Author's Notes:

Author's Note:

Well that’s it for today I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do.

I gotta say it is possible the next chapter came a little late cause I’m planning on moving out before this month comes to an end. Thank you all and see you next time.

Read and review.

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In memory of Victor Fidel Beloved grandfather and mentor.

March/1938 - October/2018

Chapter 07 – The autumn fire dance celebration.

The Ever Free forest was famous for being the only place in all Equestria that could not be controlled in any way, the vegetation grew on its own, the climate around it was totally unpredictable and the fauna it contained was extremely wild.

In the mid of this environment walked Celestia next to Clover the Clever, both were escorted by a couple of white coat guards Pegasus.

-I honestly can't understand why they decided to live in this place- Clover said -I mean, they might have settled on the outskirts, or even inside the palace, but nooooo... They had to choose to live INSIDE the forest- she continued.

-Due to its wild nature, this forest allows to easily hide the presence of magic. That is why my sister and I were trained here by Star Swirl, so our magic would not be detected by other creatures whose hunger for power would certainly have brought them to us, answered The Deity of the Sun.

-I suppose the master was always one step ahead. But I still think it's a very dangerous place to raise a pair of fillies-

-Well maybe that's another reason, the castle is protected by a shield of magic that hides it from the air, so the only way to locate it is by traveling at ground level-

-Do you mean that you cannot fly in these lands?-

-Mmmm Not exactly- replied the deity with a hoof under her chin -Certainly the forest is not able to block magical powers, even less the ability to fly, but from the air it is impossible to visualize the castle, as you pass it you would see it as one more part of the foliage of the forest-

-I see-

-That way any intruder is obliged to cross the paths before get access at the castle- Celestia recollected her thoughts a little before continuing -Maybe that's why Star Swirl decided that it would be the best place to hide in the years when we were more Vulnerable. Since the dangers of the forest itself are enough to keep most creatures at bay.

-I understand, and ... do you think it's wise that zebras inhabit the periphery? they are much more exposed without the protection of the castle walls or not?-

-Zephora and its tribe came from a unique lineage even among its species. They know the arcane arts of alchemy and can even manipulate the manna of nature itself to summon spells- explained the deity –That's why I decided they would be the best option to protect the place in my absence, I mean, you wouldn't expect me to leave Luna alone without making sure she was well protected, do you? - continued the princess directing her companion a flat face.

-O-Of course not, I mean, I know well that you care a lot about Princess Luna and in turn want to give her more independence- she responded by waving her hooves in front of her muzzle –I just don't understand all this, which is the goal of you splitting up now. Won't it weaken the kingdom any more if you two are in different places?-

Celestía let out a deep, long sigh. Clover looked at her with concern.

-Lately I have noticed some strange behavior on Luna- the alicorn paused before continuing –I thought of it the other night and I believe it started from the day we sealed Discord in his stone prison using the elements of harmony. I'm aware that the three of us were really close back then, so i'm not surprised that the whole situation affected her in some way... both of us actually. But I suppose her empathetic character makes her more likely to be affected by this kind of things- The deity continues to walk dodging roots and shrubs without even looking at them.

-What really worries me are the events that occurred during the combat against King Sombra. Certainly Luna has been a little bit odd and I have noticed her been much more serious than she normally is. At first I associated it to the stress caused by leading the forces on the battlefield, but today I notice her distant once again, especially during the ceremony- The sand-colored unicorn looked up towards the alicorn.

“So she also noticed it” Clover thought.

-I think she might feel guilty about what happened to the empire and the ponies that lived there- without much thought the ruler added -Maybe that's why her heart has been disconnected from the elements-.

-Excuse my boldness your majesty- said the unicorn regaining the attention of the white-pearl coat alicorn -But leaving Luna in the old castle couldn't affect her even more?, I mean, it's really wise to leave her on her own for some time, but wouldn't it be better to keep her by your side?

