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Post by Zecora on Jan 5, 2013 20:23:35 GMT -5
The Ponyville evacuation was still a recent memory. Although the ponies had escaped unscathed, the event still worried Zecora. Where had such a force come from, what was it trying to achieve and most importantly, how could it be stopped? The answer to these concerns seemed to be unknown. However, she could not let the fate of Ponyville go unanswered. Zecora could not forget the people's kindness. Their community had accepted the zebra so warmly after Applebloom and her friends had cleared some apparent misconceptions about her. After traveling for so long, she had felt she found another home.
Zecora considered attempting to contact the ancestral spirits for aide. Retrieving a clay jug a shelf and began to carefully pour out its contents. The indigenous yellow petals formed a circle around he as she entered her firepit. She then started a fire at one end of the symbol, the flame slowly spreading to the surrounding petals. Content with her work, the zebra began to chant in her native tongue.
“Though in body you no longer exist now, your child seeks the wisdom you can endow.“
She closed her eyes and emptied her mind, hoping that those before her were willing to share the insight she sought. There was silence for a great deal of time. Zecora shifted anxiously, wondering if she had been too brash in asking for the advice. It was at that moment that a sudden warmth seized her body. Images of Equestria poured through her mind's eye. Its rolling landscapes, its many towns and everywhere else she had explored, even where she had not, were seen in that brief moment. A single word echoed throughout her being.
Seek
As quickly as it had come, the sensation had vanished. What had it meant? Where would she go next? Zecora was still a bit shaken from the vision and fearful doubts were biting at her. One thing was for certain, though. There was still some purpose she had to fulfill in Equestria. It would be unwise to ignore the message she was given now. She packed what she could and traveled out into the Everfree.
Zecora looked back at her oaken shelter with a heavy heart. The humble hut had been her home for some time now and all of its subtle knots and twists were known to her. The memories clung tightly to it as well. Her afternoon teas with Twilight, the weekly brews she made with Applebloom and yes, even the occasional messes she helped fix hung fondly in her mind.
She tightened the satchel on her back, checking her possessions once more. Everything looked in order. Zecora stole one last glance at her former home.
“Although parting can bring us such great sorrow, there is hope we can meet on another tomorrow."
A weak smile was all the zebra could manage. It was time to go.
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Hoofington was the closest pony settlement to the Everfree. Zecora was surprised that the quaint village appeared to be even smaller than Ponyville. Not that this was a problem, though. She much prefered the tranquility of small towns to the hussle and bussle of the larger cities she had visited. There was a sense of closeness to them that was difficult to find in places like Fillydelphia and Manehattan.
Her instincts drew her to one place to explore in Equestria first. However, due to the danger of that location, a zebra even so well-traveled as herself could not hope to traverse it alone. Hopefully there would be someone interested in accompanying her here.
The marketplace had plenty of stands displaying their goods, even given the small size of the village. Zecora found an empty spot and rolled out a colorful rug from her pack, its various hues etched with tribal designs. She began to set up her own shop, pulling out numerous concoctions of all sorts. In addition to her brews, however, there was a painted sign:
Seeking aide for Dragon Mountain expedition
Zecora took another look at the display. Grimacing, she gathered her tools and added:
Pay guaranteed, possible reward in addition
She smiled and nodded in approval. If the journey wasn't of particular interest to some, the prospect of securing some of the dragon's fabled left behind hoard would likely draw them. Resting down on the rug, she observed the other ponies in the marketplace and waited patiently.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2013 23:16:01 GMT -5
Another day was beginning in the small town of Hoofington. Even though there was a bit of a chill hanging in the air leftover from winter's grip, the early rising ponies were already travelling on the dirt paths, equipped with warm clothing and wicker saddle baskets strapped to their sides in search of the farm market stands that opened up much earlier than the other shops on the stretch. The overcast clouds in the sky promised snow, but withheld their frozen treasures for the moment, though the sun was still strong enough to shine through them and light up the village.
The small wooden shop of Gear Stripes' Gears was still closed for the moment. Curtains were drawn over the windows, hiding the interior from the outside world. The shop wasn't due to open for a few more hours, but the occupants inside were very much awake, preparing for the new day.
The shop owner, Gear Stripes, was a small zebra filly that was now quite well known around the village as the most unexpected handy-pony. Besides being the only current zebra there, she had an unusual skill talent of being very well in the art of mechanics. She was rarely seen without her metal wings that worked in sync with her body. She specialized in creating pieces that helped ponies extend their capabilities, such as false legs for the wounded, armor for the guards, or just small items that no pony would ever imagine they needed, but came in handy just as well. Surprisingly enough to her, her business was booming here. She always had customers coming in with specific needs in mind or customers not knowing what they needed, but were curious enough to see what she had in store. Besides Hoofington, she had ponies coming from all over, including some high-class citizens of Canterlot and sometimes travelers that have been to Saddle Arabia and the Zebra lands. She always made sure that if she had time, she would talk to the ponies and see what kind of stories they had. Every day was something new to learn.
