> Moon Light
>  by theomegabrony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> An Unexpected Visitor 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As Celestia’s sun was settling low on the western horizon, causing the sky to streak in vibrant hues of orange and yellow, fading to a lavender further along the horizon. There came a gentle rap at the door to Twilight’s new castle. It was too faint to echo through the cavernous halls, but it clearly reached Twilight Sparkle’s ears as she rested in her library reading. For she had enchanted the doors to alert her whenever somepony knocked. The first few times her timid friend Fluttershy came calling, she waited for hours for somepony to open the door by chance. Twilight set her book down on the table, stood from her pillow on the floor, stretched her back and wings out, and let forth a yawn in the process. 
“I thought Fluttershy and Rainbow were doing the bunny census today.” She mused to herself, shaking her head “Those two would make a cute couple if they would just see it.”She thought To herself It’s obvious to everyone else just watching them.
 “Oh well, they’ll sort it out.” She said aloud while trotting to the door. As Twilight approached the door the handle glowed in her magic’s lavender aura  and she swung the heavy door open effortlessly with her magic. Twilight  then stepped into the threshold. 
“Hi Fluttershy.  I thought you were doing the…” her words failed her as it was not her dear timid pegasus friend but rather the boastful, over the top mare, that had terrorized Ponyville on her last visit. “T..Trixie ?” Twilight stammered.  
The normally boastful mare had changed her demeanor entirely. Before her stood a defeated pony. Her eyes were tired, her cape was dirty, and her mouth was drawn tightly in an attempt of a smile that did not reach her eyes.
“Princess Twilight.“ Said the blue mare, bowing.
“Trixie, it’s just Twilight, and what can I do for you?” Twilight said, blushing a touch at the use of her title. To the contrary of other “nobles”, like Prince Blueblood, Celestia’s nephew, since gaining her title, Twilight had viewed her position as a means to serve the ponies of Equestria rather than make them bow to her whims. Trixie looked up to Twilight with tears starting to well up in her eyes. 
“I came back to Ponyville to try and make amends for the horrible things I did while I was here last time. B..But they ran me out of town they threw rocks at me and, and...I’m sorry. I just wanted to apologize. I’m sorry for being so horrible!” The mare yelled through her tears and turned to run away. 
“Trixie wait!” Twilight called after her. Trixie stopped and turned to face Twilight with tears flowing freely from her eyes. 
“I’ve seen how wrong I was Twilight. I just wanted to do better, I’ve been trying to do better, but everyone hates me.  They run me out of every place I go, because I attacked the Princess of Friendship, so I move on and on. So, I finally came to apologize and ask you for your forgiveness.”
“Oh Trixie, I'm so sorry. If you really are trying to do better, I know you will do better and be a better pony.” Twilight said gently
“Thank you and I’m sorry to have bothered you Twilight  I’ll be going now.” and with a small smile the blue mare started to walk away again. Casting her head about Twilight didn’t see Trixie’s  beloved wagon. 
“Hey Trixie, where’s your wagon?” Twilight asked casually 
“Oh, a mob in Baltimare burned it.” She said slumping her head down. 
“Oh My Celestia!  I’m sorry Trixie.” Twilight said agast. 
“It’s alright.  At least it made them very happy.  They had a big marshmallow roast in the street.  And it’s fair, I guess.  I was terrible to them and they were terrible to me.  An eye for an eye I suppose, but I’ve been homeless since then.”
“No, it’s not alright.” Twilight said with conviction. “ ‘An Eye for an Eye’ and the whole world goes blind Trixie. I’ll see what I can do about getting you a new wagon Trixie.  I’m so sorry that happened to you.”  
“Thank you, Twilight.  It makes me feel better to know that you forgive me. Do you think Celestia forgives Trixie?” The oddness of the question and Trixie’s slip back into third person tripped Twilight up a bit but she continued on. 
“I’m sure that if you're trying the Princess will forgive you.” Twilight said smiling at Trixie. 
“Thank you Twilight.” Trixie smiled at Twilight then turned and began to walk off again, crying softly.  Twilight, unsure of what to do, turned and walked back into her castle.  As she trotted through the halls on the way to her library, she couldn't help thinking about Trixie’s predicament. She sighed contently as she reached her library, her sanctuary.  As big as her castle was this was the room she felt most comfortable in. It reminded her of her beloved Golden Oaks. She tried to return to her book but she kept coming back to Trixie.
 “Uhh, how can I help Trixie?” Twilight was talking to herself as she paced her library. “I could issue an edict or rule or something but that might make it worse. Ponies might resent being told to leave her be. She can’t make reparations because she has nothing.  I mean she’s homeless. I could let her stay here in the castle with me but then what about when she leaves here? Ponies will still be angry with her.” Twilight started banging her head with a hoof. “Think think think.” 
“Why don’t you just punish her.” Came a small draconic voice from behind a stack of books being carried toward a bookshelf.  Spike set the books on the floor revealing his face.
“Oh yeah, Spike.  That’s an excellent idea. ‘Sorry your home got burned down and you lost everything you owned, here’s 30 lashes.’” Twilight snipped. 
The small purple and green dragon glared heavily at Twilight then sighed. 
“If you punish her you can keep  her here under “Arrest” and others will be more receptive to her help if is a “Punishment” from the princess. Also when the punishment is over ponies will be more likely to accept that she paid her debts having seen her working them off.” 
Twilight just stared, mouth agape, at the tiny dragon. 
“That’s genius Spike!” She finally managed.
“Yeah I know.  Number one assistant remember.” Twilight hugged the little purple dragon who squirmed in her grasp. She dropped Spike as her mind shifted gears. 
“Oh I gotta go find  her. She wandered off but which way did she go?” Twilight asked herself.  
“What about that summoning spell that Celestia gave you for Discord?  Just look for Trixie’s magic.  You've dealt with it before.”  Spike quipped. 
“That’s it!  Spike you’re-”
“A genius?  I know.” He laughed, “now if you don’t mind, this genius needs some rubies.” He said as he headed  off toward the kitchen.
Twilight shook her head then her horn glowed, her face screwed up in concentration, as she searched for Trixie’s magic.  The “Feel”, if you can call it that, reminded Twilight of pale electric-blue cotton candy.  
“Ah ha!  There it is.” A quick flash of teleportation and a screaming, crying, flailing, and falling Trixie appeared and slammed abruptly into the library floor, a foot or two below her.
“Oh my Celestia!  I’m sorry, Trixie. I must have made a mistake.” Twilight rushed to Trixie’s side to help the blue mare up. Trixie was shaking her head, still crying, as she started to get to her hooves.         
“Why?” Trixie rasped.
“Well, I wanted to-” 
“WHY DID YOU STOP TRIXIE!!!” Trixie screamed, as tears stained her azure fur and rage twisted her face. 
“Wuh what?” A confused Twilight stumbled as she shrunk back from the enraged mare before her.
“Trixie finally worked up the nerve to end her own miserable life, and you stopped her. Why!? So we can be tormented further? Is that it?  You want us to suffer more!” Trixie was trembling with anger. Her magic flared with her anger enveloping her in an electric blue aura. She pulled a ceremonial spear off it’s mounting on the wall and brought it to her own chest, levitating the tip mere inches from her heaving breast.
 “IF YOU WANT TO SEE TRIXIE SUFFER, I SUGGEST YOU PAY ATTENTION, TWILIGHT SPARKLE!!” Trixie grunted and gritted her teeth she forced the blade forward with all her might. The blade would have easily pierced her blue fur, cut through muscle, slipped between her ribs and buried itself in her heart, taking her wretched life. But the spear didn’t move. It floated in a magical grasp inches from her chest  Trixie tried again but the spear was held firm in a lavender aura.  Twilight looked at Trixie with a look of horror and pity.
“STOP IT!  LET GO!  TWILIGHT, LET GO!  TRIXIE DOESN’T NEED YOUR PITY!! DAMNIT JUST LET ME GO!!!” Trixie raged  herself into tears and finally slumped and loosened her magical grip on the spear. Twilight took the opportunity and levitated the spear back to it’s display on the wall.  
         “No Trixie.  I don’t want you to suffer.  Why would you think that?  You're not making any sense.  I wanted to tell you I figured out a way to help you out.” Twilight said calmly and quietly trying to settle the emotional unicorn. Trixie had lost the fire and venom that she had moments before.  She slumped further, sat back on her haunches and started to sob in earnest. Twilight trotted over and sat in front of Trixie. She then wrapped her hooves around the sobbing blue mare and pulled her into a hug. Trixie stiffened for a moment then surrendered to Twilight, who held the mare as she sobbed against her purple fur.  After several minutes of crying, Trixie’s sobs grew softer and her tears eventually stopped, but she still held Twilight close as if she was the only thing keeping her from falling into an unseen abyss. 
“What is going on Trixie?” Twilight finally ventured to ask while she brushed the blue unicorn’s silver mane back with a wing tip, revealing her tear reddened eyes. Trixie took a deep breath and spoke in a broken, tear strained voice. 
“I jumped off the Ponyville dam.  I’m so tired of being ridiculed and hated. I’m tired of being alone.” She sniffed and continued.  “I have been alone for such a long time Twilight. My parents died when I was young and I was picked on in school because I was an orphan. So I came up with “The Great and Powerful Trixie“. She could do anything, everyone loved her. She was powerful when I wasn’t, the hurt little filly that I was hid in that comfort.  But when everypony turned on  “The Great and Powerful Trixie” I was lost and alone again. I just wanted it to end Twilight.” Trixie buried her muzzle  into Twilight’s chest and cried once again. Twilight unsure of what to do just continued to hold her and rubbed the poor mare’s back trying to console her.   
When Trixie finally stopped crying, she sat up,  wiped a tear from her eye and looked up at Twilight.  
“How can you help me?  I’m nothing and why would you want to ?” Trixie whispered, as 
Twilight wiped tears from her own eyes. 
“Oh Trixie.  I’m so sorry you've had it so rough.  I wish I could change things for you but I can’t.  However I believe that everypony deserves respect and another chance.”  Twilight gave Trixie another hug “And I have an idea that may help you find a better place. And may get other ponies to give you a chance.” 
“Go back in time to prevent me from screwing my life up?” Trixie quipped sarcastically 
“No, that won’t work, it would cause a paradox.  If I went back and stopped you, you wouldn't be here and I wouldn't go back, thus, the initial stop would not happen and we'd be back here.” Twilight realized from the look on Trixie’s face, that the suggestion was supposed to be sarcastic and shook her head.  “Sorry.  But no, I propose that I punish you publicly.” Twilight smiled at Trixie who was looking at her in disbelief. After an awkward moment of silence, Twilight felt the need to explain her plan, as it wasn't inherently obvious. “I don’t mean a public flogging or anything like that. However, I could take you into custody here at the castle, so you won’t be homeless. I will order you to do community service, so you can prove to others that you want to be a better pony. Plus, after what happened today, I would like you to seek psychological assistance.  I know a good psychologist that might be able to help you.” 
Trixie sat for a few minutes thinking about what Twilight had told her. Twilight looked at her nervously and began to tap her forehooves together. To be honest, Trixie had no better ideas, and what else was she going to do? She had no where to go and nothing to lose, she was at rock bottom.  What would it hurt to accept Twilight’s help? Trixie looked up at Twilight and nodded. 
 “Ok.” She almost whispered, her entire demeanor was that of an utterly defeated pony, as she laid on her belly and covered her muzzle with her hooves. Twilight’s heart was breaking for this mare, as she watched Trixie.  She had heard stories about ponies trying to take their own life but had never met somepony that was so tired of living, that they actually tried to kill themselves. She leaned down and nuzzled Trixie. 
“Come on.  I’ll show you to your rooms.” She murmured gently.
“Rooms?” Trixie queried. 
“Yeah, there’s a whole guest suite in here somewhere.” Twilight said, gesturing in a general direction of a large hallway. “I think it’s in the east wing.” She smiled and looked back to Trixie, who was staring up at Twilight looking quite confused.
“Look, this place is huge and I’m still finding my way around okay.” Twilight said, a bit of blush showing on her face.  The last thing she wanted to do was rub it in Trixie’s face how grand her castle was. 
“No Trixie… I mean, I was confused.  I thought I was to be in custody, not a guest who gets their own suite.” Trixie said sheepishly rubbing her mane with a hoof.
“Yeah, I guess the dungeon might be a bit better suited for you then.” Twilight teased, “It’s too bad Spike has laid claim to it. He calls it his ‘dragon cave’, but all he does is play video games, and talk about hoofball with Big Mac down there, but he has a strict no fillies rule, especially the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They...umm nevermind.” Twilight shook her head realizing that she was rambling again.  What was it about this blue mare and her silver mane that had her so flustered?
“Well, if you insist, I would be happy to stay in a suite then Twilight.” Trixie stood and stretched her back, cracking all the vertebrae in sequence, all the way to the her tail.  “Well Twilight, shall we go to my bedroom?” Realizing the possible implied suggestion of her question, Trixie blushed and gushed. “... er umm not like that, just can you, um, show me to my room, ha ha!”  ‘What is it about that mousy lavender librarian that has me so flustered?’ Trixie thinks to herself. 
	
