PROLOGUE
In a large, vast and prosperous land of Equestria, there existed a lively, tiny and sly little town,
Quite a small town filled with happiness and joy, where no other misery that can replace any frowns.
This is the presiding place that, indeed, resembles a fair town, with a name that hold dear and pronounces quite a thrill,
And that name is none other then the name we all come to know, the name given to a quiet little countryside called "Ponyville".
"Ponyville is a town so peaceful, so friendly and so secluded", that's what they call it.
And that's why they came here. For a trip, for a visit, a vacation or two, rather. This place helps them to see fit.
And why? For these ponies adorn smiles, happy grins and what-not, with freedom to trot, gallop and prance from almost every corner,
Lifting the grassy lands with positive energy of their own. With these bright and colorful ponies, not wonder it's hard to garner.
As much as we would love to explore this vast possibility, but Ponyville is not the place to where our story will currently begin,
Instead, we shall take a sharp turn, through many of the alleyways downtown, to explore the deep and grueling secrets that apparently lie within.
We venture down the winding path, a path so clear as day, the path outside Ponyville and quite the longest,
To where we will eventually proceed, into a mystical and magical place called "The Everfree Forest".
Where wild animals lurk within the darkness: Timberwolves, Cockatrices and Manticores should all be known,
Where trees and plants thrive, still continuing to grow and thick-covered clouds moving all on their own.
Attempting to describe this forest would bring one's curiosity to peak, one may think the forest seems unnatural to behold,
But they forget, however, one has to see it in order to believe it and then, their expression would soon likely be stone cold.
As we continue to delve through the deep depths of The Everfree Forest, although it is quite dark and treacherous for anypony to roam,
For all but one resident resides in this gloomy yet, peaceful realm. Ironically, long enough to deem it as her very own home
Thus, we have just arrived and our story hasn't even begun, for not every single prologue starts off with some doom and gloom,
How shall you greet yourself to the mysterious stranger in question who takes comfort inside a native hut, in the middle of this metaphorical womb?
It should be rather important to who we are here to see, after all. For where there is a wooden hut, there appears to be a wooden door,
Peeking into the front window and deep into the humble tree, it appears to be pacing across the sturdy and polished wooden floor.
And this figure that prances tall, with black and white strokes marked on its skin. Why, it isn't even a pony, I partake!
But upon closer inspection, the truth seems rather oblivious. Why, it is actually a zebra, for Celestia's sake!
However, there seems to be more then the zebra who lives in this refined home. As we peek through the window again, there seems to be more to behold,
For it's not just this zebra who lives in this place all alone, but a variety of pots and plants, even a cauldron to uphold.
While this almost completes the view to what the zebra's home looks like, there comes a wafting smell of herbs and potions being mixed,
As we again see the zebra in action, preparing and concocting a brew all around the cauldron, the zebra's eyes were indeed affixed.
And while you spectate the strange shaman pouring what looks like spice into the concoction, the cauldron suddenly lit up with a loud, bright spark,
You investigate a bit closer not at the cauldron but at the herbalist in motion. Funny enough, even zebra's possess cutie marks.
While the zebra's eyelashes blinked, her flank shines a bright spiral sun all around, possibly reflecting her passion and her love for potion-making,
She wore a lot of golden rings; on her neck, on her legs, and even on her ears! Well, that's quite breathtaking!
Though you cautiously feel that this image remains incomplete, your eyes start to follow the zebra to where she is going to go,
Carrying a giant book in her mouth, reaching up to place it on the high shelves, for you or her won't even have to search high and low
Before you back away from the glass-stained reflection of the interior to form a complete painting inside the back of your head,
You can't help but notice that particular book standing out above the rest that seems to replace your mind and your inner thoughts instead.
It\s like something you can't control, something you can't shake, something your subconscious feels like hammering it into your brain,
So, you take a peek back to look at another alluring book next to the former and sense an imaginary aura around it that seems quite hard to refrain,
Though this spectacle is rather interesting and bedazzling to a degree, questions soon began to form and spill out of your very mind,
You decide to pull away from the window, praying the zebra had not noticed you, you have yet to question: who, what, when and why?
Who is that strange yet mysterious zebra? You start to ponder to yourself. A zebra unlike any other who possesses a pure talent to display?
What is she doing here in a land being taken over by the wild? Was those masks placed outside to keep those monstrosities at bay?
Why would a zebra live inside a tree made entirely out of wood? I'm surprised that even a woodpecker didn't even bother to take a look.
And when did she come to this place? Her history must be filled with fascinating stories. Perhaps...all of the answers must be in that very book.
