Zala Collection: Tales of a Zesty Zeeb

Here are some choice shorties from the Zala threads, now to be preserved for posterity. I wrote a few, but mostly these will be the things not recorded by the other great anons in the thread. One day, somebody somewhere might pick one of these up and make it into a fully-fledged story - until that day, these will remain as prompts. If anyone wants me to credit these, you can just find me in the thread and let me know. The roman numerals denote whether the posts are connected in their narrative or not. So 'I' means it's a new thought, while 'II, III, etc.' means it's a connected short.

I
>Be guardhorse Anon.
>Returning from a day of fucking about in the hot Zebracan sun.
>Dead tired.
>Need a shower.
>Make your way to barracks, open door.
>Sounds of sex fill your ears.
>Yep, your little princess of the barracks is back.
>You walk to your bunk and toss off your armor.
>Looks like Lance is at it again.
>The little zebra under him looks almost lost in bliss as he pumps away in side of her.
>Her little moans and squeaks are so hot.
>You'd join right now, but you've got business to take care of first, so you settle for planting a good, long, sloppy kiss on that cute little mouth of hers as you walk by the two of them.
>God damn you fucking love that little Zala.
>About to fuck the shit out of that when you're done with this.

II
>Be tired guardhorse Anon.
>In the day, Zebrica is always boiling hot.
>At night, however, it can get pretty fuckin cold.
>Not to forget that standard barracks bunks are designed for economy over comfort... And the nights can be quite bad.
>Those problems, however, are not the main thing keeping you up tonight.
>You hear the echo of hoofsteps coming down your way, passing bunk after bunk.
>Zala was out cold in her own bed earlier today after a particularly long rutting session, and nopony wanted to wake her when she looked so peaceful.
>But now that she was up, you knew she'd be looking for a bedmate.
>Her light hooves clip-clopped a little closer... She won't ever choose somepony who's already asleep, since she was too kind to wake them up, so you'd need to be looking right at her when she passed if you wanted her to come to you.
>As she comes into view, you see she's wearing her adorable sun-and-moon patterned pajamas, and her tired eyes are scanning timidly across the many beds.
>All the guys pitch in when you buy her things, and those PJ's were no exception. It makes you smile how grateful she is whenever she recieves gifts.
>Then she spots you; a hopeful smile adorns her face and you waste no time beckoning her over and moving your blankets aside.
>As soon as she's hopped into bed, you throw the blanket over you both and allow her to wiggle between your hooves until you're properly spooning.
>She yawns and turns limp, and you kiss her on the head.
"Love you, Zala...."
>She's only awake long enough to mutter the slightest response.
>"Mnnlove you too~..."
>With her warm body against you, all the other troubles of this land disappear, and you fall into a blissful sleep.

I
>Anon found long ago that ponies had literal tastes to them.
>Pinkie like cotton candy, for instance, and Dash like fizzy raspberry soda.
>It was a cool discovery, but one that got him into a few scrapes before it lost its glamor after a while.
>It was curiosity that lead him to lick Zecora, then confusion and confirmation that lead to the next three.
>The zebra's black stripes were licorice while her white tasted like vanilla bean.
>Huh, interesting.
>So interesting in fact, that when there was a call to arms to fight some ancient evil rising in Zebrica, Anon answered.
>Equestria would help their striped brothers, and Anon would use the opportunity to lick some zebras.
>Something different, he noted, is that while having two flavors, zebras had a less potent taste.
>Still enjoyable, but perhaps not as much as pony coats.
>That is, until Anon met the little zebra mare, and had his taste buds were blown.
>Little Zala, with her rich. chocolate fudge stripes and creamy, mouth-coating vanilla ice cream coat, was the most delicious equine Anon had ever licked.
>She's also one of the first to not only allow him to lick her, but to actually enjoy it.
>Anon took full advantage of this, tongue-bathing the budding mare, losing himself to the flavor and letting his slick muscle wonder where it never had before.
>That is how he discovered a third flavor hidden just beneath her tail.
>With the addition of salted caramel, Zala was a most delicious little Sunday, and Anon dug in with a gusto.