	
	
	

> Pillow Fight 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Chapter 2 
The walk to Trixie’s suite was a long and meandering one, as Twilight had been very busy since she moved into the castle, and hadn't had time to properly map it out. However, after about an hour of exploration, they found the suite that Twilight was looking for and a previously undiscovered billiards room. Trixie was in awe as she looked around her suite. There was a huge four poster bed, that was by itself larger than her old wagon, draped with a beautiful canopy. Fantastic tapestries hung on the walls, surrounding a sitting area with a few chairs, fainting couch and an open doorway to the left, through which she could see a large griffon-clawed bathtub. Along the opposite wallwas a rather ornate writing desk and a few book shelves. 
“Twilight this is gorgeous. Are you sure this is okay?“ Asked a stunned Trixie. 
“I’m sure it will be fine. I am going to run it by Princess Celestia but she has always trusted my judgment in the past, so I’m sure it will be okay.” Said Twilight waving a hoof dismissively. 
“No, I meant these accommodations.  They are amazing.  Are you sure I can stay here?” Trixie asked timidly. 
“Oh, of course,  This place is huge and it’s just Spike and I here, so nopony will bug you.” Twilight said with a smile.  Mollified, Trixie began to walk toward the huge bed, taking in her surroundings as she went.
“Oh Twilight, thank you, this is too much.” The blue mare hopped up on the massive bed, turned in a few circles, giggled, then flopped on the bed in a satisfying “Flump”. 
“I bet I could get three or four ponies into this bed.”  She said, still giggling. Feeling the eyes of Twilight Sparkle on her, realized how what she said could be interpreted, sat up quickly and added, “Not that I would, I was just saying.” She blushed and noticed that Twilight looked away quickly, blushing deeply. 
“It’s alright Trixie. This is your home for now, though I would politely ask that you limit the wild parties.” Twilight said in monotone.
“Again, you are too gracious Twilight but I doubt that anyone would have me after what I have done to them.” She stood and stepped off the bed and walked toward Twilight. “Thank you again for your kindness.” She looked Twilight in the eyes and Twilight blushed again while  her wings trembled to remain at her sides. It hit Trixie Just then that this mare, though a princess now, was until recently a librarian and spent all her time with her books. Twilight was just finishing talking about helping a pony when they need a friend most when Trixie connected all the dots and blurted “You're a virgin, aren't you Twilight?”. 
Trixie covered her mouth with a hoof, but it was too late. The errant thought was out and Twilight was standing there, her jaw hung open, and stared at the blue unicorn. “I mean, there’s nothing wrong if you are.” Trixie Tried to cover up her faux pas. 
“Yes.  I’m still a virgin.  Not that It is anypony’s business.” Twilight harrumphed. 
“Sorry, I know.  It’s just that it just hit me and it kind of just slipped out, but it does explain a few things.” Trixie said apologetically. 
“What does it explain?” Twilight asked sharply. 
“Well, for starters, how you’re blushing because the subject of sex got brought up.” Trixie said noncommittally.
“I’m  not blush-”Twilight started to protest but was cut short by Trixie. 
“PENIS!” Trixie blurted rather loudly and Twilight’s cheeks flashed almost instantly to a burning crimson, partly because of the word and partly for being proven wrong.  For her part Trixie just smiled at Twilight.  It was a genuine smile, the first in a very long time. She couldn't help it the purple alicorn looked so cute when she was totally befuddled. As Twilight attempted to recover she sputtered and spattered, trying to form a cohesive sentence, which was made even more difficult by the beautiful azure mare, whose smile was growing to a chortle and headed to a full on laughing fit. Twilight responded the best way she could at the moment and floated a pillow from the bed over, and with a swing of magic, “Poomf”,  the pillow made contact knocking the Giggling mare down. Now it was Twilight’s turn to laugh.
“YOU!!  How dare you impugn my honor.  Prepare to defend yourself madame.”  Trixie announced, in an over the top false bravado.  Standing up with the pillow in her magical grasp, she flung it where Twilight was standing but the alicorn took flight. Giggling, Twilight flung more pillows at the blue mare. Trixie ducked, rolled behind the nearest couch and flung a couple of the pillows back at Twilight, but her trump card was coming up behind the flying mare.  Using her old rope trick, Trixie grabbed the cord that was holding the curtains back and tied it quickly around Twilight’s wings and legs, dropping her from the air and into Trixie’s magic. Trixie placed the struggling princess on the bed.
 “Ha! Ha! Ha!  Trixie is the greatest.” She announced, stepping up on the bed and standing over her prey.  She placed a hoof triumphantly on Twilight’s side, raised a pillow in her magic and brought it down for the coup de grace. Laughing heartily, she flopped back down on the bed.  She let her magical hold on the rope go, allowing Twilight to go free.  Twilight still laughing stood up.  
“Alright, you win this round, but revenge is a dish best served cold.” Twilight said as menacingly as she could while suppressing a giggle and started to trot out of the room, flash teleporting all the pillows directly over the blue mare and letting them bury her. 
“Twilight! Wait!” Came Trixie’s voice from under the pile of pillows she was pushing off herself. “Twilight, I know I’ve already thanked you a thousand times, but If I can ever do anything for you, please let me know.” 
Twilight thought for a moment. “Well, maybe you could help me with something.” She said blushing. 
“Anything.  Just name it.” Trixie said enthusiastically. 
“Well, you know how to talk to ponies and work a crowd, you are confident. Me I’m just a quiet librarian.  I need some work on some of my interpersonal skills.” Twilight looked toward the floor and scuffed at the polished marble with her hoof. 
“I will try.” Replied Trixie. “Most of my confidence is gone with the Great and Powerful Trixie but we can learn together.” She said with a small smile. “But why do you want confidence for interpersonal...Oh.” Trixie trailed off as Twilight’s cheeks were again a shade of crimson. “So you need confidence to help lure a special somepony.” Trixie said with a sly smile on her face. Twilight for her part just burned a deeper shade of blush. “Name the stallion and I will do everything within my powers to make him yours.” Trixie said as if she were swearing an oath of honor. Twilight just wanted to die right then and there but shook her head. 
“No.  Stallions are not my thing.” Mumbled Twilight. 
“Ah, very well.  We shall find you the mare of your dreams then.” Trixie nonplused by what, to Twilight, was a major piece of news.  In many ways, it was still very scandalous to prefer members of the same sex. 
“Wait.  It doesn’t bother you that I like other mares?” Asked a slightly confused Twilight. 
“Not in the least.  Why should it?  Your life is your own.  You may love who you choose.” 
“No, but a lot of ponies don’t understand. Most of the ponies in Ponyville are okay with it. I mean Pinkie will flirt with anyone and Rainbow, well she’s enthusiastic about her preference in mares. I mean my parents freaked out when I told them and -” A blue hoof covered Twilight’s mouth and stopped her rambling.
“Twilight, you have a beautiful heart and whomever you choose to give it is a lucky pony regardless of gender.” 
“Thank you, Trixie.  That’s one of the kindest things that anypony has ever said to me.” And with that Twilight wrapped Trixie up in another hug. After a moment, they broke their embrace and stepped back from each other, both with a blush. Twilight awkwardly rubbed her forehoof on her other leg, and looked at the floor.
“Well, I better go.  I have got to send a message to the princess.”
Trixie just chuckled and nodded, as Twilight turned and started to walk to the door.  Trixie interrupted her exit one more time.
“Hey Twilight, has anypony told you that you're cute when you get all flustered?”
Twilight’s cheeks blazed and she took the next few steps faster that the previous few. Trixie for her part just laughed. The laughter felt good, it was genuine good-humored laughter, not the poison laughter that she had faked to feel strong and had filled her heart with empty lies of emotions.Those lies that she had told herself had caused her to jump. As Trixie’s laughter died down, she felt more and more alone in her suite.  She prodded around a bit and decided on a bath. It had been months since she’d had a proper bath. She’d been bathing in rivers and ponds or  where ever she could. A real bath would be a treat right now. 
The bathroom of her suite was beyond luxurious.  There were fluffy towels and a massive white porcelain bath tub with gilded griffon claws for feet.  There was a large window, that looked out over the castle, and she could see some of Ponyville illuminated by Luna’s rising moon, painted against the dark blue canvas of night, speckled with countless points of white light. Trixie turned to the tub, her magic turning the handle of the faucet that looked like a swan. She filled the opulent bathtub with steaming water, sprinkled some calming lavender bath oil in from the selection on the shelf above the tub, as much for its calming qualities and how it reminded her of Twilight’s coat color. Trixie then settled herself into the immense tub slumping down so that the water line was up to her neck.. With a spark from her horn, the candles scattered about the room flickered to life. Trixie sighed contentedly and leaned back in the tub’ flicking the light switch off with her magic, letting the flickering gentle light from the candles illuminate the room, as she breathed in the delectable scent of lavender. 
“Twilight Sparkle.” she murmured as a knowing smile slipped on to her face and she let her mind and hooves wonder on the pretty little book worm.
	


