//------------------------------//
// The Five Pointed Wand and the Stardust Cloak 
// Story: Tricks, cloaks and wands: The Lost Tales of a Traveling Magician 
// by divinearcadia 
//------------------------------//


To get this out of the way, I have no control over the characters of and related to My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. This is a piece of literary fiction, the events of this story are not intended to reflect the actions or incriminate anypony.

Chapter Nine: The Five Pointed Wand and the Stardust Cloak


Now that Trixie was actually standing in front of the door to the Night Tower with her head downcast, she felt nervous. She had never been singled out in school for exceptional magical prowess, no special skills or spells that came naturally to her aside from the few she used in her shows and no incredible amount of arcane energy was at her disposal. So why her? Why now? What was so special about her that she would be deemed worthy of Luna's tutelage? She almost turned around right then, the force of her self doubt was so strong. But Luna was expecting her. A deep breath wracks her body and she looks up as she exhales. She had promised to Luna and to herself that she wouldn't let anypony down if she could help it.
She raises a hoof and knocks soundly on the door, a deep thump sounding at each strike of her hoof. She waits for a few moments in the gathering gloom before the door swings inward and a warm golden light streaks into the darkness. Blinking her eyes, she sees that the pony who opened the door for her was none other than Rime Ice. The door opens all the way and Rime Ice walks away letting Trixie follow, shutting the door behind her. The interior of the Night Tower was similar in shape to where Trixie now resides, but that's where the similarities end. The walls are paneled in dark exotic woods with very small amounts of gold dust rubbed into the grain. Thick bands of dark cloth rippled and flowed slowly across the ceiling without seeming to be attached in any way to anything. Wall lamps burned at even intervals along the walls with golden flames, a sweetly spiced aroma wafts through the air but stronger near each lamp. As she walks down the narrow hallway behind Rime Ice, Rime Ice opens a wide door and the two walk into the brightly lit room. Trixie finds herself in the main library of the tower, Princess Luna sitting elegantly on a throw pillow next to a low set table. She glances about nervously as she studies the room. Set high up between each shelf is a lantern, bright enough to provide good illumination where ever a pony sits as well as wrapping them gently in the warm smell of the incense. The entire circumference of the room is nothing but bookshelves, filled end to end with books whose covers have been darkened by their age. There are two tables set in the room, the low one Luna sits by and higher, more traditional one which is laden with various papers and writing supplies.
“Welcome to mine abode this fine night Trixie, I pray that it finds you well.” Luna says once Trixie enters the room. Trixie bows gracefully in return nods once in reply. “Come now, mine little pony. Surely thine tongue hath not escaped thine mouth, has it not? If not, use it and speak freely and without reservation in mine presence.”
“My apologies Mistress Luna.” Trixie says quietly.
“See? Was that so hard? But something seems to be troubling thee, though you seem well enough. Pray, speak so that I might aid mine student.” Luna says with a concerned tone.
“Why me? I mean, why am I your student?” Trixie says as she slowly vents, giving voice to her thoughts and feelings on the matter. Luna waits and watches impassively as her student reveals her doubts about herself as Luna's choice. By the time Trixie is done, tears hang precariously close to falling and her body trembles slightly. Luna walks slowly over to her and drapes a wing over the smaller pony.
“Because there is only one you, Trixie. Because thou art a pony worthy of such through the life thou hath lived and the experiences had. As thou hath said, there are those stronger or uniquely gifted, but they are not Trixie Lulamoon. A pony seeking redemption and a way to better herself in her own eyes and those of her peers. Though ye may not realize it, thou art uniquely powerful in thine own right as well. That is one of the reasons we have brought thou here tonight, to tell thee what we hath learned.” Luna says in a quiet voice that slowly calms the emotional Trixie. They stay that way for a few moments as Trixie gathers her composure. After a particularly strong sniff, Trixie looks up to Luna and smiles.
“Thank you Mistress Luna. I think I understand a bit better now.” Luna moves forward while keeping her wing over Trixie who walks with her. They walk over to the low table set with a tea kettle and cups, where Rime Ice sat with eyes closed. They take their places across the table from her, Luna looking expectantly at Rime Ice.
“There are many things in this world that have multiple meanings. The sun and the moon are prime examples of such, the Princesses even embody some of the aspects associated with each. But like any jewel there can be hidden facets both ugly and beautiful, sometimes both at once. You are very special Trixie Lulamoon. Your cutie mark is the Stardust Cloak behind the Five Pointed Wand. Stardust, the miniscule particles that fall from the heavens touch upon everything in our world both light and dark. The Cloak is comprised of many individual threads weaved together to protect, shelter and ward. Something that is far stronger than the individual thread that comprises it. This aspect of your cutie mark reveals that you have the ability to learn all magic to a lesser extent as well as possessing great physical talent to act as a shield for you and those you choose to shelter. Stardust touches the physical as much as the arcane. The Five Pointed Wand is a focus for certain magics you possess. I have had the experience to witness some of these more potent magics; Physical Manipulation, Illusion, and Alchemy are those I have discerned. The other two will come to you in time through study and application.