I
>Zebras may not have the spells of unicorns, or the wings of pegasi, or even the monstrous strength of earth ponies, but they have their own magic, as indistinct as it may be.
>Zebras are highly attune with the world around them; with the nature spirits of the very land.
>Even in untrained zebras, those who have not chosen the shaman's path, this connection expresses itself in subtle ways.
>Zebras, you will find, always seem to know where they are going.
>Even in lands they are unfamiliar, they will often find what they seek if they merely focus there thoughts on it.
>A zebra will always find water for instance, because on an unconscious level, they are asking the land for guidance, and it in turn nudges them in the right direction.
>All zebras also can tell which plants are edible, and which are not, and for those with more attunement, can even guess what sort of medical properties a plant will have, even if they've never seen it before.
>Once again, this information is fed into their minds through their connection to nature.
>And most useful of all when living on the dangerous Savannah, zebras can sense danger; the land warning them away from that which would do them harm.
>It's a truth you'd be wise to believe, that when a zebra says they have a bad feeling about a certain place or direction, you'd better listen.
>More than likely, there are predators that way hungry for a meal.
>Sometimes, this ability can even carry over to people; zebras being very good judges of character, and able to see pass deceptions that ponies would fall for.
>What zebras do is not too different from the Pinkie Sense.

II
>When zebras come to Equestria, their plans usually include seeing the sights, and visiting the the large cities ponies have constructed.
>Plans quickly change, however, when they arrive.
>While most zebras can't explain exactly what it is that makes them want to leave for the countryside within days of entering a city, it mostly has to do with how they feel.
>When in the city, zebras are often struck with a sense on unexplained loneliness.
>This is because they are no longer in the presence of the spirits that have been with them since birth.
>They also become more easily confused and lost then they ever were back in the grasslands, no longer being able to rely on the guidance of nature.

I
>Zala gets pregnant.
>Since there is uncertainty and any of them could be the dad, all the guards of the barracks dote over her like she is carrying their foal.
>Sappy love and the occasional argument over what is best for an expecting mother follows.
>Also, guards start betting pool on the side on who is the biological father.

II
>Zala gets pregnant cravings.
>Five guards spring up to go fetch her a snack.
>Pegasi build her nests, Earth ponies bring her tons of food, unicorns cover her in protective shields.
>Baby kicks, they all rub her belly affectionately.

III
>"Are you crazy, Lance! We are not feeding Zala fish!"
>"What? Everypony knows the healthy fats in fish are great for growing foals!"
>"No, lots of uncooked fruits and vegetables are what the two need. That way they get all the nutrients that are usually cooked out."
>"If you want them to starve maybe. I've requested from my family in Canterlot to send me a special superfood shake for expecting mothers. My own swore by the stuff, and my brothers and I were born quite healthy."
>"Oh shut it, horn head. We are not giving our zala some wacky unicorn concoction! The foal will grow an extra head!"
>"You dare!?"
>Zala watches all of this confused.
"Guys, I just wanted some ice cream and pickle chips."

I
>Separated from your unit after an intense firefight in the countryside.
>Have to trek through dense forest and fight off enemy patrols.
>But this kind zebra filly has chosen to come along with you for the ride.
>She brings you food and gets information from settlements you can't enter, in exchange for cuddles.
>Could be worse.

I
>Zebra spy came closer to the guards camp
>job was to see how Zala is doing
>she was recently offered as tribute
>after all this time she was probably tied to the post and all her holes filled with cum
>maybe even killed
>nothing uncommon around zebras
>but that what the spy saw was unimaginable
>nothing could prepare for this
>they gave her pajama, played board games and give her belly rubs...

II
>The fact that she was "given" against her will by her family to be a "slave" does not sit well with ponies countryside.
>These reasons also do not qualify the little zeeb for citizenship.
>Fuck that noise though, because her guard family fight tooth and hoof to be able to bring their daughteru back home with them when their deployment ends.
>No way they'd leave her with those filthy zebras who tossed her to them like a piece of meat to a lion.
>They don't deserve a equine as amazing as Zala.

III
>Zala is the squad daughteru
>all the guards take care of her and look after her
>they buy her toys and clothes and keep her fed
>they play with her and educate her and care for her
>she is everyone's beloved filly and precious little lover

IV
>Zala grows up to be a well-mannered young lady.
>She returns from Canterlot to Zebrica to aid as their liaison to Equestria.
>Her old family and friends visit her and are horrified to see how ponified she's become.
>"She even curtsied at me when we greeted her!"
>"The sounds of harps and pianos can be heard coming from her home at all times of the day!"
>"She wore a dress and sunhat just to go fetch some fruit. I even hear she... Wears panties underneath them."

