Jewel of the Jungle

Chapter 2

Zecora’s Cabin, The Everfree Forest

Under normal circumstances, I would greet the beginning of a new day with vigor and anticipation. However, this morning was far from normal circumstances. Due to yesterday’s events, I found myself barely able to rise out of bed. The interaction between Macintosh and I replayed in my mind dozens, if not hundreds of times the night prior. Needless to say, my overactive mind robbed me of any semblance of sleep.

After rubbing the crust from my reddened eyes, I slowly marched into the kitchen to boil some tea. As soon as the cup touched my lips, I allowed myself a contented sigh. Tea truly was the nectar of the gods! It never failed to invigorate the mind and body, despite my efforts to the contrary.

I took a few more sips and nibbled on an apple…immediately regretting my choice of fruit. It was most certainly delicious, similar to the one I enjoyed yesterday. But the quality of said apple was not the issue in question. No, the taste only served to further remind me of certain apple farmer. A certain apple farmer whom I could not stop thinking about.

Why had my nudity caused him so much distress? I had done my best to explain the reasoning behind my lifestyle and before he left, he seemed to have understood me. So then, why had he been so upset? I knew for a fact that he had a sister. There was little doubt that he saw her unclothed at times. What made seeing me in my own natural state so different?

A disheartening thought crept into my mind. What if the sight of my body disgusted him? It was certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Perhaps…he was offended because I had shown my body to him with the perceived intent of engaging in sexual intercourse? The very notion formed a heavy knot in my stomach, but one I could not dismiss entirely.

In my homeland, many traits characterized an attractive, healthy female. The ideal woman often stayed in the home, only venturing out to procure goods from the market or tend the garden. She had a mostly sedentary lifestyle, differing greatly from the physically active roles men often held. This, of course, led to her adopting a softer physique.

Women who possessed both generous curves and breasts were considered the pinnacle of beauty. The extra fat on their bodies signified that their lives were bereft of hardship. It also gave them wider, child-bearing hips, which lessened the complications they would experience while giving birth. Women such as that always seemed to attract the most attention from the village’s male population.

Throughout my entire life, I never received any such attention. I was the exact opposite of all those supposedly desirable traits. The time I spent practicing Engolo and tracking transformed me into a lean, muscular huntress. The constant exhaustion of calories melted away any excess fat on my body like a boar roasting upon a spit. Plumpness simply had no place in my life.

I can say, with utmost confidence, that I am completely comfortable living in the nude. I refuse to be ashamed of my own body! It was how I was born; it is how I am meant to be. But no matter how strong my conviction may be, the ugly specter of envy still haunts me from time to time.

Looking down, I cupped my breasts and fondled them gently. While the act granted me some degree of pleasure, I could not help but let out a forlorn sigh. They were not particularly large. If a random passerby were to casually observe my breasts, he or she would admit I was indeed a grown woman, but lacked the proper proportions to attract the admiration of men.

What incredible irony my life has contained then!

I nearly spent my entire maidenhood with a clan full of men. Men I tried my damnedest to impress, men who I had the utmost respect for, men…that set my young and naïve heart aflutter. But they never saw me as a woman.

I was not some curvaceous village girl, waiting to greet them with honeyed fruit and a kiss when they returned from a successful hunt. No, I was just the chieftain’s daughter, a future ruler to be trained in their ways. A blade meant to be sharpened, nothing more.

The painful thoughts became too much for me to bear. I let out a choking sob as hot tears splashed upon my lap. My desires were so very simple. I wanted friends to call my own, ones who were not under my father’s influence. I wanted to establish a name for myself by opening a business. But there was something else too. Something I only dared to think about in my wildest imaginings.

I hugged my knees to my chest. “Is it too much to ask for a man to finally see me…as a woman?”

In my experience, the world often answers our questions in the strangest way possible. This time was certainly no exception. Once again, I heard someone knock on my door. My heart raced with anticipation, hoping to hear the deep baritone of Macintosh’s voice. But much to my surprise, I heard his sister’s voice instead.

I was in no condition to greet any visitors. My eyes were still red, my voice was hoarse from sobbing, and I still had yet to comb my hair. However, there was something in that girl’s innocent tone that I could not refuse, no matter how much I might want to. I knew that if I commanded her to leave me be, it would upset young Apple Bloom greatly. At this point, I had no desire to add a child’s tears to my already guilty conscience.

