Zecora's Return

by Ekhidna

First published 22nd of January, 2021

Zecora, feeling that she's learned all she could from the Everfree, she decides to return to her tribe in Zebrica.

Zecora has decided to return to her old tribe in Zebrica after spending several years learning the secrets of the Everfree to further improve her skills as a Shaman. While she loved her homeland, she wasn't as attracted to the traditional lifestyle as her sisters or friends at the time before her departure, but with her new skills and power, she could share the benefits with her kind of opening more to the world.

Luckily for her, she won't fight alone and maybe, perhaps, get something more.

This is a multi-chapter commission for Darthjacob!

This story contains: public depictions of casual exposure, spread anuses and pussies along with bald tails, heads, and shaven eyebrows for traditional reasons, olfactophilia/osmolagnia, and fairly romantic, vanilla sex. You have been warned, enter at your own peril.

*If you are feeling generous you can buy me a Ko-Fi! or leave something on my tip Tip Jar!

Chapter 1

The sun shining brightly in the sky, the warm winds blowing everywhere making the grasslands dance in its wake, the dusty aroma of a land that was home to strange peoples with strange customs and even stranger affiliations. A land that once, long ago, ensured that only the brutal, the cunning, and the deceitful could survive but that had been tamed into a new prosperous, albeit isolated nation.

Zebrica.

For many, Zebrica was a dry, scorching land that, while fertile, was not worth bothering with. For others, it was a beautiful landscape filled with life, danger, and adventure.

For Zecora, it was the home she had left many years ago to pursue her dreams. But now that she had accomplished that goal, it was time to go back home, if only for a little while. As she approached the outskirts of her tribe, she could see the farmlands being tended and the animals being tended for their produce. Removing her cloak, she instantly got a few curious glances and her share fair of stares as she advanced, but they weren’t malicious or petty.

Arriving at the gates of her tribe, the guards instantly moved to intercept her.

“Halt, who goes there?” One of the guards asked.

“A weary traveler that has come from a faraway land. One that seeks shelter, food, and a place to rest, not stand,” Zecora replied, smiling at the guards.

“P-Pardon us, Shaman!” The guards instantly backed down and bowed to her in utmost respect. “We were unaware we would be receiving the visit of a Shaman this day. Are you perhaps here to visit Shaman Zhilia?” As he asked that question, the gates were opened.

She nodded. “Indeed I have, for a long time has passed without seeing her face. And, if I’m lucky, I can meet my father without giving chase,” she said.

“Holy Spirits… Zecora?” Another guard said, making the others murmur. “Is it really you, Zecora?”

“A long time has passed and my name still rings in your tongue? How fortunate I am to have a friend standing here from the time I was young,” she giggled. “Hello, Fior, how are you doing in your life? I hope it has been good and that you’ve found a wife.”

“O-Oh! Yes, yes! You honor me, Shaman! I mean, Zecora! I mean… errr, yes, thank you I have a wife and three wonderful offspring!” Fior exclaimed, elated beyond belief. “I can’t believe that you would remember my name after all this time, Zecora. Sir, may I escort the Shaman to her household?”

“You may. It is good to see you again, Zecora. And now, you’re a Shaman through and through. I can feel the power you carry,” the first guard said, bowing his head again in respect.

Zecora nodded, offering the guards a smile while Fior signaled her to follow him. Taking his kind gesture of friendship, she stepped past the gates of her tribe, the Spirit Seekers Tribe, and her heart throbbed with an unfamiliar dread. For a moment she considered turning back and return to her home in the Everfree forest, but the momentary fear was extinguished almost as soon as it appeared.

With a steady pace, the duo walked through the ample streets where Zecora could see how much things have changed and how much things remained the same since her departure. There were stalls filled with the normal production of the tribe: masks, pots, ceramics, small statues representing several types of spirits, various decorations, some metalworks like jewelry and rings, and a limited variety of foods. What was new, however, were the cleary imported Equestrian goods that some stalls were selling.

“I see Zebrica has been opening its borders more since my departure long ago. Pray tell, my old friend, has this change come with any lingering woe?” She asked, curiously.

“Not at all. Prince Zhamir has pushed for further cooperation with Equestria for years now. I don’t know the full details, lowly tribe’s guard that I am, but it has been a tough fight for him, that much I can tell you, but his successful politicking show in those stalls all over Zebrica. They are quite popular, especially the anal-dock rings and the see-through plugs. My wife uses a ring and I couldn’t be happier!” Fior answer, his cock unsheathing itself at the thought of his lovely wife’s bottom.

Zecora didn’t pry any further and merely hummed in approval, knowing full well the ever-shifting fashion senses in Equestria, though she was happy to hear that her adoptive home did its research on what could appeal to her homeland the best.