“What this means for you Trixie, is that you have much to learn, much to do and much that you can protect. But what does it mean to protect somepony?” Rime ice opens her chilly eyes, looking directly at Trixie. “Does it mean to take the blow that would strike them down or to stop the blow before it even begins to move towards the target. You have pledged yourself to Princess Luna and you seek your redemption. The path you have started down is not one of black and white but the many indistinguishable shades of gray that comprises the world. You will kill other ponies Trixie. They will try to kill you in turn. But the life you end may be the salvation of hundreds through meaningless struggle or the life of a single innocent. This is the domain the sun cannot tread. This is our duty. We perform it happily for they would destroy those we love and all we hold dear. Even the loss of one innocent pains us though we know there is nothing to be done that can prevent it. You cannot protect every pony everywhere, but those you do protect will never even know of your deeds and would likely shun you for your 'protection.'”
Trixie sits in silence for a while. Thoughts travel quickly through her head too fast to latch on to. But one thought, one memory pushes all others out. The memory of her Father wracked by heaving sobs and the strained wails of unbearable loss as he holds the limp form of her Mother. What if the pony who would have killed my Mother had been killed even minutes earlier? Before having even stepped through the door, on the way to do murder and theft? Would we have known any better? We would have been happy and content, unknowing of the tragedy that almost befell us. She thinks of her family in Manehatten and the life she had with them so many years ago, a life she could no longer return to. But she could protect them and many others though she may well damn herself. She knows she can't protect them from everything, but from the true tragedies that would rip and tear the peace of Equestria apart. It was no longer a question of could I protect them in this way, but a question of how couldn't I protect them.
A foreign look comes across Trixies face. It is the look of somepony about to announce a grim verdict upon the perpetrator of some heinous crime. Trixies horn begins to glow softly, but no aura surrounds it. Her eyes slowly loose focus and she begins to talk, power lacing every syllable that leaves her mouth in a form of binding oath neither Rime Ice nor Luna has seen for many long years. An oath that comes from a conviction that welled forth from the core of a ponies very being. A thing long since forgotten about by all but the historians of ancient unicorn magic or those who witness its extremely rare occurrence. Something Luna never thought would ever be given to her.
“I reaffirm my vow to Princess Luna, Mistress of the Night. I pledge myself to her service as she sees fit until a time she releases me from my vow. My mind, body and magic in her service. I vow to protect those that cannot protect their selves, to destroy those that would seek the ruin of peace and profit from the misery of the innocent. I seal this vow with that which I am.” As the last syllable leaves her mouth, her horn pulses slowly from the base to the tip at which a sudden flare of pure light brightens the room and coalesces into a crystal tear drop more beautiful than a diamond that still shines with the light that suffuses it. It falls unnaturally slowly to the tabletop, glowing the entire way until it comes to rest with a small sound only able to be heard in the perfect silence that follows. Rime Ice smiles at Luna who still wears an expression of pure shock at the glowing crystal lying on the table. Starting back to reality, Luna responds in similar manner with power laced words.
“Thine oath, I humbly accept. Mine vow to thee that I shall never betray the trust placed in me.” At the conclusion of the short response, Luna lowers the tip of her horn to touch the crystal, her own horn glowing from within but no surrounding aura. A slow pulse from the base of her horn reaches where the two meet and flares her whole horn into brilliant light. When she now raises her head, the crystal now only glows softly as it is half embedded into the top curl of her horn, visible to any facing her.
Trixie slowly regains focus at the conclusion of the fusing. Rime Ice smiles more and more broadly at Luna who looks as though she was struck by thunder even yet. “How about some tea?” She says lightly, breaking the mood and helping Trixie to fully come back to her senses.
“Come now Rime Ice, surely Trixie deserves an explanation of what just transpired.” Luna says mildly scolding the flippant remark.
“That would be most welcome Mistress.” Trixie responds dazedly.
“What hath transpired is an ancient form of soul magic any unicorn can perform. When a unicorn utters such an oath that resonates with what they hold with the utmost conviction and with the core of what they are, it manifests into a physical embodiment of their will. There art many things and boons associated with this ancient form of Oath-giving, but we shall discuss these later in the course of thine studies. Put thine mind at ease, Trixie Lulamoon. Thou art truly somepony very special, never forget this in all of thine days.”
“I thought I had said something along those lines, Princess. This is just another manifestation of that very evident fact.” Rime Ice says drawing an irritated glance from Luna. “But, this aside, we will now have to closely monitor Miss Lulamoon here for any manifest changes in her over the next few weeks and months especially. Now we must set Miss Lulamoon a course of studies to be covered.”
