Chapter 32

A Random Beach, The Southern Coast of Zebrica

Spike sighed wistfully as he watched the sun rise over the horizon. Two days passed since the Hydronepitaens had dropped them off somewhere along the Zebrican coast. Without a clock, he had no idea exactly what time it was but he assumed it was somewhere around five, maybe six o’clock in the morning. Nonetheless, it was a spectacular sunrise. The sky was painted with purples, oranges, and faint yellows: a veritable canvas of nature’s making. Well, for the most part. He had to admit that his mother was partially responsible for the occurrence. She wasn’t called Sol Invictus for nothing, after all!

The scenery around him was something that wouldn’t have looked out of place on the cover of a travel brochure. White sand beaches as far as the eye could see, mangrove forests, cries of various tropical sea birds, and the water itself was a beautiful shade of light-blue. It reminded Spike of a topaz, clear and shimmering. In any other scenario, he would have counted himself lucky to be where he was now. Yet, his sense of melancholy remained firmly entrenched.

Spike crouched onto his knees and picked up a pink conch shell. He held it aloft and let the sunlight touch it. In a way, it reminded him of his departed mate. Enduring, beautiful and fragile at the same time. With a frustrated huff, he chucked the shell into the ocean, the sound of it hitting the water drowned out by the crashing waves. He sat down in the sand and hugged his knees tightly to his chest. It didn’t take long before he started crying again.

The young Dragon Lord had no idea how long he’d cried, but his reverie was broken when he felt the familiar warmth of a woman’s body press up against his back. A strong pair of arms wrapped around his stomach and the unmistakable sent of cinnamon mixed with saltwater filled his nostrils. He jumped slightly when his mate’s damp hair touched his shoulder.

“Good morning, Sunset.” Spike intoned.

“Morning, Spike. Sorry if I startled you. I decided to go out for a swim to wash all the sweat and wake up a bit. I—erm—saw you sitting here all by yourself and thought you could use some company. It’s ok that I’m here, right? If not, I can always just—”

Spike grasped Sunset’s hand and rubbed his thumb along the surface. “I don’t mind at all. I ne—want us to stay like this for a little while longer. That is, if you’re ok with it…”

Sunset kissed Spike’s neck and began to stroke his hair. “Of course, I am. We can take as long as you need. I want you to know that we’re both here for you, Spike. Do you—ah—wanna talk about it? I’m no professional therapist by any stretch of the imagination, but sometimes it’s good to verbalize what you’re feeling.”

“There’s really not much to talk about, Sunset. Delmira’s gone and we won’t be seeing her for a long time. I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I’d rather we just… snuggle right now.”

Sunset’s heart broke when she heard how dejected Spike sounded. Instead of pushing the issue, she continued to stroke his hair and hum a wordless tune. He hitched his breath a few times, but Sunset could tell that what she was doing had a positive effect. The muscles in his back seemed to relax a little at the very least. She kissed him in-between the shoulder blades and massaged his arms for a while. Sunset smiled when he reciprocated the act by massaging her thighs.

Even though it was still quite early, the heat of the southern hemisphere was not to be underestimated. When Spike finally indicated that he was ready to start the day, he invited Sunset to join him for a refreshing swim. Seeing as how it had taken very little time to dry off, Sunset didn’t see any harm in going for another quick dip. The only thing she was perturbed by was the complete lack of hygiene products. Suffice to say: saltwater and sand were not kind to girl’s hair or skin in the least. She suspected that Ember wasn’t faring much better.

Once they were done swimming, the couple returned to the impromptu camp that Ember had set up when they had first arrived on shore. Thankfully, the Hydronepitaens had given them plenty in the way of practical supplies such as: water, canned provisions, and a spacious tent. The tomboy herself was hunched over a firepit, slowly roasting chunks of lobster mixed with seaweed and bits of the Hydronepitaen equivalent of eggs. Once Spike and Sunset sat on either side of her, Ember dished out their breakfast without so much as a word.

As the three of them chewed, each had their own set of thoughts to contend with. Sunset was concerned how her mates were coping with the death of a beloved companion, and the other two trying to muster the will to move on with their lives. She noticed that Ember hadn’t really cried or said much since Delmira’s death. Instead, she busied herself with whatever task around camp that needed doing. Like gathering firewood or building a pit. This is the reason why both Spike and Sunset were surprised when she suddenly began to pour her heart out.

