It was around midday, the day after that Compass Rose spotted them, a rather large collection of yurts. The settlement’s only real activity was on the opposite side, where there appeared to be a quiet river with many zebra gathered to bathe and do laundry. The mare instinctually waggled her wings - an ancient pegasi instinct taking hold - before she realized that none of them likely saw her and even if they did, they probably wouldn’t understand. Instead, she turned around, swooping in low over her stallions and doing a backflip to burn off the extra velocity.

Plopping down amongst them, she bounced eagerly. “They’re just ahead!” She chirped excitedly, “They’re not far off now!”

“Good.” Zuberi huffed with a grin, “I can finally stop lugging this sled for a bit!”

Compass Rose sidled up next to Zuberi, rubbing shoulders with him. “But I like my stallions sweaty~” She whispered to him in a coquettish voice.

Zuberi shivered and shot her a lusty smile, “Oh, we’re both going to be sweating tonight, I promise you...”

Compass Rose gave him a peck on the cheek and bounded in front of him, flicking his nose with her tail, momentarily teasing him with a glimpse of her marehood, before she skipped away toward Zephania. Zuberi growled and tried to snap at her tail, but the sled slowed him down just enough to give her an advantage. However, as soon as she neared Zephania, the stallion spun and wrapped his arms around her with a victorious grin.

“Gotcha!” He cried, before blowing a raspberry into her neck.

The mare leapt in his grasp with a startled shriek, before she spun her head around and gave him a playful, if somewhat sharp, bite upon the neck. Zephania gave a short grunt and moved to retaliate by nibbling sensually on her own neck, loosening his grip only to run a hoof down the length of her back. She purred loudly and pecked him on the cheek.

“We’re about to meet po-zebras, behave yourself, Zephania, you’ll have plenty of time tonight.” She assured him, and nuzzled into him affectionately.

“Mmmm, the wait will be agony.” He sighed with a playful look of defeat and nipped her withers one more time before he released her, “Are you excited to meet your first tribe?”

“Very.” She nodded enthusiastically.

“It will be nice to visit with a larger tribe for once.” Uzoma spoke up while trotting closer to the two, “We almost never visit others.”

The other stallions all nodded and voiced their agreement. Grouping up around her, with Zephania at their head and Zuberi trailing behind as usual, they picked up their pace, eager to reach the tribe so that they could be done with travel for a while.

When the troop made it just outside the camp’s edge, they were met by a pair of masked zebra, presumably acting as guards, who proceeded to exchange words with Zephania in zebrican. Rose felt only slightly apprehensive, before turning to Xolani.

“What are they saying?” She whispered to him.

“Zephania is informing them that we are travelers looking to spend some time among their tribe.” Xolani explained with his own whisper, “He is asking for permission to set up camp.”

“I am going to have to show you those orchards at some point.” Rose remarked, gesturing toward the nearby green smudge on the horizon.

“Perhaps sooner than you think.” Xolani hummed thoughtfully, “We shall need supplies if we wish to stay for long.”

Rose appeared thoughtful for a moment before nuzzling him softly.

It was about that moment that Zephania returned to them with a grin, “We have been welcomed in. They will direct us to a good spot further in where we may set up camp. They tell me we may even receive a visit from their chieftain in a few days to welcome us.”

“They appeared busy from the air.” Rose remarked, wondering if Zephania had any insight.

“Yes, apparently they have been working to set up a market like the one in Aura.” Zephania gestured off to where the town lay in the distance, “There is even talk of them settling here permanently, not something a zebra tribe normally does here in the north.”

“It must be all the farms making plentiful food.” Rose mused aloud.

“You may be right.” Zuberi rubbed his chin thoughtfully behind her, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tribe this large. They would definitely need more food.”

“They’re larger than other tribes, they have some kind of ‘market’ like the trading tribes...” Uzoma furrowed his brow at the tribe and cocked his head, “I wonder what else is different.”

“What is a trading tribe?” Rose asked curiously.

All four stallions blinked at her.

“They are a tribe,” Zephania spoke slowly, “...that focuses on trade.”

“Weird.” Rose remarked, trying to figure out what that would look like, before looking back to Zephania, “How much bigger is this tribe than normal?”

“Easily twice the usual size, I would say.” Zephania mused.

“Let us not question it too much for now.” Xolani declared with a shrug, “There will be time for that. For now, Xolani is simply glad not to be driven away.”

“Why would some tribes drive you away?” Rose asked curiously.

“Xolani’s beliefs, Uzoma’s color, four suspicious looking stallions coming out of nowhere...” Xolani merely shrugged once more, “Any number of reasons.”

“That’s just stupid.” Rose snorted.

“Agreed.” Zuberi nodded solemnly, mirrored by his fellow stallions.

