//------------------------------//
// Progress 
// Story: Entwined 
// by janushyde 
//------------------------------//

Six days had passed after Twilight had been freed from her short imprisonment in stone. For the most part she spent her time as she always did studying magic, working at the library, and spending time with her friends. However she had kept her promise to Doubt and had set about learning the magic pocket spell. 

While she had learned the original spell without much difficulty thanks to some prompting from her mental companion she had set about modifying the spell.  The modifications in theory were simple yet in actuality they were quite daunting to undertake. The first change was fairly easy to make it just consisted of increasing the storage capacity of the spell. This change was made for the obvious use of allowing her to carry more items with her should the need arise and it didn’t require much effort to alter the spell formula. The second change on the other hoof was far more drastic. It involved reshaping the better part of the spell to make it work yet it was essential, or so Twilight had been told by her companion.
As she prepared to once again try her modified version of the spell Twilight thought back to the conversation that had lead her to begin a new more in depth study of not only the spell she was hoping to alter to suite her needs but also all the others she was currently able to cast.

 While the astral mane, is an interesting ascetic effect and is somewhat useful in its own right as it seems that it can be prehensile. I think we should work to remove it from the spell for a few reasons. The first being that it’s a marker that said spell is in use while not totally bad it does make us stand out. Next it is incredibly wasteful of magic and while we have larger reserves than most unicorns it would be best not to press our luck should an emergency situation arise. Furthermore Princess Celestia is the only pony aside from Nightmare Moon shown to have such a mane. While we are her student we don’t need to plant any ideas in the public’s mind about our status regarding her do we? Nightmare had reasoned when Twilight had first begun working on mastering the spell.

Well no, but it seems like a lot of trouble to go through for just one spell. I mean it’ll take days to break down and reconstruct the spell in order to reshape it to meet our requirements. Twilight had responded still somewhat unsure of her ability to achieve the task that had been set before her.

 Indeed this will be a test of your abilities, however considering how well versed you are in magical theory and application of said theory for practical use. Besides, if you wish to be known for your ability as a mage simply learning using spells isn’t enough. You need a deep understanding of the mechanics behind a spell and what causes it to work the way it does. The best way to learn this is to take apart a spell down to its most basic components seeing how they inner act with each other and then reassembling them. Look at Star Swirl the Bearded, while it’s true that he created many spells he would never have been able to do so had he never tried to experiment with the spells that were around at the time examining how they worked and in many cases making them either more efficient or less unwieldy. If you wish to create your own spells you need to be less focused with theory and delve more into more practical application of how magic works. Nightmare instructed genteelly encouraging her host. To her delight Twilight had conceded and began to examine the formula within the spell book with a renewed vigor.

That had almost a week ago. While she had admittedly been somewhat unwilling to tinker with the mechanics of such a complex spell after some more encouragement from Doubt she began her efforts in earnest and was starting to see some results. While her mane still tended to shimmer brightly in the light whenever she cast the spell she had been able to stop it from flowing with a nonexistent breeze and doubled the storage capacity for the pocket itself. In time she would indeed be able to use the spell with out visual cues present. That however was a long ways off. For now Twilight decided to get some sleep as she had plans tomorrow and it wouldn’t be polite to greet her guest exhausted from the previous day’s events Zecora deserved better than that.  So Twilight took a breath then trotted up the stairs to turn in for the night.

Waking up the next morning refreshed and ready to face the new day Twilight set about her morning rituals. Once she had showed, brushed her mane and had breakfast her next goal was to get things in order for her meeting with Zecora. While she bustled about the kitchen Spike made his way down stairs eager to enjoy his day off around Ponyville as a large flea market had set up in the town square. “I’ll see you later Twilight I’m heading out now.” He called into the kitchen as he slowly made his way to the front door.