“I hope Win—erm—I mean, Delmira is in a better place now. I have such… complicated feelings about this whole situation. Like I… wasn’t a good mate to her or somethin’. Was it wrong of me to not think of her that way? Romantically, I mean. Do you think she was mad at me before she died? UGH! I’m sorry guys. I’ve never been good at sorting out my feelings.”

Spike reached over and rubbed her back. “No, I don’t think she was. In fact, I believe that Delmira understood exactly what your feelings towards her were. That’s why she never pushed the issue with you when it came to sex.”

Ember stared into the fire and sighed. “I suppose you’re right.”

Sunset took the opportunity to skooch closer to Ember and plant a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, Ember. She knew that you loved her. Just in a different way.”

Ember returned the kiss with enthusiasm. “That’s a fair assessment. Hopefully, when we finally do get to see her again, I’ll be able to show Delmira how much I love her. Maybe even… make love to her at some point. I dunno. It’s complicated.”

“Just remember: we’re always here beside you if you ever need someone to talk to.”

Spike took a swig of water and watched a seagull fly overhead. “Girls. I’d like your opinion on something, if you don’t mind. It’s regarding what we’ll do next. We’ve got plenty of supplies for the short term but they won’t last forever. As nice as it is on this beach, there’s no sense staying here for much longer. We need to find the nearest village and try to contact my mother.”

“With a letter I assume?” Sunset asked.

“Yeah. The quickest way is to send one via my magic. But—erm—I don’t exactly have anything to write with or write on at the moment. Not to mention, we’ll need a ship if we expect to travel anywhere else after this.”

Sunset wiggled her toes in the sand. “Mhmm. I’m pretty well-versed when it comes to geography, but I have no idea where the hell we are right now. What do you think we should do? There is the possibility that we might encounter some locals if we wait it out long enough…”

“While your idea has merit, I think it would be better if we try to find a river and follow it straight to the nearest settlement. Even with Zebrica being less densely populated than Equestria, we’re bound to run into some people that way.”

Ember nodded in agreement. “I have to agree with Spike on this one. For all we know, this area of the coast could be devoid of people for miles around. We’ve all got the proper survival skills. Why not put them to good use?”

Sunset finished her breakfast, stood up, and stretched out her muscles with a satisfying pop. “Alright. That’s a solid plan as any, seeing as how I don’t have anything better at the moment. When do you want to start packing up and heading out?”

“Ideally, as soon as possible. Since we’re well within the southern hemisphere, it’s only gonna get hotter the longer we wait. Might as well head out now while the sun’s just starting to rise.”

In an unspoken pact, the three travelers set about packing up as much as they could with what they had available. Once Ember kicked some sand into the firepit, they set off inland towards the mangrove forest. Not long after they’d started making some decent progress, Spike spotted a pair of nude Zebrican women foraging amongst the mangroves. Presumably, to pick the little green apples that hung off of their branches.

The first woman was in her mid to late thirties if Spike had to hazard a guess. She had mocha-colored skin, bountiful breasts, a curvaceous build (which reminded Spike of Mrs. Cake’s body proportions), and a noticeably large pair of areolae. Her flowing, shoulder-length hair was black & white striped, matching the tuft of hair in-between her legs. As was typical of Zebricans.

Grey paint adorned her entire body in what Spike could only assume was some kind of tribal or symbolic pattern. Apart from that, the only thing she wore was a series of gold bangles along her wrists and neck, complimented by a pair of gold earrings. She carried a wooden staff in her hand, adorned with animal skulls and feathers. The woman’s blue eyes bespoke of wisdom and perhaps a bit of mischief. All in all, she was quite beautiful for a woman her age.

By her side stood a younger woman who was likely just a teenager. Her skin tone was much darker than that of the older woman, similar to ebony wood. She was slender, had conical shaped breasts, and a fuzzy patch of striped pubic hair that accentuated the curliness of the hair that draped down her back. Unlike the older woman, she wore nothing at all. Not even body paint.

However, what truly made the girl’s appearance so striking was the left side of her face. From her eye all the way over to her ear was peppered with patches of milky-white skin. She seemed to be suffering from some kind of rare condition, but Spike had no idea what it was called. He made a mental note not to stare at it too intently just in case the girl was self-conscious.

Unsure of what to expect when it came to Zebrican customs, Spike and the girls approached the two women cautiously. Neither of them appeared to be armed, but that didn’t mean much if they were practitioners of magic. Spike made sure to appear non-threatening by spreading out his hands and wearing as friendly of a smile as he could muster. Much to the Dragon Lord’s surprise, the older woman waved and beckoned them to join the harvest.

