“You're doing this just to torment me, aren't you?” Twilight asked, a couple hours in.

“No.” Dash answered, suppressing a smile. “I'm doing it for my amusement. The fact that it's tormenting you is an unintended bonus.” Twilight glared. “Seriously, landing is important. Right guys?” Dash had recruited several other pegasi to assist her. Derpy Hooves, a mail pony who Twilight knew quite well, considering her continual visits to deliver books to the library, or send some on loan to other libraries.

“Yes. Landing is very important.” She blinked. Twilight made a note to ask her about her eyes. It wasn't exactly an easy subject to breach, but she didn't want to go behind the other ponies back. Not since Twilight liked her. She couldn't quite call her a friend, but she did want to.

“YEAH, GOTTA KNOW HOW TO LAND.” Bulk Biceps was impossible to miss. Literally. He was not the most subtle of ponies, and for a Pegasus, he was immensely strong. She'd seen him wrestle Big Mac to the ground. She had in turn, seen Big Mac wrestle bears without breaking a sweat.

Several other pegasi nodded in agreement. Twilight sighed. She knew when she was out numbered. She didn't like it. But she was willing to accept it. “Okay, fine. Look. I can land. I can fly. But changing between flying and landing is the problem.”

“OVERTHINKING.” Biceps nodded sagely.

“Yeah, you need to... Derpy paused, one eye moving independently of the other as she thought. “Stop trying so hard. Just let it happen naturally.”

“They're right Twilight. Don't transition, just do it. From fly to land. It's all one thing.” Rainbow said, gliding forward, and touching down precisely. “Trust me, this is Rainbow Crash talking. It's all about thinking about it as one thing.” She looked Twilight straight in the eyes. “Now, Up!” Twilight leaped into the air. Dash coughed away the dust. “Well, at least she's mastered taking off.” The other Pegasi laughed. Twilight tumbled into Rainbow Dash.

“Sorry.” Twilight mumbled, as she untangled herself.

“Mind if I try?” Derpy asked Rainbow Dash. Dash waved a hoof at her. Derpy smiled at Twilight. “Follow me.” She turned and spread her wings and took off into the air. Twilight leaped up and followed. Derpy didn't fly terribly high. In truth, she didn't fly much at all. Instead, she would flap a short distance, then glide. Then rise and glide. Twilight found that not only was it surprisingly efficient, but that it was the only way to keep pace. Derpy didn't say anything once they were in the air, nor while they were flying. In fact, as long as they were going, she seemed entirely focused on what was happening in front of her, more than anything else. Eventually she simply touched down. Twilight landed alongside, then blinked.

“I landed. How?” Twilight asked.

“You weren't thinking about landing, were you?” Twilight thought for a moment, and shook her head. “See, just let the wind flow naturally.

“Huh. I guess. Thanks...” Twilight eyed the pale purple Pegasus. “Is Derpy your real name?”

“Deirdre. But you can probably guess why the nickname.” she grinned. Twilight smiled back.

“I've noticed. Has anyone tried to help you?” Twilight asked.

“Not really. I can fly just fine, as long as I don't get distracted. So no one really bothered to look too close. One of the doctors said something about the inside of my ears, but I didn't understand it.” she shrugged, and stretched her wings. “Anyway, we should get back before Rainbow Dash starts to worry too much.”

“Yeah, she's a big worry wart.” Twilight had caught sight of Dash in the trees. She twitched her head towards the woods. Derpy's eyes widened, and then she winked.

“Tell me about it, all the time, safety this, padding that. She sounds like one of those little old lady fliers, who only go out for leisurely flights.” the gray pegasus shook her head. “I'm surprised she even gets anywhere.”

“I know, always looking before she leaps. It's a wonder she can keep up with Fluttershy.”

“Hey!” Dash burst indignantly out of the trees, only to be greeted with laughter. After a moment she started laughing as well, realizing she'd been good and had. “Alright you two, let's get back to practicing.” The three flew back towards the rest of the group.

---

Robert meanwhile was finding out that Zecora was not the kind of teacher he was used to. His mentor was eminently practical, and preferred to teach him to utilize spells by throwing him into situations that required rapid mastery of them. Such as being thrown off a cliff to fine-tune his ability to transform wings. Admittedly, ten feet was not a particularly huge cliff, but since he wasn't warned first, it had seemed a lot larger.

Zecora on the other hand, wasn't much for such theatrics. She gave him a list of ingredients, after determining his skill with potions, with which she was mildly impressed. “Well, you certainly surpassed Dawny. Of course, I taught him all that he knows, so I know you have.”

Robert was in turn impressed with her ability to say things like that without getting tangled up in her own words. She'd scribbled down a list of ingredients. “All to be found within the confines of the forest. No cheating.”

“Truly you know all things I learned from my Mentor.” Robert replied.