> Tea Time
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	
Chapter 3

Twilight had just finished having Spike send a letter explaining the situation with Trixie  to Princess Celestia, when the massive front door to her castle burst open with an immense boom. A rainbow contrail rocketed through the halls sending the tapestries fluttering and chandeliers swaying. Rainbow Dash flew up the stairs at full speed, banked to the right, sped along the hall and burst through the door into Twilight's library, sending scrolls flying, pages fluttering, and Twilight scrambling at the explosive intrusion. 
“Twilight! You in here?” Rainbow Dash called out turning in a quick circle while trotting in place.  She was wearing a huge grin on her face. 
“Rainbow Dash! You know you are always welcome in my home but please keep the speeds down.  You're making a mess. And Spike just re-alphabetized these scrolls.” Bemoaned Twilight. 
The rainbow-maned pegasus just rolled her eyes.
        “Sorry Twi.  I’m just too pumped up. You're never going to guess what happened today!”
        “Weren't you supposed to help Fluttershy with her bunny census?” Twilight asked distractedly while levitating scrolls back up and shelving them.
        “I did.  I wouldn't leave her hanging you know that.” 
        “Okay...So record baby bunny numbers?” Twilight guessed.
        “I have no idea I wasn’t counting.” Rainbow said dismissively. 
“Rainbow, I have a lot on my mind right now and I don’t feel like guessing, so just tell me already.” Sighed an exasperated Twilight. 
“Fluttershy put the moves on me!” Announced Rainbow grinning like an idiot. 
“That’s cool.” Said Twilight as she was sliding a few scrolls into place.
“5, 4, 3, 2, 1.” Dash counted quietly while allowing her friend to process the information just given to her. As Rainbow got to one, Twilight’s magic imploded and several scrolls that were levitating tumbled to the floor again. 
“WAIT, SHE WHAT!?” Dash just grinned at her friend with a little squee, excitement bubbling off her at a Pinkie Pie level. 
“Oh my gosh, I always thought you two would make such a cute couple!” Twilight proclaimed scooping Rainbow Dash up in a hug. Twilight noticed a small bruise on Rainbow’s neck as she was hugging her and could smell a bit of musk mixed with perspiration on her rainbow-maned friend. Knowing full well that the cyan mare would not let an opportunity to tease her such as this pass. Twilight seized the opportunity Time to suffer Dashie she thought to herself.
        “Oh my Celestia, is that a hickey?” Twilight announced with a smirk in an over dramatic falsetto that would do Rarity proud. Rainbow’s eyes bugged and suddenly shy, she threw a hoof over her neck to cover Fluttershy’s mark.
        “Ha-he- no- I- where would I get a hickey?” Rainbow bluffed. Twilight made a show of sniffing the air. 
“Huh? I smell sweat, lilies and is that estrus?” Twilight asked innocently. And Rainbow’s face burned an intense crimson. 
“Okay, fine. Fluttershy was in heat. She practically raped me. It was awesome! I have wanted her for so long. I had given up hope but she wanted me too. And you know how she can be about possible confrontation. So she waited till she was overcome by her heat and let her body go.”
“OH my gosh, we could call you guys RainbowShy.” She shook her head. “No, not the right feel to it, how about FlutterDash?”  Twilight was giggling like a school filly now.
“You know. I’m so glad I can come to you and have grown-up conversations, Twilight.” 
“Fluttershy and Rainbow sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G.” Sing songed Twilight laughing at the end of her verse.
“Whatever.” Laughed Rainbow. “And for your information it was on a cloud, not in a tree.” Rainbow then blew a raspberry at the lavender alicorn.
 “Either way, I just had to tell someone. Hey, wanna go for a fly to stretch our wing? I’m still jazzed up.” 
“Okay, but you better hope Fluttershy isn’t the jealous type. Taking another mare out for a night-time fly and all might make some marefreinds jealous.” Twilight teased.
The front door of the castle had just closed behind the two mares as Twilight was telling Dash about her visitor and new house guest. 
“I can’t believe she tried to kill herself. I still don’t trust her but if she’s that bad off she needs help.” Dash said seriously. Twilight nodded in response and stretched her wings. And one powerful stroke lifted in the air with Dash right behind her. They flew high into Luna’s night dipping, diving, and even doing a few barrel rolls.
 When Twilight had first gotten her wings, she was apprehensive of flying. She was afraid that at any moment her wings would fail and she would plummet to her death. But with practice, she became more reliant on them and came to enjoy flying immensely. The unparalleled freedom that it offered was unlike anything she had ever experienced before.That freedom had recently given Twilight insight into her friend Rainbow Dash’s obsession with flight. At the pinnacle of their flight, the two mares were silhouetted in front of the moon as they took in the night. Luna’s night was amazing. It was a deep shade of blue that was painted with constellations of stars. The pale moon rising higher and higher in its trek across the night, the cool gentle breeze that came out of the east, bringing the scent of damp earth and moon flowers with it. 
Twilight couldn't imagine how anypony would want to escape pain so badly, that they never want to see another day or night again. The lavender mare rolled onto her back and tucked her wings back going into a free fall.  As the night air raced past her face and wind increasingly swept at her mane, she tried to feel what Trixie had felt when she jumped off the dam. The wind stung Twilight’s eyes and made tears run up her cheeks but still she continued gaining speed. She changed her wings position and adjusted her pinions so that she went into a spiral. The ground was approaching rapidly. She was almost to the tree tops and still she felt only a twinge of fear laced with excitement. She pulled out of her dive at the last possible second, her hooves just dragging along ground, as she leveled off and rose back into the sky. Panting and trying to reconcile her free fall with Trixie’s.  
“Whoa Twilight! Awesome dive! I liked the spiral you put in there.” Dash cheered her friend on.
“Not bad for an egg head huh?” Panted Twilight.
“Yeah, not bad for an egg head.” Laughed Rainbow. 
Rainbow looked up at the moon “Oh horseapples. I gotta fly. I promised Shy a late supper at my place. Later Twilight.” And just like that she was gone.
“Good for her.” Twilight said to nopony in particular as she hovered watching her friend speed off.
“Indeed.” Came a familiar voice from behind Twilight.
“AAAHHHH!!” Twilight screamed and instinctively teleported twenty feet away charging her horn with power for an attack. As her eyes focused after her teleport she saw a massive white alicorn with a flowing multicolored mane, and she was laughing.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight bowed her head and dropped the spell she was powering up. 
“Twilight, I’ve told you before you are a Princess now too. No need for such formality.” Came the melodic response from the leader of Equestria.
“Sorry Princess.” Twilight responded meekly. 
Celestia just shook her head choosing continue. “I got your letter and wanted to talk to Trixie and you. This is a very serious situation. A pony so depressed as to try and end their own life is a very fragile creature. They may lash out or even attempt suicide again.” Celestia said grimly and Twilight solemnly nodded in agreement.
“Yeah I saw the lash out already but she seemed fine when I left her at the castle.”
“I sincerely hope so, I hope that the friendship you can provide will be enough for her to want to live. Because that’s what it comes to, you may prevent a pony from dying but you can’t make them live.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hot water felt fantastic, and the luxurious soap made Trixie’s coat feel devine. Trixie had been soaking in the tub for quite sometime now and was feeling supremely relaxed. A flicker of light from one of the candles shone a glint of metal on the vanity across the room. Trixie wrapped the metal object in a levitation field, lifting it to see what it was. A pair of scissors about a hoof width in length. She brought them closer to her. ‘This wouldn't be a bad way to go,’ she thought twirling the scissors in her magical field. ‘I could just cut the artery along my fetlock. I’ve heard bleeding out is like going to sleep.’ She eyed the scissors dancing in front of her. ‘Much better than jumping off a dam.’ She brought the tip of the blade to the skin of her right fetlock pressing the tip against the flesh drawing a drop of blood from her skin. She hesitated staring at the drop of blood making its way down her fetlock toward her hoof. What about Twilight? She took me in and gave me another chance. Here I am about to buck it up again. Trixie started crying, the emotions of the day overwhelming her. Forgotten, the silver-bladed scissors tumbled from Trixie’s magic and clattered to the floor. Trixie sat in the opulent bathtub crying until the water got cold forcing to get out and dry off.
Feeling a grumble in her stomach, Trixie ventured out into the castle after her bath in an attempt to find the kitchen. After some wandering and another billiards room, as she was almost sure that it was not the same one Twilight and her found earlier. She found some lights on and voices from the next room. Trixie recognized Twilight’s, but the other voice was familiar but Trixie could not place it. Trixie debated weather to head back to her room but the grumbling in her stomach pushed her into the kitchen. It had been hours since she had last ate and weeks since her last true meal. She opened the kitchen door and stepped in from the hallway freezing halfway into the room.  Twilight was giggling and sharing tea and sandwiches with Princess Celestia of all ponies. Both princess looked up at the intruder, and Trixie bowed down.  
“Your highness. I’m sorry to interrupt. I didn’t know you were in here. I’ll take my leave.”Trixie said as respectfully as she could.
“Yes, as you should. How dare you interrupt a royal meeting?” Came Celestia’s voice with an edge hard as steel. 
Trixie whimpered and started backing out the door without standing up
“Princess you’re terrible.” Laughed Twilight. “Trixie please come in here and ignore Princess Celestia. She has a wicked sense of humor.” 
Trixie chanced a glance at Celestia and saw a wry smile on her muzzle as she stuck her tongue out at Twilight.  Twilight, sensing her hesitation, floated a daisy and daffodil sandwich in front of the blue mare.
“I made sandwiches.” She offered temptingly. “Come have some tea with us.” Twilight floated the sandwich over and set the plate down on the table that the princesses shared. Timidly Trixie rose and sat at the table with the princesses and quietly began to eat the offered sandwich. An uncomfortable silence had settled over the table. As Trixie ate, she noticed a bit of a blush on both of the alicorn’s faces. She groaned internally, assuming she must have interrupted an interesting discussion for both them to be blushing. Twilight poured Trixie a cup of tea and set it in front of her. Trixie gingerly picked up the tea cup and took a large gulp while keeping an eye on the still smiling Celestia. The fiery liquid hit her tongue and throat, burning all the way to her stomach Trixie choked and broke into a coughing fit. Both princesses broke into a fit of laughter. Trixie’s eyes watered as she tried to get coughing under control. A pleasant aftertaste of smoky oak, vanilla, and apples hung on her tongue. 
“That’s not tea! That’s apple whiskey!” Trixie announced pointing accusingly at the tea pot. 
“Not just any apple whiskey. That’s the Apple family’s finest.” Giggled Twilight.
“Eeyup.” Celestia said in her best imitation of Big McIntosh’s trademark monotone response.
Twilight let out another fit of giggles at the princess’ imitation. 
        “It wouldn't be proper for princesses to be sitting around drinking whisky and gossiping.” Laughed Celestia good-naturedly. 
“Yes, most uncouth.” Twilight  said primly sipping her tea and promptly breaking into another fit of giggles.  
Well that explains the blushes, Trixie thought to herself. She started to take another sip of the whiskey, when Twilight’s giggle fit was interrupted by a  massive snort. Everything was silent for about three heartbeats as Twilight covered her muzzle with her forehooves. Then Princess Celestia burst into her own fit of laughter. Celestia was laughing so hard, she literally fell out of her chair.
        “Trixie, you have to be quiet and not say anything.” Twilight whispered conspiratorially as her horn glowed with a lavender aura. Trixie looked around to see what Twi was doing, but couldn't figure out what she was working her magic on. Trixie looked back to Twilight with a questioning look on her face, but the lavender alicorn just made a shush gesture with a hoof and nodded toward the seat that Celestia was crawling back into. It took Trixie a few seconds to process what she was seeing. There, on the regal alicorn’s face, was a thick black handlebar mustache. Trixie had to stuff some sandwich in her mouth to keep from exploding with laughter. Twilight had her best poker face on and was taking another sip of tea. Celestia wiped tears from her eyes, seeming not to notice her new facial hair. She took a sip of her tea as well, for her part Trixie was intently focusing on her sandwich but chanced a glance at Celestia who smiled and winked at her. Trixie looked back to Twilight just as she was setting her teacup down revealing her own new foo man choo. Trixie took another gulp of apple whisky feeling the burn run down her throat and then spread warmth through her entire body up to the tips of her ears. ‘Holy crap. What have I got myself into?’ Trixie thought to herself 
        