“A pleasant morning to you, Dragon Lord. The spirits told me to expect your arrival this day.”

Spike blinked owlishly. “Oh—um… hello. My name’s Spike. I didn’t think anyone was expecting us. And how did you know I was a Dragon Lord?”

The woman giggled melodically. “It is quite easy to tell based on your appearance, Milord. That and the spirits have granted me the power of foresight. You are all Dragon-Folk, are you not? Unless, I am somehow mistaken…”

“Yes, that’s correct. Pardon my ignorance, ma’am. But we’re looking to find the nearest village. If possible, I’d like to speak with one of the leaders.”

The woman picked an apple off of the tree and bit into it. “Then you are doubly in luck, Milord. For I am one of the leaders that you seek. Oh! Please excuse my manners. I nearly forgot to introduce myself. My name is Zecora. I am the Shaman of Owalla’wando. The girl standing next to me is my adopted daughter, Parthenia.”

Parthenia blushed slightly and bowed as well. “Greetings, Dragon Lord. You may call me Theni from now on if you so desire. It is my hope that we may all become fast friends.”

Ember and Sunset introduced themselves as well, offering the two woman a friendly hug. Spike chose not to do the later, for he wasn’t certain how comfortable they were regarding physical contact with a man. Even if Zecora and Parthenia had been wearing clothes, he still wouldn’t have done it. Such acts could be considered taboo in their culture. As they walked together towards the village of Owalla’wando, Spike decided to indulge his curiosity.

“You mentioned something about spirits earlier, Zecora. Having been raised in Equestria, I can’t say I’ve ever studied that particular subject. Would you mind telling me more about them?”

Zecora nodded. “Certainly. But first, I must explain what it means to be a Shaman. For the two things are inseparable. When one decides to tread upon the path of the Shaman, one must be prepared to make certain vows in order to appease the spirits and accept their guidance.”

“Sounds an awful lot like being a priest or a nun.”

Zecora smiled. “Precisely! The first vow is: we forsake marriage to another mortal. Be it a man or a woman. The second vow is: we cannot bear children. It is not so much that we are forbidden to fornicate, the act will simply never result in procreation. The third vow is: we must live as our ancestors before us did. It helps us to keep in tune with nature and the spirits as a whole. Judging by your own lack of attire, I am certain you understand.”

“Well, I used to back when I was still living in Equestria. But not since I returned from Brimstone. I feel much more comfortable without them nowadays if I’m being honest. Anyway, my point is: the Wyvertii, as a whole, don’t typically wear clothing.”

“We are aware of your people’s customs, Lord Spike. Be warned though: my people do not share our enthusiasm for living in the nude. They prefer to dress appropriately for the climate in these lands, but enough to retain their modesty. That being said: none shall molest us for our state of undress either. It is well understood that Shamans are meant to be this way.”

Spike breathed a sigh of relief. “Good to know. So, back to my original question. What exactly are these spirits you keep referring to? Are they magic or something?”

“The spirits inhabit all aspects of life. In the forests, the water, and even the very air we breathe. By adhering to their sacred vows, they provide Shamans with power, longevity, and health. In turn, we have a duty to serve those in need. It is why Theni & I provide tonics and healing to the villages around these parts.”

Spike formed a fireball in his palm. “Interesting. Can your powers be used in combat? Wyvertii fire magic can. Amongst other practical uses.”

Zecora shook her head. “I am afraid not. Our powers can only be used in a passive manner.”

“Fair enough. Hey—um—don’t take this the wrong way, but you mentioned longevity. Exactly how old are you, Zecora? I could probably guess but I—”

The Shaman laughed. “No offense taken, young Dragon Lord. Although my body may appear to be thirty-five seasons, in truth, I am nearing a century in age. My daughter, however, is exactly as she appears. Parthenia just recently reached her eighteenth season.”

“Wow! You look fantastic for you age!”

Zecora bowed. “I appreciate the sincerity of your praise, Milord. However, I suspect that you have a long life ahead of you as well if the stories about the Wyvertii are to believed. I have not had the opportunity to test such a claim myself as you are the first one I have ever met.”

“Heh. If you’re still alive in a few centuries, I’ll swing by and let you know.”