The small filly was just bringing down her newest creation. It was a full body suit of armor made out of a very shiny type of steel. It looked like polished chrome. Unlike other suits that were made to fit the basic pony, this one was built a bit on the larger side since it seemed like more and more of the royal guard were larger recruits, meaning their supplies would be harder to find. The craftsmanship on this suit was undeniable. The welds were well hidden in the creases of the metal and there was small detail work etched into the breast plate to create an intricate design that curved in and out in swirls. On the left flank was a familiar depiction of the sun. Celestia's cutie mark. On the right, the moon and stars of Princess Luna, proving loyalty to both of the main princesses of Equestria. The suit covered every part of the pony it was to dress except for the eye sockets, mouth, and ears, which would be too dangerous to mask.
At the moment, the young zebra was trying to find the best way to get the expensive piece of merchandise downstairs. "Banks!" she called down the stairs. The large sleeping dog awoke from his nap underneath the counter and walked lazily over to the stairs and looked up at his friend with a huff as to ask "Yes? I'm awake now. What is it that you want?" "Please fetch the ramp from outside the door. We need this armor on the bottom floor. she asked, flying up into the air on her mechanical wings with a soft buzzing noise to point to the door she was referring to. The large dog blinked his yellow eyes once at Gear Stripes and turned around in the direction of her hoof's point. He nudged open the door and grabbed a large piece of ply wood in his jaws and started dragging it toward the shop. His eyes wandered around and caught the sight of something unfamiliar. There was a new stand set up a short distance away. Behind it sat an equine not unlike his partner. She looked to be an older zebra with golden rings around her neck and ankle. He quickly brought the ramp inside and laid it down on the stairs, helping the small zebra guide the suit of Armor down on the ground floor and then moving it over next to the bronze cauldrons and cleaning equipment. Gear Stripes smiled proudly at her handiwork and helped Banks carry the ramp back outside. They rested it on the side of the building before the large dog nudged the small zebra a little too roughly. She stumbled slightly and looked at the dog a bit annoyed, and noticed he was pointing to something with his nose. She looked at what he was pointing to and noticed a new stand had opened up. One very different to what she was used to seeing. And what's more was there was a zebra behind it. A Zebra! She's here! I didn't know any were near!"[/color] she trotted over to the small stand while Banks retreated back into the shop to finish preparing for the day ahead. Gear Stripes started up her wings and flew the rest of the way over to the stand that seemed to be mixed in with the rest of the farm market stands. The zebra there seemed kind and had a wise look on her face, telling Gear Stripes that she may have quite the story to tell. The products around her were unfamiliar to the young filly. Ceramic vials and jars filled with herbal scents. She was all ready to ask what these concoctions were until a hanging sign on the stand caught her eye. Seeking aide for Dragon Mountain expeditionHer silver eyes widened in excitement. Dragon Mountain. Images of all the kinds of metals that were hidden there as well as gems and jewels flew through her mind. Oh the possibilities that could be made from such treasures! She could create unstoppable shields! Invincible armor! Large and grand wings! "Dragon Mountain? What are you going there for?"[/color] Gear Stripes asked the other zebra excitedly, remembering not to rhyme her words to avoid anypony giving her weird looks.[/color][/size][/blockquote]
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Post by Zecora on Jan 9, 2013 15:28:34 GMT -5
The activity of the market started to pick up as the residents of Hoofington began to wake. Several ponies passed the zebra's impromptu shop, giving her wares a cursory look before moving on. A few even stopped to inquire further on the brews she was selling, of which Zecora was more than willing to indulge their curiosity. However, none of them showed any interest in her expedition. Even more peculiar to her however was that the villagers stole no curious glances at her, like she was used to in her first few weeks in Ponyville. The ponies here must be no strangers to zebras. Her homeland was such a long ways from Hoofington, though...
As if to answer her musing, a young zebra approached her, or rather, flew towards her. Wait, since when did zebra have wings!? The exquisite handiwork of the wings fooled Zecora for a few seconds before she realized their mechanical nature. This technology was definitely foreign to her and she was left speechless for a brief moment before finally answering the filly.
“Dragons have recently become a more common sight. I wish to see if the mountain is the source of this blight.”
The disdain was clear in Zecora's voice. Admittedly, the Ponyville attack had left some bitter feelings in her. Twilight had told her that a red dragon had roosted in that mountain before, so perhaps something drew these beasts there? Realizing her dour demeanor, the zebra donned a soft smile.