-If I am honest Clover I am not sure what’s the best choice in this situation. On the one hoof I am worry that Luna is reclusing herself, but I don't think that changes much even in Canterlot, that said, she rarely talks to any other ponies- Clover kept her sights on the princess of the Sun –On the other hoof, I thought that because she and the night guards are such good friends, letting her spend more time with them without being interfered with others could help her reconnect with herself. Sometimes all you need is a little time alone to easy your own mind.

-I understand...- Clover replied -I just hope it works-

-Me too Clover... Me too- answered the deity, her mood a little bit depressed.

They continued their walk through the woods for a few more minutes until they managed to distinguish dim lights in the distance. As they came closer to the lights, a set of tents adorned with strange symbols came to view. At the entrances of the shops you could see hanging masks carved in wood of different colors and shapes. Small campfires were lit in the surrounding area where groups of zebras were dancing and telling stories.

A Celtic tune could be clearly heard setting the area, it had a rhythm mostly consisting of percussion instruments followed by some string and wind instruments and a catchy tone.

Clover stopped her walk for a moment to admire the scene in front of her. The zebra groups wore suits clearly typical of their tribe, The females danced perfectly synchronized with the rhythm of the music, as if their bodies were wagging on their own.

The males animatedly played the instruments by perfectly marking the times with every movement of their hooves and blows from their lungs.

The younger ones run back and forth, playing with wood figures hoof-made and laughing. Zebra cuples could be seen everywhere and of all ages. Young lovers enjoying each other's company, some shared necklaces, bracelets or hoof-made suits, more matures zebra couples cared for the little ones, while carrying over their heads vases of water or trays of food they deposited one side of the campfires to feed the tribe. The elderly ones, meanwhile, were dedicated to enjoying the atmosphere, some told stories to other groups of younger zebras, others followed the rhythm of the music by gently shaking their heads, come others watching the stars pointing out the constellations passing on knowledge to future generations.

An oversized male zebra with muscles that seems to be made of steel approached the newcomers, his mane was combed forming a huge crest over his head, on the front its fur had been dyed a deep red color like the flames of fire , at the end of it formed a long braid that hung on one side of his neck. Its tail was equally decorated by the same bright red designs, a small braid began at the base until a third of his tail, where a thread held it tightly, while the rest of its tail danced to the beat of the wind. On his face he wore decorated symbols and strokes made with the same tint of his mane. At the base of his ears were embedded earrings formed by red thread and pieces of rubies, at the tip of his earrings were a pair of small Fenix feathers with shades of red and orange. He wore a small brown fabric vest outlined in yellow stripes and a pair of flared trousers of the same brown fabric. One of his front legs sported a series of gold bracelets, as did his neck, while the other was adorned with some fire-red color arcane lines. On his back rested, tightly fastened with a thick rope, a halberd made of bones, whose blade had been made of obsidian stone tough it emitted some kind of purple brightness.

-Your Majesty, we have been anxiously waiting for you- spoke the zebra with a thick deep voice that caused a strange sensation all over Clover's back.

-I'm sorry about the wait, Kendall, it was a busy day, is your wife available? I'd like to discuss some things with her- said the alicorn using a kind tone.

-Zephora is getting ready for the autumn fire dance. I don't think there's any problem you'll meet after her performance- Kendall replied -Come this way, your Majesty- he said inviting the princess of the day to follow him adding a little bow.

Celestia took the Zebras hoof with her own, Clover and the two guards followed the zebra and the princess into the celebration.

The Alicorn really struggled to keep her composure and keep her desire to dance under control. She wasn't afraid to make a fool of herself in front of everyone, in fact Flash Magnus and Mistmane had always praised her dancing abilities when she was just a little foal. But she had to keep her composure, as ruler of Equestria she had to keep her calm and appearances at all times.

-It's a sticky rhythm don't you think?- Clover said.

