Chapter 3

Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

I had to give Miss Rarity a great deal of credit. The fabrication of my new dress had taken far less time than I had originally anticipated. Not only that, but the cloth used to craft it was quite possibly the most comfortable that I ever had the pleasure to place upon my skin. It felt as though a soft spring breeze was gently caressing my entire body, without restricting any of my movements whatsoever. The cloak I wore before was heavy and at times made my skin itch, not to mention how miserable it was to wear the thing when it became wet.

Perhaps, at some point, I shall venture into the Everfree and fashion a poncho from animal skin simply to keep myself dry in rainy weather. If I were still in my homeland, large palm leaves were usually good enough to keep dry when fastened together with vines. Equestria, on the other hand, has a far more temperate climate, inhibiting the growth of most tropical plant species. I was not deterred. The hunters taught me how to use hides just as effectively. It simply took more time and preparation is all.

Thinking about animals inevitably made my thoughts drift towards the consumption of meat. Due to the emotional state I was in earlier this morning, I had not gotten the chance to consume anything more than a single apple and a cup of tea. A hearty meal they most certainly did not make. While I had considered accompanying Apple Bloom to the pastry shop she mentioned earlier, the deep growl that echoed from my stomach swiftly changed my mind. I needed something far more substantial than mere baked goods.

Oh yes, a pork chop or perhaps a roasted chicken sounded wonderful right now! And let us not forget the generous helping of eggs and toast that shall accompany it! Ehem…at times I get carried away with my cravings for meat. I simply cannot help it! After all the time I spent hunting, I consumed it more often than not, making my palate more attuned to its flavor and texture. And after days of eating dried jerky, freshly cooked meat was something I desperately yearned for.

As luck would have it, my search for a hearty meal was a surprisingly short one. Across the street from Miss Rarity’s shop, I spotted a strange looking eatery entitled Berry’s Diner. It was unlike any of the taverns I had come across during my travels. The building had a long, squat appearance and was coated in what I could only assume was metal and perhaps…tile? But compared to the décor of the surrounding establishments, it was downright plain.

Since it had so many windows, I could easily observe how many patrons it attracted and what food it had to offer. As I continued my surveillance, I felt my heart pound in my chest when I spotted one particular patron. In the corner, sitting by himself, was none other than Macintosh Apple. From what I could tell, he had yet to notice me because he was too preoccupied with reading a newspaper and sipping a cup of coffee.

I stood in front of the diner, debating my next course of action. Despite the fact that I was quite hungry, I was not entirely certain if I was ready to interact with Macintosh yet. He looked so content and peaceful just sitting there, reading his paper. What right did I have to rob him of such tranquility? But on the other hand, I could not dismiss that this was a fortuitous opportunity to amend my poor first impression with him. Well, there was no time like the present. After swallowing a lump in my throat, I mustered my courage and opened the door.

I felt a swarm of butterflies flutter about in my stomach as I continued walk through the restaurant. Why was I so nervous? It took me only a few moments to figure out the reason why. It was made painfully obvious by the slight rush of blood to my cheeks. This was the first occasion that I had taken the time to get a good look at the young farmer. And I had to admit that he was actually quite handsome.

His muscular form was just as evident as before, but I was not focusing on that particular aspect of his body. That is not to say I did not find well-built men attractive, sprits know I most certainly did! I was more interested in observing his facial features…for the moment anyway. He was clean shaven but his orange hair did not appear to have been styled or combed in any significant manner. It was a hilarious contrast to his little sister’s grooming habits.

I was so absorbed in my observations that I failed to notice how close I was standing next to his table. Much to my own embarrassment, I ended up smacking my leg against the tabletop. The resulting impact shook Macintosh out of his reverie and diverted his attention to me instead of the newspaper he had been reading just moments before. I whined quietly, praying that I had not ruined my second impression before it even began.

Macintosh eye’s widened. “Zecora, what are ya doin’ here?”

“I-I did not find the time earlier this morning to enjoy a proper breakfast. So…I decided to eat here?”

“Uhh…well that’s interestin’. Any particular reason ya chose this here diner?”

I shuffled my feet. “I happened to see it as I exited Miss Rarity’s shop. It seemed like a reputable eatery, so I decided to try it. If my presence here upsets you I can leave…”

“Nah, don’t worry about it. Ya can sit with me if ya want. Ah wanted ta talk with ya anyway.”

“Very well, I shall take you up on your offer.”

After a few minutes, a waitress came by and took my order. Much to my delight, they appeared to have something called “Chicken Fried Steak” on the menu. Macintosh claimed it was delicious and it had been quite some time since I last enjoyed beef, so I felt it was wise to order the dish. It also came with a side of eggs and toast. A hearty breakfast if there ever was one!

