//------------------------------//
// The Price Of A Dream 
// Story: 30 Days/ 30 Stories 
// by Fenton 
//------------------------------//

“Trixie, you got mail.” The magician recognised the voice coming from outside,  jumped from her bed, and ran for the door.

“Starlight,” she beamed. “What a pleasure! What can your great and powerful friend can do for you?”

“I hope I didn’t wake you up.”

“You should know that Trixie never really sleeps, she’s always thinking about her next amazing, prodigious act.”

Starlight giggled. “Anyway, there is this letter for you.”

Trixie took it with her magic, and noticed that the top was torn up. She gasped. “Who did dare to open Trixie’s mail?”

Starlight’s ears folded. “Oh, probably Twilight or Spike. Since your address is the Castle of Friendship at the moment, everything is checked for security purpose. I’m sure they didn’t read it,” she added, seeing Trixie’s frown.

“Well, it’s highly time I go back on the road. This way, I won’t have anypony prying on my business.” She took the letter inside, and read.



From: Ringer Barnum
To: The Great and Powerful Trixie

Dear Great and Powerful Trixie,

I am a famous show director, and I heard about the wonderful tricks you are able to do. I am actually creating a show with artists from all around Equestria, and I would be ever so honored if you were willing to be a part of it. We will be touring for at least two months, but it could be extended if success comes.
Be assured that you will have all liberty to create your own act, as long as it fits our budget and the show’s theme.
You’ll find all the details about our schedule in the addendum.
And while I can understand this is the sort of decision which needs time, you’ll see (once again in the addendum) that we are on a tight schedule. A fast reply would be very much appreciated.

Sincerely yours,

Ringer Barnum



Trixie’s eyes were wide open.

“What does it say?” asked Starlight.

Without any response from her friend, she took the letter, and read it too. “That’s good,” she simply said.

“Good? Starlight, that’s more than good.” She put a leg on Starlight’s neck while moving the other in front of her “It’s great! It’s fantastic! Somepony has finally recognized Trixie’s talent! This will make me known in all of Equestria!”

“And you’ll be gone for at least two months…”

Trixie stopped her motions and let Starlight go. “Yes… Yes, of course, but that’s an opportunity that won’t happen again. I can’t let it slip.”

Starlight looked away. “It’s just… I’m gonna miss you.”

“I’m gonna miss you too, Starlight,” said Trixie, raising her friend’s chin with her hoof. “Why don’t you come with me? The Great and Powerful assistant place is still available.”

“I-I can’t. I’m still Twilight’s pupil.”

“That’s sad.”

“Yeah, but at least we still have two weeks to enjoy together before you leave, right?”

“Yes. Yes, we do,” whispered Trixie.





Twilight sighed with satisfaction while trotting back to her castle. It had been six years, and Pinkie Pie’s parties still impressed her.

She stopped close to Trixie’s wagon, where Trixie was packing up, and sniffing?

“Trixie?”

The magician turned around to face Twilight, putting herself in front of her trunk . “Oh, princess, good evening, hehe.”

“You’re already leaving?”

“What? No, of course not. I’m just… reorganising my stuff.”

Twilight noticed her eyes seemed a bit wet. “Trixie, are you okay?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t the Great and Powerful Trixie be okay? She is just gonna leave her best friend for two months, maybe more. So, she couldn’t feel better.”

“So why are you packing so early?” Twilight frowned. “I thought you were supposed to leave only in a week.”

“That’s none of your business. Prying on my mail isn’t enough for you? And why do you care?”

Twilight sighed. “Trixie, please. We may never be friends, but Starlight is our friend. I won’t stop you if you really want to leave, but Starlight deserves a proper goodbye. And I’m pretty sure you will regret it if you go now.” 

Trixie watched the princess leave. Once she was out of view, she kicked her trunk, which opened and spread its content all around. “Damn,” she sobbed.