//------------------------------//
// Welcome to Ponyville 
// Story: Friendship Is . . . . 
// by ProudBronyDaughter 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 1


Welcome to Ponyvile


Tara stood nervously before the door of the Grand Hall.  It was not often that the princess called to speak with her in person rather than by letter. It was even more rare that she was summoned to the Grand Hall for an audience in such an official capacity rather than a short visit either in the study or the palace’s library.  It was both exciting and terrifying at the same time as the large doors swung open to reveal the princess sitting on her throne, her long prismatic hair dancing around her sweet face.
“Tara, my dear student,” the princess greeted in her song-like voice.
“Princess Celestia,” Tara replied as she placed her hand over her heart and gave a short bow.  “It’s good to see you.”
“You as well,” Princess Celestia smiled. She rose from her throne and stretched her wings as she approached the young Caster.  “Your studies have brought you very far these past few years.”
“All thanks to your teachings,” Tara said humbly, blushing at the praise.
“Not all, my dear. That’s actually why I’ve called for you today.”
If she had not been before, Tara was most certainly confused now.  The princess reached out to her and brushed Tara’s lavender hair back around her Caster horn with a smile.  The princess’ own ivory horn was never hidden from view by her hair, for it was considerably longer than any other Caster horn.  For a brief moment Tara wondered if that ever gave her problems with her daily duties, but brushed the flighty thought away to focus on what was being said.
“I have mentioned before that I have never before met a Caster with your raw talents.  Your diligent studies and focused practice have brought you very far; however your exposure to magic has been limited to our private lessons and your textbooks.”
“And both of those have been incredibly helpful and inspirational!” Tara said quickly, nervous as to where the conversation appeared to be leading.
“Be that as it may, it is my belief as your teacher that you need more than that to continue your growth as a Caster.”
Tara began to fiddle with the pink streak in her hair nervously.
“What do you suggest?” she asked fearfully.
“There is a Caster I know that you could benefit from.”
“Oh!” Tara smiled in relief.  “So we’ll arrange a meeting and I can continue my lessons—“
“Unfortunately, this Caster is quite reclusive, and not overly fond of removing herself from her home.  You will have to go to her.”
Tara’s smile faded.
“You’re sending me away?”
“Now, my dear, surely you are familiar with studying abroad.  I merely wish for you to meet this Caster and escape from those dusty old books in the library for a while.  It would be nice for you to get out and see more of the world for yourself and make some friends.”

* - * - * - *

Even as she packed her bags Tara could not believe what was happening.  Of course she trusted Princess Celestia’s judgment and knew she only wanted what was best for her.  Still, how was making friends going to help her magical studies?  And what could this reclusive Caster teach her that the princess could not?
“So you’re really leaving?”
A figure not much smaller than Tara stood in her doorway dressed in long jeans with almost comically large boots.  His upper body adorned a large baggy hoodie that’s sleeves were slightly too long for his arms and covered his gloved hands, the purple hood draped over his head obscuring all of his features with the exception of his bright green eyes that shined through the shadow cast over his face.  Those eyes were clearly filled with worry at the prospect of Tara’s trip.
“Yes, Spike.  Princess Celestia really wants me to meet this Caster.  Can’t understand why though.”
“But what if something happens while you’re gone?” Spike asked as he wrapped his arms around her like a frightened child.  “I can only do this because you’re here.”
“You could always come with me,” Tara offered, placing a hand on the back of Spike’s head.  Spike just pulled away and stared at her.  “Oh come on, Spike.  You don’t have to come, but you aren’t going to convince me to stay.  You’re my little brother and I love you very much, but I have a responsibility to the princess.”
“Yeah, I know, but you know anyone who sees me is going to freak out!”
“Princess Celestia said this Caster is a recluse.  She stays home and doesn’t like to leave. We probably won’t see anyone after the first few days.  Besides, I’ll be quick with the studies so we can come home.”
