Back at the library
There was a momentary flash of blinding light as Twilight and Trixie appeared inside the doorway of the Golden Oaks Library, both of them thoroughly soaked and just short of freezing from the downpour. The warmth of the inside was a welcome sensation to each of them and they took a moment to revel in it.
"S-S-Spike!" Twilight called out to her dragon assistant to summon him to help. However she was only greeted by the sound of snoring; snoring loud enough to be heard over the shared chattering of their teeth. "Oh that baby dragon. SPIKE!" she bellowed.
The snoring was interrupted in a surprised snort from atop the stairs, followed by the commotion of Spike falling out of his basket and landing on the hard wooden floor. "Ouch," he mumbled before finally picking himself up. "Twilight I was having such a great dream," he said and yawned as he looked down at the ground floor, the lanterns providing just enough illumination to see that he wasn't alone.
"Sorry Spike but it's a bit of an emergency. It's raining and it's cold and we're both freezing! We need your help down here, my number one assistant," she stated.
"Number one assistant? Really?" Trixie asked and blinked as she looked between Twilight and Spike, finding the title very odd considering the circumstances.
"He's much better when he's wide awake," Twilight whispered before hearing Spike make his way down the stairs.
"Alright I'm up, whadda you need?" he asked before becoming fully aware of Trixie's presence. However his response was less than what she was expecting. "Wow. I didn't expect to be seeing you so soon. I thought you'd be miles away from here by now."
"Trixie was...I mean I was miles away from here by now. I was resting under a tree when it was raining and truly did not expect to see Twilight Sparkle standing there when I awoke. I was...not prepared for what transpired," she explained.
"Anyway Spike could you get a hot bath running while I get us a fire going?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah, sure, whatever," Spike replied and yawned. "One hot bath coming up."
"...A fire? In a tree?" Trixie asked as she tilted her head. Had she really heard right?
"It's an enchanted fireplace. The flames are shielded so they can't harm the surrounding wood or anything else," Twilight elaborated as she walked over to the aforementioned fireplace and cast an ignition spell to set the logs ablaze, flooding the lower floor of the library with an immediate sense of warmth and a great deal more light. "Come on over and warm up Trixie. We'll get your cloak and hat drying off."
"That is most appreciated Twilight Sparkle," Trixie said as she trotted over and parked herself down next to the roaring flames. With a bit of magic she undid the clasp on her cloak and lifted the heavy, soaked fabric off of herself, relinquishing control once Twilight had a firm enough hold on them to hang them up on a previously unseen coat rack that was brought over to sit by the fire. However she didn't question the mystery of the coat rack as she was too busy enjoying the pleasure of the fire.
Twilight on the other hoof had to stifle a gasp as the cloak came away from Trixie's body. It was understandable that she was soaked to the bone and would naturally look skinnier than if her coat were dry. But she was pretty certain her ribs shouldn't be quite so visible. Or for her face to be quite so...sunken in appearance. Her mind began running through all the possible scenarios to explain such. Were these physical side effects that went with using the Alicorn Amulet? Was she always so scrawny and she'd just never paid attention until now? Had...had she been literally starving herself in order to save up money at a faster rate for simple revenge?
"The bath's ready!" Spike called, breaking Twilight's train of thought and nearly making her jump in response.
"Uh...thanks Spike. Now could you whip up one of those mouth watering salads you're so good at?" she asked as she tried to focus on something else.
"At this hour?" he asked. Did Twilight even know how much work was involved with such a culinary exercise?
"Please Spike?" she asked as her horn glowed to levitate something over to him. Something that in this case turned out to be a piece of ruby crystal. Spike was already licking his lips in anticipation at the delectable treat before him.
"Sure thing! One of Spike's Special Salads coming right up!" he said before quickly dashing off to the kitchen to get to work.
"He's such a sweet baby dragon," Twilight mused and closed her eyes before turning to face Trixie. "You should get washed up first. You were exposed to the rain a lot longer than I was."
"Your offer is appreciated Twilight Sparkle. But are you certain you do not wish to exercise your host prerogative and bathe first?" Trixie asked.
Twilight just shook her head. "You were exposed to the rain a lot longer than I was, you go first."
"Are you certain that you are certain about this arrangement?" Trixie pressed further.
Twilight giggled. "I am. You're my guest, and my friend, it's only fair that you go first. I'll be alright by the fire while you get washed up," Twilight reassured her. "The bathroom is just to the right. Feel free to use whatever you need; except for Spike's bubble bath, even I'm not allowed to touch that."
Trixie couldn't help but giggle in amusement at the last part. "Your generosity is much appreciated Twilight Sparkle. I shall not be too long," she said before rising up and walking in the direction of the bathroom to take advantage of the offered hospitality.