        “Does the Empire of, of Friendship surrender the might of Canterlot?” Celestia asked tauntingly and only slightly slurred. 
        “Nev...hic..ER!” Announced Twilight draining her tea cup and setting it on the table upside down with a thump 
“Yep, I’m going to puke.” The words had no sooner left Twilight’s mouth as they were immediately followed by heaving and semi digested daisy and daffodil sandwich. In an amazing show of magical skill, Twilight caught all the vomit in a telekinetic field and, in a flash, teleported it away. Both Trixie’s and Princess Celestia’s jaws dropped in astonishment. Still looking a bit green around the muzzle Twilight leaned forward on the table to help her stay upright.
        “The Empire of Friendship acquiesces the, the demands of Canterlot and will bring nachos to the upcoming Nightmare Night celebration in Canterlot. And we offer a bottle of apple whiskey as reparation for besmirching Canterlot’s good name.”
“Wohoo! Victory is Mine!” Princess Celestia threw her hooves in the air in triumph. 
“Alright, a mighty battle indeed Princesses. But I think it’s time for the Empire of Friendship to hit the hay.” Trixie said standing and helping Twilight to her hooves. Trixie and Celestia half walked and half carried the inebriated lavender alicorn to her bedroom. Trixie had one of Twilight’s forehooves over her neck as she was trying to get Twilight into bed when the librarian princess leaned her muzzle close to Trixie’s ear. 
        “You smell like lavender, I love lavender. Nom.” And with that Twilight bit Trixie’s ear. Trixie froze as shiver ran up her spine. She blushed deeply and became almost instantly aroused. Letting go of Trixie, a giggling Twilight fell back on to the bed. She looked up giving Trixie her best come hither look and patted the bed next herself. 
        “C’mere.” Twilight slurred. 
        “As much as I would love to, I’m sorry, Twi honey. You're drunk and I just wouldn't feel right. If you still feel this way when you wake maybe we can give it a try but not until your head is clear.”  By the time Trixie had finished speaking Twilight was snoring. Trixie floated her covers up leaned in giving Twilight a small peck of a kiss on her forehead. 
         As Trixie emerged from Twilight’s darkened bedroom, she met Princess Celestia in the hallway. The princess had a severe look on her face and all previous signs of inebriation were absent. 
        “Trixie, we need to speak.” The tone of the princess’s voice brokered no argument. Fortunately, it was easier to take the regal white alicorn seriously without her mustache.
        “Yes your majesty.” Trixie bowed her head a bit. 
In a flash, they were in Twilight’s library. Trixie “Eeped” as she was not expecting the teleport. Celestia settled on a pillow in front of the fireplace and indicated for Trixie to take the pillow opposite her. Trixie nervously settled on the indicated pillow, a host of things running through her mind. 
        “Trixie, I’ve heard of you; your stage act was quite popular there for a while.  I always meant to come and see it, but alas I never did get the opportunity.”
“Thank you your highness, you’re too kind. If I may how are you not drunk?”
“Oh my Little pony. I’m well over a thousand years old. It takes more than a bit of apple whiskey to get me tipsy. But it is fun to let my mane down for a bit, so to speak, and please, this is an informal conversation it’s just Celestia.”
“Umm, okay. Celestia, what did you want to talk to me about?” Trixie asked nervously. 
“As I have said, I have heard of you, from your act. And from your past transgressions here in Ponyville.” The single word transgressions hung in the air like an executioner's axe waiting to fall. “And I wanted to meet and talk with you, get to know you, and not your reputation.” 
“Oh, you’ve heard about that?” Trixie looked deflated, sighed, and continued. “I’m genuinely sorry, princess. I let some personal issues cloud my judgement.” 
“Indeed.” 
“I’ll leave the castle with the rising of the sun. I swear to never be a bother to the land of Equestria again, just don’t punish Twilight. She was just trying to help a pony in need.” 
“But my little pony, where would you go? And why would you leave?”
“Because I’m not worthy of Twilight’s or anypony else’s help. I don’t know, away maybe Griffen Stone or Saddle Arabia.”
“Why do you think that you are not worth helping?” Celestia asked genuinely concerned.
“Have you seen the pain I wrought on ponies? For Celestia’s sake…” Trixie cringed but Celestia just smiled and gestured to continue. “I made two little colts drag me around while I whipped them. What’s redeemable about that?” Trixie looked down and sniffed. “The worst thing I’ve done though.” Trixie held out her forehoof and showed the Princess a small red wound. “After Twilight went to the trouble of trying to help me, I almost threw it all away. I-I just I don’t even know why.” Trixie just sat there looking ashamed, her bottom lip quivering, as she tried to  fight back tears.   
“I see. Did you know that as Nightmare Moon, my sister plunged Equestria into a winter that froze not only crops, but ponies alike. Close to two dozen perished during our conflict before I banished her to the moon. I still remember each of their names. But she is now reformed and a beloved princess.”
“A-Ahh no I didn’t know that.” Stumbled the defeated blue mare.
“And Discord how much suffering has he caused? He is now reformed...ish.” Celestia waved a hoof dismissively. ”But my point is Trixie everypony is worth helping. All life is precious Trixie including yours. You are not a wicked pony and you deserve another chance.” 
“Thank you Princess.” Trixie was crying now. “But I don’t know if I can do this. I have been so angry, so bitter, so lonely for so long. I’ve felt empty for years now. But I laughed today with Twilight, a genuine laugh for the first time in… well a very long while. So I will try princess, maybe I can be a better pony.” Trixie looked up attempting to muster a smile.
“Good. I think Twilight has a plan to help get you back on track. Both of you have my full support, if you need anything just have Spike send me a letter. Now, I must go. My sister’s night grows short and I must be up with the rising sun.”
Celestia stood as did Trixie the massive alicorn wrapped her regal wings around the blue mare and pulled her close for a hug. Trixie couldn’t help but notice that she smelled of summer and sunlight. 
“I also believe Twilight might have a bit of a crush on you. She has mentioned you many times in her letters. And she focused more on a physical description than she does with most.” The princess whispered. 
Trixie reddened again as Celestia giggled and disappeared in a flash of teleportation magic.  ‘A crush on me?’ A thoughtful Trixie repeated and sat back on her haunches. 


> Hog Tied 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4
Morning came early with Celestia’s sun shining brightly and birds singing their praises for the warm morning. Princess Twilight’s head was pounding as she made her way to the kitchen in search of coffee and aspirin.  But the unmistakable and heavenly aroma of that delicious brew met Twilight as she approached, as did the sound of sizzling, stirring, and pans baniging. Twilight nosed into the kitchen to find Spike munching on a stack of sapphire pancakes and Trixie at the stove cooking more pancakes. She was displaying a fantastic amount of magical dexterity. She had the bowl of batter floating while mixing it. She was also flipping a pancake while pouring another on the pan and stacking a third on a plate.
        “Morning.” Said Twilight, yawning and trying to shake off the last remaining vestiges of sleep. 
        “Morning.” Came a cheery response as Trixie floated a cup of coffee to Twilight, never losing her focus on her cooking. Twilight took the offered cup in her own magic, feeling a small warm tingle as the two mares magic intermingled. She blushed a touch thinking about her forwardness the night before and took a sip of her coffee.  
        “MUmmff.” Mumbled the small purple dragon around a mouth full of pancake. 
“I hope the coffee is ok. i've never used a Prence press, but Spike showed me how it worked.” Trixie said, as she was putting the last of the pancakes on a plate and floating two plates over to the table, setting one in front of Twilight and one in front of herself.  She also set a small plate with two small white pills on it and a glass of purple liquid in front Twilight. 
“Oh thank you Trixie it smells wonderful, what's that purple stuff?” 
“That's an old cure for too much tea. It’s got some electrolytes and vitamins and such. I flavored it with lavender that’s why it’s purple.” 
“Oh lavender is my favorite.” Twilight said taking an experimental sip of the purple drink.
“Yes, so you’ve said.” Trixie grinned slyly, causing Twilight to choking on her lavender drink. 
“*Cough* *cough* I thought that was a dream. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it. I- uh-” Twilight flattened her ears as Trixie cut her off.  
“Yes, you did. Drunken words are often sober thoughts.” 
“But- but-” Twilight stuttered. 
“It’s fine Twilight, it really is. Actually, I’m quite flattered that somepony would even be interested in me. But sadly, I can’t take you up on your offer. You deserve somepony better than me, I’m so messed up right now…. I just…I’m damaged goods and you, you're perfect. It wouldn't be fair to you to expect you to put up with me.” And with that a teary-eyed Trixie ran from the kitchen. 
“I’m not exactly sure what’s going on...Chomp… but you should...munch munch… probably go talk to her. I’ll take care of the pancakes.” Spike said, never slowing in his pancake consumption.
Stopping before exiting the kitchen, Twilight turned to Spike “I almost forgot, tell Big Mac we need another two bottles of his special reserve and you’re making nachos for Nightmare Night. Thanks bye.” And with that, Twilight trotted off to find Trixie, leaving Spike to grumble at his pancakes.   
The massive doors to the Castle of Friendship swung open at the behest of the pink magic enveloping them. As Trixie was galloping out the front door crying, she ran smack into a solid wall of orange farm pony and bounced off landing on her back. 
“I’m so sorry.” The blue mare immediately said trying to get to her hooves.
“Trixie? Whats going on here?” Applejack demanded.
“TRIXIE !!!”  Twilight called from inside the castle. Trixie looked panicked and turned to run away again but Applejack stopped her. 
“Oh no you don’t! Ah` ain't sure why Twilight is after ya but y’all ain’t going nowhere.” Applejack promptly tackled and hogtied the fleeing mare. As Applejack stood up dusting herself off, she noticed Trixie’s magic pulling at the rope. 
“Oh, that ain’t gonna work sugarcube. Ah` had Zecora magic proof ma lasso after our last run-in.” 
“TRIXIEEEE!” Twilight called again.
“She’s out here, Twilight!” Applejack called in response. 
“You have to let me go! I’m not a good pony, I’ll only disappoint her.” Trixie pleaded. 
“Disappoint who? Twilight? Ha not likely, friends take care of friends even when they are at their worst. And she’s the Princess of Friendship, hell she’s kin ta the princesses. Well, the Princess of Love anyway.“ Applejack chided “You won’t dissapoint her lessen you give up, which is what I suspect yer doing right now. Now, I’m gonna untie you. And you need to give Twilight a chance, ‘cause she’s giving you one, ya’ hear.”
Trixie just nodded and once free of the lasso, stood back up, thinking on the words from the sagely farm pony. She was right, the only thing that Twilight had asked of her was the opportunity to help her. She was still lost in thought when the lavender alicorn stepped out of the door, and on to the steps. 
“Oh hey Applejack, when did you get here?” Twilight asked her farm pony friend. 
“Just now. I run in ta Trixie on the stoop, any way you said you needed to ask me something.” The orange mare replied.
“Oh yes. Trixie is having a hard time with ponies after her last incident and I was hoping that some community service might help convince them that she’s trying to be a better pony.  Think you could use an extra hoof around the farm?” The orange farm mare looked at Twilight for a few moments trying to figure out the reason behind the somewhat odd request. Reading her friend's face that it might be best to address the details later she acquiesced.   
“Hmm...I see. Yeah, we can always use an extra hoof, especially with harvest time in a few weeks.”
“What do you think Trixie? Can you handle some farmwork?” The lavender mare asked, as smiled at Trixie.
Trixie just stared at Twilight. The alicorn’s smile melting Trixie’s heart. Applejack was right even after I had runaway from her, all she wants to do is help me. This beautiful alicorn smiling at me and last night she had offered to share her bed.
“Umm hello, Trixie?” Twilight asked questioning the blue mare who had just stared at her in response to her last question.
“Oh. Sorry, yes, I was just thinking. Yes, I'd be happy help on the farm. I don’t know anything about it but I will do whatever I can.” Trixie responded putting on a small smile of her own. 
“Well alright then let’s go. I left Big Mac fixing the plow and Celestia only knows what Applebloom and those fillies are getting inta now.”
“Thank you Applejack.” Twilight said nodding to her friend. 
“No problem Twi. Happy ta help.” The farm pony responded tipping her hat.
Trixie smiled and nodded to Twilight and quietly followed the orange mare toward the farm.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The sun was again settling in the sky when an exhausted and dirty Trixie approached the Castle of Friendship. She opened the massive ornate doors and headed to her suite where she immediately turned on the shower and let the hot water run over her coat. She lowered her head allowing the hot water to rinse her mane, sighing as the soothing water helped to loosen the tight muscles in her back and neck. She had never worked so hard in her life and had a new respect for earth ponies. Big Macintosh, stoic as an ancient oak, was an unstoppable machine, as he plowed acre after acre of field without pause. While Applejack bucked tree after tree and Trixie picked up apples with Apple Bloom. Trixie floated the lavender soap over and washed her coat and mane clean and turned off the shower with plans of heading to bed. Morning comes early on a farm after all. She stepped out of the bathroom drying herself off with a fluffy white towel. She started with a surprise when she saw Twilight sitting in a chair in the seating area of her room.
“Sorry to startle you. I brought you some dinner, I know how hard the farm work can be since I've helped the Apples a few times.” Twilight said indicating a large bowl of a delicious smelling stew and some fresh bread on the coffee table.
“Thank you very much, it smells wonderful.” Trixie said as she sat down across from Twilight and started to eat the meal she had offered her. 
The two mares enjoyed each other’s company as Trixie ate her dinner they traded small talk about the Apples and about working on the farm.
“Well, Twilight. This has been lovely but I have to be back to the farm at “sun up” so I need to go to bed.” 
“Oh, okay. Well I’ll let you get to bed then.” There was a timber of disappointment in Twilight’s voice as she stood to leave. 
“Thank you again for the stew, it was wonderful.” As Trixie stood she hissed in pain as one of her overworked muscles seized and cramped. 
“What’s wrong Trixie?” Twilight asked as she came to the aid of the blue mare.
“Cramp.” Hissed Trixie as she tried to stretch the constricting muscle in her back.
“What? Oh here, let me see what I can do.” Twilight ran her hooves down Trixie’s back finding the offending muscle, and an expert amount of pressure, rubbed it with her hooves stopping the cramping and causing Trixie to groan just a bit.
“Oh my, you’re muscles are so tight. Here lay down and let me get some of this tension out or it will just cramp up again.”
Trixie laid down on a pillow on the floor to give Twilight access to her back. Trixie was hesitant at first but her back did hurt a lot. Twilight floated some lavender scented oil out of the bathroom, and giggled as Trixie hissed as the cold oil was drizzled onto her back. Twilight started her message in the middle of Trixie’s back and slowly worked her way up. She had no formal training but the hours upon hours that she had spent with Rarity paid off. Eliciting an occasional moan of pleasure from the prone mare below her, Twilight worked her way down Trixie’s right shoulder and leg. Rubbing the tension out of each and every muscle with gentle pressure.
“You know Trixie, my little invitation last night wasn’t out of the blue.” Twilight confessed  blushing and flattening her ears. “When we first met, I was attracted to your confidence, but your arrogance kept me away.” Trixie was blushing deeply by this point and Twilight was working her way down left fore leg. “And I've always thought you were cute.” Twilight giggled as the azure mare blushed crimson.
        “Thank you Twili…..ohhhh.” Twilight started rubbing her way up Trixie’s neck eliciting a bit of drool from the blue mare. 
        Twilight was at war internally, her shy side said run away and her own desires said push forward. It was all Twilight could do to keep the tremble out of her hooves. And with a final push, desire beat her timidness, tied it up, threw it in an imaginary closet at the back of her mind, and barricaded the door. With the campaign against timidness over Twilight leaned in nipping the blue mare’s ear. Trixie stiffened for a moment then melted into letting letting a small moan escape her muzzle. That was all the permission that Twilight needed.  The  lavender librarian nipped and nibbled down Trixie’s neck and worked her way back up to Trixie’s ear she nuzzled and ran her hoof through her luxurious silver mane. 
“Trixie… I have wanted this for a long time I just-just-”
Trixie silenced the stumbling lavender alicorn her with a kiss, and before Twilight could react, or more precisely overreact, Trixie rolled over on to her back so that she was staring up at the cute lavender mare and kissed her again, deeply this time. Twilight melted into the kiss closing her eyes and just enjoyed the moment. Twilight’s heart was racing, then Trixie’s tongue breached her lips and she was in heaven. The two mares explored each other’s mouth timidly at first but with each passing moment their hunger grew. When they broke the kiss, Trixie looked up with tears in her eyes and ran her hoof through Twilight’s mane. 
“Twilight...I...thank you.” And Trixie craned her neck up and kissed Twilight again. 
“For what?” Twilight asked when they both came up for air.
“For caring about me.” Trixie brushed Twilight’s blue and pink striped mane behind her ear kissed her again gently and pulled Twilight in close for a tight hug. Trixie was crying softly. Twilight unsure what to do just held her as she lay there. Slowly Trixie’s crying ebbed and her breathing became more regular.
“Trixie, I-” Twilight stopped as a small snore emanated from the azure unicorn. ‘Ha, well morning comes early on a farm’ Twilight thought as she snuggled in next to the blue mare and rested nuzzling her nose into her neck breathing the scent of Trixie’s silver mane in before drifting off to sleep as well. 