Spike considered his options for a few minutes while Tara continued to pack. In his mind he already knew he should be wherever Tara was just in case, but he was still afraid.  People here knew him, knew what happened, and even some of them still kept their distance now.  Anywhere else he would probably be avoided entirely, maybe even run out of town.  In the end, his rationality barely managed to just barely outweigh his fears.  After all, if something did happen he would need Tara’s help to do something about it.
“You sure it’s okay for me to come?” he asked his sister.
“Your bag is already packed,” she answered with a smile.
The two siblings grabbed their bags and made their way through the castle hallways.  Tara could not help but feel a little apprehensive about the whole situation.  She had never been away from the capital for more than a day or two, and that was on very rare occasions.  This was kind of a big deal for her, and Spike as well for that matter.  He would be beginning his high school lessons at the palace once the fall semester started and now he was leaving without even knowing when he would be back.  If Tara’s lessons took too long he may even have to start late if not wait a full year. Princess Celestia had not given the impression that whoever this Caster was that they would be willing to tutor Spike as well.
“So it’s true then?” a familiar voice asked as they exited the main palace doors.  A tall Caster clad in golden armor looked down at the two with bright blue eyes.  He pulled off his helmet revealing matching hair that tumbled down onto his forehead.  Both sorrow and pride were reflected in his eyes.
“It’s true, Andrew,” Tara replied.  “We’re leaving pretty soon.”
“You’re both going?” Andrew repeated as he pulled Tara into a tight embrace.
“I can’t leave Spike on his own, and Princess Celestia wants me to broaden my horizons.  It shouldn’t take too long if we’re lucky.”
“Man you guys are growing up fast,” Andrew smiled as he clapped a hand down on Spike’s shoulder.  He laughed as he started to push Spike downward to look smaller.  “There’s my little brother.”
“Yeah, laugh it up, Captain,” Spike groaned as he shoved Andrew’s hand away.
“I’m glad you’re here, but don’t you have your duties to attend to?” Tara asked.
“They can manage without me for a while. I want to see you off.”
Tara smiled fondly as Andrew took her bags and helped load them into the awaiting carriage.  Before climbing in she wrapped her arms around him tightly and buried her face in his chest.
“I love you, big brother,” she said softly, trying not to cry.
“Love you too, kiddo,” Andrew replied as he returned her embrace.  “Take care while you’re gone, and be sure to write.”
“Will do.”
Tara finally relinquished her hold on her brother just as Spike finished loading his own bags.  As Tara climbed aboard, Andrew took hold of Spike’s arm and pulled him aside.
“What’s up?”
“Look, I know this is supposed to be a study trip for her, but I need you to do something for me,” Andrew said seriously.  “Make sure Tara gets out and has some fun once in a while.  Get her to socialize, maybe make some friends.”
“The princess said that too,” Spike nodded.  “I’ll do what I can, but you know how she gets when she’s working.”
“I know, but I know you too.”  Andrew pulled spike up into his arms and squeezed him tightly, something Spike protested loudly.  “You’re my baby brother, our little Charlie, and I know you’ll look after Tara for me.”
“It’s Spike now, remember?” Spike said as his feet touched ground again.
“Whatever you say, Charlie,” Andrew grinned.  “Love you, little bro.”
“Yeah, whatever, love you too I guess,” Spike muttered in embarrassment.
“”You two take care of each other, you hear me?”
“I promise, Andrew,” Spike reassured him.
“We will!  Love you, BBBFF!”

* - * - * - *

“So where is it that we’re going anyway?” Spike asked.
“Apparently this caster lives in the Everfree Forest not too far from a small town called Ponyville,” Tara answered from behind one of her textbooks.
“Ponyville?  Really?”
“Records say that there used to be a lot of wild horses in the area.  One of the settler’s daughters started calling the place Ponyville and the name just sort of stuck,” Tara explained.
“What about the forest?”
“There’s really nothing worth mentioning,” Tara said.  “It’s a fairly large forest, but I’ve never read anything noteworthy about it with the exception of its size.”
“Do you have any idea how to get to this Caster’s place from Ponyville?”
“I’m sure somebody will be able to give us directions, Spike.”
