Thanks for sticking with me this far. Enjoy this chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. It is the property of Lauren Faust and Hasbro.

Zecora pawed at the ground with her hoof while Twilight checked her sleeping supplies. For the third time. While Zecora was a patient zebra, there were limits to her sage-like endurance. It was only the thought that her own spoken verse arose such frustration in others that kept her tongue in check before it could lash out in petty hypocrisy. She checked again, and gave an inward sigh in relief to see that the unicorn had finished.

Turning to her shamanic friend, Twilight gave a sheepish grin. "Sorry. I know that it's worrisome, but I like to make sure I have everything that I need."

"To gain knowledge, preparation is key," said Zecora, motioning with her head toward the Everfree Forest, "but an open mind is better suited for the task, you see." With a swish of her cloak, she started towards the outskirts of town. "By the way, as we begin our hike… Are you sure that you have taken proper care of Spike?"

Twilight trotted beside the zebra to keep pace. "Spike may still be a baby dragon, but I know that he's responsible. Furthermore, he's got Owlowiscious with him and I've made sure that the girls know that they're on their own tonight. Everything should be fine."

"That is good to hear. Please allow me to enlighten you, dear."

"A little introduction as we walk?" Twilight's eyes brightened at the prospect of new knowledge. Zecora found her eagerness to infectious; now she was as excited as her charge to expound on her homeland's traditions.

"Yes, and to quench your thirst, you must know that my land prospers from commerce. In my land it is not unusual to see exchanges for precious gold. Spices and silks are also bought and sold. Many inventions and books pass through for the scholars. The selection, my friend, would make even you holler."

"Zecora," said Twilight with wonder, "that sounds so idyllic. Growing up must have been wonderful for you."

Zecora's smile, which had spread as she described her land, dimmed at this. "While my childhood was indeed lived well, there were moments in time that seemed to be like hell. There was peace and prosperity for all, except for those whose minds were quite small. Unable to see past the flesh to the core, there were many on both sides that descended into war. Greed and prejudice divided my herd. Rarely during those times was a peaceful word."

Watching the gloom settle on the zebra like a cloud, a lump formed in Twilight's throat. The beginnings of tears collected at the corners of her eyes, but she held them back. Rolling her tongue in her now dry mouth, Twilight asked, "H-How many… How many were lost? How long did the war last? Is t-that why you left your homeland?" Celestia, why is it so hard to swallow?

The cracks of her charge's voice did not go unnoticed by Zecora. Without words, she turned and sidled next to Twilight, placing the crook of her neck upon the scholar's. Twilight shuddered under the touch, but otherwise did not move. Nuzzling slightly, Zecora spoke.

"Hundreds of ponies laid down their lives. Many were cut down before my very eyes. It is very sad for me to say; to live together, they could not find a way. My land I loved with all my heart, but yes I departed for a brand new start."

"What about your family? Were they…"

"No, thankfully they survived the battles. Though I can say that the conflicts had them rattled. While I traveled far for lands abroad, my father and mother, plus the other villagers, moved for new territory on which to trot."

Though the knowledge eased her somewhat, Twilight still felt she had to say something. "Zecora, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to drudge up the past or make you relive those painful memories. My curiosity isn't worth a friend's pain."

"The past hurts, yes, but what happened is done." Zecora's bracelets jangled as she stepped back and lifted Twilight's head with her hoof. "Do not let sorrow rest on your heart, young one."

Twilight's eyes twinkled at the corners where the dew like tears had collected. Despite that, they had brightened, glad that Zecora was not saddened. A small smile gracing her face, the purple pony wiped her eyes and nodded in affirmation to her friend. The eagerness returned, she asked, "Zecora, shall we?"

"I have told you of my land, but there is more to see. I shall show you as we drink some tea. The night is in full effect, come Twilight Sparkle. There is more information at which you will marvel."

Twilight looked up and noted that Zecora was correct; they had begun their trek while the rays of the sun had sunk behind the horizon. Celestia's sun had taken leave and Luna's moon had risen to take up its post, the night a dark blanket against its luminosity. She also noted, with embarrassment, that they had barely made any headway on their journey; they weren't even halfway out of town.

Looking back down, Twilight saw that Zecora had adopted an amused grin. Rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly, the mare coughed and once again started towards the Everfree Forest. The sound of hoof beats and the continued grin at the back of her head signaled that Zecora had begun to follow.

Zecora shrugged off and hung her cloak, moving to help Twilight with her saddlebags. Though she was eager to start with her teachings, she wanted to make sure that the purple mare was settled in first. She grabbed the straps in her teeth and pulled, allowing her charge to slip out and stretch without the added weight. She placed them to the side for now and addressed Twilight.

"Before we begin I shall make us some tea. You are free to look around as you please."