> Breakfast Time 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	
Chapter 5
        Trixie awoke with a warm weight resting on her chest. Slowly she recognized the rhythmic movement of another pony breathing beside her. She opened her eyes and saw the librarian princess cuddled up next to her, sleeping peacefully with her head resting on Trixie’s chest. Trixie smiled down at the lavender alicorn and cursed the goddesses for bringing morning so quickly. The barest hints of dawn were slipping through the windows. Trixie using her magic to support the princess, she carefully slid out from under her, placing a few pillows in her stead. Trixie went  to her bathroom to get ready for her day of work at the apple farm. Looking back at the sleeping princess, she sighed, wishing she could have slept there cuddled up for the whole day. She shook her head and stepped into the bathroom. 
        “A nice shower will help wake me up.” she thought to herself. She turned the water on to let it warm up, while brushing her teeth.  After a few moments of brushing and a quick swish of minty green mouthwash, she stepped into the shower stall, letting the steaming hot water run over her body and mane. She held her head under the spray thinking on last night, how kind and gentle Twilight had been.
”I will have to think of a way to repay…..ahhhh!” Trixie’s thoughts were cut off as the hot water was cut off and was replaced with a frigid torrent. Trixie screamed and jumped back out of the shower stall, frantically trying to readjust the water’s temperature with her magic. Twilight laughed at the sight. Trixie’s normally silky and voluminous mane, dangled limply around her face, dripping water on the floor. 
“Morning Trixie.” Twilight sing-songed.
“You! You will pay for that.” Trixie threatened pointing a hoof menacingly at Twilight.
Twilight closed the gap between them and whispered in her best sultry voice ”Maybe you should spank me.”  
Trixie blushed, her brain was unable to form an adequate response to the normally quiet librarian's forwardness. Twilight leaned in and lightly kissed Trixie’s cheek. 
“Or I could go make us some coffee.” Twilight smiled.
“C-coffee is good.” Trixie finally managed 
“Finish your shower and I’ll make coffee then.” Twilight said, waving a hoof to the shower stall.
Trixie grumbled something that sounded like “this isn’t over,” and stepped back into her shower stall. As Twilight turned to walk out of the bathroom, a glint of silver on the floor by the bathtub caught her eye. A pair of scissors were laying on the floor. She picked them up in her magic with the intent of putting them back on the vanity. As the scissors floated up toward their home, Twilight stopped them mid path, noticing a small crimson stain on the lip of the ornate bathtub above where the scissors lay. Twilight’s heart sank as she floated the scissor to her for closer inspection. There at the sharpened tip was a matching small crimson stain. A quick flick of magic and the stain fluoresces bright green as did the stain on the tub. Mind racing, Twilight teleported to the kitchen bringing the scissors with her. Once Twilight arrived in the castle’s massive kitchen, she went through the motions of making coffee, holding the intricately engraved silver scissor in her telekinetic field, letting them rotate slowly as her mind churned. She knew in her gut that the crimson stains she had found were blood, but the small forensic spell removed any doubt. With the coffee set to steep Twilight sat down at the table staring into space as her mind wondered. 
“She tried again? No she didn’t, at least not seriously. If she had, there would be more blood. She took a shower last night, no time for a bath, so it must have been the first night when I left her alone. She had time and means, so that tells me that even presented an almost ideal situation, she lacked motivation. She chose to live. I guess Celestia was right, she has to want to live. I can’t take away her pain or change her past, all I can do for her is be there for her and give her a reason to live.” 
Twilight was pulled from her thoughts by the clip-clop of hooves on the crystal floor approaching. The scissors disappeared in a flash of magic as Trixie pushed the kitchen door open with her magic. Twilight put on her best, calm smile. A face and practice that she had learned from her royal mentor. Twilight had learned first hoof that Celestia was a ruthless poker player. 
Trixie trotted on and sat across the table from Twilight, using her magic to pour a coffee for herself as Twilight just watched. She lifted the mug to her muzzle, and inhaled deeply, letting the dark earthy aroma fill her nose before taking a long sip. A look of pure bliss slipped over Trixie’s face as she relished in the bitter taste on her tongue, and the warm sensation as the drink made it’s way to her stomach. She sighed contentedly and set her mug down. Reaching out with her magic, she grabbed a loaf of bread. 
“I’m going to make toast. Do you want some Twilight?” The alicorn took a sip of her coffee and shook her head. Trixie shrugged in response and placed two slices in the toaster and pushed the lever down. As the toaster did it’s work, Trixie returned her attention to the small table that held her coffee and a silent alicorn princess. Trixie picked up her coffee, took another sip, and set it down in front of her. 
“Twilight, you have a terrible poker face. What’s bothering you?” As Trixie spoke, she unconsciously gestured with her forehooves, unknowingly allowing Twilight a glimpse of her fetlock and the small healing wound there. Twilight sighed heavily, allowing her head and shoulders to slump before looking back up to the azure mare before her. 
“Trixie I don’t know what we are yet but I consider us, at least freinds, and maybe more.” Twilight smiled a small smile at Trixie who blushed slightly in return. “I’m not really sure how to handle this situation but I guess it’s best to do it quick, like ripping a band-aid off.”
Looking confused, Trixie started to ask what Twilight had meant when there was a flash  of magic. 
There, floating before her encased in a magenta aura, was a set of ornate silver scissors with a blood stain on the tip of the blades. Trixie said nothing but looked down at the floor, deeply ashamed. 
“Trixie I’m not mad. I’m just concerned. I care about you and I don’t want you hurt. I can’t take away the pain that you've endured in your life, I wish I could. All I can do is be there for you and try to give you a reason to live.” Twilight gently lifted Trixie’s muzzle with a wing, forcing her to look her in the eye. Trixie was surprised to see wet trails that ran down Twilight’s face.
“Trixie, you are important to me. Promise me you won’t try anything like that again.” Twilight pleaded. Trixie just nodded with tears starting to trickle down her own cheeks.  Twilight pulled Trixie off her seat into a tight wing hug which neither mare wanted to break. They sat there enjoying their closeness until Spike entered the Kitchen a few moments later. 
“Bleh! What is it with chicks and hugging?” Sipke groused. A muffin propelled by magenta magic pelted the purple dragon between the eyes knocking him to his butt. Both mares started giggling at  the “Oof Thump” noise that Spike made. Trixie took another sip of her coffee. Then panicked. The sun was starting to rise above the horizon. She finished the mug in a gulp scooped her toast up in her magic. 
“Sorry, Twilight. I have to go. I was supposed to be at Sweet Apple Acres at “Sun up”.” 
“Oh don’t worry, that’s just for breakfast.” Twilight waved a hoof dismissively.
“Breakfast? But-”
“Oh no, if you work, you eat. It’s an Apple family thing. Although Granny Smith’s fritters are to die for.” Tell you what. Why don’t I just teleport us over there?”
“Umm okay, I guess. If it’s not any trouble.”
“Apple breakfast? I’m in!” Spike said jumping onto Twilight’s back.
“But won’t it be rude just dropping in like this?” Trixie asked.
“Trixie, you don’t know this yet. So I’m going to tell you. Granny Smith cannot cook for fewer than a dozen ponies.” Spike said giving the azure unicorn a very convincing knife hand. When Trixie looked to Twilight for her opinion, Twilight shrugged and nodded. Mollified Trixie stepped close to the lavender alicorn who put a warm wing over her causing Trixie to shiver with anticipation. Then with a flash of magic they were standing on the front porch of the Apple Family's homestead. 
The air was heavy with the delicious smells of baking pies, frying fritters, and apple pancakes. Twilight licked her lips and knocked on the door. The door opened and all three visitors were ushered in by a little red-haired ball of energy that was Applebloom. Spike had been right, the breakfast table was littered with massive quantities of every apple themed food that Trixie could imagine, and it was all delectable. Trixie was in awe at the amount of food Applejack and her family could eat. She stopped counting when Applejack finished her seventh hoof-sized fritter. Even the littlest Apple had easily eaten twice what Trixie had.  As the breakfast wound down, Applejack started to dole out assignments. Big Mac was to pull the manure wagon over the fields that he had plowed the previous day and Trixie and Applebloom were to spread the manure. Applebloom retched, Trixie just nodded her head accepting the assignment with dignity, Applejack and Twilight were on dishes. With everyone heading out to work, and Granny Smith napping in her rocking chair, Spike patted his distended belly and waddled off with Big Mac to get a couple of whiskey bottles from the reserve before he hooked up to the wagon.
Once alone in the kitchen, Applejack started washing dishes and Twilight fell into rhythm drying and putting them away.
“Alright, spill it missy.” Applejack said turning to her friend. “What’s with The Great and Defeated Trixie out there.  Why is she doing community service, an’ why is she staying your place?”
Twilight grimaced and flattened her ears “She’s homeless, a mob burned her wagon and she’s been run out almost every town she’s been to since.” 
“Now I’ll be the first to say I didn’t cotton to the old Trixie, but that’s no call to burn her home.” Applejack said 
“She said that they were upset about her attacking me.” Twilight said, shelving another plate. “But the worst part is now she’s very depressed and tried to kill herself.”
“She what now?” Applejack asked shocked.
“Apparently Trixie has had a rough life. She was orphaned at a young age and bullied in school. That’s why she became ‘The Great And Powerful’ Trixie. That persona gave her some control and confidence. Where Trixie was too weak to stand up to bullies, The Great and Powerful Trixie could. She was Powerful in the only way that she knew how, the way she learned from bullies first hoof.” Applejack had stopped and was watching Twilight talk now “She tried to kill herself in front of me Applejack.” Twilight said looking down at her hooves gathering her thoughts. 
“I don’t see how community service helps her but she's welcome on the farm.”
“Thank you and her community service is part of my plan to get her back on her hooves. I've drafted a press release, actually it should be in the paper today, that explains Trixie is in my custody and is doing community service to repay for her crimes against the crown. Hopefully, ponies see this a fitting punishment, I mean she was annoying but it’s not like she killed anypony.”
“He- Yeah she was a bit full of herself weren't she.” Applejack chuckled dismissing the subject.  
“Thanks again Applejack.” Twilight closed the gap between them and hugged the orange mare. About that time, Spike returned to the farmhouse carrying two glass bottles filled with an amber liquid.  
“OH! Got yourself the good stuff there.” Applejack said prideful of her family's wears. “Since when did ya become such a drinker ta need two bottles?” Applejack asked her friend. 
“I owe Celestia a bottle and the one you gave me as a castle-warming present is empty.” Twilight said abashedly. 
“How in the hay do you owe the Princess of all Equestria a bottle of ma whiskey?” Applejack asked her interest genuinely piqued.
“mundmgf gmrtn” Twilight mumbled looking down and away. 
“Say what now?” 
“She drank Twilight under the table is how.” Spike said laughing as he traded the bottles for another fritter. 
“You're kidding me?” Applejack laughed turning to the little dragon.
Twilight blushed deeply at her behavior, drinking and carrying on was so uncouth, so unprincess like. 
“Nope, they split the bottle the other night.” Spike said around a mouth full of fritter.
“Twilight.”Applejack said in a chiding tone making Twilight’s ears lay down “You were drinking with Princess Celestia?” Twilight nodded. “And ya didn’t invite me?” Applejack chuckled at her joke. 
“Umm sorry.” Twilight tried.
“You tell ole Sun Butt that next time if she wants a challenge, I’m her mare.” 
“Wait. You- Sun Butt-no.” Twilight sputtered and finally ended up with “I’m a challange.”
“Twi hon. Applebloom could out drink you.” Applejack said placing a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder to soften the blow. 
“She’s not even old enough to drink.” Twilight said indignantly knowing full well that things were different on a farm.
“No she ain't, but every time the Crusaders spend the night in that clubhouse of theirs, a bottle goes missing. I still ain't figured out how they’re getin a hold of it.” Applejack said staring directly at the small purple dragon
“I plead the fifth.” Spike said 
“Wait. Spike ‘the Fifth’ means you are invoking your right to protection against self-incrimination.” Twilight said starting to lecture the small dragon
“Yeah I know. Bye!” And the little dragon was off running full tilt anywhere Twilight wasn’t.
“SPIKE!” 
“Twilight it’s fine. They ain't hurting anypony and it ain't nothing me or Big mac didn’t pull when we were young.” Applejack said, laughing at the little dragon’s hasty retreat. Twilight shook her head making a mental note to talk to Spike about this later. 
“Come on Twi, we got dishes to do.” Applejack said breaking Twilight’s concentration. 
And with that the two mares settled back into the rhythm of washing dishes and putting them away. 
___________________________________________________________________________
It was little before noon when a small flash of teleportation magic made Princess Celestia look up from her paperwork. There in the center of her massive desk sat a large hoof-blown bottle filled with an amber fluid, sealed with red wax and an apple-shaped monogram. A small scroll was tied to the bottle’s neck. Celestia reached out with her magic picking up the bottle plucking the scroll off the neck to read. As she unrolled the scroll she simultaneously peeled back the wax seal and pulled the cork.