The deity of the Sun noticed that she had been moving her flanks at the beat of the music as she walked. She glanced quickly at her guards who had deflected her gaze, while a slight blush painted the cheeks of both Pegasus. Celestia quickly look forward feeling how the blood warmed her face, no doubt her cheeks were equal or even redder than those of her protectors.

-Y-Yes, if it is- she replied completely embarrassed.

Kendall led them to a small bearings placed at the end of a torchlit dirt road. Behind them stood wooden structures with engravings and arcane of different types. Undoubtedly, that was the spot for the leaders of the tribe. Celestia took a seat next to Kendall leaving the other seat available for Zephora. Clover took her place at the end of the line of zebras who were enjoying the evening. At the other end of the road a large campfire burned fiercely illuminating the area almost entirely.

-So this is the autumn fire dance festival that celebrates Zephora’s tribe- said Clover to no one in particular.

-Oh yes, yes, yes. The autumn fire dance celebration being one of the oldest of the tribe, yes, yes, yes- said a young energetic zebra sitting next to her, the zebra’s accent was strange and the way she combined the words and conjugate them did not seem that the Ponish was native to her.

The zebra sported a somewhat strange hairstyle, tufts of her mane raised in all directions, some braided with colorful threads and buns, others completely dyed with in different shapes of colors. Like most of the tribe, she had painted arcane symbols on her face although hers were paint of various colors. One of her eyes had a particular shaded blue while the other sported a greener tone. She was wearing a low-cut dress made with tropical bird feathers and just as colorful. On her front legs the zebra wore bracelets made of different metals. One in particular caught Clover's attention, its characteristic purple sheen made it unmistakable. Her mentor Star Swirl had told her about objects made with Heraldic. Artifacts made of Heraldic gain properties that allowed them to not only channel magic but also nullify it. It was an extremely valuable material. However, their shortages were also due cause that those kinds of minerals were usually developed inside the body of full-grown dragons, so getting them required usually to kill a dragon to extract it from the inside of its belly.

-It's exciting, I'd read about this festival, but I never thought I could see one with my own eyes- Clover said smiling.

-We happy too, yes, yes, yes. We think that festival not to be carried out because of war, no, no, no- said the zebra swayed vigorously.

-I am also happy that the conflict was finally over- the sand-colored unicorn agreed.

-this been the first time that tribe united since war, yes, yes, yes. Me happy to enjoy this moment, yes, yes, yes- replied the Zebra by jolly wagling from front to back.

-My name is Clover- the sand-colored unicorn said extending her hoof a friendly smile firmly on her face.

-Shayla. Me pleasure of meeting horned pony- replied the zebra by taking Clover’s hoof with both of her hooves shaking vigorously the unicorn's leg from top to bottom with surprising speed.

-Ho-Horned… pony?- replied the sorcerer. Her face completely surprised by the words of the zebra, which had taken her completely by surprise.

The zebra stopped shaking the unicorn and pointed to the horn that stood proudly from the forehead of the unicorn’s head.

-Oh, I understand- Clover said -But I'm not a horned pony darling, I am a unicorn- said Clover, laughing lightly.

-Uni… horned darling yes, yes, yes- Clover simply rolled his eyes, mentally face-hoofing -Me not having horn but always wanting one. Me imagine using horn to draw, brushes too thick to make thin end lines, no, no, no- continued the zebra while pulling out from her saddlebags a small case. Inside was a small collection of brushes, there were different types, most of which appeared to have been manufactured by the zebra herself thought all of them looks really amazing, each one has a unique form and shape and all of them were well preserved.

-It seems to me that you have much more varied brushes than any other artist I have ever met before- Clover said, amazed by the varied and undeniably valuable collection of brushes.

-Thank you, Shayla happy you like them- the zebra said by closing the case and returning it back inside her saddlebags.

Gradually the zebras began to gather on the periphery of the road. The Princess of the Sun took one of the drinks offered to her by a young zebra.

-Wine?- the princess said after tasting the drink.

-We find some fruits in the forest that allow us to make it, it's sweeter than the wine that I suppose, your majesty is used to, yet I hope you like it- Kendall said.