As they continued to walk, she noticed mares, all of them bald with the exception of the young foals, and with their anuses and pussies spread wide and exposed thanks to ritualistic rings to keep them that way. Some stallions were courting mares, others were mounting their wives or beloveds right there and there in the middle of the street. The more they approached the household of her parents, the more familiar faces she came across, all of them greeting her and she did the same with polite nods and smiles, thanking their pleasantries in kind.

Zecora felt a sense of regret upon seeing many foals running and playing, couples showing their love, and her people working hard to build a better, brighter tomorrow. But that was replaced by joy upon seeing her old household, much, much bigger than she remembered it being.

“Well, Zecora, this is as far as I come. A gentle breeze may follow your path, blessed Shaman,” Fior said, bowing his head in respect. “It was good to see you again.”

Zecora nodded, offering her old foalhood friend a nod before he moved away, likely returning to his post. Taking the rest of the steps on her own, she stood in front of her home’s door. Like the vast majority of the houses, it was round and vast, having a nice area around it to allow a small private garden or a play zone for foals. Judging by the new size of the house she grew up in, it had expanded at least twice its original size and added a second floor on top of it; quite the rarity amongst her tribe but not unfeasible for those wealthy enough to afford it.

Knocking at the door, she heard the clamoring of many hooves before a sweet, young voice called.

“Who is it?”

“A visitor from a faraway land. Open now, before my hooves turn to sand,” she talked back and could hear a gasp followed by the door locks clanging open to then let the wooden barrier part and reveal a small, young filly. “Hello there, little one. Is this the house I seek for you to stand in stun?”

“MOOOOMMA! Moooomma! Big sister Zecora is here!” She cried out, tears forming in her eyes as she darted inside the house.

Zecora let herself into her old household and admired its beauty. Only then she realized it was virtually identical to her house in the Everfree. She smiled upon seeing the welcoming masks, especially the one representing familial unity and below it a cacophony of pictures of the family she left behind. Some faces she recognized but there were a lot more that she did not. Her attention was shifted elsewhere when she heard several hoofsteps running towards her. The first thing she saw was a small sea of foals of various ages running around an older but beautiful mare, her mother.

As they approached, she noticed that her sisters and mother were all bald, both their heads and tail lacking any hair unlike hers, but her two youngest sisters lacked the anal rings that kept them exposed, since they were still too young to attend their ritual. Her brothers were starting to show their power and growth, becoming handsome males. The only ones not present were her oldest brother and her father. As if invoking them, they appeared from the same path her mother and younger siblings had, both of them looking strong and dirty.

“Do mine eyes deceive me and are you a mirage? Zecora, my dear, is it really you that assaults my heart with such barrage?” Her mother asked.

“It is me, indeed, dearest mother. Although, if you wish, I can leave again if you were expecting another?” Zecora offered in a teasing tone, making her mother laugh and then close the distance between them so they could hug and nuzzle each other. It was then that Zecora got the first whiff of her mother’s stinky musk after several years of absence. It wasn’t a bad kind of stinky either, just potent and quite pungent. Her short fur was bright and shiny thanks to the solutions to keep her head that way and stinky, too.

As they stepped back, ending their hug after a minute or two, Zecora noticed her mother’s bald tail, also shiny and carefully kept just as much as her head. As it was tradition, she also lacked eyebrows. She didn’t need to see it but she knew full well her asshole and pussy were spread wide and the slight stench she got from them was proof enough.

“Mamma, mamma, why auntie Zecora no has gaping pussy or bum-bum?” A little bald filly, about eight years old, asked pointing at her behind. It was only then that Zecora noticed her three siblings she knew, all younger than her, had also arrived and her oldest sister stepped up.

“Because she was far, far away, honey. She was working hard to become the greatest Shaman in Zebrica and couldn’t prepare to be a wife like other mares,” she replied, stepping forth. “It’s good to see you, Zecora.”

“I say the same, dearest Kossal, such a long time it has been. I see you have been busy, with a foal that comes to glean!” Zecora chanted, picking the filly and kissing her cheek. Since she was already eight, classes on how to become a good wife in the future had started and that meant that her mane and tail had been shaven. Letting the filly down, she counted the number of foals and turned to her sister. “How many of these darling jewels are yours? Even I doubt that our parents can create so many behind closed doors.”

“Three are mine, two others belong to Manali, and a final one belongs to Shusheki. Some of our brothers also have foals, but their wives are at home. We were here for a friendly family visit!” Kossal replied before turning to the side, flickering her tail to properly reveal her gaping, stinky holes. “Do you remember Fior? He’s my husband now!”

