Chapter 6

Port City of Lambentia, Zebrica (One Month Prior)

There I stood in the illustrious city of Lambentia. It had the distinction of being the most modern and only city in Zebrica that belonged to a foreign power. About two centuries earlier, when the first explorers from Equestria arrived, the old Chief Zedraa met them on these very shores. As a token of friendship, he gave the travelers a sizeable tract of land so that they could establish a trade route with us.

It was a mutually beneficial arrangement to say the least. Lambentia, named in honor of Queen Celestia III, quickly gained status as a major trade port that exported the riches of Zebrica in exchange for Northern culture, technology, and ideas. While my people generally kept to themselves, we still maintained diplomatic ties with Equestria when the situation called for it. Such was the reason for my arrival at the embassy: I needed to speak with the ambassador.

When I walked into the building, I was half expecting it to be some opulent palace of Northern excess, but I was surprised to find that it was rather tastefully decorated. The walls were covered in crème colored stucco that showcased various flowers found in Equestria. A few portraits of various rulers and people of import hung upon them as well, but they were nothing too gaudy.

However, my attention was firmly drawn towards the mahogany desk that sat near the back of the room. Sitting behind it was none other than the woman I sought this day. She looked oddly out of place, sporting a pair of tan work boots, khaki shorts, and a forest green polo shirt, which is why I hesitated to approach her. Was this plainly dressed woman truly the ambassador?

Noticing my hesitation, my teacher gently placed her hand on my shoulder to assure me that we were in the right place. Just as I was about to find my voice, the grey and black haired ambassador leapt from her seat and gave my teacher a firm hug.

“Nimwae! It’s so good to see you again.”

“I bid you good tidings, Daring. While I appreciate your warm welcome, I’m afraid that I’ve come here to discuss a very important matter.”

Daring frowned. “Ah yes, that matter. I take it that the girl standing next to you is the one you mentioned in your letter?”

“Indeed. Her name is Zecora and she is like a daughter to me. And as much as it breaks my heart to see her leave Zebrica, I want what’s best for her. Is it possible to grant her asylum in Equestria?”

Daring rubbed her chin. “It would normally be quite difficult to grant her a visa under normal circumstances. But her status in Zebrica makes her a…special case.”

“How so, if I may ask?”

“Well, due to the recent atrocities committed at the Red River Diamond Mine, Chancellor Fancy Pants has decided to label the Zecoomba Regime a belligerent state. Since Zecora is his daughter, it is easy to claim her as a victim. Hence, the special case.”

Nimwae clicked her tongue. “Such a sad state of affairs that is. What must she do?”

“It’s really quite simple. She just signs a few papers and promises to proclaim her loyalty to the Equestrian state. With that, she’ll receive a governmental stipend to kick-start her relocation. I’m thinking a smaller town would be best, since she isn’t used to city life. I believe Ponyville would be ideal.”

It was finally happening. The freedom I had craved for so long was now within my grasp. But even still, I had some reservations. The one I worried about the most right now was not myself, but my teacher. My father would eventually find out about her involvement in my disappearance. And it was only a matter of time until he mobilized all the resources at his disposal to hunt her down and exact some petty form of revenge upon her.

Just thinking about it made a hard knot form in my stomach. There had to be something I could do to ensure her safety. There had to be! I could not simply abandon her just to fulfill my own selfish desires. After taking a deep breath, I turned towards the ambassador.

“I agree to your terms, but what of my teacher? Is there no way to ensure her safety as well?”

Daring sighed. “Not without sparking an international fiasco.”

“But why not? There must be something you can do!”

“She’s…on your father’s most wanted list, I’m afraid. While we can claim you as a victim, her case is not the same. That’s why she came to me without disguising her motives. Your father has already issued a warrant for her arrest.”

My shoulders began to tremble. “Mwalimu, is it true what the ambassador says?”

“I’m afraid so my little punda milia. Over the years, I’ve gathered followers to resist your father’s rule. Lately, I’ve been a bit more successful conducting raids, which makes me more of a target. I cannot go with you. It is simply too dangerous.”

I felt tears well up in my eyes. “I will not abandon you! Please, you must come with me! I can handle the danger.”