Twilight sat at watched, waiting until she heard the door to the bathroom close. She got up herself and walked into the kitchen to see Spike chopping away at the lettuce and tomato to make the salad. Without a word she walked over behind him and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks for all your help Spike. I'd be lost without my number one assistant."
It was praise like that, that made Spike's work seem all worth it. He wasn't asking for much, just some appreciation for what all he did. That and the promise of a delicious ruby suddenly made this late night excursion a little less taxing to him. "Thanks Twilight. But are you sure about this? I mean I know that she wasn't herself and all, but...well she's Trixie. She's not exactly...well you know..." he tried to explain.
"Everypony needs a friend. And after what she's been through she could definitely use one," Twilight replied. "Although I might've laid it on a bit thick about feeling guilty. I know she was responsible for her own actions and all. She made her own decisions and nopony forced her hoof one way or the other. But still, I can't help but feel at least a little sorry for her. She did lose everything she had to a series of unfortunate events that we're somewhat responsible for. The least we can do is try and help her get back on her hooves."
"I guess you're right," Spike replied simply as he finished chopping up the ingredients and began mixing them in the bowl. "It was still her decision to try and get revenge though."
"I know. I'm not saying she's faultless in all this. There's bound to be consequences down the line. But for right now she needs somepony on her side," Twilight replied.
"Sometimes Twilight you're way too trusting and willing to lend a hoof," Spike thought. She really need a transfusion of cynicism or something.
Trixie honestly couldn't remember the last time she felt as good as she did right now, soaking in a nice hot bath and letting it wash over her aching muscles. If she was going to be soaked hot water was so much more preferable to cold rain.
"Such generosity," Trixie said to herself as she leaned against the side of the tub with her eyes closed. "Such gullibility," she thought to herself.
The unicorn Twilight Sparkle was certainly no experienced salespony, that much was for certain. She had made the request of being friends with her and promised so much in exchange. Who in their right mind would turn down such generosity? A warm place to sleep, food to eat and her money back? She would need to be a foal to turn down such a generous offer; especially when she didn't need to do anything in return to get it except maintain a charade. This was going to be much easier than she thought.
"I'll let her believe that I'm genuine until I get what I want, and then I'll slip away with my saddlebags full. Yes that will work out very nicely," she thought as she sunk up to her neck in the warm water on the tub, chuckling to herself at it all. This was the most brilliant plan she'd ever had yet.
At least that's what she thought anyway.
"Oh good you're out," Twilight greeted as Trixie emerged from the bathroom, her coat still damp and her mane done up in a towel to dry properly, but in much better condition than when she'd went in. "Your salad's ready. I hope you like it."
"I am certain that I will indeed, Twilight Sparkle. As for you, you should take advantage of the bath while the water is still hot. I would certainly feel bad if my new friend got herself sick while worrying about my well being," Trixie replied.
"I planned on doing just that. Don't worry about waiting on me I ate earlier," Twilight replied as she passed Trixie on her way to the bath.
The salad was easy enough to find as it had been sitting out on the table almost as if it was waiting for her. A large bowl filled wit freshly chopped lettuce and tomatoes, garnished with dandelion and daffodil petals and topped with some sort of dressing. Her stomach rumbled loudly to remind her of just how hungry she was, which just served to remind her of how hungry she'd been as of late. Even when she was technically running Ponyville she hadn't focused on properly tending to her hunger due to the corrupting influence of the Alicorn Amulet.
She'd fully intended to savor her most recent meal and enjoy it fully. But instead she'd wound up wolfing it down in a matter of minutes and practically licked the bowl clean.
"Truly delicious," she said with a contended sigh as she lifted her head out of the bowl.
"I'm surprised you could even taste it."
Trixie nearly jumped at being startled by the voice, only to realize it was Spike addressing her. Between the bath and the meal she'd managed to completely forget about him. The fact that he seemed to move so quietly didn't help matters either. He stood in the doorway to the kitchen looking at her and giving her the critical eye. Not that she could really blame him after everything that happened over the past few days.
"And talk about atrocious table manners, whoa," Spike added as he saw the bits of lettuce and salad dressing smeared on her face. He plucked a dampened towel from the kitchen and walked over to her. "Hold still."
Twilight had told him to be nice to Trixie while she was here. However he didn't expect to be tasked with wiping her face down because she was such a messy eater. But here he was doing just that for her the same way he'd do for Twilight if she were in a similar situation.
"You are...quite courteous," Trixie commented inbetween the rag being wiped across her face and mouth.
"Yeah well...guests and all," he replied and shrugged. Hopefully the salad dressing wouldn't just smear into her fur. "Do you mind if I ask you something?"
"You may ask but Trixie may not have the answer that you seek."
"What was it like when you were using the Alicorn Amulet?"
Of all the questions that could be asked why did it have to be that particular one? She truly didn't want to think about that, about what she'd done when under the influence of that accursed artifact. But if she was going to maintain the charade of being friends with Twilight she supposed she should exercise a little courtesy of her own and respond.
