//------------------------------// // Trixie and her friends // Story: After the Night // by GrassAndClouds2 //------------------------------// Trixie was alone. Granted, that wasn’t entirely true. She was sharing this particular chariot with three night guards, muscular ponies who spoke little and hadn't once smiled. Their presence, and the way they stared, did nothing to calm Trixie down. Trixie sighed, thinking back to how she had gotten into this situation. She had returned home from Canterlot immediately. Her friends, the other Elements of Harmony, could tell immediately something was wrong when they saw her stumbling off the train. They had approached her, hugged her, and asked what was wrong. When Trixie had told them what Luna had done... no, what Trixie had forced Luna to do... and when she had informed of the punishment they were now justly under, thanks to her own misconduct... Raindrops had said nothing. But Trixie could see the rage on her face. Lyra tried to hide her disappointment. Bonbon, though, had attacked Trixie enough for the both of them. Carrot Top, bless her heart, was kind enough to not let Trixie have it, even though she was obviously livid. She had just said that things like that happened, and then excused herself to return to her farm. Trixie was grateful that the mare hadn't said anything. Cheerilee, surprisingly, had taken the whole thing in stride. Unfortunately, some of the students in her class were not as forgiving. Trixie’s face still stung from the blistering diatribe Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle had unleashed at her the next day. Trixie wasn’t even sure how Cheerilee’s class had heard about it. But however they did, it meant Dinky had found out about it.....And the look on Dinky’s face when she found out that Trixie had gotten her mom in trouble.....Trixie would never forget that look. That sad, disappointed look. And then there were the days after. Just going through the motions, hoping and praying that Luna would forgive her. That she would actually want to see her again. That her mentor would tell her that she wasn't a terrible pony who deserved to be banished from Canterlot forevermore. Please, she had thought. I'll do anything. Trixie was excited when she received the letter regarding the chariot she now rode. She was less excited when she read it, noting its terse language and its brusque orders to return to Canterlot immediately. She was even less thrilled when she noted the Night Guards also came to escort her. ‘For safety reasons,’ they had said. Trixie wondered whose safety they spoke of. *** The chariot eventually came to a landing right outside of the castle, in the gardens. And standing on the ground, with an unreadable look on her face, was the Princess of Equestria. The few Night Guards that had accompanied Trixie dispersed immediately, leaving student and teacher alone. “P...Princess.” Trixie bowed, doing the best she could to keep the worry out of her voice and failing miserably. “Representative.” Luna said, coldly. “Prince Blueblood returned to Canterlot last night. We are going to discuss things with him. He will soon be coming to my office. We will be there before he arrives.” And without warning, Luna began to walk towards the castle at a quick pace. Trixie had to struggle to keep pace with the Princess. *** Luna’s chambers, which had only a few days ago felt like a haven, now felt like a prison, and one home to the most fearsome warden in history nonetheless. Trixie wisely chose to stay out of Luna’s way and sit quietly in the corner. Any attempts at conversation were met with a stern gaze. Luckily, or maybe unluckily, the silence did not last for long. Blueblood walked into the room. He looked tired and weary, as if he'd also been wrestling with his conscience. Trixie wondered if Pinkie had been working on him as well. I wouldn't put it past her... Blueblood noted Trixie, and an expression of rage crossed his face. “What is she doing here!?” he shouted, a hoof pointing at the showmare. “Calm yourself Blueblood.” Luna said. “We are here to make right that which is wrong.” Luna’s words appeared to do little to calm the stallion. “What did Trixie tell you!?” he demanded, pointing an accusing hoof at the show mare, who was currently too afraid to do anything. "I have done nothing wrong since your castigation! I--" “Viscount Prince Blueblood, you will be silent.” Luna ordered. Her words immediately had the desired effect. “I do not know what trials you have gone through this week, but I have brought Trixie here to make amends.” The Princess turned to her student. “Explain.” She ordered. Trixie gulped, and tried to talk, but found herself unable to form the words. Luna’s face, if possible, seemed to grow even more stern. “Explain,” she repeated. “......I...have to apologize......I lied. There.....was nothing in your drink. There isn’t any poison in you. I....I lied.....” There was silence for a moment. Blueblood turned to Luna. "Princess, is this true?" "Yes." Blueblood looked back at Trixie. "And?" Trixie took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. What I did was wrong." Luna nodded. "Blueblood, you are hardly blameless in this." Blueblood nodded. "Yes." He took a breath, as if steeling himself for something. "I have also taken... unorthodox actions against you." "Blueblood," warned Luna. "Illegal actions," corrected Blueblood. "I apologize... for sending Zizanie against you, and Audit, and all the rest." He paused. "I cannot blame Miss Lulamoon for doing what she did, considering my past discretions against her. I would have acted similarly in her position.” Luna looked at the two of them. “Do both of you accept each others' apologies?" The two both said, "Yes." "Do you both swear, from this point onward, to be better than you have been? To act in a manner that would be an inspiration to ponies all across Equestria?” "We swear," the two answered. The hardened look that Luna had worn for the entire meeting softened. “Very well. Viscount Blueblood... go, and earn your forgiveness. Representative, a moment.” Blueblood left, his bearing noticeably more steady than when he had entered, and then Trixie and Luna were alone. “Princess-” “Trixie,” Luna interrupted. “I understand you have been through alot. That you, your friends, and your home have been targeted by the corrupt. That Blueblood himself was responsible for a good deal of this...I wish I could ignore your transgressions, but even though your intent was sound, your actions were not.” Trixie shivered, eyes drawn down the floor as they were several days ago. And then Trixie felt a pair of hooves draw her into a hug. “Please... never forget that I love you. I want you to be happy, Trixie. I want the best for you. And I believe there is so much good in you.” Her voice was soft. “But I am not just your friend. I am the Princess of Equestria, and I must apply the law impartially. If I do not... then I am no better than the nobles.” Her voice caught for a moment. “Your monarch... and your friend... implores you, Trixie. Please do not force me to apply the law against you.” Trixie returned the hug. “I promise.”