“Treachery and deceit! He never told me you were his wife! I met him on my arrival and he escorted me so I met no strife!” Zecora replied. There was some laughter and then Zecora noticed her sister’s swaying belly. She didn’t need to say anything as Kossal felt her gaze on her.

“Yes, my husband can be quite playful and mischievous. As you can see, I’m already expecting another one of his foals,” she let out a heavenly sigh and rubbed her growing stomach. “I love getting pregnant and I love giving birth to my adorable foals. Being a mother is the best thing in my life.”

“Same here,” another sister said. “Being a housewife and a mother full-time is so fulfilling. And the busiest job there is! Honestly, mother, how can you take care of so many foals now?” Their mother merely giggled in response.

“And here!” The youngest of the adult and married sisters said. “I can’t wait to be a mother again~,” she said through a fierce blush.

“I’ll bring my little tykes tomorrow, Zecora! You’re gonna love your nephews and niece!” One of her brothers exclaimed.

“Ha, piss off! Big sis is going to see my kid first, don’t shun me just because I just got married last year and only have one foal!” Another one countered.

Zecora laughed and then moved to hug her family, one by one, from the smallest foal and ending with her older brother and father. As she hugged her beloved father and brother, she couldn’t help but find it amusing how different things on Zebrica were compared to Ponyville and Equestria at large. Some similarities were shared, as they didn’t show any harm on public sex nor did they mind mares showing off their bits, but it wasn’t a social norm or tradition to be exposed as mares did on Zebrica. In her mind, she preferred the lifestyle in Equestria, where mares were the dominant sex but everyone, male or female, had the same liberties, chances, and obligations, which were jarring to her at the start (even if ponies tended to be a bit sheltered and cowardly on occasion.

“Have you come looking for a suitor and give me grandfoals, or is your visit just that, a visit?” Her father asked, kissing her cheek in the process. “Gods above, look at you, Zecora. All grown up and a full-fledged Shaman. You make your father proud, my striped princess.”

“Many travels and many trials I have faced during my time in Equestria, father. My knowledge did not come free and my life was at stake, near making me fother. But now I’ve returned, armed and prepared to help my family, people, and home. I may stay or I may leave again-” she stopped for a moment, memories flashing before her eyes before she continued. “- but I will do my best so that Zebrica may rise as ocean foam.”

“Powerful you are, my lovely child, far more than I or any other Shaman before on the widespread of our nation. I can sense it, see it, and taste it, you should stay and serve under the King’s rule and secure your station. No other mare has had such strength or the air of a king to whisper truths and aid, your trip to Equestria has served you more than anything you could find here by trade,” her mother finally spoke up, praising her daughter as tears formed on her eyes. “Long ago you left us, a mere child, rebellious, thirsty of not tradition but of knowledge! Now you return, the fruits of toils present in your aura, this I acknowledge,” she finished by doing a respectful bow that caused everyone to gasp in surprise.

“Mother, please, do not bow before me! No mother should ever do so before a daughter!” Zecora said in a panic, forgetting to rhyme as she too felt like crying.

“Shush, all of you, impudent children!” Her mother said, not with anger but with mirth. “I see no daughter in front me, not now, not hidden. I only see a mare, a true Shaman; beautiful and powerful like the jaws of a caiman,” she said.

Zecora looked at her mother, the gorgeous adult mare in front of her. The same mare that had birthed her when she was only nineteen, that had already birthed her older brother, and that had now birthed all of her siblings. Four were them when she left and now eight they were on her return, she could tell; the smell of her mother marked on them. She wished to weep and cry, but her desire to learn and become the most powerful Shaman in the history of Zebrica was greater than the love she had for her country and tribe… greater still for the love of her life.

The roots had been taken when she was only eight and her lesson of the household and how to be a wife about to start. She had rejected them outright in favor of helping her mother in her work and learning from her to be a Shaman; the magic, the mystery, and the power beckoning to her. She had learned, fast and swift, and had left her home behind at a mere fourteen years of age for Equestria, to continue her studies in isolation in the land where magic and the Spirits were strongest in the world. Her parents never complained and aided her decision… even her beloved helped her, giving her a memento to remember him by; her golden ring necklace, a symbol of his love and of hers as well.

She rushed to hug her mother once more, glad to be back now that her mission was over, at least, for the time being. Then, suddenly, a desperate knock was heard and Zecora let go of her mother, silently going to answer the call. Upon opening the door, she found a tall, handsome stallion with piercing purple eyes. His breath was ragged and some sweat could be seen running down his handsome face. Behind him, a small patrol of Kingsguard stood at the ready, confused evident on their faces.