-Oh of course it is, to tell you the truth I love sweet things, I guess that's something that sets me much apart from my sister she prefers bitter tastes- she said, scratching the back of her head with her helmet.

-However, you are very similar too- the zebra replied, looking Celestia in the eye.

-Mmmmm?- said the monarch looking out of her wooden jar.

-You both have a generous soul, strong hearts and great love- Kendall replied -but even the wisest goddess, with the most athletic body and the most loving soul, can be as fragile as a porcelain mug- the zebra continued without taking its gaze away from the deity of the sun.

Celestia looked back inside her jar where the figure of the moon was reflected on the surface of her wine.

-It is good to be strong and not to show weakness in the face of others and to bottle up our feelings from those we lead, but if you do not have someone with whom you can share those problems, they may end up spilling at some point-

Celestia said nothing more, her gaze remained fixed on the inside of her jar, her mind in deep thoughts as she analyzed the tribal chief's words. Despite being one of the rulers of the kingdom, there were certainly many things that she still needed to learn.

The sound of the drums brought her back to the present. Celestia looks up and quickly get hypnotized by what she witnessed.

A group of zebras dressed in an extremely sensual ceremonial costumes advanced along the cobbled path. The zebras had drawn runes on their fur and some intense red translucent color silk skirts covered their flanks. The two-piece suit was covering perfectly the slender figure of the zebras, in their legs they wore beautiful gold bracelets, their necks were adorned with fire ruby necklaces.

The zebras carried weapons to which they danced with precise and perfectly calculated movements, some scimitars with engraved leaves that glowed reflecting the light of the torches’ flames placed along the way were combined in a dance along with the long spears that some other female zebras deftly manipulated.

The music rose in intensity as Zephora emerged from the flames of the huge campfire, her attire was identical to that of her companions except her weapons which seems to be made of pure fire. Zephora was rocking the flanks as she held her weight on her hind legs, she began dancing surrounded by her companions.

Zephora’s scimitars made contact with her companions weapons firing sparks of colors, their hooves skillfully manipulating the weapons as they spind and pirouettes along the cobbled path. Zephora gracefully dodged the deadly swords and the sharp spears that threatened to catch up with her at any moment. Each move was perfectly calculated, every extension of her body swayed as if she were under a spell. The rhythmic movements of her hips seemed to enchant the audience who remained in complete silence, watching the show. Even Celestia and Clover were completely breathless.

Zephora arched her back low until her hooves swayed on her back following the beat of the drums, with a quick turn of her legs she stood transforming her scimitars into a pair of whips also made of pure fire. With movements of her hooves, she continuously making the flame whips dance around her.

Slowly she approached Kendall followed by her comrades, she moved her flanks dancing with her whips around her creating waving forms of light around her, at all times accompanying the rhythm of the music avoiding missing the rhythm.

Finally in a fast movement Zephora create a burst of fire that enveloped her before quickly concentrating between her hooves which she lift hoof-clapping in the air and causing an explosion that spread around while the music abruptly stopped.

The audience cheered enthusiastically at the presentation of the zebras, Kendall stood up and approached Zephora kissing her with passion and desire.

The music again began to play this time with a much wilder rhythm as the zebras began to look for a partner.

Clover was taken by surprise when Shayla took her hoof and began dancing with her joining the zebras that quickly began to invade the area. Shayla’s movements were extremely sensual, and Clover couldn’t avoid get a little blush. For reasons Clover couldn't comprehend an intoxicating sensation began to invade her whole body. Her mind suddenly began to lose all sense of sanity at an alarming rate as other sensations quickly began to take her lead.

Celestía immediately notice the strange sensation that began to be weighted from her being, as she watched the more adult zebras withdraw from the place followed by the infants.

It only takes a second for the main tent and the road surrounded by torchfires to be completely lost in the sea of zebras that danced glued to each other rubbing their bodies against each other, they pump their flanks to each other ones and started nuzzling each other.