The rest of the hour was spent talking over tea and directing the studies Trixie will soon find herself immersed in. There is even talk of a weekly royal dispensation for her as well. She would occasionally respond when she was asked about her knowledge on a specific topic, but her mind would return to its previous focus. Her thoughts turning to the now driving desire to be the absolute best she can be. Not for her sake anymore, but for the sake of the ponies who should not and never will know of the darkness that protects them and the fragile light the darkness cherishes.


Trixie sleeps without dreams again that night, but within a deep contentment she had rarely felt before. She wakes in the gray predawn light and walks down the steps into her library to read a little but finds herself just sitting there staring out of the tall window. It doesn't seem real at all. I'm special and needed. I would like to think my parents would understand, maybe not condone, but to understand. Her thoughts wind down and she finds herself mentally fatigued but still ready for the day ahead. She leaves her tower to eat and find her way to the guard transit. Whetstone is waiting for her on the train platform.
“Very good to see you here Miss Lulamoon. We will travel with the shift change today. I will only travel with you occasionally from now on. I'm pleased you know your way here at least and I expect you to begin learning your way about the castle proper. Flickering Shadow will meet you in his office every morning at nine thirty, no matter the weather. Even if it's you under the weather unless it's exceptionally serious, and he will find out if it's not. Our line of work doesn't permit us to have sick days.”
“Good morning to you as well Whetstone.” Trixie deadpans. A slight upturn of his lips her only response. The transit soon pulls up precisely at eight o'clock filled with pegasi and unicorn guardsponies who give the pair the odd glance or otherwise ignores the pair. They enter the first car and sit near the exit, waiting while the various night guards are relieved of their post. It takes roughly twenty minutes for the cars to be mostly filled, the doors closed and the whistle of the train as it begins to slowly inch back the way it came. “So, what is it you precisely do in service to Mistress Luna? You certainly don't strike me as a operative or even as somepony who is the supervisor of those ponies.” Trixie asks once they start and the ambient chatter is sufficient for them to talk unnoticed.
“To put it succinctly, I sharpen the Talons. Call it the dual nature of my special talent, but I grind away the burs and sharpen the dull edges of ponies. Not so much physically, but mentally. The doubt, the pity, the frivolousness. The things that could turn the blade or blunt the thrust. I am here for you, to hone your mind as Flickering Shadow hones your body.” He looks at her with eyes as hard as his namesake. “I am here to hear your concerns or anything you may have to say to get off of your chest. It is my job, and you have me as a confidant. Nothing you say to me will pass even to our Mistress.  I do not want to see a Talon break by thrusting with a blunt tip when I could have prevented it.”
Whetstone speaks with an earnestness in his voice and conviction in his eyes. He means everything he says to Trixie and she feels a small smile turn the corners of her mouth. “With all these blade metaphors, I can't help but feel you working your special talent here and now.” She says with a laugh and a nudge. “But I trust you Whetstone. For no other reason than that I feel you deserve it with your previous words and actions, you even looked out for me when I couldn't look after myself.” She says remembering his defense when faced with Twilight Sparkle as well as his aid and support before that. He nods in return and reverts to his taciturn ways since nothing of import is being spoken of. They spend the rest of the trip in crowded silence as they descend the lofty mountain.
They depart amidst the hustle and bustle of guards seeking armor racks, a light meal and their pallets after a long night. Whetstone leaves Trixie to her own at the front steps of the administration building where Flickering Shadow will be waiting for her. She walks up the steps confidently, finding her way past the empty duty desk and up to his office on the second floor. She knocks on the door frame and enters to see her instructor sitting in silence once again. He nods, getting up to lead her back out of the building to the constructs she worked with yesterday. 
“Today, we will begin the process of sharpening your body. You are too soft, Trixie Lulamoon. First, I shall teach you how to move. Attend to my movements and attempt to emulate.” When he is done talking, he begins to walk. After years of learning sleight-of-hoof and tumbling from Olive, she knows that any movement can be laced with complexities not always apparent at first. So she watches Flickering Shadow as he walks. His hooves have an odd movement to them as she watches. Each hoof suddenly slows just before it makes contact with the ground, then it seems to remain solidly anchored in place until it is time for the hoof to be moved. She then watches the legs, each seeming to become a pivoting point after the hoof sets. The muscles under his coat slowly ripple from his fetlock up his leg and into his body at each step, revealing that his body is prepared to react at any instant. His entire body screams predator and purpose at Trixie despite the lazy appearance of him simply walking.
He stops and looks to the slightly spooked mare. How can anypony move like that? It's unnatural seeing a pony move like something that sees us as food. She shakes her head and begins trying to emulate him. Slowly walking forward, slowing her hoof just before contact with the ground. That catches her by surprise as the slow fall allows the sensitive portion of her hoof to focus more on her footing. She moves slowly as she keeps her hoof anchored to the ground before she is forced to move it for her next step. Centering her weight over each leg to act as a pivot for her next movement, she feels muscles stretch and strain slightly as they are stretched. As she walks for a short while, her shoulder and upper leg muscles feel cold at first but soon begin to flood with warmth at the motions.
