Jewel of the Jungle

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.”