“That’s fine Spike have fun I’ll meet up with you in a few hours, I’ll tell Zecora you said hi.” Twilight replied as she set a tea kettle on the stove, going about the step of making tea with the same careful eye that made her a truly effective leader when the situation called for it. A few moments later and the kettle were whistling as the water within reached a boil. With a quick application of her magic the kettle was moved onto its tray and the stove turned off allowing Twilight to levitate it to its proper place on the table.

As Twilight readied herself for a visit from her friend, Nightmare Moon was lost in her own thoughts. What a boon that run in with the cockatrice was. She seems far more willing to listen to my advice now. I had estimated that it would take a few more months before she would actively reach out to me like that. She mused to herself.

No sooner had the tray set upon the table there was a knock on the front door. “Come on in I’m just setting the table.” Twilight called as she made her way to the front door. A brief flash of magic and the door quietly opened revealing Zecora standing at the threshold wearing her traveling cloak a small basket gripped in her mouth. Nodding her thanks to her unicorn host she made her way inside the library using her tail to close the door behind her. Twilight walking by her side soon the two made their way into the kitchen and seated themselves at the table. 

Zecora sat her small basket off to the side of the table and opened it revealing several small bags of her home made herbal tea. “A gift for you as a thanks for your hospitality I know how much you enjoy my special brew.” She explained.

“Thank you Zecora, I’m sorry to say I didn’t know about this tradition, I’ll try harder to respect your beliefs in the future.” Twilight bashfully replied lowering her head in shame.

“It was but a simple mistake, because of this it I will not allow our friendship to break. Now please let us enjoy each other’s company, if I’m not mistaken I believe I smell raspberry.” She replied waving the incident off with a hoof.

Twilight grinned as she poured the aforementioned tea into their cups. “Yes, it is with a hint of vanilla one of my teachers at the school for gifted unicorns introduced me to it. I quickly became quite fond of it and would drink it once the ends of year exams were over to help me unwind.” She beamed before taking a sip of her beverage sighing as the beverage worked its effect on her once more.

Zecora mimicked her host’s action sampling the drink before her. “I do agree it does seem to have a relaxing effect upon me. Now please Twilight speak your mind it seems that there are answers you wish for me to divine.” She said glancing over the rim of her teacup.

Twilight sighed somewhat guiltily, “I never did have a good poker face. I wanted to ask you a few questions about your past and perhaps a favor though I’m not sure if I should be inquiring about it.” She admitted taking another sip of her tea to keep herself steady.

‘Oh this should prove to be most informative. History books can only impart some much information even to one as studious as my host is. Now hopefully she’ll ask the right questions information is the lifeblood of any ruler. Nightmare beamed.

“I do thank you for your consideration, I doubt that you would ask anything that would lead to condemnation. So please feel free to ask seeking understanding is an honorable task.” Zecora said with a smile hoping to encourage her younger friend.

Twilight grinned in response her friend’s reassurance easing her mind. “Well I’d like to know how long you’ve been here in Equestria, and why you chose to live in the Everfree Forest too.” She began trailing off to let her friend gather her thoughts.
Zecora took another sip of her tea before responding.

“I am of a nomadic tribe in the northern half of Zebraria did I thrive. Of the world I did wish to know so I left home five years ago. In my travels I did hear of a mysterious placed called Everfree. So to the East I did trek, to put my curiosity in check. It was a great risk I’ll admit for I did not know of the dangers of the path I did trot, though I would not trade my new home for all the gold in Canterlot.” As she finished speaking a grin brightening up her face gently encouraging her friend to continue her questioning. 

“Oh, interesting I thought the last of the nomadic tribes had settled down about five generations ago.” She beamed her drive for answers, and the desire to know more about her friend pushing her on. “ I’ve heard some rumors about tensions between the northern and southern settlements rising over the years escalating greatly with war approaching on the horizon is this true?” she hesitantly inquired torn between her desire to learn and the risk of overstepping her bounds warring across her face.

Zecora nodded solemnly before speaking. “Indeed it is true; neither side will compromise their point of view. I fear to say that war between my people will be raging one day. It is unlikely that the last wandering tribes will be allowed to avoid this fate, so many like me are leaving the Zebarian state.” She informed finishing her first cup of tea.