“What's wrong with me?” Clover wondered a little alarmed unable to stop the growing sensation.

At some point she had lost complete mind control while her body took control over her actions. She felt Shayla's eyes perch on her, as if she were devouring her just her gaze. The zebra took her from the waist running down her neck with her snout, from top to bottom and back inhaling deeply the aroma of the unicorn.

Clover felt her breathing accelerate and her heartbeat increase, her whole body was on fire specially her crotch which was reaching critical levels and it took her all her mind power to focus her thoughts.

-Me love the celebration of the autumn fire dance, yes, yes, yes- whisper Shayla in the ear of the sand-colored unicorn whose cheeks were redder than before.

Clover felt the zebra's hooves travel through her belly drawing small circles on her fur by using the tip of her hoof. Unable to understand what was going on Clover became involved in a different dance, she felt the earth behind her, as the zebra began to invade her mouth using her tongue. The kiss was deep, Shayla's tongue made its way through Clover's wet cavity as the sorcerer received it with frenzy and an uncontrolled desire.

Celestia remained in place, watching stunned what was happening. She looks around, the music had wrapped the place with a rhythm that aroused in it very little modest sensations. In fact, if it were not by her will and self-control, she was sure she had thrown herself into the sea of zebras several minutes ago. She looks after Clover and her guards but was unable to find them, the sounds enveloped her ears and her senses began to be a little wilder each second.

Unable to hold for much longer Celestia began to advance towards the sea of zebras when a hoof perched on her shoulder. Her eyes met Zephora's eyes who beckoned her to tell her to follow her. Somewhat frustrated but in turn relieved by her inability to meet her needs at the time, she set out to accompany the zebra as if she were still under some kind of trance, her gaze was following attentive the movement of the zebra's flanks.

Clover had stopped caring about the situation. Her body urgently demanded that she fulfill her deepest desires. She deposited a couple of bites on the neck of colorful mane zebra delighting in the taste of her flesh, not knowing how it had happened they were completely naked at the time, except for the bracelets and necklaces shayla was still wearing any other ornament had abandoned the zebra’s body. Clover’s hood was secure under her as she could still feel the cloth rubbing her back, but it was obvious that she did not carry it buttoned around her neck anymore as the familiar feeling of its weight had completely vanished.

Shayla again caught Clover’s lips while their tongues engaged in a battle to get the control. Clover wrapped Shayla with her hooves stroking the colorful zebra’s flanks with desire. She felt the softness of the zebra's fur under her hooves, the firmness of her skin and the incredible sensation of her butt cheeks when she pressed them. Clover gets into an absolute desire to gain the knowledge this situation offered her. She traveled with her hooves each curve of the zebra, from her chest to the base of her tail, making sure to completely memorize every tiny detail of her.

A sensation suddenly shuddered when the zebra's hooves began to massage her crotch. Clover could feel the moisture escaping from his flower with every up and down movement that the zebra was running. The electrifying sensation forced her to squeeze Shyla’s butt with greater desire, while depositing one of her hooves at the bottom base of Shayla’s tail. She felt the warmth of the zebra's body under her touch, a warmth as great as the one she felt in her own body at the time.

Shayla turned around exposing her sex to the delight of the unicorn who without wasting any more time began to taste every corner of the crazy zebra. Shayla in turn returned the favor immediately by inserting her long tongue inside Clover cherry. The feeling was completely new to Clover, feeling that strange object invading her insides caused her some strange and extremely strong sensations that traveled all along her hind legs making them shudder of pure delight. She really couldn’t fully understand what was happening. Of course, Clover knew all about reproductive methods, ‘Cause she had read all about the topic, but she had never experienced any of them and much less with and other female creature. However, her body seemed to know perfectly well what was happening and how to respond correctly at the time as every movement was perfectly in sync with Shayla's own moves.