My elation quickly evaporated as the silence between us stretched on. It could not have been any more than a few minutes at most, but it felt like an eternity to me. Here I was, in the perfect position to make amends, and I could not find anything to say. Fortunately, Macintosh seemed to pick up on my growing frustration and decided to speak first.

Macintosh coughed. “Say, is that a new dress ya got there?”

“Indeed it is. Miss Rarity crafted it for me earlier this morning. It is quite comfortable.”

“Well, ya look beautiful—ah mean it’s a beautiful dress! And the color is real nice too.”

I looked down at my lap. “Ah, well she did mention that teal seemed to compliment my eyes. Thank you for your kind words, Macintosh.”

“Heh, don’t mention it. I’m just callin’ it as ah see it. Is your leg alright? It sounded like ya whacked it pretty hard on the table.”

“I am fine. My pride was all that was injured.”

Mac chuckled. “Ya had a little accident, huh? Ah can’t even tell ya how many times I’ve stubbed mah big toe on the bathroom door. It happens to the best of us, I’m afraid.”

“Macintosh, I need to be honest with you. While I do not mind if we strike a pleasant conversation, the main reason I agreed to dine with you is to…clear the air between us.”

“Zecora ya don’t have ta—”

I shook my head. “Yes I do. Back at the cabin, I did not realize my nudity would have such a profound effect on you. When you left so quickly, I feared that I had ruined our potential friendship before it even had a chance to get started. What I mean to say is: Do you still wish to be my friend, despite my lifestyle?”

“Of course ah do. It’s just gonna be real difficult gettin’ used to.”

“Difficult? I am sorry, but do you mind elaborating as to why?”

Mac blushed heavily. “Umm…well, it’s ‘cause ah think you’re pretty, Zecora. Any man in their right mind would get mighty distracted seein’ such a beautiful girl n-naked. That’s…kind of why ah left in such a hurry.”

“Oh—ehem—I see. So my body caught your interest, then?”

“Y-yeah. Ah swear I’m not tryin’ ta be a pervert or anythin’! Ah just can’t stand lyin’ ta ya about it. If ya wanna be angry at me, go ahead. Ah suppose ah deserve it…”

I found myself blushing as well. “I am not angry. Only surprised and perhaps…somewhat elated.”

“Wait, ya mean you’re happy about it?!”

“Of course I am. You are the first man who has ever shown any interest in me as a woman.”

Mac rubbed his forehead. “Hold on. Do ya mean ta tell me that no other guy has ever tried askin’ ya out or even bothered callin’ ya beautiful?”

“Never. In my home village, I was not considered particularly attractive.”

“That’s terrible! Why wouldn’t they?”

I played with a strand of my hair. “My people consider women with full bosoms and wide hips to be the most beautiful. As you can see, I lack both of those things.”

“Oh Zecora, ya poor girl. Don’t believe any o’ that hogwash! Sure, there are some folks ‘round these parts who like girls with a bit more heft to ‘em, but ah think you’ll find that most people will agree that you’re plenty beautiful.”

“That would certainly correspond to what your sister and Miss Rarity told me. Thank you, Macintosh. Knowing this eases my mind more than you could possibly know.”

Mac clenched his fist. “Damn it! That really pisses me off. Puttin’ a girl down just ‘cause she ain’t what people consider ideal. I’m sorry ya had ta deal with that. Ah promise things will be better for ya here in Ponyville.”

Even from the brief amount of time I had spent in Equestria so far, I already knew things were much better here. However, it still brought immense joy to my heart to know that Macintosh was willing to ensure that my current state of affairs remained that way.

If I was being completely honest with myself, joy was not the only emotion coursing through my heart right now. There was also a tiny mote of affection for my stalwart protector. I suppose it is not so bizarre for a woman to entertain such thoughts about man who so readily defends her interests. But was I ready to consider a romantic relationship yet?

Perhaps not. It was far too soon to make such a judgement. However, I was not entirely against the idea either. Only time would tell. For now, I was satisfied to offer him my sincere friendship.

Much to Macintosh’s own amusement, I started devouring my breakfast mere moments after the waitress brought it out. A few of the other patrons stared at me while I ate, no doubt expressing either disgust or astonishment on their part. Once I realized it, I slowed down significantly, offering a sheepish grin and blush as an apology. It was impolite to be such a glutton, after all.

Mac whistled. “Land’s sake, Zecora! Slow down and taste the food! It ain’t a race.”

“I apologize for eating in such a rude manner. My hunger got the better of me.”

“It’s alright, ah just don’t want ya ta choke is all. But honestly, this ain’t the first time I’ve seen a woman put down a steak like that. Ya should see mah sister, AJ. That girl can wolf down food like a grizzly bear when she puts her mind ta it.”