Then, they blinked as they stared into each other’s eyes.

“Zecora…”

“Zhamir…”

Chapter 1 End.

Author's Notes:

Special thanks to anyone that read this!

Chapter 2

The Shaman and the Prince stared into each other’s eyes for what felt like eons. Aquamarine meeting vibrant purple as their very breaths were stolen from them. It wasn’t until the older Shaman spoke that they realized their position.

“It seems that our presence isn’t required now. Everyone, please, let’s move from here to avoid standing like a cow,” Zecora’s mother said, unable to contain the humor and joy in her voice. The rest didn’t protest and obeyed the order of the wise Shaman, leaving Zecora and Zhamir alone.

“May… may I come in?” Zhamir asked after a minute of silence.

Zecora nodded, a knot tied in her throat prevented her from speaking but she stepped aside, giving him access to her parent’s home. He quickly made his way inside and sat on one of the comfortable leather couches.

“So the rumors were true… you’re back, Zecora,” Zhamir said, not wishing to beat around the bush. “When I heard the gossip about a certain Shaman returning, one who wasn’t bald of head or tail nor exposed, I knew it had to be you.”

“Many moons have passed since our parting eleven years ago, Zha--My Prince. I am curious that you are here and not in the capital, where you’ve dwelled ever-since,” Zecora asked, sitting in front of him.

“Royal business, actually. Nothing more than a happy coincidence, I assure you,” he smiled widely, unwilling and unable to contain his merriment. “Or maybe a sign of the Spirits and Fate itself?”

“The work of the Spirits it is not, for I do not hear their song. Of Fate, the shrewd mistress, there’s no telling if it right or wrong. With things as there are and strife as it were, what brings you to this, my childhood home? I’m sure there are more important subjects requiring your attention unless you are now free to roam?”

“In a sense. I’m in no rush for the throne and I’d rather let any of my brothers take it from my hooves. But they all think I’m the best suited for it. I’d rather live comfortably and marry a beautiful mare whom I can fill with many beautiful foals,” he admitted.

“A charmer as always, I see. Do not joke or lie for my sake, my Prince, a handsome stud like yourself, unwed? I’d spill my tea!,” Zecora joked, despite ow much it hurt her heart to say those words, she had to face reality.

He grinned and blushed at the same time, trying to look imposing, strong, confident, but ended up looking cute, disheveled, and a bit shy. Clearing his throat, he stammered the first few words that came out of his mouth. “W-Well, f-funny you s-should mention that, yes. Ehem, Zecora… I’ve been waiting for you, just like I promised.”

“...Pardon?”

“I’ve been waiting for your return, my love,” he admitted. “It has been a rough and difficult wait, but finally, you’re here. You’ve returned to me, to us, to Zebrica,” his smile threatened to tear his face in half, but the sheer joy reflected on his eyes told the truth. “I see you still wear my memento,” he pointed at her neck-rings. “Pray tell, is that a sign that you have also waited for me, my love?”

“...You are foolish and childish, Zhamir, to have waited for me, not knowing if I would return? What can I offer you now that I’m past my years of abundant fertility have passed and I cannot provide the family you yearn?” Zecora asked, shocked, angry, surprised, happy, and flustered all at the same time.

“Perhaps. You wouldn’t believe how many mares have presented their stinky nethers to me. One time, the daughter of a high noble shaved her head right in front of me to express her love. It was a very touching moment and it broke my heart to reject it. But there is only one in my heart, and that one is you, Zecora,” leaning back, he relaxed. “But enough about me. Tell me, are you okay? Have you finished your training?”

Zecora, through a massive blush, nodded. She fought against her feelings for a few moments eventually managing to get a hold of herself. “Remember when we first met? We were young and full of energy, you were the first I knew that at your side I’d fear no fret. Little more than foals we were at the time, yet our parents never sought to pull us apart. A noble Prince and heir to the throne, the daughter of a renowned and respected Shaman whose fame was set in stone.”

Zhamir laughed. “I love your family and I deeply respect your mother, Zecora. She’s an extremely powerful Shaman and a close friend of my father,” he shook his head. “Those were the times without having to worry about the lives of our nation, the burdens of royalty, or so much politics! We were just foals and the best of friends,” he looked at her, intently. “You’d be a fantastic Head Shaman.”

Zecora shivered at the praise. Regardless of her actual role, the Queen had the honorary title of Head Shaman even if she wasn’t a Shaman herself. But it was part of the Queen’s duty to know all of their rituals to fulfill that job. The praise and unspoken implications of it did not elude her, though she doubted her beloved was trying to be subtle about it. “You were never one for subtly if my memory serves right. I’m glad that under that handsome exterior the same mischievous Zhamir remains bright.”