Zecora snickered. “Ah! A sense of humor, I see! This is a good sign. Come. I must insist that you and your companions join us for breakfast once we reach the village. I would not be a proper Shaman if I did not offer weary travelers the comforts of my home.”

Just as Zecora had said, when they approached the village, everyone seemed to go about their daily routine as if nothing was out of the ordinary. The people of Owalla’wando wore the type of clothing that Spike imagined Zebricans would. Simple sarongs tied around the waist for both men and women alike, with the latter choosing to wrap a colorful band of cloth around their breasts. Some chose to wear dresses. The majority went barefoot but others wore leather sandals. Surprisingly enough, a few of the young children ran around naked while they played.

A few villagers glanced at them as they walked by but they were not harassed or questioned in any way. Spike wasn’t at all surprised by the villagers’ curiosity. You didn’t get to see a group of naked foreigners walking around town every day, after all. The huts they lived in reminded Spike of the ones he’d seen in Brimstone, but were slightly more organized. After Zecora distributed a few balms and tonics to some villagers, she led Spike and his mates to a modest wooden building adorned with the same symbols painted on her skin. When they finally stepped inside, it was like entering a different world.

The main room was decorated with various painted, wooden masks, carved to resemble the likeness of spirits. A big, cast-iron caldron (presently empty) sat in the center. To its immediate left and right, shelves full of herbs and ingredients, some familiar, many not. It didn’t come as much of a surprise to Spike that there wasn’t much in the way of wooden or metal furniture. Instead, there were plenty of pillows and blankets to sit comfortably on. Zecora motioned for everyone to join her at the table.

“Dearest, daughter. Would you mind brewing some coffee and bringing out the scones?”

Theni kissed her mother’s cheek. “Of course, mother.”

While Theni scampered off towards the kitchen, Zecora crossed her legs and got comfortable. With a knowing smirk, she directed her attention towards Spike who was flanked on either side by his mates. When he did not immediately say anything, the Shaman cleared her throat.

“I know you must be curious about my daughter’s skin condition. It is impossible to miss.”

Spike blushed. “Uh… well, I was kind of curious about how she got that way. NOT that I think she looks ugly because of it, mind you! Sorry. I didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable.”

“Parthenia was born as you see her. In fact, she was abandoned by her parents as a babe for that very reason. They believed her condition to be a blight and so they cast her aside as an undesirable. Like one does with a picked chicken roast. The spirits must have been looking after her that day because I found her lying on my doorstep.

“Once I saw her beautiful little smile, I knew what I had to do. From that day forward, I raised as my own flesh and blood. Over the years, I taught her everything that I had learned from my mentor: potion making, the healing arts, cooking, cleaning, and other domestic activities. Most importantly, I raised her to appreciate this way of life. It is my hope that she follows in my footsteps and becomes a great Shaman.”

Sunset raised her hand. “So… she’s basically a trainee right now?”

“Yes, that would be correct. It is why she does not wear body paint as I do. Those symbols must be earned. They are never bestowed upon a Shaman lightly. Parthenia has not officially taken her vows yet, so she still has time to decide if this is the right path for her.”

The young woman in question padded into the room with a tray full of breakfast goodies and coffee, all piping hot and fresh. For the Spike the girls, it represented the first time in what felt like forever that they were eating normal food, so they relished it accordingly. Once everyone had a chance to get their fill and relax, Zecora gently prodded her daughter to converse with their guests. She politely cleared her throat and smiled.

“Good morning, everyone. I hope the refreshments were to your liking. I made everything myself. The coffee wasn’t too hot, was it? Sometimes, I do not put enough cream in it.”

Spike shook his head emphatically. “No! Everything so far has been perfect. Thanks for making it, Theni. Gods… we haven’t had a proper breakfast in ages. Tends to happen when you’re stranded at sea. But—um—that’s a story for another time.”

Theni blushed and rubbed her hands together. “You are quite welcome, Lord Spike.”

Ember leaned back on her cushion and stretched out her legs. “What about those apples you guys were picking earlier? Gonna make ‘em into a pie or something?”

“Not quite, Miss Ember. Mangrove apples are known for their high sugar content. That is why we use them primarily to make alcohol. It is similar to what Equestrians call whiskey but much milder and fruiter tasting overall. Would you care to sample some?”

The tomboy scrunched her lips. “Sorry, but no thanks. I’m not a big fan of booze.”

“Neither am I, to be honest. It takes very little alcohol for me to become intoxicated.”