The remainder of the trip passed in relative silence.  The swaying of the carriage lulled the two passengers into a half sleep, never quite drifting off completely.  It was only a few hours’ flight from the capital to Ponyville and the two Avians that pulled the carriage were swift enough to get Tara and Spike there by early afternoon.
“Thank you very much, gentlemen,” Tara said as one of the two armed Avians handed her luggage to her.
“Not a problem, miss.”
“Did you have to drop us off in the middle of town?” Spike asked as he pulled his hood farther over his head. “Everyone’s staring.”
Tara would have liked to argue the point to reassure him, but Spike was right.  A carriage landing in the middle of the street did seem to garner the attention of the majority of the surrounding populace.  Most passersby were taking the time to stop and glance in the direction of their carriage.  One person in particular was coming across as a little peculiar.
Bouncing curly red hair framed a pair of large blue eyes and an enormous toothy grin.  The girl owning the face wore a white shirt with a smiling cupcake on it and bright pink jeans. Apart from her smile and clothing the girl was noticeable for another reason.
She was hopping.
Straight towards them.
“Oh wow!  New visitors!  We don’t get too many people thru Ponyville cause we’re such a small place but we’re really homey and friendly here so I don’t know why people don’t visit more often but maybe you’re not visiting since you’ve got suitcases so maybe you’re moving here and if that’s the case that would be wonderful cause it means that you’ll be staying and if you’re staying you’ll need to know your way around and you’ll need to make some new friends and I love making new friends and I know everybody absolutely everybody in Ponyville and I’d love to show you around and introduce you to everyone hi I’m Shannon!”
Tara just blinked in surprise and glanced over at Spike.  He looked as out of breath as the girl should have been, but she wasn’t.  She just stood there with that grin on her face waiting for some sort of reply.
“Shannon, was it?” Tara asked hesitantly.
“Oh, you can call me Pinkie Pie!  Or just Pinkie!  All of my friends do!”
“Okay, Pinkie . . . um . . . My name is Tara and this is my younger brother Char—Spike.  We’re actually on our way to the Everfree Forest if you could—“
“The Everfree Forest?” Pinkie asked, her smile faltering.  “That scary place? But why?”
“We’re supposed to meet someone who lives there,” Spike spoke up.
“But no one lives in . . . Oh!  I think I know who you’re talking about!  Come on!  I can take you right to her door!”
Now that had been an unexpected surprise.  It was nice to find someone willing to guide them to their destination quickly, but Tara was a little doubtful about their guide’s competence.  She could also not help but wonder why Pinkie had said the Everfree Forest was scary.  It was just a forest.
“So how long are you guys planning on staying?” Pinkie asked.  “Or are you moving here?”
“I’m only here for my education, but I suppose we’ll be here for a while.  I’m hoping to get Spike back home before his first high school semester starts.”
“High school,” Pinkie beamed.  “High school was so much fun!  I still remember my first day!  It was so exciting and I made so many new friends!”
“You think she’s always like this?” Spike whispered.  “I’m exhausted just being near her.”
“She does come across as a bit . . . manic,” Tara agreed.  She looked passed her brother’s hoodie to see a raised eyebrow.  “Okay she’s kind of crazy.”
They followed along behind the bouncing Pinkie all the while trying to listen to what she was telling them, but were not entirely sure they were even hearing English when she poke.  Words just seemed to tumble out of her mouth as quickly as the thoughts touched her brain.
“Oh!  And there’s my friend Sandy.”
The sudden stop in Pinkie’s nonstop dialogue caught both Tara and Spike’s attention.
“What about your friend Sandy?” Tara asked.
“Nothing, she’s just right there.”
Tara’s gaze followed Pinkie’s pointing finger upward just in time to see a rainbow colored blur crash down on top of her.
“Hi, Sandy!” Pinkie waved enthusiastically as Spike tried to help the two girls untangle themselves and recover his sister’s luggage for her.
“Pinkie Pie, you know I hate that name!” the rainbow haired girl replied gruffly as she climbed to her feet.  She quickly brushed off her jeans and dusted the shoulders of her light blue t-shirt, revealing herself to be an Avian as she stretched out her wings.  Her violet eyes were full of confidence even after her crash.