“Good. You learn quickly. You will walk in this manner from now on until it is second nature to you. This will become your foundation for many of the skills I will teach you. Now, follow me and emulate.” He walks over to the plains sextant and begins to trot off, leaving Trixie to catch up. He moves with his center of balance low but slightly forward, his steps quick and low to the ground. After a few strides, he keeps his right foreleg planted and turns at a sharp angle using his leg as a pivot. He keeps his head turned to the side slightly so that he is able to watch Trixies movements. Trixie follows as closely to his motions as she can, as her muscles are being used in new ways. He continues this zigzag path for a long while until he picks up the pace into a low height canter, his steps almost sharp as they pick up the pace. He pivots suddenly with a sharp kick of the hind leg in line with the one being used as the anchor, propelling him with no noticeable loss of speed. It's much harder this time for Trixie as her legs and shoulders begin to loose tension at this new exercise. She copies him as best she can but it doesn't last for long as she begins to slightly loose coordination. He slows down gradually to a walk and they return back to the constructs, Trixie emulating his way of walking as he instructed. Her motions seem languid and slightly exaggerated at the looseness of her muscles.
Once there, Flickering Shadow has her doing repetitive motions at a low resistance across a large variety of machines that don't specifically focus on her shoulders. After almost two hours of being under his instruction, Trixie finds herself pushed almost to the brink of her physical limitations. She had never thought she would feel this again after her years of traveling and performance. It was just like she was starting over again, like she was a filly again. Only this time there was only her and her desires. Flickering Shadows calls a halt to the physical training for the day and leads her back to his cool office. They each sit across one from one another at his desk. His horn flares and a squat box is brought over to be placed in the middle of his desk. The top opens into two halves revealing a black and white checkered board with a set of carved stone figurines of white or black set in each half of the lip, held in place by silk ribbons.
“For our remaining hour, I will teach you the game of chess. The rules are simple, but the game is not. We may be able to play the game on occasion during our scheduled time, but do not expect it often as you progress in your training. You may not directly touch my set, may only delicately use your magic to move the pieces.” His eyes promise severe and painful consequences if she doesn't follow his instructions. “Chess will teach you much about the way you will operate within society as well as how you use those rules to your advantage and how your enemies will use them against you as well. You must not solely focus on one piece or one area but the entirety of the board. However, life is not chess. Some of the pieces may be hidden or disguised as another, the rules are never the same and not even present at times. One cannot know everything about the game being played, only adaptability and a sharp mind may be the thing standing between you and an untimely end.”
Flickering Shadow then explains the basic rules and terminology of chess over the next five minutes while setting the board at a steady pace. Trixie confirms that she is ready to begin and moves first as she is the white player. Her first game lasts all of three minutes against her opponent. They spend her remaining half hour in this manner, with Trixie battling mental fatigue against an opponent vastly more skilled than her. But her time comes to a conclusion and bids her instructor farewell as she begins the slow trek to the train station maintaining the her new walking style. Luna had not told her to meet her until next week so she would spend her afternoon and a good portion of the night studying the topics assigned to her. When she finally goes to sleep, her eyes are gritty and she's asleep almost before her head meets the pillow.
The days and weeks begin to pile upon one another. Physical and mental conditioning begin to mold her slowly but surely into a pony whose mind and body are in complete harmony. She finds herself craving the next branch of magical studies to add to her repertoire, as well as desiring to begin the advanced lessons Flickering Shadow has been withholding from her. But she had found an untold joy in Venerable Service and Whetstone through this growth. They were both invaluable to her in becoming close enough for her to confide in and rely upon, especially when she finally discovered that Twilight Sparkle had ascended as an Alicorn. As the end of her first month of training, Luna informs her that her family will be brought to Canterlot for a small get together at the next full moon in a week from Saturday. Trixie is torn between exuberance at seeing her family once again and a deep sadness about her unintended estrangement from them.
She worries about how they would react to the new her. The Trixie who now devoted her time and efforts learning to become a Talon. Her body no longer had the slight plumpness of a well to do pony but slimmed and honed into a graceful litheness that held surprising strength. Her robust, slightly mercurial personality has settled into solid patterns that she now holds under tight reign. Looking back on her past, she can barely reconcile who she was with who she now is. She feels ashamed of the things she did, that she was so conceited in her arrogance and reveled in vain extortion of others. She was just relieved that Olive had not lived to see her use his lessons in such a way.
