Spirits and Spells: Invitation

A/N: To anyone who read and commented on the last chapter, thank you. I'm doing this for myself, but it feels good to know that somebody reads this. I'm going to make the chapters longer from here on out.

Disclaimer: I don't own My Little Pony: Friendship is magic or any of the characters therein. They are the property of Lauren Faust and Hasbro.


"Nurse Redheart should be very pleased. The stress of her patients shall be eased." said Zecora as she trotted out of the last bit of Everfree. The dew on the grass and position of the sun told her that it was still very early in the morning. The nurse liked to get an early start, so Zecora's delivery with the potions would be very much appreciated.

From the morning light, the edges of Ponyville could be seen in the distance, as well as a few of the weather pegasi who worked the early morning shift. Zecora rotated her shoulders and moved forward, careful not to jostle the vials too much. As she made her way , she began to reflect.

Her standing in Ponyville had increased dramatically since the day that Twilight Sparkle and her friends stumbled into the Poison Joke. She couldn't help a small laugh at their expense when she remembered their ailments. Since then, she had become a welcome citizen of the lovely town, and more importantly, made the friends she had so much desired. Regardless of where she went or how much she traveled, companionship was a treasure she would always be open for.

Unsurprisingly, the most wisdom came from the youth. The little one's bravery brought light to the cloud of fear that Ponyville held for her. Applebloom had opened the door for her, and Zecora would always hold her dearly for that.

Zecora smiled as she passed into Ponyville, the early risers either waving or nodding respectfully as she went on her way. Her spirit breathed with joy at the attitudes. Yes, things had improved indeed. Perhaps she could take the time to visit her new friends once her business was complete.

In minutes Zecora made her way up to the medium-sized establishment and entered. From behind the reception desk Nurse Tenderheart greeted her with a smile.

"Zecora! It's lovely to see you. Nurse Redheart is dealing with a small case of the cold in the back, but you're more than welcome to wait if you'd like."

Zecora regarded the blue pony for a bit before shaking her head. "Thank you for the invitation, but I must decline. I desire to visit precious friends of mine." She paced forward and carefully shrugged off her bag and opened it. Nurse Tenderheart nodded and gladly received the bottles. Once they were properly situated, she pulled out the bits they owed and placed them on the counter.

The zebra gladly swept the payment into her cloak and returned her bag to her shoulders. "The potions I made have a pleasing smell. That and the taste should serve you well. A few sips at once should do the deed. Only use as much as you need."

"Thank you, Zecora."

Bowing, the potion maker turned and set out of the hospital, her first destination of her spontaneous journey through Ponyville fresh in her mind.


Ponyville had come alive. Standing outside, Zecora could see that the ever changing motion of daily life had begun. Ponies walked or flew by, carrying on conversations; some even waved at her as they passed. The opening and closing of shop doors and the voices of ponies lined up to buy wares gave Zecora more than a bit of nostalgia; the market of her home was always bustling in the morning.

As she began to walk, she pondered the vague remnants of her vision. Being mounted by the spirits was no small matter; the power they held could very well cause their vessel to either faint, or in the worst cases, die. Training and patience were required for the ancient ones to work through you properly.

This particular morning had been… strange. Zecora had merely been paying respects. She had expected nothing in return, and yet the spirits had gifted her somehow. Her hooves strayed as her mind wandered, pulled away as if by an outside current.


Hazy purple mist curled about, undulating to a drum beat. It was a steady pulse; each note sending thrums through Zecora's spirit. It was not unlike a heartbeat.

From above, or what could be called above, a deep light shone. Looking up, Zecora gasped in awe. A star- wonderful and luminous- beat in tune to the steady rhythm of the mist. Zecora started, realizing that her own heart was keeping pace. The pounding increased as the star began to sink towards her.

The mist about her began to swirl, but Zecora remained unafraid in the center, free of the turbulence. All focus was on the beautiful star. Wonder entered her; despite its closeness, the light the star emanated did not blind her. It filled her with a warmth, similar to the sun, yet internal and eternal.

Its descent ending, the star levitated freely before Zecora at face level. The pounding had reached a frantic pace, the purple winds tearing violently around her. Anxious and trembling, the zebra extended a hoof towards the star to accept whatever would come.


"Zecora, are you alright?" The haze lifted from her eyes, Zecora started at seeing her hoof cupping Twilight Sparkle's cheek gingerly. Her heart had not stopped it's pounding when upon not receiving an answer, the unicorn became more concerned and said, "Come inside. I'll fix you a cup of tea." Rushing outside, Twilight pressed her head to the zebra's flank and ushered her into the library, magically closing the door behind them.

Twilight's magic stripped Zecora of her cloak and bag, depositing them near the door, while she physically corralled the zebra into the room's center. "Spike," she called, "put on a pot of Zecora's tea for me, please. She needs it."

Zecora blinked. "Twilight Sparkle, please do not worry. For my unannounced intrusion I am deeply sorry." The unicorn stopped pushing, but her eyes still held concern. Zecora sat, if only to calm her friend's nerves. "There are a number of thoughts that strike me of late. Yet I cannot help but feel that it may be fate. I require your assistance, if you would be so kind. Your help may yet bring me peace of heart and mind."

Twilight tilted her head quizzically. "I don't know what I can do, but, I'll do what I can Zecora. How can I help?"

Zecora breathed deeply, the rich scent of freshly brewed tea wafting into her nostrils. Her vision and heart had lead her here, to Twilight Sparkle. She did not know why, but the spirits had given her an opportunity and she had no desire to waste it, come what may.

"Come with me tonight to Everfree. There is much that I wish for you to know and see. You value your knowledge, I have much more in store. I offer my customs and culture if you would like to know more."

The clink of cups and the slosh of tea were the only sounds heard throughout the library. Though they had quieted, Zecora picked up the increasing palpitations of her heart as the moment dragged on. Twilight had begun to chew her bottom lip, glancing at Zecora occasionally as she mulled over her decision.

At last, she looked at Zecora with a light in her eyes. He called loudly enough for the dragon to hear, "Spike, can my number one assistant do me one more favor and grab my bag once he's done bringing us tea? I have a trip to make tonight."


Okay, I hope that this chapter was worth the wait. I know it's slow going, but I want to do this as well as I can.