The Everfree Forest, big, dark, creepy. A large expanse of mostly unexplored forest, home to a good number of dangerous animals and monsters. With treetops so thick only faint rays of sunlight were able to break through and most ponies brave enough to enter don’t make it back out, whether they’re caught by a monster, or simply lost.
But to one zebra, the Everfree Forest was home. Zecora hummed a tune to herself as she sprinkled colorful flower petals into a bowl of big green lettuce leaves. “For something different I hunger, where is the spice I wonder?”
The zebra rummaged around in a cabinet before coming out with a small jar. She opened it and sprinkled some into her lunch, then put it away. She then picked up her bowl and trotted over to the table.
No sooner was she about to eat when there was a knock on the door. She jumped, and her bowl was knocked to the floor, spilling its contents everywhere.
She sighed, half-amused. This happened way too often. She got up and trotted towards the door. She opened it, poking her head out. “Welcome…”
Nopony was in sight. She looked around, confused and slightly suspicious. Not a leaf in the forest looked out of place to her. “Who has come?” she wondered aloud. She took a step forward, and then feeling something press underneath her she lifted a hoof and looked down.
A scroll sat on her doorstep, bound by golden wax seal. “Interesting. I wonder who sent this thing?” she mused, picking it up.
She opened it up and read,
Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce The Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot-
Zecora skipped the formalities, scanning right to the bottom.
-extends an invitation to Zecora the zebra of the Everfree Forest.
And inside was a brilliant golden ticket. Zecora’s eyes widened. “A ticket to the Gala for free? An invitation sent to me?”
Zecora pondered this; she’d never been to the gala. She’d never really thought about it. But somepony had sent her an invite and a ticket too, had it been her friends from Ponyville? Zecora had never met either of the Princesses in person, and had never even seen Princess Celestia.
“I will go,” she decided. “But I must wear something fancy, I know.”
Zecora stepped back inside, closing the door and placing her ticket on the table. She cleaned up her salad off the floor and placed the bowl on the counter, hunger forgotten.
She opened her closet and rummaged around a bit. “Nothing good for me to wear,” she said quietly, closing the closet door. “Only a saddle, but it has a tear.”
She thought for a moment, wondering what to do. She didn’t even know what kind of things she was supposed to wear. Hay, she didn’t even know how it was appropriate to behave during a party like that. The customs of ponies and zebras could be so similar, yet so different. She knew she had plenty of time to figure it out; the Gala was still a ways off.
“I know, Ponyville has a dressmaker see,” she reminded herself. “My good friend Rarity. I will stop into town, and see if she could make me a proper gown.”
Grabbing her cloak and fastening it around her neck, the zebra trotted out the door, heading for Ponyville.
~~~
Twilight Sparkle yawned, the warm sun making her feel rather drowsy. She had a book open in front of her; she was sitting on a park bench. It was a beautiful day, and she figured why waste it indoors?
So she had brought a bunch of books out and was thus immersing herself in them. Her eyes lidded for a moment, just a moment. When she finally did open them, she let out a startled yelp and fell off the bench, at the sight of two big cerulean eyes staring into hers.
“Twilight Sparkle, my friend! It is so good to see you again; I was hoping a helping hoof you could lend?” But upon noticing the unicorn lying on the ground, Zecora’s cheerful expression turned to a concerned one. “Are you alright?” she held out her hoof, which Twilight took gratefully. “My apologies, shouldn’t have stood in your light.”
“No, it’s fine,” Twilight rose to her hooves and rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes. She chuckled once, “Sorry, I zoned out for a moment. What brings you here?” she asked, and quickly added, “Not that it’s unusual, and I do wish you would visit more frequently.”
The zebra chuckled, “Actually, I was hoping to see some books in your library. I got an invitation, you see. To the Grand Galloping Gala of Canterlot, I was wondering, was I invited by you lot?” she produced the invitation and handed it to Twilight, who became rather wide-eyed as she looked at the scroll.
“No, but congratulations!” Twilight said with a smile. “I’ve mentioned you to the Princesses before, they must want to meet you, or perhaps they just think you’d like to come.” She handed the scroll back, and Zecora shrugged.
“I came to Ponyville to see Rarity, for a good dress. I have nothing to wear, my wardrobe is a mess!”
Twilight picked up her book and started towards the library, Zecora walking beside her. “I’m sure Rarity can make you a beautiful dress, she always knows how to make a good dress for a good pony- er, zebra!” she laughed. “But seriously – congratulations.”
Zecora smiled, thanking her friend. They talked for a bit before stopping in front of Golden Oaks Library, and Zecora grinned. “It was good to see you again, Twilight. I am quite excited for the Gala night!”
The zebra noticed Twilight’s lower eye-lid twitch for a split second, before the purple unicorn smiled and nodded. “I hope you have fun,”
“Will you be at the Gala, then? You are Princess Celestia’s student, if I’m not mistaken.”
“Oh, no, I’m not going this year,” Twilight said sheepishly. “I do hope you enjoy yourself, though.”
Zecora nodded, giving Twilight a hug. “Oh well. I suppose I should see Rarity, farewell!”
Twilight waved, watching her go. She then stepped into the door, closing it behind her.
“Oh boy, I hope it doesn’t turn out as disastrous for her as it did for us,” she shivered.