"Thank you." While Zecora stole away to her cupboards, Twilight gave the hut a long look. Various candles of varying colors burned around the hut, illuminating what would have been an otherwise dark home I the middle of the forest. The cauldron in the middle of the floor elicited a wry grin. From the ceiling hung many bottles full of what she could only assume were either ingredients for remedies or already completed potions. Tribal masks sat propped against the far wall as they had been during her past visits. Along another wall rested a medium sized bookcase, displaying aged books; some were written in Equestrian English, but the majority were printed in Zecora's native tongue. A corner revealed both Zecora's simple bed and… a shrine?

Now she was really eager.

Zecora had just come back with a small bowl with tea leaves and was now handling a wooden bucket that she had filled with water. Twilight levitated the bucket and dumped the water within the cauldron, setting it down beside the zebra. Zecora gave a nod of thanks and then deposited the brown leaves into the cauldron. From the side of the cauldron she took a small, rough stone and dashed it against the metal. Several sparks leaped and settled on the wood. Leaning down, Zecora blew gently, stirring the sparks until they burst into flame with a small whoosh. There was no need for the spoon tonight; the tea would settle without stir.

The heavy scent of cooking tea leaves wafted into Twilight's nostrils as the water began to boil. Her eyes closed as she inhaled deeply and held the breath, freeing the trapped air slowly, as to savor the scent. A chuckle startled her and she opened her eyes to see that she had breathed onto her host who had taken a seat directly in front of her.

Her cheeks flushing a deep purple, Twilight scrambled to apologize. Before she could stammer out a word, Zecora placed her hoof gently over Twilight's lips and said, "Your apologies you have no need to use. In fact I am glad that the tea has helped you to get loose. Calm yourself, Twilight. You are my honored guest tonight."

Not willing to pursue the issue and risk trying Zecora's patience, Twilight instead nodded and turned her head towards the area where the bed and shrine rested. "Since you've come to Ponyville, I've occasionally tried to research your people and land."

"Tried?"

"Few ponies from Equestria have ventured outside of its borders; with all the wonders and mysteries in our own nation, it seemed a crazy idea to try to look for those of others. I'm a little ashamed to say that most of the fear of zebras stems from our unwillingness to actually learn about you."

Zecora "hmmed" in contemplation. While she knew that information of her people was scarce, due in no small part to the wars, it still saddened her somewhat that there was so little shared between nations. "I see that you find interest in my shrine. It seems simple, but know that it is quite fine."

"It is," Twilight said with an appreciative nod. "But what purpose does it serve? Worship?"

"Yes and no my little pony. While I do commune often with spirits, this is an altar dedicated to family. I pay respects to the spirits and even our goddess of the sun, but a special place rests in my heart for loved ones."

"You worship Princess Celestia?" Twilight turned an inquisitive eye to the zebra. "I knew already that her power was felt universally but I didn't think anypony outside of Equestria included her in their areas of worship. What about Princess Luna? Do your people pray to her as well? What about these spirits that you speak of? Are they connected at all to the Princesses?"

Before Zecora could answer, the sound of the bubbling cauldron and heavy aroma of fresh tea permeated the hut. "Your questions will be answered, you will see. Though I do believe this conversation would go more smoothly with a cup of tea." The shamaness stood and checked the tea. Satisfied, she procured two cups and a ladle and served herself and Twilight.

Tea in hoof, Twilight sipped delicately and awaited Zecora, who was nursing her own cup. Though she wanted to jump back onto the train of conversation, she felt no reason to be too insistent with her host; she was a guest after all.

Besides, knowledge was like a delicacy. It was something to be taken in a little at a time and savored. Bits and pieces were to be ruminated on for as long as possible for the best impression before moving on to the next bite. Zecora had given her much to think over.

Communing with spirits was nothing new in the realm of pony kind. Any unicorn, or any pony with enough knowledge could delve into the afterlife and speak with or learn from the deceased. Obviously this course of action carried a significant amount of risk, but most incidents were few and far between and only occurred among the inexperienced. Twilight idly wondered how many tales concerning troublesome spirits or inexperienced shamans Zecora had to tell.

Another bit niggling at her curiosity was the nature of the communion. From the sounds of it, Zecora's people not only paid respect to, but worshipped the spirits. That in itself warranted further study.

On top of all of this, however, was the zebra herself. She had come to Twilight seeking out the answers to questions she had. Or so she said. So far, the only questions being answered were Twilight's. Despite herself, the purple mare found herself questioning just why the zebra had asked her specifically. Regardless of the nature of Zecora's invitation, Twilight endeavored to take full advantage of what she had to offer.

Zecora's mind was not idle either. Sharing this information had been a refreshing departure from her normal routine as an herbalist. The more that they conversed, the more Zecora felt it; a connection, a bridge strengthening between the two. She relished it.

As turquoise eyes met violet, both sipped their tea and exchanged expectant, mysterious smiles.

I hope that you have enjoyed this chapter and the events that transpired. Thanks for all the faves and reviews that you, the audience, have given this meager fiction. I hope to see you all next chapter.