Twilight silently refilled it mulling over the last question she wanted to ask. In an effort to stall a bit longer she took a deep swig from her own cup and signed realizing that she had done this to herself the question would hound her until she got an answer. “What, about the enslavement of the Earth Ponies who emigrated there so long ago, is it still in ongoing or has it been put to rest?” Twilight regretted asking the moment she opened her muzzle but she had to know.

Zecora paused and cast a forlorn glance at her teacup for a long moment. “I will not lie to you; the stories of slavery are indeed true. However there is some hope, as many communities are starting to lay aside the lash and rope.” She replied looking her younger friend straight in the eye.

Twilight pondered what she just learned a small smile crossing her muzzle. “I’d always hoped that it was just a rumor, propaganda and lies but knowing that things are starting to turn around even if it is a very slow moving change makes it more palatable to hear.” Twilight began, “ I’m sorry I asked such probing questions but I wanted to know more about you and your homeland.” She finished cheerfully finally emptying her first cup of tea.

From there the conversation turned to lighter topics, including Zecora’s early days of living in the Everfree  Forest, the local legends and old mare’s tales of her homeland stories of Twilight’s time at Celestia’s School for Gifted unicorns, the trials of dealing with a teething dragon, and what each other’s preferred blend of tea was. As the morning wore on their mood grew lighter and before they knew it the kettle was empty and noon was fast approaching.

“Once again I really enjoyed your company would you like to meet at my home next week for tea?”Zecora asked as she rose from her spot at the table.

“I’d love to Zecora, however before you go I’d like to ask about that favor I mentioned a while ago.” Twilight said looking a bit sheepish for even bringing it up.

“Such a simple task I can do, now please inform me as to why this favor does trouble you.” Zecora nodded her curiosity about the request and why it seemed to unsettle her friend prompting her to act.

“Uh, well I was wondering if you would be willing to teach me Alchemy it’s just so very different from unicorn magic. I hesitate to ask because from what I’ve read it’s treated as a sort state secret of Zebraria.” Twilight admitted scoffing the floor with a hoof out of embarrassment. 

A mirthful chuckle escaped from Zecora. Once she calmed herself she spoke. “Is that all you ask, do not worry this is no forbidden task. I would do in a heartbeat even though teaching is no easy feat. On the condition that you share your own knowledge of magic with me, even if I can only learn the theory.” 

A weight seemed to lift from Twilight when she heard her friend’s honest reply. “Oh thank you Zecora and it would be my pleasure to try my hoof at teaching, I promise to give it my best effort!” She gushed, ideas for lesson plans already forming in her head.

You never stop surprising me Twilight, you ask some truly relevant questions then you top it off with this. Oh you continue to prove how unworthy Celestia is to have you. I can’t wait to see the full effect that my guidance will have upon you. I didn’t have to prompt any of this, I shall enjoy having you rule at my side. In fact I think I’ll ease off the manipulation of your dream for a few days and see how you’re developing.  Nightmare decided truly impressed with the information twilight was able to get and the prospect of her host picking up the art of alchemy to boot.

“All I ask is that you try, for now we must say good bye. I have much I wish to do, and am willing to bet the same applies to you.” Zecora said as she made her way to the door, Twilight trotting by her side saddle bags in tow.

“See you soon I’m going to enjoy the flea market while it’s still up and running.” Twilight agreed holding the door open for her friend. Once they were both outside she shut and locked the door then placed her bags upon her back and accompanied Zecora until their paths split at the town square. With Twilight turning toward the bustling market therein and Zecora headed to her home in the Everfree Forest.

Twilight was enjoying the market; each stall promised new where to examine and ponies to meet. While she hadn’t see Spike yet she had run across Applejack tending to the many hungry patrons from her cart. 

