What’s this? You’re back? A story about Twilight, dear? Hmmm...no, that won’t do. Perhaps this one, then? Ah, I promised her I’d never breathe a word about that particular one to anypony. Idea! Yes, I’m sure Twilight wouldn’t mind me telling you this one, dear. You heard about the Alicorn Amulet debacle, like everypony else did, correct? Good. Now, our little story takes place a few months after that terrible incident, shortly after we reformed Discord...
Twilight, the dear that she is, is nearly impossible to rouse before nine in the morning. Only Pinkie Pie can manage it with anything approaching regularity. However, on this morning, she was yanked out of her bed, and dumped rather unceremoniously on the ground. The pony doing this unseemly act was none other than the not so Great and Powerful Trixie. I’m sorry, I really shouldn’t be so critical of that mare. After all, I completely understand that it’s all an act, intended to inspire her audiences, but she carries on the act even off the stage, and that grates my nerves. Oh, I seem to have gotten off track, dear. Where were we?
Ah, yes. After waiting for Twilight to come to her senses after being awakened so rudely, Trixie then spoke to Twilight in her most regal voice, declaring that since both of them were powerful and talented unicorns, they should have a magic challenge upon a single topic. Apparently, the topic they picked was ‘Fire’, as both of them had, in the past, demonstrated some form of control over it. Twilight had gone first, and had charged her magic so potently as to change her mane and tail into pure flame. In hindsight, she admitted that performing a spell like that while inside a library was not the best idea. Oh, nothing happened, but I don’t think she ever forgave herself for what could have happened, dear. Trixie’s response to Twilight’s spell was much less impressive, as she simply created a small orb of flame hanging in mid-air, shaped like a pony, and made it dance around Twilight’s head a few times, before dissipating it.
After their little challenge was over, and Twilight declared the victor, and they agreed that if Trixie came back, they shouldn’t do the next one inside the library, they went to one of the cafes nearby. I must admit, without her cloak and hat, Trixie does have quite the stunning figure. It would be such a wonder to design a dress for her that matched her colours. This is just...professional curiosity, nothing more. Get those thoughts out of your head right this instant, dear. But back to the story.
Now, I happened to be walking with Fluttershy to the spa as this next part happened, so I know it happened. The two of us watched as Twilight and Trixie ate lunch together, occasionally conversing about some ridiculous minutiae of magic or some other thing. Apparently, Trixie once attended Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, and I think Twilight was happy to have something approaching an intellectual equal, even if was Trixie. Then, the next thing we knew, Trixie had thrown her salad into Twilight’s face, and stormed off in a huff. I mention this, dear, because as she left the cafe, she smiled. Not cruelly, like she had while under the influence of the amulet, but like you do when you see something that you are fond of. But it only lasted a moment, and then it was back to normal Trixie.
Fluttershy and I went over to Twilight, who was also smiling. A bit odd, considering she still had salad plastered over her face and her companion had just stormed off in apparent anger. We helped clean her up, regardless, and then asked if Trixie had done anything to harm her.
****Time****
Twilight replied with that yes, she was fine, and that no, she didn’t know what had set Trixie off. After I sent Fluttershy on ahead to make sure our spa reservations were still fine, I asked what had really happened. Twilight had simply repeated her earlier statement, but added that she thought that Trixie would be back in a few months.
And that, my dear, is how Twilight and Trixie started their little ‘duels’ every few months. It’s always a bit erratic, as Trixie doesn’t like to keep to a set schedule, something which annoys Twilight to no end, but it’s more or less become a routine for the two of them. If you ask Twilight about it, she’ll tell you they share a semi-friendly rivalry, but it’s probably the closest that Trixie has been to having friends in a while, and I applaud Twilight for giving her a chance. Celestia knows I wouldn’t.
Oh, my, look at the time! I really did get into that, didn’t I? I must run, dear. I promised I’d see Sweetie Belle’s school play this afternoon, and I do hate to let her down. You’re still at TMP, yes? Excellent. I’ll be watching for your article.