“Yes. I know his tricks well. Now off with you, before this new brew starts to smell.” she said nothing more about Applebloom's failed potion. The small redheaded pony was already mopping up. The smell was all but indescribable, and Robert was more than happy to get out of there. His whiskers were still smoking some time later, as he sat at the base of a tree, trying to figure out how to retrieve a flower near the top. It was, he had learned, impervious to magic. His head still rang from an attempt to retrieve it telekinetically. He shook his head.

“Everything okay?” Fluttershy asked, drifting down in a cloud of birds and butterflies. Robert blinked. “I mean, if you're not supposed to be sitting here staring.”

“As a matter of fact, I am in need of some... advice. I have been tasked with acquiring that purple flower near the top of the tree, but it has so far eluded me.” Fluttershy looked up.

“Oh. she smiled. Orchidaceae nil Thaumus.” she smiled. “It's not a very nice flower. It tends to remove magic on things around it. Twilight fell victim too it not too long ago.” she looked around. A bird flew in, and landed on the branch where the flower grew on it's vine. It hopped forward, and pecked away the stem. Another bird flew in, and snatched the flower out of the air, before depositing it down in front of Fluttershy. “Thank you, you two.”

“And thank you Fluttershy.” Robert said.

“You're welcome. Umm... would you like some company?” she asked.

“I would welcome it.” Robert bowed, and picked up the flower, and tucked it away into his shoulder bag. He looked at the list, and showed it to Fluttershy.

“Hmmm... I know where there's a few. Umm, this way.” she led, and Robert followed. It was not, he considered, cheating. She hadn't said he couldn't get help. And besides, he did want the company. The two walked through the forest. Neither said too much.

“Thank you for your help.” Robert said, as they collected the last flower.

“You're quite welcome.” Fluttershy smiled. “I don't think I've ever walked through the forest without getting warned to stop before.”

“I guess some monsters know enough to stay away from a Tiger.” Robert shrugged. “Thank you also for your company. I'm glad you had the time.”

“Oh, you're welcome. I like to come and see what animals need things. It's normally a little boring. I'm glad to have someone to talk to. Have a good day.” she took wing into the air, and flew off towards Ponyville. Robert turned and headed back to Zecora's.

“So, did you find all the flowers?” Zecora asked, as he returned.

“I did. I had some help.”

“Oh?” Zecora asked, her eye brow raised.

“Fluttershy helped me with the Orchid, and knew where to find the white rose, but the rest I found myself. Though she did accompany me.”

“Honesty is the best policy. Tell me about it, as we prepare the potion.”

“Certainly, she caught up to me just as I reached the Orchid....” Sometime later, the two were out and about, following along a rarely used trail. Robert was carrying a very large basket, containing a single well packed potion. The first one they'd crafted had fallen and raised a stink that had made the earlier failure smell like fine perfume. The three had decided to knock off for the day, while the smell dissipated. So they'd first dropped Apple Bloom off at home, and then started on their way.

“Just where are we headed, oh teacher?” Robert asked. His eyes were glowing faintly, as he kept his magic wrapped tight around the basket on his back. He was in no mood to brew the potion a third time. Nor to smell it a second.

“Far off to the west of the forest. For there we will find a sick Roc in it's nest.”

“Pardon me, but this sounds like a job for Fluttershy.”

“It would be indeed, but I know this Roc and ponies he hates. Better to see me and thee than our sweet friend.”

“Ah, I see. Do we need to worry? I know a little of Roc's and well... they're not always the most friendly of birds.” Robert was not afraid of many things, but Roc's were very high on the list of things he was afraid of.

“No, this Roc is an old friend, and he eat's only fish. Most things do not agree with his diet.” Zecora shrugged. “Including ponies, I know first hoof.” she smiled a mysterious little smile.

“Ah, I see. That would explain a thing or two.”

“Indeed.” The rest of the journey was made in silence. They took the long route around the western edge of the forest. They could have gone through, but the dangers of the forest risked the potion. They'd decided it was easier to just walk around the edge than try and slip past the dangers. There were still dangers to be found, but those few things willing to come out in the daylight were things Zecora knew how to scare off. The end of the trek did bring one new challenge.

“Oh, I forgot.” Zecora said, looking up at a nearly sheer cliff, on top of which perched a huge nest. She turned and trotted back a few dozen yards. “Bergot? We have your potion!” she shouted up the side of the mountain. A huge black and gold feathered head appeared over the side of the nest.

“Zecora, I would come down and get it but...” a sharp wind carried the result of his illness north-east, towards Ponyville, but landing instead just outside the lair of the Manticore. The Manticore just happened to be returning from a drink at the nearby spring. The noise that best described the impact was a particularly wet squelch.

“Yes, I see. You are much too sick to fly free.” She took a deep breath. “So you we will bring it in your nest. Just wait there, you need the rest.”

Robert rolled his eyes. “I hope there's a path, and I don't have to climb a mountain and jump.”

“Ummm....” Zecora coughed into a hoof.

“I see.” He sighed, and looked around.

“I am jokin'. The path is just a little broken. I do not like to walk it, but it will be nice to have someone with which to talk.”