“Alright, there will be time for talk once we’ve set up our shelter.” Zephania chuckled and gently tugged on Compass Rose’s ear, “They’re waiting for us to follow.”

Compass Rose leaned into the stallion on her other side and nickered softly, making to follow him.

Once the business with their greeting had concluded, the small crowd that had briefly gathered to watch them, began to disperse. While the older mares and stallions, were obviously curious about them, they moved off to go back to their tasks, a few of the younger mares from the crowd remained where they were. Their eyes followed the group with an odd curiosity and, in some cases, what seemed to be hopefulness. Though Rose didn’t seem overly concerned, she leaned close to Zephania and made sure they knew she was subtly watching them.

As they were led through the small, dusty paths through the yurts, they witnessed mares weaving baskets and in some cases nursing foals, while their stallions hauled supplies from one place to another, or sparred with growing colts. Rose looked around in wonder at the strange and wonderful lifestyle that this tribe seemed to have; her eyes stopped briefly upon a nursing pair, only for her to continue as though she hadn’t seen them.

“You’re going to have to teach me zebrican.” Rose murmured to her stallions.

“Oh, we will, Compass Rose.” Zephania smiled and nuzzled her mane lovingly, earning a happy purring from her.

They passed a group of young mares who shot Compass Rose and her stallions a knowing look, before slowly scattering to take up their own tasks with suppressed giggles.

The mare frowned and looked to Zephania. “I don’t know if I should be worried or reassured that you boys aren’t staring at those young mares...” She asked them in a hushed tone.

Zephania hummed with a thoughtful look and stared after them for a moment. After what seemed to be a long while, he shook his head and gave Compass Rose a reassuring smile. “They are pretty, but we already have a beautiful mare right here~”

Compass Rose giggled and bumped Zephania’s nose in response, before moving to lead her stallions through the yurt town with a happy strut. Zephania smirked after her as they followed the local stallions. When he was sure the locals were no longer looking, he darted in and nipped at her flank. The mare muffled a squeak, her rear bouncing a little in surprise and she whipped him in the face with her tail. If she didn’t know any better, she could almost hear her stallions giggling, before Zephania trotted up next to her and draped his neck over hers.

“You’re lucky I love you, doing that around other people~” She hissed in a whisper and regarded him crossly.

“You know you like it.” Zephania purred and gave her a gentle nuzzle.

“Not around others.” She regarded him warningly, before smiling softly and leaning against him as she trotted ahead, regarding the zebra tribe curiously.

“I won’t do it again.” He nodded softly and gave her a kiss on the cheek, “I promise.”

A few minutes later, their guides stopped at an empty space a few rows into the camp. Exchanging a few more words with Zephania, they gave the little herd a small nod and trotted off into the camp. Zephania turned and motioned for his fellow stallions to spread out, and start setting up the yurt and supplies.

Giving Compass Rose a soft nuzzle, he spoke quietly into her ears, “We’ve been given permission to explore the camp until tonight. We have to set up camp, but perhaps you should take this time to wander, see if you can get to know some of the locals.”

“Do you think enough of them know Equestrian?” She asked Zephania with a hopeful expression.

“Most of them should, considering how close they are to a pony settlement.” Zephania assured her with a small smile.

Rose looked about thoughtfully, humming thoughtfully to herself. “Any suggestions as to where I should start? I don’t know who lives where...”

“Well, our escorts gave me directions to the Medicine Mare’s shelter. Why don’t I take you to her and see if one of her assistants can show you around their camp?” Zephania offered with an encouraging smile.

“What’s a Medicine Mare?” Rose asked curiously.

“Now that,” Zephania chuckled, “is a complicated question to answer. Suffice it to say, she performs many practical and cultural duties for her tribe, and acts as a spiritual leader for them.”

“Sounds a lot like an Alpha Mare in a herd.” Rose remarked with a slow nod of her head, “Alright. If I have to leave your side~” She teased with a playful smile.

“Come now, Compass Rose,” Zephania nudged her playfully with his muzzle, “we can’t be by your side every moment of the day and this is a good moment for you to explore and learn.”

“You can’t be~?” She teased in a sing-song voice, playfully protesting.

“If only I could~” Zephania nickered in return, “Now, come along.” He nibbled on her ear and tugged it gently to urge her to follow after him.

“Alright, alright~” She chuckled, giving him a bump with her shoulder.

Once more, they were off, this time with no escort. The walk to the Medicine Mare’s yurt was much the same as the walk to their little camping spot, but lead deeper into the town. The farther in they went, the more foals they began to see, playing under the watchful eye of their mothers. As they trotted along, the older mares and stallions began to take more notice of them, or more specifically Compass Rose. They watched with silent interest, their expressions remaining friendly for the most part, before a group of foals took notice and stared up at her in awe, their little eyes fixed on her wings. She momentarily felt awkward, before shrugging it off and offered them a warm, sisterly smile.

