My Little Pony: Enthusiastic Encouragement

"Well we're all moved in." Twilight said.

"That's great. So we'll see you two around right?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Hold up just one moment. That Zebra mare that we encountered in Everfree forest...I think we should go look for her." Moondancer said.

"Well she was rather nice. I would've liked it if she gave us a name or something." Rarity said.

"Well ah suppose she ain't all bad." Applejack said.

Sometime later, the elements began searching Everfree forest when they spotted a cottage of some kind.

"I wonder who lives here." Twilight asked and opened the door. Inside was the Zebra mare they spotted before.

"Ah I see that you have returned here after your mission; seems like you were successful in your session." The Zebra said.

"So I have to know: Why do you live out here?" Moondancer asked.

"I live here to help others get through the woods; there are beasts here that would not be best for goods." The zebra said.

"What's she talking about?" Applejack asked.

"She means that the forest would not be great for merchants so she helps act as a guide. And considering the manticore, this place is home to all sort of creatures." Twilight said.

"The manticore I assure you is quite alright; but there is a particular beast that likes a bite." The Zebra said before going to a carving nearby. "Though one may look like a wooden dog, a wolf of this shape is more then just a log." She added.

"A timber wolf..." Applejack said.

"You know what that is?" Moondancer asked.

"I'll never forget their looks. They killed mah parents when my little sis was just one." Applejack said.

"Oof...sorry for bringing up a touchy subject then." Moondancer said.

"While ah don't really like talking about it, ah suppose it wouldn't hurt..." Applejack said.

"It seems tragedy befall two that came here before me; if only I was here so that they could be..." the Zebra said.

"Ya look about the same age as me, so there's nothing ya could've done back then." Applejack said.

"Maybe so, but I could've helped them live at least; my life would've been enough for a beast." The Zebra said.

"I hate rhymes..." Moondancer said.

"She means that she would've gladly sacrificed herself to save Applejack's parents." Twilight said.

"Thanks for the sentiment. Ah don't believe we got yer name." Applejack said.

"You may call me Zecora and I am a Shaman; in these woods I stay so that none become wolf chowman." The zebra said.

"...Zecora? But from what Mr. and Mrs. cake tell me your more of a witch then a shaman." Pinkie Pie said.

"I believe they simply aren't aware of Zecora's true nature. It's nice to meet you." Twilight said. "If we're ever in need of something, we'll come to you." She added.

"Hey what are these?" Moondancer said, noticing some blue flowers nearby.

"I advise you stay away from those you pony folk; for those flowers will cause a joke." Zecora advised.

"Cause a joke? I'm afraid I don't quite get it." Twilight said.

"Those plants act like poison oak, but those simple plants only want a joke." Zecora said.

"Oh. I see." Twilight said. "Your saying that if we touch them, it'll play some sort of joke on us." She added.

"How can a plant play jokes on ponies?" Moondancer asked.

"There are things we all care about in the light; and that plant will make it not right." Zecora said.

"Your saying that the plant will mess things up that we tend to take for granted. Like for instance, my horn or Rainbow Dash's flying skills." Twilight said. Zecora nodded.

"Your...really good at this, aren't you Twilight?" Moondancer asked.

"There is a path that comes by my house that I quite like; down it you I'd advise a hike." Zecora said.

"That path is an easy way to and from Ponyville isn't it?" Twilight asked. "Thanks for the tip Zecora." She added.

"Zecora was nice admittedly. I'm glad we went." Pinkie Pie said.

"I suppose we'll have to get Ponyville to open up to her. After all, it's thanks to her that merchants are able to get through Everfree forest if murderus wolves made of wood live in there." Twilight said.

"Admittedly that is something we can't overlook. A good deed should not be going unrewarded." Moondancer said. She noticed Applejack looking back to the forest. "...Your thinking about what she said in regards to your parents, huh?" Moondancer said.

"Admittedly yes. She said she'd would've willingly give up her own life for theirs even if she was just a filly. That means more to me then ya'll could realize." Applejack said. Moondancer gave Applejack a comforting hug.

"I'm sure you miss your parents. But if you ask me, no pony is really ever gone. Their bodies may have long since decayed, but I'm sure their souls are still well enough." Moondancer said.

"Heh...yer an odd duck Moondancer. But yer right; ah have to believe their still watching over me in their own way." Applejack said.

"You'll see them again eventually. When the time is right I mean." Moondancer said.

"You believe there is life after death?" Twilight asked.

"I gotta believe in something." Moondancer said.

"Ain't that true for everyone." Applejack said.