“Twilight, Twilight. Pinkie Pie needs your help, summoning Zecora for a special Ceremony!” Scootaloo pronounced as she faced the Princess of Ponyville in her new castle, after Spike had escorted her to the Royal library.
“Pinkie Pie needs a Coronation? Who or what for?” Twilight inquired.
“I do not know, she never said. Yet, if she said it, it is bound to mean something and be hilarious; once we have seen it play through?” Scootaloo offered in a bewildered tone of voice.
“What baffles me is just that she asked for Zecora, I could have Celestia, Luna and Cadence here within a day, if it was that urgent. She knows that. Yet she is promptly asking for Zecora. A Coronation?” Twilight pondered.
“If Spike sent a message, they would have it in the same instant. We all know Alicorns are fast, when they need to be some place!” Scootaloo pondered in response.
“Yes, we can move very fast, if and when it is required. Since she didn’t give me much to go on, there is little to nothing to prepare. I’d better be going to invite Zecora. You tell Pinkie Pie that I am off on her request, would you?” Twilight responded, as she left the library in haste.
“While you are out, I will let Pinkie Pie know!” Scootaloo responded.
At this point, Twilight Sparkle was cantering towards my hut; while Scootaloo trotted to Pinkie Pie at the Sugar-Cube Corner, in order to announce that she had explained what little Pinkie Pie had given her to go on, as she sent Twilight towards me.
For some reason; it was an enjoyably, calm and quiet day in my hut in the wild forest of Everfree. I had set off to enjoy it this way. Apparently I had nothing special I had to do. All the herbs I could think of were currently plentiful in my supply cabinets; where I commonly keep them for later use, in remedies and potions.
All of a sudden, a Pony came bursting in, knocking eagerly on my door; though quietly waiting for my response in a more polite than normal, manner. I had a feeling it was Twilight Sparkle. Not so much in how she knocked on my door.
As I had gotten to the door and opened; I could clearly see my premonition confirmed as I saw her face in the doorway, as I took a step back and to the side; thus inviting her in.
“Greetings!” I merely uttered, as she closed the door firmly behind her.
“Greetings, Zecora. Thank you. I have been given a most urgent and very important invitation. Pinkie Pie delegated to me to hold a Coronation. For some reason, most if not all details has been withheld, so I can’t really go into any further details at this time!” she explained carefully, in her politest voice.
I had to consider what she had brought before me with great care, which may be why she had been sent to me in the first place. Information withheld was no excuse to deny her what she had asked of me. Whatever the reason, from what I know, this one pink mare had a knack for venturing out on many an unknown and thus unpredicted path.
Ponies had never been required a Zebra to be present at any event before, not an outcast in exile like me. Never for a coronation either. From what she had stated, the details may be given on arrival; when they could be delivered directly. That would be when I was to be told.
For some reason, something told me; I couldn’t deny her the requested services. As silly as their initial fear had been; they had soon realized the error of the unfounded fears they had made up, around what they had initially perceived about me.
“A Coronation for you I will perform as desire, when you call to inspire. I will be there, the request is fair. Just let me know when I am needed where!” I put forth in rhyme.
“I thank you, Zecora. I know you will manage to handle it magnificently. Ponies will talk about the event and remember you for times to come!” Twilight pointed out.
How was I to react, what could I possibly add. Not that I care much for the attention it may bring, regardless of the outcome of what she had proposed. I am honour bound to stick to my promise, either way.
“Princess of Ponyfolk I trust, I will be there and do what I must. Your thanks is all I need, since I harbour no greed!” I then uttered in afterthought.
Since I had told her what she wanted to here, what I knew I had to do, she was eager to leave me in pease to continue my business. With that, I saw her to the door, following her with my gaze for a moment and closed the door. I followed her moves from within the safety of my hut for moments longer, before I turned my attention to my own, knowing her to canter back to her village, to Ponyville and announce the happy news of my cooperation.
Once I had seen Twilight Sparkle canter out, I knew she was to be home at her castle and the safety within. I harbour no fear for her sake, for her person. I had known her as much too capable a Pony to warrant fear for her, particularly on a day like this.
As Twilight reached the castle, a surprise was soon to hit her. Pinkie Pie had already arrived with a small group of Ponies she did not know of, or know. Yet, there was no cause of alarm. If they had come with the pink mare, everything was safe.
“Hiya, Twillie!” Pinkie greeted her friend as Spike slammed it shut behind his purple friend.
“Greetings, Pinkie. I found her at her hut. She promised to perform your ceremonies for you!” Twilight put forth with no further ado.
“Great, great!” Pinkie burst out, beaming.
“You are quite welcome, Pinkie. For you, I would go much further, and you know it!” Twilight responded.
“These are my new friends; Breezer, Constellation, Pie Chaser, Cherry Fillings, Daisies’ Treat and Clover Treaties!” she pronounced, nodding at the ponies in turn, from the Pegasus, to the light grey Unicorn mare, the deep purple Pony with leafy green mane and tail, the red mare with green mane and tail, the pale yellow mare with vibrant blue to cyan mane and tail, green mare with blond main and tail and the green mare with minty mane and tail.
“Greetings, Breezer, Constellation, Pie Chaser, Cherry Fillings, Daisies’ Treat and Clover Treaties. I hope you will feel welcome in Ponyville. This is after all a very friendly little village!” Twilight added.
“We have only seen friendly Ponies this far, although you are the second Pony we’ve seen, Twillie, second only to Pinkie!” Clover responded with a slight giggle to her voice.
“Pinkie Pie is among the nicest Ponies you could possibly meet, always ready to throw a party and spread joy to any and all. She has the habit of using Pet Names or diminutive forms of names. She could be quite the hoof-full and can be something to get used to, if you haven’t met such a bright and lively Pony before!” Twilight pointed out cheerfully.
“Twillie, you think you could let them stay over at your castle for a few days? They would need somewhere to stay and would need to rest. You have any spare room where they could sleep?” Pinkie Pie asked Twilight.
“Either the basement or the second floor would work, if these arrangements work with you?” Twilight suggested.
“Anywhere warm with room for a bed is fine by us!” Constellation confirmed.
“The basement would most likely be preferable, if you don’t mind, Twillie?” Clover added.
“Then I could follow you there right now, so you could all settle in comfortably well before the night?” Pinkie offered.
“Thanks, Pinkie and Twillie!” Constellation pronounced.