Zecora hadn't gained much from her shopping trip in Ponyville today. She was somewhat accustomed to the cold treatment she received, and was just preparing to dig for some herbs and head home when she heard a pony call out to her from behind.
Hello, please wait a moment.
The newcomer was a Unicorn who looked very young, perhaps not long past adulthood.
This was the first pony since her arrival in Equestria who was willing to speak to her of her own accord, which left Zecora slightly stunned.
But she quickly confirmed that the other pony was calling to her; after all, every time she came here, no other ponies could be seen around.
This couldn't help but make her suspicious of this pony's motives for striking up a conversation, hoping it wasn't to warn her.
My friends told me your name is Zecora, right? My name is Aurora. I just moved to Ponyville today. Can we get to know each other?
As she spoke, Aurora proactively extended her hoof.
Seeing this, Zecora's gaze grew dazed.
She wanted to ask this pony why she wasn't afraid of her.
After all, since she left the Zebra continent and came to Equestria, all the ponies she met treated her like a monster or a ferocious beast, avoiding her at all costs.
However, Zecora knew that when a friendly pony greeted her, she shouldn't start by asking such dampening questions.
So, after a moment's hesitation, she also extended her hoof to bump against Aurora's.
Hello pony, I am Zecora. Thank you for your will, to speak with me still.
Wow, you speak so neatly.
Speaking neatly and in rhyme was very characteristic of Zecora.
If Aurora hadn't known beforehand that this was just her nature, she might have thought Zecora was about to take a postgraduate entrance exam.
My friends have prepared a welcome party for me today. If you don't mind, would you like to come and join us?
The good news came too suddenly, catching Zecora off guard.
However, she shifted her gaze slightly toward the direction Aurora had come from.
Four little heads poked out from the doorway of that cake-like house, only to immediately shrink back in fear.
Zecora shook her head, declining Aurora's invitation.
Thank you for the invitation, but your friends' wariness needs cessation. I do not wish to intrude, and cause any mutual embarrassment or interlude.
Aurora looked back toward Sugarcube Corner and felt that Zecora made sense.
Right now, the ponies of Ponyville still held strong prejudices against Zecora, and she herself was just a new resident who had just moved to Ponyville, with no credibility.
Bringing Zecora directly to interact with her friends was not a wise move to eliminate prejudice.
They just have some misunderstandings about you. After all, the ponies here have never seen a foreign pony before. I will explain everything to them clearly.
Aurora placed the paper bag containing the chocolate cake into Zecora's saddlebag, letting her take it with her.
Please accept this. Although you can't come to my party, at least you can taste the cake my friend made... It might be a bit bland, because I don't like eating food that's too sweet.
Thank you for this kindness, Flying Light. A small gift in return, keep it in sight.
Zecora took a small, handmade cloth bag from her other saddlebag. The pattern had a strong Zebra ethnic style, and it smelled of fragrant herbs.
But coming back to that, what a character! Can she even rhyme her own name?
Aurora thought for a moment, and imitating Zecora's way of speaking, she said:
Zecora, Zecora. My left eye glimpses true mystery, you are also skilled in the way of magic, I see. I wish to study the profound with you, and explore the essence of magic, too.
Zecora felt that Aurora was truly an interesting pony, and most importantly, Aurora was indeed sincere about wanting to be friends with her.
Your imitation, is quite the sensation. I am willing to share, with you my information. Just take that talisman, follow the path, deep into the forest you scan. I'll prepare some good tea, standing by the steps, waiting for you to visit me.
The talisman Zecora spoke of was the small cloth bag she had given to Aurora; the herbal sachet inside could ward off dangerous animals that might be encountered in the forest, which was exactly what Aurora needed.
Thank you, Zecora, I will definitely go.
Aurora waved her hoof at Zecora's retreating figure and returned to Sugarcube Corner with the gift she had received.
As soon as she entered the house, four ponies immediately surrounded her, looking and touching Aurora here and there.
How was it?! Did Zecora attack you? Did she curse you?!
What did you say to each other? Did she suddenly say anything you didn't understand?
Is she an evil witch?
Does she really eat Small Animals...?
Stop, stop, stop, girls, I'm fine, really, I'm completely fine.
Aurora slightly avoided her friends' excessive concern, and incidentally asked them to quiet down, otherwise she wouldn't be able to speak.
Zecora is not some evil pony, she won't curse other ponies, and she certainly won't eat Small Animals. Besides, she is a very good pony, and she speaks quite wittily. It's just that she comes from a faraway place, so her living habits are a bit different from ours, but that doesn't mean she is weird.
To increase her credibility, Aurora showed them the gift Zecora had given her, which was the talisman.
Uh... what does this pattern mean? I don't understand it.
Applejack asked with a frown.
But it does look like it has an exotic style.
Rarity's eye for detail was quite discerning; the Zebra cultural symbols touched her artistic nerves, making her unable to resist leaning in closer to take a look.
It also has a very special fragrance. I think I actually quite like it.
Oh! It smells like freshly baked caramel almond crisps! Oh my goodness, I suddenly want to eat some caramel almond crisps! Do you want to eat some too? I'll go bake some right now!
Pinkie Pie exaggeratedly leaned her nose toward the talisman and took a deep breath, and then, after talking to herself for a long stretch, she dashed off to the kitchen.
She ran back the very next moment and leaned close to Aurora, saying.
You want to eat the extra low-sugar version, right? Of course I wouldn't forget you, sweetie!
That was truly all she had to say, and one could hear the sounds of Pinkie Pie bustling about in the kitchen.
So... you've really made friends with Zecora?
Applejack's expression was one of disbelief.
Yes, she and I share a common hobby—we both like to study magic. And since Zecora lives in the Everfree Forest, and I have research projects that require me to go there often, getting to know Zecora means she can take me along, which is truly a win-win situation.
Oh my goodness! You're going to the Everfree Forest?! By yourself? Isn't that dangerous?!
Rarity almost fainted again, but this time Applejack didn't intend to catch her.
It is indeed a bit dangerous, but Zecora gave me this talisman. The herbs inside can help me avoid most dangers, and besides, Zecora will be there, and she will protect me too.
Although Aurora, due to her own high stats, was quite confident in her own strength and believed she didn't need any pony's protection, she deliberately emphasized Zecora's experience in the forest to put them at ease.
Do you really have to go?
Fluttershy was still a bit worried. She lived near the Everfree Forest and would occasionally hear the howls of Wood Wolves at night, so she knew how terrifying it was.
Yes... I need to go there to find some truths and do some archaeological research. After all, this is something I agreed upon with Princess Celestia.
That wasn't entirely true. Celestia valued her student's safety more than the truth, and Aurora was just using her as a shield.
To be honest, you shouldn't hold such great prejudice against Zecora. She is just like us ponies; there isn't much difference.
To eliminate the prejudice the townsfolk of Ponyville held against Zecora and let them see her good points, the help of these ponies was indispensable.
The breakthrough needed to start with these few ponies, and things would be easier afterward.
...Alright, for your sake.
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