“Hello, little ones.” Compass Rose spoke to them in a soft, but chipper tone.

A few of them gasped, before the lot of them, five fillies and two colts, dashed forward to surround her. They chattered excitedly in their odd language. A few of the fillies stroked at some of the red splotches on her coat and regarded their hooves, as though expecting the color to come away.

Zephania was suppressing the urge to let out a laugh and gave her a cheeky smile, “Looks like these ones are too young to visit Aura and see ponies.”

“It doesn’t come off~” She laughed merrily, before turning to her stallion, “What are they saying?”

“Well, a few of the fillies seem to be jealous of your beautiful coloring, one of them wants to know if your spots help you like our stripes, and...” He let out a snicker, pointing to the two colts that had now moved to stand before her, puffing out their chests, “I believe those two are competing for your attention.”

Compass Rose blushed a little. “They think I’m beautiful…?” She wondered, looking down at her own coat in surprise, she hadn’t even known her stallions long enough to let that idea sink in.

“Yes, very beautiful.” He grinned and nuzzled her mane, “Our exotic beauty...” Zephania hummed.

Turning to the colts with a proud expression, the stallion placed a hoof to his chest and snapped out a few words in his own tongue, and the colts suddenly seemed to deflate a little, looking less sure of themselves. Compass Rose sat on her rump, gently taking each of the young colts by their chins and placed a chaste kiss upon each of their foreheads. Their reaction was immediate and they puffed out their chests again with proud exclamations in their native tongue. The fillies let out little squees and moved to surround the colts, suddenly competing for their attention rather than Rose’s.

“Congratulations.” Zephania whispered to her with a quiet snicker, “You just made those colts seem far more desirable to a potential herd.” Rose turned to Zephania with a small smile, reached up and gave him a quick peck on the lips. Zephania hummed and leaned in to make the kiss last a little longer, before nodding in the direction they had been going, “Let’s leave these little ‘stallions’ to their ‘mares’.” Rose tittered in response, a smile on her face and she leaned against her stallion.

He led her along for another minute until they came to stand before a yurt slightly larger than most of the others, sitting in a small clearing in the town. The surface was covered in symbols marked in dull red and black paints, with a circular, distinctly moon-shaped symbol carved into a large pendant strapped above the entry flaps. An empty fire pit sat in the center of the clearing with a small pot hanging over it from a wooden frame. The mare turned to her stallion and pointed a hoof toward the symbols about the yurt’s door.

“Zephania, can you explain to me what those symbols mean? That one in the center looks like Luna’s cutie-mark…” She asked him curiously.

“Ah yes, your ‘Moon Princess’.” Zephania nodded with a hum, “That symbol marks the Medicine Mare and her tribe as moon worshipers. In fact, their name, Mwezi Wafuasi, roughly translates to ‘moon followers’. When they make prayers and offerings, it is to the spirit of the Moon itself. When they commune with their ancestors spirits, they will do so when the moon is at its highest, when they believe their ancestors are closest to the living world. Most tribes will follow the sun or moon, though many also follow the spirit of the Savannah itself, or a particularly strong spirit native to their ancestral grounds. Few, if any worship the stars as Xolani does.” He explained, reminding her that most considered the stars evil spirits held at bay by the moon, “As for the other symbols,” Zephania gestured to each one covering the yurt, “a Medicine Mare or stallion’s duties to their tribes are many. Each symbol marks one. Communion with the spirits...” He gestured to a wavy symbol in black, “Foretelling the weather,” A symbol reminiscent of a cloud.

“Um, Zephania…?” Compass Rose spoke up hesitantly, “Are these zebras going to...dislike the fact that I can manipulate the weather?”

“Most likely no.” Zephania replied almost absently, “In fact, they might just...” He trailed off with a thoughtful hum, “Well, best not to bring it up just yet either way.” He gave her a smile, earning a thoughtful expression and a shake of her head, before he gestured to a few more symbols, “Anyways, two of their most important roles are acting as midwives and performing fertility rites for mares that wish to bear foals.”

The last two symbols seemed oddly shaped and slightly more complicated. When Compass Rose cocked her head just slightly to the left, what she thought she saw in the symbols caused her to blush.

“T-those are bit more...intricate than the others.” She said, swallowing her shock.

“Yes, I suppose they are.” Zephania nickered and kissed her cheek, “Zebra are a bit more open with such things than ponies it would seem.”