She voiced her fears about her family and her current feelings of shame about her old self to Whetstone late that night, goblets of dark wine with a chess board sitting ready between them. This routine has become something Trixie has come to rely upon, his advice and words of encouragement are something that helps her immeasurably. He sits silently a moment before he responds. “You should not worry about seeing your family. From what you've told me, your Aunt and Uncle have adopted you as their own daughter. They will love you without reservation, no matter how you think you have changed. To them, you are still their little Trixie. The energetic and happy filly they raised you to be. You will rarely see them, if at all after this point. You know what it is that you will face. This is just another way for you to protect them from the future dangers of your new life.” He pauses to let his words sink in. “The life that anypony lives is one filled with choices, you took the options that led you to become successful at the expense of others. You cannot change the past, but you can learn from it. You are ashamed of what you did. Good. You absolve yourself of that shame in service. Do not let these feelings force you to push yourself to your breaking point. That does nopony any good.”
They sit a while, occasionally sipping the richly flavored wine. As with all of her confiding conversations with Whetstone, she feels much better. But tonight, she feels a warmth in her chest as that tarnished thing she used to call her pride begins to shine again. If only a very small streak. But it changes Trixies expression profoundly now that she has regained a measure of self. Now she can be proud that she is no longer that pony and that her family never truly knew who she had been. With a happy sigh, Trixie concludes her conversation with Whetstone and they take that queue to turn their attention to the chess board before them.


When she wakes up the next morning, she finds a note on her nightstand sealed with Luna's crest. She rings her chime and heads downstairs while reading the missive. A heavy weight settles in her stomach driving all thought of breakfast from her mind. She is sitting at her desk, staring at the grain of the wood when Venerable Service comes in.
“Is something amiss Madam Trixie?” Even after a month of steadily becoming closer friends with Trixie, she never leaves off the honorific. “You seem rather out of sorts this morning.”
“I'm being given special dispensation to leave Canterlot for the day. I'm to go to Ponyville and have a dress made for me for the occasion.” She says, voice leaden with dread at what she imagines the visit to be a horrible parade of her past misdeeds.
“That's wonderful Madam! If I remember correctly, there's a rather talented seamstress by the name of Rarity who resides there. She has quite the flair for high fashion.” She says enthusiastically. “I know she made quite the impression on Canterlot high society while she was in Canterlot for a short stay.”
“Would you be willing to accompany me? I would understand if duty prohibits, but it would mean a lot to me if you could come, Venerable.” At Trixies words, Venerable notices the undertone lacing her voice and nods in agreement.
“I must report to my Father first, but I feel certain that there should be no problem with that. I would be honored to accompany you, Madam.” From continued association with Venerable, Trixie is able to distinguish happiness and willingness from her friend despite the formal words. Once again, she is propped up by this pony when she would have crumbled on her own. Her gratitude for this pony knows no bounds.
“Thank you, Venerable. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“It's my pleasure to be of service, Madam.” She says with a comforting smile. “Now if we're to make good time, I must report to my Father in all haste if we are to catch the next train. Shall I meet you at the front gate?” After Trixie nods in the affirmative, Venerable leaves to make the proper arrangements. Trixie gathers her saddlebags, a decent sack of bits her last preparations and goes to wait for her friend. Fifteen minutes, a brisk walk and a hurried purchase of passage finds the two ponies sitting side by side on the train to Ponyville. Venerable Service looking around with well contained excitement at the prospect of visiting someplace with a friend and without a senior servant in attendance. Trixie sits silently looking expressionlessly out the window, lost in thought with horrible visions of  confrontation and abrupt ostracism that she would do nothing to stop or prevent. The uneventful train ride drags for one while it flies by for the other.
After their arrival and departure from the train, they begin making their way down the main road to the main square to the prominent boutique visible even at that distance. They walk down the street but nopony looks askance at the pair, much to Trixies relief. Before much longer, they find themselves walking through the door accompanied by a gentle chiming at which a noble looking unicorn mare comes to greet the pair.
“Good morning to you Trixie and to you Miss...?” She says in brisk tones.
“Venerable Service, Miss Rarity. It's truly a pleasure to meet you. I have seen your work in the courts of Canterlot with increasing regularity and I must say I adore your creations.”
“Thank you Venerable Service for your kind words.” She says smiling graciously. Turning to Trixie she says, “We have been expecting you dear. We are in the middle of breakfast if you'd care to join us if you haven't eaten yet. You are welcome to join us as well, dear.” Venerable Service politely declines to peruse the various creations in the store since it seems like Rarity and her company wish to speak to Trixie alone. Trixie nods, following Rarity to her kitchen.
What she was expecting certainly wasn't this. Not in the least. Trepidation fills her steps as she wonders what may come about. As they enter the kitchen she sees the remaining element bearers sitting around the kitchen, Twilight Sparkle included. What little small talk that was going around the room dies when they enter. Each of the ponies wears a slightly different expression but they all look at Trixie in a welcoming manner. Twilight stands and walks over to Trixie, placing a comforting hoof on her shoulder. She flinches slightly in response.
“Welcome to Ponyville, Trixie. I learned that up until just over a month ago you were not yourself. I explained most of the details to my friends and we all have something we want to tell you.” Twilight looks at Rarity and nods.
