Deep within the Everfree.
Lives a Zebra inside a tree.
Safe inside her home of bark
she fears not the lonesome dark.

From a land so far away,
Zecora works while others play.
Her potions are like magic wild.
So come and say hello, my child.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:09, Wed 25 Apr 2012.

A rapping sounded on the wood of Zecora's door.
The voice of an Earth pony revealed the reason for:
"Zecora! Are you in? I rather need your help!
I heard you brew remedies; do you have any kelp?
Or a book on how magic works when you set it a-boil?
I have all the rest I need: tuna, booze, and foil!"

(The reason, if you're wondering, for the spoken rhyme,
Is that a TARDIS translates speech for the Lord of Time.)

Zecora glanced up from where she had been mixing up a potion for a pony in the nearby town of Ponyville. She wasn't expecting any visitors and she didn't recognize the voice. "Who is this outside my hut?" She made her way over to the door and opened it to reveal a brown earth pony. "A pony with a coat of rust, looking for a brew or two." She said, raising an eyebrow at the stranger who knew her name. Not really a surprising occurrence given her earlier notoriety with the denizens of Ponyville.

"You are always welcome inside my home." She stepped back to give her visitor room enough to enter. "You need a brew, a mix strange and new."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:24, Thu 26 Apr 2012.

"Oh, thank you muchly miss,
I think you can help me with this,"
The Doctor told the zebra mare.

He gratefully entered her door,
Paused to look at the décor,
And spoke to Zecora fair.


"Yes, indeed, I seek a mix,
To, perchance, my TARDIS fix!
Not sure if it'll work or not,
But what's the harm? Give it a shot!"

"Oh, I'm the Doctor, by the way,
Have we met before today?"

"Zecora is my name, herbalist is my trade.
A brew I'll mix which will render aid." She waved a hoof at the various reagents and potions spread out about her hut. She rubbed a hoof against her chin, trying to think if she knew what a Tardis was.
"Though I must confess.
A lack of knowledge I must address.
At your particular worry?
The cure is blurry."

She said, examining her various concoctions for anything that might fix a Tardis whatever that might be.
"As for your last question this is our first impression.
One in which we have both learned the others profession."

"Well... it's all rather complicated, innit?
I need a cure for my friend, but the problem? Can't quite pin it.
She's a space-time machine, see, but also quite alive.
But for some reason through time and space can't drive.
As I've lost the manual and have no place left to turn,
I figured I'd check here, see what something I could learn."

Case laid before Zecora, her answer he patiently sought.
Though hope was slim and data short, the Doctor truly thought,
That if anypony could help with this maintenance mystery,
'Twould be the neighbor to strangeness, living in the Everfree.

Zecora was in the process of moving aside some bottles of Star's Delight (To Put That Sparkle Back In Your Eye!) when the Doctor explained his problem. Turning around carefully to face him she blinked slowly several times, completely nonplussed by that statement.
"A space-time machine that's quite alive?
But for some reason through time and space can't drive."

She shook her head, mouth opening and closing several times before finding her ability to speak after repeating such an outlandish claim.
"You seek a brew to fix this machine?
I think you've had to much caffeine.
A machine capable of what you claim?
I think would have much acclaim.
Yet no tales have reached my ears.
Your tale is not what it appears.
Now no more tricks or games or jokes.
Tell me why you're here you pony folk."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:24, Thu 26 Apr 2012.

"I... but... TARDIS... fix..." The Doctor stammered at Zecora's rebuke.
"I'm not here for childish kicks," He added then, "And not a kook."
He paced about the tree-house, ingredients forgotten at the door.
"It's just, I thought perhaps someone who's seen more
       of the strangeness of life could believe my tale.
But it seems at that I've failed.
I'm sorry to bother you, Miss,
I meant you no ill, I insist.
If you'd prefer that I go,
I understand, completely so.

It was nice to meet you for the first time."

The dejected stallion made to take his leave.