Dear Princess Celestia, 
The Empire of Friendship hereby makes reparations to the might of 
Canterlot in the form of one bottle of apple whiskey.
Thanks for talking with me the other night, it helped me a lot. I know
that I’m a princess now too but I still value your guidance and
advice above all others. 
Sincerely yours, 
Twilight Sparkle 
P.S.  Applejack said, and I quote, “Tell ole Sun Butt that next time if 
she wants a challenge, I’m her mare.”

        “Oh did she now?” Celestia mused to herself. “That could be an interesting evening.” Princess Celestia rang a bell with her magic and a butler appeared almost instantly.
“Two rocks glasses and some ice please.” The princess said bringing the bottle to her muzzle taking a deep sniff of it’s contents. The sweet smell of green apples was heavy with a background hint of oak and vanilla covering the pang of alcohol. The butler returned setting a silver tray down on her desk and was dismissed with a wave of her hoof. 
“Oh captain.” Celestia called out. The door to her office opened and in stepped a heavily-armored pegasus He was muscular and grizzled. His left eye was gone long ago scratched out by a manticore.
“Yes your Highness?”  He said as he stepped in.
“Captian, this bottle just appeared on my desk, the note claims it is from Twilight Sparkle. But it could be from anypony.” Celestia said placing two ice cubes in each glass and pouring a measure of whiskey in both. 
“Your majesty, with all the warding in place around this room, I doubt that any pony but Princess Twilight could get anything in here.” He said confidently.
“True but perhaps you should taste it to make sure it's not been poisoned.” Celestia said floating a glass to him and smiling.
“Perhaps I should.” He said, smiling back while accepting the glass. He sniffed the glass and took a sip letting the pang of alcohol fade and the aroma of apples hit his nostrils before swallowing. He let out a contented sigh. 
“I think your majesty this bottle might be poisoned. I should take it and get it checked.” he said smiling as he sat down in the chair across the desk from her.  
“Oh Timber, you’ll not get your hooves on my bottle so easily.” Celestia snorted taking a sip from her own glass. “So how is your wife? Is she still upset about your eye?  I mean I think the scar makes you look quite dashing in a roguish fashion.” 
“No your majesty. It’s been ten years since I saved her from that manticore. We have two fillies now. And I think my scar does make me look dashing as well.” The captain said lifting his glass, the princess matching his toast. He smiled tipping his glass back for another sip.
	

> Shower Time.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	
The day of work had been hard on Trixie. Spreading manure was dirty job, fortunately her magic helped immensely. Allowing her to spread the manure without the use of a rake or shovel unlike poor Applebloom. Grimacing and shaking her head in disgust, Just thinking about putting the handle of one of those tools in her mouth almost made Trixie vomit. As Trixie Approached her new crystal home The Castle of Friendship, her intense need for a shower grew. Trixie felt soiled and dirty, she had smudges of brown all over her coat and bits of straw and debris in her silver mane. With dirt and manure caked her hooves, she also smelled abhorrent. Thank Celestia in another stroke of good luck she went noseblind to the smell only an hour into the work day. 
        
Just as Trixie was about to mount the stairs to the castle Twilight stepped out from the massive entry way. 
        
“Stop right there Trixie!” Twilight demanded. 

Trixie froze at Twilight’s command and put her hoof down without touching the first step. Her head drooped and her demeanour slumped as well.  “Why would she want a dirty smelly pony like you?” A cutting Voice in trixie’s head asked. “I don’t know but she does.” Trixie answered her own demeaning thoughts. During Trixie’s moment of internal strife Twilight had come down the stairs and was directly front of the brown smudged blue mare.
        
“Oh you are ripe.” Twilight said Wrinkling her nose. 
        
“I’m sorry.” Came the meek reply from Trixie. 


Trixie’s mind was reeling, running through multiple worst case scenarios.
        
        “What if she doesn't want me? What if she sends me away? What if she has me banished?” Trixie’s thoughts got more and more distraught.

“B-But?” Was all Trixie could manage before she felt the alicorn’s wing drape over her. and in a flash they were standing in Trixie’s shower stall. 

“There we go no mess in the halls.” Twilight said somewhat proud of her solution. 

The shower stall was tiled in blue green tiles that formed around a Mosaic of Twilight’s Cutie mark in the center of the floor. The Stall was small  but still large enough to fit both mares, so long as they were ok with being friendly. The door was at trixie’s rear and the shower head was on the front wall where Twilight’s flank was.

“Thank you Twilight.” Trixie said with a gleam of mayhem in her eyes.The fear of abandonment vanquished a plot of revenge took it’s place. In one smooth movement of magic Trixie pulled Twilight's wings down and held the alicorn in place while Turning the shower Knob to “cold” at the same time. Twilight’s eyes went wide at the sudden grip of Trixie’s magic and bugged as the icy water rained down her back. 

“Cold! Cold! Cold!” Twilight yelped and shifted the shower head to spray at Trixie. But Trixie was prepared for this eventuality and had already started turning the knob to warm the spray. By the time the deluge hit Trixie the water was a nice and warm Trixie turned the heat up to hot and let the water soak her mane.

“I Guess I had that coming.” The soggy alicorn grumbled. 

“Yes. Yes you did.” Trixie said leaning her head into Twilight so their foreheads touched. they stood like that for a while letting the water run over their bodies as they enjoyed simply being close to each other. 

When trixie broke the silence she did so without moving her head “Twilight I don’t know what we are either.” Trixie said continuing Twilight’s thoughts  from earlier in that morning. “But I feel more complete when I’m with you. I’ve never felt that way before the Great and Powerful Trixie made short work of anypony that did get close to me.” Trixie pulled away from Twilight enough that they could look into each other’s eyes. “I don’t know what it is but I like it.” Trixie said leaning forward kissing Twilight gently on her Soft lavender lips. Twilight returned the kiss but broke contact after just a few moments. Trixie looked at Twilight a bit confused and disappointed. 

“I’m glad that we're Getting somewhere on the I like you, you like me front but you still need a shower.” Twilight said shuffling toward the exit of the shower Trixie a little deflated started to shuffle under the nozzle adjusting the Spray so that it was more situated on her back.  Facing the wall she let the hot water start to rinse her troubles and smell away when she felt a squirt of cold soap on her back followed by Twilight’s hooves. Trixie turned to look at Twilight who just gave her a reassuring smile. 

“When did you get so bold?” Trixie asked with just a hint of a purr in her voice. “Just a few days ago weren't you asking me for lessons on confidence?”