“Trixie? It's my pleasure to meet the real you for the first time. I don't blame you for what transpired that dreadful day or while you were influenced my the Alicorn Amulet. It would be my pleasure if you would be my friend.” She says gently. The rest of the ponies around the room take their turn to tell Trixie of their forgiveness and acceptance. By the time they are done, Trixie is sobbing uncontrollably at the destruction of her fears and release from some of her personal demons. They slowly gather around her and support her limp body with a meaningful group hug causing her to begin crying harder out of happiness. She quiets herself a couple minutes later, separating herself from their support slowly to stand on her own.
“All I can say is that I don't know what I've done to deserve such fortune in my life to meet so many ponies who see so much more in me than even I do.” She says in a trembling voice as she looks at the tiled floor of the kitchen. She looks up with a true happiness she hadn't felt in years and looks each in the eyes. “Of course I accept your friendship. But awkwardly enough, I only know Twilight Sparkle by name.” She says scuffing a forehoof across the floor in embarrassment. This gets chuckles and laughter from the gathered friends who introduce their selves personally. The mood shifts to something more businesslike as the ponies who have responsibilities must leave, making warm farewells and promises to visit her in Canterlot at some point or other. By the time farewells are done, only Rarity and Trixie remain.
“So, down to business. Princess Luna wrote to me commissioning a modest ensemble for her student for a little soiree tomorrow.” She says with a smile akin to a cat that not only got a saucer of milk but the entire carton to go with it. “Lets get your measurements and I'll get to work immediately. I must say though, dearie. You appear much more... Athletic than your last appearance  here at Ponyville.”
“I've started a personal regimen since my change in lifestyle.” She responds smoothly, cringing inwardly at the necessity to lie to her new found friend. “Just something to deal with my wanderlust.”
“Oh, I just can imagine it. It must be quite a change from being a traveling performer, being rooted in one place for so long. But maybe Twilight could use a regimen like yours, she is getting just a little pudgy. Is that right for me to say? I mean she is royalty now.” Rarity says with a giggle. “In any case, lets get down to business. I can't keep you here all day if you have studies to return to.”
With that, they walk up to Rarities inspiration room. From amidst the slight clutter, a long measuring tape snakes forward once Trixie stops in the room. It quickly snaps in place along her body: forelegs, hind legs, back, chest and barrel. Her measurements quickly jotted down on a small notepad. “It shan’t be more than an hour or two, dear. Why don't you help yourself to some breakfast in my kitchen and see the sights of Ponyville? Since you're here in town and no disasters are running rampant, the town may have a bit more charm for you.” She says with the genuine charm of somepony who loves where she lives and wants her new friend to love it too. Trixie gives her a wry smile in return.
“Thank you for the advice and the food, Rarity. I think I'll follow your advice and see what's about the town.” After Trixie leaves, Rarity quickly looses herself to her passion gets to work sketching on a podium. Trixie goes back downstairs to find Venerable Service deeply engrossed in looking through the various racks of dresses, designs varying from an elegant simplicity to fantastic conglomerations of lace, silk and gems. She smiles at her friends enthusiasm but makes her way back to the kitchen to attend to her now rumbling stomach, having missed her usual breakfast due to worry and their haste to make the next available train. The food is good in its own way, but she was now spoiled by the masterful cooking and the skillful preparations by the head chef. Done eating, she heads back out to find her friend still immersed in the clothes.
“Find anything you like?” Trixie asks causing Venerable Service to jump slightly and go wide eyed. Trixie looks away with a hoof to her mouth trying to unsuccessfully suppress a laugh at the response. Venerable blushes slightly at being caught out of sorts but laughs a bit at her own antics.
“Yes, very much so. These dresses are all very beautiful in their own way as well as very reasonably priced for some of them.” She says after she stops laughing.
“Any favorites?” Trixie asks raising an eyebrow.
“A couple stand out to me, but I think I'd have to say this one is my favorite.” She walks over to a ponnequin sporting a rather simple sun dress with a radiant smile. It's a very faint green color with moderately simple floral embroidery along the neck and hem. The petals of the flowers are small chips of diamond and other precious gems cut precisely. “It reminds me of a similar one I had a long time ago before I outgrew it.” Trixie looks at the price tag, noticing that it is indeed very reasonably priced. Even with the precious gems used in its construction.
“You have great taste, Venerable. It's really beautiful. So, would you be interested in going about Ponyville and seeing what the town has to offer? Rarity said it would be about an hour or two at most for her to make the dress and suggested that we go while she's busy.”
“Sounds like a wonderful way to pass the time. Maybe we can go see Sweet Apple Acres. The castle gets regular shipments of their delicious apples, but I'd like to try one fresh from the tree and meet the Matriarch that runs such a tight business.”