I
>Zala stepped out of the bathroom to the waiting guards.
>She was a little confused when they asked her to put on the strange pieces of clothing... A 'schoolfilly's' uniform was what they called it.
>Well, the shoes were easy, and the shirt was self-explanatory, though she thinks she might have buttoned it wrong, but the other things confused her.
>The skirt and panties, as they called it, were like nothing she'd seen back in Zebrica. She stared long and hard at both until finally realizing what they were meant for.
>The skirt clips comfortably around her neck and drapes attractively down over her body. While the panties are obviously an Equestrian version of the traditional masks worn in her homeland.
>She was amazed by the soft, stretchy fabric as well as its vibrant blue and white stripes. This mask must mean something special to the guards for them to want her to wear it tonight.
>She placed the mask snuggly over her head, and her eyes could see out of it as naturally as if she weren't wearing it at all.
>Finally strutting out of the bathroom to the eager guards, she was emboldened by their gasps. She was a real showstopper tonight!
>Then they started to laugh.

II
>She lay huddled against the locked bathroom door, quivering as tears streamed from her eyes.
>On the other side, voices called out to her, and the doorknob jiggled every now and then.
>"Awe, sweety, we didn't mean to laugh... You're just really cute is all."
>"Yeah, come on out and we'll make it up to you, I promise!"
>"I'd like to point out that I was the only one who didn't laugh."
>"Baby, take off everything else, but PLEASE keep the panties on--ouch!"

III
>ywn be that one guard who stays next to the door all night, whispering genuine apologies and sweet nothings to her until she finally feels comfortable enough to come out
>she will never slowly open the door and slink out of the bathroom into your loving, reassuring embrace
>she will never melt into you as a few last tears streak down her perfect, rosy little cheeks, her hooves reaching up and around you to return your hug
>somepony will never flick the lights on, revealing the entire squad is still up, all standing around you, with one guard a bit in front of the rest, holding your little Zala's favorite dessert (you all got together and agreed to spend your entire month's pudding rations to get that damn pie)
>ywn see the look of pure surprise on her face at the sight before her; everypony is there for her
>ywn tell her how pretty and perfect she is, just as herself
>she will never blush at your doting praise
>ywn explain what just happened and why it was funny
>ywn share your dessert and laugh together
>ywn crawl in bed with her at the end of the night, reassuring her one last time that you love her more than the very world itself
>she will never hold you that much closer as she buries her little snootle in the crook of your neck
>"I love you, Anon."
"I love you too, Zala"

I
>Zala has spent a year within the barracks of the Equestrian soldiers.
>In that time, she has found friendship, love, and a baby bump.
>She couldn't be happier.
>Until they get word that the Equestrians are pulling out.
>Not of her- they never do- but from the Zebra's homeland.
>She's not the only one distraught at the news.
>The platoon does not wish to leave their pregnant waifu behind.
>That's why they intend to smuggle her into Equestria with them.

I
>Poor little Zeeb nationalist who has to live in Equestria because his parents are ambassadors.
>Mares don't pay attention to him, and he's naturally smaller than the other stallions.
>He sees little Zala and his spirit is raised.
>Constantly tries hanging out with her, talks about zebra culture and news, rails against the princesses and ponies' decadent society.
>Thinks her hair is too Equestrian. She needs to embrace her roots and stop listening to so much pony music.
>Goes on and on about inherent Zebra traits being better than pony magic.
>Offers to take her to dinner - only a couple places in Equestria even offer Zebrican foods.
>She humors him but pulls away whenever he tries getting close with her.
>Has to watch her run off with her guard caretakers every evening after trying all day to seduce her.
>Grows to resent her, but won't stop talking to her because she's the only zebra for miles.
>"BUCKING DEGENERATE PONIES!"

I
>Scholar royal guard unicorn colt is assigned to a group of zebra mares to teach about the pony culture and some basic manners
>Sex inevitable happen because the "zebra mare should serve the zebra stallion" mentality in the poor corrupted zebra mares
>zebra mares try to leave the bed because her purpose is done
>colt don't allow it
>first bed civilized lesson:aftersex cuddles
>zebra mare learn everyday that she isn't only a cumbucket like the zebra culture teach her since the day one

II
>Zebra mare always felt like being in a harem was a great honor.
>Thought it was only natural for stallion to discard her for the night after sex.
>Never knew she could have multiple orgasms.
>Didn't expect cuddling in their afterglow to be so wonderful.