“I’m a fast learner.” Twilight said working the lather up trixie’s back toward her neck. 

“I haven’t taught you anything yet.” Trixie said scoffing a bit.

“Actually you have.”Twilight said nipping Trixie’s ear and working her way back down Trixie’s back washing her sides with magic. “Youve shown me to not take my many blessings for granted, you have shown me that even in our darkest times hope can survive.” Twilight washed Trixie's flanks  eliciting a coo of pleasure from the azure mare. “And most importantly you taught me to go after what I want if I had been just ten seconds later in summoning you … well I think we know how that would have ended.” Trixie looked down her cheeks burning from shame.  “So carpe diem as it were.” In a swift motion Twilight moved Trixie's tail out of the the way and Kissed Trixie’s Inner thighs before moving to more intimate parts. Trixie barely had time to react to her tail being pulled before she felt the Librarian Princess’s muzzle. Trixie moaned her approval time and again.
   The shower lasted far longer than necessary as the mares explored each other's bodies. When the showers hot water finally turned cold they broke from the explorations and dried off. 

“Best shower ever!” Twilight declared giggling as she hopped on to the massive bed in Trixie’s room. An exhausted Trixie stepped up on the bed with Twilight. 

“Agreed. “ Trixie said nuzzling Twilight. “But after a full day of manure and finding out how to make you whinnie I’m ready for bed.” Trixie said lightly kissing Twilight on her lips. 
 
        “Oh r-right.” Twilight said flattening her ears back smile fading from her face. As Trixie lifted a section of covers and settled down under them. Twilight turned to step off the bed toward the door.

        “Where are you going?” Trixie asked. 
        
“You said you were going to bed.” Twilight said dejectedly. 

“Yes  I did, but I didn’t say you had to go. There’s more than enough bed for both of us here.” Trixie said patting the pillow beside her. 

Twilight’s face lit up and her smile returned. Trixie lifted the covers up next to herself letting the alicorn snuggle in beside her. Trixie rolled over facing away from Twi  and snuggled in tight to the front of the lavender mare who draped her fore hoof over Trixie and buried her muzzle in in the silky silver mane. 

“I think I’m going to sleep good tonight.” Trixie Said closing her eyes. 

“Me too.” Twilight said as she stretched her wing over Trixie and pulled her in tighter. 

As the warmth of their shared embrace spread throughout their bodies their breathing slowed and they drifted off to sleep with small smiles on their muzzles.

The night was dark still, Trixie couldn't see any hints of dawn but something had woken from her slumber she felt the warm soft weight of Twilight’s wing on her still. As  she was pondering on what had roused her from such a comfortable slumber her stomach let forth a protest reminding the mare that she had not eaten since the previous morning at the Apple’s. Trixie tried to ignore her stomach and go back to sleep, however her stomach would not be ignored. Emanating grumbles that were sure to wake Twilight. Trixie Sighed and tried to slip free of Twilight’s feathered grasp. 
“Where you going?” Mumble Twilight in a sleep heavy voice. 

“Just to the bathroom hon.” Trixie lied kissing the purple mare on the forehead just below her horn.
“Mmm.” Twilight mumbled and snuggled into the blanket. And just like Trixie had hoped, went back to sleep.

Trixie went to the bathroom just to make sure Twilight was asleep then she slipped out of the suite and headed for the kitchen. Trixie made her way through the moonlight mottled halls to the kitchen. Where she found a pint sized dragon eating a quart of ice cream. Spike Was facing away from her singing a small happy tune about how great dragons were. 

“Hello Spike.” Trixie said greeting the young dragon who yelped and spun on the spot concealing the ice cream behind his back.

“I wasn’t -oh it’s you. Ahh is Twilight with you?” Spike said relaxing as he saw that it was only Trixie. 

“No. She’s sleeping, but I imagine you not supposed to be eating that carton of ice cream this time of night.” 

“Umm what ice cream?” Spike feigned.  As an unnoticed spoon made it’s way to Trixie’s muzzle

“The Quart of Prench vanilla and Oat in you claws.”

“Oh yeah...he he how did that get there?” 

“Don’t worry spike I won’t rat you out.” Trixie said trotting over to the fridge and digging for something to eat. 

“You won't?” Came the dragon’s enthusiastic response. 

“Of course not but it’s not going to be free.” Trixie said Slyly as she floated a plate with three tacos on it out of the fridge. Casting a heating spell on them as she walked to the small table  in the nook.    

“What do you mean?  What’s it going to cost me?” The dragon asked nervously.

Trixie smiled at him “I need your help. I want to do something nice for Twilight to show my thanks for her taking me in, I just have no idea what.” Trixie said Taking a bite of a taco.

“Oh well that I can help you with.” the little dragon said sitting down with his ice cream and the two began to conspire. 

Trixie returned to bed with a plan forming in her mind, she would have some time tomorrow as the Apples didn’t work on Sundays. She slipped into bed next to Twilight and snuggled in against the warm lavender alicorn and drifted back off to sleep. 
   

> Happily Ever After
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As dawn set the room alight with hues of orange and yellows reflected through and off the crystals that made up the castle. Twilight stirred, Trixie was still sound asleep snuggled tightly into the alicorn’s embrace. Twilight smiled happily down at the mare, wishing that she could stay there all day, snuggled in the bed with her. But “royal duties” called. She had meetings to attend to today with her friends/royal advisors. Twilight being very careful slipped out of the large bed, leaving the azure mare to continue her slumber in peace.

Trixie woke alone in the massive bed. She sighed, disappointed that she was alone but contented because she knew that Twilight was not gone for long. Trixie got up and started her day. She had a lot to get done before Twilight finished with her friends. Spike had told her that Twilight’s agenda had her busy ‘til three this afternoon, that gave Trixie just about 4 hours. Spike was going to cook Twilight’s favorite pasta for dinner and Trixie was going to get some lilies and a bottle of wine per Spike’s suggestion. 

As Trixie made her way through town, she felt the eyes upon her, and heard the hushed whispers as she walked along. Trixie saw mothers pull their foals back inside as she walked by. The weight of how she had affected the lives of all the ponies in Ponyville settled on to her shoulders as she walked her head sank lower and lower until her nose was just inches from the dirt as she walked.  It wasn’t long after that tears started to fall from Trixie’s snout to the ground. Trixie tried to blink the tears away but the deep sadness that she had tried so hard to bury came roaring forward using every whispered remark to wedge itself back into Trixie’s mind. With that looming sadness came doubt and loss of self-worth, she was feeling more like running away than returning to the castle. 
“Why would Twilight want a useless pathetic mare anyway?” The dark voice in Trixie’s head asked. 

“I d-don’t--” Just as Trixie was about to give in and listen to the depression, she was waylaid by a speeding ball of pink. Trixie and the ball of pink energy went tumbling to the ground, legs and tails sprawling, finally coming to rest on her back. As Trixie tried to get to her hooves and figure out who was driving the carriage that just ran her over the pink ball of energy was standing over her. 

“Trixie! Trixie! Trixie! Oh I’m so glad I found you!!” Pinkie Pie blurted all in one breath. 

“What? Why?” Was all the stunned mare could put together. 

“Well the writer was going to make you leave town and some bad things were going to happen and Twilight was going to be all sady sad sad but I got here first.” 

“Pinkie this is my story I can Write it how I want.”

“Oh no you don’t mister. You don’t get to make my freind all sad because you want to.” Pinkie said vehemently, pointing a pink hoof threateningly to the sky.

“Pinkie, what the hay are you talking about?” Trixie asked confused as other ponyvillians just ignored the pink mare’s antics. 

“But death and loss are part of life and I’m free to write about it. This medium allows me to explore those aspects of life in my own way.”

“Listen here mister writer guy. You had better type up a happily ever after for Twilight and Trixie or you're going to learn about death and loss first hoof!”

“Jeez, ok, fine, happy ending.” And with that the weirdness ceased and the story continued “Crazy Mare.” 

Pinkie looked to the sky once more, running her hoof across her throat in a threatening manner. Then her smile returned and she picked Trixie up off the ground and dusted her off with her poofy tail.

“Sorry about that Trixie. Had to set someone straight.” Pinkie said in her normal cheery voice. 

“Okay. well, thank you. I had some errands to run.” Trixie said regarding the odd pink mare with an eye of skepticism. 

“I know  that’s why I’m here. We’re going to go to Roseluck’s to get Twi some flowers and then to Berry Punch’s for some of her strawberry wine, then to Sugarcube Corner for whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate sauce.” The pink mare said as she started trotting towards the flower shop on the corner. 

“Wait. Why? How?...Chocolate sauce?” Trixie struggled to keep up with the exuberant mare. 

“Yeah to lick off Twili. It will be super fun.” Pinkie said without missing a beat. Trixie gasped and blushed.

“Hi Rose. Can I get a dozen white lilies.” Pinkie said stepping in the flower shop the pony behind the counter just nodded and got on work on the order. “Listen Trixie. I keep very detailed records on everypony. I know what they like and what they love. Trust me a bit of food play will be right up that repressed alicorn's alley. Actually, she’ll probably be more into being dominated but control is more of Rarity’s area of expertise. Oh, you should totally talk to her.”  Trixie stared slack-jawed at Pinkie. 

“Here you go, Pinkie.” Roseluck said sliding the flowers to the pink mare.

“Thanks.” Pinkie said taking the bouquet and walking out the door. Trixie stumbling trying to keep up. 

“Hey! Wait, don’t we have to pay for those?” Trixie asked trailing after Pinkie.

“I’ve got a wholesale account with her. I mean, if I had to pay retail for all the flowers I go through no thank you.” 

“Pinkie, will you stop for a minute, please?” A flustered Trixie yelled at the pink mare

“Okay look.” Pinkie said turning to Trixie “I’m here to make sure that your date night with Twilight goes off without a hitch and you guys fall madly in love and live happily ever after. And I don’t have much time. I left Gummy in charge when I left the meeting and I only have seven minutes and eighteen seconds before I need to be there to laugh at Rainbow’s joke.” Pinkie said rushing off to Berry’s 

Meanwhile at the Castle of Friendship, a small, confused looking gator, wearing a pink wig, licked his eyeball again. While all the other ponies in the room just stared at him

“I mean, did she think we wouldn't notice?” Rainbow asked poking Gummy with a hoof and getting bit in the process. 

“You know, I just don’t ask anymore. It hurts my head.” Twilight said, shrugging her shoulders.

“Indeed.” Rarity agreed. 

“I’m sure she had something important to do.” Fluttershy whispered while extricating Rainbow’s hoof from the toothless alligator's maw.

“Any way girls. I’m not sure how to tell you all this, so i’ll just come out with it. Trixie and I are dating.” Twilight announced bracing herself for the inevitable backlash. 

“Why does she even keep that bucking thing, it just sits there?” Rainbow asked pointing a hoof at Gummy but keeping out his biting range. 

“Shoot! Only Celestia knows with Pinkie.” Applejack drawled.

“She says he’s a deep thinker.” Fluttershy said taking her seat again. 

Confused, Twilight interrupted the conversation on the alligator in the room. “Did you hear me? Trixie and I are dating.” Twilight said again. 

“Yes dear and that is lovely. And I’m going to want all the juicy details at our next spa day.” Rarity said examining her hooficure.

“You're not shocked or bothered that I’m dating a mare?” Twilight asked somewhat disheartened that her counter arguments were going unused. 

“Why would we be? You told us that you like mares.” Rarity said matter of factly. 

“Yeah we ain’t your momma sugarcube. Who you date is your business. ‘Sides those two have been bucking like bunnies.” Applejack waving a hoof at Rainbow and Fluttershy, who eeped, blushed, and ducked behind her chair. 

“Hey!” Rainbow shouted.  

“Hey what? Move it off my south 40. Cloud or not we can still hear you.” Applejack retorted. 

“He he, oh, sorry. The cloud must have drifted.” Rainbow said rubbing her mane.