Just as she was about to turn a corner and start down a new row Doubt’s voice caught her attention.  Look at that booth being run by that blue unicorn; he has a lance amongst his wares she instructed.

Twilight turned her head to the right, low and behold propped up next to some kites and fencing foils there indeed was a wooden lance. Thinking back to her father’s stories of his time in the jousting club at school and the vague memories of seeing her older brother practicing the sport she trotted up to the booth to take a closer look. It was a fairly standard instrument all things considered the only real outstanding characteristic about it was the bright red stain applied to the well cared for piece of sporting equipment. While the rougher variants of the sport like Rennen and Stechen didn’t apple to her the more passive form of ring jousting had seemed like fun to her.

 You know it wouldn’t take too much effort to set up a tiltyard to train in, besides it would help keep you in shape for next year’s Running of the Leaves. Nightmare encouraged.

 I think you’re right and even if it’s too expensive there’s no harm in asking. Besides Shinning Knight made it look like so much fun. Twilight agreed. “Excuse me sir,” She began addressing the shop keep who turned to face his newest customer eagerly “How much are you asking for that lance over there?” she finished her question seeming to startle him some.

“Oh, not very often I see somepony take an interest in that the joust is something of a dying sport these days. Normally I’d ask for Sixty bits for it but, because you seem like such a nice young mare I think I could part with it for say, Forty bits.” He offered smiling warmly at his potential customer.

Thinking for a moment Twilight nodded and levitated the bits out of her saddle bag to the counter, thanking the shop keeper for his time as she did so. Once the transaction was complete she took the lance into her telekinetic grip then quickly teleported it to her room in the library. Once that task was completed she continued to walk the rows of stalls and booths set up hoping to find Spike, or one of her other friends.

After another hour of ambling around the market Twilight finally found her number one assistant as he was just finishing up a transaction at a stall that a wide variety of gemstones. “Hey Spike how have you been enjoying the market so far?” She asked him as he approached her.

“It’s been great; I got to see all kinds of amazing stuff. There was Pegasus selling bottles of liquid rainbow, and an Earth Pony who had this awesome collection of Daring Doo books. Though by far the best thing I saw was this unicorn that was walking around with hydra fangs strapped to his forelegs!” he babbled walking alongside Twilight who listened to his every word. The last bit really caught her attention though she decided not to ask about him as she didn’t like the idea of Spike being around somepony like that.

“Well I’m glad you’re enjoyed yourself here, I think we both earned a little break like today after everything that’s been going on recently.” She said as the two of them continued to take in the sights and sounds of the flea market. It was sundown by the time they had decided to return home for the evening. After a quick supper they both washed up and headed to bed. Twilight was able to rest easily that night much like she had been able to ever since she started working on modifying the magic pocket spell.

For the next three days things settled into a comfortable pattern for Twilight and Spike. As they went about their daily tasks in Ponyville, on the evening of the third night Twilight had a breakthrough and was finally able to complete her modifications to the magic pocket spell. While it was still somewhat taxing for her to maintain its use over an extended period of time it would be far less so than the original version of the spell.

As Twilight was preparing to go to bed that evening she was being congratulated by Doubt for her accomplishment.  This really is a remarkable achievement, few unicorns ever take an interest in spell crafting and modification, and fewer still would choose such a notoriously difficult spell as their first attempt. You really should be proud of yourself Twilight. She praised,  However aside from working on the duration of the spell I think you should take a break from this field of magical study for a bit. You don’t want to risk overtaxing yourself do you? Nightmare asked.

Well no, but what should I move onto then, I don’t like to admit it but I get far too antsy if I don’t have a project of sorts to work on. Twilight muttered pondering over how high strung she could be at times as she climbed into her bed for the night.

 There is that little nick knack you picked up at the flea market the other day. I’m sure that you could find a safe place to convert into a tiltyard. The only real problem would be getting a harness for the lance made. Doubt assured her host.

I could ask Rarity, if anypony is capable of making something like that around here it’s her. Twilight suggested feeling her eyes start to droop.