III
>Your purpose being done, you tried to crawl out from the stallion's grasp as gently as possible.
>But when you lifted his hoof that's lazily draped over your body, his brow furrowed and his half-asleep grip on you tightened.
>"...Mnnno...."
>You squeaked. Not just because he held you in an inescapable bear hug, but also because you just upset him.
>Every mare and filly learns that to upset their husband is a grave offense. You are a good girl and knew that your place was to be a comforter of men, not a nuisance.
>But you could not understand why this stallion did not want you to go.
>Your mother taught you the basics of house-life, and the most important lesson was to be scarce once you'd completed whatever task your stallion commanded you to perform, including those of the bedroom.
>He should want to spread out on the empty bed and drift into a peaceful sleep... And yet he won't allow you to help him.
>So you lay there, paralyzed, waiting for another order to be given.
>Though, he never 'ordered' you. It was always, "please" this, and "would you mind" that.
>When the guard wanted to use you the way stallions used other mares, he did not drag you off, or point to his bed imperiously like you'd seen other zebras do.
>He said you were beautiful, and he loved you, and he wanted to show you how much he loved you.
>And he certainly did... You thought he's belt you for sure with how much you were squealing when he was inside you.
>Sex was something quick; the male mounts the female, enjoys himself, and the female leaves. But he didn't do it that way.
>Sex with your guard was slow, almost excruciatingly so, and he locked eyes with you the whole time as he eased his cock in and out of you.
>You feel him stir again. He plants his muzzle in the wild braids of your mane and takes a deep breath.
>"Mmmnnn...."
>You try to turn to look at him, but he growls and clenches you tighter.
"Uhm... A-are you alright, sir?"

IV
>He nodded against your head.
>"Mmmyes... Never been better...."
>Well, that's a relief.
"...Would you like me to leave?"
>His head raises off yours.
>"What? Of course not... I mean... Do you want to?"
>You don't really. Your small servant quarters are comfy, but it does feel nice to be held for a change.
"No sir... But... Wouldn't you like to have the bed to yourself?"
>He nuzzles the back of your neck, forcing a shudder out of you.
>"Absolutely not, my dear... In fact, I don't think I want another night without you in my hooves ever again."
>He leans over you and looks into your eyes.
>"That was the best time I've ever had making love with a mare... And the only thing that could make it better would be if you stayed with me from now on."
>You blush and search for an answer, but his lips cut you off.
>He presses into your mouth and captures your tongue, just as he had done so many times while you were rutting.
>Or 'making love' as he called it.
>That term makes your heart flutter... Just thinking that very act of pleasing this stallion, and him pleasing you, was creating love.
>You do love him.
>"When he pulls out of you, you're panting, and a tear drops from your eye.
>"Is something wrong, love?"
>Is love an Equestrian invention after all?
>You have never felt for anyone else.
>You sniffle and shake your head.
"I... I feel so... Good right now!"
>He laughs and kisses your sniffling nose.
>"I swear I'm going to make you feel this way every night, little Zala... I love you."

I
"Go on, sweetheart, pick out whatever you want. It's on me."
>Zala gasps.
>"ANYTHING?"
>Be guardhorse anon. A railway was recently completed connecting your frontier town to the heart of Equestria.
>Everypony in your unit wanted to bring her to see the sights, but only you and a couple other guys actually had leave to take her.
>Your little family of burly stallions and one tiny zebra drew much attention, but none of you care. Your little filly has had eyes big as saucers since you first passed the border.
>Today, you thought you'd take her to a proper boutique and get a nice dress. Everyone agreed to pitch in, as always, though a dress her size wouldn't be super expensive anyway.
>Zala skipped through the whole place, feeling her face against the sheer fabrics and marvelling at the gold and gems embedded in many of the finer articles.
>But what really drew her attention were the saddles and reins. For some reason, those in particular really struck her fancy.
>"...Could I even have THIS one?"
>She pokes at a bright set of bedazzled reigns and a polished saddle.
>You nod, smiling.
"If it makes you happy, then sure thing."
>One of your squadmates that came along cocks his head at her request.
>"Awe, don't you want one of these nice dresses, Zala?"
"Let her get what she wants, man."
>He shrugs.
>"Well I'm not saying it's wrong, it's just... I dunno, I kinda wanted to see her in a dress."
>You want to see her in a nice dress, too.
>Zala puts her hoof up and you both look at her. It really surprises you just how polite she is, even after so many months of you and your friends spoiling her.
>"Uhm, I could try on some dresses after... Would that make you happy?"
>You both smile. This zebra is the sweetest filly....
"Oh darling, you'd do that just for us?"
>She trots up between you both and wraps a tiny hoof around your legs in a hug.
>"Yessir! I love you both so much! I'll try on ANY dress you want!"
>You both laugh.
"Well, if you're offering..."