“I don’t think you’d see such things in public amongst ponies, no.” She shook her head a little, her surprise turning to humor, giving him a quick kiss in return, “I think I might want to try that with you one of these days, Zephania…” She whispered conspiratorially to him with a grin, as she regarded the two fertility symbols, trailing a few pinions up the small of his back.

“Perhaps we should save that one.” He murmured into her ear with a smile, “As their meaning suggest, that is an excellent position for conception.” Zephania purred and nibbled on her ear.

She purred softly, suggestively. “Perhaps we will one day~”

“One day.” Zephania agreed with a warm smile, “Now, let’s not keep our hosts waiting.”

He flicked her rump with his tail and urged her forward, earning a giggle and a playful nip from her, before she moved to follow. Stepping up to the door frame, Zephania thunked his hoof against it three times. He was rewarded by a smooth, almost sultry mare’s voice calling forth from within in the zebra tongue. Zephania nodded to Compass Rose and pulled the flaps aside, ushering her in.

When they were inside and the cover had slid back into place behind them, it was decidedly darker within the yurt than it had been in their own. The only light came from a few lamps hanging from the ceiling of the shelter. Little woven shades with more symbols etched into them covered the lamps, causing eerie patterns of light and shadow to dance about over numerous pots and jars scattered about the walls. A pair of stands to either side of the yurt held small bowls of smoldering plants letting off long trails of sweet smelling smoke that drifted up to gather in the roof, before snaking out through a small opening at the peak of the yurt. Another fire pit with a pot hanging over it stood in the center of the space.

Standing directly across the fire pit from them was a young zebra mare a few years younger than Rose with stripes that clung to every curve. Despite her youth, she seemed to exude a wise and knowing aura. When Zephania led Rose in, the young zebra regarded Rose with her bright green eyes and a surprisingly motherly smile, before offering her a respectful bow of the head. This caused several golden hoops in her ears and a few bracelets on her forelegs to jingle. Rose made to bow politely to the mare, before glancing about for the Medicine Mare that they were supposed to meet, only for Zephania to gently bump her with his elbow and gesture to the mare before them.

“Greetings, strangers~” The mare before them tittered knowingly, “I am Ekua, Medicine Mare to the Moon Followers and wife to Chidike, our noble chieftain.”

Rose blinked in shock and whinnied rather inelegantly, “You? You can’t be much older than me!”

Zephania shot her a reproachful look, only for Ekua to giggle softly with an almost sad smile. “Well, I was forced to take up the mantle a few years earlier than intended when my teacher passed on...but I assure you, I am fully capable.”

Rose’s ears folded back slightly, “That was not my intent!” She quickly assured her.

“Be at peace~” Ekua hummed softly and began to trot around to them, “Will you tell me your name?”

“Compass Rose,” She introduced herself, before rubbing her cheek against Zephania, to which he returned the attention in kind, “and this is one of my stallions, Zephania.”

“It is good to meet you, wise Ekua.” Zephania bowed his head respectfully. “I was hoping I might procure your services as a guide for Compass Rose.” He turned and gave her cheek a kiss, “Unfortunately I and my fellow stallions will be busy making camp, and cannot explore with her.”

“Why, of course~” Ekua returned with a sweet smile, “I would be happy to show your mare around.”

“They’re kicking me out of the yurt~” Rose playfully moaned in faux-dejection, only for her stallion to offer her a tender kiss.

“Well, I’m sure we can find something to do outside the yurt~” Ekua tittered, “Unless you’d like to stay in my yurt~” She offered with a mischievous smile.

“What?” Rose asked innocently, blinking in confusion.

Ekua merely rolled her eyes, before stepping forward to bump shoulders with Rose with a giggle, “Come, I will show you around.”

Zephania snickered knowingly and bumped Rose with his nose, “Go along, Rose.”

Rose playfully pouted at her stallion before turning her back to him, subtly flashing him as she made to follow Ekua. Zephania nickered appreciatively at the sight, before Ekua sidled up to her with a knowing smile as she led Rose out, one that she returned with clearly playful innocence.

Outside the yurt, Ekua tittered and offered her cheek a sisterly kiss, “Now, where would you like to go first?”

The pony mare shrugged. “I’ve never been to a tribe before.” Rose admitted, “I’ve only been to the ground a few times in my life.”

“Hhhmmm, a few pegasi from Aura mentioned the ‘cloud cities’ back in your homeland.” Ekua nodded thoughtfully, “It would be fascinating to visit one someday.”

“That might be hard, being an earth pony.” Rose tittered.

“I suppose only time will tell~” Ekua trilled, “Well, perhaps you would like to see our new market? Or visit my herd?”

“You have a herd?” Rose asked with interest.

“Yes, my husband’s herd.” Ekua nodded with a happy smile, “There are four other mares in our yurt, not including our children.”