“Sounds like we have a plan then. Let me go and let Rarity know we're leaving.” Trixie walks back upstairs and is met by Rarity just as she approaches the door. Rarity looks behind her quickly, shutting the door. “I just thought I'd let you know we're going to leave for a little while. I was wondering about a certain dress I saw downstairs. It's the misty green one with floral embroidery and cut gems set as petals. I would like to buy it and pay for you to have it shipped to Canterlot.”
“Oh? That old thing?” She says waving a forehoof as if brushing it off. “I've had it for months now, but nopony seems interested in it. May I ask why you would want to buy it but to have it shipped as well?”
“It's for a friend of mine who's helping me adjust to my new life. I don't know her birthday yet, so I can't make it for a special occasion or anything like that, but I'd like to show her my gratitude nonetheless.” Trixie responds.
“Oh, darling, that's wonderfully nice of you. Consider it a gift from me to yo-” Rarity says but is quickly cut off.
“I'm sorry Rarity, but I can't accept it. We're friends, right? Then you know what it means to give a gift to another friend. It's not that I don't appreciate your generosity, but I don't feel right taking it from you. Maybe in the future, but today at least, I'm paying for it.” Trixie says with a bit of nervousness. “Consider it my way of showing you how much I look forward to being friends with you. That one day I'd accept your generosity without conditions.” When she finishes, Rarity hugs her tightly.
“Trixie, thank you for that honesty. Sometimes I forget that too much generosity can make some ponies uncomfortable, and I look forward to the day you can accept my gifts without feeling that way. Of course, I do have to know who to send it to after all.” She says letting her go with a smile.
“It's for Venerable Service. She sorta became my unofficial steward after I became Mistress Luna's student and I want to show her how much I value her friendship. So if you'd keep it a secret and prevent anypony from buying it, even Venerable Service herself if she shows the interest, I'd appreciate it a lot.”
“You have my word on it darling. We'll deal with the details after you come back later, now shoo. I have work to do and you don't want to make your friend suspicious if you want to keep it a surprise.” Rarity says while waving her forehoof for Trixie to go. Trixie smiles at her casual audacity and heads back downstairs to leave with Venerable Service.
Their time out of the shop seems to go by quickly. Some of the ponies they pass by greet them genially and without any of the hard feelings she would have thought after her temporary and bizarre rule over them. Their time at Sweet Apple Acres was interesting, especially when a little filly with a red mane and tail somehow overturns a vat of cold apple butter onto Trixie when they take a tour of the apple processing building. After much embarrassment, laughing and a hot bath, a Trixie smelling distinctly of apples and cinnamon leaves Sweet Apple Acres with a pouch of apples and a jar of well aged zap apple jam. They walk through the town without any real aim, buying something to eat from a street vendor when they get a little hungry despite Trixie knowing she'll regret the splurging when she'll force herself to extra efforts tomorrow morning during her training session.
They make their way back to Rarities when they feel that it's time. Rarity is waiting for them in the storefront when they return, Trixies dress apparently completed. “Welcome back, you two. Did you both enjoy your time in Ponyville?”
“In Ponyville, yes. I had a bit of an apple related accident when we visited Sweet Apple Acres.” Trixie says laughing at herself. “Applejacks little sister turned over a vat of cold apple butter on me by accident.” Rarity looks like she was slapped with something disgusting and shivers.
“Well you're not the only one that has happened to.” She responds with a grimace followed quickly with laughter by all. “But on another note, your dress is finished and I'd like to do a fitting for final touches before you you go on your way. If you two would come with me, we'll get right to it.” They all head upstairs to Rarities work room with much happy anticipation. When the door is opened, they see a shimmering silk cobalt blue dress. Its split skirt is fairly short, only coming down to mid thigh on the ponnequin with crescent shaped onyx chips along the hem. The neck is a modest v shape with small amethysts with three diamonds at the valleys point to provide contrast. The entire dress has thin swirls of black silk embroidery producing a slightly hypnotic effect as the eyes follow the path of the curves. Venerable Service and Trixie stare in astonishment at the elegant dress.
“Oh my.” Is all Trixie says after a short moment while Venerable Service is still enraptured by the dress.
“I thought I would go for a cross between a cocktail dress and an evening gown for something elegant yet energetic to match your new athleticism. I do hope you like it.” Rarity says with her usual trepidation at hearing the first comments of a customer who gives her full artistic license when commissioned for a looming event.
“Rarity. It's the most beautiful dress I've ever owned and I am beyond proud that my new friend made it for me. I will wear it with pride and treasure it for as long as it's in my possession.” Trixie says in all seriousness. Rarity beams brightly and her eyes brighten at the happy tears that refuse to fall. After the moment passes, the ponies go about the final fitting and modifications. They find themselves making their farewells soon after. Venerable Service waits outside for a few minutes while Trixie lingers to make some final arrangements with Rarity, Trixie refusing to take any discount offered her and writing a small note on a scrap of parchment to be sent with the dress. With the dress in tow, they find themselves on their way back to Canterlot in time for a late lunch. The rest of the day passes rather peaceably for Trixie, her eyes drifting over occasionally to the box containing her new dress. She goes to sleep with visions of herself wearing a hooded cloak made of mist while walking through room after room of shadowy ponies wearing masks, whispers barely heard before they distort to be replaced by another.