“I know, but I was trying to introduce you to my new friends Tara and Charspike and you were all whoosh!  And then zoom! And then crash!”
“Sorry about that,” Sandy said as she extended her hand to Tara.  “Tara, right?  I’m Dash.  Rainbow Dash: World’s best flyer and future Wonderbolt.”
“Wonderbolt? As in the best of the best Avians in the world?”
“Yep!” Rainbow Dash said proudly as she spun around and revealed the Wonderbolt insignia on the back of her shirt.
“Somehow I doubt the Wonderbolts are accepting applicants who crash into pedestrians,” Tara smirked as Spike stifled a chuckle.
“Oh yeah?”
Rainbow Dash was off like a bullet.  She spun and dove and looped thru the air with what looked like reckless abandon, but complete control at the same time as she continued to pick up speed.  In a final display of agility and flair, Rainbow Dash swooped down and circled the two siblings so quickly that they both lost sight of her until she tapped their shoulders form behind.
“Yay Dash!” Pinkie cheered loudly.
“That was unbelievable!” Spike exclaimed.  “You’re amazing!”
“I know,” Rainbow Dash smiled smugly.
“Yeah, incredible,” Tara deadpanned as she looked at her now dirt covered clothes.  She just knew her hair had to be a mess too with how Spike was covering his mouth.  “How am I supposed to make a good impression looking like this?”
“Oops,” Rainbow Dash frowned.  “Sorry about that.”
“Oh!  Oh!  Oh!  We should totally stop by Carousel Boutique if you need a quick wardrobe fix!” Pinkie said excitedly.  “C’mon, it’s on the way and not that far!”
Tara did not even bother trying to argue as Pinkie took her hand and began to lead her down the street.  In the short time she had known Pinkie it had become abundantly clear just how futile it would be to try and dissuade her.  Besides, if she was representing the princess it simply would not do to show up covered in dirt.  It did strike her as odd that Rainbow Dash seemed to have invited herself along as she floated along beside Pinkie.
As Pinkie had said, the boutique was not that far away.  It was a charming little shop with a carousel motif decorating the upper windows.  As Pinkie opened the door, Tara was pleased to see a collection of lovely outfits on display.  The four of them had barely made it in the door when a Caster who appeared slightly older than the rest of them greeted the group.
“Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is – oh my, darling!”  The woman turned and Tara could not help but admire her beauty.  She wore a lovely white blouse that hung down to her hips on either side, but left her mid drift and the small of her back exposed.  A thin white gold necklace lay draped around her neck with a dark red ruby pendant hanging from it.  Her jeans clung tightly to her hips and her high heeled boots click-clacked with every step she took as she approached them.  Her long purple hair curled around her face and drew attention to her long eyelashes and sparkling sapphire eyes which were wide open in shock.  “You poor dear, whatever happened to you?”
“Hey, Rarity,” Pinkie and Rainbow Dash said happily.
“Ah, mystery solved,” Rarity frowned.  “Now, Rainbow, I’ve told you a thousand times that you simply must be more respectful and careful of other people and their clothes.  You’re always kicking up dust with that wild flying of yours.”
“So can you help Tara get all cleaned up?” Pinkie asked.
“I would be very grateful, miss,” Tara added as she set her bags down.
“Of course, darling, but please don’t be so formal.  Oh!  Where are my manners?  My name is Tabitha, dear, but everyone calls me Rarity.”
“I’m Tara.  I would shake your hand, but—“ Tara stared at her dirty hand and knew that Rarity would not accept it without washing it first.  Not that Tara blamed her considering how lovely and expensive those clothes must have been.
“That’s quite alright,” Rarity said, shaking her head with understanding.
“So does everyone in Ponyville have a nickname, or what?” Tara asked with a half-smile.
“Well, once our little Pinkie Pie here gives you a nickname it does have a tendency to catch like wildfire,” Rarity smiled.  “Not that anyone really minds though.  They’re usually quite clever and fitting after all.”  It was then that Rarity’s attention turned to the quite boy hiding under his hood.  “Ooh.  And who might this dark and mysterious stranger be?”