Ember sprayed crumbs all over the table when she laughed. “No kidding! A skinny little twig like you would probably get drunk after one shot! Bwahahaha!”

Theni shifted uncomfortably on her cushion. “It is as you say, Miss Ember. My body simply cannot handle very much alcohol in one setting. I much prefer to drink coffee or tea.”

Feeling a tad guilty about her crass remark, Ember got up and awkwardly patted Theni’s back. “Hey, don’t beat yourself up over it, ok? Spike and Sunset don’t like to drink much either, so you’re in good company! So—uh—what do you girls do for fun around here?”

“There are many tasks to be had around the village. Such as: herb collecting, potion making, healing the infirm, cooking—”

The tomboy plopped back onto her cushion and groaned. “Theni, those are responsibilities. I’m talking about the stuff you do in your free time. You know, like hanging out with your friends.”

Theni’s face flushed with embarrassment. “My duties as a Shaman in training do not allow me to entertain such luxuries. They keep me busy.”

Zecora wrapped her arm around Theni in a half-hug. “Daughter, we have spoken at length upon this very subject. Youth is not something that should be wasted. While I admire your dedication, there are times when one must simply enjoy life for what it is.”

“Of this I am aware, Mother! It is just that I have difficulty interacting with the other villagers. There are times when I do not think they see me as an ordinary girl. I am an enigma to them.”

Zecora tried her best to hide the pain she felt for her daughter. “Parthenia… as I have said many times before, there is nothing wrong with you. You are a beautiful young woman, who—”

“Has a devil’s mark upon her face,” Theni finished bitterly, “I have long accepted that I am different from everyone else. I shall not hide it! But this does not change the fact that people avoid me as if I am some diseased wretch!”

Before Zecora could say anything else, Theni stormed out of the room, tears forming in her eyes. It was clear from the expression on the Shaman’s face that she was heartbroken. Spike and the girls all took another sip of their coffee, empathizing with the poor teenager’s plight. They had all been outcasts and misfits at one time or another too. Not wanting the endure the tense atmosphere inside the house, Spike decided that it was best if he spoke with Theni. The young man hoped that he could at least offer the chance to become friends with her if nothing else.

Spike put down his cup and stood up. “Zecora, do you have any idea where she went?”

“Parthenia has likely gone to the Baobab tree out back. I apologize if she—”

Spike shook his head. “There’s nothing to apologize for, Zecora. I’m going to go talk to her and see if I can cheer her up somehow. Thanks for breakfast and teaching me about Shamans.”

“Of course, you are most welcome. And thank you for being so considerate towards my daughter. This is an issue that she has long struggled with…” Zecora muttered tiredly.

Spike took his time walking towards the Baobab that Zecora had mentioned. After all, it was quite obvious where it was located considering how massive the giant tree was. As he drew closer, Spike heard the soft sounds of a girl crying. Not but a moment later, he spotted Theni, legs pressed up against her chest, seated in the grass. The Dragon Lord approached the dejected girl with the utmost caution, not wanting to startle her in any way.

“Hey, Theni. Do you mind if I join you?”

With bloodshot eyes, she looked up at him and shook her head.

“I know it’s tough to be different and lonely.”

“Please do not take me for a fool, Milord. You are strong, confident, and accompanied by two beautiful women. How can you even begin to understand my plight?”

Spike took in a deep breath to calm himself. He knew that the poor girl was merely upset and not trying to be rude on purpose. “I wasn’t always this way, Theni. It took me a long time to become the man I am now.”

“If what you say is true, then you would do well to explain yourself to me.” Theni croaked.

“Just like you, I never knew my real parents. They died when a big storm swallowed the ship they were sailing on beneath the waves. Somehow, even though I was only a baby, I survived. Princess Celestia’s ship happened to be nearby at the time and she took me in. I was officially adopted by her shortly thereafter.”

Theni sniffed. “Then you are Equestrian royalty, no?”

“Technically speaking, I am a prince. But I’ve never felt like one. Fancy clothes, fancy titles, and all that high-class stuff never really appealed to me. My point is: even though I was Wyvertii, my friends and family treated me as their own. Like Zecora has done for you.”

Theni wiggled her toes in the grass. “I consider myself fortunate to have her as my mother.”

Spike leaned back against the tree and sighed. “Look, I know what you’re going through. Back when I was still living in Equestria, many people treated me like I was an alien creature because I looked so different from what they considered normal. Being unique is difficult, Theni. But just remember that you have people who will always love and support you no matter what.”