“Miss Zecora, its Apple Bloom. Are ya there?”

I rubbed my eyes. “Yes. Please give me a moment to open the door.”

“I’m sorry it’s so early in the mornin’ but ah—”

There it was again. The exact same expression I saw on Macintosh’s face was now present on Apple Bloom. In hindsight, I suppose it would have been prudent to cover myself but…I was exhausted and upset. I simply did not care. With a weary sigh, I motioned for Apple Bloom to take a seat while I poured her a cup of tea.

“You need not say it. I know that I am nude.”

Bloom blushed. “O-oh…sorry, ah thought ya just got out of the bath or somethin’.”

“No. In fact, I have yet to bathe today. I am afraid that you have caught me in a state of distress at the moment.”

“Y-yeah…ah was kind of wonderin’ why you looked so upset.”

“It is a long story. One that I do not think you would be interested in hearing.”

Bloom shuffled her feet. “That’s…kind of the reason ah came over here. Mac’s been real quiet ever since he came back from gettin’ his arm fixed. Ah just wanted ta know what happened. But…judgin’ the fact that you’re naked as a jay-bird, ah can see why he might’ve gotten upset.”

“I live in the nude because it is part of my lifestyle. I sincerely apologize if that has upset you or your brother in any way.”

“It doesn’t really upset me that much. I’ve seen mah older sister naked plenty of times. Heck, I’ve even gone skinny dippin’ with her durin’ the summer. It’s just sort of awkward seein’ ya naked, ‘cause folks ‘round here don’t normally greet ya at the door in their birthday suit…”

I sighed. “I do not consciously remind myself to walk around my own home clothed. It is…as you would say, a force of habit.”

“Ah don’t think anyone is gonna judge ya if that’s what ya wanna do ‘round your own home, Miss Zecora. But if you’re goin’ out ta town, ya might wanna consider wearin’ clothes.”

“The people from one of the villages I used to trade with were equally reserved about showing their bodies, so I had to wear a cloak whilst visiting them. I wore one yesterday because I was not entirely sure if your culture had a taboo against it.”

Bloom sipped her tea. “Eeyup, ya made the right call there.”

“So…Macintosh was merely surprised to see me nude? He was not disgusted?”

“Nah, ah don’t think he was disgusted at all. Knowin’ how shy mah brother can be, he was probably just flustered ta see a pretty girl naked in front of him.”

I blushed. “You believe that I am…pretty?”

“Darn tootin’! Ya got a finely built figure, and really beautiful eyes. I’m sure plenty of guys in town will start trippin’ over themselves ta ask ya out on a date, once they get ta know ya!”

“You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that! Thank you, Apple Bloom.”

Bloom smiled. “No problem. I’m just tellin’ the truth. Say, do ya wanna come with me today? I’m goin’ into town ta pick up mah friend, Sweetie Belle, and then we’re gonna go ta Sugarcube Corner for some pastries.”

“That sounds wonderful, but do you mind if I make myself presentable first? I promise that I shall not take long.”’

“Sure, ah don’t mind. After all, I’m the one who came bargin’ in here before ya got ready for the day. Take your time, ah ain’t in any rush on account that today’s mah day off.”

Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

Like the last time I came to Ponyville, I elected to wear my cloak. Apple Bloom seemed slightly perturbed that I decided to wear nothing under it, muttering something about “panties” as we walked down the road. My modesty, as per Equestrian standards, was being preserved so why did it matter if I was nude underneath? I fear that it shall take me quite some before I understand their ways, if I ever manage to do so. As we neared the market district, Apple Bloom shook her head.

“You’re somethin’ else, Miss Zecora. I’ve never seen anyone walk around barefoot like that without complainin’ or gettin’ a whole bunch of blisters. Doesn’t it hurt your feet?”

I shrugged. “I have walked on far more treacherous ground than this. And to answer your question, my feet are free of discomfort.”

“Huh. So you’ve never worn shoes? Not even sandals?”

“No, I have not. I like being able to feel what is beneath my feet. It helps me to adjust my gait in order to move more stealthily when stalking prey.”

Bloom shuddered. “Eughh…you’re startin’ ta sound more like a lion than a person. It’s kind of creepy ta be honest.”