“No. You must make this journey alone. Don’t worry about me; I will survive as I always have.”

I hugged her as hard as I could. “I love you, Mwalimu. The thought of losing you is too much for me to bear…”

I wanted to be angry with her for not seeing common sense. But I just couldn’t bring myself to. She was determined to stay and resist my father for as long as she could. And I suspected that if she succeeded, the people of Zebrica would look to her for leadership and guidance. While it broke my heart, I knew that I had to let my mentor forge her own path.

Mwalimu began to stroke my hair. “Even though I think you know this already, I believe it still needs to be said. I love you as if you were my own flesh and blood, Zecora. And I always will. That is why I want what is best for you. Go forth and realize your dream.”

That was it. I could do nothing to convince her. My mentor’s mind was as solid and steady as granite. She would not be persuaded otherwise. A tiny part of me desperately prayed to the spirits, hoping that they would hear my plea and protect her. But only time would tell. After breaking my embrace, I screwed my courage and took the immigration papers from the ambassador’s desk.

“Promise me that you will not put yourself at unnecessary risk.”

Mwalimu gently grasped my wrist. “I will try my best. And should you ever long for my presence, just rub that bracelet to remember me by…”

Sleep is such a bizarre thing. Our bodies need it to function, but the brain acts in completely unpredictable ways during that mysterious state of semi-consciousness. This time was no exception. I opened my eyes slowly, only to realize that I had been crying at some point. It should not have come as any surprise. My dream, or memory I should more aptly say, was an emotionally charged one.

At least I was thankful that it had not been a nightmare. I did not want to wake up Macintosh to the sound of my screams. Judging by how cool the air was and the lack of proper sunlight, I surmised that it was still quite early in the morning. My body was simply going about its normal routine. After crawling out of my sleeping bag, I decided that a bit of stretching was in order.

I honestly did not think the sound of my bones popping could wake Macintosh up, but indeed it did. Surprisingly enough, he did not appear to be groggy or irate at being roused at such an early hour of the morning. Perhaps it was because he was used to waking up on the farm early to start his day? I do not know. I never knew any farmers, nor did I ever observe their daily rituals.

Macintosh smacked his lips. “Mornin’. Did ya sleep well?”

“For the most part. I had a rather odd dream though.”

“Odd? Like a nightmare or somethin’?”

I shook my head. “Not exactly a nightmare, per say. More like a sad…memory. I am not certain why I had it.”

“Ah never met anybody who’s ever understood why dreams are the way they are. They just ain’t meant ta be understood.”

I bent over to touch my toes. “Perhaps you are right.”

While I continued to perform my morning calisthenics, Macintosh rose from his own sleeping bag and stood next to me. I could not help but giggle as I heard him work out some of his own kinks that he had accumulated over the course of the night. I was just about to discuss what we were going to do about breakfast, until I was distracted by something that did not allow me to form coherent speech.

Macintosh grinned. “What a beautiful mornin’! It’s been ages since I’ve felt this alive. The sun feels so wonderful on mah skin! Now ah understand why ya like being naked and…Zecora? What’s wrong?”

“Alive indeed…”

“Uhh…beg pardon?”

I felt my cheeks flush. “Your penis is fully erect, Macintosh. I believe it is colloquially referred to as ‘morning wood’. If you wish, I can go freshen up while you wait for it to become…flaccid again.”

“OH SHIT! I’m so sorry, Zecora! Ah wasn’t tryin’ ta do anythin’ inappropriate. Ah swear!”

I looked at my feet while he covered himself. “Do not worry about it. It is a completely natural bodily function. There is nothing to be ashamed of.”

“Ah reckon it’s probably for the best that ya go freshen up and what not. In the meantime, I’ll just wait ‘till this calms down a bit…”

“Very well. If you should need me, I will be in the stream washing up.”

Macintosh blushed. “R-right. See ya later.”

Try as I might, I could not stop thinking about what I saw earlier. The elders always said that cold water helps to clear the mind, but it did little more than wash away the sweat and dirt from my skin. Oh spirits, why did I have to make our interaction so awkward?! I should not have said anything at all and walked away. But no. I had to open my big mouth! Foolish, foolish Zecora!

