The Witch's Tower: Finding One's Path

"Trying anything different can be scary, and the result can be disheartening, but those who truly fail, are those who refuse to take the first step."-The Witch.

Trixie awoke to a feeling of warmth. She turned over onto her back and slowly opened her eyes, allowing them to adjust to the light.

As her senses returned, she could make out a faint glow coming from somewhere around her. She watched the light dance on the ceiling for a bit before slowly turning her head to see a faint outline of a fire.

This was also when her hearing started to return, and she was subsequently assaulted, then calmed by, the sound of bubbling liquids.

And when her vision finally returned to full strength, she saw Zecora, stirring away at a cauldron full of some kind of glowing green liquid.

She sat up, and was barely able to mumble the words, "Where am I?, them coming out more like, "Whm mm ah."

"Ah, Trixie. I see you are awake. I was beginning to wonder how long it would take."

"Ms. Zecora? Where am I? This isn't my wagon."

"I truly cannot believe my ears. Do you really not remember what caused you such fear?"

"What caused me...fear? What in Equestria are you talking-"

Trixie's eyes widened, then slowly closed in undestanding, as she sighed heavily, relaxing her shoulders.

"So that actually did happen, huh? I was chased by a timberwolf."

"I assure you, my dear mage, that it was no dream. Everything that has happened, is exactly as it seemed."

"I see..." Trixie said, looking down.

"Would you like some tea? I have to tend to my special brew, but I believe I can make some for you."

"Tea would be nice right about now. Thank you."

"It is no trouble at all, Trixie, my dear. I can only hope to placate your fears. Wait here a moment while I fetch the kettle. I just made some, and it should help you get settled."

And with that, the zebra mare was gone, lost in a sea of branches, not to reappear until her task was done.

As Trixie sipped at the contents of her tea cup, she could feel her body relaxing, the warm liquid making its way down her throat and spreading it's comforting feeling all throughout the rest of her body.

"I trust the tea has calmed your mind? Please, tell me, what weighs on your thoughts this time."

Trixie looked up at her, surprise written on her face. "W-what do you mean, Ms. Zecora? I'm not-"

"You cannot hide your worry, young mage. It is written on your face like a book's page. Now, tell me what troubles you face, I may be able to help you, in this case."

Trixie thought on her words, opened her mouth to speak, closed it again, but opened it once more to finally say, "I...I'm looking for the Witch."

At this, Zecora's eyes widened. "Ah, the Witch. A powerful mage, and friend to all races. Why do you seek a being lost to the ages?"

"She...says it's my destiny to find her. That I have more power within me than even I know. I want to do just that, so that I can find out if what she says is true. If I really...matter, at all."

"Ah, I see. A journey of self discovery is what you seek. Well, I can assure you, that you are not weak. Your power is real. No matter how much your deny it. You have simply held yourself back, and are too afraid to try it."

"But what if I find her, and she sees that I'm not what she thought? Will she throw me away? And In that case, what if I don't find her at all?"

"One's destiny is not so easily changed, Trixie. I could have died in the flood, but look at me. You've shown determination, to give up one for the other, now all you must do, is have faith, and trust her. Believe that you can be more than you were long ago, and you will see just how far you can go."

"But I don't know the first thing about real magic! I can teleport, and do escape tricks, but those are low level skills that anyone can do."

"Have more faith in yourself, my former student. Have dreams, look forward, be more prudent. If you truly believe that there are heights you cannot reach, then it appears I still have much more to teach."

"What do you mean, Ms. Zecora?"

"What I mean, young Trixie, is of the utmost concern, for it deals with what else I can teach you, and what else you can learn. I will take you under my wing again, and show you all that I know. Maybe then, once and for all, your self confidence will grow."

Trixie couldn't believe it. First, she got new clothes out of this, and now she was getting more magic lessons? She didn't know whether to cry tears of joy, or just bow before her in thanks.

"But...what could you possibly teach me that I haven't already learned in your class?" Trixie asked, genuinely curious.

"School is not the only place where one may learn. Right here in the Everfree forest, was where my skills were earned. Skills I spent countless years, polishing and buffing. They don't call the Everfree Sage for nothing."

Trixie was absolutely delighted to hear this. Not only would she be learning under her old teacher, but she would be getting taught by the famous Everfree Sage herself. The same mare who slew a hundred Timberwolves all on her own during Apocalypse Six. She could only wonder what wonderful things she could learn from her.

"Thank you so much, Ms. Zecora! I really appreciate this!"

But Zecora held up a hoof. "There's no need to address me so formally, my friend. I would be happy to help you on your path to reach this end. When you are done here, you will be more than a little aware of your power. Now come, let us eat. We have much to do, and your lessons grow closer by the hour."

Trixie looked up at her with tear filled eyes. "Right!"