“Hmm that is a rather apt comparison. Yes, a huntress is very much like a lion. I had not thought of it that way before.”

“You’re a huntress? Like one of them crazy amazons in the movies, who go around killin’ tigers with a spear?!”

I could not help but frown at Apple Bloom’s inquiry. Yes, my village was far from Equestria but I was not so ignorant that I did not know what a movie was. I knew that they were produced with the intent to entertain people, but it appalled me that motion pictures would portray hunters in such a barbaric manner. One did not simply go traipsing through the jungle, madly waving a spear about, exterminating beasts for mere sport!

All life, from the lowly wood grub to the mighty elephant was sacred. Man, being at the top of the hierarchy of beasts, had a responsibility to respect the sanctity of those below him. It meant that he had to pray to the spirts whenever a life was taken to sustain his own. After honoring the dead, nothing was to be wasted from the spoils. Anything less was utter blasphemy!

After allowing my anger to subside, I knelt in front of Apple Bloom and looked at her straight in the eyes. I could tell she was uncomfortable, but I needed to convey the seriousness of her ignorance. I also needed to show that I was not angry with her. To that end, I placed my hands upon her shoulders.

“Apple Bloom, I was indeed a huntress. But I never took a life without understanding the consequences first. Beasts are our lesser in the hierarchy of life, but they still deserve our respect. Taking their lives with such callous disregard is vile and disgusting!”

“I’m sorry, Miss Zecora. Ah didn’t mean it like that!”

“I know you did not, child. I simply wanted to convey how important it is to respect all living creatures, despite what the motion pictures would have you believe.”

“Ah think…when ah get back home, I’m gonna spend some time with Winona. Ah haven’t really paid too much attention to her lately. Does that make me…a bad owner?”

I smiled. “No, you are most certainly not. Only a good owner would recognize their mistakes and seek to correct them.”

Judging by the tone of Apple Bloom’s voice, I knew that she was nearly on the verge of tears. It had not been my intention to make her feel guilty. I merely wanted her to understand the importance of life and why it should not be taken for granted. I did the only thing I could think of to help calm her down. I pulled her into a gentle embrace.

She hesitated at first, but returned it in equal kind. In fact, I was quite impressed by the strength she possessed. Such a thing was not completely surprising to me. She did happen to work on a farm, so that likely gave her greater muscle mass than most girls her age.

I must confess: the moment we shared made me realize just how much I missed the simple joy of embracing another person. Unfortunately, as with all good things, this too needed to end. After breaking our embrace, I stood up and patted her head.

“Are you feeling better now?”

Bloom nodded. “Mhmm. And…thanks for the hug. Ah really needed that.”

“You are most welcome, Apple Bloom. I am sorry as well. It was not my intention to upset you in the first place.”

“Ah know. It’s just that what ya said really got me thinkin’.”

“Good. How much further until we reach your friend’s abode?”

Bloom pointed to a large building. “Actually, we’re right in front of it.”

Before me was one of the most ostentatious homes I had ever laid eyes upon. The entire building looked as if it had come directly from the pages of a children’s story book. The outside was decorated with all manner of fanciful creatures such as cherubs, unicorns, and faeries. I could not even begin to fathom how much it cost to commission such an extravagant façade. Apple Bloom noticed my shocked expression and had the decency to offer me a look of sheepish resignation.

“Yeah, ah know it’s a bit gaudy. But that’s Sweetie’s sister for ya.”

“What profession does your friend’s sister practice that affords her such… fine décor?”

As if to answer my question, the front door opened, revealing a woman dressed in a white blouse, a black skirt, and a pair of high-heeled dark purple shoes. After she opened the door, I caught the scent of what I could only assume was an expensive type of perfume. Fortunately, the perfume was lightly applied to her body, mixing pleasantly with her natural scent instead of overpowering it. With a clap of her hands, she smiled at Apple Bloom and ushered us inside.

“Good morning, Apple Bloom! I presume you’re here to pick up Sweetie?”

“Sure am. Ah hope ya don’t mind but ah brought along a new friend too.”

“Not at all, darling. I rather enjoy meeting new people. Hello Madame. My name is Rarity Belle, the proprietor of this fine boutique!”

I shook her hand. “Greetings, I am Zecora. I recently moved here from Zebrica.”