Rose debated a moment whether she should ask, before looking to Ekua curiously. “Are any of them yours?”

Ekua smiled softly and shook her head, “Not yet. We are planning to try on my next heat.”

“I think my stallions wish to next estrus.” Rose admitted looking uncertain at the concept.

“But you are not so certain?” Ekua assumed with a knowing smile and Rose nodded with a soft hum in response. “Have you told them this?”

“More or less.” Rose nodded, “I’m not so sure that this life I am choosing is right for foals.”

“And what life would that be?” Ekua hummed curiously.

“One roving the Savannah with a quartet of stunning stallions.” Rose shrugged with a guilty smile.

“Do you trust your stallions to protect and provide?” The Medicine Mare asked her simply.

“I don’t know them well enough.” Rose admitted.

“Then get to know them.” Ekua shrugged with an encouraging smile, “Decide after you know them.”

Rose gave her fellow mare a playful bump of her head. “What do you think I was doing, silly?”

“Just making sure~” Ekua giggled and pecked her cheek, “You seem like a very strong and bright mare. It would be a shame to see you go your whole life without foals.”

Rose flushed then, even less used to getting compliments from other mares. “I-I-I do plan on having foals at some point~” She assured Ekua, trying to change the subject.

“Good.” Ekua chirped, “Besides, don’t think I didn’t notice the way you flashed Zephania back there. Some part of you wants it~”

“Well, I mean, they are the best stallions I’ve ever met~” Rose admitted bashfully, blushing a little harder at being caught.

“Well, some mares might put their own stallions forward as the best, but I see your point~” Ekua bumped shoulders with her in an affectionate manner.

Rose glanced around for a moment as they walked, “You have a lovely home.” She offered sincerely.

“Why thank you.” Ekua nodded with a proud grin, “Yes, we are quite proud of what we have made here for ourselves.”

“My stallions seemed to think that your tribe was much larger than any of those they had ever seen before…” Rose mentioned.

“Yes, here with our partnership with Aura, we have thrived~” Ekua prummed, “It was my husband’s last Medicine Mare that convinced him to keep our tribe here permanently.”

“Oh, how did that happen?” Rose asked quite interested to be able to put her stallions’ speculation to rest.

“Well, we used to pass this way regularly on our migration route.” Ekua began slowly, “When the ponies of Aura came, there was some tension at first, but that soon gave way and we began to trade regularly. Eventually my teacher convinced Chidike that settling was in the tribe’s best interests because of the plentiful food they produced.”

“The apples.” Rose assumed.

“The apples.” Ekua nodded.

“So, why a market, if you live so close to Aura? Why not just use theirs?” Rose inquired.

“Why travel all the way over there to trade our goods with one another?” Ekua smiled amusedly.

Rose nodded then, “Yes, that does make more sense.”

“Exactly.” Ekua nodded in agreement, “Though one or two have tried to go over and set up a stall, most stay here and we welcome any ponies that choose to visit.”

“So do you get a lot of ponies coming over to visit?” Rose asked, and cocked her head slightly, “I was a little surprised you weren’t more...well, surprised at seeing a cloudborn.”

“Our relations are common enough that it surprises none of our older members to see one of the pony races.” Ekua explained, “Now, would you like to see the market, or my herd?” She reminded the pegasus of her earlier offer.

Rose smiled bashfully, “I would eventually like to meet your herd, but I feel as if it would be imposing…” She explained meekly, after all, for cloudborn, family meant more than simply being a cloudborn.

“Not at all.” Ekua shook her head firmly, “There would likely only be a few of us there anyway. If that is your desire, we shall go that way.”

Rose nodded softly with a happy smile. It took nearly twenty minutes of wandering for them to reach the center of camp. Along the way, they received pleasant greetings from many of the zebra they passed and more than a few admiring glances from the stallions. This alone caused Rose a little mixed feelings, on one hoof, she greatly desired the attention, but also felt uneasy at being unable to accept their attention. Ekua chatted animatedly with her guest the whole way, sharing little bits of information about her tribe, while trying to learn more of Rose’s own home.

When they finally arrived, they were greeted by what appeared to be two individual yurts that had been joined together at one side. Waiting outside, relaxing in the sun was another mare about Ekua’s age with her mane woven into many short braids. The next notable thing about her was that her belly sported a noticeable bulge.

When Rose and Ekua approached, she raised her head with a warm smile, “Hello, Ekua~” She turned her focus to Rose, “And who might this be?”

“Greetings, Oluchi.” Ekua trotted forward and exchanged nuzzles with her, “This is Compass Rose. She’s a guest that I’m showing around.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Oluchi.” Rose offered the pregnant mare a soft smile, leaning in to offer her a nuzzle if she wanted one, which she did.

