//------------------------------//
// Intermission:  Witness 
// Story: Circumstantial Evidence 
// by Mad Hatter 
//------------------------------//

At the library of Ponyville, Spike belched up a scroll.  "Hey, Twilight!"
Twilight Sparkle looked up from the latest edition of Super Naturals (Now with credits to Zecora and Twilight for research responsible for most of the additions!).
"Message from the Princess!"
Twilight practically jumped from behind the desk and rushed over.  She wasn't expecting anything from Celestia, and that meant it was time to panic.  Snatching the scroll up in her magic and breaking the seal in one fluid motion, she began to read as Spike thanked his reflexes for keeping his claws in one piece.

Dear Twilight Sparkle,
I doubt you've forgotten about the royal guard Blaze Fire's visit recently.  As soon as I was aware of his visiting you, I requested that you come to Canterlot via the train tickets enclosed with this letter.  The date on said tickets will give you time to prepare.  Bring the samples you have tested and give the remaining ticket to Zecora.  I have questions for her as well.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia

Twilight lowered the magical grip on the parchment to under her muzzle.  "Spike, I'm going to Canterlot.  I'll need you to take care of things here, alright?" as she rolled the scroll up and placed it on a shelf filled with similar.

"Why?" the dragonling inquired.
"I don't know entirely, but it involves that guard that was here, and I need the samples I tested.  And to bring Zecora with me." she said while levitating a saddlebag onto her back and cantering towards the basement.  Spike barely made out the last part.  A minute later the lavender mare returned.  "I'm going to go see Zecora."

Twilight had gotten used to the unusual (By local standards) decor of the hut months ago.  She calmly knocked on the door.  The contrasting stripes, mohawk, and teal eyes peered thought the opening portal.  "As previous guests, I was not expecting you.  Welcome Twilight, what can I do for you too?"
Twilight looked pensive as the door finished its journey, revealing the whole zebra.  "Um, I didn't expect this either." she pseudo-explained to the curous look from Zecora.  "I just got a letter from Princess Celestia.  She needs both of us at Canterlot early next week."  She held the remaining ticket in her magic to view.
Zecora gently took the ticket from twilight and trotted towards the back.  "This is troubling news indeed.  What would cause the Princess to do such a deed?"
"I don't know Zecora.  All I know is Celestia wants us both at Canterlot, and for me to bring the samples of what they found at Java Chip's house."
Zecora froze halfway through packing saddlebags.  "I am surprised you do not see.  So that is what is to be..."  Her newly subdued demeanor worried Twilight.
"What do you mean Zecora?"
"It is best if you leave.  I do not want cause to grieve."

Twilight stared for a minute, worry in her eyes as Zecora silently finished packing.  The bags were finished with several small charms, the space on the wall behind them noting that they had not been removed from their place in a long time.  

"The station at three.  Do not worry about me."

Defeated, but trusting Zecora to show up at the proper time, Twilight silently left to ponder what she meant on the walk home.