I wiped my face. “Ah, Apple Bloom mentioned her briefly. Is she the eldest amongst you?”

“Eenope. I’m the oldest at twenty five. AJ’s ‘bout five years younger than ah am. That makes Bloom eleven next month, ah think.”

“I take it that the three of you run the apple orchard, then?”

“Well, there is Granny. But she’s startin’ ta get on a bit in years. She used ta do more, but we only let her do the bakin’ nowadays.”

I smiled. “Your family sounds wonderful. I should like to visit them sometime.”

“They are. But I’m afraid ah can’t do it today. We promised Bloom a day off, so AJ and ah have some extra chores ta do.”

“I could help with them as well, if you like. It is the least I can do, considering that you paid for my breakfast.”

Mac rubbed his neck. “Zecora…ah couldn’t possibly ask ya ta help out. It’s a lot of hard work.”

“Are you insinuating that I am too weak to lend assistance? If so, I assure you that I am quite fit.”

“No, ah don’t think you’re weak at all! It’s just that takin’ care of the farm is mah family’s responsibility. And…umm…well you’d most certainly be exhausted, sweaty, and dirty by the end of the day too.”

I crossed my arms. “I would expect as much. You need not worry about forcing tasks of labor upon me. I am helping you because you are my friend. Is that not what friends do?”

“Alright, ah suppose there’s no convincin’ ya otherwise. Finish up your toast and we’ll get goin’.”

Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville

The first thing I noticed as we walked towards the farm was just how well tended it was. The trees looked strong and healthy and bore a great bounty of apples upon their limbs. A modestly sized farmhouse stood at the center with a large barn next to it. As if to compliment the farm’s namesake, they too had been painted a vibrant red. I took a deep breath, relishing the fact that the entire place smelled of damp grass and freshly plowed earth. It was not an unwelcome scent. Such smells reminded me of my mentor’s hut.

The energetic bark of a dog interrupted my melancholic thoughts, followed swiftly by a wet snout nuzzling my leg. It never ceased to amaze me how animals seemed to sense when you were not feeling well. This time was no different. In accordance to ancient tradition, I knelt down and scooped the brown and white Border Collie into my arms and began rubbing her ears as a reward. Sensing that I was a friendly sort, she didn’t hesitate to present her belly to me. I complied with her simple request, and in no time at all her tongue was hanging out of her mouth in a state of pure bliss.

I giggled. “Such a friendly little dog you are. Thank you for cheering me up.”

Much to my surprise, Macintosh came running up behind me with a worried look upon his face. Once he saw how happy the dog in my arms was, his expression softened. Eventually, it transformed into a full-fledged belly laugh.

“Well I’ll be! I’ve never seen Winona act that friendly towards a stranger before. She’s real protective of the Acres and usually barks at anyone she doesn’t recognize.”

I continued to rub her belly. “Animals are quite perceptive sometimes. She may have sensed that I was not a threat to this place…or perhaps it is simply because I am carrying a trace of your scent. Either way, she is a delightful little dog.”

“That she is. How in the world do you know so much about animals? Ah thought ya were some kind of healer.”

“I used to be a professional huntress before I took up the art of herbalism.”

Mac’s eyes widened. “Like huntin’ in the jungle? Aren’t there all kinds of big, nasty carnivores in those parts?”

“Indeed. But I was careful to avoid them whenever I could. In most cases, I hunted smaller game such as boars or deer. I only killed the larger predators when they ate people. Do not worry though. Their carcasses were put to good use.”

Mac paled. “R-right makes sense. How big of a gun did ya have ta use ta put ‘em down?”

“I preferred to use a bow when dealing with tigers because they are such cunning creatures. Their sense of hearing and smell are nearly unmatched. That is why I liked stalking them at a distance. Men seldom survived being mauled by tigers, after all.”

“Sweet mercy! Ah had no idea ya killed a damn tiger before!”

I smiled. “It was far more than one. Six, if I recall correctly. I have a necklace fashioned from their teeth back at my cabin. If you wish to see it, I would be happy to—”

“N-nah, that’s alright. Ya can show it to me later. Let’s just…head inside the house for now.”

Winona whimpered softly after I put her on the ground again. I suppose I could not blame her. But her mood lightened in a heartbeat as soon as she saw her other master waiting by the door. By sheer process of elimination, I could only assume the woman was Applejack. Much like her brother, she too wore a flannel shirt. But instead of covering her entire torso, it was tied in a knot around her breasts, leaving her stomach exposed. Her denim trousers completely covered her legs and upon her feet were a pair of muddy work boots.