Reaching for two empty cups of tea, she smiled at Zhamir getting his attention. With a wave of her hoof, the cups were filled with hot, steaming tea. Zhamir nearly leaped from his seat at the demonstration.

“T-That shouldn’t be!” He stammered. “Spirits, Zecora, just how powerful have you become?” He asked, not in fear, but in awe.

Zecora closed her eyes, remembering all of her pleasant experiences in Equestria, all that she learned, and the friends she had made. “Extremely powerful the Spirits of Magic, Natura, Life, Death, and Harmony are in Equestria, my communion with them in that land was deep, ethereal. Many secrets I uncovered and many more are left to be seen, but my time in that land has come to a retreat, immaterial. What I have learned must be taught and passed in our land. Not to reject our past or knowledge, but further them with that which lies afar; to run, not stand.”

Zhamir jumped to his hooves, smiling widely. “I’m so happy to hear that! Zebrica is wonderful and I want the rest of the world to see its beauty and for Zebrica to see the wonderful beauty of the world as you have Zecora!”

She nodded. “I agree with your words, my charming Prince. I have heard rumors of your exploits, but what you want to achieve, your father, the King, you must convince.”

He sighed. “My father is wise and one of the greatest Kings Zebrica has had the joy to be ruled over by since Zhaka the Ambitious. But he is too hold up on traditions and fearful of the outside world. There are dangers to be sure, but the wonders are so much more beautiful!”

“Ah,” she began, knowing where he was heading. “I understand what your intentions are. You wish for me to come to him and show him my power, to share my knowledge and let him see me like a shining star?”

“My love, you should know by now that no star could ever shine brighter than you,” he said in a flirtatious tone, smiling sheepishly at her.

Zecora blushed so hard she nearly fainted but after drinking her tea, she calmed down enough to continue. “Let’s say I agree with your plan and I travel with you to the capital to see the King, your father. What could I, a Shaman that left her homeland and has rejected our traditions to slake her ambition, offer him to make our land prosper?”

“Just be yourself, my love. Then, after you convince him, maybe… maybe you’ll allow me to court you?” He asked, for the first time losing his suave tone and charming attitude.

Zecora looked at Zhamir, her old flame, for long seconds. Gone was the charming prince; replaced by the stubborn, humble, and easy-going colt she fell in love with, her friend, and the stallion that had assaulted her dreams on countless nights. “...Perhaps… I can allow such a thing if we are to succeed? The fact remains, I am a mare, and thus must make a great deed.”

Zhamir nodded. “Father may be traditionalist, but he’s quite open-minded,” Zhamir went silent for a moment as he sat down again and leaned back taking a sip out of his tea. “I wonder how awful Zebrica would be now without Zhaka the Ambitious and his rise to power. We’d be little better than animals,” he scoffed, angrily, before swaying his head slowly in a sorry way. “Hard to believe it happened almost a thousand years ago, right? The record-keeping of those time was pathetic, but from what I’ve been able to piece together, Zhaka did it because he truly wanted things to change, not just out of fear that Celestia, Sun Goddess made Flesh, would strike Zebrica down as she had done with Nightmare Moon like most historians claim.”

“Those were dark times for mares and stallions alike, it must be said. Life was much harder, periful, dangerous to ours today, a challenge a day just to be fed. I’m sure they viewed their actions as logical, how could they not without knowledge of what we know today to be ethnological?” Zecora offered, not excusing the past but seeing through their position.

“Perhaps… but treating mares, the very pillar of our society and the stability of every home as little more than property and slaves? Barbaric! Praise be to Shaka the Ambitious! For he denoted the changes and the movements Zebrica needed to shine bright and stand proudly today!”

Zecora nodded in understanding. Thanks to her mother being a fairly powerful Shaman and also happened to be a friend of the Queen meant she was well known and respected in the court and, of course, often employed by the Royal Family for rituals of all sorts. She remembered bitterly for a moment when Zhamir had to leave for his pilgrimage, a rite of passage for all males to take; it was one of the motives why she found the strength to leave her home behind and go fulfill her dream of furthering the knowledge of being a Shaman. If he had not… maybe she would’ve stayed and, despite opposing the traditions, she would’ve gone through with them just for him, her love.

Shaking her head at the route her thoughts had diverged, she focused again on what he had said. And, again, thanks to her mother’s position within the Court, she was able to study many things, including history. She was appalled at how males used to treat mares almost a thousand years ago. Things to breed warriors, obey the males, and serve them as they saw fit. The very concept of marriage was alien to them as at any time a male could simply take any female he wished, impregnate her, and be done with it.