I-I-I-I’m Spike,” he stammered out, briefly looking up and meeting Rarity’s eyes.  He quickly turned his head away out of embarrassment from his stuttering.
“Well, Spike, I must say your choice of color is superb,” she replied as she placed her hand on the side of his hood and turning him to face her again.  “That purple hood definitely brings out the green of your eyes quite nicely.  Why, they’re practically luminous!”
“You think so?” Spike asked.  Tara could practically hear the blush in her brother’s voice.  “You really like it?”
“Absolutely,” Rarity nodded.  “But why are you hiding such stunning emeralds at all?”
Rarity moved to slip Spike’s hood off, but Tara stepped between them with a nervous smile.
“He’s just a little shy,” Tara explained quickly.  “We’ve met all three of you in just the short time we’ve been in town.  It makes him a bit nervous and anxious.  We’ve just arrived from the capital you see and—“
“You’re from the capital?” Rarity nearly shouted.
Before Tara even knew what was happening she was whisked away to a fitting area where Rarity was hastily taking her measurements and bombarding her with questions about the capital.  Tara did her best to try and answer them, but the questions came faster than she could answer.
“I have always dreamed of visiting the capital,” Rarity went on.  “I absolutely love Ponyville, but I believe I’m a city girl at heart.  Now do go on, dear, you were telling us why you’re visiting our humble little town.”
“Well,” Tara started as Rarity placed a smooth light lavender jacket over her shoulders, “I was sent here to continue my studies.  Princess Celestia said I would find my new teacher near here.”
“You know the princess?” Rarity gushed.  “Oh my stars, I can’t believe this!  And you say she sent you here to find a teacher?”
“Yeah, and she lives near Everfree Forest!” Pinkie announced.
“Everfree?” Rainbow Dash repeated. “But there’re only two people that live near that place.”
Tara shuffled slightly as a thigh length skirt that matched the jacket and a pair of long dark leggings magically covered her lower half under Rarity’s power.  She looked herself over in the dressing mirrors and was awed by the business like uniform that she was now wearing.
“It is inspired by the school uniforms of the capital,” Rarity said as she looped a sleek black tie around Tara’s collar.  Tara placed it neatly under the jacket before fastening the two buttons and giving herself another look in the mirror.
“It’s gorgeous,” Tara said.  “How much do I owe you?”
“Think nothing of it, darling,” Rarity waved dismissively.  “One cannot visit a friend of royalty without looking one’s best.  Consider it my gift to you as a welcome to Ponyville.  I’m sure we’re going to be the best of friends you and I.”
“Thank you so much,” Tara smiled.
“And next up will be Spike,” Rarity said, eyes shining in anticipation.
“Would you look at the time?” Spike said hastily, pulling on his sister’s arm.  “Gotta get going, can’t keep the princess’ friend waiting after all!  Let’s go, Tara!”
Tara chuckled at her brother’s obvious infatuation, but understood his reservations about getting a wardrobe makeover. She let him pull her out the door with the other three girls right behind them.  Rarity took just enough time to lock the door before following after them.
“You’re coming too?” Dash asked.
“Of course,” Rarity answered.  “If one of our friends knows the princess, I should like to ask her why she kept it from us.”
Tara groaned in exasperation as her following grew again.  It was not that she was not appreciative, but this had nothing to do with any of them.  At this point she began wishing Pinkie had just given her directions, lovely new outfit or no.  If her new teacher was as reclusive as Princess Celestia said, then she would probably not be very pleased when an entire group of people showed up on her doorstep.
Tara’s group had barely made it away from the main streets of Ponyville before the cobblestone roads just sort of stopped and the pathways became dirt paths.  It gave Tara a better understanding of just how small the town must be.  It was no wonder someone not wanting to be around people would choose to live near here.  Then again, if Tara and Spike’s current situation was typical of the townsfolk, it was a wonder a recluse could find any time to themselves.