 Indeed why don’t you ask her in the morning then I’m sure that she would enjoy the challenge, it would also be a way to help contribute to her business. Doubt agreed slowly guiding her host to the land of dreams for another night of sound slumber.

Bright and early the next mornings Twilight set out to Rarity’s home and place of business the Carousel Boutique.  Seeing the open sign on the door she entered the chime of a bell announcing her arrival there.

“Just a immune please!” Rarity called from the work room while she waited Twilight took in the main room of the boutique, noting the work in progress dresses on the dress forms arranged in a pattern that seemed to show the progress not just of each outfit but how complete it was when compared to the others. Just as Twilight was starting to wrack her brain trying to guess who ordered each outfit and for what occasion she heard her friend speak up from behind her.”Oh Twilight darling what bring you here this fine morning?” She asked getting Twilight’s attention.

“Oh well I picked up a lance at the flea market the other day and I was hoping you would be able to make a harness for me so I could being training with it once I found a suitable location.” Twilight explained somewhat sheepish about having such an item made.

“I didn’t know that you enjoyed jousting Twilight I never figured you to enjoy such a physical sport. It seemed like it would be more Rainbow Dash’s or Applejack’s alley than yours.” Rarity began “However well all have our hobbies. As for the harness well I already have your measurements but I’d need to see the lance you’ll be using in order to get it up to snuff as it were, would you mind bringing it up the day after tomorrow? I’m a bit swamped at the moment as you can see.” She finished gesturing to the dress forms that Twilight had been admiring earlier as well as the absolute mess that was her work room at the moment.

Twilight nodded, “That won’t be a problem at all Rarity. I admit it was something of an impulse buy but I don’t regret it I’ve toyed with the idea of picking up the sport for years and well I guess I finally convinced myself to take the plunge. Good luck with your orders then and I’ll see you in a few days.” Twilight agreed walking to the door of the boutique.

Once outside Twilight began her trek back to the library, while Spike was capable of running the places on his own she would rather not have him shoulder the task by himself if she could help it. Just as she had arrived home and had opened the door, she paused momentarily. A large shadow had passed by just overhead and it didn’t match up with any bird or Pegasus she knew of. Passing it off as a trick of the light she returned to her home for the day and set about the task of running the library with Spike.

It was a few hours past moonrise now, Spike had gone to bed some time ago while Twilight was busy checking over the records of recently returned books so she could keep track of late fees should the matter arise. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Curios about who could be stopping by and why she set the papers down on her work desk and approached the door opening it. To her utter amazement it was Gilda. Regaining her senses she quickly invited the griffon into the building.

Hmm this is an interesting turn of events I didn’t expect her to return and neither did my host. Still this could prove to be informative just like tea with Zecora brought a lot of interesting facts to light. Nightmare Moon mused to herself.

“Hey I’ve made up my mind about you and I’ve decided that I’m willing to be friends with you. You seem rather cool for a pony. So I was thinking we could talk for a bit get to know each other and all that.” She said.

“Sure, since this was my idea it’s only fair if I go first what would you like to know Gilda.” Twilight beamed the prospect of making a new friend invigorating her.

“Hmm, well for starters how were you able to walk around Cloudsdale like that, also how did you meet Dash?” She began wasting no time.

“Oh that’s easy I found a spell that lets a unicorn or earth Pony walk on clouds for three days and cast it on myself and two of my friends. I would have cast the artificial wings spell on all of use but it was just too draining, and well they aren’t exactly the strongest wings in the first place.” She explained feeling somewhat sheepish for having cast Daedalus woven wings spell in Rarity.

“Huh, I didn’t know those kinds of spells even existed. Then again I was never too interested in much outside of flying and my other hobbies. Don’t worry I’ll let you ask about them later first though I’d like to know how you met up with Rainbow Dash she left flight school she didn’t visit me as much so we kind of fell out of contact.” Gilda responded honestly surprised with what she just heard.