”Forgive me, Zecora is my name. Why don't you tell me yours now that you've came?”
The small zebra's excitement was almost palpable. It was good to see that at least the young ones had a spirit of adventure in them still. She had hardly expected to meet another of her kind in this village, though. It was a rare occasion that a zebra ventured out as far as Equestria. Were her parents here or had she really traveled all this way herself?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2013 16:14:30 GMT -5
So this was Hoofington, was it? Yonder circled over the town lazily, taking in the sights. Not many were about in the early morning, which made it the perfect time for an aerial survey. Nice little village. Bit on the dull side, save one large exception: that giant forest of death smack next door! Oh, Yonder knew exactly where he was going after he had his fill of the town!
Gliding down, Yonder came in for a landing on the outskirts and strolled into town as business picked up. Very homey place, Yonder thought as he wandered into the market area, but nice.
'Plenty of fit fillies too,' [/i] Yonder mentally added with an appreciative smile as he passed some mares. He was just wondering who to speak to first when he thought he saw a flash of black and white flying past. Looking again, Yonder saw that it was actually some little filly flying around. Black and white together? You didn't see many piebalds born outside Trottingham - maybe she was from back home! Intrigued, Yonder flapped his wings and gave case. It turned out to be a striped filly instead of a paint or a piebald filly, which was kind of a disappointment, Yonder discovered as he landed just behind her...but she was talking to a lovely fitty who also had stripes, so Yonder was still happy. "Hullo! Thought I spotted somepony from back home - any chance you're from Trottingham, little miss?" Yonder asked. Then he spotted the sign that said 'Dragon Mountain expedition'. "Blimey! A dragon's mountain? Whatever are you headed there for, love?" Yonder asked the fitty striped mare behind the stand, "Must be something important if you're going to risk your lovely flanks like that."Well, she wasn't going to go there alone if he had his say on the matter. Oh yes, this just the sort of thing Yonder was looking for. A thrilling adventure into a dangerous place - it was just his style![/center]
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Post by Zecora on Jan 22, 2013 0:27:43 GMT -5
Before she had a chance to hear the filly's reply, a new face strode up beside her. Rather than a young filly, however, it was a stallion, and one of rather peculiar color at that. It was the exotic nature of the Everfree Forest that had drawn the zebra to stay within its bounds, and now it was this same quality that caught the interest of Zecora as the piebald pegasus appeared.
Yonder's last comment seemed to resonate with her. Was what she was doing that important? Was finding the reason behind Ponyville's destruction worth risking her life? For a brief moment, a terrible feeling of doubt filled Zecora. She had been so determined after she had received the spirits' advice and left the Everfree. Had she been too hasty?
No. The ponies of Ponyville deserved at least this. She could not let her resolve waver. Zecora brushed aside her fears replied in her typical, rhythmic pace.
“The mountain may contain answers to the questions I hold, concerning the actions of dragons becoming more bold. To places of danger I am no real stranger. Although, for this journey, I must confide that I would prefer a companion by my side.”
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2013 14:58:09 GMT -5
Gear Stripes' wings started buzzing with excitement as they read off of her energy waves emitting from her small body. This zebra spoke in rhyme too! Maybe it was a common trait among many of her kind. She replayed the speakers words many times in her head. She could barely believe her ears! She then realized that Zecora was awaiting a response from her. She opened her mouth to speak, but instead was interrupted by a blue piebald spirit that had approached the two. She thought she had odd coloring. When he spoke, her ears caught the odd tones of his voice. They were quite normal words, but formed in tones that gave him a heavy, yet inviting, accent. She decided that since there were two souls here, she should at least introduce herself. Even though, Zecora didn't seem shy to speak in verse, Gear Stripes wasn't sure if she was that confident in front of this new found stranger.
"My name is Gear Stripes. I own that shop over there!" she said, pointing her hoof in the direction of the obvious wooden shop. "I invent stuff! These wings are my own creation!"[/color] her wings buzzed to life, lifting her off of the ground a few feet, her small body now even height with that of the other two. She gently landed with a beaming smile. "I would love to go along with you Zecora! Banks can run the shop and I could be very useful to ya! I could make anything you want!" she then realized that the blue stallion had asked her a question. "Me? Oh no. I was born here. My parents were from a far away place, but I don't think it was there. They moved back and I stayed here with my gram pops. Then he saw I could take care of myself and he went back home too! Something about this place not having what they wanted. I like it though. I wanted to stay. Me and Banks, we take care of each other"[/color] she realized she was rambling and quieted down for a moment. Her eyes flashed back to the older Zebra sitting down behind the stand, waiting for an answer. She really hoped she accepted her offer. She knew she was young, and that was working against her, but maybe after hearing how she was taking care of herself, Zecora would give her a chance. She knew that the expedition was important and dangerous. But she wasn't worried about it. She was excited for the opportunity to work alongside someone of her kind. Maybe she could get some ideas and inspiration for her work here at home! She smiled hopefully at the older Zebra waiting for a response.[/color][/size][/blockquote]
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2013 17:17:20 GMT -5
Gear Stripes, as the filly proved to be called, was somehow even odder a sight up close. Now that he was getting a good look at her wings, Yonder could see they were fake! But the little miss had been flying around! Having her own shop at her age - one chock-full of mechanical bits and bobbles, by the looks of it - just made little Gear's work seem all the more impressive.