Zecora listened to the strange pony, he certainly sounded sincere about what he was saying. She had to admit, that given all that she'd seen and heard about in the strange land of Equestria that it wasn't truly outside the realm of possibility. Just because she hadn't heard of it yet didn't mean it didn't exist. Maybe next time you will take a second look, and not judge the cover of the book. Her own words floated back into her head, shaming her a bit that she'd done the exact same thing.

"Wait my pony friend, I did not mean to offend.
Please allow me to amend.
You came to seek my aid, but have found yourself dismayed.
The fault is mine I'm afraid, but with a chance to persuade?
A better impression, no more aggression.
Please excuse my transgression.
What was your question?"

She offered a sincere smile with a small bow, hoping the Doctor would forgive her.

The Doctor slowed down, attempting to explain himself better.

"What I mean is, my TARDIS, my friend,
Is broken or sick, and I seek to mend
Her ability to move 'cross time and space,
For I can't spend too long in one place.
I heard from other ponies that you're clever and kind,
And so the thought sprang into my mind:
If you knew a brew that can make wishes come true,
You might be able to help, and so my hearts flew,
And I gathered up some things that might help the potion:

A small bit of foil, to breach the notion,
Her metal of being, and string-spinning motion.
A bottle of spirits, for mine she can raise,
She's my truest companion, all of my long days.
And finally, for her tech (like the Sonic),
I brought a fork that sings her harmonic.

With these and a base, perhaps of seaweed,
I thought we would have ev'rything you might need."

Zecora frowned as she pondered this rather unique problem. Unfortunately, she was pretty confident that nothing she had could help a machine.
"I'm afraid you've been misinformed.
Such a task I can't perform.
A cure for the mind can be designed.
A brew to make the body more refined.
A salve to soothe the soul can be assigned.
All three can even be combined."

She said, giving the doctor a helpless little shrug.
"With all of these, a common theme.
They all play for the same team.
A cure for one so unique?
You must continue to seek.
Potions, salves and brews will not help.
Nor I'm afraid will kelp."
She explained to the doctor, nothing she had could help something made out of metal.

"Oh."
The Doctor's ears drooped once more, but this time in disappointment.
He pondered his predicament, and kicked idly at the wooden floor.

"I'm grateful even so,
And I've one last thing to know:
Would you perchance have met
Anypony could help me yet?

Though I've been through Ponyville
I've ne'er had a chance to chill,
And meet some ponies face-to-face.
And thus to you I, ah, made my case."

Zecora considered the Doctor's question, wondering if there was anypony around who knew how to fix machines. A rather complicated one from the sounds of it. The only one she could think of was Twilight Sparkle, and even that was a stretch.
"There is a pony who could assist.
A cunning mare we could enlist.
Her knowledge is second to none.
Though on this she might be undone.
Her realm is the arcane.
So she might abstain.
But even still, we can seek her help."
A wry smile as she looked at the doctor.
"Even if she does not offer kelp."

She walked to the door, motioning for the Doctor to join her.
"It has been to long since I saw my friend.
This is something I must amend.
But before we go, a question if I may.
A niggling thought, to rest I must lay.
You've been through Ponyville,
yet had no chance to "chill".
Yet you knew my name and my trade.
How was this knowledge made?"

Chipper once more at Zecora's offered hope,
The Doctor quickly ceased to mope.
Though his expression still held doubt,
And a frown formed on his snout.

"The arcane, you say? Magic and spells?
I'm afraid that won't do very well.
Voodoo, tricks, and hocus-pocus,
Don't mix well with TARDIS-locus.
Still, other options are few,
And I wouldn't mind traveling with you.

"Though Ponyville is not that far,
The Everfree is where we are,
And critters live in here that bite,
Or do other horrible things that might,
Cause all sorts of uncomfortableness
(That I would rather give a miss).

"How I know your name and vocation,
And your tree-house's location,
Is a rather simple rhyme:
I met you in a future time."

With that the stallion turned to leave,
Without thought for logic aggrieved.