After Winona gave her owner an affectionate lick, she retreated inside and immediately flopped onto a large, if heavily worn cushion. Macintosh, on the other hand, approached his sister and gave her a quick kiss upon the forehead. I did not wish to interrupt such a candid moment between siblings, so I chose to sit under a nearby apple tree and rest for a moment.

AJ grinned. “Howdy Mac. Ah see ya brought home a nice lookin’ gal. What’s her name?”

“AJ it ain’t like that! S-she’s…just a friend.”

“Oh? She must be a mighty special friend then. Ya know, considerin’ that she’s the first one I’ve ever seen ya bring here.”

Mac blushed. “Please don’t make a big deal outta this! Zecora’s new in town and ah just met her a few days ago. She’s…the one that helped patch up mah arm.”

“Hmm. So lemme get this straight. Ya hardly ever so much as utter a peep ta any of the girls in town, but somehow this gal gabbed with ya long enough ta patch up your arm, have a little breakfast date, and walk with ya ta the Acres?”

“Ta be fair, she patched up mah arm y-yesterday. The other stuff just sorta happened today. And—IT WASN’T A DATE!”

AJ laughed. “Sure sounds like one ta me. But why in tarnation did ya invite her the whole way out here?”

“Well, ah wasn’t plannin’ on it. Ah just happened ta mention that Bloom had the day off and we were a bit short-handed. She insisted on taggin’ along ta help out.”

“Oh lord! BWAHAHAHAHA! You’re just a regular Casanova, ain’t ya? Nothin’ gets the romantic juices flowin’ like cleanin’ out the hog troughs!”

Mac’s face turned beet red. “S-shut up, AJ! Ah think it’s awful considerate of her ta help us out on such short notice.”

“Well, ah won’t argue with ya there. But how does she expect ta get any work done in a pretty little dress like that?”

“Probably by takin’ it off entirely…”

AJ furrowed her brow. “Care ta repeat that?”

“Never mind. Ah was only talkin’ ta myself. Why don’t ya just let her use some of your old clothes? That way she won’t have ta get her dress dirty.”

AJ shrugged. “Works for me. She looks about the same size, give or take. I’ll get her set up; you go on ahead and start bailin’ the hay.”

I had only been sitting for a few minutes and already I felt like I was going to fall asleep. Fortunately, I was roused by none other than Applejack, who gently tapped my shoulder. It would have been quite embarrassing to fall asleep before I began to assist the two of them.

I yawned. “Pardon me. I very nearly fell asleep.”

“Don’t worry about it, sugarcube. Mah name’s Applejack but ya can call me AJ.”

“A pleasure to meet you. I am Zecora. Your brother told me that the both of you required assistance today. What do you wish me to do first?”

AJ waggled her finger. “Now hold on there. We ain’t doin’ anythin’ until you get the proper attire. Ah wouldn’t want ya ta ruin that pretty little dress of yours.”

Before I knew it, the golden-haired woman had grabbed my arm and was intent on dragging me into the house. Upon entering her room, she rummaged through a dresser and pulled out a worn pair of denim shorts along with yet another flannel shirt. While I was no expert in matters of fashion, even I had to question why this family loved flannel so much. After stripping out of my dress, I cracked my knuckles and stared at her expectantly.

“Uh…what are ya doin’?”

“You told me that it was unwise to ruin my dress. So, I took it off.”

“Ah can see that. But why ain’t ya getting’ dressed?”

I frowned. “What do you mean? If we are to going to sweat and become covered in filth, why would I wear clothes?”

“Ya mean ta tell me that you’re seriously gonna walk outta here…butt-naked?”

“Indeed.”

AJ blushed. “Look, if ya wanna go take a dip in the pond after we’re done workin’ that’s fine with me. But there’s no way in hell you’re doin’ everythin’ in the buff. Especially with mah brother around!”

“I do not understand. Clothing would only restrict my movement and become filthy in the process. If I am nude, the filth can easily be rinsed off. And why is Macintosh an issue?”

“It’s a problem because guys get distracted by naked girls. Especially if it happens ta be a really attractive naked girl. There’s not gonna be a single second that he won’t be oglin’ your bits n’ pieces. Aren’t ya bothered by that?”

I twiddled my fingers. “He has already seen me nude and confessed that he thought I was beautiful. I am quite happy about that. Why would it bother me?”

“I’m ain’t one ta jump ta conclusions, but this whole situation is startin’ ta sound real fishy! Once ah get ya dressed, we’re all gonna sit down and have long discussion about what’s proper around here…”

Author's Note

Sorry if the grammar is crappy in any parts. Southern dialect is a PAIN in the ass to spellcheck. Hope everybody enjoys the chapter.