Unconsciously Clover began wagging her flanks from top to bottom following Shayla's tongue movements. Invaded by the sensations of pleasure she experienced she clung tightly to the hind legs of the zebra holding her flanks tightly in a strangler hug trying desperately to suck Shayla’s juicy spot rubbing her muzzle against the zebra’s clit.

The unicorn tastes the flesh and juice of the zebra that lay over her, occasionally gave small bites to her clitoris releasing loud moans escaping from Shayla mouth, her tongue traveled down the lower and upper lips of the zebra in an attempt to leave no small space untasted. The flavor intoxicated her, and the smell of her sex juices made her increasingly crazy.

Around her she could hear the cries of pleasure of those around them, as the music continued to play down and up.

The sensation peaked when an electric current forced her to stretch each of her limbs, while feeling like the magic charge of her body was concentrating on her horn making it glow with an extremely intense light. The cry of the zebra was not made to wait as Clover felt her own face being bathed by a warm liquid that seemed to have no smell. A few moments later Shayla fell on her side breathing heavily.

Clover joined her with some slowness in search of the zebra's gaze, as they crossed gazes again, the flame inside her ignited once again. Without any doubt, that night would be one neither of them would forget.

Celestia took a seat inside the Zephora tent, much to her regret she was having a hard time keeping her desires under control.

-This celebration can be overwhelming at times. Though I’m pride you could have restrained your desire- the zebra said while she offered the princess more wine.

Celstia just gave her jar levitating it near the zebra.

-I have to admit I wasn't ready for that feeling- the sun said in a nervous voice still blushing.

-Of our race a sacred ritual is, and therefore it is not common to see-

-Yes, I suppose it would be uncomfortable for you to do this kind of ritual surrounded by other creatures-

-Oh, no- said the zebra taking the princess's jar and filling it again -Our tribe has no shame. However, we know pretty well, there are not so many ponies as openminded to understand- answered Zephora offering the jar to Celestia.

-I guess you're right, I don't think others see it right either— the zebra just nodded while drinking another sip of its own jar full of wine.

After a pause that allowed her to order her ideas, the deity of the Sun spoke once again.

-I know that what I ask of you and your tribe is more than you should do for me, but I hope you understand that my concern for Luna is the only reason I've asked you to do this-

-We are glad you ask for us to help you, do not forget we will always be there for you –

-I know, but that doesn't stop me from feeling that I abuse your goodwill Zephora-

-Great risk I sense is true, but fate cannot be mocked by you- the zebra replied.

-Did you manage to investigate Sombra’s spell?- asked the deity with a serious tone.

-From dark feelings his magic feeds and the greatest it is, the deepest into the dark the caster gotta be. If the princess was infected by a spell like this, her hearth into the shadows musn’t be-

-You really think Sombra’s magic has affected her?-

-Your concern we understand, so under surveillance you two are now-

-I understand, so you are not sure yet- the white pearl alicorn took a sip of her wine before continuing -Please Zephora, I’m counting on you. I have already assigned a team that will be protecting her. They are her friends so their presence will not bother Luna at all, but I count on you and your tribe as they have a greater experience with dark magic than any other who I had the pleasure of known-

-The young princess we will protect, for you our lives will risk… The dark spell will be analyzed , as soon as I get the answer we need, we’ll let you know of it your majesty- said Zephora bowing at her.

-That's all I can ask for- Celestia said, returning the bow.

-It is always a pleasure to help you, it is worth for the future too- replied the zebra with a smile, -Here you can rest, tomorrow a long day you will face. But if you wish you can come along with us, it’s up to you- Zephora said as she made her way out of the tent.

-While the offer is tempting, it is best for me to rest, there are still many things to attend once I came back to Canterlot before Luna moves back into the old castle-

-It’s okay, there's nothing to be afraid, I'll see you tomorrow once again- the zebra replied before leaving. Celestia just wave at her friend.

-Oh dear sister I hope I don't make a mistake with all of this- the solar princess said as she finished her wine jar before going to bed.