Macintosh probably thought I was some sort of sexual deviant now. How could he not? I stared at his manhood far longer than was appropriate…for a second time! But I could not help it! It was just so…mesmerizing. In truth, I had witnessed men that possessed greater length. Although, that was not to say that he was not appropriately proportioned for his height. No, what made his penis stand out was its sheer girth. It was as if I was staring at a flesh-colored tree trunk that stood proud in the forest, seemingly saying: lo and behold my greatness!

Out of sheer frustration, and the desire to stop the warm sensation building in my loins, I dunked my head into the water several times. I could no longer deny my sexual desire for Macintosh, but it was inappropriate to dwell on such thoughts while my task remained unfinished.

Unfortunately, I had not properly pleasured myself since arriving in Ponyville. I was simply too busy to give the matter any thought. I personally considered masturbation to be a completely normal activity and not something anyone should be ashamed of. Men and women alike possessed needs that had to be addressed and it was unhealthy to ignore them. I mentally cursed my inattention towards my most delicate part.

Finally, after what felt like hours, I walked out of the stream and allowed the warm morning sun to dry my skin. I would have normally preferred to use a towel, but the slight chill I felt as the water evaporated did wonders to focus my mind. Well…mostly. My bladder promptly decided to remind me of what I had yet to do this morning.

After letting out an irritated sigh, I squatted behind a tree and allowed nature to take its course. While I had relieved myself this way many times, I always did so before I bathed. That was to ensure that if any urine happened to splash on me, it would be washed off. With any luck, I would not have to wash myself in the stream a second time before returning to camp. Smelling like urine around Macintosh was not a situation I wanted to experience.

Just as I was finishing up, I heard a strange sound behind me. The forest contained many sounds, especially this early in the morning when all the animals began to wake up and greet the day. However, that was not what I heard. The noise I heard was that of a few twigs snapping, a noise that could only be made by a heavy creature stepping on them. My heart suddenly began to beat faster. It could only mean one thing: a predator was lurking nearby.

My fears were immediately justified as the very mountain lion we had been searching for, lunged out of the brush and pointed its deadly claws at my stomach. Fortunately, years of Engolo practice had honed my reflexes to the point where I could evade on instinct alone. That, in my opinion, was the only thing that saved me from being gored.

For a split second, I managed to catch a glimpse of the beast. She (it was far too large to be a male) was the very epitome of what it means to be an apex predator. Her beautiful tawny fur was marred by dozens of scars, no doubt gained from years of fierce combat. The incisors that protruded out of her gaping maw were as long and sharp as any dagger. And for a moment, when I met her golden eyes, it almost appeared as if she were grinning at me.

By the spirits! The beast had been stalking me the entire time. Waiting until I was at my most vulnerable. She sensed that I was more dangerous than my companion, and wanted to take me out first so she could kill Macintosh at her leisure. Let there be no doubt. I was in grave danger. However, I could not help but admire the creature’s cunning. There was no other option. I had to slay her. She was far too dangerous to be kept alive.

I was utterly naked, in both senses of the word. My spear, knife, and satchel were all back at the camp. It had never occurred to me that I would need any of them for the brief amount of time I was going to wash myself. But I had committed a novice mistake, simply due to the fact that I had been distracted and embarrassed. Never again would I go anywhere without my hunting knife strapped to my leg!

The problem with most predatory cats is that they possess superb reflexes. That is why it was a very bad idea to try and kick the beast. She would likely shred the tendons in my leg before I could even get the chance to land a hit. Therefore, my best option was to distract her by throwing stones and landing a swift strike with my elbow straight into her windpipe.

As I expected, the rocks I threw at her served their intended purpose…but when I slid underneath her to deliver a blow of my own, I was shocked to find that it had little effect. The muscles in her neck were so thick that my elbow practically felt like it was hitting a wall hewn from stone, not flesh. In a blind panic, I rolled off to the side and tried to find a stick so I could keep her at a distance.

I managed to find a decent sized stick, but I had no idea how sturdy it was. In a forest full of trees and falling branches, for all I knew, the one I picked up could be rotten on the inside and shatter upon impact. That would only be a last resort though. For now, the best strategy was to retreat and gather the proper implements to hunt the creature.