Twilight blushed a bit with embarrassment but resigned herself to telling the tail of how she met Rainbow Dash and her other friends to Gilda hoping that she didn’t come across as a braggart like Trixie from so long ago. However much to her delight her new friend seemed to be taking to the story with a grain of salt. As she finished the story the griffon seemed to pondering something for a bit before nodding apparently having reached whatever conclusion she had been leading up to.

“You don’t look like your lying but I’m going to hold off judgment on the whole beating Nightmare Moon bit for now. As for Dash crashing into you and being goaded into doing a day’s work in seconds? Oh yeah that’s her all over. She never thinks about bleeding off her momentum, she’s way too concerned about pushing her limits to do that.”She responded, then after pausing for a moment she decided to ask another question. “Anyway aside from studying magic what do you like to do?”

“Well I really enjoy astronomy, and I’m going to give jousting a try my older brother made it look really fun and dad was always ready to break out stories from his days on the team.” Twilight volunteered.

“Okay now that’s cool a sport like that takes a lot of guts to get into and I can’t think of very many noteworthy mares to take it up recently just adds to that rock on Twilight.” Gilda beamed.

“Thanks, I don’t intend to get into the full contact stuff right away, after a while maybe but for now I’ll just stick with ring jousting. What about you, you said you had a few hobbies you really enjoyed as well?” Twilight inquired

“Yeah I’m a fan or archery, and old Uncle Greg taught me how to wield a spear. Just between you and me though I’m really into sculpting I don’t know why but next to flying nothing helps me unwind after a long day like taking a mound of clay and shaping it into something new.” Gilda reluctantly admitted almost as if she was expecting Twilight to laugh at the mere mention of her artistic inclination. When she didn’t Gilda seemed to relax not quite dropping her guard but still she didn’t seem to be as distant either.

“Wait, you said Greg, you didn’t happen to mean Gergor Gustav did you?” Twilight inquired

This is interesting how is she connected to an ambassador? Nightmare pondered.

“You know Uncle Greg? I wonder how, I’ve never really known him to leave the Avian Alliance embassy outside of a vacation.” Gilda responded to Twilight’s question with one of her own.

“I wouldn’t say that I know him so much as I know of him. I bumped into him a few times after finishing up some star gazing. He seemed like a nice enough gargoyle. We never did more than exchange some brief pleasantries before heading on our separate ways though.” Twilight explained before trailing off at the end she wanted to ask how Gilda knew him but decided that it wasn’t her place to ask.

“Yeah that’s uncle Greg for yah always got his head in the game but never too busy to stop and say hi guess it comes with his line of work though. Heh, next time I’m up in Canterlot I’ll have to pay him a visit. It’ll be worth the trip alone to see him explain why he never bothered mentioning you.” She replied an impish grin spread across her beak.

Twilight returned the grin and was about to ask another question when she noticed the position of the moon finally realizing how late it was. “Uh, Gilda I don’t mean to seem rude but it’s rather late, do you think we can finish this conversation another day?” She hesitantly asked.

Gilda’s gaze followed Twilight’s out the window briefly before she returned her focus to the unicorn before her.”No problem Twilight, I’ll drop by in a few weeks keep an eye out for me so until then later.” She agreed, with that she let herself out and flew off into the night.

Once Gilda had disappeared from sight Twilight closed the door and headed up to bed the long day catching up to her and causing her to drift off quickly. 

Nightmare Moon however wasn’t so quick to follow her host’s lead. This is a golden opportunity if I ever saw one. Should Gilda really be connected to the ambassador of the Avian Alliance Twilight could stand to gain much from this friendship. With some careful prodding I might even be able to persuade her to defect once the time comes to expose Celestia for what she really is. Things are truly looking up for me. She purred to herslf before drifting off as well.

Author's note Rennet jousting involves knocking away the opponet's shield while Stechen involves knocking a crest off the opponet's helmit. I can't recall the offical name for it but ring jousting involves collecting rings with your lance. That aside I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.