Back at the castle, Starlight was in a panic. She hadn't meant to doze off or stay overnight. She quickly folded the blanket Twilight had tucked her in with and packed her bag, double checking she had everything: scrolls, quills, ink and the books she was borrowing to study magic while she was away from Ponyville.
Starlight rushed to her room and combed out her mane. The frame of the mirror that Twilight had given her was filled with memories of new friends and old friends alike. But her favorite picture was that of her and Trixie in front of the wagon; the same one Trixie had on her nightstand.
She rushed out the door into the hall and almost bumped into Spike who had just woken up.
"Good morning Spike!"
He yawned and replied, "...'Morning Starlight. What're you doing up so early?" and rubbed sleep from his eyes.
Starlight chuckled and said, "I stayed over last night to help Twilight with her research but I didn't mean to stay this long. I'm leaving with Trixie today. Got to go!" She started trotting to the map room. Spike yawned again and waved as she left.
Opening the doors to the map room, Starlight saw the fresh, golden morning light beaming in, illuminating the crystal floor. Twilight sat in her chair with scrolls strewn about the table. She had dozed off with her muzzle, covered in crumbs resting on a half eaten muffin.
Starlight smiled and put on her saddlebags. Setting one hoof into the library once again she retrieved the blanket she had folded and covered Twilight before walking out the front door.
She raced across Ponyville, stopped briefly at the Apple Family's pie cart to buy some warm fresh tarts and a fresh supply of cocoa powder to share with Trixie and continued toward the outskirts. Several ponies greeted her on the way there. She only hoped her best friend would forgive her for staying out all night.
By the time she reached the wagon, Trixie was strapping down some things and preparing it for travel.
"Trixie! Sorry I'm late", she greeted between breaths. She had worn herself out running up the hillside.
"What took you so long?" Trixie retorted in an annoyed voice and looked at Starlight with a look of disapproval.
Starlight looked down, "I'm sorry Trixie. Twilight looked like she needed help again. She's overly focused on research again." Trixie raised an eyebrow, still just as annoyed. Starlight took a package from her bag and sat down.
"But, look! I got us some apple tarts to share later and a fresh batch of hot cocoa powder!"
Trixie sighed and looked away. Then she smirked, put an arm around Starlight's shoulders and said boldly, "I guess the Great and Powerful Trixie... can't stay mad at you forever!" After a brief smile and a wink, she went back to packing the wagon.
Starlight smiled at her and continued her story.
"I guess Twilight is really stuck this time. She can't even tell me what she's looking for. I'm not sure she even knows what the answer is herself. She keeps talking about something missing. A missing element or whatever. I don't even know how to help her."
Trixie raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sure she'll be fine, Starlight. She's an alicorn now after all..." Trixie looked away momentarily and drifted to memories of being defeated over and over and outshined by that unicorn that was now an alicorn princess. Then she turned back to Starlight and smiled lightly.
Starlight sighed and mumbled, "I guess you're right. But I can't help feeling this is something out of her reach." She stood up, opened the door and stepped inside to put their groceries away. Trixie continued her circle around the wagon, making sure everything was tied down and ropes and latches were secured properly.
She still felt a little bitter, jealous and insecure about being shown up so easily but the pain had ebbed as her bond with Starlight grew.
Trixie took one last look at the town she resented for so long and sighed. Now that everything was packed up, it was time to be on their way. As she turned away and walked to the hitch of her wagon, Starlight opened the door and came out bright eyed for their next adventure.
"So, where are we headed next?" she asked Trixie cheerfully.
Trixie smiled and rolled her eyes. Things were going back to normal between them, for now.