when he felt no one was watching.

The object of my curiousity had by this time got the flames roaring in the fire place again. Their light cut away at the dark that had come to engulf the room. I feared for a moment I might be exposed by said light. To my relief the cloaked pony seemed to concerned with making himself comfortable by the fire and finally cast off his cloak.

It became apparent that my mental label of “he” had been gravely misused. For the creature that sat before me, seemingly oblivious to my presence, was indeed a “her.” What a beautiful her she was as well.

Her body had a strong build to it, telling me she was no stranger to labor. Upon her person were various rings and necklaces whose designs hinted to some tribal significance. Her coat was a pattern of black and white stripes that went all the way down her body. “Zebra” was the word that entered my mind.

Being a pony of a well read nature, I am one of the few who have come across the scarce books that give descriptions of these people. They originated from a continent far away from Equestria but through various means have made their way to the kingdom. Little is known about their culture and practices.

Still unaware of my presence my roommate shifted her attention to the satchel she had brought. From the depths of her bag she produced a pot, colored vials and what I could only had been led to believe were some various fruits and vegetables, though their names were foreign to me. The pot was placed neatly in the fire place and the contents of the vials emptied into it. She then began to put the fruits and vegetables in as well. Holding them up at eye level and inspecting them, though what imperfections she was looking for were unknown to me.

She then noticed the tray that I had left before I went to bed. Walking over she inspected it, sniffed the leftovers with her nose then added them to her strange brew. The pleasant aroma filled the room and started to make my mouth water.

I dared not reveal myself though. I doubted she would take kindly to my spying on her. Better to stay hidden for the moment.

The zebra continued with her labor. She reached back into her bag and withdrew two bowls and sat them on the table. I thought the action odd since she thought she was alone in the room.

Turning her attention to the fire and her pot she spoke for the very first time.

“My food is almost done cooking ow one who is hides in the bed looking. It's taste is nice filled with flavor and spice. There is enough for me plus you, would my roomate like a dinner for two?”