Come on...just one more glance, you soon continue to think. Maybe I still need more clues then I already yield...
With eyes gradually glaring at the front of that very book, an insignia embedded with a large symbol of a gold encrusted shield.
Such a symbol to inspire, one that glimmers in the sunlight, such a symbol meaning protection, safety and control,
Such a symbol to secure secrets under finite brushed papers, a novella, a story desperately waiting to be told.
Finally and most truly, we have finally come to the conclusion that this zebra is not that everypony makes her out to be,
Having being feared by the entire town to be graced thanks to a group of friends, that's no different then befriending a draconequus with a wild goatee.
Enough of this wild fantasy. You muster a deep breath, chest bravely puffed out with confidence, no sweat trickling from your forehead,
As you slowly approach the wooden door, your front hoof raised in tow ready to knock on the door, devoid of sensing any dread.
CLUNK. CLUNK. CLUNK.
The noise soon rung aloud while your hoof made repeated contact with the opposing force, you suppose,
You don't hear any acknowledgement nor an interjection from the other side. So, your incentive was to step back as not to get too close.
Starting to hear hoofsteps which replaced the bubbling sounds of the brew, the door casually drew open, revealing more then her wide space, here and now,
A zebra stood gracefully with an open posture so dear as she noticed your reluctant yet innocent face, permitting her to raise her eyebrows.
"Oh! Why hello there, my little pony." the friendly image greeted. You then greeted back adorably, triggering her with a warm smile.
"Oh my, what a fine and charming pony I see out here. Next to Pipsqueak, you're a good-looking pony I have seen for quite a while."
You blush at her choice of words, she seems more delightful then you thought. You take that compliment aside and gave her a turn to blossom.
The good-matured zebra proclaimed: "My name is Zecora and I live my life here, helping and curing fellow ponies of their problems."
More to the point, she curiously asked, wondering; "I do not wish to be rude to you but what brings you around here?"
Then came your turn to introduce yourself and explain your very motives. She then replies, "I assume this delightful forest has brought you no fear?"
There was a hint of sarcasm in that sentence but harmless, nonetheless. You knew how to take a compliment, might as well accept sarcastic wit,
Zecora continued, "Usually, I come to them instead of them coming to me, except for a group of friends that drop by for a visit."
It seems that her mind had wandered off somewhere else. By the mention of her "friends", it must've been a happy memory,
It didn't last too long for she snapped herself out of her trance. "I do apologize," she filled the silence, "for that extremely short reverie."
The next gesture for Zecora was to slightly step away, pointing her back leg towards the interior to show off it's defining features.
"You must have come here for a reason. You are welcome to be my guest. Care for some mint tea? Make yourself at home, away from the creatures."
And with that well-rounded invitation, you humbly oblige. With a chuckle and an inhale, you nonchalantly trot inside,
Both smiles shine all around as Zecora closed the door, so much for the well-mannered zebra, correctly stepping aside.
You pause to let the environment sink in, the galore filling the air. You stop to admire everything and whistle with certain delight.
Seeing such inspiration up close, so many objects that felt ecstatic by name: pots, potions, books and bowls! Don't leave your mouth open, best not to be impolite.
"It seems that you are rather curious of what possessions I have in my household," Zecora assumed while taking your enthusiasm aside,
So she continued, "For I knew that you noticed that I was on the inside and that I also knew that you were on the outside."
Seeming quite surprised by that remark, you swiftly turn around to look at the zebra who grabbed the teapot with her snout,
Oddly, Zecora didn't indicate a wink nor a quick glance. You think to yourself, well, of course she was gonna notice me, no doubt.
Before beginning to question how she knew without knowing, you watch Zecora trotting along to her small rounded table,
Complete with 2 chairs and complete with 2 cups, it felt and looked like a story out of a long-lost fable.
She carefully poured a pint into each cup, making sure not to overflow. At the end of her perfection, she gently laid down the teapot,
And sat down on her chair, enjoying her delectable sip until she turned to motion you over and invite you to the other empty spot.
You take that gesture to consideration and slowly trot over. Approaching the table, you rest your hooves on the pristine chair,
You look down on your cup to inspect the swirling patterns. Of course, she is a herbalist, not just another psychic mare.
"If you are wondering," the zebra soon began to converse, "It's your first visit, so I won't jump into conclusions,"
"Usually, those teacups that lay before you hold a fortune; a foretelling of your future, full of mysterious illusions."