It was the great Zhaka the Ambitious, the ancestor of her beloved Zhamir, that had put an end to that after uniting all the tribes under a single banner and under his rule and created the nation of Zebrica. Or rather, the dream of the nation that one day would become Zebrica. He was remembered for many things, but his greatest achievement was when he outright made it illegal to treat mares and females badly.

And not only that, he implemented sweeping changes to the societal structure of tribes in one fell swoop. Now united and having to deal with minimal in-fighting, he gave out his reason and it was so simple but true no one could deny it. ‘Mares are the ones keeping the house standing, every stallion must give them the respect they deserve’. And thus, everything changed. Of course, there was opposition at first, but most supported their First King.

Slowly but surely things began to change over the years, decades, and centuries. Mares went from being slaves, to domestic caretakers, to household guardians, and finally to the pillars of society. ‘A happy home has a happy mare’ became the norm. Mares gained the freedom to wear what they wanted and in time even own and buy things that they wanted. Then came branching their occupation options outside mere housekeeping and gathering.

Some began to join the hunters as spotters, others took tanning, smelting, crafting, until, eventually, they could practically do any job they wanted in the current day. There were mares that served as soldiers and held official rankings, some tribes were ruled by mares, and other more stallion-dominated jobs. But the vast majority preferred roles that kept them close to their household, like helping their husband with whatever was their job by taking the menial tasks such as accounting, cleaning, balancing, secretary, and such. Other jobs became almost the sole domain of mares, such as nursing, education, and simple crafting.

Compared to the sheer levels of ignorance and limited existence mares had endured before Zhaka, it was a blessing they couldn’t be grateful enough for. But even so, nearly every mare, no matter their job (if they had one) almost universally leaned towards a more simple lifestyle of being a housewife, devoting themselves to help their husbands, get fucked, get pregnant, raise children, and contribute that way to society.

And unlike those horrid times, they weren’t forced to do it, as they simply enjoyed it. Perhaps it was due to the fact that marriage became a common practice, stallions stopped seeing mares universally as playthings and instead saw them as equals and lusted only after their chosen mate. But there was one role that not even before the times of Zhaka had changed, and that was being a Shaman. Once the only way for any apt enough mare to gain power and recognition was now a source of pride in which mares had a complete monopoly over, and not because there weren’t stallions that had tried to become Shamans, but it simply never worked, the Spirits never conveyed to them their secrets and communing was next to impossible for some unexplained reason.

But it didn’t matter as their once barbaric society had found itself in a near-perfect balance after almost a millennia since The Great Unification. Males occupied themselves with the heavier and most difficult aspects of society at all levels, occupying positions of leadership, manual labor, economy, and engineering. Females tended to the household, helped their husbands, took most positions of assistance, diplomacy, schooling, and, of course, spirituality.

“If it must be done, then I shall go with you to visit the King. But not now and not for some time; long my journey has been and I wish to spend time with my kin; give me some days to enjoy their company and I shall aid you in your quest and all the changes it may bring,” she replied.

“And after that… if we are successful, may I have permission to court you, my love?” Zhamir asked with a smile.

Zecora sighed and looked away, blushing fiercely. “I promise not what the future may be between us. All I can say is that… I do not oppose that that prospect can be a plus.”

Chapter 2 End.

Author's Notes:

Special thanks to anyone that read this!

Chapter 3

“And here we are, the Capital of Zebrica, Zhakalior, re-named after the first King, Zhaka the Ambitious. Even after all these years living in it and knowing every part of it, I still feel goosebumps whenever I look at it from a distance. An example of zebra ingenuity, power, might, and nobility,” Zhamir said, his voice filled with insurmountable pride.

Zecora agreed with a hum, mindful to not interrupt her beloved’s ruminating. She found it incredibly funny and charming how he still acted the same and said the exact same thing when entering Zhakalior, it was yet another reminder of their past relationship, everything they left behind, and what they had accomplished because of it.

Nevertheless, she was thankful for Zhamir’s thoughtful and understanding heart. He could’ve easily ordered her to go to the capital immediately to see the King, but he had allowed her as much time as she needed to reunite with her family, spend some time with them, and get to know her little brothers and sisters that she didn’t know she had, a bunch of nephews and nieces, and, of course, catch up with the rest of her older siblings.

With an entire week able dedicated to nothing but enjoy her time with her family and know how they were, she went to Zhamir to tell him that she was ready to go. Butterflies formed in her stomach at the mere thought of it; the Prince had retreated to his private chambers at the other side of the village just to accommodate her and give her all the time she wanted without making her feel pressured by his presence. The contingent of guards moved forth first, the line of travelers waiting to enter the city was huge but stepped aside upon witnessing their Prince.