It was well before dawn when Trixie wakes up the next morning, the moon hanging low in the sky still. After learning about the old trail leading to the training grounds a while ago and taking it a couple times, she opts to leave much earlier than usual by that route as part of her extra efforts for her dietary indiscretions yesterday. She finds herself lightly working with the constructs when a shadowy form startles her when she goes to switch to another. “What brings you here so early?” The quiet voice of Flickering Shadow asks.
“Just working off some extra food I ate yesterday and burning some excess energy.” Trixie responds once her heart stops painfully pounding at the shock.
“Just as well. You know what you're doing, but don't tire yourself out this early. I'm going to work you hard for missing yesterday despite Mistress Luna's missive.” The promise of a hard session evident in his tone.
“Just as well I stop now, since I took the old trail to get here. Would you care to spend the time until our scheduled meeting over the chess board?” Trixie responds slightly hopeful. Flickering Shadow shrugs in the faint light and begins to walk back to the Lunar branch of the administration buildings. When they walk through, the building is alive with the air of things happening. The duty desk is occupied for the first time since Trixie began to come here by a bone white pegasus with a blackish green mane and tail. After getting settled in and the board set up, they spend the next hour in contest. Trixie now is able to put up a flimsy defense against her opponents advances but the outcome is never in any doubt. When they finish their last match and everything is back in its rightful place, Flickering Shadow sits down at his desk.
“Today will be your last day of pure physical conditioning. Tomorrow, I will begin instructing you in the martial arts. You move well now and your physical talents will go a long way in helping you master the techniques. Discipline will be much stricter, imperfection in form and routine will not be tolerated after correction. Physical reprimands will be administered to drive the point home. Not out of cruelty or some silly notion of tradition, but because that will be the weakest reminder that perfection is required if you are to live past your first real fight with your life on the line.” Trixie nods with the feelings of a grimly fierce anticipation at advancing further and driving purpose mingling together. With that, they go about their purpose for their allotted time. Trixie much sorer as promised earlier but relished in the ache and satisfaction of time well used. Time seems to slip by her after she returns to the castle to wait for the evening that would bring her together with her family for the first time in years.


The get together is being held in a small conference room on the third floor of Canterlot Castle with a large balcony looking northward at the vista of mountains stretching on for as far as the eye can see, a few clouds lined in moonlight drift between the tall peaks under the full moon at a tranquil pace. After pausing nervously for a minute outside of the open door in her new dress, Trixie goes in to see her adoptive Mother, Father and her two younger sisters. They look at each other for a few moments to take in the changes the years and life have made on each other before Trixie moves over to join them, a short distance separating them.
“It looks like they're hardly feeding you. Look at all the weight you've lost! That can't be healthy.” Her Aunts blunt criticism brings back all manner of warm feelings to Trixie and giggles from her sisters. Trixie half laughs, half sobs and closes the distance in a flash to hug her Aunt tightly around the neck.
“I've missed you all so much. I'm so sorry about making you all worry about me.” Trixie says, her voice thick with emotion. Her family closes in around her with assurances and the simple comfort of their presence. They separate with comments about how fit she looks, how beautiful she has become and the stunning dress she wears. They begin to talk and reminisce about years gone by and occasions, both happy and embarrassing to Trixie that makes her sisters giggle and laugh at her in good sport while she responds with quick reminders of their own to the laughter of all. After a while, other ponies begin arriving, Princess Luna first amongst them. Her family, uneasy and unaccustomed to royalty are quickly put at ease by Luna's manner. Following Luna is Twilight Sparkle and her new friends from Ponyville. Introductions go around as Whetstone enters followed shortly by Venerable Service, who wears the dress she so adored from Rarities shop. The evening passes slowly, yet entirely too quickly for Trixie who floats happily on the currents of love and friendship from the ponies who surround her and support her.
When midnight rolls around, her family and friends begin making farewells to Trixie and one another as they go to retire for the night leaving her with Princess Luna in a slightly buzzing silence. Luna walks out onto the slightly chilly balcony and beckons Trixie to accompany her. After a moment, Luna looks at Trixie with a slight turn of her head. “Dost thou regret thine decision to enter into mine service?”
Trixie looks to the moon, shaking her head. “If anything, I feel it was the best thing I've ever done with my life. I would never have made the friends I have now and I doubt I would have ever seen my family again out of shame and embarrassment. Seeing them here, tonight, I feel that it is my deepest desire to ensure nights like this can happen again and again. Maybe not for me, but for everypony who is loved by friends and family.” Luna smiles and nods. They stand there watching the path of the moon and the slowly drifting clouds for some time before the call to sleep pulls Trixie back to her room where she dreams of golden memories and times of happiness.