“I know in my heart that what you are saying is true, Lord Spike. But I have struggled, all my life, with the looks everyone gives me. Although they do not often vocalize their disgust, their expressions tell me all that I need to know. They scream: ‘Look at the creature with the diseased face’ or ‘Stay away from her, she is a bad omen to our village’. If my mother was not the Shaman, and I her pupil, then it is unlikely that I would even still be alive today.”

Spike reached over and placed his hand on her knee. “Then allow me be your friend, Theni. Allow me to support you whenever life gets you down, to be a shoulder you can cry on. Whatever you need, I will do my best to provide whatever I can for you! I promise that Ember and Sunset would be happy to call you their friend as well. What do you say?”

“Truly? You would offer your friendship willingly to someone like me?”

Spike smiled. “Especially, someone like you! All you have to say is yes.”

Theni stood up and bowed. “I accept your generous offer, Lord Spike.”

Spike joined Theni and stood next to her. “See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

“I suppose not.” Theni admitted.

“Good. Well, uh—it’s customary where I come from for new friends to give each other a hug. If you don’t want to, I totally understand! I just thought I’d put the offer out there in case you were interested. Seeing as how you were bummed out, I figured you could use one…”

Theni had hugged her mother plenty of times, so the concept of physical affection was familiar to her. But she had never conversed this much with a man her age before, let alone hug one! She bit her lip and shuffled her feet in the grass, unsure if she had the courage to go through with it. Since Spike had been the one to offer it, Theni decided that he must not have been bothered by her condition. After taking a few shaky steps, she awkwardly wrapped her arms around the Dragon Lord’s torso, while he did the same with his.

Being held by a man was nothing like Theni had ever experienced in her life before. When she rested her head against his chest, she could feel the hard muscles beneath Spike’s skin and the beating of his heart. It was strong, and powerful. A sure sign that he was a healthy male in his prime. The warmth of his skin took her by surprise too. He was much warmer than her mother.

She breathed deeply and took a moment to appreciate Spike’s natural scent. It was distinctly masculine with undertones of firewood and cologne. Theni allowed herself a girlish squeal. What a marvelous feeling it was to have a man run his fingers through your hair and hold you close to him! She felt like a princess. Even though she wanted to be held longer, Theni realized that it would have seemed untoward. Reluctantly, she let go of Spike’s waist.

“There. Do you feel better now?”

Theni nodded meekly. “Very much so. Thank you, Milord.”

“Hey! Drop the ‘Lord’ part. We’re friends now. You can just call me Spike.”

Theni giggled. “If that is what you wish, Spike.”

Since it was the gentlemanly thing to do, the Dragon Lord offered his arm and led Theni back to the house. It wasn’t a terribly long distance from the tree, but enough that it took the two of them a few minutes. More than enough time to strike up some casual conversation. As they walked, Spike rubbed his chin in thought, and watched as a vulture soared overhead.

“What kind of perfume do you wear, Theni?”

“Perfume? I do not wear any. Why do you ask?”

Spike chuckled awkwardly. “Well, I think you smell wonderful. Kind of like a mixture between honey and roses. Anyway, I was just wondering what fragrance you used just in case the girls were interested in applying some themselves.”

Theni blushed furiously. “Ah! Is that so? I have never used perfume. It is far too expense. Even for a Shaman. However, I did create a balm from shea butter and Sugarbush oil. I apply it all over my body every day in order to keep my skin moisturized and smooth.”

“I can tell. Now, I know the girls will want to get their hands on some!”

Theni couldn’t bear to look Spike in the eye. Instead, she turned her head away and hoped that he wouldn’t notice how red her cheeks had become. “There is plenty to be had back at the house. I would be more than happy to share some with Ember and Sunset.”

“Is what you said earlier true? I mean, about the not having fun part. I get that training to become a good Shaman is important, but have you ever just done something because you wanted to?”

Theni let out a frustrated sigh. “My mother often tells me the exact same thing. It is not that I do not want to have fun, I simply do not have any friends that would share in my revelry. Yes, I do travel around the village from time to time, delivering ointments and whatnot. Yet… they see me for what I am rather than who I am. Does that make any sense to you?”

Spike frowned. “Yeah, I know what you mean. The good news is: you don’t have to worry about that anymore! Seriously though, do you have any hobbies besides making skin cream?”