"Hmm...well, if those pretty wings of your are anything to go by, your little shop'll definitely be worth a visit before I leave," Yonder told her, grinning and ruffling up her mane affectionately.
Brilliant, she was...a pity she wasn't older.
The other striped mare, Zecora, explained why she was heading to a dragon's den. Yonder would've expected ponies to go into dragon caves for treasure, not because the dragons living there were acting up. Dangerous, very dangerous. Not safe in the slightest.
"Sounds fun!" Yonder declared, laughing, "Count me in as well! Name's Blue Yonder, by the way, and it's truly a pleasure to meet you both."
Eager to get underway immediately, Yonder flapped his wings and took to the air, hovering over his two companions for this little expedition...only to drop back down a few moments later.
"...Say, before we go...how much for a cuppa?" Yonder asked, waving a hoof at Zecora's stock.
With all these herbal things she was selling, the chances of her not having tea wasn't even worth considering. And it had been far too long since Yonder had last had a decent cuppa.
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Post by Zecora on Jan 27, 2013 21:29:18 GMT -5
The wings were her own work? Zecora was deeply impressed with the talent of the young zebra. One thing she also noticed though was that the the filly did not speak in the traditional matter that was typical among her kin. Gear later stated that she was born in Hoofington, which she reasoned was the explanation for it. Zecora took a mental note to ask her about it later.
Zecora couldn't believe it! In this short time there were two already who were willing to travel with her. Didn't the danger discourage either of them?
The quick decision of the blue pegasus didn't worry her as much, though. It was Gear that especially concerned her. She was still a child; who was she to put her life at risk? She was clearly excited about the excursion, but did the foal really comprehend the nature of this journey? Her family wasn't even here. Zecora grimaced at the thought. To be so alone at such a young age.
She looked the two over, remaining silent in thought for a good while. Finally, the zebra answered, “Alright, I have made my decision. Blue Yonder, I welcome you to the expedition. So go now and ready your gear, after which we may depart from here.” Zecora turned her gaze to the young zebra. Her voice softened to a concerned tone as she continued, “I am sorry, Gear, but I cannot allow you to enroll. Although you are truly skilled, you are still but a foal. The mountain itself is going to be perilous in nature, so I cannot allow you to join us on this venture.”
Yonder's amorous remark didn't escape Zecora before. An amused smile curled onto her lips as he complimented the foal. He thought himself to be quite the charmer, hm? One thing the zebra didn't catch, however, was the stallion's slang. She returned Yonder a puzzled look to his question.
“Forgive me, but what is this 'cuppa' of which you speak. Tell me what this item is and I might have what you seek.”
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Post by Red Charge on Feb 1, 2013 12:21:50 GMT -5
(As Gear Stripes is more of a casual poster and it seems to hold Yonder and Zecora back, I ask that both post elsewhere as well, thank you!)
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Post by Zecora on Feb 2, 2013 15:08:21 GMT -5
(Alright, edited my post some. I'll start the next thread after your response, Blue, though this one can still remain open)
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2013 10:44:18 GMT -5
Yes! One adventure into a dangerous dragon's den coming up! Although Yonder could see that little Gear Stripes was disappointed not to be allowed to come along...still, Zecora had a good point. A little filly might get into serious trouble in this sort of situation. Yonder wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he let that happen.
"Don't be so disappointed," Yonder told little Gear, "I'll bring you back some treasure! Anything you like, just name it!"
That settled, he turned his gaze on Zecora. Oh, the rhyming was going to take some getting used to...of course, Yonder found it charming, but it wasn't something you heard every day. Zecora must have a right fast wit if she could rhyme on the hoof like that!
"A cup of tea, love!" Yonder replied, chuckling, "You've got all these lovely herbs here, and it's been too long since I've had a proper bit of tea."
And once Yonder had a cup of tea in his belly, he'd be ready for anything! Not that he wasn't just as ready without the tea, mind...it was just nice to have the decent stuff around for once.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 20, 2013 14:15:49 GMT -5
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