"Trixie Lulamoon." Hoofingtons stage master kept his face blank as he read her resumé. The Mage kept her eyes on the stallion, trying to read his body language. He was rather laid back, and seemed to always look bored. That hadn't changed since the last time she was here. This time however, a look of suspicion glazed his eyes. The stage master heaved a great sigh, suspicion replaced by annoyance. Trixie's body froze as he returned her gaze. She knew that look. His expression, though appearing neutral, held the feeling of disgust and rejection. She was getting this look much more then she wanted to admit.
"I'm afraid we cannot accept your...talents, at this time. " The stallion was direct, yet also merciless. Trixie winced, expecting the usual spiel. Some directors had been cruel, others sickeningly sweet. Either way she would be rejected. She stared at the pony, waiting for him to continue. The stallion cleared his throat, awkwardly staring at his hooves.
"We... We are looking for more variety in our theater, and magic just isn't interesting-" he began.
"Hoofington is the second most magic based entertainment center. Tall Tale the first." Her head drooped. "They rejected Trixie too." The stallion cleared his throat again, quickly organizing the mahogany desk. Moments as long as years passed as the two sat in silence. The stage master continued organizing his already neat station, not daring to look Trixie in the eyes. After an eternity he glared.
"We're on a tight schedule, Lulamoon. Ponies are waiting to speak to me." She shakily trotted off, glaring at the empty hallway.
"Waiting to speak to that chump? Horseapples." Trixie walked away in defeat, cursing under her breath.
The sun peaked through the clouds, promising a new hope ahead... For any pony but Trixie. Passerby stared at her, some snickering softly. Last year they would've been asking for autographs. She had always distrusted Hoofington, the crowds were doubtful. Not as bad as some places, but it seemed this town was just like all the others.
Trixie groaned as the colt trotted up to her. He had a look of curiosity, but also amusement. The mare shifted from foot to foot, waiting for the scorn. The last town had been torture. Half the services wouldn't serve her because she was a fraud.
"Is it true you talk funny?" The colt grinned.
"What do you mean, does Trixie talk funny?" He laughed and she went red. She couldn't even remember when she began to speak that way. As a filly,it seemed all show ponies had some sort of announcer. So she had decided to become her own, and it had stuck. Other foals would laugh, but then she taught them some respect. She didn't want to hurt this colt though, he seemed to have a hard time as well. Though hearty, the foal was thin, and his eyes were bloodshot. Sooner or later she would end up that way too.She glared at a colt who was staring, and noticed a community board behind him. The stage sheet was mostly filled, but there was spots she could have filled. There were two magicians on there as well. She scoffed.
"Sunset Moons and... No." Trixie's face paled, her heartbeat sounding like a drum. She stepped back in horror, then gazed at the advertisements. There was a sheet for her too. She used her magic to rip the paper from the wall, crashing past the colt. Tears pricked at her eyes as she rushed into her caravan. "This... This isn't possible." She stared in disbelief at the flyer
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The tears spilled, depression turning to rage.
"This is all her fault. That no good mare in Ponyville. " through gritted teeth Trixie paced her small home, shivering with anger. "Of course Trixie ran from an Ursa! It was a minor, sure, but a dangerous one at that! Trixie should have beat those foals herself!" Even though she said these things, doubts creeped into her head. Twilight had easily stood up to that beast, and tried to make amends! Meanwhile, you hadn't even left with your dignity It was true, not a single person had hired her since. Sure there was some volunteer shows, but those only ended with embarrassment. She glared at in her reflection in a mirror leaning against a corner. At one point Trixie had used it to prepare for performances and admire herself. Now it was a cruel reminder of the life she had lost.
"Trixie didn't think it would come to this." She muttered, levitating a slip of paper from behind her mattress. "A rock farm." She moaned. "How could one pony ruin me like this?" She idly flipped open a spell book on charms, a certain page catching her eye. The alicorn amulet had always fascinated her, but nothing beyond an idle dream of power. Trixie's mind raced, could this get her life back together?
The unicorn shook her head, that power could corrupt. Her horn glowed as her caravan began to move with her magical assistance. She sighed, closing the book and focusing on the rock farm. Still, creeping thoughts entered her mind. Small seeds of revenge took root in her head, growing into weeds of consideration. Without realizing it, Trixie began to scheme. all she had to do was wait until she made it to the rock farm. Then the plans could unfold on their own.
................................
Trixie almost gagged at the drab landscape ahead of her. Everything was... grey. Clouds loomed over the rock farm, complimenting the colorless landscape surrounding her. Mounds of pale stones were the only thing that truly stood out- but even those were void Of interest. Minutes later she had taken a hammer and was set to work. Trixie tried to concentrate, but thinking didnt seem to be nescasary for splitting rocks. Instead she concetrated on the amulet. Could she actually get it? Would it even be worth it? The mare looked around idly, then nodded her head. She would do it. The amulet would be hers.
After all, she had nothing to lose.