//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Unicorn Romance // by Jewel_Eater_Dragon //------------------------------// The following day It was a hot humid evening in Ponyville, and only a few ponies were still out, taking a stroll through the village or simply relaxing, as many found it just a little too warm to be overly active. In fact, many of them were simply trying to find someplace to cool off. However this did not stop the young ones from running around. Granny Smith herself, lazing on her rocking chair watching in mild envy as Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo raced towards their Cutie Mark Crusaders Tree House. “Hi Granny Smith, bye Granny Smith!” yelled Apple Bloom as she and her friends rushed past the old Apple Family barn. "You fillies better wash up before suppertime! Ain't no way you gonna be eating covered in mud!" "Eeyup." muttered Big Macintosh as he and Applejack lazily made his way towards the barn after a hard day’s work in the fields. “Are we staying for supper Apple Bloom?” Sweetie Belle asked, a slightly puzzled look on her face. Apple Bloom on the other hoof, simply shrugged. On the other side of town however, we find two familiar friends slowly making their way towards the Everfree Forest, both carrying their saddlebag. "But twilight.... it's just so hot today. A lady like I should not have to sweat so profusely and so needlessly." whined a familiar prim and proper white unicorn. "Oh it's not that bad Rarity. And anyway, we're going to see Zecora for the herbs I asked for. It'll be cool once under the shade of the Everfree Forest." said Twilight with a spring in her voice. "Oh I still can't believe that I agreed to go along with you into the forest. I mean the muck and the grime. I'll have to make another arrangement with Lotus Blossom when we get back. Oh I do hope she can fit me in on such short notice." *giggle* "Oh come on now Rarity, you promised me yesterday you’d accompany me. Listen, how about we both go for a full treatment after this? My treat." "Well in that case, I accept.” Rarity replied looking much happier at the thought of a full round of pampering. As they entered the forest, Twilight was proven right, as usual. For the Everfree Forest was cooler and as the wind blew past them, the freshness of the forest filled their nostrils and slowly dried the sweat off their bodies. A little more comfortable, the two friends made their way towards Zecora's hut. On the way, the two reminisced about very first adventure together. Their travels through the Everfree Forest, in search for the Ancient Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters, and looking for the Elements of Harmony. They spoke of the trials they had faced, such as the Manticore, the scary, evil faced trees, and the Sea Serpent. "Oh Twilight." Rarity wailed suddenly, "Can we not talk about the serpent? It took forever for my tail to grow back." "But didn't it grow back right after you received your Element of Harmony?" Twilight asked; a puzzled look on her face. "Well, yes dear, but still, the entire time without my fabulous tail is a tragedy in its own right, isn't it?" she asked as she cocked her head to one side, eyes, sheepishly looking back at Twilight. "Oh Rarity." Twilight sighed, a slight grin on her face. And the two friends continued their journey to Zecora's hut. The rest of the travel was rather uneventful aside the giggles and laughter of two close friends. Soon, they arrived at their destination. A house built into a medium sized tree where Zecora lived. Looking up however, the sky had darkened slightly, indicating night was fast approaching. "Wow." muttered Twilight. "It's getting dark. Let’s hurry up here and get back to Ponyville." Rarity, on the other hoof, seemed a little distracted, kicking off some mud that clung to her. Twilight sighed and knocked on the door. The door swung open slowly and there stood Zecora, welcoming them both. "It's always a pleasure to see, Friend Twilight and Rarity." "Good evening Zecora. It's good to see you too. Do you have the ingredients I asked for?" "Dear Twilight I must confess, There is but one, missing from the rest. The last item to make your tea, is a flower from the Midnight Tree. I will have to harvest it soon, For the flower only blooms in the light of the moon. But worry not my friends. For I will obtain it of course, for you see, I know its very source. However, danger lurks where it is grown, therefore, I must venture out alone." "But if it's that dangerous, wouldn't it be better if we went with you?" Twilight asked a little concerned for Zecora's safety. "Uhh...heh heh heh... Twilight...." Rarity calls. And as Twilight turns to look, she finds Rarity's face, slightly flushed, nervously shaking her head from side to side. "Ha ha. I do appreciate your company; but it would be safer if it's just me." And just as Zecora was about to head for the door, she looks out the window and then mentions to her friends once more. "Night draws near my little ponies, safe not the forest be. Why not stay the night? I'll be back eventually." And she walks over to her bed. "Forgive my home for it’s a mess, but my bed is large so you both can rest. And if sleep is what you are longing, then sleep, for I will return, come the morning." “Actually, your bed does look larger than the last time we were here.” Twilight noticed. “Why yes Twilight, that is true, so now it’s comfortable for the both of you” "Well... it is getting rather late,” Rarity admitted, “and I would not fancy another walk in that awful forest at night. What do you think Twilight? Better here than outside, wouldn’t you say?" "Well… you have a point there Rarity, but I'm surprised that you would want to stay the night here." "Well, it’s like I said dear Twilight, it’s much safer than out there right? Ooo! We can make it a sleepover, just like the last time with you, me and Applejack!" "If I remembered correctly, the last time had more arguing, but I guess you're right Rarity. Alright Zecora. We'll accept your invitation to spend the night here. Thank you." Zecora nods her head and turns towards the door. She pushes the door open with her hoof, and as she is about to leave, she glances back to the two ponies as they are settling in, and a happy grin appears on her face. Rarity turns and she sees Zecora looking at her. She blushes a deep red and nods sheepishly back. Zecora leaves, closing the door behind her. She begins her trek further into the forest to gather up the last of the ingredients for the tea she promised Twilight.