“Oh boy. Well, ask and I will tell what you want to hear.” He motioned with one paw. “Lead on dear mentor, and I will find the best path to take the medicine safely after you.

“Follow me closely then.” Zecora led the way up the path, picking carefully through the rocks. Some of them she kicked away from the middle of the path, others she stepped around. Robert followed her, shifting side to side to avoid the rocks and keep the potion safe.

“So, how did you meet Dawn-seer?” he asked, keeping his eyes on the path for anything that Zecora missed.

“By his birth.” Zecora answered, then paused to shove a particularly large rock out of the way. “My father was the shaman of the village, a Zebra place called Salt of the Earth.” she paused again, then shifted around a rock too large to move. “Dawny's mother was visiting with his father, as an ambassador. When she went into labor, it sounded like a war.”

Robert idly shoved the hefty rock out of his path with one paw. Zecora turned at the sound and shook her head. “My father being the shaman, was naturally present. So too it was, that Princess Celestia also made a visit. Why I do not know, though I did suspect. While the adult's talked, I was asked to watch Dawny, and I took the opportunity, him to inspect.” She stopped and stepped carefully across a short gap. “There must have been some magic in that old silk hat I...” Zecora trailed off, then looked back. “You heard nothing.”

“Must have been the wind.”

“I reached out to touch him, and there between us a spark did fly. I was quite in shock, but Dawny did not cry.” she chuckled at the memory, and reached up to touch the markings on her face. “That was his first stripe, and the first of mine.”

The path leveled out, just below the edge of the Roc's nest. “Bergot, we are here?” Zecora called. The big bird stuck it's head over the side of the nest.

“Thank you Zecora. If you could throw it up?” Zecora turned. Roger nodded. He released his grip on the basket, and the potion flew out. Up, and up into the air. The cork came free and he funneled the medicine down through a glowing orange funnel into the mouth and throat of the great bird. When it was empty, he brought the bottle down and tucked it back into the basket.

“Thank you Zecora, I'm feeling better already.” the Roc said, shifting it's weight around. “Truly, your potions work wonders.”

“Glad I am to help. More glad to have a chance to also train my new pupil, though he be no mere whelp.” She smiled at Robert, who nodded his head.

“Pleased to be of service.” Robert shrugged.

“And he's humble.” The Roc winked at Zecora, who laughed. “In fact, I feel good enough to fly. I think I'll go find something to eat.” He pushed to his feet and leaped into the sky, swooping away to the north.

“Glad I am to see that he feels better. Now we must be going home, ere the rain makes us wetter.”

“That was a bit of a stretch, oh dear teacher.” Robert chuckled.

“You try rhyming all the time. Why do you think I came to Ponyville instead of a place which grows oranges?” Robert thought it over and laughed hard.

“So I see. Now, speaking of returning home, tell me teacher, have you ever flown?”

“Do I look like a Pegasus?” Of course not, my own four hooves have always been enough for me. she looked at the approaching storm. “But, in this case, I am open to options.”

“I can't quite fly, but I can see the house from here, and I'll bet I can glide that far. If not, we'll still be a lot closer than if we walked down and then back.” he shrugged. “Besides, shouldn't I exercise my power?”

“Sense you do make, but watch the acrobatics, or I'll turn you into a cake.” Zecora said and walked up beside him.

“A cake? Really?” he asked, laying down for her to climb into the basket. She prodded him with a hoof.

“You'd make too many cupcakes for any oven.” she laughed and climbed aboard. Robert looked at her for a long moment then stood up.

“Fah, I'm just fluffy. Hold on teacher.” magic flashed and two huge orange wings stretched out. Roger took two steps, then bunched his muscles and threw them both into the air. The wind caught his wings and they soared for a moment. Then gravity made itself known. Magic flared again, and his wings grew larger. The drop turned into a fast glide and they swept low across the treetops.

Zecora said something, but the wind swept it away behind them, and avoiding smashing into anything was slightly more important than listening. They swept over the trees and seemed to be descending too much. Robert scanned the skies ahead and shifted course. He heard Zecora scream something but it was lost again. The fire swamps were not the place he'd have gone if he had another option, but they were no other warm air currents around, and he could see birds circling in an updraft. The warm air rising off the bogs and fire pits wasn't enough to get them very high, but every bit of altitude was appreciated. He swung around and caught Zecora's house in his sights. He stretched out his wings and swept down towards it. As they approached two things became quite clear. First was that they were going far too fast. And second that like Twilight, Roger had problems with his landings. As they swept over the house he yelled. “Jump!”

Zecora leaped from his back to the roof, even as he flared his wings to slow himself down. The moment she left his back, he dipped his wings forward, and tucked the end of the right, bringing him down in a spiral. The nature of such things being what it is though, he immediately tripped over a root and tumbled into the brush as he attempted to land. Zecora trotted around her house to see a long orange tail sticking out of the brush, twitching slightly.

“Tell my student, are you alright? You seem to have had a problem at the end of your flight.”

“Ha, ha, ha.” came the sound from the bush.