“Is your father home, Oluchi?” Ekua asked her sweetly.

“Chidike is still meeting with some of his warriors.” Oluchi shook her head slowly, “Most of the herd is at the river, but Mother and Dumisani are inside cooking.”

Rose blinked thoughtfully for a moment, looking between the two mares. “Um...just how old is your husband, Ekua~?” The pegasus asked hesitantly.

Ekua blinked for a moment in surprise at the question, before tapping her hoof to her chin, “Oh, he’s about seventy three.” The young pegasus abruptly whinny-snorted in shock at that admission, shaking her head and blinking owlishly as she made to process that age-gap. Ekua whinnied softly in surprise at the outburst, before placing her hooves to Rose’s shoulders as Oluchi made to stand, “Rose, please calm yourself~”

“I- I just- Whoa.” Rose stammered as she processed that, “Seventy-three...?”

“That is correct.” Ekua giggled and kissed her cheek, “He is a very caring and attentive stallion for his age.” She shot Rose a playful smirk then, “And he can still satisfy a mare as well as any fresh young stallion~” The young pegasus blushed furiously, taking an uncomfortable step back, quite unused to hearing about such things. Her mouth moved to open, but her words escaped her, fleeing back into the blue sky. This earned a giggle from both zebra mares present. “Well, I would offer to let you have a taste, but with stallions of your own, I’m sure you don’t want for attention~” Ekua teased her playfully.

At that, Rose took another half-step back, furiously shaking her head to loosen the crickets that had clearly burrowed into her head and were now speaking to her. “What…?” She asked with an awestruck expression.

“Something wrong, Rose?” Oluchi asked her curiously, “You seem confused?”

“W-w-what kind of mare just offers to let a stranger bed her stallion~?” Rose returned in a low and indeed confused voice.

Ekua blinked for a moment, before realization dawned on her, “Oh! My apologies, Rose, I sometimes forget that ponies are not nearly so open as we zebra.” She placed a hoof on Rose’s shoulder again, “Rose, we take a very open approach to physical pleasure.”

“All of this is going to take some getting used to.” Rose sighed, thinking back to her stallions for a moment.

“Understandable, Rose.” Ekua offered her a comforting nuzzle, “Now, since most of the herd is at the river, would you like to stay and chat, or move on?”

“I would like to learn more about my stallions’ culture,” Rose explained, looking to Ekua for guidance, “I suppose you would know best how to do that.”

Ekua nodded and made to sit down with Oluchi, “Well, the best way to learn is to ask questions.” She patted the ground next to her, “Tell me what you wish to know.”

Rose complied readily, making to join the two mares, offering them a friendly smile. “Well...this whole business with your gender roles being backwards is honestly throwing me for quite the loop.” She admitted, not entirely sure how else to broach the subject.

Oluchi cocked her head confusedly for a moment, “Backwards?”

Ekua, however, smiled knowingly, “Ah, you refer to the way our stallions protect us and take charge, rather than we mares?”

“They’re courting me!” Rose exclaimed quietly, “I mean, until I met them I was hard pressed to even earn a stallion’s attention, let alone court any of them, and now I’ve got four! Courting me!”

Ekua made to lean casually against her side and nodded sagely, “I noticed that some of your pony stallions do not appreciate their mares as they should. You will find that this is not a problem among our people. Despite their positions, our stallions are raised to treat mares with the utmost respect and appreciation.”

“I mean- it’s not-” Rose shook her head and sighed, trying to defend her own people and finding herself having a hard time doing so earnestly, “I’m sure most of them just had their herds already and were content with what they had. I mean, it wouldn’t make sense for a stallion to be receptive to a mare’s courting he had no interest in taking into his herd.”

“Oh, I met plenty of fine pony stallions.” Ekua shook her head, “They seemed like good people. They just have not been taught the way ours have. They do not seem to realize the needs of their mares, having been taught that they are the ones to be provided for.”

“I wish I could disagree with you, Ekua,” Rose declared, looking rather uncomfortable, but she felt it needed to be said, “I found myself with one of those stallions not long ago…” She then forced herself to smile and assured them, “I’m positive that they’re not all so self-concerned as that.”

“I would say it’s a moot point, now.” Oluchi snickered, “I’m sure those stallions of yours are going to ruin you for ponies.”

Ekua nodded in agreement, before snuggling into Rose’s side, “Have you bedded all of them yet?”

Rose blushed hotly, “I’ve only known them for a week~!” She exclaimed in a quiet, conspiratorial voice, honestly not much more familiar chatting with other mares and what was considered fair game for such gossip.

“And you still haven’t taken any of them!?” Oluchi gasped playfully in disbelief.

“You have more willpower than most mares I know.” Ekua giggled.