“Well, I do enjoy singing while I go about my daily duties. Does that count?”

“Perhaps, it does. Would you mind singing for me? That is, if you don’t mind. I wouldn’t want to put you on the spot or anything…”

Theni cleared her throat. Having never sung in front of anyone else other than animals and her mother, she wasn’t quite sure how Spike would react. Would he enjoy it or would she just end up embarrassing herself in front of a handsome Dragon Lord new friend? After taking a deep breath, Theni calmed her nerves and tried think of a good song. She sang an ancient lullaby in her native tongue that wove a tale of a zebra cub that became frightened by a lightning storm. The song represented the cub’s mother and her efforts to try calm the little one down.

When she finished, Theni looked over at Spike to gauge his reaction. What she saw took her completely by surprise. He was crying openly and unashamedly. Since she had never seen a man cry before, Theni began to panic, wondering if she had somehow upset her new friend. After wiping his tears away, Spike looked back at her and smiled.

“That was a beautiful lullaby, Theni. Thank you for singing it for me.”

Theni breathed a sigh of relief. “You are not upset, then?”

“No, not at all! Sorry, I guess it might have seemed that way. I lost someone very dear to me recently and the song it… spoke to me somehow. I don’t really know how to properly explain it. I feel more at peace now, I think.”

Theni smiled. “What you are feeling is the presence of the spirits. Our songs are spells, in a sense. The words like an incantation, inviting the spirits to commune with the living world.”

“Wow! That’s amazing! Is there any way I could learn how to communicate with them?”

Theni placed her finger on her lips. “With enough training, I imagine it would be possible.”

“Since I came here to learn about Zebrica anyway, I might as well try.”

Theni opened the backdoor to the house and held it for him. “My mother would be a more apt teacher than I would. Although I am quite skilled at healing magic, she has had many decades of experience with other forms of spell craft. I am certain that she would accept you as a pupil, if you would ask her. She is always eager to impart knowledge of our ways.”

Spike took Theni’s advice into consideration as he took a seat next to Sunset. From what he could tell, nothing of consequence had happened while he was gone. Everyone was still sitting in roughly the same position, quietly enjoying their coffee. Not one to let good food go to waste, Spike took a bite from the scone that was sitting on his plate. Zecora put down her cup and glanced over at her daughter.

“I take it that everything is well, Parthenia?”

The young Shaman blushed and shifted her feet underneath the table. “Yes, mother. Apologies for my outburst earlier. I was merely… frustrated by my situation. Spike and I had a good conversation underneath the Baobab tree. I feel much better now. Focused, even.”

“Hmm. That is good to hear. Parthenia, I realize that it is not easy to tread the path of a Shaman. Even more so, given your condition and your recent ascension into womanhood. I must ask: are you happy staying here with me? I sense a great deal of unrest within your soul.”

Theni looked down at her coffee and sighed. “This is the only life I have ever known, mother. A far better one than I could have hoped for, given the circumstances. Please, understand: I do not wish to sound ungrateful, but I would like to get to know Spike and his companions better. And perhaps… a chance to see what else the world around me has to offer.”

Zecora leaned over and kissed Theni’s forehead. “There is no shame in thinking that way, child. I too was once a young woman filled with wanderlust and a taste for adventure. If it is your desire to travel with the Wyvertii as they journey across the land, then I shall grant you my blessing. I want you to experience life outside of this village. Learn new things. Make friends.”

“Are you certain, mother? What of my training? Will you be able to—”

Zecora booped her daughter’s nose. “Think of this as a different form of training. Perhaps, you may even learn a thing or two from the Wyvertii. I know that they shall appreciate the skills you have to offer. As for me, I am more than capable of looking after myself should the need arise.”

“Very well then. I believe I shall join them. May I accompany you on your journey?”

Spike glanced over at Ember and Sunset, pleading them to accept Theni’s request. The two warriors paused for dramatic effect, but eventually nodded in agreement with a mischievous smile and short bout of girlish giggling.

With that, Theni went back to sipping on her coffee, a big grin etched upon her lips. After letting out a tired sigh, Sunset leaned back on her cushion, scratched her crotch, and pondered their next move. The coffee was excellent (as expected in Zebrica) but even with caffeine coursing through her veins, she was still trying to catch up from the relentless bouts of physical and emotional exhaustion she’d endured over the past few days. That was doubly true for Spike and Ember. They all needed rest before anything else.