It was not too terribly far outside of town that Tara noticed a wagon in the distance, one that was filled with a considerably large load.  She was almost tempted to ask the others about it, but recent experience told her she would find out momentarily.
“AJ!” Rainbow Dash called out.
The wagon came to an abrupt stop and waited for the girls to catch up.  Tara soon learned that the wagon load consisted entirely of apples; apples that caused her stomach to rumble at the realization that she had not eaten since early that morning.  A tall young woman stepped out from the front of the wagon, long blonde hair in a tail under a wide brimmed hat.  She wore a pair of jean overalls over an orange colored shirt with a bright smile on her freckled face.  Her skin was tanned from what Tara assumed was working out in the sun for many hours of the day and her green eyes were friendly and welcoming for the company.
“Well howdy, girls!” she said in a thick southern accent.  “Ah wasn’t ‘spectin’ to run inta any y’all out here this tahm a day.”
“And we weren’t expecting to see you!” Pinkie giggled.  “Surprises are fun!”
“An’ who’re these new faces?” AJ asked sticking out her hand and giving Tara’s and amazingly strong squeeze.
“Good afternoon.  I’m Tara and this is my brother Spike.”
“Nice to meet you,” Spike said, opting to keep his hands to himself.
“Pleasure’s all mahn.  Name’s Ashleigh Jeanne, folks just call me AJ mostly.”
“Let me guess,” Tara smiled.  “Pinkie name?”
“Nope, mah Pinkie name’s Applejack.  Betcha can’t guess why,” she chuckled as she took hold of her cart’s push handle and started on her way again.  Tara’s stomach gave a small growl at the mention of apples and she covered it while trying to mask a blush.  Applejack just laughed louder as she grabbed an apple and tossed it to her.  “Ya sound a mite hungry there, sugar cube.”
“Can I have one?” Spike asked hopefully.
“Sure, partner.”
An apple flew into the grateful boy’s open hands and he took a quick bite.
“Thank you very much,” Tara said.  “I just realized we haven’t eaten since breakfast.”
“Mighty lucky y’all ran inta me then, isn’t it?  Why y’all way out here anyway?”
“Tara here has come from the capital, sent by Princess Celestia herself,” Rarity said in a star struck voice.
“She’s supposed to be meeting a friend of the princess who’s gonna be her new teacher,” Rainbow Dash added as she floated to the top of Applejack’s pile of apples. Without even looking, AJ reached up and grabbed Rainbow’s ankle and pulled her down to the ground.
“Hold yet horses there, Dash.  Those’re Fluttershy’s critter’s apples.”
“But you gave them apples,” Dash argued.
“They’re actually hungry,” Applejack replied.  “Y’all probly just got the munchies from lettin’ yer wings do all the work insteada walkin’ as usual.”
“I’ve got wings for a reason, AJ,” Dash said as she popped back up into the air.  “No ground for me if I can help it.”
“Who’s Fluttershy?” Spike asked.
“Her real name is Andrea, and I’m pretty sure she’s the one you’re looking for,” Pinkie Pie said.  “She’s the only one other than Applejack that lives near Everfree forest.”
“Now, Pinkie, that don’t make a lick a sense,” Applejack interjected.  “How can Fluttershy be the teacher Tara here’s lookin’ for?  I don’t think she’s ever even been to the capital.”
“It does seem unlikely,” Rarity said.  “Rainbow, do you know if Fluttershy has ever been to the capital?”
“I dunno. Maybe she lived there before we met, but I’m pretty sure she’s lived here since after I met her.”
“Does she tend to keep to herself and not go out too much?” Tara asked.
“She can be a bit of a homebody,” Pinkie confirmed.  “And she usually doesn’t like having too many people come over all at once either.”
Nobody seemed to let this statement faze them as they all continued to follow Tara and Applejack towards Fluttershy’s home.  Said home turned out to be a small cottage that appeared to be part of the nature that was around it.  The roof looked as though it were part of a canopy of trees and the path leading to the circular door passed over a small brook.  The trees were filled with birds’ nests, there were burrows all around the yard, and a chicken coop sat just between the brook and the house.  All in all it was a quaint little cottage.