For a few brief moments, I was able to run towards the direction of the camp. However, the sheer amount of adrenaline and fear coursing through my veins made it difficult to think logically. As a result, I was not paying as much attention to my surroundings as I should have. A mere thirty seconds after I began running, I felt my foot catch on a tree root and stumbled upon the ground.

The creature did not hesitate to exploit my vulnerable position. Immediately, she pounced upon me, razor sharp teeth ready to tear into my flesh. After gathering my wits, I brought up the stick I had in my hands and wedged it into her mouth right before she could bite me. For a moment, I held my breath, unsure if the stick would immediately snap or if it would continue to hold.

I felt the stick begin to splinter as the enormous force behind the lioness’s jaws continued to press down upon it. So this was it. I was destined to die by the teeth of an angry mountain lion. In hindsight, I suppose it is a fitting end for me. A huntress killed by another huntress. There was no shame in that. But I had no desire to die. I was just beginning my new life here in Equestria. I had so much to live for!

I quietly began to sob. “It cannot end like this. I did not even get a chance to tell him how I felt. And now, all he will find is my mangled corpse. Oh great forest spirit, please allow me to find peace in these final moments…”

Just as the last fiber began to snap, I heard a fierce yell emanate from behind me. The great forest spirit had answered my prayer, but not in the way I expected. Against all odds, Macintosh wildly charged the lioness with a knife in his hand and rage in his eyes. Had I not been in mortal danger, I would have been awed by the sight, but instead I feared for Macintosh’s life as well.

Without any hesitation whatsoever, he jumped upon the creature’s back and plunged the knife into the side of her neck. In response, the lioness howled in pain and began to writhe around on the ground in a futile attempt to discourage her attacker. It was no use. Macintosh’s aim was deadly and had severed her carotid artery.

Now, only silence followed what was once a struggle of life and death. Not even the cicadas chirped as the lioness lie dead in her own pool of blood. Perhaps the forest was simply mourning one of its own. I did not know. All I knew for certain was that Macintosh and I were alive. And that, in my humble opinion, was something well worth celebrating.

We were both utterly filthy. Blood, dirt, twigs, sweat, all of it coated our bodies. But I did not care. All I wanted to do right now was show how much I appreciated what Macintosh had done for me. I ran to him as fast as my tired legs could carry me and tacked him to the ground in a fierce embrace.

“Hey now, it’s alright.”

I openly wept into his chest. “I w-was so frightened! We could have both been killed. What were you thinking, charging the beast like that?!”

“Ah reckon ah wasn’t thinkin’ at all. The only thing on mah mind was keepin’ ya safe. So, ah just grabbed the knife, ran like hell, and hoped for the best.”

“And thank the spirits you did! Otherwise, I would not be alive right now. What…alerted you to the danger I was in?”

Macintosh grinned. “Well, ya were takin’ an awful long time cleanin’ up so…ah got a mite worried ‘bout ya. Since these here woods are crawlin’ with dangerous critters, ah assumed the worst. Looks like ah wasn’t too far off the mark, huh?”

“No, you were not. Macintosh, I apologize for all the times I looked where I should not have. I know I said that before but it does not seem like eno—”

“Cut that out. Ah forgave ya a long time ago for that. Besides, ah reckon ah don’t really mind if ya look.”

“You…do not?”

Macintosh blushed. “A-ah suppose not. Ya know, so long as you’re the one doin’ the lookin’. Damn it, that didn’t really come out right! What ah meant ta say is—”

“I understand what you mean. And if I am being honest, the feeling is quite mutual.”

“Really?”

It was my turn to blush. “Yes. I have romantic feelings for you, Macintosh. And I feel ashamed that it took such a harrowing event to make me realize it. Would you have me as your lover?”

“Wow, ah had no idea! Ah mean, ah kind of got a bit of a hint when ya kissed me b-but are ya sure ya want someone like me ta be your…ehmm…boyfriend?”

I placed his hand on my chest. “Of course I am! You are as worthy a man as can be. It is I who must live up to your expectations.”

“Zecora, it ain’t like that. Ah don’t really expect anythin’ out of ya. All ah want is for ya ta happy. Do you honestly think ah can do that?”