Everyone bowed showing their respect and allowing the Prince and Zecora access to the city unhindered. As they approached, they spotted another group of guards making their way to the gates from down the busy main road. Once they were close enough, they came to a halt and the Captain of the formation bowed.

“Ah, my Prince, I was told of your arrival--” the Captain stopped when he spotted Zecora. “--m-mere moments ago by our lookouts. It is good to see you again, but it seems you are not alone?” He asked as politely as he could manage.

Zhamir noticed the captain’s hesitation but decided to let it slide as it wasn’t an everyday occurrence to see a grown mare with a mane, eyebrows, and tail unshaven. “Indeed I’m not. I met with my old friend and flame during my stay in her village by complete chance. This is Zecora, a most powerful and revered Shaman.”

“My apologies!” The Captain and every guard and soldier that didn’t belong to the Prince’s contingent bowed in respect towards Zecora. “Had I known that you were a Shaman, my lady, I would never have acted nor thought so rudely towards you!”

“It is of no concern. My forgiveness is not something that you must earn,” Zecora replied, feeling a bit ashamed and self-conscious of the attention she was getting.

The Captain sighed in relief before getting a grip of his composure again. “My prince, please, follow me, the King wishes to speak to you as soon as possible.”

“Is it for an emergency?” Zhamir asked.

“No, my Prince. His majesty merely wishes to see you again and while I have yet to meet with the Queen this day, I am sure she too wishes to see you’ve returned,” the stallion replied.

“Then there is no urgency to return to the castle just yet. It has been years since my beloved last saw the capital, I am sure she would dearly enjoy a stroll through its streets?” Zhamir suggested, glancing only slightly at Zecora.

Zecora gave him a small nod. In all honesty, she really did want to see the city, but if the King had summoned him then that took precedence over their desires. Then again, Zhamir had always been somewhat rebellious and more than rambunctious when it came to obeying his father than any of his siblings. Not only that, but she felt like she owed him the chance to play along after gifting her the chance to spend a week with her family.

Who was she to stop him if he wanted to treat their little venture as an unofficial date? She would’ve laughed at the clearness of his intent or maybe he made it so clear because he knew there would be no point in trying to cover it up. In either case, it worked and she felt her heart jump with joy for a moment.

“B-But the King has requested--”

“There you have it, I have been requested. Hence, since it is not a direct order, I can arrive at any time I desire or not at all. I see my father regularly. I haven’t seen my beloved in over a decade. I believe my father will agree who takes priority here,” Zhamir ended with a chuckle. “You may go and inform him of my decision, Captain.”

“At once, my Prince,” the Captain sighed. “And please, revered Shaman, enjoy your stay.”

With that said, the Captain and his contingent returned to the great castle standing atop in the center of the city. It lacked the impossible architecture of Canterlot, preferring a smaller but still beautiful, elegant, and prestigious house of power design, Zecora reasoned.

As they made their way into the city, a few scenes were starting to become common now that they were past the gates. Mares of various ages walked around with bulging bellies and having at least one little foal close with them. Some didn’t, indicating their stance as first-time mothers and others yet didn’t show any signs at all, having come out of a recent pregnancy or still too soon in the process for it to be noticeable.

One curious thing that Zecora did notice was the increased number of see-through dildos and buttplugs mares, mostly younger ones, were wearing. They were large enough to spread their anuses and pussies wide, letting anyone see their insides with the added bonus of not being a hindrance to spread their aromatic stinkiness. Equally without fail, she saw that all of them that noticed Zhamir bowed to their Prince in respect.

“Now, hold still, dearie,” a mother zebra said as her daughter, a filly old enough to have gone through her ritual of fertility but still young enough to still have her mane, was pressing her head against the ground and spreading her legs wide. All the while, the mother pushed a buttplug into her butthole.

“I-I think it’s too big, mommy,” the filly winced. Then, a second later it popped in. “uhhhh, that feels nice~ How does it look, mommy?”

“It looks perfect, my little angel!” The mother said proudly.

“Yaaaay! No way Kolori isn’t going to pay attention to me at school now!”

Zecora giggled but was surprised when she heard Zhamir chuckle, too. “Ah, young love. So fragile, so pure. Of course, you never had to do anything more than being yourself to captivate my heart, my beloved.”

“Your words of flatter are noted. Honey, sugar, and sweets, with them they seem to be coated,” Zecora replied, smirking and blushing in equal fashion. As they continued to advance, she didn’t miss the sad and heartbroken looks many young and available mares were giving them; no doubt the rumors about the Prince’s infatuation reaching every corner of Zebrica by now, a mere week after her arrival. So now seeing physical evidence of seeing him traveling with a mare was all the proof they needed.