To Ponyville Town Square! Allons-y! --->

Zecora opened and closed her mouth, that was most certainly not the answer she had expected. Still, if that machine did what he claimed then it was possible and she knew that if she thought too much on it she'd get a headache. Time travel was not something she wanted to mess with so she'd let it be.

Closing her door behind her she led the way back to Ponyville.

To Ponyville Town Square--->

Start of Day Two

Zecora blearily cracked open an eye as the invading sunlight finally made it to where she had passed out after spending all night partying for the Moon Raising. The normally calm and reserved zebra had found herself imbibing more than a couple of Hard Cider and maybe a few shots of Applejack Daniels and the night had passed in a pleasant haze. Staggering home as the sun was just beginning its ascent she had collapsed on her bed and promptly fallen into a deep slumber.

Pushing herself up onto her hoofs she let out a jaw popping yawn, making a face at the terrible taste in her mouth. Walking over she perused her store of potions and remedies, finding the one she sought she pulled it out and drained the bottle. Smacking her lips at the pleasant minty taste she looked around her hut, searching for something to eat. Not seeing anything she particularly wanted she decided to head into town and get something to eat there. A quick check in the mirror confirmed that she was in acceptable enough condition to be seen she left her hut at an easy pace, headed for the Summer Song Cafe.

To Summer Song Cafe--->

From Summer Song Cafe

Zecora made her way through the forest and to her home, enjoying the feel of the rain lightly pattering against her and the smell of the forest. It had been a rather quiet day and she was pleased with how it had turned out. Pushing open her door she stepped inside, picking up the piece of flint on the little shelf right near the door she struck it against another placed above a torch. With a spark and a soft Whumphf! the torch ignited and cast light into her home.

Looking around with a fond smile at the familiar trappings she went about starting dinner for herself. A nice vegetable stew sounded good. Getting everything ready she soon had a nice meal ready and her home was nice and warm from the fire she had. Sitting down at her table she began eating.

Begin Day 8

Zecora looked up from where she was putting away the last bowl from her breakfast, staring out into the forest beyond her hut. She had spent the last week mixing various potions and remedy's for the townsfolk and felt like she deserved a rest. But what should she do? She could go into town, now that she didn't have to worry about being shunned she could freely speak to the ponies. Maybe she would visit Twilight Sparkle? See if she had been able to help that Doctor pony who had visited her. Or maybe she would simply go for a stroll through the town and see who she could meet?

At the very least she wasn't going to spend another day in her hut. Thus decided she made her way out of her home, making sure to shut and lock the door, not that she thought she would be robbed but there were many curious creatures in the forest and she didn't much feel like coming back to a trashed home. Trotting along the path that led to Ponyville, she hummed a merry tune as her home vanished into the forest.


To Ponyville Town Square--->

From Ponyville Town Square

Zecora led them both to her lovely home, making sure that Ricochet avoided those plants of blue and all the other dangers the Ever Free presented to the unwary. She unlocked her door and stepped in, taking a few moments to light several candles so they could see.

"Here we are I welcome you to my home.
Would you like some coffee with the foam?
Or do you prefer tea?
Perhaps with bree?"

She asked as she began moving about her home, beginning to grab everything she would need to make a meal for herself and her guest.

--> from Town Square

Ricochet trotted in with Zecora, having had her head on the swivel the entire time as she tried to take in as much of the scenery as she could. When they arrived at the hut itself, Ricochet found herself studying all the artifacts that decorated the dwelling.

"Tea? Oh, yeah that's peachy-sugary of you there, Zecora! I double click my tea with moo-juice and flurries." she smiled as she looked over the masks. "Welcome and hello if my book worm thinkings is still thunked. I must priest there, Zecora, I never postulated that I'd ever be birthdayed out to din-din by anypony. Especially a singular who jabbers all roses and lilacs."

