Trixie stood at the entrance portal of Sweet Apple Acres. Accompanied by Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle.
"Couldn't believe its already four moons," Twilight said with a thoughtfull tone.
"It were actually four and a half moon," Trixie replied, smiling. And a bit sad.
She sighed. Four moons.
The first few days had been a strange experience. Most of the townsponies avoided her. No open hatred though, but no heart-warming welcome either.
Pinkies Party - just for her, a favour she couldn't be thankful enough - helped a bit.
So she had hung out with Twilight and her friends. Had helped in the library, and done some errands.
Trixie learnt to know the six friends. She had a pretty good start with Twilight, for she was understanding and forgiving in her nature. She helped Trixie come along.
"You may not be the greatest magician in Equestria - but you are certainly one of the best illusionists I ever met." she had said once.
Pinkie, Fluttershy and Rarity were nice and they spent much time.
She helped in the boutique and in Sugarcube Corner. But she soon realised, to not having a good hoof for animals. Nonetheless she were a regular guest at Fluttershys. On one - awkward - occasion even with a dragonequus. Probably the only living inhabitant of equestria, more notorious than herself.
Rainbow Dash was a bit of a challenge. She had forgiven Trixie - but it took long to figure out how she could make a worthy apology.
In hindsight, the idea with the skyfilling light effects for one of her stunts, was a good start. After this Trixie cast some pretty impressive backgrounds for some of Rainbows shows. Far countries, jungles in deep winter, even the moon and stars... Yes she had a good hoof for illusions, for sure.
This days - literally the coldest ones - the ice between her and most of the townsfolk broke up.
Softly smiling she remembered the Hertwarming Eve stageplay. Played by a bunch of chaotic young fillies - light, effects and sound by her and a nice white, blue-maned Unicorn with an interesting taste in music.
It was maybe a bit more funny then a serious Heartwarming Eve play should be.
"I think I know your special talent now." Twilight had told her after the show. "Your illusions - your talent for stories, your creativity. You, Trixie Lulamoon, can give ponies visions - you can make them dream."
Applejack stayed suspicions longer then any other pony. Maybe she was one reason for her to keep up trying the whole time. But Trixie assumed, her voluntary staying for two weeks more, to help with the Winter Wrap up, may have impressed her.
Though - AJ didn't say so. But Trixie appreciated the honest stand of Applejack. And she knew her stubbornness.
But now - with the winter gone - the fresh leaves blooming and the first sunny days - she started to miss something.
Trixie just couldn't deny it. She was - and always would be - a pony of the road.
So she told Twilight - a few days ago - of her plan to move on.
"A new show - with a bit of luck, the not so bad stories about me, have spread enough to give me a good start."
The farewell party. Yes - this story certainly would be told a long while.
A part of her frowned by the idea of leaving. For it was like jumping in cold water. Not much money, no cart, not even a cape. But - she had far worse setbacks in her live. Compared to these, this one was nearly perfect.
"You know, you can always drop by," Twilight explained.
"Yes... maybe I pull something criminal and let me get confined here," Trixie shook her head grinning.
No. Nevermore. For now she knew a welcoming place for the cold months.
Pinkie, seemed somewhat sad and was silent at the moment.
Rainbow Dash, tried to keep a cool face. She may be the daring stunt pegasus. Alone she never would be a good actor.
"Trixie. Darling. Terrible sorry for being late," Rarity trotted fast paced towards the little gathering.
Fluttershy, bearing a big package, right behind her.
"Yes. Sorry. Took longer then expected.", Fluttershy gasped.
"I didn't even thought you would come. Shouldn't you be in Canterlot right now?", Trixie asked Fluttershy.
"Oh. we are back, as you see.", she beamed towards her.
At last Applejack walked down from the barn. Pulling a big cart, covered with blankets. There is never too less work on a farm. But luckily she took the way direct to the portal.
"Ah, feared ah couldn't make it," she sneered gleefully.
Then Trixie realised the grinning on all of the faces.
"What?" she asked suspiciously narrowing her eyes glancing from one pony to the next.
"Oh. We just couldn't let you go without any presents.", Rarity explained. Her voice forbade any contradiction. With this she pulled a small package out of her saddlebags.
"I thought you could need this."
It turned out to be a cape. Similar to her old one - but far better sewed.
Trixie gasped, before she stormed Rarity in a hug.
Hoofmade Cupcakes - the icing resembling six cutie marks - were Pinkies gift. Twilight had an original print of "Advanced Illusion" - a real rare book on that topic.
"The beginners just wouldn't fit for you anymore.", Twilight had explained with a smirk.
"Yeah and if you need some relief from this egghead-gibberish - here you go!" with this words Rainbow Dash gave a stack books to her.
"As I'm hunting for 'Daring Do' first editions, you can keep these," she grinned. Ever to proud to admit it was a meaningful gift.
"So... Y're alone on ya hooves?", Applejack started. "We thought, y'need something to carry y'stuff 'round. 'Twas not mah idea. Tis cam from all o' us. I just nailed tha thing together."
She pulled the blanket from the cart.
Trixie stood stunned and gazed at the blue painted carriage Stars, moons, her name in glittering letters.
"You... you..." she stuttered.
Fluttershy had held herself in the background. But then she approached Trixie with a cheering smile.
"I cannot stitch and I have no useful books or so. And you ... should better stay away from animals.... But you may like it. She gave Trixie a round box.
Curious she lifted the lit and then fell backwards.
"You told this sad story about your hat. Rarity thought to make you a new one... but then we agreed, that your original hat is just the only one right for you.
* * *
The tears of joy and sorrow had dried in the warm sun. All the gifts and enough apples for the next moons were stacked inside her new home.
Her cape waved in a magnificent manner. Her hat stayed in place.
A pony, strong, tall and brave. Once beaten and maybe broken. Now looking forward to a magnificent future.
"Be prepared Equestria - for the Great and Powerful Trixie - the most astonishing illusionist, dreamweaver - and storyteller for fillies extraordinaire - is back in business!