        “Beside that, there are, what, six or seven mares to every stallion in town. Most of the mares in this town has at least experimented.” Applejack said nonchalantly. 

“And dat flank!” Rainbow said, earning a loud laugh from Pinkie Pie, who had suddenly reappeared in the room causing Fluttershy to “eep” again.

“Yeah anyway, we're happy for you Twilight It’s just not the big freak out deal that you made it to be in you head.” Rainbow said eyeing Pinkie Pie.

“Hey Pinkie. Can you show us how you licked your eye again.” Rainbow smugly asked the pink mare alluding to her replacement with Gummy. 

“Okie dokie lokie.” Pinkie giggled. And with that she stuck out an abnormally long tongue and licked her own eyeball.  Twilight shuddered, Rarity said something about being uncouth, Applejack and Rainbow looked on impressed, and Fluttershy “eeped”.
    
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The setting was lovely, the light from the candles flickered and reflected off the many crystal surfaces. Dinner plates were set on the table, each with a serving of lasagna on them. Crystal flutes of sweet, red, strawberry wine at both place settings and a beautiful bouquet of white lilies on one of the plus velvet cushions.  Despite her attention to detail, Trixie paced back and forth, feeling something was missing, as she fluffed the napkins for the twelfth time with her magic. Her pacing stopped when she heard hooves outside her door, at the knock Trixie’s heart almost exploded. 

“Trixie? Spike said you wanted to see me?” Twilight said from the outside of the door. 

“Please won’t you come in.” Trixie said in her most alluring voice opening to door to her suite with her magic. 

“Trixie?  Oh wow that looks wonderful. You did this for me?” Twilight gushed. 

“Well Spike and Pinkie helped.” Trixie said poking at the floor. She felt Twilight’s lips on her cheek.
“Thank you.” Twilight said sincerely looking the blue mare in the eyes and kissing her on the lips. 

“You know, I’m not really in the mood for dinner right now.” Twilight said with a devious smile.
“Well how about dessert then?” Trixie asked putting a dollop of Whipped cream on twilight’s muzzle placing a bright red cherry on top before slowly licking off. “Mmm Twilight flavored my favorite.” Trixie squealed as Twilight tackled her to the floor, both mares wrestling and giggling. 

And they lived happily ever after. 

“Happy Pinkie?”

“You did okay. Now how bout we go find me a coltfreind?”

        “Well I’m not doing anything.”

        “No thanks humans are just weird. How about that Dr. Whoves? He seems to understand interdimensional travel.”

        “I thought Him and Derpy had a thing?”

        “I wouldn't worry too much about that. After all accidents happen, and Derpy can be quite clumsy.” Pinkie said while Rubbing her forehooves together with an evil grin on her face. 

        “Oh boy poor Derpy.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
As Applejack returned to the farm after her meeting with Twilight and her other friends, she noticed a royal chariot sitting in front of her barn and two Royal guards standing one on either side of the barndoor. 
“Something I can help you fellas with?” Applejack asked as she approached the guards.

“Her majesty Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria, wishes an audience with you, Lady Applejack.” One of the guards said snapping to attention.

“This woulden have nothing to do with me calling her Sunbutt? Would it?” Applejack asked a sinking feeling settling in her gut.  

“Lady Applejack, I could not speak to the Princess’s motivations.” The guard stallion said. 

“Yeah, I bet.” Applejack said, walking past them and through the barn door. 

The inside of the barn was much as it always was; dimly lit, hay bales stacked neatly along the wall, various tools, and farm implements stored here and there. But in in the center, The Sun Princess herself, sat on a bale of hay, a small table set before her and an empty bale  on the opposite side. When the Princess spotted the apple farmer, she indicated the unoccupied bale of hay without a single word spoken. Applejack walked over and sat opposite the princess. Applejack looked intently at the dirt floor of the barn, deciding to remain silent, lest she offend Princess Celestia further than she was sure that she already had.  After a few moments, Princess Celestia cleared her throat. 

“Lady Applejack. Do you know why I am here?” The princess asked with ice in her voice. 

“No mam’.” The farm pony responded succinctly. 

“I see. Timber. Please come here.” And with that command a grizzled and scarred guard appeared. “Please read the charges against Lady Applejack.” The guard nodded and produced a scroll. 
“We have it on good authority that Lady Applejack besmirched the good name of the crown and called into question the ability of Princess Celestia to “hold her liquor”.” The stallion read off in a very formal fashion. 

“Very serious charges Lady Applejack indeed.” Celestia said looking at the stunned orange pony. 

“I can explain. I was talking with Twi and I was just joking.” Applejack fumbled with her words trying to placate the princess.

“Well like it or not, there are very hard and fast rules of nobility. And as a member of Twilight’s council, you now are a noble. So as a challenged party, I must accept your challenge.” And with that, the princess set a very familiar bottle of whiskey on the table, the guard producing two glasses to go with it.  

“Well Apple Flanks, What do you think? Can you challenge the mighty Sun Butt?” The princess said, giggling at her own joke while pouring a measure of whiskey in each glass.

“It'd be my pleasure, your highness.” Applejack said, knocking back the first glass relieved that she wasn’t being banished or arrested or whatever it was that happened to people that called Celestia, Sun Butt. The princess lifted her glass and emptied it with practiced ease.

After the second bottle, it became evident that this was going to be one for the record books. Luna ,who showed up looking for Celestia, and Timber watched on from the sidelines as the two titans of alcohol finished glass after glass of high proof whiskey. Both the princess and the apple farmer had delved into idle chat as they drank. Laughing at each other’s silly jokes and stories. 

“Hey Sun Butt. Hey. Are any of them guards single?” Applejack asked after setting her glass down again. 

“Nope Apple Flanks. Timber, that dapper stallion there, has a wife who adores him and well, the other two, well they are partners in more ways than their detail.” Celestia said laughing at her own joke. “Why do you ask?”
“Just got an itch that I can’t seem to scratch.” The farm mare said blushing more than a 
little.   
“Well, I might be able to help with that.” Celestia said winking at Applejack.

“Nope, nope, I’m out.” Luna said, jumping to her hooves and disappearing in a flash of magic. And Timber took that moment to go inspect the perimeter. 
 
	

> Bonus Chapter: Timber the Mighty Manticore slayer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The warm evening wore on past twilight into true darkness. It was well past midnight and Luna’s velvet sky was painted with the lovely sprinkling of stars. Under that night sky in the center of the Apple Family barn, two titans were battling for Apple alcohol supremacy. Princess Celestia and Applejack were well into their second bottle of apple whiskey and neither were showing any sign of slowing as Princess Luna and Timber, Celestia’s guard captain, looked on from their hay bale seating.  
 
“Wow so those two are really going at it huh?” TImber said taking a sip of his own glass of whiskey. 

“Tis true. Celestia has developed quite a tolerance for alcohol over the years’ one that I cannot hope to match.” Princess luna said swirling her own glass of whiskey watching the amber liquid reflect the light from the lanterns hung in the barn’s rafters; a small blush apparent on her face. Timber nodded as a response. 

“Timber how did you get that scar on your face?” Luna asked’ the Whiskey loosening her normal restraint. “I-I mean Tia told me that you got it from a manicore but what happened?”

“So you really want to know what happened to my eye?” The scarred pegasus asked the Night Princess. Luna nodded and took a sip of her whiskey. Timber pursed his lips and nodded and threw back the remaining contents of his glass.

“I was on a patrol shortly after being reassigned from weather patrol to the royal guards, when we came across this huge manticore. He was all foaming at the mouth and roaring. So my buddy, who was on patrol with me, told me to stay the hell away from  that manticore `cause it would kill me. I told him I’ll bet you ten bits he doesn't. You know who came out ten bits a head this pony.”

Luna’s mouth hung open for a minute, as she tried to process the story she was just told. 
        
“YOU RISKED LIFE AND LIMB ON A LARK?!” Luna shouted, surprised by the guard’s purported recklessness. 

“No Your Highness. I did most definitely did not risk life and limb on a lark.” Timber said, stone-faced while he poured another measure of whiskey into his glass. “There was ten bits on the line.” He said smirking and lifting his glass to the Princess of the Night. 

“YOU- NO- TEN BITS, TIS NO BETTER THAN A LARK!”Luna turned to look at Celestia and found Celestia and Applejack watching her. “Tia, did you know you guard captain would risk life and limb on a lark?” 

Celestia stifled a laugh as did the orange farm pony.

“A Lark you don’t say.” Celestia said looking to Timber “Captian care to elaborate on these accusations?” 

“Yes Your Majesty, there was actually a bet of ten bits on the line.” Timber said taking a sip of his whiskey. 

“Oh well that’s not a lark.” the Alabaster alicorn said waving a hoof dismissively. 

“SISTER, THIS STALLION GUARDS US AND HIS JUDGEMENT HAS BEEN CALLED INTO QUESTION! TEN BITS IS NOT SUFFICIENT TO RISK LIFE OVER!!” Luna shouted standing and pointing a hoof at her sister.

“You are absolutely correct sister. A new edict; all gambles where life is on the line must be for at least twenty bits.” Celestia announced setting her empty glass down with a thud on the worn wood table and coming to her own feet somewhat shakily. 

Luna’s face contorted as she tried to wrap her head around what Celestia had just said. But then she recognized the smirk on her sister’s face. “I hate you sister.”  Luna said sitting down and taking a sip of her own whiskey. The other three had a great laugh at the joke as the Princess of the Night contemplated murdering them all.  The laughter eventually died down and Celesia and Applejack returned to their contest. 

“I’m sorry, princess. Working with your sister as long as I have may have corrupted my sense of humor.”  The grizzled guard said. 

“Tis okay. I just am a bit slow picking up on current humors” Luna said looking dejectedly at her glass. 

“I was on patrol shortly after reassignment I heard a mare screaming for help and I came to her aide. A massive manticore was chasing her. I swooped in and saved her. But not before that big son-of-a-bitch got a lucky swipe in on me. And I bucked him as hard as I could in his face and he ran off. Not too much to the story, sorry to say princess.”  Timber said taking another swig of his whiskey. 

“That sounds quite harrowing Captain Timber. You should bare that scar with pride.” Luna said with reverence.

“You should have been there sister. Brave Captain Timber rushed off into the darkness toward the sounds of danger. He charged furiously at the beast dodging it's so very nearly lethal attack. He then reared and bucked the beast so hard the manticore landed not less than fifty hooves away. The beautiful young mare was so impressed she begged me to marry them on the spot and bore his foal shortly after. Truly something worthy of legend.”Celestia said giggling at her own tall tale. 

“Fifty hooves huh? We could use you around come applebuck season.” Applejack said tilting her stetson back. 

“I kind of like the legend thing.” Timber said pointing a hoof toward Princess Celestia. 

“Or perhaps a ballad?” Luna suggested. 

“That has a ring to it. The Ballad of Timber the Mighty Manticore Slayer.” Timber said everypony laughing heartily.
  
“The worst part was the teasing I took from the other guards. Bet you didn’t see that coming, it's all fun and games till somepony loses an eye. And you have no idea the amount of pirate jokes I heard because of the eyepatch I had to wear for a while.  ‘Arr Shiver me Timbers.’” Timber said, shaking his head to dislodge the memory.

“That’s awful.” Luna giggled. 

“Oh I got even. I got a unicorn to enchant a few items with an itching spell.” Timber said grinning. 

“I always wondered who did that.” Celestia said taking another shot. “Samatter apple flanks you done?” 

“Not even close there Sunbutt.” And Applejack downed two shots in response. 

“Why are you two being disrespectful about each other’s cutie marks?” Luna asked after wrinkling her nose at the Sun Butt comment

        “Because it’s fun to relax sometimes, Moon Butt.” Celestia said, causing Applejack to choke on her shot. 
 
        “Indeed.” Luna said narrowing her eyes at her sister. She then leaned towards Timber and whispered. “ Tell me about this Itching enchantment.”