Applejack set her wagon down before reaching in and grabbing one of the large wooden baskets of apples and carried it with practiced ease over the tiny bridge and straight up to the door.  The others followed closely behind and waited as Applejack knocked softly on the door.  Tara held her breathe in anticipation of meeting her new teacher that Princess Celestia herself had picked.  As uneager as she had been this morning, she found herself quite excited to meet her.
“Hello?” a soft voice came as the door opened a crack.
“Hey there, sugar cube,” Applejack smiled.  “I’ve got yer critter food.”
“Hello, Applejack,” the voice replied.  “I’m glad to see you.  How are you today?”
“Can’t complain,” she replied.  “Mighty sorry to bother ya, Fluttershy, but we’ve got somebody out here that’s lookin’ to meetcha.”
“You do?” the voice asked as the door pushed open a little more.  A timid little face peered out from the opening of the doorway revealing long pink hair and a single soft blue-green eye.  “I’m afraid I wasn’t expecting anybody today.  Are you sure they’re looking for me?”
“Please excuse this sudden imposition,” Tara said as she stepped forward.  She noticed she was speaking softer than usual, perhaps due to the soft spoken voice of her new mentor.  “My name is Tara and Princess Celestia sent me here to continue my studies with you.”
“Princess Celestia sent you here?” Fluttershy gasped softly.  “Oh my, I’m ever so sorry for making you wait outside for me.  Please, come in.”
Tara could barely contain her enthusiastic smile as the door to the cottage opened wide.  Surely there would be all manner of magical tomes and books and research materials all over the walls and shelves of the cottage.  When Fluttershy stepped forward to welcome everyone into her home however, Tara’s smile faded into a look of confusion.
The young woman who stood before Tara had to be the same age as her.  She was wearing a long yellow sundress that nearly touched the floor.  What baffled Tara more so than Fluttershy’s age was the fact that she was not a Caster, but an Avian.
“I think there may have been a mistake here,” she said.
“I made a mistake?” Fluttershy asked as she raised a hand to her apologetic face.  “I’m so sorry.  I don’t know how I’m supposed to properly meet someone the princess has sent.  Was I supposed to do it differently?”
“No, you were just fine,” Tara smiled weakly.  “It’s just that I came here to study magic.  I’m just not sure how much magic you can teach me if you’re not a Caster.”
“I should say there’s been a mistake then,” Rarity spoke up.  “Why, there aren’t that many magically gifted Casters in Ponyville at all.  We mostly use our magic for our day to day, darling.”
“But that doesn’t make sense,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Why would Princess Celestia send you to find someone who lives near Everfree to learn magic if the only two people who live there aren’t Casters?”
Realization dawned on Tara almost instantly at Pinkie’s question.
“Because my teacher doesn’t live near Everfree Forest,” Tara said as she began to walk around Fluttershy’s cottage.  “She lives in Everfree Forest.  Princess Celestia wasn’t mistaken.  I was for thinking that she may have been wrong.”
“But nobody lives in Everfree Forest,” Fluttershy said.  “It’s far too dangerous in there.”
“Whoa there, nelly,” Applejack said as she rushed to catch up to Tara.  “You can’t seriously be thinkin’ ‘bout goin’ in there, Tara.  It’s not safe.”
“I am and I’m going to,” Tara announced defiantly.  “Princess Celestia sent me here to find somebody to teach me something about magic that I couldn’t learn on my own.  If the princess says that person lives in the forest, then that’s where I’m going.”
Tara stepped around Applejack with Spike now following closely behind.  When the two of them got to the very edge of the forest she felt herself hesitate.  She looked into the dark woods before her and felt a small twinge of fear rising up within her.
“Are you sure about this, sis?” Spike asked.
Tara blinked her eyes and swallowed her fear.
“Of course I am,” she said stubbornly.  “Princess Celestia wouldn’t steer me wrong.”
And with that said, she entered Everfree Forest.

A/N:  A special-type internet cookie for anyone who can tell me where the human names came from!