I
>Poor lil zeeb boy we gon' steal all your mares and show them unyielding love and affection.
>We gon' celebrate they birthdays n shit. Homegirl blow them candles out and get a thoughtful present from me and all muh boys.
>Lil' bitch ass zeeb colts don' even know how to make they mares moan and squeal wit pleasure. We make them lil fillies feel all grow'd up and them older mares feel young agin.
>I'mma take yo bitch out for dinner and nibble on her ear, then afta we make luv, we gon' hold each other until she drift into dat deep slumba shit.
>All y'all zebra ladies say wassup, cuz I'm bout ready to take you shoppin' and hear bout yo' day.
>Equestria Represent.

II
>Zebra mares praise lighter stripes and pony qualities.
>They spend tons of money on Equestrian imported clothes and perfumes.
>Zebra males start having to act more like ponies just to land a date.
>Equestrian schools in Zebrica become very popular. Nobles are expected to know Equestrian writing.
>The concept of princess worship slowly creeps into their culture. Dropping Celestia's and Luna's name in conversation is now considered hip.

III
>Zeebs are out playing b-ball when they see a group of pony stallions walk up.
>They're all wearing bowties and have their manes done up.
>"Hey there, zebra ladies, the boys and I were just going out for a malt. Wanna come with? Maybe afterwards, we'll head over to the gazebo and do some A Cappela for the park-goers."
>The male zebras glare at them. But the mares blush and giggle to each other.
>"Yeah, and then we can watch the stars come out in the evening... Just you and us colts~"
>The zebra mares look at the males, who are shaking their heads at them. But they smile and start to follow the ponies.
"O-okay... You guys seem fun. But let us have a moment to run home and get cleaned up."
>"No, dear. You just bring your pretty selves. You're all just perfect the way you are."
>They all then laugh at the zebras left at their ruined game before wandering off.

I
>I want to go where the stallions are nice to me.
>I want to go where I am not an object.
>I want to see lots of water.
>I want to see a house made of rock.
>I want to have more food than I can eat.
>I want to have a bed not made of grass.
>I need something more in my life than this dreary desert.
>I need Equestria.

I
How 'bout a little reverse? Little zebra stallion getting picked up by a big strong earth pony mare.
>'By the gods, she's larger than my father!' thinks the zebra stallion, Zeek, as he finds himself carried by this majestic creature.
>He had been guiding a troop of guards across the sea of tall grass when they had been set upon by a pride of dastardly lions.
>The guards had managed to drive the beasts off, but not before their guide had been side-swiped.
>It hurt but he had managed to get the ponies to help him apply a healing poultice to the large claw marks, and one had even offered to carry him.
>Fertile Acres, she was called, and she was the only mare in the troop.
>She was also the second largest pony their.
>When a guard had asked who would carry the zebra, she had stepped forward quickly.
>Before now, she had stayed in the back, bringing up the rear, and Zeek had shot quick glances her way.
>She was just such a strange site, and stranger still, he was pretty sure she had been looking at him, as well.
>Just what was with this odd giantess?
>Meanwhile, Fertile Acres was trying to keep her expression calm, but she worried that the cute little stallion on her back would feel her drumming heartbeat through her armor.
>She doesn't know why, but she's always found shorter stallions cute.
>Sure, they may not have been packing, but when she managed to get one in bed with her, it didn't matter.
>Something about having them nuzzled up to her chest floof after love making like a tuckered out foal was just so endearing.
>And the sex- being able to use them like her personal dildo- was just hot.
>None ever wanted to stay for long though, upon waking up after a drunken one night stand.
>Stallions are just so insecure about that sort of thing.
>She nearly huffed at the thought before remembering the zebra on her back.
>The cute little zebra, smaller than any stallion she's ever met.
>She hopes the blush on her cheeks can be mistaken as a response to the blistering sun.