“You already have. Many times, in fact. Your sincerity and kindness is what set my heart aflutter in the first place. Never has any man treated me that way before. I would be an utter fool not to believe you could make me happy.”

Macintosh smiled. “Alright, it’s settled then. If ya don’t mind it, then ah don’t either.”

“Good. As much as I enjoy our cuddling, I would prefer if we cleaned up.”

“Yeah. That’s probably a good idea. Let’s take a quick bath in the stream before we head back.”

With the threat of the lioness behind us, we took our time making it back to camp after we finished bathing. It gave me the chance to collect my thoughts and soak in the atmosphere of the forest. This whole situation seemed as if it were too good to be true. The beast was slain, my friends were safe, and I finally confessed my feelings to Macintosh. What more could I ask for?

Well, there was one thing. It was something that I only dared to think about. Now that I had time to flush the adrenaline out of my veins, another hormone took its place. Once again, my thoughts inevitably drifted towards pleasure. For years, I had been taught to save my virginity for marriage and I remained pure even to this moment.

But now, I entertained the thought of giving myself to Macintosh. Was it taboo? No, not strictly speaking. Many couples in my homeland had sex before marriage. It was just the simple fact that women in my position rarely did so because it would ruin their chances of having a proper wedding.

Did I want Macintosh to be my husband? Oh, I most certainly did! But I was uncertain if he was ready to take such a drastic step in our newly formed relationship. Call me selfish, but I wanted to make love to him so badly right now and I did not possess the patience to wait until our wedding night! And judging by how he looked at me now, I suspected that he felt much the same way. No risk, no reward…right?

It was early afternoon and the sun was high in the sky. We had already cleaned up and ate our lunch, so the both of us decided to just relax in the clearing near our camp. How wonderful it felt to lie next to the one you loved, on a soft carpet of grass, while the sun warmed your skin. It was almost like a dream. With a grin that could put a Cheshire cat to shame, I rolled over and sat on top of Macintosh.

“Is there anything in particular you would like to do, Macintosh?”

“Ah…uhh…w-what do ya have in mind?”

I gently placed a kiss upon his lips. “I was thinking that perhaps…we could make love?”

“Seriously?! Ah mean that would be nice…if you’re u-up ta it, of course.”

I giggled. “That is a very distinct possibility. What say you, Macintosh Apple? Will you allow me to make love to you?”

“YES! Errmm…ah mean yes please.”

Despite my earlier bravado, I still blushed. “Please be gentle with me, if you will. I am still a virgin.”

“Aww hell. A-alright, it ain’t a problem. Ah just had no idea that you were set on havin’ your first time with me. Are ya sure ya want me ta take that from ya? It’s a pretty big de—”

I silenced him with another kiss. “I understand the consequences. Rest assured, you are more than worthy of my virginity. Besides, what could possibly be more romantic than making love with the grass beneath our feet and the sun upon our backs?”

“Ah promise I’ll take it nice and slow.”

Lacking any experience of my own, I was at a loss as to what I should do. I mean, I knew about general things like kissing, caressing and the like. But I had no idea what men actually preferred. I did enjoy it when we kissed, so I started by kissing him on the lips again. However, this time I decided to use my tongue to play around with his. When Macintosh did not offer any resistance, I continued my ministrations until I felt him begin to massage my breasts.

I whimpered softly. “I apologize if my breasts are not to your liking. I know that most men prefer lar—”

“Zecora, ya need ta stop apologizin’. Breasts ain’t always about size. Yours are fine the way they are. They’ve got a nice shape to ‘em.”

“O-ok. Please continue.”

The village elders always reassured me that women who possessed smaller breasts derived more pleasure from having them fondled. I had never given it too much thought…until now. Oh how wonderful it felt! Especially when he used his mouth to tease me. Electric waves of pleasure shot through my body every time his tongue slid across my nipple, making it feel as though I was on fire. Not an intense burning sensation, but more like the constant glow of hot coals.

Emboldened by Macintosh’s words and my own feelings of pleasure, I decided to try and fondle my lover as well. I had long since known that the penis was a sensitive organ. The testicles were especially so. If done correctly, fondling them was supposedly very pleasurable. So, as gently as I could, I cupped his precious family jewels in my hand and began to massage them. Almost immediately, I heard him groan.

