Rainbow Stripes - Element of Compassion

I had to admit; the Everfree forest was creepy. But I was thoroughly enjoying myself! There was so much wonder, so many mysteries and mysterious creatures! I had at one time run into a mouse that had a mane and roared. Leorat, I had called it. Moe was afraid for his life, of course, cowering in my mane. "It's okay, bud." I murmured soothingly, but try as I might, he wouldn't come out. "Hn? What's this?" Just randomly, as if by magic, I stumbled upon a small hut. Oh no, perhaps an evil witch lives in there! Like in mares' tails!! I heard humming coming from inside and let the sweet sound calm my nerves. Anypony who sings a tune as friendly as that can't be all that bad.

"Please, come inside. There's no need to hide." I gasped quietly as a head popped out of the window, but I ended up staring at her in fascination; she was a zebra, like my father had been. I stepped out of my cover in the bushes and shrubs and she smiled. "A Pegasus of stripes and rainbows. A mare no one in Ponyville knows." I nodded slowly.

"How did you know?" She chuckled and gestured for me to come inside. So, against my better judgment, I did.

"What would be your name, mare with the rainbow mane?" I tilted my head slightly, one of my ears flat in confusion.

"Rainbow Stripes." She nodded with a smile and sat.

"And the deal with the Parasprite, with eyes of red and fur of white?" I glanced at Moe, who was peeking curiously out of my mane.

"This is Moe. He's one of my best friends. What's your name?"

"Zecora."

"Exotic." She nodded again with a quiet chuckle.

"What exactly are you doing here? Civilization is nowhere near."

"I could ask the same of you. And why're you always rhyming?" Zecora laughed softly.

"It is a curse that I cannot lift, but sometimes it can be a gift. And I live in this forest, because I'm a potionist." I relaxed.

"Oh... Cool!" I squeaked excitedly. "Hey, could you tell me which direction Ponyville is?"

"If you wish to make it there by day, Ponyville is over that way." She pointed with her hoof, her bangles clinking together, and I smiled.

"Awesome! Thanks, miss Zecora!"

"Anytime, the pleasure is mine."

"Could I come visit you when I have the chance?" She grinned and nodded. "Sweet. Well, I'll see you later then, I have to hurry. Say goodbye, Moe!" With a quick chirp of goodbye from my Parasprite, we quickly left. "She was nice." I said happily, and Moe nodded with a broad smile.