The Everfree was active. Transcendence Form galloped through the trees as Timberwolves  raced after, hot on his tail. The usual stoic look lay on his face as he slid under a root. One of them stopped and snarled under the thing as a couple more leaped over the root to attack.

He dodged aside, pushed one out of the way and then slid behind another as the first charged him, shattering on impact with the one he'd taken cover behind. The remaining timberwolf attacked but he caught a single jaw in each hoof and looked dead into it's glowing eyes. The smell of it wafted into his nostrils and he grimaced slightly, holding the thing back without much difficulty.

It growled at him. His eyes narrowed somewhat and he released, only to push back forward with a loud, "Iye!" The sound was almost solid as the wolf yiped and ran off... And when he turned about he noticed the chase had led to a place in the forest he wasn't yet used to training in, hadn't yet seen.

The Zebra's home lay in front of him. The Earth Stallion was intrigued at it. "Very full of culture..." He muttered, walking around it a couple times before knocking softly on the door.

Zecora stared at Ricochet, she knew that the unicorn pony was speaking Equestrian but she couldn't understand her! Her mouth opened and closed a few times as she tried to come up with a response. While she stood there clearly flustered, suddenly there came a tapping. As of some one gently rapping, rapping at her huts door. Wondering who could be calling on her this late at night she made her way over to the door and opened it to reveal a pony she had never met before.

"Ah, who is this before my eyes?
Comes a calling when darkness shrouds the skies?"

The earth stallion took a step back as the door opened. His eyes went widened a touch as he set eyes upon the Zebra mare. He hadn't been out to this particular neck of the Forest before but he had heard things of Zecora, a Zebra who lived in the Everfree Forest. Perhaps it seemed that he had stumbled across her place tousling with timberwolves. Though he'd never met her he'd try to be frank.

A hoof pointed toward the woods, Form spoke up, straining to find the words. "I train in the wood. Found my way here on accident. Please Forgive The Intrusion." He gave a curt bow. "I was curious."

Begin Day 9

The evening had passed in a comfortable if confusing time of eating and talking, sharing stories and experiences. Letting out a yawn as she woke up, Zecora rolled over to see if her guest was still asleep or if she'd already gotten up. Noticing that the charcoal unicorn was still passed out she quietly and gently extracted herself from the bed so as not to disturb her new friend.

Stretching out, she shook her mane which was now flat and wild instead of in its usual mohawk. Taking care of her morning business she started the process of preparing a simple breakfast for her and Ricochet.

A soft snore alerted Zecora to the other companion in her hut, turning to see the slumbering form of Transcendence sprawled out on the small couch she kept out of sight for just such a rare occurrence. Grabbing a few more ingredients to compensate for the other pony she resumed her cooking, waiting for one of her house guests to wake.

Slowly his eyes opened... Gradually, then a little faster... right to a nearby mask from the Zebra homeland. He leaped and landed on his hooves next to the couch, standing on his hind legs with his forelegs up, ready for combat.

Then he realized how foolish he must have looked, relaxing a moment to stretch and look around. He hadn't... exactly remembered falling asleep here the previous night, though he did remember Zecora and, slightly though not as clearly, Ricochet. He rubbed his eyes with a forehoof. "Good morning?" He spoke up, more asking a question than making a statement of greeting.

Zecora jerked in surprise at the sudden motion at the corner of her hut, turning to see what it was. She raised an eyebrow at the sight of Transcendence standing in a combat pose and seemingly ready to attack her mask of tranquility.

"Ah, it is good to see that you are awake.
I hope sleeping there caused you no ache."

She said, turning back to her cooking, tossing in a few carrots and cucumber slices.
"I am making a simple salad for our morning meal.
Unlike the soup there is no chance it will congeal."

The Earth Stallion nodded and held his back after Zecora spoke to him, thinking about how he had already been aching. "Thank you." He told her. "Apologies for... the sudden sound." He spoke up, looking to the mask and then back to Zecora. He liked the idea of a nice salad but... "I wouldn't want to intrude." He let her know. He didn't like wearing out any of his welcome... He normally kept that from happening by not troubling ponies for long and leaving quickly.