“Did I hurt you?”

“No, ah just wasn’t expectin’ ya ta do that. It’s fine. Ya can keep doin’ it.”

I was quite glad that he didn’t hear my sigh of relief. The last thing I wanted was to hurt him and ruin our moment together. That being said though, I felt that it was time to move onto his actual penis. Slowly, but surely, I grasped the bottom of his shaft and began to stroke it from the base towards the tip.

Oh spirits! My earlier assessment about its thickness was not misplaced! It seemed to twitch every time my fingers wrapped around the tip, which eventually caused a tiny bead of pre-cum to ooze out. I paused, only out of fascination, and rubbed the sticky bead between my fingers.

“Why’d ya stop?”

I grinned sheepishly. “Sorry, I have never seen pre-cum before. It is just so sticky!”

“Yeah, well that means you’re doin’ it right. But umm…do ya mind if ah put it in now? All o’ this foreplay is drivin’ me crazy.”

“I think I am ready as well.”

Macintosh kissed my forehead. “Just put it in nice and slow. There ain’t no rush, darlin’.”

Never had I been so nervous in my entire life. Many times, over the years, I heard tales from the villagers that a woman’s first time engaging in intercourse was a painful experience. Considering how thick Macintosh’s penis was…I had little reason to doubt it. But I owed it to him to at least try. After taking a deep breath, I positioned myself above him and grasped his erect manhood.

Inch by agonizing inch, I pushed him deeper inside of me. I had experienced pain far worse than this, but it still did not make the task very pleasant. Much to my surprise, I was able to fit his entire length inside me. But just barely. Once I got more comfortable, I started to move my hips and eventually I began to feel a steady warmth building in my loins.

Macintosh panted. “Zecora…you’re…so…tight.”

“Is that…a bad thing?”

“Nah, it ain’t a bad thing but…oh tarnation! Ah don’t know if ah can keep this up for long. It’s been ages since I last had sex.”

I moved my hips a bit faster. “Do not feel as if you need to hold back on my account.”

“B-but ah don’t wanna get ya pregnant. It wouldn’t be proper.”

I traced my finger around his nipple. “Then take responsibility. Fill me with your seed and make me your wife.”

“Wait. You’re serious, aren’t ya?”

“Why would I not be? I think you would make a wonderful husband and father.”

Macintosh whimpered. “I-I’m flattered but don’t ya think we’re takin’ things a bit too fast?”

“We have mutual feelings for one another and are consummating our love. What more is there to understand?”

Macintosh did not respond to my question. Rather, I felt his penis flare as it squirted a glob of hot semen inside me. Mere moments later, an incredible orgasm surged through my entire body that left me quivering and limp atop Macintosh’s torso. For a few moments, we were content to simply lay there while we caught our breath. Afterwards, I removed myself and snuggled up against him.

Macintosh sighed contently. “Ah reckon it wouldn’t be too bad bein’ your husband.”

“Do you truly mean that?”

“Eeyup. But do ya think we could wait a bit on the whole marriage thing? Ah don’t know how y’all do it in Zebrica, but ah want us ta have a proper weddin’.”

I nuzzled into his chest. “That is a fair compromise. But as far as I am concerned, we are already betrothed. Are you…upset because I think that?”

“No. It surprised me is all. Ah guess y’all don’t really date or anythin’ like that?”

“There is a courtship period where interested couples meet and exchange tokens of affection. If they are accepted, the couple consummates their relationship by…consummating and then they are man and wife in the eyes of the spirits.”

Macintosh chuckled. “Well shit. That’s sure explains a lot. I’m sorry, Zecora. Ah probably sound like I’m disrespectin’ your culture. It ain’t intentional. It’s just that from my perspective, your people’s wedding customs are entirely too straightforward.”

“Then…you do not wish to marry me?”

“Ah didn’t say that. All I’m sayin’ is that we gotta do things in the proper order. Make it official by Equestrian standards, alright?”

I kissed his cheek. “I eagerly await our ceremony.”

Author's Note

Whew. This chapter was a doozy to write. I hope everybody likes it.