II
The small troop settles down as night falls, making camp within the tall grass while the couple pegasus ponies set up clouds to take up watch from.
>"You alright there, Zeek? That there wound ain't causing ya too much trouble, is it?" Fertile asks as she unrolls her sleeping bag beneath her simple tent.
"It is fine, thank you," he answers, settling down in a bed of grass he set up himself. "We zebra's heal fast from injury. After a night's rest, it will most likely not even hinder movement anymore, so you will not have to carry me."
>"I don't mind none," she answers, looking away. "Matter o' fact, it might be a good idea ta carry ya again tomorrow, just ta be sure. Don't want ya to go reopenin' yer cuts or nothin'."
>Zeek raises a brow, trying looking at the mare.
>It's dark, but he can make out her silhouette, large and imposing.
>It's not hard for his mind to supply the colors, to fill in her rich brown coat, or mossy green mane, cut short to fit under her helmet.
>And she doesn't need to be looking at him for him to remember those golden eyes.
"That's very kind of you," he says. "But I wouldn't want to be a burden anymore than I already have."
>"Ya wouldn't be!" she blurts. "Er, Ah mean, really, it's in everyponies best interest, ain't it? You're our guide, so we gotta make sure you can actually guide us. Can't do that if ya bleed out er somethin'."
"Well, we will see, when the sun rises," he answers noncommittally, laying down.
>She hums and crawls under her tent, nothing but the sounds of nature around them.
>"... It's cold out here on the plains," the mare suddenly comments. "Strange how it's like that here; blisterin' hot durin' the day, then cold as an Autumn's night a few hours later."
"It's not like that in Equestria?"
>"Not as extreme, no. Heat don't drop too much between day an' night."
"Huh, strange," Zeek comments.
>"Brr," Fertile says, and the zebra is sure he can here her blowing into her hooves.
"Are you really that cold?"
"You aren't?"

III
"I'm used to it," he says. "I grew up in these lands."
>"But are ya cold?" Fertile repeats. "Bein' used ta it and bein' cold are two different things."
>Zeek chuckles.
>Ponies are strange, and their mares are even stranger, it seems.
>Here this one is, pestering him with silly questions while the rest of her fellows fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the dirt.
>The oddity of females extends beyond boundaries, he supposed.
"I will manage," he finally answers.
>"Well... ya don't haft'a."
"Excuse me?"
>She lifts a foreleg, making an opening in her sleeping bag.
>"We could, ya know, share body heat. It'd be a might more comfortable than cold grass, Ah reckon."
"Really, you don't have to worry yourself over me-"
>"And Ah'd appreciate the extra heat besides. Ah ain't used to this cold like ya'll zebras. Considerate a trade for me carryin' you today if ya have to."
"... You really wish for me to sleep next to you?"
>"Ah reckon Ah do. That's why Ah'm askin'."
>Zeek thinks it over for a few seconds, then stands and slowly moves to the prone mare.
>Hesitantly, he lowers himself down, filling the space she made for him, and pressing his back to her belly.
>She closes the flap around them, and instantly Zeek feels warm.
>Fertile must too as she hums appreciatively, resting a hoof around his barrel.
>"Mmm, see, aint' this better? We're as snug as two bugs in a rug."
"I suppose we are," Zeek answers, the tension slowly leaving his body.
>It'd been a long time since he had the heat of another to ward of the chill of night.
>Not since before he left home, and he used to sleep between the bodies of his parents.
>The thought reminds him of how safe he used to feel back then, and he closes his eyes, reveling in the memory.
>Fertile tugs him a little tighter to her chest, and mumbles a goodnight, and Zeek does the same, sleep coming soon after.
>In the morning, they'd suffer teasing from the others, but for now, zebra and mare enjoy eachother's warmth with content smiles

IV
>Zeek has noticed something a bit strange, but doesn't comment on it while their group treks across the harsh Zebrica wilds.
>Fertile Acres is walking near the front, as opposed to rear like before.
>It doesn't really matter, and if the zebra's being honest, he feels oddly safer with her nearby, but he is curious on what brought about the change in formation.
>"So, you've been ta this village a lot?" the mare asks from behind him and to his left.
"No," he answers, keeping his eyes open and ears swiveling for signs of danger. "I've passed through once, but I haven't been there in a few years."
>"Wait, you serious?" she asks. "I trust ya, Zeek, but that don't exactly inspire confidence. Our lives are in your hooves here, and bein' lost out in a place like this won't be good."
>Zeek smirks a little.
"Don't worry, Acres. I won't get us lost."
>"How can ya be so sure? Tall as Ah am, Ah can barely see above this here grass, and what Ah can see all looks the same."
"Are you sure about that?" Zeek questions patiently. "You do not see the mountains to the East, or treeline to the West?"
>"Ah guess I can..." she answers after a second.
"The village rests between these two landmarks."
>"Still a lot o' land though," Fertile comments. "Has ta be at least a couple miles each way. How big's this village?"
"Small. I believe you ponies might call it 'quint'."
>"Well, Ah hope we don't end up wanderin' too much lookin' for it. Rations might not last."
>"No need to worry. We are heading straight for it," Zeek assures his tall friend. "At the rate we are going, we will most likely see smoke from their fires in three days."
>You sound pretty confident for a fella who can't even see over the grass," Fertile says, tilting her head. "How can ya be so sure?"
"Knowing the basic direction is enough. After that, I need only listen to know where the village lies."
>"... Huh?"
>Zeek chuckles.