“Before we do anything, we need to take it easy for a few days. Not to mention, there’s the matter of contacting the Princesses and telling them where we are. I’m sure they’re worried about us. What do you say, Spike? Does that sound like a solid plan?”

Spike rubbed his eyes. “Yeah. I’m exhausted in every sense of the word. Zecora, do you mind if we stay here for a little while? I may also need a sheet of paper and a pen.”

“Certainly, Milord. My home is your home. Stay as long as you please.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate it. Now, if you ladies will excuse me, I have a letter to write…”

Midnight, The outskirts beyond Owalla’wando

The full moon glowed brightly in the sky, shining its pale light down onto the savanna below. Predators of the night prowled about in the tall grasses, looking for prey to consume while the herbivores slept with a wary eye open to danger. One such pack of hyenas made their way to the watering hole so that they could refresh themselves after an unsuccessful hunt.

Wildebeests were not the fastest animals on the savanna, but they traveled in herds and defended their own with savage ferocity. This lesson was taken to heart by the hyenas while they drank and licked their wounds. The alpha female suddenly raised up her head, ears perked. She caught the scent of an unfamiliar creature downwind. Erring on the side of caution, she let out a quiet whine to alert her clan of the interloper. If they played their cards right, they might yet fill their bellies this night. After licking her chops, the alpha lowered her body in the grass and tracked the scent.

Just beyond the edge of the watering hole, stood a hulking beast. The alpha was certain it was a male by not only the scent but what dangled betwixt its legs. The interloper carried itself like the humans did, except this thing was most certainly not one. The man-beast (the alpha did not know what else to call it) had fur as dark as the night itself with a mane as white as sun-bleached bone. Large fangs, powerfully built limbs, and a long tail suggested that it was a lion. Yet it was not.

The alpha felt her heart thunder in her chest as the man-beast shifted its gaze towards the clan. Normally, she would find the odds in her favor with six against one, but the alpha was not so certain this time. Her instincts screamed that this creature was not to be trifled with. In what was perhaps the most peculiar experience in her life, the man-beast approached her with his paws raised. A gesture of submission perhaps? Or a ploy? The alpha remained on alert.

“I mean you no harm, hyenas.” The man-beast rumbled.

The alpha was astonished that she could understand the creature.

“Take heed for this is your only warning. If you decide to designate me as prey, I will slaughter you all without mercy and devour your carcasses. Have I made myself clear?”

The alpha approached the man-beast and met the creature’s blood-red eyes. “What would you have me do, Dark-pelted one? My clan is tired and hungry. We also outnumber you.”

“Numbers are of no consequence to me. As for you bellies, if you join me, I can provide you with nourishment. However, you must also swear fealty to me, alpha. What say you?”

The alpha pondered her situation. It had been three moons since they’d had a decent meal. This state of affairs could not proceed much longer, lest her clan grow restless and irritated. She did not relish the idea of bowing her snout to this thing but there were few alternatives. Just as she was about to parlay with the man-beast, one foolish member of her clan leapt out of the grass and attacked.

Just as the man-beast had promised, it was a one-sided affair. He grabbed the hyena by the throat and slammed the poor wretch’s body into the ground with a sickening crunch. Without even waiting for the body to cool, the man-beast tore it asunder and threw the remaining pieces to the rest of the pack. Somewhat reluctantly, they ate the morsels, knowing that it was better to survive than be picky about where the meal came from. As a show of subservience, the alpha raised her neck and waited for the man-beast to respond. She was surprised when the thing ruffled her fur.

“Good. I can see that you are a reasonable alpha. Know this: for as long as you follow me, you shall never know hunger again! Tonight, we hunt the most succulent prey: bovines.”

The alpha’s ears folded back. “With all do respect, pack-leader… only humans raise those. Is it not dangerous to encroach upon their territory?”

“If I were a normal lion, yes. But I can easily outwit any humans. All you need do is follow my lead and you shall sleep on a full belly. Have I made myself clear?”

The alpha nodded. “As you command, clan-leader.”

The man-beast grinned, exposing his massive canines, and let out a blood-curling howl that nearly made the entire clan wet themselves in fear. “Let the slaughter begin.”

Author's Notes:

Theni's skin condition does have a real world equivalent. The disease is called: Vitiligo. Basically, it's when someone's skin doesn't have any pigment in splotches. In this case, it only effects her face, but for some people, it can appear all over their bodies.