Zecora continued to make their morning meal, a quick glance showing her that Ricochet continued to slumber and Form had dropped back down into a normal stance.
"Do not worry about intruding.
On this matter do not be brooding.
You are always welcome in my home.
No matter where your hooves may roam."

She said, adding a few peppers to the mix before mixing it a few times and declaring it done. Moving the bowl to the table she collected several more and three forks, setting them all down.

"Should we wake sleeping beauty?
As a host it is my duty."

He looked at Richochet and then back to Zecora. "Uh..." he started, "Not my home." he didn't want to step his hooves into the business of waking guests. Wasn't his place. He gave the zebra a brief bow before sitting at Zecora's table and looked at the salad, finding himself incredibly hungry... if a little upset in the stomach department, like his gut had too much acid and not enough water.

"A glass of water please?" he asked curiously

Zecora nodded at the request for water, grabbing a pitcher and several glasses she filled the pitcher and brought them to the table, pouring out a glass for Form. She looked at Ricochet, pondering if it would be better to let her sleep or wake her up to join them for breakfast. She decided that she would let her sleep until she woke up on her own, she would simply save some of the food for her later.

"I think it is best to let her sleep.
Her slumber looks to be quite deep."

Zecora said, motioning for Form to fill his bowl first.

Giving a small nod, "Xiexie." he said, then corrected himself, "Uh.. Thank you. For the food." He grabbed the fork with his mouth and dolled some salad out into his bowl before managing a very delicate (Compared to most without magic and manipulative wings) process of turning the fork around into his mouth, never using his hooves. Normally, in the Summer Song Cafe for example, he wouldn't feel bad about just digging in face first (as that happened) but, in light of a fork and a private residence, he'd resigned to stay proper, at least until he got to know Zecora a bit better.

So, for the time that he spent eating, he was even less talkative that he would have been, concentrating on moving the fork swiftly from mouth to bowl, shift the fork over with his tongue, insert food-bearing end into his mouth carefully, then reverse and repeat the process. To Zecora this probably seemed very strange, or alternatively just overly polite. Regardless, Form was very practiced at this sort of culinary propriety. His family had made sure that, if nothing else, he would be a polite stallion.

Finally Ricochet woke up with a start, the pink fez falling off her face where she placed it to block out any light. "Oh by the place where Celestia works her magic, I seem to have sandponied in a tick tock or seven. Mango, mango there, Zecora."

With a yawn, she rose from the side of the bed she slept on, finding her glasses and putting them on before using her magic to make the bed nice and neat. She levitated the fez onto her head and went to join them.

Zecora paused when she heard her other guest waking up, looking over at the pony as she stirred and spoke up. She blinked, mango mango? Was...that a way to say good morning? Did ponies say that now? She smiled, the unicorn was certainly a unique one.
"Good morning to you sleepy head.
It is good to see you out of bed.
Please join us for our morning meal.
To your senses I hope it will appeal."

She said, motioning for Ricochet to take the seat opposite her where a bowl and fork was already set out for her.

As Ricochet awoke Form paused from his food only long enough to give a shallow bow (It wasn't as feasible to bow very deeply whilst sitting. "Good morning" He let himself say before going back to the somewhat complicated process of eating that he had been using.

Time Skip

Zecora was currently outside, a small spade in her mouth as she tended to her herb garden. She'd spent an enjoyable morning with her two guests, though she had a very hard time understanding them they were still good company. She bent down, digging out a small hole as she nudged a seed into it. Pushing the dirt back over to cover it she patted it down, smiling as she looked at the similar piles of disturbed earth that would soon provide her with more ingredients to work her trade with. She paused, wiping a hoof across her brow as she squinted up at the sun. Even though the shade from the trees usually provided her with a cool respite the area her garden was in didn't have much shade.

Dipping her head back down she resumed her work.

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:03, Tue 23 June 2015.