She also noticed the weird looks and heard the murmuring voices of some of the onlookers, all of them directed at her. Most were harmless though a few were quite nasty… and all because she wasn't bald like them, because she wasn’t that traditionalist even despite the fact that she was a Shaman.

Eventually, they reached the busiest part of the city: the town square. Although comparing it to the town squares of Ponyville, Canterlot, or any other city across Equestria didn’t do it justice. In actuality, it was less of a town square and more of a conglomeration of several plazas divided into specific services. Most were dedicated to shopping, markets, stalls, and other trading businesses. One of which was rather interesting, as it was designated as the ‘Mare Beauty Plaza’. She knew of it but had never visited in the past. As they strolled through the various markets, deviating from his real destination, Zecora watched several posters all across the Mare Beauty Plaza.

Many were generic talking about creams, treatments, and even available jobs and careers fit for most simple-minded or busy mares. But there were a few that caught her attention the most. One depicted that happy mares were loyal and obedient to their husbands. Another one depicted in a rather direct way a mare with a gaping anus and pussy as cum leaked out of them both ‘A stinky, musky behind is the proof of servitude and inner beauty’. Yet another depicted a mare doing house chores and smiling widely under the slogan ‘A happy home has a happy wife. A happy wife is a dutiful mare’. Yet another flaunting her stinky bum and equally stinky bald head while below her, a list of herbs, oils, and prices on how to make them even more stinky and alluring to the stallions. One more showed a very young mare, barely out of fillyhood but heavily pregnant and smiling from ear to ear.

‘A mare’s duty is to give birth to more beautiful foals, take care of the house, help her husband, and raise them all properly. For what is more beautiful than a proud, pregnant mare?’ It read below it, a source of great pride for every mare inside the plaza.

But there was one that spoke to her the most. It was of a mare with large teats filled with milk as she fed two little foals. Below it there was a legend that read: ‘Being a mother is a pleasure only a worthy female can experience. Breastfeeding is something only we can do and we are rewarded with pleasure and the satisfaction of purpose. Be proud, get pregnant, and bring more children into our great Nation. For the future of Zebrica.’

They soon passed it, though the image lingered in Zecora’s mind for quite a while until they arrived at the Prince’s destination: the Couples Plaza. It was a large area dedicated to, as the name suggested, couples of all ages to come and have a typical date.

“I wish to bring you here on another occasion, my love,” Zhamir said, staring longingly at various couples chatting, kissing, and frolicking in various ways.

Zecora did a double-take upon hearing those words. “I am surprised you didn’t bring me here to have a date. I was sure that was your plan, if not, what’s the point of making the King wait?” She asked, her voice filled with curiosity while watching a stallion smelling the stinky bottom of his chosen mate and getting a visible erection because of it. Then again, most stallions in that plaza were in that same predicament as the overwhelming musky, stinky scent of so many mares mixed with the natural smell of the city itself and the other plazas made them incredibly horny. She knew public sex in most tribes far away from the capital and other major cities was a common thing, but not anywhere else as it brought with it a lot of troubles, and it was seen as rude to share such a display of passion in front of so many eyes.

“To show you what I want for us. What I wish to experience at your side. I want us to be a normal couple, not two royals seeking to backstab each other or a droll, boring date with the daughter of a noble that speaks nothing but politics, fashion, or the proper ways to be a mare. I have my mother and sisters for that kind of talk, hahaha!”

Zecora smiled, shaking her head. “Then I’m afraid you will find my talks more boring than the usual lot, my Prince. All I know is my trade, my secrets, and life far away from this, our home; you may find my words lacking proper quince.”

“But that’s exactly why I look forward to our dates once you give me permission to start courting you, my love! I want to know all about you! I want to know everything you’ve done and experienced during your travels in Equestria! I want to know more about ponies, their culture, their lives, how you interacted with them, and so much more! I want to know you, Zecora, my beloved, mu’lakazh eve’huen shika~”

Zecora’s face turned into a new shade of red after hearing him speaking the ancient language of the Shamans just to basically say--

“I love you with all my heart and soul, ruler of my desires,” he spoke in the common tongue now, and her heart soared once more.

“L-Let’s go meet your father and delay no longer! My mind is ablaze, so much to ponder! If I am to present myself to him, I must be at ease, calm of spirit, steady of heart. So shut your mouth and remain silent, beloved of my heart, for I cannot afford my focus to fall apart,” Zecora replied.

Zhamir laughed.

Chapter 3 End.

Author's Notes:

Special thanks to anyone that read this!