"After Trixie...after I first received the Alicorn Amulet and tested its magical properties it felt like being surrounded by an intense but not unpleasant field of static electricity. But the more I used it the more it felt...strange. Thinking back it was like my mind was subjected to intoxicants, I could feel my inhibitions slowly becoming less and less noticeable. Nothing seemed unreasonable any longer and it...it almost felt like there was an inaudible voice telling Trixie...telling me to push on, to do more and use the Alicorn Amulet to a greater and greater extent. By the time Twilight Sparkle returned for her rematch it was like...it was almost like I was watching but unable to control the flow of events. And by that time I found myself willingly carrying out acts that I felt were atrocious in nature. I..I don't want to think of what might have happened had Twilight Sparkle not rescued everypony; myself included."
There was a heavy silence after Trixie finished speaking. Spike said nothing in response before going back to wiping her face until it was as clean as he could get it. "That's the best I can do, short of giving you another bath," he stated.
"Thank you for your kindness Spike. It was...most appreciated," Trixie replied. He just shrugged as he took her bowl back to the kitchen.
Her attention was then diverted to the sound of a contended sigh from behind. turning she saw Twilight stepping out from the bathroom and looking refreshed. "Nothing like a nice warm bath to chase away the chills."
"Quite so," Trixie replied as Twilight approached and sat at the table.
Silence. It was an uncomfortable silence, too much like back on the rock farm where she'd spent so many months. That was an inhospitable time and she didn't want to remember anything about it.
"Would it be possible for me to see those spell books now?" she asked.
"Maybe tomorrow. The study of new spells is best done when properly rested. This hour is late even by my standards," Twilight replied.
"Um...where will Trixie...I mean where will I sleep?" Trixie asked. She hadn't really been given anything resembling a tour of the library and was currently unfamiliar with the accommodations. If there was a bed or sofa to be found she certainly hadn't yet.
"You can sleep in my bed upstairs," Twilight replied. However before Trixie even got the chance to say anything in response she continued. "I'm quite comfortable down here in the library. I've got a nice cozy pillow to curl up on by the fireplace, I've done that a good number of times during winter."
"Really?" Trixie asked at hearing the offer. Twilight simply nodded in response. "That is quite generous. Thank you, Twilight Sparkle."
The bed was unbelievably comfortable to lay in. As tired as she was it would be so easy to fall into a week long sleep in what was easily the coziest place she'd been in a long, long time.
So why had she been laying wide awake for nearly the last hour?
Despite her efforts sleep eluded her, leaving her to toss and turn, and to think about recent developments. This afternoon she'd been in Ponyville unleashing chaos under the influence of the Alicorn Amulet and engaged in a duel of magic against her rival Twilight Sparkle. And now this night here she was back in Ponyville and resting in the bed of her rival Twilight Sparkle, being made privy to more hospitality and generosity than she could ever conceive herself offering had the roles been reversed. How could anypony be so kind under such circumstances?
These were just some of the thoughts running through her mind as she tried to make sense of it all. Others were...not quite as pleasant. Some she was ashamed to admit entertaining. And then her thoughts came to her rival Twilight Sparkle sleeping in the library while she occupied her bed. She hadn't even hesitated to make such an arrangement. And what had she done in return to so much hospitality and kindness? Nothing nice, that was for certain.
Wordlessly Trixie climbed out of the bed, using her magic to levitate and pull off the comforter, before slowly and quietly making her way down the stairway to the library's main floor. She could see Twilight Sparkle resting comfortably on a large plush pillow by a still burning but not roaring fire; she almost looked like a house cat curled up and snoozing so peacefully on her makeshift bed. Spike was elsewhere in the library and snoring away, tucked into his basket of a bed that he'd brought down when he found out she would be sleeping upstairs.
"Twilight Sparkle," Trixie whispered as she approached the purple unicorn, gently prodding her shoulder to wake her up.
Twilight mumbled something as she slowly opened her eyes at the disturbance. "Trixie?"
"It is a rather cold night out. Could Trixie sleep next to the fireplace as well?" she asked as she brought the comforter into view.
"...Sure," Twilight replied after a moment to properly think over things.
With a little help the comforter was folded over and laid out on the floor with the pillow resting in the middle. Done right it allowed just enough room for each unicorn to have their own half of the makeshift bed and remain on opposite sides, the pillow providing sufficient room for each of them to rest their heads without touching.
"Is that better?" Twilight asked as she laid back down. Trixie nodded in response. "Sleep well Trixie. Goodnight," she said and closed her eyes.
"Goodnight Twilight Sparkle," Trixie returned and made herself comfortable, letting the heat from the fire wash over her as she rested again.
Off in the library Spike's snoring stopped as he cracked open an eye. He scribbled on a piece of parchment before stuffing it under his bed and closing his eyes again to go back to sleep.