You start to listen to her wonderful and sweet little monologue while you pick up your own cup, kindly taking a sip,
The warm scent of the herbal tea smells rather exotic, your thoughts conclude as the teacup you hold has touched your quiet lips.
Smacking your lips together once the taste reached your mouth, you then softly respond with a comfortably satisfying 'mmm',
This tea tastes rather fruity, you analyze the flavor in your thoughts, like compiling all the colors of the rise and descent of the sun and moon.
"I see that I have delivered more than what you have expected." the zebra soon responded while you try to hide your nervousness,
"Don't be so shy. I see it in your eyes. Your approval says all. I'm glad to be of service."
You deliver a bright smile again, complimenting on her work. This, however, triggered the zebra to also smile as well,
It seems that the pair of you have already gotten along quite nicely. You elicit a light chuckle as if touched by a magical spell.
The laughter soon dissipated and without a second thought, Zecora leaned closer towards you, the chair giving a slight groan,
"Let me bring up one fact that I think you ought to know about this tea that I have mixed by pure love alone."
Her style of storytelling felt rather hypnotic to ignore. You came to follow suit, puzzled by what she's going to say next,
"The ingredients from this tea originated from my great grandmother." It sounded like she was reciting this from an old, ancient text.
"In fact, many of my brews and mixtures came inherited from my family tree, from a medicine that cures insomnia to a medicine that cures rabies."
"For no other pony from my days or any other zebra that I knew cannot be able to save anyone if it wasn't because of my family."
"They knew every disease, they knew every cure, they knew how to keep a record of all of them from everypony they have encountered,"
"They knew of which ingredients to mix into their medication, some say this came from true blood, some say this came from raw power."
"From what I know, what I can remember, my parents have done a generous deed, offering assistance into restoring the natives from the terrible and diabolical plague,"
"Feeling aspired by my parents actions, I have come to make my life-long decision. At this point, I do apologize for my memory is quite vague."
"I told my parents that I wanted to help all the other ponies across Equestria. They do seem taken aback at first but they agreed to my request,
"So I packed up my belongings and kissed my parents goodbye. As I set off to unexplored worlds without a map, I must confess."
As much as you enjoy reveling in her interesting exposition, you recollect your thoughts to maintain focus on that one object,
You plant down your cup for the 3rd and last time to stop her in her tracks, deciding to change the subject.
The zebra present in front of you has kept her body tense and looked at you exquisitely with a questionable expression,
You are not really sure of what you said was right or wrong. Apart from all that, this left an everlasting impression.
Attempting to break the silence, the zebra was first to speak. "What's that? You say this talk of history does not seem to interest you?
You nodded your head in response. "Then what is it that you came here for? What is it that you come here to desire, of all things solid and blue?
You then direct your eyes to glimpse at the strange book you are intrigued in, which made Zecora turn on her chair, curious to know the details,
Her eyes soon widened at the book positioned on the high shelves. Then she started smiling again, as if aware of what it entails.
Zecora gets up from her chair and heads to where you were focusing on that mysterious, solid brick, full of many pages and more,
"Ah, it seems that you are more intrigued in what I originally thought. This book foretells of many tales of fables, folk and lore."
Zecora reaches up high and grabs the dusty giant book with her hooves. She heaves and blows the dust away, probably meaning it had been left unread,
"It appears, in it's condition, that it hasn't yet been touched." she pondered. "You prefer to listen to these stories over my own history instead?"
In an instant, you seem to have lost your hesitance in a flash. You nodded your head quite excitedly, dying to read the giant essay,
Zecora trotted back safely with the book currently in her grasp and responded, "Well, this is going to be a long and exciting day."
You watch the striking zebra sit back down on her chair once again and cautiously placed the large book on the smooth wooden table,
That golden shield again..., you examined it from a near distance. It looks good from up close and somehow, there is no label.
"So, my little pony," Zecora began to prepare. "Are you ready to endure what awaits of the secrets that lie within?"
You gulp to yourself as you have sensed her tone changed the mood. You turn, attempting to close the curtain to keep this atmosphere therein.
"Please, I insist. Allow me to make yourself comfortable. Please, let us grace Chronos to help us pass the passage of time,
"Here in this book, of that I shall now flip open. Here, I would like to recite to you...
The Seven Tales of Rhyme."
Author's Note
Well, here you go, my first start to my first fanfic. Big whoopie.
Feel free to comment, share your opinion and criticize in what you like/dislike about this story. Then, perhaps I would like to continue this story even further.
I do have a couple of ideas on each individual tale too.
Hope you enjoyed reading it! Now, OFF TO YOUR CLOP-FICS!!