“Well…” Rose looked away, her ears folding back guiltily.

Ekua quirked an eyebrow at her, before pressing her nose to Rose’s ear with a conspiratorial smile, “Ah, but you have taken at least one~” Rose tried to protest, only for her voice to come out as a cute, quiet squeak. Both zebra mares squealed excitedly then, “You have~!” Ekua suddenly pulled her into a hug where they lay, “You have to tell us everything~!”

“What~?” Rose squeaked at the sudden fillyish behavior.

“Which one did you take? What was it like~?” Oluchi asked with a fillyish giggle.

“Uh, Zuberi...” Rose revealed hesitantly.

“Zuberi? And what’s he like?” Ekua nipped her ear encouragingly.

“What’s Chidike like?” Rose suddenly turned the conversation back toward Ekua, not entirely comfortable with what was happening, because she wasn’t sure what was acceptable.

Ekua rolled her eyes with a chuckle, “Well, he’s a very strong, well built stallion. He shows his age, but it doesn’t slow him down.” She whispered conspiratorially then, “And his penis is better than many younger stallions I met~”

Rose squeaked softly in surprise, “Even at his age?” She asked in surprise.

Ekua nodded slowly, “Mhmm~”

“Zuberi’s almost as thick as the few ponies I’ve had, but long enough to tap bottom~” Rose admitted, blushing furiously, to the point where her rust coloring seemed to disappear.

Ekua nickered thoughtfully, “And how did he perform~?” She asked eagerly.

“W-what do you mean?” Rose asked hesitantly.

“Was he rough? Was he gentle?” Ekua began to absently rub Rose’s belly, earning a curious glance.

“Did he seem to have a prefered position?” Oluchi chimed in curiously.

“H-he liked me on top…” Rose admitted, slowly starting to loosen up, “He was rough, but also tender as well. I’ve never had a stallion treat me like...well, a treasure.”

“Mmmm, the best stallions show their mares how valued they are~” Ekua nickered and kissed her ear.

Rose chuckled airily, “He showed me three times! I wasn’t expecting that volume!” She tittered conspiratorially.

It was Oluchi’s turn to giggle, “Impressive~ There’s nothing quite like being pumped full of a strong stallion’s seed~”

Rose’s ears flopped back, before grinning very guiltily. “I...um, found that spot on his belly, and slowly worked him up while riding him, so that-” She took a deep breath, “He flipped me over and worked me over again!” She nickered headily, smiling a little goofily remembering that fucking.

Ekua shuddered at the thought, before giving her a squeeze, “You like having your partner in charge, then?”

“It was pretty exciting being plowed like a field~” Rose nodded softly, but something told Ekua that there was more to that story than perhaps even Rose knew.

Ekua quirked an eyebrow at her, “Hhhmmm, and~?” She pressed gently, “Something tells me you wanted something else...”

“Huh~? What do you mean?” Rose cocked her head, looking to Ekua a little confused by what she meant.

“Mmm, you liked getting what you wanted.” Ekua smiled knowingly, “You like to be in charge.”

Rose then looked intensely uneasy, as if caught doing something she knew she wasn’t supposed to. “I liked pleasing him~”

Ekua gave her a wry smile and brought a hoof to Rose’s chin, “Would you like to know a secret about what pleases a good stallion the most?” Rose looked hesitant, yet still nodded, eager to hear what the mare had to say. “Making sure their partner enjoys themselves to the fullest.” The Medicine Mare declared firmly, but gently, “If you want something from your stallions, do not be afraid to ask. If they love you, and as long as it will not hurt you, they will give it to you.” She took Rose by the cheeks then, “If you want to be on top and take charge, tell them.”

Rose snorted softly in amusement, grinning at Ekua’s words, “I think this culture of yours is going to take me a long while to get used to~” She admitted honestly.

“You’ll get there!” Ekua smiled sweetly, before suddenly giving Rose a peck on the lips and releasing her.

Rose snorted once more - less softly this time - and blinked in confusion. “What was that for?”

Ekua shrugged innocently, “You are cute and it seemed like the right thing to do.”

The pegasus smiled modestly, “Thank you, Ekua. You’re rather pretty too.”

“Don’t mention it~” Ekua tittered, before stretching out where she lay.

Next to her, Oluchi rolled her eyes amusedly, “Would you two like some alone time?”

Rose shook her head with a small smile, “No.” She declared before grinning deviously, “And you’re pretty too, Oluchi. I’m sorry for neglecting you.”

Oluchi chuckled and shook her head, “Thank you, Rose, but don’t mind me.” She suddenly squeaked and turned to glare playfully at her belly, “What have I said about kicking?”

“Are you close?” Rose assumed, glancing at the pregnant mare’s stomach.