“Ah yes, that would certainly explain your complexion. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, of course! But your attire is…oh I’m terribly sorry darling, but it’s just dreadful. I can’t possibly allow you to leave my boutique without giving you something better to wear.”

“Miss Rarity, I appreciate your offer but—”

Rarity but her finger on my lips. “I won’t take no for an answer! And you needn’t worry about payment; I always make the first dress free of charge. Think of it as…an investment.”

Frantically, I searched the entire room for Apple Bloom, but she was nowhere to be found. It was only then that I heard the door slam shut and witnessed Apple Bloom and her friend walking down the street, without a care in the world. I had no desire whatsoever to partake in whatever Ms. Rarity had planned. However, I did not want to appear rude by refusing her generous offer.

“Very well, I shall comply. What would you have me do?”

“First thing’s first! Let’s get you out of that ratty old thing you’re wearing.”

I did as she asked and tossed my cloak upon the floor. Unlike Macintosh and Apple Bloom, Rarity did not appear embarrassed with my nudity. Instead, she stared intently at my body, apprising me like a cut of meat. After a few moments, she reached into her breast pocket and retrieved a coiled spool of yellow colored thread along with a pair of glasses.

Rarity bit her lip. “I take it you enjoy going commando?”

“I am…afraid I do not understand what that means.”

“Oh, well it means that you don’t like wearing underwear. Not that it’s an issue for me. It makes taking your measurements far easier.”

I furrowed my brow in confusion. “I never don this underwear you speak of. Occasionally, I will wear a loincloth if I experience issues during the time of moon-blood but…otherwise I prefer to be nude.”

“You mean you don’t normally wear clothing AT ALL?!”

“Yes, it is part of my lifestyle. Is that a problem?”

Rarity’s eye twitched. “Ohohoho! OF COUSE NOT, DARLIIIIING!”

“I am sorry, have I upset you somehow?”

“Oh heavens no. I’m absolutely beside myself because I’m trying to design clothing for a HABITUAL NUDIST!!”

I rubbed my arm. “Ms. Rarity, I meant no offence. It is just how I choose to live. But if it is any consolation, I am still in need of a dress because I generally do not walk around town without covering myself.”

“None taken, darling. If anything, I should be the one to apologize. Everyone has a right to live as they see fit, and I failed to give your lifestyle the proper respect it deserved simply because I disagreed with it. I’m sorry that I snapped at you. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?”

“Of course. I would like us to be friends, if possible.”

Rarity let out a sigh of relief. “Oh thank goodness! I’d like that as well, if you’d have me.”

Normally, I would have given Ms. Rarity a conciliatory embrace but I was uncertain it would be met with enthusiasm, so I settled for a firm handshake. True to her word, she carefully wrapped the strange yellow-colored thread around different parts of my body. Afterwards, she jotted something down on a scrap of parchment and walked over to a cabinet.

When she opened it, I hardly believed what I was seeing. Every color of cloth once could possibly imagine and more were stored inside. The guilty knot that I had gotten rid of earlier came back to my stomach with a vengeance. I felt bad enough that she was making this dress for me free of charge, but to craft it from such fine materials as well? Truly, her generosity was great.

Rarity held out a teal bolt of cloth. “I was originally going to go with black and white to compliment your hair, but it would be a travesty not to bring out the color of your eyes. Do you like it, darling?”

“Oh yes, it is quite beautiful. Words cannot express how thankful I am that you are making this dress for me. Especially with how expensive that material must be.”

“A beautiful woman deserves a beautiful dress. Nothing more, nothing less!”

I twiddled my thumbs. “Apple Bloom mentioned that she thought I was pretty. Do you believe so too?”

“You most definitely are but in a more wild and exotic sense, I suppose. It’s uniquely you, of that I’m certain but…I’m at loss as to what else I can call it.”

“Perhaps…beautiful enough to attract the attention of a man?”

Rarity giggled. “Oh my, so that’s what this is about~ Well, rest assured that my dress will catch the eye of any man who happens to cross your path. However, a dress merely accentuates the woman wearing it. And I can assure you that any red-blooded Equestrian man would have to be blind or incredibly stupid not to see how beautiful you are.”

“You flatter me, Ms. Rarity.”

“I just happen to have an eye for beautiful things. Now, if only I could get a flat tummy as marvelous as yours, I’d be set.”