V
"The lands here have a voice. If you know how to open yourself to them, they can tell you a great many things, which way to go being one of them."
>"... You're talkin' ta the grass?"
"The spirits of the land, which yes, some of them reside withing the grass."
>"And you're takin' directions from them?"
>Zeek suppresses a frustrated sigh.
"That is one way of putting it, yes."
>Fertile is silent, then she simply says, "Weird."
>Zeek is surprised.
"That is it?"
>She shrugs.
>"Ain't nothin' else to say on the matter, I 'spose. If yur right, then we'll be fine, and if you're nuttier than Granny's fruitcake, well, ain't nothin for it now. We'd be lost and good as dead anyhow, so why go out panickin' like a bunch of foals?"
"I... see."
>"No ya don't. You're too short ta see anythin' but grass."
>Despite himself, the zebra gives a little laugh at the attempt at a joke, and the mare beams brightly at the accomplishment.
>After that, they are silent, until finally, Fertile speaks again.
>"So, talkin' ta nature spirits or whatever they're called. Is that a zebra-thing? Like, somethin' all ya'll can do?"
>"To a degree. Zebra's are a more spiritual people than most, but to actually hear them speak, and rarer still, to commune with them, is a gift few zebra's have to strength of will to cultivate."
>"Is that what them shamans I hear about do?"
"Yes, shamans have fully intuned themselves with the spirit world, and the connection grants many fantastic abilities," confirms Zeek with a slight nod.
>"Wait, so if you can hear the spirits, does that make you a shaman?"
>The question is innocent, but it still sends a pang through the zebra's heart.
"No, I was... unable to complete the training to become a true shaman," he says, keeping his eyes straight ahead. "Even so, I still have some skills from the attempt."
>"Well, that's good for us," Fertile comments. "From what Ah've heard, the zebra shamans ain't too keen on us pony-folk being in their county."

VI
"They believe ponies represent an unnatural way of life," says Zeek. "That the taming and manipulation of nature to benefit themselves is a perversion."
>"Oh..." Fertile answers. "Can't rightly think of what ta say to that."
"There is no need to defend yourself," Zeek answers. "Ponies have worked hard for what they have, and the results are peace and prosperity for your country."
>"Still... what do you think? You're sort of a shaman, right? You think we ponies are perverts?"
>Zeek snorts, coughing for a few seconds before devolving in light laughter.
>"What Ah say?"
"No, I do not think ponies are... perverts," Zeek finally manages. "Or that your way of life is a bad thing. The spirits are resilient, and have little in way of needs, so what you Equestrians do to improve the quality of your lives so greatly detracts little from their existence. Ponies rest easy with the certainty that they will wake to food and clean drinking water. You're foals spend their youths in play and study, instead of toiling away under the hot sun just to help provide for their families."
>The zebra's eyes become distant as his mind wanders.
"These are things I wish for my own people- that they could have if only they would embrace what Equestria offers."
>"Is... that why ya help us? Ya hope we'll return the favor and help Zebrica."
"Something like that," he answers quietly.
>"... Well, now my reason for bein' out here seems a might stupid by comparison," Fertile says. "Ah joined up 'cause farm life was so dull."
"You were a farmer then?" Zeek questioned with genuine curiosity.
>The mare smiles with a tint of pride. "My whole family is. We've actually been one o' the main suppliers to the crown for generations. Most of the food we've eaten on this trip came straight from ma family's fields."
Zeek thinks about the sweet fruit tarts and savory canned soups he's eaten over the last few days, and says, "You're family grows delicious food."
>Fertile smiles even brighter.