Oluchi nodded with a proud smile, “Ekua and her assistants give me a month at most.” As she spoke, the mare in question gave her an affectionate nuzzle.

“My, you went into estrus late~” Rose remarked with a whistle.

“Nope.” Oluchi shook her head with a pointed look at Ekua, “When I decided I wanted a foal, Ekua here gave me a fertility potion and I opened my yurt.”

Rose looked blankly at the two zebras. “Ok, cloudborn here. You can do that? Put a mare into estrus?”

“Not quite.” Ekua shook her head. “But I can increase her fertility outside of heat. Combine that with enough stallions trying and...” She gestured to Oluchi with a proud look.

“Wait, opening your yurt isn’t a euphemism?” Rose asked even more surprised.

“No.” Oluchi shook her head slowly, “Some of us wish for foals but do not wish for a herd. So, we place a fertility symbol over our door and tie it open. So long as the symbol is there, any stallion is welcome.”

“Wow~” Rose remarked, not sure what else to say.

“There is usually some kind of rule in place as to what is allowed while they visit.” Oluchi continued, “Though I hear it varies from tribe to tribe. Here, only one may enter at a time, unless invited. In one of our sister tribes, however, many may enter at once if they wish, so long as they are gentle.”

Rose simply blinked at the mare a moment, “So you don’t even know the father?”

“It could be any one of ten stallions.” Oluchi tittered, before smirking, “That I can recall...”

“I literally can’t imagine that.” Rose stated somewhat blandly, her expression slightly absent.

“You might get a similar feeling if you let all four of your stallions have you at once.” Oluchi tittered, before squeaking and glaring at her stomach again.

While the mare was distracted, Rose blushed furiously once again, a very real question coming to mind - why had she not thought of that? And more importantly could she handle four of them at once? She had never even tried pleasing two at once before!

It was about that moment that Ekua kissed her ear, “Now, I believe your stallions should be done by now. Would you like to go back to them, or stay a while longer?”

Rose quickly snapped herself out of her stupor and looked to Ekua with a soft smile. “I don’t wish to overstay my welcome, but it has been a long time since I had any marefriends to talk to…”

Ekua smiled and gave her an affectionate nuzzle, “You are welcome to stay as long as you like~”

“Ekua, since it seems we are going to be staying at least a little while, do you think I could ask a favor of you?” Rose requested with a hopeful expression.

“If it is within my power, you need merely name it~” Ekua nodded with a bright smile.

“I would like help learning zebrican. I could help out while you taught me…?” Rose requested, offering her a little something in return.

“I think that would be a wonderful idea!” Ekua nodded eagerly, “I am always pleased to pass on knowledge to those that seek it willingly~”

Rose smiled brightly and offered Ekua a happy nuzzle. “Thank you~!”

“So, would you like to start your lessons now, or wait until you and your stallions have had a chance to settle down?”

Rose shook her head with that same smile. “Whenever you’d like.”

“Well, how about-” Ekua stopped and glanced over Rose’s shoulder with a smile, “Ah, hello Zephania!”

Rose turned her head around and leapt up to greet her stallion excitedly. “Ekua has agreed to help me learn zebrican!” Rose chirped excitedly.

Zephania trotted forward and nuzzled her with a proud smile, “That is good news. Did you have fun with her?” He asked sweetly, before nodding respectfully to the Medicine Mare.

Rose nodded simply then. “It was nice having a couple of mares to just talk with.”

Zephania gave her a kiss, before turning to focus on Ekua and Oluchi, “Thank you for tending to my Rose while I could not.” This earned him a pair of respectful nods.

“Make me sound like a little filly that needs watching after~” Rose playfully pouted, this being the second time he had spoken of her thusly.

Zephania gave her an apologetic kiss, before turning to them once again and giving Oluchi an almost reverent look, “And may your little one grow fine and strong.” He offered respectfully, to which she nodded approvingly.

Rose turned around to offer both of the mares a kiss upon the cheek. “It was good to meet you Oluchi, and you as well, Ekua. I look forward to studying under you.”

Both mares kissed her from either side, before Ekua nickered playfully into her ear, “Mmm, well if you really want to be under us...”

Rose once again snorted in humor and shook her head softly, “Someone’s taking things too literally~” She snickered.

“Consider it an invitation if you’re ever interested~” Ekua kissed her cheek again, before pulling back.

Rose smiled and nodded softly, before turning back around to rejoin her stallion, “Everything unpacked already?”

Zephania nodded, before laying his neck over hers to lead her away, “I was going to head into town and see if I could trade work for supplies. I thought you might like to come.”

“Sure.” Rose chirped, nodding as she leaned into his neck.

With that, her stallion proceeded to lead her out of camp and off toward the town of Aura.