Everfree was slightly less unsettling now that it had become a regular pilgrimage for me in obtaining herbs and potions from Zecora, a zebra and a good friend of mine who lived deep in the forest. Still, I couldn't help but feel uneasy now. Things were weird, and the Everfree Forest had a bad tendency for making the weird seem even weirder.

Spike, for reasons that were beyond my grasp, had remained outside the Everfree Forest. So Pinkie Pie and I continued on deeper into the forest until we reached Zecora's house.

As we approached the house, there came a rustling in the nearby bushes. Pinkie and I ducked out of sight. I glanced over at her as we sat behind a tree. The pained expression on her face told me she was boldly trying not to enjoy the intimacy.

Out from the bushes came...a unicorn. White, with a purple mane, immaculately styled into perfection. She stepped inside Zecora's house, looking around first, and I suspected it was to make sure she wasn't seen.

Suddenly everything fell into place. So THIS was why Spike wanted nothing to do with Zecora.

"Pinkie, we need to go in there before they can get started, or else risk losing our chance to get answers."

"What do you mean, Twilight?"

I realized I had completely forgotten to tell Pinkie Pie.

"Spike...told me the other day...that Rarity was seeing a mare."

"Oh.....OHHH...." comprehension dawned on the pink earth pony. It seemed we were on the same page.

"Right. So we need to go in there, and pretend like we have no idea. If they don't know that we know, they'll pretend that there's nothing to know. Then Zecora will help us and we'll be able to get back on the road."

"Alright! Let's do it! ...I mean..."

"It's okay, Pinkie, I know what you meant."

Zecora's door was intimidating. But the longer the delay, the more likely we were to catch them doing something. Casting hesitation aside, we entered....