VII
>Zeek looks over his shoulder and gives her a smile of his own.
>Then his ear twitches towards the rustling grass just ahead of him, and the smile drops.
>He had let himself be distracted.
>In the next instant, there's an explosion of movement as a large, male warthog comes charging from the grass and right towards Zeek.
>It's only his quick reflexes that save him from being gored, maneuvering himself in bewteen those sharp tusks, and even still, he gets tossed into the air.
>There are shouts as the guards move into defensive positions, unsure of what was happening, but it was unneeded as the startled beast simply continued to run.
>Zeek blinks a few times, head spinning, and he realizes Fertile is staring down at him with frantic worry.
>"Are ya alright, Zeek!? That bore came out of nowhere!"
"I am fi-"
>"You're bleeding!" she notes with horror.
>Zeek looks down to see that one of the claw wounds from yesterday has reopened some and is oozing blood.
>He goes to assure her it's nothing, but she interrupts, putting her large hooves under his forelegs and gently lifting him.
>"Oh, I just knew I shouldn't have let ya talk me out of carryin' ya, and now you've gone and got hurt!"
"Really, it's noth-"
>"What happened here!" a deep voice commands, getting Fertile to look over her shoulders.
>"Ah'm sorry, captain, that there boar came out o' nowhere and got Zeek-"
>"Is he alright? We can't afford to lose our guide now."
"I'm fine," Zeek says, trying to lean over Fertile's broad, armored whithers. Really-"
>"Acres, you know how important that zeeb is to our troop. You can't take your eyes off him for a second! I thought you understood that when you begged to be his chaperone?"
>"Ah know, and Ah'm sorry, captain. I promise it won't happen again. He won't be leavin' my back for the rest of the day."
"Wait, what?"
>"Up ya go, colt," Fertile says, ignoring the zebra's confusion, then protests.
"This isn't necessary," he tries even as he's slung over the mare's back.

I
>For my bread and butter, I leave zebras in the gutter.

II
Would be interesting if Zala, while being the slut for a camp of "noble" and "righteous" stallions, witnesses them straight up murdering a zebra.
>Zala was sleeping peacefully after a good rutting, when the whole camp suddenly exploded.
>Yells of intruder split the air, and she stumbles to her hooves to head outside.
>It's by chance that she happens to see the colt, not even a stallion yet, run past her tent.
>A second later, a pegasus rockets down from the sky, landing squarely in the middle of the young zebra's back.
>There's a sickening series of snaps and a short scream, then he is silent.
>"Little bastard," one of the guards rushing up to the scene says, brushing by a stunned Zala like she wasn't even there. "Probably a bucking spy. Check his bags."
>The pony doing that shakes his head, spilling the contents of the bag onto the dirt.
>"Nope, no paper here, just some food from our stores."
>"Not a spy then," another comments. "Maybe a survivor of that village we burned down?"
>The pegasus who had ended the child's life sneers, and kicks at the corpse's head.
>"Bucking zeebs. They're like rats. Burn down a nest, and there's still more scurrying about."
>Zala watches all this, stunned.
>It was a misunderstand, she instantly realizes, telling herself that like it's the most important fact in the world.
>Just an accident.
>.. But why then, do they show no remorse?
>A life was lost needlessly, and they do not even bat an eye.
>And what village?
>That smoke from yesterday was from a brush fire.
>Too dry, they had said, and the pegasi still tried to put it out.
>There was no village... right?
>"Hey, Zala, you alright?"
>The zebra mare flinches at the touch of one of the guards, and she looks to see his concerned gaze.
"I... I"
>She looks back at the gruesome scene, and her eyes lock with those of the Lance.
>They're hard and scrutinizing, not a trace of affection left in those glacier blue orbs.
>Her legs tremble, and she gulps.
"Yes, of course," she manages

I
>zala triggers a guard stallion's ptsd by a common zebra behavior.

II
>Zala surprises sleeping guard with a kiss on the snootle.
>He instinctively lashes out and punches her in the face.
>He lost a few buddies to a zebra ambush in the war. They crept into their barracks and slit their throats while they slept.
>Now he lays on the floor, hugging a crying filly to his chest as he apologizes.
>He tries his best to get over his unease around zebras for her, but it's so hard.

I
>Foreign zebra causes a stir in downtown Vanhoover when she began spasming uncontrollably in the street.
>Medical experts arrived to see to her, but it was found that she was not in any distress, and was merely having multiple orgasms from "the heavenly scent of stallion balls".

II
>there were 2 stallions with medical crew
>eroticism of the whole situation causing dicks to came out
>new source of scent was too much for little zebra and make her faint in a pool of her body fluids