I am convinced, however, to aid in your journey. *she points her staff to the small cutout in the brush and trees* During my stroll, I spied the telling signs of what may possibly be your friend's flock: three small "statues", faces filled with terror, confusion, and shock.

*Zecora shakes her head* The trio were not ponies, but the small creatures of the forest, but I digress. Around them were several sets of tracks leading down the small deer trail to the east. While it lacks certainty, following them may prove to be of use at least.

Aie! *the zebra flinches, @mlp_SilverS_' abrupt eagerness catching her off-guard. She plants her staff for composure* If you are going after her, I wish you the best with your quest, though if you find her, I have but one request.

*as the @mlp_SilverS_ shaped cloud hits her, she snorts, recoils, and squints, only to spot the...real one. The zebra clears her throat* I wish to one day see this cockatrice friend you speak of so fondly. My previous encounters have been... less than neighborly.

Then waste no more time, my friend! *the zebra pulls her staff out, twirls it once, and rests against the top* /Yours/ awaits at the end. (@mlp_SilverS_)

*Zecora trundles calmly through the fall brush and grass of the Everfree, basket saddle and staff in tow*

*she crosses a small deer trail and bounds over a small indent in the earth. The zebra's tail flicks on landing*

*exiting the flat, floral area, Zecora comes up to a medium sized outcrop of rocks and looks down. She slips her staff out, wedges it at the base of one large stone, and steps*

*the large rock tilts aside as she props a smaller rock to the side. Tge zebra flowers herself and shuffles into the darkened gap*

*the zebra sweeps her staff across the top of the dark cavern and quickly twirls it. She pulls the tip down and slides a large glob of spider silk into one side of her saddlebasket*

*the arachnids above frantically scuttle and sway. Zecora leans against her staff and stares up into the mostly darkened cavern. Her lantern-bottle flickers calmly as it hangs freely*

Nightmare Night nears for us with each passing moon, and our preparations must be finished soon. I thank you spiders, as I always do, as for me, you always come through.

*Zecora kneels by her basket and unsnaps a small pouch. A moment later, a small colony of buzzing insects swarm into the darkness*

Your payment, as due, has been given. May it assist you in the upcoming changes of the season.

*the zebra sits motionless in the middle of her hut, breath following the beat of the nearby ice flies in the window*

*her ear twitches as the small kettle atop the fire steeps. The zebra calmly collects a nearby bamboo pole and shifts the vessel onto the floor*

*only after a quick headnod does Zecora finally open her eyes. She looks aside, rises, and plods over to the other end of the room*

*she carefully pours herself a small cup, takes a small sip, and peers into the winter*

Halfway through the winter we are, though so close to Spring, Equestria is still so far. *she takes another sip*